RAILRIDERS OFFER SPEAKERS BUREAU

RailRiders offer Speakers Bureau to local organizations

Guest speakers are available for local clubs, civic groups or non-profit organizations

MOOSIC, PA (November 30, 2017) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, are pleased to announce the return of their speakers bureau.  With diverse backgrounds and experiences in professional baseball, the RailRiders Speakers Bureau can offer a guest speaker to local clubs, civic groups or non-profit organizations at no charge.  Your group can learn what goes on behinds the scenes at PNC Field, within Minor League Baseball or at the Major League level from one of our front office executives.  Our current roster of guest speakers includes:

Josh Olerud

Josh is the RailRiders Team President and Chief Operating Officer.  The Minnesota native joined the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre staff in 2015 after a successful stint with the Potomac Nationals.  Over his 14-year career, Josh has won numerous awards for his work, including the International League’s Executive of the Year honor in 2017.  

Russ Canzler

Russ played 12 years professionally, including portions of two seasons in the Majors as well as 51 games in 2014 for his hometown RailRiders.  He graduated from Hazelton Area High School in 2004 and was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 30th round.  Canzler joined the RailRiders front office in 2016 as a Business Development Executive when his playing career came to an end after 1,243 games.

Bob McLane

Bob is the Vice President of Ticket Sales for the RailRiders.  He joined the front office in 2008 and advanced through the ticketing side of the operation, ultimately earning a promotion to his current role after the 2016 season.  Bob is a graduate of Scranton Prep and the University of Pittsburgh.

Adam Marco  

Adam joined the RailRiders staff in November as the team’s Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations.  He grew up in Western Pennsylvania and went to Mercyhurst College.   Adam has broadcast Minor League Baseball for 11 years, including the last eight for the West Virginia Power, Class-A affiliate of the Pirates.  In 2014, he was honored as the South Atlantic League’s Media Relations Director of the Year.

For more information or to schedule a guest speaker, contact the RailRiders front office at (570) 969-2255 or email info@swbrailriders.com.

RAILRIDERS DEALS OF DEC. SALE

Celebrate baseball with SWB RailRiders 12 Deals of December sale

From December 1-12, the RailRiders will offer special promotional rates on tickets and merchandise

MOOSIC, PA (November 28, 2017) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders will pay tribute to a classic holiday carol with their 12 Deals of December sale.  During the first 12 days of December, fans will have the chance to purchase 2018 RailRiders tickets and merchandise with different promotional offers each day.

On the first day of December, fans will receive a free holiday ornament with any merchandise purchase of $50 or more in the SWB Station team shop at PNC Field or online at swbrailriders.com.  On December 2 during the RailRiders Breakfast with Santa, 2018 Kids Club memberships are buy one, get one free.  The deals will continue through December 12 and will be available in person or online using date-specific promotional codes.

Follow the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders on social media for daily offer updates during the 12 Deals of December sale.  

The RailRiders Box Office and the SWB Station team shop will be open from 9:00 A.M. through 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday.  The online team shop is also a great place to find holiday gift ideas including new merchandise featuring Aaron Judge, the 2017 American League Rookie of the Year.  

The 2018 season opens on Friday, April 6, at PNC Field.  For more information on these special offers, visit www.swbrailriders.com or contact the RailRiders front office at (570) 969-2255. 

RAILRIDERS ANNOUNCE OFFERS

RailRiders announce offers for Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Special ticket deals find their way to SWB RailRiders website this weekend

MOOSIC, PA (November 21, 2017) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders will offer fans two special options on 2018 tickets this Friday and next Monday. The RailRiders, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, will run online offers on Black Friday and Cyber Monday for the 2018 season.

On Friday, November 24, fans purchasing any ticket package will receive a free blackout RailRiders replica jersey. The team wore the authentic blackout tops during every Friday home game in 2017 and will do so again in 2018. The replica jersey offer is valid Friday only and limited to one jersey per ticket package purchased.

On Monday, November 27, fans buying 2018 ticket packages online at swbrailriders.com will receive 25% off each package purchased. The offer includes full season, half season and partial plans, but is not valid on holiday ticket promotions or premium seats.

Both ticket offers will begin at 12:00 A.M. and expire at 11:59 P.M. on their respective dates.

The 2018 season opens on Friday, April 6, at PNC Field. For more information on these special offers, visit www.swbrailriders.com or contact the RailRiders front office at (570) 969-2255.

BETHEL WOODS HOLIDAY MARKET

CELEBRATE THE SEASON AND SHOP LOCAL AT BETHEL WOODS
ANNUAL HOLIDAY MARKET
Saturday & Sunday, December 2^nd & 3^rd

BETHEL, NY (November 21, 2017) –  The annual Holiday Market returns to Bethel Woods on Saturday and Sunday, December 2^nd and 3^rd, 2017 from 11:00am to 4:00pm daily. The free event provides guests with a wide selection of unique holiday gift options created by regional artists, crafters, and specialty food vendors.

The Event Gallery and Market Sheds provide a warm and festive atmosphere for this special opportunity to "shop local.” A visit from and pictures with Santa and his Elves from 1-3PM (line closes at 2:30PM), and a family art project all take place in front of a cozy fire in the Event Gallery. Live performances by the Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop and 50% off Museum tickets will be sure to provide holiday fun for the entire family. As part of the 2017 Flicks film series, Home Alone will be shown on Saturday and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York will be shown on Sunday, in The Museum Theater beginning at 4:00pm. Tickets are $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for children.

An addition to this year’s Holiday Market festivities includes an opportunity to expand your holiday taste palate in a Live Tasting & Cooking Demo with Executive Chef Armand Vanderstigel and Executive Sous Chef Carl Venezianio. The Demo will feature holiday themed foods and helpful holiday cooking tips. Chef Armand’s talents are recognized by many major food companies, and he has been a featured chef on almost 100 TV network shows, and has penned three widely recognized cookbooks.
In The Museum Lobby there will be a variety of vendors, including The Bindy Bazaar Museum Shop, and Cornell Cooperative will host a Poinsettia Sale on Saturday, while Friends of Liberty Library will have a Book Sale on Sunday. Hudson Valley Toys for Tots will also be collecting new, unwrapped toys each day for local children in need this holiday season.

