Angelo's OBX Journal: 04/01/2011

Monday, April 25, 2011

Fw: Join GEM this Friday April 29th at the Baum Center 7pm Support us and The Nags Head Lions and while having a great time

----- Original Message -----

Sent: Monday, April 25, 2011 7:08 AM

Subject: Join GEM this Friday April 29th at the Baum Center 7pm Support us and The Nags Head Lions and while having a great time

Just Playn Dixieland

Gail E Sonnesso M.S.

Executive Director

The GEM Center, Inc.

Where Group Respite is Therapeutic for both our Participants, and their Families.

(252) 480-3354

http://www.thegemcenter.org

The Band Dec 2010 ORIG - 3455

Just Playn Dixieland

"Just Playn Dixieland" is a musical group that enjoys playing the type of music first popularized by New Orleans Dixieland bands in the 1920's and 1930's. Probably the most famous musician emanating from that era being Louis Armstrong whose mentor, Joe "King" Oliver, wrote many of the tunes popular at that time. The musical characteristics of this music involve a strong one or two trumpet melody embellished by a clarinet playing intricate counter melodies and a trombone providing a third counter melody. Sometimes a saxophone was added to the front line and the lead instruments were backed with a rhythm section composed of drums, banjo, piano and tuba or bass fiddle. The musical sound is a happy one that is difficult to listen to without tapping your feet or wanting to dance. Even the moaning blues melodies evoke a rhythmic feeling of energy that make you want to sway with the melody. This style of music has come in and out of public favor over the years and is currently still enjoyed at various musical festivals throughout the United States and Europe as well as in New Orleans where it is performed by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

"Just Playn Dixieland" is composed of local musicians who range in age from 14 to 84 and share a love of getting together and producing the joyful sounds reminiscent of the roaring 20's and Mardi Gras parades. They are Dock Sawyer, Gage Clawson and Les Bunnell on trumpet, Paul Lesiewicz on saxophone, Leah Wingenroth and Jose Valle on clarinet, Gary Clark on trombone, Chris Jolly on drums, Barbara Clark on banjo, Bob Fielder on tuba, Hunter Sanchez on piano, Rosie Fielder on auxiliary rhythm and Laura Tillett on washboard. For more information about the band contact Gary Clark at 261-5270.

Special guest musician, Dr. John Sanchez on trumpet, along with members of the Dixie Do-Daz will be performing with "Just Playn Dixieland" on Friday, April 29^th at 7 PM at the Baum Senior Citizen Center in Kill Devil Hills where the band will be participating in a fund raiser for The GEM Center a community based 501 (c) (3) non-profit providing caregiver education, support and advocacy, for families facing Alzheimer's disease and the Nags Head Lions Club who provide support for people with visual problems. If you would like more information about the GEM center please call Gail Sonnesso @ 480-3354

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

The Baum Center

The Nags Head Lions and the GEM Center have filled in a request form, and had been given a date of April 29 to hold our "Harmony Cafe" program.

Now we are told that we cannot use the facility because of staffing limitations.

There are programs going on at the Baum Center after hours, on a regular basis.

We have asked to use the Baum Center and have been denied service on three occasions.

It appears that our county would rather put up a barrier to any program that would improve the quality of life for our disabled citizens.

Frankly I pay my taxes, and I am a senior.

If you can't give us the same access that other groups are given, then you should consider giving me a partial refund of my county taxes, which help pay for the operation of our senior center.

This county is quick to put in their written documents statements of equality regarding people with disabilities.

The truth however is very different.

The Baum senior center has always been an unwelcoming place for people with disabilities.

If you cannot offer us one night for this program due to "funding limitations, then you should eliminate all after hour activities.

I do have access to emails from senior center staff expressing negative statements regarding some disabled groups.

Answer this, how many Dare County public documents are available in an accessible format.

Has Dare County ever provided an accessible bill, for utilities, or taxes.

There may be some personal conflicts preventing us from using Dare County facilities and services, but it is not the purview of Dare County to fight or support anyone's personal vendettas.

I am seriously considering filing an ADA complaint against Dare County.

I would really like to resolve these matters directly with the county if possible.

I have always been supportive of Dare County, and I have donated my services on many occasions, and have never ask for anything.

I am not asking for any special treatment.

I am asking for the right to enjoy the benefits of being a tax paying Dare County resident.I hope you can help us to resolve this situation.

Angelo Sonnesso M.A. M.S.

Secretary

The Lions Club of Nags Head