By Katie Curran, staff reporter
On Saturday, October 13th, members of the Sturgis East Stormwatch Newspaper along with advisor Mr. Hyer attended the Harvard Crimson Journalism Conference at Harvard University. I was lucky enough to have this amazing opportunity to learn about journalism.
We arrived at the conference at 9:30 in the morning and were welcomed by members of the Harvard Crimson newspaper, the nation's oldest continuously published daily college newspaper.
Along with several classmates, I started off my day by attending a workshop called "Techniques for News Writers". During the workshop, we learned what it takes to be a good writer. The leader of our session then sent us outdoors on an assignment to ask people what they plan to do for Halloween. The other students and I talked to people from all over the world including the US, South Africa, and England. We learned a lot about the culture of each person during the interviews. Interviewing people taught us how to be sharp with our interview skills. It also allowed us to become more comfortable interviewing people. This was an extremely rewarding assignment and exercise that truly showed us how to use our reporting skills. After the interviews, we went back to the Harvard Crimson headquarters and wrote articles about Halloween as experienced by people from around the world.
Later in the afternoon, we had two classes that were an hour each. I went to a class about writing for magazines and capturing the culture of campus life. I learned a lot about feature stories and how to improve my writing skills. It inspired me with some great ideas of what to write about at school. I also took a videography class. This class taught me what I could do to provide students with multimedia videos on our websites. Each Harvard student that taught classes during the day really inspired all of us.
We also listened to keynote speaker David Abel who is a staff reporter for the Boston Globe. We heard his inspiring story of how he became a journalist and his experiences in the world of journalism. We also had the chance to ask him questions. He told each of us that we are extremely lucky to have this opportunity to attend the journalism conference at Harvard, and he wishes that he could have attended it when he was starting out as a journalism student.
We had a great day in Cambridge and definitely learned a lot. I never would have had the opportunity to do anything like this if it wasn't for the Sturgis Stormwatch and the Harvard Crimson reaching out to us. It was an experience like no other, and I was so fortunate that I had this opportunity. I certainly hope to attend the conference again! From driving up to Cambridge with Mr. Hyer, eating lunch and dinner with Sturgis classmates, taking classes, and walking around Harvard, this experience was unforgettable.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Friday, October 26, 2012
Sturgis East Sweeps West in Evening Showdown
By Kevin Agostinelli and Miguel Cruz, staff reporters
Sturgis East sports kicked off the week in emphatic fashion, beating Sturgis West in boys’ junior varsity and varsity soccer, girls’ varsity soccer, and field hockey on Monday night, October 22. All four games were important for the team as a whole but especially important for the seniors, having played in their final night games in their Sturgis sports careers. As expected from such high-stakes rivalry matchups, all the games were filled with intensity, non-stop action, and a lot of goals.
Sturgis East sports kicked off the week in emphatic fashion, beating Sturgis West in boys’ junior varsity and varsity soccer, girls’ varsity soccer, and field hockey on Monday night, October 22. All four games were important for the team as a whole but especially important for the seniors, having played in their final night games in their Sturgis sports careers. As expected from such high-stakes rivalry matchups, all the games were filled with intensity, non-stop action, and a lot of goals.
The Sturgis girls’ field hockey team achieved a solid 1-0 win over Sturgis West on Monday afternoon. Although the Storm struggled to take hold of the game, senior captain Abbie Titcomb scored the only goal to lead her team to victory. “We didn’t have a good start but once we got into our ‘game mode’ we did really well,” sophomore Laurenn Dedecko explained, “Overall the game went well and we were able to get a positive result against our rivals Sturgis West.” Despite the win, the girls improved their record to just 2-10 after a trying season abundant with narrow losses and missed opportunities. They hope to keep up the momentum and sweeten their record against Nauset later this week.