See below for a full list of the 2017 Holiday Market Vendors (* denotes Saturday Vendor, ^ denotes Sunday Vendor)

 

And Here’s Your Sign*^
Anna Marri Soy Candles*^
Aunt Nenes*^
Be Still All Natural Handmade Soap & Such*^
Beezix Candy Company*^
Bindy Bazaar Museum Shop*^
Bracelets Under the Gunks*^
Cereghino Smith LLC*^
Chestnut Creek Baked Goods*^
Chikara Works*^
Country Turned Wood*^
Creekside Art Company*^
Damn Good Honey Farm*^
Dawn's Eternal Roses*
Elm Garden Design*^
Energy Inspired Art^
Fieldstone Artistry LLC*^
Fire Mountain Kitchen LLC*^
Good Wood Studios*^
Grandpa Pete’s Gourmet Sauce*^
Hetmans^
Hetta Glogg, LLC*^
Helpless Moon Fused Glass*
Hollyberries Boutique*^
Hudson Valley Chocolates*^
Ideuma Creek Alpacas*
Iris Alpaca^
Janice Brigante Scarfwear^
Java Love Coffee Roasting Co*^
Jewelry by LaPierre*^
Kate Poland Clay*^
Lakeside Maple LLC*^
Light Curves Glass*^
Lori Rae LLC*^
Marchesin Florals*^
Mayas Jams, LLC*^
Munro Aranite Cheeseboards*^
Muthig Farms*^
Natural Adornment by Elena McCabe*^
Neversink Productions LLC^
Northern Farmhouse Pasta*^
Palatine Cheese*^
Pazdar Winery*^
Perry's Pickles*
Petie's Biscuits*^
Pure Mountain Honey*
Recycled Treasures by Pat K*^
Red Barn Crafts*
RoseAnna's Glass Art*^
Saratoga Crackers*
Saratoga Peanut Butter Company*^
Senza Glutine by Carmela*^
Smashfire Designs*
Studio 1435*^
The Ardent Homesteader*^
Tree Juice Maple Syrup*^
Violet & Blue*^
Whipped Cupcakes*^
Wired Gems and Break it Up Designs*^

IN THE WINNERS CIRCLE....

IN THE WINNER’S CIRCLE with ARIYA JUTANUGARN

CME Group Tour Championship

Naples, Fla.

Nov. 19, 2017

Hometown/Resides: Bangkok, Thailand/Orlando, Fla.

Birthdate: Nov. 23, 1995; currently 21 years, 11 months, 27 days

Qualified for LPGA Tour: T3 at the 2014 LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament

Turned Professional/Rookie Year: 2012/2015

           

VICTORIES

LPGA: Seventh career victory and second of 2017

PREVIOUS LPGA WINS: 2017 Manulife LPGA Classic; 2016 Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic, 2016 Kingsmill Championship Presented by JTBC, 2016 LPGA Volvik Championship, 2016 Ricoh Women’s British Open, 2016 Canadian Pacific Women’s Open

MONEY

With her win, Jutanugarn earns $500,000; she has earned $1,549,858 this season and $4,583,332 in her career

PREVIOUS CME GROUP TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS

2016 – T4; 2015 – T30

2017 IN A NUTSHELL ON THE LPGA

27 events played, 22 cuts made, $1,549,858, two victories, eight other top-10 finishes

OF NOTE

• With her second win, Jutanugarn becomes the ninth multiple winner of the 2017 LPGA Tour season
• Jutanugarn was World No. 1 from June 12-25, 2017

LIZ JOHNSON WINS CHAMELEON CHAMPIONSHIP

LIZ JOHNSON WINS 2017 PBA CHAMELEON CHAMPIONSHIP
RENO, Nev. – Three-time reigning Professional Women’s Bowling Association Player of the Year Liz Johnson of Palatine, Illinois, has made a career out of producing historic moments on the lanes, and now she’s added arguably the greatest accomplishment of her historic career.
Johnson defeated Anthony Pepe of Elmhurst, New York, 220-206, to win the Professional Bowlers Association Chameleon Championship on Saturday at the National Bowling Stadium to become the second woman to win a PBA Tour title.
She joins Kelly Kulick of Union, New Jersey, who won the 2010 PBA Tournament of Champions, as the only women to capture victories on the PBA Tour. The PBA first allowed women to compete in 2004 after the PWBA abruptly went on hiatus in 2003.
“It feels absolutely amazing,” said Johnson, who also finished 14th in the PBA World Championship this week in Reno. “It’s officially one of the best bowling days of my life and probably the icing on the cake as far as my career goes. I’ve been very lucky to have the career that I’ve had. I never thought having the chance to win a PBA title would come when it did. It’s been an awesome journey.”
The event was livestreamed online through ESPN 3 (WatchESPN.com) and the WatchESPN app. The show will be broadcast on ESPN on Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. Eastern.
The Chameleon Championship is part of the GEICO PBA World Series of Bowling IX, presented by Eldorado Reno Resorts Properties and the 2017 Go Bowling! PBA Tour schedule. The event began Nov. 7 and will conclude Sunday.

