Pulaski Day Parade
Elks Lodge reports successful open house, Flag Day ceremony
JUN 26, 2019
The Elks Lodge had extended an invitation to the whole north county of Chautauqua to attend an open house on June 8. This event was well attended by members and many new faces who were impressed with the organization and hospitality. The open house was so successful, six people requested to become part of this Elks Lodge membership.
The annual Flag Day ceremony was held on June 15 at the Dunkirk Historical Lighthouse. The weather was very over cast, gray, a little windy and chilly,but no rain. The perfect setting for the flags to be honored and retired. The one thing missing was the rockets red glare.
Despite the weather, many people were in attendance for this very powerful ceremony. The Western New York Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps provided patriotic music and Taps. The National Anthem and God Bless America were sung by Kira Kuhlman, Matthew Helwig, Addison Helwig, Matthew Levan, Megan Levan, Kim Levan, and Leah Pawlak. The Knights of Columbus were honor guards and posted the colors. Wolf Den Pack 267, with Brandon LeBeau, Pack Master retired the flags. The Elks officers led the ceremony.
Bruce Kaus,Sr of the United States Marine Corps was the featured speaker followed by Edwin Ramos, City Clerk representing the City of Dunkirk. Upon completion of the ceremony, everyone in attendance was invited back to the lodge for hotdogs and hamburgers. The Elks thanks everyone who participated in the ceremony and Dave Briska for his continued assistance with the use of the Lighthouse.
Coming Aug. 3 is a rib barbecue dinner. Tired of the chicken dinners? Come and have ribs fresh off the grill. Mark your calendar and more information to follow.
City Memorial Day parade lineup set
https://www.observertoday.com/news/local-region/2019/05/city-memorial-day-parade-lineup-set/
The annual Memorial Day service and parade will be Monday at Memorial Park in Dunkirk. Services will start at 10 a.m., the parade will follow at approximately 11 a.m.
The Parade will turn on to Central Avenue and proceed south to Fifth Street. The Parade turns East on Fifth Street and disbands at Washington Park.
In case of inclement weather the parade will be canceled.
Should the inclement weather continue, Memorial Day Services will be at the John T. Murray VFW Post 1017, 111-113 Deer St. Dunkirk .
This year’s Parade Marshal is Jack Sievert Commander, D.J.V.C.
The 2019 Co-Parade Marshals are: Richard Makuch, Michael McGrath, Dennis Mulkin and David Dow.
The 2019 Memorial Day Parade Captain is Jack Hood.
The Division Marshals are: 1st Division Marshal – Brayden Manzella, city of Dunkirk; 2nd Division Marshal – Lee Woodard, city of Dunkirk; 3rd Division Marshal – Donovan Daily, city of Dunkirk; 4th Division Marshal – Mr. Michael Edwards, City of Dunkirk Fire Chief.
The public is invited to attend and the Dunkirk Joint Veterans Council urges the public to fly the Flag this Memorial Day. God bless our veterans and this great nation of ours.
Division Line-Ups are as follows:
City Official – Honorable Mayor Willie Rosas
City Official – Mr. David Ortolano, Police Chief lined up on Lake Shore Drive West
Followed by Dunkirk Joint Veterans Council Honor Guard and Dunkirk High School JROTC honor guard and cadets
Followed by: Cars:
Parade Marshal: Mr. Jack Sievert, commander D.J.V.C. Parade Co-Marshal Richard Makuch, D.J.V.C.,Asst. H.G. Cdr. Parade Co-Marshal David Taber, D.J.V.C. Asst. H.G. Cdr. Escorted by Rhonda Daminski, VFW Past President 1017 Auxiliary
Followed by Grand Marshal Edward Long Jr., 159th Field Artilery, U.S. Army, Korean War veteran, escorted by Carol Hood D.O.D. (Ret.)
Master of Ceremonies, Mr. John D’Agostino, D.J.V.C. and Publisher OBSERVER.
Lt. Christopher Wilson, USCG Sea Partners
City of Dunkirk Common Council members.
City of Dunkirk fire chief Michael Edwards.
Professional Fire Fighters Local 616
Greater Buffalo Firefighter Pipe & Drum Corps
Veterans requiring transportation: CARTS buses will begin loading veterans at approximately 10:45 a.m.
DAV –in cars or CARTS
World War II veterans in cars or CARTS
Korean War veterans in cars or CARTS
Vietnam veterans in cars or CARTS
Hamburg Kingsmen Drum and Bugle Corps, led by Leon Trzewieczynski
1st Division — Forms on Pelican Street at Lake Shore Drive West.
