KCNET NEWSLETTER
07/01/07  &  07/08/07
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MIKE'S COMMENTARY
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NEWS & NOTES BY SUE FOUST

MIKE'S COMMENTARY AND SOME BITS OF WISDOM

                                             SPECTACULARS ON THE FOURTH

New York City -- Macy's Fireworks Spectacular -- July 4th, 9PM Each year Macy's kicks off the world's largest fireworks display at approximately 9pm on July 4th. Four barges stationed between 23rd and 42nd Streets in the East River set off 20,000 aerial shells and special effects. There are electric set pieces on the barges, and the New York Fire Department gets in on the act with fire boats shooting red, clear, and blue water 300 feet over the river. Where to catch the action     * TV and Radio:   The fireworks will be televised nationally on NBC, and live spectators can tune in to 1010 WINS AM radio during the show for Macy's specially recorded musical accompaniment.     * Manhattan:   Southbound lanes of the FDR drive from 14th to 42nd Street will be open for the public from 7:30pm to 10:00pm. On-ramp entrances for pedestrians (including the disabled) are located at 23rd, 38th, and 42nd streets. The FDR Drive will be closed to vehicular traffic between Houston St. and 63rd St. from 7:00pm until 1:00am.     * Brooklyn/Queens:   Great views from Hunter's Point, Queens, Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and anywhere with an unobstructed view of the East River between 23rd & 42nd Sts.     The 2007 Concert Boston’s 4th of July welcomes John Mellencamp and Craig Ferguson to the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular!!! Rock and roll icon John Mellencamp will join Conductor Keith Lockhart and The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra to celebrate Independence Day during this year’s Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular.  Craig Ferguson of CBS’s “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” will host the special. Earlier this year, John Mellencamp -- whose hits include “Small Town,” “Hurts So Good,” “Jack and Diane,” and “Pink Houses” -- released “Freedom’s Road,” his first album of all new songs in over five years.  Mellencamp received Billboard’s Century Award in 2001 for distinguished creative achievement and the Woody Guthrie Award in 2003. Craig Ferguson joined the late-night television arena as host of The Late Late Show in January 2005, following a career that encompassed film, television and the stage.  The Scottish-born actor, writer, director and producer, who is known for his role as Nigel Wick on "The Drew Carey Show," brings a fresh approach to late-night television which has quickly evolved into appointment television for America's nightly insomniacs. The spectacular will also feature the Pops’ now-classic Independence Day rendition of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” featuring cannons and the live ringing of church bells.  As always, the Spectacular will be capped off by a massive fireworks display. The Fireworks Display Pyro Spectaculars and Eric Tucker are the masterminds behind the display, which has long been viewed as the premier pyrotechnic experience among America's Fourth of July celebrations. No one does fireworks quite like Boston; this year's will be the largest and most complex Boston Fourth of July pyrotechnic display to date.  More than 20 thousand pounds of explosives will be used for the display, which will include the largest shells yet to be used - ten-inch diameter shells that will climb to 1500 feet - nearly one and a half times the height of the Hancock Tower.  This year's fireworks have an international flair as well - devices are being imported from Portugal, Spain, China, Japan, and Italy. A great location to view the fireworks is from the docks at Community Boating, where they host their annual summer cookout, which offers great unobstructed waterfront views. Fireworks Photos The Flyover This year marks the final flyover for the 102nd Fighter Wing, whose 86 year history makes it the fifth oldest unit in the Air National Guard and the oldest continually serving squadron in the Air Force, the 101st Fighter Squadron. The 102nd Fighter Wing aircraft and the mission those aircraft perform will move to Barnes Air Base in Westfield, Massachusetts.  