Senior class experiences realistic car crash demonstration

On Thursday, May 27, the entire senior class gathered outside of Cherry Hill East in the Main Entrance parking lot to view a drunk driving car crash demonstration put together by the Cherry Hill Police and Fire Department, topping off an effective assembly by The Brain Injury Institute.  After watching a slide show presentation organized by Director Sue Quick, two audience members, Rachel Elimelech (’10) and Rob Riches (’10), were brought on stage to experience varying levels of impaired vision due to intoxication.  The students tried on two different pairs of goggles and took four intoxication tests: clicking a pen, walking in a line, dribbling a basketball and picking up keys from the floor.

Outside, four student volunteers, Julia Susuni (’10), Justin Henderson (’10), Lucas Kappler (’10) and Marissa Zietz (’10) were made up prior to the crash demonstration with faux make-up injuries to mimic a tragic car accident.  The Cherry Hill Police and Firemen mocked a real accident as they rushed into the Main Entrance parking lot, car lights flashing and sirens blaring, and cut through the vehicle, cutting through glass and tearing off car doors.  The passengers were treated as crash victims as the paramedics carefully lifted the actors on to gurneys and rolled them into the ambulance.  The audience stood in silence behind the barriers of caution tape as they witnessed a life-like, fatal car accident scenario that would hopefully affect them for the rest of their lives.

After the demonstration, students filed back inside the auditorium for a question and answer session with speaker Traffic Sergeant Mike Rann.

“We’re asking you to think about what you do before you do it,” s

aid Rann, as he discussed the tragic effects of drunk driving.

Cherry Hill Traffic Unit Policeman Jim Weist said the Police and

Fire Departments’ main goal for the demonstration is to get students to make good choices.  “[They] get to see what the worst result is.  Your worst possible choice has the worst possible effect.”

EIA hosts its third annual Legislative Breakfast

On Friday, April 30, the East in Action Club (EIA) held its Third Annual Legislative Breakfast in the Cherry Hill East library.  Each year, EIA chooses a cause to focus on during the event.  This year, EIA partnered with Robin’s Nest, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving children’s well-being in a family setting, with the goal of raising awareness among the attendees, and ultimately the community, about foster care.

According to club founder and president Shayna Golkow (’10), EIA has been planning for the breakfast since January and raising money since December through bake sales.  Golkow said that the club formed four committees to plan for the event.  The preparation committee was in charge of making posters and the program, led by David Jacob (’13), and the guest committee took on the job of creating the invitation letter and greeting the guests on the day of the event.  Preparations also involved a food committee, in charge of working with Aramark to purchase refreshments, and a student presentation committee, mainly headed by Jackie Susuni (’12).

Around 46 club members met the club’s criteria to attend the breakfast, joined by over 30 community member attendees, including school administrators and faculty, legislators, officials and school board members.  For the majority of the event, club members presented personal stories and information about foster care within the community.

“I think people were really affected,” Golkow said.  She added that several school board members and legislators approached her, informing her of their interests in taking action.

Golkow said that overall, the breakfast posed a great opportunity for non-officer EIA members to get involved and inspired for next year.   As a senior, Golkow is wrapping up the year and sadly saying her goodbyes to the club.  She had revived East in Action just three years ago as a sophomore, taking the club to a community-wide level when she launched the First Annual Legislative Breakfast.  Now, over one hundred students participate in EIA and look forward to the upcoming officer elections.

For any students interested in joined EIA for the 2010-2011 school year, listen for announcements and flyers for future meetings

Demogorgon’s annual Poetry Slam was indeed slammin’

On Thursday, April 29, 2010, East’s Demogorgon held its annual Poetry Slam in the Library, organized by Editors-in-Chief Nuper Mital (’11), Avra Bossov (’11) and Zach Siegel (’11), with help from volunteers Sydney Gore (’11), Moriah Schervone (’11), Laura Kane (’11), Andrew Huff (’11), Max Gutbezahl (’10) and Chloe Gold (’11).  From periods one through eight, classes gathered in the library to listen to the creative words of teachers and students expressed through poetry and song. Mr. Greg Gagliardi and Mr. Pete Gambino hosted the upbeat event, frequently involving the audience members and bringing a comedic tone to the Slam. Demogorgon members sold previous years’ Demogorgon literary magazines on sale for five dollars, in addition to offering cookies and chips with every donation to the organization.  Band “Mr. Cecil Leonard and the Inspirational Ensemble” entertained the crowd with music during intermissions between periods.

