D w a r f - Giraffe Athletic League — A Non Profit, Non Sectarian Organization Dwarf Giraffe News

Volume 1, Issue 2 September 2011

What’s Happening

at DGAL DG ANNUAL FAMILY PICNIC

This year you will be On Saturday June 25, DG held its able to register for annual family picnic at Harvey Park. This years event drew over 300 family, Spring Baseball and friends and supporters of DG. There was a wide assortment of family games Girl’s Softball Early! from egg toss to three legged races, face painting for the kids and Cido the Clown performed some magic tricks which even had the adults scratching Update on Special their heads. Trophy's were also handed Olympian out to teams—a great turn out this year David Vizciano which provided a lot of fun for all! DGAL and its families helped support sending David to Athens in June for the 2011 Special Olympics - we are proud to report that ZUMBA...ZUMBA...ZUMBA...ZUMBA! David came home with This year during our annual picnic, DG HOT OFF THE PRESS—DG TO two Silver introduced ZUMBA to everyone that HOLD A ZUMBA FUND RAISING and a attended. ZUMBA Marsha and her staff EVENT ON SATURDAY OCTOBER Bronze conducted a 1 1/2 hour ZUMBA session 1, 2011 from 11AM till 12:30PM— medal in that left everyone breathless. The session DONATION $25. Tennis. sparked so much interest that we now hold two ZUMBA classes per week at our October is Breast Cancer Awareness Inside this issue: building on Thursday evenings at 7PM Month. Along with ZUMBA Marsha, and Family ZUMBA on Saturday Mary Lou and members of ZUMBA mornings at 10AM. All of this could not International there will be a fund raiser at President’s Message 2 have been made possible without the the building for the Susan B. Komen enthusiastic support of Ms Mary Lou Foundation "Hope for a Cure" Proceeds Girl’s Athletics 3 Branda Rodriguez who had a vision and from this event will go to the Foundations. So brought her idea to the board at DG and come out and make a difference! Check our Lacrosse 4 well...the rest is history as they say! And Web Site for registration information. lets no forget to thank all of the Baseball 5 participants for their support in making www.dwarfgiraffe.com Girl’s Softball 6 ZUMBA at DG a success!

Basketball 7

The Kids 8

Boardroom 9

Registration 10 PAGE 2 DWARF GIRAFFE NEWS VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 A Letter From The President - Dave Legaz

The success of DG is founded on the of Girls Athletics, the Girls executive board early this year, collective dedication of our parents, Basketball program grew by 100% along with top coaches John coaches, commissioners, board with its addition of 48 players. Joe Hempel and Brain Sutton becoming members, elected officials and also selflessly stepped up when we members of our board of directors. sponsors. It is these men and needed a baseball commissioner this Spring. Joe is also running our Most importantly, I would like to women who every year give of their extend our thanks to two men who time voluntarily to ensure that our summer baseball leagues and he has done this while maintaining his are committed to the continued children are introduced to the success of DG even though their wonderful world of sports and that elected DG duties as Treasurer. For that, Joe, we thank you. George children aged out of the league. Jay the programs are run as smoothly Vigorito and Jose Rodriguez are as possible. Mirtsopoulos not only relieved Joe as the Commissioner of Girls truly the backbone of DG and we At DG, we require that our board of Athletics but he also coached a girl’s are all proud to serve alongside directors and commissioners have a softball team which ended up them for the youth of our combination of vision, dedication, w i n n i n g t h e H S d i v i s i o n community. e nt h us i as m, a n d fi na n ci al championship. George did all of this It is not only our players that learn restraint.. It is not overstating the while upholding his elected DG teamwork, sportsmanship, mutual case to say that none of the success d u t i e s a s C o r r e s p o n d i n g trust and a great work ethic from that DG enjoys today would have Secretary. This past year had sports. As volunteers, we also have been achieved if it were not for experienced the emergence of a new these values inculcated in us and as those volunteers. and exciting sport - Lacrosse. It a result become better spouses, was the enthusiastic vision of fathers, mothers and neighbors As I complete my second and final Lacrosse Commissioner, Jason year as President, I would like to while our youth athletes become Pallen, that has kept kids ages 7 to better sons, daughters, sisters, thank my board of directors and 13 engaged. c o m m i s s i o n e r s f o r t h e i r brothers and students. commitment in making DG the A special thanks to Anthony community sports league of choice. C a s t e l l a n o , o u r c o m p u t e r coordinator, for creating our newly Dave Legaz Our basketball program grew by designed website which is an There is no "I" in Team but there nearly 35% with over 100 excellent portal for everything DG - is a "u" in volunteer! registrants in the last two years due from schedules to photos, to to the focused dedication of Jay important news and upcoming Vigorito, Jay Ehrlich and events. As you can see many board Commissioner Ben Tockarshewsky. members have multiple With the untiring support of Joe Our future is bright at DG with the positions… Alessandro, our past Commissioner addition of Robert Downward to the We invite you to coach, attend a Jose and Jay at President’s Dinner 2011 4th Annual Golf Outing board meeting, be on a committee or assist in an event.

