News Archive

Josh played for the Lewiston-Porter High School JV Hockey team for the 2005 - 2006 season. The team made the playoffs however in the first single elimination game they came up two goals short and thus their season ended on February 19th. Josh was out with an injury for the game and is now fully recovered. I was one of the parent photographers at one of the final practices and I've posted a couple of the photos in the Photo Gallery.

Linda's and My Wedding:

Family and friends gathered at the Youngstown Yacht Club for my marriage to Linda Roush (Rose). We couldn’t have asked for a better day in terms of weather. The ceremony was performed by the Honorable Ralph A. Boniello. Bobbi Siksoski (Rose), Linda’s sister, stood up for Linda and Justin standing up for me. Linda was given away by her Father, Robert Rose. Following the ceremony there was a short toast and then socializing with friends and family. We danced to the Lifehouse song You and Me performed my Bob LaDuca. I created a side show of photos taken by Malanie Tisdale, Mike Boniello, Frank Strangio and my Mom, Gail Hays. The slide show is very large and those with dialup service may take over 10 minutes to load. You can get to the slide show by clicking here or link to the left. Linda and honeymooned in Clayton, NY following the wedding and the weather continued in the 80s serving us well. This certainly punctuated the summer events and one of my most exciting and anticipated days of my life.

8/25/05

The boys of summer have their last stand for 2005 and we're not talking baseball. On the night before Justin heads off to Brockport State for his sophomore year, Chris Doyle was very kind to loan us his J22 for Thursday evening racing on this day. It was a beautiful late summer evening with about 8 to 10 knots of wind. Justin did the middle and Josh the foredeck. We placed 2nd in each of the first races and were over early at the start and tanked the last race. It was one of those nights you wished could have been much longer. I've posted several pictures in the Photo Gallery.

8/20/05

Hannah heads off to Fredonia State College in Fredonia, NY for her freshman year. I posted a couple pictures in the Photo Gallery. One photo is in her new dorm room with roommate Ann and another photo with her brothers Justin and Josh.

2005 Jack Beatty Memorial Hospice Regatta was held at the Youngstown Yacht Club and I was in the Principle Race Officer (PRO) for the event. Josh also assisted me on the Race Committee. The regatta selects the winner to compete at the National Hospice Regatta Alliance Championship Regatta to be held in Annapolis on May 12-14, 2006. We managed to complete 3 races in some very difficult light air conditions with Don Finkle winning the event. The regatta raised 20 thousand dollars to support the Niagara Hospice in 2005 and over 100 thousand dollars since the regatta inception in 1999. I also plan to represent the regatta and Niagara Hospice at the annual meeting of the National Hospice Regatta Alliance on May 11, 2006 and crew with Don Finkle at the national regatta.

I had unique opportunity the sail in the Freeman Cup long distance race. An old friend, Jeff Carver approached me about crewing on a Beneteau First 36.7 in this 2005 addition of this Lake Ontario classic. Being that I hadn’t sailed an overnight race in more than 20 years and the prospect of sailing with some friends from my youth, I was enthused. Adding to my enthusiasm was having my son Justin and his good friend Jake Doyle also aboard. I played naviguessor and the crew was anchored by former crew members of Norm Manson’s Sprit. Sprit had dominated their division and overall finishes in this event from the mid 70s to the mid 80s. Norm passed away 2 years ago and this was the Sprit crew reunion race. The weather was chilly and the breeze was strong for most of the race. We were able to complete the 115 nautical mile course in 17 hours 14 minutes for an average of 6.8 knots. As you can imagine we were rail meat for almost the entire race (no dogs in the house). We finished 2nd overall and 1st in division. We were in contention for 1st overall, which we missed 1st by 18 minutes corrected behind a Beneteau First 44.7 when the wind died and went on the nose for our last 3 miles after the 44.7 had finished. It was all that I remembered that an overnight race could be, cold, wet and tiring. I may be waiting until Josh is old enough to try this race again.