The 102nd Wing will remain at Otis Air National Guard Base where it will take on a new mission involving intelligence gathering and assessments, and no aircraft will replace those moving from Otis. As the 102nd Wing works toward closing out its flying mission assignment, its members will memorialize the unit’s awesome history and celebrate their accomplishments over many decades of dedicated service to the nation.  In August, the Wing will be partnering with the Air Force to produce its last air show at Otis in conjunction with the Air Force’s 60th anniversary and “Air Force Week” events in New England.  Shortly thereafter the Wing will see the initial departure of its F-15 jets to Barnes.     Fourth of July Fireworks in Washington DC Washington DC is a spectacular place to celebrate July 4th! The National Mall, with Washington DC’s monuments and the U. S. Capitol in the background, forms a beautiful and patriotic backdrop to America's Independence Day celebrations. This is an all-day event in the nation's capital, beginning with a parade along Constitution Avenue and ending with a spectacular display of fireworks over the Washington Monument. The 4th of July celebrations are among the most attended events of the year and many people arrive early to stake out a seat on the lawn. You can spend the afternoon enjoying the cultural festivities at the the Smithsonian Folklife Festival which takes place on the National Mall from 11 a.m to 5 p.m. Getting to the National Mall The best way to get to the National Mall is to take the Metro. Stations nearby include Metro Center, Gallery Place-Chinatown, Judiciary Square, Federal Triangle and L'Enfant Plaza. The Smithsonian Metro station will be closed on the Fourth. Washington, DC’s Independence Day Parade Parade Start Time: 11:45 a.m. Parade Route: Constitution Avenue and 7th to 17th Sts. Washington, DC’s 4th of July Parade features marching bands, military and specialty units, floats, and VIP's. The parade draws a large crowd, so plan to arrive early to stake out a good viewing spot. See Photos of the Independence Day Parade A Capitol Fourth Concert Time: 8 - 9:30 p.m. (Admittance begins at 2:30 p.m.) Location: West Lawn of the U. S. Capitol A 4th of July tradition in the nation's capital includes a live concert by the National Symphony Orchestra and several pop artists performing patriotic music on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building. The concert and show is followed by a spectacular display of fireworks over the Washington Monument. The concert is free and open to the public. No tickets are necessary. The annual event is broadcast live on PBS with a repeat airing at 9:30-11:00 p.m. See photos of A Capitol Fourth and performers for the 2007 concert. Fourth of July Fireworks on the National Mall Fireworks Time: At dark, usually around 9:30 p.m. Rain Date: July 5th Launch Location: The fireworks are launched from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and light up the sky over the Washington Monument. See Photos of the Fireworks The Best Places to View the National Mall Fireworks     * U. S. Capitol     * Lincoln Memorial     * Jefferson Memorial     * FDR Memorial     * East Potomac Park     * Anywhere along the National Mall between 14th Street and the Capitol     * Aboard a cruise along the Potomac River Spectacular views of the fireworks can also be seen from Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima) in Arlington, Virginia near the Rosslyn Metro station and areas along the Virginia side of the Potomac River that can be reached from George Washington Memorial Parkway. You may park at the Gravely Point parking lot, which is about a quarter mile from the 14th Street Bridge.  Using your mouse, click in the sky above NYC -- Create your own Fireworks Display http://www.fireworkspop.com/liberty.htm      Other Cities hosting 4th celebrations        http://kansascity.about.com/od/annualevents/tp/KC4thofJuly.htm      http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/topcalifornia/a/fourth-of-july.htm      http://humor.about.com/cs/surprise/a/blds070499.htm      http://memphis.about.com/od/thingstoseeanddo/a/4thofjuly.htm