Your community league needs you!

Visit us online at: WWW.DwarfGiraffe.Com VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 DWARF GIRAFFE NEWS PAGE 3 Girl’s Athletics Letter from the Girls’ Athletic Commissioner - Joseph Alessandro

To Our Players, Coaches and The clinic was well attended as we was between Empress Travel the Parents, had over 50 girls participate in the 2nd Seed overall and LockDoctor clinic. Coach Panella taught Security Solutions, the 6th Seed It has been a great year for the various drills in ball control, overall. This was a very good, Dwarf Giraffe Girl’s Basketball balance and shooting. I want to hard fought game by both teams Program. I am happy to report thank all my coaches, who have with LockDoctor Security that the Girl’s Basketball program volunteered their time to coach the Solutions pulling out a thrilling has doubled in size from the girls this season. victory. Congratulations to all the previous year to 96 girls but the coaches and girls on a great program was a huge success. All games during the season were season and we hope to see you all I have to thank Jay Vigorito, Ben well attending by the girl’s parents this year. Tockarshewsky and the DG Board and I thank you the parents for for their support throughout my their continued support for their I am also pleased to report that first season as Girl’s Basketball girls and Dwarf Giraffe. The girls registration is now open online for Commissioner. all had fun during the season and our 2011/2012 Basketball season. the season came down to two very Registration is open to all girls We had 4 teams in our Girl’s exciting Championship games. ages 4 to 18. Major Division (Ages 8 to 11) and The Girl’s Major Division 6 teams in our Girl’s High School Championship was between Holy I thank you all for your continued Division (Ages 12 to 16). We Trinity and DG’s Ranshaw Fuel support of the Dwarf Giraffe began the new basketball season Oil. In a hard fought game, Holy Athletic League. with a clinic coached by Coach Trinity won the Championship by Mike Panella of Manhattanville a score of 6 to 4. The Girl’s High Joseph Alessandro

College on November 16, 2010. School Division Championship

”An athlete gains so much knowledge by just participating in a sport. Focus, discipline, hard work, goal setting and, of course, the thrill of finally achieving your goals. These are all lessons in life.” - Kristi Yamaguchi VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 DWARF GIRAFFE NEWS PAGE 4 Lacrosse Letter from the Lacrosse Commissioner - Jason Pallen

Thinking back to what I enjoyed most this game really soon. The kids are very us will be able to play forever with our past season, I think of the first few excited about that. Tom Michaelson and families and friends. So if you are practices when it was still getting dark his team of professionals at 365Lax have interested in golf at DG, email me at around 6:30pm. It was great to have the also helped us tremendously. If anyone is [email protected] with your names and opportunity to play, coach, and watch our interested in private lessons, I encourage ages so you don’t miss out on this limited kids on this new field at Ulmer or The you to check out his website at space opportunity. College Point Fields. The Astroturf under 365lax.com. Remember, the best the lights, it’s a great place to play. practice is playing catch with someone else I hope everyone is having a great Lacrosse has not been popular in or simply throwing the ball against a wall. summer and I’m looking forward to in the past, perhaps because of its seeing you all again in the fall. unfortunate lack of field space. However We will have a short session of practices in lacrosse has proven to be quite a popular the fall to keep the kids playing. Email me sport in its surrounding areas. Our NYC at [email protected] if you have any Parks Department, Senator Tony Avella questions. and our Councilman have all been such a tremendous support to DG Did you know there used to be 6 private and we have them to thank for that great golf courses in Queens? The Bayside Links, sports complex at The College Point Fields. Oakland Golf Club, Fresh Meadow, Pomonok Country Club, St. Albans The kids did a great job this year and I Country Club and Queens Valley Golf Club. really saw improvement with everyone’s Some of these courses hosted the US Open skills. It’s not an easy sport, especially and the PGA Championship in the 1930’s. when you’re young, but with a little The reason why I am talking about golf is practice they all improved. We have because we would like to know who is Anthony Abicca to thank for that. interested in a golf clinic for kids between Anthony, along with Charlie Burger and 10 – 16 years old. I think lacrosse, Rich Magagna have worked very hard basketball, baseball and softball are all practicing with the Minors and really have great sports to play in high school and kept it exciting. Tony Skoros has college. But so is golf. More continued to work with the Majors and he importantly, golf is something that many of says that we will be ready to play in a

