THE KEYSTONE XL PIPELINE CANCELATION - WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR AMERICANS? LOCAL FOOD BANKS
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Spring 2021 February 17 Volume 22 issue 8
The Keystone XL
Pipeline
Cancelation
What Does This Mean For
Americans?
Local Food
Banks
Where and How to get the
food you need
Movie Review
Soul
Instrument
Buying Guide
Three Rivers Community College
Table of Community
contents 4 The Keystone XL Pipeline Cancelation
The Current is the What does this mean for Americans?
official student
publication of Three
8 Local Food Banks
Rivers Community College. Where and how to get the food you need
The Current is written, edited,
and designed solely
10 COVID Vaccination Update
What to expect from the brand-new vaccine
Editor by students.
12 Vocaturas Bakery Reopens
Gillian Taylor Iconic grinder shop recovers from accident
Managing Editor Entertainment
Gillian Taylor
16 Streaming Services in a Pandemic
Staff Campus
How media consumption has changed for at-home use
Brent Meraviglia
18 Vegan Cheese Pizza and Vegetarian Bacon Pizza
14 Course Review 20 Bernie Sanders Next Big Meme
Emme Romanelli The mittens seen around the nation.
Principles of Advertising
Alex Slane 22 Movie Review
Soul
William Silva
24 Places to go when everything’s closed
Advisor State Parks to visit to get outisde
Kevin Amenta 26 Things to do during a snow storm
Fun things to do outside
28 Instrument Buying Guide
32 The pros and cons of a social media giant
2 A review - Is TikTok something to worry about? 3
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COMMUNiTY
could have offered an estimated $3
billion dollar addition to the
American economy and would support
production from Canada. Nationwide, gas prices went up 5 cents
While the pipeline would have from February 1st to the 8th. However,
The Keystone XL guaranteed a more productive gas prices are dependent on
economy for both Canada and the US, multiple factors. This includes crude
it also came with many cons. Some- oil prices, production, location and a
Pipeline Cancelation thing to consider is that sustainable
and renewable energy could create up
to four times more jobs than the
recent factor, the Covid-19 pandemic.
Covid-19 has put many Americans in
a situation far from normal. The same
What does this mean for Americans? pipeline. Not only would this option can be said about gas. According to
CNN, drivers spent 100 billion dollars
By: Brent Meraviglia create more jobs, but it would also be
better for the environment. The less on gasoline in 2020 than they did
pipeline would be transporting a in 2019. While the pipeline closing
WASHINGTON D.C – President Joe corrosive product, leading to a risk of may be a factor, it is not the sole
Biden moved quickly into office, a potential leak. While unlikely, leaks reason.
canceling the Keystone XL pipeline from the pipeline could create
on his first day. 830,000 barrels of damaging effects for the environment. While many Americans go back and
oil a day were expected to be The size of the pipeline is also a risk. forth on the shortcomings and benefits
transported from Alberta, Canada to 1200 miles is a lot of the pipeline, the decision made by
Illinois and Texas where it would be to cover in terms
refined. The project has been in of safety. The pipe- December 2020 - February 2021
process for over a decade now line also does not $3.00
leading to a multibillion-dollar sit well with
roadblock. Recently in March, Alberta Native Americans.
invested 1.5 billion into the pipeline The project would $2.83
and construction began on April 7th, go through
2020. Along with the project traditional lands,
cancellation also comes 48,000 tons where they argue $2.65
of steel. many of their dead
are buried.
The Keystone XL project offered $2.48
many pros. The pipeline helps create Gas prices are on
thousands of jobs although most are the rise again
temporary. The pipeline itself would leading some $2.31
have helped reduce emissions and Americans to link J F
transportation dangers with other it with the pipeline
methods. Economically, the pipeline cancelation.
Gas prices between Dec 2020 to Feb 2021
A Gas pump at Shell Gas Station in Lisbon CT. Taken by Gillian Taylor
4 5
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statement “It will harm
consumers and put
thousands of Americans
in the building trades out
It has created a situation where pipe of work. Halting
liners and environmentalists are construction will also
President Joe Biden will not have a impede the safe and
massive effect on gas prices. It will, against each other. Despite many
arguing these are temporary jobs, efficient transport of oil,
however, affect the thousands of and unfairly single out
workers now without a job and the they are also jobs that families rely
on. The current situation of the production from one of
local businesses benefiting around our closest and most
the construction. Geri Risley, a local pandemic and lack of stimulus
money makes this decision even important allies.”
resident from Lebanon said “It’s
upsetting. I think we need the jobs. harder for the workers. The
president of the U.S. Chamber of Alternatively, the
It would have been a great benefit to decision has given a lot
the economy.” Commerce’s Global Energy
of attention towards
environmentally friendly solutions
and has pushed America in that
direction. Dale Marshall, the
national climate program manager
for Canada’s Environmental
Defence stated “Killing the
Keystone XL pipeline once and for
all is a clear indication that climate
action is a priority for the White
House.”
