Bowling Highlights Column 4-13-12

 Jon Wilhelm Eyes Bowling Future

  Thirty-one year-old Liberty bowler Jon Wilhelm is looking to the future for a career in the sport of bowling and he has the tools that can take him there. 

  On March 12 in the Monday Men's league on lanes 11 and 12 at Kiamesha Lanes he recorded his first career 800 series, rolling an 807 off single games of 259, 269  and 279 using a Roto Grip Critical Theory bowling ball. 

  A three-league bowler, Jon takes his right-handed talents  to the lanes in the Monday and Wednesday Men's league and the Friday mixed league, all at Kiamesha Lanes.

  His previous high series was a 788 and four times he has scored 289 single games. 

  Jon noted that he only uses Storm manufactured bowling products and all of his equipment is 15 pounds.

  An avid sports fan he loves the New York Mets, New York Rangers, New England Patriots and New Jersey Nets.

  A 1998 graduate of Ellenville High School, he attended SUNY Ulster County Community College with a baseball scholarship and played baseball for Junior Team USA as a pitcher, center fielder and first baseman. 

  He previously bowled in Kingston, Ellenville and Walden but presently only bowls at Kiamesha Lanes. 

  Bowling since 2001, Jon has been a member of the  Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) since November of 2007, has bowled 15 plus PBA regional tournaments in the past four years and also bowled in the PBA U.S. Open at North Brunswick, NJ in 2008, 2009 and 2011. 

  "I've always wanted to go out on the PBA tour but I'm a family first person and the tour is really expensive without a sponsor and my job is to put food on my families table and nothing is guaranteed on the PBA tour so I bowl what I can and where I can," Wilhelm said. 

  He describes himself as a "two fingered bowler that's all about power and revolutions on the bowling ball." The two-fingered bowlers like Jason Belmonte are becoming prevalent on the PBA tour. 

  Jon has been averaging 220 plus for the past three seasons at Kiamesha where on Monday he bowls with cousins Joe and Matt Fallon and Donald Durland, on Wednesday with his father Craig, James Durland and Tim McIntyre and on Friday with his mother Mary, his father and girlfriend Amy. 

  His 10-year-old son Johathan Jr. bowls in the Saturday morning youth leagues at Kiamesha and averages 150.

  Jon is a certified United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Level 1 coach and uses his bowling talents and coaching abilities to coach in the Jr./Major Youth leagues at Kiamesha.

  Wilhelm is single with his 10-year old son and girlfriend Amy.

  Employed as a maintenance mechanic at President Container in Middletown Jon is looking towards a possible future as a member of the Storm Bowling Company staff where he can pursue his passion of coaching and teaching kids where he believes "sharing and passing your talents on is the biggest gift of talent."

                                                           The Bowling Tip

                                                          By Mike Luongo

  This week's tip will help you understand correct shoulder alignment when throwing your strike ball and making spares.

  When throwing a bowling ball, the shoulders should not necessarily be straight (perpendicular) in relation to the lane.

  Instead, they should be aligned straight to the target mark you are trying to hit. This is called "pro setting" the angle of the shoulders.

  There are three rules regarding shoulder alignment. 

  1. When playing straight down the boards, your shoulders should be straight in relation to the lane.

  2. When making shots to the right of the head pin, open your shoulders in relation to the lane.

  3. When making shots to the left of the head pin, close your shoulders in relation to the lane. .

  Doing this is easy if you imagine there is a three-foot arrow poised on your right shoulder (or left shoulder) if you are left handed. Simply point the arrow at the target and the angle will automatically be correct.

  Note: Your arm swing should never change, instead, adjust the angle of the shoulders so that your arm swing is in line with the target.

  Mike Luongo is a certified IBPSIA Pro Shop Operator, Master Instructor, USBC Silver Level Coach and an Advisor-Special Events assistant with the Storm and Roto Grip Bowling Ball Company. Have a question, call him at 435-720-7939 or email at mikel@stormbowling.com 

                                                     Local Scores

CALLICOON KRISTAL BOWL

Provided By Kristal Whitmore

Monday Hortonville

Ladies League

   Sue Naughton 156, Kelly Gombita 167, Lillian Zieres 156, Pat Peters 160, 164, Rebecca Rhodes 157, Debbie Loughrey 155, Judy Mohn 172, 158, 164, Sillporah  Boldiis 154, Kim Murphy 198.

