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The North Ridge currently has dozens of members, many of whom are active. It is led by City Representative Christian Solecki, who acts as a liaison between our club and FanForce and is responsible for posting all North Ridge news and events on FanForce.

Details on becoming a member can be found on our Join Us Page.

Also, visit our
Honorary Members
page!

Member Profiles

These are profiles of many, but not all, of our current members. Screen names refer to the name used on TheForce.net discussion forums.

Many of our members are also members of Echo Base in the Rebel Legion or the Garrison Excelsior of the Imperial re-enacting group, the 501st Legion, and their designations or screen names are linked to their profiles on that site.

Name: Chris Solecki (aka Fearless Leader) Screen Name: BobaChris12 Costumes: Royal Guard, Darth Vader, Imperial Scanning Technician, AT-ST Driver Member Since: 2002 Positions Held: Chapter Representative 501st Designation: SL/IC/TR 2904	About Me: My interests in Star Wars range from collecting, video games, costuming, and prop making. I've made lifelong friendships with members of the group. I enjoy appearing in costume and seeing the smiles from the public, both young and old. Favorite Events Attended: I attended C3 with my friends and was privileged to join Garrick Hagon (Biggs) for breakfast (along with at least a dozen other actors). Some of my favorite experiences with the group include the BPO concerts in 11/05 and the afternoon I was able to spend with Peter Mayhew in June 2003. Memories: My parents took me to see the movie when I was 2 1/2 and I haven't looked back. I remember viewing Episode IV at The Holiday Theaters and Episode V at the Buffalo Drive Inn (my parents warned me there would be a big surprise).
Name: Janice Mergenhagen Costumes: The Emperor, Jedi Knight Positions Held: Treasurer Name: Lawrence Tetewsky Costume: Jedi Knight Screen Name: VideoPrince Positions Held: Treasurer Members Since: 2002	About Us: We have been STAR WARS fans since seeing Episode 4 first run in 1977, and were both science fiction fans of literature, films and TV before that. We were fortunate to find out almost by accident that a group was forming in Buffalo around the time of the AOTC IMAX Experience. In our travels, we have attended many science fiction/fantasy/media conventions, including all 3 SW Celebrations and the 10th Anniversary SW Creation Extravaganza held in LA in 1988. It's been our pleasure and honor to introduce the great group of fans in Buffalo to the rest of fandom. Favorite Event Attended: Participating in the costumed promotion at the Buffalo Philharmonic. Memories: Hosting Peter Mayhew at a Buffalo convention, having breakfast with many of our 1st time convention attendees at Celebration 3 with Garrick Hagon (Biggs Darklighter).
Name: Rob Walworth Screen Name: DarthSinistre Costume: Royal Guard, Imperial Dignitary Member Since: 2002	About Me: I became interested in Star Wars after seeing it (Star Wars Episode IV) at the movie theater when I was 8 years old. I enjoy all of the films as well as meeting with the club to share in the common bond that is the magic of Star Wars. Favorite Event Attended: My favorite costumed appearance was the BPO event at Kleinhans Music Hall. We were able to greet patrons before the performances, and to appear on stage with the orchestra throughout the performance.
Name: Mindy Solecki Screen Name: Ladysith22 Member Since: 2002 Costumes: ANH Leia, Barriss Offee, and Jedi Knight (Ki-Adi_Mundi Style)	About Me: I have always been a fan of Star Wars, but really got interested in the movies when I started dating my husband. We are married now and have one child. I am one of the founding members of The North Ridge and have had a blast seeing the group grow. Favorite Events Attended: My favorite events include the BPO, and Wegman's appearances. I also had a great time at CIII.
Name: Lisa Walworth Screen Name: JediKnightLisa Costume: Anakin Skywalker, Mara Jade, Royal Guard, X-Wing Pilot Member Since: 2002 501st Designation: TR/SL 9099 Rebel Legion: JediKnightLisa Positions Held: Master Choreographer	About Me: I am a pharmacist, and am married with one daughter. I loved Star Wars since seeing it for the first time with my cousin at the movie theaters in 1977. It made me interested in martial arts, movies and science fiction. Collecting became a big part of my life and I always looked forward to the next comic book and many years later, the new novels which peeked my interest once again. Favorite Event Attended: The ultimate experience was our appearance with the BPO and the lightsaber duel Marty and I got to do onstage during the "Battle of the Heroes." A dream come true! Memories: I started in the North Ridge during the appearance at the IMAX showing of AOTC. I didn't know anyone in the group yet, but showed up in full Anakin garb (first time ever in public!), opened the door and said "Hi!"