"Lacrosse was my love, my passion. All the time, all the years, I never made a nickel. It was for the love of the sport." - Doug Favell Jr VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 DWARF GIRAFFE NEWS PAGE 5 Baseball Letter from the Baseball Commissioner - Joseph Alessandro

To Our Players, Coaches and Parents, Kingsbridge Park in the Bronx. This is DG’s second District Championship in the last two years. I would also like to Now that the Spring Season of Baseball has ending and congratulate the 8U Mite team, coached by Anthony the Summer Travel Season is in full swing, I would like Marotta and the 10U Minor team, coached by Hector to thank all my coaches and volunteers for your help Bourren on their valiant efforts in the Cal Ripken District this season. Your tireless efforts do not go un-noticed Championships. The 8U team competed in a very tough and are appreciated wholly by the Dwarf Giraffe Long Island Division and came within one game of the Athletic League. It’s a great feeling when you coach a finals and the 10U team battled a very tough team in the team and years later the boys and girls are grown and Queens Division and came within one win of the District they see you in the street and yell out “What’s up, Championship. Well done by all. These teams, along with Coach?”. Without you our program would not be able to the 14U team, coached by Dino Cinquemani are going on to run and I thank you for all the time and effort you put compete for the District 26 Championships in their into our program. This Spring, DG had 14 teams in respective Divisions. our program from Tee-ball (4 to 6 year olds) to Pony Baseball (13 -14 year olds). DG also has 4 Summer I would like to welcome and introduce Frank Mezzanotte Travel teams, 1 each in the Mites, Minor, Major and and Steve Wilson as my Assistant Commissioners for the Pony Divisions. Congratulations to all our Spring upcoming season. Frank coached in the Tee-ball Division teams especially the Minor Division team coached by this past season and is coaching our 12U Summer Travel Hector Bourren as his team brought home to DG the team and Steve Wilson coached in the Tee-ball Division for Northeast Queens Baseball Alliance Championship af- the last two years. Their baseball knowledge and tireless ter battling a very tough LND team in the finals and efforts on and off the field will help build this program for pulling out a 3 to 2 victory. The Mites Division team years to come. I thank you guys for coming on board. coached by Anthony Marotta on his second place finish as his team lost a close game against Glen Oaks by a I am pleased to report that registration is now open score of 3 to 1. online for our 2012 Spring Baseball season until December 31, 2011. Registration is open to all boys ages 4 I would like to congratulate the 12U Major Division to 18 and girls ages 4 to 6. Girls 7 to 18 will have the Summer team, coached by Frank Mezzanotte on ability to register and compete in our Babe Ruth Softball winning the Cal Ripken District Championship and League. DG will be closing registration early this year in going on to compete in the Cal Ripken State Finals at an effort to have player evaluations completed and teams formed by late January 2012. This will allow the coaches to get more practices in with their teams prior to the beginning of the season and make DG teams better prepared to compete with other teams. Once the teams are formed, DG will have a uniform fitting day. This will avoid over-sized or under-sized uniforms for our players.

As one season closes and a new season begins. And that new season begins with you, the parents, who support the Dwarf Giraffe Athletic League as volunteers and coaches. DG needs all your efforts for our plan to work. Please register your child early, so that we can get a jump start on the new season and make the Dwarf Giraffe Athletic League better than the great year we had this season.

