Let’s face it, we’re hot. Not only is the 2016 Republican National Convention coming to Northeast Ohio, but the All-American Soap Box Derby just concluded in Akron, seven new members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame will be inducted Saturday in Canton, LeBron James is returning to play for the Cavs, and the Gay Games are coming to the area next month. This week, thousands of visitors are expected to descend on Akron for the Bridgestone Invitational at the famed South Course of Firestone Country Club.
Yep, we are a happening place. A trending spot on the globe. A community that’s captivating folks with varying interests. And with that comes volunteers — lots of them.
At Bridgestone, generous souls from 20 states and Canada will be in town donating their time. In all, including those from Ohio, 1,002 adults and 125 kids will volunteer.
“Akron is definitely the world focus right now,” said Glenda Buchanan, administrator of Northern Ohio Golf Charities. “And when it comes to the volunteers, we truly couldn’t do it without them.”
A couple of those giving folks are Sid Stermer of Massillon and his buddy Tim Welsh of Lake Township. The duo, both retired from the Timken Co., are a two-man crew who make up the roping and staking committee. Their job is to help put up 1,500 stakes and string 10 miles of rope that’s used to keep spectators off the course.
Stermer’s wife, Darlene, serves food to the hordes of volunteers. He and his wife travel a lot so he doesn’t play golf as much as he used to, but Welsh — well, that’s a different story.
“Only about six days a week,” he said, chuckling.
There’s actually a trick to making the rope look good at Firestone. Instead of simply tying off the ends, the guys use something called a “fid” to give the rope a finished look.
If you are lucky enough to get close to the ends of the rope, check out their snazzy handiwork.
While there’s a chance of rain in the forecast most of the week, don’t fret. You know the old saying around here: “If you don’t like the weather, wait a few minutes.”
At least it’s not supposed to be sweltering or ice cold. If you’ve been around for a while, you might remember the opening of the NEC World Series of Golf in 1997 when the wind chill was in the high 40s. By 11 a.m., before the first golfer had teed off, nearly 5,000 cups of coffee had been sold.
On Tuesday, the weather at Firestone was beautiful. A little cool, with a slight breeze. “Heaven weather,” I call it.
And with those grins, Stermer and Welsh looked as if they were already in paradise.
Fun for a cause
This is a great way to have fun and help someone at the same time. The Tourney on the Turf charity volleyball tournament begins at 10 a.m. Sunday.
This year’s tournament will help Tori Lynn Motley, a 17-year-old high school senior who lives in Akron. Last fall, she was diagnosed with Stage 5 renal failure and lupus.
The event will take place at Prentiss Park, 2009 East Ave., Akron. Cost is $20 for adults and $15 for high school students.
Kim Hone-McMahan can be reached at 330-996-3742 or kmcmahan@thebeaconjournal.com. Find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kim.honemcmahan.