Shell Gas Station Sign with prices.
Taken by: Gillian Taylor
Graphic of a crane carrying a pipe.
Created by: Gillian Taylor
A close up of someone pumping gas. Taken by: Brent Meraviglia
6 7
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COMMUNiTY
3 Thames Valley Council for Community
Local Food Action
Banks
83 HUNTINGTON ST, NEW LONDON CT
Hours: Mon – Fri 8:00am till 4:00pm
Phone Number: 860.889.1365
Where and how to get the food, you Web site: https://www.tvcca.org/ New London
need in South Eastern CT
By: Gillian Taylor TVCCA is a large program that helps family across
Eastern CT. This program strives to help those in need
1 St. Vincent De Paul 2 First Haitian Baptist of housing, food, employment and education. From the
TVCCA
Place Church Food Pantry webpage it says that they have a “focus on building the 3 Thames Valley Council
community’s self-sufficiency and resiliency”. for Community Action
120 CLIFF ST, NORWICH CT 365 CENTRAL AVE, NORWICH CT
Not only do they provide help with food, but they also
Hours: Mon & Wed 9:30 am till 3:00 pm,
Saturday 8:00 am till 12:00 pm
Hours: Friday 12pm
Phone Number: 860.367.7413 want to help families who need housing or many who 4 New London Area
Food Pantry
Phone Number: 860-889-7374 Web site: https://fhbcnorwich.org/ need jobs.
Email: info@svdpp.org
Web site: https://www.svdpp.org/ The First Haitian Baptist Church of
Norwich was first established in 1996.
4 New London Area Food Pantry
St. Vincent De Paul Place was founded in From their webpage it states that “Rev. 106 TRUMAN ST, NEW LONDON CT
1979 to help the George Sterne Lys, Hours: Mon 2pm to 4pm, Tues 10am to 12pm, and
communities who are strug- Norwich pastor of Hartford Thurs 10am to 12pm
gling. From their Missionary Baptist Web site: https://newlondonareafoodpantry.weebly.
webpage it states that their Church in Hartford com/
mission is CT, a few members
“to provide food and of that church, and The New London Area Food Pantry has been in
service to those who are a few residents in operation since 1988 as a
physically, mentally, or Norwich; in March nonprofit organization. Their mission
spiritually impoverished. 1996 started a statement is “we provide emergency food to those in need in the
We welcome anyone in need. 2 First Haitian Baptist
Church Food Pantry movement of New London area with a choice of foods to provide a
evangelization balanced diet of fresh, frozen and canned foods. This includes
Our goal is to motivate our 1 St. Vincent De Paul Place every vegetables, bread, fruit, peanut butter, dairy products, meats and
patrons towards
self-sufficient and a better Saturday, by various other products that become available to us”.
life”. going from house
to house”. Graphics and maps made by Gillian Taylor
8 9
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Covid Vaccination Update
What to expect from the brand-new vaccine
By: Emme Romanelli
COVID-19 is and assisted living facility
staff.
both times... speaking
firsthand it was nothing
responders are
continually getting
it.” He clarifies
“We are
nothing new to anyone, ER nurse Riley Tompkins compared to the virus, vaccinated to protect assigned to get
but there is something who currently works at and absolutely worth those they care for as it at Hartford
new in terms of ending Providence Medical it.” well as themselves. hospital as they
the pandemic. As we Center in Anchorage, It is predicted that the Outside of a hospital are focusing
come up on one year Alaska received the vaccine will be available there is more on healthcare
since the pandemic vaccine less than three to the public by organization necessary workers
began in the U.S. weeks after battling mid-2021, so it is to make sure all rather than
Pfizer and Moderna have COVID-19. His experience important for those firefighters and police enior citizens.”
begun distributing with the vaccine differs unfamiliar with how personnel receive the Most people
vaccines to senior from those receiving it vaccines work to vaccine. Nate Romanelli, getting the
citizens and healthcare without having had the understand why this Old Mystic Fire vaccine do
workers. virus. one is so important. Department EMT not have a full
completed the process to scope of what
The scope of who gets “Most people are getting “[The vaccine] instructs receive his vaccine in the to really expect
the vaccine first is a bit a little more than a sore your body to create the coming weeks. As he is as it varies Nate
further arm from the first dose, proteins that only 17 years old, most plans on, Old Mystic EMT Nate Romanelli Photographed
than peo- but then an immune mimic those found in doctors’ offices cannot “taking a by Emme Romanelli
ple may response from the the virus. These provide the vaccine as couple days at least nothing to be worried
think. The second dose, including proteins are what your they are reserved for to recover from any effect about. Though it may
vaccine is fever chills and aches.” body recognizes as bad citizens 75 and older. it may have. I’m in online have more of an effect
being For those who haven’t had news and creates “The station I school anyway so there’s that a regular flu shot,
given to the virus he says “it’s antibodies to fight volunteer with has a no better time than now to this is the first vaccine
those miserable, but it’s your against it. At no point program through our get it and make sure I’m available to tackle this
working body doing its job.” is there a live or dead department which safe.” pandemic. As of now,
Covid-19 inside version of the virus provides us the vaccine The vaccine is it is all we have to get
Vaccine hospitals, In terms of if someone introduced, so it’s if we choose to receive obviously not a walk in back to regular day to
as well as receiving the vaccine has impossible to contract the park, but this is day life.
