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Strength Training for Old Folks

June 1, 2016 By Jason Harrison

There really is no disputing the fact that strength training is good for everyone. But when we think of “everyone,” we tend to leave out people in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s, as if there is no benefit to beginning a strength training regimen when one becomes too old to go to the club.

What should strength training for older populations look like? And what are some of the special considerations for pumping iron when one pushes into the fifth decade of life? I’m going to answer these questions with an eye toward people who have never worked out before.

Recovery Time

If you’re older and you’ve decided to start lifting weights, understand that you’ll need to do weight-bearing exercise at least two days a week. In fact, for the first several months I wouldn’t advise you to do much more than that if you’re not currently active. Your aging body will need more recovery time in between workouts than someone who’s younger or someone who’s been working out for years. (And you’ll need no less than two days because getting stronger is a learning process that requires repetition.)

If you’re seeing a trainer, try establishing a Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday split. You’re going to need those couple of days in between sessions to recover. A lot of times people will ask, “what about cardio?” If you’re older, one of the best things you can do in between lifting sessions is to walk for thirty minutes. The purpose of these walks isn’t to “burn more calories,” but to aid in your recovery from lifting sessions and to develop your cardiovascular capacity. Walk at a brisk pace twice a week in addition to your strength workouts and you’ll be happy with the way you feel. The great thing about walking is it’s a simple, low-impact exercise that you can do for the rest of your life.

Learning

People feel shame around the fact that they’re not already in great shape. So they avoid trying to get into shape because they feel like they already should be. Pretty vicious cycle, right? Well, it’s not too late, and there’s no reason for you to feel ashamed. Just be ready for the fact that it might take you longer than your 20-year-old nephew to pick up some of the basics.

You’ve been moving the way you move for five decades or more, and if one assumes that some of those movement patterns aren’t the most efficient, then it follows that you’re going to have to learn new movement patterns in order to lift weights safely. This can take time–and that’s okay.

The older my client is, the more time I spend on the most basic movements like squatting. It can take several weeks just to get someone to the point at which they’re ready to work hard. Again, that’s okay. The key here is patience and an understanding that learning how to move is at least half the reason one should lift weights. It’s not just about getting leaner or a number on the scale. Longterm quality of life hinges upon good movement, and you’ll neither learn how to move well on your couch nor sitting on a bicep curl machine. Stand up!

Terminology

Chances are if you’ve never stepped foot in a gym by the time you’re 40, then it’s safe to say that working out isn’t your thing. So it’s likely that you’re not going to be familiar with a lot of the terminology of the gym. It’s relatively important for you to pay attention to the way people talk about the human body so that people around you (like personal trainers, doctors, chiropractors, etc.) can help you.

I had a client once tell me that they felt like an exercise was “pulling” on their leg. I had them immediately stop with the forceful concern of a parent who was watching their child head to a light socket with scissors.

“What’s wrong?” they asked.

“A pulling sensation is not good,” I said, “so we need to stop and evaluate what’s going on.”

“Well, maybe pulling isn’t the right word,” said my client. Turns out, by “pulling” my client actually meant “burning” or “difficult.” They were feeling the lunges in their quads just as they were supposed to be feeling them. But because they used terminology I associate with potential injury risk, I made them stop. This type of interaction happens a lot with people who aren’t accustomed to using or paying attention to their body.

You Can Do This

Don’t let the marketing around fitness fool you. This is for you too. I’ve never had an aging client tell me that strength training wasn’t worth it, even among those people who didn’t see a quick transformation in body composition. Just feeling better was worth the price of admission.

Aging doesn’t have to mean painful lower backs, using walkers to get around, and leaning on railings to get up and down from the toilet. It’s only that way in our culture because people stop moving. If you’re reading this I want you to know it’s not too late for you to avoid immobility and weakness. All you have to do is strap on the sneakers and be willing to learn.

Let’s Be STRAIGHT, GAY Pride is for EVERYONE!

June 1, 2016 By Joshua Stucky

Time to dust off the gowns, primp the wigs and don a smile, Gay PRIDE in Dayton is here. This year, our little town has upped the gay agenda, and created a full plate of fun, frivolity and freedom. It is the latter that really matters, and the reason we ALL should celebrate…even YOU! At the core of Gay PRIDE lies the American battle-cry, “And Justice For All.” Although what you might see on the streets is at times a bit confusing, the mission isn’t. Gay PRIDE celebrates self-expression, personal freedom and a great victory over discrimination.

