Why Not the Best?
On August 19th 2017, the words of a past NFL coach Bill Parcells, can only appropriately describe what went on at The Rayen Neighborhood Homecoming; "You are what your record says you are." The record states that the neighborhood surrounding the site of the old Rayen School, is a neighborhood that has decided "why not the best?" They held a day of celebration, a day of honoring past heroes, and a day keeping the best of the past and making the best of the future.
The brief and intermittent showers of the day, did little to discourage the brightness that the event shone. The highlight for many of us that day was honoring a former Rayen graduate and Youngstown radio personality of great acclaim, Frankie "Mr. Lucky" Halfacre. We know that Mr. Lucky smiled down upon us as his widow and daughter accepted the plaque honoring his contributions to the entire city. His catch phrase, "Do a little good for your neighborhood", was the theme of the day.
We were graced to have a performance of dance and song by Native American descendants; this too was honoring Mr. Halfacre, because as most of us know, he had a Native American background. It was especially educational, learning exactly what each dance represented, and learning about specific events like The Trail of Tears. Frankie was not the only trailblazer in his family, his daughter Madelyn Halfacre was honored in the wonderful Sports Hall of Fame exhibition. She, and not those who came along twenty years later, was the first female football star at the youth level. Madelyn starred for the Northside Knights at quarterback, and was selected MVP when she was but a young girl venturing out to play next to the boys.
Everyone was treated to hot dogs and iced cold water, as they visited with the vendors who came to display their wares and exhibits. You were able to purchase jewelry, pocketbooks, and literature for example from the vendors present. It was fun seeing Ben Davidson, who helped found the local block watch years ago, get around on his motorized scooter with a smile on his face. Ben had been under the weather recently, but he was in full effect on the 19th.
The children, may have had the best time of all. They had old fashioned sack races, and an old fashioned tug of war, and were more than willing participants in a good old egg toss!
The day ended with a great raffle that produced a myriad of winners, and all of the children were presented with a prize. But wait! Did I say the day ended then, not true. The day ended after We did a little good for the neighborhood, and cleaned up after our successful event!