“Everyone seems really into it.   The faculty gets involved too making it even more interesting,” said Kimberly Southwick (’02), temporary assistant advisor of Demogorgon.  “If I had known who Steven Markowitz was before I got here, I would have enjoyed it even more.”

Gagliardi said that the most popular topics of the day were Steve Markowitz and love, which coincidentally go hand in hand.

From inspirational readings to original songs, the 2010 Poetry Slam was indeed slammin’.

Cherry Hill has definitely “got talent”

On Sunday, April 18, at 7 p.m. at the Cherry Hill West auditorium, the Cherry Hill Education Foundation put on yet another successful production for the third consecutive year— though this year’s entertainment consisted of a variety of community-wide talent rather than solely dance.  Cherry Hill’s Got Talent, directed by Drew Molotsky, began with an opening dance to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” performed by public school administrators Marta Audino, John Cafagna, Joanne DiGiaccomo, George Guy, Christopher Hall, Beth Anne Kob, Willam Marble, Allison Staffin and Anthony Trongone, all looking as if they had just risen from the dead in their zombie-like apparel and make-up.

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.

Cougars on the Catwalk: Coming April 16th

On April 16th at 7 pm, the Cherry Hill East Fashion Club will be hosting their first ever fashion show, entitled Cougars on the Catwalk.  It will be $5 to enjoy the show with all proceeds benefitting the Dysautonomia Foundation.  During the show, there will be a guest appearance by a radio celebrity DJ of local station wired 96.5.  Audience members will also be able to snack on free food while enjoying the three categories of fashion displayed.

FDA raises money for a club field trip

Today, Wednesday, February 24, the Future Doctors of America (FDA) Club held an after school bake sale to raise money for the club’s future endeavors.  The club members hope to purchase club t-shirts and possibly attend a field trip similar to other years’ trips to the Mutter Museum and a hospital to watch a live surgery. 

During the bake sale, club members Paul Jang (’10) and Alex Krefetz (’10) sold cookies, Dunkin Donuts, muffins and brownies ranging from $0.50 to one dollar.  According to Krefetz, the bake sale was a little more successful than past sales, though it was not one of their major bake sales.  He expects that they made around $40.  The FDA Club hosts bake sales about once a month. 

The club plans to hold its next meeting on March 25.  The meeting will consist of a guest radiologist to speak to the students about the profession of radiology.

East Art Club creates jewelry for a cause

Wednesday, January 6, the Cherry Hill East

Art Club met in F068 to work on creating jewelry to sell at East’s upcoming Coffee House to raise money for the New Jersey CARES institute.  Art teacher Mrs. Sandra Sharp has been serving as a guest advisor for the club for the past four weeks to teach the club members technical jewelry-making methods.  To prepare for the Coffee House sales, students have been working on a different technique each meeting.

“We use mixed sized beads, different stringing patterns… and learn techniques about using the different tools,” said Sharp.

Today, Sharp instructed students about creating rings using wire and beads.  They looked through different jewelry-making books for inspiration when devising ideas for designs.  In the past few weeks club members learned how to create bracelets using a system of knotting called macramé, in addition to making dozens of earrings and bracelets.

“It’s interesting learning the techniques and it’s fun,” said Courtney Ma (’13), an Art Club member some know as the premier ring-maker.  “[Making jewelry for a good cause] makes me feel proud to help out other people.”

The Art Club used a portion of its funds to purchase all of the materials, including a basic bead set and tools.  Students work until the late bus departure almost every Wednesday after school and store any uncompleted projects in protective small clear bags.

The Art Club members are still working out the pricing for their products but believe they will most likely range from three to ten dollars.

Inauguration comes to Philly

Although the real 2009 Presidential Inauguration takes place in Washington DC, Philadelphia creates its own ways to celebrate.