Meanwhile, the JV boys’ soccer team had a great game against West and won 5-2. With Aaron Nadler, Ahmad Akkawi and Taylor Scott contributing to the scoreline, the JV had a great match. “We worked hard for this win,” sophomore Aaron Nadler stated, “ We wanted it more than they did and I think that’s what put us in this position. Overall we beat them and contributed to the sweep.” In the game Aaron was a star player, scoring two goals and directing his team to victory. Freshman Ahmad Akkawi also scored two goals, while freshman Taylor Scott hit the back of the net successfully after many attempts. Although Sturgis West scored 2 goals, they failed to take advantage of their own opportunities and were essentially dominated by Sturgis East.
At Old Townhouse Field, the Sturgis East girls’ soccer team became one step closer to the state tournament with a commanding 4-2 win over Sturgis West. Senior Hayara Cardoso and junior Brittany Gayton led the attack for the Storm, each scoring two goals to put the game beyond all doubt even with the West girls fighting back with two goals. Hayara was aided by assists from senior Sara Sweeten and junior April Schaefer, while the speedy forward also helped set up one of Brittany Gayton’s goals. “Playing against West is always fun, and it’s definitely a friendly rivalry but a rivalry nonetheless,” Hayara Cardoso remarked, “I feel like we gave them a good fight this year and proved that we deserved to come out on top.” The girls now have a record of 4 wins, 5 losses, and 2 draws, needing just six more points in their final few games to qualify for the state tournament.
East’s boys soccer ended Monday night with a bang under the lights of Old Townhouse Field. With a final score of 2-0, the boys walked away with giant grins and giant hugs from the loud and supportive fans. Sturgis East seemed to dominate the first 15 minutes of the game with quick passes and good communication, but the score was 0-0 at halftime. However, within a few minutes after the start of the second half, junior midfielder Jonny Gomes scored off a pass from Dylan Steven. Sturgis West’s goalkeeper never stood a chance on the second goal scored by senior Aidan Fitzsimons, who hit a perfect volley off a cross from junior Alex Smith. Sturgis East celebrated after the game was over, and the rivalry series during the regular season was officially won by the Storm, two games to one.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
A Wild Week for the Storm
By Jacob Tobey, staff reporter
Their next opponent was a team that always gives them trouble: Nantucket. The game was one Wednesday, October 17. The last time the Storm played them, it was a blowout for Nantucket, winning 9-0, but this time, Sturgis’ defense was solid. The Storm lost 3-0, but the loss was a big improvement from the last time they played Nantucket. “We played really well,” said defender Rowen McEnaney, who was one of the bright spots on defense for the Storm to keep the Nantucket offense to a minimum.
Their last game of the week was Friday the 21st. With the state tournament looming, the Storm had to come out with either a tie or a win. They ended up tying South Shore Christian Academy 0-0. Again, this was a showcase game for the Storm’s defense. Each and every game this season, it seems the defense has gotten better. If this team can make the playoffs, watch out because their young defense can catch you off guard and the offense always a threat to score.
On a cold Monday afternoon on October 15, the Sturgis Girls Varsity Soccer team felt good after a 4-1 win against CCA at Old Town House Field in Yarmouth, the home field for the Storm. As usual, the offense, which is key to the Storm’s success, was a force scoring 4 goals in the first half. Forward Brittany Gayton scored 2 goals, adding to her team leading 9 goals. Hayara Cardoso then scored two more in the first half and at the half it was 4-0. Monique Legault was near perfect in net, just letting in one goal half way through the second half. She injured her hand when CCA scored. She got taken out of the game, and is most likely done playing goalie for the Storm this season, but can still be an important piece to the puzzle on the field.
Their next opponent was a team that always gives them trouble: Nantucket. The game was one Wednesday, October 17. The last time the Storm played them, it was a blowout for Nantucket, winning 9-0, but this time, Sturgis’ defense was solid. The Storm lost 3-0, but the loss was a big improvement from the last time they played Nantucket. “We played really well,” said defender Rowen McEnaney, who was one of the bright spots on defense for the Storm to keep the Nantucket offense to a minimum.
