Nauset Regional School District News
Friday, April 8, 2005

Brewster Elementary Schools

Eddy Elementary School had a distinguished visitor when Mackenzie Meads,
a student in Mrs. Douglas' kindergarten class, invited a special friend for
show and tell. Laurel Labdon, Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2005, visited
and talked to the children about disabilities and some of the limitations
people in wheelchairs have. The children were amazed at how she could
manipulate her wheelchair. The school will be rooting for Labdon when she
competes in the Ms. Wheelchair USA pageant being held this summer in New
York.

The kindergarten program at Eddy Elementary School and all kindergarten
programs in the Nauset Region received accreditation from the National
Association for the Education of Young Children. As part of the district's
continual pursuit of excellence, teachers worked with Dr. Mack and Mrs.
Berg to complete the elaborate reviews of the kindergarten programs.
Congratulations to Mrs. Douglas, Mrs. Ericson, and all the incredible staff
that make the kindergarten programs in Nauset so exceptional
.
Laurel Labdon, Ms. Wheelchair
Massachusetts 2005, with MacKenzie
Meads during a presentation on
disability awareness.
     THIS WEEK IN THE CAPE LEAGUE
                                                     Cape League Intern  Jason S. Itzkowitz

                                               Hyannis Mets Host First Military All-Star Game


HYANNIS, Mass - History was made on June 11, 2005, when the first All-Star Military Game took place at McKeon Park. Selected
players from the Cape Cod Baseball League competed against the most talented American military players from bases in San Diego to
Japan. It was a sunny day in Hyannis, where patriotism echoed throughout Cape Cod.

There was no better way to promote awareness in support of our military than playing a baseball game. Baseball is a symbol of our
country, which connects Americans with the common love for the game. It is a reminder of what our great nation stands for.

It was a privilege for those who participated in this memorable event and players on both teams appreciated the opportunity.

When asked how it felt to be selected in the first military all-star game, Navy pitcher Gustavo Luna replied, “It is just an honor to be
here. I was in Japan for eight years where, I played baseball. This is my third season with the Navy, but I didn’t think I would make
this all-star team. It is a privilege to be apart of today.”

Right fielder Willie Gury was also thrilled to be playing that afternoon. When asked what it meant to be part of a team representing
the American military he responded, “It’s great to be doing two things at the same time that I love. Defending our country and playing
the game of baseball (This game) gives me the opportunity to assert my country and show that I am doing my part to fight against
terrorism.”

World War II veteran and long-time Cotuit Kettleers staff member, Ivan Partridge, was also excited about being part of the pre-game
festivities. After being asked what baseball was like for soldiers during the war, Partridge responded, “I played in the local league on
the Philippines during World War II. Baseball was a fun, recreational activity to World War II soldiers. Baseball was simply an escape
from the gruesome, harsh circumstances that any soldier inevitably goes through during a state of war. It reminds them of America’s
pastime. It reminds them of home.”
The opening ceremony before play began revealed the link between the All-Star Game and past baseball military experiences.
Ms.
Wheelchair of Massachusetts, Laurel Labdon, was honored at the beginning and
presented with an autographed bat by Lt. Commander Terrance Allvord, Coach /
GM of the Military All-Stars.

Also introduced before the game were game-day sponsors were Debra Nelson of Friendly’s and Dr. Pamela Stiefvater of Bayside
Chiropractic.

The main part of the ceremony was the Salute of Veterans of Foreign Wars when United States veterans who served in World War II,
the Korean War and the Vietnam War were introduced and applauded. These Veterans of Foreign Wars included star military baseball
players Partridge, Arnold Mycock and John Garner, Sr., who served in WWII, Korean War veterans Max Sarazin and Jake O’Rourke
and Vietnam War veterans Ken Kommenda and James Hempel.

The Star Spangled Banner was sung by Sergeant Casey Wade of the U.S Army Recruiting Station in Hyannis. Captain Joseph T.
Teehan, Company Commander of U.S Army Recruiting in Boston, threw the first of two opening pitches before the start of the
memorable game. Sarazin who served with the U.S. Marines in the Korean Conflict, had the honor of throwing out the second
opening pitch.

And oh yes, then there was the game. Both teams each played competitively. Steve Singleton (Orleans) of the Cape League All-Stars
immediately got his team on the board with a solo shot to deep left in the first inning. Yarmouth-Dennis outfielder, Sean Riley, also
added to the offense as he went three-for-four, including a solo bomb to right.

Nevertheless, starting Military All-Star pitcher Lucas Ledbetter, a top hurler for the U.S Naval Academy, pitched four solid innings.
He recorded seven strikeouts and allowed just two earned runs on five hits. However, defense did not help the big right-hander, as the
Military All-Stars made four errors in the field.

As U.S Naval Academy catcher Jon Boger said before the game, “The key to winning this game is to make no errors in the field.”  

The entire Cape League pitching staff got into the game and as a combined unit, they shut down the Military All-Stars, 5-0. Also, not
to mention, the Cape squad was flawless in the field, recording no errors. However, the scoreboard was irrelevant that day. Both teams
won in the sense that history was being made, soldiers who have sacrificed their lives were being honored, and a patriotic ambiance
reigned on the baseball diamond.

With organized military baseball dying down after the Vietnam era, games like this can only revive competitive military baseball and
promote the comeback of such leagues. Especially with the recent War on Terror, games like this can only foster patriotism, help
support our troops, and aid with the recruitment process within the military arena.  

However, it is not that easy to have a predominant organized military baseball league or in Military All-Star Coach Lieutenant
Allvord’s words, “We are trying to play competitive baseball here, but you also have to understand we have to fight a war too. It is hard
to be doing both things at the same time. We really would like to have other guys be here today but just can’t, because they have to be
stationed in certain areas of the world.”

With tensions in the Middle East, this game helps remind us of the honorable sacrifice our troops have made to defend our nation.
Nevertheless, every soldier who has ever fought for America was honored on McKeon Field that day within our hearts.  

Similar to the battlefield, everyone on the baseball diamond makes the sacrifice, puts forth the most effort, and hopes to perform well
on an individual basis in order to benefit their squad. In both arenas, there is the same goal in mind - to get home safe.

Jason Itzkowitz, Cape League Intern
itzkowitz@capecodbaseball.org




















Veterans of Foreign Wars, Max  Sarazin, was recognized as part of the opening
ceremonies.