By Doug Graves © 2007
When the American flag is burned, the average American knows that in some parts of the world it is an act of desecration by groups wanting to thumb their noses at the United States. Those of us over 35 might remember Chicago Bears outfielder and former Marine Rick Monday snatching an American flag from two men trying to burn it in protest at Dodger Field in 1976.
But when the Boy Scouts and the Cub Scouts burned flags on Tuesday, September 11 in Hanover Township it was done with the highest honors and great dignity. The Scouts were the hosts at a ceremonial retirement of old American Flags. They also invited the public and local leaders to join them for a Patriot’s Day remembrance of 9/11.
Older Boy Scouts taught Cub Scouts how to fold the flag in the triangular shape reminiscent of the Revolutionary War soldier’s three cornered hats. Altogether the Scouts received 120 flags from the community to properly dispose of them.
Scout Master Mike Caffrey of Troop 352 conducted the ceremony. “Remember the valiant heroes who gave their lives to help each other,” he said to the crowd of approximately 125.
Father Carmen Bolock, chaplain for Boy Scout Troop 362 and for the Nancy Run Fire Department said a prayer.
State Senator Pat Browne briefly spoke to the somber group. “We were all with them on 9/11,” he said.
Steve Dashe, Cathy Schneible and J. Schrader played patriotic music for the late afternoon occasion. The crowd sang as the musicians played “God Bless America,” “America the Beautiful,” and “This Land is My Land.”
Ryan Neel, an Easton High School senior and aspiring professional musician, sang the “Star Spangled Banner.”
Justin Amann, 14 a student at Liberty High School sang “Amazing Grace.”
Keynote speaker and 9/11 rescue responder Jim Sorenfon, a retired New York City fireman but then working as a fire training officer in the World Trade Center, was at home when he got the call saying “We’ve been hit.”
He said he got in his car and drove into Manhattan. By the time he got there the first tower had collapsed. “All I could do was to become a fireman again and start to help.”
He reminded the boys that all Americans have the duty to uphold the Constitution and that can be done in many was, but to him it meant helping people when they need it in what ever way you can.
“We were covered in cement dust, our mouths choked and our eyes burning,” he said. “I remember a woman, up to her ankles in dust, came with bottles of water and washed the cement out of the men’s eyes. There was a nun standing at Liberty and Church giving out sandwiches.”
Bethlehem Township resident Heather Barbosa released 21 white pigeons to represent a salute to fallen heroes. The owner of “Say It With Doves” said she performs her tribute free for the annual ceremony. She also provides the same service free for the families of service men and women who have been killed in combat.
Boy Scout Devon Dominici, 16, a sophomore at Bethlehem Catholic High School, read “Autobiography of a Flag.”
Scout leader and Bethlehem business man James Smith received the flags as they were passed to him hand to hand by Cub Scouts. Smith then ceremoniously placed each flag in the fires blazing from one of the two 50-gallon steel barrels set up for the ceremony. Black, acrid smoke from many flags made of synthetic material billowed into the darkening sky.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
The Keeper of the Mound
Doug Graves (Copyright 2007)
As war memorials go they don’t come any more unassuming-- but this one gets some first class, loving care from a guy with a big heart.
The story of the humble memorial is the story of how, in 1945, the patriotic impulse of some boys and girls has been a bright thread woven into the fabric of the neighborhood’s history. This colorful tapestry has spanned generations, binding the community together with what Abraham Lincoln called, “the mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land . . .”
Charles Blatnik, 56, has been cutting the grass on the tiny wedge of property at the intersection of Willow Park Road and Freemansburg Avenue for 42 years. And he does it for free.
“I do it because nobody else does,” said Blatnik. “When I was a Cub Scout I used to come here on Memorial Day for ceremonies.”
“When I was about 14, I noticed that the grass at the memorial was about knee high,” said Blatnik. “I cut the grass and have been doing it ever since.”
The small park is across the street from Blatnik’s Bethlehem Township home.
The steel sign is getting rusty and the paint is starting to lift, but the letters are still perfectly legible. It is fitted into a stainless steel frame mounted on steel posts. It is shaded by two honey locust trees that host an ancient but vigorous poison ivy vine. A weathered three-by-four foot national ensign adorns the sign, its staff fastened to the rusting steel sign post. Smaller American flags flutter from sticks stuck in the ground amid red and white geraniums at the base of the memorial.
Geraniums also line the broad steps leading from the street up to the memorial. The steps were laid in about six years ago by James Wiedl as a community service project for his Eagle Scout badge according to Michael Faccinetto, Scout Master of Troop 347.
“I added some flowers,” said Blatnik. “I also put up the flags.”
According to Charlotte Rzepiela, a leader in the local Girl Scout organization, the memorial started out as a remembrance ceremony at Sacred Heart Catholic Church attended by scouts from Girl Scout Troop 44 and Boy Scout Troop 347. She was a Girl Scout in 1937. Shortly after the war ended there was a sign kept at the church with World War II veterans’ names on it. Eventually, under the leadership of Josephine Sakovics, since deceased, a memorial was erected on the current site and the sign was moved to the new location.
“That was done in the early fifties, probably ’52 or ’53,” she said.
“The Scouts then would have a little parade from the church down the street to the memorial site on Memorial Day [then called Decoration Day]”, she said. “A Girl Scout would recite Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and a Boy Scout would recite ‘In Flanders Fields’.”
Mary Vanya, director of the Girl Scout Service Unit, said, “My aunt, Ilona Romanell, read ‘Boys on the Honor Roll’ at the first memorial service in 1945.”
“Since the honor roll was first put up” said Rzepiela, “the Memorial Day programs have been sponsored by Girl Scout [now Cadette] Troop #44.”
“When it was first put up,” Rzepiela said, “it had the names of all of the people who served in World War II. But the sign was hit by cars three times so the last time we put it up we left the names off and just had the dedication painted on it. That was 55 years ago.”
“We call it ‘the mound’,” said Rzepiela. “We call Charlie the ‘Keeper of the Mound.”
