Letter
Back in 1989, “Field of Dreams” made the saying “If you build it, they will come” famous. If you aren’t familiar, in the movie, Kevin Costner’s character kept hearing those words while in his Iowa cornfield. His interpretation of those words was to build a baseball field. Spoiler alert: the 1919 Chicago White Sox team showed up (their spirits did, anyway).
That simple statement, “if you build it, they will come,” applies to so many things – including the newly-renovated Community Bank Park in North Belle Vernon. When it was dilapidated, it was a spot where people went to deal and do drugs. No longer a heroin haven thanks to the cleanup, security cameras and good people, “they” come from all over to enjoy the park’s many amenities, including a dek hockey rink, adaptive playground equipment, a soccer and lacrosse field, pavilion, and more. You could call it RJ Sokol’s own field – er, park – of dreams.
As I found out when I met him at the park on a sunny spring day, he’s more than proud of what he and his team have accomplished over the past few years. And the revitalization isn’t stopping with the park – now, it’s spreading through nearby alleys and spilling onto Belle Vernon’s Broad Street Business District. But I don’t want to tell you too much here – but I will tell you that Sokol’s hope is that more people and municipalities do the same. Turn to page 16 to read the full story.
If you are in the Belle Vernon area – even if you aren’t! – I highly recommend taking the trip to Sonny’s Prime Steakhouse in nearby Arnold City (though, the mailing address is Belle Vernon). It’s got a great, sophisticated and unique atmosphere, a chic cocktail list and melt-in-your-mouth prime rib (call a day in advance to reserve your slice). The hours are limited, and so is the menu. But, as you’ll read in staff writer Karen Mansfield’s piece on page 26, it’s worth it to put in the extra effort planning your visit.
You’ll recall a few issues back when we debated the geographical boundaries of the Mon Valley. Perryopolis was one of those towns that not everyone felt fit in to the Mon Valley, but we think that it does. It’s closer to the Youghiogheny River than the Monongahela, and its rich history is a story in itself. Did you know that George Washington used to own a sizable amount of land there? Or that it wasn’t dubbed “Perryopolis” until the 1950s? Staff writer Rick Shrum explains on page 14.
Finally, I hope you get out and enjoy all that the Valley and surrounding areas have to offer this summer. From boating on the river and summer camps at the Mon Valley YMCA to concerts at the Monongahela Aquatorium and events like Fleatique on the Mon, there’s no shortage of fun!
Cheers,