Vol. 56 No. 04 The Beachcomberwww.bcomber.org Beachwood High School 25100 Fairmount Boulevard Beachwood, Ohio February 2015 Inside This Issue... Anticipating School Closings on Twitter Mall Fight By Grant Gravagna In the evening hours of Feb. 18, the BHS community speculated -- and, later, re- News Editor joiced -- upon the possibility of an inclement weather day for Feb. 19. Little did they know, they would have two consecutive “cold days.” Here are the highlights.

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Single-Brand Sports Apparel?

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Woodstock White & Gold

Voters Reject Term Limits by Narrow Margin By Cathy Perloff that was where the move- Editor-in-Chief ment started,” Byrne said. Of course, it should be No one said it would be noted that nowhere near Pg. 6 easy. 99% of Beachwood feels The campaign to en- the kind of dissatisfac- act a term limit charter tion Byrne is describing. amendment in the City “I think it’s absurd,” Get the Cannoli of Beachwood began said 40-year Beachwood in the summer of 2014 resident Richard Rosner, and ended with a special who voted against the election on Feb. 3. term limit amendment The movement could and felt it violated Ohio’s be called many things: a constitution. quixotic, wasteful quest Even those who voted to make change for in favor of term limits change’s sake or a neces- still did not necessar- sary, underdog fight to ily feel the anger and unseat entrenched pow- discontent with the City er. But no one could say that Byrne described. it was a walk in the park. “We think the city is Ultimately, the ballot ready for change and new issue failed, but the elec- blood and new ideas and tion was close. Accord- The amendment to add term limits to the city charter lost by 53 ready to move forward,” ing to results from the votes. Photo by Cathy Perloff. said voter Lindsey Mill- Cuyahoga County Board er, speaking for her and Pg. 10 of Elections, 48.1% of ing political change. were many issues about her husband. She voted voters cast ballots for A Genesis of an Idea which citizens felt strong- in favor of term limits on term limits and 51.9% Bryan Byrne, spokes- ly and to which council election day. “Not that Winter Sports Wins voted against, a differ- man for the amendment was not responding. there’s anything wrong ence of a mere 53 votes. and one of its petition- “You talk to people with it. Beachwood’s ob- The amendment, which ers, said he wasn’t too in the city and 99% are viously fantastic.” proposed a limit of three involved in city politics against what’s going on, But dissatisfied resi- four-year terms or four- until it came to his front but local city [officials dents were not going to teen consecutive years on door, literally. are] more interested in sit idly as the city moved all elected city officials, “I lived across the street serving the needs of their in a direction they did weathered politics at its from Beachwood [Place],” long term contributors,” not like. They decided on thorniest. It survived two he said. “With the rezon- he said. term limits as a means of attempts to get it to the ing of the mall, there were The 99% figure is hy- changing Beachwood’s ballot box, questions about certain things that were perbolic, but the dissat- political structure. its constitutionality, a con- going to impact me and isfaction Byrne and his Earlier in his life, By- troversy about the opposi- my family, and I didn’t fellow petitioners felt rne served in the Air tion’s political advertising think our needs were be- was not. Force, and as a result, and numerous other chal- ing remotely addressed. “The [dissatisfaction lived in many cities Pg. 11 lenges. Its story demon- So I [became] more in- over the] rezoning [of the] across the nation. His strates both the nature of volved in city politics.” mall brought together a lot experience with a variety the politics in Beachwood Upon further investi- of people who had a lot of Cont’d on pg. 2 and the process of enact- gation, he felt that there different concerns, and News TheBeachcomber 2 City Officials React to December Altercation at Beachwood Place

By Grant Gravagna handled the incident. court throughout the day Winebrenner said he News Editor Winebrenner concurred. of the fight. could not disclose the “It was handled pro- Nonetheless, she said relationship between City officials said the fessionally by our police she still feels safe, ex- the 41-year-old and the Dec. 26th altercation at department and mall se- plaining that there is a younger individuals. At- Beachwood Place should curity,” Gorden said. “I sufficient security and tempts by Beachcomber not deter patrons of the give our team an A+.” police presence at the staff to contact the wom- upscale mall. Winebrenner said the mall. an were unsuccessful. The fight resulted in dispute between the in- “I feel [the mall] is The arrested girls were three arrests, Beach- dividuals originated else- pretty safe,” junior Paul sent to juvenile court, wood Police Chief Keith where and continued into Corty said. “Nothing ever while the woman, whose Winebrenner said. There the confines of the mall. happens when I’m there.” case is still pending, has were no reported inju- “These people knew In Dec. 2010, police a hearing set in June at ries. each other,” he said. responded to a fight at the Shaker Heights Mu- He explained that offi- “They happened to see Beachwood Place be- nicipal Court. cers did not use force. each other [at Beach- tween several juveniles. The woman was ar- “Any use of physical wood Place].” Winebrenner said the rested on counts of incit- force is a last resort,” What was originally a two incidents are not ing violence, disorderly Winebrenner said. verbal argument turned similar; labeling the conduct, inducing panic One individual was into a physical distur- 2010 disturbance as a and contributing to the taken into custody on bance, Winebrenner ex- “flash mob.” delinquency of a minor, the scene, he explained, On Dec. 26th, a day of shopping was interrupted by a fight plained. “That was a planned, according to the court’s while the other two ar- that led to three arrests. Screenshot from YouTube via Hit- Francine Villanueva, organized, staged dis- public online database. rested individuals were man Films (Shot by @IsThatEarl) the store manager for ruption of the public The database states later identified from a the Beachwood Place peace,” he said. she has plead “not guilty” YouTube video of the resolved the disturbance Winebrenner said a to- location of Vera Brad- The recent altercation, to all four counts and has fight. prior to police arrival, tal of seven police officers ley, a women’s handbag, he explained, was differ- no active warrants. The video, posted Winebrenner said. responded to the fight, luggage and accessories ent in that it consisted Gorden said he feels by user Hitman Films, “[They] did a real good with two of those units store, did not directly of a “pre-existing” dis- people should not be had been viewed nearly job of breaking it up and arriving within three witness the fight. How- agreement between the hesitant to shop at the 380,000 times at pub- keeping it from getting minutes of the dispatcher ever, she was at work individuals. mall. lication. The YouTube out of control,” he said, receiving the call. There while it occurred. Winebrenner said those “In my opinion, Beach- user did not reply to a adding that the on-site were no officers within Villanueva said she assaulted were a 15-year- wood Place is a very safe Beachcomber request for security force often han- the mall at the time of the heard yelling above the old girl and 16-year-old place,” he said. comment. dles issues prior to police fight, he said. store, which is located on girl. Those arrested, he However, he said “This was a very iso- arrival. Gorden, who also the mall’s lower level. said, were a 14-year-old he still feels shoppers lated situation,” Beach- Rob Clarke, the mall’s serves as the city’s safe- “It was a little crazy,” girl, 16-year-old girl and should be vigilant. wood Mayor Merle Gor- general manager, could ty director, said he was she said, adding that 41-year-old woman. A male “People need to be den said. not be reached for com- “one hundred percent” there had been “small store employee attempted aware of their surround- Mall security officers ment. satisfied with how police skirmishes” in the food to break up the fight. ings,” Gorden said.