“On the Sunday before or after Memorial Day the Scouts from Sacred Heart Catholic Church do a parade here, and Father King says a prayer,” said Blatnik. “I have a sound system I set up for the occasion.”
Recently Blatnik had surgery on his shoulder and has not been able to mow the grass. He said Bethlehem Township personnel have volunteered to help until he is feeling better.
As war memorials go they don’t come any more unassuming-- but this one gets some first class, loving care from a guy with a big heart.
The story of the humble memorial is the story of how, in 1945, the patriotic impulse of some boys and girls has been a bright thread woven into the fabric of the neighborhood’s history. This colorful tapestry has spanned generations, binding the community together with what Abraham Lincoln called, “the mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land . . .”
Charles Blatnik, 56, has been cutting the grass on the tiny wedge of property at the intersection of Willow Park Road and Freemansburg Avenue for 42 years. And he does it for free.
“I do it because nobody else does,” said Blatnik. “When I was a Cub Scout I used to come here on Memorial Day for ceremonies.”
“When I was about 14, I noticed that the grass at the memorial was about knee high,” said Blatnik. “I cut the grass and have been doing it ever since.”
The small park is across the street from Blatnik’s Bethlehem Township home.
The steel sign is getting rusty and the paint is starting to lift, but the letters are still perfectly legible. It is fitted into a stainless steel frame mounted on steel posts. It is shaded by two honey locust trees that host an ancient but vigorous poison ivy vine. A weathered three-by-four foot national ensign adorns the sign, its staff fastened to the rusting steel sign post. Smaller American flags flutter from sticks stuck in the ground amid red and white geraniums at the base of the memorial.
Geraniums also line the broad steps leading from the street up to the memorial. The steps were laid in about six years ago by James Wiedl as a community service project for his Eagle Scout badge according to Michael Faccinetto, Scout Master of Troop 347.
“I added some flowers,” said Blatnik. “I also put up the flags.”
According to Charlotte Rzepiela, a leader in the local Girl Scout organization, the memorial started out as a remembrance ceremony at Sacred Heart Catholic Church attended by scouts from Girl Scout Troop 44 and Boy Scout Troop 347. She was a Girl Scout in 1937. Shortly after the war ended there was a sign kept at the church with World War II veterans’ names on it. Eventually, under the leadership of Josephine Sakovics, since deceased, a memorial was erected on the current site and the sign was moved to the new location.
“That was done in the early fifties, probably ’52 or ’53,” she said.
“The Scouts then would have a little parade from the church down the street to the memorial site on Memorial Day [then called Decoration Day]”, she said. “A Girl Scout would recite Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and a Boy Scout would recite ‘In Flanders Fields’.”
Mary Vanya, director of the Girl Scout Service Unit, said, “My aunt, Ilona Romanell, read ‘Boys on the Honor Roll’ at the first memorial service in 1945.”
“Since the honor roll was first put up” said Rzepiela, “the Memorial Day programs have been sponsored by Girl Scout [now Cadette] Troop #44.”
“When it was first put up,” Rzepiela said, “it had the names of all of the people who served in World War II. But the sign was hit by cars three times so the last time we put it up we left the names off and just had the dedication painted on it. That was 55 years ago.”
“We call it ‘the mound’,” said Rzepiela. “We call Charlie the ‘Keeper of the Mound.”
“On the Sunday before or after Memorial Day the Scouts from Sacred Heart Catholic Church do a parade here, and Father King says a prayer,” said Blatnik. “I have a sound system I set up for the occasion.”
Recently Blatnik had surgery on his shoulder and has not been able to mow the grass. He said Bethlehem Township personnel have volunteered to help until he is feeling better.
Heros Without Capes
Doug Graves © 2007
The old image of heroes wearing capes and tights took another hit when 50 heroic men and women were honored in ceremonies at the Northampton County 911 Center on Saturday evening September 15. They were wearing tuxedos, evening gowns, and business suits.
Dr. James Cipolla, a trauma surgeon at St. Luke’s Hospital, conducted the awards ceremony that honored the men and women who all played critical roles in saving two lives despite the fact that many times these professionals felt they were on the verge of defeat.
Scott Skirpan had been working in the Chrin Sanitary Landfill in Williams Township on June 2006 when, about 9:30 a. m., he was run over by a multi-ton tracked vehicle that crushed both of his legs. With his legs all but severed, bone, muscle and blood vessels destroyed, Skirpan stayed conscious and called 911. It was this kind of determined will to survive that doctors would later credit with saving his life.
That was when he met his first hero, the first of many that for 21 days worked feverishly to save his life.
“It was a race against time,” said Jim Seguine an EMT and paramedic with Easton EMS who was among the first to get to Skirpan’s side there in the land fill.
Seguine and some of the men and women who worked to save Skirpan told their story in a video production shown to the audience. Their words brought the dramatic struggles to life.
EMT Donald Lippey recalled, “I was trying to clamp off [the blood vessels] as best I could . . . just hold the pressure there.”
Jodi Hogan, an EMT and flight paramedic on the rescue helicopter said, “When we loaded Scott into the helicopter, he went into cardiac arrest and was no longer breathing . . . we maintained CPR all the way to hospital.”
RN Melissa Eisenhardt, also on the team as a flight paramedic, said that when they arrived at St Luke’s Hospital she “remembers seeing trauma surgeon Dr. Cipolla look up and say ‘that doesn’t look good.’”
Dr. James Cipolla and his trauma team tried to stop the bleeding and performed CPR for 25 minutes but were making no progress in restarting the injured man’s heart. Team member Dr. Nathaniel McQuay suggested that they do an ultra sound image of Skirpen’s heart. ED Technician Lucia Dennis said “All the medications that we gave really didn’t do anything, but we looked at the monitor and saw a little something. There was something on the monitor and we resumed CPR.”
Dr. Joe Rivera was in the operating room when the trauma team sent Skirpan to them. “We were surprised they were bringing him over [to OR],” he said. “We thought he was dead at that point. His Ph was 6.5,” said Rivera. “That is incompatible with life.”
