Colby Lawless
A man's effort to keep his face warm through the long New England winters has now become the modern tradition known as “No Shave November.” Some seniors at Haverhill High School put their burly aspirations to good use, joining what was initially a campaign to raise awareness for testicular cancer. Whether or not this was their intention, Jacob Valenti and Dimitri Stamoulis devoted their faces to let the days of November harvest their beards, each unable to trim even the most unruly of follicles. Many students have decided to bring in the holidays with a new, raw, straight-outta-the-woods look, but Dimitri and Jacob’s were documented each day. The transformations are stunning.Benefits of a local Thanksgiving
Morgan Seale
Thanksgiving can be, and should be, one of the most profitable times of the year for farmers; however, in recent years, more and more people have turned to buying from large chain grocery stores who get their products from enormous farming plantations in the South and other far off food production areas. According to PBS, on average, our food travels 1,500 miles before it reaches our plate. They also said that “even though broccoli is likely grown within 20 miles of the average American’s house, the broccoli we buy at the supermarket travels an average of 1,800 miles to get there.” This is due to the fact that many corporations find it easier to buy produce in bulk at a low cost from enormous farms where the farmers are constantly growing the crops the companies intend to sell.
Over the years, it has become embarrassingly obvious that although this mass transportation of food can provide asparagus and clementines in February it also comes with dire costs, particularly the toll such voyages take on the nutritional character of our ingestibles. According to Vern Grubinger, a vegetable and berry expert from the University of Vermont and author of “Ten Reasons to Buy Local Foods,” without a doubt “local food is better for you. The shorter the time between the farm and your table, the less likely it is that nutrients will be lost from fresh food.” The depleting sojourns our stuffed birds and cranberries have undergone before being placed next to Grandma’s Famous Gravy may not be on the top of any of our lists of concerns, especially on a holiday dedicated to gluttony and afternoon naps between buffet rounds, but, with the help of some local farmers, a switch to a more environmentally friendly, locally-grown, and, often times, more delectable selection of Thanksgiving fare may be quite painless.
When it comes to locally grown produce Haverhill has plenty of options:
- Wally’s Vegetables - 799 Amesbury Road Haverhill, MA
- Chris’s Farm Stand - 436 Salem St, Haverhill, MA
- Raymond’s Turkey Farm - 163 Hampstead St Methuen, MA
These are a only a few of the options Haverhill has to offer, with a little research and friendly conversation, you’re sure to come across many more.
Thanksgiving is upon us and it is up to us to make sure our local farmers have the business they need to keep doing what they love; besides, what's Thanksgiving without a delicious, healthy, locally raised turkey and fresh vegetables? Mediocre is what it is. Buying locally grown food is a win-win situation for everyone (except for maybe big businesses). If everyone went out and bought just one part of their meal from local farmers it would have a huge impact and really help to support their business. Adding fresh grown vegetables and possibly a locally raised healthy Turkey can be very beneficial for both the farmer and consumer.
Club of the Week: Girls Learn International
Marielis Batista
Haverhill High School’s Girls Learn International Program, better known as GLI, raises awareness about the injustices that girls have to live with, such as limited access, in many places, to education. GLI is dedicated to increasing girls’ access to education in countries where females are far less likely than males to stay in school past the primary grades.
GLI was founded in New Jersey in 2003 by Lisa Alter. Her goal was to create a program to show that humanitarianism has no minimum age requirement and that youth plays a critical role in leading the movement to affect positive change for girls and women all over the world. Lori Capra took up the cause in Haverhill, starting the high school’s GLI in 2011.
Mrs. Capra said that teaching students about social problems around the world gives her satisfaction because most of the students have no idea about these social problems. She is inspired by the energy of the students once they are aware of the social issues faced by women. Iliana de los Santos, a student, said that she enjoys GLI because it allows her to meet new people that have similar interests and learn about the struggles that women go through in different countries, as well how we can create change. Shukri Ali, an exchange student from Somaliland, said that she will gain many benefits from this club, because in her country they face many of these issues.
The GLI Program is building a movement of informed advocates for worldwide girls’ education and a new generation of leaders and activists for social change. The program teaches students that through their own creative initiatives, dedication, and passionate leadership, they can create real solutions that address the obstacles girls and women face locally and around the world. The GLI members recently went to Newburyport to watch the film Malala. GLI meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month in Mrs. Capra’s room, S15, and welcomes new members throughout the year.
