Sports memorabilia raffle to benefit Lumberland’s Circle Park

Raffle of great items to help fund park in memory of Elizabeth Bisland

By RICHARD A. ROSS

GLEN SPEY, NY — In late August 2004, the Town of Lumberland suffered the tragic loss of 11-year-old Elizabeth ‘Boo’ Bisland. The community kept asking, “What can we do?” A small group of townspeople formed a committee and approached the town board about the possibility of developing a town park in her memory. Shortly after, a 9.5-acre parcel adjacent to the town hall was surveyed and dedicated as the future Circle Park. Town organizations and businesses have joined in the efforts by donating time, professional services and material to insure the successful completion of the park. The project has been entered as part of this year’s Sullivan Renaissance competition as a ‘B’ project.

“I think it’s a wonderful way to keep Elizabeth’s memory alive,” said her grandmother Kathy Bisland. “It’s wonderful that they’re building a park for children. I couldn’t even list for you the amazing number of people who have donated their time and their efforts to this project,” added Bisland.

As part of the fundraising efforts, a raffle will be held with the drawing set for September 8, 2005. A number of valuable items will be part of the drawing including the following: An official NFL football signed by the 2005 New York Jets, an NBA basketball signed by the 2005 Miami Heat team, a signed Meadowlands stadium print from the Rob Arra Collection of Jets and Giants, a Jets ball signed by Jay Fiedler, a Giants mini helmet signed by Will Allen, two official MLB baseballs signed by St. Louis pitcher Matt Morris, an official MLB baseball signed by NY Met David Wright, a signed 8x10 framed NY Knicks photo of Alan Houston, a signed and framed 8x10 photo of NY Yankees Hall of Famer Yogi Berra, a baseball signed by Cleveland Indians Hall of Famer and long time Baltimore Oriole Brooks Robinson, an authentic game-used Utah Starz Jersey donated by Tammi Reiss.

Barry Foster of Hot Corner Sports in Livingston Manor donated some of the above items.

Proceeds from the drawing will be used for supplies, materials and equipment to complete the first phase of Circle Park, which includes a walking trail, youth play equipment, a safe parking area and a picnic area.

Tickets are $5 dollars each or five for $20 and are available at Tri-State Diesel, 504 Route 42, Sparrowbush, NY. The telephone number is 845/856-6646.

Tickets are also available from BVH Sports Bar in Barryvile, NY.