While they're usually relegated to the sidelines or halftime, this year's Dryden High School varsity cheerleaders took center stage and came out on top at the 36th Annual Interscholastic Athletic Conference Cheerleading Competition, held Jan. 30 in Watkins Glen.

With a stunning multi-song and cheer presentation, the squad wowed the crowd with stunning aerial maneuvers, well coordinated dance moves, and a "don't cross this line" cheer that would raises the challenge level at any contest.

The girls edged out Watkins Glen for the Large Schools title by a nail-biting 225 to 223 score. While they usually get to say it instead of hear it, "Way to go, Lions!"

Help students travel

Grab your cowboy hat and boots and get ready for a good old-fashioned barn dance. The eighth grade class at Covenant Love Community School, 1768 Dryden Road, Freeville, will be making its way south for a spring break trip which culminates their time at the school. This trip includes historic sites such as Williamsburg, Jamestown and Washington, D.C., while the students also get to enjoy sites such as Virginia Beach and Busch Gardens amusement park. They are working together to provide some community fun to help fund the way.

Start the evening off at the Chili and Chowder Dinner from 5:30-6:45 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19. For $5 per adult and $3 for children 10 and under, enjoy a meal of chili or chowder, fresh baked bread and corn bread, salad and a beverage. Pre-sale dinner tickets are available at the CLCS office 347-4413.

Immediately following the dinner, join in an evening of western adventure at 7 p.m. There will be dancing, games, a silent auction, refreshments, a cake walk, and a home made Bucking Bronco to test your balancing ability. Tickets for the dance are $5 per person or $15 per family. The eighth grade class invites you to bring family members of all ages, along with friends and neighbors for some indoor winter family fun.

The following morning, Saturday, Feb. 20, the school will open for visitors to experience what school is like for its youngest members. Between 9 a.m. and noon, come visit the pre-K-kindergarten classroom, meet the teacher and see the curriculum. Children are welcome. For more information, contact www.clcschool.org.

To round out a busy weekend of supporting local education, the Covenant Love students will be serving up breakfast at the Ithaca Applebee's restaurant, 2300 North Triphammer Road, from 8-10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 21. These funds will help the school pay its New York State Athletic Association participation fees. Tickets are $5 per person and are available through the school.

Concert for Haiti

If music is your forte, come to the four corners Saturday, Feb. 20 as the Dryden United Methodist Church hosts a local Help4Haiti Concert, a full evening of various musical talents. A collection of guitarists including Lynn Wiles, Bob Keefe, Jon Conrad and Mark Fowler will begin the evening at 6 p.m.

At 8 p.m., The Prophets, a versatile, multi-genre club band, will cover the ages with rock, blues, jazz and country music. From 9:30 p.m. on, hold on to your hat as the Fall Creek Brass Band lifts the roof with its own blend of jazz and funk.

Coffee and baked goods will be available. All proceeds will go to the United Methodist Committee on Relief for its work in responding to the crisis in Haiti.

Rotary stages mystery

"The Mystery of the Purloined Sirloin" will unfold on the TC3 Forum stage as Jim Green and Scarlett Rat Entertainment return for the Dryden Rotary's third annual Murder Mystery Dinner Theater. From 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, the western roast heist will be solved with the help of all of the witnesses.

The evening includes a full sit down dinner with dessert, cash bar, live entertainment and door prizes. For tickets, which are $40 per person, please visit the Dryden Barber Shop, Back to Basics Bulk Foods, Fingerlakes Electric or any Dryden Rotary member.

Advanced ticket purchase is required due to the limited seating. For more information or tickets, contact Wil Buttner at 241-2169.

Begin Lenten journey

The Varna Methodist Church on Route 366 will be having an Ash Wednesday service at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 17. Lay leader Alice Humerez welcomes all, saying, "This is the beginning of Lent and a special time for all of us to examine our lives again. Please join us in starting the journey together."