‘Stuff a Bus’ Food Drive, Berks Encore Senior Expo to be Held at FirstEnergy Stadium

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(READING, PA) – FirstEnergy Stadium is proud to host the ‘Stuff a Bus’ food drive and the Berks Encore Senior Expo this fall. The event will take place on Wednesday, October 5th from 9am-2pm. Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority (BARTA) will be organizing and accepting donations to support Helping Harvest’s food assistance programs as well as dog and cat food to benefit Humane Pennsylvania. This will be throughout the entirety Berks Encore Senior Expo event which is expected to have more than 75 vendors in attendance.

Individuals are asked to please bring a non-perishable food or personal hygiene item to help our greater Reading community. BARTA will donate all proceeds to Helping Harvest to aid Berks and Schuylkill counties. Each year over 100,000 people receive assistance from their fresh food bank. Make a difference by dropping off some of your favorite non-perishable items to help Stuff a Bus.

In addition, BARTA will be taking dry bags of Dog & Cat Food to benefit Humane Pennsylvania. From January through July of 2022, Spike’s Pet Pantry has given away over 100,000 pounds of pet food to those in need. Help stock Spike’s Pet Panty to ensure no pet in Berks or Lancaster County and beyond goes hungry

“This event will provide much-needed assistance to the community in many different ways!” said Anthony Pignetti, the R-Phils Executive Director of Business Development. “We are thrilled to partner with these influential local businesses to help the surrounding area. This is a great opportunity to come together and provide aid, while also enjoying a day at America’s Classic Ballpark!”

The Reading Fightin Phils are excited to be host to a big community event that will benefit citizens of all ages. Seniors can browse around the merchants for the Expo, while anyone can stop by for a hot dog and soda from the concessions stands. The R-Phils are excited to have classic ballpark fair open for business! There will be live entertainment to enjoy a relaxing day outdoors. Demonstrations for meals and activities will also take place.

America’s Classic Ballpark is proud to be a part of Pennsylvania’s Americana Region and was voted the #1 stadium in all of Double-A by MiLB’s Ben Hill. Follow the R-Phils at rphils.com, on Twitter and TikTok at @ReadingFightins, on Instagram @fightins, and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/fightins for all information.

Local woman awaiting a life-saving lung transplant will be recognized during Sept. 26 Reno Aces Game

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RENO, Nev. (Sept. 22, 2022) — Diagnosed with a rare lung disease in 2009, Reno local Dina Jennings is awaiting a life-saving lung transplant. She is one of the more than 600 Nevadans and 100,000 people in the U.S. on the national transplant waiting list.

Jennings will be honored at the Reno Aces’ Home Run for Life game, presented by Donor Network West, after the second inning, Monday, Sept. 26, at Greater Nevada Field as they take on the Tacoma Rainiers.

Before being placed on the national transplant waiting list in April 2022, Jennings had a strong connection to organ donation. Her father, Danny Turner, died in 2010 and, as an organ donor, he gave the gift of sight to a blind person. Now awaiting a lung transplant, Jennings relies on oxygen to live. She uses around three oxygen tanks each week. Despite her reliance on oxygen, she remains physically active as she wants to be as healthy as possible while waiting for a lung transplant match.

“Whenever I get a phone call, I think it may be the call that they’ve found a transplant match – my heart skips a beat every time I hear the phone ring,” said Jennings.

One donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and heal up to 75 lives through tissue donation.

Donor Network West, northern Nevada and northern California’s federally designated non-profit organ procurement organization, is proud to have supported six Home Run for Life baseball games during the 2022 Aces’ season. The partnership has brought critical awareness about organ donation to the northern Nevada community and its sports fans. This will be the final Home Run for Life game of the 2022 season.

“Reducing the waiting list is what fuels our mission at Donor Network West,” Janice Whaley, president and CEO of Donor Network West, said. “Our partnership with the Reno Aces has provided incredible opportunities to share powerful stories like Dina’s in our community and give hope to those waiting for a second chance at life.”

