The Hobbit

Kennedy George

The Hobbit, which was released on Friday, December 14, is a prequel to the Lord of the Rings trilogy. It was directed by Peter Jackson, and it starred Andy Serkis, Martin Freeman, and Ian Mckellan. The movie follows the early adventures of a hobbit, Bilbo Baggins. The story is based on the book, The Hobbit, by J. R. R Tolkien, and will be separated into three different movies.

The detail in the plot and setting of the movie is amazing. Characters’ story lines are followed from beginning to end, and there are many characters from the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The scenery is vivid and the wardrobe for all of the characters is very convincing and realistic. The scenery is especially amazing when seen in 3D! The soundtrack steals the show, though. Throughout the movie, there are elaborate instrumental pieces that set up the emotions of the scenes for the audience. Without this soundtrack, the movie would not have panned out as well.

The only two complaints I have are that the movie could be shorter, as a lot of the content was not necessary to the plot of the movie. Sitting through a film that is almost three hours long (166 minutes, exactly) can be tiring, and it makes it hard to concentrate on the details. The second complaint I have is of the few songs the dwarves sing. The scenes with the songs in them feel out of place. The songs diminish the serious mood of certain scenes and the movie, as a whole.

Overall, though, The Hobbit deserves four out of five stars.

The Craft of Knitting

Rachel Case

How much do you know about knitting? Not only does the craft have a long and diverse history but it is a hobby that still interests people today!

Knitting has very early origins. The first pieces of clothing that have been found were made with techniques similar to those used in knitting and needlework. Some of these pieces included socks and stockings. The first references to knitting in Europe appeared in the early 14th century. During the Elizabethan Era, stocking were knitted with very fine wool for both men and women, in Britain. These became very fashionable necessities during the time, and their popularity grew. The Scottish became very involved in knitting during the 17th and 18th centuries. They were known for their sweaters with elaborate designs and their fancy stockings.

Knitting didn’t become popular in America until the 1930’s and 1940’s, when it was relied upon for clothing items for the army and navy. During the 50’s and 60’s, knitting enjoyed a boost of popularity, as it was incorporated into more high-fashion items. One popular item was called the “twinset.” This was a knitted, short-sleeved top, worn under a knit cardigan. There were also many more colors and styles of yarn introduced, during this time. Girls were being taught how to knit in school, as it was a very useful skill to have. During the 1980’s, however, the craft of knitting started to decline.

In the present day, knitting is slowing re-gaining popularity. Designers are including knit pieces in their fall and winter collections, and knit blankets are becoming popular, again. Knit hats and scarfs are both seen in department stores and in magazines, around the world. Knit sweaters that are made out of wool have also become very trendy and popular among many age groups, and men are wearing these sweaters, too. People enjoy wearing these knit clothing items; therefore, knitting is becoming a relaxing and popular hobby, once again.

Bowling Team a Success

Liam George

The Homer High School bowling team is in its second year this season. Two years ago a group of students and parents from the community approached the Board of Education to propose the formation of the team. After a lot of hard work, the team was created last year. Under the coaching of Mr. Nasiatka and Mrs. Carboine, the bowling team reached sectionals in their first year. Coach Nasiatka said that the boys and girls teams this year should be even better. The team practices at Hi Lanes in Homer, but all matches are held at Strike and Spare in Mattydale. Homer bowls against schools such as CBA, Grimes, Cortland, Fulton, ESM, Chittenango, and Solvay. Both the boys and girls teams have ten members this year. Four of the boys are freshman and one of them is an eighth grader.

Spreading Holiday Cheer

Julia Fouts   

On Thursday, December 6, the Homer High School band performed songs to get into the holiday spirit. The concert started at 7:30 pm and lasted for over an hour. The jazz ensemble, directed by Mr. David Shiffman, went first and played five songs. Mr. David DiGennaro, the high school instrumental teacher, directed the concert band, which performed four songs.

The jazz ensemble featured saxophones, trumpets, guitars, bass guitars, trombones, and a piano. The musicians played five songs, “In the Stone,” “It’s the Holiday Season,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Flashback,” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” There were several solos, and the songs got everyone into the Christmas spirit.