I thank you all for your continued support of the Dwarf Giraffe Athletic League. Joseph Alessandro

“If my uniform doesn’t get dirty, I haven’t done anything in the baseball game.” Ricky Henderson VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 DWARF GIRAFFE NEWS PAGE 6 Girls Softball Letter from the Acting Commissioner - George Mirtsopoulos

This year, DG went through some Freddy’s Pizza then proceeded to While we did not field any other last minute changes in personnel play a fantastic season only to run teams in girls’ softball this season, that required some quick thinking into a team that wouldn’t give up in we had some younger girls that and shuffling of current board the championship game, Bowles registered. We decided to run some members and commissioners to Corporate Services. Freddy’s took a developmental mini clinics to get make sure that all the spring and 5-2 lead going into the top of the 6th them a head start going into next summer sports programs got off of the championship game when the season. Coach Linda Romanelli with as little disruption as possi- girls of Bowles Corporate Services took the girls into the gym and ble. So I took a leap of faith and put on their hitting shoes and worked on hitting and fielding. My volunteered to run the girls softball scored 9 runs in the inning and won team and I took them onto the field program. And not only that, I also the championship by a final score of to work alongside with the older coached a team in HS division. 12-6. girls during practices. I believe it Having coached my son and other was a worthwhile experience for all boys programs for a dozen years I I would like to thank the coaches of of them. wasn’t sure what I was I store for. Freddy’s Pizza, Dom Favalora and Well it turned out to be nothing less Joe Scibilia and the coach of With everyone’s help, our players, than a wonderful experience. Whitestone Pets Motel – Christa parents and coaches, we hope to LaTrenta for their dedication in build a bigger and better girls’ The season started with Freddy’s working with the girl’s all season softball program next season. Pizza, who were last year’s long, particularly Christa who champions returning not only to turned her team around through defend their championship, but to practice and motivation which George Mirtsopoulos dedicate their season to their fallen turned them a formidable opponent teammate Theresa Buccellato. The going into the playoffs. opening day ceremony started with DG retiring her number 7 in all sports at DG in her honor.

“Never limit yourself, never be satisfied, and smile—it’s free.” Jennie Finch, USA NATIONAL SOFTBALL TEAM VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 DWARF GIRAFFE NEWS PAGE 7 Basketball

Letter from the Basketball Commissioner - Ben Tockarshewsky

DG BASKETBALL, WRAPPING IT The full court press and 3 point shooting aspects of the UP…. game are part of our Bantam (Ages 9 &10) and Minor Division (Ages 11 & 12). We had 9 teams in the Bantam As we end another successful Boys basketball season, and 7 teams in the Minor Division this year. I would like to thank our players, parents, coaches Our Major Division (Grades 8th and 9th), is utilized both and sponsors for all of their work and support. DG as a participation league for our recreational players and Basketball continues to grow. We have over 350 boys a springboard to the high school programs for our in our program, in 9 divisions and encompassing 11 advanced players. age groups. Our future looks bright as over 100 of the boys were under the age of 8. Our High School Division, had over 50 players. We were fortunate to have several High School Varsity players With a vibrant Spring program and several travel displaying their talents in our weekly games. teams, we are now expanding our program beyond our Winter Season. We continue to be the largest non A special note of thanks should be made to Jay Ehrlich -profit basketball program in Northern Queens. for all of his assistance this year and to Jose Rodriquez and Rob Downward for coordinating the kitchen. An update of the programs offered are as follows: We welcome all talent levels to our league and strive for Our age 6 and under Instructional Program, (the the children to enjoy a positive atmosphere, learn the feeder to our leagues), had over 60 children enrolled. game and have fun. Once again thanks to our sponsors, Here, we introduce the fundamental skill sets to the coaches and parents for their cooperation and support. children in a structured and fun environment. Many of our former/current DG High School League players also assist with coaching in the program. A special thanks to Jay Gorga for helping me coordinate See you at the gym! Saturday mornings.

Our Mites Division includes fundamental instruction- al and reinforcement through our weekly competitive games.