Beginning at eleven a.m. on Tuesday January 20^th, Inauguration Day, the Philadelphia Visitor Center will be projecting the inauguration on a giant screen outside of the building.  Viewers can enjoy the premier without the tight security of the Washington DC inauguration, free to bring backpacks, coolers and strollers.  The Center will also have an indoor showing of the inauguration for those who don’t want to face the cold weather. 

The Franklin Institute, on January 20^th, offers children and adults alike the chance to watch history unfold, as they will be broadcasting the Inauguration in the Franklin Theatre.  The historic perk is included in admission to the museum and will begin at 11:30. 

The National Constitution Center, in honor of the Inauguration of our country’s first African President, explores United States history in their newest exhibit, America I AM: The African American Imprint. The exhibit teaches about other African Americans’ history changing accomplishments, acknowledging the significance of Barack Obama’s Inauguration. 

Whether it’s bundling up to experience the Inauguration outside in Independence Mall, or taking the time to educate oneself about the history of African American achievements, Philadelphia provides plenty of opportunities for the community to take part in the 2009  Presidential Inauguration.

Municipal property tax rate will increase by 17 percent

On Monday, January 12, 2009, the township Council approved the municipal property tax rate increase by 17 percent.  Municipal property tax is tax on housing, otherwise known as real estate tax, and used for town-wide payments such as schools, trash and public safety. 

According to the Courier Post, homes pricing for about 140,000 dollars will create a tax increase of about 130 dollars for homeowners.

Cherry Hill, along with fifty other New Jersey cities, currently awaits approval from the state for several aid packages, necessary to confirm tax rates and town spending budgets.  

Two Cherry Hill township Council members, Shelley Adler and Joyce Kurzweil, were absent from Monday’s meeting and could not cast their votes on the tax issue.

FOP Holiday Party a success

Monday, December 22, 2008, Cherry Hill East and West students and staff filled the Crown Plaza Hotel’s ballroom, hosting the annual Fraternal Order of Police holiday party for ten local schools of handicap children.  After weeks of preparation, including wrapping boxes, collecting stuffed animals, and making posters, the party once again yielded positive results. 

“It ran just as smoothly as it runs every year,” said Charles Davis, staff coordinator of FOP.  “I think everyone really gets something out of this.”

Due to the recent renovations of the hotel’s ballroom, students were unable to tape posters to the walls.  However, this factor did not stop the enthusiastic students from decorating the ballroom to the best of their abilities.  The new addition to this year’s decorations included present boxes lining the walls along the floor, as well as posters strung from one end of the room to the other, both enhancing the holiday spirit of the room.  

Overall, the 2008 FOP holiday party was a success.

Sophomores win crab soccer, followed by juniors, seniors and last, the freshmen

The sophomores crawled right over the freshmen, juniors and seniors in their successful crab soccer victory, as they were the last team to survive.  Teams were eliminated after the ball passed their defensive line three times.

The freshmen lost in the beginning of the game.  The seniors followed the freshmen defeat, taking third place.  At a two to two tie between the sophomores and juniors, the game intensified.  The tie didn’t last long as the ball soon soared over the juniors’ line of defense, giving the sophomores the first place title.

First Homecoming dance a great success

Last night — due to the mastermind of SGA President Emily Zippilli (’09) — East students gathered in the DiBart Gym, styled in dresses and button-down shirts, to bask in the music of DJ Jack Frost.

A number of tables lined the front of the gym allowing students to take a rest and enjoy some of the food displayed. They were given a choice of marshmallows or fruit in chocolate fondue, cookies, éclairs and party mix.

But in the back, the mood took a serious turn. A swarm of bouncing heads represented a number of the 580 attendees squished in the party scene at the back. The music blasted at full volume to pump students up for the Homecoming football game on Thanksgiving Day.