I had another unique opportunity to sail in YYC's preeminent sailing event in 2005. An old friend of mine, Paul Cannon asked if I could sail the Youngstown Level Regatta with him, his daughter Claire and any of my children who were available. Paul Cannon and I hadn't sailed together in nearly a quarter century. We grew up sailing with and against each other through the 70s on Nutshells, Lasers, Solings and keel boats. The thought of bringing our kids and us together for a major sailing event was indeed

enticing. At first we began practicing during the Wednesday evening series on Paul Cannon's Father's J80 with available Jr. Sailors. As the registrations came in we became aware that there were no other J80s were planning to sail the Level Regatta. Paul decided to switch boats and sail his C&C 33 Chariot because there were other well raced C&C 33s coming to the Level Regatta. We were able to also squeeze in 2 Wednesday evening races on Chariot before the Level Regatta. The boat probably hadn’t been raced in over 10 years and then only by previous owners. Paul Cannon purchased a Genoa and Main and we did the obvious off-loading of hundreds of pounds of cruising gear to get in “race trim”, Paul had only cruised Chariot with three daughters and his wife, Kim. As you may imagine, there was lots of “stuff” that needed to be removed. Paul and I also re-lead some control lines and added extra holes in the genoa track, adding the ability to fine trim the genoa car position. On the first day of the Level Regatta during the first race we were able to squeeze out a win by about ¼ of a boat length against another well sailed C&C33 helmed by Neil Hansen on Pika. We had several close exchanges on the final run to the finish that kept the blood flowing that was a little more than I bargained for. The second race brought us another win, this time by about 2 boat lengths over Pika again. Again the racing was tight from the start to the finish. The third and final race of the day we augured back a bit and wound up finishing 3^rdwith the wind strength gradually dropping throughout the day. I think we were getting burned out by all the close racing. At the end of day 1 we stood at 1^st with a 1, 1, 3 for 5 total points and our closest rival, Pika with 2, 2, 2, for 6 total points. Day 2 and final day of the Level Regatta bought glassy, nearly dead calm conditions as we headed out to the race area and we waited for a couple hours for the Race Committee to finally get the racing underway. Race 4 got underway at about 1230 hours with a soft, but filling southwesterly. With all races to be scored in this 5 race series and considering the delayed start most likely making race 4 the final race, the boat in front at the finish would be declared the winner. Our start was not spectacular and we were in the 4^th position at the top mark and Pika was in 2^nd. Knowing that we needed to get some leverage we shadowed Pika we held the left side on the second beat and pulled to within 2 boat lengths at the top mark after hitting some oscillations correctly. At this point the 4^th leg run we again were able to make the correct oscillation calls and pulled in front of Pika by about 2 boat lengths. With the final beat and run remaining in the race, we put on a tight cover over Pika at the onset of the 5^th leg forcing Pika into a header. As this leg progressed we were able to throw tight covers on port tack and looser covers on starboard, thus keeping Pika further away from slightly filling pressure on the left side. We managed to stretch our lead to 5 lengths at the top mark in preparation for the final run to the finish, most of which was gained on the weather mark port layline when Pika’s only choice was to remain in our tight port tack cover shadow. On the run to the finish we were able to hold on to a 4 length victory and thus the regatta. Paul and I were very pleased on the performance of the young crewmembers as much as the victory itself. Another interesting aspect of the Racing is that the Jr. Sailors onboard were children of close sailing friends. The crew was comprised of Clair Cannon (Daughter of Kim and Paul), Will Booth (Son of Didi and Tim), Josh Hays, Katie Doyle (Daughter of Sue and Chris), Chelsea Simon (Daughter of Lori and John), Paul Cannon and me. I’ve posted a crew picture taken at the awards ceremony. I this was indeed a most memorable weekend.

The annual Youngstown Open Laser Regatta was held at Youngstown Yacht Club. I was in the Principle Race Officer (PRO) for the event and Josh assisted me on the Race Committee. It was a nice day without much air. The committee managed to complete all 5 scheduled races even after 2 long postponements and 1 abandon race because of a major wind shift. Josh is always ready to critique his dad and this always makes for some interesting exchanges after the event is over. The event site is http://www.yyc.org/Laser_Regatta/Laser_Regatta.htm

I must THANK YOU for such a fantastic event - it is so well organized !It is not only the fact that the races are very well done (good call on that 90 degree shift also), but the presence of the club and event on the web is tremendous, as well as results, photos etc. You really are a model on how it should be done, and the ambience is so nice too !! Thanks also for the great BBQ afterwards.

