I play golf most Tuesday mornings in the men’s club event at one of the local golf courses. Usually, I play just 9 holes, and if the truth be told, I look forward to the cheeseburger and fries on the scenic deck of the clubhouse much more than I do the actual process of spending […]
I play golf most Tuesday mornings in the men’s club event at one of the local golf courses. Usually, I play just 9 holes, and if the truth be told, I look forward to the cheeseburger and fries on the scenic deck of the clubhouse much more than I do the actual process of spending part of my morning swinging hopefully at that elusive yellow ball.
Each week though, I start out fresh and with very lofty goals, like I’m really going to do something special. But as the round progresses, my goals get evaluated down to basically where I am now — and I am faced with confronting the limits of my oftentimes suspect golf game.
Also, I look forward to the beautiful walk up and down the fairways of this old, tree-lined, public course. I know that with Father Time lurking around each pond and sand trap, that I will soon be relegated to riding in a cart, so I stay determined to walk from the first tee to the ninth green. On this course, that’s a feat in itself.
All of the people up at the old course are the reason I keep coming back each week, but mostly it’s the enjoyment I get from being with my regular golfing foursome.
One is my buddy since we were little kids growing up in this town and riding our bikes to the elementary school together. We played little league baseball and high school basketball on the same team and he has stuck with me even in times when I may not have always been the most reliable fellow around. He helped coach my basketball team this winter, and it’s the most time we have spent together in several years. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing him and having his help.
Playing basketball in a Sunday night league at the middle school years ago is how I first came across one of my other playing partners. Whenever I faced his team, he stuck to me like glue and ran me into the ground. He happens to be one of the nicest young men I have ever met and a pretty fair golfer to boot. His wardrobe, as well as his company, provide me with mild amusement every Tuesday. I mean, you have to like a guy who shows up in mid-April adorned in a Christmas sweater, and then when the chill of the morning warms into early afternoon, he dons a collared shirt with a gorilla driving a golf cart.
Last, but by no means least, is the gentleman who strolled up from the course parking lot to the first tee box in early summer last year. None of us knew him, but he asked if we could squeeze him in with our group. Talk about hitting the lottery for me. I not only got to hang out with one of the best golfers I have ever played with, but also a retired golf coach and English literature teacher who will talk about books and authors from Pat Conroy and Kurt Vonnegut to Richard Brautigan and Mitch Albom as we stroll toward our next shot. He has read all the classics and possesses a picturesque golf swing. Little does he know that I regard him as a classic.
I look forward to seeing my group. We’ll be missing one for a bit while he gets some medical concerns cleared up, but he will be back before you know it, standing on that first tee as confident as ever, and whooping up on me once again.
I think it was Mark Twain who once said that golf is a good walk spoiled. Not for me, Mr. Twain. Other than being with school children, I don’t know where I could find such pleasant company.
Glenwood Springs native Mike Vidakovich is a freelance sports writer, teacher and youth sports coach. His column appears monthly in the Post Independent and at PostIndependent.com.
Nine County Organizations Receiving Nearly $150,000 From The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation
Nine Chautauqua County organizations are receiving nearly $150,000 in legacy funds from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation through the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation established the Legacy Funds in 2016 as endowments at the Community Foundation to provide annual support to areas that were important to Mr. Wilson […]
Nine Chautauqua County organizations are receiving nearly $150,000 in legacy funds from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation through the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation established the Legacy Funds in 2016 as endowments at the Community Foundation to provide annual support to areas that were important to Mr. Wilson during his lifetime: Caregivers, Community Assets, Design and Access, and Youth Sports. Endowment funds are designed to grow over time and provide funding for charitable causes according to a client’s wishes, forever.
The Legacy Funds at the Community Foundation complement the work of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and were created to provide immediate impact and long-term benefit in Western New York.
