Booster club hosts annual memorial alumni softball game July 31
ARCHIVE PHOTO BY LISA McGINTY | LMc Photography
Dalton High softball team alumni participate in last year’s memorial softball game and field dedication.
DGKN ARCHIVE PHOTOS
DALTON It was the perfect midsummer evening for a historic community event.
Last year, thanks to a generous business owner, along with others who donated time, funds and labor, Dalton’s softball program finally had its own field. People came together last July under a blue sky with fluffy friendly-looking clouds to dedicate the softball field to local entrepreneur Howard J. Wenger, and to honor the memory of a Dalton teen who had a deep faith, was active at school, church and in her community, and loved her family, friends – and softball.
Dalton graduates signed up to play the game against their younger counterparts who had just completed their season that spring. The alums showed they still had skills. Fans filled the newly installed bleachers, stood along the fence, and filed in with their lawn chairs not only to cheer on players, but to show their support as school personnel made presentations and the Wenger and Ramer families were introduced and recognized.
Building on that memorable evening and maintaining the tradition and spirit of community, the Dalton All Sports Booster Club is organizing the second annual Janine Ramer Memorial Alumni Softball Game July 31 at Howard J. Wenger Field. Food trucks begin at 5 p.m. and the alumni game begins at 6:30 p.m.
Cortney and Cliff Staley are the co-presidents of the Dalton All Sports Booster Club this season. They took their roles earlier this summer and now they’re taking off with what is turning into one of the biggest events in the village. The couple said they couldn’t do it without their other active board members, Kourtney Yoder, Sharla West, who is Janine Ramer’s sister, and Wendy Simmons.
The intent is to keep the spirit of community alive in Dalton, the Staleys agreed, and offer opportunities for residents of all ages to come together. At the same time, the annual event shows appreciation to the Wenger family for their generous contributions to the village, and pays tribute to Janine Ramer and respect to the family as people continue to be inspired by the young lady who passed away in 2003.
The Dalton All Sports Booster Club has been updating its page almost daily leading up to the event with information including a map showing where people can expect to find the activities surrounding the field, menus and photos from food trucks, and more information about vendors and activities. Among the food trucks the booster club has given a shoutout to so far include Byler’s Barbeque, Tommy’s food truck, Wild Fox, and Completely Cookied.
What a heartwarming tradition! It’s wonderful to see the booster club come together to honor the memory of alumni through the annual softball game. These events not only celebrate the legacy of those who have passed but also strengthen the bonds within the community. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of the school and its alumni. Kudos to the booster club for their dedication in keeping this tradition alive and bringing former students, friends, and families together. Looking forward to many more years of this special event! 🥎🌟 #CommunityUnity #MemorialAlumniSoftball.
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