The Appeal of ISIS
Dimitrios Stamoulis
Around nine p.m. on November 13th, Paris, France was attacked. With about 130 dead, this attack caused more discussion about the radical jihadist group ISIS (or ISIL). As more information arose about the men who carried out these attacks, it was found that most of them are Belgian, which can help but lead us all to wonder: what is it that attracts citizens, particularly young people, of the Western world towards the extremist group? As many political analysts have stated, there are a few things to consider:
1. The group provides a feeling of brothership and community. In a recent interview, a former member of ISIS admitted that he misses the strong relationships he formed with the people there, but not the group itself. This desire of a strong community is a consequence of the sense of Islamophobia that many extremists believe pervades the Western world. Since the attacks of 9/11 and 7/7, there is undoubtedly a negative association between Muslims and terrorism. As more and more people try to avoid those of the Islamic religion, Muslims have become desperate to find a community. ISIS, through their recruitment videos, promise to provide a tight knit community to those Western society, intentionally or not, has ostracized.
2. Members can also come to believe they are protecting their families, neighborhoods, and countries. The leaders of ISIS have stated that there is no way to kill their group because for each member killed there will be 10 new members recruited. This has proven to be true since many of those recruited volunteer themselves in order to protect their home countries. When governments attack the group, more often than not, civilians are caught in the midst of the destruction. This is what then motivates these young men to join ISIS, believing that they will be protecting their nations, cities, and families. Because of this, the members of ISIS feel as if they are unified in protecting their homes, seeing each other as brothers. Therefore, once one is killed, they become a martyr for their living brethren.
3. Lastly, is the strive for purpose in a generation seemingly gone awry when it comes to solid values and principles. ISIS has been using propaganda videos to recruit members. They make the group and its members seem heroic, as they are saving the lives of “Muslims oppressed by Western society.” Along with that, a majority of those videos show the victory parades into newly captured cities and territories. What they don’t show are the five men crying to God for forgiveness, with bombs across their chest, about to take down the defending forces. The recruited expect a positive atmosphere, the opportunity to be a hero, and celebrations after victories.
These are a few of the more convincing theories among dozens trying to explain the unsettling phenomenon that is the popularity of ISIS, especially to European-born men. Regardless of how these young men are viewed as they wave flags, brandish weapons, even brutally murder, each of them was at one time a young man, a boy, before somehow coming to believe eradicating “infidels” was a noble pursuit. That shift in the direction of one’s life, the corruption of one’s heart and mind, the cause of it, is what needs to be explored and understood if the flow of fresh, young, violent individuals into the ranks of ISIS is to be stemmed.
Sibling Rivalry - The Battaini Edition
Peter Orfanos
Who’s the better captain and why?
Abbey: I’m a better captain because I lead by example.
Mike: No I’m a better leader because I’m more vocal and keep everybody on track. Abbey is a better floor general, I’ll give her that.
One-on-one in your driveway. Who’s winning?
Mike: Me
Abbey: Michael because he’s bigger and stronger. I can shoot better though. Like if we did a 3-Point contest I would definitely out shoot you Mike.
Mike: Abbey may be able to outshoot me but it doesn’t matter ‘cause I’m the best.
Did you guys get into playing basketball at the same time?
Mike: I was first and Abbey came shortly after, but it was evident that we were both going to play because of our dad.
Abbey: Yeah, also my cousin Sammie always played and she is older than me so I looked up to her growing up
Mike: I guess you could say basketball runs in the family.
Do you two have a memorable moment together involving basketball?
Abbey: Mike I just thought of that 3 on 3 tournament we won.
Mike: Oh definitely. Abbey, Joey Fenderson and I won a three on three tournament in Maine. We schooled those kids.
Respectively, for your teams, what do you hope to accomplish this season?
Mike: I hope to bring us to a state championship appearance. And hopefully an MVC small division championship. It’s my last year for high school ball, I want to do as much as I can to have my team end up victorious.
Abbey: I’m hoping to improve our record from last year. A huge accomplishment for us would be to make playoffs but I believe we could because we have experienced and young players that are ready to play.
Being your first year as captains, how do you guys plan on tackling the primary leadership role for the first time in your basketball careers?
Mike: I won’t be alone, I’ll have the help of my teammates the whole way through. I have their back and they have mine, everyone will play their role and we will compete collectively. I also will lead the way setting the intensity level in practice very high.
Abbey: I’m going to be more of leading by example. I’ll also be vocal by picking up my teammates when they’re down and always having their back.
Mike: I wanted to add that I want to lead in the effort category, I want to be the first on the ground and the first to every loose ball. That’s why I’m a better captain Peter.
Me: Yes Mike good.
Do you guys have a hype song?
Abbey: I want to say “Trophies” by Drake.
Mike: No Abbey what the heck that’s my song you can’t copy me.
Abbey: Oooh siblings that agree?
Mike: No Peter don’t put that she stole it from me.
How is family life at the Battaini residence, are you guys competitive?
Mike: No I know I’m better than Abbey at everything.
Abbey: Michael’s just cocky. I’m more humble you know? That’s why I’m the better captain.
Me: Yes Abbey good.
Mike: Abbey you know I'm the best Fifa player in the house don’t lie.
Finally, who is the favorite child?
Mike: Abbey.
Abbey: Me. I’m just a lot more thoughtful and caring for everyone. Plus I’m the youngest and the only girl.
