Penn
Post
Mt. Penn Jr./Sr. High
School
25th and Filbert Sts. - Mt.
Penn, Pa. 19606 |
VOLUME XXVII
EDITION 3
DECEMBER 1983
The Penn Post would like
to wish everyone a
HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON
The Gift
by Loretta Buckley
Soon in your hand will be placed a priceless gift. Look
at it closely. There is no price mark stamped on it.
It cannot be weighed because no scale can balance
its value. A king�s ransom in comparison is as
nothing, yet it is given to beggar and prince alike.
The giver asks only that it be used wisely and well.
This jewel, rare and unique, is not displayed in any
shop window. It cannot be purchased, cannot be sold.
No other treasure holds the possibilities this gift
offers � none can surpass its golden splendor.
Of all gifts this is most precious. It has been offered
many times before; today, from the depths of a
boundless love it will be given again. It will be
left to you to find the golden thread running
through it. Carelessness ingratitude, and
selfishness will tarnish the brilliancy, break the
unspoiled thread, mar the perfection.
Guard it closely, lest through weak fingers it slip
from the hand. Look often at its faultless beauty.
Accept it as it is offered from the heart of the
giver. Consider it the most treasured of all
possessions, for of all gifts it is by far the
greatest. It is the gift of the New Year. |
Christmas Happenings
C hildren waiting anxiously for
the day to arrive.
H oping their wishes were heard
and revived.
R eindeer and Santa stories are
told.
I gloos are made and trees
trimmed with gold.
S ongs are sung - carols ring
through the town.
T oys are wrapped - soldiers,
dolls and a clown.
M any people running to and fro.
A Iways waiting to the last
minute-shopping they go.
S oon Christmas will be here and
children will know, the
D ozens of presents that once
wondered them so.
A II will cherish the gifts that
they�ve gotten -
Y ou know they will not in a long
time be forgotten!
- Jenny Miller
|
Short
Story for Christmas
It was Christmas Eve and I went into the
hospital to visit my grandmother.
Walking into her room, I found her
roommate. I wanted to spend as much time
with my grandmother as possible, but
when she had to go for tests, I was left
with her roommate. We started talking
and she told me that she didn�t have any
relatives. No one came to visit her. She
told me that Christmas made her think of
all the families that will be together.
People don�t realize that there are some people that
have no family to spend the Christmas
holiday with like the hospitalized, the
elderly, the shut-ins. They sit around
not able to share the Joy of Christmas.
This Christmas, take a moment to
remember the people who will not be
sharing Christmas with someone.
-
Julie Horst
"Another year, another Christmas,
another pound!"
|
Hanukah
Came Early
This Year
Happy Belated Hanukah! It�s belated
because the holiday of Hanukah was very
early this year (the year of 5744 on the
Hebrew calendar). Hanukah was celebrated
December 1 thru December 8. This was
great for children because gifts were
given and received sooner.
At sundown on November 30, Jewish families gathered
around the dining room table and ate a
specially prepared meal. Presents were
exchanged after the ceremony of the
menorah during which prayers were
recited and the first of eight candles
was lit. Eight of the candles are for
each night of Hanukah, the ninth serves
as the helper or Shamos. With it, the
other candles are lit, from the right
side to the left.
This holiday serves as a reminder to the Jewish people
of the victory of the small Hebrew army
over the huge Roman army. The menorah is
a symbol of the miracle of the eternal
lamp. After the Jewish Temple had been
ransacked by the Romans there was only
enough oil in the eternal lamp to burn
for a few days. This lamp must be lit at
all times and more oil was far away.
Instead of burning out after a few days,
the lamp remained lit for eight days,
until more oil arrived.
Celebrating these miracles has become a
tradition. Other observances of the
holiday are playing a game with a
dreidel (a top), eating potato latkas
(pancakes), and singing songs. It is
certainly a time to rejoice.
- Stephanie Rosenthal
-
Gabrielle Savitz |
Editorials
The Soup Kitchen
Most of us have nothing to complain about. We are
constantly complaining when we shouldn�t be. There�s
probably not one person who hasn�t heard someone say,
�Be thankful for what you�ve got because it�s a lot more
than some will ever have.� Whenever someone says this,
we say, �Yeah, yeah, you�re right�; but inside we�re
still complaining and wanting more.