Johnson started the title match of the Chameleon Championship with three consecutive strikes, before a 10 pin stopped the run in the fourth frame, but she’d built a sizeable lead as Pepe missed a 7 pin in the second frame.
Pepe quickly got back on track and struck in frames four, five and six to stay in the match. Johnson picked up where she left off by stringing three more strikes.
Stepping up first in the 10th frame, Pepe had the opportunity to put pressure on Johnson, but a 4-7 leave on his first attempt handed Johnson the win and $20,000 top prize.
Johnson and Pepe advanced to the title match by outdistancing PBA Tour champions Tom Smallwood of Saginaw, Michigan, and Wes Malott of Pflugerville, Texas, in the opening four-player shootout round. All four players competed simultaneously, and the two highest scores advanced to the championship.
The shootout was exactly as described with every player having an opportunity to advance through the final frames. Pepe was the first player to finish and solidified his spot in the championship match with a strike on the first shot in the 10th frame to finish with 255.
Johnson, a United States Bowling Congress Hall of Famer, needed a double to lock out Malott and Smallwood, who finished with 248 and 236, respectively. With the help of a late-falling 10 pin on her second offering, she finished with all three strikes in the 10th for 257.
“My legs were shaking and felt really light at that point,” Johnson said. “I was trying to focus on staying down and coming through the shot, but the nerves were going. I was just trying to focus on making the shots I needed, and to punch out at that moment was pretty awesome.”
This year’s Chameleon Championship was Johnson’s third career PBA TV appearance and fourth championship-round appearance overall.
She made history by becoming the first woman to make a televised appearance on the PBA Tour at the 2005 PBA Banquet Open, where she was the runner-up to Tommy Jones, 219-192.
Johnson also owns a pair of fourth-place finishes at the 2014 PBA Cheetah Championship and 2015 DHC Japan Invitational (championship round streamed on Xtra Frame).
With the victory, Johnson added another layer to her immeasurable legacy that continues to grow. Her accomplishments in 2017 now include three PWBA titles (two majors), including her sixth U.S. Women’s Open and the Go Bowling PWBA Players Championship, a third consecutive PWBA Player of the Year award and the 2017 PBA Chameleon Championship.
It’s a legacy that Johnson is not only proud of, but one which she hopes inspires other young ladies not only within bowling, but all sports.
“I’m not good at giving myself those perks, but this ranks up there,” Johnson said. “There are so many great bowlers that I’ve always looked up to and are part of the reason why I’m here today. Hopefully, I can give back in that way to the girls who are coming up in the sport. It’s a pretty amazing and very surreal day. I’m very proud of myself and what I’ve been able to accomplish over the years. These two weeks have been exhausting but couldn’t have ended on a better note.”
The journey to the title for Johnson began on Nov. 8 when she bowled 10 qualifying games, with the top 16 competitors advancing to match play Nov. 15.
After qualifying 12th for match play, Johnson defeated Ryan Ciminelli of Cheektowaga, New York, 3-2, in a best-of-five format in her opening match. She advanced to the show by defeating Josh Blanchard of Mesa, Arizona, in the best-of-three quarterfinals, 2-0.
The PBA Chameleon Championship featured 195 players, including six PWBA members.
For more information, visit PBA.com.
About the PWBA
The Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA) originally was formed in 1960. The PWBA Tour has events throughout the country, offering high-level competition and top prize money for women bowlers. The PWBA is supported by the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America (BPAA) and the United States Bowling Congress (USBC)
2017 PBA CHAMELEON CHAMPIONSHIP
At National Bowling Stadium, Reno, Nev.
Saturday's results
Final Standings
1, Liz Johnson, Palatine, Ill., 477 (two games), $20,000
2, Anthony Pepe, Elmhurst, N.Y., 461 (two games), $10,000
3, Wes Malott, Pflugerville, Texas, 248 (one game), $5,000
4, Tom Smallwood, Saginaw, Mich., 236 (one game), $4,000

Shootout Round
(Two highest scores advance to championship match)
Johnson 257, Pepe 255, Malott 248, Smallwood 236
Championship - Johnson def. Pepe, 220-206

BETHEL WODS GETS $5,000 AT&T CONTRIBUTION

BETHEL WOODS RECEIVES $5,000 CONTRIBUTION FROM AT&T
Funds Will Help Support Free Teen Program Project Identity

BETHEL, NY (November 15, 2017) – On Monday, November 13, 2017, AT&T External Affairs Director Ed Bergstraesser presented a $5,000 contribution to support Project: Identity, the not-for-profit’s free teen program.

Acknowledgement of AT&T's support kicked off the Monday Project: Identity session. The teen participants were joined by Sullivan County Legislative Chairman Luis Alvarez, Liberty Town Supervisor-Elect Brian Rourke, and Village of Liberty Deputy Mayor Rob Mir in their new space on the third floor of The Left Bank, 59 N Main Street in Liberty, NY.

As the pilot program of Bethel Woods on Main, Project: Identity takes place in downtown Liberty, so that as many teens as possible can participate while furthering the organization’s mission to inspire, educate and empower through the arts and humanities.

Project: Identity was developed by Bethel Woods as a free program to help high school students build self-confidence and develop creative and problem solving skills, while becoming actively involved in their communities. Visit bethelwoodscenter.org/arts-education/projectidentity-1 to learn more.

Support for Bethel Woods’ Project: Identity is part of AT&T’s legacy of supporting educational programs in New York through AT&T Aspire, the company’s signature $400 million philanthropic initiative that drives innovation in education by bringing diverse resources to bear on the issue including funding, technology, employee volunteerism and mentoring.


Photo Caption: Ed Bergstraesser, Director of External Affairs for AT&T, presented the check to teen participants of Bethel Woods’ Project: Identity program. Photo Credit: Kevin Ferguson for Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.

###

About Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts inspires, educates, and empowers individuals through the arts and humanities by presenting a diverse selection of culturally-rich performances, popular artists, and community and educational programming.  Located 90 miles from New York City at the site of the 1969 Woodstock festival in Bethel, NY, the lush 800-acre campus includes a Pavilion Stage amphitheater with seating for 15,000, an intimate 440-seat indoor Event Gallery, the award-winning Museum at Bethel Woods, and a Conservatory for arts education programming.

Through the in-depth study and exhibition of the social, political, and cultural events of the 1960s, as well as the preservation of the historic site of the Woodstock Music and Art Fair, Bethel Woods educates individuals about the issues and lessons of the decade while inspiring a new generation to contribute positively to the world around them. The not-for-profit organization relies on the generous support of individuals, corporations, and foundations to develop and sustain programs that improve the quality of life in the region and beyond.

