Jay Fox, a local resident and a Cherry Hill East alumnus from the class of 1982, may not be a singer, a baseball pitcher extraordinaire or a board game king, but his love for board games did land him in France, where he competed in the world Championships for the online game Ticket to Ride. Fox has been playing board games for years, and his traveling to France for a board game would not sound unusual to his family and friends.

The hobby for board games began in elementary school when Fox began to play chess and continued onto high school.

“In terms of gaming, [chess] was his game and he played chess through high school. He was on the chess team and studied books about chess. He would even take me to tournaments and got me involved,” Stephen Fox, Fox’s father, said.

Fox stopped playing board games for a little while after high school; however the passion for games did not stop at chess. When Fox got married, he began a new gaming endeavor: poker. He  invited people over for poker and would do low money gambling, but after a while the game also began to fade.

“He felt after a while that everybody played the same game and everybody learned how others played, and there was no strategy and it wasn’t fun for him,” Janet Fox, Fox’s wife, said.

Fox began to look for different types of games to play and found board games as the perfect fit, because of the strategy, fun and competiveness embodied in it.

Once again, he started to invite people over on Thursdays to play different board games, ranging from games like El Grande to the Age of Empire and Werewolf.  The group of people who attend these game nights varies but the main objective of this traditional night is to have fun.

“The purpose of Thursday night game night is not to be competitive, but the goal of the night is to have fun and socialize, and if we did this than it’s a successful night,” Fox said.

Fox not only plays with his own friends, but also plays competitively. Every summer Fox takes his children, Danielle and Brett, to compete in a gaming Convention in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This trip is not only fun for the whole family, but is also the outlet by which Fox enters some serious competitive challenges. Last August, Fox won first place at the Lancaster gaming convention, which qualified him for the North American Ticket to Ride championships in Ohio. Ticket to Ride is a cross-country train adventure in which players connect and play matching train cards to claim railway routes connecting cities throughout North America. The objective of the game is to score the highest amount of points.

In Ohio, Fox ranked in the top 8 out of 16 players on the first day. The next day, Fox won second place and was awarded the opportunity to travel to France to play the international Championships in June.

“[On the second day], I got in second and I was versing a guy from Canada.  At that point, there wasn’t a lot of enthusiasm to win, because we knew were both going to the world championship,” Fox said.

Fox was extremely excited to go to France and had his family’s support, but was unable to take his family with him.

“Everyone was excited for me to go to France, but I couldn’t take anyone with me, which was the only down side,” Fox said.

Europe is famous for its fashion, dining and artistic ambience, but Fox learned that the Europeans are also famous for their unique gaming techniques.

“The level of competition is pretty stiff. It was stiff in North America, and it was unbelievably stiff in Europe. The level of competition in Europe was different, [the Europeans] really live, eat and breathe [Ticket to Ride],” Fox said.

Fox watched as the European players turned the game of Ticket to Ride from a game of chance to a strategy game. In the game, one must pick from two piles, cards and tickets. Players can pick extra tickets, and most do. However, the Europeans never picked tickets because tickets added to the game a lot of chance, a component the Europeans sought to eliminate. Fox has applied this philosophy to his own game, and has seen much better results. He also noticed that the Europeans practiced the online game continuously.

“They play the game so much, that it almost becomes second nature to them,” Fox said.

In fact, the winner of the international championships played the game 5000 times a year, playing 13 times a day. He was even heard saying he had to move the computer to the living room, because he was not socializing enough with his family.

Fox didn’t make it to the qualifier game in France, but he finished seven out of eight.

“It was disappointing because I misplayed on my second to last turn. It was a bad mistake that I never do, which was taking a ticket. But it would not have mattered because the guy who won was a dominant force and certainly deserved it,” Fox said.

Overall, Fox’s love for board games brought him an expensive trip to France, but the experience of playing against top notch players was priceless. Fox still has Thursday night game nights and plans to attend the gaming convention in Lancaster, and with his love of board games with him, one may infer that he will go far and have a lot of fun too.