Term Limits from pg. 1 the November election. always easy to find.” ty Board of Elections. In land.com that the bul- “The people want in- of city governments con- However, they did not “We are a very small this case, justices ruled letin read more like an formation. We thought vinced him of the merit obtain enough valid sig- community,” he added. that a ballot measure advertisement than an this was a convenient of term limits. natures on the approved “There are only so many which imposed retroac- objective bulletin. What way to give out informa- “The cities that had ballot language in time. people who are willing to tive term limits on Cin- was particularly contro- tion,” Reali added. term limits seemed to But they did not give run for office. I think you cinnati council members versial was a statement A loss, but not a defeat have a more vibrant base up. They mustered the always need the largest was unconstitutional. in the bulletin where Feb. 3 had finally ar- that didn’t seem to be necessary number of sig- choice [of candidates], While the amendment Reali stated he “did re- rived. After all the can- stuck in the old ways,” he natures to call for a spe- and term limits don’t al- did allow council mem- search” and deemed the vassing, controversies said. cial election in February. low for that.” bers who had already retroactive nature of the and commentary, Byrne Byrne felt term limits Opting for a February Goodman also noted served over the allotted amendment “illegal” and and his fellow petitioners were especially neces- election meant the peti- that four out of the seven time to complete their “unconstitutional.” were hit with a loss, but sary in Beachwood. tioners would risk lower council members were terms, the justices felt it According to Ohio law, Byrne was not discour- “Term limits [are] turnout, Cleveland State not running for reelec- violated the part of the it is illegal to spend tax aged. more about creating op- University political sci- tion next year, making Ohio Constitution which dollars on political ad- “It sends a clear mes- portunities for people to ence professor Joel “fresh faces” inevitable. sage to city hall that run. Even with the last Lieske said. Voters on the day of “It sends a clear message to city hall that nearly nearly half the popula- elections, city council ran “If it’s a special elec- the election were divid- half the population of the city of Beachwood is tion of the city of Beach- as a pack of three. The tion, they’re going to ed. not content with the way things are running right wood is not content with incumbents put up a bar- bring out the most at- “My husband and I now.” the way things are run- rier that makes it incred- tentive people in the are both from Beach- -Petitioner Bryan Byrne ning right now,” he said. ibly difficult for new peo- community … those who wood and moved back “I think a lot of people ple to run,” Byrne said. have some financial con- here, and we’re a young forbids retroactive laws. vertising. are getting [more in- “The world is chang- nection with the city … family. So we’re ready Lieske agreed that such “Voters need to un- volved] in city politics ing. It’s not that there’s or the ones who have the for change and some a retroactive term limit derstand that this is [a] and seeing what’s go- no place for [older peo- greatest interest in what fresh blood and some would not be constitutional. political advertisement ing on … and that can ple]. [But there should local government is do- fresh ideas,” said Miller. “We have reviewed that against something paid only be viewed as a good be some younger voices]. ing,” he said. “We’ve seen the same case, and we believe [Re- for with public dollars. thing,” he added. Being mayor is not a ca- According to cleveland. people since we were ali] is applying it inappro- This is absolutely outra- While Byrne said he is reer … It’s not supposed com, the election cost the growing up in town.” priately,” Byrne said, refer- geous,” Catherine Turcer not planning on trying to be,” said Max Bleich, a city $23,000. Reali said “I weighed the issue, ring to statements Reali of Common Cause Ohio to bring the amendment recent BHS graduate and this money was used for in- and I feel that if I don’t has made against the con- told cleveland.com about to the polls again, Lieske University of Cincinnati formational fliers the city is want to see someone in stitutionality of the amend- the Beachwood Buzz said there could be a freshman. Bleich was required to send. Addition- that office, I would vote ment. “If we believe that it bulletin. “When things chance of victory during one of the original five ally, the city had to pay the against the candidate. So was unconstitutional we are on the ballot, the city a November election. petitioners for the July Board of Elections to hold it doesn’t make any dif- would not have brought cannot participate in this “They might give it 31 petition. the special election. ference about the term the amendment forward type of way.” a try again because it From Idea to Ballot Box This money comes limits,” said Charlotte because then it [would] be “It was an inappropri- came close,” Lieske said. The only way to make from the general fund, or Rubin, a 20-year Beach- a waste of time.” ate use of taxpayer dol- “If the ballot issue was term limits a part of the the taxpayers, Reali said. wood resident. Byrne took particular lars to inappropriately [during] the regular elec- Beachwood charter, The Campaign One bone of contention umbrage that Reali pub- influence the outcome of tion when you’re going equivalent to the city’s With the election date was whether it would be lically questioned the an election,” Byrne said. to have a bigger turnout constitution, is to take set for Feb. 3, the cam- unconstitutional to apply amendment’s constitu- “Of course it was bi- than in a special election, the issue to the voters, paign could begin in ear- term limits retroactively. tionality. “Brian Reali is ased. That’s not so much that might increase the Beachwood law director nest. This means that the time an attorney. He is not a the issue. The issue is odds of passing it.” Brian Reali said. The battle lines were elected officials have al- judge. He is not a jury. It they used city money to While the road to the For a petition to be- quickly drawn. Many ready served would be is inappropriate for him do it. Political agenda Feb. election was a rocky come a ballot issue, it Beachwood elected of- counted against them. to declare something should not be paid for by one, Byrne is proud of must be signed by five ficials came out against For example, Council- unconstitutional,” Byrne the city,” Bleich said. what he and the other pe- petitioners and vetted term limits with public man Goodman, who said. Councilman Martin titioners accomplished. by the Cuyahoga County statements, including has served for 22 years, In fact, the issue of Horwitz and Pasch both “Of course I would Board of Elections. Then, Council President Fred would not be eligible for what exactly was appro- told cleveland.com they have wanted to have the petitioners must gain Goodman, City Council another three terms. priate for Reali to say were not behind The won, [but three years signatures from about Members James Pasch “The Ohio Supreme became a sub-issue in it Beachwood Buzz up- ago,] I would not have 10% of Beachwood regis- and Alec Isaacson and Court has already ruled of itself. In the “Coun- date, nor did they ap- even gotten enough sig- tered voters who voted in School Board President on a very similar case in cil Update” section of prove of it. natures to get it on the the last general election, Mitch Luxenberg. Cincinnati and said that the January edition of Reali said he did not ballot,” Byrne said. “The according to the Board of “I believe there is al- a retroactive term limit Beachwood Buzz, Re- violate any law. fact that I got it on the Elections. ready a democratic pro- violates the constitu- ali wrote a Q&A bulletin “I can tell you it’s com- ballot, we ran out a cam- Byrne and the other cess in place, and people tion,” Reali said. about the election that pletely legal. We checked paign, and literally came petitioners attempted can either vote people in Reali is referring to was supposed to provide the code of law before. 50 votes away from win- to gather enough signa- or out; it’s called an elec- the Ohio Supreme Court factual information. Everyone doesn’t have to ning, I felt pretty proud.” tures so that the ballot tion,” Goodman said. case State Ex Rel. Mirl- However, Byrne wrote agree with our opinion; could be voted on during “Good government is not isena v. Hamilton Coun- in a comment to cleve- that’s fine,” he said. News TheBeachcomber 3 Athletic Department Considers Single-Brand Option By Phil Schnee long time. Teams usually he has only begun to ex- get new uniforms every plore the option. In the last few years, four or five years. Some The process schools go many Northeast Ohio schools can’t even afford through to get one brand schools have turned to buy new uniforms for for all sports is compli- to single brands for all a long time.” cated, too. athletic gear, and it has On the other hand, dis- “At the end of each caught the attention of counts could help. season, each coach cre- Beachwood students. “There are some fi- ates a list of their wants Athletic powerhouses nancial incentives that and needs,” Peters said. such as Walsh Jesuit, brands sometimes offer “…and I go through these St. Edward, St. Ignatius, when you lock in with lists.” Villa-Angela St. Joseph them,” Peters said. After evaluating these and others have already Some athletes feel that lists, vendors that are gone this route. single-brand apparel licensed by brands like “The Gilmour Athletic could improve their Nike or Adidas come and Director told me that team’s reputation. ask Peters what he needs choosing only Nike has “Choosing Nike for ev- for certain sports. made a huge difference ery sport would help by When these vendors because everybody loves causing others to think know the exact styles the new apparel,” Beach- higher of Beachwood,” and models the school wood Athletic Director Aubourg said, “since needs, they bid for the Ryan Peters said. “But “I don’t like [having different brands for different sports] because it doesn’t show our pro- Nike is the highest re- opportunity to sell their brand is not my priority; gram’s [unity],” sophomore Matthew Aubourg said. “Instead it [emphasizes the differences] garded brand.” products to Beachwood. I shop for quality and between the sports.” Photo by Bradford Douglas. “This could help gain “Price and quality price.” our athletic program are the most important “I am exploring this more recognition, and things I take into account concept because it’s my for all sports, Peters re- brand or at least close duces.” maybe allow it to man- when talking to these job to do whatever is plied “I don’t shop for to it,” sophomore Aden Aubourg would like to age things more com- vendors,” Peters said. best for Bison athletics,” brands; however, most Stern said. Stern, who see more uniformity in fortably with just one “I’m going to continue Peters said. kids like Nike.” plays golf and baseball, Bison athletic gear. brand,” Sternberg said. to talk to vendors and Right now, each team’s Sophomore basketball feels that some sports “I don’t like [having Peters sees some po- see how certain products coach chooses which player Ben Sternberg may not be able to use different brands for dif- tential disadvantages as look,” he said. “We aren’t gear players can wear. and sophomore Matthew the same brands. ferent sports] because well. very far in the process of Although Bison success Aubourg, a basketball “Maybe, for sports that it doesn’t show our pro- “If entire teams are choosing just one brand. on the field is Peters’ top gram’s [unity],” he said. wearing the same shoe, But I’m here to make a priority, he sees some “Instead it [emphasizes for example, certain great experience for ath- advantage to the single ““I don’t like [having different brands for differ- the differences] between student-athletes may not letes, and if gear makes brand look. the sports.” like the feel of that shoe, people excited, I’ll do “When the whole team ent sports] because it doesn’t show our pro- Cost is also a factor. because they might need everything I can to make looks the same, it looks “If I could get each orthotics,” he said. “Al- things work. I’ll make better,” he said. “It gives gram’s [unity],”” sports team the best new though certain gear may any decision that helps the team a sort of swag- athletic gear for every draw a lot of attention, that athletic program.” ger.” - Sophomore Matthew Aubourg year, I would,” Peters I don’t think specific “If the kids want this On the other hand, said. “But we have to look brands will increase ath- badly enough, and we it might be hard for all and golf team member, have different primary at what’s cost effective letic participation.” can’t provide it in the teams to agree on a sin- agreed. Both said they brands such as golf, use for our school, and how Peters does believe budget, we could provide gle brand. would choose Nike, be- PING or Under Armour longevity would factor new gear could give ath- opportunities for the “The coaches for cer- cause of the high quality while everyone else in. Certain brands, styles letes more “swagger” program or the boosters tain sports like different equipment and the com- could use Nike,” he said. and models are more when playing, and that to raise money for it,” brands,” Peters said. fort of the apparel. “I like the look and feel of expensive than others. I it looks better when ev- Peters added. When asked what “I would like to have the UA logo, and I really explore what looks good, eryone wears the same brand he would choose players wear all one like everything Nike pro- and what will last us a thing. However, he says The Show Must Go on: Drama Club Must Deal with Setbacks The drama club will perform By Emily Topilow Features Editor Plaza Suite by Neil Simon In the last two years, on April 17 and 18 the drama club has faced a lot of challenges. Per- formers have worked couple whose lives un- Brault said. “I thought we without a functioning fold during three acts in had two very successful auditorium, seen two di- a hotel room. productions in the year rectors step down, and This play was original- that I was there.” this year missed a fall ly chosen as the fall pro- “I really like Pierre,” show. duction, but due to lack drama club member ju- “By the time we got ev- of student interest, it was nior Jasmine Howard erything together [to be- delayed until the spring. wrote in a text. “He taught gin auditions], students Theater was something me some of what the real that would have been that Steck first decided world of acting is like.” interested were already to try in middle school. Brault was careful to involved in a number of A family friend who was pick shows he thought outside performances, subbing at the school students would enjoy. and so we weren’t able to suggested that Steck try “Picking the shows to solicit the interest in- acting. that I did was important ternally as we’d hoped,” “He approached me so the students had an Principal Dr. Ed Klein because he was going interest and an under- said. to be directing some of standing and connection As of the fall, the drama [the plays], and he asked to the material,” Brault department is under the [whether I had ever con- said. 2014 graduage Kyle Cohen played a contestant in last year’s production of The 25th Annual Putnam direction of Justin Steck. sidered acting],” Steck Brault said he was un- County Spelling Bee. Photo by Bradford Douglas. Steck graduated from said, “...and it took off able to continue with the Cleveland State University from there.” Beachwood drama club tions can start. “We’ve had to rely on it came to what shows to with a degree in Perform- Music and acting run due to over-scheduling. “Whomever the drama either fitting into the perform. ing Arts. He has worked in Steck’s family. His “There was a conflict of director is will come to me calendar of availability “I’m a very outside in many other school dis- mother got accepted to interest and a trust issue with their suggestion...I’ll of the middle school au- the box thinker, I didn’t tricts including Garfield be a Rockette, but turned that happened,” he add- look it over and decide if ditorium or hosting it in mind having an open Heights High School and the offer down to raise ed. “It felt like the right it’s one that’s appropri- the community room,” space,” Brault said. Middle School, Cuyahoga a family. Steck’s father time to step away.” ate for school,” Klein said Klein said. “Honestly I just want Heights High School and also has a passion for Brault currently runs “I’m not looking so much “That also affected the arts to be noticed,” St. Ignatius High School. music. his own theater company as to what student inter- why I choose Plaza Suite, Howard said. “They are He has also worked with Last year’s drama club and works for recording est is going to be, but it’s because you only have to not noticed here as much the Beachwood Commu- director Pierre Brault di- artist Jim Brickman as more about school appro- worry about one interior as they should be.” nity Theater. rected The Great Gatsby his booking agent. Brault priateness.” set,” Steck said. Klein agrees. For his first produc- and The 25th Annual also had these jobs when Since the auditorium The drama club per- “We’d like to see stu- tion, Steck chose the play Putnam Spelling Bee. he was employed at is in disrepair, the drama formed its two shows last dent interest in that pro- Plaza Suite, a comedy by “I had a really great ex- Beachwood. club faces faces a chal- year in the community gram grow.” playwright Neil Simon. perience working with the Klein pre-approves all lenge in finding a loca- room. The space didn’t The plot focuses on a students and the staff,” the shows before audi- tion for their shows. sway Brault’s mind when Opinion TheBeachcomber 4 When Civil Liberties and Security Collide By Alex Machtay Opinion Editor Enlightenment philosophers of the 1700s held individual rights as sacred. These ideals were enshrined in our nation’s founding documents, and are preserved in western democracies today. Most critical are our constitutional protections protecting speech, religion and unlawful search and seizure, commonly interpreted as privacy. But in the post-9/11 world, many have claimed that the era of freedom has come to a close. In today’s age of ever-present danger, some critics seem to feel that we will be forced to make sacrifices one way or the other: either in the liberties we hold dear or in the lives of free people who defend and make use of those liber- ties. In the wake of the January attack on the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, we are left asking ourselves the question: to what extent and at what expense should the United States and other western democracies protect civil liberties over the promotion of security?