Throughout the 2022 season, brave individuals and families in the northern Nevada community have been honored by taking a ceremonial trip around the bases, with each team lining the baselines. Individuals honored have been personally impacted by organ, eye and tissue donation.

“Seeing the community cheer on the Home Run for Life participants and their families this season has been incredibly special,” Eric Edelstein, president of Reno Aces and Greater Nevada Field, said. “The Reno Aces are proud to have partnered with Donor Network West to support the organization’s community outreach and educational efforts for organ donation.”

Anyone can register to be an organ donor. To learn more and to register as an organ donor, visit DonorNetworkWest.org.

— @MyDNWest —

The 7th Annual SC Veterans Upstate Salute Is November 6th at Fluor Field!

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The Drive are excited to team up with fellow Upstate Veterans Alliance partners General Electric, Prisma Health, and Michelin for the 7th Annual SC Veterans Upstate Salute! You’re invited to join us in this FREE celebration on Sunday, November 6th at Fluor Field, as we will honor our local veterans with an evening full of entertainment.

The Fluor Field gates will open at 3 PM. Highlights of the evening include a live concert from Colt Ford, a 21-gun salute, a Special Forces jump team performance, an aerial flyover by the Warbirds Flyover Team and opportunities throughout the evening on the Fluor Field concourse to meet community agencies supporting veterans and their families . The night will conclude with a spectacular fireworks show! The concession stands at Fluor Field will be open throughout the evening for your favorite food and drinks.

We hope to see you at the ballpark for this special event! Learn more about the event and claim your complimentary tickets HERE.

Hispanic Heritage Festival Will Be Held At Fluor Field on October 2nd

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The Greenville Drive is excited to have the Hispanic Heritage Festival happening at Fluor Field on October 2nd! We are all too familiar with the importance of celebrating Hispanic Culture and look forward to this incredible event. The festival aims to promote the heritage and culture of the Hispanic community, while raising funds for higher education for students of Hispanic descent. The festival is for the entire community, and we hope to see you there!

For more information, please visit https://www.ahamsc.org/hhf-overview

Walk to End Alzheimer’s and Walk to To Remember Will Take Place on October 1st at Fluor Field

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10/1: Walk to End Alzheimer’s/ Walk to Remember

Walk to End Alzheimer’s is an inspiring event that calls on all ages to join the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. The Greenville Drive is honored to yet again be the host for this amazing event. Registration will begin at 8 am on October 1st.

For more information and to register, click HERE.

Later in the day, a Walk to Remember will take place at 1 PM at Fluor Field. Walk to remember is a program to honor and remember the precious children who have died because of pregnancy or infant loss.

To register, please visit http://shareupstate.com/walk-to-remember/

Twenty-Fourth Annual “Trick or Treat” at Eastwood Field on Wednesday, October 26th presented by T-Mobile, media partners 21 WFMJ and WBCB and radio partner Mix 98.9

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Niles, Ohio – The Scrappers are excited to announce the twenty-fourth annual “Trick or Treat” at Eastwood Field. The event will take place Wednesday, October 26th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. “Trick or Treat” at Eastwood Field is a fun and safe way to celebrate Halloween for children age 12 and under. Ticket quantities are limited and are available on a first come first served basis. Children and adults will require a ticket. Tickets are just $1 each and are available starting Friday, September 23rd at the Scrappers Team Office located at Eastwood Field. In addition, anyone that donates canned goods at the “Trick or Treat” event for Feed Our Valley will receive a free general admission Scrappers ticket valid during the 2023 season.

Back for the 2022 Trick or Treat event is the “Fast Pass”. The “Fast Pass” is only available for the first 100 kids, includes admission for one child and two adult tickets and allows you to skip the line and get in at 5:45pm for only $10. Those that purchase the Fast Pass will receive a wristband upon purchase.