Tuesday Delaware Valley

Ladies League

  Joe Gager 190, 215, 569, Jon Wayne 231, 183, 591, Brian Kitson 194, Kris Rasmussen 185, Eugene Fulton 180, Albert Tyles 192, Steve Ross 181, Jackie Brockner 181, Damien VanLeuven 188. 

FOX BOWLING CENTER

Provided By Bill Gleim

Wednesday Men's

Independent League

  Andy Boice 229, Andrew Bullis 253, 268, 728, Dale Conklin 258, 520, Cody Conway 256, 243, 699, Brian Drumm 236, Nate Finch 608, Dylan Green 637, John Gurnick 612, Jack Hazen 603, Paul Ignatovich 226, 602, Steve Jacobi 232, 618, Rob Johnson 245, 227, 669, Gregory Keelser 244, 649, Donnie Marino 638, Matt May 235, 647, Mitch Persbacker 618, Tim Smith 255, Chris Wadeson 601, Hank Whitmore 235, Zuke Wormuth 237, 675, Jay Wormuth 235, 231, 657, Tony Wright 246, 258, 722. 

Thursday Men's Deposit

National League

  Al Bullis Jr. 277, 234, 694, Andy Bullis 246, 665, Jeff Curtis 237, 611, Bill Gleim 647, Paul Ignatovich 248, 645, Greg Keesler 242, 626, Rich Lenio 613, Rick Mills 235, Neil Mosher 279, 658, Dick Price 243, 625, Jim Valentine 266, 625.

FRIDAY COUPLES LEAGUE

  Arlette Akselrad 234, 662, Howey Couse Jr. 234, 662, Howard Couse Sr. 233, 629, Frank Couse Sr. 279, 254, 735, Carl Davis 225, Crystal Ellis 198, 535, Bob Ellis 263, 620, Mike Horton 227, Gino Jones 253, 681, Hope Jones 209, 197, 564, Dana McGraw 241, 254, 202, 697, Mark McGraw 234, Dawn McLenon 188, Rick Mills 607, Sheri Oralls 180, 187, 202, 569, Walt Oralls 259, 632, Sandy Winans 180, 195, 525, Dan Wormuth 236, 237, 247, 720, Jeremy Wormuth 233, 611. 

KIAMESHA LANES

Provided By James VanAken, Mary

Lee Williams, Debbie Durland

and Ryan Lepke

Monday Men's League

  Eddie Lake 258, 606, Jaryl Scott 226, 625, Vinnie Collura 266, 247, 737, Donald Durland 277, 246, 726, Al Caycho 231, John Fischer 226, Shaun Lyons 227, 612, Kenny Atkins 232, 611. 

TUESDAY MIXED FIREFIGHTERS

  Pedro Agapito 256, 633, John Cascone 269, 631, Dave Dibble Jr. 246, 631, Mitch Juron 235, 630, Kevin Stackhouse 236, 619, Al Frangipane 245, 617, Cecil Walters 254, 613, Laresko Niifa 234, 613, Ryan Lepke 227, Rob Keesler 226, Eddie Lake 236, Linda Schaefer 190, 199, 564, Debra Blackford 208, 193, 558, Andrea Grossman 192, 204, 553, Suzette Bertholf 200, 531, Trasey Barres 180, 182, 505, Joan Redington 204, Cara Nicholson 185.

WEDNESDAY MEN'S LEAGUE

  John Hoffmann 231, 232, 249, 712, James VanAken 247, 654, Steven Belgiovene 600, Tom Belgiovene 225, 266, 672, Frank Eichenlaub III a 248, 235, 704, Frank Scuderi 233, 629, Cory Williams 237, 634, Rick Lara 608, Eddie Lake 249, 231, 237, 717, Gregory Fallon 248, 237, 686, Matt Fallon 258, 234, 708, Jon Wilhelm 279, 684, Donald Durland 226, 228, 664, Timmy Minton 242, 650, Larry Whipple 235, Anthony Atkins 609, Vinnie DeGraw 600, Frank Gerow Jr. 233, 614, Kevin Stackhouse 236, 634, Kenny Atkins 631, Al Frangipone 235, 641, James Durland 237, 255, 247, 739, Eddie Walsh 234, 620, Pedro Agapito 234, 648, Jason Rogers 236, 642, Kyle VanWolde 233, 602, George "Spoon" Battle 235, Tim McIntyre 258, 603, Josh Strang 227, 225, 620, Jaryl Scott 248, 245, 679. 