Cartoons by Jessica Tall No Rights Without Security Liberty is the Answer to Terror By Simòn Perilla By Jon Shapiro Staff Writer NSA’s success in detain- where, according to Hu- Staff Writer ing potential terrorists is man Rights Watch if you explains. But none of averted because of [in- When Apple released unknown because--you are gay, a member of a The Jan. 7 attack on the that matters. The fact formation garnered from a cellphone that could guessed it--this informa- minority group, or in any French satirical maga- that extremists believe cell phone data].” Gen- track your every move, tion is deemed top secret. disagreement with Putin, zine Charlie Hebdo took there is an avenue of ex- eral Keith Alexander, no one blinked an eye, At the same time, it is you could be imprisoned, the lives of 12 individuals pression that exists for the director of the NSA, and it was labeled “rev- fair to say that our secu- or worse. and almost threatened them means they are not explained at a congres- olutionary.” When the rity procedures have flaws Did Snowden do the the very nature of what forced to take consider- sional hearing that “in- rollout of the iCloud in- that must be resolved. For right thing? Maybe. Did Charlie Hebdo has come ably more extreme mea- formation gathered from stalled this “feature” on example, The Guardian his actions help protect to stand for: freedom of sures (including, but not these programs provided to every Mac product, no found that the suspects our rights or benefit our speech. limited to, terrorism). the U.S. government one was concerned about in the Charlie Hebdo security? Definitely not. This use of violence in It is only when people with critical leads to help personal privacy. massacre were originally In a Senate Select Com- response to satire is in- feel the entire system prevent over 50 poten- However, when it was on the French surveil- mittee on Intelligence dicative of a worldwide is against them that tial terrorist events in revealed that the U.S. lance watch’s radar, but hearing, Director of Na- trend of intolerance for they are willing to com- more than 20 countries government kept exten- an American official ex- tional Intelligence James opposing viewpoints, mit these heinous acts. around the world.” sive records of internet plained that “At some Clapper revealed that “as and it is a trend that When you know that lo- Both of these state- activity about the public, point... they allocated re- a result [of Snowden’s should not be tolerated. cal police, Homeland Se- ments could validate citizens were outraged. sources differently. They leaks], we’ve lost critical While many are will- curity, and the National the potentially rights- Critics did not seem to moved on to other tar- foreign intelligence col- ing to point to horrific Security Administration limiting activities of the recognize that the U.S. gets.” Expanded measures lection sources, includ- terror attacks like Hebdo are following your every NSA, but the problem government’s goal was to for surveillance could ing some shared with us as a reason to bolster se- actions, it becomes hard is that they are just not protect American lives. have stopped the attacks by valued partners.” curity, this approach is to think that the state true. Peter Bergen (and If you haven’t realized on Charlie Hebdo without How is that patrio- not only misguided, but isn’t opposed to your co-authors) at the New it by now, Apple, with all sacrificing liberty. tism? ultimately gives in to the very existence. We have America Foundation, a its “think different” only Andrew Parker, who All we do know is that extremists by sacrificing seen this alienation re- nonpartisan public pol- cares about your money. heads the United King- the U.S. government the rights of free people. cently among European icy institute and think The U.S. government dom’s domestic security monitors its citizens with We need to protect the Muslims, but it holds tank, after in-depth may have complex goals, agency, MI5, was quoted the intention of protect- freedom of speech, and true for most marginal- analysis of all the claims, but it is usually acting in in another article in The ing them. America took all the other freedoms our security interest. Guardian saying his out Saddam Hussein. we have promised to so- The National Security greatest concern “is the America took out Osama ciety. Agency’s digital surveil- growing gap between the bin Laden. America is Royal Canadian “Only the expansion of free lance system, known in- increasingly challenging providing intelligence to Mounted Police Com- ternally as PRISM, works threat [of terrorism] and the French regarding Al missioner Bob Paulson speech and other rights, both in tandem with a section the decreasing availabil- Qaeda, and America is explained in an Oct. 23, of the 1978 Foreign Intel- ity of capabilities to ad- providing moral support 2014 press conference at home and abroad, can ligence Surveillance Act dress it.” It’s clear that to all people who want to that the recent attack that forces companies we can save more lives be free. in Canada “was driven counteract the threat of ideo- like Google to turn over by further expanding the A common miscon- by ideological and po- data deemed important capabilities of our intel- ception is that the war litical motives.” In other logical terrorism. Bolstering by the courts. This allows ligence agencies. on terror is a zero sum words, terrorism is a the NSA to collect a mas- I believe that in an age game: that if we bolster methodology for achiev- ‘state security’ could never sive amount of data from where our enemies are our security, we inher- ing a political or ideolog- Google, Verizon and simi- seeking to destroy us for ently restrict our rights. ical end. achieve that end.” lar companies. our beliefs, by staving off This couldn’t be further That might sound fa- One unusually clear ex- their attacks we protect from the truth. An ex- miliar, as free speech is ample of PRISM’s success both our lives and our pansion of our security also a means to a political ized groups. found that “the role that is from the case of Na- values. measures will protect end. The left-wing Occu- Only the expansion of NSA ‘bulk’ surveillance jibullah Zazi, an Afghan- The entire situation our liberties by fighting py Wall Street Movement free speech and other of phone and email com- born U.S. resident who surrounding the leak of off those who aim to at- protested corruption and rights, both at home and munications records... plotted to place a bomb the information regard- tack them. rampant inequality. The abroad, can counteract are overblown and even on a New York subway ing PRISM is rather The way to win the war ultra-conservative West- the threat of ideologi- misleading.” with the potential to kill ironic as well. Edward on terror is to win the boro Baptist Church fre- cal terrorism. Bolstering Our “security state” and injure hundreds. The Snowden, now among war for intelligence. I will quently protests a host “state security” could has not, and never can, NSA’s surveillance capa- the men most wanted always feel a bit uneasy of issues about morality never achieve that end. actually save us from bilities were integral to by the US government, about Apple having my and what they see as the A state of security terror. We need to look capturing this man and abandoned a girlfriend, fingerprint and knowing end of days. strong enough to prevent to the recent attacks saving lives, according to a six-figure job and his where I live. However, if Plenty of people find all attacks is impossible. in Canada and France The New York Times. freedom because he was President Obama wants the messages of these In fact, this idea is al- and around the world But there’s a reason troubled that the US to look through my Ins- groups and others to be ready demonstrated by as a call to double down that we don’t hear about would “destroy privacy tagram, let him. Maybe disagreeable, even to our own security appa- on our values, on free more of these successes. and basic liberties” with he’ll see I liked all of his the extent of staging “a ratus. speech and a free press, This information came PRISM. Where did he pictures. Maybe he’ll fol- counter-demonstration.” President Obama ex- not as reasons to restrict out partially because of a run away to? He now low me back. Michael Ruane, a Wash- plained that “at least the very rights that make leak, and the extent of the lives in Russia, a nation ington Post staff writer, 50 threats have been us enlightened. Opinion TheBeachcomber 5 Measles are Preventable, Get Vaccinated For the Greater Good Cartoon By Naomi Grant Arts & Life Editor person (who contracted lem, and is no longer Corner the disease in west Af- a completely personal Many things from the rica) died from the dis- decision. twentieth century have ease in America? The A common reason I wonder if recently come back to measles are far more in- that some parents tomorrow will haunt us, none of which I wish my fectious, because it’s an decide not to vacci- be a snow day? belong in the twenty- airborne disease which nate their children first. parents had “passes through droplets is due to the false These relics include in the air, usually from belief that vaccines shoulder pads, despotic vaccinated me. someone sneezing or cause autism. The Russian leaders such as coughing, and can blow one and only study Vladimir Putin and the or linger for a while,” ac- that claimed to estab- measles. The difference cording to National Geo- lish that relationship between shoulder pads graphic, whereas Ebola was proven fraudu- and the measles, howev- can only be transmitted lent, and the doctor, er, is that the former did through bodily fluids. Andrew Wakefield, not infect a large group This is why getting vac- who conducted that of students at The Ohio cinated is crucial. There study, lost his medi- State University. The are some high-risk in- cal license. Accord- unfortunate symptoms dividuals, such as preg- ing to Autism Speaks, of THE measles, unlike nant women, those with no credible study has those of the shady Rus- blood or immune system ever found even a cor- sian leader, can fortu- disorders and cancer pa- relation between au- nately be combated by tients, whom the CDC tism and vaccinations. one simple step--getting advises not to get vacci- Let’s be considerate vaccinated. nated, and who must rely of those people who Normally, I don’t care Cartoon by Kate Opre on everyone else to do for whatever reason what (bad, risky, stupid) so in order that the dis- can’t get the vaccina- decisions others make ease isn’t transmitted to tion for themselves as long as they don’t af- have been over 121 re- had been effectively them. Yes, everyone has by making the world fect me. However, your ported cases in the Unit- eliminated in 2000. the right to do (or not do) a safer place. Remem- choice to protect yourself ed States, according to Remember that awful what they want with their ber, stopping Putin from measles, or not to, the Centers for Disease two-month long period own body, but when your may be incredibly dif- can greatly impact others Control and Prevention. when everyone was wor- choice can literally kill ficult, but stopping Cartoon by Jinle Zhu around you. This follows 646 cases ried about Ebola even multiple people, it be- the measles is easy-- Already in 2015 there last year, after measles though only ONE single comes everybody’s prob- just get vaccinated.