Recently I was involved in a careers program, which
included visits to various organizations in Reading. The
one that was most interesting was a place called the
Soup Kitchen. It is actually Central United Methodist
Church with parts of it serving as food cupboards and
kitchens. Volunteers from the church and the
neighborhood come in daily and prepare meals. Food is
given to the Church by commercial contributors and
anyone who is willing to donate it. Once a month
families are able to come to the church and �grocery
shop� there. Records are kept so the same people don�t
come too frequently. Every day meals are provided for
those who can�t provide for themselves. Maybe the people
have no money to buy food, are unable to prepare it, or
have no facilities to make meals. The Soup Kitchen is
open Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. It uses 8-10
gallons of soup, 6 gallons of milk, and 10 large loaves
of bread daily.
The lady in charge told us true stories of people who
live under porches, in shacks, or in their cars all
winter; and the meals they receive at the Soup Kitchen
are the only meals they get all day.
We all know that there are poor people everywhere -
even here in Reading. I had always blocked it out of my
mind, but it�s a very real and present problem. Being
aware of the problem and knowing where to go to help
will do much for those who can�t help themselves. It�s
only fair for us to share with those who have nothing.
- Jenny Miller
CREATIVE ARTS
CONTEST
Sponsored by Penn Post
Grades 7 - 12
Categories: Poetry, Cartoons and Short Stories
Prizes: $25 winner, $5 honorable
mention for each grade division.
Rules will be posted in January. |
Staying Slim Through
The Fat Season
Right about now is when everybody starts to wonder why
those extra pounds always seem to creep on during the
winter to ruin a summer figure. Well, basically two
reasons � all those skimpy bikinis that gave us so much
inspiration during the summer are gone, and all we�re
left with is pound-hiding layers of clothes, also, the
great holiday feasting doesn�t help much either.
So, if you�re the type of person who just can�t say
�no� to your mother�s homemade Christmas cookies or Aunt
Sally�s mouth-watering pies, then here�s some advice.
Realize now that you will be splurging during the
holidays and take off a few pounds now before you put
them on.
Here�s how: Number one rule is - exercise. Know the
shape you�re in, recruit a fitness buddy, and keep an
exercise journal. This chart may help decide the
exercise for you.
| Calories
burned per half hour |
dancing
jogging
running
swimming
walking |
240-300 cal.
230-240 cal.
480-520 cal.
260-276 cal.
135-140 cal. |
A few more
suggestions are keep your swimsuit handy for frequent
try-ons during the winter, set a gain limit that can
easily be taken off in a week or so, and don�t weigh
yourself everyday (watching your weight and being
obsessed with your weight are two different things);
once a week is fine.
Follow this advice, and you�ll keep your bikini figure
all winter long.
-
Kelly Grim
Christmas -
A Time To Enjoy
Christmas! When people say that word, what is the first
thing to come to mind - Christmas trees, presents,
carols, holly, no school or shopping? Through the years,
I�ve noticed people panic at the mention of that word.
It means endless hours of frantically searching for
gifts they can�t even afford. They seem to have lost or
forgotten all the fun and joy of Christmas � decorating
the tree, the beautiful wrapping on presents, the snow,
the holiday spirit. For me there�s only one way to enjoy
Christmas � relax, sit back, look around, and take in
all that Christmas has to offer.
-
Christine Jurasinski |
The Penn Post Staff Is well aware that teenage
drinking is illegal, as is serving alcoholic beverages
to teen�agers. We are also aware, however, that it is
done and with that in mind hove prepared the following
as a service to our readers.
Holiday Partying
With the Christmas holiday just a-head there will be
many people celebrating and sometimes not too safely. A
party is a great time to see old friends and meet new
ones, yet it can also be very dangerous for those
driving home under the influence of alcohol. Last year
from Christmas Eve until the following Sunday, eight
Pennsylvanians were killed and 231 were injured in
alcohol - related accidents.
There are ways for you, as host, to avoid drunk
driving: Serve food with the alcohol, have non-alcoholic
beverages available for those who wish to stay sober,
and stop serving alcohol an hour before the party is
over.
Even under the best circumstances there will still be
that person who drinks too much. To avoid a possible
tragedy, you could drive for him or suggest that he stay
the night. More drastic moves would be to steal his car
keys, physically restrain him if necessary, then call a
taxi for him. This might seem like a hassle, but if
you�re the host, you are responsible - and besides,
let�s keep the LIFE of the party ALIVE.
-
Kelly Grim
|
>> Pages 3, 4, 5 & 6 are missing! <<
Stockings
Stockings, stockings
hung all around
Not a single soul to be found.
