THE BLACK AND GOLD POST

This year's annual Fan Club Picnic was once again held this past June 2nd at the Vietnam Veterans Hall #451 in Dundalk. Although the delayed publication of the June newsletter most likely prevented giving a number of members ample opportunity to make plans to come, the 80 or so folks who did make it had a FANtastic time.

The night before and morning of the picnic were cool and damp but the weather turned bright and sunny just in time for the festivities to begin. The Terrible Grill and Terrible Bar were at mid-season form and everyone went away that evening full of good food, good drink and good times.

With this event being the "unofficial" kickoff to the PSFCOB season, it always good to have as large a turnout as possible. Those friendships we forge throughout the football season are instantly rekindled at the picnic and it gives us just a little boost to make it through the rest of the summer.

With this in mind, it has been decided that the Annual Picnic will always be held on the first Saturday in June. This means that next year's gala will take place on June 1, 2002 and will once again be held at The Vietnam Veterans Hall in Dundalk. Mark your calendars now but, rest assured, further notice will be given as we get closer to that date. SEE YOU THERE !!!

Most of you thought it couldn't be done. Some thought it was the end of a tradition. A few even thought it was gone for good. No way. The PSFCOB Annual Trip to Pittsburgh will take place the first weekend in December and will culminate as Our Mighty Steelers look to avenge their only pre-season loss as they take on the Minnesota Vikings. The game is set for Sunday, December 2nd at 1:00 PM but for those who are veterans of this yearly event know that the game itself is just one part of a fun filled, sleep deprived, Black 'n Gold weekend.

As in years past, we will once again be staying at the Sheraton Station Square Hotel. The Sheraton has recently completed a major renovation/expansion which added over 100 rooms to the hotel and, given the first rate service we have always received in the past, it seemed the logical choice to once again serve as this year's starting point. The room rates at the Sheraton will once again be a low $99.00 a night for a two or more night stay and $159.00 for a single night reservation. We will once again hold our traditional Saturday Night Party at one of the Sheraton's many ball rooms in order to get fired up for game day.

Last year's Saturday Night Party was highlighted by an appearance by noted author Jim O'Brien. Jim had such a FANtastic time that he came to our Tailgate Party the next morning and took a number of pictures to be used in one of his upcoming Steeler publications. Are there any guest appearances scheduled for this year's Saturday Night Bash??? We're working on it.

Ticket prices for the game are $120.00 for Upper Level seats and $135.00 for Lower Level seats. These prices include the $20.00 Tailgate Party Pass that gets you into the best damn Tailgate Party of the year both before and after the game. It's unlimited food, drink and entertainment and is the perfect way to start and finish your day. Further details of this one-of-a- kind weekend will be available in upcoming editions of The Black and Gold Post and on this Official PSFCOB website.

Tickets are limited so don't delay, complete the Order Form and reserve your place in history. The rumors are all true; it is that much fun and more.

The PSFCOB passes along it deepest and most heartfelt condolences to longtime fellow members Rick and Karen Wichman on the untimely passing of their 8 year old son Nick. Nick passed away this past April after a brief but valiant battle with a brain tumor. The Nick Eric Wichman Foundation has been founded by Rick and Karen to honor Nick's memory and continue his life through helping others and to help fight this number one cause of cancer death in children.

Nick's fight began with a stomach ache and ended a mere 46 days later. That's how devastating brain cancer can be. While we may never know all the answers, that is no reason not to fight to find out why.

Please see the enclosed flyer, with the mailed newsletter, regarding a Car Show on September 16th to benefit the Nick Eric Wichman Foundation. Please help in any way you can to help this littlest Steeler Fan help others so they may not suffer as he has.

Many thanks also to Nick's parents for letting us share in their time of personal crisis so that others may benefit. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both and your son.

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