Name: Marty Richau Screen Name: Solo42986 Costume: Han Solo, X Wing Pilot Member Since: 2002	About Me: I'm currently a sophomore college student in Rochester studying to be an Engineering Technologist, who has been into most things science fiction for as long as I can remember. I also enjoy computer/Xbox gaming, and have recent branched into comic books (X-Men and Star Wars mostly). Favorite Events Attended: Getting to duel with Lisa onstage at the BPO concert; I was nervous but had a blast doing it! Followed closely is the Slanted Fedora convention, and meeting my first Star Wars actor - Peter Mayhew! Memories: My first memory of all things Star Wars was when I was visiting family friends as a kid, and playing the their son's SW action figures. Soon after that I saw the Special Editions in the theater (for some reason I never saw RotJ), and my fandom began to blossom from there.
Name: Gil Guemes Screen Name: JediXXL Costumes: Rebel Pilot Jek Porkins, Jedi, Imperial Crewman Member Since: 2003 Rebel Legion: JediXXL 501st Designation: IC - 4176	About Me: I also enjoy books, movies and cartoons in general. I'm married and have one daughter, we all like any type of science fiction. Events Attended: Celebration III; Niagara Falls Santa Parade 2003, 2004; Grape & Wine Parade 2003, 2004, 2005; Toronto Philharmonic Star Wars Concert; Original Trilogy DVD release; Cincinnati Pops Star Wars Spectacular; Episode 2 DVD release; Toronto CN/SFX 2003, 2005; Episode 3 Midnight Screening; Boston When Science Meets Imagination; LFL/Museum Opening Gala; Buffalo Philharmonic Star Wars Concert; Episode 3 Midnight Screening; Episode 3 DVD release Memories: I was in grade school when Star Wars came out. It was like nothing we had ever seen. I was already watching reruns of Star Trek & Lost in Space, so Star Wars was a natural choice.
Name: Ken Stuczynski Screen Name: Ken_of_the_Whills Costume: Jedi (looks like Obi-Wan) Member Since: 2003 Positions Held: Jedi Academy Instructor, Webmaster	About Me: I was 7 when I saw Star Wars in 1977 at the Holiday 6 in Cheektowaga. It was practically my religion growing up, and it is still a part of who I am. Today, I own my own web development company, but am working toward being an inter-faith minister and writer, which will include dealing with the spirituality of the Star Wars mythos. Memories: I had a great time teaching children to be padawan learners at a birthday party where I was costumed as a Jedi master.
Name: Bryan Patrick Stoyle Screen Name: BPStoyle Costume: Luke Skywalker (Rebel Pilot, Farmboy), Jedi Knight Member Since: 2003 Rebel Legion: StoyBoy720 Positions Held: Social Network Administrator	About Me: I first got into Star Wars during the summer of 1996, after my younger brother and cousin had become fans, they finally sat me down to watch the Original Trilogy. I’ve had various stages of fandom, from watching the movies to collecting the toys to customizing action figures, and more recently, costuming and fan filmmaking. Since joining the North Ridge, I’ve had a lot of fun meeting fans not just from the Buffalo area, but also different parts of the state and even different parts of the world. Favorite Events Attended: It has been great working costumed events such as DVD releases and the concert for the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. It’s great to see something like “Star Wars” is able to bring so many different types of people together.
Name: Antoine Lefebvre Screen Name: Marko_Ragnos Costume: Darth Nihilus, Royal Guard Member Since: 2005	About Me: I love Star Wars since the original trilogy because I love science fiction. Favorite Events Attended: My favorite events so far are the BPO concerts and some birthday parties.
Name: Peter Myhalenko Screen Name: Myhale99 Costume: Stormtrooper Member Since: 2005 501st Designation: TK 9510 Positions Held: Diplomat	About Me: I'm married with 3 children, and a computer programmer. Memories: I got interested in Star Wars when I was 8 and saw the movie posting outside on hallowed walls of the Holiday 1&2 theaters in Cheektowaga, NY. Hearing my friends at the time talk about it in school and also seeing the making of it (hosted by R2 and 3PO) before even seeing the movie captured me. It was the very first theater movie I ever saw, and on the huge 2 story high Holiday Theater #1 screen.
