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The Lucky Spot (by Beth Henley)
The Lucky Spot (by Beth Henley) is presented by L.A. Theatre Works. This standalone audiobook app combines a professional audio recording with supplemental features for download-once, grab-and-go anywhere enjoyment.
It's Christmas Eve, 1938, and 15-year-old Cassidy Smith is very pregnant with the child of 40ish Reed Hooker. Cassidy is desperate to marry Reed, Reed is desperate to open Louisiana's hottest new taxi-dancing emporium and neither are prepared for the arrival of Reed's wife, Sue Jack Hooker, a dangerous beauty who has just been let out of the penitentiary. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Beth Henley spins one of her most colorful tales, as she follows a hilarious band of ne'er-do-wells trying to scratch dreams from the Louisiana mud.
An L.A. Theatre Works full-cast performance featuring Jack Black, Brandon Maggart, Jim McLure, Laurel Moglen, Elizabeth Ruscio, Jean Smart and Kurtwood Smith.
DURATION: About a 1.75 hour performance.
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Stanford Medicine News Center
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Stanford Medicine Magazine
Stanford Medicine News 2020 04 Faculty elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences Story
Four medical school professors elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Stanford Medicine professors Michele Barry, Howard Chang, Thomas Clandinin and Thomas Rando were among the 15 Stanford faculty members elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Four professors at the School of Medicine are among the 276 scientists, scholars, artists and leaders elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2020.
The academy, one of the country's most prestigious honorary societies, is a center for independent policy research. Members contribute to academy-led studies in a variety of fields, including science policy, global security, social policy and education.
Fifteen Stanford faculty members were elected this year. The four from the School of Medicine are as follows:
Michele Barry
Michele Barry, MD, the Drs. Ben & A. Jess Shenson Professor, is the senior associate dean for global health and director of the Center for Innovation in Global Health in the Stanford School of Medicine. She is also a professor of medicine, a senior fellow at the Woods Institute and at the Freeman Spogli Institute (FSI). As the co-founder and co-director of the Yale/Stanford Johnson and Johnson Global Health Scholar Award, she has sent over 1,000 physicians overseas to underserved areas to help strengthen health infrastructure in low-resource settings.
Howard Chang
Howard Chang, MD, PhD, the Virginia and D.K. Ludwig Professor of Cancer Genomics and of Genetics, is a professor of dermatology and of genetics. He is also a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator. Chang's research focuses on the role of epigenomics in the control of large groups of genes involved in cell cycle control, and on the study of long noncoding RNAs in biological development, cancer and aging. He is a member of Stanford Bio-X, the Stanford Maternal and Child Health Research Institute, the Stanford Cancer Institute and the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute at Stanford.
Thomas Clandinin
Thomas Clandinin, PhD, the Shooter Family Professor, is a professor and chair of neurobiology. Clandinin's research focuses on three central questions in neurobiology, including how neuronal circuits assemble during development, how the functions of these circuits are maintained during adult life and how these circuits mediate the complex computations essential to animal behavior. He is a member of Stanford Bio-X, the Stanford Maternal and Child Health Research Institute, the Stanford Cancer Institute and the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute at Stanford.
Thomas Rando
Thomas Rando, MD, PhD, professor of neurology and neurological sciences, is the director of the Glenn Center for the Biology of Aging at Stanford and of the Rehabilitation Research and Development Center of Excellence at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System. His research focuses on understanding the biological signals that activate stem cells in response to injury or other environmental cues, particularly in the context of aging. He is also the deputy director of the Stanford Center on Longevity and is a member of Stanford Bio-X, the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute and the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute at Stanford.
About Stanford Medicine
Stanford Medicine is an integrated academic health system comprising the Stanford School of Medicine and adult and pediatric health care delivery systems. Together, they harness the full potential of biomedicine through collaborative research, education and clinical care for patients. For more information, please visit http://mednews.stanford.edu.
2023 ISSUE 1
Real-world health
How social factors make or break us
Stanford Health Care Newsroom
Stanford Children's Health Newsroom

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Families face endles…
Families face endless poverty as cost of living outstrips earnings
Category: Child poverty
Rises in the cost of living will outstrip meagre increases in child benefit by 17 times by 2020, a new report by the End Child Poverty coalition has warned.
The End Child Poverty coalition's Feeling the Pinch report shows reductions in the value of benefits, relative to costs of living, are likely to leave a family with two children living in poverty and leave them worse off by as much as £2,800 per year by 2020, compared to the start of the decade.
In addition, a family in a typical privately rented two-bedroom property could also have a rent shortfall of around £154 a month by 2020, after a four-year freeze on housing benefit.
This comes as families in poverty are having to pay a premium for the essentials, despite being least able to afford them. Household items like a cooker, energy and home insurance are likely to cost a family living in poverty nearly £1,700 more than a higher income family would have to pay.
The coalition is warning that the disconnect between increases in financial support and those in the costs of living, together with the poverty premium, is leaving many families struggling to buy food for their children, or heat their home through the winter.
The campaign is calling on the government to unfreeze children's benefits, and to take action to end the poverty premium.
One parent told the coalition: "Most months I have to decide what is more important: clothes for me or my child, or heating."
End Child Poverty is calling on the UK government to take action by ending the current four-year freeze on children's benefits, and by increasing help with housing costs in line with local rents.
The coalition is also calling on the government to establish a commission to explore how businesses can ensure that their customers on a low income do not end up paying the highest prices for goods and services.
Hanna McCulloch, speaking on behalf of CPAG in Scotland which is a member of the End Child Poverty coalition in Scotland, said: "Children and families in Scotland and across the UK are facing unparalleled financial challenges, with the cost of living set to sky-rocket while the real value of benefits falls.
"The UK government must act now to end the benefit freeze and make sure benefits for families - both in and out of work - reflect the realities of raising a child in the 21st century.
"The Scottish Government can also do more to help reduce the costs families face and at the same time use all its new social security powers to make sure financial support for families keeps up with the cost of living."
Sam Royston, chair of the End Child Poverty coalition, said that families living in poverty are trapped between frozen support, rising costs of living, and a hefty poverty premium which means that they pay the most for basic essentials.
She added: "End Child Poverty members know all too well the impact this poverty trap has on children's lives. Too often, families are facing impossible choices between feeding their children and heating their home.
"The government needs to take action now, to lift the four-year freeze on children's benefits, and to ensure that the highest prices for family essentials aren't paid by those who can least afford them."
Read the full press release by the End Child Poverty Coalition here.
Together is an alliance of Scottish children's charities that improves the awareness, understanding and implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. We do this by: promoting the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child; helping children's organisations to integrate the Convention into their work; monitoring and reporting on the progress made at a Scottish, UK and UN level.
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Fried onion rings are the perfect accompaniment to burgers, barbecue, and other casual fare. But who wants the mess and smell of deep-frying? We wanted an oven method that produced tender, sweet onions with a super-crunchy coating.
We made a batter with buttermilk, egg, and flour, but when we put the baking sheet in the oven the batter slid right off the onions. Coating the onion rings with flour first gave the batter something to cling to. But we wanted even more crunch. For an extra layer of coating, we turned to crushed saltines and crushed potato chips. We preheated the oil in the baking sheet before adding the coated onions so they'd start crisping right away. The result: crispy, crunchy oven-fried onion rings with deep-fried flavor.


Conor McGregor is apologizing for storming the cage and getting violent with MMA officials during Bellator 187 in Dublin last week ... but he's still trashing the referee.
"I sincerely apologize for my behavior at last weekends fight event in Dublin," McGregor said ... adding he let his emotions get the best of him after watching his training partner Charlie Ward win the fight.
"As a multiple weight UFC champion, executive producer, role model and public figure, I must hold myself to a higher standard."
But Conor refuses to back off his criticism of referee Marc Goddard -- saying the ref made a "horrendous decision" trying to allow the losing fighter to continue into the second round.
McGregor says he's personally witnessed an MMA fighter die from injuries suffered in the cage during a fight in Dublin -- and he was afraid it could happen again.
FYI, the fatal incident McGregor is referring to occurred in 2016 -- and the man who died happened to be fighting Charlie Ward.
Conor says he has learned from his "mistakes" and vows to be better moving forward.