You should attend and join the hijinks. Consider this, the gay culture has had an unusual set of struggles in its quest for equality. Living a ‘closeted’ life was the expectation in the early 70’s. Of course, that changed with the ‘shotglass heard round the world,’ kicking off a series of acts of resistance. Coming out of the closet, along with the beads, bangles and bustiers told the world “I can look and be whatever the hell I want to be.” Through a strong sense of irreverence and a great deal of self-expression, the drag culture began its symbolic rise in the gay community. This year, Dayton’s own RubiGirls will be the headliners on Friday evening, representing the silliness and the sincerity of helping others through humor. Their show will take place at Courthouse Square around 8:00pm on Friday, June 3rd. The Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus start things off around 6:00pm. AND DON’T MISS this 0.5 mile…..yes 0.5K bar crawl in Dayton’s historic ‘Froot Loop’ a collection of Dayton’s Best Gay and Gay friendly Bars!

You should care and support the community. Think about this, in the late 60’s LGBT Americans were not allowed to congregate for fear of what might happen. This week, you will see LGBT citizens and their supporters not only congregating but marching together to tell the world, ‘We are better together than apart!’ The annual parade steps off at noon from Cooper Park, with Grand Marshall Phil Wise, who was part of the start of the LGBT Center 40 years ago, and ends at Courthouse Square, where the crowds wait anxiously for the festivities to begin! Before the parade, make sure you get breakfast at MJ’s Cafe on Jefferson around 9am. New this year will be an area called ‘Rainbow Land,’ and a car show for motor enthusiasts.

You should celebrate and be entertained! Keep in mind, although gay marriage is now legal in the USA, much remains to be done. The game is not over, and the race to equality is not complete. Sunday, June 5th, our beloved PFLAG chapter is sponsoring a 5k PRIDE run at Welcome Park behind Welcome Stadium. The run/walk begins at 10am. It doesn’t end there, as the first-ever “Spike and Heels” round robin kickball tournament takes place, featuring beer and food trucks! This event is also at Welcome Park.

YOU ARE US! Gay PRIDE is now steep in history, and part of the American landscape. Nearly all major cities in the United States block off streets, line the sidewalks and join the victory lap of Gay Americans. Side by side, we are all in this together. Discrimination loses yet again and harmony takes its place on the proverbial stage!

Someday, another group will need our help in breaking down barriers, achieving protection, and opening minds. When that day comes, I’m sure we will see each other….at their parade!

For more information about PRIDE WEEK visit

DaytonLGBTCenter.org

New Buildings Bring New Volunteer Opportunities To Library

May 31, 2016 By Dayton Most Metro

David Hicks, Volunteer Services Manager, Dayton Metro Library

New, improved Dayton Metro Library facilities mean new opportunities for volunteers, and Volunteer Services Manager Dave Hicks is up to the task. Hicks has added eight new volunteer positions since he was hired into the position in September, 2015, and is open to suggestions and ideas for more.

“I enjoy hearing feedback from staff and volunteers about their experiences,” said Hicks.

Already in 2016, 2,445 volunteer hours have been contributed. With two new facilities scheduled to open in Brookville and New Lebanon, more volunteers will be needed as Greeters and Program Helpers.

New volunteer positions at the Dayton Metro Library include:

Conversation Partner helps new Americans practice English conversation skills
Reading Buddies offer one-on-one reading encouragement to children.
Library Mascot wears the child-friendly Cosmo costume at Library and community events.
Maker Kit Helpers share their skills and interests during labs and activities using 3D printers, circuits, computers, kitchen tools, textiles and more.
New Facilities Greeters welcome patrons to their new Libraries, offer assistance with new technology, directions and information.

“Currently our most pressing needs are for help with the Summer Meal Program at our new Northwest Branch Library,” said Hicks. “We need volunteers to assist Library staff in distributing meals, set up and clean up for this program which takes place four days each week.”

Hicks has worked for the Dayton Metro Library since 1997 in various roles. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Wright State University, and also earned Masters degrees in Human Resources Management and Library and Information Science.

Summer is a busy time at all Dayton Metro Libraries. Activities keep children and teens engaged during the school break, and the Library’s Summer Challenge awards prizes for reading and program attendance.

“Volunteers are needed to help with all the programs and Summer Challenge details,” said Hicks. “When the New Lebanon and Brookville Branches later this year, we’ll need Greeters to welcome patrons to the new facilities.”

In the fall, Homework Helper volunteers will be active, along with Conversation Partners and Reading Buddies.

