Nov 5, 2024 | Featured Members
Meet Larry Tetewsky & Janice Mergenhagen, founding members of The North Ridge!
Larry and Janice started cosplaying in the early 80’s before it was called cosplay. Larry states
STAR WARS wasn’t the gateway for us, rather the next step in a longtime fascination with science fiction across many different media. Having grown up with the 50’s classics such as the Day the Earth Stood Still, Forbidden Planet and then Star Trek in 60’s, we were more than ready for the lean 70s to finally give us something different.
We were adults when Star Wars was released in 1977, and nobody saw the impact it would have people world-wide. Over the years Larry and Janice gravitated to different characters. At one time Janice created Princess Azarra Vader, which lead to her cosplaying the Emperor.
Larry has always found himself drawn to Jed Knights and Obi-Wan.
They both find it gratifying to see The North Ridge last for 20+ years, maybe because we have a goal, a charity to collect for. More than that, our group’s become a family, where we talk as much (or more) about our lives and work than STAR WARS. The North Ridge is beyond grateful to have them. They are the glue that holds the family together.
May the force be with Larry and Janice always.
Sep 3, 2024 | Featured Members
Grace Croop aka The North Ridge’s very own Queen Amidala.
Grace started cosplaying in high school, but she always had an interest in costume design and the historical periods that inspired many of the costumes throughout the saga. It was her Mom who introduced her to Star Wars.
Padmé Amidala for me is who Princess Leia is for my mom.
Padmé as a character has always been such a large influence on me, from childhood well into my adulthood: due to her strong desire to do what is right for both herself and those she loves, whether it be her family, friends, or home planet. She is selfless, brave, dedicated, and kind in a way that I could only aspire to be.
In December 2017 after attending Star Wars Nigh as a fan, and meeting members of the group at various events and cons she joined The North Ride. The rest is history.
Grace also co-hosts a Star Wars podcast called Kessel Run, it is currently on hiatus with plans to return soon.
Come meet Grace aka Queen Amidala at our next event.
Aug 1, 2024 | Featured Members
Dave Barkewitz, Imperial Officer, Sith Lord, Darth Maul! At North Ridge, we affectionately know him as
Dave.
Dave is a versatile character creator; he fluently can go from an Imperial Officer to Heath Ledger’s Joker. He brings these characters to life with his passion for realism. He readily offers advice and help to others just learning the craft.
Dave got interested in cosplay because in his own words, “I love bringing characters to life. Seeing people of all ages react to a character is something I truly enjoy.”
His favorite cosplay is Darth Maul. Dave says, “I was obsessed with the character from day one. And becoming the character was a dream come true.”
In his own words, “I have been costuming since 2008. And it has only grown in interest. Now I portray several of my favorite characters from many fandoms.”
Thank you, Dave, for sharing your story. May the Force always be with you.
The NorthRidge will be at Wings Flights of Hope in Orchard Park, this Saturday, August 3 at 4 pm. Come out and see us!
Jul 3, 2024 | Featured Members
Jess Stuber: Master Jedi, Imperial Officer, Inquisitor, among other cosplays.
Jess was raised on Star Wars! She says, “Some of my fondest memories involve watching the original trilogy with my Dad as a kid. She carried her love for Star Wars into her adult life, where Star Wars has become a through-line that has helped me experience some pretty incredible things!
Jess said, “Well, I’m a theatre nerd, so the jump to cosplay was not very big! I love embodying characters and getting to bring smiles to people’s faces with what I’ve put together. I’m a big fan of the costume construction process, the work of putting a costume together is one of my favorite things. It’s incredible to see how far costuming has come along since the early days where I put together a lightsaber hilt out of spare plumbing parts I bought at Home Depot! I joined the North Ridge in 2008”.
She loves Star Wars because is that it is for everyone. Whatever you love or want to make of it, there’s something waiting for you in a galaxy far, far away.
Thank you, Jess, for sharing your story! May the Force always be with you!
Stay tuned for next month’s member spotlight!
Jun 3, 2024 | Featured Members
Meet Steve Lukasik, North Ridge’s very own Chewbacca. Steve is known for various Star Wars characters, his most famous is Chewy. Steve said he was drawn to Chewbacca because “The character is faithful and loyal. If you upset a Wookiee or hurt his friends, Chewy will rip your arms out their sockets”. To say Steve embodies “Chewbacca’s spirit” would be an understatement. He is kind and fiercely loyal, and very protective of his friends.