Officers and Veterans from WWII, Korean War, Vietnam, Cold War, Global War on Terror, including Iraq and Afghanistan will be part of the All Veterans Honor Guard.
Flag Review: Elks, BPO 922 Dunkirk, N.Y. Flag Review.
Dunkirk Little League, T-Ball led by Gary Haase, president.
DHS — 2019 State Champion girls bowling team.
2nd Division — Forms on Swan Street at Lake Shore Drive West.
Sons of Liberty Motorcycle Riders
North Coast Brass Co. Musicians Thomas Davenport director.
Girl Scouts of America: Donna Banach Advisor, Girl Scouts Troop 20158.
Girl Scouts of America: Led by Kathy Reisenweber Advisor Troup 20258.
Girl Scouts of America: Led by Jenn Scroll, Susan Bennett, advisors, Troop 20033.
Girl Scouts of America: Led by Morgan Gennock, advisor, Troop 20237 with members from Tri-County Service Unit 20292 and 20312.
Dunkirk High School Marching Band, led by Jenniene Scarem, director.
Hot Rod Club Association
3rd Division — Forms on Dove Street at Lake Shore Drive West.
LoGuidice Education Criminal Justice Program, Led by Jennie Alessi, Teacher.
Iglesias Getsemani Children’s Ministries children and Float, led by Pastor Carlos Llera.
Upward Bound Program, Patricia Messina Program Coordinator; Loretta Torain, Director, and Patricia Messina, program coordinator.
Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals On Wheels Van
Western N.Y. Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps: led by Mr. David Fridmann.
Club 716 Car Club
Jeep Club
4th Division — Forms on Plover Street at Lake Shore Drive West
Dunkirk City of Fire Trucks
East Town of Dunkirk Fire Department
West Town of Dunkirk Fire Department
Pillar of Fire Fellowship – Pastor J. Wentz
Dunkirk Police Car
WNY Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps readies for 2019 season
MAY 1, 2019
The WNY Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps has been preparing for the 2019 season with regular rehearsals at the Elks lodge on Central Avenue since January this year.
Continuing the long tradition of Drum Corps in the area, The WNY Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps is a corps that has members of all ages and experience who are interested in having fun, marching in parades, and making music.
Dave Fridmann, Corps Director, offered his overview of this year’s corps, “We’ve been growing little by little for over the past few years. This year’s corps has really solidified as a unit. Our retention has created a consistency in our performance that has not been possible in the past.” he stated. “Our sound and musicality are on a new level that we have never been able to achieve before.”
The group is seeking new members to be part of the alumni family. The next practice is May 7, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 428 Central Ave., Dunkirk, and the first parade is Memorial Day in Dunkirk. If interested, contact the corps at wnyalumni@gmail.com
Have fun this summer. Join today!
2019 Winter/Spring Rehearsal Schedule
Announcing our 2019 Winter/Spring Rehearsal Schedule! Our first rehearsal will be Tuesday, January 15th 7:30-9PM at the Elks Club in Dunkirk. Looking forward to a great year!
https://wnydrumcorps.wordpress.com/rehearsal-schedule/
2019 Rehearsal Schedule
schedule subject to change
Tuesday, January 15th 7:30-9PM
Tuesday, January 29th 7:30-9PM
Tuesday, February 12th 7:30-9PM
Tuesday, February 26th 7:30-9PM
Tuesday, March 12th 7:30-9PM
Tuesday, March 26th 7:30-9PM
Tuesday, April 9th 7:30-9PM
Tuesday, April 23rd 7:30-9PM
Tuesday, May 7th 7:30-9PM
Tuesday, May 14th 7:30-9PM
Tuesday, May 21st 7:30-9PM
Monday, May 27th Memorial Day SEASON BEGINS!!!
Location: Elk’s Lodge #922, 428 Central Ave. Dunkirk, NY
Lineup For Saturday’s Babe Ruth World Series Parade Announced
The lineup for Saturday’s parade as part of the Babe Ruth World Series has been announced.
The parade will begin at 9 a.m. along Third Street, which will be closed beginning at 7 a.m. from Hallock to the end at Second Street. Participants are asked to line up no later than 8:30 a.m. and asked that candy be handed out, not thrown.