Mike: I’m more of a people’s person though, and I do more for the community.
Abbey: Michael you still owe me ten dollars from last week what are you talking about.
Haverhill City Election Results: New Faces in Dusty Places
Kevin Stacey
HAVERHILL- Tuesday November 3rd, the Haverhill community held public city official elections. The voters went to the polls to vote on who would be the city mayor, city council members, and school committee members. Mayor James J. Fiorentini ran unopposed in the race, and won once again, continuing his position in office as mayor in his seventh term since 2003. In total, 75,775 votes were cast for City Council, and a total of 25,263 votes cast for School Committee, according to The Board of Registrars November 2015 Election Results at www.cityofhaverhill.org.
The City Council election this November ended with newcomer to the scene, Andy Vargas, age 21, coming in third place with 3,835 votes. In second place was Melinda Barrett, and in first place was John Mitchitson, with 4,444 votes. Joseph Bevilacqua, a member of the School Committee, also landed a seat on the council, and will be taking office in his new position in January. Out of a total of 15 candidates, only nine were elected.
It was a close race for the six School Committee candidates. Gail Sullivan, a former teacher and administrator, who did not gain a seat in 2013, finally achieved her goal by coming in first place with 4,535 votes. Following behind her in second place was Sven Amirian, with 3,658 votes. Scott Wood Jr., an incumbent in this race, came in third with 3,613 votes, filling the final seat on the committee and keeping his position as President of the School Committee.
The City Council election this November ended with newcomer to the scene, Andy Vargas, age 21, coming in third place with 3,835 votes. In second place was Melinda Barrett, and in first place was John Mitchitson, with 4,444 votes. Joseph Bevilacqua, a member of the School Committee, also landed a seat on the council, and will be taking office in his new position in January. Out of a total of 15 candidates, only nine were elected.
It was a close race for the six School Committee candidates. Gail Sullivan, a former teacher and administrator, who did not gain a seat in 2013, finally achieved her goal by coming in first place with 4,535 votes. Following behind her in second place was Sven Amirian, with 3,658 votes. Scott Wood Jr., an incumbent in this race, came in third with 3,613 votes, filling the final seat on the committee and keeping his position as President of the School Committee.
Shaun Toohey, the other incumbent in the race, came in fourth place in the election, close behind fellow committee member Wood. Mr. Toohey did not make the final cut, but only by the slimmest margin. Although, Toohey still has a chance of keeping his seat on the committee. Bevilacqua, who was elected to be on the City Council, will be leaving his position on the School Committee open for a fourth person when officials of the city take office in January of 2016. Toohey hopes to be selected as Bevilacqua’s successor by the committee in the new year. It is tradition that the runner up in the election should take the position of an official leaving office; however, it is not a guarantee. So far, Toohey appears to have a good chance of making office, but according to an article by the Eagle Tribune, another candidate is interested in the vacant seat. Susan Danehy, who did not want to run for re-election on the committee this year, wants to fill the two year term that Bevilacqua’s seat offers. The fourth committee member will be chosen in January of 2016. For more information on election results, visit www.cityofhaverhill.org and www.eagletribune.com.
Team Unity Makes Hillie History
Josephine Ricardo
Some might question how after so many years has the team become so successful. To begin with, the season's new coach, Chris Drew, coached at North Reading for two years before coming to Haverhill in 2015. When he began, he did not know what to expect and was not familiar with Haverhill athletics. Drew encouraged the girls to believe in themselves and their successes. They practiced and worked hard day in and day out. He made sure that their was not one superstar but a united team.
Katherine Morgan, a senior forward, agrees with Coach Drew’s appraisal. “Coach made us believe we were successful, therefore, we became successful,” said Morgan. She also credits communication for the team's success.
Alexandra Comeau, a senior goalie, only added to Morgan’s focus on team unity. “Keeping the same kind of mindset of winning and not being all of over the place is always how we were when going onto the field,” said Comeau. The way these girls stayed together, united, and how they communicated with each other led them to the success they have achieved this season.
PARCC vs. MCAS
Alpha Cepeda
After the vote Linda Noonan, executive director of the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education and a supporter of PARCC, said “I’m like everybody else: trying to figure out what this all means.”
Barbara Madeloni, president of the Massachusetts Teachers Association and a supporter of MCAS, argues that this “hybrid” is really just a ploy, saying that it will contain a majority of PARCC and aspects of MCAS will not even be seen. “Let’s not be deceived” Madeloni said.
The decision Tuesday marks the first change in Massachusetts standardized testing in almost two decades. The administration of the new test will begin in 2017 in compliance with the Massachusetts federal law requiring the state only administer a single standardized assessment. MCAS will still remain the graduation standard through the class of 2019.
