Dyed lacrosse. Ultimate Guide to Dyeing Lacrosse Sticks: Techniques, Tips, and Custom Designs

How can you dye a lacrosse stick at home. What are the best materials for dyeing lacrosse heads. Which brands allow dyeing without voiding warranty. What are the most popular custom lacrosse head designs. How long does it take to dye a lacrosse stick professionally.

The Art of Dyeing Lacrosse Sticks: Transforming Plain Heads into Custom Masterpieces

Lacrosse players and enthusiasts have discovered a unique way to express their personality and stand out on the field: custom-dyed lacrosse heads. This trend has gained significant popularity in recent years, allowing players to showcase their creativity and team spirit through vibrant colors and intricate designs. But what exactly goes into the process of dyeing a lacrosse stick, and how can you achieve professional-looking results?

Why Dye Your Lacrosse Stick?

Dyeing your lacrosse stick offers several benefits:

• Personalization: Create a unique look that reflects your style or team colors
• Improved visibility: Bright colors can make it easier to track your stick during play
• Team unity: Coordinate designs with teammates for a cohesive look
• Resale value: Well-executed custom dye jobs can increase the value of your equipment

Choosing the Right Lacrosse Head for Dyeing: Material Matters

Not all lacrosse heads are created equal when it comes to dyeing. The material and condition of the head play a crucial role in achieving optimal results. Which heads are best suited for dyeing?

Brand New White Heads: The Ideal Canvas

Professional dyers overwhelmingly prefer brand new white lacrosse heads for several reasons:

• Clean surface: No scratches or dirt to interfere with dye absorption
• Consistent color: Ensures even dye distribution and vibrant results
• Versatility: Allows for a wide range of color options and designs

Can You Dye Used Lacrosse Heads?

While it’s possible to dye used lacrosse heads, it’s generally not recommended. Why? Used heads present several challenges:

• Scratches and scuffs: May not absorb dye evenly, resulting in patchy coloration
• Dirt and grime: Can interfere with dye penetration and overall results
• Limited design options: Scratched areas make intricate patterns difficult to achieve

If you’re determined to dye a used head, thoroughly clean it first and be prepared for potentially uneven results.

The Dyeing Process: From Concept to Completion

Dyeing a lacrosse head is both an art and a science. Professional dyers follow a meticulous process to ensure stunning results. How does the dyeing process typically unfold?

Step-by-Step Guide to Professional Lacrosse Head Dyeing

1. Design consultation: Discuss ideas and settle on a final design
2. Head preparation: Clean the head thoroughly if necessary
3. Creating stencils: For intricate designs, vinyl stencils may be cut
4. Dye bath preparation: Mix dyes according to the chosen color scheme
5. Application: Carefully submerge the head in dye baths, following the design plan
6. Drying and setting: Allow the head to dry completely between colors
7. Final inspection: Check for any imperfections or touch-ups needed
8. Stringing (optional): Many services offer complete stringing after dyeing

The entire process typically takes 2-4 weeks for professional services, depending on the complexity of the design and current workload.

DIY Lacrosse Head Dyeing: Tips for Success at Home

While professional dyeing services offer expertise and precision, many lacrosse enthusiasts enjoy the challenge of dyeing their own heads at home. How can you achieve great results with a DIY approach?

Essential Supplies for DIY Lacrosse Head Dyeing

• LaxDip Dye or similar lacrosse-specific dye powder
• Large pot or container for the dye bath
• Tongs or heat-resistant gloves
• Stove or heat source
• Thermometer
• Stir stick
• Vinyl for creating stencils (optional)

Step-by-Step DIY Dyeing Instructions

1. Prepare your workspace: Cover surfaces and wear protective clothing
2. Mix the dye: Follow package instructions for water-to-powder ratio
3. Heat the dye bath: Bring water to a light boil (around 212°F/100°C)
4. Add dye powder: Slowly introduce the dye, stirring until dissolved
5. Submerge the head: Use tongs to carefully place the head in the dye bath
6. Monitor and adjust: Check color development, adjusting time as needed
7. Remove and rinse: Once desired color is achieved, rinse in warm water
8. Dry and set: Allow the head to air dry completely before use

Remember, practice makes perfect. Start with simple designs and work your way up to more complex patterns as you gain experience.

Popular Lacrosse Head Dye Designs: Inspiration for Your Next Project

The world of lacrosse head dyeing is full of creative possibilities. What are some popular design trends that players are embracing?

Classic Designs

• Solid colors: Simple yet effective, especially in team colors
• Fades: Gradual transitions between two or more colors
• Splatter: Random patterns created by flicking or splattering dye
• Marbling: Swirled patterns resembling marble or agate stone

Advanced Techniques

• Logo integration: Incorporating team or personal logos
• Geometric patterns: Precise shapes and lines for a modern look
• Nature-inspired: Designs mimicking flames, waves, or animal prints
• Custom artwork: Intricate, one-of-a-kind illustrations or patterns

When choosing a design, consider your skill level, available tools, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve.

Warranty Considerations: Will Dyeing Void Your Lacrosse Head’s Warranty?

Before embarking on a dyeing project, it’s crucial to understand how it may affect your lacrosse head’s warranty. Does dyeing automatically void the manufacturer’s guarantee?

Brands That Allow Dyeing

As of 2024, two major brands explicitly allow dyeing without voiding the warranty:

• StringKing
• ECD (East Coast Dyes)

These companies recognize the popularity of custom dye jobs and have adapted their policies accordingly.

Brands with Stricter Policies

Many other lacrosse head manufacturers consider dyeing to be a modification that voids the warranty. Always check your specific brand’s policy before proceeding with a dye job.

Beyond Heads: Exploring Other Lacrosse Equipment Customization Options

While lacrosse heads are the most common target for customization, players often wonder about other equipment. What other lacrosse gear can be personalized?

Mini Sticks: A Fun Alternative

Mini lacrosse sticks have gained popularity as collectibles and training tools. Can these be dyed as well? The answer is yes, but with a caveat:

• Natureboy Lacrosse minis: Known to accept dye well
• Cheaper plastic minis: Often coated in materials that resist dye

Shafts and Other Equipment

While dyeing services typically don’t offer shaft customization, other options exist:

• Pre-made custom shafts: Many manufacturers offer unique designs and colors
• Grip tape: An easy way to add personalization and improve handling
• Decals and stickers: Non-permanent options for adding flair to equipment

Remember, any modifications to your equipment should comply with league regulations to ensure it remains game-legal.

The Business of Custom Lacrosse Sticks: Professional Dyeing Services

For those seeking professional-grade results, numerous businesses specialize in custom lacrosse head dyeing. How do these services typically operate?

What to Expect from a Professional Dyeing Service

• Design consultation: Collaborate on ideas or choose from existing designs
• Equipment options: Many offer new heads for purchase or accept customer-provided heads
• Turnaround time: Usually 2-4 weeks, depending on complexity and workload
• Additional services: Often include stringing, mesh selection, and break-in
• Pricing: Varies based on design complexity, typically requiring a deposit

Finding a Reputable Dyeing Service

To ensure quality results, consider the following when choosing a professional dyeing service:

• Portfolio: Review their past work to assess quality and style
• Customer reviews: Look for feedback from previous clients
• Communication: Choose a service that’s responsive and open to your ideas
• Warranty policy: Understand how dyeing may affect your head’s warranty

Many local lacrosse shops now offer dyeing services, providing a convenient option for players seeking custom sticks.

Maintaining Your Custom-Dyed Lacrosse Head: Care and Longevity

Once you’ve invested time and money into a custom-dyed lacrosse head, proper care is essential to maintain its appearance and performance. How can you keep your dyed head looking great for seasons to come?

Tips for Preserving Your Custom Dye Job

• Avoid harsh chemicals: Use mild soap and water for cleaning
• Protect from prolonged sun exposure: UV rays can fade dyes over time
• Store properly: Keep your stick in a cool, dry place when not in use
• Be mindful during play: Excessive ground ball scooping can cause premature wear
• Touch-up as needed: Address small chips or fades promptly to prevent further damage

When to Consider Re-dyeing

Even with proper care, dyed lacrosse heads may eventually show signs of wear. Consider re-dyeing or touching up your head if:

• Colors have significantly faded
• Large areas of the original white are showing through
• The design no longer matches your current team or preferences

Remember that multiple dye jobs may affect the structural integrity of the head, so consult a professional if you’re unsure about re-dyeing an older stick.