The Scrappers are looking for area businesses to participate in this year’s “Trick or Treat” event. Businesses will receive table space at Eastwood Field. This is a community event and a great way to promote your business to the public. Early reservations are encouraged as space is limited. Vendor space can be reserved here: https://forms.gle/5Qh4qt38AxLHygJYA . Please contact Heather Sahli for complete details at 330-505-0000 or emailing [email protected].

To stay up to date with the Scrappers in the offseason or for more information on 2023 ticket packages, visit www.mvscrappers.com or contact the front office at 330-505-0000. The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are one of six founding members of the MLB Draft League, joining the Frederick Keys, the State College Spikes, the Trenton Thunder, the West Virginia Black Bears and the Williamsport Crosscutters.

‘Celebrate America’ With Amarillo Symphony & HODGETOWN October 1 

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Amarillo, Texas –HODGETOWN Events and the Amarillo Symphony are excited for “Celebrate America”, the third outdoor Amarillo Symphony concert to be performed at the home of the Sod Poodles. The concert which is rapidly approaching is scheduled for Saturday, October 1 with gates opening at 6 p.m. and the concert beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for this event are on sale now with plenty of fun and exciting hospitality and ticket options for guests. An evening of patriotic fan favorites and other exciting American musical treasures will begin with a very special flyover by the West Texas Warbird Flight and conclude with a spectacular fireworks show.

“Celebrating our 99th season, the Amarillo Symphony is thrilled to present our Celebrate America concert at HODGETOWN,” said Larry Lang, Executive Director of the Amarillo Symphony. “Join us for a flag-waving program of great American music for the whole family, with special guests from the Amarillo Little Theater, a flyover by the West Texas Warbird Flight, our amazing Symphony musicians, and fantastic fireworks. We look forward to seeing everyone there!”

“The Sod Poodles and HODGETOWN Events are once again excited to partner with the Amarillo Symphony for this very special and unique event. Our partnership with the Amarillo symphony originated two years ago to provide an opportunity for our community to come out and continue to enjoy the many different types of magical experiences HODGETOWN has to offer,” said Sod Poodles President and General Manager, Tony Ensor. ”The success of the past two concerts has proven that HODGETOWN not only stacks up as a premier minor league baseball facility but an incredible gathering place for fans of great music, too. We can’t wait for the Amarillo and Panhandle community to come out and ‘Celebrate America’, together while creating once-in-a-lifetime memories.”

Ticket pricing for the concert ranges from $14 to $25 depending on seat location. Tickets are available for purchase at www.SodPoodles.com or HERE. Guests can also purchase by phone at (806) 803-9547 or in-person at the HODGETOWN box office now through the day of the event or until sold out. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fantastic hospitality options for groups are once again available, including Dugout Suites, Concourse Suites, Luxury Suites, and the Pepsi Party Deck. For the ultimate intimate experience for this event, on-field, front of stage, catered VIP tables with conductor meet and greet are available on a limited basis. For more information on hospitality areas and tickets, please call (806) 803-7762 or email [email protected]. VIP Tables may also be purchased at the Amarillo Symphony office by calling (806) 376-8782.

A pre-concert band, Jim Laughlin Quintet, will entertain the crowd just after gates open for the evening to shortly before the symphony performance begins so fans are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy all the night has to offer.

The Amarillo Symphony performance is generously sponsored by Barnes Jewelry, Terry and Janette Caviness, Street Toyota, Arthur Judson Foundation, Sprouse, Shrader, Smith PLLC, Amarillo National Bank, Underwood Law, Physicians Surgical Hospitals, FirstBank Southwest, and our media partners Channel 10.

For interview requests for Tony Ensor prior to the event, please feel free to reach out to Cory Hilborne ([email protected]).