Children everywhere, love to hang stockings
in the night.
And see all the glitter, oh so bright!
Santa doesn�t care if the stockings are
green or blue.
He still has goodies for you.
It always pays to be good and at your very
best.
Not just at Christmas time, but all the
rest!
-
Jeff Corliss |
CREATIVE CHRISTMAS
WRITING
The Reason
The love and joy and
peace that
come from the Christmas season
Would have to be the very best
and most important reason
For us to look forward to and celebrate
the joyous Christmas Day.
Candy and presents & Santa & food
must not be and aren�t the only way
To remember Christmas and all that
happened on that happy day.
- Jenny Miller |
Christmas
Memories
The fire, the tree,
the lights,
the songs,
All seem so long ago!
The tiny child, staring wide-eyed
at a multitude of presents,
The memory captured in my mind.
Each snowflake falling, lightly,
covering all in sight,
This moment standing still in time.
Santa�s laugh, loud and jolly,
Still ringing in my ears.
Relatives talking, chattering,
buzzing about,
Their presence still lingering.
All returning on Christmas �
Only to be stored as
memories once again!
-
Christine Jurasinski |
Elves at
Work
The pounding of little
nails
is heard throughout the room.
Icy, frosty gales
Pass the window - zoom!
The newest toy elves make
for children far and wide.
For when the children wake,
they�ll know Santa was inside.
They wrap all the gifts
in colors of red and green.
They know how a child�s spirit lifts
at the presents yet unseen.
0 happy elves � how they work,
racing against the clock.
A doll for Jan, a train for Dirk,
Presents for a brightly colored sock.
Finally work is done
and off St. Nicholas goes,
Delivering packages full of fun
with brightly colored bows.
-
Jill Moyer |
|
Christmas Morning
Six-year-old Amanda Gallanty woke up very early on
Christmas morning. Like most children, she had been
awake half the night looking for Santa. As she crept
quietly down the stairs, she spotted the brightly
lighted tree. Under it were many colorful presents.
Hoping not to wake her parents, she tried to open one.
But it didn�t work. Her mother and father were already
descending the stairs. All three proceeded to open their
gifts, each taking a turn.
Then they hurried upstairs to dress for dinner at
Grandma�s house. Within 45 minutes, they were dressed
and ready to go. Mrs. Gallanty took along the cookies
she had baked the night before. Amanda took along her
new pink teddy bear, and Mr. Gallanty took the family
camera.
The ride to Grandma�s was a long one, so the Gallanty�s
sang Christmas carols to pass the time. Although Amanda
didn�t know all the words, she hummed along.
In what seemed five minutes, they were at their
destination. From inside they could hear loud singing,
talking and laughing. As they entered, a strong smell of
turkey, cranberry sauce, desserts, and many other
things, drifted past them in a wave. Grandma and other
family members greeted them warmly, and immediately
admired Amanda�s bear. This, among other things, made
Amanda feel warm and secure. She felt that this must
really be the spirit of Christmas.
-
Laura
Schnader |
Santa�s Train
Santa�s train is all packed and
ready to go.
Over the tall mountains and through the deep snow.
Com�n round the bend with a Clickity-Clack, Toot-Toot!
He�s all decked out in his bright red suit.
Santa looks so jolly and neat
He even brought us goodies to eat.
In my day Santa used to come by sleigh
But that took all night and most of the next day.
He tried the plane, for years
But all those computers drove him to tears.
This year Santa�s com�n by train
He said he�s had it with that low back pain!
No more luggin the big old sack about.
I�ll just pull up and dole out.
Now his train is a real beauty.
Red, blue, and heavy duty.
It�s so long and low, it holds lots of toys.
Enough for all good girls and boys.
But if your a rotten brat and schemer
Santa will �floor� his little steamer.
So if you�re bad, remember your house he�ll pass
So fast your head will spin.
The only thing he�ll leave you is his famous little
grin.
So Clickity-Clack, Toot-Toot!
You better be good,
or Santa will give you a big black boot!
-
Jeff Corliss |
Sports
Another �Hoops� Season
The boys basketball team will soon be starting a new
season. There are two new coaches this year for both the
Varsity and Junior Varsity teams. Mr. Mike Zuber
is the Varsity coach, and Mr. Jeff Cardinal is
the JV coach. Mr. Zuber was previously the assistant
coach at Holy Name High School. Mr. Cardinal had been
the Girls� basketball coach here at Mt. Penn and is also
a driver�s education instructor at the school.