I sincerely apologize for my behavior at last weekends fight event in Dublin. While trying to support a loyal teammate and friend, I let my emotions get the best of me and acted out of line. As a multiple weight UFC champion, executive producer, role model and public figure, I must hold myself to a higher standard. The referee Marc Gonard was making a horrendous decision in trying to pick an unconscious fighter up off the floor and force the fight to continue into the second round. Even against the wishes of the said fighters coach. The fight was over. After witnessing my fighter in a fight where the worst happened and the opponent passed away from his injuries on the night, I thought the worst was about to happen again, and I lost it and over reacted. I am sorry to everyone. I sincerely apologize to the Director of the Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation, Mike Mazzulli, all the officials and staff working the event, Andy Ryan and his fighter John, two stonch ones that put up a great fight every time. That side will always have my respect, and lastly every one of my fans. I love yous all! I've always learned from my mistakes and this will be no different.
Georges St-Pierre on Conor McGregor Fight: Don't Rule It Out!


1. 23. Misbranding of tooth paste. U. S. v. 185 Packages of Sears Tooth Paste and 78 Packages of Walter's Tooth Paste. Default decrees of condemnation and destruction.
2. 38. Misbranding of dental cream. U. S. v. 30 Dozen Packages of Dental Cream. Default decree of condemnation and destruction.
3. 47. Misbranding of hair remover. U. S. v. 488 Packages of Weet Cream Hair Hemover. Default decree of condemnation and destruction.
4. 90. Misbranding of S-T-D "The" Hair Tonic. U. S. v. 4 Bottles, 21 Bottles, and 1 Bottle of S-T-D "The" Hair Tonic. Default decree of condemnation and destruction.
5. 101. Adulteration of lemon color. U. S. v. 15 Pounds of O. S. Lemon #401. Default decree of condemnation and destruction.
6. 106. Misbrandingof Eff-Remim Dentifrice. U. S. v. 34 Packages and 11 Packages of Eff-Remin Dentifrice. Default deeree of condemnation and destruction.
7. 120. Adulteration and misbranding of texture cream. U. S. v. Emarco Co., Inc. and Clifford F. Green. Plea of guilty on behalf of corporation; fine, $100. Plea of nolo contendere by individual; fine, $10.
8. 127. Misbranding of Eau de Quinine Compound Hair Lotion. U. S. v. 86 Bottles of Eau de Quinine Compound Hair Lotion. Default decree of condemnation and destruction.
9. 136. Adulteration of Oliv-Tone. U. S. v. Great Atlantic Laboratories, Inc. and Philip Slabine. Plea of guilty by the corporation; fine, $100. Plea of nolo contendere by individual defendant; fine, $50.
10. 146. Misbranding of Lucille Laner's Pressing Oil and Lucille Laner's Tar Treatment. U. S. v. 247 Tins of Lucille Laner's Pressing Oil and Lucille Laner's Tar Treatment. Default decree of condemnation and destruction.


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Chapter 70.2 – Reader: People who do not court disaster will not die
When it was all over, Du Ze had lost count of how many undead there were. In addition to the skeletons, there were a small number of walking corpses. There was even a ghost. The skeleton mage went to Xiu and rattled out: [Lord High Commander, please lead us to the Chaos Continent.]
Du Ze noticed that the skeleton mage's form of address had changed. Was it because the army of the undead was now over 1,000 so Lord Commander became Lord High Commander, like an escalation? If the demon god arena was fighting game, the undead trial was a strategy game. In the demon god arena, the numbers indicated how far away they were from the end. Here, rank was probably the Tower of God's requirement for clearing this level. If they want to pass this trial, they must expand the undead army and strive to raise the leader's rank.
How to quickly increase the number of undead? The Tower of God demonstrated that it was through killing more people and turning them into undead.
They found some information in town. One of the maps showed where they were: at the border of the Star Empire and the Light Empire. Xiu stared pensively at the map after confirming that they were following the footsteps of the Undead Scourge. In the past, the Lich Louis began his invasion at the Star Empire because its towns and cities were far from each other, making communication between them difficult. Thus, it was a long time until the rest of the Chaos Continent discovered Louis' ambition.
Now that the undead army has appeared, invading the Star Empire would not be the most efficient way since its sparse population and the distance between the populated areas will slow the undead's growth rate. Xiu's gaze fell on the center of the map where the Light Empire was located. Compared to the Star Empire, the Light Empire is more powerful, has a larger population, and transportation and communication are easier. However, it does have the Temple of Light which is the enemy of the undead.
But everything is relative; in Xiu's view the large number of people means a lot of undead materials and the ease of transportation means that they do not need to spend a lot of time on the road. In addition, if the deceased is strong, they will add more strength to the undead army. As for the Temple of Light, Xiu smiled as he thought of it. Naturally, that was his old enemy.
Xiu stretched out his hand and his black nails seemed to cut through the Light Empire on the map: "This is where we will go."
After deciding on their goal, Xiu no longer hesitated to start preparing for an attack on the Light Empire. He arranged the undead into a simple formation then ordered them to attack the surrounding villages and towns. Xiu did not let Muir and Old John fight, only the undead attacked.Three days later, the number of undead has soared to 4,000. Most of them were skeletons, walking corpses, and a few ghouls from the cemetery. The ghouls' attacks are not that strong, but their claws can damage the victim's nervous system and are well suited for scouting.
According to the ghouls' reports, Xiu's actions have alarmed the Light Empire and they have began to assemble troops in Glory City. After hearing the news, Xiu seemed satisfied. Du Ze thought his smile looked as though Xiu was imagining the ruin of Glory City as it was farmed by the undead.
When Glory City had gathered enough soldiers, Xiu recalled all the undead and leisurely marched the army towards the city. Along the way, the undead army was attacked by forces from Glory City and the Temple of Light. There were around 2000 soldiers; most of them were well-equipped cavalry. The first time the cavalry charged, 1,000 of the undead army's vanguard were eliminated.
To survive that powerful first charge, the undead forces at the rear of the army began their counterattack. The phantoms floating in the air screamed shrilly; the skeleton archers shot their arrows; the walking corpses in front protected the others like meat shields, and the ghouls wandered around the battlefield, seeking an opportunity to sneak attack the enemy.
The priests of the Temple of Light blessed the weapons of the human soldiers with holy light. If the undead are cut down by the blessed weapons, they cannot rise again.
The wind blew over Du Ze's ears and though he could not see, Du Ze could not help but look back at the battlefield. Du Ze, Xiu, and the others stood under the walls of Glory City with the skeleton mage. Some silly, cute person stared at the towering walls and can't help but think – the enemy doesn't know it, but the most terrible thing is not the army of 4,000 undead, but the Moe Lord's group.
After hearing the order, Muir transformed into his dragon form. The City Guards were shocked when a Black Dragon appeared at the wall. The guards panicked and attacked Muir but their weapons had no effect on Muir's hard dragon scales. The black dragon used his tail to swipe at the guards. They fell from the wall and died the instant they hit the ground. The skeleton mage rattled out a spell and the dead guards rose up again to join the siege.
Seeing that the guards could not stop the black dragon, the enemy sent a magician to the battle . A fireball hit Muir but did no damage. The black dragon extended his neck and bit the magician, killing him. Muir spit out the mage's corpse which was quickly transformed into one of the undead. The new skeleton mage was dazed for a moment then began to recite undead spells along with the old skeleton mage.
Yi Ye Zhi Qiu once wrote that the demons are the strongest individually, the undead has the strongest army, while the dragons are the strongest at besieging a city.
No one could stop Muir from destroying the walls. The people's eyes were despairing as they saw the walls come tumbling down. Glory City was now open and undefended in front of Xiu. The result is obvious: without its army and the forces from the Temple of Light, the city was like a fruit whose skin has been peeled off, waiting for Xiu to devour it.
When Glory City's army came back after they defeated all 4,000 of the undead army, they found a whole city of the undead waiting for them. Soldiers stared at their destroyed homes. When the undead came at them the soldiers were prepared to fight back, but when they saw the undead's familiar clothes and ornaments, many collapsed.
Those are their elders, lovers, and children; how can they kill them again, even if they have become undead?
Compared to the soldiers' hesitation, the undead did not waver and immediately attacked. With their instinctive desire to create more undead, they nibbled at the army little by little. A skeleton held its former lover and when the lover burst into tears, the skeleton broke his neck.
Du Ze could not bear to look at them and shifted his line of sight to look at Xiu. The demon was gazing silently at all of this and, noticing Du Ze's gaze, tilted his head to look up at the sky. The sun shone down and Xiu's silhouette was half in the light, half in darkness
"The more I do now, the more I understand their fear and hatred of the undead. Isn't it ironic?"
