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Kelsey Reid | editor in chief

3

ophomore Lauren Miller’s dad woke her up early Oct. 29 just like every other school day morning. But unlike most days, he woke her up to tell her school was closed for the day, and she could go back to bed.

School was canceled Oct. 29 due to problems with the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system in the high school. Though originally reported as a chlorine leak by local media, the problem resulted because of a failed ventilation system.

District assistant superintendent Bob Laney said after a power outage around 5 p.m. a phase of the power system shut down.

All the motors in the school, including fan and ventilation motors, require this phase to operate, so they also shut down.

The control box that monitors all the devices was also disabled by the power outage and was therefore unable to restore the ventilation system. This caused district officials to cancel school because too few of the ventilation fans were back in operation.

“Without that level of (air) exchange, we couldn’t have students in the building,” Laney said.

A fire alarm sounded around 5:45 p.m.

Laney said it was triggered by a small amount of smoke from a control box that was sparked by the power outage. Students at school for the orchestra concert were directed outside of the building due to the fire alarm, though no major danger existed.

However, many students said they heard different reasons school was canceled.

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Jodi Hatzenbeller | theater director

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Abi Tupa | staff writer

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s her scene ends, senior Jane Lindemann rushes backstage to not only switch costumes, but completely swap characters.

Due to many changes in the theater program, this is the procedure for much of the musical’s cast. The script of “Lucky Stiff” presents the theater department with a chance to try something new.

With a bizarre but comical plot, the show centers around

Harry Witherspoon, the heir of a $6 million inheritance from a deceased uncle. However, to collect the fortune he must take his uncle’s corpse on one last trip to Monte Carlo.

The main distinction between this year’s production and past shows is the size of the cast. While losing nearly 28 seniors last spring was a setback, the smaller ensemble cast is used as an advantage.

This allows actors to play multiple roles in the show, which Lindemann, senior thespian president, said helps actors develop their craft. “(The ensemble cast) will

challenge us as actors,” she said. “We’ve been working really hard on characterizations to make sure everyone embodies their character really well.”

Theater director Jodi Hatzenbeller said the smaller cast also allows the musical to be more of a collaborative effort.

“The smaller cast has given the opportunity to let the actors have more input in the show and bring forth their ideas,” Hatzenbeller said.

Overall, the department hopes the many changes to the show will further interest students in theater.

“Students should come see

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his year elementary students are moving beyond baking soda volcano science fair projects.

The $618,000 Cargill Foundation grant aims to fund science at Aquila, Peter Hobart and Susan Lindgren and encourage students to take higher level science courses in high school. The program will also work to highlight engineering to better meet new state standards. Park Spanish Immersion will join the program once the curriculum is translated to Spanish.

Teachers and students will serve as resources for im-

ences because we could show them how plementing plans. High school science much we enjoy it,” she said. teacher Pat Hartman has begun to teach T+2#(0D+2#!;+1$&*/+#).!+ Students interested in being a mentor lessons, conduct experiments and hold )0+(0"-!)'!/+(02!-!'2+(0+ should contact Miller. demonstrations at the elementary schools.

2#!+'"(!0"!'+<!")&'!+ Until this grant, elementary schools Program coordinators will also ask 1!+"$&*/+'#$1+2#!9+ didn’t have a budget for science and had high school students to teach and tutor #$1+9&"#+1!+!0U$;+(2> to pay for projects on their own. elementary students.

Faduma Kite | junior District officials actively pursued the Grant coordinator and science teacher three-year grant after hearing about it Mark Miller said high school students were included in the program because they can serve as role from an involved parent. Miller said Park received the grant due to a willingness to try different educational approaches. models.

“Park has a reputation of being an innovative district “It’s so powerful if the high school students show them that likes to move forward,” he said. “And what we’ve done it’s OK to like science and to be smart,” Miller said. here is come up with an entirely new way of teaching science Junior Faduma Kite hopes students appreciate science.

“I think they would have an increased interest in the sci- in elementary schools.”

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he freshman Respect Retreat will be Nov. 18 and 19. All freshman and upperclassmen mentors attending the retreat should bring a bag lunch. The Respect Retreat is organzied by Youth Frontiers, an initiative to build positive school communities. The organization is based out of St. Louis Park and leads retreats across the country.

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arking passes for the new quarter should be on all student cars in the school lots. Cars without passes are in danger of being towed. Passes can be purchased in the Student Office for $45 cash or check.

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arents of seniors are to submit the childhood picture and message to Echowan by Nov. 19. The message will be one-eighth of a page in size. Pictures can be emailed to echowan2011@gmail. com. Pictures can also be submitted in hard copy form, however, the return of the picture is not guaranteed. The length of the message should be approximately 150 characters and should be submitted with a check for $45 made payable to Echowan. In addition yearbooks may be purchased for $60 by Dec. 17. The price will increase to $70 after Dec. 17 for any student who still wishes to order a yearbook at that time.

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he blood drive organized by student Council will be Nov. 15. Student Council representatives will be signing students up to donate blood during all three lunches. In order to donate blood you must be at least 17 years of age, be 110 pounds, be in good health and have eaten a meal in the six hours before donating. Bring a valid ID to your appointment. Those 16 years of age are allowed to donate but need a parent’s consent.

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ustin Barbeau, former social studies teacher was recently named coordinator for the 2010 Investigating in Innovation Funds grant, which focuses on expanding the freshman guidance program to other grades as well as across the country. He will not be teaching for about four years in order to take on the new job. His replacement is 2005 Park graduate Sarah Lindenberg, who now teaches three Civics and one AP Pyschology course.

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ollowing math teacher Sherry Stoll’s resgination, a solution to the situation has been found. Math teacher Jamie Schnack will take on Stoll’s three Higher Algebra classes. As a result, former substitute teacher Ted Beaudoin will now teach two of Schnack’s Algebra classes in order for Schnack to be able to fill in and teach Stoll’s former courses.

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3'-+*#?.'(+)-$)$"+') students, involves restructuring the intersection at Highway 7 A$*)>,+))H$6B)8I and Wooddale Avenue to a sepaEmma Vitale | staff writer

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very weekday morning for the past year, junior Tian Saltzman has taken a long detour around the Highway 7 and Wooddale Avenue construction to get to school.

Yet with the interchange set to open to traffic Nov. 19, she will no longer be burdened by the construction. The project, which has inconvenienced some

rate grade interchange with a bridge over the highway, and realigning the south frontage road.