The Future of Lacrosse Stick Customization: Trends and Innovations

As the popularity of custom lacrosse equipment continues to grow, what trends and innovations can players expect to see in the coming years?

Emerging Trends in Lacrosse Head Dyeing

• Advanced color-changing dyes: Responsive to temperature or UV light
• Improved dye formulations: Longer-lasting and more vibrant colors
• 3D-printed custom elements: Integrating unique textures and patterns
• Digital design tools: Apps and software for easy custom design creation
• Eco-friendly options: Sustainable dyes and processes gaining traction

The Impact of Technology on Customization

Technological advancements are revolutionizing the world of lacrosse equipment customization:

• AI-assisted design: Algorithms generating unique patterns based on player preferences
• Virtual reality previews: Allowing players to visualize designs before committing
• Automated dyeing processes: Increasing precision and reducing turnaround times
• Smart lacrosse heads: Integrating performance tracking technology with custom designs

As these innovations continue to develop, players can look forward to even more exciting and personalized lacrosse equipment options in the future.

Legal and Ethical Considerations in Lacrosse Stick Customization

While customizing lacrosse equipment is a popular and creative endeavor, it’s important to consider the legal and ethical implications. What factors should players and customization services be aware of?

Copyright and Trademark Issues

When creating custom designs, it’s crucial to respect intellectual property rights:

• Avoid using copyrighted images or logos without permission
• Be cautious with team logos, especially for professional or college teams
• Consider creating original artwork or obtaining proper licenses for designs

League and Tournament Regulations

Different lacrosse organizations may have specific rules regarding equipment customization:

• Check league guidelines for any restrictions on colors or designs
• Ensure that customization doesn’t interfere with required markings or measurements
• Be prepared to use regulation equipment in official games if custom sticks are not allowed

Always prioritize compliance with official rules to avoid penalties or disqualification during play.

The Psychology of Custom Lacrosse Equipment: Impact on Player Performance

Beyond aesthetics, custom lacrosse sticks can have a significant psychological impact on players. How does equipment personalization affect performance and mindset on the field?

Confidence Boost

Many players report increased confidence when using custom-dyed lacrosse heads:

• Unique equipment can create a sense of individuality and pride
• Personalized gear may help players feel more connected to their equipment
• Standing out visually can contribute to a more assertive on-field presence

Team Cohesion

Coordinated custom designs can foster a stronger sense of team unity:

• Matching color schemes reinforce team identity
• Shared design elements can symbolize team values or goals
• The process of creating custom gear can be a bonding experience for teammates

While the direct impact on skills may be minimal, the psychological benefits of custom equipment can contribute to improved overall performance and enjoyment of the game.

The Process ⋆ Pro Lax Custom Lacrosse

We can do as much or as little as you’d like when it comes to creating your custom lacrosse head. Just want it dyed? Sure! Want us to dye it, buy the mesh, string it, and break it in? We can do that too.

Below we’ll answer some of the typical questions we get. We’re super flexible, so if you have a unique idea or we don’t address your questions below, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Can you dye any head?

The best heads to dye are brand new white lacrosse heads. We can dye lighter heads darker, meaning we can put black over yellow, or navy blue over light blue, but 99% of the heads we dye are fresh from the store white heads.

What about used heads?

Dyeing a used head is really difficult. Once you scoop a single ground ball, you’ll see that the plastic starts to get scratched and scraped, and not to mention dirty. We can clean off the dirt, but anywhere there’s a scratch may not take the dye, and we won’t be able to apply any designs to areas that are scratched. We really, really prefer brand new heads.

What about mini sticks?

We love dyeing minis, but the only one we’ll work with is the Natureboy Lacrosse line of minis. They’re the only ones that take dye – the cheaper minis are coated in a plastic that won’t change color.

Can you do *insert design idea here*?

Maybe?

What I typically ask people is to go through my gallery on Facebook and Instagram, or even google around to come up with ideas. If you know what you want for a design, sending me a drawing will get us on the same page too. Most of the time I’ll say yes, but if the design is too elaborate I’ll be completely honest with you. We have a vinyl cutter in-house, so we can often do team logos, numbers, names, etc.

Does dyeing void the warranty?

On many sticks, yes. As of right now, only Stringking and ECD will warranty dyed sticks. If we dye a head and it breaks, unless it’s Stringking or ECD, you’re likely out of luck.

What’s the process?

Once we settle on a design, we ask that you either send us a brand new white head or pay up front for us to purchase it. Once we receive it, we’ll need 2-4 weeks to complete the dye job and send it back. All jobs require a 50% up front deposit, with the balance due when we’re done the job.

We have the dye, strings, and most mesh brands in stock.

How can I pay?

We love Venmo, but also accept cash.

Do you string sticks?

All the time – we’ll string a stick whether we dye it or not. We do a ton of local (Southern NH) string jobs for heads that aren’t dyed. Prices for string jobs are on our PRICING page.

Can you make me a custom shaft?

At this time, we don’t do anything with shafts. That said, there are some fancy shafts out there, and we can absolutely dye you a head to match a custom shaft you purchase.

LaxDip Dye V2 Single Shot Lacrosse Head Powder Dye

Description

No more measuring! Just open the pack, introduce to boiling water, and add your lacrosse head. No need to add citric acid because it’s already in there!

$3.99 base price for Brilliant Blue, Fire Red, Jet Black, Neon Pink, and Neon Volt. Additional $2, $4, or $6 for other colors (select color to see price).

***Always check your warranty before you dye your lacrosse head. Some lacrosse head manufacturers are OK with it, while others state it voids the warranty.

Directions:
1) Bring 2 gallons (7 liters) of water to a very light boil and keep it at this temperature the entire process (at least 212F/100C). Don’t get it too far above boil or you will melt your lacrosse head and that’s no fun. If you’re using less water and a smaller pot, be sure to mix up your single shot well and use proportionally less dye mix.
2) Slowly and carefully add the LaxDip Single Shot packet to the dye bath. Stir with tongs until it’s evenly distributed. LaxDip dye powder may clump during the shipping process, but it will not affect performance. If this occurs, simply mix into a small side container of room temperature water before introducing to the dye bath.
3) Add the lacrosse head to dye bath using tongs. The water is hot, so be careful. Leave it in the bath the dye bath until the desired shade is achieved. It will take just a few minutes for a deep color. See table above to see how time in the bath affects the dye.
4) Carefully remove the lacrosse head from the hot dye bath with tongs. Rinse the plastic in warm water to remove excess dye from the surface. Let the dye bath cool to room temperature before handling it.
5) Once cool, the dye bath may be saved and reused, or poured down the drain. The dye itself may fall out of solution, but it can be re-dissolved with a little heat.

Notes:
– It’s very important that you keep this ratio of water-to-powder. If you use too little or too much water relative to the Single Shot pack, the pH will be off and you will get an undesirable color shift.
– There is a proper order for overlapping colors.
– Use a color wheel to help you combine LaxDip shades to make your own custom colors
– Our pros use tupperware and other plastic air-tight vessels to keep their dye for future use(s). Don’t use metal containers because the acid in the dye bath will corrode them.

Is your powder not quite “powder” anymore when it arrived to you?
LaxDip dye powder may clump during the shipping process, but it will not affect performance. It may also absorb small amounts of moisture causing spotting within the plastic bag (this may require extra work getting it out of the bag). If this occurs, simply mix into a small side container of room temperature water before introducing to the dye bath.

custom dyed lacrosse heads Archives

On this episode of the Pro Lacrosse Talk Podcast, Hutton Jackson and Adam Moore are joined by Athletes Unlimited pro Marie McCool. She discusses earning All-American honors and winning a national championship at the University of North Carolina, winning league MVP as a rookie in the WPLL, and winning the 2019 WPLL Championship. She also highlights her time winning gold with Team USA in England in 2017, displays her excitement to join Athletes Unlimited and discusses the importance of Athletes Unlimited’s TV deal in regards to providing enhanced exposure to women’s pro lacrosse.