At first, Maggiano’s seems like every other fancy Italian restaurant: valet parking, chandeliers, waiters and waitresses in tuxedoes and old timey pictures hanging on the walls. But where Maggiano’s distinguished itself from the rest is in the food.

For families, the restaurant offers a three course dinner with family portions (which is more like a five course meal including two appetizers, salads, pastas, entrees and desserts) all for around 25 dollars per person. Of course, order off the main menu and the price will go up quickly. As if this was not enough, Maggiano’s policy is that if you are not satisfied with the portion size, you can request more for no additional charge.

The food itself ranges from average to mouth watering good, although the only way to determine this is to try it for yourself. You will not be disappointed, but some meals are clearly better than others (I recommend the spinach salad and the chicken parmesan).

Although you may not be blown away by the atmosphere, the food is great and there is enough of it to feed a family for a week. If you can get reservations at one of the hottest restaurants in Cherry Hill, do not eat all day and prepare for one fantastic meal.

Score: 3.5/4 stars

courtesy of iheartsavingmoney.com

The mood of the show took a comedic turn as emcee Greg Gagliardi introduced the show and the four judges: Michael Boyd, a play and musical director and writer who recently assisted the director of Hair with his upcoming show; Katie Nanni, a Cherry Hill West graduate who is currently a part of a Broadway production of Mary Poppins; Arnie Silver, a singer, song writer and founder of rock and roll group, the Dovells; and Charles J. Gill, a professional actor and award-winning director.

To start the show, sixth grader Danielle Leigh Rosenthal took center stage singing “On My Own” from Les Miserables.  The judges agreed that Rosenthal was a “beautiful singer” who truly sang her heart out.  Caryn Murtha and Kendra Lemauro of Kingston Elementary School sang a duet to “For Good” from Broadway musical Wicked dedicated to a substitute teacher and close friend.  While the judges had been critical of how the two performers’ voices complimented each during rehearsals, all agreed that the singers ultimately nailed it.  Next, Bret Harte fifth grader Nick Kepron wowed the audience as he jammed out on the drums with his mother playing piano in the background to what he called “Drum Nation.” 

Force Modern Dance Company of South Jersey were up next.  Jesica Balmes, Alisyn Berenato, Natalie Gibson and Laura Williams performed a modern dance to Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida.”  Following the unique dancers was West alumnus and Johnson teacher Donna Friedman, singing a classy rendition of “I Am What I Am” by Gloria Gaynor.  When asked who she was by Gagliardi, Friedman responded, “I represent anyone with a challenge in life.”  The judges thought the performance was “absolutely delightful.”

Kevin Chen, a fifth grader at Cooper Elementary, next revealed his talent as a pianist since age five.  Following the child prodigy was singer and actor Brett Speesler singing “This is the Moment” from Jeckyll and Hyde after a solo show he recently starred in.  While some of the judges thought standing in one spot would have made the performance more effective, Nanni called the act “powerful.”  Matt Elliot, a former Dancing with the Cherry Hill Stars participant, and dance partner, NBC 10 meteorologist Michelle Grossman, joined the show with a partner dance to Michael Buble’s “Everything.” 

Next, Rosa eighth grader Sarah Furnari impressed the audience with a powerful rendition of “Astonishing” from Little Women.  Judge Nanni felt so impressed that she called Furnari “Broadway ready,” complimenting her energy progression.  Closing the first act, Happy Feet Dance Studio’s 19-member dance group, directed by Marjie Major, called “Sparks,” entertained the crowd with an upbeat dance to “Old Time Rock and Roll” by Bob Seger.

During the ten-minute intermission, guests enjoyed refreshments and had the opportunity to vote for their favorite performance from the first act by donating money into the various bags, titled with the name of each act.

