History Lesson

On Wednesday, I heard one of the best lectures I have ever heard. Mr. Michael Solterbeck, a retired Beaver Local history teacher, gave his lecture on the assassination of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy. I made sure to get a seat in the front so I could tune out the world around me and just listen to what he had to say. And, I must say, it was absolutely captivating.
Mr. Solterbeck started off by telling some puns while waiting for the audience to fill, which showed that we were already in for a treat. Once that was done, he fired up his 1970’s style slide projector and got started. I, being a history buff and an avid conspiracy reader/theorist, was enthralled by how much time this man had spent learning everything there is to know about the assassination. I thought I knew a majority of what happened on that fateful day in November, but, that is far from the truth.
Sadly, Mr. Solterbeck ran out of time before he was able to get deep into the theories of the president’s death. He has been studying the assassination since he was a junior in high school, nearly 44 years ago. He has had the pleasure of meeting some of the people who were directly involved with the case and even visited Dealey Plaza. He has recently begun to speak more about the assassination, spreading his decades worth of knowledge and passion throughout the community.

 

 

As a bonus, here are some of my favorite facts I learned about the assassination:
– the “magic bullet” had no damage but went through two bodies and through bone
– Kennedy’s bullet hole was “moved” in records
– Lee Harvey Oswald had two other aliases
– There was a report of a puff of smoke from the grassy knoll
– The Zapruder documents Kennedy’s last moments and death
– Kennedy’s brain is missing

Basketball

The Beaver local boys basketball team will host southern local this Saturday. Last years game was a down to the wire game with the results of a Beaver local win and a crushing defeat so a repeat of a good game coming this Saturday to a Beaver dome near you will be a high energized game hope to see you there.

Basketball

The beaver local boys will travel to buckeye local this Friday in hopes of another crushing win against the buckeye boys team. The last time the two teams met up everything went right for the beavers as they blew them out 91-53 and are looking to do the same thing this Friday.

Basketball

The boys basketball team was supposed to have a home opener against the East Liverpool potters this Tuesday but due to weather the game was canceled and will be moved to a later date. The boys team 4-6 are looking to tack on another win this week against the potters who beat them last time at the potters field house. The beavers managed to knock them off last year at home so this years returning players are looking to do the same.

Teens Find Style for Less

Welcome back, Beavers! In today’s society, teenagers are expressing themselves through fashion more than ever. With outgoing trends and fabrics, us teens use pieces of clothing to show off our very own style and personality; however, the price tags are continuously rising.

In high school, sporting events and club involvement take up a lot of our time. With the little free time that we have outside of our classes and hobbies, many of us have a part-time job. Considering that the minimum wage in Ohio is $8.15, the few hours that we are able to work do not reward us with the money it takes to be a stylish teen ― or so we thought.

Most students here at Beaver Local travel approximately forty-five minutes to get to the nearest shopping center. In this town, there are many stores that students may not consider when thinking of places to shop. I decided to write this post to inform students about the places where they can get the most amazing fashion trends while staying within a budget that doesn’t break the bank.

First, my personal favorite, is TJ Maxx. This store has a wide variety of clothing, purses, shoes, and homegoods, with many name-brand items marked down to unbelievable prices! Some of the best deals that I have found at TJ Maxx are: Michael Kors tennis shoes (originally $110.00, purchased for $50.00), a Kate Spade purse (originally $315.00, purchased for $130.00), a Calvin Klein bookbag (originally $211.00, purchased on clearance for $32.00), and high-quality blouses for as low as $5.00.

Second, another great store is Marshalls, affiliated with TJ Maxx. Although I have yet to shop here myself, I know of many people who have found jaw-dropping deals here, similar to TJ Maxx.

Showing teens that they can get the most trendy fashion for a fraction of the original cost can hopefully give them the opportunity to save up their money while still buying affordable clothes to express themselves as they desire. I believe that every young adult should be able to feel confident about themselves, and saving money while keeping up with popular fashion is a good way to do that.

Six Great Gifts

1.) Crocs
Frequently seen as an ugly fashion don’t, these soon to be trendy shoes will definitely be a great addition to anyone’s closet. They are highly comfortable and easy to wear these shoes will add an effect to any look, are great for on the go, and if you wear them with fuzzy socks I promise you will not be a mistake. Retailing for $11.22 these shoes come in a variety of colors and are easy to snatch on any budget.