City Needs Change, But Term Limits Are Not the Right Solution The Beachcomber Staff misgivings are natural: usual politics and crony- tion cannot be necessarily On Feb. 3, the pro- term limits are the wrong ism; rather, they would interpreted as a disavowal posed amendment for remedy to the real issues exacerbate the problem. of the petitioners’ dissat- term limits in Beach- that our city faces. “Whatever problems exist First, elected officials isfaction. The petitioners wood was defeated. The The petitioners came subjected to term limits should be commended for narrow margin -- 48.1% together because they with Beachwood govern- are beholden to no one attempting to bring change in favor to 51.9% against felt council was not “re- during their last term. they felt was necessary, -- was somewhat sur- motely addressing... ment, term limits would Without the worry of re- even if their approach was prising. [their] needs,” as peti- election, they may be misguided. Those dissatis- Given the fact that the tioner Bryan Byrne told have only made them more likely to engage in fied should channel their election was in February The Beachcomber. They corruption and not listen energies into running for on an unpleasantly frigid felt that long-serving city worse.” to the will of the populace. office. According to Good- day, voter turnout was leaders were out of touch Moreover, new blood man, he and three other inevitably low; only 1417 with voters and hesitant doesn’t necessarily mean council members plan to of Beachwood’s nearly to change. propriate spending on defeated and that Gor- progress. Inexperienced step down after complet- 9,000 registered voters After all, four of the Gorden’s part. den beat a challenger politicians may not have ing their term, providing a made it to the polls. With seven members of Beach- According to Byrne, in the 2013 election are the wherewithal to push window for new candidates this low turnout, one wood City Council have many of those behind indications that those policy through the politi- to run. might expect one side to been serving for over 15 term limits were also up- dissatisfied with Council cal machinery. Unable to The true test of voters’ outnumber the other in years. Council President set with the expansion of may be a minority. Yet, get anything done, they readiness for change will droves and skew election Fred Goodman has been Beachwood Place. These the concerns they raised may fall into the old pat- occur when challengers results. serving the longest, a citizens felt that the are not illegitimate, and terns they were elected to present themselves and of- Yet, there seems to member of council since Council was putting the the Feb. 3 election was eschew. fer a true alternative to the be a legitimate divide 1992. Mayor Merle Gor- interests of commerce close; slightly less than Ultimately, voters made status quo. among Beachwood vot- den has held the city’s ahead of those of resi- half of the voters seemed the right decision earlier From this election, the ers as to whether they chief executive role since dents with nearby prop- ready for change. this month when they re- only conclusion we can want to limit the amount 1995. erties. Whether or not the jected a term limit amend- draw is that Beachwood of time their city officials Meanwhile, Coun- Of course, these criti- dissatisfaction with city ment. Whatever problems residents were smart serve. The closeness of cil has been accused by cisms are not necessar- government was appro- exist with Beachwood enough to spot out a “so- the election indicates a Plain Dealer columnist ily held by the majority priate, it is clear that the government, term limits lution” that would cause confusion of the collec- Mark Naymik and city of Beachwood residents. remedy against it was would have only made more problems than it tive city consciousness. residents for allowing The fact that the term not. Term limits would them worse. would solve. Upon reflection, these what some see as inap- limits amendment was not stop business-as- However, the close elec- The Beachcomber

Arts & Life Editor Image Editor Editor-in-Chief Naomi Grant Bradford Douglas Cathy Perloff Features Editor Adviser Layout Editor Emily Topilow Josh Davis Susan Eiben Opinion Editor Issue Staff News Editor/ Alex Machtay Philip Schnee, Simon Perilla, Jon Advertising Director Shapiro, Jessica Tall, Kate Opre, Grant Gravagna Online Editor-in-Chief Janet Wang, Alex Cala, Jinle Zhu, Dalia Zullig Aden Stern, Maria Alvarez, Jada Campbell, Ellie Levine