League games begin on Tuesday, November 29 against
Exeter. The new season will be kicked off by the
celebrations of spirit week.
Varsity
Matt Gettis
Jeff Motze
Ben Overly
Jeff Rogers
Tom Sload
Jim Seiz
John Sosh
Dave Werner
Jeff Peterson
Ryan Petterson
Randy
Boyer
Barry Mowery
JV
Ryan Petterson
Ron
Slutsky
Randy
Boyer
Darren
Max
Barry Mowery
Steve Kunkel
Jeff Peterson
Mark Goldstein
John Henry
Steve Monroe
Steve Reis
Dave Rogers
- Stephanie Rosenthal
Down The Alley
The Mounts have an intramural league set up for
preseason bowling practice. This practice, which is
every Monday after school for approximately $2.75 at
Bowl-O-Rama, is a helpful start for the bowlers. The
season begins in mid-December. Mr. Fegely, the
bowling team�s coach, is expecting a prosperous year
from his team. He hopes to have a full line up this year
with 12 girls and 12 guys.
-
Jeff Corliss |
Girls� Basketball
For the first time in at least two years, the girls�
basketball team will have a Varsity and a J.V. squad.
The girls will be sharing the gym with the boys for
practices. One week the girls will have early practice,
3:00 until 5:00 or 5:30. The following week it will be a
late practice, 5:00 or 5:30 until about 7:30. The
Varsity coach is Miss Biffel, and the coach for
the J.V. team is Scott Wittich.
Varsity
Heli Kallio
Robyn Franckowiak
Margie Walters
Gwynne McCormick
Amy Miller
Roberta Schreiber
Diane Churan
JV
Norine Miller
Joell Miller
Audrey Miller
Lara Stutz
Alisa Jacobs
Jenny Eckel
Vali Sikla
Rae-Lynn Fletcher
Carol Bigos
Kim Steiger
- Dawn Hill
A Surprise for the team
On October 24, 1983, there was a pizza party for the
field hockey team. This party was at Pizza Hut, and it
wasn�t your average one.
Before the party, a few of the hockey players planned
to send a Muscle-Gram to Miss Biffel and Miss
Weaver. Everyone helped pay, and there were a
lot of laughs. At around 6:20, two men entered Pizza Hut
with a portable. One was in a dark red sweat suit, and
the other one was in a three-piece suit. Immediately,
the hockey coaches suspected something because the men
were making their way over to our table. When the one
man removed his sweat suit, on his chest was written
�THANK YOU NANCY AND DEBBIE.� He was wearing a red
bikini bathing suit, a black bowtie, and cufflinks. The
music was turned on, and he showed off his muscles to
not only the coaches, and the team, but to everyone at
Pizza Hut. A picture of him and our two great coaches
was taken afterward.
-
Laura
Schnader |
Ball Bounces in Gym
This year
boy�s basketball will be played in the high school gym,
as it was several years ago. This will be quite a change
from the large, modern middle school gym. I think both
good and bad factors will result from the change. First
of all, the limited space will cause crowded and
extremely warm conditions. The crowded gym, however,
could make the fans more excited and enthusiastic.
Speaking of fans, I think more will attend the
basketball games because the high school is closer to a
lot of the students homes. More fans will produce more
support, and who knows - Mount Penn High School could be
the home of the next state champs!
- Jenny Miller
Spirit Week
This year spirit week was November 21 through December
2. Events occurring on the days were Monday, November 21
- funny hat day; Tuesday, November 22 - punk rock day;
Wednesday, November 23 - backwards day; Tuesday,
November 29 - spirit day.
The annual hall decorating took place from November 29
through December 2. Many participated and hopefully the
school spirit will continue through basketball season.
- Jenny Miller
M.P.H.S. Bonfire
This year Mount Penn is trying something new to arouse
school spirit. A bonfire was scheduled for November 28;
but was postponed to a later date because of rain. At
the bonfire all basketball players - boys and girls -
will be announced, as will the coaches and the
cheerleaders. Cheering contests between classes will be
held. The bonfire will hopefully be a continued
tradition at Mount Penn.
- Jenny Miller
Susan's
Korner
2309 Perkiomen Avenue
Mt.Penn
(Below American Bank)
779- 2128
gifts, cards,
ice cream, penny candy
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