Their last game of the week was Friday the 21st. With the state tournament looming, the Storm had to come out with either a tie or a win. They ended up tying South Shore Christian Academy 0-0. Again, this was a showcase game for the Storm’s defense. Each and every game this season, it seems the defense has gotten better. If this team can make the playoffs, watch out because their young defense can catch you off guard and the offense always a threat to score.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Note To Our Readers
Due to an editing error, the StormWatch staff would like to apologize for the use of a strong adjective used to describe an opposing sports team in "Girls' Varsity Soccer Trying to Get Back on Track." It has since been corrected. StormWatch regrets the error.
Boys' Soccer Clinches Postseason Berth
By Kevin Agostinelli, staff reporter
The Sturgis boys’ soccer team completed its goal from the beginning of the season by clinching states for fourth straight year after two strong wins against Upper Cape Tech and Pope John Paul II. Sturgis improves its record to 9-2, becoming the fastest team in Sturgis boys’ soccer history to clinch the state tournament.
On Tuesday, October 9, the Storm wasted several opportunities but still came away with a 2-1 victory against Upper Cape Tech thanks to a goal from Chris Dedecko in each half. Despite dominating possession and combining cleverly in the attacking third, Sturgis found it difficult to break the deadlock until Aidan Fitzsimmons won the ball on the left side and sent a killer pass to Dedecko. The senior forward made no mistake on the play, slotting the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper. However, the UCT Rams took advantage of a controversial free kick call 20 yards from the goal and beat Storm goalkeeper Kyle Garvey after an unlucky deflection. Luckily for the Storm, Chris Dedecko scored early in the second half off a beautiful shot outside the box that ricocheted off the post and into the net. Several key saves by Garvey sealed the deal as Sturgis’s 8th win of the season qualified them for the state tournament.
The following day featured a hardfought 4-0 win for Sturgis over local rivals Pope John Paul II. In the first five minutes of the game, Chris Dedecko collected a ball from Dylan Steven at the center of the box and shot a low drive past the goalkeeper to give the Storm an early lead. Soon after, junior midfielder Alex Smith lobbed the ball over to Dedecko, who hit a magnificent volley from 25 yards out that easily beat the goalkeeper. This marked Dedecko’s 11th goal in 11 games, keeping him on pace to beat Sturgis graduate Matt French’s record of 15 goals in one season. Not to be outdone by his teammate, junior playmaker Dylan Steven also fired home on a volley after a short clearance from PJP’s defense for his first goal of the season. Late in the game, senior forward Nolan Gibbons rebounded a shot from freshman Ray Todoroff to complete the scoring for the Storm.
The Sturgis boys continue their historic season with a games against Cape Cod Academy on Monday, Nantucket on Wednesday, and South Shore Christian on Friday of next week.
The Sturgis boys’ soccer team completed its goal from the beginning of the season by clinching states for fourth straight year after two strong wins against Upper Cape Tech and Pope John Paul II. Sturgis improves its record to 9-2, becoming the fastest team in Sturgis boys’ soccer history to clinch the state tournament.
On Tuesday, October 9, the Storm wasted several opportunities but still came away with a 2-1 victory against Upper Cape Tech thanks to a goal from Chris Dedecko in each half. Despite dominating possession and combining cleverly in the attacking third, Sturgis found it difficult to break the deadlock until Aidan Fitzsimmons won the ball on the left side and sent a killer pass to Dedecko. The senior forward made no mistake on the play, slotting the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper. However, the UCT Rams took advantage of a controversial free kick call 20 yards from the goal and beat Storm goalkeeper Kyle Garvey after an unlucky deflection. Luckily for the Storm, Chris Dedecko scored early in the second half off a beautiful shot outside the box that ricocheted off the post and into the net. Several key saves by Garvey sealed the deal as Sturgis’s 8th win of the season qualified them for the state tournament.
