Donora kickball is ‘all about the kids’
John “Bam” Duchi has fond memories of taking a bus with the Mon Valley Youth and Teen program from his home in the closely nestled houses and cement sidewalks of Donora to the openness of the country in Mingo Creek County Park as a youngster.
“I remember getting to run around and play in the creek and experience something I had never experienced before,” he said.
Those field trips sparked his love of the outdoors and, as an adult, he wants to share that experience with not only his kids, but the youth in his hometown.
Every Sunday afternoon, Duchi and other parents bring their children to the annex baseball field on Weaver Road in Donora to get outside and play kickball.
“I wanted to do something for these kids,” he said. “There is nothing for them to do in town. When kids don’t have anything to do, they can get into trouble. I want them to have something positive to do.”
The weekly event is more than just a friendly game. “Everyone pitches in, brings food and makes sure all of the children eat before the adults.,” Duchi said. “Everyone is welcome and all ages are encouraged to participate, toddlers to grown-ups.”
Parent Jamie Santiago said her girls look forward all week for Sunday. “This is something they don’t normally do, and they are having lots of fun with their friends and being outside.
Kids and parents start arriving at the Donora baseball field about 1 p.m. for kickball, races, food and other fun activities that last until evening.
Crystal Dunmeyer said the kids love it and it helps to bring the community together.
“Nowadays, people don’t get to see their neighbors; this brings us all together in a positive way,” she said.
Dunmeyer added with the loss of youth football and the impending closing of the roller skating rink, there isn’t much for the local children to do. “I think this a great thing for the kids and the community,” she added.
Tahliyha Santiago, 11, said she likes to come to the kickball event because she can play outside and see her friends outside of school. “It is really fun,” she added.
Duchi said to get all of the kids involved, he holds impromptu races before the kickball game. During the game, spectators can hear words of encouragement and gentle ribbing from the opposing team members, followed by giggles and squeals of delight.
Donora Councilman Gib Szakel said he thinks the weekly get-together is a great event for the community and brings his kids to join the fun.
“We need this type of positive things for the community and our kids,” Szakel said. “We need more of this type of thing here.”
Duchi said he wants this type of event to become a permanent fixture in the community.
“I am working toward maybe securing a place for winter and having activities for the kids,” he said. The group had an event in Mingo Creek Park where the kids made pop bottle boats for boat races in the creek and Duchi said he is working on future events.
“It’s all about the kids,” he said.