Please send your news item to Jean Borgeson at jeanb@iowatelecom.net
BAND PERFORMANCE – Friends of Rippey and others gathered on the lawn of the Rippey Community Room on Saturday evening, June 24, to listen to a rousing Town and Country Band concert. Traditional Sousa and Karl King marches were played along with a rock ‘n’ roll medley that saluted Dick Clark. A favorite from that was “YMCA” and several of the listeners participated in making the usual letter moves. There were some serious pieces including “Hallelujah” that were very much appreciated by those in attendance. The Town and Country Band directed by Snowy Chargo was at its finest.
The evening kicked off with a summertime picnic held in the Community Room. Food items were donated by Shawn and Lori DeMoss in loving memory of the late Velda DeMoss, the former president of the Friends of Rippey (FOR). Additional sweets were donated and the meal was served by Friends of Rippey members.
During the concert, Mary Weaver, Friends of Rippey leader announced that $850 was donated by those who enjoyed the meal. (Additional funds were received after the announcement).
In addition, she announced a former coach of the East Greene Hawks had leftover funds remaining from a ball field fundraiser and he will be donating $750 to the project of remodeling the grandstand bleachers. The evening well exceeded the $1000 goal established with that donation.
Total contributions to date are $2,500, of the $3,000 needed to complete the refurbishing.
Local contractor John McConnell intends to begin work on the bleachers this week in anticipation of having them repaired and painted by the Odd/Even, Rippey/EastGreene Alumni game to be held July 15 at the Ball Park.
Anyone wishing to donate for repair of the grandstand bleachers may submit the check to Friends of Rippey, Box 52, Rippey, Iowa 50235. The FOR group is a 501(c)3, so all donations will be tax deductible.
The Friends of Rippey thank those who came and enjoyed the evening, as well as supporters of the fundraising efforts for this project.
FUNDRAISING OF OLD – Fundraising for baseball in Rippey was common in the “old days.” One in particular that caught my eye was the one announced Thursday, August 16,1951, in the Jefferson Herald. There must be some fun memories from this game. Franklin Johnson was Mary Cunningham’s uncle, so you can be sure I will be asking her about it! Admission was only 60 cents. Oh how fundraising in general has changed!
Here is an account of the story from the Herald:
Cooper Ladies Team vs. Rippey Men In Baseball Benefit Sunday
Rippey—The Cooper ladies baseball team, one of the outstanding clubs of its kind in this part of the state, will meet the Rippey baseball team here Sunday evening in a benefit performance for the Rippey players.
The public is invited to attend the performance, which will get under way at 8:15 p.m. on the diamond here.
There is considerable back and forth bantering involved in the battle between the Rippey men and the Cooper ladies—and Umpires Franklin Johnson and Dewey Rench have indicated that “there have been attempts to influence the officials game time decisions.”
Rules for the game will be according to those set up by the Cooper International Ladies Baseball organization. At this point, the significance of this long title is not clear to the Rippey males. Neither is it clear just what the “new rules” will have to offer.
The ad in the paper stated:
BASEBALL GAME SUNDAY NIGHT, AUGUST 19, RIPPEY LIGHTED PARK
The Outstanding Ladies (?) Team (?) from Cooper vs. Rippey, in a benefit performance for the Rippey ball players. Don’t miss this game for a good time and plenty of laughs. Their only performance in the state this year. Time 8:15. Admission 60¢.
FINAL GAME – Gary, Mary, David and Ada Weaver traveled to Sioux City last Wednesday to watch Nathan Basye play his last regular season baseball game of the summer. A light evening meal was served by Theresa, and the time before the game was spent visiting, and catching up on past family events.
The game was tight through the fifth inning, but then broke open for the opposing team after a rain delay. Nathan had a good game, getting a solid hit, scoring once, and catching a fly ball in center field.
The Weavers drove home that night, as Ada had art camp the following morning in Perry. Regrets were sent by Emily as she had to care for Trixie and Hazel, their dogs.
Birthday wishes to Mary (Ethell) Cunningham celebrating her 90th birthday on July 7. Cards may be sent to her at 2344 330th St. Rippey.
Rippey United Methodist Church: PO Box 286, 103 West Main St. Rippey, IA 50235. Pastor: Paul Burrow, Pastor Rosa Soto. Phone: 515-436-7731. Adult Sunday school at 9:30 am; worship at 11 am; Every Tuesday, quilters at 9 am, coffee and fellowship at 10 am.
Rippey library: Librarian Shawneene Kenan; phone: 515.436.7714; website: www.rippey.lib.ia.us; E-mail: rippeyli@windstream.net. HOURS: Monday 1-6 pm; Tuesday 2-6 pm; Wednesday 3-6 pm; Thursday 2-7 pm; Friday 3-6 pm.
