Local Government TV

Monday, September 10, 2012

A Miracle at Easton Rotary Field

Hannah McGovern (R) sings National Anthem
It was built and they sure came. Over five hundred people were on hand for Opening Day at Easton Rotary Field on September 9. Right next to Charles Chrin Community Center on Greenwood Avenue in Palmer Township, it's a $750,000 astroturf baseball diamond. There's a teletron in left center field, stands, and most importantly, lots of ballpark franks. But this is no ordinary ballfield. It's a miracle.

You see, this ballfield was built for kids whose physical and intellectual challenges prevent them from playing in the local little leagues. On Opening Day, 105 of them had an opportunity to be real baseball players, thanks to the efforts of hundreds who donated their money or services to the Northampton County Miracle League.

The stadium itself is a miracle. No bonds were needed. It was built in just 133 days. Not one dime is owed to anyone.

Dave Colver: He built it and they came.
This is largely due to the efforts of Dave Colver, Chair of Palmer Township's Board of Supervisors. His Board authorized this project in 2010, when it was just a dream. Then he volunteered to act as Project Manager.

"Dave, you built a miracle," said Miracle League President Rick Agretto before the ceremonial first pitch was tossed. Colver, known in the community as "Mr. Palmer Township," credited the many local businesses and people who provided money or, just as importantly, their time.

Easton Rotary kicked in the first $100,000, and after that, it all snowballed. Charles Chrin served as site contractor. No charge. Finelli Consulting Engineers did the designs. No charge.

Kevin Benton, Jr., enjoys a ballpark frank
There are 250 Miracle league fields in the United States, including one in nearby Schnecksville. But Colver explained that what might seem like a short trip to many can be an ordeal for a family with special needs children.

Northampton County Executive John Stoffa, who serves on the Miracle League Board, summed up the sentiments. "There are no strikeouts here," he said. "Only winners. May the miracles continue for years to come."

After the dedication ceremony, there was a double header. Everybody won. Every athlete saw his or her name on the teletron. And the last batter of every half inning hit a grand slam. Everyone left with at least one ballpark frank.

And a smile.

Rocky Mo Davis hits a grand slam.

Connor Francis escorted to first after belting out a single.
Slideshow:


Blogger's Note: It was a pleasure to meet Untouched Takeaway at this event. She was there to cheer on a friend's son. I also had the privilege to meet a few readers. Some of them even agree with me!! But I forgot to ask if I could mention them.

26 comments:

  1. Bernie, it was wonderful that you covered this uplifting event. Too many of your blog postings, and news stories in general make us ashamed to call ourselves humans. But this "Field of Dreams" is a testament to what is the best in humanity- caring for those less fortunate than ourselves. These children were born with disabilities through no fault of their own and deserve the same quality of life that we all enjoy. And one of the joys we have is playing, or watching our kids and grandkids play "America's Pastime" - baseball. The Board of Directors of this organization can proudly say "we built it, and they came."

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  2. Bernie:

    It was nice to meet you, too.

    What a gorgeous day for a wonderful group of kids!

    UT

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  3. Beautiful, simply beautiful. Thank You to a group of volunteers and donors for their generosity of time and money who made this thing work. This is what the real world is all about. Unselfish giving of your time and talents to those less fortunate than ourselves. Thank You for coverning this Bernie.

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  4. Bernie, this field epitomizes the goodness and the beauty of many, the smiles on the kids faces, their sense of accomplishment is all the payment one needs. My grandson, Stephen, has Downs, he has always been active in the Special Olympics, again the time volunteered to make it happen, bless them all.

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  5. Deitrich voted to NOT support the Field of Dreams at NORCO

    And Barb if memory is correct

    Bernie?

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  6. Nice article. Thanks for letting us know about this.

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  7. Thanks as well Bernie, this is fantastic!

    The Banker

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  8. Thank you for writing this! Great story!

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  9. 9:07, You are correct. Dietrich and Thierry voted No. I would have done so, too. I believe the county council contingency fund s too often a slush fund thru which the pet profects of different council members is funded. There is a grants process providing for these things as part of the budget. I would have encouraged the Miracle League to apply for a grant and I would have supported it. I would also eliminate the contingency fund completely, except for a few thousand dollars. There is too much potential for abuse.

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  10. Let's put it this way. I would want it vetted by the same county staffers who analyze and rate the grant applications. I would also want some accountability to ensure that the money was spent as intended.

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  11. In other words you want the Adminstration to be the only users of a "slush fund" and not the county council, who can rectify the potential lack of responsibility of an Adminstration.

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  12. In other words, I want an applicant for public money to go thru a process to determine if what is being sought is needed and to provide some accountability. And since the grants are approved by Council, it's downright goofy to claim the administration is doling out the dough. But that's you.

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  13. Yes, a great accomplishment. And something to be admired by the users and the builders.

    It shows how woking together for a worthy cause trumps all the bad news.

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  14. Thanks for writing this story Bernie!!!
    Fantastic place and I hope it is there for many years to come!!

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  15. Lots of Red Sox and Yankees featured in this post ... Pennsylvania-based publication The Morning Call had a Yankee prominently displayed with its story, too.

    IronPigs, anyone?

    :-)

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  16. It is sad that Stoffa had to try and make politcal hay out of such a noble effort.

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  17. Nice photos and cool use of slideshow. Great story. Thanks.

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  18. 5:46, If someone is trying to politicize this, that would be you. Those children don't give a damn about the politics.

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  19. Colver for State Legislator!

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  20. He has passed on that, but would win if he ran.

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  21. It's "Rick" Agretto, not Rich.

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  22. This comment has been removed by the author.

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