The line up is as follows:
¯ Unit 1 — Jamestown Police Department Honor Guard
¯ Unit 2 — Grand marshall in Babe Ruth’s limo — Frank Stefanelli
¯ Unit 3 — John Labardo driving Robert Faherty
¯ Unit 4 — Dave Warren Dodge escorting Babe Ruth tournament director Eugene Reynolds
¯ Unit 5 — Dave Warren Dodge escorting babe ruth task force member Warren Bumpus
¯ Unit 6 — Jamestown Babe Ruth World Series board of directors
¯ Unit 7 — Jamestown High School Marching Band under the direction of Meghan Murray
¯ Unit 8 — local city/county/state elected officials with Abe Lincoln (Jeff Bloomquist)
¯ Unit 9 — Ohio Valley regional champions – Northwest indiana rippers from crown point, indiana
¯ Unit 10 — Jamestown Babe Ruth league players and coaches
¯ Unit 11 — Middle atlantic regional champions — West Penn from Williamsport, Pa.
¯ Unit 12 — 96th Higlanders Pipes and Drum
¯ Unit 13 — Jamestown Howdah
¯ Unit 14 — WNY state champions – Onondaga Babe Ruth from Onondaga
¯ Unit 15 — Jamestown Fire Department
¯ Unit 16 — New England regional champions — Lynn Allstars from Lynn, Ma.
¯ Unit 17 — Meals on Wheels
¯ Unit 18 — Host team – southern tier representing Chautuaqua and Cattaragus counties
¯ Unit 19 — 23 Skidoo band
¯ Unit 20 — Ambucs / Lakewood area Buddy Walk riding bicycles
¯ Unit 21 — Midwest plains regional champions — Charleston fighting squirrels – charleston, mo
¯ Unit 22 — Chautauqua Area Scholarship Program
¯ Unit 23 — Falconer-Frewsburg Blue and Gold Vanguard Marching Band
¯ Unit 24 — Pacific northwest regional champions — Columbia Basin Riverdogs – Columbia, Wa.
¯ Unit 25 — Jamestown Municipal Band
¯ Unit 26 — Vikings float – valkommen to Jamestown; celebrating the area’s heritage
¯ Unit 27 — Southwest regional champions – Alabama Rawdogs from Mobile, Ala
¯ Unit 28 — Falconer Little League
¯ Unit 29 — Falconer-Frewsburg Blue and Gold Vanguard marching band
¯ Unit 29 — Mutt Cutts van from the movie “Dumb and Dumber” sponsored by the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum and Center for Comedy
¯ Unit 30 — Pacific southwest regional champions — northwest Bakerfield Blues From Bakersfield, Ca.
¯ Unit 31 — Jamestown Soap Box Derby
¯ Unit 32 — the alumni of WNY drum and bugle corps
¯ Unit 33 — Southeast regional champions — northern Fairfax County from Fairfax, Va.
Babe Ruth World Series opens Friday
This weekend’s parade:
http://www.observertoday.com/sports/local-sports/2018/08/babe-ruth-world-series-opens-friday/
Babe Ruth World Series opens Friday
LOCAL SPORTS
AUG 2, 2018
SPECIAL TO THE OBSERVER
JAMESTOWN — The Babe Ruth 16-18 Year Old World Series has released its schedule of events.
This is the 17th time Jamestown has been selected to host a World Series tournament since 1980. There are many great things and events happening with the result of years of planning and the generosity of many businesses and organizations locally.
Friday is Team Arrival Day. Teams begin arriving at approximately 1 p.m. At 5 p.m., there will be an “Ice Breaker” picnic along with the Skills Competition and Home Run Derby to be held at Russell E. Diethrick Park. The events are all free to the public and all are encouraged to attend. The concessions will be open and it will be a great introduction to some of the teams as they compete in a fun event of the World Series.
Saturday is the first official day of the tournament. The Board of Directors and Committee is excited to present the World Series of Champions Parade. Each team will be highlighted on a float with many local bands and organizations taking part. The parade will travel across Third Street from the Third Street Plaza to Jamestown High School with a 9 a.m. prompt step off.
Following the parade, the 25 games of baseball that are being played at Diethrick Park will begin. The first game between the Ohio Valley Champions (the Northwest Indiana Rippers from Crown Point, Indiana) and the Mid Atlantic Champions (West Penn from Williamsport, Pennsylvania) will begin at noon. The games will be played consecutively throughout the day with the opening ceremonies of the World Series set to begin at 7 p.m. The local host team, the Southern Tier, will play the 7:30 p.m. game as well.
