I had the pleasure of attending the annual Lions Club Talent Show at the high school on Friday, April 28, the proceeds of which go toward scholarships for some well-deserving graduating seniors. The show started off on an enthusiastic note with high school band EELARKWARVAY (Sean Daly, Justin Friesen, Jordan Policastro and Mike McNabb), dressed a la AC/DC from back in the day, rocking some classic tunes. Weedsport student Cathy Roosa followed on guitar, first performing a solo and then a duet with her friend, Jana Mlod. The girls' voices blended seamlessly. John Wilmot on hammered dulcimer teamed with Jacqui McCarthy on guitar, violin and mandolin playing Irish and folk melodies. The Cayuga Chords provided some wonderful four-part harmonies; freshmen Megan Wager and Jim Putvin beautifully performed “The Phantom of the Opera” with piano accompaniment by music teacher, Aislinn Call, and “The Happy Stella Kowalski Schottische Five” (a group of seven musicians) performed a humorous musical number while wearing outlandish get-ups (reminiscent of Hee Haw reruns).

Special applause and thanks go to Cindy Daly, who sang and strummed beautifully before, during and after the show. The Clark Family (Bill, Ellen, Janica and Austin) of Auburn entertained all with an upbeat sign language interpretation of the song “Every Move I Make,” and their enthusiasm was contagious. Irish dancers Alicia, Erica and Christina Baird left the audience spellbound with their intricate footwork and gorgeous costumes, and jazz/hip-hop dancers, The Fantabulous Four (Lauryn Bates, Erin Daly, Heather Edmunds and Molly Griffin), marked their fourth appearance in the show with another fun and funky performance.

The highlight performer of the show, as was the case last year, was the absolutely adorable Betty Hitchcock on guitar and keyboard, who enthralled young and old alike with her singing and yodeling.

April showers have brought more than just May flowers to Weedsport! The closer we get to summer, it seems the more activities there are in the school and the community. The Weedsport Association of Parents and Teachers (APT) will meet 7 p.m. Tuesday, in the high school board room (in the front door, turn right). New faces are always welcome! At 7 p.m. Friday, the Weedsport dance recital program will be held in the High School Auditorium. Program director Jill O'Hearn and the dancers have been working hard to get ready for another entertaining show. Flowers and refreshments will be available for purchase before the show and during intermission.

May 16 brings the Elementary Art and Music Festival to the high school halls and auditorium, with exhibits by all elementary students and performances by the third, fourth and fifth grade choruses. Don't forget the district budget vote and board of education election, also on the 16th at the high school.

The anticipation is building at the elementary school as students await the arrival of the National Circus Project the week of May 22. Students in every grade level will be instructed by circus professionals throughout the week, and the program will culminate in the wildly popular fifth grade Circus at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 26, in the high school gym. This year's theme is “All American Circus,” and the parent committee has been working hard to make this a great experience for the students. Come on out and enjoy a night under the big top.

I just have to mention my recent visit to the new Burritt's Cafe on North Seneca Street. For starters, the space is absolutely beautiful, with exposed brick walls and wood floors.

Finally, my “shout out” this time goes to the Weedsport Lions Club for everything they do for our community, and for sponsoring another wonderful talent show - thank you.

Wendy Bates has lived in Weedsport all her life and loves to write about her community