2.) Gucci Slides
Coming in at a much heavier price than the previously mentioned Crocs these slides are a CLOUT booster. Many people may see this as a “waste of money” and ” not worth it” but if you have Gucci Slides and get to walk out of your house in them you will feel like a straight G. Retailing for $ 210 these have a heavy price but they are not just an investment but a lifestyle enhancer. Great for anyone of any age buy someone you love and yourself a pair of Gucci SLides.

3.) Cat Back-Pack
DO YOU HAVE A CAT! If not then maybe consider getting one? Let me tell you this traveling cat case would certainly make any cat lover happy. You frequently wish to take that furry friend with you and now you can. You and that special furry friend will be able to travel the entire world together now and nothing can hold you back. You will not regret buying this cute and life-enhancing Cat Case for the low retail price of $52.99. Guaranteed to make any fur parent happy.

4.) A Dinosaur Onesie
Comfy, cozy, and super easy to wear these hecka kawaii desu pajamas are not a mistake. The soft pink color will help to keep your pastel dreams a reality. Being able to leave your home feeling the comfort of a cloud this soft and calm onesie will keep you smiling no matter what year or time of day it is. This paired with black or white vans is always a good idea for any going out look. Great for sleepovers, pj days, or causal grocery shopping this is a great purchase for any friend or loved ones. Retailing at $28.99 it may be slightly above what you are looking to spend, but as a frequent onesie shopper, I promise you this price can’t be beaten.

5.) A Tricera Top Taco Holder
As a foodie and late night entertainer, I am always searching for a cute and fun way to entertain the kiddos. Well, this is the answer for any party host or dino lover. Giving those oh so fun treats a little more spice, every pun implied and turning it into a fun thing for children to look at. Making it easy to entertain guest of all age dynamics this gift is perfect for a housewarming party, birthdays, or just because you care. Retailing for $12.95 this is a STEAL!

6.) 8 boxes of Little Debbie Strawberry Shortcake Rolls
Now I know what you are thinking, WHY? Well, these are amazing that’s why they taste and look great. You are going to want eight boxes because you should take these everywhere. A car trip, bag lunch, or late night snack are always great options and my most preferred. Sweet and delicious you should buy these for everyone. No one and I mean no one should ever not wish for this yummy treat.

5 fun activities

 

1.) Go Ice Skating
There is not a better way to risk bodily harm to yourself and others than to go glide on some frozen water. It doesn’t matter if it’s under the big tree in Pittsburgh, the Ice Zone in Boardman, or your neighbor’s pond. Living your true Yuri Pilitsey dream is always a good time and falling on your face surrounded by loved ones it a GREAT time.

2.) Have. A Christmas Movie Marathon (or a regular movie marathon if you don’t celebrate Christmas. We don’t judge)

Start by getting all your blankets and pillows out and PILE them up. Completely make it so it’s like a soft room of Sherpa and fluff. Then pick out 5-6 movies for all of you and your friends to watch. Also, do NOT forget snacks, they are critical to making this a good time. Buy the most greases, cheese filled, deep fried, GMO filled food you can. Eat to your heart’s content and laugh the night away in your PJs with your friends.

3.) Make some yummy cookies!

Now I get that baking takes time and energy that we don’t have. That’s why I say buy some of the pre-made, slap them on a cookie tray and call it a night. I honestly like this method because it’s low work and makes life so easy. After all, you wanna spend the time talking with your friends not doing prep work for cookies.

4.) See a Light Show

Take all of your friends and put on some COMFY clothing. Pile up in the car and head out to a Christmas light show. They are all over and it’s a great friend road trip to go on. Drive like an hour away and after grabbing a bite to eat. It’s a great and fun activity for any group

5.) PLAY IN THE SNOW

I know we all get mad at the snow but we should really value it more. Some people don’t have access to the frozen wonderlands that we do. Make snowmen and angels, go sled riding and make the most of it. Tap into your childhood youth and have a great time walking in a winter wonderland.

Happy New Year Beavers

Happy New Year Beavers! Now that Christmas is over and we’re getting closer to 2018, we’re all thinking about starting our new year off with a bang. To give you an idea about where the New Year’s tradition came from, and some statistics and numbers about the celebration itself, I decided to write a post.