Hannah has a graduation brunch at her Mother's house. She plans on majoring

in marketing starting this Fall at Fredonia State College in Fredonia, NY. I posted several photos of the party in the photo gallery.

Team Buzz-Off was amongst the first inductees into the Skip Doyle Trophy. The Skip Doyle Trophy, dedicated in 2004, is for recognizing area sailors that have achieved major sailing accomplishments at the National or International level. The crew of Buzz-Off consisted of John Mies, Bill Hays (my brother) and me. Team Buzz-Off was recognized for placing 1^st in 1983 of 37 entries, 1^st in 1984 of 37 entries, 2nd in 1988 of 81 entries and 1^st in 1990 of 40 entries at the Catalina 22 National Championship Regattas. It was a nice afternoon ceremony where 9 individuals or teams from the 74 year history of Youngstown sailing were inducted on this day. Ed Rogers did the introductions for Team Buzz-Off and each team member had an opportunity to say a few words. Bill had an astute recollection when he mentioned that the team was so familiar with each other that we all new each other’s moves before they occurred without verbal exchanges. I’ve posted a couple pictures in the Photo Gallery taken at the Skip Doyle Trophy awards of the team.

Hannah graduates from Lewiston - Porter HS. On a beautiful early summer evening the Lewiston - Porter Class of 2005 held their graduation ceremonies at Artpark in Lewiston, New York. She plans on majoring in marketing starting this Fall at Fredonia State College in Fredonia, NY. I posted several photos of the event in the photo gallery.

6/7/05

I attended the Lewiston - Porter HS Annual Spring Choral Concert. Hannah as a member of the Senior Choir put on a wonderful evening performance. The most prominent theme was the calibration of the Senor students and the emotions of this group performing together for the last time. I posted a couple of photos of the Senior Choir in the photo gallery.

Hannah's Senior Prom night with her date Frank. I've posted several pictures in the photo gallery.

4/05

Hannah is graduating from Lewiston-Porter High School in June and recently visited Fredonia State College in Fredonia, NY. She plans on majoring in marketing starting this Fall.

4/15-17/05

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to crew for Don Finkle at the 2005 National Hospice Regatta in Annapolis. Don and Team Niagara represented Niagara Hospice and Don was the winner of the 2004 Jack Beatty Memorial Hospice Regatta in Youngstown. Team Niagara included Don Finkle, Tim Booth, John Goller and me. The regatta was sailed in borrowed J105s which was an unfamiliar boat for the entire crew and partially the asymmetrical spinnaker. I put together a photo page and a plagiarized account written by Don Finkle at 2005 Hospice.

I had dinner with my cousins Doug, Richard and Bruce Hays at the Boathouse restaurant in Eastport. Bruce's wife Sue their youngest daughter Caroline and Richard's youngest daughter Kelsey also accompanied. We managed to catch up on our current lives and families over a casual dinner in spite of a large unexpected contingent of a fishing derby awards crowd. I believe the last time we had been together was 1997 when we had a family reunion in Geneva, NY.

The National Hospice Regatta Alliance held their annual meeting in Annapolis on the day before to National Championship Regatta commences. I attended, representing Niagara Hospice and Jack Beatty Memorial Hospice Regatta. Many of the other regional regattas were represented and joined with the National Board for a day long skull session. Each represented regional event made presentations on such things as "best practice" and "expense reduction". Last year the 20 regional regattas raised over 1M dollars to support their area Hospice Centers.

3/13/05

Again it has taken me almost 5 months to get my act together enough to post some updates. Please excuse me for the scant update, it just comes with the territory...So much for apartment living.

Josh played JV Hockey for Lewiston-Porter this year and was the recipient of the Tom Phillips "Unsung Hero" award for the 2004 - 2005 Season. Some photos of Josh in action are posted in the Photo Gallery.

Hannah has been accepted to Brockport, Oswego and Fredonia State Colleges and tentatively plans to pursue a career in elementary education.