THURSDAY LADIES LEAGUE

  Hope McKeon 182, Mardette Wilcox 219, Valerie Fersch 200, Trasey Barres 203, Stephanie Davis 189, May Chicko 209, 197, Debbie Durland 192, 203. 

FRIDAY MIXED LEAGUE

  Carolyn Williams 200, 505, Tammy Sze 206, 202, 184, 592, Mary Ann Drobysh-Berens 193, Joan Lake 202, 182, 552, Nancy Greene 194, 189, 549, Julie Chen 200, 183, 535, Cathy Carpenter 180, 197, 188, 565, Francine Kaiser 205, 508, Mardette Wilcox 181, 511, Debbie Durland 182, 203, 188, 573, John Hoffmann 226, 641, Matthew Jahn 606, Paul Berens 276, 628, Eddie Lake 242, 290, 266, 798, John Wilhelm 279, 686, Ryan Lepke 237, 608, Craig Wilhelm 246, 647, Larry Berens 2236, 660, Tom Palmer 247, 685, Henry Smith 633, Donald Durland 268, 253, 744, Pedro Agapito 227, 628, Josh Strang 239, 719.

  Occassionally, tight space requirements results in items being edited out of columns. For full coverage of this column go to http://bght.blogspot.com This column is written by Ed Townsend, a public relations consultant to the amateur-professional sport of bowling. League and tournament information can be submitted by phone at 845-439-8177, via email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com or by fax at 845-205-4474. We are also on Facebook. 

  

  

  

  

Here & There Column 4-10-12

Child Hunger A Major Problem

No child should ever go to bed hungry and no parent should have to cry themselves to sleep at night not knowing how they are going to feed their family the next day.

This is a major problem both here and throughout this United States.

On national television Sunday night April 1 during the Academy of Country Awards on CBS it was firmly stated that more than 1 in 5 kids in America doesn't know where they next meal is coming from.

Folks.......that is shocking but true and this should never be a factor here in the greatest country in the world.

There are too many people today that assume that hunger is something that only effects children in third world countries.

The real fact is that it's effecting people in our own backyard.

Your neighbor or co-worker could actually be struggling to find their next meal unbeknown to you.

Let's fact it, most people are not going to go around telling everyone that they are hungry and cannot feed their family. Some keep their silence due to shame and fear that others might see them as being a horrible parent. Other people don't speak up out of pride.

Stunning facts point out that hunger exists in every community and ever county in the United States.

Even mild under-nutrition experienced by young children during critical periods of growth has a great impact on their behavior and school performance.

Listen to this fact folks........ there are 21 million children in this country that depend on free or reduced price school meals.

Children who are hungry suffer from more stomach aches, headaches, colds, ear infections and fatigue.

A lot of credit is due local school districts who participate in programs that provide nutritional meals and also the Back Pack Program which helps meet children's needs by providing hungry children with nutritious and easy-to-prepare food that they can take home when other resources aren't always available.

ConAgra and Feeding America continue to join forces to fight child hunger but a country as great as we are needs to cut some of the spending we send out of this country to fight and win the battle over child hunger.

Those in government have to start addressing this problem and do what is right to eliminate this crisis.

Bowling Highlights Column 4-6-12

 New Senior Women's Series Set For October

   The 2012 United States Bowling Congress Senior Queens presented by Storm will become the first USBC championship event held entirely at the International Training and Research Center when it takes place Oct. 19-23, capping the new Senior Women's Triple Crown Series.

  The Senior Queens will feature an increased first-place prize of $5,000, will be broadcast on BowlTV for the first time and have other special incentives for participants. The event is part of the Senior Women's Triple Crown Series, which includes the National Golden Ladies Classic and the Senior U.S. Women's Open.

  The Triple Crown Shoot-Out presented by The Orleans will be contested Oct. 21 at the ITRC. It will feature the top-10 bowlers based on qualifying totals (48 games) from the three major senior women's events, competing in a single-game, single-elimination bracket format. 

