If true ambition is a dream with a V8 engine, then Lansingburgh High School was the Daytona 500 the past two weeks with the 'Lansingburgh Has Talent' competition taking place.
To say the competitors were a driven bunch, would be an understatement to say the least. The students who participated took the contest very seriously. I know from my four decades in the music business that in order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure. There's always bumps in the road, and a few roadblocks along the way. But these students who participated were warriors in my opinion.
The eleven contestants who began the contest, were whittled down to the final four who competed this past Friday. Each of the finalist performed two songs each with an undeniable passion to succeed. Their hard work and desire was evident in each of their performances. The judges had an extremely hard time picking the winner, and the final voting tally was extremely close.
*Third Runner Up: DJ Lennon
*Second Runner Up: Vinny Gregnano & Britney Johnson
*First Runner Up: Joe & Arden Yonkers
Winner: Jenna Rowe. Jenna will be performing at Troy's, June 19 River St. Festival.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
The Sky is Falling -- No It's Not:
Last Wednesday I received phone calls from some very upset residents of the 'Burgh. It seems Councilman Kevin McGrath announced to the crowd at the North Lansingburgh Neighborhood Group monthly meeting, that Community Policing would be a dead duck if acting police chief John Tedesco was appointed to the position full time. Nothing my friends could be further from the truth.
Having worked with John, when he was in charge of the community police, I knew his dedication and belief in the unit, would not let this happen. He will be in fact, appointed to the position any day now. I took the opportunity a few days ago to get together with the new chief to see what was up.
John told me point blank that this particular rumor was nothing but that -- a rumor. Community policing is as strong as ever, and will continue to grow and flourish under the new chief. Just go to any neighborhood meeting, and you'll find a community police officer there, helping eliminate any problem that may be brought up by concerned residents
As a community activist, I worked very closely with him and that department more than a decade ago. With his help and guidance, my Better 'Burgh Club was honored with the NY State Attorney Generals Award of Excellence in 2003. No one was a stronger advocate than John regarding the policing unit. He assured me, that it will continue to be an active force within our neighborhoods. Knowing John since we both attended St. Mary's school in the 60's, and based on my working very closely with him over the years on a multitude of issues,,I have no reason not to believe him.
So if someone tells you that Community Policing under the new chief is done, please just refer them to this Blog. The sky is not falling.
Having worked with John, when he was in charge of the community police, I knew his dedication and belief in the unit, would not let this happen. He will be in fact, appointed to the position any day now. I took the opportunity a few days ago to get together with the new chief to see what was up.
John told me point blank that this particular rumor was nothing but that -- a rumor. Community policing is as strong as ever, and will continue to grow and flourish under the new chief. Just go to any neighborhood meeting, and you'll find a community police officer there, helping eliminate any problem that may be brought up by concerned residents
As a community activist, I worked very closely with him and that department more than a decade ago. With his help and guidance, my Better 'Burgh Club was honored with the NY State Attorney Generals Award of Excellence in 2003. No one was a stronger advocate than John regarding the policing unit. He assured me, that it will continue to be an active force within our neighborhoods. Knowing John since we both attended St. Mary's school in the 60's, and based on my working very closely with him over the years on a multitude of issues,,I have no reason not to believe him.
So if someone tells you that Community Policing under the new chief is done, please just refer them to this Blog. The sky is not falling.
Lansingburgh Has Talent-Round 1:
The first round has been completed in the Lansingburgh Has Talent competition. Four finalist were selected by the panel of judges, to compete in the finals, being held this coming Friday, April 23, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
All the students competing were very talented, and all put on wonderful performances. The judges, Ralph Renna of Capital Underground radio, and television, Mike the Enforcer of Albany Broadcasting, and J Will, of the J Will Jamboree on JAMZ radio, were very blunt and direct of each contestants performance. It was a shame that there were only four finalist, as each and every student, gave their all.
Making it to the final round was, DJ Lennon, Jenna Rowe, Vincent Gregnano & Britney Johnson, and Joe & Arden Yonkers. All showed talent, plus unique showmanship, not readily seen in entertainers of this age. Each of the youths will be performing two songs each this week for the finals.
Join us this Friday for the grand finale. You will not be disappointed!
All the students competing were very talented, and all put on wonderful performances. The judges, Ralph Renna of Capital Underground radio, and television, Mike the Enforcer of Albany Broadcasting, and J Will, of the J Will Jamboree on JAMZ radio, were very blunt and direct of each contestants performance. It was a shame that there were only four finalist, as each and every student, gave their all.
Making it to the final round was, DJ Lennon, Jenna Rowe, Vincent Gregnano & Britney Johnson, and Joe & Arden Yonkers. All showed talent, plus unique showmanship, not readily seen in entertainers of this age. Each of the youths will be performing two songs each this week for the finals.
Join us this Friday for the grand finale. You will not be disappointed!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Talent Contest Comes to the 'Burgh:
If you're looking for something to do tonight, join us at Lansingburgh High School for the first edition of, 'Lansingburgh Has Talent'. The event will showcase some of the hidden musical talent that sometimes goes unnoticed for a variety of reasons. Parents are always complaining that there is not enough constructive activities for their kids. This will provide a constructive, and positive activity that any parent would be proud to have their child compete in.