First, we’ll learn about where the holiday originated from. Ringing in the new year goes way back to 4,000 years ago when the Babylonians celebrated it at the first full moon after the spring equinox. The ancient Egyptian year began with the annual flooding of the Nile. Julius Caesar made January first the official first day of the year in 46 B.C., but England and many American colonies didn’t do so until the year 1752.

Second, different countries celebrate the new year in many different ways. For example, the signature foods that people eat on this day have a very wide range of variety. In Italy, Germany, Ireland and the Southern United States, the main dish is legumes and leafy greens, meaning financial fortune. In Cuba, Austria, Hungary and Portugal, the food they eat is pork, meaning progress in the days or months to come. In the Netherlands, Mexico and Greece, the food is ring-shaped pastries symbolizing that the year has come full circle. And lastly, in Japan, the citizens eat long noodles in hopes of long lives.

As well as foods, different places also have different events to celebrate the beginning of a new year. For example, originating in 1890, the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California features floats made with 18 million flowers. At the Mummers Parade in Philadelphia, 10,000 people march through the city and perform in costumes. London, England brings in the new year with fireworks over the Thames. In 2012, the Olympic Games extra-large display consisted of 12,000 individual fireworks. In Australia, over one million people go to Sydney Harbor’s 40 mile shoreline to watch a firework show.

Here in America, a million people go to New York City to watch the ball drop, and close to 1 BILLION people watch the event on television. The famous ball is twelve feet in diameter 2,688 crystals, 32,000 LED lights, and weighs 11, 875 pounds. At midnight, 2,000 pounds of confetti fall on the crowd in Times Square. 44% of American adults plan to kiss sometime when the clock strikes midnight, 61% say a prayer on New Year’s Eve, and 22% fall asleep before midnight arrives.

The most common new year’s resolutions that Americans make are to: lose weight, get organized, spend less money, save more money, stay healthy, and quit smoking.

To all the Beavers here at our school, I hope the new year brings you many blessings that have yet to occur in your life, and I hope you all have a wonderful and safe holiday season. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

A Letter to the Freshman

Here’s a small letter of advice from a senior wishing she would’ve done more throughout high school. Coming in to high school I tried to fit in with the older kids just like everyone does. That was my first mistake. Don’t be scared to be friends with the older kids but don’t go out of your comfort zone for them to like you. You’ll grow up quick enough in these next four years, don’t rush it. I remember wanting to be like the juniors and seniors getting to drive around and hanging out with friends even on school nights. I blinked my eyes and was suddenly pulling long work hours after school along with cheer practice and juggling a small social life with friends. Freshman year is where you start to see where you fit in, what lunch table you want to sit at, and what sports you may want to try. Get involved in the clubs such as Science, History, Varsity B, and SADD. For the girls, don’t ever let a guy tell you how to live your life. This will ruin the beginning of your high school career and you’ll regret it later. Though you might not choose certain sports your freshman year, it’s never too late to try them later. Our senior year my friend Abby decided to quit cheering during basketball season and try swimming, this was one of the best decisions of her life. Although she loved cheering, she’s really loving being on the swim team. I also am going to try something new for my last year here. It is never too late to try something new in high school but don’t be scared to come in freshman year and try out everything! Best of luck to the freshman now, incoming freshman, and all the other high school students.

How To Make Hard Tack Candy

Hard tack candy is a sweet holiday treat that is easy to make, and very delicious. Hard tack is a flavored candy, and is made using corn syrup. There are a variety of ways to make this wonderful candy, but I’ve provided one that is most common.

Ingredients:

  • 3 1/2 cups of sugar
  • 1 cup of corn syrup
  • 1 cup of boiling water
  • 1 teaspoon of flavored oil/candy flavor
  • 1 teaspoon of food coloring

Directions:

1. Butter large cookie sheet (with edges) and set aside. Boil water.

2. Mix in sugar and corn syrup.

3. Mix in saucepan until sugar is dissolved.

4. Cook, without stirring until candy thermometer reaches 300 degrees (hard crack).

5. Immediately remove from heat.

6. Add food coloring and oil flavoring.

7. Stir until well mixed.

8. Pour syrup into prepared cookie sheet.

9. Start cutting around edges with candy shears as syrup cools.

10. Drop the candy on wax paper that has been sprinkled with powdered sugar.

11. When candy cools, break into pieces and store in tins.

 

 

Source website for candy: http://www.recipekey.com/therecipes/Hard-Tack-Candy