Drs. Rivera and McQuay and their team performed the surgery and did the double amputation needed.
But the trauma and the loss of blood had affected almost every organ in his body. “Every organ system had a problem,” said Dr. Hannah Mude.
The days following the surgery were a “living hell,” said his wife, Carol Skirvan.
When Skirpan did start to respond, he did so quickly. “We talked about it for weeks,” said Rivera. “Not only was this guy alive, but he was neurologically intact.”
“It was nothing short of a miracle,” said trauma surgeon Dr. Cipolla.
Skirpan took his wheelchair Saturday and participated in the five kilometer race that is part of St. Luke’s “A Night of Heroes” program.
Arielle Phillip’s story started when the 15-year old Florida resident was enjoying a vacation in the Lehigh Valley. The car she was riding in left the road and jumped across the Saucon Creek slamming into an embankment. According to her narration being watched by the celebrants, she was unaware of the extent of her massive internal injuries. She said she “couldn’t breathe.” She crawled out of the car and lost consciousness on the bank of the creek. The last thing she saw before passing out was a woman running across the bridge above her.
Lower Saucon Policeman Scott Snyder remembered a different version. When he arrived he knew she was in pain. He saw that “she was moaning and clutching her self.”
When Jonathan Nicholas, the director of Bethlehem Township’s EMT, arrived he was concerned about her complexion. “She was gray in color,” said Nicholas. “I said ‘this is just not right.’”
Once at St. Luke’s Hospital Phillips was under the care of Dr. Michael Grossman and his team. After a CAT scan he did the initial surgery to open up her abdomen. “Most of her blood volume was in her abdomen.”
Initially the operating team saw that a vein to her liver had torn away from the vena cava, a large, short vein that carries de-oxygenated blood from the upper half of the body to the heart. She was bleeding terribly. There was a large laceration in her liver and a kidney was punctured.
Her seat belts, in restraining her body from the force of the crash, had done near fatal injuries to her internal organs.
Phillips had massive internal bleeding and was near death. Because of her youth and because so many in the operating room had children or grandchildren, everyone seemed to identify with her.
“It was a very emotional room to be in,” said Michelle Garen, an RN.
The OR team turned her over to Dr. Brian Hoey. “She was cold,” he said. “My job was to try to resuscitate her with blood products and hope to turn her around. But she did not do well. We returned her to the operating room and re-explored her.
“We found another spot on her liver that was bleeding. Dr. [Wade] Kang and I were able to get that under control.”
But the loss of blood and severe trauma had other consequences, too.
“Her kidneys, at least in the short term, were probably going to shut down,” said nephrologist Dr. Robert Gaynor. She eventually lost one kidney.
Phillips’ mother Paige Gray had flown from Florida to be with her daughter. “They wouldn’t tell me she was going to live. For a couple of weeks I heard nothing positive.”
“We ended up having to operate on her twenty five different times,” said Dr. Hoey.
Arielle Phillips spent forty-six days in the Intensive Care Unit before she could be transferred to the “step down unit” where she remained in serious condition but now also battling depression.
But with constant care from many people and the loving encouragement from her family, she improved. Her spirits got a boost when Dr. Hoey arranged for her to go in an ambulance to Musikfest with her parents.
Then one day she was sitting in the cafeteria with her family when Dr. Kang recognized her. “I said ‘Oh my God, that’s her!’ I almost cried. I could not believe it.”
And on Saturday, many of the people who touched her life, and she theirs, saw that, in deed, the demure, beautiful girl has recovered. She is a high school student in Florida.
“A Night of Heroes,” according to information provided by St. Luke’s Hospital is “an annual charity event held to celebrate the St. Luke’s Trauma Center and its many care givers. Each year two patients tell their stories during a video presentation, and members of the trauma team who touched these patients’ lives are recognized and honored for their skill and dedication.”
A quick check with the hospital’s and local emergency services’ wardrobe departments confirmed that capes and tights are not issued to heroes. They wear scrubs, white coats, orange flight suits, blue coveralls, and police uniforms.
The old image of heroes wearing capes and tights took another hit when 50 heroic men and women were honored in ceremonies at the Northampton County 911 Center on Saturday evening September 15. They were wearing tuxedos, evening gowns, and business suits.
Dr. James Cipolla, a trauma surgeon at St. Luke’s Hospital, conducted the awards ceremony that honored the men and women who all played critical roles in saving two lives despite the fact that many times these professionals felt they were on the verge of defeat.
Scott Skirpan had been working in the Chrin Sanitary Landfill in Williams Township on June 2006 when, about 9:30 a. m., he was run over by a multi-ton tracked vehicle that crushed both of his legs. With his legs all but severed, bone, muscle and blood vessels destroyed, Skirpan stayed conscious and called 911. It was this kind of determined will to survive that doctors would later credit with saving his life.
That was when he met his first hero, the first of many that for 21 days worked feverishly to save his life.
“It was a race against time,” said Jim Seguine an EMT and paramedic with Easton EMS who was among the first to get to Skirpan’s side there in the land fill.
Seguine and some of the men and women who worked to save Skirpan told their story in a video production shown to the audience. Their words brought the dramatic struggles to life.
EMT Donald Lippey recalled, “I was trying to clamp off [the blood vessels] as best I could . . . just hold the pressure there.”
Jodi Hogan, an EMT and flight paramedic on the rescue helicopter said, “When we loaded Scott into the helicopter, he went into cardiac arrest and was no longer breathing . . . we maintained CPR all the way to hospital.”
RN Melissa Eisenhardt, also on the team as a flight paramedic, said that when they arrived at St Luke’s Hospital she “remembers seeing trauma surgeon Dr. Cipolla look up and say ‘that doesn’t look good.’”
Dr. James Cipolla and his trauma team tried to stop the bleeding and performed CPR for 25 minutes but were making no progress in restarting the injured man’s heart. Team member Dr. Nathaniel McQuay suggested that they do an ultra sound image of Skirpen’s heart. ED Technician Lucia Dennis said “All the medications that we gave really didn’t do anything, but we looked at the monitor and saw a little something. There was something on the monitor and we resumed CPR.”
