Residents eagerly join in Natrona Comes Together's Sunfest

Bill Godfrey, president of the Natrona Comes Together Association, was happy Saturday to hear a resident say "It's like old times in Natrona."

That's exactly what the association is working toward -- safe streets and unity among neighbors in the Natrona section of Harrison Township.

Families roamed the booths at the Natrona ballfield Saturday afternoon, getting lunch, putting for cash, making crafts, playing basketball -- a day designed for community fun.

"It's great to see these young kids having fun," said Mike Stanoski, Harrison commissioner. "This is our future."

Godfrey said he hopes the Sunfest will become an annual event to help residents connect with leaders and law enforcement, ultimately making the community safer.

Children were taking advantage of the afternoon, connecting with State Sen. Jim Ferlo, and if they were lucky, his wallet.

Ferlo, D-Highland Park, started at noon, paying $1 to each kid that could hit a hole-in-one on a golf green he takes to small community events. After a while, he decided to up the ante, offering $2 per ace.

"One kid made $8," said Ferlo, who was happy to pay out $40 halfway into the festival. He said it was good to see residents participating.

"It's important that people get involved with the community," Ferlo said. "I think people feel now they're being listened to."

Godfrey said the community is definitely responding to the association, which is not even a year old. For one thing, police calls have decreased he said.

And although only three residents attended the group's first meeting, 30 to 40 residents now attend the biweekly meetings.

Allegheny County Councilman and former mayor of Millvale Jim Burn said the same kind of program targeting community involvement worked in Millvale.

"When you have strong unity in the community," Burn said, "it sends a message to the element that this is our neighborhood not yours, and we're here to stay.

"Residents need to know their leadership is not giving up on them. These little river towns are gems -- good places to build businesses, with affordable homes, and good people -- the most important thing."