RUMBLE PONIES PROMO'S

Rumble Ponies Announce Promo Madness

BINGHAMTON, NY - It’s Tournament Time in Binghamton! The Binghamton Rumble Ponies are pleased to announce the start of Rumble Ponies Promo Madness, a six-week tournament in which fans will help select which promotions make the cut for 2018 season. The Rumble Ponies have created a special website, www.poniespromomadness.com, for fans to cast their vote and follow the tournament action.
The Rumble Ponies have started with 80 possible promotions, organized into four divisions: Collectible & Novelty Giveaways, Useable & Wearable Giveaways, Theme Nights, and Acts & Appearances. Five promotion ideas from each division, decided via two rounds of head-to-head voting, will be incorporated into the Rumble Ponies 2018 schedule.
Voting for Round 1 starts on Monday, November 13 at 9:00 AM. Fans are encouraged to visit www.poniespromomadness.com to make their pick on 40 head-to-head matchups. The winning promotions advance to Round 2 with voting starting on November 30. The final 20 promotions will be announced over the course of two weeks starting December 6.
Fans can also fill out a hard copy of their bracket which are available for download online.
Additionally, any fan who completes a bracket and submits it into eddie@bingrp.com before Friday, November 17 at Noon will have the opportunity to walk away with some great prizes from the Ponies. In the event that one or multiple individuals fill out a perfect bracket they will walk away with a prize including, but not limited to:
·       4 tickets to a home game in 2018 (excluding July 4) based on availability and the chance to watch batting practice on the field
·       4 Tickets to a home game in 2018 (excluding July 4) and a FREE parking pass
·       4 Tickets to a home game in 2018 (excluding July 4) and the opportunity to throw out a first pitch
·       4 Tickets to a home game in 2018 (excluding July 4) and the opportunity to deliver the lineup card to the plate

Fans are also encouraged to follow along with all of the tournament action on the Rumble Ponies social media platforms by following the Rumble Ponies on Twitter, @RumblePoniesBB and on Facebook at Facebook.com/RumblePonies.
Each morning will feature highlighted matchups throughout the bracket.
“As an organization, the Rumble Ponies strive to provide the best fan experience to all of those who visit RumbleTown from April through September,” said Eddie Saunders, the Ponies’ Director of Marketing and Promotions. “We feel it is important to ask our fans what they would like to see when they come out to the ballpark every season. Promo Madness is the perfect platform to get our fans thinking warm thoughts as winter approaches and as we gear up for an exciting 2018 season.”
The Rumble Ponies open the 2018 season at home on Thursday, April 5^th vs. the Portland SeaDogs (AA-Red Sox). Download the entire Rumble Ponies schedule at www.BINGRP.com today!

SUNY SULLIVAN STUDENT RECEIVES SCHOLARSHIP

LOCH SHELDRAKE--Special ceremonies at the SUNY Sullivan Veterans Day luncheon last Thursday included the presentation of the John J. Bonacic Scholarship for Public Service to 28-year-old White Lake resident and second year SCCC student Rosemary Guerra.

  In ceremonial remarks SUNY Sullivan President Jay Quaintance noted, "today we are honored to have Senator Bonacic here to personally congratulate a very special student who is the recipient of the John J. Bonacic Scholarship for Public Service."

  The college president said, "Rosemary was nominated for this scholarship by Frank Sinigaglia, Director of Student Activities."

  Quaintance pointed out that Rosemary is a Sullivan County resident in her second year, majoring in Business Administration and will be graduating this coming May.

  Rosemary, who noted she is the mother of two children, four years of  age and three-years old, has been involved with the Student Government Association (SGA) since Day 1 of her academic career at SUNY Sullivan. Last October she was elected as the Vice President of the SGA and she assumed the Presidency in January.

  Her public service extends well beyond SUNY Sullivan....recognized by the SUNY System Student Government Association as an emerging leader and was appointed the Community College Representative by, and for that body, who also then appointed her Interim Secretary.

  This past September, the college participated with the Liberty Rotary Club in a Hurricane Relief effort and when the college had the opportunity to select someone from the  SUNY Sullivan campus to send to Texas on the receiving end of the relief efforts Rosemary didn't hesitate to go.

  The college President pointed out that "during the entire relief effort Rosemary was a true advocate for SUNY Sullivan and was interviewed by many media outlets during the relief efforts and always represented herself and the college in a polished professional way.....just what you would want for an ambassador for your college."

  "Rosemary is the perfect person to receive this scholarship and it's my pleasure to announce that you'll be receiving a $1,000 check this year, College president Quaintance added.

  Senator Bonacic  offered congratulatory remarks thanking Rosemary for her many contributions to the college and public service.

                                                           

SUNY Sullivan President Jay Quaintance, left, and 42nd Senate District Senator John J. Bonacic, right, pose with the John J. Bonacic Scholarship for Public Service recipient Rosemary Guerra.

BONACIC URGES MORE PATRIOTISM

LOCH SHELDRAKE--"A problem we have today is we have to teach patriotism in the schools and nobody teaches patriotism anymore," State Senator John J. Bonacic (R/C/I) told the audience attending the Veterans Day ceremony last Thursday at SUNY Sullivan.

  "Patriotism and what it means is sacrifice," and "this generation is all about me....it's a selfish generation asking what can I have and wanting more and more and not enough is said about accountability and sacrifice and what is needed to keep America strong," Bonacic said.

  The 42nd Senate District Senator noted "that when I go to speak I'm saddened when I don't see young people there...I see a lot of the old legionnaires and I always say Veterans Day should be everyday and when you see a veteran go up to him and say thank you."

  Calling attention to the American flag Senator Bonacic urged everyone to "stand erect and put that hand over your heart."

  "Two things that were very upsetting to me this year is watching the National Football League (NFL) and seeing a small minority kneel during the playing of our National Anthem and then seeing Bergdahl walk free with a dishonorable discharge and a fine after he had deserted his post and when they tried to save him several U.S. troops were badly wounded......I like to be compassionate but to me that was an act of treason and it deserved a harsher penalty," the Senator noted.

  Senator Bonacic thanked the veterans in attendance and also discussed efforts by the State Senate to assist veterans, including increased funding for veterans programs, treatment for post-traumatic stress and incentives for businesses who hire veterans.

  In his closing remarks Senator Bonacic strongly emphasized that he was "not here today to just talk about these two developments that bothered me,  I'm here today to say Thank God, Thank God for the veterans that served and thank God for the military that are still serving ....God bless you and God bless this great country."                                               

42nd Senate District Senator John J, Bonacic speaking before the Veterans Day Ceremony last Thursday at SUNY Sullivan.