  The top qualifier will receive two byes, while the second, third and fourth qualifiers will receive one bye. The total prize fund will be $5,000 and all 10 players will cash, with $1,000 going to the winner.

  "These three great events are partnering together to offer more opportunities for senior women bowlers," USBC Managing Director of Media and Events Pete Tredwell said. "We're excited to be increasing the competition and creating more avenues for bowlers."

  The 2012 Senior Queens will be the 13th edition of the annual event that is open to USBC female members age 50 and older. Last year, Paula Vidad of Sun City, Calif., won the tournament, held in Syracuse, N.Y.

  Senior Queens bowlers face the traditional double-elimination match-play bracket - the same format used by the USBC Queens - to crown a champion. In addition to $5,000, the winner receives a tiara, pendant and trophy, as well as a paid entry into the 2013 USBC Queens. For more information on the Senior Queens, visit BOWL.com/seniorqueens.

  The Senior U.S. Women's Open will be conducted at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nev., from June 22-29. That event, along with the U.S. Women's Open, will take place in conjunction with International Bowl Expo. Highlights of the championship match will be shown on the television broadcast of the U.S. Women's Open finals.

  The National Golden Ladies Classic will be conducted at The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas from March 19-22. Now in its 22nd consecutive year of operation, the Golden Ladies is the longest running senior women's major event.

  The United States Bowling Congress serves as the national governing body for the sport. USBC is a membership organization that provides standardized rules, regulations and benefits to make bowling fair and fun for everyone.

                                                The Bowling Tip

                                               By Mike Luongo

  Bowlers: This week's tip is for parents with children who either bowl in a youth league or bowl regularly with their own equipment,

  The first question for parents is......when was the lst time you had your child's fit checked on their bowling ball at your local pro-shop?

  Children tend to grow quickly and the gripping holes in their bowling balls must be adjusted to accommodate lthis growth.

  Bowling with poor-fitting equipment can become frustrating and uncomfortable. In most cases, it will only take a minute or two for adjustments to be made.

  Also, if your child has his or her own bowling shoes, you can check the size yourself to see if the fit is acceptable. Do not wait for blisters to form on the toes. 

  Remember, the game is meant to be enjoyed, not to be a form of torture. 

  Mike Luongo is a certified IBPSIA Pro Shop Operator, Master Instructor, USBC Silver Level Coach and an Advisor-Special Events Assistant with the Storm and Roto Grip Bowling Ball Company. Have a question, call him at 435-720-7939 or email at mikel@stormbowling.com 

                                                               Local Scores

BEECHWOOD LANES

Provided By Lori Kimmes

Monday Ladies League

  Jackie Gieger 160, 160, 155, Jody Gulley 153, Jackie Mootz 150, Jody Schanil 191, Tracey Puerschner 167, Diane Conroy 157, Lori Kimmes 167, Lois Erdman 161, Barbara Cady 159, 153. 

CALLICOON KRISTAL BOWL

Provided By Kristal Whitmore

Monday Hortonville Ladies League

  Sue Naughton 166, Kelly Gombita 181. 161, Pat Peters 188, 504, Joyce Brooks 171, Judy Mohn 165, Mardette Wilcox 172, Bobbi Keesler 164.

Tuesday Delaware Valley Men's League

  Joe Gager 190, 215, Jon Wayne 231, 183, Brian Kitson 194, Kris Rasmussen 185, Eugene Fulton 180, Albert Tyles 192, Steve Ross 181, Damien VanLeuven 188. 

FOX BOWLING CENTER

Provided By Bill Gleim

Wednesday Men's

Independent League

  Tom Anderson 227, 231, 649, Andy Boice 237, 629, Mike Bowker 242, 657, Andrew Bullis 233, 656, Dale Conklin 226, 248, 689, Frank Couse Sr. 248, 233, 670, Brian Drumm 255, 234, 686, Nate Finch 243, 616, Bill Gleim 248, 670, Martin Haeussler 243, 665, Steve Jacobi 245, Rob Johnson 227, 300, 257, 784, Gregory Keelser 607, Derek Keesler 236, Donnie Marino 233, 277, 731, Mitch Persbacker 226, 606, Dick Price 255, 661, Chris Wadeson 266, 256, 715, Zuke Wormuth 233, 226, 649, Jay Wormuth 230, 623, Tony Wright 257, 675.   

