Please consider a gift to the Amherst Central Alumni Foundation on Giving Tuesday!
The Amherst Central Alumni Foundation, through generous donations from alumni, provides financial support to programs which enhance the student experience throughout Amherst Central School District. The foundation is an independent 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization. Our donors help bridge the gap between basic funding and what Amherst students need to truly excel. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the foundation had to cancel its biggest annual fundraiser for two years running. Any amount helps.
(By Clay Pasternack – Class of 1968) Amherst High School has long been a source for successful and talent people in the entertainment world (television, movie, radio, and recording). Buffaloâs first Rock N Roll band to achieve success was the Eggertsville-based group, the Tune Rockers. Group members Tim Nolan (bass), Gene Strong (guitar), and Fred Patton (guitar) were from the Eggertsville area, and along with Mickey Vanderlip (drums) and Johnny Cappello (saxophone). The group was formed in 1956 and continued to perform until 1960. Mickey, Tim and Gene attended Amherst High School, with Mickey Graduating in 1957, Tim graduating in 1959, and Geneâ family moved, where he transferred to Sweet Home High School in September 1958, and graduated from there in 1959.
In 1958, the group record an instrumental song named âThe Green Mosquitoâ named for the unique sound created from Geneâs guitar sounded like a mosquito (Gene played a green colored electric) guitar, hence the name âThe Green Mosquitoâ. Because of the current success of the novelty song âThe Purple People Eaterâ by Sheb Wooley, the song title was a play on the name of the existing hit record. The group was managed by Dick Lawrence, who was the program director of WKBW Radio, who had (around that time) recently changed formats to the extremely successful âTop 40â Radio format (July 4, 1958). Lawrence arranged for United Artists to release the single once it was recorded. The song reached the WKBW Top 30 survey the week of August 2, 1958, entering at #28, peaked at #4, staying in the KB top 10 for 6 weeks for a 10-week run. Most important, it entered the Billboard Hot 100 on August 25, 1958, peaking at #44 the week of September 22 1958, also for a 10-week run. The songwriting credits for âThe Green Mosquitoâ were credited to WKBW staff members Art Wander (a fixture on the Buffalo music scene for years) and Art Roberts (later a very popular air personality at WLS in Chicago and other markets)
On September 13, 1958, the group appeared on the Dick Clark Saturday Night âBeechnut Showâ in New York City. That night the Tune Rockers were the opening and closing act on the show. They shared the show with two current acts heading for stardom: Fabian and (a star many years later) Johnny Nash. The following week they appeared live on the daytime format of âAmerican Bandstandâ in Philadelphia. As the record gained momentum across the country, radio station people were introducing the single, and paying tribute to their local origins, as âThe Eggertsville Boysâ
âThe timing of the success of âThe Green Mosquitoâ was perfect, as the impact of WKBW Radio on both the local area and along the Eastern Seaboard of the US (as well as Canada) became very apparent to the music industry. The changeover to the Top 40 format allowed many people to hear music that may not have already been programmed by other local and regional stations, having far reaching effect on promoting hit songs across the country. As instrumental songs became more popular at this time and continued to do so for many years, The Western New York connect was very apparent. Such records as âRockinâ Cricketsâ by the Hot Toddies, The (Rockinâ) Rebels AKA The Buffalo Rebels, not to mention the vocal group records âBallad of a Boy and a Girlâ by the Graduates came from the area.
Unfortunately, all but one of the original members of the Tune Rockers is still alive. Mickey is currently living in Boca Raton, Florida, Tim Nolan passed away in late 2019 and just recently, Gene Strong passed away this September (2022). The Tune Rockers were inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame in 2012, joining Amherst High School alumni John Boylan (1959), Eric Andersen (1961), Andy Kulberg (1962), Jim Ralston (1968),Tom Hambridge (1979), and Chris Trapper (1986).
Our thanks to Rich Sargent of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame (also an ACHS alumni) and Bob Skurzewski, noted music and record industry historian and author, for their assistance and contributions to this document.
The Amherst Central Alumni Foundation, Inc. (ACAF) kicked the 2022-2023 school year with a meeting at the Family Tree Restaurant on September 1, 2022. At the meeting, the ACAF’s new President, Treasurer, and Secretary officially assumed their new roles with the foundation’s board of directors.
Board Officers for 2022-2023:
President:
Jessica Muenter ’90
Vice-President:
Larry Ross ’72
Treasurer:
Samantha Sweeney General ’07
Secretary:
Emily Warren Zimmer ’06
Incoming President Jessica Muenter had this to say about here new role, “Iâm honored to take over the position of President of the Alumni Foundation and hope to continue the good work the Foundation has done in the community to not only keep alumni informed of happenings, but also to provide the excellent Amherst education we have all received.”
Also at the meeting, the ACAF said good-bye to board members John Dengler ’82, Sue Fretz ’73 (Immediate Past Treasurer), Marilyn Rohl ’70 (Immediate Past President), Donna Roll ’71, and Lindsay Wolfe ’77. The Foundation thanks them for their numerous years of service and commitment to the foundation’s mission.
The ACAF is looking forward to an exciting year supporting the Amherst Central School District.
Here are some photos from the meeting.