        Mr. DiGennaro directed the concert band, which played after the jazz ensemble. The instruments in the concert band included piccolos, flutes, oboes, bassoons, clarinets, bass clarinets, saxophones, and trumpets, french horns, trombones, euphoniums, tubas, and percussion.  The band performed, “Do You Hear What I Hear?,” “Pillars of the Earth,” “Prelude and Fugue in G Minor,” “The Spirit of Orpheus,” and “Sleigh Ride.” Jordan Laundry, a freshman who plays clarinet, said, “Our band worked very hard for this concert, and our time and effort invested really showed in our performance.”

Great job to all the instrumentalists!

Be a Part of SADD’s Largest Red Ribbon!

Be a Part of SADD’s Largest Red Ribbon!

What do you do? Wear red or a World AIDS Day t-shirt!

When? December 21st, before first period.

Why? To show your support for AIDS awareness!

SADD is asking all students and staff at the high school to participate in SADD’s Largest Red Ribbon on December 21st. This annual event is held to support AIDS awareness. Before first period on December 21st, students and staff, dressed in red, will gather on the turf in the shape of a ribbon for a picture. Be sure to join us!

Wildlife Wednesday: Holiday Decorations #3 Frosty the Gangsta Snowman

Mary Cope

Winter break is quickly approaching, and many of us are now frantically finishing up shopping, wrapping, and decorating! Unfortunately, instead of hearing the friendly crunch of frosty snow beneath our feet, we hear the slosh of mud puddles and the pitter-patter of rain on our rooftops. Since Mother Nature has thrown us a curveball, and as this holiday may turn out to be a very wet, damp one, this winter idea may have to wait, a month or so. It turns out that you can make an animal-friendly version of Frosty the Snowman! All you need are a few, simple substitutions!

We all know from the popular song that Frosty has a button nose, but adding a carrot, instead, will attract squirrels and deer! His two eyes made out of coal can be created from pine cones coated with peanut butter and bird seeds. His arms, if made with sturdy sticks, can hold suet, as well as some special pine cone bulbs! If you sprinkle bird seed around Frosty, that, too, will attract many creatures to brighten up your yard and keep your snowman company! If you come up with any leftover fruit pieces, those can be thrown around your snowman, too. The birds, squirrels, mice, and deer will thank you for their holiday treat! If your snowman’s appendages begin disappearing, simply replace them to keep your holiday friends coming back for more!

(Mary Cope is a junior whose interests span from dog shows to falconry. She particularly enjoys flying her hawk, Theron, in the woods behind her home. Mary’s immersion in the natural world for her various hobbies has instilled in her a deep appreciation for the environment and the many creatures to which it is home.)

FFA Holiday Raffle - Ends Today!

Julia Fouts

Julia Fouts

Happy Holidays! FFA is raffling off a holiday food basket to all Homer High School students. The basket consists of cookies, holiday noodles, and candy; it’s great for the holidays! The tickets are on sale from Monday, December 17th until Wednesday, December 19th.

FFA is an organization geared towards educating young adults about agriculture. It teaches leadership skills, public speaking, money management, and communication skills. This youth organization opens doors to new clubs and opportunities for high school students. With this raffle, the club is able to raise money to support Homer FFA.

It's Wrapping Day!

Mrs. Reif’s Great Issues class is having a gift wrapping party. They will wrap gifts for a monetary donation that will go towards a charity called the Pajama Program, which gives books and pajamas to children in need. The wrapping party is today, Monday, December 17, from 3 to 6 P.M. in the High School Cafeteria.

THANCS Holiday Cheer

Kennedy George

Homer’s THANCS Club has adopted a family-in-need this holiday season. The family consists of two parents, a son, and a daughter. If you would like to contribute to the THANCS Club's donations by getting the family a gift, there is a sign-up list on the THANCS bulletin board. You can find the bulletin board down the hallway next to the vending machines in the lobby. THANCS also welcomes food and gas cards for the family. Take part in the THANCS Club’s contributions and give a gift to those in need. If you can't get a gift in in time for this donation, then be sure to find other ways to give this holiday season.