Because of his relationship to Louis, Xiu was hunted by humans all over the Chaos Continent. And now the Tower of God created a simulation of Louis' Undead Scourge and made him witness all of this. It's ironic but Du Ze didn't know its purpose, he only felt "the rules'" cruelty.
As the two stood there silently, the undead had almost finished eating up the army. Except for the people from the Temple of Light, the soldiers of the army became undead. Many of them were death knights and a few were black knights, a very high level type of undead. All of the undead gathered under the destroyed walls of the city. The skeleton mage stood in front of them. Looking up at Xiu, it said:
[Lord Colonel, please lead us to the Chaos Continent.]
If they want to go up in rank they must destroy more cities and create more undead.
Du Ze looked down at the sea of the undead under the wall.
This is a copy of the Undead Scourge. According to Yi Ye Zhi Qiu, Liches received deathlessness, gave away their kindness.
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Right, I forgot the Protagonist is a cheat… Obviously he doesn't need anything but brute strength *cry* *laugh*
Nadywing says:
Mmmm I like this like someone said before it is like some kind of therapy for Xiu…now he is having his revenge but at the same time taking back some of his former empathy…he would never be as kind as before…but certainly he will understand the cruelty that made him suffer so much…the bad part of this is that Temple of Light took advantage of this…ahh well…let´s see…
Thank you for the translation
Thank you very much for the update!
Meiyap says:
Ah this arc makes me glad that Xiu met Du Ze instead of that black cat. Whenever he goes through a trial he has someone to talk to, someone beside him who can actually understand and sympathize with him. An actual loyal person who would stand by his side no matter what. The reader and protagonist truly has to be in love. Any less and it would never work out.
What you say is so true my fellow comrade😇
library rocker says:
Actually, I feel like this is therapy for Xiu. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR BEING AWESOME! ! !
Lurker says:
I wonder if this will be like one of those games, where you'll build an army and the army betrays you and you have to fight the army you built. So essentially the bigger the army you make or the more you "farm", the greater your problem later, since you'll have to fight them.
If so, that'd be pretty crappy for our Reader and Protag
That's assuming that the trial is about strength …
And not about having a psychological state worthy of a god…
Ahhhhh….Angel, I wanna see angel form….arrogant angel!!! But very interesting chapter!
phirruel says:
It's nice how this shows the depths of Xiu's trials and emotions aside from his Mod/Yandere interactions with Du Ze …
Kleepart says:
This really is quite sad 😢. But not real. Go Xiu!
kyaakuma says:
Just raising through the ranks to pass this part of the tower seems too..easy? In the end didn't Louis's army get defeated by Gnome so will they have to fightthe Gnomes? Either that or I still suspect they might fight Louis.. maybe?
Thanks for the chapter!!
So Xiu will show a certain side of him in each of these trials, hmm.


For the first time, two youngsters will join a multinational team at A44A during the upcoming CQ World Wide SSB contest. The idea behind this is to find new stations and hosts for future YCP (youth contest program) events and general YOTA purposes, like participating in events such as December month and Summer camps. The station is located in Muscat, Oman, and is the headquarter station of the Royal Omani Amateur Radio Society (ROARS) and is commonly known as A47RS. We would like to extend a huge thanks to the team in Oman and everyone else to make this project happen and we hope to see you down the log during the activity.


PLANS for 10 flats in Henley have been rejected.
Millgate Homes, of Twyford, wanted to build a single block at Parkside on a 2.5-acre site south of Gravel Hill.
All the flats would have had two bedrooms and been built across three floors with a basement for parking.
But South Oxfordshire District Council, the planning authority, refused planning permission, saying the site was not allocated for development under the joint Henley and Harpsden neighbourhood plan.
The scheme would also mean the loss of woodland protected by a tree preservation order.
The decision notice said: "The application does not demonstrate that there is an overriding public justification for the extension of built development into the countryside.
"The scale, bulk and massing of the proposed building would be at odds with the built form within the locality.
"This would be exacerbated by the extensive tree removal and landscaping works.
The council also said that in the absence of a section 106 agreement, whereby a contribution is paid by a developer when it builds housing, the proposal failed to provide affordable housing to help meet the needs of the district, secure off-site biodiversity offsetting measures or make financial contributions towards waste and recycling provision.
When landowners were invited to put land forward for the neighbourhood plan, Millgate suggested building 15 homes off Parkside.
When the draft document went out to a consultation, 70 per cent of respondents supported development there but the site was ruled out because of the impact on the surrounding trees.
The district council said the land was on the edge of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty so should be removed from the plan unless Millgate could offset the impact.
The company said that it had done this by shrinking the proposed development and moving most of the parking underground, reducing the number of trees that would need to be felled.
It also said the flats would help make up for the loss of other housing sites in the plan which were set to become care housing.
Meanwhile, Henley Glass has lost its fight over a first- floor extension to provide additional office space at its premises in Greys Road.
The company lodged an appeal after the district council's planning committee refused to grant planning permission in October.
The committee said the extension with a dormer window would fail to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the Henley conservation area and would have an overbearing and oppressive effect on, and cause overshadowing to, neighbouring properties.
Planning inspector Nick Fagan upheld the decision.
He said: "I conclude that the width of the proposed extension and its design, which would breach the existing eaves of the building, would fail to respect the scale and character of the existing Victorian terrace, this character being an important element of the conservation area.
"The proposed development would therefore fail to preserve the character and appearance of the Henley conservation area.
"I appreciate that the business requires additional office space and that the physical constraints of the existing building require the extension's roof to breach its eaves line.
Mr Fagan said the extension would have a "significant" effect on the daylight entering the nearest first-floor window and, to a lesser extent, the other first-floor window and ground floor French windows next door.
The extension would be "generally overbearing and oppressive" to the occupiers, he added.


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Rose Valley Chorus & Orchestra
CAST LIST FOR The Pirates of Penzance
Synopsis Production History
Pirate King - R. Joseph Murphy
Samuel - Stuart Gross
Frederic - Sean O'Donnell
Ruth - Jennifer Cole
Mabel - Jennifer Graf
Edith - Regina McCarty
Kate - Linda Marie Bell
Isabel - Helene Furlong
Major General - Edwin Nealley
Sergeant of Police - Mike Dutka
Bruce Conley
Bill Michael
Dave Zaffarano
Pirates/Policemen
Bruce Bogdanoff
Thomas Dodds
Bill Hendrix
Jack McEwen
Joel E. Realberg
Kevin Strauss
Helen Beldecos
Sheila Bell
Arnza Chamberlain
Lisa Cleek
Dottie Hespenheide
Diane Runkel
Sally Sapega
Rande Saxe
Erin Traverso
Cathy Wakefield
Julie Zaffarano
MUSIC DIRECTOR/CONDUCTOR
Carol Freed
Mark Frankel - Concertmaster, Darrin McBride, Margaret Wyppich, Maureen Sautter, Carol Sandler, Robert Manley, Elliott Moore, Shirley Clarke
Joanne Damasco, Crystal McFarland, Suzanne Stevens, Ruth Miller Cox, Jennifer Cox, John Littleton
William Dorwart, Marilyn MacRae, Susan Altschuler
Faye Kahmer, George Kahmer, Ann Boohar
Ellen Rosenblatt, Deborah Meltz, Karri Giamporcaro, Roberta Goren
Linda McAlpin, Michael Holtz
Tony Wastler, Eugene Bentley, Merv Richards
Allen Tollen, Susan Haidar, Martha Michael
Al Blatter, Jacqualine Conway, Ellen Kane
Don Matheson
Lynda Chen
Paul M. Sherin
Sharon Kope - Pianist
Joyce Malin - Producer
Ken Clark - Set Construction Chair
Dottie Hespenheide - Set Painting Chair
Valerie Hoffman - Community Outreach
Joyce Malin - Properties
Janice Manley - Costumes
Sonja Allen - Stage Manager
M. JANE SMYTH - Master Painter/Graphics
Judy Zon - Makeup