Hutton and Adam also recap all the action from PLL Week 5, discuss their 2021 PLL All-Star Game ballots and give their thoughts on whether veterans who have had lower statistical seasons should be named All-Stars over younger players with better seasons. 

—

Pro Lacrosse Talk is the flagship lacrosse podcast of the Lacrosse Playground network covering all three professional lacrosse leagues (NLL, PLL, Athletes Unlimited). Each week throughout the season we’ll recap the games, provide analysis on the teams and feature exclusive postgame and off-the-field interviews with professional lacrosse players, coaches and executives. If you’re a fan of lacrosse podcasts like the Unbuckled Chinstrap, The Inside Feed, Lacrosse Classified or The Crease Dive, then give us a listen.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram:

Pro Lacrosse Talk – @ProLacrosseTalk (Twitter), @prolacrossetalk (Instagram) |

Lacrosse Playground – @LaxPlayground (Twitter), @lacrosseplayground (Instagram) |

Hutton Jackson – @huttonjackson (Twitter), @thehuttonjackson (Instagram) |

Adam Moore – @AdamMoorePLT (Twitter), @adammooreplt (Instagram) |

Support us by supporting these brands:

Get 10% off your Duke Cannon order by using the code “LAX10. ” |

Get $25 off your Players Academy course by using the code “PLT.” |

Get 15% off your Streaker Sports order by using the code “PLT.” |

Get free shipping and $20 off your SmartBackstop order by using the code “PLT.” |

Get 10% off your Lacrosse Jewelry order by using the code “PROLACROSSE.” |

—

This episode is sponsored by
· Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

How to Dye a Lacrosse Head

Whoever said lax players couldn’t be good artists has clearly never heard of a dyed head before. Dyed heads are more than just a little side project for avid lacrosse players’ gear collections; they’re an expression of a player’s inner artistic vision. So how do you turn your plain white head into a piece worthy of being hung in the Louvre Museum?

What We Cover

Things You’ll Need

• Lacrosse Head
• RIT Fabric Dye
• Boiling Water
• Plastic Container

Types of Dye Patterns

Dye Patterns, like any piece of fine art, come in a wide array of shapes, colors, and patterns. Not sure what your style is yet? Here’s some inspiration.

Solid

Nothing says class more than a solid color dye job. Whether you’re looking to match your head with your team colors or just stand out from the crowd, a solid color dye design is never a bad idea.

Fade

If you’re looking for something silky smooth, your best bet is to do some sort of a fade dye job. The only thing you’ll need to take into account is what two, or even three, colors you’ll want to blend.

Here are some of our favorites:

Marble

While dying heads with a marble style may require a little more time and effort, you’re sure to get some props on the field when it’s done right. Here are some recent marble heads that caught our attention:

How to Dye Your Head

The technique you’ll need to follow when dying your head depends largely on the style you’re looking to replicate. With that being said, there are certain things you’ll need to do in order to prepare your head for a dye job regardless of the style you choose.

Start off by giving your head a scrub down with a sponge and some hot water. Additionally, make sure to take off your strings.

Next, turn on your stove’s burner or grab an electric kettle to boil some water. You’ll need enough water to completely submerge your head in, so plan accordingly. Once that begins to boil, turn off your heat and let the water settle for a few seconds. If it’s stopped bubbling, go ahead and toss your water into a plastic container.

Solid Color

If you’re looking to get a solid color design, your next step is to toss in your dye color of choice. Pour your RIT dye in and let it dissolve by mixing it with a spoon a few times.

Once that’s settled, toss your head in and let it sit for a few minutes. The hotter your water is, the quicker your coloring will take place. The saturation of your dye will depend greatly on how long you keep your head submerged. Here’s our general rule of thumb:

• Light Colors: 2-5 minutes
• Medium Colors: 5-10 minutes
• Dark Colors: As long as you want

If you’re pleased with the amount of color saturating your head, remove it from the dye and immediately run it under some cool water to wash off any excess dye. Throw it back into the hot water for another 5-10 minutes to help your color settle into place. Rinse your head once more and then throw it in the freezer for around 25 minutes to cool.

Fade

The process of making a fade on your head is pretty similar to what you’d do when going with a solid color dye. The only key difference you’ll need to take into account is deciding how much of your head you’ll want to submerge in the dye.

Start off by following the same procedures as you would if you were dying your whole head (cleaning head, heating water, etc). Once you’ve added your RIT dye into a container, submerge the section of your head that you want to dye, making sure the areas you want to be darkest stay in the longest and vice versa. Keep dipping the head in and out, as well.

After you’ve dipped your head for a minute or so, pull it out and follow the same procedures as you normally would with a solid color dye job.

Marble

To start, you’ll need to pick up some webbing spray at your local hardware store. Use this to spray your head down and create the outline of your marble-like pattern after cleaning it.

Once you’ve done that, dip your head, with the marble spray still on, into the color(s) of your choice. You can choose to do a solid color look, or try your luck with a two-color fade design.

The rest of the dying process can be done as if you were dying your head with a solid color. Just remember: make sure to wash off all of your webbing spray when cooling your head for the final time.

Other Tips

• Always make sure you’re careful when moving your freshly dyed head from one surface to another.
• The best place to dye is outside. No one — especially your parents — wants their rugs or furniture ruined.

Related Resources

SidelineSwap Lacrosse Heads

Bedding Collections & Sets | The Company Store

Expertly Crafted, High Quality Bedding

Our premium bedding lets you express your personal style at home: Find comforters, sheets, and fashion bedding that feature exclusive designs you’ll enjoy through every season. Looking for a down or down alternative comforter? We have both. Our lofty comforters are filled with the world’s best goose down in finely woven, high thread-count cotton shells. For more than a century we’ve crafted our signature comforters in La Crosse, Wisconsin, using the finest materials and revered techniques. We offer a lifetime guarantee on America’s favorite LaCrosse® comforters. Comforters filled with lightweight down alternative fill offer the same opulent warmth and comfort as down while providing a restful, allergy-free night’s sleep for those with sensitivities. Find Twin, Full, Queen, and King sizes or explore specially sized sham and comforter bed sets, including Twin XL and Oversized Queen and King. Consult our Comforter Buying Guide to learn how to choose the best one to fit your needs.

Our bed sheet separates and sets are crafted of the best all-natural fibers available. Cotton bedding is soft and comfortable year-round. Choose sheets in cool, 100% cotton percale, soft jersey, eco-friendly organic cotton, warm and snuggly flannel, breathable linen, bamboo, or silky sateen. For the ultimate splurge, choose high-thread-count silky Supima® cotton or long-staple Egyptian cotton bedding. Our vast assortment of solid colors and exclusive prints changes seasonally so you can match your decor or bring a festive update to your room.

A duvet cover can transform your bedroom decor in minutes. Whether you’re going for a clean, all-white minimalist look or want a splash of color, duvet covers are an alternative to comforters, bedspreads, or quilts to refresh the look of your room—and protect your duvet insert at the same time. Shop a range of sizes, prints, colors, and materials: flannel, organic cotton, and more. Wrinkle-free options offer a pristine look straight out of the dryer.

Our quilts, coverlets, lightweight comforters, blankets, and throws are cozy year-round. Quilts are great on their own during spring and summer, and they layer with other bedding when the temperature drops during fall and winter. Whether you prefer the snuggly softness of fleece, the warmth of wool, or the seasons-spanning comfort of pure cotton, find something you love right here. Warm weather calls for a blend of cotton/bamboo—bedding that breathes for a comfortable sleep. Get inspired with our bedding for men, women, teens, and kids! Mix and match your comforter, quilt, bedding set, sheets, duvet cover, shams, and more to create a look that’s your own.

This luxury faux fur blanket will give you the comfiest movie nights – DU Clarion

Contributed Content Provided by WordPro SEO.

It’s a chilly winter night. You are warming up at the fireplace. As you sit on the sofa in your sweater for a movie night you realize a furry blanket would have made this experience even better. 

Well, fur of any kind is beautiful to look at. However, animal fur has come under a lot of criticism due to the cruelty it inflicts on the creatures it’s sourced from. You might be wondering if there are any alternatives you can enjoy without feeling guilty. 

To your luck, Everlasting Comfort has developed to make luxury faux fur as a replacement for animal fur. Let’s understand this material in greater detail:

What Is Faux Fur? 