The completion of the project and opening of the interchange to traffic will likely improve transportation for students and bus routes that use Highway 7 or Wooddale Avenue to get to school.

Project engineer Scott Brink said the disturbance caused by the construction is a small price to pay for the many benefits.

“The construction has definitely been a problem for some people, but that really can’t be avoided,” Brink said. “The safety and flow of the intersection will be so improved, and I think people will be really happy with the results.”

Though not as obvious, students who bike to and from school during much of the school year like Saltzman have also been inconvenienced.

“It has really been a hassle for me as a biker,” she said.

“Because of the construction, I’ve had to set aside more time

in my schedule and go down Minnetonka Boulevard to cross the highway at a different spot, instead of being able to cross Highway 7 and go straight to the bike path.”

One of the main advantages of the interchange will be the improved safety for pedestrians and bicyclists, as they will no longer have to cross the dangerous intersection. Automobile safety will also be improved.

Following the opening of the interchange Nov. 19, there will be little significant work left to do on the project.

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ed by land planning company Kimely-Horn regarding the reroute design on Nov. 9. At press time this information was unavailable.

Michael Tuschman | Staff Writer Safety In The Park has distributed protest signs across the community over the range signs are scattered across lawns in St. Louis Park in protest of an up- the past month. Freshman Cole Bacig, said he feels the signs are effective. coming freight rail reroute.

“I think it’s the The reroute, which best way to let kids would allow for a light F*.&',)'$2)-.1+)$'+)$*)-2$) know what’s going rail network across %&'>-+,)-$)".,,B)F?.-)#$>@0)7+) on. It stands out but the western suburbs, .,)%>#?).,)8J)%&'>-+,)2&-?) doesn’t get in our is being questioned by -?+)@$'(+*)-*.&',)-?.-)2&@@)#$%+) way,” Bacig said. community members -?*$>(?B LaPray believes on the grounds of its the increased freight possible danger and Jami LaPray | Saftey In The Park traffi c could endandisruption if impleCo-chair ger students because mented. of the possibility for The new plan could send as many as eight large freight derailment and could pose a major disruptrains across railroad tracks that lay 25 feet ton to traffic.

Though no decision has been made, the from the school parking lot.

“Trains now take one or two minutes disruption would not likely begin immedito pass. That could be as much as 15 min- ately. More information on timing will be utes with the longer trains that will come will be presented in upcoming meetings. through,”said Jami LaPray, co-chair of the local group Safety In The Park.

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saw on Facebook that there was a fire at school,” Miller said. “There were so many things said that I thought maybe it could have been true.”

While false accounts such as rumors of a fire initially circulated among the student body, the reason for the school closing is now clearer.

Another incident occured later in the eve-

ning when two elementary students swimming with Aquafins, the community education synchronized swimming program, went to the hospital after feeling increased levels of chlorine.

Senior Erica Anderson said the high school swim team has noticed the problem several times during practices throughout the season.

“It’s extra hot, harder to take breaths in and the air feels thicker,” she said.

The district is now looking into swimmers’ concerns about air flow in the pool area and what caused the elementary girls to feel sick Oct. 29. Laney said the appropriate solution is not yet known.

“We’re looking into why all of the sudden there was more chlorine in the pool,” Laney said.

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"696+%$'%9/'462+0%)+2'+//&2' 10*<'0/%46&9'1*0'.$/%230/ book club, a problem many teens face is finding time to read for pleasure.

“I wish I had time to read for fun,” senior Talie Geretz said. “But it’s easier to sit down and watch TV than to pay attention to a book.”

Other students, like senior Karl Conroy, find time in their hectic schedule to read for fun.

“I usually read for an hour before I go to bed,” Conroy said. “The weekend is a great time. If there’s a Sam Vinitsky | staff writer Saturday afternoon when I’m not doing anything, I’ll ven with the rising popularity of eBooks, teens sit down and read for a while.”

Conroy enjoys reading for many reasons, but mainare finding it hard to fit reading into their schedly because it gives him information television or the ules.

Scholastic Corporation’s 2010 Kids & Family Read- Internet can’t.

“I’m a giant history nerd,” Conroy said. “I like to ing Report conducted by Harrison Group and Scholastic reported teens are reading less due to technology. read a lot of books on U.S. history. It’s stuff that you The study showed while distractions like texting and can’t really get from watching TV.” Though some students find books to read on their Facebook provide teens with ways to read without picking up a book, they don’t offer the same intellec- own, others feel reading for school has turned them off reading, like sophomore Samantha Nyenhuis. tual engagement as books.

“School makes you read “Teens are reading less literature boring books. It ruined readthan they were 10 years ago,” Media Center librarian Ellen George said.

I wish I had time to read ing for me,” Nyenhuis said.

Nyenhuis said she rarely George is in charge of the school for fun. But it’s easier to sit reads for pleasure because of book club, which encourages teens to down and watch TV than to her dislike for school reading read. pay attention to a book. material.

It is open to all students and proTalie Geretz | senior She said the only books vides them a forum to read and discuss she likes to read are from books. the Harry Potter series.

The group reads six books a year “(Harry Potter) is exciting and draws you in. It and meets every six to eight weeks.

The club selects books through student suggestions. makes you want to keep reading,” Nyenhuis said.

While not all teens love reading, George said it is George then researches the books and tries to find an important skill that must be developed for teens to those that are popular and well reviewed.

Members will be discussing their current book, function properly in the adult world.

“Reading is good for your brain. It builds your vo“Wintergirls” by Laurie Halse Anderson, at their next cabulary and helps you be a better thinker,” George meeting after school Nov. 16.

“Wintergirls” revolves around a group of teenage said. “These are important qualities for a teen in the 21st century.” girls with eating disorders.

George said reading is a fundamental skill, especialJunior Ella Brakob said she feels she has benefited from her involvement in book club because the differ- ly today. It provides exercise to the brain, which is a muscle, and needs exercise just like any other muscles. ent people in book club offer a variety of outlooks.

George described a study in which higher third “Everyone brings their own personal take on what happened in the book, and other people sometimes no- grade reading proficiency correlated with lower pertice something that nobody else picked up on,” Brakob cent of the adult population incarcerated in certain towns. George said this is because reading gives people said.

George said most of the students in book club like beneficial life-long skills that set them on successful life paths. reading and enjoy the books they read.

