Tag Archives: Mansfield

Leaders

Leader’s logo
(Photo by/ Amy Tundel)

By: Amy Tundel

The Leaders, a club run by the North Attleboro YMCA, consists of teenagers from local middle and high schools. The group opens up opportunities for teens to branch out, learn leadership skills, and give back to the community through volunteering.

There are advisors present each week to help guide and instill core values. Dawn DaCosta, a current Leader’s advisor loves Leaders because it shows, “what the Y is all about and what it stands for.”

The Y has four core values, which they instill and follow: respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring. These values are there to guide and inspire people involved in the Y.

There are many other Leaders clubs nationwide. They come together on several occasions, depending on the region. The Northeast Leaders clubs meet up every season: winter, spring, summer, and fall, for three weekend trips and a week-long trip during the summer.

Five executive board members plan the meetings and facilitate games and activities. By giving the executive board members opportunities to put their leadership skills to good use, it is clear the club not only talks the talk, but also walks the walk.

Executive board member of both 2013-2014 and 2014-2015, Derek Lynch, is a junior at Mansfield High School. He believes people should join Leaders “to make friends and life-long memories, and learn skills that will help [him/her] go further in life.”

There are a few members in the club who attend Attleboro High School (AHS): Sophomore Kianna Dunner, Senior Alexandra Grover, and Senior Amy Tundel.

Dunner said, “Everyone should join because it helps you out of your comfort zone and to start socializing.”

Grover said, “Leaders has given me an opportunity to open up. I have gained many opportunities because of Leaders and have been in the club for about five and a half years. I have enjoyed my time at Leaders mostly because of meeting new people and also having the honor of being on the Executive Board for the 2013-2014 sessions. I overall have had a very positive attitude about Leaders and its impact has changed me for the better.”

A former member, Rachael Holmes, is currently a sophomore at the University of Rhode Island, and graduated from North Attleboro High School in 2013. “Leaders has helped me branch out in college and has made it easier for me to talk to people I don’t know,” said Holmes.

Brooke Milosh, who is a sophomore at North Attleboro High School and a third year returning member at Leaders, started the club as a Junior Leader and has stuck with it ever since. Milosh said, “We learn about one another through eye-opening activities involving trying new things and learning to love yourself as well as accept others.”

Teens interested in meeting new people and making long-lasting memories can come to a Leaders meeting, which takes place every Monday night at 6:45 p.m. The club meets at the Teen Center located at 585 E. Washington St., in North Attleboro. Anyone with questions about signing up can contact the Teen Center at (508)-643-9898, or Dawn DaCosta at Dawnd@hockymca.org.

Summer Jam

By: Rachel Oliviera

JAM’N 94.5 logo. (www.jamn945.com)

Summer Jam is an annual hip-hop fest held in Mansfield, Mass. at 5 p.m. It’s sponsored by “Boston’s #1 hip-hop radio station,” JAM’N 94.5, which features popular acts of hip-hop and R&B artists. Although usually held on the first Saturday in June, this year the show is scheduled for May 30 at the Xfinity Center.

Ticket prices range from $30 to $230 according to Livenation. “Since lawn tickets are less expensive then seating section, most teens buy lawn and plus it’s where all the partying goes on,” said junior Joe Quinn.

Performances include Rappers Kid ink, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Jon, Ty Dolla $ign, Juicy J, B.o.B, Jennifer Lopez, and more to be announced.

“I’m really excited to see Kid ink,” said sophomore Alyssa Lentini, because “[he’s] so attractive and I love most of his songs.”

Summer Jam is known for teens to hang-out so they can enjoy Boston’s biggest hip-hop night. Summer Jam is known as a scene for teenage drinking and smoking marijuana according to junior Nicolle St. Cyr, who said, “There is quite a bit of smoking and drinking at Summer Jam.”

“My parents don’t usually allow me to go Summer Jam because of the smoking and drinking,” said junior Arianna Johnson.

“I don’t drink or smoke, I really just go to enjoy the music and I’m really excited to see Kid ink,” said junior James Potter.

