Saturday, March 26, 2016

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

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Christmas Spirit, with a Side of Baseball

The Harrisburg Senators Fan Club isn't just about baseball. Every December, we forego our monthly business meeting to gather in the spirit of the season.

The 2015 Fan Club Christmas Party begins as any other. Members arriving, adding neatly wrapped presents of all sizes and shapes to our gift table. Decorative poinsettias positioned as centerpieces. Drinks and snacks act as precursors to our annual Christmas dinner.

Following grace, the first table begins to gather from the feast before us. Dinner conversation is light and festive.

Before all tables are served, there arose such a clatter. The room turned toward the entrance to see what was the matter.

Two late-arriving guests appear: Santa and Mrs. Claus, (but no tiny reindeer)!


Santa and Mrs. Claus arrival 
Not surprisingly, they came bearing gifts. The brightly dressed couple visited with every guest.

After our satisfying dinner and cake for dessert, the reindeer games began. Through bursts of laughter, we awarded prizes for the winners of the Christmas-themed crossword, Christmas movie trivia and a challenging Christmas song title-lyric match.

Our gift exchange allowed everyone to select a present from the table. Members also had the option to choose a known gift: one of the vibrant poinsettia plants. Many of the wrapped gifts (surprisingly) possess a baseball theme, which is perfectly fine for this group.

Finally, our special guests offer photos by the Christmas tree. Many attendees accept the invitation and even sit on Santa's lap.

Fan Club Vice-President Jeanne Jacobs with our special guests
 
I'd like to thank the Clauses for taking time to join us. We all know how busy they must be this time of year.

I also want to thank the Fan Club board for their efforts to make this event special for all of us. I tip my Senators cap to the front office attendees, Blair Jewel and Todd Matthews, while several of their workmates were traveling to the Winter Meetings.

Although we all pine for baseball to return, gathering together like this in the spirit of Christmas provides a huge booster shot in getting us through the off-season. Thanks to all who attended.

Enjoy a safe, peaceful Christmas season!


Brian Williams
President

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Erie Homecoming

When Christopher Bostick was drafted by Oakland, his family's opportunity to see the Rochester, NY native play immediately became limited. A few years, two trades and an Eastern League stadium less than 2.5 hours from home later, Christopher's uncle and grandmother enjoy a sun-soaked game with Christopher playing 2nd for the Harrisburg Senators at Erie's Jerry Uht Park over the weekend, August 7-9.

Christopher Bostick's Uncle & Grandmother - Jerry Uht Park, Erie, PA
Fan Club Membership Secretary, Ruth Patrick reports that Christopher and his grandmother exchanged hugs both pre- and post-game. "Truly a nice and loving family. She was so excited to see her grandson playing ball."

Christopher's parents, sister and brother also made the trek for all of last weekend's games against the SeaWolves.


Of course, this was to be our Fan Club trip to Erie weekend, but we couldn't generate enough members with open schedules to commit. That's why we're trying again.

The Senators visit Erie one more time at the end of the month. If we can make this trip work, we'll cheer on the Senators Saturday, August 29th at 7:05, stay overnight at the same hotel as the team. After a $5 hot breakfast at the hotel, we'll check out and head for Sunday's 1:35 series-ending game.We'll leave from the ballpark to return home late Sunday, August 30th.

This time, we have different folks with weekend conflicts; however, Vice-President Jeanne Jacobs will accept your reservations to join us through Saturday, August 15th. The $125 cost covers your Wolf's Bus Lines transportation and tickets to attend both games.

The Fan Club will reserve your room at the Clarion Hotel Lake Erie, yet you can pay upon checkout. We will receive a discounted rate of $152 (plus tax and fees).

To learn more, please call Jeanne this week (717-774-2730). If we can make it work this time, we'd love for you to join us!

Brian Williams
President

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Special Guests

Not only did the Senators prevent Top-10 prospect Tyler Glasnow from earning a win at Metro Bank Park last night, they squeezed the most of their seven hits, three walks and an errant throw. That concoction mustered just enough offense to support fine pitching against a powerful lineup to sweep 2nd place Altoona.

As Glasnow tossed 70 pitches and then handed the ball to Tom Prince, he received much more than the polite applause visiting performances usually receive on City Island. In fact, many fans in Section 106 stood and cheered their prized Pirates pitching prospect, showing their appreciation for his 2-hit, 7-K performance.

