Members

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 Member Since: 2002 Positions Held: Chapter Representative 501st Designation: 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: Diplomat Name: Lawrence Tetewsky Costume: Jedi Knight Screen Name: VideoPrince Positions Held: Treasurer, Diplomat 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: Jason Nigro Screen Name: Jedijason8080 Costumes: Jedi Knight, Royal Guard Member Since: 2002 501st Designation: TR 597	About Me: I have always been a fan of the movies since I was a kid and I played with allot of the toys. In 95 I began collecting the action figures. I now have a special room in my house that I keep my collectables in. My favorite collectables are a 1977 R2-D2 cookie jar and a R2-D2 cooler. Favorite Event Attended: CIII
Name: Rob Walworth Screen Name: DarthSinistre Costume: Royal Guard, Imperial Dignitary Member Since: 2002 Positions Held: Secretary	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: Jay Lalewicz Screen Name: starwarsarmboy Costumes: Biker Scout, Tusken Raider Member Since: 2002 501st Designation: TB 4476	Favorite Events Attended: My favorite event that we did was the BPO concert, and my favorite con was C3 (lots of great memories) Memories: My first encounter with Star Wars was back in 1980 when my parents took me to see Empire Strikes Back at the Thruway Mall.
Name: Jaime Nigro Screen Name: jedijaime Costume: Jar Jar Member Since: 2002	About Me: I became interested in SW because my husband is a collector & I like the movies. Favorite Events Attended: CIII, The Movie Releases
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 Positions Held: Diplomat	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: Danielle Lalewicz Screen Name: Danibelle Costume: Imperial Officer Member Since: 2003	About Me: I joined the group at first by marriage, but I have made some good friends and I've had a lot of fun at our events. I have been to C3 with the group and several local events. Favorite Events Attended: My favorite event is a toss up between the BPO and the January 2006 holiday party in Rochester.
Name: Jeff Biniewski Screen Name: Darth_Snappahead Member Since: 2005 Positions Held: Book Club Guru	About Me: I've always been into video games. and spent 11 years learning and teaching martial arts. Favorite Events Attended: The BPO where I got to be an Imperial Guard (my first costume experience) and the Star Wars bowling league on Friday nights! Memories: I've been into SW since I was 7 years old when it first came out at the Holiday Showcase theater on the big panoramic screen. Then Empire Strikes Back was my favorite. By the time the prequels came out, I was already a father and it was awesome to share the whole thing over again with my kids. The kids love it as much as I do and we had a blast getting excited watching the previews and reading about what's new and then finally going to the midnight premieres 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	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 am the married mother of 2 college students. I really AM the Mother of Twins! I have always enjoyed Star Wars since I saw the Episode IV in 1977. Favorite Event Attended: I enjoyed organizing our group's appearance at the Wegman's where I work. My co-workers loved having their pictures taken with all the characters. Memories: My favorite North Ridge moment was watching my son onstage with the Buffalo Philharmonic performing a light saber duel to music!
Name: Kyle J Hunter Screen Name: MakanPyralis Costume: Obi Wan, Boba Fett Member Since: 2005	About Me: I found the group through TheForce.Net and learned that I wasn't alone in Buffalo! I have been watching the movies since I was a youngling. Events Attended: Release of Episode III DVD; Star Wars Spectacular (BPO); Villagegate Toy Show December Memories: My first event was at the Star Wars Spectacular with the BPO. I was walking in the halls at my high school when a teacher approached me and asked me "weren't you on stage at Kleinhans Music Hall a few months ago for the star wars?" When I replied yes, he explained "you guys were amazing!" This was my first event with the group and by far the best!
Name: Eli Mayer Screen Name: DarthMayer Costume: Obi Wan Member Since: 2006	About Me: I have been a Star Wars fan for as long as I can remember. I love collecting toys & busts. Gentle Giant are my favorite to collect. I also enjoy the video games and watching the Saga over and over again. I recently joined the group and now enjoy the times we share Talking about Star Wars and doing events for the public. Memories: My parents took me to see Return of the Jedi and bought me my first Star Wars toy, the exploding speeder bike with scout trooper.
Name: Ryan Kozyra Screen Name: Sir Antlers Costumes: Greedo Member Since: 2007	About Me: I’m a Star Wars nerd that found a home with the group. Upon learning that there was actually a group for “people like us”, it has been nothing but a great experience. I’m not much of a collector, but the events we do are second to none. Favorite Event Attended: My favorite event attended to this point was the Christmas party in 07 that we did in Niagara Falls. I was trying to work the kinks out of my new Greedo costume had didn’t realize that I needed to use RainX on my lenses. Needless to say I had to have someone walk me around the rest of the event. Memories: My earliest Star Wars memories include burying my Bib Fortuna character into my back yard and forcing my aunt to buy me a Tie Fighter Pilot. It has been something that I have always had a very strong passion for and being part of the group has brought that to a whole new level. I actually wore out the Jedi tape we had when I was younger!
Name: Steve Losey Screen Name: Loseytwin12 Costumes: Luke Skywalker (Dagobah Training) Member Since: 2010	About Me: It all started in late 1997, I was 3 at the time, and my cousin showed my brother and I the trilogy. It blew my mind. My fanhood developed throughout the years, and I'm proud to be obsessed. I've been to Celebration IV, and am going to CV as well. My favorite film is either Star Wars or ESB. I'm the over-enthusiast of the club. Favorite Events Attended: CIV, BPO, and Star Wars Bisons Night Memories: Meeting Carrie Fisher at CIV and being speechless. Watching Star Wars for the first time.
Name: Steven Lukasik Screen Name: WookieJedi Costumes: Chewbacca, Count Dooku, Plo Koon Member Since: 2009	About Me: I am currently unemployed and back to school full time for Respitory Therapy and a minor in Graphic Design. So it only seemed fitting that I join a local Star Wars group to totally relive my youth. I always have enjoyed the Star Wars universe starting with the movies and toys, and then Comics, Books, and 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.