Sonja Allen (Stage Manager) has been with RVCO since 1981. She has worked backstage for several shows as husband Bob's right hand stagehand. She feels it is time for a "role reversal" and will have him as her right hand for this show. Sonja has appeared on-stage in many roles. Her RVCO roles include Dolly Levi (Hello, Dolly!), Adelaide and Gen. Cartwright (Guys and Dolls) and Mrs. Paroo (The Music Man). Roles with other local groups include the title role in Mame, Mother Superior (Nunsense), Claire and Truvy (Steel Magnolias), and Side by Side by Sondheim. She has appeared in commercials and had a role in America's Most Wanted. Her most enjoyable RVCO activity is working "in the sewing hole" on costumes with the "pick a little, sew a little ladies." Back to top
Helen J. Beldecos (Chorus) joined RVCO in 1985 and has performed regularly ever since. Her roles include Lady Battersby in Me and My Girl, Shaindel in Fiddler on the Roof, Mae in The Pajama Game, Mrs. Rose in Hello, Dolly!, Fatima in The Desert Song, and Maud Dunlop in The Music Man. Behind the scenes, Helen has been in charge of tickets and treasurer. "RVC is a wonderful group of talented performers; it is a pleasure to be associated with them." Back to top
Linda Marie Bell (Kate), a chemist by profession, is thrilled to be cast as Kate Stanley with RVCO. Linda sings sacred music with The Choristers of Upper Dublin and began her adult life onstage with North Light Players as Marian Paroo in The Music Man. A soprano with Savoy Company, she has performed in Gilbert and Sullivan's: Pirates of Penzance, Utopia Limited, Iolanthe, Princess Ida, Mikado, Sorcerer, Gondoliers, and Yeomen of the Guard. With Old Academy Players, she sang in the musical variety shows: Broadway Memories and Broadway Memories-Revisited. Linda has been cast again as a Bridesmaid in the upcoming production of Trial By Jury for The Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Chester County. Linda is pleased to appear in this RVCO production with pirates and policemen, Kevin and Joel! Back to top
Shelia Bell (Chorus) "I've enjoyed singing in the chorus for the G&S productions since Iolanthe in 1987 but I'm especially pleased to have Tom join me again on stage for this show!" Back to top
Bruce Bogdanoff (Chorus) made his stage debut with RVCO in Me & My Girl as the Pearly King and other ensemble roles. A neurologist, he joined RVCO in 1989 as pianist for Mikado. With Ohev Shalom Players, he played keyboard for Pippin and was Bobby in Company, Senex in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, General Bullmoose in Li'l Abner, and Albert Peterson in Bye Bye Birdie. He performs with various chamber music groups and the RVCO Chamber Trio. Back to top
Arnza Chamberlain (Chorus) returns to RVCO for her second show. No stranger to musical entertainment, she took to music at an early age. Raised in North-Philadelphia, she started on the viola at six and played in an elementary school string quartet and the Phila. Children's Orchestra at seven. Throughout high school and college, she sang in the choir and played in the orchestra-including the Philadelphia All-City Orchestra. She is the manager and artist developer of her four daughters' singing group "Min-US-ONE." Back to top
Ken Clark (Set Construction Chair) was first listed under Costumes for Kiss Me, Kate in 1998. After lugging costumes, installing grommets, and posing occasionally as a "Male Model", he explored other avenues and proceeded through Stage Crew to Set Construction Crew to Set Construction Chair which he did for Patience, Carousel, HMS Pinafore/Cox & Box, and The Red Mill. He has also done bit parts on stage: a Policeman in Hello, Dolly!, a Suspicious Character in Guys and Dolls, and a Clergman in The Red Mill. Back to top
Lisa Cleek CLEEK (Chorus) is happy to be making her first appearance at RVCO this season, but is very familiar to the stage and with G&S in particular, having been active with The Savoy Company and Thespis, Etc. both onstage and backstage. Pirates of Penzance is one of her favorite shows and she hopes everyone will enjoy watching it as much as she enjoyed being a part of it. Lisa would like to thank her friends and family for coming out to support her in her theatrical endeavors. Back to top
Jennifer Cole (Ruth) appeared as Lady Jane in Patience. Jennifer plays violin with the Bryn Athyn Orchestra and also teaches private violin and voice students, and is a soloist at the Bryn Athyn Cathedral. She sang with the Cincinnati May Festival Chorus from 1983 to 1987, with the San Diego Master Chorale from 1993 to 1999 as a soloist, including Chichester Psalms and Liebeslieder Waltzes, and in the chorus for The Mikado with SDSU Opera Outreach in 1998. Her recent credits with B-Act (Bryn Athyn Community Theater) include Dame Carruthers in Gilbert & Sullivan's The Yeomen of the Guard (spring 2004), and Fanny Cavendish in Kaufman and Ferber's The Royal Family (fall 2003), but Gilbert & Sullivan is her favorite. Besides music and performing, her favorite thing is family: six sons, two daughters, two daughters-in-law, one son-in law, and five grandsons and one granddaughter. She is very excited, because two more sons became engaged recently, so that means two more beautiful daughters-in-law, and eventually even more grandchildren! Back to top
Bruce Conley (Chorus) was Dirk in The Red Mill and David Bascombe in Carousel. He is happy to return for this production. A chorus member since 1988, he has also enjoyed performing minor roles in many past shows: such as Brigadoon, The Yeomen of the Guard, Hello, Dolly!, and Die Fledermaus. Back to top
Thomas Dodds (Chorus) first jointed RVCO in the non-singing role of the Priest in The Yeomen of the Guard. But he really enjoys singing, so he returned to our stage as a chorister in The Sorcerer, Die Fledermaus, Patience, and HMS Pinafore. Back to top
William V. "PETE" Dorwart (Music Engraver), a cellist in the orchestra, spent most of his professional career as a clinical chemist for Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Bryn Mawr Hospital. As a retirement project, he has produced new editions of eleven of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas. His edition of The Merry Widow, which RVCO premiered in March 1999, has been used by the Metropolitan Opera for 26 performances over three different seasons. He has completed new string parts for Aida in a joint project with Met and the Chicago Lyric Opera. A new edition of Johann Strauss, Jr.'s Gypsy Baron was performed by the Main Line Opera Guild in 2005. His Naughty Marietta by Victor Herbert, premiered this past March in the Lincoln Center in a performance by the Little Orchestra Society. Back to top
Michael Dutka (Sergeant of Police) appeared as Dick Deadeye in Rose Valley's production of H.M.S. Pinafore last fall. Beginning with Sergeant Meryll in a college production of The Yeomen of the Guard, he has appeared in numerous Gilbert & Sullivan roles, including Roderick in Ruddigore with the Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Chester Country, The Mikado with The Ardensingers and The Usher in Trial By Jury with The Savoy Company. An open-minded chap, he has even played non-G&S parts, including The Commendatore in Don Giovanni, two Menotti roles - Mr. Gobineau in The Medium and Melchior in Amahl and the Night Visitors, Huckabee in The Fantasticks, and Emile in South Pacific. Michael lives, sings, rides horses and writes dark fiction and fantasy in Doylestown, PA. He wishes to thank his singing teacher, Richard Johnson, and his father, in memorium, for his constant encouragement and moral support. Back to top
Carol Freed (Music Director/Conductor) started piano at the age of six and was first music director as a senior at Lower Merion High School. Since then she has been music director/conductor for many local theater groups. She joined RVCO in 1977 as accompanist and became music director and conductor with The New Moon production in 1985. Her longevity with RVCO has now earned her the distinction of lifetime membership. "What a privilege to lead such a wonderful and talented group of people, both actors and orchestra." Off the podium, she sells real estate with Weichert Realtors and does vocal coaching. "Thanks to my husband, Marvin, for supporting me, always." Back to top
Helene Furlong (Assistant Music Director/Isabel) has assisted in the musical direction for all our shows starting with Ruddigore in 1990 up to the present production, including RVCO's Music in Schools traveling production of The Pirates of Penzance. For RVCO, she has danced and played roles onstage, been in the chorus, played clarinet in the orchestra, worked stage crew, and called cues. She assisted Dr. Adeline Bethany with the Cabrini College/Delaware County College Community Chorus' trip in 2004 and had the experience of a lifetime conducting the choir in Spain and Portugal. She music directed the Fall 2005 production of Mistrial by Jury at Ardensingers. Helene is currently music directing Ardensingers' Fall show, Eyes and No Eyes by W.S. Gilbert and Florian Pascal, and will be music directing their Princess Ida in the Spring. Helene plays clarinet with her husband, Tony Wastler, in the Virginia Grand Military Band (Arlington, VA) and the Upper Darby Sousa Band, and for him with the Marple Newtown Community Band. Helene has a B.S. in Music Education from West Chester University and belongs to the Philadelphia alumnae chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota, an international women's music fraternity. Helene would like to take this opportunity to remember Joanna McLaughlin, whose beautiful voice and vibrant, upbeat personality helped to make the RVCO special. Back to top