Dr. Joe Rivera was in the operating room when the trauma team sent Skirpan to them. “We were surprised they were bringing him over [to OR],” he said. “We thought he was dead at that point. His Ph was 6.5,” said Rivera. “That is incompatible with life.”
Drs. Rivera and McQuay and their team performed the surgery and did the double amputation needed.
But the trauma and the loss of blood had affected almost every organ in his body. “Every organ system had a problem,” said Dr. Hannah Mude.
The days following the surgery were a “living hell,” said his wife, Carol Skirvan.
When Skirpan did start to respond, he did so quickly. “We talked about it for weeks,” said Rivera. “Not only was this guy alive, but he was neurologically intact.”
“It was nothing short of a miracle,” said trauma surgeon Dr. Cipolla.
Skirpan took his wheelchair Saturday and participated in the five kilometer race that is part of St. Luke’s “A Night of Heroes” program.
Arielle Phillip’s story started when the 15-year old Florida resident was enjoying a vacation in the Lehigh Valley. The car she was riding in left the road and jumped across the Saucon Creek slamming into an embankment. According to her narration being watched by the celebrants, she was unaware of the extent of her massive internal injuries. She said she “couldn’t breathe.” She crawled out of the car and lost consciousness on the bank of the creek. The last thing she saw before passing out was a woman running across the bridge above her.
Lower Saucon Policeman Scott Snyder remembered a different version. When he arrived he knew she was in pain. He saw that “she was moaning and clutching her self.”
When Jonathan Nicholas, the director of Bethlehem Township’s EMT, arrived he was concerned about her complexion. “She was gray in color,” said Nicholas. “I said ‘this is just not right.’”
Once at St. Luke’s Hospital Phillips was under the care of Dr. Michael Grossman and his team. After a CAT scan he did the initial surgery to open up her abdomen. “Most of her blood volume was in her abdomen.”
Initially the operating team saw that a vein to her liver had torn away from the vena cava, a large, short vein that carries de-oxygenated blood from the upper half of the body to the heart. She was bleeding terribly. There was a large laceration in her liver and a kidney was punctured.
Her seat belts, in restraining her body from the force of the crash, had done near fatal injuries to her internal organs.
Phillips had massive internal bleeding and was near death. Because of her youth and because so many in the operating room had children or grandchildren, everyone seemed to identify with her.
“It was a very emotional room to be in,” said Michelle Garen, an RN.
The OR team turned her over to Dr. Brian Hoey. “She was cold,” he said. “My job was to try to resuscitate her with blood products and hope to turn her around. But she did not do well. We returned her to the operating room and re-explored her.
“We found another spot on her liver that was bleeding. Dr. [Wade] Kang and I were able to get that under control.”
But the loss of blood and severe trauma had other consequences, too.
“Her kidneys, at least in the short term, were probably going to shut down,” said nephrologist Dr. Robert Gaynor. She eventually lost one kidney.
Phillips’ mother Paige Gray had flown from Florida to be with her daughter. “They wouldn’t tell me she was going to live. For a couple of weeks I heard nothing positive.”
“We ended up having to operate on her twenty five different times,” said Dr. Hoey.
Arielle Phillips spent forty-six days in the Intensive Care Unit before she could be transferred to the “step down unit” where she remained in serious condition but now also battling depression.
But with constant care from many people and the loving encouragement from her family, she improved. Her spirits got a boost when Dr. Hoey arranged for her to go in an ambulance to Musikfest with her parents.
Then one day she was sitting in the cafeteria with her family when Dr. Kang recognized her. “I said ‘Oh my God, that’s her!’ I almost cried. I could not believe it.”
And on Saturday, many of the people who touched her life, and she theirs, saw that, in deed, the demure, beautiful girl has recovered. She is a high school student in Florida.
“A Night of Heroes,” according to information provided by St. Luke’s Hospital is “an annual charity event held to celebrate the St. Luke’s Trauma Center and its many care givers. Each year two patients tell their stories during a video presentation, and members of the trauma team who touched these patients’ lives are recognized and honored for their skill and dedication.”
A quick check with the hospital’s and local emergency services’ wardrobe departments confirmed that capes and tights are not issued to heroes. They wear scrubs, white coats, orange flight suits, blue coveralls, and police uniforms.
Angels in the outfield-- and the infield-- and behind the scenes
Doug Graves © 2007
Seemingly miles from the nearest town is a ball park nestled between the woods and a green hill. From it comes the laughter of children having fun . . . that sweetest of sounds that only the crotchety find irksome.
The Orioles are playing the Yankees. The Orioles are at bat. Bases are loaded. Nine-year old Cheyenne Mack is up. The players are intent as the pitcher lets loose with . . . an air ball? An easy pitch? But still Cheyenne connects with the satisfying sound that only a plastic bat can make on a whiffle ball. “Vbloop!” The ball rolls to center field. Turning what looks like an easy out into a run, Cheyenne runs with a delighted grin to first base, her angel trailing along behind. The runner on third base furiously pushes the grip rails on his child sized wheel chair and rolls across home plate. Safe!
Angel? Rolls across home plate, safe?
Sure, an angel. Because this is the Miracle League. And Cheyenne needs an angel in case she gets in tight spot. She has dyspraxia and doesn’t associate her thoughts with her movements very well. It’s a permanent condition. Dyspraxia, according to the dictionary, “is the partial loss of the ability to coordinate and perform certain purposeful movements and gestures in the absence of motor or sensory impairments.”
And the scoring runner? He is wheel-chair bound. Probably forever.
But every one on both teams has a serious mental or physical limitation. And every one of them is a serious baseball player having the time of his or her life. And they each have an angel. In case they get in a tight spot.