Here is a list of the teams:
Host team: Southern Tier, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Cos., New York
Ohio Valley Region: Northwest Indiana Rippers, Crown Point, Indiana
New England Region: Lynn All-stars – Lynn, Massachusetts
Mid Atlantic Region: West End – Williamsport, Pennsylvania
WNY Champions: Onondaga Babe Ruth, Onondaga, New York
Southeast Region: Northern Fairfax County, Fairfax, Virginia
Southwest Region: Alabama Rawdogs, Mobile, Alabama
Midwest Plains Region: Charleston Fighting Squirrels, Charleston, Missouri
Pacific Southwest Region: Northwest Bakersfield Blues, Bakersfield, California
Pacific Northwest Region: Columbia Basin Riverdogs, Columbia, Washington
ALL games of the World Series are free to the general public thanks to the following sponsors:
Saturday – Sponsored by the Jamestown Babe Ruth League
Sunday – Sponsored by the Resource Center
Monday – Sponsored by the One Ball Foundation, Inc.
Tuesday – Sponsored by the Chautauqua County Fire Service
Wednesday – Sponsored by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation
Aug. 9 – Sponsored by the Greater Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, Inner Lakes Federal Credit Union, Jamestown area Community Federal Crediut Union and Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union
Aug. 10 – Sponsored by Shults Auto Group
Aug. 11 – Sponsored by Chautauqua County
Please follow on Facebook and Twitter (@JamestownBRWS) for up-to-date information as the week proceeds. Information is also available on the Web at www,jamestownworldseries.org.
Town readies for Pulaski Parade, annual Polish Fest
https://www.cheektowagabee.com/news/2018-07-19/Front_Page/Town_readies_for_Pulaski_Parade_annual_Polish_Fest.html
Cheektowaga Bee
Friday, July 20 – Sunday, July 22
Cheektowaga’s Polish culture will be on full display this weekend, as the 40th annual Polish American Arts Festival is set to bring crowds to Town Park for Polish food, fun and, of course, polka from bands near and far.
The festival kicks off Friday, July 20, at the park, 2600 Harlem Road, with the first band of the weekend, Cheektowaga’s own Special Delivery, taking the stage at 4:30 p.m. and again at 7:30 p.m. Polish Happy Hour will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. in the beer tent, and Buffalo-based band The Original Krew Brothers s scheduled to perform at 6 and 8:45 p.m.
Additionally, at 6:30 p.m., Anna Maria Anders, the secretary of state of Poland, will cut the ribbon for the Trail of Hope exhibit, highlighting the World War II-era Polish military forces under the command of Gen. Wladyslaw Anders, known as Anders’ Army, which will be open for viewing throughout the festival. Anna Maria Anders is the daughter of the late general.
The music gets underway again at 2 p.m. Saturday with Cheektowaga’s
New Direction Band performing. That’s followed by performances by Grammy nominated Lenny Gomulka and the Chicago Push Orchestra at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. and shows by Maryland band The Boys, at 7 and 9:45 p.m.
Between those performances, there will be a Polish Mass at 4:45 p.m. featuring the Rev. Louis Klein, pastor at Mary Queen of Martyrs Church; Deacon Robert Badaszewski, of the Diocese of Buffalo; and the Villa Maria Chorale.
Sunday’s highlight will be the 80th annual Pulaski Day Parade, which will proceed west on Walden Avenue from the Thruway Plaza, then continue north on Harlem Road to Town Park. The parade is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m., and this year’s grand marshal is Camille Brandon, director of the General Pulaski Association Inc., which sponsors it.
Honorary grand marshals include Anna Maria Anders; Loretta Swit, “M*A*S*H*” star and Emmy Award winner; Rita Cosby, Emmy-winning television host and journalist; Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, president of the American Institute of Polish Culture and honorary consul of the Republic of Poland; Thomas DiNapoli, New York State comptroller; John Mills, Erie County legislator; Bishop Richard Malone of the Buffalo Diocese; Ivana Lowell, philanthropist and co-owner of Lowell International Foods; Maciej Golubiewski, consul general of Poland; Assemblywoman Monica Wallace; orthopaedic surgeon Robert Smolinski; Erie County Legislature Chairman Peter Savage; Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz; Erie County Comptroller Stefan Mychajliw; Cheektowaga Judge Paul Piotrowski; Gregory Fryc, president of Pangea Network USA; Auxiliary Bishop Edward Grosz, Bishop John Mack; and state Sen. Timothy Kennedy.
Also on Sunday will be a 3:30 p.m. performance by disco polo star Junior US, coming from Poland. Other performances on Sunday include Lenny Gomulka and the Chicago Push Orchestra at 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. and The Buffalo Touch at 5 and 8 p.m.