Jennifer Graf (Mabel) debuts with RVCO in this role. She holds degrees in Vocal Performance from West Chester University (BA) and New England Conservatory of Music (MA). Her operatic roles include: Madame Hart (The Impresario), Adina (L'Elisir d'Amore), Giulietta (I Capuleti e i Montecchi), Blonde (Die Entf�hrung aus dem Serail), Musetta (La Boheme), Frasquita (Carmen), and Olympia (Les Contes d'Hoffmann). Her musical theatre credits include: Meet Me in St. Louis, Camelot, and Oklahoma! With the Pennsylvania Sinfonia Orchestra she sang the soprano solos in Vivaldi's Gloria and Magnificat and in Mozart's Requiem; with the Philadelphia Classical Symphony she was first soprano soloist in Beethoven's Choral Fantasy. With the Ama Deus Ensemble, she was soprano soloist in Bach's St. Matthew Passion performed at the Kimmel Center and in Handel's Messiah. She also has extensive experience singing and performing early music. Jennifer studies voice with Dr. Kathryn Chilcote and lives in Hellertown with her husband, Brian Smith. Back to top
Stuart Gross (Samuel) was the Starkeeper and Dr. Seldon in Carousel, Major in Patience, and Sir Jasper in Me and My Girl. Previously he was Frosch in Die Fledermaus, Samuel in The Pirates of Penzance, Ambrose in Hello, Dolly! (twice), and was in disguise as the old man Henry in The Fantasticks. A member of Rose Valley since 1983, he has played many other roles in our productions, including Harrison Howell in Kiss Me, Kate, Mr. Lundie in Brigadoon, and Kromov in The Merry Widow. With other groups, Stuart has performed as Charlemagne in Pippin, Herbie in Gypsy, P. T. Barnum in Barnum, the Wolf and Prince in Into the Woods, and in a production of Closer than Ever. When not performing, Stuart has a periodontal practice in Wallingford. Back to top
Bill Hendrix (Chorus) "I've been with RVCO for 10 years and 21 shows following my retirement from the corporate world and flying for the military. It doesn't get any better than this-great people, great music, great musicians, and outstanding audiences." Back to top
Dottie Hespenheide (Chorus/Set Painting Chair) "This is my eighth year with RVCO, and I'm continually impressed with the quality of our performances (and the scenery!!). I still enjoy singing in the chorus, and doing what I can to help with scenery construction and painting." She received the RVCO #1 Award for 2003. Back to top
Sharon Kope (Pianist). A musician all her life, Sharon began piano lessons in first grade and violin lessons in fourth; by tenth grade she was church organist. She studied at Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore. After high school she toured Europe with America's Youth in Concert. Sharon attended Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey and graduated from Wittenberg University in Ohio, with a bachelor's degree in church music. She enjoyed a tour of Germany her senior year of college, visiting many different churches and organs. For 20 years, Sharon was the organist and Director of Music for Immanuel Lutheran Church in Norwood and is now the Director of Music at Mount Hope United Methodist Church in Aston. She is also the director and accompanist for the Sunshine Singers of Delaware County. This is her second "full" year with RVCO. Sharon is married to her wonderful husband, Bob, and has two terrific boys, Kevin and Tim. When not involved with music, she likes spending time with her family, doing crafts, and traveling around the country. Back to top
Joyce Malin (Producer/Properties) has been a member of the RVCO family since 1992. Being Properties chairperson gives her an excuse to roam all the yard sales, flea markets, and second hand shops she can and is a direct result of early crayoning deficiency and lack of formal preschool. "Many thanks to Erma for all her help." Back to top
Janice Manley (Costumes) returned as costume chair for The Mikado in 1997 and has dressed most of our shows since. She first appeared on our stage in Brigadoon of 1961, where she met her husband, Bob, and together they have participated in RVCO ever since-both are now lifetime members. She often plays the piano in the orchestra and for rehearsals and has served on the Executive Committee; Bob now plays violin in the RVCO orchestra. She also has credits with Ardensingers and has coordinated costumes for OperaDelaware. Back to top
Regina McCarty (Edith) is delighted to debut with Rose Valley as Edith. A veteran of the theater, she is a graduate of Mansfield University, with a degree in Music Merchandising. Over the years, she has performed such roles as Nicemis, in Thespis, Mabel in Pirates of Penzance, Lady Saphir in Patience, Princess Nekaya in Utopia, Ltd., Sister Mary Leo in Nunsense, Rosalinda in Die Fleidermaus, Baby Doe in the Ballad of Baby Doe, and the Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute. She has also performed as a backup vocalist with the Chieftains during their 1999 world tour, and as a soloist with the Chester County Choral Society, the Reading Chorale, and is a featured soloist at Christ Church Ithan in Wayne and an active member of The Savoy Company in Philadelphia. She can be seen next playing Phyllis in Thespis, Etc's production of Iolanthe in February 2007. During her free time, Regina works in Human Resources and keeps busy planning her upcoming December wedding. She resides in Glenolden, PA with her soon-to-be husband Scott. Back to top
Jack McEwen (Chorus) was Piet in The Red Mill, Liver-Lips Louie in Guys and Doll, and Bob Barking in Me and My Girl of 2003. "This is my seventh season with RVCO and I'm having a great time." Back to top
Bill Michael (Chorus) joined RVCO in 1992 and has appeared in many of our productions since. He met his wife, Kathy, through RVCO and has performed with his daughter, Maggie, in two RVCO shows. Besides being on stage, he has worn many other hats over the years, currently serves as Vice President and Membership Chair. Back to top
Daniel R. Murphy (Apprentice Pirate) was a Midshipman) in HMS Pinafore last year. He has appeared previously with Opera Delaware in The Hobbit and The Rats of NIMH. He enjoys reading and drawing, plays piano, swims for Hidden Hollow Swim Team, and is a webelo in the Cub Scouts. He is currently in 4th grade at Indian Lane Elementary. Back to top
R. Joseph Murphy (Pirate King) was Sir Joseph in HMS Pinafore last fall, the Colonel in Patience, and the Major-General in our previous Pirates of Penzance. Ray first appeared with RVCO in 1985 as a second trombone in the orchestra for The Yeomen of the Guard. He then played the roles of Private Willis in Iolanthe, Florian in Princess Ida, Colonel Calverley in Patience, Old Adam in Ruddigore, Ko-Ko in Mikado, and Mayor Shinn in The Music Man. Elsewhere, his roles include Moonface Martin in Anything Goes, Barney Cashman in Last of the Red Hot Lovers, and Sir Despard in Ruddigore. He has performed with OperaDelaware in their family opera series as Mr. Toad in Wind in the Willows and Harry the Cat in Cricket in Times Square. Ray works locally for AAA. His son, Daniel, Apprentice in this show, is a stage worthy lad who will one day succeed him. He is truly grateful for the support and caring of his talented wife, Janet, who makes possible his participation. Back to top
Edwin Nealley (Major-General) previously was Grosvenor in Patience, the Solicitor in Me and My Girl, and Bellomy in The Fantasticks. This is Ed's first production of Pirates of Penzance, and he is very pleased to have finally performed in all fourteen Gilbert & Sullivan operettas! Other recent roles include Ernest Dummkopf (Grand Duke) with G&S Society of Chester Cty., and King Paramount (Utopia Ltd.) and Captain Corcoran (H.M.S. Pinafore) with The Ardensingers. He will appear next in Thespis Etc's production of Iolanthe this coming February. (which he trusts will not be too beastly) Edwin works in the Technology Department of supplyFORCE, a web-based company facilitating industrial distribution. In his private life he has been known to dabble in military history, logic puzzles, science, classics and literature, but predominantly spends his time in performing, choir, reading, and folk-dancing. He would like to dedicate this performance to his wife, Kate, and his daughter, Sara, and hopes he brings no shame on the family escutcheon thereby. Back to top
Kate Nealley (Stage Director) directed Cox & Box last fall. Previously she directed Brigadoon (1997) and H.M.S. Pinafore (1994). She also assistant directed and choreographed past RVCO productions of Yeomen of the Guard, Patience, My Fair Lady and Ruddigore. Kate has also stage directed for The Savoy Company, the G & S Society of Chester County, and the Ardensingers. Kate and her husband Edwin met in the Rose Valley production of Ruddigore in 1990. They have one daughter, Sara, who also loves to sing and dance. (Wonder where she got that from .?) When not singing Gilbert and Sullivan, the Nealley family enjoys Scottish and English Country dancing, reading, and making homemade preserves. Back to top
