This Saturday, Safe Harbor is introducing a new fundraiser event – a Community Flag Football Game but they won’t be going it alone. East High School quarterback Nathan Derosa and Linebacker Owen Lyons have volunteered to present the inaugural event. I caught up with Owen to learn more about the event, how it came to be – and if I entered would I be going head-to-head with the East Football team? Spoiler – it’s possible.
HWC: How did you get involved with Safe Harbor?
OL: Jessica Chappell, the Executive Director of Safe Harbor, has two sons on the East football team and is currently the head of our booster committee, so we were already familiar with Safe Harbor and the great work they do in the community. So when we were presented with the chance to volunteer we leapt at it
HWC: What is your flag football background? Have you played before?
OL: We both played flag football as children, but both of us have been playing tackle football for about the past decade and have played together since 7th grade, with Nate primarily at Quarterback and myself on the defensive side of the ball.
HWC: Are East football players putting in a team – and if so, if I put in a team will I face them?
OL: We believe that there will be several teams from East football playing, and anyone can enter a team to compete. The teams from the East football team will be playing in the competitive division, while if you prefer a more relaxed game, a recreational division is also offered.
HWC: What are you hoping people will get out of this event?
OL: We simply hope that people will enjoy themselves and learn about Safe Harbor so that they will be motivated to support the great cause that it is.
Thanks, Owen!
West Chester’s inaugural Community Flag Football Game is being held on April 27 from noon to 3 p.m. Registration is open now. You will need at least five players if you would like to enter a team. If you don’t have enough players for a team, you can also register as an individual and you’ll be placed on a team when you arrive. In addition to the games, there will be kids’ activities, raffles, and food. Flags will be provided to those participating.
Volunteer Roundup
Looking for more ways to give back? Here you go:
- Attend a rally. West Chester Green Team has organized an Earth Day rally and celebration around the theme: Planet vs. Plastic. The rally begins at the old courthouse at 3 p.m. and includes speeches from State Senator Carolyn Comitta, State Rep. Chris Pielli, and County Commissioner Josh Maxwell. The procession will then march to the Unitarian Congregation for a post-rally celebration.
- Get dirty. Marshall Square Park is holding its annual spring cleanup on Saturday. Grab your gardening gloves and rakes and head to the park between 8:30 a.m. and noon.
- Sign up to clean up. Can’t commit this weekend? Plan ahead and join West Chester Mayor Lillian Debaptiste and the Police Department at their Boroughwide clean-up on May 4. Sign up now to reserve your street then head over to Borough Hall on the 4th between 8 and 9 a.m. to pick up your cleanup kit and receive a thank-you gift from the mayor.
- Share your skills. Community Volunteers in Medicine does a lot of amazing work for the community and now they need your help. If you are a retired doctor, nurse, or specialist consider donating your time to help the community. Also needed Spanish translators and drivers.
- Enjoy a nice night out. Each Wednesday this month, Iron Hill is donating 20 percent of its food sales to Safe Harbor. Show this flyer to participate.
Originally published on Apr. 19, 2024
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