And, of course, with the new tradition of a Homecoming dance comes the new tradition of Homecoming king and queen. SGA decided to put a twist on the traditional king and queen custom, just as in past years for the pep rally and Thanksgiving game. Representatives from each grade were chosen by the student population’s vote. Voters were given a list of SGA officers to choose from and the nominee(s) from each grade with the most votes, (along with his/her/their escort(s)), won the title of Homecoming representatives.  This year’s Homecoming representatives were Nydajah Hayes (’12), Caroline DiBartolomeo (’11), Melanie Wittenberg (’10), Kim Regan (’10), Meredith Keller (’09), Todd Hummel (’09), Mike Sadowsky (’09) and Casey Dworkin (’09).

According to Zippilli, the dance superseded SGA’s expectations. They received $5,000 in proceeds and the attendance was ideal. East students had a great time partaking in a tradition that so many other schools enjoy … just the goal Zippilli aimed for.

Although no one knew what to expect of the newly developed Homecoming dance this year, everyone knows what to expect for years to come– excited East students dancing together to display their school spirit.

Cherry Hill one step closer to solving energy crisis with Project Porchlight

Project Porchlight, a non-profit, volunteer-based organization committed to spreading awareness about climate change through the distribution of free compact fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs, held an event today, November 16, at the Camden Country College branch on Route 70 and Springdale.

Project Porchlight came to Cherry Hill to involve residents in the distribution of CFL light bulbs, as well as the spreading of awareness about the energy crisis.  After arriving at Camden County College and signing in, volunteers listened to a forty minute educational session about the energy efficiency of the CFL light bulbs.  The Cherry Hill volunteers varied from children to seniors, all excited to take an active role in their community.

“[Project Porchlight] is a great idea because so many times seniors don’t get to come out for these kinds of things,” said Karen Oliver, a Cherry Hill citizen.

The volunteers were handed a packet containing information about the benefits of using the bulbs, as well as what to say when later distributing the bulbs for free door-to-door.  Then, the volunteers in charge handed out bright green bags, each filled with fifty bulbs, along with a neighborhood area assignment to keep track of bulb distribution. 

 ”This [distribution] is just a catalyst that’ll help people to make better energy conservation choices,” said Sheila Forman, the project Porchlight Campaign Manager. “It’s the power that each one of us has to encourage our neighbors.”

The distribution of the CFL bulbs was a success, as the majority of volunteers handed out 40-50 bulbs.  After three and half hours of door-to-door bulb distributing, Project Porchlight provided volunteers with a catered dinner of hoagies, snacks and desserts.  Each participant also received a personalized certificate.

The event attracted over fifty participants from all over Cherry Hill, some wet behind the ears to the Project Porchlight organization.

“I decided to come because I wanted to volunteer,” said Habsa Begum, a student at Camden County College.  “I didn’t know much about the organization, but I wanted to find out more and do community service.”

 Project Porchlight also attracted a younger crowd of citizens looking to increase consciousness of environmental issues at an early age.

“My goal is to raise awareness in the community that there are [alternative] options for our source of power,” said Zach McKenna, a sixth grader at Rosa Middle School and member of the Rosa Environmental Club.

Project Porchlight has not only given Cherry Hill residents energy efficient CFL light bulbs, but has also given them a sense of awareness, taking one step closer to solving the current energy crisis.

AIDS Awareness Club holds first meeting

Today, November 11, 2008, the AIDS Awareness Club held their first meeting, headed by Kate Nelson (’10) and Molly Ruttenberg (’10).  The goal of the AIDS Awareness Club is to produce awareness of the spreading epidemic AIDS to the students and teachers of Cherry Hill East.  About fifteen students attended the meeting and discussed potential AIDS fundraisers.  Nelson and Ruttenberg informed students about the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amFAR), the leading organization dedicated to AIDS/HIV research.

“It is really nice to see how educated Molly and Kate are about AIDS,” said Alyssa Boneventure (’10), an attendee of the first club meeting.

Indian Food Restaurants to remind students of summer

The time for exotic vacations may come to a close as the summer ends and the school year begins.  However, that doesn’t have to stop anyone in Cherry Hill from enjoying an exotic Indian food feast all year round. 