For interview requests for Larry Lang, please contact Sammy Carter ([email protected])

WooSox Celebrate “Pride at the Park” During Worcester’s Pride Month

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Worcester’s annual celebration of LGBTQ+ individuals kicked off Friday, September 2, at Polar Park’s “Pride at the Park,” sponsored by George’s Coney Island. The WooSox welcomed local individuals, organizations, and non-profits to celebrate and honor members of the LGBTQ+ community. Fans were treated to performances from drag queens, a raising of the Progressive Pride Flag and the Intersex Progressive Pride Flag, and capped off the night with a colorful fireworks display, set to the theme of “Love is All You Need.”

The night began with a bang when drag queens Regina Jackson and Betti entertained early-access patrons atop the Triple Decker Garden. The queens performed numbers from Rihanna, Britney Spears, and Beyoncé, later becoming available to take photos with fans.

During pre-game ceremonies, Dance on Dance Center, a dance studio in Hudson, performed a rendition of “Unruly Heart,” a special dance about pride, acceptance, and loving unapologetically, while waving Pride Flags high behind home plate.

The WooSox then honored their Heart of Worcester: SWAGLY.

“It was important to us that night that our event directly benefit LGBTQ+ organizations in the city, so we were excited to honor the LGBTQ+ youth group, SWAGLY, of Aids Project Worcester, with our Heart of Worcester spotlight and check presentation of $1,000,” said WooSox Group Experience Coordinator Sarah Malone.

The WooSox invited Betti, a drag queen who plays “Travis” in HBO Max’s new show “The Sex Lives of College Girls,” to throw out a Ceremonial First Pitch. Next up, Regina Jackson, drag queen and creator of the Queer Comedy Lab, threw out a pitch.

Next, country music artist and former assistant coach with the Brockton Rox, was honored as Worcester’s Hometown Hero. Ruby became the first openly gay professional player when he publically came out on September 2, 2021. Friday was the one-year anniversary since Ruby made history, and he was honored with a Ceremonial First Pitch.

“Bryan has been traveling the States with his organization, Proud To Be In Baseball, which he co-founded with other queer ball players,” Malone said. “Their mission is to empower and advocate for the next generation of LGBTQ people in baseball.”

Ruby met fans in the Sherwood Diner during the game.

Finally, Worcester musician Giuliano belted the National Anthem as the Progressive Pride Flag and the Intersex Progressive Pride Flag were raised over centerfield.

As the WooSox game against the Buffalo Bison, Triple-A Affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, got underway, Malone saw a “remarkable” presence of non-profits and organizations that specialize in services specifically for the LGBTQ+ community in attendance.

“I was really honored to be able to work with all of these community groups throughout the season, and thrilled with how many wanted to participate,” Malone said.

Among the Polar Park patrons were Rainbow Lunch Clubs for our LGBTQ+ Elders, Disabled Self-Advocacy, Mental Health Care, Trans and Gender Affirming Healthcare, LGBTQ+ Social Services, Queer Foster + Adoptive Homes, and more.

“When I was visiting these groups and checking in on folks, everyone was thrilled at the quantity and quality of fan interactions,” Malone said. “It felt great to take a wheel around the park and see so many guests accessing the non-profit tables.”

The WooSox fell to the Bison 8-10, yet fans were treated to a UniBank Fireworks show to the theme of “Love is All You Need.”

The Worcester pride celebration reverberated through the city, with the Worcester Pride Festival occurring on Saturday, September 10.

Awaiting a life-saving kidney donation, local woman will be recognized during Sept. 16 Reno Aces Game

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RENO, Nev. (Sept. 14, 2022) — In her 30s, Xochie Aranda was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease, a leading cause of kidney failure. She was placed on the national transplant waiting list and within three years received a transplant. However, Aranda was placed on the national transplant waiting list again after experiencing transplant failure nearly 10 years ago.

Aranda’s 9-year-old granddaughter will run the bases on her grandmother’s behalf at the Reno Aces’ Home Run for Life game, presented by Donor Network West, after the second inning, Friday, Sept. 16, at Greater Nevada Field as they take on the Sacramento River Cats.

