FAIRHAVEN WORKSHOP Penguins score points
Tuesday marked the third time YSU players visited the workshop as part of a community service project.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NILES -- The cheers and applause ringing from the Fairhaven Workshop didn't quite reach the level of Stambaugh Stadium on game day, but it was close.
Ten Youngstown State University football players, donning red and white jerseys, visited the Niles workshop of Trumbull County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities on Tuesday afternoon as a community service project.
Workers clapped, waved and shouted greetings as the players walked through the door.
Team members, accompanied by coach Pete Rekotis, chatted with the workers, learning how they work.
Big fans
"Oh, I love it," said Pam Dennison, who works as a secretary in the workshop's front office. "I think YSU is great. I've enjoyed meeting them and I hope they continue to contribute more good work for the state."
"They're No. 1," added Missy Smith, another worker.
Freshman quarterback Aaron Marshall and linebacker Antwaun Foster looked over Dennison's shoulder as she explained in detail the work involved in affixing screws into plates used for doors.
The players said they had several choices to pick from in deciding on their community service projects, which are part of preseason training. Earlier this month, the players visited Forum Health Northside Medical Center.
Third year
John Danes, workshop manager, said this marks the third year the players have visited Fairhaven.
"They look forward to it," he said. "Now it's almost become a yearly tradition."
Vickie Prather, another workshop worker, took a break from her tasks, traveling from player to player, singing, dancing and demonstrating her expertise at the backstroke. Her performance even drew a blush from one player.
Tammy Alcanter, an adult aide, also pledged her support for the red and white.
"Sometimes I go see the games to see them play," she said.
She points to No. 66, junior offensive tackle Josh Davis, as her favorite player. Tuesday marked Davis' first visit to Fairhaven.
"It's good that they have things like this for these guys to do," he said.