Funds awarded locally from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Fund for Caregivers include:
Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care – $12,000 for Short Term Stays at The Star Hospice House
Community Connections at Findley Lake – $22,000 for Community Connections at Findley Lake Caregiver Support Program
Family Service of the Chautauqua Region, Inc. – $25,000 for Supporting Caregivers and Elderly
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Fund for Design and Access have been awarded to:
Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation – $35,000 for Chautauqua County Overland Trails Revitalization Project, Phase V
City of Jamestown – $20,000 for Bergman Park Disc Golf
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Fund for Youth Sports funds have been awarded to:
Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County – $16,000 for Empower Her Athletic Club
Chautauqua Striders Inc. – $9,000 for 2025 Youth Track & Field Development Program
City of Dunkirk Youth and Recreation Department – $10,000 for Dunkirk Sports Sampling
Dear Abby | Jeanne Phillips Dear Abby: My son is a loving husband, father and son. He coaches his 12-year-old son, my grandson, in various sports and sometimes is just a spectator. I’m worried because he often berates his son’s playing ability. He has yelled at him during and after games, whether he is coaching or […]
Dear Abby: My son is a loving husband, father and son. He coaches his 12-year-old son, my grandson, in various sports and sometimes is just a spectator. I’m worried because he often berates his son’s playing ability. He has yelled at him during and after games, whether he is coaching or not. He yelled and screamed at him in front of everyone and later at home.
I have told my son, to no avail, that it’s OK to give constructive criticism but without the yelling. I also have told him how it crushes my grandson each time he does this. My daughter-in-law is also at a loss for how to change his behavior. My husband coached my son in sports when he was young and he was hard on him, too. I love my family dearly, but I don’t know what to do in this situation. Abby, what do you think we should do?
— ‘Heartaching’ Grandma in New Jersey
Dear Grandma: Your son may be a loving husband, but he could use some coaching as a father. Someone should point out to him that when a parent bullies a child about his poor athletic performance, it rarely produces a positive result. It makes him lose interest in the sport and damages the youth’s self-esteem, and the effects can sometimes last a lifetime.
After your grandson has had enough of the verbal abuse, don’t be shocked if he drops out of the sport. Your son should have learned from the terrible example his own father set that this kind of “coaching” usually doesn’t produce the desired result. He should take out his aggression elsewhere.
Dear Abby: Two years ago, my mom invited all of my family on an international trip during the month of October. One year ago, my sister called me asking if I could “cover some things” for her. When I agreed and asked why, she said she and our parents were going on the international trip four months early. I was shocked.
No one had said the departure date was being moved up. When I asked my other sister about it, she was also still under the impression we were going in October. When I brought it up to my mom, she got very defensive and said we were all invited to come. No, we were not! The plans changed, and only one sister and her family were included.
They are on the trip now, and I don’t want any part of it. They are posting pictures to our family group chat, and I have decided not to look at them. I’m not sure how to move forward from here. I’m sad and frustrated over this, while they are pretending everything is fine.
— Left Behind in Colorado
Dear Left: When your mother and sister return from that trip there needs to be a frank “family discussion” about what went wrong and why neither felt it was necessary to inform you that you and your other sister were excluded and why. Pretending something that happened never happened never works out, and if it isn’t repaired, the fallout can be long-lasting.
Alexandria Aces Open 2025 Season with Thrilling Extra-Innings Victory and Community Celebration
Alexandria Aces pitcher Cole Gebben from Western Michigan U. fires strikes into the Thunderbolts lineup at the season opener 2025. (Photo: Scott MacConomy) Alexandria, VA – June 6, 2025 — The crack of the bat, the cheer of the crowd, and the spirit of community were all in full swing as the Alexandria Aces kicked […]
Alexandria Aces pitcher Cole Gebben from Western Michigan U. fires strikes into the Thunderbolts lineup at the season opener 2025. (Photo: Scott MacConomy)
Alexandria, VA – June 6, 2025 — The crack of the bat, the cheer of the crowd, and the spirit of community were all in full swing as the Alexandria Aces kicked off their 20th season in the Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League with a nail-biting extra-innings win over the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts on June 4 at Frank Mann Field.
The Aces, a premier collegiate summer baseball team known for sending players to the MLB, are not just about what happens on the diamond. This season, they’ve doubled down on their mission to grow youth baseball and celebrate the Alexandria community that supports them.
“With 19 more home games ahead, we’re excited to offer a summer full of competitive baseball and meaningful community engagement,” said Frank Fannon, President of the Alexandria Aces. “At the heart of the Alexandria Aces is a deep connection to our community. We shine a spotlight on a different organization each home game to recognize the incredible work happening right here in Alexandria.”
