Happy Halloween

Tonight Andrew went trick-or-treating with a couple of his buddies on the neighborhood hay wagon. Andrew's costume was a homemade human iPod (middle in photo). The hayride has been a tradition every year we have lived in Ohio. Since we live in a very rural area, the Boyerts of Boyert's Greenhouse & Farm fire up the tractor and hay wagon and cart the kids all around the houses in the area. It's great for the kids and it's great for the folks who live in the area who enjoy giving out candy. Abby didn't go trick-or-treating this year, but she did go to a friend's bonfire party.

Hockey Update

Tonight was picture night at for Andrew and the Mustangs hockey team. They also received the final preseason RPI rankings which have the Mustangs placed in the A2 division for the regular season. That seems like a good placement - should be very competitive, but not so difficult as if they were placed in AA or A1.

Goodbye YRC Worldwide

It is with great sadness and mixed emotions that, after 22+ years of service, I bid goodbye to YRC Worldwide. I will truly miss all of my friends and colleagues at Holland, Reddaway, New Penn and YRC. It's a difficult chapter to close on my career, but it is time for a fresh start. I look forward to sinking my teeth into a new opportunity where I can apply my marketing experience, education and talents towards the success of another organization.

I also appreciate the support of my true friends and family as I transition to a new career opportunity. Your guidance and prayers are welcomed.

Scott G. Frederick
Marketing Professional
http://www.linkedin.com/in/sgfrederick

Mustangs Lose to Geauga

The Mustangs lost a tough game to Geauga yesterday. After giving up two goals because our goalie was late to the game, we couldn't bounce back and lost 6-1. Nonetheless, Mom was present and was able to shoot a little video footage of Andrew.

Mustangs Win Again

Andrew and the Strongsville Mustangs PW1 team played a late away game against the Parma Flyers last night. In another strong preseason showing, the Mustangs won the game 10-0 with the game ending with 7 minutes left in the third period due to mercy rules. Andrew didn't have any points, but he had effective shifts being on the ice when 3 of the goals were scored. Prior to the game, our team had earned the top "A1" ranking in the Cleveland Suburban Hockey League RPI poll (see table to right). This poll is used to determine where teams are placed for the regular season. Hopefully we don't do much better than this, otherwise we could risk being placed in the highest "AA" division. A1 is the second highest division and that would be just fine.

Preseason Hockey

This weekend, Andrew (#97) and the Strongsville Mustangs PW1 team played a couple exhibition games. On Saturday, they had an intra-club scrimmage against the Strongsville Select 2001 team (2 years younger than our Pee Wees). The SYHC2001 team was fast and good! Despite the age difference, they handed our PW1 team a humiliating 1-3 loss. Andrew assisted our team's only goal. To make amends, the Mustangs played the Garfield Heights Bulldogs in a preseason game today. The Mustangs "mercy ruled" the Bulldogs in a 11-1 massacre. Andrew had a couple nice shots on goal, but couldn't get it into the net. Still, he had 1 assist and a +/- of 4 in the game.

School Choir Concert

This past Thursday, Andrew performed in one of his usual school choir concerts. In the past I have posted video footage of these concerts. However, this year Andrew decided he would not sing - or even move his lips - during the three songs that the 7th graders performed. Needless to say, Mom and Dad were pretty furious. In any event, here is a nice photo of Andrew (and friend Nathan) just before the concert began.

Gem City Feis

This is a belated post I forgot to publish regarding Abby's performance at the Gem City Feis in Dayton, OH last weekend. She took home another 3rd place finish (and a nice big gem-sized trophy). That's her fourth straight top three finish. Nice job Abby - and good preparation for the annual Mid-American Region Oireachtas competition in Chicago, IL next month.

Industry Awards Dinner

Last week I had the honor of attending the Logistics Management magazine Quest for Quality awards dinner with some of my colleagues last week in Philadelphia, PA. Four YRC Worldwide companies received awards this year from the readers of this trade publication. This is pretty much the preeminent award in our industry, so it was nice to see YRC Worldwide, Holland, Reddaway and New Penn all receiving awards. After the awards were presented, we were entertained by Bill Herz who was a fabulous magician/comedian act. He did some pretty amazing stuff. The next day I spent working with the New Penn management team in Lebanon, PA. As always, great to get out and about; but also good to return home again.

Hockey at "The Q"

Andrew and the Strongsville Mustangs played an exhibition game this evening against Winterhurst at Quicken Loans Arena, otherwise known as "The Q." The game preceded the home opening game for the Lake Erie Monsters. It was really cool for the kids to get dressed in The Q's lockers rooms, walk the runways to the ice, and then skate on the professional ice. Unfortunately the Mustangs lost to the Warriors 3-2; and the Monsters lost to the Heat 2-1. But it was still a great time for all the kids and families. Here are a few video highlights mom was able to take with her camera.

Abby Takes Third at Pittsburgh Halloween Feis

Today Abby danced at the Pittsburgh Halloween Feis in Pittsburgh. Like last year, she was able to wear a Halloween costume while she danced in the competition. While she did not finish first place like she did in the past two Feis, she did bring home a solid third place finish (she also finished with a second place in her "set dance" competition). Nice job Abby!

Andrew Scores Goal, adds Two Assists

Andrew and the Strongsville Mustangs had two preseason hockey games today. The first game was their first lost of the preseason, a 3-6 loss to Winterhurst. Andrew had a few solid shifts towards the end of the game, but ended up with a +/- of negative 3 (+/- is the net of goals scored for/against while a player is on the ice). He made amends in the second game, however, by scoring a goal and assisting two more goals. He tied with one other player for the game with a +/- of plus 4. They won the second game 7-1 against Geauga putting their preseason record at 3-1. Unfortunately, since dad is the stat keeper, and since mom and Abby were at a feis today, there is no video footage. The Strongsville Mustangs next game will be a scrimmage against Winterhurst this Friday at The Q before the Lake Erie Monsters home opener. That should be pretty cool!

Homecoming Dance

Tonight was Abby's second Homecoming Dance. Just like last year, she went to Homecoming with a bunch of her friends (instead of a boy ... hurray!). Mom took plenty of pictures. Here are the highlights (at least leading up to the dance).