Kicking off the second act was local actor, restaurant owner and Cherry Hill East graduate, Bill “Stink” Fisher, who sang “Stuck in a Moment” by U2, accompanied by his brother Michael, also an East grad, on guitar.  Beck eighth grader Max Hoffman continued the show as a he sang “Somewhere” from Westside Story.  After his performance, Hoffman said, “I just love being on stage” and the judges complimented his dramatic feel and vocal range.  Next, 16-year-old dancer Giana Postiglione danced to Sara Bareilles’ “Gravity,” executing technical attitude turns while displaying deep emotion. 

Sylvia Dembo, an astonishing 90-year-old, sang what she explained as a torch song called “Stormy Weather,” first sung by Ethel Waters in the 1930s.  According to Gagliardi, Dembo “brought down the house” and “won the hearts of the audience” as she received a standing ovation.  Before exiting the stage, Dembo quoted Yogi Berra: “It ain’t over till it’s over!”

Following Dembo, second grader at Joseph D. Sharp Elementary School Edward Zhang startled the audience as he performed tricks with a wooden karate stick almost larger than himself.  While he carried a potentially harmful weapon, all judges agreed that “he certainly was not hurting [them].”  Jodi Lawrence O’Connor sang a wonderful version of  “Someone Else’s Story” from the musical Chess, with Carusi teachers, directors and performers Jodi Raditz and Denise Augustyn following, singing and dancing to two Chicago tunes.  The pair told Gagliardi their act’s claim to fame was the wigs and fish nets they sported. 

Finally, to close the show, Cherry Hill East singers Griffin Back, Ian Parker, Justin Singson and Cole Spencer, also on guitar, of Knee High Spunk played their original mash-up of songs ranging from Lady Gaga to R. Kelly to Spongebob Squarepants.  By the middle of the song, the group broke into a remix, picking up a faster beat.  The performance left the judges speechless.

After all the acts, audience members had around six minutes to cast any last votes for acts throughout the whole night.  While the money was added up and votes tallied, Cherry Hill’s Got Talent featured three dance numbers performed by the incredible Cherry Hill West Dance Team, directed by Shelby Smith, including a modern piece, jazz piece and the 2010 championship hip hop piece called “Nerds.”

To conclude the show Cherry Hill Education Foundation President Eleanor Stofman gave a brief speech thanking sponsors, supporters, audience members and several others.

Stofman soon announced that “Sparks” had raised the most money through donations of voters throughout the show.

“It feels so good that the audience really liked us,” said Lilah Schwartz, a member of “Sparks” and eighth grader at Haddonfield Middle School.

Next, as all the participants gathered on stage, a trophy was presented to Knee High Spunk as the overall winner of Cherry Hill’s Got Talent 2010.

“I’m speechless,” said Singson, amidst a celebratory group hug with the rest of the Knee High Spunk members.

Stofman said, “[The night] exceeded our expectations.  It was the diversity and range of the talents that made it a success.”

“This is the type of [event] that brings the Cherry Hill community together,” said Dennis Davidow, vice president of the Cherry Hill Education Foundation.

Future events planned by the Teen Activity Board include a teen band showcase on April 11, with performances by six local bands in addition to the raffles and music trivia. On April 15, the “Support Teen Lit Day” event will help raise awareness of Teenage Literature. To participate, first go to the library, where librarians will provide books and supplies to personalize a book plate. Then put that book in a random public place to promote Teen Literature Day.

“Anyone can join [the Teen Activity Board], we always welcome new members. We usually meet once a month but even then, members do not have to attend every meeting,” said Yeager. “Usually between ten and fifteen people come to a meeting.” 

The next meeting will be held on April 24. Students involved with the Teen Activity Board help the library stay up-to-date with their exciting ideas for new events.

Moriah Schervone (’11)/Eastside Global Commentary Editor

Courtesy of rizzierispahaven.com.