As she awaits a new kidney, Aranda receives dialysis treatments for nearly 10 hours per week. Using experience gained from her challenging health journey, she educates the community as a Donor Network West volunteer Donate Life Ambassador.

“When I went back on dialysis after my transplant failed, I was a working, single mom. I had to educate myself on my health issues – a lot,” said Aranda. “As a Donor Network West ambassador, and someone who is a part of the local Hispanic community, I try to listen to people’s questions and address any myths to help people understand why it’s important to register as an organ donor.”

One donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and up to 75 lives through tissue donation. More than 600 Nevadans are on the national transplant waiting list.

Donor Network West, northern Nevada and northern California’s federally designated non-profit organ procurement organization, is proud to have supported six Home Run for Life baseball games during the 2022 Aces’ season. The partnership has brought critical awareness about organ donation to the northern Nevada community and its sports fans. This will be the final Home Run for Life game of the 2022 season.

“Xochie is one of more than 100,000 people in the U.S. waiting for a life-saving organ donation. Reducing the waiting list is what fuels our mission at Donor Network West as we help educate our communities and increase the number of people registered as organ donors,” Janice Whaley, president and CEO of Donor Network West, said. “Our partnership with the Reno Aces has provided incredible opportunities to share powerful stories in our community and give hope to those waiting for a second chance at life.”

Throughout the 2022 season, brave individuals and families in the northern Nevada community have been honored by taking a ceremonial trip around the bases, with each team lining the baselines. Individuals honored have been personally impacted by organ, eye and tissue donation.

“Seeing the community cheer on the Home Run for Life participants and their families this season has been incredibly special,” Eric Edelstein, president of Reno Aces and Greater Nevada Field, said. “The Reno Aces are proud to have partnered with Donor Network West to support the organization’s community outreach and educational efforts for organ donation.”

Anyone can register to be an organ donor. To learn more and to register as an organ donor, visit DonorNetworkWest.org.

— @MyDNWest —

OKC Dodgers and ODMHSAS to Honor Edie Nayfa Saturday As She Works to #StrikeOutThe Stigma

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OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers are partnering with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) this season to help #StrikeOutTheStigma and increase awareness on the topic of mental health and substance use in our community.

The partnership focuses on education, advocacy and support to help destigmatize the connotations that come with mental health and substance use struggles. Oklahomans who are working to do so will be recognized throughout the 2022 Dodgers baseball season.

The third honoree of 2022 is Edie Nayfa, CEO of Catalyst Behavioral Services. Catalyst began as a nonprofit substance use clinic in 1973 and has now grown to one of the largest behavioral health agencies in Oklahoma thanks to Nayfa’s 23 years of dedication to the organization.

“If somebody is in need of treatment, we’re always here,” she said

Nayfa will be recognized during the Dodgers’ game against the Tacoma Rainiers at 7:05 p.m. Saturday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

“Through our partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, we want to help raise awareness on the topic of mental health by talking openly about the subject and providing educational resources,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “By sharing the personal stories of Oklahomans who have been impacted by, or work to provide, mental health and substance use services in our community, we want to help strike out the stigma and provide support to our fellow Oklahomans.”

Nayfa understands that addiction and substance use can be daunting, but she also knows there’s always hope. Catalyst offers programs in both Oklahoma City and Enid and on any given day is helping up to 400 people as help is offered to all Oklahomans regardless of where they live in the state.

“We want people to know there are ample opportunities and different varieties of treatment we can do to help the individual,” she said. “We just want to give them hope.”

Catalyst is part of a statewide treatment system offering a variety of mental health and substance use prevention, treatment and recovery options. The organization’s work to advance innovative approaches in treatment allows those they serve to receive advanced care and speed the process of recovery. In fact, Catalyst was an integral part in bringing medication assisted treatment services to Oklahoma and worked with other providers to expand availability.

Catalyst and other providers in the system receive funding from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) allowing persons to receive care regardless of ability to pay. Nayfa is beyond thankful for the relationship.

“We are beyond blessed to have them as support,” she said. “We couldn’t do it without them.”

