Thursday, May 22, 2008

"Even Tiger Woods Needs a Driver"

ORLANDO, Fla. - Representatives of Disney's Wide World of Sports came to Valencia's west campus on May 21 and discussed the possible opportunities for volunteers. Donna Rowe, Lori Schaper and Stormy Washington, DWWS team leaders, gave a presentation on volunteering at Disney which they dubbed Sports Enthusiasts.

Sport's Enthusiasts, which started in 1994 with the Walt Disney World Marathon, are groups of people who take the time to help at Disney's Wide World of Sports. Typical activities include sweeping trash, working water stops, guiding parking traffic, and providing transportation for event goers. Although it is completely voluntary, there are the benefits to be reaped.

"Besides from being self rewarding, you can receive community service hours, admission tickets, or even a chance to strengthen your resume," said DWWS team leader, Stormy Washington.

Other rewards include T-shirts, one meal per shift, special incentives, and simple the ability to make new friends. Although these awards are instant and simple, there are others ways to benefit from volunteering.

Disney is an ever-growing business and with that comes more job opportunities. The representatives originally came to the west campus with the intention of recruiting college candidates. Some people who have volunteered eventually realized that this could be their career.

"We know that the people out there are working hard and building leadership skills for future experiences," said DWWS events manager, Donna Rowe.

Realistically, there is only one requirement to be met. As long as you are at least 15, and have a parent consent form, you are completely eligible to participate and volunteer with Disney's seven different sport's facilities. With over 4,000 people who have contributed for these causes, many of them are now a big part of Disney and they are constantly searching for more additions.

"I appreciate what the people have done for me at the water stops, so now it's my turn to give back," said DWWS team leader, Lori Schaper. Schaper has worked with Disney for over 20 years. "In plus, Mickey and his friends sometimes make appearances."

For information on registration and qualifications, visit www.disneysports.com or call(407)-938-3880.

Monday, May 19, 2008

"Man flips watercraft, rides away clean"

South Florida resident, Jason Stoyer, flipped his watercraft a full 360 degrees this Saturday and rode away clean. Spectators stated Stoyer, who was riding a HydroSpace Jet Ski, approached a wake produced by another watercraft then launched, rotating his watercraft completely backward until it leveled out and he splashed his way back into riding position.

“I watched that man approach the wake with the highest level of anticipation. I had never seen anything like this before and I wasn’t going to miss it,” Daniel Goodman, said.

Stoyer, like many other riders, were not doing this for mere thrills. This was actually the first event of the IJSBA (International Jet Ski Boating Association). The IJSBA is an underrated race organization that promotes the competition of watercrafts. Stoyer, a member since the founding of this group, races freestyle and brings his infamous back flip to every event.

“Everyone thought Jet Ski racing and freestyle wouldn’t go anywhere but look at it now, we have four stroke watercrafts coming out and I just landed double barrel rolls and back flips,” professional Jet Ski racer, Jason Stoyer, said.

Stoyer, who is ranked as number one in the point standings, is often referred to as “Destroyer” because of his last name and his ability to ramp his ski fifteen feet in the air. People don’t really get to see much from these events but when they do it is of epic proportions.

“What’s great about Jet Ski racing is that when people see it, it is new and different to them. It amazes me at how much it amazes people to see men racing Jet Ski’s at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour,” Jet Ski mechanic, Marcel Malone, said.

The next stop on the tour is in Myrtle Beach, S.C. where the tension rises and the stakes become higher. After that, the racers set off on a tour of the east coast ending in the northern most part of Rochester, N.Y.

“We love competition and we love to race but overall we just love each other’s company,” Stoyer, said. “I love this sport because it’s small which means we know each other very well. It really is just an excuse for all of us to get together, have a few drinks, and go out on the water and have a good time.”

Monday, May 12, 2008

"Melodic music, charismatic creativity define artist's purpose"

Johnny Cash and Muddy Waters are dead and have left their legacy to go on. Angela Griner isn't though and fuses her country twang with her bluesy melodies to prove she deserves to take the stage like the greats before her.

"At first I thought it was just another person with a guitar complaining about something, but as soon as I heard her voice over the enchanting tune I suddenly had a different perspective," David Harris, said.

Griner took the stage on saturday at the southeast branch of the public library and played a seven-song set that had the whole crowd mesmerized. She immediately gained the crowd's attention with her welcoming attitude and openness toward the spectators.

"Her playing is phenomenal but her ability to make me laugh and smile was reason enough to stick around," Tracy Hardwicke, said.

'Someone Write Me A Love Song' and 'The Angels Cannot Sing' are fan favorites that completely silenced the crowd and provoked them to ponder over the simple desires and pleasures of life.

"My music isn't meant to just be background music, it is meant to tell a great story while being carried along with the notes that help the story come to life," Acoustic songstress, Angela Griner, Said.

Angela's set was merely flawless and left everyone roaring on their feet for her true emotion and ability to win everyone's affection.

She can be seen playing all over clubs and diners in the greater Orlando area. For more information on scheduling and discography, visit www.myspace.com/angelagriner.