Name: Dan Malcomb Screen Name: BigDanLevitan Costumes: Snowtrooper, Imperial Crewman 501st Designation: IC - 2837 Member Since: 2005 Positions Held: Vice President	About Me: I've been a Star Wars fan all of my life -- it was one of my first memories. Star Wars first showed on HBO in the early 80's when I was just a young child and I can remember always being in front of the TV to watch it every time it came on. I had all of the figures and some of the vehicles, with the X-wing being my favorite toy of all. As I got older my love for Star Wars grew, when they re-released the figures in late 96 I can remember hunting down everyone of them with c3po being the hardest to get in this area. Favorite Event Attended: ROTS DVD release at Media Play and watching the little kids come up and interact with Vader (BobaChris). Memories: Last year I attended Celebration 3 in Indy and it took me back to the glory days of my youth...
Name: Elaine Screen Name: Mother_of_the_Twins Member Since: 2005 Positions Held: Diplomat	About Me: I really AM the Mother of Twins! I have always enjoyed Star Wars since I saw the Episode IV in 1977. I joined the North Ridge after my son joined as a teenager. Favorite Event Attended: I enjoyed organizing our group's appearance at the Wegmans where I work. My co-workers loved having their pictures taken with all the characters. Of course, who doesn't love Star Wars Night at the Bisons! Memories: My favorite North Ridge moment was watching my son onstage with the Buffalo Philharmonic performing a light saber duel to music. Second to that was being on the field in my very first Star Wars Night appearance. Amazing!!
Name: Steve Losey Screen Name: Loseytwin12 Costumes: Ringo Starkiller, Luke Skywalker (Dagobah Training) Member Since: 2010	About Me: I joined this fantastic little group in 2010, a decision I'm very happy I'd made. I've been a SW geek since I was really young, growing up with the Original Trilogy, and watching the prequels in theatres as my fandom progressed, my favorite films being Episodes V and III. I'm a bit of an Obi-Wan nut, and of course love Luke (more so when he became less whiny). I love meeting the actors, and probably my favorites that I've met were Tony Daniels and Mark Hamill (still praying for Ewan McGregor). When I costume with the group, it's typically either Starkiller or a smuggler. I'm a young college kid, so I try to make it to as many events as I can, but sometimes I'm just unable to. I'm the nice guy of the clan! Favorite Events Attended: Bisons Star Wars Night 2012, Free Comic Book Day, A Night With Kevin Smith Memories: Star Wars Celebration VI
Name: Steven Lukasik Screen Name: WookieJedi Costumes: Chewbacca, Count Dooku, Plo Koon, Savage Opress, Bossk, Rebel Pilot, Jedi Master, Darth Pajak 501st Designation; SL8378 Rebel Legion: WookieeJedi Member Since: 2009 Positions Held: Diplomat	About Me: I am a Respitory Therapist. I have and always will be a kid at heart. It only seemed fitting that I join a local Star Wars group to be able to relive my youth. I always have enjoyed the Star Wars universe starting with the movies, toys, Comics, Books, and then on to enjoy collecting as I got older. Now I can go Back to the playing, as I have an excuse to not only wear the costumes but also make them. Some of my other interests are Sports along with drawing and being creative, and getting out to beer and wine tastings. Favorite Events Attended: I attended C2 and C3. But the most memorable ones to date are when I attended my first North Ridge Event (Music is Art Festival) and even though it was warm out, just seeing the reactions along with the Smiles on all the kids and even adults faces I stayed out and almost didn't want to take the costume off. Last but not least being a part of Star Wars night at the Bisons game. Memories: My earliest memories of it were when my parents took me to see Star Wars at the drive-in, looking at our screen were Star Wars was on and to the back of the car looking at the other screen were Battlestar Galactica was playing. But the most memorable is when being on a first date I asked what she wanted to do, and Ill never forget the response... "Lets stay in and watch a movie... How about the Star Wars Trilogy? "NICE!!!" I was ready to ask her to Marry me right there and then.
Name: Chris Losey Screen Name: chewbaccachris34 Costumes: Sith / Kyp Durron in progress Member Since: 2010	About Me: I saw Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope in 1997 when I was 3. I've been a die-hard ever since. I've been to Star Wars Celebration IV in 2007. There I met Peter Mayhew, Kenny Baker, and Tony Daniels. I saw Episodes I-III in theatres a numerous amount of times, but I prefer the Original Trilogy. My favorite character is Luke Skywalker, as I recall calling him Loo when I first saw the film. My brother told me about this club and I knew it was for me. I am attending Star Wars Celebration V to celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back. Favorite Event Attended: Celebration IV Memories: Seeing Star Wars for the first time, going to Celebration IV, getting my first lightsaber.