She knows there’s long been a stigma associated with addiction and substance use and Catalyst focuses on trying to change that stigma, while also helping those struggling with addiction.

“We need to have compassion, mercy and tolerance,” she said.

She knows everyone is capable of transformation and it’s what she loves most about her job.

“To see them on the other side of that is truly a blessing,” she said.

To read Nayfa’s full story, visit the OKC Dodgers’ “Beyond the Bricks” website at: medium.com/beyond-the-bricks. Photos of Nayfa are attached for use (credit: OKC Dodgers).

The OKC Dodgers host ¡Celebración Cielo Azul! this week at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark and their home series against the Tacoma Rainiers continues tonight at 7:05 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled to follow Friday night’s 7:05 p.m. game and the series continues at 7:05 p.m. Saturday with the Clubhouse Collectibles online auction, presented by The Oklahoman. The auction features game-worn, game-used and autographed Dodgers memorabilia that will be available for fans to bid on from 6-11 p.m. at milbauctions.com to benefit the Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools. Following Sunday’s 2:05 p.m. series finale, kids can run the bases.

Dodgers players and coaches will wear Cielo Azul jerseys throughout the series and the gameday environment during ¡Celebración Cielo Azul! will feature Latin music, festive concourse decorations, unique entertainment, live performances and a Spanish-speaking public address announcer for select games. Specialty concession items and Cielo Azul merchandise will be available for purchase. In addition to the game action on the field, Clips N Hips will perform during Friday night’s game and Yúmare Mexican Folkloric Dancers, Inc., are set to perform Saturday and Sunday.

Since 2018, the Dodgers have participated in MiLB’s Copa de la Diversión, or Fun Cup, which is a season-long event series designed to embrace the culture and values that resonate most with participating teams’ local U.S. Hispanic/Latino communities, including creating unique on-field personas and gameday experiences. The name Cielo Azul translates to “Blue Sky.”

Tickets can be purchased through okcdodgers.com/tickets. Tickets purchased here include a $5 donation to the Latino Community Development Agency. The LCDA’s mission is to improve the quality of life in the Latino community through education, leadership, service and advocacy. For more information, please visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2182.

Live radio coverage of each OKC Dodgers game begins 15 minutes before first pitch on AM 1340 “The Game,” 1340thegame.com and through the free iHeartRadio or MiLB First Pitch apps. OKC Dodgers games are also available streamed live on MiLB.TV with a subscription.

Lugnuts and Disability Rights Michigan to host Accessible Day Sunday

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LANSING, Mich. – The Lansing Lugnuts and Disability Rights Michigan (DRM) have partnered to host an Accessible Day at Jackson® Field™ on Sunday, September 11th. This partnership hopes to raise awareness about the need for full inclusion, so individuals with disabilities feel empowered within the community.

Ballpark gates open at 12 noon, with first pitch at 1:05 p.m. between the Lugnuts and the visiting Dayton Dragons. This is the final scheduled game in the Lugnuts’ season.

Accessible Day at the ballpark will include ASL interpreters, menus in braille, sensory kits, quiet room, “get your wiggles out” station and a host of other accommodations. Fans can learn about advocacy organizations in the area and what assistive technology is available to them.

“Disability Rights Michigan would like to thank the Lansing Lugnuts for celebrating the beauty of inclusion,” said Executive Director Michelle Roberts. “To have an experience where everyone feels welcomed and included brings together a community. Baseball is for everyone, and we are excited to be part of this day.”

“We’re proud to partner with Disability Rights Michigan, whose values we share,” said Lansing Lugnuts general manager Tyler Parsons. “This is about celebrating inclusivity, extending not only through all Lugnuts fans but also through our staff. This will be an outstanding afternoon to connect, empower and root together at the ballpark.”

Disability Rights Michigan and Michigan Disability Rights Coalition will be present on the concourse providing information and awareness around the services they offer. Autism Alliance of Michigan will be providing sensory kits and the Bureau of Elections will showcase the Voter Assist Terminals available in the upcoming November election.