Spotlighting Community Heroes
Each home game will feature and celebrate a local organization making a difference—from youth leagues and civic groups to nonprofits and service organizations. Children wearing Little League jerseys will receive free admission at select games, including Alexandria Little League Night on Friday, June 6, when the Aces take on the D.C. Grays.
Upcoming Home Games & Community Partners
All home games begin at 6:30 PM at Frank Mann Field (3700 Commonwealth Ave, Alexandria, VA). Parking is free, and tickets are $7 for adults and $3 for children under 12.
Featured Home Dates:
June 6 – Alexandria Little League Night (Free for kids in jerseys)
June 11 – Rotary Club of Alexandria
June 12 – Girls and Women in Baseball
June 14 – Del Ray Citizens & Business Associations
June 16 – Hume Spring Civic Association (Full schedule at alexandriaaces.org)
The season will also include themed nights such as Host Families Appreciation, Scouting America, and partnerships with organizations like Carpenter’s Shelter, Alexandria Police Foundation, and more.
For tickets, updates, and weather alerts, fans can visit alexandriaaces.org or follow the Aces on social media: Instagram: @alexandriaaces Twitter/X: @Alexandria_Aces Facebook: Alexandria Aces Baseball
Above: ABSA’s annual hitting contest is scheduled for tomorrow night, though the forecast isn’t promising the sunny skies advertised (images cropped from Facebook posts) Algonquin Baseball and Softball is encouraging young players to “hit some dingers” tomorrow and the public to come cheer them on. The Northborough-Southborough youth sports association is holding its annual Home Run […]
Above: ABSA’s annual hitting contest is scheduled for tomorrow night, though the forecast isn’t promising the sunny skies advertised (images cropped from Facebook posts)
Algonquin Baseball and Softball is encouraging young players to “hit some dingers” tomorrow and the public to come cheer them on. The Northborough-Southborough youth sports association is holding its annual Home Run Derby this Saturday, June 7th.
The event will be held at the Mooney Field Complex (by Finn School, 60 Richards Road).
The fun is scheduled for the evening, with the youngest players up to bat first at 5:00 pm.
Organizers promise “fun to be had by all” in an event that includes:
fantastic softball and baseball action, delicious pizza, music, and a fully stocked snack bar to keep everyone fueled and cheering.
The hitting competition is open to players on ABSA baseball or softball teams, including minors, majors, and seniors. The signup page is here.
As of this morning, there was no indication yet that the forecast rain could change those plans.
Unfortunately, there is also a slight chance of thunder in the forecast, so I’d keep an eye on that. Presumably, registered families will get a message if there are schedule changes announced. For those just interested in cheering from the stands, you can check ABSA’s Facebook page here for potential updates.
MUHS basketball team, Rec Center partner for summer youth camp
Mingus Union High School’s basketball team will partner with the Cottonwood Recreation Center for the third year in a row to host a youth basketball camp from June 23 through 27. Head Coach Austin Hudson said he believed being involved with the community helped his program grow. “We have 35 boys out here for summer […]
Mingus Union High School’s basketball team will partner with the Cottonwood Recreation Center for the third year in a row to host a youth basketball camp from June 23 through 27. Head Coach Austin Hudson said he believed being involved with the community helped his program grow. “We have 35 boys out here for summer basketball in my third year,” Hudson said. “In my first year we had maybe 15, last year we had 25, now we have 35. I think that community work and building that Mingus brand overtime, being involved in the community has really helped us.” The week-long program will include boys and girls from the first through eighth grades; registration closed on June 1.
MUHS Grand Canyon all-region basketball players Ricky Villalobos, Ethan Baird and Cameron Muirhead will be participating in the program as instructors for the younger kids. “We work on ball handling and we teach them basic stuff that we do here, like pivots and just using the backboard, righthand, left hand layups, stuff like that,” Baird said, adding that he thought that the teaching experience was beneficial not only for the younger kids but for the older ones as well. “If you can teach it, it’s making you better as well. It’s a win-win; we’re helping them but we’re also helping ourselves get better,” Baird said.
Nine Chautauqua County organizations are receiving nearly $150,000 in legacy funds from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation through the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.
Instagram: @alexandriaaces
Twitter/X: 
Facebook: Alexandria Aces Baseball
The fun is scheduled for the evening, with the youngest players up to bat first at 5:00 pm.
