Some summer 2010 Jills appearances-revisited

Over the summer of 2010, I took the opportunity to photograph the Jills at 3 separate smaller appearances all over Western NY.
On a beautiful Saturday afternoon in June, the alumni of West Valley and Ellicottville Central Schools got together for a football game to raise funds for the youth football programs in both communities. To help with that effort, they called in Lindsay and Jessica of the Buffalo Jills. I got there soon after Lindsay did and it wasn't long before Jessica joined us. After we met up with the girls' contact, we walked around the area selling programs and raffle tickets. Several fans also got autographs and photos.

Lindsay and Jessica

Lindsay and Jessica with the players and some of the fans

See all the pics at https://buffaloprocheerbuffalojills.shutterfly.com/pictures/2218
The following Friday, it was off to Buffalo's Cobblestone District where the Gateway-Longview family service organization put together their 2nd Annual BBQ and Blues Bash as a fundraiser for their non-profit organization. When I got there, the event was already in full swing and the street was packed with people lined up to get food and enjoy the beautiful afternoon. Rookies Meghan and Morgan were already there and veterans Alyssa and Lindsay showed up at about the same time I did. The Jills quickly went to work selling Chinese Auction tickets for prizes donated by the Bills and the Sabres while greeting fans and signing autographs. The Jills weren't the only ones signing autographs though as Keith Ellison, Lydell Sargeant, and Cary Harris of the Buffalo Bills were also on hand for the event. I talked to them for a little while as the girls circulated around the tents that were set up to protect everyone from the bright sun and the time seemed to fly by. Before long, it was time to go and the girls' contact thanked us all, myself included, for all our help. Learn more about Gateway-Longview at www.gateway-longview.org

Meghan and Morgan with Lydell Sargeant and Cary Harris of the Bills

Alyssa and Lindsay with the Bills' Keith Ellison

See all the pics at https://buffaloprocheerbuffalojills.shutterfly.com/pictures/2227

The final appearance we're visiting in this post wasn't one I expected. One of the great things about Buffalo in the summer, other than the relatively mild heat (as opposed to other regions of the country...it still gets pretty hot here) is the large number of festivals that go on seemingly every weekend in the region. When I made plans to attend the Italian Heritage Festival, I had no idea that I'd be running into current members of the Jills. My reason for going actually revolved around a Jills alum, though. 2005 Jills alum Ashlee A is a gifted singer I became good friends with several years before and she was lending her angelic voice to the patio of Class Act, a bar on the edge of the Festival, a few nights during the event.

I showed up a little earlier than planned and Ashlee was scheduled to sing a little later and shortly before she arrived, Jills rookies Taryn and Jaclyn came by. They were headed to another part of the festival so I joined them, telling Ashlee and her mother I'd return in a little while. As it turned out, Taryn and Jaclyn weren't the only current Jills there as we ran into Courteney and her husband on our way to the Festival's Main Stage. We took a few photos on the way as we were assaulted by all the smells of the foods being cooked before making it to the main stage. With all the foods being cooked, Jaclyn was thankful she ate beforehand and Taryn decided she'd be coming back after she switched into street clothes. Once we made it to the main stage, they posed for photos with fans and the just-crowned Miss Italian Festival while they set about collecting donations to support the Festival.

I only stuck with Jaclyn and Taryn a little while longer so I could head back to see Ashlee and her family and listen to her angelic voice.

Taryn and Jaclyn with Courteney

Ashlee on the mic

See all the pics at https://buffaloprocheerbuffalojills.shutterfly.com/pictures/2235
From the Bandettes comes a photo from the Bandits Home Finale against the New England Blackwolves. Shown posing for a photo are McKenzie and Janelle, both of whom are back for the 2016 Bandits season, 2 of the 6 returning vets who are welcoming in 9 fresh-faced rookies.

McKenzie and Janelle