The following day featured a hardfought 4-0 win for Sturgis over local rivals Pope John Paul II. In the first five minutes of the game, Chris Dedecko collected a ball from Dylan Steven at the center of the box and shot a low drive past the goalkeeper to give the Storm an early lead. Soon after, junior midfielder Alex Smith lobbed the ball over to Dedecko, who hit a magnificent volley from 25 yards out that easily beat the goalkeeper. This marked Dedecko’s 11th goal in 11 games, keeping him on pace to beat Sturgis graduate Matt French’s record of 15 goals in one season. Not to be outdone by his teammate, junior playmaker Dylan Steven also fired home on a volley after a short clearance from PJP’s defense for his first goal of the season. Late in the game, senior forward Nolan Gibbons rebounded a shot from freshman Ray Todoroff to complete the scoring for the Storm.
The Sturgis boys continue their historic season with a games against Cape Cod Academy on Monday, Nantucket on Wednesday, and South Shore Christian on Friday of next week.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Girls' Varsity Soccer Trying to Get Back on Track
By Jacob Tobey, staff reporter
On Wednesday, September 19, the 0-2 Sturgis girls varsity soccer team was shutout in a dominating win by Nantucket. The game was at the Storm’s home field, Old Townhouse, but the Storm couldn’t protect it as they lost to Nantucket 9-0. The Storm’s defense simply could not stop a more skilled and experienced front line. Maggie Paul, the goalie that started the match, had a lot to deal with and had a rough day in between the pipes. Defense has been a problem for the Storm early on in this season, but the offense has a lot of promise.
Their next game was against Southbridge on Friday 21, and it was much better attempt at trying to get the first win of the season but still came up short and tied Southbridge 1-1. Brittany Gayton, who has gotten off to a good start this season, scored another goal with an assist from Monique Legault. The defense was a lot better in this game as they only let up one goal. Defenders Rowen McEnaney and Dorrie Paul had strong performances in the backfield.
Finally, on Monday, September 24, the Storm got a win against their rival Sturgis West. Captain Sara Sweeten scored the first goal unassisted in the first half. It was her third goal of the season. Then the leading goal scorer (4) for Sturgis East, Brittany Gayton, racked up two goals in the second half , one of them being assisted by April Schaefer. “We were at the top of the 18, and she (April) did a 5 yard pass to me and I shot to the far post,” said Gayton. When the question was asked, “How excited are you that you scored two goals in a game?” She responded, “Super excited, oh my god.” The offense really exploded in this match and it showed that Sturgis East is a legit threat on offense. Monique Legault who assisted Gayton in the previous game, gave an outstanding effort in goal as she got the shutout.
The Storm now stand at 1-3-1. They would like to get to .500 or better in the coming weeks as the play Upper Cape Tech on Thursday, September 27.
On Wednesday, September 19, the 0-2 Sturgis girls varsity soccer team was shutout in a dominating win by Nantucket. The game was at the Storm’s home field, Old Townhouse, but the Storm couldn’t protect it as they lost to Nantucket 9-0. The Storm’s defense simply could not stop a more skilled and experienced front line. Maggie Paul, the goalie that started the match, had a lot to deal with and had a rough day in between the pipes. Defense has been a problem for the Storm early on in this season, but the offense has a lot of promise.
Their next game was against Southbridge on Friday 21, and it was much better attempt at trying to get the first win of the season but still came up short and tied Southbridge 1-1. Brittany Gayton, who has gotten off to a good start this season, scored another goal with an assist from Monique Legault. The defense was a lot better in this game as they only let up one goal. Defenders Rowen McEnaney and Dorrie Paul had strong performances in the backfield.