Shortly after our purchase of 224 Hinman in the Village of Youngstown, we began the remodel of the kitchen. 224 Hinman appears to have been built somewhere between 1830 and 1850. Although the property was in excellent shape, giving it's age, it was inevitable that projects will need to be tackled. The room needing the most attention was the kitchen and we've repainted and installed a new floor. When the project is completed, I'll post a couple photos.

Linda normally has worked Christmas Day (work for the nursing profession is 24/7) and I've posted a few photos of Linda, her Daughters and boyfriends / husband / fiancées from 12/26/04 in the photo gallery.

I became engaged to Linda Roush on Christmas Eve. This was an extra special Christmas as Linda and I hope to married in September 2005 and the date is to be announced.

Attended Josh's JV Hockey game at Niagara University. I posted a couple photos in the photo gallery.

Linda and I close on 224 Hinman St. in the Village of Youngstown, NY on the 15th. The process of moving was a little intimidating and a lot of hard work.

Hannah got her driver's license and has a cute 1992 Saturn coupe to cruise her way back and forth to school and work. She was a very happy camper to finally get her license and a teenager's ultimate freedom. As soon as I can get her to sit still long enough, I'll get some photos to post.

Linda's Daughter Amy Roush was married to Mike Boniello at the Youngstown Presbyterian Church with the reception at the Niagara Falls Country Club. I created a web page of photos so they could share some remembrances with their friends and family.

The weightiest change to come is the purchase of a home in the village of Youngstown. Linda and I expect to close on 224 Hinman, Youngstown, NY 14174 sometime in mid November. This is a small 1830's vintage village home that was most likely a summer house when first built. The current owner has completed an excellent job at restoring to make it "move in" condition. However, as with any house, and considering this is 1830's home, there will be much to do and I will be boning up on my carpentry skills shortly. Linda and I are both excited with a bit of trepidation. I've posted a couple pictures in my photo gallery.

Linda's Daughter Amy Roush is getting married to Mike Boniello on October 30th and I'm looking forward to the ceremony. Amy and Mike are both marvelous people and I wish them the best in their marriage. There are some photos of Amy and Mike in my photo gallery that were taken at Amy's 30th birthday.

Meanwhile, Josh is busy with the Junior Varsity Hockey Team practices preparing for the season. Hannah is keeping inundated with work, school and volunteer activities. Hannah has a car, however for a variety of reasons does not have her full driver's license to date.

We had a family picnic to celebrate the Labor Day holiday with my Grandmother Doris Auchmoody at the Fairchild Nursing Home, Lewiston, NY. My mother's cousin Mary, Mom, Uncle Bill, Aunt Lucette, Aunt Ann and I had a nice noon time picnic. I posted several pictures in my photo gallery.

This summer has been a whirlwind of activity and the site updates have been a little scant because of time constraints. To summarize some of the activities that my children and I've been involved with include:

Justin heads off to SUNY Brockport to pursue a teaching degree in physical education. I didn't post (or take) any pictures because Justin requested that I didn't - understandable. I did post a photo taken this summer with Justin sailing with his friends on Buzz-Off in a Tuesday evening series race. I assembled a new computer for his use at school (saving some bucks) and used the same picture as the default desktop wallpaper (good for the long winter months ahead). I posted this picture in my photo gallery.

I crewed for Chris Doyle at the J/22 Eastern Great Lakes Championship Regatta held at the Tawas Bay Yacht Club, Tawas Bay, Mi. I have to say that this is one of the finest venues for racing that I've attended in some time. The normal sea breeze (thermal) fills in at about 11 AM and provides very predictable afternoon winds in the 12-20 knot range. The race area is only a 5 minute sail from the dock. This allowed us to have a civilized 9 AM breakfast, prepare the boat and get in several races before the evening cookouts. Although we finished 2nd to the Kevin Doyle / Vic Snyder / Mo Money team I had an excellent time. The folks from Tawas Bay Yacht Club treated us as friends from the minute we arrived until packed up and headed home. As I write this I was hoping that there web site had their photos posted for the on-the-water racing. To date the Tawas Bay Yacht Club web site lacking the photos. In the mean time I've posted a photo of the competitors in my photo gallery. I'd do this regatta again in a heartbeat.

