In defense of unity

The commemorations at Ground Zero on Sunday, Sept. 11, for the 10th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon were moving and even uplifting. It was especially affecting to see so many family members of those who were killed that day give tribute to their loved ones, reciting their names and poignantly saying goodbye once more. Seeing so many people at the site in New York City feeling the same things, supporting one another despite any other differences they may have, brought back the feeling of unity that was so strong in the days, weeks and months following 9/11. It is a paradox that such national harmony came out of those awful attacks, and it is regretful that 10 years later there is so much more national discord. The factions among and within our political parties have become so highly polarized. Now, leading into the election cycles of 2011 and 2012, would be a good time to remember that we are all Americans, after all, and that when push comes to shove we are all indeed on the same side.

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Tuning up two passions under one roof

The Webb Family in the workshop. From left: Phyllis, Dale, Ben and Josh Webb, and project manager Hannah Schiffer.

Natalia Zukerman

Magic Fluke Ukulele Shop and True Wheels Bicycle Shop are not only under the same roof in a beautiful solar powered building on Route 7 in Sheffield, but they are also both run by the Webb family, telling a tale of familial passion, innovation and a steadfast commitment to sustainability.

In the late ‘90s, Dale Webb was working in engineering and product design at a corporate job. “I took up instrument manufacturing as a fun challenge,” said Dale. After an exhibit at The National Association of Music Merchants in Anaheim, California, in 1999, The Magic Fluke company was born. “We were casting finger boards and gluing these things together in our basement in New Hartford and it just took off,” Dale explained. “It was really a wild ride, it kind of had a life of its own.”

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Robert Cray’s soulful blues coming to Infinity Hall

Robert Cray

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Blues legend Robert Cray will be bringing his stinging, funky guitar and soulful singing to Infinity Hall Norfolk on Friday, March 29.

A five-time Grammy winner, Cray has been inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame and earned The Americana Music Awards Lifetime Achievement for Performance. He has played with blues and rock icons including Albert Collins, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, The Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, Eric Clapton and many more.

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