Finally, on Monday, September 24, the Storm got a win against their rival Sturgis West. Captain Sara Sweeten scored the first goal unassisted in the first half. It was her third goal of the season. Then the leading goal scorer (4) for Sturgis East, Brittany Gayton, racked up two goals in the second half , one of them being assisted by April Schaefer. “We were at the top of the 18, and she (April) did a 5 yard pass to me and I shot to the far post,” said Gayton. When the question was asked, “How excited are you that you scored two goals in a game?” She responded, “Super excited, oh my god.” The offense really exploded in this match and it showed that Sturgis East is a legit threat on offense. Monique Legault who assisted Gayton in the previous game, gave an outstanding effort in goal as she got the shutout.
The Storm now stand at 1-3-1. They would like to get to .500 or better in the coming weeks as the play Upper Cape Tech on Thursday, September 27.
Student Spotlight: Josh Cox
By Alicia Pollard, co-editor-in-chief
Freshman Josh Cox decided to take his passion for movie-making and create a club here at Sturgis. Josh shared with co-editor-in-chief Alicia Pollard information about his hobby and the club.
When did you first become interested in movie-making?
Probably when I started getting involved in theatre, which was like 10 years old. I just had like gone to see shows when I was little and I thought it was fun and people said I had a talent for it.
What kind of work have you done?
Back in April I started this movie with one of my friends from the theatre; it’s like a drama... about this girl who finds out she had a twin and the twin isn’t human, she’s a clone and she’s trying to kill her. It was just fun to make and we’re making a second one too. I created a page advertising it on Facebook where I post pictures about what we do on set, and and lot of friends of ours are interested in it.
Is this more of a career interest or hobby for you?
Career interest, definitely, I’ve always wanted to be a famous actor and then go into directing stuff
What made you decide to start the club?
A lot of people were interested in how I made the movie and a lot of people said they’d always wanted to do something like that... I wanted to do anything I could do to help.
What kinds of things are you planning for the year?
Basically, ..I..ask them to write their own script. Each one gets to come up with their one movie. A lot of people are interested in making a documentary of being an IB student; others are interested in sci-fi or mystery. [They] can create a full product and present it.
Freshman Josh Cox decided to take his passion for movie-making and create a club here at Sturgis. Josh shared with co-editor-in-chief Alicia Pollard information about his hobby and the club.
When did you first become interested in movie-making?
Probably when I started getting involved in theatre, which was like 10 years old. I just had like gone to see shows when I was little and I thought it was fun and people said I had a talent for it.
What kind of work have you done?
Back in April I started this movie with one of my friends from the theatre; it’s like a drama... about this girl who finds out she had a twin and the twin isn’t human, she’s a clone and she’s trying to kill her. It was just fun to make and we’re making a second one too. I created a page advertising it on Facebook where I post pictures about what we do on set, and and lot of friends of ours are interested in it.
Is this more of a career interest or hobby for you?
Career interest, definitely, I’ve always wanted to be a famous actor and then go into directing stuff
What made you decide to start the club?
A lot of people were interested in how I made the movie and a lot of people said they’d always wanted to do something like that... I wanted to do anything I could do to help.
What kinds of things are you planning for the year?
Basically, ..I..ask them to write their own script. Each one gets to come up with their one movie. A lot of people are interested in making a documentary of being an IB student; others are interested in sci-fi or mystery. [They] can create a full product and present it.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Breaking Point
by Cooper Heilmann, staff writer
I’ve always wondered which side to choose: which side is right?
Everyone has something to lose in this unending fight.
We fight and scratch at each other’s hides and stress is in the air,
And then we finally begin to realize that it brings us nowhere.
Sometimes I wish it had never happened,
Sometimes I wish it would end.
But now I’ve finally found that
You have to be hurt sometime in your life
Or you’ll grow up thinking you’re invincible.
So I...
So I’ll find my own way
Someday.
So I’ll find my own way
Someday.
So I’ll find my own way
One day.
Maybe there is no truth; maybe there is only opinion.