first had it, he states “My body the virus from the
responders was still chock full of shot.”
In terms of a local
COVID-19
antibodies, which meant I Vaccine
10 had the immune response perspective, first
Graphics made my Emme Romanelli
11
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Vocatura’s Bakery Reopens!
Iconic sandwich shop recovers after a tragic accident back in October 2020 Before
By: Gillian Taylor
VOCATURAS BAKERY in his beloved business back Being an eyewitness to having the
Greenville CT has been and booming again. After 3 the accident, standing in refrigerated
standing for over 50 months of hard work and the building now it never grinder and
years. In October 2020, labor, they finally picked even looked like a pizza counters
a Jeep rammed into the an opening day. As of vehicle smashed into the The new slicers,
front of the old building Thursday, February 4, 2021 glass store front. Jordan and the new
destroying the store front Vocaturas Bakery is Lombardi, who has been cases. The old
and all the cases inside. officially reopened and working at the bakery cases were about After
Workers were quickly ready for business. for 5 years, made it clear 40 years old.
rushed from the building how different everything Maybe even
so that the area could be Walking into the Bakery is now at the bakery. She older.These new
secured. David today, customers would talked about how it is changes are for
Vocatura, the owner of never know that a jeep going to take a while to the better”. She
the bakery was in sham- drove straight into the get used to the newer mentioned how
bles and believed that his building just 3 months cash registers. happy she is with
business was done for. earlier. The construction Previously, the cash the change and
Not only were the company called Mattern registers were so that the
employee’s Construction worked day outdated,employees had Pictures of the accident and after repairs. Taken by:Gillian Taylor
bakery really needed an
devastated from this and night to to do all the math upgrade, a new start she Although this full as usual, and bellies
accident but so were the secure the structure of the in their head to give back even goes to say. close knit family at the filled with the pizza,
people of the community. building. The shiny new change. With the new Lombardi was bakery have been through grinders and pastries
fridges, meat slicers and registers the employee’s present during the a lot, they’re working to sold at Vocaturas.
The damage done to the counter tops are an job is more efficient. accident and said “I do come back stronger than
building was upgrade from the previous get scared” when before. The new appliances
extensive and needed a wood counters, old fridges, When asked what the reminiscing about the secured structural supports
lot of time to repair. and dinky slicers they had biggest difference is, event. However, she and love from the
David Vocatura was before. The whole inside is Lombardi stated that mentioned feeling community,
the most eager to get a lot brighter and more “the biggest difference is safer now that she Vocaturas Bakery is back up
welcoming compared to really the upgraded better knows how to and booming. Parking lot is
what it looked like before. appliances,
12 handle such a situation.
13
CAMPUS
C Principles of Advertsing
A class more than just advertisers could benefit from
By: Emme Romanelli
Principles of Advertising is a as Integrated Marketing
ADVERTISING
Marketing Course which is typically Communications (IMC), which is
a requirement for Graphic Design utilizing various marketing
students. My course was taught by channels to convey one message.
Professor James O’Shea, a Professor While we learned concepts to sell
within the Business and to specific audiences, we also
Technologies Department here at viewed real world examples, such
Three Rivers. as Super Bowl commercials and
recognizable ad campaigns. This
My experience with the class was class took our learning one step
positive, the class is helpful to further, while a regular class may
anyone who wants to improve on require just learning the material,
appealing to an audience. For my we applied these concepts to our
case, it was looking at how designs own advertising campaigns.
will be interpreted to anyone The bulk of the class was spent
looking for a split second. within breakout rooms on the The final for the class was with more people than just yourself.
The first several weeks are devoted online format with our designated presenting our ad campaign as Alongside the group work, the
to learning the basics of groups, ranging from four to six well as listen to what other came concepts learned in this class are felt
marketing and advertising. This people per group. The goal was to up with. All around there were by everyone. Advertising is
includes focusing on concepts such create a product which did not so many different ideas that everywhere and it is a cool thing to
exist and would appeal to a only show up when understand how your brain perceives
specific audience. collaborating with other people. these concepts every day.