“Assessment should be rigorous, but it should not be intentionally difficult, to limit students,” said a senior at Everett’s Pioneer Charter School of Science. Families, student, and teachers are hoping they take this statement to heart over the next year and a half, while they wait to see what the “hybrid” will look like.
Angry Turkeys, Urns, & Dog Saliva?!
Lina Woronko
We’ve all had holidays when something seems to go wrong in the worst possible way… At least I know I have! One Thanksgiving my cat dragged in a live bird. The bird flew around our house and we had to chase it down and out of every room until it finally flew out the front door.
Brown & Gold recently asked students to share their most memorable Thanksgiving stories. Whether a tradition didn’t go as planned or something totally unexpected happened, these holidays were some for the books!
“One Thanksgiving my older cousin gave all the kids forks that extended to three feet long. The adults had no idea... So when they were all gathered around the table and began putting food on their plates, we all pulled out our forks and extended them to reach across the table for food! It was so funny.”
“A few days before Thanksgiving in 2014, my mom had bought the turkey we were planning on serving for the holiday. She had asked me to put the turkey in the fridge downstairs in the basement and I listened. Mind you, we have two fridges in the basement… Anyways, I put the turkey in the fridge (or at least in one of them). The day before Thanksgiving I get a call from my mother during my Italian class… I had put the the turkey in the wrong fridge and it spoiled! So thankfully, after school, my memere rushed me to the store and I got the last 28 lb. turkey at Market Basket.”
“When I think of Thanksgiving, I think of food. Although we don’t do this anymore, my brother, my mother, and I used to toast loaves upon loaves of bread for our stuffing. We would take turns chopping up the bread to cook with the seasoning. I would have a lot of fun making the food while listening to music, but my brother and I would always argue about which one of us got to play it. Either way, I loved cooking with them.”
“One Thanksgiving it was my job to set the dinner table. I set each place perfectly with the finest dishes in the house. I completed the arrangement with an elegant centerpiece of my grandfather’s urn and surrounded it by a wreath of fall leaves. I haven’t been asked to set the table since.”
“One Thanksgiving when I was nine, I had a hamster named Brutus. I was showing my hamster to my younger cousin when I dropped Brutus and he fell into my eagerly waiting dog’s mouth. I screamed for my mom who was in the other room. She frantically ran in and scooped the hamster up from my dog’s throat. My hamster was smelly and soaking wet with dog saliva, but he was alive and lived another three happy months. My dog was also okay but upset, because she didn’t get to eat Brutus.” -Cynthia Caruso, Junior
“Every year on Thanksgiving I help skin the turkey and serve everyone’s plate with my dad. We always tell jokes and play music while we do it. It’s always a fun time!”
“One year, a week before Thanksgiving, my family decided it would be a great idea to get a dog. We spent the day looking all over until we ended up at Zoo Creatures in Plaistow. Sometimes, Zoo Creatures has peacocks and turkeys outside. When my family and I began to enter the store, the turkeys chased us away! It was hilarious.”
“When I still lived in my home state of Georgia, my family would go over my aunt’s house every other Thanksgiving. I guess you could say it was kind of a tradition. As soon as my immediate family arrived, my siblings and I were separated from our mother as usual. The adults would be in the kitchen and dining room while the kids would be either in the backyard or the game room. My cousins swarmed all over me, because they hadn’t seen me in a year. When you haven’t seen someone in a year, you don’t know how much they have grown or if they have gotten better at something. This leads to competitiveness and family competitions. The year before, my cousin won the “pot” or the competition. This year, it was going to be me, or at least I wanted it to be. So as usual, I’m in the game room, playing against whoever comes in. Then, of course, my sister, Dawniqua, has to come in and blow everybody out of the water... But, hey, at least I got to go home with a full belly and three pumpkin pies.”
Brown & Gold recently asked students to share their most memorable Thanksgiving stories. Whether a tradition didn’t go as planned or something totally unexpected happened, these holidays were some for the books!
“One Thanksgiving my older cousin gave all the kids forks that extended to three feet long. The adults had no idea... So when they were all gathered around the table and began putting food on their plates, we all pulled out our forks and extended them to reach across the table for food! It was so funny.”
-Madison Thompson, Junior
“A few days before Thanksgiving in 2014, my mom had bought the turkey we were planning on serving for the holiday. She had asked me to put the turkey in the fridge downstairs in the basement and I listened. Mind you, we have two fridges in the basement… Anyways, I put the turkey in the fridge (or at least in one of them). The day before Thanksgiving I get a call from my mother during my Italian class… I had put the the turkey in the wrong fridge and it spoiled! So thankfully, after school, my memere rushed me to the store and I got the last 28 lb. turkey at Market Basket.”
-Olivia Cranston, Junior
“When I think of Thanksgiving, I think of food. Although we don’t do this anymore, my brother, my mother, and I used to toast loaves upon loaves of bread for our stuffing. We would take turns chopping up the bread to cook with the seasoning. I would have a lot of fun making the food while listening to music, but my brother and I would always argue about which one of us got to play it. Either way, I loved cooking with them.”
