Beaver VFD Hosts Race, Editor Runs it in 26:41

On Saturday, June 1st, the Beaver Volunteer Fire Department hosted its 12th annual 5k/ 10k race. In the 5k, the 348 registered runners, a record number for the event, the largest of its kind in Beaver County, ranged from ages 3 to 73. The winner of the race was Jaron Martin (no city listed), 20, who finished with a lightning time of 16:51. Timing chips were provided by Smiley Miles, and post-race snow cones, fruit and water were provided by Luckey Insurance Agency and Pizza Joe's.

     Despite the nascent morning heat, no injuries were reported and all present along the course --a scenic 3.2 mile loop down 2nd Street and River Road--  appeared to have an enjoyable time. "This is such a nice place to run." One runner was overheard remarking.

     The shirts this year were a fluorescent orange with a fire hat logo and words "Beaver Volunteer Fire Department 12th Annual 5k/ 10k Race" Emblazoned on the front.

The course only boasts a few legitimate hills, the worst of which being a steady slope from the East End curve back up to 2nd Street. Thankfully, local citizens George and Joline Atkins were there to step up to the plate --or shall I say road-- and spray fading runners as they trounced the last leg of their journey.

    Runners traveled from miles around to attend the race, from cities such as Slippery Rock, PA to East Liverpool, OH; But the farthest distance, by far, was traveled by a 50 year old woman all the way from Oakwood, Illinois.

This race may not have been a marathon, but on a Saturday morning in small-town America, it was just as exciting, and fun too.

Here We Go Steelers!

A sigh of relief. Then a shriek of joy as I run laps around the house jumping up and down and over the side of the couch until I wear myself out. Then, I flop down on a pillow, exhausted. That sure was a stressful game. 

That's what usually happens after the Steelers win a playoff game, especially an important one like last week's. (But hey, what Steeler game isn't important?)

And here we go again. I have to gear up and prepare myself for another nerve-racking, pillow biting (that's what I do when I get really nervous), Terrible Towel wringing playoff game. The only difference is that this is the ultimate playoff game........this is the Super Bowl!

By right of birth, born into a family of Pittsburghers who love the "Stillers" I've always been sort of a fan. I'd watch my dad and brothers watch the games and hear them talk about them, but that was about it. You have to start somewhere, right?  It was not until I was probably seven that I started getting really interested in joining my male family members in their football fandom. Ever since then, I've been a big fan. I've cheered the Steelers on every year, but then again, who doesn't! Our whole city loves the Steelers; there is not one Sunday in football season where you can not spot dozens of people sporting  Steelers jerseys. They say -and I don't doubt this one bit- that we have the best fans in all of sports. Of course we do! We're Pittsburgh!

This will be my third Steelers Super Bowl. I saw them win #5 and #6, and boy, am I sure hoping to see them add a 7th Lombardi to the case!
And what will happen if they lose?! I don't know what I'll do, but one things for sure, we will not have a happy household for at least a month. I've seen my brother grieve over sports loses before and Its not pretty.

Whatever the outcome, it'll prove to be an exciting game.

So let's hope the next time I do my post-playoff game routine of sighing, cheering, running, and jumping is on Super Bowl Sunday, when the Steelers win!

Here we go Steelers!!!!!!!





Question: Are you a football fan? Of what team? If not, are you a fan of a team of another sport? What kind? Did you grow up as a fan of this sports team or just recently become one?

Let me know!