Then with the Yankees at bat, Brianna McGovern, a less than three-foot tall ten-year old, glares at the pitcher. But it’s hard to glare when you’re having fun. Maybe there is the hint of a smile from the under the bill of that baseball cap. Hard for a sports writer to tell if they are glaring or smiling when they wear their baseball caps low over their eyes, squinting into the evening sun. Smiling. Yes, definitely smiling.
She swings! A ball. Another swing; the umpire calls it a strike. Then suddenly, “Vbloop!” Plastic bat on plastic ball. And again the special impact absorbing turf barely slows the grounder as it rolls straight into the pitcher’s glove.
But miraculously, she converts what appears to be a sure out into a base hit. It’s like the laws of physics are suddenly cancelled out by the “Vbloop” of her bat and slow motion impedes every one except Brianna. Freed from the constraints of time she races along on her rump, propelled forward by her sinewy but powerful left arm. The pitcher, ball in hand, seems paralyzed. Brianna touches first base! The laws of physics are again operational. Cheers ring out!
This kind of stuff happens in the Miracle League. Her angel relaxes, angel services not being required this time.
On her rump? Yes. No legs, except part of a shin with a small foot, just enough for a tiny tennis shoe. Brianna is a “congenital amputee,” or born without limbs. In this case, born without legs and without a right arm.
What is going on here? Why is everyone having so much fun? Where are the rules? And what’s with the angels?
The Miracle League got its start in 1997 when a recreational league coach in Georgia invited a disabled boy to play. This led, the following year, to his baseball association forming the Miracle League. It caught on fast and went national.
Rules? There are some, all designed to bring out the fun but keep risks to the players minimized.
Every player bats each inning; all base runners are safe; every player scores a run before the inning is over (the last one up gets a home run); community children and volunteers serve as “angels” to assist the players; each team and each player wins every game.
The local Miracle League of the Lehigh Valley’s Fowler Field is at 5858 Sell Road, Schnecksville just off Route 309 in Heidelberg Township.
Northampton County Executive John Stoffa got the idea of bringing the franchise to the Lehigh Valley and called Kostas Kaleogeropoulos, a local hotelier and the co-founder of Camelot for Children and founder of Dream Come True, both charitable organizations that focus on children with disabilities. He, too, liked the idea and soon they had some well known local businessmen and philanthropists involved.
The ball field is in “Jaindl Family Park” so it makes sense that the Jaindl family had something to with it. David Jaindl, president of the Jaindl Land Company, donated almost five acres of land for the project.
Lee Butz, CEO of the Alvin C. Butz Company donated project management for the facility. “Many of the contractors that we assembled for the project donated portions of their fees,” Butz said. “This was a $1,500,000 project that got done for about $750,000.”
“We built it in four months,” he said. “Usually it takes that long just to get a project through a zoning board. We started construction in March [2006] and had 110 kids playing baseball by July. This year we doubled that number and have about 225 kids playing.” There are now 14 teams in the league.
The field is named “Fowler Field” after Bethlehem artist and philanthropist Marlene “Linny” Fowler. She is well known for her advocacy for children and is on the boards of numerous charitable and service organizations such as Community Service for Children, Valley Youth House and others. She was responsible, through charities that she has interests in, for substantial cash donations to the local Miracle League project.
Local architects, Eric Butz, his wife and business partner Debora Roberson, took the specifications provided by the Miracle League franchise, and donated the design of the supporting buildings such as the concession stand and bathrooms. They also contributed to the design of some of the necessary site development.
After these behind the scenes meetings of local business men, politicians, and philanthropists, it takes the janitor some time to clean up all of the angel feathers left behind.
The diamond itself is perfectly flat so there are no obstacles to interfere with the runners, many of whom use wheel chairs or have other mobility problems. It is made of cushioned, synthetic material to minimize the chances of injury. The parking lot is designed to flow one way in a circular pattern to make it easier to drop off kids and to pick them up. All bathrooms, the concession stand, and the dugouts are all handicapped assessable.
Sponsors provide the uniforms for the teams. Corporate sponsors contribute $5,000 per season for the honor of helping these kids. Teams have adopted major league names and uniforms. To be a sponsor, a volunteer, or even an angel contact Executive Director Dan McKinney (610) 262-6852. To learn more about the league go to www.miracleleaguelv.org.
Brianna, originally from the Philippines, is the adopted daughter of Tom and Kathy McGovern from Emmaus Township. Why does she play? “’Cause it’s fun!” she says.
Chyenne’s parents are William and Robin Mack of Catasauqua. Cheyenne goes to school at Sheckler Elementary School in Catasauqua where she is a ninth grader. When asked who won the dust-up between the Yankees and the Orioles, Cheyenne, with her big grin, said, “Everyone!”
The Orioles’ next game is May 26th when they play the Phillies. Then the Yankees meet the Cubs on May 30th. So Cheyenne and Brianna and their angels will be back on the field where the magic happens, each having the time of her life.
Seemingly miles from the nearest town is a ball park nestled between the woods and a green hill. From it comes the laughter of children having fun . . . that sweetest of sounds that only the crotchety find irksome.
The Orioles are playing the Yankees. The Orioles are at bat. Bases are loaded. Nine-year old Cheyenne Mack is up. The players are intent as the pitcher lets loose with . . . an air ball? An easy pitch? But still Cheyenne connects with the satisfying sound that only a plastic bat can make on a whiffle ball. “Vbloop!” The ball rolls to center field. Turning what looks like an easy out into a run, Cheyenne runs with a delighted grin to first base, her angel trailing along behind. The runner on third base furiously pushes the grip rails on his child sized wheel chair and rolls across home plate. Safe!
Angel? Rolls across home plate, safe?
Sure, an angel. Because this is the Miracle League. And Cheyenne needs an angel in case she gets in tight spot. She has dyspraxia and doesn’t associate her thoughts with her movements very well. It’s a permanent condition. Dyspraxia, according to the dictionary, “is the partial loss of the ability to coordinate and perform certain purposeful movements and gestures in the absence of motor or sensory impairments.”
And the scoring runner? He is wheel-chair bound. Probably forever.