The THANCS Club's canned food drive was also a success! The school managed to donate over three hundred items of food. Mrs. Potter's homeroom won, with over one hundred thirty items of food, almost half of the overall collection. Mr. Andrejko's homeroom came in second place with sixty-seven items of food, and in third place was Mr. Nasiatka’s homeroom, which had fifty-three items. The THANCS Club would like to thank the school for making the canned food drive a success this year!

Today's Holiday Fun!

  Today, Friday, December 14, watch for school and holiday spirit! Thanks to those who are wearing craziest sweaters Ugly Sweater Day! Be sure to join Student Government in the high school gymnasium from 8-11 pm, for the HO HO HO Dance. Admission is five dollars, which pays for entrance and food, and everyone present will receive a free piece of pizza. Join in the holiday fun, this Friday!

Holiday Volleyball Tournament

Chase Davis

The Holiday Volleyball Tournament is in full swing, as semifinals and finals are quickly approaching. The tournament had a good turnout this year, as several teams registered. “Beast from the East” and “Eight Maids a Milkin’” are the two team finalists for this year’s tournament. Their game will be held on Friday, December 14.

For those who do not know much about volleyball, here is what it entails. Only six players can be on the court at a time, and there must be three girls and three guys. The team with the higher seed gets to serve first. The three basic kinds of shots in volleyball are the bump, the set, and the serve. The first hit after the serve must be a bump. After that, players can use almost any hit to get the ball over the net. The goal is to have the volleyball land on the court on the other side of the net. Each game is played to 15 points, and in the tournament, the match goes to the team that wins two out of the three games.

Ian Heath, from the “Arctic Aces,” said, “I thought they did a good job, but they need to play to a higher score during the seeding rounds.” During the tournament, games were played to 15; however, during the seeding rounds, games were only played to 11.

Nick Cinquanti, from the “Silent Knights,” said, “It was a lot of fun!” He also added the quotation, “Oh, in the face,” as a few of the shots resulted in hits to the face.

Overall, the tournament was a huge success. Show your support by watching the championship game on Friday, December 14th. Also, be sure to sign up next year, if you are interested in participating.

Wildlife Wednesday: Holiday Decorations #2

Mary Cope

As we wrap up our final weeks of school before winter break, most of us are finishing our holiday decorating. Many people do not realize that they can make pretty decorations that double as yummy holiday treats for winter critters!

Pine cone bulbs require nothing more than several pine cones, a bit of string or twine, some peanut butter, and bird seed! To make this treat for birds, simply tie the string around a pine cone before applying peanut butter. Next, roll your ornament in some bird seed. Now, you have a wonderful, attractive decoration to hang on any tree, shrub, or bird feeder. This holiday decoration makes your yard look festive and feeds the birds, as well! It will provide them with a protein-rich, healthy snack during the cold days. Once the birds clean the pine cones, you can simply repeat the process. This will attract wonderful songbirds to your backyard all winter long!

(Mary Cope is a junior whose interests span from dog shows to falconry. She particularly enjoys flying her hawk, Theron, in the woods behind her home. Mary’s immersion in the natural world for her various hobbies has instilled in her a deep appreciation for the environment and the many creatures to which it is home.)

New Knitting Club

Liam George

The new Knitting Club has been created by Mrs. George due to the requests of several of her students. Many teachers have also shown interest in joining this club. The first meeting will be held in Mrs. George’s classroom, Room 118, during ninth period on Wednesday, December 12th. Future meeting dates will be decided at the first gathering. All knitters are encouraged to bring their own needles and yarn.

Portrait Night Fundraiser

Come to Family Portrait Night!

When? December 11th, 6-8pm
Where? Homer High School Auditorium
What is it? Family Portrait Night is sponsored by the Homer Junior Class. Pictures will be taken by Digi-Pro Photography and will be ready at the high school within a week. Families that attend this event will receive discounted portrait packages, and holiday cards will be available, as well. Appointments can be made by calling Digi-Pro Photography at (607) 756 – 8587.
Thank you for supporting the Class of 2014!