The Beachcomber is a student publication subject to prior review. This newspaper is dedicated to affording an opportunity to all BHS students to express their opinions on these pages. All unsigned editorials appearing in The Beachcomber represent the opinions of the editorial board. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the student body, the staff, or the administration of Beachwood High School. The Beachcomber welcomes all letters to the editor, whether critical, complimentary, or informative. Letters deemed obscene, libelous or inflammatory will not be published. Letters should be sent to Editor-in-Chief Cathy Perloff at [email protected]. To contact Beachcomber adviser Josh Davis, email him at [email protected]. Layout by Susan Eiben Photos by Bradford Douglas, Emilykate Hopson-Boyd, and Naomi Grant Woodstock Reporting by Naomi Grant

This year, sophomores Daniel Ma and Cameron Haynesworth showed off their White yo-yoing skills at White and Gold. In case you missed his performance, Cameron stopped by The Beachcomber to show us &Gold some tricks step-by-step; pictures are on the right. Photo on the left is Cameron See what happened at the performing at White and Gold. 2015 Annual BHS Talent Show

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This year’s show was directed by Freshman Leah Step Team was comprised of Whit- seniors Nomi Poprish, Celia Eppell, Roter sang in front ney Bellephant, Angeliza Torres, A Nate Hamilton, Jada Baskerville, and B of a large crowd for C and Marilyn Farley. They danced D Logan Ehrenbeit (Not Pictured) the first time. to a diverse mashup of songs. Here’s what the White & Gold cast and crew had to say about... Deciding to Get Involved Forming Acts Getting Ready Behind the Scenes “Right before we went on on “I wanted to be an AD because “A lot of people have “Two months beforehand, we “I kinda ran through what the first night, I had to to go it looked extremely fun and seen me just around started practicing our act. Just I had to do in my head. to the bathroom [while] Drill I love White & Gold, so why the school or outside of writing it, remembering it, and I was just there to have Team was performing. I was in wouldn’t I want to work on it?” school and have been putting it all together.” fun, I wasn’t really doing the bathroom and Sophie was -Jasmine Howard, Asst. director like ‘Oh, it would be -Andrew Feldman, Performer anything too serious.” really cool if you did -Andrew Feldman, Per- screaming, ‘we have to go on “I went to [Daniel Ma’s] house... “I’ve always been drawn to this for the talent show’. former right now!’” We just set out time slots that we performing and the stage. I Then I was with my -Arielle Tindel, Performer just wanted to fill with our tricks taught private voice lessons for friend Daniel and we “Backstage, [Sophie, Han- “I was on the stage crew so a and then we said “Okay, we can five years and have always been were like ‘Oh, we should nah Borison, and I] would typical rehearsal consisted of go from this trick to that trick interested in the stage and the do White and Gold.’” sing songs together to get frantically trying to measure and that’ll take six seconds.’” arts. So this was a good fit.” -Cameron Haynes- our voices warmed up.” people’s mics while the other -Cameron Haynesworth, Per- -Ms. Saferight, Advisor worth, Performer -Arielle Tindel, Performer acts performed.” former -Sam Shaffer, Tech Crew

Senior Hannah Borison per- Drill Team danced to a com- Sophomore Ankita Prasad Junior Benji Roter played a formed at White & Gold for pilation of songs after saying was the only performer to classical piano piece. Benji H the first time, but she’s been I their signature team chant. J sing in a lanugage other K has been playing since he singing since she was four. D-T-1-5-you know! than English. was four years old.

H I J Layout by Susan Eiben Photos by Bradford Douglas, Emilykate Hopson-Boyd, and Naomi Grant Reporting by Naomi Grant

This year, sophomores Daniel Ma and Cameron Haynesworth showed off their 1 2 3 yo-yoing skills at White and Gold. In case you missed his performance, Cameron stopped by The Beachcomber to show us some tricks step-by-step; pictures are on the right. Photo on the left is Cameron performing at White and Gold.

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Cheerleading sported groovy Junior Tess Kaz- Seniors Ian Mitchell John Perse on harmonica and tye-dye shirts while cheering din passionately and Kaustav Malik Todd Butler on guitar per- to match this year’s psych- E performed a spo- F performed an elec- G formed with seniors Hannah adelic theme. ken word poem. tric guitar duet. Frayman and Kaustav Malik.

Behind the Scenes Challenges Reflecting Back & Looking Forward “Right before we went on on “Generally the biggest challenge is try- “I really like to see how “The combination of old clas- the first night, I had to to go ing to help students juggle their busy the acts themselves sort sics like the Drill Team and Cheer to the bathroom [while] Drill schedules but at the same time trying to of evolve over time. So Squad with new ideas like spo- Team was performing. I was in express that rehearsal is important.” through the rehearsal ken word poetry and yo-yo tricks the bathroom and Sophie was -Ms. Saferight, Adviser process to see somebody screaming, ‘we have to go on brought the show to a whole new that had a pretty good level. I’m excited to see what’s in right now!’” “I need to give a shoutout to Mr. audition and then as store for the show next year!” -Arielle Tindel, Performer Croftcheck the engineering and design they sort of polished -Sam Shaffer, Tech Crew “I was on the stage crew so a teacher because [our set supports were things and it becomes typical rehearsal consisted of destroyed] and we didn’t have anything something that’s really, “It would be no fun if I gave frantically trying to measure to build our [supports] with. Mr. Croft- really great. That’s my away all my secrets [about next people’s mics while the other check came to the rescue and built the favorite thing. ” year].” acts performed.” supports for us the same day.” -Ms. Saferight, Adviser -Jasmine Howard, Asst. Director -Sam Shaffer, Tech Crew -Ms. Saferight, Adviser

Junior Benji Roter played a Senior and director Celia Ep- Juniors Sophie Schoen, on Senior and director Jada classical piano piece. Benji pell sang a collection of songs guitar, and Arielle Tindel, Baskerville usually dances has been playing since he L for her fourth White and M on ukelele, performed “Rip- N with Nate Hamilton, but was four years old. Gold performance. tide” by Vance Joy. went solo this year.

K L M N Features TheBeachcomber 8 From Fowler to Pamplona: Spanish Teacher John Summers Reflects on His Journey

By Alex Cala all bloodied up; he [had Staff Writer gotten] trampled by the bulls,” he said. Standing at just about In addition to fostering six feet tall and sporting his love for traveling, the a salt and pepper beard, Spanish language has John “Señor” Summers allowed Summers to do is one of the more popu- many things besides just lar teachers at Beach- teaching. He has been a wood High School. big brother in the Span- “I respect his enthusi- ish organization Esper- asm for teaching,” soph- anza, and has had other omore Sam Connor said. unique experiences. “I’ve really enjoyed his “I can go off the beaten class, and I can really re- path when I go to other late to him,” said sopho- countries,” he said. more Josh Lazar. Summers lives with his Summers is in his wife and two daughters “27th magical year” of in Mentor. He is also no teaching Spanish at slouch outside of teach- Beachwood. ing. He has an affinity His classroom is a lot for pop culture, which like his life: colorful, in- he often references in his teresting and filled with classes. He sings in his mementos of Spanish church choir, plays gui- language and culture. tar and participates in a A Spanish flag hangs bowling league. in the back of the room. He also has a history The sports section of advising extracurricular El Nuevo Herald (the activities in Beachwood. Spanish edition of The Señor Summers’ classroom is a lot like his life: colorful, interesting and filled with momentos of Spanish language and culture. At one point or another Miami Herald) sits near- Photos by Alex Cala. over the past 27 years, by. Gifts from students, he has coached baseball, including a t-shirt and a wheat. He tended to the about his plans for the said. “It opened up my “It was one of the scar- girls basketball, and girls “Spanish teachers only” cattle, and in the sum- future. None of his five love of traveling.” iest moments of my life,” volleyball at Beachwood parking sign, adorn the mer he baled hay. older sisters had gone to “Like I always tell the he said. Middle School walls. “We had one [cow]. I college, but he said that students, there’s a whole “(We started running), Summers did not en- Perhaps the most strik- remember that he was so he did plan to go to col- other world out there and it wasn’t but half joy coaching volleyball. ing example of Span- tame that my dad would lege. besides Beachwood,” he a minute and the bulls “For one horrible year. ish culture, however, is put us on its back,” Sum- Summers went to added. were right behind me,” All they did is scream a print of the stunning mers said. nearby Youngstown Some time during his he said. and lose,” he said. “With View From Toledo by El Summers is proud of State for a year and a time in Mexico, Sum- “(They were) getting counseling, I’ve almost Greco. his background. quarter, living at home. mers’ love for teaching closer and closer, and I gotten past it.” Summers was raised “I’m glad I had the ex- He then transferred to also blossomed as he was running as fast as I Currently, he is the ad- in Fowler, Ohio, a small perience of growing up Kent State, where he helped his Mexican host could,” Summers recalled. visor for Amnesty Inter- town situated in Trum- in the country, to see completed his under- family to learn English. “Finally, the bull was right national. bull County, about 75 how hard work can really graduate degree. “I think that’s sort behind me, and I just Even though teaching minutes away from pay off,” he said. “At the “I just didn’t want to of when the two paths stepped back into this consumes most of Sum- Beachwood. time I didn’t [appreciate] live at home anymore,” crossed,” he said. doorway of a store, which mers’ time during the “I grew up on a farm, it because I was sort of a he said. “I wanted to Summers’ love of travel- was kind of a stupid thing year, he appreciates hav- so I worked year round,” restless romantic want- have more of a campus ing is apparent when look- to do, because the bull ing his summers mostly he said. “I was pretty ing to travel the world.” experience, so that’s ing around his room. The could have turned on me, free besides taking class- much the laborer be- He took his first Span- when I looked around walls are adorned with and I had nowhere to go.” es on Spanish, which al- cause my dad got to drive ish class in 9th grade and and transferred to Kent.” posters, newspapers and After being told by a lows him to travel and the tractor and do all the failed his first Spanish During college, Sum- pictures from other coun- child that the last of the pursue other hobbies. machinery. We grew [the test. mers spent a semester tries. He has traveled to bulls had passed him, “That’s the thing about crops] ourselves and had Despite his rough abroad living in Merida, such exotic locales such Summers stepped out teaching. It’s very hectic, it ground to feed for the start, Summers won the Mexico, the capital of the as Costa Rica, Guatemala into the street, and al- and there isn’t a lot of animals.” Spanish Student of the state of Yucatan. That and Portugal. most got trampled by the time except in the sum- Summers’ family Year award his sopho- was when his love for In 1989, while trav- females. His friend, how- mer,” he said. owned almost 200 acres. more year, and he never Spanish blossomed. eling in with a friend, ever, was not so lucky. “When I go home, it His jobs included plant- looked back. “[Living in Mexico] Summers participated in “I couldn’t find my doesn’t end (compared ing and harvesting crops His father sat him for a semester, I became the running of the bulls friend anywhere...finally to) other people’s jobs, such as corn, oats and down one day and asked pretty much fluent,” he in Pamplona, Spain. I found him, and he was which do.” Features TheBeachcomber 9 Bogomolny Brothers Play Dallas Puskar: From Mound to Dugout