Thursday Men's Deposit

National League

  Andy Bullis 257, 290, 751, Ray Cornwell 247, 232, 225, 704, Frank Couse Sr. 237, 662, Jeff Curtis 227, 231, 235, 693, Nate Finch 256, 670, Paul Finch 257, 254, 723, Bill Gleim 225, 621, Paul Ignatovich 620, Gino Jones 230, 610, Greg Keesler 225, 247, 666, John Lanner 602, Neil Mosher 278, 676, Dick Price 243, Paul Siegler 617, Jim Valentine 278, 681, Dan Wormuth 232, 238, 673.

  FRIDAY COUPLES LEAGUE

  John Bryceland 640, Howey Couse Jr. 256, Howard Couse Sr. 290, 615, Frank Couse Sr. 227, 657, Anne M. Couse 198, 236, 601, Bob Ellis 600, Gino Jones 269, 662, Hope Jones 185, 255, 595, Dan Koch 234, 232, 640, Julie Martin 180, Dana McGraw 237, 203, 608, Mark McGraw 604, Dawn McLenon 180, Sheri Oralls 233, 191, 193, 617, Walt Oralls 298, 247, 717, Tim Smith 228, 606, Dan Wormuth 244, 290, 725.

JUNIOR-BANTAM CHAMPIONS

  Champions in the annual Fox Bowling Center Junior Bantam tournament included Bantam boy and friend Mathew Dabrescia, Bantam boy and father Kaden Hopkins, Bantam boy and mother Nichols Locke, Bantam girl and friend Sierra Francisco, Bantam boy and father Emily Brown, Junior girl and friend Cassandra Schoonmaker, Junior girl and father Brittany Locsig, Junior girl and mother Katrina Lester. 

SUNDAY MIXED FUN LEAGUE

  Ray Cornwell 245, 252, 711, Donnie Marino 225, 655, Dave Mills 255, 627, Roger Mills 256, 225, 681, Savanna Mills (youth girls) 159, 144, 147, 450,  Brian Tiffany 226, Parker Tiffany (Bantam boys) 125, 129, 125. 

KIAMESHA LANES

Provided By James VanAken, Mary

Lee Williams, Debbie Durland 

and Ryan Lepke

Monday Men's League

  John Hoffmann 236, 633, Jim VanAken 226, 603, Matt Fallon 637, Jim Piontex 256, 638, Frank Scuderi 626, Laresko Niffa 278, 650, Eddie Lake 265, 679, Rick Lake 225, 646, Jaryl Scott 279, 681, Paul Durland 264, 654, Vinnie Collura 237, 664, Don Durland 227, 627, Jack Moylan 259, 234, 276, 769, Corey VanKeuren 236, 661, Eddie Walsh 231, Pedro Agapito 259, 290, 763, John Fischer 225, 615, Nate Sanders 244, 237, 682, Dave Graham 249, 675, Lloyd Bridges 603, Michael Amore 244, 245. 678, Shaun Lyons 622, Anthony Atkins 600, Kenny Atkins 225, 643, John Lopez 614, Craig Wilhelm 233, 247, 704, Tim McIntyre 237, 653, Jon Wilhelm 259, 244, 712, Gregory Fallon 239, 648, Keith Smith 618.

Tuesday Mixed Firefighters League

  Mary Lee Williams 198, 222, 212, 632, Trasey Barres 205, 199, 582, Carena Collura 209, 552, Joan Lake 226, 514, Joan Redington 195, 511, Suzette Bertholf 196, Russ Keesler 228, 234, 668, Cecil Walters 233, 266, 667, Eddie Walsh 246, 667, Ed Lake 621, Al Frangipane 248, 610, John Cascone 235, 601.