Immediate Past President Marilyn Rohl ’70 passes the President’s gavel to new President Jessica Muenter ’90
Immediate Past Secretary Nancy Graves Manalio ’70 passes the Secretary Book to new Secretary Emily Warren ’06
Immediate Past President Marilyn Rohl ’70 receives gift from the Foundation
Immediate Past President Nicole Phillips ’77 receives gift from the Foundation
Immediate Past Treasurer Susan Fretz ’73 receives a gift from the Foundation
Donna Roll ’71 receives a gift from the Foundation
Dear Amherst Alumni and Friends of Amherst Central Schools:
It is with gratitude that we thank you for your support and participation during the Amherst High School 92nd Anniversary and All Class Reunion Celebration Weekend.
Whether you played golf, enjoyed a wonderful meal at Glen Oaks, went âBack to School: walked through the High School or around Snyder with author and historian, Julianna Fiddler-Woite, maybe you listened to âŚDave & Cyn or had a treat at Sweet Melodyâs or the Daily Bread Food TruckâŚTHANK YOU!
If you rode the âBest of Buffaloâ Double Decker Bus Tour with Officer OâConnor on Saturday morning, or joined us for the âMain Eventâ at Resurgence Saturday night, again we THANK YOU!
Amherst is a special place for all of us and we enjoyed spending the weekend with you. Please feel free to share pictures and comments to our Facebook page. Also, remember to show you appreciation to our many sponsors who helped to make the Reunion Weekend possible.
The 92nd All Class Reunion is in two weeks: Thursday, July 28 thru Saturday, July 30! We have a few updates â see below for details or visit the Amherst All Class Reunion website!
Remember to get your tickets and/or RSVP to our free events by Friday, July 15. Ticketing/RSVP links for each event can be found below.
As a reminder:
For up-to-date information on whatâs new and whatâs next, follow the official Alumni Facebook page:
2022 All Class Reunion Co-Chairs Whitney Manalio Creighton â95 & Maria Schenk â96, Foundation Co-Presidents Nicole Hannotte Phillips â77 & Marilyn Rohl â70, & the entire Amherst Central Alumni Foundation Board of Directors
The 90th (+2!) ALL CLASS REUNION is just around the corner! The weekend will be action packed with Amherst Tiger fun. Take a look at the schedule of events below. Please RSVP and get your tickets before July 15!
Prefer to register for the All Class Reunion by mail? Download the Registration Formhere.
Canât attend? Consider making a donation. Your support directly strengthens, endorses and supports our mission to provide a superior educational and student experience in the Amherst Central School District. (Read all about the grants we have awarded since 2003 here!)
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022
Annual Golf Classic at Glen Oak Golf Course 11 Smith Road, East Amherst, NY 14051
Prefer to register for the Golf Classic by mail? Download the Registration Form here.
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022
Back-to-School Event at Amherst Central High School! 4301 Main Street, Amherst, NY 14226
1:30pm – 3:00pm Walking Tour of Snyder, NY Meet Snyder historian, Julianna Woite, at the ACHS flag pole at 1:30pm for a walk through history. Compare the Snyder landscape of yesteryear to the present and learn about the people and places that made Snyder what it is today!
TICKETS: SOLD OUT!
3:00pm – 7:00pm Back-to-School Open to the entire Amherst Central Schools community, this family-friendly event will feature tours of the newly renovated high school, Daily Bread & Sweet Melodyâs food trucks, music by Dave-N-Cyn of Busted Stuff, activities, and more!
Each ACHS Class can use this time to connect at a venue of choice. For a full list of class reunions in 2022, please visit the Reunions page of the Alumni Foundation website!
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2022
10:00am â 1:00pm âBest of Buffaloâ Double Decker Bus Tour
We will meet at Amherst Central High School and take a 3-hour historic, educational and humorous guided bus tour through downtown Buffalo which will include stops at ACHS Alumni owned Winkler & Samuels and Buffalo Brewing Company.
About the âBest of Buffaloâ Tour:
Your guide is Officer OâConnor, an Irish cop from 1860 who brings to life all the hidden stories of the Queen City. Once aboard the bus, weâll explore:
How Buffalo Got its Name
Plight of the Irish Grain Scoopers
Pirates and Portuguese Fisherman of Buffaloâs Secret Beach Community
How Booze and a Buffalo Dentist Helped Create the Electric Chair
The Triple Hanging at City Hall
The Naval Park and Americaâs Most Famous Photo
Canalside
Seating is limited. Light snacks & refreshments are included!
TICKETS: SOLD OUT!
6:00pm â 10:00pm An Evening of Celebration: Music, Dinner & Drinks at Resurgence Brewing Company 55 Chicago Street, Buffalo, NY 14204
Meet & mingle with your classmates as we celebrate 92 years of Amherst Central High School in a unique setting â a favorite hometown brewery! The event space at Resurgence allows you to experience their state-of-the-art brewing process up close.
The evening will feature music by Russ Burton Entertainment who will be spinning your favorite classics while you enjoy appetizers, food stations, sweet treats, cocktails & conversation long into the night. Share stories as you view a decade-by-decade slideshow of Amherst High School memories and toast to 92 years of orange & black spirit. Go Tigers!
With all hotels, please mention âAmherst High School All Class Reunion.â If you encounter difficulty with any property regarding making a reservation, please contact Clay Pasternack at 440.655.6180 or claypasternack@gmail.com
Tiger Tracks 