Fake fur, which has the popular name of faux fur, is a synthetic fiber that carries the design and looks of real fur. It has been exceedingly employed to make blankets, bedsheets, and other apparel in fashion. While the product has multiple benefits, the biggest feather on the cap is that the fur does not continue contributing to the inhumane trapping and poaching industries.

How is the fur made? The faux fur is designed by knitting a combination of acrylic and polyester fibers. Certain manufacturers employ techniques of weaving and tufting to use cotton and wool to make faux furs. 

Let’s review the benefits in detail to know why you should get home a faux fur blanket.

Why Should You Buy Faux Fur?

Does Not Inflict Cruelty On Animals

Over the years, the fashion industry has been brutal to animals for their selfish needs. Faux furs are developed as a way to reduce animal atrocities for fashion or comfort purposes. If you are someone who actively cares about animal protection, these furs will entice you even more.

The fur uses zero animal products. The soft texture is obtained from luxury synthetic materials that give authentic fur feeling minus any guilt of affecting animals.

Your Fur Lasts Longer

Faux fur lasts longer than animal fur. Your blankets will look as good as new after multiple uses. On the other hand, animal fur fades as time passes. The colors slowly get lighter, and when dyed the quality deteriorates quickly – especially in warmer climates.

With faux furs, you don’t have to worry about the appearance and quality of the product. Your blankets will give you the same cozy sensation after a few years. The synthetic fibers are well-knit to make the product durable and efficient. 

You Don’t Have To Worry Too Much About Cleaning The Fur

Maintaining your animal fur rug can be a tedious task. You have to get it professionally laundered to save it from discoloration. The quality of the fur coat further deteriorates due to shredding. There is no way you can clean your animal fur through a simple machine wash. Any disruptions in cleaning will easily ruin the fur and make a huge hole in your pocket. 

Your luxury faux fur will relieve you from all these tiresome tasks. All you need to do is follow basic instructions. Most of these can be machine washed with certain pressure and heat levels. Remember to shake it well to avoid fiber distortion. You should ideally hand it dry and not expose it to the heat of the machine dryer.

Further, you don’t have to worry about accidentally spilling wine or popcorn while you enjoy your movie. The spots on the faux fur blanket can be easily removed.

Store The Fur Like Any Other Winter Accessory

Faux furs offer easy, maintenance-free ownership. You can store them with your other winter clothes, or in a place that relatively has less moisture. It is not damaged by minute changes in temperature or humidity. Store in your everyday closet until you want to snuggle in the fur blanket again. 

On the other hand, animal furs also present challenges for storing. You have to take utmost care when the climate is slightly hot or humid. There is a high chance of the product being exposed to a moth attack. 

Enjoy The Real Fur Like Experience At Lower Costs

You might have come to terms by now that animal furs are an expensive affair. While the purchasing itself has exorbitant rates, maintaining and storing are an added expense that and quickly shoot up operation costs – leading to inflated prices.

Faux furs are budget-friendly. You can avail of it in a variety of textures and colors. You can experiment with its sizes and patterns. This is because, unlike animal furs, faux furs do not have major restrictions on dyeing. 

Final Thoughts: Jump On The Faux Fur Trend

Well, it’s time your cupboard has a faux fur addition.  Snuggling in a flowy faux blanket will make your movie nights super memorable. You can sleep peacefully with this soft texture that feels so pleasant on your skin. 

In recent times, increased public conscience and activism of animal rights organizations have boosted the faux fur market. Many individuals have given up on animal furs to shift to this beautiful alternative – with several popular celebrities donning faux fur as a statement against animal cruelty.

As time passes by, we expect faux furs to continue gaining more attention and growing even more widespread.

Emerging at the top: Meet LI’s 13 Extraordinary Seniors

Gratitude. Kindness. Determination. Flexibility.

These are some of the lessons Newsday’s Extraordinary Seniors have drawn from their final year of high school, a year of extraordinary challenges. It would be a mistake to believe these are the only extraordinary high school seniors on Long Island. Each student graduating this year navigated tumult: the COVID-19 pandemic, national political conflict, a public reckoning over the structure of American society. Add to that hybrid, or completely remote education, unexpected school closures and diminished opportunities for extracurricular engagement.

Yet, these 13 seniors epitomize the heart and grit many have brought to their endeavors this year. Some have campaigned for voter registration or advocated for climate justice and marginalized communities; others have focused their leadership on lifting school spirit or mentoring classmates; many have survived health challenges.

We can all take a bit of credit for these students, who represent the best Long Island has to offer the future.

— Rosemary Olander, LI Life Editor

Massapequa High School senior Grace Schafer. Credit: Barry Sloan

Speaking the language of accomplishment

By Joe Dziemianowicz / Special to Newsday

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Grace Schafer, a senior at Massapequa High School, is known for working her way around seemingly impassable roadblocks.

Born with albinism, a pigmentation disorder, and legally blind, Schafer, 17, has distinguished herself in her pursuit of biliteracy that includes American Sign Language and leadership in her school’s sign language community.

“I can see, but my vision is blurrier than most people,” she said, adding that she began studying ASL in ninth grade. “I just love it.”

That ASL is a visual language and her eyesight makes mastering signs a challenge hasn’t been lost on her or her family.

“When Grace puts her mind to something, passion takes over,” said her father, John Schafer, 51, a financial adviser. “She doesn’t let anything hold her back.”

A closed-circuit TV device that magnifies what her teachers are signing has helped her learn signs. She’s used that tool and her own determination to land in the top 3% of her graduating class.

“I won’t let my visual impairment stop me from doing something that I want to achieve,” said Schafer, who lives in Massapequa.

“Grace is a strong advocate for herself,” said Patricia McCarthy, an ASL teacher at the high school, “and she is ready to help others. Grace’s tenacity for learning and succeeding is remarkable.”

That includes creative interests of art and dance. “Dancing gives me a way to express myself and stay active,” Schafer said. One of her sculptures, a life-size paper dress, could make Christian Siriano sit up and take notice.

Asked to share a favorite ASL sign during a Zoom interview, Schafer turned the invitation into a teachable moment.

“I like the meaning behind the sign for ‘I love you,’” she said, pointing to shapes formed by her fingers. “There’s the ‘I,’ then the ‘L’ and then the ‘Y’ — ‘I Love You. ‘ It makes sense when you know that and see it.”

HIGHER ED: Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, majoring in American Sign Language interpreting

FRESHMAN YEAR: “I’m really excited to meet new people, learn new things about sign language and just to have a whole different experience.”

DURING THE PANDEMIC, I LEARNED … “Cherish every experience and memory, because life changes so fast.”

Darvin Chacon Ramirez, a senior at Roosevelt High School, wears scrubs from the BOCES Medical Assistant Program as he holds an award from the National Technical Honors Society. Credit: Linda Rosier

Fighting spirit drives his success

By Arlene Gross / Special to Newsday

When Darvin Chacon Ramirez left Honduras with his older sister in May 2018 to join their parents in the United States, he was determined to learn English.

“I was always asking questions. I was always reviewing books. I was always looking for the lyrics of songs,” he said.

Before long, Chacon Ramirez, 19, a Roosevelt High School senior, became proficient in English (with tutoring classes and summer school) and was accepted into the BOCES Medical Assistant Program.

As he was settling into his junior year, Chacon Ramirez was stricken with terrible headaches and dizziness in September 2019. He was diagnosed 13 months later with Schwannomatosis, which causes benign tumors that grow on nerves, impairing neurological function. In November 2020, he underwent surgery to remove the brain tumor.

“It was pretty hard for me,” Chacon Ramirez said, explaining that his hand trembled when he wrote and his vision became blurry. “But now everything is coming back; everything is getting to normal — not that fast, but it’s coming back,” he said. “I’m a fighter. I always love to do the best I can, and my education is the most important thing in the world. “

Last year he became a member of the National Technical Honor Society.

His parents also take pride in his success. “I’m happy because of all the achievements and awards that he’s obtained in this country,” Maria Ramirez said, her son translating from Spanish.

That Chacon Ramirez has persisted through such struggles — and a pandemic — is “amazing,” said Monica Seely, his BOCES instructor. “And he’s so humble about it, and he has such a big heart,” she said. “It is amazing. He went through his brain surgery, and he still maintains a 100 average. ”

Adversity has helped Chacon Ramirez become a better person, he said. “It has taught me that I’m a strong person, that I’m capable of doing whatever I want,” he said.

