Feb 26th Crush Party

[Peter (VanDog)]

It was nice weather for a February day, and we had a good turnout at last night's Crush Party at the Bungalow. Some new faces, and many familiar ones as well. I've gotten to know so many of these people that it's easy to neglect some while talking to others.

Despite what some publications have written this is a fairly diverse group. In the above photo Crushers range from 17yr old High School students to 72yr old retirees, and a wide range of ethnic backgrounds. Wider than it appears on the surface. Apparently we look too business casual to be diverse. Guess we'll have to represent our ethno-heritage by dressing like automatons on the Small World attraction at Disneyland.

As a group, we are sensitive to the fact that Holyoke's sizable Puerto Rican community is is still under represented in Crush. We found that Internet based networks are less accessible to the P.R. community since fewer of them have computers in their homes. We hope as computers, and the Internet become more affordable this will change.



This month's party was emceed by Debra Vega Topic was 'Conservation in Holyoke'. Speakers included:

Maggie Bergin from Friends of Pulaski Park, and advocacy organization dedicated to the restoration, preservation and improvement of the Park.

Dr. Linda Henderson, DVM an avid wildlife photographer, and supporter of Mt Tom preservation.

Charlie Lutspeich from Heritage State Park Holyoke.

Rebecca Neher from the Trustees of the Reservations.

[Peter (VanDog)]

Thanks for commenting guys.

With my Italian heritage I should dress more like a goodfella. Get that Guido look going, but i'm too pale for it, and too pale for my Mohawk heritage too. Guess I'll have to go with my Irish heritage, and step dance my way around town.

[aaron vega]

nice post peter. thanks for doing these after each party.

[James Sutter]

I was thinking that you could wear a kimono, or maybe lederhosen. I could wear a sombrero and poncho. How much more diverse can we get, I mean really, we have a member of the native American population!