With summer around the corner, Americans are beginning to see the restrictions on masks loosen. The CDC recently announced on April 27 that fully vaccinated people are no longer required to wear a mask outdoors. That being said, partaking in outdoor activities, such as jogging and biking, or eating at outdoor restaurants are now permitted. However, officials still state that crowded settings and venues are exceptions to the easing of these precautions. For those who have not been vaccinated, the previous stringent guidelines still follow. Even the completely vaccinated still face many limits to the actions and contact they can make. Nonetheless, Americans are feeling a greater sense of normalcy as progress is made during this pandemic.
As of May 6, the CDC’s website reports that about 45% of the total population and 57% of those 18 and older have received at least one shot from the vaccination series. For teenagers, only those who are 16 and older are currently able to receive the vaccine under emergency authorization. In an effort to increase the number of vaccinated students before the next school year, Pfizer has been working towards expanding the use of vaccines for those between the ages of 12-15. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to deliver the decision of authorizing the vaccine for this age group early next week. [Update: the FDA has approved Pfizer’s request to extend vaccines to 12-15-year-olds]. Although vaccines lower the risk of being infected by COVID-19, people should always keep in mind that they are still susceptible to infection, especially when finding themselves in high-risk settings. Further updates and statistics may be found at the CDC’s official website (cdc). Reported by Christine Song For as long as I can remember, one of my favorite hobbies has been cycling. Nothing is more appealing to me during the Spring, Summer, and Fall months than biking as many miles as possible.
In many aspects, Long Island is an avid cyclist’s dream, especially near JFK high school where the start of Bethpage Bikeway is easily accessible. A person can follow this trail for 13.4 miles, from Manetto Hill and Woodbury Road (Woodbury) to Merrick Road and Ocean Ave. (Massapequa). The trail is ordinarily quiet and peaceful and includes beautiful foliage due to the abundance of trees. Massapequa Park (part of Massapequa Preserve) is located at the end of the trail and overlooks the navy blue Massapequa Lake. Since there is a nice walkway and plenty of rest areas, this is a common destination for my friends and me on short and frequent bike rides. For longer bike rides, we often pass Massapequa Park and continue on Sunrise Highway until we reach Cedar Creek Park. Safety concerns are not problematic because there is a decent shoulder width and the total distance is 3-4 miles at most. Cedar Creek Park has the entrance to the Ocean Parkway bike path, which runs for 4 miles, ending at Jones Beach. Finally, the Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway used to run for another 4 miles to Tobay Beach. However, the last time I visited the trail with my friends, we saw something astonishing: the trail was closed for heavy maintenance. Dejected and mounting feelings of disappointment, we were forced to turn around and return home. Later that night, curled in a blanket with a cup of tea in hand, I decided to search up “Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway” and see what the issue was. Within mere seconds, my dismay over not completing the bike ride turned into pure euphoric bliss. They were adding an extension to the trail, which was going to be completed by June 2021. Cyclists, runners, skaters, and walkers alike would be able to travel an additional 10 miles to Captree State Park. Excitedly, I texted my friend, and we instantly began brainstorming the possibilities: having a “beach day” at West Gilgo Beach; taking pictures and watching sunsets by Cedar Beach; and most importantly, completing 62 miles in total, with no need to make the same trip twice or rely on extra road mileage. Fast forward to the beginning of May, and the trail is open to the public. The news was announced in early March, just in time for warm weather. Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway now spans the towns of Babylon and Islip. Hundreds of plants native to Long Island, including beach grass, evergreen trees, bayberry plants, and beach plums, line the new path. Also, people using the trail can view numerous educational panels with historical and environmental information. Coastal Greenway is certain to become a tourist attraction, similar to Montauk or the Hamptons. Discover Long Island CEO and President Kristen Jarnegin has expressed, “The addition of this new oceanfront... connects to additional trails and boasts stunning view of the Manhattan skyline and... is certain to be a favorite for both residents and visitors alike.” The trail is bound to attract all outdoorsy people, regardless of their interests. Personally, this is a dream come true, and I am invigorated by all the possibilities. Reported by Michael Khalfin As the end of the school year draws closer, so do the AP exams. Here are some resources and strategies to help do your best.
Resources
Strategies
Try not to study intensely and cram the day before the exam. Instead, skim over some important topics and anything you need to memorize. Eating breakfast, especially protein-rich foods, has been shown to improve exam performance. Most importantly, make sure to have a good night’s sleep the day before the test. Best of luck! Reported by Isabella Chen |