About Disability Rights Michigan
Disability Rights Michigan (DRM) is the independent, private, nonprofit organization designated by the governor of the State of Michigan to advocate and protect the legal rights of people with disabilities in Michigan. www.drmich.org.

About the Lansing LugnutsThe High-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics, the Lansing Lugnuts have won over 1,800 games and two league championships, hosted four All-Star Games, and produced 171 Major Leaguers in 26 seasons. Over 8,000,000 fans have attended Lugnuts games, including over 250,000 this season. For more information, call (517) 485-4500.

# # #

3rd Annual “Give Life Walk & Bike Ride” is Saturday, September 24 at Delaware Park

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Walk & Bike Ride celebrates life and is in memory of Marcy Dandes

Help celebrate life at the third annual Marcy Dandes Memorial Family Bike Ride & Walk, Saturday, September 24 at Delaware Park. Register Today

People of all ages and abilities are invited to attend with bikes, trikes, scooters and strollers welcome. Registration begins on September 24th at 8:30 a.m. with the program to start at 9:15 a.m. and the Family Bike Ride and Walk around Ring Rd. to run from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Post-race festivities in Delaware Park will include food, music by DJ Milk, a kids bike rodeo and more. To register, visit: https://e.givesmart.com/events/rU2/

Marcy Dandes was deeply engaged in the WNY community, a dedicated volunteer for ECMC and a passionate advocate of the Donate Life mission through Connect Life. The Family Bike Ride in her memory will benefit both ECMC and ConnectLife, and will continue Marcy’s legacy of giving across WNY for years to come.

The Marcy Dandes Memorial Family Bike Ride & Walk is sponsored by ECMC, ConnectLife and Rich Products.

Dragons to Recognize “Community All Stars” Recipient During Game on September 1

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Dayton, Ohio — The Dayton Dragons will recognize EMERGE of the Urban League of Southwest Ohio as a “Community All-Stars” recipient during a special inning break of the Dragons game on Thursday, September 1 against the Cedar Rapids Kernels at Day Air Ballpark. The game will start at 7:05 p.m.

The Dragons Community All-Stars Program honors individuals who have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley. They could be firefighters or police officers, doctors, or good Samaritans. It could be a first responder or a volunteer. The Dragons highlight these Community All-Stars at games all season long.

An enrichment program within the Urban League of Southwest Ohio, EMERGE steps up to improve educational outcomes and provide youth in downtown Dayton with resources that go beyond their education and into pathways that lead directly into their career dreams.

From the ages of 14 to 24 most students make pivotal decisions that impact the future of their careers, and often high school and college don’t fully prepare the future work force for what’s next. That’s where the EMERGE program steps in.

Targeting vital areas in a young person’s professional growth like social skills development, critical thinking on a business level, and financial understanding and independence, EMERGE is able to foster a new outlook for the youth in their care and improve educational outcomes.

EMERGE provides extracurricular opportunities for youth to broaden their life experiences, develop new interests, and create skills that help them as they start looking for their first jobs.

EMERGE also makes sure Dayton area students engaged in their program know how to take care of their personal well-being to better prepare them for the future.

With the extensive network of Dayton-area professionals working with the Urban League of Southwest Ohio, EMERGE can connect their participants with some of the brightest minds the city has to offer. Their mentorship offers new and exciting opportunities for EMERGE participants, like internships, job shadows, and direct work experience.

For all their efforts to inspire local youth and expand their opportunities, EMERGE is being honored as a Dragons Community All Star.

If you want to learn more about how you can help support EMERGE and the Urban League of Southwest Ohio check out their website at ulgso.org.

If you know other great individuals or organizations that are going above and beyond for our community, tell us about them! You can nominate an All-Star by telling us about them at daytondragons.com/communityallstar

This event is the final of five special Community All-Stars spotlights at Dragons games this season. Community All-Stars is presented Flying Ace Express Carwash. The program will return in 2023 and will once again focus on another organization that has gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley.