Steve saw Star Wars at the Drive-in as a kid and was hooked. He has been an avid fan of the genre though all its peaks and valleys. He is loyal to the originals, he cites “Rogue One, as being one of the best new movies”.
Steve says, “I have always been a big kid at heart, a fan of Halloween and dressing up in costume. As I got older, I started my own costumes. My first build was Animal from the Muppets. I won a couple of contests at the bars that Halloween. I was hooked.”
Steve attended Star Wars Night at the Bison in 2009. He just knew he wanted to join. He attended the very next meeting and became an official member. It was in North Ridge that Steve’s “Cosplay Addiction” bloomed. He brought to life Chewbacca, Count Doku, you might have recently seen him as Baylan Skoll at this year’s Star Wars Night at the Bisons.
Steve also helped found Nickel City 501st , where he serves as a Squad leader. He couldn’t stop there; he is also an active member of Rebel Legion. Aside, from his Star Wars obsession, Steve is also Assistant Director of Superheroes Alliance of WNY. Over the years Steve has built over 30 cosplays. He jokes because he is not married and does not have any kids, he has extra money to build cosplays.
Come meet Steve at the next North Ridge event.
May the Force Be With You!
Apr 1, 2024 | Featured Members
Meet Anna Swannie aka Princess Leia, current President at The North Ridge.
Anna said, “I have always been drawn to Princess Leia’s strength. She’s been a hero of mine for as long as I can remember.” After spending time with Anna, I can say with certainty she has Leia’s grace and dignity, a sense of fairness that she uses to lead and mentor.
Anna met founding members of The North Ridge, Janice and Larry Tetewsky at a Best Buy event supporting the release of the original series on DVD the rest is history. She joined North Ridge in 2011.
Her favorite movie is “Empire Strikes Back”. Her favorite Star Wars Night at the Bisons was in 2017. The North Ridge honored Carrie Fisher.
Aside from cosplaying Princess Leia, Anna mentors new members. She has posted tutorials for recreating Princess Leia’s signature buns. She is quick to help with costumes. Always has wise advice. She is as modest and kind as she is beautiful.
In 2014 she brought her two boys into The North Ridge, they portrayed 2 of the younglings on Star Wars Night that year. They have carried on Anna’s legacy of kindness and mentoring. She was proud to say, “They wrote the treatments for Star Wars Night 2023 and 2024.
Come meet The North Ridge’s very own Princess Leia, I mean Anna, at this year’s Bison’s Star Wars Night on Saturday, May 25th! Don’t be surprised if she is undercover as an X-wing fighter or Imperial Officer. She wears many hats.
May the Force always be with you!
Stay tuned for next month’s member spotlight!
Mar 4, 2024 | Featured Members
Meet Chris Solecki aka Darth Vader, one of the founding members of The North Ridge.
Chris said, “Growing up, I watched a ton of movies. It fueled my interest in special effects. I researched how an effect was created and the secrets to making movie magic” From there Chris began creating costumes from his favorite fandoms, Darth Vader, whom he would become known for in NR, Boba Fett, Paul Stanley, the Terminator, Jason Voorhees (Friday the 13 the )
Chris has been a Star Wars fan since he was a little boy. Growing up his dad would often quote “Do or Do Not” to motivate him. Chris says, “That quote stuck with me so much that it was a no-brainer to pick as my senior quote in my high-school yearbook”
“When I founded The North Ridge, I found I could use my love of Star Wars to help others and spread the love of the fandom.”
Chris chose Vader because he is one of the most iconic villains in cinematic history. He related to the character on a personal level. Vader lives in constant pain stuck in a suit of heavy machines to survive. Chris was born with a birth defect that affected how he walked, moved and even slept. Chris said, “He has had his own Vader rebuild moment with titanium and ceramic to remedy my issues”.
After going through his own personal struggles, Chris knew it was time to perfect his Vader cosplay. He started off using a fan-made Vader suit and slowly gathered parts and pieces to create the perfect Vader. Chris said, “It took him 7 years to finally build the costume he wanted” It is the Darth Vader the audience sees at various charity events, and of course, Star Wars Night at the Bisons.
Come meet Darth Vader, I mean Chris, at this year’s Bison’s Star Wars Night on Saturday, May 25th!
May the Force always be with you!
Stay tuned for next month’s member spotlight!
Jun 3, 2017 | Events
The tenth anniversary Star Wars Night featured the largest cast ever in “Star Wars: Convergence” by Bryan Patrick Stoyle. Parts were filmed and choreographed in various locations.
May 20, 2017 | Events
May 20, 2017 | Events