HIGHER ED: Stony Brook University, majoring in education

FRESHMAN YEAR: “I’m looking forward to knowing a lot of people from different backgrounds.”

DURING THE PANDEMIC, I LEARNED … “Life is not easy … But we can still continue, and we can still accomplish our goals and dreams. “

Smithtown High School East senior Katie Trebing, at her Nesconset home, holds a photo of her with her brothers, Calvin and Christopher. Credit: Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara

Being vulnerable prompted desire to help others

By Beth Whitehouse / [email protected]

On the 15th anniversary of what Katie Trebing’s family celebrates as her “rebirthday,” the Smithtown High School East senior sat in her Nesconset backyard and talked about how that day changed the course of her life and influenced her to enroll in the University of Miami’s nursing program.

“I’m excited to start this new chapter in my life,” Trebing said. “I think my doctors really inspired me to take on that career path of helping others.”

Trebing, 18, was born with Diamond-Blackfan anemia, which prevented her from making red blood cells. On May 25, 2006, at age 3, she underwent a bone-marrow transplant at Manhattan’s Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center using marrow donated by her then-baby brother, Christopher, now 16.

Her time in hospitals — she needed monthly blood transfusions until the transplant — led to her consider a focus on pediatrics and becoming a nurse practitioner after getting her nursing degree. “I’m very comfortable talking to doctors and talking about my story.”

Trebing’s story involved her parents using cutting-edge science to conceive Christopher, who was out playing a varsity lacrosse game while Katie chatted with a reporter. Katie needed a sibling who matched her DNA; Katie’s older brother, Cal, now in college, was not a match. So, Katie’s parents, Steve and Stacy, went through in vitro fertilization and chose Christopher, whose embryo was a match.

The family’s journey was a series in Newsday in 2007, was publicized on various TV shows and became a book, reaching as far as a family in Singapore who said they used the Trebings’ experience as their “Bible,” traveling to the United States to cure their child with a similar disease. Trebing met them and is still in touch.

In high school, Trebing had a 4.16 GPA and was captain of the field hockey team. Opening up about her experience, she said, has taught her to embrace being vulnerable because it can help others: “I can work on inspiring them to keep their hopes up and push forward.”

HIGHER ED: University of Miami, majoring in nursing

FRESHMAN YEAR: “I’m excited about the new experiences I’m going to encounter.”

DURING THE PANDEMIC, I LEARNED … “To live in the present, because you’re not guaranteed tomorrow, next week, really anything. “

WATCH NOW: Katie Trebing talks about being born with a medical condition called Diamond-Blackfan anemia and how her journey affected her plans for college.

Jacob Isaac, a senior at Baldwin Senior High School, is a gifted musician who plays trumpet and piano. Credit: Barry Sloan

Baldwin student campaigned for future voters

By Joe Dziemianowicz / Special to Newsday

Rock the vote — and voters-to-be.

Jacob Isaac, a member of Baldwin Senior High School’s Class of 2021, did exactly that when he launched a voter preregistration and registration campaign at his school during the 2020 presidential election.

“Getting young people interested in politics and ready for an election even before they’re of voting age sets up the understanding that their voices make a difference,” said Isaac, 18, who lives in Freeport.

The campaign, a collaborative effort with peers and administrators, featured T-shirts and an entertaining classroom video made to speak to its youthful audience. “Voting is, like, supes important,” a student says in it. As a result of the initiative, 900 students were signed up. Supes, indeed.

“It doesn’t have to be a slog or a drag to go and vote,” Isaac said. “Voting can become a very emotional and energetic process.”

Beyond social and political endeavors, Isaac is a gifted musician who plays trumpet and piano and is an across-the-board scholar. He has a knack for invigorating every endeavor and class, according to physics teacher Jared Saltzman, 26.

“Jacob came in with great energy and was ready to work,” he said. “He asked deep, clarifying questions. He was always calm, even when the class got difficult.”

Sheilah Jefferson-Isaac, 51, a Uniondale School District assistant principal, has observed and appreciated her son’s dual capacities for being a leader and a team player. “Jacob is mature and humble,” she said.

Isaac’s college plans are informed by his passion for independent research developed through courses at Baldwin. “I definitely want to be part of an academic discussion on important issues that actually affect people’s lives,” he said. “That really interests me.”

In other words, it gets his vote.

HIGHER ED: University of Pennsylvania, majoring in biochemistry

FRESHMAN YEAR: “I’m looking forward to meeting new friends and getting to know the environment of Philadelphia.”

DURING THE PANDEMIC, I LEARNED … “The value of being around people, because I definitely took that for granted.”

Greenport High School senior Kai Kaufman help write programming code that led Southold Robotics Team Rice 870 to victory. Credit: Randee Daddona

Propelled by technical know-how

By Michael R. Ebert / [email protected]

While most children love to play video games, Kai Kaufman always wanted to do more.

The Greenport High School senior said he began by creating “silly modifications” to the popular game Minecraft — like making his characters throw fireballs — and posting them online for others to play.

He also created websites for his Minecraft endeavors, using his computer to host a world that others could join and building a tight-knit group of gamers nationwide.

“I was 10 or 11, so figuring this out was a good learning opportunity,” said Kaufman, 17, who has taught himself 11 programming languages.

From there, Kaufman’s passion for coding led him to robotics. He became co-president and lead programmer for the Southold/Greenport Robotics Team, which during his tenure twice advanced to the world championships, in 2018 and 2019.

As a freshman, he spearheaded creating statistical analysis and data collection software to improve the team’s decision-making at competitions. “This gave me an opportunity to learn things like how to write code to actually control motors, make a robot drive around, make it spin a wheel or shoot a bow,” he said of learning practical applications of programming.

Kaufman’s was also one of about 200 individuals worldwide last year to complete a reverse-engineering challenge coordinated by the cybersecurity firm FireEye; he has also initiated an international online community centered around reviving a classic computer game.

Meanwhile, he has taken every Advanced Placement class at his school, becoming an AP Scholar with Distinction. He was also a technology writer for his school newspaper and an editor in the Broadcast TV Club.

Along the way, Kaufman has undergone four surgeries to correct spinal scoliosis and eye-muscle palsy — the most recent last summer.

“Kai understands life can be difficult, but he never gave up,” said his guidance counselor, Brandi Hopkins.

HIGHER ED: Worcester Polytechnic Institute, majoring in computer science with a focus on cybersecurity

FRESHMAN YEAR: “I’m most looking forward to the ability to apply the skills I’ve learned and use them for more academic research.”

DURING THE PANDEMIC, I LEARNED . .. “Flexibility is essential to success.”

Saba Mehrzad, a senior at Syosset High School, founded the Women in STEM club at her school. Credit: Newsday/Steve Pfost

Carving her own path in every way

By Joe Dziemianowicz / Special to Newsday

“Balancing assertiveness and kindness is key to being a leader,” according to Saba Mehrzad, 17, a Syosset High School senior who has spearheaded various programs reflecting her diverse passions.

Mehrzad’s love of science — sparked by her mother’s work as a pediatric endocrinologist and an eye-opening computer coding camp experience — led her to start a high school club to inspire young women to pursue science, technology, engineering and math (known as STEM). The group’s Zoom-driven middle-school mentorship component aims to generate such interest early on.

“My goal was to expose more girls at my school to different STEM fields and different things that they might be interested in but didn’t know about,” said Mehrzad, who lives in Syosset. “I didn’t know that I liked computer science, but once I was exposed to the world of it, I realized I loved it.”

During quarantine, Mehrzad started iFeminist. org to promote women’s history after an internship at the New School in Manhattan. “I wanted to connect students who loved writing and researching to write articles about unknown and underrepresented women in history,” she said, adding that the group has “over 200 members right now, including students from 23 countries and 22 states.” To celebrate her culture, Mehrzad founded the Iranian American Youth Group.

Mehrzad’s motivation and magnetism are two remarkable assets. “Saba’s positivity and her enthusiasm for everything she does is infectious,” said guidance counselor Lori Haubrich, 45.

Khosrow Mehrzad, 61, who works in finance, described his daughter Saba as a voracious reader. “That allows her to look at issues in a deeper, more intellectual manner. Saba is also very creative and has great initiative.”