Of course, throughout the festival weekend, guests will be able to eat Polish food from local favorites such as Polish Villa II and Potts Deli & Grille, as well as visit exhibits and vendors such as the Polish Genealogical Society of Western New York and the Polish Heritage Dancers.
The festival is organized and run by the Town of Cheektowaga, General Pulaski Association of WNY, Cheektowaga Chamber of Commerce, Cheektowaga Senior Center Foundation and Cheektowaga Youth Foundation.
For more information about the event, check out the Cheektowaga Polish American Arts Festival on Facebook.
Red, White & Blue in Warren
http://www.timesobserver.com/news/community/2018/07/red-white-blue-in-warren/
JUL 5, 2018 Times Observer
Residents and visitors from California to Alabama lined Pennsylvania Avenue for the 71st annual 4th of July Parade.
As always, the parade featured quite a bit of everything.
Marching units, floats, fancy cars, fire trucks.
Skaters, dancers, twirlers, cheerleaders.
Temperatures in the 90s, heavy rain, thunder in the distance.
Some spectators and participants had their umbrellas out from before the units started rolling and marching from Carver Street. More got them out later as a brief, but heavy, shower cooled things off.
Some folks left during the rain. Others sought shelter from the sun.
But, the overwhelming majority of people stayed from the John Gertsch Memorial Post 77 Color Guard through close to 100 units until the very end.
Following events planned on Saturday and then Tuesday, July 3, the parade preceded an afternoon to evening of events at Betts Park (organized by the Fourth of July Organization), including bands, food vendors, an annual Cutest Baby Contest, games, and ending with fireworks at 10 p.m.
For photos of the parade, see pages B5 and B6.
Independence Day weekend events announced in Cherry Creek
CHERRY CREEK — The Cherry Creek Community Association, Inc., has announced the dates and events planned for the 2018 Independence Day Celebration. Entitled ” In Hometown Tradition,” the celebration will begin Friday, June 29 and conclude Sunday, July 1.
The weekend will begin with village wide yard sales Friday morning, and maps to the locations participating in the sales will be available for purchase at Mendle’s Crossroads Grocery, on Main Street.
Activities available Friday and Saturday in the Ballpark will be: rides by Top Amusements,crafters, food vendors, games, chainsaw carving demonstrations, and a wine and beer tent. Those attending are reminded that no outside alcohol will allowed on the premises.
Registration for the “Classic Car Cruise In” begins at 5 p.m. in the Ballpark on Main Street, with three classes of competition: cars, trucks and motorcycles. Winners will be selected by the votes of the audience. Music during the Cruise In will be provided by crowd favorites, “Freddy and the Jets.” The Cruise In concludes at 8 p.m.
Friday night continues with music in the pavilion by ” Just Plain Lucky,” until 11 p.m.
Saturday’s scheduled activities begin at 11 a.m.,in the tent near the grandstand in the Ballpark, as registration and drop offs will be accepted for the Pie Baking Contest. Participants are reminded that no pies needing refrigeration will be accepted, and disposable pie plates are preferred. Pies will be sold by the slice throughout the day.
Also available throughout the day will be food vendors, crafters, games, a dunk tank and chainsaw carving demonstrations, with the carved items available for sale.
Lineup for the Parade Down Main Street will begin at noon, with the parade stepping off at 1 p.m. Larry Zollinger will once again be the emcee, with the National Anthem sung by Emily Pfleuger.
Following the parade, the Cherry Creek Fire Department and Auxiliary will be hosting their annual chicken BBQ, from 2 p.m., till sold out.
Rides from Top Amusements will be running between the hours of 2-10 p.m.
The live auction will begin at 2pm, with many handcrafted, business- donated gift certificates and items up for bid.
Parade winners, as well as winners of the pie baking Contest will be announced at the conclusion of the auction, at approximately 4 p.m.
Music by Left Of Center will be in the pavilion from 4:40-6:30 p.m.
There will be rides on a mechanical bull between the hours of 5-9 p.m.
National recording artist Ricky Lee and his band will be performing in the pavilion from 7-10 p.m.
The raffle drawings will be held from 8:45-9 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the Cherry Creek Community Association, Inc.
Saturday’s activities conclude with the Fantastic Fireworks Display that begins at 10 p.m.
The weekend celebration will draw to a close with the Community Worship Service in the Ballpark pavilion, and, from 2 p.m. on, with the “Panther Prowl” — an all Pine Valley Central School reunion, also in the Ballpark Pavilion.
WNY Alumni Drum And Bugle Corps, Inc. 