(PRESS RELEASE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
SHARING STORIES … Elaine Willibey talks to the Three Arts Club about her experiences as an usher at the Little League World Series.
For their November meeting, the Three Arts Club met at the West Unity United Methodist Church. The guest speaker was Elaine Willibey. She talked about her experiences as an usher at the Little League World Series for the past 15 years held at Williamsport, PA.
It was always on her Bucket List to be an usher. She filled out an application and was accepted. When the Little League World Series was first formed in 1939, there were only three teams for players ages 11-18.
Now there are 77 teams including many from other countries. Starting in 1974, girls could also play on the teams. Trading pins are a big deal. Elaine showed many interesting pins she has collected over the past 15 years.
Through the years as an usher, Elaine and her husband, who always went with her, met lots of people and some have become life-long friends.
All of the players expenses are paid for by the League. In the beginning being an usher was strictly a volunteer position. Since 2018, it is a paying position. There is no admission to the games and parking is free. A lot of people sit on the “big hill” near the stadium. The big deal is to slide down the big hill on a piece of cardboard.
Elaine retired from being an usher at the end of this year’s tournament games. On her last day as an usher, she got brave and slid down the “big hill” on a big piece of cardboard. What a thrill that was, and what a way to end her ushering career!
The meeting was then called to order. The secretary and treasurer’s reports were approved as read. Members brought items for the food pantry located there at the church.
It was voted to give $500 to purchase canned beef and canned chicken for the food pantry. It was also discussed to give art supplies to the Trinity Art School.
The Christmas Party will be held on December 10 at the Downtown Restaurant in Archbold starting at 6:00. Secret Pal gifts will be exchanged, and new ones will be drawn for next year. Bags of candy will be filled for the Christmas Party at the West Unity Senior Center.
The meeting was adjourned, and delicious refreshments were served by co-hostesses Candy Tressler and Linda Johnston.