Getting away from the hubbub of Cherry Hill may not seem that easy when faced with returning from a Spring Break, but it is not as hard as it may initially seem. For a relaxing experience, one does not need to travel to a paradise resort. In fact, it is easier (and cheaper) to go to a spa right around the corner.

One such spa is Rizzieri’s Spa in Marlton, which provides the same ambiance that resorts from afar provide. With its soft lighting and remote environment, it is the perfect place to relax after a long day. Rizzieri’s also offers a Relaxation Area for guests to unwind further. To put the cherry on top, the Spa offers coffee, tea and snacks to its guests. In a fancy resort, those snacks and drinks would probably cost extra money.

The only difference between Rizzieri’s and a tropical spa is that one must exit back into the streets of Cherry Hill, instead of island roadways. Even though it is located in Cherry Hill, a place that may seem far from paradise, Rizzieri Spa offers a soothing heaven in reach of home.

Those longing for white-washed villages and sea air need not splurge on a vacation this year; local restaurants offer patrons a taste of the Mediterranean without the pricy airline ticket.  Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern food have found brotherly love in Philadelphia and the region, where the flavors of afar have met growing audiences of discriminating foodies.

Z

Courtest of tripadvisor.com.

ahav, Chef Michael Solomonov’s restaurant which opened May 2008, offers tasty Israeli and Middle-Eastern bites, ranging from crispy flatbread to house-made Merguez.  For those searching for delicacies more daring than the fried chickpea staple, falafel, at Zahav, Solomonov cooks up rare treats such as duck hearts, testicles and rabbit kidneys, all cooked in the traditional Jerusalem style.

Those unwilling to try the offal offerings at Zahav, however, can still enjoy the complex flavors of the Middle-East from the rest of their lengthy menu.  Zahav has options for the pickiest of eaters, with vegetarian, kosher and just about every other kind of dish.  The restaurant, which topped Philadelphia Magazine’s “Best of Philly” list, is a bit pricey for high school students, but for traditional Israeli eats, Zahav is unrivalled.

For those looking for a more low-key take on Mediterranean dining, there is Kuzina in Sawmill Village which is located in Cherry Hill.  The restaurant, newly renovated from the Athens Grill, offers an expansive selection of traditional and modern Greek dishes, with vegetarian and kosher options offered.

In the area, there’s also Norma’s Mediterranean Restaurant in Barclay Center, Kanella Restaurant at Washington Square and Pumpkin in Grays Ferry.

Though falafel and schwarma may never replace the cheesesteak, Mediterranean cuisine is spicing up the greater Philadelphia area.

Bahama Breeze

Sydney Gore (’11)/Eastside Staff

Bahama Breeze at the Cherry Hill Mall ships guests away on a lovely vacation in the Bahamas with its fine dining and beach atmosphere.

When hearing the name “Bahama Breeze”, one automatically thinks of something relaxing and peaceful. Bahama Breeze is exactly that kind of restaurant. Located at the Cherry Hill Mall, Bah

Courtesy of cleveland.com

ama Breeze is the perfect place for anyone looking for good food and conversation with friends. Upon entering the restaurant, guests feel like they have washed onto a beach hut in the islands. The sounds of street drums and calypso music fill the atmosphere along with divine scents of sultry food from the kitchen. One literally feels like they have been transported to the sandy shores of the Bahamas without actually leaving Cherry Hill. Guests have the choice of dining indoors or outdoors on a spacious roof topped wooden deck with ceiling fans, a warm fireplace and steel drum player.

The menu ranges from a variety of seafood dishes to steak, and chicken coated with jerk seasoning and other unique spices. But for the vegetarians, Bahama Breeze has wonderful pasta dishes, salads and more. For dessert, Bahama Breeze offers specialities like its key lime pie, “Chocolate Island” cake, and even banana milkshakes. In addition to the fantastic food, Bahama Breeze makes delightful drinks. Excluding alcoholic beverages like their signature drink the “Mojito”, Bahama Breeze has its very own one-of-a-kind lemonade made with real sugar cane. It’s simply the best drink on the entire menu; everyone who has ever dined at Bahama Breeze loves it.