Encore at Tri-C Rock Off By Aden Stern Staff Writer The moment when something you love more than anything is taken away from you is the worst feeling in the world. Beachwood pitch- ing coach Dallas Puskar had this feeling when he tore a tendon in his bicep while playing for the Chillicothe Paints in 2006. After several years of a pain in the area, playing became unbear- able. When Puskar went to the doctor, he heard the extent of his injury. “It was one of the worst feelings I have ever had,” Photo of Backstage Politics performing at the 18th annual Tri-C rock off. Photo courtesy of Pam said Puskar when talking Bogolmony. about how it felt to know Dallas Puskar, on the left, talks to varsity assistant coach Joe he wouldn’t be playing Leonette at baseball practice on Feb. 23. By Jinle Zhu stage with their equip- pursuing a music-related competitive baseball Staff Writer ment. career. again after his arm in- “I was born with the ¨Baseball is a game On Jan. 1st, freshman Last year at the 18th Chandler started play- jury. ball in my hand,” Puskar of endless knowledge,” Chandler Bogomolny, Annual Tri-C Rock-Off, ing the cello while he “(Baseball) is some- said. “I’m just passion- Butler said. “Techniques along with his brother Chandler Bogomolny was only four years old thing I’ve grown up with. ate about it. All of my and styles vary, and Dal- Jackson, a junior, took and his previous band, and didn’t get into rock I had been playing since I uncles played, [my] dad las and I respect one an- the stage at the 19th An- Backstage Politics, com- music until he was in was knee high in boots,” coached my whole family other to the point where nual Tri-C High School peted at the House of the second grade. Over he said. played at a high level. I’m we learn from each oth- Rock Off held at the Blues and placed first, the course of his musical Puskar pitched for the very passionate about er. I have learned how Rock and Roll Hall of winning $1,000 in cash education, Chandler has Mayfield Wildcats when the game, and it has al- to better handle a pitch- Fame and Museum. and $250 for the Beach- managed to learn a va- he was in high school. ways been in me.” ing staff and understand Nestled between esca- wood Orchestra pro- riety of instruments. He He was considered a Puskar’s talents as a better when in game de- lators and stairways, the gram. specializes in drums and standout player in both pitching coach are great- cisions need to be made.” stage lit up with red and Since then, Chandler bass, but he also plays baseball and soccer. Af- ly admired. Puskar also has a very purple revolving lights as has taken part in numer- the upright bass, guitar, ter graduating in 2002, ¨Dallas is one of the busy life outside of base- the three band members ous shows and competi- keys and occasionally he continued his athlet- best pitching minds I ball and Beachwood. In walked up to the raised tions. He earned the No- vocals. ic and academic career have ever worked with,” addition to coaching, he platform, tuning their table Orchestral Member “Music is one of my at Denison University, head coach Todd Butler teaches kids with dis- instruments. The band, Award at the eighth very few passions,” where he set records for said. “He provides great abilities at an inner city Sam Porter Experience grade graduation in June Chandler explained. most strikeouts and insight for players dur- school, and he is the Trio, consists of Chan- 2014. “Because so much of my most wins in a season. ing practice and stud- father to infant twin dler; his brother, Jack- Backstage Politics time is devoted to things For several years, Pus- ies his players well. This daughters. son; and Sam Porter, a consisted of five mem- like math, which I take kar played in the Sum- gives me, as the head “My life is extremely freshman at University bers—Tessa Murphy very little interest in, it mer Collegiate League coach, an opportunity to hectic,” Puskar said. School. (keyboard), Liz Bullock seems like a show every for the Lima Locos and work all across the board “When the kids go to After tuning his elec- (vocals), Jackson Bo- two weeks is almost not Ohio Copperheads. His because I trust what he sleep, you need to do tric bass and testing out gomolny (guitar), Sam enough time spent play- final season was in the does.” what you have to do for the microphone, Chan- Porter (drums) and ing music and doing Frontier League with “He also is great in your job and the kids for dler sat on the ground the youngest, Chandler things I actually enjoy.” the Chillicothe Paints in game,” Butler contin- the next day,” he said. and stretched out, his (bass). However, the experi- 2006. ued. “He knows the ten- Puskar copes with the straw hat bathed in the “We [Backstage Poli- ence of playing on stage He could have treated dencies of his pitchers stress in a very unique light. tics] only really ‘com- does have its benefits. the injury with an elec- better than anyone and way. When the host asked peted’ once for the Tri-C “It isn’t just any after- tive surgery, but decided provides timely insights “Being on a bump in why he was lying down, High School Rock Off,” school hobby,” Chandler the risks were not worth for better decisions to be middle of the field is Chandler projected con- said Chandler, “which we explained. “It’s unex- the benefits. made.” the calmest place in the fidence. didn’t really anticipate plainably great when “If I had the surgery “He has had some world for me, I close my “I was born ready,” he winning as those were there’s good sound and a I probably could have great experiences from eyes and think of that said. our first shows. After connected audience. It’s played another year or playing college ball and every time I am stressed After the spotlights that, a lot of popularity an immediate reward.” two.” he said. “[Minor making it into a major out by life,” he contin- flared shades of vibrant got us to a couple shows Jackson agreed. “Hav- league baseball] isn’t league farm system,” ued. orange and green, the a month, mostly at bars ing a band and playing corporate America. I sophomore Josh Bi- “But my kids, as stress- band started to play. and festivals.” music with other people didn’t have any money. alosky said, “so he knows ful as they are, they are Chandler took up the mi- “I think we all knew is definitely something I I never would have a what it will take for us to the greatest joy I could crophone to the cheers of going into it this year want to do for the rest of long standing career on get there.” ever ask for in my life the crowd. that they weren’t going my life.” that. Even though it was Puskar feels that be- and they make every- Outside of his bands, a low-risk surgery there coming a great coach can thing worth living for on Chandler likes to spend are things [that could go be as hard as becoming a a daily basis,” he said. “It isn’t just any after-school hobby,” time recording solo wrong].” great player. “I really like to live work. Besides music-re- After Puskar’s baseball “To be a coach you by a philosophy and hi- Chandler explained. “It’s unexplainably lated activities, he does a career ended, he went need a competitive na- erarchy that one of my fair share of video gam- through a year of soul- ture. Life is competitive, coaches told me,” he great when there’s good sound and a con- ing and skateboarding, searching. to be the best person, said. “God first, family but the vast majority of “I was in a funk,” he husband, dad you can be second, academics third nected audience. It’s an immediate re- his time is spent oriented said. “I had the thing I you have to work hard and baseball fourth.” around school or rath- loved most in life, and it for it,” he said. “Some In his fifth year coach- ward.” er, “complaining about was taken away from me. [people are] born with ing at Beachwood, Pus- schoolwork, the bane of When you are 22 years ability, but you have kar doesn’t want to be my existence” as he put old, it is hard to work to work hard because anywhere else. Halfway through their to let us win two times in it. through that decision.” someone with the same “I’ve built great rela- second song, the Bogo- a row, so we were much The Bogolmony broth- Eventually Puskar talent is working as hard tionships with players molny brothers pulled less serious about the ers’ old band, Backstage found a path, pursuing or harder than you.” and coaching staff...,” he out their bongo drums competition aspect this Politics, gave their last a career in special edu- Both coaches have very said. “I like growing with and started getting the year,” the Bogomolny show on January 11th cation and transferring similar feelings about players over the four audience involved with brothers agreed. “We after the lead singer, his love of baseball into how the game should be years they are here.” the performance. The played a set, didn’t win Liz Bullock, decided she coaching. played and coached. Ultimately, Puskar is crowd joined in, stomp- any prizes, but we had needed to prioritize her “The [desire] to be in “The biggest thing in content with the path his ing feet and snapping to a lot of fun. There was schoolwork over her the game never went baseball is that you fail life has taken since his the beat. Soon, the whole actually a lot of pres- dedication to the band. away, so the next best more often than you suc- professional baseball ca- room was swaying to the sure about us winning “I actually saw a girl in thing was trying to ceed, and with the failure reer ended. drum and dancing. this year, since we won a Backstage Politics shirt coach,” he said. “Before you have to be able to “Everything happens For their last song, last time, and there was at this year’s Rock-Off,” BHS, I coached a 13u connect that to real life, for a reason...If I didn’t the trio cranked up the a bunch of speculation Chandler said. “It was (13 and under) travel and through those fail- get hurt, I might still be volume to the cheers of [before the competi- weird since we aren’t a baseball team. I coached ures you are able to learn playing, but I wouldn’t an enthusiastic audi- tion].” band anymore.” [Beachwood alumnae] from them and become have met my wife and ence and ended with a Each member of the “Hopefully we’ll do it Max Siegel, Brett Dubin a better person,” Butler have three beautiful strong chord, panting Sam Porter Experience again next year. It was and Adam Moss. I was said. daughters,” he said. for breath. They thanked Trio has had his own ex- fun and the audience is able to keep around the Butler and Puskar also the audience over vigor- tensive musical educa- always great at the rock game I loved so much,” have a great dynamic The writer plays for the ous cheering and left the tion, and each plans on off,” Jackson concluded. he said. while coaching. BHS baseball team. Arts & Life TheBeachcomber 10 Blame The DUFF is a Slightly More Realistic Teen Drama Hollywood, By Naomi Grant Because this book was On Jan. 21, I was able to Arts & Life Editor written by a high school participate in a confer- Based on everything I student, the characters ence call with the stars of Not the heard about The DUFF speak and act like real The DUFF. Here are some before I saw it, it seemed high school students highlights: Academy like another typical high rather than sheltered school chick flick where characters on made-for- How did you mentally pre- the unpopular main TV Disney movies. pare for your role? character realizes that Although most of the popularity doesn’t mat- rest of the movie seemed Robbie Amell: The main prep- ter, but then she gets the very realistic (SPOILER aration for me was just hang- guy anyway and every- ALERT]), there is a pre- ing out with Mae and Bella and thing turns out perfectly. dictable confrontation at the rest of the cast, and getting However, this movie the end in which Bianca close to them. So that, you was not like that. While declares to Madison that know, people would buy that few movies really por- labels don’t matter, she we were friends and actually tray high school accu- likes who she is and a liked each other. rately (and The DUFF bunch of other stuff that still doesn’t), I found no one would ever really What did you use as inspira- that most of the charac- say in that situation. Still, tion for your roles? ters were very realistic, that was just one less- and yet the movie was than-shining moment in Mae Whitman: I used my own still hilarious. The main an otherwise fantastic high school experience and it character, Bianca (Mae movie that wasn’t even was a tough one, so I just kind J.K. Simmons accepted best Whitman) is charmingly totally a chick flick. of went back there and relived supporting actor for his role awkward in a completely What made The DUFF those sad memories. in Whiplash. Image source: recognizable way. At truly fantastic for me as Oscar.go.com the beginning of the a Beachcomber writer Robbie Arnell: I just tried to movie, Wesley (Robbie was when a character play, because my character By Maria Alvarez Amell), tells Bianca that stopped hooking up with said some rude stuff, but he is Staff Writer she plays the role of the someone for a minute not supposed to be mean. I just “DUFF” to her friends in order to start writing tried to dumb it down a little The 87th Academy (the Designated Ugly, Image Source: CBS an article. I suddenly and…make you believe this Awards: a night full of Fat Friend, i.e. the ap- realized that if our staff guy would actually say these thanking Wes Anderson, proachable one) to these members really wanted things. But it’s kind of just like stodgy speeches from two beautiful girls that helping him pass chem- not to be bad looking to submit their stories a dumb version of me. Polish filmmakers and every guy wants to date. istry. Even though Wes- either. However, her on time, there is always a a lot of awkward face Once Bianca breaks up ley seems like a dumb attempts are seriously way, just like how in high Bella Thorne: Dumber. touching from John Tra- with her friends, Bianca jock, he turns out to be thwarted by typical Hol- school movies–even this volta. enlists Wesley’s help to a kind-hearted, sensible lywood mean girl Madi- one–the main charac- Robbie Arnell: Dumber ver- It was also a night full de-DUFF her, and to ul- person who somehow son (Bella Thorne) when ter always finds a way sion of me. of controversy, as many timately get her dream knows how to give fash- a certain video gets all to make everything turn have been extremely guy Toby in exchange for ion advice and happens over school. out for the better. Go to bcomber.org for more critical of the nomina- tions for this year’s Os- cars. Viewers were most upset by the lack of nom- inations for the movie Selma, which drama- Exploring Little Italy: Leave the ‘Wood, Get Some Cannoli tized the struggle for the Voting Rights Act. De- By Dalia Zullig The always busy Mama spite a remarkable per- Online Editor-in-Chief Santa’s has stayed open formance, the lead ac- for 54 years. Across the tor, David Oyelowo, who There is a stereo- street is Corbo’s. played Martin Luther type surrounding kids This bakery is famous King, Jr., was not nomi- who live in suburbs like for Italian ice and gelato, nated for “Best Actor” Beachwood that we nev- and no event is complete and Ava DuVernay, the er leave our “bubble.” without one of Corbo’s talented new director, Honestly, there is some famous Cassata cakes. was not nominated for truth to this stereotype. Yes, the space inside “Best Director” either. Some of us don’t get out Mama’s is cramped. This year’s Oscars much. Customers wait in a nar- nominations are the But many of us have row aisle, and frequently “whitest” and most an- had the opportunity to have to wait outside be- drocentric since 1998. A explore other cities and cause of the lack of space. study by The Los Angeles even distant corners of While waiting, you are Times revealed that the the globe. With all of this surrounded by dark wood Academy’s membership travel, it is important not paneling covered with in 2012 was 94% white to overlook the fascinat- reviews praising Mama’s and 76% male with a ing destinations in our chefs. This aisle leads to median age of 62. Look- own backyard. a small seating area and ing at the Best Picture Little Italy is such a two dining areas. nominations, most films destination. The restaurant itself revolve around a white Visitors to Cleveland’s is almost as amazing as male protagonist, reveal- Little Italy can sense the food. As you walk in Revelers enjoying The Feast of the Assumption in Little Italy. ing the lack of diverse the enjoyment that is in through the tight door Image source: Greg (via Flickr as Little Italy Feast) via Wikimedia Commons perspectives that viewers the air. As evening ap- into the even tighter hall- have access to. proaches, Mayfield Rd. way, the host notices you In all of the 87 years of buzzes with visitors look- and are put on “the list” you wish to purchase rade and carnival games. tures some old Italian the Oscars, almost 3,000 ing through bright win- that he keeps in his head. a memento, they sell a The Feast takes place music played by old Ital- awards have been given out dows and smelling the Almost all of Mama’s shirt quoting The God- from August 14-17 from ian men with old Italian and only 32 of these have scent of pizza mixed with pasta is homemade, their father. Mafioso Michael 6-11 pm every year. All instruments. This is the been awarded to African cigar smoke. sauce and dough as well. Corleone’s image is on individual restaurants only part of the festival Americans, according to Smiles spread across If you doubt the “home- the front. The back reads are closed down and in- that could use a little fine The Huffington Post. visitors’ faces, and laughter made” portion of the “Leave the gun, take the stead are represented in tuning. However, while this fills the street. The lights menu, before you walk Cannoli”. booths crowding in the For children, or even year’s awards reveal the are low, and recorded mu- in you can peek through Of course, there is already small street. adults who get bored lack of diversity in the sic plays out of most store a little window to see the more to Little Italy than The bocce tourna- watching grown people Academy’s voting body, fronts. It is Johnny Cash cooks tossing the pizza eating. There are count- ment is one of the main throw metal balls in the they better represent the from one store, and from dough up in the air. Their less art galleries and events during the Feast. sand, there is a carnival. lack of appreciation for another there is an equally pizza, which is made Si- shops to buy religious This event is hosted at There are booths that films featuring minorities deep male voice booming cilian style, is literally the items like cross neck- The Italian Men’s Club feature games such as in the movie business itself. from the speakers. best thing since sliced laces and other various complete with lights whack-a-mole and rides Considering the whole Whether they are shop- bread. (Sliced bread and things such as a “Kiss to illuminate the three such as a ferris wheel industry is focused on ping, eating, playing or butter is also set on the me I’m Italian” onesie sand pits where teams and a Spider. white male filmmakers praying at Our Lady of the table as an appetizer). for your baby. There is of young and old men During this festival, and leads, it is unsur- Rosary Church, everyone Corbo’s bakery has a smoke shop across the and women battle it out. all of the art galleries re- prising that a celebration has a night they’ll remem- been family owned for street from the Italian There is music playing main open. You can walk for this industry is bi- ber throughout the entire almost 50 years. Its most Men’s club which is the and people are milling into any one of them ased towards those same week. Until, of course, they recent renovation added store that blares Johnny around the tournament and find amazing art. demographics. There is come back next week and a new room for custom- Cash from its speakers. drinking out of red plas- The closer you get to the an obvious problem, re- experience it all over again. ers to sit and talk with Every so often you can tic cups. Most nights event the more crowded garding both race and Two of the best res- a consultant about their hear a train go by. there is a booth next to it gets which is why I gender, and this year has taurants that epitomize wedding cake. All of Every year for the the bocce court advertis- suggest parking further proven that Hollywood Little Italy’s ambiance their pastries, including Feast of the Assump- ing whatever new Fiat away. needs to change. are Mama Santa’s and their famous cannolis, tion, Little Italy closes has come out that year. Corbo’s Bakery. are made at location. If down and hosts a pa- The event also fea- Sports TheBeachcomber 11 After Rebuilding Year, Three Wrestlers Place at CVC Championship good level, but I would one-time NCAA Cham- said. “He is constantly have preferred to com- pion for Oklahoma State talking about the impor- pete at a higher level.” University and a world tance of overcoming ad- Earlier in the season, champion. versity.” Kitay placed 4th at the When Cimoroni took Cimoroni has ambi- Riverside Rumble on over last summer, there tious plans for the team. Dec. 12-13 and 2nd at the were only six wrestlers “What we’re really try- Columbia Invitational in the 7-12 pipeline, so ing to do is not only ex- Tournament on Jan. 4. he had no choice but to ceed [last year’s team], Senior Jacob Markovich recruit more kids to the but have a state cham- also took 3rd at the Riv- program. pionship team,” he said. erside Rumble. “This year’s [goal] is “We want to be a peren- Wrestlers and coaches to create a foundation,” nial powerhouse.” feel that this is a respect- Cimoroni said. “We were Kitay, who placed 6th able performance for a left with a pretty bare in districts last season team in a transition year. cupboard.” and was a match away In spite of losing its “We went out and we from making it to states, head coach and an ex- recruited,” he said. “Now has set a lofty goal for tremely successful senior we have 23 wrestlers himself this season. class, this year’s team in the program, so it’s “(My goal this year is has rebuilt from the a good foundation, and to) place in states,” he ground up. we’ve got some good tal- said. The new additions to ent.” Like his coach, Kitay the staff include head Cimoroni feels good also sees potential for coach C. Peter Cimoroni, about the team’s prog- growth. assistant coach Antonio ress. “Looking to the future, Nicholson and assistant “It’s a real learning there is a lot of middle coach Alan Fried, who year, but we can see school talent that we will all bring an impressive some excellent improve- add to our team in the track record. ment from all the wres- next couple years,” he Cimoroni, a BHS alum, tlers,” he said. said. Senior Justin Albaugh grapples with a wrestler from Wickliffe at the CVC championship. lettered in four sports “They are really start- Cimoroni said he is Photo by Emilykate Hopson-Boyd. and was the varsity coach ing to understand the striving to make team from 1987-1992. commitment, and they members not only bet- By Alex Cala placed 3rd and senior “I’ve still got some Nicholson comes from are now starting to take ter wrestlers, but better Staff Writer Justin Albaugh (220 lb.) work to do to improve for Solon High School’s hold of the technical phi- people. placed 6th. sectionals, but I thought wrestling team, where he losophy that we’re bring- “Our focus really is At the Chagrin Valley Wrestlers are sched- I did pretty well,” Kitay was a long-time assistant ing,” he added. [on] doing the right Conference wrestling uled to compete at sec- said. coach in one of the most Athletic Director Ryan thing for these young championship, held at tionals on Feb. 28. “It was a bittersweet successful programs in Peters explained Cimo- men under our tutelage,” BHS on Feb. 6-7, sopho- Kitay and Bialosky tournament because I the state. roni’s philosophy. he said. more Josh Bialosky (182 have mixed feelings was just coming back Fried is a three-time “He comes at sports “They give me as much lb.) placed 2nd, sopho- about their performanc- from an injury,” Bialosky state champion for St. with a more philosophi- as I try to give them.” more Ben Kitay (126 lb.) es at the championship. said. “I competed at a Edward’s High School, a cal approach,” Peters Junior Bagatur Askaryan Girls Basketball Team Scores Another Qualifies for State Swim Meet Impressive Season With 15-6 Record