But every one on both teams has a serious mental or physical limitation. And every one of them is a serious baseball player having the time of his or her life. And they each have an angel. In case they get in a tight spot.
Then with the Yankees at bat, Brianna McGovern, a less than three-foot tall ten-year old, glares at the pitcher. But it’s hard to glare when you’re having fun. Maybe there is the hint of a smile from the under the bill of that baseball cap. Hard for a sports writer to tell if they are glaring or smiling when they wear their baseball caps low over their eyes, squinting into the evening sun. Smiling. Yes, definitely smiling.
She swings! A ball. Another swing; the umpire calls it a strike. Then suddenly, “Vbloop!” Plastic bat on plastic ball. And again the special impact absorbing turf barely slows the grounder as it rolls straight into the pitcher’s glove.
But miraculously, she converts what appears to be a sure out into a base hit. It’s like the laws of physics are suddenly cancelled out by the “Vbloop” of her bat and slow motion impedes every one except Brianna. Freed from the constraints of time she races along on her rump, propelled forward by her sinewy but powerful left arm. The pitcher, ball in hand, seems paralyzed. Brianna touches first base! The laws of physics are again operational. Cheers ring out!
This kind of stuff happens in the Miracle League. Her angel relaxes, angel services not being required this time.
On her rump? Yes. No legs, except part of a shin with a small foot, just enough for a tiny tennis shoe. Brianna is a “congenital amputee,” or born without limbs. In this case, born without legs and without a right arm.
What is going on here? Why is everyone having so much fun? Where are the rules? And what’s with the angels?
The Miracle League got its start in 1997 when a recreational league coach in Georgia invited a disabled boy to play. This led, the following year, to his baseball association forming the Miracle League. It caught on fast and went national.
Rules? There are some, all designed to bring out the fun but keep risks to the players minimized.
Every player bats each inning; all base runners are safe; every player scores a run before the inning is over (the last one up gets a home run); community children and volunteers serve as “angels” to assist the players; each team and each player wins every game.
The local Miracle League of the Lehigh Valley’s Fowler Field is at 5858 Sell Road, Schnecksville just off Route 309 in Heidelberg Township.
Northampton County Executive John Stoffa got the idea of bringing the franchise to the Lehigh Valley and called Kostas Kaleogeropoulos, a local hotelier and the co-founder of Camelot for Children and founder of Dream Come True, both charitable organizations that focus on children with disabilities. He, too, liked the idea and soon they had some well known local businessmen and philanthropists involved.
The ball field is in “Jaindl Family Park” so it makes sense that the Jaindl family had something to with it. David Jaindl, president of the Jaindl Land Company, donated almost five acres of land for the project.
Lee Butz, CEO of the Alvin C. Butz Company donated project management for the facility. “Many of the contractors that we assembled for the project donated portions of their fees,” Butz said. “This was a $1,500,000 project that got done for about $750,000.”
“We built it in four months,” he said. “Usually it takes that long just to get a project through a zoning board. We started construction in March [2006] and had 110 kids playing baseball by July. This year we doubled that number and have about 225 kids playing.” There are now 14 teams in the league.
The field is named “Fowler Field” after Bethlehem artist and philanthropist Marlene “Linny” Fowler. She is well known for her advocacy for children and is on the boards of numerous charitable and service organizations such as Community Service for Children, Valley Youth House and others. She was responsible, through charities that she has interests in, for substantial cash donations to the local Miracle League project.
Local architects, Eric Butz, his wife and business partner Debora Roberson, took the specifications provided by the Miracle League franchise, and donated the design of the supporting buildings such as the concession stand and bathrooms. They also contributed to the design of some of the necessary site development.
After these behind the scenes meetings of local business men, politicians, and philanthropists, it takes the janitor some time to clean up all of the angel feathers left behind.
The diamond itself is perfectly flat so there are no obstacles to interfere with the runners, many of whom use wheel chairs or have other mobility problems. It is made of cushioned, synthetic material to minimize the chances of injury. The parking lot is designed to flow one way in a circular pattern to make it easier to drop off kids and to pick them up. All bathrooms, the concession stand, and the dugouts are all handicapped assessable.
Sponsors provide the uniforms for the teams. Corporate sponsors contribute $5,000 per season for the honor of helping these kids. Teams have adopted major league names and uniforms. To be a sponsor, a volunteer, or even an angel contact Executive Director Dan McKinney (610) 262-6852. To learn more about the league go to www.miracleleaguelv.org.
Brianna, originally from the Philippines, is the adopted daughter of Tom and Kathy McGovern from Emmaus Township. Why does she play? “’Cause it’s fun!” she says.
Chyenne’s parents are William and Robin Mack of Catasauqua. Cheyenne goes to school at Sheckler Elementary School in Catasauqua where she is a ninth grader. When asked who won the dust-up between the Yankees and the Orioles, Cheyenne, with her big grin, said, “Everyone!”
The Orioles’ next game is May 26th when they play the Phillies. Then the Yankees meet the Cubs on May 30th. So Cheyenne and Brianna and their angels will be back on the field where the magic happens, each having the time of her life.
“The Gray Ones Are Smarter Than the White Ones”
Doug Graves © 2007
Only while standing in a pigeon coop would it be politically correct to say it, but pigeon entrepreneur Heather Barbosa says it without flinching. “The gray ones teach the white ones how to find their way home.” said Barbosa, “That’s because the gray ones are smarter than the white ones.” She says that, “Training the pigeons to find their way home is lots and lots of hard work.”
She starts them at one fourth of mile from home and lets them find their way back to the coop. After success at that she works them in a full circle at that distance. When she is satisfied that they have passed the test, she increases the distance gradually. They are capable of learning to return from over 300 miles away, but she only trains them to work within 30 miles of home.
With 60 birds, more or less, it is a lot of work to keep up with them and their needs. Besides training the pigeons, she gives them their anti-biotics, feeds and waters them, makes sure they have a roof over their heads and-- she is their secretary.
