THE ONLINE VERSION OF THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS FAN CLUB OF BALTIMORE, MD. SEPTEMBER, 2002 *** PAGE 3 ***
CLUB PICNIC
This year's Annual Fan Club Picnic took place this past June 1st and for the 120 or so members who came out, it was a FANtastic time. The weather was picture perfect and it served as a great kick off for what looks to be a great season. The Terrible Grill and Terrible Bar performed exceptionally and appear raring to go for the season to start. Along with the good food and drink came the good conversation about Steeler football from the best fans the game knows.
Many thanks go out to The Vietnam Veterans Chapter 451 who were kind enough to let us use their facility as well as Chris and Carol Binaut and Christine Thomas who were instrumental in making sure everything was where it needed to be. Thanks also to those unnamed members who came out early ands assisted in getting everything set up in the morning so the throngs could enjoy themselves to the fullest. Next year's edition is once again slated for the first Saturday in June (June 7th, I believe) so mark your calendars now.
This past season's Hall of Fame designation at The Purple Goose Saloon was awarded to loyal member Tim Brecker. Tim was instrumental in helping sell raffle tickets at half-time of every game. For those who frequent The Goose on game day, you know that this can be quite a chore given the size of the crowds. Tim is also a big help at tailgate parties and is always willing to help out in any way possible.
It is this kind of dedication and unselfishness that make the members of the PSFCOB a very special group. Thanks again, Tim and congratulations !!!
This award is given to all of you who make up the Ultimate Pittsburgh Steelers Cheering Section at Shooters Sports Bar. As a group, you have taken up residence at the two tables at the front of the bar and have consistently filled those seats while treating us to the ever popular "hat rule" and the now famous "kolba-sa-sa" cheer. You have "high-fived" almost everyone in the bar after a Steelers score and gently harassed each and every fan who had the audacity to show up in our bar to cheer an opposing team.
Please accept this award in recognition of the precious time, energy and support you each have given to the PSFCOB. We honor you at this time by inducting you into the PSFCOB Shooters Hall of Fame. Each of you is truly a valued member of this Club.
Congratulations to Steve Kerstetter, Ray Lenzi, Tony Lenzi, Keith and Janet Lasik, Barry McGraw, Walt Marshall, Paul McPheron, Mark McPheron, Tom Michalowicz and all of the other members of the Skybox on your inductions.
PSFCOB congratulations go out to fellow members #2157 Tiffany Pierce and #2158 Matthew McCormick on their recent wedding this past June 15th. The bride and groom were married up in Hopewell, PA at Jumonville Glen but will continue to reside here in Maryland and join the rest of the PSFCOB in cheering our Mighty Steelers on.
While we're passing around the congratulations, let send some to PSFCOBers Tim and Kim Brecker as they celebrate the birth of their second child Emily Rose. She was born on the 4th of July so the Breckers didn't have far to go to see any fireworks. Emily Rose joins her older sister Abby as well as Mom and Dad in cheering for the Black 'n Gold. Like I always say, they're never too young to get them started on the right track.
Some folks write for fun, some for work and some do it just for the pure enjoyment. With that in mind, I'm pleased and honored to announce that PSFCOB member #45 John Scott is presently one of the feature writers on STEELERWATCH.COM. It is certainly a source of pride to know that one of our own is responsible for getting the story straight for fellow Steeler fans all across the country. Way to go John, and keep those fingers nimble.
For articles in CLUB NOTES call Steve Chiurazi at (410) 255-0436 or e-mail me.
Many members of the PSFCOB were both shocked and saddened by the tragic and untimely passing of two of our own this past summer.
On July 7, Member #347 Kurt Smith was killed in a motorcycle accident on Fort Meade Road in Laurel. A tractor trailer attempted a left turn directly in front of Kurt's Harley Davidson and Kurt struck the front bumper of the truck. Kurt was pronounced dead at the scene.
Kurt was a fixture at The Purple Goose Saloon on Steeler Sundays and was the epitome of what one would call "a gentle giant". He was always willing to help out anyone whenever they asked and could always be counted on to assist with Fan Club activities.
Although not one to make a lot of noise vocally, you always knew Kurt was around as his aura was as big as the man himself. I know I speak for a great many people when I say we didn't just lose a fellow member; we lost a good friend. Kurt leaves behind his parents back in his native Ohio as well as an older brother.
A mere 5 days later, on July 12, Jen Staley was killed in an auto accident on Maryland State Route 91 near Finksburg. Jen was driving south on Route 91 when a northbound vehicle crossed the center line and struck her Jeep Wrangler head on. Jennifer went into cardiac arrest at the scene and passed away later on that evening due to complications from her injuries.
Jen is the daughter of Jack Staley who is affectionately known as "The Trail Boss" at the Calgary Cattle Company on Harford Road. She was a pre school teacher at The Kiddie Academy in Owings Mills and was actually on her way to babysit when the accident occurred. While many folks in the PSFCOB may not have known Jen for who she was, those same people benefitted greatly from her gratitude as she was always there, behind the scenes, helping out in any way possible at tailgate parties and the like that were held at the CCC.
In addition to her father Jack, Jennifer also leaves behind her mother Karlene and younger sister Jessica.
These two incidents, however tragic, are all too commonplace and should serve as a reminder to all of us that life and all that it has to offer will always be more important than any game. With this in mind, be thankful for what you have and who you have and realize that it can be gone in just a matter of seconds. The PSFCOB offers our thoughts, prayers and condolences to both the Smith and Staley families.
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