“Reading effects your success in life,” George said.

Students interested in book club should contact “Those who are better at reading tend to do better in George in the Media Center.

Although some students find extra time to read for life, and get jobs that pay more.”

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Senior Leigha Sledge’s favorite novel is “Lock and Key.” “It wasn’t a typical love story, not just boy meets girl. The main character is a troubled teenager to the point where you can still relate to her. She has everyday problems that you could encounter yourself,” she said.

Freshman Harun Abdi suggests Lois Lowry’s “The Giver.”

“I like Jonas because he has optimistic behavior. It’s also very funny,” he said.

Additionally, this novel is in the process of being produced into a feature film, due in 2011.

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Junior Megan Sawatzky enjoys Khaled Hosseini’s “The Kite Runner.”

“It’s a very passionate story. It held my interest the whole way through,” she said. “I suggest it to students because it’s a different cultural experience.

It opened my eyes.”

Hannah Sieff and Abi Tupa | student life editors

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want to be a cat lady when I grow up.

Each day I am welcomed home by a familiar face pawing at the door in excitement. She answers to a whistle, likes to lick my face, drinks out of the toilet, gets caught under my feet and is my best friend. She is my cat.

From everyday conversation I have observed the student body is comprised of many dog lovers, a sprinkling of cat fanatics, and under-the-table cat lovers embarrassed by their preference. But what students fail to see is cats offer all the benefits of a dog in a fluffier bundle of joy. So old age surrounded by cuddly furballs doesn’t sound too shabby.

I have noticed hostility toward cats increasing lately. I can’t say whether this is because it is allergy season, which reminds people that cats make them sneeze, or the idea of black, four-legged omens around Halloween. But lately the misdirected hatred is severe. Just the other day I heard a man walking his $%&'()#'%*,% dog chuckle at a (-'*./ missing cat poster and mutter “good 0% +%"1%"%(2-34% riddance.”

5".%6-7)2 This is unac0% 8".9%"2)% ceptable behavior.

93()2'-2%.-% Cats are often 4-:9% portrayed as cold 0% ;'7)%5".9%"% and creepy, but 5<"*5)=%-2% this is false. Cats ".%6)"9.%$-32% are the greatest 2)9()5. animals to grace our planet.

I have lived with cats and dogs since birth. As an experienced pet owner I can say surely cats surpass dogs. Sure I loved my dogs, but I have a special connection with my cats, my cat Mug in particular.

Mug adored me without any of my effort from the instant we brought her home as a fuzzy kitten that fit in my hand, contrary to the incorrect belief a cat’s love must be earned.

After 12 years, Mug and I have developed telepathy. Cats are wonderful in that way; they have amazing intellect.

Mug can sense sadness and responds by crawling into my lap so I can pet her irresistibly soft fur, which is always clean.

She never rolls in the mud or tracks in dirt, so I can kiss her anytime without fear of swallowing foreign substances.

She also senses bedtime. If Mug isn’t already curled up at the foot of my bed, within 15 minutes of crawling under the covers I hear a meow as she jumps to join me. As fun as dogs are, no canine is as good a pillow as a cat. And cats never wake you up at 3 a.m. barking.

Clearly, cats are not solitary. Sure, cats don’t require juggling schedules to make sure they are let outside, and can catch their own dinner in the summer.

But a cat’s hunger for attention is shown when it presents a headless mouse on the front steps, and Mug has this vexing habit of sleeping directly on my face, which makes breathing difficult.

Some people prefer dogs, and I respect that. But that is no excuse to hate cats. Most dog-lovers debase kitties, but they have no personal experience owning one, thus no right to judge. It is time to open ourselves to the value of cats and reevaluate man’s best friend.

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;2-3(%B-'*9%:6-#"6%)435".'-*%)CC-2. the members to organize.

“Right now we really have to make sure that we can get all of those who are interested on the same page,” McLean said. “It doesn’t work if only a couple of students are operating 0*'%,%'*7-67)4 a fundraiser.” ing.

In addition to “I was really sur0% N<".%O5<--69%P% working on organizaprised by the number of O5<--69%4-)9F# tion, the group is hopstudents who showed I#:'"')1/,"-)$/) ing to create a larger interest in the cause,” &"2%:B+)'>8//B'):,) variety of fundraising.

McLean said. “It’s great ,/&$8"&,)D<#,+#) Williams said she has that students responded +"'$&/-"+)2-)>:0:B) worked with the other to the [Invisible Chil*#&) members and created dren] meeting with so 0% O."CC%"47'9)2F%E&%>") an elaborate list of much enthusiasm.”

7>J"#, fundraising opportuniAlong with Mu0% E-2%'*C-21".'-*% ties, including movie hammed, junior Don5-*."5.%9.34)*.% nights and student nyelle Williams has also 6)"4)29F%K&#>") versus teacher sporting felt a need to help the K":"&)#,+)A#8&#) events. students in Uganda.

7%8#11"+ “We’re trying to Similarly, Williams appeal to the students said she sees it as her repoint of view,” Wilsponsibility to make sure liams said. “The more the Ugandan children [students] we can reach, the better.” have the appropriate learning resources, Muhammed said the most important adding all students should have equal acgoal of the group, however, is to educate cess to educational resources. students and faculty of the conflict in “They don’t have any books or comUganda. puter’s to use,” Williams said. “It’s the “Our first goal is to inform the people kind of stuff we take for granted.” about the situation,” Muhammed said.

Despite the best efforts of the group, “It’s important for them to understand McLean said fundraising is a complicated why we are doing this.” process, one that will take much time for fort, which has more than 1,000 schools

A>8//B')C)A>8//B') worldwide participating. As the staff adviser of the group, Bruce McLean said !%,+&#:'"')!/&) he is very happy with the enthusiasm D<#,+#,)"+%>#$:/,#B) students have shown.

More than 40 students ,""+')) attended the first meetSam Dawson ! staff writer

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unior Sahra Muhammed knows what it is like to grow up during a civil war. Born in Somalia, Muhammed saw her home country on the brink of anarchy.

Schools 4 Schools, a new organization established by the humanitarian group Invisible Children is encouraging schools around the world to raise money for northern Ugandan schools.

Muhammed’s experience have inspired her to take part in the effort to aid Ugandan students.

“I really felt their [Ugandans] pain,” Muhammed said. “I have also experienced the effects of civil war as a child and it is incredibly sad to see more children go through it. I figured since I have the opportunity I should try and make a difference.”