-Gianna Valenti, Freshman
“One Thanksgiving it was my job to set the dinner table. I set each place perfectly with the finest dishes in the house. I completed the arrangement with an elegant centerpiece of my grandfather’s urn and surrounded it by a wreath of fall leaves. I haven’t been asked to set the table since.”
-Lauren Clark, Senior
“One Thanksgiving when I was nine, I had a hamster named Brutus. I was showing my hamster to my younger cousin when I dropped Brutus and he fell into my eagerly waiting dog’s mouth. I screamed for my mom who was in the other room. She frantically ran in and scooped the hamster up from my dog’s throat. My hamster was smelly and soaking wet with dog saliva, but he was alive and lived another three happy months. My dog was also okay but upset, because she didn’t get to eat Brutus.” -Cynthia Caruso, Junior
“Every year on Thanksgiving I help skin the turkey and serve everyone’s plate with my dad. We always tell jokes and play music while we do it. It’s always a fun time!”
-Richard Hallinan, Sophomore
“One year, a week before Thanksgiving, my family decided it would be a great idea to get a dog. We spent the day looking all over until we ended up at Zoo Creatures in Plaistow. Sometimes, Zoo Creatures has peacocks and turkeys outside. When my family and I began to enter the store, the turkeys chased us away! It was hilarious.”
-Eryn Spencer, Junior
“When I still lived in my home state of Georgia, my family would go over my aunt’s house every other Thanksgiving. I guess you could say it was kind of a tradition. As soon as my immediate family arrived, my siblings and I were separated from our mother as usual. The adults would be in the kitchen and dining room while the kids would be either in the backyard or the game room. My cousins swarmed all over me, because they hadn’t seen me in a year. When you haven’t seen someone in a year, you don’t know how much they have grown or if they have gotten better at something. This leads to competitiveness and family competitions. The year before, my cousin won the “pot” or the competition. This year, it was going to be me, or at least I wanted it to be. So as usual, I’m in the game room, playing against whoever comes in. Then, of course, my sister, Dawniqua, has to come in and blow everybody out of the water... But, hey, at least I got to go home with a full belly and three pumpkin pies.”
-Ashley Galloway, Junior
Sales or Tales: Black Thursday versus the Family
Emily Mills
Thanksgiving is defined as the expression of gratitude. It is thought of as a time to be thankful for the things that we value the most. Typically, when a person hears ‘Thanksgiving’ the thought that slips into the mind is of families sitting around a dinner table, gratefully enjoying the family, friends and food they have been blessed with. However, it is very hard to spend time with family and close friends when some people have to go to work because so many now want to spend their Thanksgiving evening shopping.
Black Friday originally began at the break of dawn the Friday following Thanksgiving, but in recent years doorbusters and sales are starting even earlier. A handful of stores are now commencing sales on the afternoon and night of Thanksgiving. Another handful of stores and thousands of individuals are actually boycotting Black Friday on Thanksgiving. With 40,000 people, give or take, within the facebook group, “Boycott Black Friday”, they plan to encourage big stores such as Walmart and Target to stay closed during Thanksgiving night. Given that people continue to shop, the stores continue to stay open during the holiday. However, as a “blue law” lies in Rhode Island, Maine and Massachusetts, it prohibits supermarkets, large box stores, and department stores from opening on Thanksgiving. Though there have been few legislative issues to attempt to change things, the attempts have failed and stores continue to open on Thanksgiving. Provided with this opportunity to shop-shop-shop, many people will choose to leave family events to go…shopping.
Unfortunately, many store clerks will not be lucky enough to have the choice to leave their families and will be expected to meet customers at the store to assist them. The same customers that chose to leave their families to shop. Some retail employees, nevermind leaving early, may not even get the opportunity to make it to their Thanksgiving dinner due to having to show up for the crowds that often wait outside long before doors open.
Top 10 Black Friday Stores & Opening Times;
---------------------------------------------------------------
1. Walmart - 6PM 11/26
2. JCPenney - 3PM 11/26
3. Michael’s Craft - 4PM 11/26
4. Dick’s Sporting Goods - 6PM 11/26
5. Gamestop - 5AM 11/27
6. Target - 6PM 11/26
7. Big Lots - 7AM 11/26 6AM 11/27
8. Old Navy - 4PM 11/26
9. Best Buy - 5PM 11/26
10. Kohl’s - 6PM 11/26
6. Target - 6PM 11/26
7. Big Lots - 7AM 11/26 6AM 11/27
8. Old Navy - 4PM 11/26
9. Best Buy - 5PM 11/26
10. Kohl’s - 6PM 11/26
However, there are stores who understand their employees’ desire to spend the holiday with their families. Some stores are simply sticking to the traditional opening of Black Friday on the Friday following Thanksgiving.
