ClubTalk Newsletter - Summer 2008

Summer Camp in Full Swing

It’s another fun-filled summer for children and teens at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale! During summer camp children are placed in appropriate age groups and participate in a wide range of organized activities – from arts & crafts to intramural sports to Club educational programs. Special events such as talent shows, guest speakers, dances and water days are coordinated as well as field trips to swimming pools, museums, bowling alleys and more. Over 2,000 youth will participate in this year’s summer programs with 1,700 youth attending one of our locations on a daily basis.

Champions of Rock Rolls Into McKee Branch

At the Mary Ellen & Robert McKee Branch in Fountain Hills, Champions of Rock has teamed up with the Club to bring their “Rock Band” music program to our youth. This program teaches guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and vocals in a band format and is capped off with a live concert in front of family and friends. Champions of Rock is a 13-week program where kids meet for 2 hours weekly after school and is open to youth ages 6 to 18. The program works to promote, educate and enhance the development of music skills. Kids are guided into appropriate song selections based on skill levels, band preferences and other factors.

The “Rock Band” teaching style creates more awareness of musical instruments and a better overall understanding of how each kid becomes an integral part of the outcome. In each session, participants concentrate on learning a particular song while the instructor focuses on techniques and fundamentals. The program allows kids at all levels to develop their potential, grow their self-esteem and achieve their goals.

Champions of Rock was formed by Fountain Hills residents Mike and Jon Brinton, along with the help of David Sebree of the Austin School of Music in Austin, Texas. “Our objective is to reach out to youth and create a relaxed, new way to teach music and teamwork, and make it fun,” says Brinton. “We are able to do this by teaching iconic and modern rock songs in a rock band format from day one. Even if you don’t know how to play an instrument, the purpose of this program is to play together as a band with your friends and enjoy music.”

Club Art Displayed at Local Gallery

On June 19, art enthusiasts had the opportunity to view and purchase art created by members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale at LKG Contemporary Art Gallery located in Old Town Scottsdale. Club artists showcased their southwest themed paintings and two- and three-dimensional pieces from classes over the past month instructed by local artist Joseph Wolves Kill. All sales proceeds went directly to the youth artist whose painting was sold.

Staff Honored at Distinguished Level at National Conference

Staff from Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale was honored by being inducted into the Academy of Boys & Girls Clubs Professionals Distinguished Level at the national conference held in May. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale is second in the country in the number of staff earning this high level of distinction. Congratulations to (in picture left to right): Brian Yazzie, Director of Native American Services; Soilo Felix, Director of Program Technology; and Cathy Wiedhopf, Education Coordinator at Hartley & Ruth Barker Branch.

The Academy of Boys & Girls Clubs Professionals was created to ensure professional recognition for staff that have demonstrated a commitment to fulfilling the strategic goals and objectives that support the Club’s mission. The Academy bestows recognition to staff for continued professional growth and development that demonstrates the highest levels of competence and performance within their jobs.

Club Honors Grant Writer, Corrections Supervisor as Staff of the Year

Staff members from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale were honored by being inducted into the Academy of Boys & Girls Clubs Professionals Distinguished Level at the national conference held in May.

Left to right: Mike Thorell, Board Chairman; Steve Davidson, Club President/CEO; Erin Lovell; Katie Loker, 2008 Youth of the Year – Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale	Left to right: Mike Thorell, Board Chairman; Katie Loker, 2008 Youth of the Year – Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale; James Short; Steve Davidson, Club President/CEO

Since 2004, Lovell has been writing grants that expand the Clubs private funding opportunities while continuing to manage the organizations’ public, Tribal community and governmental grants. She also works with the Boys & Girls Clubs Arizona Alliance on MethSMART and SMART Moves – prevention and education programs that help young people make positive choices when confronted with peer pressures like drug or alcohol use.

As the Club’s site supervisor at the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Detention Center, Short works with the Corrections Department and the Accelerated Learning Academy (ALA) to provide Club programs to incarcerated youth. The goal is to provide intervention to these teens now before they continue on a negative path. About 175 youth have been involved and results have shown a 17% reduction in repeat offenders and many have returned to school through ALA. This year 16 participants completed their diploma.

“Erin and James are examples of how they believe in our vision of giving kids the necessary tools to make positive choices today that will last them a lifetime,” said Steve Davidson, President/CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale.

Local Club Supporters Receive National Honor

Left to right: Steve Davidson, Club President/CEO; Katie Loker, 2008 Youth of the Year – Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale; Don Lindner; Mike Thorell, Board Chairman	Left to right: Katie Loker, 2008 Youth of the Year – Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale; Steve Davidson, Club President/CEO; Mary Ellen McKee; Mike Thorell, Board Chairman

Foundation Trustees Mary Ellen McKee and Don Lindner were the recipients of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Medallion Award, a national service recognition award that is given to board members or volunteers who have donated time, energy and helped raise money to support the organization and its programs. Both have over 20 years of service with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale and have made significant efforts to provide quality youth development programs to our members. Thank you and congratulations Mary Ellen and Don!

Welcome New Board Members

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale benefits greatly from the leadership of a strong volunteer board. The dedication of these Governors and Directors constantly encourages the organization to achieve new levels of excellence. We would like to welcome the following people who recently joined the Board.

Board of Governors

• Mike Muraco, On Air Sports Marketing
• Wally Nichols, Former Mayor of the Town of Fountain Hills
• Clark Peterson, Telesphere
• Sangy Vatsa, American Express
• Mark Weber, Moss Adams

Board of Directors

• Stacey Brown, Alliance Bank of Arizona
• Janet Caldarelli, World at Work
• Jeremy Keck, Chasse Building Team
• Vicki Mayo, Mayo Hotel Management

Thank You for Supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale

As another fiscal year comes to an end, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale would like to thank you for helping to power the potential of children and teens in your community. By supporting the Club through activities such as attending special events, participating in shopping drives, volunteering at a branch, donating to our annual Angels for Kids campaign – to name only a few, you give kids a safe place to go and grow. It is the through the help of concerned community members and organizations that we can continue to teach boys and girls how to make positive life choices in everything they do. On behalf of our 15,000+ Club members, please accept our sincere thanks!

Explore the Thrift Shop in Person or Online

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale Thrift Shop is open year-around and is full of merchandise sure to please every shopper. The Shop carries many unique and one-of-a-kind items for every need and occasion. What a great way to make your dollars stretch and support the Club. Can’t make it to the shop? Some merchandise is available for purchase online:

www.craigslist.org
  1) Select Phoenix page
  2) Enter “bgcs” in the search function

www.ebay.com
  1) Select “Advanced Search” next to the “Search” button
  2) Click “Items by Seller” and for User ID type: uniquebourtique1

Or you can shop the “old fashion way” and stop by the Shop located at 2626 N. Scottsdale Road (just south of Thomas Road). Hours of operation are: Tuesday 12 pm – 3 pm; Wednesday – Thursday 10 am – 3 pm; and Friday – Saturday 10 am – 4 pm. Seniors 55 years and old receive 20% off purchases on Tuesdays.

The Thrift Shop is always accepting donations. For more information call 480-949-5787.

Check Out This Event Benefiting the Club

Peanut Butter & Jelly Drive – July 1-31

Customers at Valley Bashas’ and Food City stores can “help kids make healthy choices” by making a donation at the time of check-out to the Peanut Butter & Jelly Drive benefiting Valley Boys & Girls Clubs.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale Leadership Team