 
 

The following words were spoken by the late Red Skelton on his television program as he related the story of his teacher, Mr. Laswell, who felt his students had come to think of the Pledge of Allegiance as merely something to recite in class each day. Now, more than ever, listen to the meaning of these words.   "I've been listening to you boys and girls recite the Pledge of Allegiance  all semester and it seems as though it is becoming monotonous to you. If I may, may I recite it and try to explain to you the meaning of each word?" I me, an individual, a committee of one. Pledge dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self pity. Allegiance my love and my devotion. To the flag our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of freedom. Wherever she waves, there's respect because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts freedom is everybody's job! of the United that means that we have all come together. States individual communities that have united into 48 great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose; all divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that's love for country. And to the republic a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people. For which it stands, one nation one nation, meaning "so blessed by God" Indivisible incapable of being divided. With liberty which is freedom -- the right of power to live one's own life without threats, fear or some sort of retaliation. And Justice the principle or quality of dealing fairly with others. For all which means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine. Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country and two words have been added to the pledge of Allegiance... UNDER GOD Wouldn't it be a pity if someone said that it is a prayer and that it would be eliminated from schools too? God Bless America!

    Interesting Summertime Things To Do In The Area:

Now that summer is officially here, it’s time to start making plans to attend some of the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy’s upcoming events! July 10 – Fishing Creek Celebration Join NPC supporters and members of the Fishing Creek Sportsmen’s Association in celebrating completion of 3 conservation easement agreements.  The dedication begins at 6pm with a picnic supper to follow.  To RSVP, or for more information, call the office, 570-323-6222. July 14 – Kayak the West Branch Susquehanna We are partnering with Canoe Susquehanna again this year to offer a kayak outing on the West Branch.  Join us as we paddle from Montoursville to Muncy on Saturday, July 14.  The trip costs $49 and includes a kayak, paddle, personal floatation device, and transportation. This is one of only two roadless sections on the West Branch.  In addition to the calm and quiet, you’ll also get to enjoy wildlife and remnants of the West Branch Division of the Pennsylvania Canal. Payment is required to hold your reservation.  Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and no one under 14 is permitted to participate.  Call NPC’s office to reserve your space, 570-323-6222. August 7 – Conklin Run Hike with Eagles Mere Conservancy Ruth Rode is leading a Tuesday Ramble for the Eagles Mere Conservancy and has invited NPC to join the group.  The 3-mile circuit hike is being held on a property NPC helped conserve in conjunction with the Mokoma Conservancy.  If you’re interested meet at the outlet pond in Eagles Mere at 9:30am on August 7. 2007 Summer Concert Series at the  J. Doyle Corman Amphitheater and Floating Stage,  Jay & Water Streets -- 6:30 P. M. - 9:00 p.m.  July 1 Red Molly Rootsy Americana July 8 Rubber Soul  Beatles Tribute July 15  Hybrid Ice  Classic Rock July 22  The Billy Price Band  Rhythm & Blues July 29  UUU  Variety, Rock August 5  The Sirens  Rhythm & Blues August 12  Dame  Dance Variety August 19  Parrot Beach  Jimmy Buffet Tribute August 26  Til December  Modern Rock 2007 Summer Concert Series At Triangle Park Bellefonte Avenue & West Main Streets 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. July 6 Dan & Galla's Musical Show Variety July 13 Big Tubba Mista Swing July 20  Snug New & Classic Rock July 27 The Johnny Jolin Band Country August 3 Repasz Band  Patriotic, Marches August 10  Big Willy Easy Rock August 17  Pastime Acapella Doo Wop August 24 Lockport Drifters  Bluegrass Folk August 31 Consord Sounds Big Band, Swing

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Another KCnet Hat shot – KCnet is traveling many places.  Don’t forget to take yours with you when you go.  Send us a picture.  We’ll use it here.     KCnet Board Member / Secretary Jon Ahrens sent us this photo last week – in the background is Cinderella’s Palace at Disney World in Florida.   This picture is a better one of Jon, Mickey and Jon’s grandson Erik.   Jon says the KCnet hat’s too hot to wear in Florida’s heat; thus the straw one!  He put on the KCnet hat shown above for the special picture for this page.  Thanks,  Jon! There are lots of exciting things going on at KCnet.  The Annual Meeting is July 10th.  Director nominations are being accepted – any member of KCnet may serve on the Board.  Members are invited to call me (893-8111) to throw your hat in the ring, attend the Board meeting on July 10 at 6:30, and help develop next year’s programs.  Until next time… KCnet Board Of Directors Officers:   President Bill Raco, Vice President Bob Rolley, Secretary Jon Ahrens,  Treasurer Don Miller and Past President Judy Yoho.   Other members of the board:  Carolyn Carl, Lori Hoy,  R.  Keith Kelly, Donna Lannan, Amy Lapriola, Tom Livingston, Ray McGill, and Ray Rathmell.

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