 

                                                             

                               

SUNY Sullivan President Jay Quaintance, right, introducing the Fallsburg Police Department Honor Guard, from the left, Detective Brendan Pavese, Officer Steven Kahn and Detective Travis Hartman, during the Veterans Day Ceremony last Thursday at SUNY Sullivan.

STEINHAUER NAT'L PICKLEBALL CHAMPION

STEINHAUER WINS NATIONAL  PICKLEBALL  CHAMPIONSHIP                                 

  NEVERSINK--"The world of Neversink resident and former  Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) champion Sherri Steinhauer now includes a national championship in the sport of Pickleball, labeled as the fastest growing sport in the world.

  "Believe in yourself...the world is yours to do as you please," retired fifty-four year-old Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) golfer Sherri Steinhauer told us while being interviewed for a golf feature in May of 2016 and now she has taken that belief to another level by winning her first national Pickleball championship in the Mixed Skill Doubles 55+ 4.5 bracket.

  In describing her national Pickleball championship win on Noverber 6 Steinhauer stated, "what an incredible experience with us starting at 11:45 a.m. and finishing the championship match at 9:10 p.m."

  The USAPA Nationals was held in Casa Grannde, Arizona and the championship venue consisted of 32 dedicated courts each separated by fences.

  With 18-teams (male and female) in their bracket Sherri and her partner, Mike Moonan from Palm Desert, California, won their first match but lost their second match (three games to 11) which sent them down to the losers bracket.

  Steinhauer and Moonan dug their way out of the losers bracket by winning their next six matches, one game that went to 15 , back to three game to 11 and won that and the 10th match was in the Gold Medal round against the team they lost their second match to.

  In the match against the team that hadn't lost a game all day, Steinhauer and Moonan won the first two games, 11-8 and 11-9 and with each team losing a match they were forced to a playoff championship consisting of one game to the winning score of 15........won by Sherri and her partner 15-11.

  Sherri's partner previously played professional tennis and the two have been practicing for this event since they agreed to partner together a year ago.

  Steinhauer has been playing pickleball for only 21 months, taking up the sport in January 2016. She takes lessons from several pickleball  professionals during her winters in Palm Desert.

  She has been a great advocate of pickleball in Sullivan County where she organized the Grahamsville Pickleball Club, now consisting of over 40 members with pickleball courts set up at the Grahamsville Fairgrounds tennis court area providing competition and lessons Saturday mornings. The first annual Grahamsville Pickleball Tournament met with great success in September.

  With her retirement from professional  golf Sherri yearned for competition and pickleball gave her the competition and the ability to stay in shape and make new friends.

   Steinhauer earned more than $6 million during her 26-year golfing career, was an All American at the Universaity of Texas before joining the LPGA tour in 1986, where she was an 8 time tournament winner, represented the USA on 4 Solheim Cup teams and was a  three-time winner of the British Open.

  Her brilliant golfing career resulted in Sherri's induction into the Wisconsin Madison Sports Hall of Fame in June of this year and she is now applying lessons she learned playing professional golf to her pickleball career.                                                           

Neversink resident Sherri Steinhauer, left,  and partner Mike Moonan from Palm Desert, California are the new 2017 USAPA National Mixed 55+, 4.5 champions, winning the event recently in Casa Grande, Arizona.

  
                                                                   

JONATHAN YAUN WINS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

 Jonathan Yaun Wins State Championship

                                                    

    ORLANDO--Championship golf runs through the veins of the Florida based  Radford Yaun family who also have strong ties to Liberty and Sullivan County.

  Following in his father and mothers championship golf footsteps 17-year-old Jonathan Yaun this recently became the 2017 Florida High School Athletic Association Class 3A boys state champion.

  Jonathan, Lake Minneola High School senior, carded a 1-over-par 73 November 5 for a two-day score of 142 to win the state championship on the El Campeon course at Mission Inn and Resort located just minutes from Orlando.

  With sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-80's no player shot lower than Yaun on Saturday and only  three others matched him on Sunday over the 6,601 yard layout.

  Overall Yaun won the championship with a four shot lead.

  Recently on August 10 Jonathan  placed third at the Greg Norman American Junior Gold Association (AJGA) Classic at Bearfoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach.

  In day two of this tournament Jonathan shot a 1 under 71 and 1 under for the tournament which earned him a full exemption in the AJGA for the next two years. At that time he was ranked No. 141 on the Junior Golf Scoreboard World Rankings.

  Jonathan's last year of golf produced some challenges  when in October of 2016 he became ill with an aggressive skin infection that moved into his Lymph causing him to become very tired and he had to rest . Following multiple doses of medication he finally was able to return to practice in late February of this year.

  His illness had as effect on his school work and additional time was spent so he could complete his junior year.

  Because of his good play in 2016 he qualified this year for the AJGA Taylormade at Innisbrook, the Scott Robertson Memorial in Roanoke, Va. and the Western Junior Amateur in Park Ridge, Ill.

  A trip to Sullivan County also took place and along with visiting Hazel and Danny Yaun (Jonathan's aunt and uncle) in Liberty Jonathan got to go fishing and was able to practice a little at his favorite Catskill Mountain layout....Grossingers.  A special surprise came when he got to play 18 holes with Nick Yaun  (the head professional at Brad Burn CC) ...Nick is the son of Tim and Cinty Yaun of Liberty and Jonathan's cousin,  won the friendly game by a few strokes as Johathan learned about fast sloping Westchester greens and Nick schooled him on course management.

  On the very next day a call came from his dad's childhood friend and high school golf teammate Mitch Etess asking if Jonathan could play with him in a scramble the next day at the Trump National in Westchester. The Etess-Yaun team with some brilliant shots on the 18th hole edged out the Boomer Esiason's team by 1 stroke to win this event.

  A senior this year Jonathan next year will be playing for Liberty University. During his first week of school at the Orlando High School he was named the high school Athlete of the Week and during his first high school league match he shot a 31.

  Jonathan is part of the Liberty based Yaun family where the  game of golf go together like bacon and eggs.