They need a secretary because these are busy birds. If Barbosa’s business plan works out they will be attending a funeral three to four days a week and a wedding every weekend. While, technically, they are proud pigeons, when they go to work they do it as doves.
The Bethlehem Township Zoning Board gave her official permission to keep the pigeons last week. This cleared the way to start her business. At weddings, a white “dove” represents the bride, and the one in the tuxedo represents the groom. Yes, a tuxedo. Most of her flock are white but one type of pigeon is naturally endowed with black wings on a white body. Add the little bow-tie and the result is a pretty good looking tuxedo.
For funerals, the release of one black “dove” is thought to represent the soul of the departed loved one. When released, it flys up and starts to circle, waiting for its mates. A second release of white birds represents the souls of long gone relatives and friends,returning as angels to escort their friend to “heaven.” “It can be a very warm and emotional time,” said Barbosa. Readers can find more information at Barbosa’s web site, www.sayitwithdoves.com.
While the number of birds involved in any given event is relatively small, Barbosa needs to keep a flock of over 50 to allow for the ones that might not be able to fly on a given day. For example, when molting their feathers, they get a day or so off.
They also get maternal or paternal leave because when the eggs hatch, mom and dad take turns keeping the chicks warm and fed.
Each bird wears loose fitting leg bands. One identifies the owner so that lost birds can be returned. Other bands act as “training records” keeping track of how far advanced the pigeon is in its training.
Heather Barbosa married into the pigeon business. As a child, her husband, Manny, kept gray pigeons as a hobby. Then after marriage, they found a home on Farmersville Road where the previous owner had kept chickens in a coop behind the house. After moving in, Barbosa came to like the idea of developing a business using the natural talent living out back.
Only while standing in a pigeon coop would it be politically correct to say it, but pigeon entrepreneur Heather Barbosa says it without flinching. “The gray ones teach the white ones how to find their way home.” said Barbosa, “That’s because the gray ones are smarter than the white ones.” She says that, “Training the pigeons to find their way home is lots and lots of hard work.”
She starts them at one fourth of mile from home and lets them find their way back to the coop. After success at that she works them in a full circle at that distance. When she is satisfied that they have passed the test, she increases the distance gradually. They are capable of learning to return from over 300 miles away, but she only trains them to work within 30 miles of home.
With 60 birds, more or less, it is a lot of work to keep up with them and their needs. Besides training the pigeons, she gives them their anti-biotics, feeds and waters them, makes sure they have a roof over their heads and-- she is their secretary.
They need a secretary because these are busy birds. If Barbosa’s business plan works out they will be attending a funeral three to four days a week and a wedding every weekend. While, technically, they are proud pigeons, when they go to work they do it as doves.
The Bethlehem Township Zoning Board gave her official permission to keep the pigeons last week. This cleared the way to start her business. At weddings, a white “dove” represents the bride, and the one in the tuxedo represents the groom. Yes, a tuxedo. Most of her flock are white but one type of pigeon is naturally endowed with black wings on a white body. Add the little bow-tie and the result is a pretty good looking tuxedo.
For funerals, the release of one black “dove” is thought to represent the soul of the departed loved one. When released, it flys up and starts to circle, waiting for its mates. A second release of white birds represents the souls of long gone relatives and friends,returning as angels to escort their friend to “heaven.” “It can be a very warm and emotional time,” said Barbosa. Readers can find more information at Barbosa’s web site, www.sayitwithdoves.com.
While the number of birds involved in any given event is relatively small, Barbosa needs to keep a flock of over 50 to allow for the ones that might not be able to fly on a given day. For example, when molting their feathers, they get a day or so off.
They also get maternal or paternal leave because when the eggs hatch, mom and dad take turns keeping the chicks warm and fed.
Each bird wears loose fitting leg bands. One identifies the owner so that lost birds can be returned. Other bands act as “training records” keeping track of how far advanced the pigeon is in its training.
Heather Barbosa married into the pigeon business. As a child, her husband, Manny, kept gray pigeons as a hobby. Then after marriage, they found a home on Farmersville Road where the previous owner had kept chickens in a coop behind the house. After moving in, Barbosa came to like the idea of developing a business using the natural talent living out back.
Blake Tange earns Scouting’s highest honor: Eagle Scout . . . and the community’s respect
Doug Graves © 2007
Eagle Scout Blake Tange got his eagle wings and the distinctive Eagle Scout badge at a standing room only ceremony in the East Hills Moravian Church in Bethlehem on Saturday. The ceremony was, at times, an emotional outpouring of support and admiration for this Freedom High School senior. Family, fellow scouts of all ages, local political figures and national leaders all had messages of congratulations for Blake and expressions of admiration for his mother, Lynn Woolf-Tange and his father, Mark Tange of Bethlehem.
City of Bethlehem Mayor John B. Callahan proclaimed Saturday as “Blake W. Tange Day.”
Blake’s accomplishments are astonishing.
Dr. Joseph A. Lewis, Superintendent of Schools in Bethlehem, in a letter to Blake said, “You are an invaluable young man who has achieved more in 17 years than many people will achieve in a lifetime.
“. . . an outstanding achievement which reflects your hard work and dedication,” said President and Mrs. George Bush.
Governor Edward Rendell, in letter to Blake, said, “May [your] values and commitment to community . . . continue to serve you in the future.”
“I commend your sense of duty,” said United States Congressman Charlie Dent.
“A remarkable achievement,” said Vice President Dick Cheney.
State Representative Steve Samualson said, “. . . by [his] personal example Blake is living testament to the virtues of duty and citizenship that he has so generously and readily displayed.”
He has earned 55 merit badges. (Only 21 are required for the rank of Eagle Scout.) He has hiked 86 miles. He has spent 225 nights camping out. He has held 16 local and national Boy Scout leadership positions. Not listed in his Eagle Scout Court of Honor résumé of achievements, is his recent recognition by the Traveler’s Protective Association with their annual award for altruism, doing good with no expectation for reward. Nor is listed his award and recognition last week for leadership in Freedom High School’s S. A. D. D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions) program.
Why are his accomplishments astonishing?