Sean O'Donnell (Frederic) was John James Box in Cox & Box and Ralph in H.M.S. Pinafore last fall. He has been active for the past seven years throughout the greater Philadelphia area performing primarily the G & S operettas. His favorite roles include Frederic in Pirates, Nanki-Poo in Mikado, and Fairfax in Yeomen. Sean has performed with groups like the Ardensingers, The Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Chester County, and of course, Rose Valley. This Spring Sean will be making his debut with Opera Delaware as the Prime Minister in The Phantom Tollbooth. Sean is a music teacher for the Cecil County Public School System at Bay View Elementary School in Maryland. He resides with his ever supportive, and oh so patient wife Renee in Greenville, Delaware. Back to top
Joy Pedrick (Chorus) was last in RVCO's Plain and Fancy in 1986 and in two previous productions of Pirates-1975 and 1983. She sang with the Swarthmore Chorale and in musicals with Barnstormers and Players Club of Swarthmore and currently sings with Ridley Community Chorus, plays hand bells at Prospect United Methodist Church, and square dances with Club Sashay. She has worked at Taylor Hospital as an RN for 30 years. Joy and her family enjoy camping and she thanks her guys for doing this show together. Back to top
Kyle Pedrick (Chorus) is in seventh grade at Prospect Park Middle School where he sings in the Concert Choir and plays trombone in the band. He has been studying piano for five years under Carolyn Sloane and has accompanied the school choir in concert. He is also an organ student of Matthew Phillips, plays hand bells at church, and square dances. He has been a member of the Glenolden Young Peoples Performing Arts Club for five years, taking recent roles of Harvey Johnson and the Mayor in Bye Bye Birdie. Kyle is enjoying this new experience of performing with RVCO in Pirates. Back to top
Lee Pedrick (Chorus) had the lead in his high school play Up the Down Staircase and recently has been active with the Drama Ministry Team and choir at Prospect United Methodist Church, where he also plays in the hand bell choir. He sings with the Ridley Community Chorus and square dances with Club Sashay. During the day, he does lawn care and is a crossing guard in Prospect Park. Lee wants to thank Joy for getting him involved in this production. Back to top
Joel Realberg (Chorus) is pleased to be returning to Rose Valley for his third season. He first appeared in Patience and wishes to express his appreciation to the members of that production for the Patience that they exhibited in allowing him to remain on stage. He has also appeared on and off on-Broadway and off and on off-Broadway for years scalping tickets. He is a chorister with The Savoy Company and has performed with them in The Mikado, The Sorcerer, and The Gondoliers. He thanks his lovely wife Robin for letting him out for rehearsals and also his voice teacher, Sharon Sigal, for her irrepressible optimist that he will eventually become self-supporting. Back to top
Diane Runkel (Chorus) has been singing alto in church choirs since the fourth grade. "I continue to sing in our church choir and in a women's sextet at church. For two seasons (2004 and 2005) I participated in the Festival Chorus with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops Christmas show, under the direction of Jeff Kern from the University of the Arts. This is my first Gilbert and Sullivan show with Rose Valley but is a dream come true!" Back to top
Sally Sapega (Chorus) joined RVCO for Carousel, performed in The Red Mill, and is delighted to return for this show. She has previously performed with Thespis, Etc. as Pretteia in Thespis, as the Ghost of Christmas Future in Gilbert & Sullivan's A Christmas Carol, and as one of the daughters in The Pirates of Penzance. Sally also sings with the Media Chamber Chorale. Back to top
Rande Saxe (Chorus), a graduate of Temple University School of Music, has been teaching vocal classroom music for 25 years in the North Penn School District, Lansdale, PA. She enjoys conducting chorus and, even more, directing her school's musicals. "But-being in this production is a dream come true.so much fun to be on stage and work with Carol Freed and Kate Nealley. I dedicate this to the "three special men" in my life-George, Jason, and David." Back to top
Jane Smyth (Graphics/Calendar) has designed graphics and sets for many of our shows, most recently Patience, Me and My Girl, The Sorcerer, Pirates of Penzance, Yeomen of the Guard, and Mikado. Her favorite shows were Most Happy Fella, Music Man of 1982 (when she was Eulalie and her son Greg was Winthrop), and Carousel of 1977 in which both of her children joined her. Off stage, she was a graphic designer with West Chester University and won a Gold Award in 1992 for the West Chester University Magazine design. Jane and her daughter, Becky, won a Blue Ribbon for their scale miniature and Best of Blue for the division of Miniature Settings at a recent Philadelphia Flower Show. Their latest artistic venture is a beaded jewelry website?Craftsmyths.com. Back to top
Kevin Strauss (Chorus) is delighted to have become a regular performer and a member of the Board with RVCO. He was Franz in The Red Mill, a chorus member for The Sorcerer, Patience and HMS Pinafore, and Dick Deadeye in RVCO's Towne House dinner theatre performance last January. He was The Usher in Trial by Jury with G&S Society of Chester County last winter. Musically, Kevin has sung all of the major Gilbert and Sullivan light opera roles in the confines of his shower, kitchen and SUV. He is also a member of The Savoy Company, and appeared with them in The Mikado, The Sorcerer, and The Gondoliers. When not singing with RVCO, he is the CFO of AIDS Care Group in Chester, collects G&S memorabilia, and pretends to be a gourmet chef. Back to top
Erin Traverso (Chorus) originally hails from Utah but claims to be a Delaware County native-by-marriage. She currently resides in Drexel Hill with her husband, John, and their two sweet boys, Samuel (3) and James (1). Erin is thrilled to be joining RVCO for Pirates this year. She is thrilled to be out of the house and singing something other than "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" or "Hakuna Matata." Erin is especially thrilled that her amazing husband volunteered to watch the boys so she could sing and dance to her heart's content. Go John! Big thanks to Tyler and Rebecca for talking me into this and to mom for flying across the country to see it. Erin's past theater experience includes: The Secret Garden, Once Upon a Mattress, The Sound of Music, Into the Woods, Brigadoon, and about a million others. This is her first Gilbert and Sullivan. Back to top
Cathy Wakefield (Chorus) is thrilled to still be performing with RVCO in its 100th season! She first performed with the group in 1981, and has enjoyed singing and dancing with them in many shows. Favorites include Guys and Dolls (1984 and 2004), Plain and Fancy (1986, on stage with her daughter) and, of course, Pirates, her favorite G&S. "Thanks to my wonderful family and friends for their love and support of my exciting hobby!" Back to top
Jennifer Williams (Chorus). Poor wandering Ms. Williams returns to RVCO after a few seasons at sea and is loving every minute of working with such a tremendously talented cast. She would like to thank her roommate for tolerating impromptu living room performances and especially thank her mom and dad for their love and support. Back to top
Dave Zaffarano ZAFFARANO (Chorus) last appeared in a show as Pappy Yocum in Lil' Abner in 1972 and is still not sure how his wife Julie conned him into this. He has kept his voice limber singing in church as a member of the choir and as a soloist. He also sings with Schola Cantorum and the Blue and Gray Voices (the St. James alumni choir). He has assisted with school musicals and CCD choir. Thanks to the very talented RVCO team who have been so kind and patient!. Back to top
Julie Zaffarano (Chorus) is thrilled to be in her first RVCO performance with her husband Dave. She currently performs with Schola Cantorum and is involved with her church as a choir member, soloist, assistant director of the CCD music program, and previously as music director for several school musicals. She has been known to sing for food and has even been paid not to sing. Thank you RVCO for the opportunity! Back to top
Judy Zom (Makeup) first chaired makeup for The Music Man in 2000, and then returned for The Pirates of Penzance, My Fair Lady, The Sorcerer, Die Fledermaus, Me and My Girl, Guys and Dolls and Carousel. Back to top
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I read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. The article is called Hanging Gardens inside Bottles saving innovative city residents cost of putting plate on the tableand is located athttp://innov8tiv.com/hanging-gardens-inside-bottles-saving-innovative-city-residents-cost-of-putting-plate-on-the-table/.
Nairobi is fast becoming a middle-income economy. The city is seeing a growing influx of rural to urban migration, with most people opting for anything from white collar jobs and blue collar jobs; anything but farming. Then again, there is not much space available in the city for farming, as real estate for commercial and residential is another booming sector of the economy.
However, there is no city or country for that matter that can have a strong working force, without a stable and reliable source of supply of food. Given the fact that there is little to no farming in most areas of Nairobi City, the city has to rely on farmers living on the outskirts for the supply of food crops.