Name: Steve Losey Costumes: Captured Jedi / Imperial Gunner / custom Sith Member Since: 2010	Favorite Event Attended: Buffalo Bisons star wars night/ Queen city comic con Memories: Attending 3 Star Wars Celebrations with my twin sons.
Name: Victor Schuel Screen Name: quigonschuel Costumes: generic Jedi (working on Qui-Gon Jinn) Member Since: 2011	Favorite Event Attended: Eggertsville Library July 2012 Memories: Seeing EVERY SW film in the theaters, seeing the premiers of Episodes 1 and 3 on my birthday at midnight.
Name: Jason McCudden	About Me: I am a welder/fabricator, Jack of all trades, and know something about everything, from auto body and wrenching to wiring and building STUFF. Been an avid Star Wars fan since the movies first hit. Looking to be a costumed Stormtrooper at first and maybe get clone costumes in the future. I joined to be with like minded people, do charity work and make a child smile. Favorite Event Attended: I would love to go to a big Comicon and/or Star Wars convention in the future. Memories: Seeing Star Wars New Hope for the first time on the big screen at Holiday Showcase (remember that movie theater?)
Name: William Reynolds	About Me: Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, Bill has been a practicing psychologist here for the last 15 years and works for both NY state as well as the VA. Married with three children, in addition to volunteering his time with the North Ridge, he spends his free time producing and acting in independent films, hosting a TV show, and is currently working toward his 4th degree Black Belt in Isshin-ryu and 2nd degree Black Belt in Kenpo karate. Very happy with the recently given club nickname, "Sensei." Favorite Event Attended: Bisons Star Wars Night; Buffalo ComicCon; Clarence WinterFest Memories: Arrived at the Buffalo Drive-in dressed as Darth Vader for "Revenge of the Sith" and was let in for free. Then, when I got out of my car, hearing one kid yell, "it's Vader!" and then seeing a mob of at least 30 kids charging toward me with lightsabers at the ready!
Name: Michelle Saxton Screen Name: JediProf Costumes: Jedi, Twi'lek, X-Wing Pilot Member since: 2009 Position Held: Diplomat	About Me: I've been a Star Wars fan since I watched A New Hope in theaters in 1977. After a lifetime love of all things Star Wars, I finally joined the Northridge in 2009. I have really enjoyed being part of such a great group of people who share their love of Star Wars and raise money for charity. Favorite Event Attended: Bison's Nights, Clarence Winterfest, theater re-releases, Star Wars Celebration VI Memories: Playing with Star Wars toys as a child and now playing with (way cooler) Star Wars toys with my kids!
Name: Anna S. Screen Name: 72Princess Costumes: Princess Leia Organa: A New Hope, Jedi Leia Solo, Working on Boushh and Ewok Village Leia Member since: 2010 Position Held: Secretary	About Me: Originally from the great state of Texas, Anna has lived in Buffalo since 2001 with her family, all Star Wars fans. A fan since 1980, Anna frequently dressed up as Princess Leia for Halloween and parties, fixing her hair in various Leia styles as a child and well into adulthood. She attended Star Wars Weekend at DisneyWorld on the 30th Anniversary of the release of Empire. The theme park broke attendance records, ran out of food and parking, and was the hottest May 21st in Orlando history! Also a fan of other Science Fiction, Anna constructed her own costumes with a little help from friends. Anna studies Isshin-ryu Karate, currently a Brown Belt. She made many life long friends in The North Ridge once joining in 2010, working together in raising funds for charity, and bringing joy to young and old through the Fandom of Star Wars. Favorite Event Attended: Star Wars Night at the Bisons, Clarence Winterfest, Strong Museum of Play spending an entire day on her feet, posing for pictures and bringing smiles to so many faces. But the Birthday parties and small, personal events are her favorite. Memories: Standing in line outside of a movie theater for hours, in the hot Texas sun, to watch the first showing of Return of The Jedi May 25, 1983. Then doing it again, six more times in the following weeks. We even saw it in Mexico, while on vacation, with subtitles.
