Comedian Colin Quinn talks history and comedy

Photo credit Mike Lavoie
Colin Quinn in ‘Unconstitutional.’

BY ALEXIS TARRAZI (Straus News)

NEWTON — For a comedian who “peaked at 13,” Colin Quinn is not doing too shabby at 55.

Best known for his five year stint on Saturday Night Live and his work in the Adam Sandler films Grown Ups and Grown Ups 2, as well as Comedy Central series Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn — Quinn is finishing up his newest comedy tour “Unconstitutional” with his second to last stop at Newton Theatre on Saturday, July 26 at 8 p.m.

“I was always funny and always had a very large mouth, so I think it was meant to be,” said Quinn. “I was actually funny when I was a kid, people think I am joking — but ask anyone as a kid who grew up with me they say, ‘Yea you were funnier as a kid.’ I peaked at 13 and that’s the truth.”

Concussions, breaks on the rise due to harsh winter

BY ALEXIS TARRAZI (Straus News)

Bombarded with snow and freezing temperatures, this marks one of the harshest winters the tri-state area has experienced in a long time. It has also been one of the most dangerous in regards to winter-related injuries.

Orange Regional Medical Center in Middletown, N.Y. reported seeing an increase in snow related injuries including: back injuries, chest pain, falls and ankle, wrist and head injuries.

Female wrestler, Marlee Smith, competes in nationals

Marlee taking down her opponent in the nationals.

By Alexis Tarrazi – Straus News

WANTAGE — From as far back as she can remember, Marlee Smith of Wantage has been involved in sports. It wasn’t until second grade that she began to play with the boys.

“She was cheering as a cheerleader and my husband was coaching football. He was one kid short, so he turned to me and said, ‘I’m putting her in,'” said Crissy Smith, Marlee’s mother. “She was this little thing but a tough kid, so we threw football pads on her and she went out there and that was the end of cheerleading.”

Football was the transition Marlee needed to explore another predominantly boys sport, wrestling.

Crushpile returns to the stage

By Alexis Tarrazi  – Straus News

Crushpile.

 

NEWTON — Sussex County rockers, Crushpile, are returning to the stage after more than a year to perform a free show at Koz’s Korner in Franklin on Saturday, April 20.

Due to major health issues with several members in the band, Crushpile took a brief hiatus for about a year, but are ready to return and perform.

“We are excited to be back in our home area and see some old school faces,” said vocalist Kenny Hoyt.

Hoyt and his brother Jeff formed the heavy metal band in March 2001 in their hometown Newton. Garnering support, the band’s original line up grew to feature Kenny, Jeff, Andy, Mike, and Goat.

Trading Mighty Mouse for a music career pays off for Kansas violinist David Ragsdale

Kansas

BY ALEXIS TARRAZI – Straus News

NEWTON — Despite having to give up Saturday morning cartoons, David Ragsdale is now grateful his mother forced him to play the violin as a child. Ragsdale is now touring with Kansas as their violinist along with singing and playing the guitar. He appeared this past weekend with the group at Newton Theater in Newton.

“My mom forced (the violin) on me,” Ragsdale recalled. “I didn’t like playing the violin until I was 20. I had to give up Mighty Mouse to play the violin and there was no DVR back then.”

His first song he learned on the violin was most likely “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” Ragsdale said.

Curb the winter blues with soup

Photo by Alexis Tarrazi
Andre’s Restaurant recently opened a Soup Bar offering a variety of soups. In this photo are from left: Curried Sweet Potato, Celery Knob and Black Truffle, and Onion Broth.

BY ALEXIS TARRAZI – Straus News

NEWTON – Craving a cure to the winter blues? A sip of some soothing, homemade soup may just warm you right up.

Stirring up a hearty bowl of soup takes patience, technique and a good pot says Chef and Owner of Andre’s Restaurant & Wine Boutique in Newton, Andre deWaal — who recently launched a Soup Bar for a casual eat-in or take-out lunch option.

“The spirit of a good soup comes from incorporating things in your kitchen,” says deWaal.