Isabella and Her Crew at the Park

I have been playing a lot of golf lately.  Just ask my wife. It is the time of year when I am fortunate to participate in various golf tournaments most of them sponsored by local community serving organizations. These tournaments are a lot of fun, and I usually play with the same crew I vacation with in the spring. These guys are high school buddies from back in the day with a couple of more recent friendships thrown in for good measure. Usually, the format is a 4-man scramble with all proceeds benefiting a good cause. Things like youth sports, local scholarships or support of our veterans are just a few of the worthy recipients.  

It struck me the other day when I was playing in the Bill Stewart Memorial, none of these worthwhile outings would take place if it was not for the hard-working volunteers behind the scenes. It takes a network of dedicated people to pull one of these tournaments off. I’ve nicknamed them VIVs or Very Important Volunteers. 

First, a venue must be secured.  The Sistersville Country Club is host to several fundraisers. They have the facilities to field a full flight of golfers as well as the amenities to offer a kitchen and reception area. Getting the venue is usually the easy part.  Once thatás accomplished, the hard work begins. 

Sponsors are needed to raise funds. Volunteers solicit donations from businesses and individuals willing to support the cause. For their donations the business or individual receive recognition by having their name displayed somewhere during the tournament. It’s good advertisement for businesses and good for community relations.  

Golfers are also needed!  Usually, an entry fee is charged per man and those funds can go toward prize money or the charity depending on the event. I’ve played in tournaments that charge only $50 a man up to $150.  It just depends on the event.  

 If you ask me, in every tournament it is the behind-the-scenes folks who complete most of the hard work. Tournaments offer a meal after the event that is usually part of your entry fee. Someone or a group of folks must plan the menu, shop, prepare the food, serve the food, and then clean up.  Did I mention setting up the venue?  Or taking it down afterwards? All of these jobs are completed by volunteers and the day starts early and plays long. 

These charity events do a lot of good in our communities, but they wouldn’t happen without the army of volunteers that work to put each one together.  This week the Press Box is saluting all the good people who fill this bill year in and year out. Hats off and thank you to every volunteer this summer season.   

If you haven’t volunteered before, consider donating some of your time. Volunteering presents a proactive way of doing something to make the world just a little bit better. Even the tiniest gestures make a difference. And if we all work together the small gestures can add up to a big change. 

By the time this Press Box hits the streets all local teams will have official games under their belts. This is a busy week with numerous “Meet the Team” nights scheduled and the opener for most football teams, too. These games present a great opportunity to step up and volunteer to help in any way you can. Teams are always looking for help in the concession stand, for example. Parents are usually the ones doing the work, but they would also like to watch their kids play so volunteering might help this cause. I know for sure the Tycon Knights are always looking for help on game days so reach out and lend a hand if you are able. 

A perfect example of how volunteering helps a community happened at the Sistersville Park over the weekend. Isabella Michael, a Senior at Tyler Consolidated this fall, needed a community service project to be accepted into the National Honor Society. She chose the Sistersville-Park-Clean-Up as her project. Isabella officially presented her idea to the Park and Pool Board and the Sistersville City Council. Thatás a pretty big order in itself, but she carried it off with great skill and received an endorsement from both groups. Then she recruited the youth group from the New Martinsville Refuge Church, TCHS band members, and friends to help with the project. Saturday, August 19th was the scheduled date. Isabella and her team did an amazing job, and the council and park board are very grateful for their volunteer service to the community. We all hope it inspires others to look around and find a small way they, too, can become a member of the VIVs. 

Don’t forget to pick up a copy of the Wetzel Chronicle and Tyler Star News for a wrap-up of all the area games over the past week.  This reporter is excited to be back in the saddle.