There’s no need to miss out on an island retreat this Spring Break; drive on over to Bahama Breeze, the perfect get-away.

Recently, Coffee Works Roastery and Café, located at Eagle Plaza in Voorhees, has recognized Cajigas’ photographs and decided to put her work on display until the end of March. This collection includes twenty different photographs taken of places Cajigas has visited throughout her summer travels on trips for pleasure and trips with the People to People Student Ambassador Program, which Cajigas has been a leader of since 2003.

“Traveling is my favorite activity because you meet so many different and fascinating people,” said Cajigas. “I love to see first hand what a big world we live in.”

Cajigas has traveled to 26 countries and 24 states, thus far, and captured pictures of both domestic places such as Alaska, Yellowstone National Park and Colorado, as well as international locations like Russia, Poland, Malta, Italy and Australia, just to name a few. Many of Cajigas’ pictures are of scenic views, but some offer “an interesting perspective” on buildings and countries’ geography like her aerial photo taken from a helicopter, which shows the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

“Each [of my] pictures allows the viewer to transport themselves on a fantastical, wonderful little journey,” said Cajigas. “They capture a moment in a time or natures beauty, beauty found in people, places and the majesty of the world.”

At Coffee Works, one can enjoy viewing Cajigas’ pictures which were taken while doing what she loves to do the most, travel. In addition to displaying the works of artists and photographers, Coffee Works showcases musicians who perform Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, making the café a cool place to sit back and relax by listening to some music and seeing great photos.

Cajigas said that she is very excited about having her photos being displayed in such a great place. “I hope people go and see my photographs at Coffee Works and enjoy them,” she said.  “And if there’s a picture that caught their eye, I would love to hear the comments and any questions because it would be great to talk with the students or teachers who go to see the pictures.”

As March begins to come to a close, be sure to visit Coffee Works to check out pictures that offer glimpses into Cajigas’ summer journeys that truly convey her love for traveling.  

Examples of Emily Cajigas’ photography currently displayed at Coffee Works:

The Great Buddha of Kamakura Japan-Cajigas took this photo while traveling in Japan for three weeks as a Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Scholar.

Great Barrier Reef- This photo is an aerial view picture of the world’s largest reef system, located in Australia, taken by Cajigas during a helicopter ride.

Lone Cypress- When Cajigas traveled to California in the summer of 2008, she captured this tree, known as the official trademark of Pebble Beach.

Honey’s Sit ‘n Eat

Courtesy of www.flickr.com Honey’s Sit ‘n Eat provides a comfortable setting where its customers can start their days with a bright start.

By just walking in, it’s obvious that dining at Honey’s Sit ‘n Eat will be a unique and delicious experience. Located at 800 North Fourth Street in Northern Liberties in Philadelphia, Honey’s is a cool, low-key, funky restaurant that serves amazing breakfast all day.

Courtesy of www.foodaphilia.com The breakfast quesadillas are a breakfast favorite at Honey’s.

On March 1, Dare Boutique, located on 2110 Route 70 East in Cherry Hill, opened its doors for teenage girls in the community. After two weeks, the boutique is excited about its new business and growing popularity throughout the South Jersey area.

Beth Folkman and Debora Falkenstein, owners of Dare Boutique, decided to open this type of boutique which caters towards girls in middle school, high school and even college, due to the lack of stores in the area that sell unique, stylish clothing that girls want, but for an affordable price.

“Considering that I have a teenage daughter of my own, I recognized that there are not many stores that have fashionable clothing for events like bar/bat mitzvahs, sweet sixteens, and even prom, so I was inspired to do this boutique,” said Folkman, whose daughter is Sammi Folkman (’11).