Name: Karen Caligiuri Screen name: MassageVentress Costumes: Asajj Ventress, Jaina Solo (pilot) Member since: 2008	About Me: Licensed Massage Therapist and Yoga Instructor for the past 12 years. Memories: Went to the Drive In and Clone Wars was one of the movies playing that night. That is where I saw Ventress for the first time and knew I had to be this character. She was very strong willed and I loved the look about her. She reminded me of a vampire, another one of my interests. Basically she was bad-ars !!! When I attended my first North Ridge event as Asajj Ventress, it melted my heart when a little girl asked for my autograph. I will never forget the smile on her face. I realized then that it's not just for my love and the group's love for Star Wars, but it's for the kids. The smiles and joy we bring to them touch all our hearts. Favorite Event: Clarence Winter Fest, Bisons Star Wars Night
Name: Jon Duffie Screen Name: JDuffphoto Character/Costumes: Jenner Telsh, Jedi, Pilot, CoreSec / Smuggler Builder/Operator: R2-D2 Position Held: Diplomat	About Me: I'm a Niagara Falls native, currently working in the IT field. I have been a fan of science fiction, specifically Star Wars, since early childhood. I graduated college as a fine arts major and enjoy model building and prop construction. I began construction of a full scale functional R2-D2 in December 2007 as a member of the R2 Builders Group, and joined the North Ridge in June of 2010. I've made many friends who I consider my extended family. There's no better group to hang out with, costuming and bringing smiles to the faces of those we see - young and old alike - all while raising money for charity. Memories: I remember seeing Return of the Jedi in the theaters at the Summit Park Mall. I was only 6 at the time. I also remember seeing Coke Bot at around the same age (if anyone remembers, that was the Coca Cola sponsored robot that slightly resembled R2-D2). Favorite Event: Hands down, the Buffalo Bison's Star Wars Night. The Bison's are a very classy organization and an absolute pleasure to work with.
Name: Kathleen Weber Screen Name: Milo'sMom Character/Costumes: Jedi, Sith, Jedi Librarian Position Held: Diplomat	About Me: I started as a non-costumer, but was quickly converted to the fun of costuming. Began as a Jedi, fell into the Dark Side for a time, but have repented and returned to the Light (miss those Dark Side Cookies though!). Favorite Events: Star Wars with the Bisons, Winterfest and the library gigs.
Name: Bill Breindel Screen Name: GrandAdmDraco Character/Costumes: Jedi	About Me: I was introduced to star wars as a kid with the movies and action Figures.(Wishing I could go back in time and say "don't play with them, just sit and look at them" lol) However it wasn't until Timothy Zahn and his Thrawn Trilogy came around that I got truly hooked. I've played most of the games, read most of the books, watched all the cartoons, movies, TV shows, spin offs, and yes, even that special that shall not be named because it never existed because it was just a nightmare I had one night. So I joined this group to meet, and have some good times with a bunch of other Star Wars fans like myself. And oh what fun and good times I've had thus far. Looking for the many many more yet to come. Favorite Event Attended: Bisons Star Wars Night 2012 Memories: Standing in line, going in and watching the start of Episode one in the theater. Hearing the entire theater cheer. And hearing the familiar music, anew. Whatever else the movie was and is, that remains my favorite memory.
Name: David Barkewitz Screen Name: doubleblade86 Character/Costumes: Darth Maul, Anakin Skywalker (Episode 3), Rebel Pilot, Royal Guard, Prince Xizor. Member since: 2009	About Me: I'm a Security Guard. With a love I have had since I was little and among the other passions I share with my fellow North Ridgers, the big one is Star Wars. Not only have I made many friends from this common interest, it also introduced me to my wife, Lisa. Favorite Event Attended: Buffalo Bisons Star Wars Night. I have had the honor of be a part of 4 out of 6 events. Memories: My favorite memory would have to be Bison's Star Wars Night 2010, when I walked out on the field for the first time to recreate the Episode One duel. I was so nervous as I was Darth Maul, and had some big shoes to fill. But when I heard that crowd explode when they saw me, all I could think was "this is the coolest thing in the world."
Name: Dave Barone Screen Name: Darth Erebus Character/Costumes: custom Sith assassin, Darth Revan Member since: 2012	About Me: I have loved Star Wars since I was a little kid and since then it has been a big part of my life as well as a part of who I am. I have always been creative, making costumes and props from a young age and have only progressed since then. When I first met The North Ridge at a local toy fair I instantly knew they I wanted to join! Star Wars and costuming -- what's not to love! Favorite Event Attended: Star Wars Night 2012 was amazing (right before joining The North Ridge). I went with my son and we both dressed up and had a great time! Memories: Movie night at the Holy Ghost School was a lot of fun. I was the only Sith there that night and pretty much the whole time I had to fend off the attacks of the young padawans in attendance. I stood victorious! Mwuahahah!
Name: Elizabeth Screen Name: Character/Costumes: Jedi, Lumina, Yarna	Favorite Event Attended: Children Hospital Halloween party! Memories: My favorite Star Wars memory was as a little girl watching the movie with my older brothers! I always loved Star Wars, but it was not until I meet my love Dan that I got into costuming in 05.