Wednesday Men's League

  John Hoffmann 269, 681, James VanAken 256, 605, Steven Belgiovene 265, 659, Tom Belgiovene 258, 675, Charlie Tuttle 614, Rick Lara 612, Eddie Lake 226, 632, Gregory Fallon 244, 236, 227, 707, Matt Fallon 247, 229, 650, Jon Wilhelm 236, 611, Donald Durland 259, 266, 225, 750, Anthony Atkins 277, 650, Kevin Stackhouse 228, 640, Al Frangipone 247, Paul Durland 608, Shawn Sinistore 242, 609, Eddie Walsh 606, Pedro Agapito 227, 608, Jason Rogers 234, 230, 687, Tim McIntyre 270, 646, Josh Strang 259, 620, Jaryl Scott 234, 257, 258, 749.

  Friday Mixed League

  Laura Palmer 192, 173, 180, 545, Carolyn Williams 188, 190, 506, Tammy Sze 188, 184, 548, Mary Ann Drobysh-Berens 210, 182, 557, Joan Lake 205, 548, Christina Seidler 182, 509, Julie Chen 206, 528, Linda Schaefer 185, 191, 545, Nancy Greene 183, 537, Cathy Carpenter 189, 189, 529, Francine Kaiser 220, 191, 193, 604, Donna Smith 202, John Hoffmann 259, 244, 237, 740, David Graham 244, 230, 239, 713, Mattrew Jahn 225, Paul Berens 255, 658, Eddie Lake 225, 47, 278, 750, Frank Scuderi 248, 630, John Wilhelm 226, 662, Larry Berens 244, 651, Tom Palmer 240, 626, Daniel Ricco 237, 603, Kevin Stackhouse 227, Donald Durland 258, 656, Henry Smith 226.

  Occasionally, tight space requirements results in items being edited out of columns. For full coverage to to http://bght.blogspot.com This column is written by Ed Townsend, a public relations consultant to the amateur-professional sport of bowling. League and tournament information can be submitted by phone at 845-439-8177, via email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com or by fax at 845-205-4474. We are also on Facebook.

                                                            -

  

  

 

Golf Club Offers New Members Fee

CLUB ANNOUNCES NEW MEMBERSHIP PROMOTION                                               

  ROSCOE--The Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club (TVGC) announced this week a new membership promotion and the first ever TVGC Ryder Cup championship tournament.

  Club vice president Ralph Kirchner announced the half-price membership fee for anyone who has never been a member before.

  The half-price membership fee gives the new member all the club membership benefits.

  The board of directors also announced that men's and ladies leagues are presently forming for the 2012 season with the ladies playing on Tuesday evenings and the Men's league on Monday nights,

  Men interested in joining the  Monday league can call League President Chuck Husson at 607-498-5557 and ladies can call Jean Knickerbocker at 607-498-5116.

  Ladies also participate in a fun day on Thursday's. 

  The first ever TVGC Ryder Cup Championship Tournament will be played on two consecutive evenings starting at between 5 and 5:30 p.m. on Friday June 29 and Saturday June 30.

  This event is open to both men and women golfers.

  Preliminary plans for this event call for nine holes to be played each evening with 5 Red teams and 5 Blue teams.

  A very low entry fee of around $5.00 will be charged.

  Additional details for this event can be obtained from Ralph Kirchner at 607-498-5555 or email at rk3x460@yahoo.com 

  Golfers interested can register or sign up at the club house after May 1.

  Forty golfers will make up 10 full teams of 4 on a team and teams will be made up after 40 players have signed up.  Teams will be selected as fair as possible with the Friday evening portion of the tournament being a captain and crew format with a few stipulations and Saturday there will be alternating shots.

  Points will be awarded for winning your match and the team with the most points after the second night will be the TVGC Ryder Cup Champion. 

  Kirchner promised an exciting tournament.

  TVGC also announced that their annual Memorial Tournament will be held Sunday, July 8 with 40 golfers teeing off at 8 a.m. and another 40 golfers teeing off at 12:30 p.m. 

  Sponsors and golfers wanting to participate in this tournament can sign up at the club house or by calling Tournament Director Chuck Husson at 607-498-5557. 

                                                               

An American Salute By Tri-Valley Music Dept.

MUSIC IN OUR SCHOOLS CONCERT  
                                           

  GRAHAMSVILLE--The American patriotic song "God Bless the USA" brought the large audience to their feet with a standing ovation March 29 during the Tri-Valley Central School Music In Our Schools Month Concert in the Bernstein Theatre.

  The school combined 7-12 chorus sang this concert ending song which was written and recorded by country musician Lee Greenwood with part of the chorus located on the chorus bleachers in front of the audience while the remainder of the chorus lined  the side isles of the auditorium. 