A complete list of volunteer opportunities and online application is available at http://daytonmetrolibrary.org./about-us/volunteer.

Questions about volunteering can be directed to Dave Hicks at (937) 496-8638 or emailed to [email protected].

Mystery Monday – May 30, 2016

May 30, 2016 By Tom Gilliam

Welcome to Week 18 of Mystery Mondays. The answer to Week 17’s Mystery Photo is: The cupola of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, built 1890, in Downtown Dayton. This church was designed by architect Charles Insco Williams in the Romanesque Revival & Queen Anne architectural styles and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Closed in 1996, the church reopened in 2001 as a Vietnamese Catholic church. I took this photo on May 19, 2016.

We congratulate our randomly drawn winner Rachel of Union! Rapid Fired Pizza certificates are coming your way!

We challenge you to tell us where in the Dayton area this photo was taken by filling out the form below. We’ll do a random drawing from all those with a correct answer and the winner will get 2 pizzas from Rapid Fired Pizza.

Enter here:

http://goo.gl/forms/dyU55fzc48

We’ll post the winner next Monday with details about the photo as well as a new photo to challenge your knowledge of the Dayton area.

Thanks for playing and good luck!

Here’s our Mystery Photo for Week 18:

Photo by Tom Gilliam of DaytonGram & Tom Gilliam Photography.

Art is Everywhere During New Juried Show and Kickoff Event

May 28, 2016 By Dayton937

It’s not a difficult task to discover visual arts in downtown Dayton. Whether you’re exploring a gallery space or admiring local products sold in downtown businesses, Dayton’s rich arts amenities abound. Last year, we introduced our first event in the new Summer in the City series in May, and it was a blast. But we’ve got a lot more in store for art lovers at this year’s event. Pack your bags, because you’re in for a trip! Art in the City is the next signature event of the 2016 DP&L Summer in the City lineup, and it promises to be quite the visual feast.

The Downtown Dayton Partnership is helping to roll out a new juried art show. The Dayton Visual Arts Center pulled together 26 talented local artists whose work will be on display in different downtown businesses. Our goals are simple: We hope to encourage art lovers to discover a new downtown business, and we want to introduce regular patrons to incredible local art. We’re also throwing another element into the mix: You get to decide which artist nabs the title of “People’s Choice” by voting for your favorite artist or artwork. Voting starts Friday, June 3, and closes at noon on June 17. Visit downtowndayton.org for details.

To kick off the open voting session, we’re hosting a huge visual arts party, complete with live demonstrations, hands-on activities, and other interactive programs throughout downtown. It’s free! It’s fantastic! It’s fun for all ages! And it lasts from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, June 3.

You can meet the artists from the juried show pop-up galleries in their spaces, and you can check out an array of other arts activities sprinkled around downtown, including:

The Front Street Experience: Watch artists blow glass and create street art on canvas, get your face painted, and take a selfie at the art wall, located on Courthouse Square. While you’re there, check out more fun going on for the kickoff of Dayton Pride weekend, Affair on the Square.
K12 Gallery & TEJAS: The whole family will enjoy visual arts activities and special performances by SMAG Dance Collective. Get down on the dance floor with music by DJ Tony Whitfield and DJ Scorpius Max. Visit “Make n’ Take” stations and create garden art planters and garden wire sculptures. Juice bar and snacks also available for purchase.
Mendelson’s Mural: A new mural-painting company, The Mural Machine, is taking art to the streets and transforming buildings. Watch them work on their current project, Mendelson’s Outlet, off First Street.
Live demos: Several downtown arts businesses will have live demonstrations, and you can browse artwork in the shop for sale. Check out Gallery 510 Fine Art at 508 E. Fifth St., Vessels at 227 N. Main St., Ink & Hammer at 506 Wayne Ave., Dayton Society of Painters and Sculptors on 48 High St. in St. Anne’s, and the Front Street Galleries in the warehouse at 1001 E. Second St.
Art on 5^th: Following the success of its first art show and handmade craft sale, theNorthGate returns with its next gallery and market, located at Fifth and Wilkinson in the former historic Salvation Army building.
Dayton Art Institute: If you haven’t seen the latest exhibit, Into the Ether, you’ll be inspired to visit the interactive light gallery when you visit the museum’s special Art in the City location near Lily’s Bistro (329 E. Fifth St.). Make your own luminary with color-changing LED lights!
Innovative Arts Nexus (IAN): The University of Dayton’s former Art Street program has gone beyond art as a creative medium for expression and turned it into an application for creative problem solving and innovation. Learn more about the process and challenge your perceptions at their interactive experience in front of the Clair Lofts (St. Clair Street between Third and Fourth streets).
Nucleus CoShare: Not only will you get to see one of the largest pop-up gallery installations at this space, you can experience a variety of other local artists. Wouldn’t it be cool if you could work here? Memberships to the co-shared office space are still available. Chat with the staff on-site to learn more about rates and benefits (besides being surrounded by inspirational artwork).
The Mosaic Institute of Greater Dayton: Create your own unique mosaic while you enjoy the sights and sounds of Pickin’ in the Park at RiverScape MetroPark. Be sure to try the free demo of the new Urban Family Challenge Food and craft beer will be available for purchase at this location. (Heads up – Monument Avenue will be closed from Patterson to St. Clair for this activity.)
African American Visual Artists Guild: Watch computer art and thread painting demonstration at their station in the Oregon District.
Courteous Mass: Get a new perspective on your city from the seat of a bike. Join a group ride to tour public art installations on a new iteration of the Bike the Arts Bonus: The new culture-wrapped Link Bike also will be unveiled! The ride departs from Don Crawford Plaza (Fifth Third Field) at 6:30 p.m.