As things stand, there is currently a high demand for food crops within the city. A situation that has bred unscrupulous businessmen supplying food crop to the city residents, whose farming methods pose serious health risks to the public. On numerous occasions it has been reported of these unscrupulous businessmen setting up gardens along sewage line, using chemicals to make their livestock mature faster and gain weight to be slaughtered in the shortest time possible. All the while charging premium prices.
Well, some innovative city residents have decided to take the matter into their own hands. While it still remains a fact that land for farming is almost non-existent for many, the little space around their homes that gets enough sunlight and rainfall have been turned into hanging gardens.
They are using spaces on their balcony, roof terrace, patio, windowsill, and event space outside the front door as gardens. Well, hanging gardens to be precise.
"The garden occupies a space of three by two meters. I used about 70 bottles and planted one seedling in each bottle to avoid overcrowding," said Martha Wachira, an agricultural officer during an interview with a section of local Kenyan media.
Wachira explained that her food crop grew up to be quite leafy given she had enough space on these hanging gardens to grow them.
The food crop that does well in this new method of farming includes kales (sukumawiki) spinach, leeks, and tomatoes. They are also what most of the city residence eat on a regular basis. The hanging garden is also cost-effective on multiple fronts.
For one, the family does not have to spend so much to have a warm plate of food on the table. Secondly, the garden is economical in that water sprinkled on one bottle will drain to the next bottle underneath it, and so on. If you have four stacks of bottle arranged vertically up, when the top bottle gets enough water, it will drain out through holes made at the bottom of the bottle and into the next bottle below.
There is also little need for pest and weed control, as plants growing inside the bottle are less exposed to these vices like those planted out in the open fields.


This ground floor apartment is just outside the village of Ballinamuck and can sleep four people in two bedrooms.
This ground floor cottage is close to the village of Ballinamuck near to Aughnacliffe and can sleep five people in two bedrooms.
This charming holiday home, one of two on the owner's land in Ballinamuck, County Leitrim, sleeps seven people in three bedrooms.
Hillside House Self Catering ApartmentsHillside House is owned and operated by Sean Cassidy and his family. The Cassidy family have been involved in the accommodation business for over ten years and have built up an ..
This property is a single story bungalow type property. Over looking the historical village of Ballinamuck.The property is wheel chair friendly. Oil fired central heating.The property consists of two large bedrooms. Each ..


ChickFight returns to present another exciting match-up between two of the best female professional wrestlers in the game today. This contest pits Cheerleader Melissa against Rain in Santa Maria, California. These two know each other all too well, so they definitely will look to use that experience against each other. Will the fan favorite Melissa be victorious, or does the hated Rain have her number?


text:
5 injured in explosion near US embassy in Tunisia
TUNIS, Tunisia — Tunisian media are reporting that two people on a motorcycle have set off a blast near the U.S. Embassy in the capital, Tunis.
The private Radio Mosaique said that five police officers were wounded Friday and described it as a suicide attack.
That report could not be immediately confirmed but the station is usually reliable.
Police taped off the area around the blast site, which was littered with debris.
The flag of the United States could be seen fluttering in the background. Islamic extremists have targeted Tunisia in recent years, killing scores of people.


How well does ExtraHop support security and non-technical staff?
ExtraHop talks a big talk, but can we back it up?
How effective is wire data when it comes to detecting security threats and performance issues in real time?
Can security teams implement Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS) without compromising visibility?
How fast is threat response based on machine-backed anomaly alerts from ExtraHop?
Read the report for detailed, objective answers to all these questions and more!


Martin Marcisovsky is a 36-year old Slovakian photographer and artist currently based in Dublin, Ireland.
Martin's photography captures some interesting silhouettes fixed in equally engaging landscapes.
The person often seems out of place, but unquestioning of the environment they are in.
Marcisovsky's images lead us into a fairy tale, catch us within a blink of an eye or take us on a journey to our inner ego.
The surreal imagery leads one to believe that these worlds are perhaps within the minds of each subject.
Perhaps his images are nothing more than a reflection of our own center of creativity.
More of Martin Marcisovsky's creations can be found at http://www.marcisovsky.com/.
Well, you know thats not really ~my~ art…if only! But I am amazed their talent!
I love the tiny solo figure standing amidst such amazing scenery. Such imagination!
Some of the best imagery and photography I've ever seen Claudia, wow I could write some words to these fascinating pictures !!
Oh Ivor! When you come back from your US visit, do so!


Lake Chelan Wine Valley is where vines, wine and lakes meet to create heaven. Visiting this region last year was an experience not to be forgotten. Which is why I'm excited to share information about the region and two events taking place this spring that you shouldn't miss!
Lake Chelan Wine Valley is a thriving community of 20 wineries that are attracting attention wine enthusiasts everywhere. The Valley was recognized as an AVA in the Federal Register in April 2009. Located in the heart of Washington's Cascade Mountains, Lake Chelan is a scenic destination three hours east of Seattle, situated on a pristine 55-mile lake. Throughout the year, Lake Chelan visitors tour vineyards, meet the winemakers, taste award-winning wines and dine at many winery restaurants – the perfect wine-lovers destination. Some of the varieties that flourish in the Valley include Syrah, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Viognier.
Chelan Nouveau takes place over two weekends, April 19-20 and 26-27, and gives visitors a chance to taste and take home the first release of new vintages.
Spring Barrel Tasting will be held on May 17 and 18. This annual event offers visitors the chance to taste and learn how the use of oak plays a significant role in wine making. Guests will explore the use of different oak treatments and their impact on the taste, color, tannin and texture of the wine. Guests can visit winery cellar rooms for exclusive tastings with local winemakers and purchase upcoming vintages of some of their favorite wines.
Tags: #lakechelan, #lakechelanvalley, #redwine, #Rose, #sparklingwine, #vino, #vinoista, #vinoistalife, #washingtonwine, #whitewine, #winecountry, Atam Winery, Chelan Estate Winery, LAKE CHELAN, Lake Chelan Wine Valley, Tildio Winer, travel, wine. Bookmark the permalink.
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Collection of 26 unopened Major League Baseball Starting Line-Ups from the season. Highlights include: Kirby Puckett, Ricky Henderson, Don Mattingly, Wade Boggs, Barry Bonds, Paul Molitor, Pete Rose, Robin Yount, Mike Schmidt, Nolan Ryan, Eric Davis, Dave Winfield and George Brett. Also included in the lot are 2 Starting Line Up Collector Stands in their original boxes for display purposes. Each Starting Line-Up remains in protected mint condition in their original packaging.


text:
To include and to exclude
on the mechanisms of a judgmental categorisation of people
Mohamed Wa Baile is a commuter: as a documentalist he commutes daily between Bern and the ETH in Zurich. He is married to a Swiss woman and has two children. He is committed to the "Fachkommission für Integration" (expert body for integration) based in the city of Bern and is one of those idealist-min- ded Swiss people, who we are all happy about.
…. by Fredi Lerch, in "Journal B"
Mohamed Wa Baile does not sell drugs. The born Kenian studied English Literature at the University of Freiburg, and Islamic Studies at the University of Bern. He is currently working as a documentalist at the ETH in Zurich. But this becomes rather unimportant. Whoever meets him on the street does not see an academic, but a dark-skinned person and thus a potential criminal.
…. by Fabian Christl, in "Der Bund"
I am Swiss, father of two children, live in Bern and work as a librarian. I was part of the expert body for Integration of the city of Bern and today I am a member in a support group to realise the municipal acti- on plan "Integration konkret" (integration made speci c).
… by Mohamed Wa Baile in the "Bulletin solidarité sans frontières"
Those three quotes are all at the beginning of a text which portrays the case of Mohamed Wa Baile1 – the way he is suddenly stopped by the police in the middle of the stream of commuters at the Zurich train station to have his documents checked. He refuses to state his personal data, respectively to show his docu- ments and as a result gets reported. He has faced such random stop-and-search operations without any speci c occasion or rea- sonable suspicion of a crime dozens of times already. It is obvious that he was shed out of the masses from the main station by the police as the only one with dark skin. This practice of identity checks is called "racial pro ling". They are done solely based on physical appearances like skin tone, foreign look or religious clo- thing. Mohamed Wa Baile lodged an appeal against the ne he got and so in November there was a trial at the district court in Zurich — a trial which the defendant, together with a solidarity group2, made use of to raise the topic of "Racial Profiling" and to speak up on those random and racist police controls.