  At the age of 15 Jonathan  won his first American Junior Golf Association Tournament May 8, 2016 at the Carolina Trace Golf Course in Sanford, N.C.
  He is the son of  championship golfers Radford and Meredith Yaun who make their home in Mineola, Florida. .
  The Sullivan County golf scene remembers Radford (Rad) Yaun while living in Liberty when he won the New York State Amateur Championship in 1976 at the Grossinger Golf Course and the New York State Junior Amateur Championship in 1972 in Jamestown.
  He graduated from Liberty Central in 1974, played golf at Jacksonville University, was team captain in his Sophomore, Junior and Senior years and won six collegiate tournaments, was a first team all Florida Division I men's golf team member and won an individual spot to the 1978 NCAA Division 1 National Championship.
  Rad was inducted into the Universities Athletic Hall of  Fame in 1996 and still holds the record for the largest winning margin in Sun Belt Conference history....11 strokes.
  Rad coached the Jacksonville University Women's golf team in 1992 and 1993
  Meredith is originally from Philadelphia, Pa. and it was because of the game of golf that she met Rad who was at a driving range getting help with his tee shot which he said was costing him four shots a round with left to right misses.
  Rad said Meredith was there at the range and watched a few shots and Rad and and his mother invited her over to his mothers to watch the Saturday Masters and have dinner.
  Meredith had been one of the leaders of a Bible study for the European Women's PGA tour and Rad noted, "needless to say we were married in 1995."
  An accomplished athlete Meredith was the Philadelphia girls basketball scoring champion in 1975 playing for Lower Marion High School where Kobe Bryant went to high school. She is also a two-time east coast surf champion, played golf at the University of Miami and FIU and won the prestigious Lady Seminole Golf Championship at Florida State University in Tallahassee.
  In 1981 Meredith turned professional and became a Professional Golf Association (PGA) United Kingdom (UK) in 1983. She is a teaching professional (UK) since 1989 and is the 1986 Scottish Open champion. From 2003 to 2006 she was a Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) teaching and Club Pro Professional.
  Presently she has her credentials with the PBA (UK) and is the local "Lead Instructor" for the First Tee program in Clermont, Fl. and an assistant coach for the PGA Junior league golf program in Clermont.

 

LPGA NEW PARTNERSHIPS

LPGA Women's Network Launches Partnership With Secret Golf, Debuts Gerina Piller's Player Channel

"This gives me a great opportunity to reach a broader cross-section of golf fans," says Piller

 The LPGA Women's Network today announced an exciting new partnership with internet platform Secret Golf, launching the relationship with the debut of Gerina Piller’s Player Channel. Piller’s video content will not only be added to Team Secret Golf’s stable of Tour professionals already available on SecretGolf.com, but will also be featured on the LPGA Women’s Network website.

In addition to Piller, Team Secret Golf members and LPGA standouts Stacy Lewis, Brittany Lang and Gaby Lopez will also have segments of their Player Channels highlighted on the LPGA Women’s Network throughout the 2018 season.

The LPGA Women’s Network was launched in August this year to be the biggest and most passionate online forum for female golfers. The LPGA Women’s Network gives golf fans the opportunity to engage with the LPGA and its players through an interactive blog and video series as well as by connecting with each other.

"We’re excited to partner with Secret Golf to share the secrets behind some of the world’s best players’ golf mechanics, practice techniques and mental skills," said Ashleigh McLaughlin, Manager of Digital Marketing and Brand Strategy for the LPGA Women’s Network.

"These players are committed to helping grow the game of golf for women and they do a fabulous job of providing thoughtful advice which golfers can easily understand and apply to their own game. Having the chance to learn about their personal journeys and the secrets to their success is something we look forward to sharing with our audience."

Piller, a rising star on the LPGA Tour, has already had a variety of accomplishments during her burgeoning career and the partnership between the LPGA Women's Network and Secret Golf, which debuts her video content, will only add to her list of significant moments.

"It’s very exciting that my Player Channel will not only debut on our Secret Golf website but will also now be featured as part of the LPGA Women’s Network," Piller said. "I had a great time shooting the content for this and giving an audience my unique perspective on the game of golf and my professional career.

"When Steve (Elkington) asked me to become a part of the Secret Golf team, I become truly invested in doing the best job I could to tell the Gerina Piller story, what it’s like being married to a PGA Tour professional and what life is like on the LPGA Tour. To now have my video content also available on the LPGA website gives me a great opportunity to reach a broader cross-section of golf fans and hopefully continue to grow our great game."

A decorated collegiate player at the University of Texas-El Paso, Piller appeared on Golf Channel’s “The Big Break” show in 2009 and that experience was a timely boost for her as she went on to earn conditional status on the LPGA Tour for 2010. She has represented the United States on three Solheim Cup teams and also played for her country at the 2016 Olympic Games. Piller has recorded five top-10 finishes on the 2017 LPGA Tour and is currently among the world's top 40 in the Rolex Women’s Rankings.

"It’s great for us to now be affiliated with one of golf’s premier organizations. Secret Golf features some of the best LPGA Tour players so it's only natural that having a partnership with the LPGA Women’s Network is good business," said Steve Elkington, co-founder of Secret Golf and a winner of 10 career titles on the PGA Tour, including the 1995 PGA Championship and a pair of Players Championship crowns.

"One of our missions is to help grow the game and we’ve found that women want to learn from Stacy Lewis, Brittany Lang, Gaby Lopez and now Gerina. The women we have on Team Secret Golf articulate and demonstrate their skills very well and we are excited to share our content on a new digital platform."

About Secret Golf

Secret Golf is golf’s ultimate backstage pass. The company website, secretgolf.com uncovers all aspects of golf, with every video, golf professionals’ contribution and rich library of content providing an opportunity to learn more about the game. Stealth approaches and fervent opinions for improving one’s game and skillset are unveiled. Secret Golf delves deeper than any medium before it, to investigate course design and strategy, analyze swing mechanics, and dig into the mental aspect of the game. Wherever audiences are: in front of a television, about on a mobile device or surfing the web, they will have immediate access to golf’s most coveted secrets.