Top 5 Stores CLOSED during Thanksgiving;
--------------------------------------------------------------
- A.C. Moore
- TJ Maxx
- TJ Maxx
- Petco
- Gamestop
- Gamestop
- Staples
Some of the stores that stay closed on Thanksgiving tend to still have sales online. Handfuls of people will choose to shop online rather than in stores in return of having more family time during the holiday. According to Bankrate.com, a projected 75% of previous year shoppers are expected to be staying home and online shopping. There are many stores offering free shipping on Black Friday. Some stores may even have better deals online compared to the deals in stores----and don’t forget about Cyber Monday when more deals become available, just in case you were not able to get the deal you have been waiting for.
Choosing Cyber Monday over actually going in stores can lead to wonderful things. Yes, wonderful deals...but also wonderful memories made with family at home rather than a crowd of angry and greedy people pushing and shoving for a TV. The memories that are made on Thanksgiving will not be available in any stores this year or any other year for that matter. A big amount of the memories that stick with individuals throughout their lives are formed during times spent with family. It is not about remembering how big of a deal you received on one day of the year, it is a time to be with the ones we love and admire. It is a time to be thankful for the people around the dinner table and to realize, that quality time is important, a lot more than the materialistic things in stores. So this Thanksgiving remember how important family is and spend as much time as possible together. You going out to shop on Thanksgiving motivates these stores to keep the people who do not want to shop, on the registers. You might have been able to spend your Thanksgiving with family, but just because you were able to does not mean that others are as fortunate. Keep that in mind when you choose to leave family to shop. Most importantly enjoy the holiday season filled with warm food, drinks, and hearts.
Senior Class Performs Deathtrap
Alina Page, Victoria MacMillan, Michaela Kane
Every year during the fall, Haverhill High’s play director, Mr. Gori, and students from the senior class put together the annual senior class play. This year Mr. Gori chose the play Deathtrap. Deathtrap is a murder mystery taken place during the years of 1970-1980 in Westport, Connecticut. This play was written by Ira Levin and was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play of 1978.
Last week, we interviewed actresses from the play, Aubrie Campbell and Emily Bresnahan.
Why did Mr. Gori choose Deathtrap?
Aubrie: “HHS hasn’t done a murder mystery since my freshman year, so Mr. Gori wanted to do something new and exciting.”
Was anything changed from the original script?
Aubrie: “Yes, there is only one male actor in our cast, so we had to change a few characters and lines, and a few weapons are different.”
How long have you guys been practicing?
Aubrie: “We have been practicing for 11 weeks for about 2 hours a day, but this week, Monday and Tuesday, we practiced from after school to 8pm.”
What was one of your favorite memories from the play?
Emily: “When the entire cast got together to watch the movie Deathtrap.”
Aubrie: “Everyone has gotten really close after these long weeks of practicing.”
How long have you been acting?
Emily: “I have been acting since third grade in the annual play of A Christmas Carol.”
Aubrie: “I started acting my freshman year in A Christmas Carol.”
Do you plan on acting in the future?
Emily: “Yes, I plan on acting in college as an extracurricular activity.”
Aubrie: “Yes, I plan on acting in the spring production and would like to act in college.”
Who kisses who in the play?
Emily: “I can’t say, you’ll have to go to the play to see.”
Come see Deathtrap on…
Friday November 20th
7PM @ HHS Auditorium
Saturday November 21st
2PM and 7PM @ HHS Auditorium
Sunday November 21st
2PM @ HHS Auditorium
Cast:
Sidney Bruhl……..Benjamin Roy (Performs in all shows)
Myra Bruhl……..Amanda Gilmore (Performs Friday & Sunday)
Emily Bresnahan (Performs both Saturday shows)
Clara Anderson……..Grace Azzarito (Performs Friday & 2PM Saturday)
Caroline Milligan (Performs 7PM Saturday & Sunday)
Helga ten Dorp……..Jessica Begin (Performs Friday & 2PM Saturday)
Mckenna Judge (Performs 7PM Saturday & Sunday)
Polly Milgrim……..Aubrie Campbell (Performs Friday & 2PM Saturday)
Elizabeth Grover (Performs 7PM Saturday & Sunday)
History of Halloween, What it has become
Alina Page
Originally, Halloween, also known as All Hallows’ Eve, was a Pagan holiday, which honored the dead on November 1st. It can be traced back to about 2,000 years to a pre-Christian Celtic festival called Samhain which means “summer's end” in Gaelic. The Celts believed that on this night the ghosts of the dead were able to mingle with the living, more than any other day of the year. People would gather and sacrifice animals, fruits, and vegetables. They’d light fires to honor the dead but also to keep them away from the living. Today, we don’t necessarily light fires for the dead but rather carve scary faces on jack o'lanterns and put a flame in them to set them on our front steps for decoration, or maybe for some, it’s their way of keeping the spirits away. However, Samhain was less about death or evil and more about the transition of seasons. Although there isn’t a direct connection between Halloween and Samhain, because they are so close together on the calendar, many scholars believe that they influenced each other into later combining the holiday that we celebrate.
