The Stephens family stand beside the memorial stone at the entrance to the Apalachin Youth Football League's new park on Pennsylvania Avenue. Pictured (left to right) are Shelly Stephens Efland, Kevin Stephens, Bud Stephens, Keith Stephens, and Mike Stephens. The park was dedicated to the memory of Bud's late wife, Joy Stephens.

 "Six months ago, this was a cornfield. Now their field's a dream," said Tony Malarkey, President of the Apalachin Youth Football League, at last month's dedication of the league's new field on Pennsylvania Avenue.  The land for the new field was donated by Albert "Bud" Stephens of Apalachin. The AYFL has dedicated the site Joy Stephens, Bud's wife, who was killed in a car accident on February 15, 1998, as she was leaving Sunday services at the South Apalachin Baptist Church, just across the street from the park which now honors her life. 
 
"The Stephens family wanted to do something special for Joy and that's why we're here," Malarkey told the large crowd who had gathered for the dedication. "She was a devoted wife and mother, a member of the South Apalachin Baptist Church. She loved travel and being outdoors." 

 A four-ton bluestone rock which was engraved with the field's name and a memorial inscription was unveiled near the entrance to the park. The inscription reads "Stephens Memorial Park, Home of the Apalachin Raiders, In Memory of Joy Stephens, Dedicated September 21, 2002."

 Two members of the Stephens family spoke to the crowd. Bud Stephens thanked everyone, and said he was happy to donate the land. Mike Stephens, son of Bud and Joy Stephens, simply said, "What God took from us, he gave to you people.