Grapevine by Alex Vukoder

Congratulations to Heather Johnston Welliver, who was invited to the White House on July 8 to celebrate the passage of the Maternal and Child Stillbirth Prevention Act. Heather has been advocating for this bill for two years in honor of her daughter Lydia, who was unexpectedly stillborn in 2014 in the eighth month of pregnancy.

Heather Johnston Welliver was invited
to the White House to celebrate the passage
of the Maternal and Child Stillbirth
Prevention Act. Photo submitted.

The new law clarifies, for the first time, that states may use existing funding provided through the Social Security Act for stillbirth prevention activities and research. With 22,000 babies stillborn each year in the United States, stillbirth is ten times more common than SIDS. However, at least 25% of stillbirths, like Lydia’s, are preventable. Monitoring fetal movement through the Count the Kicks app is one simple, noninvasive way to prevent stillbirth.

Heather also founded and coordinates “Lydie’s Loop: Steps against Stillbirth.” The satellite event will be held at Bath Community Park on Sept. 22. To learn more, visit lydiesloop.org.

Heather is a 1999 graduate of Revere High School and lives in Bath with her husband, Justin, and children Ben, 11, Josie, 8, and Sammy, 5.

Cancer is a formidable disease that affects so many. Our community supports numerous cancer-fighting organizations, encouraging and inspiring each other in the battle against this illness. In honor of Betsy Marchetta, who passed away in August 2019 after a long battle with cancer, her husband Vince Marchetta and their two children, Amanda and William, are hosting “The Marchetta’s Lights of Hope” at Stewart’s Caring Place, 3501 Ridge Park Dr., Fairlawn, on Aug. 26 at 6:30 p.m.

Vince Marchetta advocates for better cancer treatments and increased research for a cure. Photo submitted.

The Marchetta’s Lights of Hope event is held in conjunction with the American Cancer Society’s annual Lights of Hope ceremony, designed to send a visible reminder to Congress that fighting cancer must be a legislative priority. Vince, a volunteer legislative ambassador for the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network, has been advocating for five years alongside dedicated volunteers. He has met with federal, state and local legislators to push for better screening, improved access to healthcare and treatment, clinical trials and funding for cancer research.

The Lights of Hope event is an opportunity to honor and remember loved ones touched by cancer. With a minimum $10 donation, participants can dedicate a luminaria bag to a loved one and write messages, memories or prayers on the bags, which will be displayed during the event. These personal stories illustrate that the issues at hand are not merely line items on a budget or words on a bill; they represent hope and opportunity for every cancer patient.

For more details, visit acscan.donordrive.com/participant/Vince-Marchetta.

Congratulations to the following Bath residents who were recently welcomed to the Women’s Board of Akron Children’s 73-member board: Veronica Cordray, Catherine Leonakis, Cindy Nelson and Allison Pitchford.

Revere Recreational Baseball and Softball wrapped up its 2024 season with many highlights, including three teams winning the Community Baseball League championship trophies. Congratulations to all the players and coaches of the F League (13-14 year olds) Blue, G League (11-12 year olds) Red, and the H League (9-10 year olds) Avengers. This was the first time in Revere history that the F League won the league championship. This phenomenal group of players demonstrated resilience, teamwork and commitment, finishing their season with an error-free game. Volunteers Tom Imke Sr., Tim Farrell and Jeremy Ruby coached.

For the first time in Revere Recreational Baseball and Softball, the F league team won the Community Baseball League championship. Photo submitted.

On the softball side, National League, 12U players Kiran Jooma, Eleanor Collins, Annie Wilson, Halen Carmichael, and Vivian Vukoder were invited to play in the All-Star game held in West Akron. From the American League, 10U team, Angie Kanz, Amelia Shue and Ellie Tylicki had the honor of being selected to represent Revere as All-Stars.

Several girls in the Revere recreational softball league were chosen as All-Stars. Photo submitted.

Congratulations to Philip Elliot Clark and Annabelle Soful, the recipients of the Revere Baseball and Softball Association graduating senior scholarships

RBSA is a nonprofit operated solely by volunteers and serves more than 400 youth from the Revere district on an annual basis. Congratulations to all the softball and baseball players this season and a special thank you to the sponsors, coaches and parents who volunteered their time to ensure our community of young ball players can have these memorable experiences. 

Enjoy your summers and don’t forget to share your stories, milestones and news with me at AVukoder@gmail.com. ∞