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Post by evaryman on Jul 19, 2014 16:28:17 GMT -6
The Streator unemployment rate is one of the highest in the county. Our real estate taxes rival Chicago suburbs. Our, higher than average, diversity, which gives me much pleasure, is held against the town by a great many folks. We have drug, gang, drinking & brawling problems documented & regularly reported. And I wouldn't describe our town as an overly outgoing one. I can attest that if one has not been introduced to you, by a common acquaintance, there will be slim chances of a passing greeting. And there is little "make-nice" behaviour, that all too often, is passed off for polite actions, in other circles, to be had in our town. If, upon meeting, you are unliked by the Streatorite you won't be treated to a false show of pleasure when you again encounter our townsperson.
Yet, we've been blessed with a small theatre group that rivals any I've experienced. Along with some of the most generous people I've ever met. Also, if there's a job to be done Streatorites will come out to help whether they "like you" or not!
Now to the impetus of this post. I first made the following observation about 15 years ago, and I believe, that today, it was proven to continue to be a true assessment.
Today, morning & afternoon, we are all gathered in Dwight, for a 2nd season, All-Stars, B-team, baseball tournament. Names, that we all recognize as our fellow Streatorites, are being called out from the box. And with each name shouts and applause rise from the stands.
Because Streator parents, grandparents, friends & neighbors ALWAYS turn out when the children are on a field of play. I've lived in a good many lovely communities, but no where I've ever lived, has shown as constant & dependable support for its children as I've seen & continue to see demonstrated by our towns people. And, this supportive attitude, is not reserved just for sport arenas, but band, choir, theatre & the school holiday program.
This, my friends, is an outstanding attribute & a reason to feel much pride as a Streator resident!!
Addendum- the above was penned between games, both of which we won!! So, we'll all be back there tomorrow, shouting excitedly & win or lose feeling pride for the good town we represent:-)
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Post by Lucky1 on Jul 19, 2014 20:24:36 GMT -6
Congrats on the wins. Good luck tomorrow. I met one of my dearest friends through watching our grandsons play over the years. I have always loved the way entire families showed up for the games. I watched many children go from babies to adults as they went to the games year after year. My car still has all the baseball grandma stuff in a basket in the back. Suntan lotion, bug spray, umbrellas, towels and a blanket. Let us know how the games go tomorrow.
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Post by father of two on Jul 19, 2014 21:21:26 GMT -6
What time do they play? I love traveling all over to watch the all star games. The Harcar Tournament starts Monday at Southside. The Streator teams will be competitive.
The 16 year olds went to Michigan. The 14 year olds just finished 4th in a national tournament. The 10 year olds play Monday in Ottawa for the district title.
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Post by evaryman on Jul 19, 2014 21:48:59 GMT -6
Lucky1, I've done similarly, watched kids go from toddlers to adults, as a Granny, what a joy!!
FOT, you are correct that the Streator teams are doing well, but what sets all of you parents, grandparents & other supporters apart from so many people in our world, is that even if the kids are NOT doing well, they are supported!!
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Post by maskedmarvel on Jul 20, 2014 10:26:49 GMT -6
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Post by evaryman on Jul 20, 2014 12:20:32 GMT -6
FOT, & any other baseball fans ( lucky 1, one of the team members shares your family nane:) the game will be played @ 6:00 p.m. In Dwight. Yesterday the games were all kept "on time". Thanks for asking FOT.
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Post by maskedmarvel on Jul 21, 2014 20:33:08 GMT -6
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Post by evaryman on Jul 26, 2014 11:45:19 GMT -6
We're cleaning out the garage, & there's a plethora of junk & possibly useful junk. We loaned our chain saw long ago & it came home refusing to work. So its been moved from pillar to post & finally this time it was unanimous, we determine if it could be repaired for considerably less than the cost of a new one. And if not to the recycle it was to go. I recalled an ad I'd read here in classifieds, for small motor repairs. We called and then took the saw to a very nice man. He told us "I should have it back to you by tomorrow." in less than half an hour he called to say we could come for it when we wanted. We were still out running errands so we went back. He explained what the trouble had been adding it had only taken a few minutes of his time so THERE WOULD BE NO CHARGE! And that my friends is one more reason we can all be proud of the hard working honest people who share our community.
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Post by evaryman on Jul 26, 2014 15:51:02 GMT -6
We just had our yard mowed by a young fellow we don't really know, but when a kid comes to the door knocking, wanting to work & offers his mothers name & phone # so we can be sure its ok with his parents, who could say "no"? He did a very good job!!
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Post by dog on Jul 27, 2014 8:11:02 GMT -6
We're cleaning out the garage, & there's a plethora of junk & possibly useful junk. We loaned our chain saw long ago & it came home refusing to work. So its been moved from pillar to post & finally this time it was unanimous, we determine if it could be repaired for considerably less than the cost of a new one. And if not to the recycle it was to go. I recalled an ad I'd read here in classifieds, for small motor repairs. We called and then took the saw to a very nice man. He told us "I should have it back to you by tomorrow." in less than half an hour he called to say we could come for it when we wanted. We were still out running errands so we went back. He explained what the trouble had been adding it had only taken a few minutes of his time so THERE WOULD BE NO CHARGE! And that my friends is one more reason we can all be proud of the hard working honest people who share our community. Excellent posts eva. I see the goodness in many in our community on a daily basis. It is good to post the positives. I read this quote a couple of weeks back and have been working to have this kind of attitude, I don't know the author but here it is: " The average person generates 25,000 to 50,000 thoughts a day. Change your negative thoughts to positive ones and you'd have a happier and healthier life." |
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Post by evaryman on Jul 27, 2014 11:58:16 GMT -6
Thanks Dog.
That's a very good quote to hang onto. Thank you for bringing it to us.
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Post by father of two on Jul 27, 2014 14:17:15 GMT -6
I've had the good fortune to umpire all week for the SYB tournament. A lot of out of town teams have been here. All have had good things to say about our town.(umpiring maybe different) when I ask why they don't come here more often the most common reply has been that their towns have what we have or more. But they enjoy coming here and can't wait to come back next year.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2014 18:02:21 GMT -6
I've had the good fortune to umpire all week for the SYB tournament. A lot of out of town teams have been here. All have had good things to say about our town.(umpiring maybe different) when I ask why they don't come here more often the most common reply has been that their towns have what we have or more. But they enjoy coming here and can't wait to come back next year. Are you available to umpire the upcoming teacher contract negotiations? Just kidding, of course, but I hope common sense prevails...it's a rare commodity these days. My sources tell me that it's hard to get doctors and other professional people to move to Streator because of our school system's woes. Good luck with it. |
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Post by evaryman on Aug 1, 2014 16:01:39 GMT -6
I'm all the way on page3, & beginning the "bump",)
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Post by maskedmarvel on Aug 2, 2014 7:05:19 GMT -6
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