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21 Mar 2010 18:09
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19 Mar 2010 17:01
NHS has Talent
Friday, March 19th, 2010I’m not a resident of Norwich, nor do I have any kids that attend the school. But in the last year and a half of covering the district, I’ve gotten to know a number of students and faculty members. And it was because of them that at shortly after 7 p.m. last night, I was tucking myself into a seat in the High School Auditorium preparing to spend the next two hours watching students perform in the Talent Show.
I knew a handful of kids who were on the lineup – and certainly I planned on cheering them on – but mostly I was there to support the students who for the last three months or so have been pouring their blood, sweat and tears into making their dream of showcasing the talents of their fellow students a reality.
I was there, in the Adirondacks, when the student participants in The Leadership Project first started talking about such an event and what they hoped to accomplish by it. You see, what they wanted to do was bring their school together. They wanted to foster an environment in which each student, regardless of their interests and abilities, were valued for what they could contribute.
I was truly touched by the vision these kids had for their school, but I’ll admit that the Negative Nancy in me wanted to scoff at the idea and tell them their little pipe dream didn’t mesh with what I remembered high school being like.
Thankfully, I kept my doubt to myself. For if I hadn’t, I would have been eating my words last night. Because honestly, I was blown away by the Talent Show. On so many levels.
First, I was blown away by the kids who took the stage. Norwich has some incredibly talented students. This wasn’t one of those talent shows where kids creak away on violins they’ve only been playing for a month. I won’t name everyone who showed their souls before the rest of the student body, but I have to say I was particularly touched by both Erin McMahon’s vocal tribute to her friend, Elisha Eddy, and the song guitarist Matt Robinson dedicated to his family. The sheer brilliance of Breanna Guiffre and Ashlee Zammiello’s duet sent chills up my spine, as did the cool jazz Diamond Brown performed on the saxophone.
I almost laughed until I cried first at the hip hop dance routine, and then at MC Steve-O’s rendition of the theme song to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. (Andrew, I’m sure your rap was funny, too. But unfortunately I missed it.)
The Incredible Winning Jump Shot Technique, who ultimately took home first place in the competition, were the perfect blend of actual musical talent and shock value to get the crowd off their seats dancing in the aisles. When they started belting out Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” I actually did laugh so hard I cried. They were amazing.
The audience was perfectly primed by the time While Cities Sleep took the stage to close the show. I couldn’t believe a group of high school kids could have that kind of stage presence. Michael McBride, you’re the man. (And your band is pretty darn awesome, too!)
Honestly, I’ve paid far more to see worse shows. But what touched me as much as the musical talent demonstrated by these kids, was the way their peers were 100 percent behind them every step of the way. Every act was cheered. More than one got standing ovations. It was phenomenal.
And did I mention the place was packed? I couldn’t believe how many students turned out for the event.
As I watched it all, my heart swelled with pride for the kids who made it happen. Because there before me was a living, cheering testament to their hard work and their commitment to changing their school. They not only wanted to make it happen, I think that last night was irrefutable proof that they are making it happen.
I can’t say enough about the student leaders who were involved with this effort from beginning to end, particularly Casey Edwards who lead the project team who organized the event itself. I congratulate all of them, along with all those who participated in the Talent Show itself.
You all have amazing talent. No matter what obstacles or challenges you face in life, never forget that.
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18 Mar 2010 18:56
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16 Mar 2010 16:17
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09 Mar 2010 14:16
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08 Mar 2010 18:50
And the Oscar goes to…
Monday, March 8th, 2010Last night, millions of Americans tuned in to ABC to see the Academy awards, arguably the movie industry’s most glamorous and star-studded event of the year.
From the red carpet arrival of Hollywood A-listers to the eager faces of nominees willing their name to be read once the envelope is opened, no award show can hold a candle to the Oscars.
Between the drama and the haute couture, you’d think I’d be all over it. But I wasn’t one of the masses glued to the TV last night. Partially because I’d only seen three of the movies nominated – those being Inglourious Basterds, Fantastic Mr. Fox and Julie & Julia. But mostly because I just can’t be bothered with all the awards show hoopla.