The class was one of my most
C
We were required to create a full helpful as a Graphic Design
visual advertising campaign. This major. Most of my career work
included magazine will involve collaboration and
advertisements and social media this class provided one of the
posts alongside a mock website most real-world situations I
and concepts for a commercial could be part of as a student.
and radio advertisement. Although it is an advertising
Overall, the campaign was class, I highly recommend
created for a mock product which taking this as a way of problem
were sneakers that converted into solving and creating something
14 roller-skates.
15
ENTERTAiNMENT
E Streaming Services in a Pandemic
How media consumption has changed for at-home use By: Emme Romanelli
Streaming services have become a media giant in recent years. The over others.
classics such as Netflix and Hulu have been around for years, but
2020 saw a whole different need for at home streaming, stay-at-home Before long, movie releases were
orders. being delayed and eventually
2020 opened with some of the now biggest shows and movies just moved to streaming
because by March platforms. But that can come
there was nothing with some trouble as at home
else to do but watch movie releases were rare before
tv. As time went on now.
there was less need
for public viewing While streaming giants are
experiences, like getting their day in the sun, the
movie theaters, fate of movie theaters is up in
and necessity for at the air. As of October 2020,
home streaming. Regal Cinemas closed all 536 of
This situation their theaters indefinitely.
provided Netflix to While 2020 provided us with
have some of its dozens of paid streaming
biggest programs. services there are a few that
These included the come free. Tubi TV is one of
Disney Plus
likes of Tiger King at them which features small-
the beginning of the pandemic, to more recently Bridgerton. er movies such as My Friend
Disney was one of the biggest contenders for a quarantine takeover. Dahmer and shows like The Tubi. Taken by Emme Romanelli
Their service came out at the perfect time in November of 2019. By Masked Singer.
the time COVID-19 hit, people had already bought the subscription
and were taking it all in. If there is anything 2020 brought along, it was change and adjust-
ment. The movie industry was hit, but in comes adjustment and alas
Disney also took a business venture and bundled Hulu and ESPN+ we have a streaming service
with their plan to give more incentive to choose their service takeover.
16 17
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E from scratch if desired, but we used pre-made
dough for this recipe. Just make sure the
pre-made dough does not contain any animal
products such as milk or eggs. By this point you might want to check and see if your
bacon needs to flip.
Veganism and the various forms of
vegetarianism have become much more
Vegan Cheese After preparing your dough, you can pour your sauce out. We used just about half a cup
Pizza and
popular over the past few years. There is a of pizza sauce. Make sure to spread it evenly on your dough.
whole new generation who are trying to do
their part in saving the planet and Once the sauce is on, you can spread your cheese out on top of your pizza. The amount
reducing their carbon footprint. A good way
to help towards ending animalcruelty as well
as helping the environment is
Vegetarian of cheese is really a preference, we used an estimated amount of 1 cup of shredded
cheese. Spread your cheese out evenly as well.
cutting meat, or even all animal products out
of your diet. Many people think this means Bacon Pizza Finally, your bacon is likely done at this point, so it’s time to prepare it for your pizza.
Cut your bacon strips into small slices and sprinkle it onto your pizza. The bacon
having to eat extra healthy and frankly, not By: Alex Slane
required for this recipe does contain egg and milk products, so it is not vegan, it is
the most delicious meals. However,
vegetarian. We are going to do half bacon and half cheese, this way, we have half a
this is not the case. Today we are
going to be making plan- based pizza!
vegan cheese pizza and half a vegetarian bacon pizza.
The total time for this recipe is 20-25
mins. Put the pizza onto a greased tray and cook in the oven for 15 Minutes. Depending on
the dough you used, it may take a few minutes longer than that.
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup of Daiya Mozzarella Style When it is done, cut it and enjoy!
Shreds AD
4 strips of Morning Star
Veggie Bacon Strips
½ Cup of your choice of
Pizza Sauce
Your choice of pizza dough
INSTRUCTIONS: Vegan Cheese and Vegetarian Bacon Pizza. taken by Alex Slane
To start, preheat the oven to 400
degrees. Now, we are going to get our bacon started. The
amount of bacon is up to your preferences. We are making
one pizza today, ½ cheese and ½ bacon, so I used 4 slices of
bacon to cover ½ of the pizza. Place your bacon strips on a
greased pan on medium heat. They are going to take around
3 minutes on each side or cook to your preferred crispness.
RECiPE
REViEW
After starting your bacon, we can begin on rolling the dough.