It runs in the family. Speaking for herself and her older sister, Mehrzad said, “We’re not dormant. Whenever we have an idea we go for it, and we try to create momentum. Whatever we do we do it 100%. Or 200%.”

HIGHER ED: Harvard University, studying human developmental and regenerative biology and computer science

FRESHMAN YEAR: “I’m looking forward to meeting and being motivated by other students and to be able to get to know the faculty, and perhaps do some research. “

DURING THE PANDEMIC, I LEARNED … “How to be a better leader and a better friend.”

Longwood High School senior Rachel Hines has been a championship bowler and pursues photography as a hobby. Credit: Barry Sloan

Bowled over by zeal to support community

By Arlene Gross / Special to Newsday

Seventh grade was a pivotal year in Rachel Hines’ life.

That’s when the Longwood High School senior, now 18, started collecting arts-and-crafts care packages to distribute to hospitalized children. With donations from friends and the community, Rachel’s Caring for Kids has distributed about 200 packages.

“At least bringing a smile to their face will brighten my day a little more because I know that they’re happy — and they’re not sad and lonely sitting in a room by themselves,” said Hines, who lives in Yaphank.

Penny Hines said she admires her daughter’s dedication. “She’s worked very hard to build her reach and continues to come up with new and exciting ways to help others,” she said.

The same year, Rachel started bowling for her high school team. Two years later, she hired Joey Novara, a Sachem North champion bowler in the late 2000s, to improve her game. Hines, who loves math and English and plays varsity softball, credits Novara for her excellence and 221 average game score — and her integral role in Suffolk’s All-Star team capturing the 2018 state championship.

What makes Hines great is her willingness to adapt to various techniques, Novara said. “Her versatility is one of the best.”

“She’s involved in so many things and whatever she’s involved in, she gives 110%, whether it be bowling, her academics, honor society, the fire department, Rachel’s Caring For Kids,” said David Huey, Longwood girls’ bowling team coach.

Hines puts so many hours into the team that, “the fact that she still has time for part-time job and school, is mind blowing,” said Doug Dwyer, who coached Hines’ older brother on Longwood’s boys bowling team and knows the family well.

Since COVID-19, Hines has run sock drives for the homeless and collected laptops for students who can’t afford them. She works as a photographer, memorializing weddings and Sweet 16 parties; she also pursues photography as a hobby, snapping cars, trucks and people.

She appreciates being able to focus on things she finds beautiful, adding, “I’m more of a truck girl myself. “

HIGHER ED: Mount St. Mary’s University, majoring in physical education and Army ROTC

FRESHMAN YEAR: “I’m looking forward to meeting new people and bonding with my new bowling team.”

DURING THE PANDEMIC, I LEARNED … “more about myself … what my main interests were.”

Justine Moturi, a senior at The Stony Brook School, had to finish his junior year in quarantine in Kenya but was able to return to finish his senior year. Credit: Raychel Brightman

A resilience that knows no borders

By Michael R. Ebert / [email protected]

Justine Moturi looks back in amazement at far he’s come — both academically and geographically.

The Stony Brook School senior grew up in poverty in Kenya with a deaf father and a mother who sold shoes on the side of a highway. As a child, he was a Boy Scout who often played with a soccer ball made of rags and ropes and attended an overcrowded school where children sometimes passed out from hunger during lessons.

The motivated Moturi then excelled on a national exam and successfully applied to a full-scholarship boarding school, M-PESA Foundation Academy, which he called a personal “turning point.” There, he experienced such firsts as using a computer and playing a main role in the school’s first theater production.

He was also elected school president, worked on a bionic arm prototype and developed an app to help identify blood donors in Kenya.

“It gave me the instruments to bring my imagination into a reality world,” Moturi, 17, said of attending M-PESA.

During his junior year, Moturi was awarded a scholarship to attend The Stony Brook School, where he got a near 3.9 grade-point average and played on the varsity soccer team, which won two consecutive league titles.

Getting to Stony Brook brought other firsts: a plane ride and eating American food. “My parents were scared; it took them a lot of time to process it,” Moturi said of the move. “I told them it was what I wanted and what I had dreamed of.”

Unfortunately, COVID-19 cut short Moturi’s school year. He returned to Kenya in March 2020, finishing his junior year via Zoom in quarantine at the M-PESA academy. In August, he came back to Long Island.

“Justine’s life could be the storyline from a movie,” said Christine Loo, co-director of college counseling at The Stony Brook School. “It is the story of how much resilience a human being can possess.”

HIGHER ED: Dartmouth College, majoring in neurobiology and minoring in theater and film

FRESHMAN YEAR: “I want to explore the world and explore my interests more.”

DURING THE PANDEMIC, I LEARNED … “It put all of us in the same equal box, forcing us to take collective action against a common enemy … showing us just how alike we are despite our nationalities and superficial differences. “

Oceanside High School’s Jeremy Feder, seen here with a retired service animal, has dedicated the past several years of his life to fundraising for America’s VetDogs. Credit: Linda Rosier

Loyal to making a difference for veterans

By Kevin J. Redding / Special to Newsday

An honor student, athlete, a mentor and president of the Patriots’ Club at Oceanside High School, Jeremy Feder always swings for the fences.

For nearly six years, he’s run the Jeremy Feder All-Star Charity Baseball Tournament, the proceeds from which benefit America’s VetDogs — a nonprofit that provides disabled veterans and first responders with free, fully-trained golden and Labrador retrievers, and poodles. What began as a bar mitzvah project when he was 12 has become an annual community event in September through which he’s raised $35,000.

“It makes me feel good to see other people feel good,” said Feder, 17, who plans to continue the event during college and beyond through a partnership with East Coast Tournaments. Since it began, he’s put in hundreds of hours of work: collecting raffle donations from businesses, selling shirts and arranging for student volunteers, who receive community service credits.

In the Patriots’ Club since middle school, he’s been involved in clothing drives, letter-writing campaigns, and such events as Trees for Troops. If he notices an underclassman struggling, he swoops in and cheers them up. “He’s so committed to people and the school in a way I haven’t seen,” said club adviser, Julia Nappi. “If he says he’s going to do something, he does it … but so humbly. He’s wholesome and special.”

While juggling the charity and his academic roles hasn’t been easy this past year, the pandemic has made him more focused. “He’s incredibly levelheaded, keeps his eye on the end result,” Laura Koss-Feder said of her son. “And I’m amazed by his determination and energy. “

HIGHER ED: Binghamton University’s School of Management, majoring in financing

FRESHMAN YEAR: He is looking forward to “having a whole new experience of independence and meeting new people on campus and trying new things.”

DURING THE PANDEMIC, I LEARNED … “You need to be thankful for everything that you have and … because at any time or at any point, like the pandemic, things can change.”

Natalie Bran, a senior at Lawrence High School, decided to give back to the community center in her neighborhood, volunteering at Gammy’s Pantry. Credit: Newsday/Alejandra Villa Loarca

Lawrence senior met altruism in-kind

By Arlene Gross / Special to Newsday

Observing the crucial roles played by first-responders and doctors during the pandemic motivated Natalie Bran to pitch in at Gammy’s Pantry, the local community center’s food pantry, where since last May she has volunteered 2,000 hours.

“I felt so helpless,” said Bran, 18, a Lawrence High School senior who lives in Inwood.

Having also personally benefited from Five Towns Community Center — she attended its Head Start preschool program — Bran said, “I felt like that was a way to give back to the community that has done so much for me. “

Bran also volunteers at the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, fundraising and staffing an information table on “Kids Day” at MetLife Stadium.

In school, Bran excels at science, math and computer science, and enjoys choir and dance.

As the assistant facilitator of her school’s Girls Who Code club, Bran loved the limitless possibilities of computer science. Combining her altruism and coding, she also dreams of creating an app that would help people access food pantries, mental health professionals and other vital services.

“Many times people don’t know where to get these services,” she said. “I feel like an app or something like that would make it that much easier.”

Bran is the person students seek for advice about the computer science program, noted Rebecca Isseroff, a science teacher who runs the coding club. “Natalie’s enthusiasm, coupled with her intelligence, inspires others to follow in her path; and her desire to help others, both in school as well as in her community, is exemplary,” she said.

