Baton twirlers begin with basics

Natalie Thatcher, 11, is new to the baton twirling with the Star Gazers Baton Group, but she is quickly learning the 10 basic elements that a beginner must know before advancing to the intermediate level.

Her second twirling lesson had Natalie working on pencil drops, hand-over-hand moves and the importance of letting her wrist be free and keeping her arm straight.

Lessons are being taught on Saturday mornings by Jodi Kremiller.

A baton twirler from an early age through high school and then at Penn State, Kremiller is familiar with the ins and outs of baton twirling and makes it fun for the girls by using sing-song phrases like "dig for dirt" and "vanilla, chocolate" while keeping them focused on learning.

Mastering the basics requires repetition. Kremiller prides herself on being patient with those who get frustrated with some of the more intricate moves. She gives them one-on-one attention until they "get it."

"It's not how fast you twirl, but how accurate you are" is one of Kremiller's favorite sayings as she teaches a solid foundation of skills before students build to more advanced moves.

Last year was the first for the classes held at the George Mullen Center in North Port. Other classes offered include working with pom-poms, ribbon dancing and marching.

"These lessons also teach self-esteem and give the girls the confidence needed for public performances," Kremiller said.

The Star Gazers perform in parades around the county and do exhibitions at various youth events.

Kremiller is proud of two awards her girls brought home last year. The Star Gazers Baton Group won Best Walking Unit in the Sarasota Christmas Parade and Best Youth Entry in the Fourth of July Parade.

"This is something that can benefit high school students tremendously," Kremiller said. "Majorettes can earn college scholarships. Learning the art of baton twirling at an early age, these girls will definitely have an advantage over others."

Beginners class starts at 9 a.m. and the intermediate class is at 10 a.m. For more information, call 429-6160.

– Betsy Williams, correspondent

At daybreak Sept. 11, 17 boats set out in Charlotte Harbor in search of the heaviest pair of redfish.

Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity teamed with Flatsmasters for the second "Hooked on Habitat" fundraising fishing tournament at Laishley Park in Punta Gorda.

A captain's meeting and auction at Laishley Park Community Room on Friday night was hosted by Peace River Seafood. Prizes included an autographed painting by Guy Harvey, a chance to be on Florida Insider Fishing Report, and fishing rods, nets, and radios.

Event coordinator Debbie Doran-Haynes said last year's event raised more than $9,000, and this year's goal was to raise more than $12,000.

After fish were brought onshore, announcers and brothers Kurtis and Kyle Knight quickly measure each fish, ensuring it was within legal limits, then set it on the scale for the big weigh-in, after which it was released.

Winners Lyn Bevis and Bobbi and Jesse Daughtry brought in the heaviest fish at 6.13 and 7.62 pounds, for a total of 13.75 pounds. Nearly $3,000 was presented to the winners.

After the tournament, it was time for a picnic. Ignoring the intense heat, Habitat volunteers Brandy Gillet, 18, and Kendra Jones, 12, helped set up tables and chairs for lunch. A barbecue meal of two pigs along with beans and coleslaw was provided to all of the teams and volunteers.

– Mykhal Matrullo, correspondent