Maybe there is no good and evil, just people’s views
Of this beautiful, but faulty world.
So maybe I’ll just...
Find my own way
Someday.
So I’ll find my own way
Someday.
So I’ll find my own way
Someday.
So I’ll be my own way
Someday.
So I’ll live my own way
One day.
I’ve always wondered which side to choose: which side is right?
Everyone has something to lose in this unending fight.
We fight and scratch at each other’s hides and stress is in the air,
And then we finally begin to realize that it brings us nowhere.
Sometimes I wish it had never happened,
Sometimes I wish it would end.
But now I’ve finally found that
You have to be hurt sometime in your life
Or you’ll grow up thinking you’re invincible.
So I...
So I’ll find my own way
Someday.
So I’ll find my own way
Someday.
So I’ll find my own way
One day.
Maybe there is no truth; maybe there is only opinion.
Maybe there is no good and evil, just people’s views
Of this beautiful, but faulty world.
So maybe I’ll just...
Find my own way
Someday.
So I’ll find my own way
Someday.
So I’ll find my own way
Someday.
So I’ll be my own way
Someday.
So I’ll live my own way
One day.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Sturgis' Surfin' Safari Saturday
Surf Clubs of Sturgis East and West
Enjoy Day at the Beach
Photos and Text by Ted Jameson, staff pseudonym
 |
| The Sturgis East and West Surf Clubs at Marconi Beach on Saturday, October 6 |
After several hours riding the waves, the day ended around a campfire with hot cocoa and smores.
The clubs are traveling to Costa Rica to surf during February Break.
 |
| East student Jon Bruce hauls out his board after an hour on the water. Yes, the board is as heavy as it looks. |
Mr. Mathews Seeks Even More Excitement
 |
| Mr. Mathews sought an even greater challenge by using a seal (seen in the upper left) as great white shark bait so he could have a greater challenge racing it back to the shore. Sharks never showed up much to Mathews' chagrin. All the other members of the club were thankful. Sharks had been sighted recently at the beach, according to the NPS. |
 |
| Mr. and Mrs. Hyer's dogs, Cha Cha and Boo, attempt to snag a grape from Eloise, the daughter of Madame Blanc, around the campfire Saturday evening. Andrew Knittle, right, watches. |
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Curran Becomes Freshman Representative
By Katie Curran, staff reporter
On Tuesday, September 25, 2012, the freshman class of 2016 voted to elect their new Freshman Rep. for Student Council. There were a large number of candidates this year with diverse interests and goals for the position. Each candidate campaigned through posting signs and meeting and greeting with fellow students. As far as hard campaigning went, candidates passed our cookies, pens, and candy to prospective voters the day before the election. Each of the candidates’ campaign statements were posted in the online edition of the Storm Watch Newspaper.
The candidates for the position of freshman representative were as follows: Meghan Borowski, Elizabeth Campbell, Katie Curran, Dan Labbe, Zoe Neal, Chris O’Brien, and Hannah Trelegan. Each ran unique and strong campaigns. Among the goals expressed by many of the candidates were: school safety, organizing student events, raising money for dances and field trips, and for a more active student body.
The election results were announced Tuesday afternoon. I, Katie Curran, am so grateful to be announced the winner as the new Freshman Rep. for our class. It is such an honor for me and I am looking forward to a great year. I have a lot of exciting ideas that I hope to implement this year, such as: more social functions to amplify our school spirit. I look forward to listening to the ideas and concerns of the Freshman Class.
So far, I have talked to many students about the year ahead, and I have created a Facebook page for the grade. I encourage your input so we can explore a variety of enriching activities. It was a pleasure meeting so many of you during the campaign.
If you are interested in being part of the Facebook Group, you can become a member of the Sturgis Charter School Class of 2016-East Page. If you don’t have a Facebook, feel free to come up to me in the halls anytime with your concerns. I am very approachable and can’t wait to talk to you all!