It’s just such a production, dragging on for hours and hours. And far too much of it is painful to watch. I mean, it’s agonizing to see one fashion faux pas after another pass by on the red carpet. Ditto when the usually-funny host tells yet another joke that falls flat. And doesn’t it just break your heart to see the tortured expression on a nominee’s face as they attempt to swallow their own disappointment while pretending to be oh-so happy for whoever beat them out for that coveted statuette?
There’s the boredom, too, as you have to endure the stultifying list of award winners in categories you’ve never heard of and could care less about. Which, lets face it, is basically everything other than the Big Six as I call them: Best Picture, Best Actor/Actress, Best Supporting Actor/Actress and Best Director.
I know that sounds harsh, but honestly, do you care who got technical achievement awards? If you didn’t get one, or give birth to someone who did, the answer is probably a resounding “no.”
And I’m not even going to talk about the acceptance speeches. I understand the need to thank everyone you’ve ever met, I really do. I just don’t particularly care.
But don’t be fooled by my bitter little diatribe. While I don’t watch the whole extravagant ceremony, I wouldn’t say I was entirely disinterested in the whole affair. I did, after all, spend a fair part of my day reading recaps of the event and comparing the plethora of best and worst dressed lists circulating on the web.
I didn’t find anything incredibly exciting on the list of award winners. The fashion, on the other hand, was much more entertaining. I honestly didn’t recognize half the beautiful young starlets strutting their stuff on the crimson carpet, but the dresses were to die for. And did you see Demi Moore’s shoes? They were nothing short of divine.
Not everyone was looking their best however, and I have a feeling a few stylists will probably get kicked to the curb in the wake of the event. Like whoever dressed Charlize Theron. I found the South African actress’ gown a bit disturbing. Was it just me, or did it look like it was copping a feel?
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05 Mar 2010 10:18
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02 Mar 2010 16:49
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26 Feb 2010 16:33
Breaking with tradition
Friday, February 26th, 2010If my aunt, Sister Kathleen, were here right now, she’d probably slap my hand with her ruler. And I’d totally deserve it. You se, I fell of the Lenten wagon.
Now, don’t jump to the conclusion. I didn’t break down and buy any books, as tempting as that is. I’ve still stayed faithful to that Lenten vow. My transgression came during lunch, when I ordered – and polished off – a cheeseburger. That’s right. I ate meat on Friday. I know, I’m a bad Catholic. But I assure you, there were extenuating circumstances. Because today was the end of Friday Lunch as we know it.
Friday Lunch. I remember well the end of my first work week at the paper, when I was indoctrinated into this, perhaps the longest standing of Evening Sun traditions. Or at least one of the few we’re free to talk about in public.
At precisely 12:30 p.m. each Friday, the Evening Sun staff embarks en masse for our weekly lunch date. New staffers learn early – and usually the hard way – not to infringe on this sacred tradition. We need that time, you see, to relax and regroup after a busy week and prepare ourselves for all the news that is yet to come.
In the summer, these sometime lengthy repasts typically take place on the deck at Canasawacta Country Club. The rest of the year, Fred’s Inn is our Friday home, where our favorite waitress Patty is always eager to cater to our every whim.
But that wasn’t the case today. Oh, we made our way to Fred’s as usual, but this time Patty wasn’t there to greet us.
We’d heard rumors and rumblings over the last week or two, that she was no longer in the restaurant’s employ, but none of us wanted to believe it. But today, as we were handed menus by a new waitress (the admittedly very pleasant Honey), we knew it to be true. Michelle, long a staple behind the bar at Fred’s, confirmed it for us.
It’s hard to wrap my head around the fact that Patty won’t be a part of our Friday Lunches any more. You see, she never had to ask what we were eating or drinking. She just knew. (No, she wasn’t clairvoyant. We’re just creatures of habit.)
Seeing one tradition disappear into dust, I broke another. Jeff suggested that I give something else up for Lent in addition to the ban on buying books, as penance, I guess.
But maybe giving up Friday Lunches with Patty is enough of a penance. Unfortunately, we’ll all be stuck with it even after these 40 days are up.
Bye, Patty. We’ll miss you.
Friday Lunch just won’t be the same without you.
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26 Feb 2010 12:30
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