Jam-packed July Meeting

Last night's Harrisburg Senators Fan Club meeting offered three rings of fun. No death-defying or animal acts, but lots of dugout chatter, roster moves and show-and-tell with CBS21 Sports Director, Jason Bristol.

As your elected ringleader, I called our meeting to order at 6:30. Following our traditional recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence to honor those killed in recent violence around the US, we got down to baseball.

We discussed our planned bus trips through the end of the MLB regular season, recognized our recent Eastern League Pitchers of the Week (Lucas Giolito and Tyler Mapes), and recounted Neftali Soto's huge accomplishments back in May. That's when he was named EL Player of the Week for a pair of 6-RBI games. Larry Kmetz presented Neftali with a Fan Club plaque to remember his achievement.



Tyler Mapes celebrated his 25th birthday earlier this week by twirling a CG 4-hitter, winning 5-1, and allowing just a solo homer in Erie. He could win another league-wide award as we present his plaque for June 13-19 before Thursday's start to the homestand.
We connected the dots on a series of roster moves that ultimately got Reynaldo Lopez onto the Nats' 40-man roster and the Nationals Park mound for his Major League debut last night. The organization also made Senators roster moves, unfortunately sending two pitchers (Greg Ross and Boone Whiting) to the DL.

More celebratory news: Fan Club member and baseball historian, Ted Knorr, received the Fay Vincent MVP Award. Since Ted could be with us last evening, we recognized his accomplishments and dedication to Negro Leagues research.

As our featured guest speaker, Jason Bristol talked about his rubbing elbows with former Expos players in Montreal this spring, minor league baseball salaries, and even his baseball bucket list. (He and I share wanting to attend the Midnight Sun Game during the summer solstice in Alaska!)



Jason is a great advocate for the Fan Club. He and CBS21 tweeted about his appearance, his photographer joined us for a while, and Jason mentioned us on the air both Monday and Tuesday evenings. Thank you, Jason, for always presenting initiating interesting baseball conversation and for your friendship with the members of the Senators Fan Club!

Brian Williams, President

Missed a Good One

Whenever I have the opportunity to go to a baseball game, I go. I never know what I may miss.

We’re sorry if you missed last night’s Harrisburg Senators Fan Club meeting. Guest speaker Andrew Linker kicked his usual humor and baseball knowledge into high gear.

Of course, we recognized Andy’s recent election into the Capital Area Chapter Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. What an accomplishment!

After starting with thoughtful baseball history, Andy pulled back the curtain on his new position as official scorer at FNB Field as only he can. The stories we shared during dinner after we adjourned our meeting were just as interesting.

Thanks again to Andy Linker – a great friend of the Senators Fan Club – for sharing details about his new position in the press box! You never know what you’ll miss at a baseball game … or when Andy speaks.


Brian Williams, President

Joan A. Prediger, 1941-2016 - Fan Club Member

Joan Amelia Dickson (Beavers) Prediger, RN was born on June 10, 1941 to Alan and Amelia Dickson in Washington, D.C. She grew up in Forestville, Maryland, graduated from Suitland High School, and received her Nursing Education at Sibley Hospital in Washington, D.C.

She was married to Maurice Beavers in 1961, until his death in 1990. She gave birth to Jeffrey and then to Robert. She served a combined 44 years at Georgetown University and then Sibley Hospital.

She met Walter David Prediger at a Psychology 101 class at Prince George’s Community College where Joan received a degree in English and Psychology. They were married at a Picnic Wedding on July 4, 2008. It was catered by the famous “Spot” Restaurant. It took place in their yard looking down upon the beautiful Susquehanna River. Joan was very religious, belonging first to Trinity Episcopal Church in Forestville, and eventually joining Salem United Church of Christ in Harrisburg, and then joining First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Lemoyne, PA.

She certainly enjoyed living in Wormleysburg, PA for the past nine years. Joan was a member of Easter Star Chapter 61, Centennial Lodge No. 174 in Upper Marlboro, MD. She also was a hospice volunteer with Heartland Hospice in Carlisle, PA. She was also very fond of wearing hats to Church; you might say that hats were her trademark. In fact she was a member of the Red Hat Society. Her favorite passion was photography and she assembled dozens of photo-filled binders. She became a weaver of used plastic grocery bags, which were then made into "plarn" or yarn, and then crocheted into beautiful sleeping mats for the homeless. She also made handbags and pillows.

She was truly a helper to anyone who was in need. She was very proud of her two sons who became Prince George’s County Firemen. Also, her granddaughter, Brandi, who became a dental assistant, and her grandson, Joe who is still in high school. Her stepdaughter, Jennifer lives in Los Angeles, CA, and is in the independent movie business.

Joan liked dining out, Harrisburg baseball games, bird watching and was particularly fond

of her cats, Licorice and Scuder. Her favorite musical was the “Phantom of the Opera” featuring soloist Michael Crawford; and, her favorite singer was Enya.

When we left Maryland, she helped to donate a home for less fortunate known as “The House of David”, which has sheltered many people. Since she moved here, we have met numerous friends who have graced us with their presence.

She is survived by her husband, Walter David Prediger of Wormleysburg, PA; brother and sister-in-law John and Sharon Dickson of Winchester, VA; son, Jeffrey and daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Beavers; son, Robert of Upper Marlboro, MD; two grandchildren, Brandi and Joseph in Upper Marlboro, MD; and daughter, Jennifer Prediger of Los Angeles, CA.

Joan was certainly a bright shining light in this troubled world. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, a check to First Christian Church, (Disciples of Christ), Lemoyne, PA, for Community Outreach Programs will be greatly appreciated.

 

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
442 Hummel Avenue
Lemoyne, PA 17043

Saturday, April 2, 2016

Viewing at Church from 9:00 am to 10:45 am

Funeral Service 11:00

Celebration Banquet in Church Fellowship Hall

Joan will be interred at the Cheltenham Veteran’s Cemetery in Cheltenham, Maryland at a later date.

Rest in Peace, Precious Child, Sister, Mother, Wife, Nurse, Friend and Christian.

Submitted by Joan's loving husband, Dave Prediger