Blanca Bran exudes pride in her daughter, the first member of the family to attend college. “I wake up sometimes at 2 in the morning and she’s still studying because she has a test,” Blanca said. “She’s very, very dedicated.”

HIGHER ED: Columbia University, majoring in computer science

FRESHMAN YEAR: “I’m really looking forward to meeting new people, getting a more vigorous education and using the resources to the best of my ability.”

DURING THE PANDEMIC, I LEARNED … “To appreciate what I have and to give back to my community.”

Sam Kanterman, a senior at Syosset High School, found his place during the pandemic was helping to sustain school spirit through his musical leadership. Credit: Linda Rosier

Putting smiles on the faces of his classmates

By Kevin J. Redding / Special to Newsday

Beyond AP courses and tutoring others in math and science, Sam Kanterman devoted his hybrid senior year to keeping the spotlight on the arts at Syosset High School.

As president of the all-male a cappella group, Choral Pride, Kanterman, 18, guided his peers in a virtual performance of “Jingle Bells” and, as co-music manager of Chamber Singers, organized and hosted a socially distant recital that was livestreamed for the community in lieu of normal holiday concerts. On Valentine’s Day, he maintained a fundraising tradition in which choral students presented classmates with singing telegrams, this year with videos and virtual messages sent around the school.

“Sam brings the smiles, the laughs, the spirit and the joy to every event,” his guidance counselor, Beth Waschitz said. “In a year like this, where so many people are so over it and disillusioned, he just lifts you up. His classmates are lucky they have him walking beside them.”

Kanterman also created end-of- year slideshows for the school and played the role of Zeke in a livestreamed production of “High School Musical,” tapping into his love for baking: As an eighth-grader, Kanterman appeared on Food Network’s “Chopped Junior. ” Before the pandemic, he taught a cooking program for children at his synagogue.

“He has always been able to lighten up a room, engage people, and be everybody’s cheerleader,” Elyssa Kanterman said of her son. “I call him ‘The Mayor’ because he has so many friend groups and really wants to put a smile on everybody’s face.”

Although he admits to being more of a math and science kid, Kanterman said, “I feel like the arts program is where my home is within the building.”

HIGHER ED: Washington University in St. Louis, majoring in neuroscience

FRESHMAN YEAR: He is looking forward to “being exposed to a more diverse group of people … and all the research opportunities I’m going to have — plus the a cappella program.”

DURING THE PANDEMIC, I LEARNED … “The impact that kindness can have on people, their days, their lives and the world as a whole.”

East Hampton High School’s Mary McCann blended her artistic talents with social entrepreneurship. Credit: Gordon M. Grant

Pursuing goals that are grounded in empathy

By Arlene Gross / Special to Newsday

Combining an abiding love for art, scholarship and humanity, Mary McCann started Family Dinner, to create and sell tie-dyed T-shirts and sweatshirts to benefit National Bail Out, which works to end pretrial detention.

“I had been doing a lot of reading on mass incarceration and systemic racism for school-related research, and I saw just how pervasive these issues are in American society,” said McCann, 17, a senior at East Hampton High School. “I had always been interested in social entrepreneurship, so I saw an opportunity to use my concern to generate something positive.”

As the 2020 election unfolded, McCann, who lives in East Hampton, added beaded bracelets with the word “vote” to promote civic engagement. “I wanted to use my platform to encourage those around me to participate,” she said.

And though she didn’t expect to raise substantial figures — she netted more than $500 — McCann said if she was able to bail out just one person, she’d be satisfied with her efforts.

“Mary is a creative person who thinks deeply about people and situations,” said her mom, Kyle. “She tries to understand what matters to each person.”

McCann, who is in the top 10% of her class, strives to integrate art into her school and community. As treasurer of her school’s National Art Honor Society, she led such creative endeavors as the annual March Madness mural contest; she’s also been a camp art counselor and plans to give art lessons this summer.

Guidance counselor Samone Ritz said McCann, “truly is an amazing young lady with so much to offer. It is hard to pinpoint just one thing about Mary, because she truly is just that extraordinary.”

HIGHER ED: Cornell University, majoring in Applied Economics and Management with a concentration in Social Entrepreneurship

FRESHMAN YEAR: “I’m excited to learn from and form connections with new people” to eventually start a social enterprise on a larger scale.

DURING THE PANDEMIC, I LEARNED … “If you have an idea, go for it: No time is better than the present.”

Peter Thais, a senior at St. Dominic High School, has become an advocate for climate justice that incorporates indigenous voices. Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.

Glen Cove senior takes global approach to success

Joe Dziemianowicz / Special to Newsday

Every day is Earth Day for St. Dominic High School senior Peter Thais, and it ought to be for “every inhabitant of the planet,” he said.

A Native American who grew up on the Akwesasne Mohawk reservation in upstate New York, Thais, who lives in Glen Cove, has risen to the rigors of an exacting STEM Scholars Program, shone bright on the soccer, swimming and lacrosse teams, and logged hundreds of hours of community service. Win-win-win.

“The key to success is to be a well-rounded individual,” he said. He speaks from authority.

At 17, Thais has already emerged as a vibrant voice and advocate for the environment as well as the indigenous community. Thais has spoken out about these topics close to his heart as a keynote speaker and panelist at tribal summits and the United Nations.

“With the current state of the climate crisis,” he said, “I believe that ecological knowledge within indigenous traditions can be adapted to help fight climate change.”

Thais sees the big picture. His success is his community’s success. “Peter has a strong understanding of his place in the world, where he fits in, and what he feels strongly about,” said school counselor Krystal Townend. “He has a sense of maturity that stands out among his peers.”

His mom, Joyce Cook, 50, who teaches English-as-a-second-language at Locust Valley Middle School, takes pride in his grit and determination. “He’s faced his own challenges and difficulties, and drew strength from our culture and practices,” she said, adding that swimming with Long Island Aquatic Club since fourth grade “has given him discipline.”

Thais’ roots inform him in subtle and obvious ways — from his college pursuits to the long braid he proudly has trailing down his back.

“Other students tend not to understand my cultural background,” he said. “But I strongly believe my presence at St. Dominic High School can help break stereotypes.”

HIGHER ED: Cornell University, studying biological engineering in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

FRESHMAN YEAR: “I’m looking forward to being in a new environment with like-minded individuals who are advancing their education in the best way possible.”

DURING THE PANDEMIC, I LEARNED … “It is really important to manage your time and organize your schedule.”

90,000 Untitled – Angela Kaminskaya. Angela Kaminska “Blog dyed …

When? With whom? How many times? And will he marry her after that or not? Naturally, these questions are not the only ones in my stormy vocabulary, but, nevertheless, how is it sometimes so pleasant to be keep abreast of all events ….)

I read such a popularized book by Roman Trakhtenberg “The Way of the Male”. God forbid me to buy such books in stores.) But…. “Purely by chance, I passed by my spouse’s e-book” and, as if by chance, started flipping through the pages with my fingers.)

But one fine day, I got my hands on his e-book. Having downloaded a bunch of books, I decided to look with one eye, what kind of “crap” (and this is what my husband calls my books) is my husband, who is respected by Ukraine, reading?

What does he not read! And “Commander’s Flag”, and “Tired Fairy” all parts, and “Another among Others”, and “Nanotech Network”, and “Silver Bullets with a Uranium Core” and, “The Gospel of Matthew”, “Kill Yushchenko” and a huge -A huge list of all kinds of battles and battles.Boredom ….)))

So, “The Way of the Male”….

Of course I can say the book is well written. The one to learn humor from is Trachtenberg. You read with a constant smile on your face.))))))))

For those who have not yet read this “male manuscript”, I will try to briefly “convey” the meaning. On hundreds of pages, this chubby uncle shares his active sex life with all of us.)

Someone “under him” just was not. And naive students, and experienced strippers, and a bunch of married drunk women, and as he writes – his pride, about two dozen “innocents”.)

Having read about his “victories”, I began to “feel sorry” in absentia for his wife, Lena. Damn, oh and this dog is Trachtenberg !!!! Okay, before the wedding, but so to speak with a “live” wife – oh, he would fly with me, along with an armful of red hair gathered on sheets like a lousy cat from an apartment!