Folkman said that since the store opened two weeks ago, Dare has been receiving a lot of support from the community while providing customers with cocktail dresses appropriate for dances and proms as well as accessories and other styles of clothing appealing to teenage girls.

The two owners came up with the name “Dare” for their store because of their interests in helping the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E) organization.

“Previously being the PTA president of Beck Middle and very involved in the community, D.A.R.E means a lot to my partner and me,” said Folkman. “Ultimately as business progresses, we would like to give back to the community by donating to this important organization.”

Whether looking for a prom dress, nice top or a fun outfit to wear on a night out, Dare Boutique guarantees that its customers to will walk out with cool, fashionable purchases while having an enjoyable shopping experience.

 All photos by Julie Coben (’11)/ Eastside Community Editor

The event will include teen performances from various high schools in the South Jersey area, such as East’s Katrina Hauck (’11). Also, Quixote Quest will be providing an array of food as well as board games to add more fun filled activities to the event.

Sandra Goldlust (’11), a member of Quixote Quest, said that this event puts the club’s motto “deeds not words” into action.

“As a club, we’re all about doing things, not just saying we’re going to do them,” Goldlust said.

Because of the decreasing media attention Haiti is now receiving, Quixote Quest finds it necessary to continue exposing the community to ways it can help the Haitian people.

“This coffee house is our organization taking one more step to help the people of Haiti recovery from such a tragic event as much as possible,” said Goldlust.

By simply paying $10 for this event, one can take the extra step to make a difference for struggling Haitians and assist Quixote Quest with its stride towards a out reaching society.

Sickness and Mental Health:

1) Alice Rose “Victorious” Foundation

Bio: A program that reaches out to teens with long term illnesses

Needed: Teens who want to help organize gifts and presents for sick teens and children in hospitals

Contact: gdinatale@arvt.org

2) Bancroft

Bio: Runs nine campuses in New Jersey that serve children and adults with mental disabilities

Needed: Teens who wish to spend time talking, playing, and assisting those in the schools and homes

Contact: www.bancroft.org

3) Lions Gate

Bio: A retirement physicality that provides a lively community for the elderly

Needed: Volunteers who wish to play games, talk, read, and just spend time with the elders.

Contact: 856-679-2205

4) Voorhees Pediatric Facility

Bio: A children’s hospital for children suffering from illnesses

Needed: Volunteers who wish to play and spend time with the children.

Contact: volunteer@uoss.org

Schools:

5) Cathedral Kitchen

Bio: A culinary school that provides a fresh start for the unemployed and homeless living in Camden

Needed: Volunteers who wish to make meals and assist cooking classes.

Contact (e-mail): volunteer@cathdralkitchen.org

6) Latin American Economic Development Association

Bio: A marketing and business school that offers learning opportunity to the underprivileged living in Camden

Needed: Students who are interested in managing events, organizing pamphlets, and making videos that assist the program.

Contact: 856-216-0558

7) Voorhees Pediatric Facility

Bio: A children’s hospital for children of all ages who are suffering from illnesses

Needed: Volunteers who wish to play and spend time with sick children.

Contact: volunteer@uoss.org

Animal Outreach:

8 ) Camden County Animal Shelter

Bio: An animal shelter in Blackwood

Needed: Volunteers who are interested in playing with and taking care of animals

Contact: www.casnj.org

9) New Jersey Academy for aquatic sciences:

Bio: An organization that promotes appreciation and preservation for marine life

Needed: Volunteers who would be interested in hosting inactive water life exhibits for guests

Contact: 856-365-0352

Variety:

10) Quixote Quest

Bio: A group of dedicated teens that take part in an array of volunteer opportunities.

Needed: Motivated teens who wish to make a difference through a variety of community outreach programs. The teens also discuss their volunteer experiences with each other every other week.

Contact:  www.quixotequest.com.

These are just a few of the rewarding community service programs in the area. Give back to the community and take part in an organization.