Photo Provided Martins Ferry Civics provides summer athletic opportunities to a wide range of area children. Pictured in the front row from left are Bronco players Brady Hill, Kannan Hildebrand; Tball Easton Jennette; Pinto Jackson Hill; T-ballers Daisy Ford and Ellie Hacker. Middle Row:Mustang Michael Patterson, Bronco Collin Patterson, 12u Softball Monica Tedeschi. Back Row: Civics officer Alecia Hill, Pinto Brentley Defibaugh, Bronco Michael Defibaug, Unified Bank Retail Banking Executive Stacy Carpino, Mustang Jackson Hertler, Civics officer Gina Hildebrand.

MARTINS FERRY — An old proverb teaches us to plant shade trees for future generations to sit under. Metaphorically speaking, that is what the Martins Ferry Civics Association and its supporters are doing for today’s children and those of the future. The group plans to purchase and install new field lighting for Fodor and Hillendale Baseball/Softball Fields.

Fodor Field on South Zane Highway in Martins Ferry has long been a gem in the city’s crown. Many generations of children and parents have enjoyed long afternoons and evenings of Little League ball on this diamond. Adding lighting to the field years ago ensured that games could go well into the late evening.

According to Civics member Michael Mistovich, “The lights on the field provided new opportunities for kids to play, but time, wear, and tear took a toll on the facilities, and now it’s time we replace the old equipment with new.”

Civics member Tom Regis said that the Civics has the volunteer power in place to get the project started and completed but needs help with funding.

“We have begun securing money for the project but have a long way to go. Lighting two fields may sound ambitious, but with help from the community, we are sure we can reach our goals,” Regis said.

The project will cost close to $100,000 for each field. Unified Bank has already contributed $25,000, and the city of Martins Ferry has agreed to contribute $20,000. The Civics ask that businesses, organizations, and individuals contribute to the project.

“Think of it as an investment in our future,” said Mistovich. “Now perhaps more so than ever, it is important to provide safe, family-friendly environments for our citizens.”

Scott Everson, president, chairman, and CEO of Unified Bank said, “Having grown up in Martins Ferry, I can give first-hand testimony to the importance of having quality ball fields like Fodor and Hillendale in our communities. I fondly recall playing under those old lights years ago at Fodor Field as a young ball player. Unified Bank is honored to be part of this new lighting project and looks forward to the many years of opportunity this will provide.”

Those interested in contributing financially to the field lighting project or learning more about project opportunities are asked to contact Regis at regis333@att.net.

The Martins Ferry Civics Association is a youth organization that offers multiple sports in the City of Martins Ferry. The Martins Ferry Civics Association is a traditional program that emphasizes sportsmanship and goodwill among all athletics across all athletic programs and provides the opportunity to enhance specific sports skills, learn the responsibilities of commitment and teamwork, and strive for excellence within a competitive atmosphere.