Jim Gordon of the North Lansingburgh Neighborhood Watch and I have worked with the Lansingburgh School District over the past 2 months to put this event together. We're hoping for a large turnout for tonight's competition.
Local radio and television personalities, Ralph Renna, Mike the Enforcer, and J Will Jamboree will serve as celebrity judges. The second round of the event will take place on Friday, April 23, at 6 p.m. The winner, will be given a chance to perform at Troy's, River St. Arts Festival on June 19.
The competition begins at 6 p.m. tonight, and admission is free. Join us tonight and let's see how much talent Lansingburgh High School has!
Jim Gordon of the North Lansingburgh Neighborhood Watch and I have worked with the Lansingburgh School District over the past 2 months to put this event together. We're hoping for a large turnout for tonight's competition.
Local radio and television personalities, Ralph Renna, Mike the Enforcer, and J Will Jamboree will serve as celebrity judges. The second round of the event will take place on Friday, April 23, at 6 p.m. The winner, will be given a chance to perform at Troy's, River St. Arts Festival on June 19.
The competition begins at 6 p.m. tonight, and admission is free. Join us tonight and let's see how much talent Lansingburgh High School has!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Hail To The Chief:
Chief Nick Kaiser retired from the Troy PD last month after 35 years on the force. He was a good cop, smart detective, and a fine leader of our police force. Nick attended Better 'Burgh Club meetings, and listened to people's concerns and fears. He paid attention, and did what he could to make things better. His compassion for people was admirable, and dedication to the community where he lived, was greatly appreciated by all.
The chief enjoyed riding his Harley, and was a fine musician who once opened a show at SPAC. I always enjoyed speaking with him about any topic, although we would always wind up talking music, or problems around the 'Burgh. We had our differences over issues throughout his years as chief, but I like to think there was always a mutual respect between us. I sincerely wish him well in his upcoming, sun baked golden years. Hail Kaiser!
Mayor Tutunjian has got a very big decision to make in the near future picking Chief Kaiser's replacement. All three candidates, John Tedesco, Tony Magnetto, and Buddy McAvoy, who placed the highest scores on the most recent Civil Service test for the position, are all long time Troy police officers with exemplary records. All are fine men, and strong leaders.
Assistant Chief Tedesco is currently heading up the force, and I wish him the best of luck with his new position. He was the guru of many community groups when he headed up Troy's Community Policing unit a decade ago, and was always very accessible to our groups. He did a great deal to help many of our neighborhood associations prosper, flourish, and always rectified any problem our groups encountered. Good luck to the acting chief!
The mayor can't make a bad decision from this group of candidates. From any community activist, or citizen standpoint, that can only mean good things for our future.
The chief enjoyed riding his Harley, and was a fine musician who once opened a show at SPAC. I always enjoyed speaking with him about any topic, although we would always wind up talking music, or problems around the 'Burgh. We had our differences over issues throughout his years as chief, but I like to think there was always a mutual respect between us. I sincerely wish him well in his upcoming, sun baked golden years. Hail Kaiser!
Mayor Tutunjian has got a very big decision to make in the near future picking Chief Kaiser's replacement. All three candidates, John Tedesco, Tony Magnetto, and Buddy McAvoy, who placed the highest scores on the most recent Civil Service test for the position, are all long time Troy police officers with exemplary records. All are fine men, and strong leaders.
Assistant Chief Tedesco is currently heading up the force, and I wish him the best of luck with his new position. He was the guru of many community groups when he headed up Troy's Community Policing unit a decade ago, and was always very accessible to our groups. He did a great deal to help many of our neighborhood associations prosper, flourish, and always rectified any problem our groups encountered. Good luck to the acting chief!
The mayor can't make a bad decision from this group of candidates. From any community activist, or citizen standpoint, that can only mean good things for our future.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Easter Bunny Spotted Hopping To Lansingburgh:
The Easter Bunny has been spotted by many drivers on the Northway according to reports which have been coming in all morning. According to his press agent, Mr. Easter Bunny will be arriving at Powers Park on Saturday, April 3. His ETA is 12 p.m.
The iconic Mr. Bunny has long been a favorite of children worldwide, and will be making his only scheduled appearance in the Capital District with his stop in Lansingburgh.
The annual Egg Hunt at Powers Park is now in it's 5th year, and has become a much anticipated event for the children within the community. More than 2,500 plastic Easter eggs will be hidden in and around Powers Park this year. Organizers of the event have promised that every child will leave with candy. Gift certificates from both Stewart's Shops & Snowman will also be hidden around the park. Children ages, 1-12 are invited to attend.
Powers Park is located on Second Ave at 110th St. Google map at 420 Second Ave for directions. The annual event begins at 12 p.m. tomorrow.
The iconic Mr. Bunny has long been a favorite of children worldwide, and will be making his only scheduled appearance in the Capital District with his stop in Lansingburgh.
The annual Egg Hunt at Powers Park is now in it's 5th year, and has become a much anticipated event for the children within the community. More than 2,500 plastic Easter eggs will be hidden in and around Powers Park this year. Organizers of the event have promised that every child will leave with candy. Gift certificates from both Stewart's Shops & Snowman will also be hidden around the park. Children ages, 1-12 are invited to attend.
Powers Park is located on Second Ave at 110th St. Google map at 420 Second Ave for directions. The annual event begins at 12 p.m. tomorrow.
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