In the book, he writes that as soon as his wife went to the seas, on the same day, lists were “formed” to “catch” comrade Roman by strippers. They say, who did not have time – he is waiting for his cherished second round.))))

What nonsense, these are all my friends !!! Oh, the truth was told by our professor of psychology: a man’s conversation should be immediately “divided” into 7 parts. Here 1 \ 7 – this is the truth. And everything else is “water” … That’s right – for a showdown with your spouse. Like, come on, friend, let’s talk about your turbulent sexual past ??? :)))

I hope your childish imagination should be enough to imagine with what surprise my husband looked at me with his eyes …) And, by the way, I am “not up to jokes”!

Decided to start with Igor’s warm “upper” part of the body in a pioneer camp? It turns out that I missed so much !!!!!

The fact is that I have always been a hyper-active child, and in order to somehow “keep” me – I have always participated in all competitions, parades, KVN, relay races, races, pillow fights, circles, etc.d …

It turns out that while I was rehearsing another squad song there or sculpting figures out of sand, the boys from the senior squads were sitting on the “remote” benches, looking for that “cherished and warm” one.) With the girls (of course).

Comrade spouse, how he began to “retell” to me how many palms he “overexposed” on little girlish ribs, that I was even offended by what I heard … .. ((((

Damn, I always thought that I spend the best time in camps , so dumb, so doused with cold water ……. but it turns out that the most “important thing” did not experience … … (

Seeing my roughened eyes, my husband decided to cheer me up, so he put forward such an assumption, they say, maybe no one “didn’t warm” you with his palm, because you didn’t have a breast ??? :)))))))))

I rarely have a “desire to kill”, but at that moment, after all that I had heard, the desire appeared again! Men, will you ever learn to say the “right” words to women? How long will this last?

Once, on TV there was a “terrible” program, where doctors intimidated all of us from the screen, they say Mastopathy is a disease of the 21st century, they say, be very careful! Frightened, having seen enough, I quickly stomped to my husband, and with a very serious face asked me to check if I have “Mastopathy” ???

Putting his work laptop aside, Igor began to “probe” me under the knees with his hands … … With such a serious face, he moved on to “probe” on my back! To my question, Darling, what are you doing? I was given the answer, they say, how what ??? Checking you for “Mastopathy” !!!! :)))))))))

Is that so? How can we women live with you ??? That is not a phrase – we sit together laughing, but by the way, the topic of conversation is usually “serious” !!!

Roman Trakhtenberg, told all the readers, they say, how difficult it is for him, can you imagine, everyone “wants” him ??? !!! And he “at this” moment, loves and thinks about his wife Lena.Yes, hero, what can I add here …)

After every party he has held, married women are constantly harassing him, and he “overdoes” himself, goes with them “for sex” !!!

Dear citizen, Trachtenberg, I am addressing you as a married woman – maybe it’s enough to “fill” your own worth ??? After my little social poll, all my married girlfriends completely refused to “sleep” with you. :)))

Why are you a bell tower, have you come up with the idea that “we” are bored with their husbands ??? Who told you that after a bottle of drunk Champagne, we feel so lonely and sad that we’ll just “single file” follow you into your “backstage” ???

Okay, if you were like Vova Zelensky, and that’s not a fact.Handsome, fit, strong, funny, sexy. According to statistics, 80% of Ukrainian women want Vova!

And you, if you suddenly do not have a mirror at home – small, fat, dyed-headed + goatee … .. Who will “look” at this ??? 🙂

No, no, I’m not writing about you to offend you. No, you just wrote a book that, in my opinion, is 70% invented by your exuberant dyed-haired fantasy. Maybe it’s enough to “fill in” the whole country about their “male ways”, but it’s time, finally, to pay attention to your wife Lena and your children ???

I would never sleep with you in my life! It’s scary to even think.Although, of course, you are now thinking, they say, you will swell – will you quickly change your mind? But, thank God, I don’t drink, and I also have an excellent spouse, just like you have my girlfriends. So if in 10-15 years this thought arises in our female brains, it’s easier to “play around” than to go into your thick, sweaty embrace.)

Although, if you “believe” films like “Surrogates”, soon the problems of cheating will disappear altogether. My poor, poor, comrade Trakhtenberg, who will “chick” with you? Probably, you will need to publish another book called “The Wife Is Man’s Friend”.)))

Roman, you are not angry with me, I just hate it when all sorts of not beautiful “macho” write about their “virtually invented” exploits throughout the country.)

And in conclusion, I want to write how my beloved spouse answered my last question about “palms.”) The question was this, Igor, did you think that somewhere on the other end of the earth, someone is the same on your future wife “warm” palms ???

My husband’s answer, as always, was original! -When I was holding different girls by the chest – I knew that my wife was not born yet….)))))))))))

P.s. Nevertheless, I will listen to one piece of advice from Uncle Trachtenberg, in his book, he “called upon” all women to never ask men about his past “ways of a male.” Because the answers heard, as in my case, can ruin not only the mood, but also the appetite….

So let’s not bother with past “palms”, and I ask you, my dear readers, look in the internet, where exactly on the body you need to “check” Mastopathy from your girls and wives.))))

Successful “searches” for breasts to all….

Sony ICF-S80 Radio – Review, Features and 10 User Reviews – Top Rated 2021 with Owner Ratings

Advantages:
Nice design, catches flawlessly, clear sound.

Disadvantages:
Just the price.Since with a set of accs of such a standard and a charger for them, the price, in fact, will double. But if you listen to the radio all the time, it will still be more profitable than burning batteries.

Comment:
It’s a bathroom radio and is constantly dragging it from room to room.What headphones? I do not imagine the option of using headphones with this device at all. What is the input for the network adapter? To wave a splash in the bathroom and say goodbye to the machine? At first I also tensed about the batteries. And then I thought, there is a logic of its own, if we consider a purchase for a sufficiently long period. If you use the radio very rarely, an hour or two a day, one set of batteries will last for a couple of months. If often, invest once in an account with a charger. And they will also allow batteries to be replaced somewhere.When they work out their own, you replace them and do not know any problems at all. Yes, the format is not the most common, but getting it is not a problem. Now all electronics networkers work under the order. Its main task – it catches the signal and plays the radio perfectly. I can’t even get the antenna out of the compartment. Nothing hisses, the sound is perfect. Especially when compared with the option of listening to the radio through a mobile phone. Very convenient delayed shutdown and timer functions. You turn on the first when you fall asleep, the second is just a godsend for the kitchen, because you need to keep track of the time for 20-30 minutes while cooking.Yes, it’s expensive, but as you rightly noted, after the first use, you no longer remember about money. If someone is wealthy enough to buy cheap things, ebay is full of Chinese no-name options, you should go there.

June 22, 2015, Cherepovets

90,000 # massage roller Instagram posts – Gramho.com

The massage roller acts on the muscles and fascia to provide myofascial release (MPF). However, its main advantage is that it corrects posture, acting on all parts of the spine and pelvis, due to the user’s body weight.

Tips for Beginners

The massage roller exercises should be performed in the following order: neck, back, lower back, pelvis, neck.

The exercises are effective for correcting posture (especially in functional scoliosis), since the thoracic spine is inseparably connected with the rib corset.A person who has experienced asymmetric loads for a long time (on one side, for example), the exercises should be performed so as not to overdo it. You should adapt by gradually working out the problem areas with the roller. With a chronic imbalance in posture, roller exercises should be done regularly.

Do not use it for inflammation of the ligaments of the joints, but
also in case of acute pain.

Use the massage roller on a flat, hard surface (on the floor), and it is also very comfortable when standing against a wall.Do not use on soft, uneven or slippery surfaces. For convenience, exercise in sportswear.

Precautions

1. It is recommended to avoid exposure of the roller to high temperature, humidity, strong chemicals.

2. Children under 8 years old, as well as adults with severe curvature of the spine, ankylosing spondylitis, grade 4 scoliosis (more than 60 degrees) are prohibited from using the massage roller.

3. Before using the massage roller, you need to take into account your current health and well-being.If in doubt, it is recommended to consult a specialist before use.

4. Do not use the roller for other purposes and lying on your stomach.
Delivery all over Ukraine. It is also possible to do under the order and according to your measurements
Price 500 UAH
#cherkasymassage #cherkasy #massage #massage roller #health #massage

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