  A highlight of this song featured soloists Jesus Lozada and Rachel Adriaans.

  Historically this song was originally released in the spring of 1984 and was played at the Republican National Convention with President Ronald Reagan and first lady Nancy Reagan in attendance but the song gained greater prominence during the Gulf War in 1990-91 as a way of boosting morale. The popularity of the song rose sharply since the September 11, 2001 attacks and ruing the 2003 invasion of Iraq. 

  The March 29 concert theme was "An American Salute" and featured the 5th and 6th grade band and chorus, the 7th and 8th grade band and chorus and the 9-12 band and chorus.

  Kevin Giroux was the director and conductor of the chorus groups while Matthew Weyant conducted and directed the instrumental music. 

  Some of the featured songs by the 5/6 grade chorus included "Fifty Nifty United States", "Land of the Free" by the 5/6 grade band, "America Sings" by the 7/8 grade chorus, ""A Patriotic Festival" by the 7/8 grade band, "These Are The Times" by the 9-12 chorus and "Fantasy On Yankee Doodle" by the 9-12 band.

  The Tri-Valley CS concert program reminded their audience that Greenwood's "God Bless The USA" was released as a single following 2003 and reentered high on the country music charts.

  Greenwood said that he "wanted to write (this particular song) my whole life and when I got to that point we were travling 300 days a year on the road and were on our fourth or fifth album on MCA. " 

  The popular country musician said  "I called my producer and  said I have a need to do this, I've always wanted to write a song about America, we just need to be more united."

  The audience surely must have appreciated Greenwood's efforts, the message the song sent  and the great singing of the song by the combined Tri-Valley CS 7-12 chorus.

   A job well done by the school music department.                                                                 

Identification of the above photos from bottom photo to top photo:

Soloists Jesus Lozada, left, and Rachel Adriaans, performed during the singing of "God Bless The USA" by the combined 7-12 Tri-Valley Central School chorus at the schools Music In Our Schools Month Concert March 29.                                                         

Director Mattrew Weyant conducts the Tri-Valley Central School 9-12 band during the Music In Our Schools Month Concert March 29.                                                             

Members of the alto section of the Tri-Valley Central School 9-12 chorus performing during the schools Music In Our Schools Month Concert March 29. 

                                                                        

                                                         

  

Here & There Column 4-3-12

More State Aid-4-Day School Week?

  There is expected to be an increase of some $805 million for local school districts and rumors are bouncing all over the place that school districts are reported to be studying possible moves  towards a four-day school week with time lost from the dropped day added to the remaining four days.

  Those supporting such a move say there are big dollar savings in areas such as utilities and transportation. 

  School districts make the move to a 4-day school week support facts that say this type of move will help close gaping budget holes and stave off teacher layoffs.

  Education experts point out that little research exists to show the impact on shortened weeks on learning.

  The four-day week proposals result in lengthening the remaining school days so that the present 8 to 2:30 day could result in an 8-4  school day four days a week. 

  Some schools are turning to the four-day schedule because they have just plain run out of options. 

  School districts say they no longer have the option of asking residents to pay higher taxes, they have been forced to cut staff and some have had to close schools.

  For those who have already made the move to a four-day school week these districts report savings of anywhere between $200,000 to $500,000 trimming costs for custodial, cafeteria workers, bus drivers as well as transportation expenses and utilities. 

  Teachers will still work the same number of hours over four days instead of five but cafeteria and custodial and drivers are often hard-hit.

  Four-day weeks have been in place for decades in states like Idaho, Wyoming, New Mexico and came about as a means to combat growing energy prices.

  One major negative factor in a four-day school week is in the area of child-care where working parents have had to revamp child-care plans.

  Officials in some districts say their students and teachers make good use of their day off.

  Teacher organizations and the American Federation of Teachers have been critical of the shift to a four-day school week saying these moves have a negative affect on teaching and learning. 

  In Albany the tentative (must be approved in the new budget) $805 million comes out to about 4 percent more then current levels and most districts should get more money depending on how the aid is determined either by a district need or by the restoration of past cuts.

  Meanwhile we think the jury is still out and we don't really think we will see any four-day school weeks anytime soon.