You may need to add a little flour to your dough so you can
roll it into the shape for your pizza. You can make dough
18 19ENTERTAiNMENT
E sitting there,trying to
keep warm. Trying to pay
attention to what was going
Bernie Sanders Next Big
on”. Sanders isn’t into memes
imself but appreciated the
moment, nonetheless.Brendan
Meme Smialowski, a man from Newtown
Connecticut was responsible for the
viral photo. He is a photographer with
The mittens seen around the nation the Agence France-Presse and has been
By: Brent Meraviglia taking pictures of political key moments for
almost two decades. In an interview from his
Washington D.C – Former Presidential home in Washington D.C, he said “It’s okay for
candidate Bernie Sanders was a primary
people to take a break from the heavy journalism and
topic of discussion during the
find light hearted moments”. While he is serious about his work, he is still grateful
Presidential Inauguration that took
for the attention.
place on Wednesday, January
20th. While many were on
Not only has the photographer himself been getting some recent attention, but the
edge after the recent capitol
woman that made the famous mittens has been getting some interest as well. In
raid,Sanders
reply to Seth Meyers, Sanders said “What was really nice is the woman who made
unintentionally took the
the mittens lives in Essex Junction, Vermont. She is a schoolteacher; a very very
internet by storm.
nice person and she has been somewhat overwhelmed by the kind of attention
Alleviating some of the
shown to her mittens.” Her name is Jen Ellis and now has over 22,000 followers on
tension. Hundreds of
twitter. It has gone as far now that people are bidding on the
thousands of memes
mittens she is making.
are available, many
showing up just hours
While both Biden and Trump supporters were on edge, Sanders gave the nation
after the inauguration.
something to come together and laugh about. Between the pandemic,
political differences, and other concerning conflicts, it was something that
What sparked the
brought American’s together during a time of division. This event shows the
meme was a now
power of people coming together.
famous picture of
Sanders wearing
Sanders has since announced that the meme has raised 1.8 million dollars from
hand-knit mittens from
his online store. The meme was put to good use and Sanders included
a supporter in Vermont
merchandise for it. He plans on giving the money to organizations working in his
along with a casual coat.
home state, Vermont. Andrew Zemantic, a local resident from Lebanon said “I’m
In an
not huge on politics but it was nice seeing something so positive for once. Both
interview with Late Night
political sides seemed to be together and it’s funny considering how
hosted by Seth Meyers,
unexpected and unrelated it was.” Graphic made my Gillian Taylor
Sanders said “I was just
20 21ENTERTAiNMENT
E
From this fall Joe’s soul is sent to the great
beyond. He lands on this conveyor belt that is
slowly bringing him up to a white light. There
are other souls on it and Joe realizes he is not in
his body anymore. He is not ready to die right
after waiting his whole life for anopportunity to perform. From here Joe runs through
this cosmic dimension and breaks a lot of rules along the way to get back to the life he
knew. While escaping the fate in front of him he gets lost in a place where new souls are
Movie Review: Soul
created before going to Earth. Joe breaks the rules to get back to Earth and he finally is
reunited with his body that has been in a coma. After jumping over all the obstacles to
get into his body he frantically runs around the city getting ready for his big night.
By; William Silva Joe arrives late to perform, and the famous jazz musician tells him he is too late. Joe
does not take no for an answer and he tells the woman he is meant to perform. Inspired
This Disney movie takes you on a magical journey through life, death, and the unknown.
by his dedication she lets him perform alongside her. Joe gives it his all and wows the
It takes place in the busy streets of New York City. The main character is named Joe
audience with the biggest performance of his lifetime. At this moment he is truly
Gardner, and he is voiced by Jamie Foxx. Joe is a school music teacher who has always
content. However, after the performance he feels this emptiness inside of him. He asks
had dreams of being something more. Music is his passion and even though his job
the famous musician what happens after the show. She tells him that they will come
involves music it is not what he is meant to do for the rest of his life. Ever since he was
back tomorrow night and do it all
a boy he wanted to be in the spotlight. He knows deep down that he is meant to be on
again.
stage speaking jazz through the keys of his
piano.
In this moment Joe realizes that
he has been chasing this dream
The movie starts to pick up when his boss
his whole life and by doing so he
offers him a raise. He acts excited about
has missed out on all the
getting the full-time position, but he is far
little things that he thought of as
from it. To him taking this position is es-
a waste of time. He realizes that
sentially the same as closing the door on his
living is not just playing piano
dreams to be a famous jazz musician. His
and being famous. Living is
mother pushes him to take the position be-
sitting in the park as the breeze
cause she does not believe he will ever be ca- A photo comparing (Joe Gardner) the main character to hits your face. Living is letting
pable of accomplishing his dream. From her (Jamie Foxx) the actor who voiced him. the cold ocean water hit your toes
perspective he is chasing a fantasy.
as you stand and look at the sunset. He realizes life is not about the destination, rather
On the same day that Joe receives a raise
it is about the journey and appreciating every little moment.
he also receives a life changing voicemail. A
past student left him a message with an offer
This is a beautiful life lesson,
of a lifetime. This student informed Joe that
and it was necessary. Especially
he was going to be performing with a famous
for people who have dreams of
jazz musician and asked Joe to join them
being famous this movie has a
playing the piano. Joe is ecstatic to hear this
crucial lesson. You must chase
voicemail and immediately starts celebrating
your dreams and never give up
as he runs through the streets of New York.
on them, but do not let them take
Distracted by his excitement he falls into an
your attention away from the
open manhole.
beautiful moments that life has
to offer.