La Profesora de Español Nueva

Julia Fouts and Kennedy George

Homer High School has welcomed Mrs. Solan as a new Spanish teacher. Mrs. Solan teaches Spanish II and shares a classroom with the French teacher, Mr. Williams. She also teaches a class in Mr. Podsiedlik’s room. Two Olympian writers had a chance to interview Mrs. Solan.

Q: Where are you from?

A: Liverpool.

Q: How long have you been a Spanish teacher?

A: Three years. Two in Homer; one in Liverpool.

Q: What were your past occupations?

A: Archeologist.

Q: What college did you attend?

A: SUNY Albany and SUNY Oswego.

Q: When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A: A lawyer.

Q: Were you always interested in Spanish?

A: Yes, but I didn’t know what I wanted to do with it.

Q: Are Spanish and English the only languages you’re fluent in?

A: No, Latin.

Q: Have you ever traveled abroad?

A: Yes! I lived in Germany for one year. I’ve traveled through most of Europe, Benin in Africa, Taiwan, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Columbia, and Iceland.

Q: Where is one place you want to go?

A: I really want to go to India.

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: Reading, crocheting, camping, and doing martial arts.

Q: Do you have any pets?

A: One dog.

Q: What was one day that changed your life or was significant in your life?

A: The day my daughter was born.

Q: How old is your daughter?

A: She is four, and I have a daughter on the way.

We wish to congratulate Mrs. Solan on the upcoming birth of her daughter and hope she has many successes at Homer.

Have you hugged a friend today?

Fashion Friday: Winter Coziness

Rachel Case

‘Tis the season for warm, comfortable sweaters. Especially during the winter season, a sweater makes a stylish choice that is appropriate for many occasions. This is because there are so many different varieties, including cashmere sweaters and cardigans. Over the decades, sweaters have become iconic pieces of clothing. They continue to gain popularity for both men and women.

Cashmere knitted sweaters emerged in the 1920’s, when they were worn as utilitarian and athletic clothing items. During the 1930’s, however, the use of sweaters was altered. In 1937, Lana Turner appeared in the movie They Won’t Forget, wearing a tight sweater. In the following decades, sweaters became fashion statements. During the 1940’s, the decorated evening sweaters were introduced. Often, designers incorporated beads, fur, and metal studs into their creations. Many of these sweaters also had three-quarter length sleeves. These styles began an influential trend that continued into the 1960’s.

The cardigan, another trendy style of sweater, is popular due to its versatility and comfort. The use of cardigans dates back to 17th century France and Britain. These items were worn by fishermen, as they were invaluable and warm on the cold seas. More recently, cardigans have been adored by many people, including Mr. Rogers. This iconic star gave cardigans a huge boost of popularity by wearing them on his show. Many teenage girls who adopted the look wore their cardigans backwards, buttoned up the back.

Sweaters are among the most popular items of clothing worn by people today, during fall and winter seasons. Designers continue to create new versions of the sweater, making it easier than ever to create many different looks.

Wrapping Gifts for Charity

Mrs. Reif’s Great Issues class is having a gift wrapping party. They will wrap gifts for a monetary donation that will go towards a charity called the Pajama Program, which gives books and pajamas to children in need. The class needs your donations of wrapping paper, gift tags, bows, and tape to get started! Please bring all donations to Mrs. Reif in room 123 between November 19th and December 14th. The actual wrapping party is on Monday, December 17, from 3 to 6 P.M. in the High School Cafeteria.

The Morose Fellow

Jared Pace

In the fervid streets of London, a surly dotard sulked in the dark corner of a secluded alley, quaffing a great deal of muscatel and attempting to console his shattered soul. The drink burned as it slowly trickled down his throat, though he surprisingly seemed numb to the pain. His fustian apparel was in shreds, his coxcomb frayed and cut in many different places; a small bauble was attached by a string at his hip. He bitterly doffed the cap to the side, questioning how he had gotten himself into such a precarious situation. Suddenly, without warning, he became dazed. He felt the poison course through his veins and was suddenly stricken with an appalling migraine; he felt as if he had been pierced by an adder. Madcap ideas began to stir in his head, affirming that he had been threatened by a cullion who cozened him into his current predicament. The man was once a pithy prodigy who dedicated his life to the rudiments of writing; he suddenly remembered where in his life he had gone awry, when he lost every ducat he owned, and when he lost every person he had held dear. Abruptly, he began to weep profusely; a never-ending cascade of tears streaked down his face. Dark clouds soon engulfed the skies, showering the land with rain. Utterly lost in this world, he stood up and walked into the dark depths of the alley, a lost soul cast into an abysmal limbo.

