The Tuxedo Lady Tornadoes showed spirit and capped a winning season with a gritty showing in the Section 9 Class D Volleyball Finals in early November.

Emily Dowling of the George Baker High School Lady Tornadoes Vollyball team goes up high for a block in recent tournament play. The Lady Tornadoes finished the year with a winning season.
After taking the OCIAA Division III volleyball title, the George Baker HS girls team then beat Webutuck in three sets on November 6 for their first Sectional Semifinal Game at the Mount Saint Mary College tournament.
Next for Tuxedo was Pine Plains. The Tornadoes gave up a distinct height advantage, more so when senior outside hitter Emma Meore left the court due to a health issue.
Tuxedo girls were game and fought Pine Plains in the sectional games to near ties, losing in four tough sets 3-1: 23-25, 25-22, 25-22 and 25-18.
Coach Michelle Hines praised the team’s tenacious tournament play.
“We are so proud of these girls,” Hines said. “They never gave up. They fought until the very end. This is what Tuxedo is all about.”
George F. Baker High School Principal Jason Schrammel said the team serves as an inspiration to all Tuxedo students.
“This team’s work ethic is an example for all of our students,” Schrammel said.
“Tuxedo consistently demonstrates its ability to excel with dedication and perseverance. Our team’s Division III volleyball title (the 1st since 2003), and advancement to Class D finals, shows this school can hold its own against other schools in sports.”
Article contributed by Nancy Kris via FocusMediaUSA.com.






The Highlands Bluegrass Festival on the Great Lawn of Harmony Hall kicks up its heels Sunday, September 20, from 1 to 6 p.m. in Sloatsburg, NY.
The event, including most parking, is free with a suggested donation to help raise funds for Harmony Hall and to keep the music going. What’s $5 or $10 — that’s the cost of a beer in the big city.
Geoff Welch has curated the Highlands Festival music since it’s first year, with a nice selection of finger pickers and jammin’ –this year’s bill includes the Eric Escoffery Band Garcia & Grisman Tribute, Dogs Like Us, and bluegrass master Jeff Scroggins with his many Friends. The local group Moonshine Creek Bluegrass Band was a late addition but will undoubtedly make hay while on stage.