“Michael, if you can’t pass it, you can’t play.” Coach Dean Smith to Michael Jordan VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 DWARF GIRAFFE NEWS PAGE 8 The Kids VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 DWARF GIRAFFE NEWS PAGE 9 BOARDROOM

President David Legaz Baseball Commissioner Joseph Alessandro

Vice President Jay Vigorito Basketball Ben Tockarshewsky Commissioner

Treasurer Joseph Alessandro Commissioner of Girls’ Joseph Alessandro Athletics George Mirtsopoulos Corresponding George Mirtsopoulos Lacrosse Commissioner Jason Pallen Secretary Recording Secretary Robert Downward Sponsor Coordinators Michael Fuchs Tom Nazario

Web Site Coordinator Anthony Castellano Commitment Coordinator Brian Sutton Jose Rodriguez Equipment Coordinator John Hempel

2011 Dwarf Giraffe Athletic League Sponsors It is their generosity that helps defray the costs for all our DG Families. They are a key element of DG and deserve our thanks and patronage.

AD Manufacturing Trophy Harpell Chemists Ral-Bar Electric Inc. American Legion Edward M. McKee Ranshaw Fuel Oil J.D. Opticians Post 131 Regency Signs and Engraving Laz Parking Anaconda Sports RE MAX Millennium R&R Restorations Anchor-Astoria Lodge No. 729 of Free and Lee's Jewel Box Ridgewood Savings Bank Accepted Masons, Inc. Legaz Team - Keller Williams Realty Senator Arthur Dibiase Mason Contractor LockDoctor Security Solutions, Inc Studio Square Beer Garden Axon Electrical Contracting Corp. Mark Tielis Landscaping Tasty Grill Baschnagel Bros. Roofing MCF Associates Inc. Temco Building Maintenance B&M Auto Repair Inc. Mike & Maggie's Pizzeria Inc. The Clinton Restaurant Benateris Italian Deli The Inn New York Digital Print Center Inc. Bowles Corporate Services The Mattone Group New York Paving Inc. Braunstein's Bridge Builders The Mulholland Group LLC Nubreed Martial Arts Academy The Stone Tavern C. Johan & Sons, Inc. Nuway Heating and Air Conditioning Van Brunt Building Corp. Cherry Valley Deli & Grill Inc. Ozanam Motor Sales Corporation Verdi's of Whitestone CKC Maintenance Corp. Society of St Vincent de Paul Welcome To Whitestone Councilman Dan Halloran Pizza Chef Whitestone Community Post 4787 VFW Delgado Travel P.J. Mechanical Corp. Whitestone Diner Whitestone Hardware Empress Travel Pyro Signal & Suppression Whitestone Pets Motel Queens Physical Therapy PC Fierce Dragon Martial Arts Academy Inc. Whitestone Physical Therapy of Queens, P.C. Freddy's Pizza Queensboro Lodge #892 of Free and Accepted Masons, Inc. Zankera Construction We invite you to become part of the process. If you have any comments, ideas or suggestions please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or attend one of our weekly Thursday night meetings. DWARF-GIRAFFE ONLINE REGISTRATIONS ATHLETIC LEAGUE Please feel free to avail yourself to this PO BOX 570035 convenient option. Credit Card processing is Whitestone, NY 11357 done by highly secure VeriSign company and will accept MasterCard and Visa. The sport Building Address registration prices are posted on the site. The 149-50 15th Road multiple child same sport discounts still apply. Tel (718) 746-1539 You can also register in person at the DG Building located Fax (718) 746-0363 A VERY SPECIAL THANKS Register On-Line By Visiting Dwarf Giraffe would not be the successful league we are us on the Web at: today without having the continued support of our local politicians. Www.dwarfgiraffe.com NY State Senator Tony Avella

NY State Senator Toby Stavisky NY City Councilman Dan Halloran BUILDING RENTALS Queens Borough President Helen Marshall Need a place to hold your event? District Manager Community Board 7 Marilyn Bitterman Please Call 718 746-1539 for info on renting our DG Building.

2011 FALL REGISTRATION Boys and Girls Basketball, Lacrosse

REGISTRATION TIMES EVERY THURSDAY from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and EVERY SATURDAY from 10:00 AM to 12 Noon Thursday Dates September 8, 15, 22, 29 October 6, 13, 20, 27 Saturday Dates September 10, 17, 24 October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

DGAL Your Community League....It’s About The Kids