THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, February 15, 1996 TAG: 9602140147
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TERRI WILLIAMS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 73 lines
A communitywide effort has been launched to save Fermer Perry Memorial Field. But members of the Southside Athletic Association-Cypress admit they have a long way to go to raise $25,000 to save it.
For years, the association - a division of the Peanut Pony League - has played on the ball field, at the intersection of Airport Road and Route 13/32.
But the park property's owner ran into financial difficulties late last year, and now the field is for sale. The owner agreed to subdivide the 22 acres late January and sell the estimated six acres in which the field sits to the league. Problem is, the league has raised only about $1,200, said the association and league president, Clarence Babb. They've got less than 45 days to raise the rest.
``I've got twenty-something years of blood, sweat and tears there,'' said Babb, whose son plays for the league. ``I'd like to coach my grandkids there.''
Jane Castello, whose son, Scott, 8 and daughter, Stacy, 11, play for the league, agrees. Castello said the reason the association is so special is it's one of the few that has an open registration, meaning new players can register any given year. Castello also takes pride in the fact that the league has kids of ethnic diversity.
``We said: `Oh, my God, are we going to have a field?' My son said he didn't want to play if he couldn't play for Cypress. . .It's like family,'' said an emotional Castello.
Castello and Babb remain faithful that they'll save their beloved field; they only hope more folks will come up to bat and help.
``I think more people would do more if they were aware of our problem,'' said Castello.
So far, the Suffolk Jaycees have contributed $500. An anonymous man gave Castello $20 at a local grocery store. And every Thursday the team has a place to meet and discuss fund-raising, thanks to members at the Suffolk Moose Lodge.
Owners at Shucker's Restaurant are also trying to help the kids by organizing a ``pass the hat'' in March as well as possibly getting a band to perform, proceeds going to the association.
``It (Pony League) keeps kids off the streets,'' explains Shucker's owner, Michael Justice.
Castello said she and other members of the league have been working the pavement trying to find ways to raise money. There's been no shame in their techniques. One afternoon, parents dug into the trash bins at the field looking for recyclable newspapers and cans, she said.
``It was a gruesome job, but we did it,'' Castello said proudly.
The Pony League - not to be mistaken with Little League - is a nationwide club for boys and girls aged 4 to 17. In Suffolk, the league consists of 135 players in Carrsville, Chuckatuck, Holland, Whaleyville, Cypress and King's Fork. MEMO: YOU CAN HELP
Every Saturday: Kids accept newspapers and aluminum cans for
recycling, at the field, Airport Road and Route 13/32, from 9 a.m. to 1
p.m. The league will begin selling sports mugs for $5.
Donations accepted: Commerce Bank, 1525 N. Main St.
Shucker's Restaurant, 425 E. Pinner St.: Pass the Hat Night, March 1
and 2.
Dance, Suffolk Shrine Club, 500 Elizabeth St., March 9, with Cactus
Rose Band, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $20 per couple, $10 per person.
Information: Clarence Babb, 934-3281. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Clarence Babb, president of the Peanut Pony League, is working to
save Fermer Perry Memorial Field.
by CNB