Today, all traditions can be traced back to the ancient Celtic day of the dead. Trick-or-treating for instance, the wearing of costumes and going door to door getting treats, can be traced back to the Celtic period or even the first centuries of the Christian era. This was a time where it was thought that the souls of the dead were out around with witches and demons, and by leaving drinks and treats out, it would calm them. On the other hand, dressing in costumes and going door to door may go back to the practice of guising in which people would disguise oneself and go door to door asking for food. It can also be related to souling, which is a medieval custom on Hallowmas where poor people would knock on doors asking for food in exchange for prayers for the dead. It was also a superstition that ghosts could disguise themselves as humans and go door to door asking for food. If you turned them away, you’d face the risk being haunted or cursed by the spirit. Another myth was that by dressing up as a ghoul you could trick the evil spirits into thinking you were one of them, therefore they wouldn’t try to take your soul.
Halloween, wasn’t always meant for little kids to dress up and go door to door getting candy, so was the evolvement of this holiday to what it is today, for the better? In some ways, you could say yes. The holiday that it is today is fun; children get free candy, and it’s a day where they can dress up to be anything they want to be. We watch scary movies on television and get told scary stories that we know, deep down, are not real. We made a day that was meant to be about the transition of seasons and that the transition, at least metaphorically speaking, was a bridge to the world of the dead, into a day of getting candy from strangers. It became a day that has nothing to do with seasons except the fact that it takes place in the fall, and a day that has nothing to do with the bridge to the world of the dead but rather the scary stories told through voice and film.
Every year, the more each generation before us dies out, the meaning of this holiday and many others slowly die out. We don’t learn about the meaning and originality about this holiday or any other for that fact in school, we hear about them through stories growing up, and even those we might not believe because they aren’t told as history, but rather only just a story.
Haley’s Fantasy Football: Throwing more picks your way than Jameis Winston!
Brian Haley
Last week, I praised Charcandrick West as a waiver add. Despite an abysmal performance, he is still worth a bench spot strictly due to opportunity. Stafford proved me wrong with a four touchdown performance… against the Bears. I would still avoid him altogether as the Lions have been a fantasy wasteland that even Megatron has been disappointing in. Garcon and Stewart both found the end zone against tough match ups. However, Ryan, Blount, and Landry were all very valuable starters last week. I would not expect similar production from each of them.
Add Of The Week: Stefon Diggs WR MIN
Charles Johnson has been a complete bust and Mike Wallace hasn’t been a quality fantasy receiver since he left Big Ben in free agency (coincidence? I think not). Diggs is completely under the radar but has over 200 yards in his past two games against quality defenses. Teddy Bridgewater needs a reliable target and his rapport with Diggs could be the difference for your fantasy playoff hopes.
Drop of the Week: Percy Harvin WR BUF
Harvin has worn out his welcome with four teams already due to his constant injuries and personality. He seemed to have found a home with Buffalo after an impressive touchdown, but since he has returned to very few points. Another Percy problem has occurred as he did not travel with the team to London for a mysterious reason. Don’t let Percy punch you out of the playoffs like he did with Doug Baldwin in Seattle.
Start: Philip Rivers QB SD
Rivers shattered literally every passing record in Chargers’ history, and was one more completion away from taking down the arguably the NFC’s best team. Melvin Gordon has looked like the next Trent Richardson the past few weeks (yeah, that bad), so the Chargers’ offense will continue to rely on Rivers to move the chains. Father time Antonio Gates should find plenty of space over the middle. Rivers should continue to rack up points this week in what should be a competitive AFC West matchup.
Sit: Eli Manning QB NYG vs DAL
Manning was disastrous against Philly last week in a game with more picks than TDs. The Eagles front seven tormented Eli and gave him very little time in the pocket. Connor Barwin and Fletcher Cox made the Big Blue O-line look like blocking bags, especially fill-in tackle Marshall Newhouse. This week, Newhouse will be lining up across from Greg Hardy and Randy Gregory. Manning will receive very little time in the pocket and score very few points this week.
Start: John Brown WR ARI vs BAL
Baltimore’s secondary is easily the worst in the league and as a result, Baltimore is a 1-4 team. They have allowed 5 different receivers to reach 100 yards including AJ Green’s 227 yard, 2 touchdown outburst (no, that’s not a typo). Bruce Arians loves to throw the ball downfield and Brown can flat out fly by most defenders. Brown had a good game last week and I expect him to improve on that outing this week.