22 A movie poster for “Soul” showing the main character.
A scene of Joe as a child. In this memory he is 23
listening to music with his father.ENTERTAiNMENT
E
Places to go When Everything’is Closed
By: Alex Slane
For over a year now, Coronavirus has had a hold on us and kept us from being Esker Point
able to do things like we used to. To keep ourselves and everyone else safe, we Esker Point is a small beach and picnic area
have had to sacrifice many of the things we liked to do. Having to stay indoors for with many glowing features. Located in
over a year can have some negative side effects. Therefore, it is important to get Groton, CT, you are right on the coast and
outside and explore the local beauty you may not have seen before. Visiting local have access to a nice little beach. The beach
parks and other outdoor locations is a good way to remain safe and still have that allows for swimming and they even offer
feeling of being out in public like everything is normal. volleyball courts! The picnic area is very
nice, and you will find that many people
Devils Hopyard enjoy bringing their dog. This park is also
If you are feeling a little down and need a good right next to a nice residential area if you are
mood booster, you should consider hiking! in the mood for a walk to look at the unique
Exercise releases endorphins which make your architecture.
brain happy. Devils Hopyard located in East
Haddam, CT, has several paths to follow so you Harkness Park
can enjoy a nice walk in the woods. Surrounded by Harkness Memorial State Park is in Waterford, CT, and offers a beach as well as a
waterfalls and rivers, you can enjoy your massive field and picnic area. Harkness is much larger than the other parks
surroundings and have a nice time. There are even mentioned, meaning it can feel less crowded even with a lot of people visiting. It
seating areas if you wanted to pack a lunch. has a beach like Esker Point, but it is much larger. However, there is no swimming
at this beach. The picnic area has tables and even some charcoal grills. There is
Fort Shantok also a mansion that houses 42 rooms.
Located in Uncasville, CT, Fort Shantok offers easy
trails with pretty views and wildlife. There are Remember to make time for yourself to go outside and experience what the local
many ponds, some even with bridges to cross. parks have to offer and stay safe while doing so.
If you are lucky, you might even stumble across
some sleeping turtles. There are geese everywhere,
but do not get too close as they do not take kind-
ly to strangers. Once in the woods, you can even
break away from the trail and explore on your own.
There are cliffs and waterfalls here as well to add
to the amazing surroundings.
Pictures of Fort Shantok and Esker Point.Taken by Alex Slane
24 Devils Hopyard Taken By: Gillian Taylor. 25ENTERTAiNMENT
E Things to do During a Snow Storm
Whether you are cozied up inside or eager to get out, here are some fun things to
keep yourself entertained when snowed in
By: Gillian Taylor
Outside: Inside:
Snowboarding Baking
Although many people think you need large slopes to go snowboarding, you are When it’s too cold to get outside and you are looking for something fun, look in
wrong. The Norwich Golf Course has large hills and when there is tons of snow it your cabinets and bake something yummy! Or if you or your family is going
makes plenty of chances to build jumps, rails and different obstacles. Even if you outside, having a warm piece of cake just hits the spot! Also, this will give you
live on a large plot of land with a hill you can go out and build yourself a mini and your family something to do together, baking cookies and decorating them
snowboard slope! can make for some great memories.
Sledding Netflix
Sledding is one of the oldest ways to have fun in the snow! Sledding is fun for There is nothing better than cuddling up on the couch and watching your favorite
all ages and gives everyone that sense of being a little kid again. The little bit of TV show or Movie. Not just on Netflix but also, Hulu, Disney Plus and others. Plus,
adrenaline that rushes through you when going down a huge hill is like nothing if you bake some cookies it will give you something to snack on while watching
else. Even if you do hit a bump and tumble you are wearing so many layers you your binge worthy TV series.
can barely feel it! Fun for all ages and can be done even in your own backyard or
at a public park that has some huge hills. Card Games
Sometimes there is nothing better than playing a good old fashion card game.
Building snowman Whether you want to play alone or with family, there are plenty of options. If you
Building your own frosty the snowman is one of the easiest things you could do are alone you can play solitaire, there are 4 different types to choose from. And if
in the snow. Gathering all your supplies, the sticks and pebbles or even a carrot. you are in a family setting you can play, Go Fish, Rummy, Blackjack or Poker!