Due to a civil war many schools in northern Uganda have been seriously damaged or destroyed, causing many students from the region to fall behind academically.

Park has only recently joined the ef-

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8+-%9'.+'1,$33:'*#$1.-1-%9'3$2-%9',-2/3 Ben Kahn ! copy editor

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$#,-/#'.;-3')/$#:'3/%-+#'<;#-3'=%>63/%' ?/9$%'.$&-%9'$%'@**+#.>%-.-/3'-%' !A/#9/%1)'<$#//#3'.#$-%-%9'1,$33'$.'@33/+' (-9;'B1;++,'.+'?/1+A/'$'1/#.-C'/6'!A/#9/%1)' D/6-1$,'E/1;%-1-$%F'=%>63/%';+*/3'.+'>3/' .;/'1/#.-C'1$.-+%'.+';/,*';-A'?/1+A/'$'C'#/' C'9;./#'5;/%';/'C'%-3;/3';-9;'31;++,F'' G;$.'-3'.;/'!DE'*#+9#$AH We learn how to take care of patients in certain situations and then we do handson activities to practice those skills. We’ll take some notes and (the teacher) shows us how to do a certain skill and we’ll practice with mannequins or on each other. It’s like a two-period class, so the first half we’ll take notes, and the second half we practice skills we’ve learned. It’s during the school day, it’s basically first and second hour. It goes from 7:30-9:15 (a.m.).

G;)'6-6')+>'1;++3/'.+'6+'.;-3'*#+9#$AH To increase my chances of getting on the fire department as soon as I can, hopefully by July. I want to go to a technical school and take any other classes that will help me with this career. Later in my life I think if I decide to become a full-time paramedic, I’ll be able to have that option, too. (+5'5-,,'.;/'!DE'*#+9#$A'*#/*$#/')+>'.+'?/1+A/'$'C'#/C'9;./#H To join the fire department, they have it according to a point system so the more training you have the more points you get, and this program will add a number of points to my resume. Right now this is the only thing I need to do, but if I get brought on to the fire department there is specific training they will put me through. The class isn’t a requirement, it will just help me.

E+'5;$.'&-%6'+I'3-.>$.-+%3'A>3.')+>'?/'#/$6)'.+'#/3*+%6H'' Basically, I’ll be prepared for any call that a full-time EMT would respond to. For example, if somebody has a heart attack I’ll know what to do and how to treat them. ($2/')+>',/$#%/6'$',+.'I#+A'.;-3'*#+9#$AH Yes, it’s only the first quarter, and we’ve already learned a lot of good skills like (cardio-

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G;)'6+')+>'5$%.'.+'?/1+A/'$'C'#/C'9;./#H My dad is a fireman, and I’ve just always been around it and (through the fire department) I know a lot of good people. I don’t want to sit behind a desk my whole life, and my days at work will never be the same, they will never be boring. I’m not worried about getting hurt, I just want to wake up and love going to work. I’m not afraid. (+5'6+')+>'/J*/1.'.;/'*#+9#$A'5-,,';/,*')+>'-%'.;/'I>.>#/H If I’m ever out and about and there’s ever any type of emergency, I’ll have the knowledge and ability to respond until professionals can get there. It will help me not just through work but also through my everyday life.

01.-2-.-/3'4'05$#63 Josh Crandell & Nico Johnson ! opinions editor & in-depth editor

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atural Helpers, a peer counseling group, had its first meeting Thursday Nov. 4. The group spoke about how to form a more cohesive student body and addressed issues pertaining to some students, such as after school busing and how to better advocate for immigrant students who are English language learners. The group plans to recruit new members from the freshman class in the next few weeks.

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ast Thursday Nov. 4, the Quiz Bowl team competed at Eden Prairie High School for its first tournament. Park sent four teams, each consisting of four members. Park’s A Team, consisting of seniors Andrew Ford and Matan Appelbaum, and juniors Kyle Klausing and Cameron Cleveland went undefeated in the tournament. However, the biggest surprise of the tournament came from the all freshmen D-Team, consisting of Kaynan Appelbaum, Noah BetzRichman, Gabe Bichinho and Carter Green, who went 3-1 in the tournament.

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nglish teacher Julie Koepke is seeking donations for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Koepke’s goal is to run the Changes Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in Phoenix this January, and collect $3,500 in donations.

Though she has already raised $1,900, she continues to encourage students to support her efforts. Interested students can go to the website http:// pages.teamintraining.org/mn/pfchangs11/jkoepke.

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Also with the declining economy, free music is s saver. iTunes, the most popular legal music-download from 69 cents to $1.29 per song, and can become Johnson said with the current economy, buying mu “I know people who have 3,500 songs on their iP they pay for that?”

By current iTunes prices, 3,500 songs could cost Other students, such as junior Jordan Young, fe Michael Cork ! staff writer rent enough. “iTunes always has to release albums l ompared to the tune of $62,500, 'Tunes’ prices of $1.29 per song not new,” Young said. sound especially reasonable.

Downloading music illegally has also become Brainerd resident Jammie Thomas-Rasset was ordered in federal Many hip-hop artists have had their music made av court to pay $1.5 million to a record label for illegally downloading 24 songs, before the album is released. Some students turn to after her third time in court Nov. 4. popular mixtapes.

Also, the popular file-sharing website Limewire, was shut down Oct. 27 by However, illegally downloading definitely costs a federal court in New York after a four year lawsuit. make a living.

Even more recently, Dirpy, a well-known website that The Recording Industry Associati downloads audio off Youtube, was cancelled by the creator timates music piracy costs the indust Nov. 8. The reason was insufficient resources, most likely The RIAA is attempting to crack down because the site could not fight off an imminent lawsuit.

Rasset sets an example. )*E"0+*&%0&;%* The war against illegal downloads has begun, and serves Schaefer said selling product is the +(0*(-1%*F/G66* as a sharp wake up call to teens and adults who turn to the tain the music business. ,0"<,*0"*'(%!4*!H0$?* Internet for free music.

“You should buy the music if it’s a Downloading illegal music has become popular for some spect, or you will lose your music com I0+*=0:;$*'(%.*&-.* teenagers, and many students are unaware of the severity of Senior Jeremy Bulman agrees pira @04*'(-'J the consequences. music industry’s pocket.