But this should not be the topic here. What irritates me is actually what those rst couple of lines of all three accounts entail. That the checked person of darker skin is described with positive attributes and thus it is clear: this is a legalised and to be positively assessed black man. Why is that necessary? Would a racist practice be legitimate, if it was an immigrant without papers, a person applying for asylum, a welfare recipient or a drug dealer? Are there any such preconceptions behind those words and are the authors perpetuating them by making it clear that there are "others" and that they do not want to include those "others" in their campaign? Or is it just a strategy to raise sympathy in the audience so that at least someone will take notice of the mentioned subject matter and does not see themselves confronted with their own xenophobia?
The reason why I looked into such phrasings was a letter of an organisation which campaigns in solidarity for migrants. On the occasion of the eviction of Matthäuskirche3 the group started a campaign of defence of the sanctuary asylum. But about what really happened in the church and about the occupants and their requests the letters said next to nothing. Instead, there was a detailed report on a Chechen family from Kilchberg who was loo- king for sanctuary in a church and in the end had to leave Switzerland under the pressure of the public authorities. The letter read that the family of six was a hardship case, the father was tortured, their escape took several weeks, the family was well in- tegrated and a widely supported citizen's initiative even campa- igned for the family to let them stay in Switzerland.
What does the accentuation of hardship case, torture and the scale of integration imply? Is it to illustrate that a deportation in this case would be a scandal and the Chechen family quali es for sanctuary? And why is the indignation only focused on the intrusion of the police in a church and their tough course of action against the protesters? Did the authors consciously refrain from reporting the occupants of Matthäuskirche and why is that? Is it because they don't meet the criteria of mercifulness as much or because they do not af rm the middle-class world in the same way? All except one were young, healthy, strong, independent and courageous – everything else than in need for help or espe- cially worthy of protection. The only thing that they lacked were the proper papers. For me, this letter reproduced exactly the news coverage, in which there was not much more to read than the count of arrestees.
Later I have learnt more on the suit against Mohamed and the campaign of the alliance against racial pro ling. There again, I had this discomfort of something not beingquite right and it beca- me clearer and clearer why. The way Mohamed and the campaign of the alliance is being led, the lack of connec- tion to the current situation of refugees, who are looking for their future in Europe, is evident. The connec- tion to all those, who do not have a Swiss passport or any other documents they could show at an identity check by the police and so have to anticipate arrests, prison and deportation. The campaign is not consistent enough in lifting the borders between the included and the excluded but simply demands a shift of this border for some chosen individuals. Which will – at most – lead to some Swiss citizens "of colour" who have managed to get on the side of the middle-class privileged. However, in a political struggle for the rights of those who are barred from most freedoms, one cannot simply ignore capitalist class relations, or even reproduce it without questio- ning its core principal. Because without naming those relations the structures in the background cannot be recognised. And, to me, without illustrating the background of racial pro ling, the improvement for all people concerned will stay a naive hope – hope and aspirations that deviates from the fact that identity checks by the police are more than racist selection.
At the Basel meeting on Racial Profiling I met R, a man "of colour" from Haiti, and experienced, how he presented his si- tuation and his views very emotionally and erce, and how he concluded: The state, the police, the society are at war against black people, they terrorise, they torment and they offend them systematically – here in Switzerland, in Europe, in the US! I can follow that line of argument well and want to add that also at the xternal frontier of Europe, in Idomeni, in Como, on the Mediterranean sea, in Ceuta, and Melilla, as well as at the US-Mexi- can border there is war against migrants. And there is violence against the Maghrebi teenagers in the suburbs of Paris, too, and against the residents of slums of numerous Southern big cities – especially against those who do not want to endure it any lon- ger, who stand together and ght. As long as I cannot nd a bet- ter term, I will call it "class struggle". In an interview with the WoZ4, Rasul O, living in Switzerland, puts it like this: "To call the police would be the last thing I ever did if I had a problem. The police only exists to protect the rich from the poor. And the blacker, the poorer – that is a global phenomenon. The problem lies beyond Raci- al Pro ling." Yes, it goes much deeper and the pro- blem is on a structural level. The criticism on Racial Pro ling however, is direc- ted rst and foremost at the selection due to physical appearances. This is not thorough enough. Becau- se neither are the police controls put into question nor is the state legitimacy criticised that, because of missing residency papers, people are imprisoned and deported. Thus the oppressive socie- tal mechanisms cannot be revealed with such a campaign.
To come back to the rst question, I notice that there is a lack of basic criticism on the structural relations – the relations, which are at the bottom of the categorisation and repression of migrants. Additionally, there is a lack of criticism on the struc- ture that enables exploitation, oppression, destruction of Lebensraum and one-sided enrichment and thus advance migration. I nd it striking, how defensive the SP, the Green Party, the Church, the WoZ, relief organisations, unions – to only mention a few – are acting, when the topic of Migration is raised. I doubt that this is only strategic. It is simply a try to prevent being vulnerable to the majority of opinions. Such a discrepancy between the humanistic idea of man and the reproduction of repressive structures has to have deeper sources. This discrepancy will be perpetuated as long as there is no conscious choice to factor in that migration is a battle about involvement and that, on the side of the privileged, privileges are being defended as much as pos- sible. As long as no one takes a rm stand and factors in that all privileges may fade, nothing will change these imagined phra- ses, because the perspective stays the wrong one.
Those phrases are also fed by the fact that our political, econo- mical and societal structure is routinely and without further reection assessed as positive. Moderate critique comes with the territory, as well as super cial suggestions for improvement. This results in time in a lack of awareness of that perspective — a perspective that always implies that our system is to be assessed as positive and thus needs to be preserved, even that other places in the world should aspire to copy this system. Simultaneously no one explicitly points out that our wealth and ful lled world only exists at the expense of a "third world" and not everyone can be part of it. Thus, the result is selection. And this coercion of selection, or of defence of territory respectively, permeates every possible proposal for solution to overcome these migration dif- culties. This is especially true for the use of language, which I have tried to show with the chosen phrases above.
Solutions which come out of this are thus always solutions that are good for us, that t in our system, and make sense in our thought pattern. Such approaches have rarely anything to do with reality and the experience of a majority of migrants. Suggestively, people are not systematically excluded, devalued and categorised as illegitimate. The wish to help is in the forefront, to be humane, to create a fairer world and not the want to uncover violent structures or the readiness to refuse any cooperation with an exploiting, repressive system. Or in other words – there are also those circles that see themselves as progressive, open-min- ded and socially responsible that show no willingness let alone positive vision to overcome capitalist class relations. Because to do this, it rstly needs to be acknowledged that there is no legi- timacy for separating the world into excluded and included and moreover to enforce this separation and their correspondent ter- ritory respectively with violence and perpetuate it as well, while wares, capital, required resources and requested work force is moved around at will of the powerful. This however is exactly the violence of the current migration-regime working against subalterns. A regime which is the expression of the power rela- tions and that serves the protection of rich and satis ed Europe's privileges. Which is why I conclude that we have to work on change, which will bring unconditionally legalised migration. What that would mean for a campaign on Racial Pro ling, is something we should further talk about.
www.humanrights.ch/de/menschenrechte-schweiz/inneres/strafen/polizei/ rassistisches-profiling-gerichtsverhandlung-praezedenzcharakter
Allianz gegen Racial Profiling: www.stop-racial-profiling.ch
www.facebook.com/wirbleibeninbasel/photos/a.1720152781550916.1073741828.1719606911605503/1732093313690196/?type=3&theater 4 WoZ45/2016
http://www.woz.ch/1645/racial-profiling/einfach-die-falsche-hautfarbe
While writing this I was consternated and realised how small this group of political activists is who generally criticise the migration-regime and other racist structures. And only in the discussion with the editorial team I have noticed my own temptation to complain about the ignorance of those "left circles" whom I relied on to have a clear position of solidarity.
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The group "Stop Racial Profiling Basel" is an association of individuals who are affected by systematic selection and racist identity checks in different ways. We got together to stand up against random (police) identity checks. This group exists since 2016. It is in contact with the Alliance against Racial Profiling (www.stop-racial-profiling.ch) and part of a growing movement connected all over the country. Our group's goal is to raise awareness on racial profiling and fight against any kind of racist practices of public authorities. This goal is pursued in different task groups – exchange of experiences, public view, documentation, reflection, awareness and action – with a great diversity of forms and ideas.
StopRaPro meets every other Monday a month at the "Gewerkschaftshaus" at Claraplatz. We are happy if the movement grows. You can also contact us via email: stoprapro@immerda.ch
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