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A Green Day dawns in South Bellaire

You build it and they will come.

And come they did.

A seven-year construction project and a lifetime of dreams came to fruition Saturday in South Bellaire. A more impressive debut of St. John Central’s new football complex could not have been scripted.

Perfect weather, huge crowd, a strong alumni return and a resounding win. It was a perfect Green Day.

Much has been written in advance of the SJC’s first-ever football home field, which was nurtured by the Irish Youth Sports organization.

It was nicer than I could have ever-imagined.

Irish Youth Sports, with Brothers Paolina (Rick and Jeff) spearheading the charge, left no stone unturned in making the facility a first-rate venue and one that the Green grid faithful can embrace.

Parking and seating were both ample and convenient. The turf was superbly manicured. The pressbox, P.A. system and scoreboard

were all top of the line. Tim Blue drew rave reviews for his announcing prowess.

No St. John’s band? No problem. St. Clairsville High’s Band — bedecked in green shirts — filled the void in melodic fashion.

All the trimmings were exceptional. The featured attraction — the game itself — was one that did have Irish eyes smilin’ as Paul Rose had his team primed for a virtuoso performance. They dominated all facets in a 42-6 whipping of Cameron.

After the contest, there was no mass exodus. Rather, many Green partisans lingered and soaked up a most special day in SJC annals.

I am not certain what long-term impact the new field will have on Irish grid fortunes. It has to be a positive.

But for one September afternoon, the Irish gridiron glory days of Boron, Maroon, Rose, Hornyak, McHenry and countless more were in full bloom.

SIGN OF THE TIMES

CRIME IS a big issue in Bellaire. The village police department, undermanned and overworked, has seen its efforts to pass a levy shot down twice now. It is a quality force in need of help.

Along those lines and to help curb criminal activity in its respective area, West Bellaire is forming a community watch program. The move is a result of a recent rash of break-ins and robberies in West Bellaire, a scenic residential section of the All-American Town.

The West Bellaire community, which numbers some 700 residents, is holding an organizational meeting this Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Forest Hills Community Center. The organizers stress the importance of banding together to stop crime.

BUBBA’S BITS

FORMER POWHATAN Point fire chief Forrest “Frosty” Kenney passed away last month. Since that time, we have received numerous letters and correspondence singing his praises for his work in that capacity. Frosty was 55.

FISCAL YEAR 2010 was a record-setting one for the Ohio Department of Transportation. Some 1,200 projects were awarded by ODOT from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010 amounting to a record $2.1 billion.

DENNIS DELBERT and John Bartsch deserve many kudos for presenting a first-class road race for a most worthwhile cause. The Second Annual Awesome Autism 5K run/walk was held Saturday in Bellaire, with the proceeds benefitting the organization PACE (Parents for Autism Community Education). The event attracted more than 100 participants, a remarkable number for a football-season Saturday morning.

AARON BATES, a former standout at John Glenn High in New Concord, has been named as one of the captains for the Michigan State football team this fall. He is a senior punter. Bates is one of the best prep kickers I have ever witnessed.

THE BUCKEYES of Ohio State looked impressive in their opener against Marshall. But what Top 10 team wouldn’t? Miami this week poses an acid test but I still believe the Bucks’ biggest hurdle to perfection is the Oct. 16 trip to Wisconsin.

WITH AUTUMN just two weeks away, plans are commencing for the annual Boo in the Park event in Bellaire. This year, it will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 27 from 6-8 p.m. Children 12 and under who reside or go to school in Bellaire will be treated to 10 stations in the village park. Lou Ann Bennett is again spearheading the popular attraction. Sponsors are still needed. Those interested should call Bennett at 740-676-4817.

THE BARNESVILLE Athletic Department launched a new tradition at Friday’s game with Meadowbrook. At every home football game, a former Barnesville High athlete will be recognized as “Honorary Captain.” This past Friday, Dick Thomas was the honoree. Thomas was a 1954 BHS grad who starred as a running back for the Shamrocks.

IT WAS good to see contracts and work orders have been set in motion for the construction of new schools in Beallsville. It’s been a long time coming, but now there is finally light at the end of the tunnel for the Blue Devil Nation to exit outdated facilities and move into state-of-the-art digs. Beallsville and its other Switzerland of Ohio schools have been treated as second-class citizens when it comes to facilities. Christmas 2011 is when the Blue Devils are scheduled to move into their new schools. That is what we call a Merry Christmas.

WE WISH all our readers a relaxing Labor Day. Unfortunately, it also marks the unofficial end of summer. At least we have eight more weeks of high school football.

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