However, the question of pirating for some students is “It is almost the same as stealing fr Kayla Johnson | sophomore not as easy as it seems.

The consequences are not going u Jake Schaefer, who oversees New Media at local music Thomas-Rasset, the RIAA has convict label Rhymesayers, acknowledges some benefits to downviduals and repeat offenders can serve loading free music, such as raising awareness for new artists.

Although students across the country reap bene “[Music piracy] does generate interest, and people start talking about cer- music, the music industry is cracking down on pira tain artists. At least people will recognize their talents,” Schaefer said. up costing you.

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$%&#'(#&)*#+* 4$'5 Abby Bongaarts | sports editor

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s the winter sports season sets in and tryouts start some seniors may need to worry about whether or not they will get to play for a final season.

Both the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams previously have had a policy of cutting seniors from the program if they do not make varsity. The girls’ volleyball team practiced a similar policy regarding seniors this fall.

The idea is if an athlete is not ready to play varsity as a senior, then there is no point in developing them on a different team because they won’t be able to play in the future, as they will be done after that season.

While it’s perfectly legitimate for coaches to want to develop the program and try to build for future years, cutting seniors is not always a necessary and effective method.

Instead of cutting seniors, coaches should still allow them to play on the junior varsity team. Seniors are often the most experienced athletes, and they can step into leadership roles by helping out athletes in younger grades.

Just because a senior will not be able to play the following year doesn’t mean they are unable to contribute to the development of the program through mentoring. ,)-&./#&)*#+# The la6-1)%7 crosse program is an 8* 9%*1,*)-%* example of a )020,,$'(*%-* team coached 23%*,0)1-', by people 8* !0)1-',*2$)* who value ,%1::*2-)%'1;3%0* d e v e l o ping -)*-%&0'* athletes re%0$.,* gardless of 8* 9%<,*=3,%*$,* age or ability 1.6-'%$)%* just as much %-*>0?0:-6* %&0*,%3>0)%* as winning. $%&:0%0*$,*1%*1,* The coaches %-*>0?0:-6*%&0* even encour6'-@'$.* age seniors who have never played the sport to come out and try. When I was a sophomore on the JV lacrosse team, we had seniors on our team, and their experience really helped me and some of the other newer lacrosse players learn how to play the game better. The seniors were usually the ones who took on the leadership roles and set an example of hard work for the younger players to follow.

While a big part of high school sports is about setting goals and trying to create a successful team, an equally important aspect is developing student athletes regardless of whether or not they make varsity.

High school sports give many students an opportunity to be healthy, meet new people, and learn leadership skills. When seniors are cut they lose many of the benefits high school sports have to offer.

Many seniors have spent years putting time and money into a sport they are passionate about. Instead of disregarding experience so quickly because a player is not ready for varsity, coaches should keep seniors in the program on a different team.

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fter a disappointing sections finish, boys’ and girls’ cross country look back on a respectable season.

Both sections teams failed to send a member to state, but with their section consisting of larger schools with many athletes, such as Eden Prairie, Edina and Wayzata, some athletes said they were not surprised.

Boys’ senior captain Nolan Santosa said he felt pressure from all the teams.

“There are so many good teams at sections, it’s just hard to do well,” Santosa said.

Coach Rachel Hoffman said she acknowledged both teams in general had solid races, but was disappointed in the boys finish.

“The girls raced fine. The boys, they have some room for improvement,” she said.

EB8!'(,!'#+)'#;' However, despite the section 0-'1)!%'-),$!.' fi nish, the teams placed well at the ()'B,*','1<+=B' conference race Oct. 19, at Bas#;'+)('$<++)$!' set Creek in Golden Valley. Junior (B8=B'0,*)'8%' Dominic Reed and sophomore So)/)+'1)%%)$@ phie Olson received All Conference awards, while Santosa and seventhTali Shapiro| girls’ senior captain grader Grace Reed received honorable mention.

This team was one of the largest in recent years, and Hoffman said she was surprised by the amount of energy new athletes brought to the program.

“We had a lot of enthusiasm and excitement by younger kids, and we had some really great positive role models,” she said.

Girls’ senior captain Tali Shapiro said this year was her most enjoyable.

“This was one of my best years. We had a bunch of new runners, which made it even better,” she said.

The team had a record 18 junior high runners, and Hoffman looks forward to next year, where she said the team will only improve.

“Last year the boys lost about 17 seniors, and this year we won’t lose as many. With all the new young runners we will be a strong

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Running in sync: Freshman Jenna Behnken and sophomore Siedah Eberhardt push each other at the sections meet at Gale Wood Farms Oct. 29. The girls finished 11 out of 12 teams. team,” she said Hoffman is set to announce the new captains at the cross country banquet Nov. 11. “[The cross country team] is just a good group of students,” Hoffman said. “And next year we will have a great group of captains.”

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Sofia Gonzalez | staff writer

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ophomore Marshaun Roundtree sips Gatorade on the sidelines during a basketball practice. Junior Tyler Brodersen buys Propel from the snack bar every day during second lunch. Although both students drink similar sports drinks, there’s a difference in their routines: one is healthy and the other isn’t.

According to an October study by scientists from the University of Texas School of Public Health, if students consume sports drinks while maintaining healthy dietary practices and high levels of physical activity, sports drinks benefit the consumer.

Physical education and health teacher Amy Berchem explained the benefits of drinking sports drinks over water.

“If you’re losing potassium and sodium, you need to replace it during and after your workout. Sports drinks replenish lost electrolytes in your system, and quickly,” Berchem said.

However, sports drinks are often packed with sugar, with popular brands containing up to eight teaspoons of sugar per every eight ounces of fluid.

According to Christine Twait, registered dietician in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Minnesota, there are situations where water benefits consumers more than sports drinks.

“If you work out for less than an hour, water is better for you because the amount of electrolytes lost aren’t substantial enough to be replaced with,” Twait said.

In addition, if a student is not physically active and consumes sports drinks regularly, their health will be affected negatively.

In May, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger of California sponsored a bill prohibiting the sale of sugar-sweetened sports drinks in public middle and high schools. The bill passed in response to studies revealing several negative health effects of sports drinks.

Senior Carissa Beers, who plays softball, said she disregards the negative effects of sports drinks.

“Sports drinks help replenish the sodium that you lose when you’re working out,” Beers said.

“I feel like I have more energy when I drink Gatorade than I do when I drink water,” she said.