12th Annual Patriot Freedom Festival This Weekend at the Dayton VA Campus!

May 27, 2016 By Tom Gilliam

The Grotto (built in 1867-1868) at the historic Dayton VA campus, site of the Patriot Freedom Festival. – May 5, 2016

Memorial Day Weekend is fast approaching. Area pools will be opening, The Five Rivers Fountain of Lights at RiverScape MetroPark in Downtown Dayton will start shooting water again plus there will be plenty of parties & barbeques with family and friends. This weekend is also the unofficial start of Summer. The main reason we have this extended holiday weekend is to honor the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades.

It also happens to be the most fitting weekend for the 12th Annual Patriot Freedom Festival on Saturday & Sunday, May 28-29, 2016 from 11 AM to 6 PM (both days) at the historic Dayton VA Medical Center Campus on 4100 West Third Street. This event is hosted by the American Veterans Heritage Center, a non-profit organization whose sole mission is “To preserve the best of our past…by improving the present…to create a better future for our heroes, our United States Veterans.” In short, the AVHC is the VA’s historical society. This year’s festival theme is Honoring Women in the Military. The festival is family friendly including free admission and free parking.

The bandstand (built in 1871) at the historic Dayton VA campus, site of the Patriot Freedom Festival. – May 5, 2016

The Dayton V.A. (Veterans Affairs) Medical Center Campus was built in 1867 when it was known as the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers and later the Dayton Soldiers Home. President Abraham Lincoln signed the creation of the Dayton VA into legislation on March 3, 1865. In 2012, the entire Dayton VA Medical Center campus was awarded with a National Historic Landmark status. 2017 marks the 150th Anniversary of the Dayton VA Medical Center with many events and festivities going on throughout the year.

I recently sat down with Tara Browne, a very enthusiastic volunteer for the AVHC. She has many reasons and much motivation to volunteer for this organization. Her father and sister both served in the U.S. Air Force (30 years and 10 years respectively). Browne’s grandfather on her mother’s side served under General MacArthur in the U.S. Army during World War II. He had four brothers who also fought in WWII. One of them was actually in the Battle of the Bulge and survived.

“When I was out in California, I did a lot of work with the homeless. I just kind of started feeding the homeless on the street as I found them. The more stories I heard, the more people I got to know on the streets and the more I realized that a lot of them were veterans. When I moved back from California to Ohio, I actively sought out volunteer opportunities at the Dayton VA because I knew I wanted to get more involved with that. So that’s how it started. Now I’m involved with the VA as well as Team Rubicon, Team RWB and the Invictus Games,” said Browne.

The Grotto (built in 1867-1868) at the historic Dayton VA campus, site of the Patriot Freedom Festival. – May 5, 2016

In 2015, Browne’s first year volunteering for the AVHC, she served as Event Co-Chair for the Patriot Freedom Festival. “I think it’s great because for one it opens up the VA, this awesome historical location that most people don’t even know is there or have forgotten about it. It opens it up to the public. It provides a lot of interesting things to do and interesting ways to learn not only about the history of Dayton, but about the impact that Dayton itself has had on veteran history. The VA was one of the original three and is one of the only ones of those original three that’s still open and functioning to this day. That was Civil War era and has made it all that way through. So, I think it’s a really cool learning time and just a fun, safe place for families to be,” said Browne.