Coriander Indian Bistro, a restaurant located in the Ritz shopping center in Voorhees, creates the exotic Indian ambience as soon as a hungry customer walks through the door.   Stepping into Coriander and immediately noticing the strong curry scent, one cannot be surprised that Coriander holds the Critics Choice 2008 award for

“Best Indian Restaurant” in New Jersey, as well as the Courier Post’s 2008 ” Reader’s Choice” award for Best Indian Restaurant.  Plus, Coriander earned the “Best of the Best” award in 2007 from South Jersey Magazine.

The colorful splashes of red and yellow on the walls act as a backdrop to the cultural pieces of art hanging up throughout the front room of the restaurant, visible as customers enter Coriander.  One might compare walking through the Indian bistro to walking through the crowded streets of India, not only because of the popularity of the restaurant, but because of the traditional Indian music playing in the background and the friendly greetings of the restaurant owners.  

After eyeing through Coriander’s traditional Indian food menu, one might feel overwhelmed or confused at the sight of all the Indian terms- but not for long.  The eager waiters kindly and carefully explain any mysterious dishes to a confused customer, taking pride in the fact that the customer is inquiring about a food that may be out of his or her comfort zone.  The waiters may also point out the unique family style entrées that tables usually pass around and share.  The main dishes, served in painted, ceramic pots, come with a large side of rice for the table, also served in a decorative pot.  For dessert, most customers order the culfi ice cream with fresh berries, according to the Coridander staff.

While Coriander customers enjoy a more upscale, trendy dining experience, Curry and Kabab, an Indian food restaurant in the Woodcrest shopping center, entertains its customers on a more personal level.  Although Curry and Kabab recently opened its doors in May 2008, taking over another Indian restaurant, according to owner, Stella Pilloi, customers rave about the food’s real Indian taste.  The upbeat Indian music playing and the pictures of spices hanging create an exotic Indian feel throughout the restaurant. Curry and Kabab’s chef, who previously worked as a chef at The Oberoie, a five star hotel in India, for twenty years, cooks using a Tandori clay oven.  Though most Indian families cook their own excellent Indian food at home, they eat at Curry and Kabab just for the special Tandori dishes offered, such as the Lamb Seekh Kabab, which requires the clay oven.  According to Pilloi, most American or vegetarian customers enjoy the Masala Dosa, a pea and potato dish. 

“People try every restaurant but come here to find real Indian food,” said Pilloi.

Now the transition between exotic summer fun and average school days will be easier.  Whether it’s trendy Coriander, homey Curry and Kabab, or any other Indian food restaurant in the area, Cherry Hill East students will always have a place to remind them of an exotic summer in India.

Mexican Food restaurants to remind students of summer

It takes two and a half hours to travel by plane over the two thousand mile stretch across the border and into Mexico.  Its hard returning to hours of homework a night after vacationing in tropical paradises all summer, or even after just relaxing in the warm, summer weather. But why spend tons of money and time traveling, when two great Mexican restaurants can be found right here in the Cherry Hill area?

San Miguel Mexican Cuisine, located in the Showcase at the Ritz shopping center, just opened last April, replacing M.O., a restaurant owned by the same family as San Miguel.  The bright colored walls, soothing burning candles and hand painted chairs, all imported from Mexico, bring an original Mexican touch to San Miguel.  The owners of San Miguel take care to details of their restaurant, such as the intricate woodcarvings on various chairs.

“We try to make it feel like Mexico,” said Jennifer Clark, a partial owner of San Miguel.

The Mexican cuisine offers not only traditional Mexican food, such as their “Build Your Own Tacho” dish, but also a modern style of Mexican food, such as different fish dishes, burgers, and crab cakes.  The varied menu serves as an aid to ease leery customers into the true Mexican style of cooking.  Besides the original menu choices that San Miguel offers, there are a few other aspects of the restaurant that help it stand out from other Mexican restaurants in the area.  One of San Miguel’s signature dishes, called Molcajetes, arrives at the guest’s table steaming in a bowl constructed out of hot lava rock. 

“We stand out by providing a large variety of foods,” said Clarke.  “If a customer doesn’t normally eat Mexican food, they’ll most likely find something they like.”

Instead of treating his or her selves to an upscale, sit-down dinner at San Miguel Mexican Cuisine, other Cherry Hill residents might prefer a quick, take out Mexican meal at a fast food, chain restaurant such as Baja Fresh.  Although it goes by the title of “fast food,” Baja Fresh exceeds the standards of any normal fast food joint.