For students who rigorously work out for an hour or more, sports drinks are a positive resource to replenish lost electrolytes.

If a student does not exercise regularly, the high sugar content in sports drinks can damage their health.

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inning is becoming somewhat of a habit for the girls’ swim team.

After securing a third consecutive conference championship with a win against Chisago Lakes Oct. 7, the team is preparing for the sections meet Nov. 11 and 13 at St. Catherine University in St. Paul.

“It’s a really big deal and I feel really honored that we were able to pull that off,” senior captain Katrina Albrecht said. “We’ve worked really hard and we deserve every bit of it.”

Park went 8-0 in conference meets, with many younger swimmers contributing to the victories. Coach Jake Schwietering said he is pleased with the results so far. “(The younger swimmers) really want to impress the upperclassmen and their coaches,” he said. “They want to show they have what it takes to be on this team and excel on this team.”

Schwietering said his goal is for the team to take second place in sections and send all three relay teams to state. The 400-yard freestyle relay team set a record for Park’s pool earlier this season.

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Albrecht said the toughest competition at sections will likely come from Blake and Breck. Park did not get the chance to compete against either team during the season.

Schwietering also said many swimmers have good chances of making it to state in individual competition including senior Erica Anderson, sophomores Kathryn Ostrom, Erica Frey, Gillian McCuistion, and Hannah Hein, eighth graders Meagan Hein and Emmi Zheng and seventh grader Heather Westwood.

The section tournament uses a two-day format, with the preliminary rounds Nov. 11 and the finals Nov. 13. To prepare for sections the team intensifies its training with “peak week,” during which the swimmers swim more yards each day than any other time.

“We hit them with a lot of yards and make it difficult,” Schweitering said.

This time is followed by a week of “tapering,” during which the swimmers slowly decrease the number of yards they swim each day up until sections.

In addition to special physical training, Schwietering also emphasizes mental preparation, which he said includes visualization.

“We tell them to mentally run through their races in their minds,” he said. “We have them visualize perfection and every little detail of their event.”

With another conference title under its belt and a fine-tuned training regimen, the team seems poised to continue its winning streak at sections.

Hannah Sieff | staff writer

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#$%&'.)**/01'(#,,0)1*&'''' '()%*+&'2*3/0,%-'.%/0'$123'4%5'').1436'$%78349 I started skating when I was 6, and I started actually playing when I was in first grade. #$4'6:6'4%5';+1*+').14:/09 My mom got me into it, and I watched the “Mighty Ducks” movie when I was little and I just wanted to play hockey since then. #$1+'1*3'4%5*'0%1.;'<%*'+$3';31;%/9 I hope that we do better than last year for sure, but my goal is to have a winning record. ,%-'6%3;':+'<33.'+%'=3'1';3/:%*'0%:/0' :/+%'4%5*'.1;+';31;%/'%<'$%78349 I’m excited because I know this year is my last, and I’m ready to give it my all and put some work in. #$1+' :;' 4%5*' <12%*:+3' +$:/0' 1=%5+' $%78349 Just being on the ice and zoning in on skating and feeling like I have to do what I have to do. Just being out there and playing is the best. #$1+':;'4%5*')%;:+:%/'1/6'-$4'6%'4%5' ).14':+9 I play right wing because I like to score and I like being a part of the offense and getting scoring chances. >%'4%5'$123'1/4'<%/6'$%7834'?3?%@ *:3;'%*';+%*:3;9 In Bantam at this one tournament, we were playing Woodbury and it was my first shift. As I was going in to check somebody I tripped and fell into the boards and broke my collar bone. So I was out a couple months because I tripped and fell. ,%-' 6%' 4%5' +$:/8' 4%5A..' <33.' 1<+3*' 4%5*'.1;+'01?3'3/6;9 Definitely sad, but I’ll also feel relieved that I’ve put everything I’ve got into it, and I didn’t hold anything back.

B*3' 4%5' ).1//:/0' %/' ).14:/0' :/' 7%.@ .303'%*'.1+3*':/'.:<39',%-'6%'4%5';33' $%7834'C'++:/0':/+%'4%5*'<5+5*39 I don’t plan on playing in college, but it depends on how this season goes. If I have a chance I definitely would, but we’ll just see how it goes. >%'4%5'$123'1/4')*301?3'*:+51.;9 I usually pick some music that gets me ready for the game. I also put the right side of my equipment on before my left, like I’ll put on my right skate before my left one. It’s just something that I do. ,%-' 6%' 4%5' 1/+:7:)1+3' +18:/0' %/' ?%*3' %<' 1' .3163*;$:)' *%.3' 1;' 1' 71)@ +1:/'+$:;'431*9 I’m excited, because having the “C” on my jersey will make me want it that much more, and hopefully that will rub off on other players and make them want it just as much.

K.C.

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,-./01'$02'3/4'/5423'6/071'/5'40-48 St. Louis Park Senior High School 6425 West 33rd Street St. Louis Park, MN 55426 /4&$5,#&'#:%&/9#| Kelsey Reid >+'+-&'-#/4&$5,#| Katie Caron :5*8#/4&$5,. | Scott Foltz, Ben Kahn & Charlie Shapiro 4/.&-'#/4&$5,.#| Sendrea Best & Taylor Delaney *%5$5#/4&$5,. | Paris Delaney & Alex Kersten '/@.#/4&$5,#| Elena Potek .$=4/'$#;&9/#/4&$5,.#| Hannah Sieff & Abi Tupa 9/+$=,/.##/4&$5,# | Robbie Seltzer-Schultz &'F4/*$%#/4&$5,#| Nico Johnson .*5,$.#/4&$5, | Abby Bongaarts 5*&'&5'.#/4&$5, | Josh Crandell /'$/,$+&'>/'$#/4&$5, | Mara Olson @/B#/4&$5,#| Marcus Eeman .$+99 | Spencer Butler, Michael Cork, Sam Dawson, Sofia Gonzalez, Katie Johns, Brandon Klugman, Cali Nguyen, Sonia Robiner, Abrar Salad, Hannah Sieff, Michael Tuschman, Abi Tupa, Duha Vang, Emma Vitale, Sam Vinitsky, Elana Vlodaver B=.&'/..#>+'+-/,#| Art Elmer *,&':&*+;#| Robert Metz

+

acebook erupted with rumors regarding the reason for school’s cancelation Oct. 29. Some statuses alleged 10 girls drowned, some claimed a girl died, and one person even posted a student was shot. Obviously, these claims were false.