Coming together as a family outside assembling your own snowman is an easy
way to spend time together outside the house. You can even make it a little Plan a camp out in living room/ bedroom
competition to see who has the best snowman out of the bunch! Using old gloves This one is great whether you have kids or not! Building a fort on the living room
and scarves can bring a bit of pizzazz to your snowman ensemble! brings you right back to your childhood. It is not only easy but it is fun to build.
If you have kids, it will give them a sense of doing something new! The kids will
Snowball fights enjoy being able to sleep outside of their rooms and spend time with their
Do you need to let out a little anger after being pent up in the house with your parents!
family for 9 months? Outside is an endless supply of snowballs! The easiest way
to let off some steam and have fun. Going outside and forming these tiny soft
snowballs is simple and doesn’t take a lot of time and it’s not as painful as some
other options!
Picture of snowman and
apple pie. Taken by Gillian Taylor.
26 27ENTERTAiNMENT
E
Find your sound!
An instrument guide to help you chose the right one
the best buy for you!
When beginning to learn
music, there are a few
strings inside. They can be
very large, and you need
to get them tuned several
times a year. Digital Pianos
lightweight and
portable. They are like
By: Alex Slane are essentially as close to digital pianos; however,
things to consider. You
The summer of 2020 was their major quaratine in learning music. a real piano as you can get, they do not have
are going to want to think
a time of mixed feelings late spring. Having to stay After speaking to an but the sound is all digital. weighted keys, and are
about what style of
for many. The COVID-19 at home and employee of the Music & Digital Pianos have usually either 61 keys long
music you are going to
outbreak had started quarantine resulted in a Arts location found in weighted keys to or 76 keys long. They do
want to play, your budget,
becoming a real threat in very odd summer Waterford, CT, it is clear emulate the feeling of a not feel exactly like a real
and your goals with
the United States and compared to past years. that music was on the real piano, and they are piano and do sound a bit
learning music.
Connecticut had begun For some, this meant mind. “Oh yeah, most commonly 88 keys cheaper than the other
Let’s start with piano.
having to definitely! It was crazy” long, which is essentially options.
Piano is a great starter
adjust their says employee Margo a full-size upright piano. However, keyboards are
instrument for any
work life Cadorette. Based on the Finally, there’s keyboards. a great option for people
beginner musician. It
to being at large increase of sales Keyboards are the who are not sure if they
allows for an easy
home, and and several conversations experience for learning
for others with customers, they have about music theory, which
it meant determined that there was is a knowledge of why
having a lot indeed a spike in music is the way it is. The
of free time popularity. keys are laid out in a
on their consistent manner,
Now jump ahead to the
hands. If making learning where
current times. Many
you had an the notes are, and
people are still working
eye of building chords easier
from home or may not
social than some other
even be back to work yet
media over instruments. You can play
at all. The free time may
the many genres of music on
be a little less abundant
summer, piano, so it is quite the
than when the quarantine
you would versatile instrument.
began, but it’s certainly
have seen
still there. As for obtaining a piano
lots of
people Music is a very satisfying yourself, there are a few
getting into hobby, and the best part options. There are
Margo Cadorette working on an Electric Guitar
Electric Guitars hanging on wall art such is, anybody can learn! pianos, digital pianos, and cheapest of the
as painting and crafts, and This is going to be a keyboards. Pianos are the three options and
28 many decided to get into comprehensive guide on traditional piano with real are also the most 29ENTERTAiNMENT
E amount of time, guitar and
guitars are larger than
electric guitars because
they need to be hollow
to allow sound to
amplifiers, called mod
amps, take the place of
foot pedals, and have
effects built in.
Electric guitar is
ukulele maybe for you.The
pricing for acoustic and
for you to
will stick with learning commonly used for begin your
ukulele are for you. Songs project without genres such as rock,
piano. The price range for on guitar are musical
plugging into anything. punk, metal, jazz,
keyboards is around mostly played with chords. journey. If you
They are used to play indie, pop, and more.
$100-$300. The price Chords are a group of still are not
many genres of music, Finally let’s move on
range for digital pianos is notes played at the same positive, head
including blues, to ukuleles.
around 300-$2,000+ The time. The most common to your local
country, indie, pop, and
price for Pianos is around chords on ukulele are very music stores
more. There is also a Ukuleles are
$2,000+. Moving on to easy to learn and only and try out
type of acoustic guitars four-stringed
our next category which require one or two some
called “Classical” instruments that tune
is going to be Guitars and fingers to play. instruments!