I traveled with the Youngstown Yacht Club, Junior Sailing Racing Team to Ithaca, NY for a Junior Sailing regatta at the Ithaca Yacht Club. I was pleasantly surprised with the very mature attitudes this wonderful group of seven (7) 12-17 year old sailors. They managed to equip a trailer load of boats, an inflatable coach boat, 3 tents and all the assorted gear needed to camp out on Monday evening and race Tuesday. This group traveled to eight or nine regattas over the summer and their experience from all the travel events has positively affected their ability to be a very organized. This is much more than I would normally expect from this age group. Although, I'll have to say that the aroma (stench) from the wet sailing gear during the return trip required open windows on all the tow vehicles. The racing conditions was less than optimum. However, the venue was inviting. I posted a few pictures in my photo gallery.

I acted as the Principle Race Officer (PRO) for the 2004 Jack Beatty Memorial Hospice Regatta. This regatta raised approximately 25,000 dollars for Niagara County Hospice and the organizers / committee are a good group to work with. Again, Josh assisted with the pin set also learning how be be proficient at this task using the GPS and reciprocal compass bearings. More information can be found on the Youngstown Yacht Club web site.

I acted as the Principle Race Officer (PRO) for the 2004 Stolze Cup Regatta, which is the match racing championship for Lake Ontario. Josh helped with the pin set for this event and it was a tough light air day on the water for the Race Committee and competitors alike. More information can be found on the Youngstown Yacht Club web site, including the regatta article.

My Aunt June, from Cape Girardeau, Missouri was in town for a visit with my Mom and we were able to take in a sail on the 3rd. It was a a short sail, but one of the best casual sailing conditions of the summer. Onboard was Hannah, Mom, June and myself. I posted a few pictures in my photo gallery.

I acted as the Principle Race Officer (PRO) for the Youngstown Open Laser Regatta. Justin sailed in the regatta and finished 12th of 17 and had a good start in the event. However, Justin experience equipment problems and was unable to compete in the last 2 races. Josh assisted with the Race Committee duties as pin set captain. More information and photos can be found on the regatta web page.

C420 US National Championship Regatta at YYC - I was the primary assistant to Ken Legler, Principal Race Office and Tufts University Sailing Coach. I assisted with several duties including the pin set for the starting line as well as photographer and sailing instructions editor. Justin sailed in the regatta and finished 24th of 58 and Josh assisted me on the Race Committee. Check out the Youngstown Yacht Club C420 web site for more details.

My Brother Bill's daughter, Eileen sent me some nice photos of her prom and this is a "special edition" posting. The children grow up too fast! Fortunately, I haven't aged through the growing up process of my children, nieces and nephews. These pictures are posted in my photo gallery.

Justin and Michelle's graduation from Lewiston-Porter High School took place last night. The graduation ceremony was at Artpark on a beautiful early summer evening on June 25, 2004. The experience was moving and it is hard to believe that I have a son old enough to graduate from high school. I've posted several pictures in the photo gallery.

Justin and Michelle's Senior Prom night. I've posted several pictures in the photo gallery.

I attended Josh's "Moving Up Day" (MUD) celebration of middle school graduation to high school. Some pictures have been placed in the photo gallery.

We had family calibration of Justin and Michelle's graduation from Lewiston Porter High School at Joseph Davis State Park. The gang included Justin, Michelle, Uncle Bill, Aunt Lucette, Josh, Mom, Julie, Jackie and Linda. A feast of Jackie's Texas spare ribs was the culinary cornerstone for the evening and games of water balloon toss and Frisbee rounded out the enjoyable evening. Thank you Mom, Julie and Jackie for the wonderful time. I posted a couples photos in the photo gallery.

I attended Hannah's soccer game at the Old Fort Niagara State Park. I posted a couples photos in the photo gallery.

I just returned home from the J22 World Championship Regatta held in Annapolis, Maryland - May 16 - 21. The regatta web site can be found at http://j22.org/worlds/ and the results can be found at this link: J22 Worlds Results. I sailed on the J22 Frosty (Bow 70) from Youngstown with owner Pat Whelan and crew Jim McClincy. We had improving scores through the week against some excellent competition and were not able to race on Friday. Pat needed to have some medical issues checked and he is expected home Sunday and is doing well. We ended the regatta at 28th of 64 in the Silver Fleet without sailing the final two races. I've posted some pictures in the photo gallery.