However, the large number of rumors surrounding the incident Oct. 28, and the credibility students gave to false claims made on Facebook, underscores the importance of being skeptical about information we receive on Facebook.

While the false rumors surrounding the issue luckily did not hurt anyone or make the situation worse, we may not be as lucky in the future should a similar crisis situation occur.

Though it is easy to see police cars and fire trucks at the high school and immediately draw conclusions, this is unproductive. While it is unreasonable for students to verify every claim, we must realize the influence Facebook has and search for more information before making conclusions. One way to gain more information which students often overlook is simply checking the school or district website.

Although the administration obviously cannot tell us every detail regarding an issue like this, Pollock and Metz are usually open to calming fears and clearing up mis-

*,&'$/, | American Color

NSPA All-American and Hall of Fame member; NSPA 2007 and 2010 Pacemaker Award Finalist; JEM AllState; CSPA Gold Medalist; 2006 Gold Crown Winner.

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conceptions when asked during lunch. In a situation like this, they are also the most knowledgeable. Metz and Pollock are constantly walking through the lunchroom and are eager to answer any questions.

Moreover, looking at the opposite side of the event, those students who read Facebook statuses must be more skeptical about outrageous claims like this.

art | Cali Nguyen Especially when we as students know how damaging rumors can be, we must be aware of the power of rumors spread on the Internet.

Thus, if a situation like this should ever occur again, we have the responsibility to not only get the facts before we post on Facebook, but also be skeptical of those statuses posted by others.

92231'3227'2:20%)12'/;4)/31

+47&./, | Lori Keekley *=B;&:+$&5'#*5;&:&/.

The Echo is the official studentproduced newspaper of St. Louis Park Senior High School. It is published triweekly for the school’s students, staff and community.

The Echo has been established as an open forum for student expression. The Echo will not be reviewed by school administrators prior to distribution, and the adviser will not act as a censor.

Content represents views of the student staff and not school officials.

The Echo will work to avoid bias and/or favoritism. We will strive to make our coverage and content meaningful and interesting to all our readers.

We will make every effort to avoid printing libel, obscenities, innuendo and material that threatens to disrupt the learning process or is an invasion of privacy. We will avoid electronic manipulation that alters the truth of a photograph.

Staff editorials represent the opinion of the editorial board arrived at by discussion and will not be bylined.

Bylined articles are the opinion of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Echo staff or administration as a whole.

The Echo welcomes reader input.

Letters to the editor and suggestions may be e-mailed to slpecho@gmail.com or submitted in room C275. Letters must be signed and should be no longer than 250 words.

E-mailed letters must be verified prior to publication. We will not necessarily publish all letters received and reserve the right to edit for length and clarity.

Anonymous letters wherein the Echo does not know the identity of the writer will not be printed.

Advertisements will be sought from local businesses. We maintain the right to reject any ads we believe to be false, misleading, inappropriate or harmful.

The Echo does not necessarily endorse the products or services offered in these advertisements.

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Elena Potek | news editor

" To this edition of The Echo. Too bad it wasn’t delivered by Hedwig.

To Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1. Finally an excuse to take out my wand.

besity is a growing problem and not just in the waistlines of adults.

Health Insurance companies in Minnesota such as Medica, BlueCross BlueShield and Health Partners have similar frequent fitness policies. These policies take off $20 from a client’s health club membership if they go a certain amount of times per month. However, for all these policies, the client must be 18.

Teenagers, perhaps even more so than adults, should be encouraged by health insurance agencies to exercise. Teens are still maturing, the opportunity to develop a healthy lifestyle early on could help reduce the onset of obesity later in their lives.

According to the Health Partners website,

9).2'4/'<'37'6$=1'4/';$0&'5/0'*211' H+,(&'-#*+../.#+,/#>5,/# /I*/'.&7/#$%+'#/7/, Charlie Shapiro | copy editor

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To the invisibility cloak. See above Oriole Dropping.

H.S., J.C.

their reasoning for the frequent fitness policy is, “One in four adults is obese. Obesity-related health problems account for 12 percent of our national health care budget and cost our society $13 billion annually.”

By taking a proactive approach in allowing younger ages to participate in this frequent fitness policy, health insurance companies could cut down on obesity related expenses.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. Why then are health insurance agencies ignoring the younger group and only focusing on obesity in adults?

If 16-year olds are responsible enough to drive a car they can be responsible enough to govern their own health. It is not just adults who struggle with obesity, and a teenager who wishes to be active should be granted the same deductible as an adult. Health insurance agencies can show they are ready to take a more active role in reducing obesity for all ages by adding teenagers to their frequent fitness policies.

t’s even in our name: Park High.

This quarter, many students will flock to the student office to buy a new parking pass, at the mind-boggling price of $45. Multiply that by four, and the fee to park year-round at the high school totals $180.

Even with that steep price, students shouldn’t complain. Compared to other districts in the Metro area, we have it easy.

The year-round fee to park at Edina High School is $225. At Hopkins, it’s $300, and at Eden Prairie it can be as much as $350. Although Park’s puny $180 fee might pale in comparison, it’s still expensive.

For students who want to avoid the steep cost, parking on the streets surrounding the high school or taking the bus is always an option.

Nevertheless, about 125 students bought parking passes last quarter, generating $5,625.

This sum goes toward upkeep of the parking lot and the salary of employees who check to ensure cars have parking passes.

The best solution, which can keep some cash in students’ wallets and continue to provide the school with much-needed money, is carpooling.

With this, students can split the cost of parking passes and save money and the environment, plus the drive to and from school isn’t quite so lonely.

One idea taken by Wayzata High School is to sell parking passes only to carpools or groups of students, forcing students who want to drive to school to gather up some friends or park on the street.

Other schools, such as Edina, give priority or discounts to carpoolers, encouraging students to carpool while still generating some revenue.

Although Park’s administration said it has never considered this idea, it is a win-win situation for students and the school.

Because if Park’s fee for parking passes rises to the outrageous cost of nearby schools, students bank accounts will take a major and unneeded hit.

With the adoption of a discount for carpoolers, students would get a much needed break. If not, students might have to pass on parking.

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Scott Foltz | copy editor

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t’s all about the money.

Like many other institutions trying to survive in tough economic times, schools are struggling to find the appropriate funds to function efficiently.