Sit: Jordan Matthews WR PHI vs CAR
Matthews was drafted as a high end WR2 in most leagues. He has played like a bye week fill in. Also, Sam Bradford likes to throw it to defenders more than Eagles receivers. When Matthews is targeted, he can’t hold on to the ball. I am not expecting Chip Kelly’s running game to help open up passing lanes against stud linebackers Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis. Lastly, Josh Norman has looked like the best corner in the NFC this year. So please, don’t test him with a sorry receiver like Jordan Matthews.
Start: Latavius Murray OAK vs SD
James Starks spun through the Charger defense to the tune of 112 yards and a touchdown. They have allowed a porous 7 scores to running backs this season. Murray is a much more talented runner than Starks and if Oakland wants to hang with the Chargers passing attack, they should look to control the game on the ground. Murray has been a low RB2/FLEX option thus far and I would be sure he isn’t taking up space on my bench.
Sit: Isaiah Crowell RB CLE vs STL
Crowell has performed just as I expected this season. I projected him to be just like any other Cleveland Brown- inconsistent and unreliable. The Rams defense, however, has been phenomenal against the run. They have allowed just one rusher to reach 100 yards this season. At the same time, Crowell has not rushed for more than 75 yards in a single game this season. I would not expect much from him against the Rams’ powerhouse defensive line. They have shut down elite backs such as Eddie Lacy and Marshawn Lynch already this season. Josh McCown and Travis Benjamin are not going to demand St. Louis to honor their passing game the way Rodgers and Wilson do. Duke Johnson Jr, rookie out of Miami, is a more explosive playmaker and better pass catcher. Last week, Johnson gained 6 more yards than Crowell with one less carry. Avoid this matchup at all costs.
Key Injuries:
Titans QB Marcus Mariota missed practice with a sprained MCL, but “hopes to play Sunday.”
Patriots WR Brandon LaFell practiced for the first time this season due to a foot injury.
Chiefs WR Jeremy Maclin is questionable with a concussion.
Cowboys WR Dez Bryant is doubtful to return from a foot injury on Sunday.
Places to visit on Halloween
Michaela Kane
One way Haverhill is getting ready for Halloween is by having the Halloween Trail at East Town Park on October 30. With Free admission, families dress up in their favorite costumes and arrive at the trail for a night of fun. Families arrive at seven to travel across the popular trail, encountering ghosts and ghouls along the way.
The famous town of Salem, Massachusetts is always busy on Halloween night. All throughout October, an event known as Haunted Happenings takes place in the town, hosting numerous haunted houses, museums, Halloween shows, and costume contests. One of the most attended spots is the Salem Witch Museum, the best place to learn about the 1692 witch hysteria. It includes tours and information sessions, and sells out very quickly.There are countless places to be this Halloween, all in this area. So as Halloween approaches, pick your favorite place to be, whether it is at an amusement park, or at home during trick or treating.
The Origin Of a Killer
Jared Arriaga
Once this substance is created, smugglers transport the drug either by boat to ports in Mexico or in truckloads up through the other South American countries into Mexico. Once safely in the hands of cartels in Mexico it is transported over the U.S. border, which is possible due to corruption, pay-offs, and strategically placed hiding spots throughout the transporting vehicles. Once over the border, shipments are brought to major cities such as Dallas, Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York City, and Boston. Local gangs and drug dealers then distribute the heroin into the smaller neighboring cities.
In 2001, heroin overdoses seemed to be at an all time high of nearly 2,000 overdoses nationally. Little did we know by 2013 those numbers would skyrocket to almost 8,000 a year. With the death toll rising so do the questions: Where is this killer coming from? How is getting into our cities and towns? And why is it so appealing to high school students?
Studies by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) revealed that most of the heroin that is sold in the United States originates back to the poppy flower fields of Colombia. Workers will mix raw opium scraped out of poppy pods with calcium and hot water in large barrels. Several binding chemicals are added over a long process of heating and mixing. Eventually this process amounts to the white powdery substance known as heroin to most, China white, skag and horse to others.
Once this substance is created, smugglers transport the drug either by boat to ports in Mexico or in truckloads up through the other South American countries into Mexico. Once safely in the hands of cartels in Mexico it is transported over the U.S. border, which is possible due to corruption, pay-offs, and strategically placed hiding spots throughout the transporting vehicles. Once over the border, shipments are brought to major cities such as Dallas, Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York City, and Boston. Local gangs and drug dealers then distribute the heroin into the smaller neighboring cities.
Heroin has become a major problem in Massachusetts, mainly because it is cheap and highly addictive. It is not as expensive as cocaine, marijuana and other drugs. It captivates high school students because it is in their "budget" which typically is not that high. Heroin usage and overdoses are also exacerbated by the opioid epidemic. Typically, youths and adults alike initially get hooked on widely distributed painkillers such as Percocet and OxyContin and then turn to heroin for a cheaper, and sometimes more easily accessible, substitute. Lynn has had the highest rate of overdoses this past year with 27, followed by Haverhill with 19. Surrounding cities like Lawrence had ten, Methuen with seven, and Andover/North Andover both had one.