Wildlife Wednesday: Holiday Decorations #1

Mary Cope

As the holidays draw near, many of us are breaking out our festive decorations and are “decking the halls,” both inside and out. Most of these ornaments are made from synthetic materials and, although they may be quite decorative, they do not attract wildlife. There are several simple decorations that are not only festive but are holiday treats for the animals, as well!

Garlands are classic decorations that can be put on any tree. A holiday garland that will attract many birds, squirrels, and other creatures is easy, inexpensive, and enjoyable to make! All you need is some string, cheerios, popcorn, cranberries, and any other fruit or grain-based food. Using a needle, simply thread the foods onto the string, tie off the ends of the strand, and hang your garland on any tree or shrub. This fun holiday activity benefits the animals by giving them a safe, healthy snack that encourages their natural foraging behavior. After your garland is complete, sit back and enjoy watching the little critters attracted by your yummy holiday treat!

(Mary Cope is a junior whose interests span from dog shows to falconry. She particularly enjoys flying her hawk, Theron, in the woods behind her home. Mary’s immersion in the natural world for her various hobbies has instilled in her a deep appreciation for the environment and the many creatures to which it is home.)

Be a Part of SADD’s Largest Red Ribbon!

Be a Part of SADD’s Largest Red Ribbon!

What do you do? Wear red or a World AIDS Day t-shirt!

When? December 21st, before first period.

Why? To show your support for AIDS awareness!

SADD is asking all students and staff at the high school to participate in SADD’s Largest Red Ribbon on December 21st. This annual event is held to support AIDS awareness. Before first period on December 21st, students and staff, dressed in red, will gather on the turf in the shape of a ribbon for a picture.

World AIDS Day t-shirts can be purchased from SADD in the cafeteria during all lunch periods through December 5th. Each shirt costs $14, and all proceeds will benefit the Southern Tier AIDS Program.

Be sure to join us!

Winter

Julia Fouts

The sting of cold hits my face
As I walk outside to the wintery place.

Snowflakes fall and dance to my nose;
They are each individuals, every time it snows.

I embrace the scene of my world in white,
A terrifying storm brought upon this peaceful sight.

I see the children playing;
They are squealing and laughing and obeying.

I walk back inside and warmth gives me a hug
As I drink the hot cocoa from my holiday mug.

I try to forget bad times from this year,
​For now it is time to sing and to cheer.
​
This is winter,
It’s the end of one and the beginning of another.

First Games for Girls’ Basketball

Meghan McGrath

On Friday, November 30th, the girls’ basketball teams had their first games of the season. The varsity team includes juniors Hannah Agate, Carly Dove, Kaylee Dimorier, Becca Eichorst, Kristen Fuller, Kasey McGrath, Lisa Sharpe, and Gail VanValkenburg, sophomore Morgan Hollenback, and freshmen Hannah Casey and Madison Dimorier. The team lost 54-13 against the Christian Brothers Academy. Both teams played hard, but in the end, CBA managed to get the upper hand.

The junior varsity team was also defeated, finishing the game with a score of 32-22. JV includes sophomores Mary Mercer, Megan Neuman, Natalie Partigianoni, Olivia Roos, and Emily Whittington, freshmen Meghan McGrath and Emily Aloi, and eighth-graders Megan Guerrara and Cary
Trierweiler. Ashley Lee is also on JV, but she was unavailable for the game. After four quarters, CBA walked away with the win.

On Monday December 3rd, the girls’ basketball teams will play against Tully at home.

