Spindle items
JESSICA FINCH Associate Editor

• GREEN BELT - I never thought I would see the day when my dad watched me take a hit to the jaw. But it happened Friday. Supporting me during my test for green belt at Mandarin Kung Fu, my dad sat and watched as I took a pretty solid hit during the sparring portion of the test. It was actually an accident - don't get the wrong impression. But it was worth it when about an hour later, Sifu Norman Mandarino announced that I, along with my friend Sean, had been promoted to green belt. I am currently the only female training at that level. One of the black belts commented that he thought I was the toughest woman he had seen come through the school. That made me smile, sore jaw and all.

Afterwards I said to my dad, "A lot different from the days of ballet recitals, huh?" My mom called to congratulate me from a hospital where she is finishing her schooling to become a registered nurse. I found it funny that she wasn't with me to administer some medical attention.

• GRANDPARENTS' LOVE - "Pancakes & Prayers," a benefit for Evan Tringali, will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10 at George M. Southard Elementary School, 6385 Locust St. Extension, Lockport. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children.

Evan, a second-grader at the school, was diagnosed in September with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. Evan has received chemotherapy at Roswell Park Cancer Institute and was scheduled to undergo surgery Tuesday in Women and Children's Hospital to replace a portion of his left femur. He is scheduled for more chemotherapy after the surgery.

The benefit will include a pancake breakfast, a basket raffle, a silent auction and children's activities. Donations are being accepted. For tickets, contact Krista Jones at 531-3290 or Dara Lis at 523-0960. Evan's grandparents, Judy and Tom Catanzaro of Getzville, are collecting donations for the benefit as well. Call for information.

• SEEDLING PROGRAM - Erie County Legislator Edward A. Rath, R- 15th District, said order forms for the Erie County Soil and Water Conservation District Tree and Shrub Seedling Program are available. Some of the broadleaf deciduous seedlings available for purchase are black cherry, sugar maple and white oak. Conservation shrubs that may be purchased include Sargent crabapple, Red Osier dogwood, and Streamco willow.

Evergreen/conifer seedlings include Scotch pine, blue spruce and Douglas fir. The evergreen/conifer seedlings can be obtained 10 for $8, 30 for $21, 100 for $60 and 500 for $250.

Wildflower seed mixes are available as well, and all orders are due by March 20 and are to be picked up on April 19 at the Erie County Fairgrounds in Hamburg.

This program is available to all Erie County residents, schools, homeowner groups, civic organizations and not-for-profit groups. There are more than 40 varieties of trees, shrubs and wildflower seed mixes available.

"This is an excellent way to promote conservation and increase tree growth. It enhances our community," Rath said.

Order forms may be obtained at Rath's district office at 5500 Main St., Suite 1, Williamsville. Enter from the parking lot. Call before coming to the office. The telephone number is 633-0617, or e-mail rathe@ erie. gov.