Here is Browne’s rundown of what to expect at the festival.

The Grotto (built in 1867-1868) at the historic Dayton VA campus, site of the Patriot Freedom Festival. – May 5, 2016

“There’s a lot of activities for families. There were pony rides last year. There are all these different displays around the area. They have a lot of Civil War displays. There are bands, food vendors, clothing vendors, different sorts of wares and all sorts of small businesses from the Dayton area set up tents. It’s an eclectic festival where you get to see different aspects of Dayton.”

“There are tours of the cemetery, a Gold Star Wives & Mothers ceremony going on plus there’s a lot that goes on in the chapels. The Grotto is going to be open and that’s been really refurbished/redone over the past several years since 2014. The grounds itself are relatively open for people to walk around, see and really get the feeling for the campus.”

A couple of days ago, I briefly spoke with Mike Turner, United States Marine Corps veteran/volunteer Events Secretary for the AVHC and asked him to share some highlights of the Patriot Freedom Festival. “I would say the most popular thing to do is to see all the reenactors, military displays and our free entertainment. The most unique thing about our festival is that we are on the National Historic Landmark Designated Campus and you can tour it. Also, our guests can see military groups and equipment from the Civil War to the current era plus being able to thank the Veterans that are here,” said Turner.

Building 116, formerly the Headquarters/library and future home of the VA National Archives at the historic Dayton VA campus, site of the Patriot Freedom Festival. - May 5, 2016

Building 116 (built in 1871), formerly the Headquarters/library and future home of the VA National Archives at the historic Dayton VA campus, site of the Patriot Freedom Festival. – May 5, 2016

In April 2016, an announcement was made that the VA National Archives will be moving from Washington, D.C. to the Dayton VA campus. The plan is for the archives to be housed in Building 116 (formerly the Headquarters, built in 1871) and Building 129 (formerly the Clubhouse, built in 1881). “The National Archives has no timetable really since 20-26 million needs to be raised first,” said Turner.

Said Browne in reference to 2015’s Patriot Freedom Festival, “We have people who didn’t even realize the festival was going on and just stumbled on the campus because they saw signs and showed up so you have a variety of people. My personal favorite part of the festival is seeing everyone come, getting to educate people, getting to be there in a very veteran & family friendly atmosphere and being a part of the celebration of our American veteran history.”

Recap of festival activities: honoring ceremonies, historical military reenactors, guided historical tours, children’s activities, barrel train, kid’s corner, gardening, equestrian team, the Miami Valley Military History Museum and more.

For more information about the Patriot Freedom Festival, visit americanveteransheritage.org, facebook.com/patriotfreedomfestival and follow @theavhc on Instagram & Twitter. Also, donations to the American Veterans Heritage Center can be made by clicking here.

Photography by Tom Gilliam of DaytonGram and Tom Gilliam Photography.

John Pirelli Lodge President, Jim Balsamo at the Sons of Italy Bocce Courts

One of America’s biggest Bocce Ball tournaments is coming to Dayton, and it is all about respect, capeesh? Respect the balls, the court, the tradition and a game where anyone can play and be competitive. The Food Adventures Crew will be a big part of this weekend which also includes a Friday food truck rally and Sunday’s Garlic Fest.

The John Pirelli Lodge/Sons of Italy will be hosting the 2016 Bocce Classic from July 15th – July 17th this year, and they are looking for players! This annual event draws young and old from many states. Even players from Canada drive down to attend, and you can participate too !

Which one is closer?

Teams of 4 will descend upon the bocce courts behind the Bella Villa Hall and will be rolling balls from morning ’til night. Some of you may know this site as the same spot of Dayton’s Italian Festival aka the “Fall Festa.” 2015 Bocce Classic Champions, The Doepker Family and Scott Davis look to defend their title, in what promises to be a fun-filled tournament weekend.

Not sure how to play bocce ball? It is easy to start. It is a mixture of bowling and shuffleboard. The object of the game is to roll your four bocce balls as close to the little “pallino” ball as possible, while preventing your opponents from doing the same. It is that simple. Many players develop their own strategies and rolling styles. Want to learn the rules of Bocce ? Then click here for the Dayton’s Bocce Classic Rules Page.

Brian Andzik is a Bocce Regular

Want to know more about The Bocce Classic, one of the feature Bocce Ball Tournaments in the United States?