Brian Todd Collins, best known by his stage name Kid ink, is who most people want to see. He is a well-known American Rapper, who recently launched his new album Almost Home and On My Own Lane.

“Summer Jam was a blast last year, [I’m] so excited to go this year,” said senior Hannah Smith.

KENNA’S WORLD: Cold Stone Creamery

By: Kenna Beech

Cold Stone Creamery, located in the Mansfield Crossing plaza at 280 School St. in Mansfield, offers ice cream cakes, pies, cupcakes, cookies, shakes, smoothies, yogurt, sorbet, and ice cream.

Entering the cool and thankfully vacant atmosphere with my friend Drew, a counter filled with all sorts of unique flavors of ice cream awaited. Right before our eyes cheesecake, cake batter, and cotton candy flavored ice cream immediately sparked our interest.

After picking the size of the ice cream we wanted, we were then asked if we wanted a single, or a flavorful mixing of ice cream. This wasn’t the last part either. After selecting our ice creams, which were then mixed on a frozen granite stone, toppings were chosen to add into the ice cream. Choices include candy, brownies, fresh fruit and/or nuts. They even have gummy bears.

My choice was cheesecake and cotton candy ice cream with heath bar mixed in. It came in a huge cup. Drew chose banana and vanilla cream ice cream and mixed in Oreo cookies.

Once this process was completed, the ice cream was instantly handed over the counter. A cashier waited at the end of the counter for checkout.

The price was very reasonable, a total of $5.99 for each of our “Gotta Have It” creation ice creams that neither of us could finish.

Cup sizes come in “Like It (one scoop),” “Love It (two scoops),” or “Gotta Have It (three scoops).”

Cold Stone, which is a great place to visit during vacation, is open Mon. through Sun. noon to 9 p.m. The phone number is (774) 719-2314. For additional information, visit coldstonecreamery.com.

Kenna’s World is the Eagle’s Eye’s column by Teen Interest editor Kenna Beech. The junior discusses topics important to herself and about things important to teens.

KENNA’S WORLD: Buffalo Wild Wings

By: Kenna Beech

The restaurant Buffalo Wild Wings recently opened at the new plaza The Pavilion across from Mansfield Crossing in Mansfield. Word quickly spread, and people began raving about it.

A group of friends and I took a trip to Buffalo Wild Wings one night. I didn’t expect anything like what we walked into; neither did Devon, Kim, or Harley. The welcoming chaos included all types of technology.

It was loud, people were hollering at the myriad number of televisions, which seemed to have every possible game blaring all at once. The restaurant has two large rooms for dining and the number of waiters/waitresses was endless. Our group was all told it would be about a 45 minute wait but we only waited 10 minutes before being seated at a bar-style table.

Our waiter was exceptionally nice but we were all shocked when he asked, “Would you all like a tablet.” We all immediately said yes. He came back and handed us these heavy tablets, which consisted of trivia, poker, and arcade games. The restaurant must understand this generation and all the technology it consists of, because what better idea than to offer everyone an iPad-sized tablet to keep them busy while waiting for their order.

Considering how packed the place was, it was perfect. Everyone, throughout the restaurant was having a dandy time, and were more than content to wait longer periods of time for their food.

Since then I have returned twice. My friends, Harley, Kim, and Devon, have also returned. None of us can shut up about the next time we’ll all return.

The prices were relatively average, for example ten wings cost approximately $10.99.

There are an endless amount sauces and seasonings for the wings, which can be ordered boneless as well. We were all given more wings than ordered in our small (10 wing) dinners. Some of the seasonings were: Salt & Vinegar Seasoning, Sweet BBQ, Lemon Pepper Seasoning, Teriyaki, Mild, Parmesan Garlic, Chipotle BBQ Seasoning, Medium, or Honey BBQ.

There were other food options provided, such as sandwiches, wraps, burgers, and desserts.

The restaurant is located at 321 School St. in Mansfield. The phone number is (817) 453-1748 for reservations or takeout. Their menu can be seen here.