The Suburbanite sponsored the “Battle of the Burbs,” the football game between Green and Lake high schools at Green’s Memorial Stadium on Aug. 22. A sell-out crowd of more than 5,500 packed the stadium to watch the rebirth of a neighborhood rivalry; and christen InfoCision Field - Green’s new artificial surface. Truly, it was a night to remember.

With all the hubbub surrounding the game, the team’s didn’t disappoint the fans either.

Green jumped out early and often, only to watch Lake come back and take the lead, lose it to Green with two minutes left to play in the game and then claim victory in the end. Lake and their fans celebrated a win and thus threw a damper on Green head coach Tom Stacy’s debut.

Part of the sponsorship of the game was asking fans to bring a canned good to the game.
In return, the fan received either an orange or blue pom-pom, depending on the team you supported.

I was truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of support both communities displayed. When the night was over, we collected four full boxes of food and $140 in donations. This Wednesday, Sept. 3, Green Good Neighbors and Lake FISH will each receive two boxes of food and $70 each to purchase food to support their food cupboards.

How far does $70 go?

 That is hard to say. According to Roberta Wolf of Lake FISH, for example, if meat cost $2 per pound, then $70 would buy 35 pounds of meat.

 But if you are buying just staples, it would go farther. Wolf indicated that this is the time of year that the pantry is in need of donations.

Lake FISH is located on Smith Kramer Road off of Kent Avenue at Maple Grove Mennonite Church. The hours vary depending on volunteers schedules. To find out when they are open, call 330-877-1845.

Green Good Neighbors is open each Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Green Good Neighbors is located in the back of Greensburg United Methodist Church on Greensburg Road. Both organizations will purchase food through the Akron Food Bank.

Lake defeated Green 39-30 and claimed the “Battle of the Burbs” trophy. The two teams displayed respect and great sportsmanship on the field.

But the true winners of the clash on Aug. 22 were the 14,000 residents of the city of Green and Lake Township, who donated food and cash to help members of their communities who are less fortunate. When residents go to the food cupboards, they will realize that more than just a football game was played between two communities, the fans themselves gave a part of themselves to help their ‘neighbors.’

Next year, The Suburbanite will be back for the second annual “Battle of the Burbs” when it moves east on State Route 619.

Thank you for your support and generosity of this event.

FridayNightOhio.com
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