The Lewiston-Porter Modified Baseball Team played their second game of the season against Kenmore. This closely contested game went down to the wire with both teams giving a great effort and resulted in a loss to Lewiston-Porter. The Lewiston-Porter modified team is now 1-1 for the season. Josh is wearing number 38 and I've posted three movie clips and three photos taken at the game in the photo gallery.

Pictures Amy Roush's (Linda's Daughter) 30th birthday party are posted in the photo gallery.

Tonight I attended the annual awards banquet for the Grand Niagara Hockey Program. The RUS Industries team finished as runners-up for the 2003 - 2004 Season Championships. I was a proud parent as Josh was selected as a nominee for the Marv Van Every "Unsung Hero Award". I've posted several photos taken tonight in the photo gallery.

Josh's team, RUS Industries came out on the short end of a 3 - 2 score to place second in the Grand Niagara Hockey Bantam division 2003 - 2004 Season Championships. The team worked extremely hard to get back into the game after suffering a 2 goal deficit in the opening minutes. This "Super Sunday" contest saw the game end with the RUS Industries pulling the goaltender in the last couple minutes in a valiant effort in an attempt to send the game into overtime. The kids, coaches and parents are to be congratulated for all their hard work and concluding with a gutsy demonstration of hockey in the final game. I've posted the team photo taken on ice following the game and several other clips photo gallery.

Josh's team RUS Industries won 5 - 2 in a game which kept the spectators on the edge of their seats until the final minutes. The win puts RUS Industries in "Super Sunday" on 3/28/04 to play one game against the other top playoff team for the season championship. A loss to RUS Industries would have ended their season. Josh scored one goal and I've posted three video clips and a couple photos in the photo gallery.

I attended the Lewiston - Porter HS celebration of "Music in Our Schools" month. Hannah as a member of the Senior Choir put on a delightful evening performance. I posted a photo of the Senior Choir and a post concert photo of Hannah with my Mom in the photo gallery.

Josh's team RUS Industries tied 0 - 0 in a fast paced, end to end action filled game. His team is now 3 - 0 - 1 in the Grand Niagara Hockey League house league playoffs. I was acting as score keeper so I was unable to take any photos or clips while the game action was on. However, I did post a picture of Josh taking practice shots before the game while there was open ice available.

Josh Scores !!! at 3rd playoff game on 3/20/04 with a nice slap shot from just inside the blue line. Josh's team RUS Industries won 6-2. His team RUS Industries is now 3 - 0 in the Grand Niagara Hockey League house league playoffs. I was on the bench assisting so I was unable to take any photos or clips while the game action was on. However, I did post a couple shots of the bench. These photos are posted in the photo gallery.

Josh and I took the afternoon to do a little skiing at Kissing-Bridge Ski Resort. The children had today off from school because of a teacher conference. Both Justin and Hannah had work commitments and were unable to take part. Josh and I enjoyed a wonderful sunny 40 degree day with great ski conditions. I posted a couple pictures and a video in the Photo Gallery.

Josh's team RUS Industries won 1-0 in the house league playoffs against the regular season 1st place team in their division. Josh had a few good assists and scoring chances however, no points. I was on the bench so I was unable to to take any photos or clips...maybe next weekend.

Josh Scores !!! at 2nd playoff game on 3/7/04. His team RUS Industries won 6-0 and is now 1-0-1 in the playoffs. I posted a couple videos taken at the game in the Photo Gallery.

This morning Josh started his hockey playoffs and scored the go head goal with less that 4 minutes remaining in the game. Unfortunately, the opposing team scored with less that 30 seconds and tied the game. In the photo galley I posted four pictures taken during warm up. No game photos because I was busy as the scorekeeper.

A WW II era photo of the "Badger" has been added to the Photo Archive page. The "Badger" was my Grandfather's 30 ft gaff rigged yawl. My Father spent many hours sailing the Badger with my Uncles and my parents also dated on the Badger. If anyone has pictures of the Hays family Snipe or additional information on the Badger please email me with the same.

Photos from Justin's last High School Basketball game on 2/25/04 are posted in the Photo Gallery.

12/24/08