In recent years, Minnesota’s funding to public education has been severely diminished due to an overwhelming budget deficit of $5.8 billion.

The lack of available resources has forced many schools to think creatively, and despite the controversy, some believe they’ve found a solution with ads on lockers.

At first the idea sounds ridiculous and absurd. Isn’t school supposed to be an independent institution?

Many believe these schools are selling out to big corporations and students are the victims.

However let’s remember; dire circumstances often call for drastic changes. And after examining the issue, it is easy to see that ads on lockers will benefit schools and their students.

Many schools are struggling to maintain a high level of education while providing appropriate resources for students due to a lack of money. Fewer teachers and classes, bigger class sizes and older textbooks are a few of the outcomes of the lack of funding seen in Park schools alone.

The vast district changes Park

implemented this year are living proof of the budget dillema many schools are facing.

Schools such as St. Francis, who have embraced the idea of ads on lockers, believe they will take in around $200,000 this school year.

If ads were implemented at Park, the money could go toward teachers, more classes, afterschool programs and other resources benefitting students.

Furthermore, school administrators are free to decide against an ad they deem inappropriate or distracting for a high school learning environment; the schools are still in control, not the corporations.

Some ads may be an eyesore to students but others may prove beneficial. For example, a company marketing a safe-driving campaign will most likely fully embrace the idea of ads on lockers in an attempt to market to students.

Like many other institutions facing these tough economic times, schools need money now and we must be willing to think outsidethe-box in order to provide a sufficient education for all students.

While the opposition has justifiable arguments, the ideals and principles they wish to preserve do not pay the bills.

Besides, who knows, with a big colorful ad, you might even be able to find your locker next time.

Emma Vitale | staff writer

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High school students, though more advanced in knowledge and experience than younger kids, are still vulnerable to the influence of ads.

When a child, be it a 9-year old or a freshman, sees an ad, he or she is much more apt to be influenced by it than an adult is, and should not be exposed to that exploitation at school.

Advertising in schools is also a major distraction to learning. Most ads are of the nature that kids (or anyone, really) can simply ignore them if they so choose. But an ad on a student’s locker, where they are forced to look at it multiple times a day, cannot easily be ignored and would serve as a distraction during the school day to both the affected students and the onlookers.

The content of the proposed advertisements would be determined by the school administrators, however, this still leaves gray area of what is considered appropriate for students.

If schools struggling for funds turn to ads to generate money, it sets a dangerous precedent for other money-making schemes involving taking advantage of students. Where does the money-driven exploitation end if ads are introduced in to schools? The money they bring in is not worth the exploitation of students in the schools. Ads are not the answer to making ends meet in tough economic times.

dvertisements are everywhere: billboards, television, radio stations, Facebook and … schools?

Though the advertisements in St. Francis schools may bring additional income to the school, the price of targeting advertisements toward students in schools is not worth the monetary gain.

Every day, students and teenagers in general are bombarded with advertisements almost everywhere they look, and one of the only places where they are free from the invasion of ads is at school. Sure, kids are used to spotting ads wherever they look; it is a part of our culture.

However, there is a big difference in hearing or seeing an ad while watching a television show, and passing one in the hallway while on your way to history class.

School is a place for learning, not a place where students are blasted with ads and treated as consumers in the marketing process. It is unethical to use students in the business game when they are in school for the purpose of learning.

Furthermore, schools, which are state funded establishments, should not cross with commercial advertisements. With the addition of advertisements on school property, schools would begin to be controlled by corporations rather than the community’s taxes and government’s funds.

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.%&'/)$$0'1233%$'4'+5'%"6*)"37"8'%52372"9 Sonia Robiner | staff writer

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rowing up during the Potter era, junior Edie Ofstedal is a huge fan of the series. She cannot wait to dress up as Crookshanks for the premiere of the new movie “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1” to be released in theaters Nov. 19.

Ofstedal is not the only muggle, or non-magic person, enthusiastic about the release of the new film based on the first half of the seventh book. Student fans await the movie with excitement and sadness.

“I’m excited for the new movie,” sophomore Eric Spiecher said. “But at the same time I’m sad because I know it’s the end.

I remember when I was young reading the first book. When I finished the seventh book, I was sad because I knew there was no more and the series was over.”

Spiecher said he plans to dress up as Draco Malfoy and go with friends to the premier. Spiecher is not the only student who has high hopes for the film.

“I’m really excited,” sophomore Bea Lenss said. “I’m expecting this movie to be the best of all.”

Some current upperclassmen were hooked by the first book, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” on publication in 1997.

“We all grew up with Harry Potter, the years they made the movies are our childhood, and it’s ending at the end of our senior year,” senior Kristin Holst said.

Similarly, other students also say they became fans early.

“Harry Potter is my hero. I was waiting for my letter from Hogwarts when I was 10-years old. I cried when I turned 11 and hadn’t received it,” Ofstedal said. “I started reading the books in kindergarten or first grade. Throughout my life Harry Potter has been with me.”

During its 13-year existence, the series has become an integral part of global culture. According to a 2008 Yankelovitch study, 58 percent of American students ages 5-17 have read the series.

“The Harry Potter series is my everything,” Spiecher said. “It was every book I read for fun and what I did for every Halloween.”

The second part of the seventh movie is set to release July 15. Although the series will be completely finished at that point, students do not believe the magic will end. Of the students in the Yankelovitch study, 75 percent claim they will remain loyal fans and plan on keeping the books into adulthood.

“The Harry Potter craze will not just die out after the seventh movie,” sophomore Jenna Laidlaw said.

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.2=>'?@A(%6>'BC British playwright Crispin Whittell provides a new twist on the beloved “bah humbug” story of the “Christmas Carol” this year at the Guthrie. Ebenezer Scrooge is still visted by the ghosts of Christmas, but new costumes, set designs and aerial effects characterize this year’s performance. Tickets start at $29.

.2=>'DE According to the new movie “Burlesque” starring Christina Aguilera and Cher, “It takes a legend to make a star.” The film features elaborate costumes and choreography, with Aguilera playing a young woman aspiring to stardom at a struggling theater in Los Angeles called the Burlesque Lounge.

F"#'2;'.2=%5G%$ Charming Charlie, a fashion accessory boutique is the newest addition to the West End is opening at the end of this month. Charming Charlie aims to provide affordability in a hip atmosphere, featuring accessories such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, scarves, belts and handbags.

Mara Olson