About 40 of those baseball fans are members of the Altoona Curve Booster Club. They chose to visit Metro Bank Park on a beautiful late June evening to enjoy cheering their Curve and the Pirates #1 prospect on the road.

Altoona Curve Booster ClubBetween innings, I welcomed the group and spoke briefly with Carol Henrie. She and her husband visit Metro Bank Park annually to support the Curve. This time, they were able to hitch a ride with the booster club, which was formed in 2010.

In our brief conversation, she mentioned multiple times how much they enjoy our renovated ballpark. I countered that I believe both Altoona and Harrisburg are fortunate in that regard.

Although the Altoona fans didn't receive the results they wanted, they seemed to enjoy their stay during an entertaining game. They even cheered our now-famous (and very talented) all-male dance revue!

Monday, June 22, 2015

Fan Club Hits the Road Again

Although we missed a second consecutive no-hitter at Nationals Park by less than 24 hours, Fan Club attendees (even the Pirates' fans) enjoyed a convincing victory Father's Day to sweep the Bucs. We followed our usual route, stopping for breakfast on the way, getting to the ballpark just before the gates opened, and enjoying a leisurely dinner on the way home.

Section 133 could not have been more convenient. We sat straight across the concourse from the 1st base gate. Our seats remained in the shade until the 7th inning, when the sun began to creep onto our laps.

Matt LeCroy appeared on the field before the game to toss several baseballs into the crowd and sign a few autographs. Ian Desmond also signed for a few fans after loosening up just before the National Anthem.

Two new members from Lebanon came along for the first time. We also had a father-son duo celebrate Father's Day on this trip, as Abby and I did.

Our next road trip will cheer on the Senators in their away greys. We're arranging a weekend in Erie against the SeaWolves, Saturday and Sunday, August 8th & 9th. Because of the distance, a single game wouldn't be practical, so we may as well back our team twice (Saturday at 7:05 and Sunday at 1:35) with an overnight stay.

As always, we're looking at creative ways we can keep the cost to a minimum and still enjoy a fun weekend series. If interested in learning more, please call Vice-President Jeanne Jacobs at 717-774-2730.


Brian Williams
President

Friday, June 19, 2015

Fan Club Update

We tip our Senators’ caps one more time to Chad McConnell, guest speaker at our June meeting last week. We enjoyed meeting both Amanda and Chad; and hope they plan to join us again soon.

How about that Senators sweep of Trenton last weekend? Good pitching, highlight-reel defensive plays and clutch hitting make for an exciting combination against an always-talented Eastern Division rival.



Trea Turner finally has become the “official” player to be named later in the three-team deal that shipped Steven Souza, Jr. to Tampa Bay. We welcome Trea to the Nats’ organization and the Senators’ lineup tomorrow night against Richmond. The 21-year-old shortstop was hitting .322 at AA San Antonio with 21 extra base hits and 11 stolen bases.



If you’re traveling with us to DC for our Father’s Day Pirates-Nats game, we plan to leave the Radisson/Perkins parking lot in Camp Hill at 8:30 AM. We usually make a quick breakfast stop on the way and a full dinner stop on the return trip.



At last week’s meeting, I suggested we attempt a weekend trip to Erie to support the Senators on the road. If you’d be interested in Saturday/Sunday games August 8th and 9th at Jerry Uht Park (with an overnight stay), please call Jeanne Jacobs, Vice-President, at 717-774-2730.



We scheduled our next meeting for Tuesday, July 14th (MLB All*Star Game night) at the American Legion Post #143, 214 Market Street, New Cumberland. We’ll once again meet earlier in the month due to the Senators’ home game on July 21st. Guest speaker to be announced.

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Sad News

We learned today that we've lost another long-time Harrisburg Senators Fan Club member. Joanne Winters passed away this morning at 5:30.

Joanne was a fixture at Senators games halfway between the home dugout and the new press box. No matter the weather, you could see Joanne keeping her scorecard for every home game. She faithfully listened to away games on her radio, even while we enjoyed dinner following Fan Club meetings.

Joanne was a very active member of the Fan Club. She attended every meeting, (including our most recent gathering on May 5th at Shugar's Philly Deli). She generally sat in the front seat on all of our road trips, but sadly couldn't join us for our May 3rd trip to see the Nationals at Citi Field.

Service details will most likely follow in Tuesday's newspaper and on PennLive.com. Please keep Joanne's sons, their families and the rest of her loving family in your prayers.


Brian Williams
Fan Club President