guitars, these use nylon to GCEA and make Ukuleles being displayed on wall
Ukuleles. Guitar is not Guitar chords are slightly electric guitars Learning an
strings as opposed to use of nylon strings,
necessarily any more or more robust, but ranges from instrument is a great way
traditional steel strings similarly to classical
less difficult than piano, overall, not too difficult $100-$2000+. A decent to spend free time right
and are from Spanish guitars. They come in
it simply has very with some practice. beginner guitar is now and is a very
origin. various sizes, which from
different techniques. The Ukuleles are divided into usually around the satisfying hobby. There
theory is the same Moving on to electric smallest to largest are are many resources to
sizes, and guitar is divided $200-$300 range.It is
between all guitar, they are much soprano, concert, tenor, teach yourself these
into acoustic and electric. important to
instruments, it is just a lighter and need to be and baritone. The only instruments as well as
remember that electric
matter of how you play plugged into an difference between these local places you can take
Acoustic and electric guitars will need an amp
them. If you are wanting amplifier. They use a instruments is size, lessons. Many stores
guitar are and a cable, which can
to learn and be able to lighter string, so some excluding baritone, which offer online lessons as
fundamentally the same, range from $60-$400+
play full songs in a short recommend learning on uses a different tuning. well so you can stay safe
they simply sound and feel Ukuleles can be found
an electric guitar as it is The nylon strings are very while learning. Rock on!
slightly from $30-$400+
easier on your fingers. easy on the fingers and
different. There are hundreds of
Alongside amplifiers, allow for an easy learning
They both other instruments to
they also can be used experience. Ukuleles use a
have six choose from, these are just
with an assortment of chord system just like
strings the common instruments
foot pedals. These guitar. The chords on
and are that people choose to learn
pedals are ukulele are generally easy
tuned to on.
modification to learn because they only
EADGBE. have four strings. If you
accessories that allow Hopefully, this helps you
Let’s think six strings is too
you to add effects to choose what will be best
start with much to learn on, then All images taken by: Alex Slane
your guitar. Some
acoustic
guitar.
Acoustic
Close up of an Electric Guitar
30 31ENTERTAiNMENT
E learns what to show and not show
that specific user. If used
correctly, TikTok can be a great
The Pros and Cons of a
source of entertainment filled with
similar content a specific user may
want to see. Alternatively, it can be just as
Social Media Giant
negative and inappropriate as the latter option.
While TikTok does have strict guidelines with eleven different sections, certain
A REVIEW - IS TIKTOK SOMETHING TO WORRY unnecessary content can get through due to the high population of users.
ABOUT? According to their guidelines, TikTok states “TikTok’s mission is to inspire
By: Brent Meraviglia creativity and bring joy. We are building a global community where people can
Since its creation in August 2018, TikTok has create and share, discover the world around them, and connect with others across
been downloaded over 2 billion times globally. the globe”. However, this is easier said than done. TikTok does a great job
Chances are it’s hard for cell phone users to have achieving this mission, but it cannot be foolproof. They also stated “We will
never heard of the app. It offers a broad range of remove any content – including video, audio, livestream, images, comments, and
content involving anything lighthearted, serious, text – that violates our Community Guidelines. Individuals are notified of our
controversial, funny, and more. decisions and can appeal if they believe no violation
The app features a section to discover, to create and a “For you” and “Following” has occurred”.
section where users can find personalized content fit for them.While the app was
developed with fun in mind, mental health is a big issue revolving around it. So is TikTok something to worry about? I would say
Followers, screen time, likes, notifications and trends can quickly overwhelm if for children under the age of 16, yes. TikTok can
not cripple an individual’s mental fortitude. While TikTok isn’t the first of its quickly lead to a battle for followers, create
kind to have this problem, it is arguably a game changer. A constant flow of 15 self-esteem issues, create a lack of sleep, and may
second videos is available at the user’s fingertips. It provides a wide variety of leave some feeling disconnected from their peers.
fast video-only entertainment generated based off the user’s likes and view time. Charlie D’Amelio, TikTok’s most subscribed user is
It becomes easy to lose track of time. Users need to remember that TikTok is a 16 with over 100 million followers. She’s reported
business running a free app. Users are the product. It is TikTok’s job to keep their having panic attacks, not feeling normal and feeling
users there for longer as it generates more ad revenue. discontent with herself. While most users won’t feel
the pressure she does, it’s a great example how even
With that in mind, TikTok and its community are proactive about mental health. some of the most popular people on the app struggle
They have featured hashtags listed as “mentalhealthawareness” and with mental health. In an interview with Avani Gregg,
“mentalhealthmatters”. A video will automatically play saying remember to take a D’amelio mentioned her therapist, stating “Even if
break once a user has been scrolling for too long. There are certified doctors and you think, ‘Hey, I’m doing great,’ it doesn’t hurt to get
therapists on the app as users offering healthy life tips. There is also a wide help. It doesn’t hurt to talk to someone. It’s genuinely
variety of wholesome content that can inspire or uplift a user’s mood. There really awesome because even though sometimes you
are options to report a video or mark it as “not interested” so that the algorithm feel genuinely alone, you have someone to talk to.”
32 33Three Rivers Community College
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