Phoenix Firebirds: Welcome

A Mass Thank You Letter To all those who have shown support in the wake of Ridge Barden’s Death

This letter is for every mother who shed a tear for Jacqueline Barden and even if they never met her , their heart was heavy and deeply grieving for this mother who lost a son. It is for every father who thought “I hope this never happens to my son, it is such a tragedy and I am so sorry for Jody Barden’s loss”.  It is for the Phoenix football team, cheer leaders, and all the students at JCB who somberly came to school on Monday with a part of their hearts forever missing. It is for each student that realized that when grief is the common denominator there are no “popular kids”, “band geeks”, or “honor students”. They have learned the life lesson that we are all remarkably alike. Each one would be sorely missed if they were not here tomorrow.  It is for all the JCB teachers who look at the empty seat and think about what could have been. It is for Jeff Charles who has grappled with so many unanswered questions and has second guessed his career of choice. For he may not realize it now but he was the rock that they all leaned upon for support and he did not waiver an inch. It is for his wife Missy who metaphorically stood behind her husband through this adversity and also physically stood behind the chairs that each football player sat in during the wake- tissues in hand waiting to console each of them like a surrogate mother.

But lest I forget everyone else and how this tragedy has woven together the hearts of the Homer Community and the Phoenix community. It has been said that football is a brotherhood.  So many communities wore orange and black in remembrance of their fallen “brother”.  Each one of them honoring him in their own way showing compassion, kindness and generosity. This has woven us together like a tapestry of goodness. For this the Phoenix community thanks you.

It is our human nature when something like this happens to want to “do something”. It is in this way we work through the grief and see the good in people. We made pins, held candle light vigils, wore stickers with the initials “RB”, a benefit is in the works. I feel blessed to be a part of a community that comes together in such a way. I have not met every Phoenix resident but we all have something in common now. That is Ridge’s legacy- how he bonded the hearts of many. What could make a mother prouder?

Sheila Dion

Phoenix Pop Warner- Public Relations

Phoenix, NY

 New for the 2011 Pop Warner season. We have secured funding for a certain number of financial scholarships which will reduce the total balance due by $50 for Mitey Mite and above and $30 for flaggers. You will need to fill out the scholarship application and agreement and send it to the attention of Phoenix Pop Warner at our mailing address: PO Box 347 Phoenix, NY 13135 indicating the need for the additional scholarship. These are on a first come-first served basis based on the current balance in the fund. Please send a letter indicating what benefit a scholarship will have on your child. Email dionsinnewyork@yahoo.com for more information.