The blizzards are over. No more digging your car out, and throwing salt on the steps so you don’t fall rushing out in the morning. Winter has passed, and the first official day of spring season was March 20. It’s time to spring into those raincoats and hoodies and put away the army boots and huge coats. Spring is also the first reminder that the school year is almost over and summer is on is way.

It’s not just students who are excited, but teachers too.  Support teacher Erik Deisinger, explains his favorite part of spring.  “It’s the beginning of rugby season,” he says.  Spring is the season when it’s not too hot nor too cold to get outside and enjoy outdoor activities. Special education teacher Mr. Beauchamp says, “My favorite part about spring has nothing to do with the weather. Spring means baseball and the March Madness college basketball tournament are here!”

Many are happy the snow is melting and the sun is shining more, others are excited that this means the return of outdoor sports. Whether you’re looking forward to getting out, or just having the window open catching a breeze watching the March Madness Tournament, the season for freezing has finally passed. 

Tyjhan June

This past Tuesday 17th, the Red Cross came to East to get blood donations from our students and staff. This is an annual tradition that East and the Red Cross have been doing for many years.
 
Did you know that the blood donation from one person can save three lives?! This is why it is important and significant to do an act of such kindness, generosity, and compassion. It was my first time donating blood ever and I was really nervous but to be honest, it does not hurt.
 
The process is very simple. As a donor, you must meet some requirements that indicate that you are healthy enough to donate. First, you must read the instructions which is about the procedure and how to prevent decease. Second, you must weigh at least 110 pounds in order to donate, and third, you must have at least 12 g/dL level of iron in your blood (increase the level of iron in your blood you can eat beef, turkey, pork, lamb, eggs, and some cereals). After answering a few questions about disease transmission, you're all set to save lives.
 
Some of the benefits of donating blood is that you can learn your blood type, get snacks, get a gift card, and of course, take a break from class.
 
If you missed the date the Red Cross came to East, do not worry because you can always donate at any Red Cross center or hospitals. Some locations where you can donate are:

• Jewish Community Center of Greater Rochester     1/23/17   2pm to 7pm         
• Henrietta Blood Donation Center    1/23/17   11:30am to 7pm             
• Rochester Blood Donation Center     1/24/17   11am to 7pm and
     1/26/17  11am to 6pm                                                                
• Greece Blood Donation Center    1/23/17   11:30am to 7pm

                                               
 
Check local listings for future dates and even more locations to donate. Remember, your contribution can save three lives.

Hanzell Carrillo

Excitement is in the air as the RYCE program at East High School moves closer to their opening date. RYCE stands for Rochester Youth Culinary Experience. Run by Jeff Christiano, this student-run program will open the doors of the long awaited restaurant in December. The opening has been a hot topic for many bloggers and news articles for many months.
 
The menu is fully planned and being put onto paper. It consists of many Caribbean themed dishes such as Ropa Vieja, Shrimp Po Boy, and House Made Jerk Chicken. The restaurant, located in Village Gate between Salena's and Nox, will have an open kitchen and a tiki bar. All food will be prepared by the students and previous graduates of the program. The school’s community garden, also student-run, will provide organic produce for the restaurant as well.
 
Another possibility that is being discussed is a food truck. Planned out by Kenny Jackson, this food truck, named BEANS, will be similar in cuisine to the RYCE restaurant. As the program continues to grow, it is possible that other new ideas will develop and grow.  Stay tuned.

Henry Davis

The month of November is the month of giving thanks, or giving in general. Sometimes we take the things we have for granted. We sometimes don't realize what we have until it's gone. Some people already know this feeling. Some people don't have clothes, or a place to stay, or a food in their stomachs. Ronald McDonald Houses are a great place to donate to. They help families when there is a family member in the hospital. They give you a room to sleep, a shower, and a bathroom. They provide many resources for needy people. From experience I know this. Ronald McDonald house helped my family out a lot during terrible times. They are a nonprofit organization and the money they receive goes directly to support the house.
 
Another charity that could use donations this time of year is the Open Door Mission on 156 N. Plymouth Avenue. Any clothing you don't use any more, that's just sitting in your drawers or in your closet, can be donated so someone else could use it. Especially if you're someone who only wears clothing a few times, and rarely wears it again.
 
A charity for food is Food Link, located on Mt Read Blvd. You can donate food or you can volunteer. There are many opportunities especially with the holiday seasons coming up! If you can't get to any of the charities there are plenty more out there who could use your help.  This is the time to be thankful for the things we have and to help others who are less fortunate.  So when you’re out holiday shopping, remember to also give thanks this holiday season!

​Saranne Kaufman