Askaryan balances his athletic commitments with a heavy academic load. Photo by Bradford Douglas. Sophomore Paige Safenovitz shoots for a 3-pointer. Photo by Emilykate Hopson-Boyd. Reporting by Emily Topilow Reporting by The Beachcomber Staff Features Editor At the district swim raised.” The girls basketball What was the best What is your team’s tournament last week- When did you start “In swimming if you’re team is scheduled part of the season? greatest strength? end, junior Bagatur swimming? really committed you for a district play- Askaryan qualified for “When I was four, my constantly have to push off game at home on My favorite part of the “Our defense is one of the state swim meet mom threw me in the yourself to the limit and March 2. season is when we played our stronger suits, we’ve with a time of 22.36 in water.” your coaches are defi- Pickerington high school help almost every team 50 freestyle. His swim nitely a large part of that. What challenges did and beat them. This was under 40.” is also a new team re- What challenges did Swimming coaches tend you face this season? my favorite because we -Paige Safenovitz cord, and qualifies you face this season? to push swimmers as “Working together as a really stepped up as a him for a USA Nation- “The was one swim meet hard as they can every- team.” -Center Natalie team to beat a division 1 “What has gone well for al meet. that I was feeling pretty day.” Hill team. us this year was the lead- sick. and I really didn’t -Guard Taylor Royster ership on the team and What races did you think I would swim too “...trying to figure out the bond that we have compete in at the dis- well. I managed to drop How do you bal- our roles.”-Guard Ary- “Beating Cuyahoga with each other.” trict meet? a significant amount ance schoolwork and ana Jackson Heights after losing to -Taylor Royster “I swam individually the of time off my 50 and swimming? them earlier in the sea- 100 butterfly and the 50 I broke 23 secs. After “ It requires me to be a “We lost a lot of amaz- son. We had a talk with “[The team’s] ability to free style. Also the 200 that I just really started lot more organized and ing players last you so our coach and improved fight through adversity relay and the 400 free swimming faster and more efficeient with my re grouping and figuring our game.” and not give up.” style relay.” my expectations were time” out our new roles was -Aryana Jackson -Assistant Coach Craig our biggest challenge.” Alexander -Guard Paige Safenovitz Profiles TheBeachcomber 12 Through Their Eyes: BHS Students Work Hard In and Out of the Classroom