Team Secret Golf features 18 Tour professionals - Steve Elkington, World Golf Hall of Fame member Jackie Burke, Jr., Jason Dufner, Jason Gore, Brian Harman, Bradley Hughes, Patton Kizzire, Colt Knost, Jason Kokrak, Brittany Lang, Stacy Lewis, Gaby Lopez, Ryan Palmer, Pat Perez, Gerina and Martin Piller, Chris Stroud and Ethan Tracy. For more information about Secret Golf, please visit www.secretgolf.com and join us on Facebook: SecretGolf, Instagram: Secret Golf and on Twitter: @SecretGolf

About the LPGA Women’s Network

Born as an extension of the LPGA’s mission to empower women through the game of golf, the LPGA Women’s Network was launched in August 2017 to provide women with advice for their golf games, and inspiration for their lives. The LPGA Women’s Network is a digital platform designed to unite women and help them better enjoy the game of golf. At LPGAWomensNetwork.com, visitors are offered thoughtful, high-quality golf instruction and inspirational content crafted with women in mind.

Top LPGA players lend their voices to the site, sharing personal and introspective stories that give readers a glimpse into their lives from inside and outside the ropes of the LPGA Tour. The LPGA Women’s Network also features articles and op-ed pieces from some of the leading thought-leaders and tastemakers in the world of golf for women. LPGA Women’s Network subscribers receive the most popular video and editorial content from the blog in a bi-weekly e-newsletter and have access to exclusive LPGA partner discounts and benefits. Read the latest stories and subscribe at www.LPGAWomensNetwork.com. Join the social conversation at www.facebook.com/lpgawomensnetwork , www.twitter.com/lpgawomen , www.instagram.com/lpgawomensnetwork

LPGA BD. OF DIRECTORS ELECTIONS

Jon Iwata, Tom Schoewe and Marina Alex Elected to LPGA Board of Directors

Former IBM and Walmart executives bolster a stellar cast of independent directors; Alex comes in as a player director

 Jon Iwata, senior vice president and chief brand officer with IBM, and Tom Schoewe, retired executive vice president and chief financial officer at Walmart, have been elected by the membership of the LPGA Tour as independent directors of the LPGA Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2018.

Also joining the Board next year is LPGA Tour player Marina Alex, a two-time NGCA First-Team All-American selection who is highly respected by her peers and will come in as a player director.

"Tom and Jon are accomplished global business leaders and they’ll be terrific additions to the LPGA Board,” said Roberta Bowman, the outgoing chair of the Board of Directors. "In addition to being thought leaders in disciplines important to the LPGA, they are fans of the LPGA and passionate about our commitment to provide opportunities for women professionals pursue their dreams in the game of golf.

"Marina Alex, a twice First-Team All-American at Vanderbilt University, is well liked and hugely respected by her fellow LPGA Tour members. She served on the LPGA Board's Nominating Committee in 2016 and helped vet candidates to comprise the slate. She will be a wonderful addition as a player director on the LPGA Board."

Iwata, who is responsible for stewardship of the IBM brand and its positioning as a global agenda-setter, is recognized as a leader in both the marketing and corporate communications professions. He is an inductee of the Marketing Hall of Fame, the CMO Club Hall of Fame and the Page Society Hall of Fame, which honors lifetime achievement in public relations and business communications.

Iwata joined IBM in 1984 at the company’s Almaden Research Center in Silicon Valley. He was appointed senior vice president of communications in 2002, and then senior vice president of marketing and communications in 2008 before assuming his current role this year. His responsibilities at IBM embrace all its sports sponsorships, including its long-term sponsorship of the Masters Tournament.

"I'm excited and honored to join the LPGA Board of Directors," said Iwata. "The LPGA is unique, not only in the world of golf, but in all of sports. I look forward to contributing to the LPGA's continued success.”

Schoewe is a recognized financial leader with global perspective. He served as executive vice president and chief financial officer of Walmart Stores, Inc. from 2000 to 2011.  Prior to that he worked for Black & Decker, where he served as senior vice president and chief financial officer. Always focused on the customer, Schoewe’s background also includes extensive operational, risk management, information technology and corporate development activities. 

Schoewe currently serves on three public company boards: General Motors, Northrop Grumman and KKR Management LLC. These and previously held public company board positions make him well equipped to deal with a broad range of challenges and opportunities. He was involved with the creation of the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship, a premier stop on the LPGA tour.

"I am honored to serve on the LPGA board and extend a relationship that began with the establishment of the tournament in Arkansas," said Schoewe.

Alex, who as an amateur was twice named SEC Player of the Year while playing at Vanderbilt University, takes over as a player director from Mariajo Uribe, who will have served out her two-year term at the end of next month.

"I am very honored to have been selected by my fellow players as a player director for the next two seasons," said Alex. "I hope to represent the ladies' needs and interests the best I can, and to leave the LPGA in an even better place after my two years."

About the LPGA Board of Directors

The responsibility for oversight and guidance of the management of the LPGA lies with the LPGA Board of Directors. The Board of Directors comprises six independent directors; the LPGA player directors (Player Executive Committee); Deb Vangellow, the national president of the LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP); and Mike Whan, Commissioner of the LPGA. The player directors may select annually up to three additional LPGA players, one of whom has previously been a player director, to serve for one year as non-voting player directors of the Player Executive Committee. Non-voting members of the Player Executive Committee are not members of the Board of Directors, but may be invited to attend select meetings.

The 2018 LPGA player directors are: Vicki Goetze-Ackerman (President), Austin Ernst, Christina Kim, Gerina Piller, Morgan Pressel, Sarah Jane Smith and Alex.

The LPGA independent board members are: Peter Carfagna, chairman/CEO of Magis, LLC, and former chief legal officer of IMG; David Fay, former executive director of the USGA; Peggy Mulligan, former executive vice president and chief financial officer of Valeant Pharmaceuticals International (formerly Biovail); Diane Gulyas, former president of Performance Polymers and chief marketing officer of DuPont; Iwata; and Schoewe.

FENG BACK TO BACK WINS

SHANSHAN FENG GOES BACK-TO-BACK WITH WIN IN CHINA

Despite a few stumbles coming in, Shanshan Feng did everything she needed to do to win, again, on the LPGA Tour, becoming the first golfer to go back-to-back in 2017 and projected No. 1 in the Rolex Rankings in the process.