Blake has cerebral palsy; he walks with an aluminum frame. Every step is a struggle. He was born with a cyst on his brain that has limited him since childhood and has marked him as different from his peers.
But, he has a genius for leadership--- the best kind of leadership —leadership by example. His ability to define goals, then lead people to accomplish the very difficult is what has focused the community’s attention on this young man.
“When Blake first got into scouting,” said one of his early leaders, John Orno, “It was not a question of getting Blake involved. It was a case of getting out of his way!”
“It is hard for other kids to say ‘I’m tired,’” said Dr. Sally Haggerty, his Troop Committee chair, “when they see Blake on the trail.”
Scout leader after leader stepped forward and told different versions of the same story. Emerging from their testimony was a picture of a young man with a smile and a can-do attitude. Here is a man with a compassion born of an understanding of the human condition and its many frailties-- and its strengths, too. He is a man who doesn’t let his physical limitations bound his or any one else’s life.
Singer-physician and former Miss Philadelphia Kiplee Bell came to honor the young man and his accomplishments with her beautiful singing. “I am honored to be part of Blake’s celebration,” said Dr. Bell.
Murnell Schuller, met Blake when he proposed to do his Eagle Scout project for the kids at Camelot for Children where she is the director. “He amazes me with his upbeat, inspirational attitude,” she said. Blake’s project transformed an overgrown wooded lot into an “Enchanted Forest” accessible for handicapped children. “After meeting Blake, some of the physically limited boys, themselves inspired by Blake’s example, joined the Boy Scouts.
Schuller said that later when a large volunteer working party from Air Products came to Camelot to help with landscaping maintenance that several parents, upon seeing Blake’s accomplishments, encouraged their Boy Scout sons to chose Camelot for Children for their own Eagle Scout projects.
“Only about five percent of the boys who enter the Boy Scouts achieve the rank of Eagle Scout,” said Dr. James Roberts, Blake’s Scout Master and professor of chemistry at Lehigh University.
Scout leader Robert Sperling said, “When you first meet Blake, you see that he is a pretty big fellow. When you get to know him you realize he is a huge human being.”
Eagle Scout Blake Tange got his eagle wings and the distinctive Eagle Scout badge at a standing room only ceremony in the East Hills Moravian Church in Bethlehem on Saturday. The ceremony was, at times, an emotional outpouring of support and admiration for this Freedom High School senior. Family, fellow scouts of all ages, local political figures and national leaders all had messages of congratulations for Blake and expressions of admiration for his mother, Lynn Woolf-Tange and his father, Mark Tange of Bethlehem.
City of Bethlehem Mayor John B. Callahan proclaimed Saturday as “Blake W. Tange Day.”
Blake’s accomplishments are astonishing.
Dr. Joseph A. Lewis, Superintendent of Schools in Bethlehem, in a letter to Blake said, “You are an invaluable young man who has achieved more in 17 years than many people will achieve in a lifetime.
“. . . an outstanding achievement which reflects your hard work and dedication,” said President and Mrs. George Bush.
Governor Edward Rendell, in letter to Blake, said, “May [your] values and commitment to community . . . continue to serve you in the future.”
“I commend your sense of duty,” said United States Congressman Charlie Dent.
“A remarkable achievement,” said Vice President Dick Cheney.
State Representative Steve Samualson said, “. . . by [his] personal example Blake is living testament to the virtues of duty and citizenship that he has so generously and readily displayed.”
He has earned 55 merit badges. (Only 21 are required for the rank of Eagle Scout.) He has hiked 86 miles. He has spent 225 nights camping out. He has held 16 local and national Boy Scout leadership positions. Not listed in his Eagle Scout Court of Honor résumé of achievements, is his recent recognition by the Traveler’s Protective Association with their annual award for altruism, doing good with no expectation for reward. Nor is listed his award and recognition last week for leadership in Freedom High School’s S. A. D. D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions) program.
Why are his accomplishments astonishing?
Blake has cerebral palsy; he walks with an aluminum frame. Every step is a struggle. He was born with a cyst on his brain that has limited him since childhood and has marked him as different from his peers.
But, he has a genius for leadership--- the best kind of leadership —leadership by example. His ability to define goals, then lead people to accomplish the very difficult is what has focused the community’s attention on this young man.
“When Blake first got into scouting,” said one of his early leaders, John Orno, “It was not a question of getting Blake involved. It was a case of getting out of his way!”
“It is hard for other kids to say ‘I’m tired,’” said Dr. Sally Haggerty, his Troop Committee chair, “when they see Blake on the trail.”
Scout leader after leader stepped forward and told different versions of the same story. Emerging from their testimony was a picture of a young man with a smile and a can-do attitude. Here is a man with a compassion born of an understanding of the human condition and its many frailties-- and its strengths, too. He is a man who doesn’t let his physical limitations bound his or any one else’s life.
Singer-physician and former Miss Philadelphia Kiplee Bell came to honor the young man and his accomplishments with her beautiful singing. “I am honored to be part of Blake’s celebration,” said Dr. Bell.
Murnell Schuller, met Blake when he proposed to do his Eagle Scout project for the kids at Camelot for Children where she is the director. “He amazes me with his upbeat, inspirational attitude,” she said. Blake’s project transformed an overgrown wooded lot into an “Enchanted Forest” accessible for handicapped children. “After meeting Blake, some of the physically limited boys, themselves inspired by Blake’s example, joined the Boy Scouts.
Schuller said that later when a large volunteer working party from Air Products came to Camelot to help with landscaping maintenance that several parents, upon seeing Blake’s accomplishments, encouraged their Boy Scout sons to chose Camelot for Children for their own Eagle Scout projects.
“Only about five percent of the boys who enter the Boy Scouts achieve the rank of Eagle Scout,” said Dr. James Roberts, Blake’s Scout Master and professor of chemistry at Lehigh University.
Scout leader Robert Sperling said, “When you first meet Blake, you see that he is a pretty big fellow. When you get to know him you realize he is a huge human being.”
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