The Dragons play at beautiful, downtown Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District and are scheduled to play 3 more home games during the regular season. Game times are 7:05 p.m. for Tuesday through Saturday games and 1:05 p.m. on Sundays. No Monday games are scheduled at this time. Gates open one hour prior to game time. Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2022 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

Bisons offer Military, First Responders up to four FREE Tickets to September 11 game

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The Buffalo Bisons today announced that they will host Military & First Responders Appreciation Day on Sunday, September 11 by offering up to FOUR FREE GAME TICKETS to First Responders and Active Duty/Veteran members of the Armed Forces so those that serve and sacrifice for our country can enjoy the Herd’s 1:05 p.m. game against Gwinnett Stripers with their friends and family.

The Bisons Military & First Responder Appreciation Day is presented by Hyundai. The game will also feature the Bisons customary postgame Kids Run the Base, presented by Platter’s Chocolates.

First Responders and Active Duty/Veteran Armed Forces members can claim their four free tickets by presenting a valid ID at the Sahlen Field Box Office starting at 10 a.m. on Sunday, September 11. Ballpark gates will open at 12:00 p.m. for the 1:05 p.m. game between the Bisons and the Stripers.

Additionally, all first responders and active duty/veteran members of the Armed Forces will receive 20% OFF their purchase at the Batter’s Box Gift Shop and the Bisons Team Shop in Sahlen Field while attending the game on Sunday, September 11 (some exclusions apply). There will also be a $5.00 discount for military and first responders for the Consumer’s Pub at the Park all-you-can-eat buffet on Sunday, September 11 (reservations can be made at PubatthePark.com | (716) 846-2100).

Grant Woolley, 8-year-old cancer survivor, will celebrate his Anthem Home Run for Life at a Dragons Game

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Dayton, Ohio—Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Ohio and the Dayton Dragons will host 8-year-old Grant Woolley during the iconic Anthem Home Run for Life program on Wednesday, August 31, when the Dayton Dragons take on the Cedar Rapids Kernels at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District.

The Anthem Home Run for Life program provides children in the Dayton region who are battling serious medical conditions with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each honoree gets to take a lap around the bases at Day Air Ballpark during a Dragons home game while the crowd cheers them on.

Grant’s Story

Grant Woolley was just two years old when he was experiencing nausea, constant urination, and severe thirst. While many would think this is just a baby phase, Grant’s parents, Ryan and Katie, knew that their gut was telling them otherwise. They had taken their child to a family doctor who ran several tests. His blood sugar came back at 400 milligrams while the normal person rests around 80-90. The sure signs of type 1 diabetes.

Ryan and Katie were instructed to take Grant to the hospital but didn’t understand how serious this case was just yet. As they arrived, doctors were waiting to take Grant into an intensive care unit (ICU) where he stayed for 36 hours. He was continually monitored in the hospital for a total of four days, and during that time, they treated Grant with insulin and continued to track his blood sugar.

When they transitioned back home, the Woolley’s had a lot to adjust to – counting carbs, weighing food, and administering shots. Grant left with an Omnipod and a Dexcom device to monitor his levels and deliver insulin as needed. Every 30 days, he moves the pods to another location on his body.

As he was turning six years old, he hit another bump in the road. He couldn’t move his neck, wrists, and was limping. He was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis which, as an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, is going to be a lifelong journey for Grant. Luckily infusions and medication can ease the swelling and stiffness.

While Grant will continue to battle type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, he and his support system have narrowed down his needs to a science. The counting carbs and finger pricks are all small sacrifice for this eight-year-old to be comfortable whether he is going to school or playing outside with his best friend, Bennett.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons applaud all those who have been instrumental in Grant’s life, including his mom, dad, sister, and his entire medical team.

To learn more about Anthem Home Run for Life, please visit www.daytondragons.com/hrfl.