My goal is to create exciting school events that will enhance school wide spirit and increase participation from the entire student body. I am looking forward to a fantastic year. Thank you all for your support.
The election results were announced Tuesday afternoon. I, Katie Curran, am so grateful to be announced the winner as the new Freshman Rep. for our class. It is such an honor for me and I am looking forward to a great year. I have a lot of exciting ideas that I hope to implement this year, such as: more social functions to amplify our school spirit. I look forward to listening to the ideas and concerns of the Freshman Class.
So far, I have talked to many students about the year ahead, and I have created a Facebook page for the grade. I encourage your input so we can explore a variety of enriching activities. It was a pleasure meeting so many of you during the campaign.
If you are interested in being part of the Facebook Group, you can become a member of the Sturgis Charter School Class of 2016-East Page. If you don’t have a Facebook, feel free to come up to me in the halls anytime with your concerns. I am very approachable and can’t wait to talk to you all!
My goal is to create exciting school events that will enhance school wide spirit and increase participation from the entire student body. I am looking forward to a fantastic year. Thank you all for your support.
Camp Burgess Fun for Freshmen
By Khirdra Weisman, staff reporter
There was mutual excitement as freshmen eagerly waited for their names to be called for their designated buses; the destination: Camp Burgess. As I talked to Katie Curran, Isabella Cantillano, and Patrick Keigans, about what they expected from Camp Burgess, all found the concept of “bonding time” ridiculous. Others were not sure what to expect, as to what sort of activities they would be participating in. Some freshmen were genuinely excited, Sky Kuppig said,”I expect Camp Burgess to be a fun day with friends! Meet new people, bonding time!”. On the bus I asked Jensen Simmons what she expected her day to be like, “I think I will have fun. I am excited about Camp Burgess, but not the climbing trees part. I hope there are many hands on activities. I think I will probably make new friends. I definitely prefer this over an academic day.” To Jensen’s relief, there was no tree climbing involved in our activities. By the time we were doing the beginning activities most people were laughing and having a nice time. We were soon separated into small groups to begin the bonding exercises. Some activities that were done were the spider web course, flipping the tarp, human knot, ninja hide, and keeping the balance.
All of the games builded communication skills, improved teamwork skills and encouraged thinking in new ways. These activities were fun and engaging; and encouraged communicating with and cooperating with your teammates, qualities that are very much encouraged at Sturgis. Our councilors were extremely nice and helpful and always ensuring that we were having a good time. By lunch time everyone was sitting with their friends and seemed to be in a good mood. I went around and asked what they thought of Camp Burgess so far, many said they found it the good kind of “cheesy”. After lunch we regrouped and squeezed in some past activities. Everyone had a memorable fun day. We ended the day by going to the Harbor and signing the log book and ringing the bell, signifying the beginning of our journey in Sturgis.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Local Bald Eagle Population On Rise
By Joey Benedict, staff reporter
Fifty years ago, if you told anybody that you saw a bald eagle on Cape Cod, nobody would believe you. Quite frankly, bald eagles didn’t exist on the Cape then. Fifty years ago, this national bird was on the endangered species list.
The bald eagle decline began during the World War II time period as a result of habitat loss, hunting, and most notably the widespread use of DDT pesticides. These DDT pesticides affected the durability of eagle eggs and prevented the eagles from reproducing. It was not surprising then that the species quickly recovered after the United States and Canada banned the use of DDT and made shooting eagles illegal as well. In recent years, bald eagles have begun to inhabit Cape Cod.
Although there are no “official” breeding pairs on Cape Cod yet, there have been a good number of sightings; and in the past few years, sightings have become fairly common in Mashpee and Provincetown. According to the recently compiled Breeding Bird Atlas 2, there have also been sightings across the Vineyard in the last five years. Hopefully, a couple nests will be discovered in future years. However, in the mean time, it’s good to know that bald eagle sightings are now at least believable.
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