Baja Fresh, the Top Mexican Chain in America for 2007 by the Consumers Choice in Chains, serves traditional Mexican favorites, including quesadillas, fajitas, and chicken taquitos.  Similar to San Miguel’s “Build Your Own Tacho,” at Baja Fresh, customers have the option to customize their own fresh, grilled burrito with the various choices offered at the salsa bar.

Besides fresh food, Baja Fresh offers fast and efficient service.  For example, now, ordering online is available at all Baja Fresh Restaurants.  Whether taking out or sitting down, the short time customers spend waiting for their food is occupied by appreciating the upbeat, rhythmic Mexican music playing in the background of Baja Fresh.

“In a processed, pre-heated world, we’re here with fresh mouth-watering Mexican favorites done right,” says the official Baja Fresh website.

Although Mexico may be over two thousand miles away, East students can easily escape into a Mexican paradise by visiting San Miguel or Baja Fresh and taking a bite.  If its traditional Mexican food, a modern cuisine, or even a quick bite to eat that students are looking for, why travel all the way to Mexico when the Cherry Hill area has plenty of unique Mexican restaurants?

Cherry Hill spreads green awareness

As the students of Cherry Hill East take their first steps into the new school year, the community leaps into becoming green. Cherry Hill Township has focused this summer towards building a better and more ecologically-efficient environment. The best part is that the township is nowhere near stopping.

Last March, Sustainable Cherry Hill, an assemblage of Cherry Hill citizens dedicated to creating a greener, more sustainable town, came up with the “Green Action Plan.” The plan highlights increasing recycling in Cherry Hill, which will create sustainability by reducing solid waste and even saving money. It also highlights energy conservation measures such as installing solar panels at Town Hall to receive energy from the sun.

“Sustainable Cherry Hill is connecting all the dots in getting everyone in the community to join forces,” said Jennifer Kelley, the aide to Mayor Bernie Platt.

Platt and Town Council, all strong supporters of making Cherry Hill sustainable, unanimously passed the Green Action plan on March 10, 2008.

“This is Cherry Hill’s opportunity to be an environmental leader, shrink our carbon footprint and find ways to improve Township energy conservation,” said Platt.

This past summer, Sustainable Cherry Hill held two educational movie events. The first, held at the Cherry Hill Public Library, was a short documentary called The Story of Stuff. The next event, held at Town Hall, was the feature film documentary, The Eleventh Hour, produced and narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio. Both films educated the viewers not only on the dangers of consumerism and global warming, but also on the positive changes that people can make.

Some of Sustainable Cherry Hill’s upcoming fall events include a Sustainable Business Seminar on November 11 at 7 p.m. in the Cherry Hill Public Library. The seminar will feature Dr. Kevin Lyons, a Rutgers professor, discussing environmentally responsible business practices. On December 11, at 7 p.m., also at the Cherry Hill Public Library, comes “Sustainable Celebrations,” an informative presentation on how to “green” your holidays from gift-wrapping to party planning.

According to Sustainable Cherry Hill’s mission statement, the goal of the organization is to educate and empower all stakeholders of the community, including schools, businesses, religious groups and the government, to make environmentally friendly choices, contributing towards a better future.
Another organization new to Cherry Hill’s “greening” effort and a key component of the Township’s Green Action Plan is Recycle Bank, which provides large, blue carts to every house in Cherry Hill. Instead of having to separate paper from bottles, cans and glass, citizens can now conveniently throw all of their recyclables into one bin. The trucks scan an identification tag on the bin and the amount that was recycled becomes Recycle Bank points. These points later can be redeemed as rewards, including gift cards from Recycle Bank sponsors.

Recycle Bank is a helpful program that not only helps the environment, but also helps families all over Cherry Hill to save money. It provides communities with a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to the rising cost of waste collection, according to the official website of Recycle Bank.
“We hope that everyone will begin to look at their lives and the things they do through the lens of sustainability,” said Kelley.

For more information, visit the website at www.sustainablecherryhill.org.