Fashion Friday: The Legacy of Denim

Rachel Chase

    Denim and the legendary blue jeans have been some of the most popular clothing items in the world since 1873. American fashion is defined by the classic blue jeans. From the color to the fit of the jeans, there is a pair for anyone. The ongoing legacy of jeans continues because of their versatility, as many different clothing items can be made from denim. Jeans have evolved over time into the famous boyfriend jeans, wide leg jeans, and skinny jeans, but the classic blue denim still remains in style.

The famous boyfriend jeans have been worn by fashion icons, such as Marilyn Monroe and Gwen Stefani. The jeans are designed to look baggy at the bottom, with a slim silhouette at the top, for a great fit. The wide leg jeans first emerged during the 1970’s, when Farrah Fawcett often wore them, giving them a tomboy style. The more modern versions of wide leg jeans can be worn with a simple, white t-shirt and fedora. These jeans are known for their play on volume, as they are big on the bottom and tiny at the waistline. The skinny jeans have recently been in style among younger women and teens, but they first emerged during the 1950’s. These jeans were often seen in movies, such as on Audrey Hepburn and in Grease. They are famous for making legs look longer and thinner. More modern versions of skinny jeans include zippered details on pockets and pant legs. Bright colors were also introduced to the skinny jean last season, and they have become extremely popular.

Other denim clothing items that are legendary include the denim dress and denim jacket. The denim dress is great for casual wear, especially when it is paired with tights and boots. The denim jacket can also be worn casually, with a baggy shirt and rolled-up sleeves. Wearing denim is a great way to dress comfortably. It’s easy to express a unique style with so many options of denim clothing available today.

(Rachel Case is a senior this year. She has a big interest in the fashion industry, and she hopes to major in fashion at college, next year. Her goal in writing these articles is to give a background and history about the fashion industry and the past, recent, and upcoming trends.)

Wonderful Town Cast and Crew

Homer High School announces the cast of  THE New York City musical Wonderful Town with music by Leonard Bernstein, set in 1935, the era of jazz.  "Wonderful Town" will be performed Thursday, February 28 at 7pm, Friday, March 1 at 7pm, and Saturday, March 2 at 2pm in the High  School Auditorium.

Cast:

Ruth Sherwood -         Lucia Helgren

Eileen Sherwood-       Lexington Swartwood

Bob Baker -                 Josh Apker

Frank Lippencott-       Richie Howell

Wreck-                        David Perfetti

Chick Clark-                Jake Elkins

Officer Lonigan-         Jimmy McLorn

Appopolous/Chef-      Tyler Holcomb

Helen-                         Bailey Kote

Tour Guide-                Erik Gustafson

Speedy Valenti-          Briahna Reynolds

Mrs. Wade-                 Eden Dodge

Emcee-                        Mara Waligurski

Violet-                         Jordan Green

Ensemble:

Tori Anderson             Nate Apker

Wyatt Bush                 Sara Everts

Josh Frenia                  Kaige Gailor

Leigha Gailor              Nick Petrie

Lara Pluemer               Zach Randall

Dan Schenck               Shannon Spencer

Hannah Whalen          Evan Ulrich

Kenian Ulrich

Costumes:

Lucia Ferro, Stephanie McGory, Tasha Robertson, Halie Atkins, Sarah Denkenberger, Tayler Peck

Pit Band:

Flute-                           Molly Ulrich

                                    Jordan Laundry

Clarinet-                      Grace Stupke

                                    Nikea Ulrich

                                    Sarah Willsey

Alto Sax-                     Jennifer Griffin

Tenor Sax-                   Alexander Fisher

Cello-                          Kaige Gilor

Bari Sax-                     Gunner Brennan

Horn-                           Julia Brazo

Trumpet-                     Nicholas Barnard

                                    Nicholas Dentes

                                    Nicholas Petrie

                                    Andrew Potter

                                    Nathaniel Ulrich

Trombone-                   Julia Fouts

                                    Brian Mitchell

                                    Alexis Settineri

                                    Gideon Stupke

Euphonium-                Kennedy George

Tuba-                           Andrew Snogles

Percussion-                  Michael Morse

                                    Eric Petrie

Piano-                          Mrs. Marina Gorelaya

Tech Crew:

Dallas Butler, Ellie Anderson, Adam Dangler, Christine Stadler, Peggy Maus, Shannon Horak