HERE IS THE SKINNY:

WHAT: THE BOCCE CLASSIC, a BOCCE BALL TOURNAMENT

WHERE: 2625 County Line Rd, Dayton, Ohio

WHEN: 3 day tournament starts evening of July 15th, and ends in the Championship Game, Sunday Evening July 17th

HOW: CLICK THIS LINK to SIGNUP YOUR TEAM

COST: $270 per team, includes a steak dinner Saturday night, beer cups, and discounted drink prices during Sons of Italy’s Food Truck Rally July 15th and Garlic Fest, July 17th. Sounds like a Food Adventure, so The Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax will be there.

Bocce Ball

WHY: A significant portion of the proceeds go to local scholarships and local charities

They are expecting about 60-70 teams of four to participate in this year’s event. There is even a BEGINNER BOCCE BASH Friday night hosted by UpDayton, 5pm-9pm.

HISTORY OF BOCCE BALL IN DAYTON:

Thirty years ago the Bella Villa Hall had 2 bocce courts. The floors of the courts were sand and limestone dust. They would have to bring out a rug and a rope, and drag it up and down to smooth the court between matches. Now the courts are made from artificial turf.

Then in 1995, the John Pirelli Lodge in Dayton Ohio, decided to host a tournament to promote the game and their Italian heritage. There were five clay courts and 40 teams. Orignal Bocce Classic Founders Ed Guerriero, Pat Mosconi and Mike Longo grew the tournament and it is now the unofficial “Ohio State Championship of Bocce”

Now, The Bocce Classic is a 3 day event played with over 60 teams and attended by thousands of spectators. There are now six partially covered bocce courts that even have night lighting. The Italian lodge looks to keep the feel of the original tournament while introducing bocce ball to more people in the Miami Valley. Pasta, steak dinners, and authentic Italian food help make a great bocce tournament.

2016 may be the “Year of the Bocce Ball” in Dayton, with all of this added interest. But for some, it has been a tradition for decades. Let’s meet some of Dayton’s bocce legends and purists.

DAYTON’S BOCCE’S “MUST MEETS”

— EDDIE “BOOM BOOM” GUERRIERO: This mild-mannered fixture at the Sons of Italy love the bocce and food as well. One of the founding members of the tournament, he is still active in bocce and lodge committees. We don’t know why he is called “boom boom.” We will leave that up to your imagination.

Rinaldo Stolfo with Kevin Sorice, Bocce Classic Chairman

— RINALDO STOLFO: This active 86 year old has played in the bocce league for 10 years and is an avid ping pong player with his partner who, get this… is 94 years old. He likes bocce because you meet a lot of new friends. Many of you Rinaldo as the former owner of his famous Dayton bakery which he retired last year.

— JIM BALSAMO: Current President of the lodge and bocce enthusiast who tells us his father got him into the game. Jim loves bocce ball because anyone can play, “16 years old to 86, male, female, it doesn’t matter.” Jim also says just because you have experience, sometimes is doesn’t matter. Games can take twists and turns. Jim says “One minute you think you’ve got it figured out and the bocce gods look down on you and that’s all she wrote.” Jim also notes that sometimes you gotta teach the players to add the scores correctly, even the veterans forget.

Bocce Classic Coming July 15- July 17th

— BRIAN ANDZIK: Bocce League veteran who has not missed one game in 17 years. He even played a season on crutches. Now that’s dedication, folks. Brian has also been a leader on the lodge council. He got to play on one of the original teams with the legendary DiPasquale brothers.

— TONY CICERO: From Racine, Wisconsin has played bocce his whole life. Tony has won bocce classic twice. He says playing helps, as he grew up with a bocce court in back yard. It is a game of strategy. A feel comes naturally, he says.. Tony’s wife plays in the women’s league and was the MVP of her team.

— NICK D’AMICO: Nick has been helping out with the Special Olympics Bocce Ball for 20 years. Last year they had 78 athletes

Championship Roll – John Doepker 2015 Bocce Classic Champ

with special needs play bocce ball in the Olympics. Nick has been playing bocce ball all of his life. He remembers playing in alleys as a kid on Stone Mill Road.

— THURSDAY is WOMENS LEAGUE at the John Pirelli Lodge – and we will have a full report on them, soon !

So now you know a little more about Dayton area bocce and its tradition. Come out and watch the Bocce Classic , or enter the tournament. They would love to have you.

Want to join the Italian Club? You must have Italian lineage in your family, and the cost is $40 per year. Club members are eligible to play in a bocce league that costs $40 a year.