The win at the Blue Bay LPGA in her home country was well received by the fans and her fellow Chinese golfers, who showered her with water on the 18th green.

She is project to become the first golfer – male or female – from China to ascend to the top of golf’s world rankings, and this is the second event in China that Feng has won, the first being the Reignwood LPGA Classic (Beijing) in 2013.

“I’m really, really excited and very proud of myself and I think it’s special because I won this tournament to become world No. 1. I finished first in China, so I actually claimed the world No. 1 in front of all the people at home,” said Feng of what the win means to her. “I’m really happy about that, and I hope all the Chinese are going to be watching me and the Chinese can play golf. Hopefully there will be more Chinese getting on the tours and more world No. 1’s coming up from China.”

Feng becomes the second golfer on the LPGA Tour to win more than twice in 2017, joining IK Kim, who has also won three times. Feng’s other victory came in record-setting fashion at the LPGA Volvik Championship in May.

“I just want 2017 keep going. A never-ending 2017, that would be great,” said Feng.

For Adam Stanley’s full recap of final-round action, visit http://www.lpga.com/news/2017-historic-win-for-shanshan-feng-blue-bay-lpga-recap

MO SO CLOSE

2013 Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year Moriya Jutanugarn was one lip out on 18 away from a possible playoff  with champion Shanshan Feng, but it was not to be. Jutanugarn was all smiles though as her younger sister Ariya embraced her on the green, congratulating her on her second runner-up finish of the year.

“Yeah, really happy, and it’s so much fun today” Jutanugarn said after her round. “You know, I made a lot of good putts, a lot of good shots out there. I’m pretty happy with what’s happened.”

With just the CME Group Tour Championship left on the 2017 LPGA schedule, Jutanugarn has one more chance at her first career victory.

“I’m very ready for another week, and then, you know, for my off-season,” Jutanugarn said with a sigh of relief.

LIZETTE LOVING ASIA SWING

After missing the cut at the Cambia Portland Classic back in September, Lizette Salas turned over a new leaf on the 2017 season. With her final score of 2-under par Salas finished T10 to lock in her sixth straight top-13 finish, and eighth top-10 of the season.

“It’s been nice,” Salas said of the Asia swing. “It’s been definitely a confidence booster. It definitely showed me that if I want something and work hard at it, I can get it.”

It’s been a team effort. Jason [caddie] has been amazing these last five weeks, really helping me get stronger mentally and not be such a Debbie Downer. So it’s definitely been a team effort and now I know I can fix my swing by myself.”

While Shanshan Feng will be remembered as the queen of the 2017 Asia swing, Salas was right there with her.

Salas’ Asia Swing Record

Tournament                                                           Finish

LPGA KEB HanaBank Championship                       4

Swinging Skirts LPGA Taiwan Championship          T3

Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia                                    T13

TOTO Japan Classic                                                 4

Blue Bay LPGA                                                 T10

With her Saturday paycheck of $38,425 that brings Salas’ season earnings to $871,060 with over a third of that money coming during the Asia swing ($344,187).

#CMEFINALSTRETCH

With the Blue Bay LPGA in the books, that leaves just the CME Group Tour Championship left on the 2017 LPGA schedule, with the Race to the CME Globe still wide open.

With her third win of the season on Saturday in China, Shanshan Feng is shaking up the standings at the last minute. Feng earns 500 points toward the Race to the CME Globe for winning the Blue Bay LPGA and moves up to third in the standings with 3,147 points.

The top five finishers entering Naples will control their own destiny at the CME Group Tour Championship. Meaning if any of Lexi Thompson, Sung Hyun Park, Feng, So Yeon Ryu, or Brooke Henderson win the tournament, they also win the $1 million CME Globe.

The top 12 finishers entering Naples will also have a mathematical chance to win the $1M CME Globe.

Here’s how the standings look following the Blue Bay LPGA.

Rank    Player                               Points

1          Lexi Thompson                  3304

2          Sung Hyun Park                3219

3          Shanshan Feng                  3147

4          So Yeon Ryu                      3064

5          Brooke M. Henderson       2785

6          In Gee Chun                      2611

7          Cristie Kerr                        2583

8          Moriya Jutanugarn           2513

9          Ariya Jutanugarn               2376

10        Anna Nordqvist                 2214

11        Stacy Lewis                       2211

12        Lydia Ko                             2187

QUICK HITS

With the victory Shanshan Feng is projected to rise to No. 1 in the Rolex Rankings; the first-ever Chinese player (male or female) to get to World No. 1

The victory is Feng’s second-career win in China; she won the 2013 Reignwood LPGA Classic in Beijing

Feng is the first player to win back-to-back tournaments since she accomplished the feat last year

Feng becomes the second player on Tour this season with more than two victories joining: In-Kyung Kim (ShopRite LPGA Classic, Marathon Classic, Ricoh Women’s British Open)

Moriya Jutanugarn’s runner-up finish is her second of the season, at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship she was two strokes shy of winner So Yeon Ryu

In 2017, Jutanugarn has made 26 cuts in 27 starts with 11 top-10 finishes, including six top-5 finishes

Megan Khang collected a career-best finish T3 finish, her seventh career top 10

Jessica Korda’s T3 finish matches her season-best finish, and is her 10th top 20 of the season

Sandra Gal (T7) earned her second top 10 of the season and her eighth top-20 finish of the season

Na Yeon Choi’s T7 finish is her first top-20 finish since she finished T11 at the 2016 ShopRite LPGA Classic

QUOTABLE

“As far as my next objective, to be part of the Hall of Fame. As far as qualification, I think I need to get more championship titles in order to be qualified, one more major, for this qualification.”

                - Shanshan Feng on what her future goals are

“It was great. I know it’s like her home country. Of course everybody is cheering for her. I mean, Shanshan is a great player, and very happy for her that she played really solid. I mean, she had a really good week in her home country, which is really cool.”

                - Moriya Jutanugarn on playing with Shanshan Feng

“It was tough, you know, coming out of surgery, just literally no days of practice before coming out and threw myself in. I definitely gained a lot of confidence over the last two weeks. I’m really excited for the last week.”

                - Michelle Wie on coming back from surgery and playing the Asia swing