The Beachcomber is profiling students with interesting life experiences. In this issue, we profile two seniors, Brenna Rosen and Porsche Moore, who work every day after school. Reporting by Cathy Perloff and Jada Campbell. Photos by Ellie Levine and Cathy Perloff. Brenna Rosen Watches Kids at Gross Schecter School Aftercare Program

“I have been working for about a year and a half... last school year and this school year...[I work] five days a week.”

“The youngest kids are two years old and the oldest kids are 10...I get paid well for someone without even a high school degree.”

“Well, it’s pretty fun. It’s better than being a waitress or check- ing out groceries...[I like] helping kids with homework and just playing with them.”

“It’s kind of a bummer that I can’t go home and nap every- day after school, because I liked to do that. I get home usually around 6 o’clock.”

“[Working has] definitely meant that I have to be a lot better at my time management. Junior year I had a lot of homework, but this year I don’t have as much. It’s easier to figure every- thing out [now].” Porsche Moore Slings Spaghetti at Piada

“I work at Piada... anywhere from 17 [hours] on a slow week up to 22 or 25 hours.”

“I’ve definitely learned a lot, especially when it comes to deal- ing with the public and people in general, which is just about showing self control and not getting upset when they do.”

“I prefer working and getting hands-on with the food. When it comes to the actual people, that makes it hard.”

“I’ve definitely had challenges. One, I know it’s kind of funny, but my height because I have to move a ladder around the back of the house when I’m trying to get different ingredients...I just cannot reach [some of them].”

“I just can’t procrastinate too much on anything. If I have time for something, I have to get it done right then or it’s never go- ing to happen. If I have time I’m not going to waste it.”