ClubTalk Newsletter - April 2008

Fighting Childhood Hunger in Our Community

USDA Under Secretary Visits Kids Café

U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Nancy Montanez Johner traveled from Washington D.C. to Mesa to tour two Kids Café sites operated by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale. In addition to touring the Lehi and Red Mountain clubhouses located on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, the Under Secretary met with the children to share information on nutrition education while they enjoyed their healthy snack and evening meal. Also attending the special visit were representatives from the Arizona Department of Economic Security, Association of Arizona Food Banks, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Council, and United Food Bank of Mesa.

A partnership between the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale and United Food Bank makes the Kids Café program possible, providing youth with nutritionally balanced meals and snacks. Healthy snacks are served five days a week at the branches, which include items such as milk and fruit drinks, vegetables, fruit and health food bars. Hot meals are served every Thursday and range from vegetarian lasagna to turkey hamburgers, with a side dish of vegetables or fruit.

Food for the snacks and meals are provided by a two-year grant with the United Food Bank. The Salt River High School cafeteria staff voluntarily prepares the hot meals. Kids Café serves 625 snacks and 125 meals every week at the Lehi and Red Mountain Branches.

This remarkable program is for any child in the community, not just Club members at the two branches on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. “The Kids Café program has a huge impact on the community,” said Brian Yazzie, director of Native American Services for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale. “I was tired of seeing kids go home hungry. There would be no nutritious meal, and sometimes no parent at home. Kids at both Clubs love the program, and parents appreciate it.” Yazzie plans on growing the program over the next few years, to take care of the needs of underprivileged children in the community and raise awareness of the hunger problem. The Clubs plan on serving hot meals twice a week by Spring 2008 and meals five times a week by 2010.

Kids Café is a program of America’s Second Harvest, which is sponsored nationally by ConAgra Foods, and operated locally by United Food Bank. Kids Café is one of the largest charitable meal service programs for children in the nation, with approximately 1,600 sites in 42 states and Washington D.C.

United Food Bank is a community-based private non-profit that provides hunger relief/food assistance by collecting, acquiring, storing, and distributing food and related commodities through a network of partner social services agencies in their service area of Eastern Maricopa County, Gila, and Pinal Counties and southern Apache and Navajo Counties. United Food Bank provides access to nutritious food for those who are without by serving as a community bridge between those who want to help and those who are in need. “When children are in reputable programs like the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale, their social skills and everything else improves," said Bob Evans, President & CEO of United Food Bank. "These programs keep kids off the streets and in school with full stomachs."

2007 Youth of the Year - Shannon Holmes

The Thunderbirds Branch

Why I joined the Club: I started going to the Thunderbirds Branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale when I was 11-years-old after relocating to Arizona from New York. My mom wanted a safe, supervised place for me and my brothers to go to after school while she was at work and the Club provides that type of environment for us.

My favorite Club program: Leaders in Training (L.I.T.) taught me so much about myself and how to become a positive leader. L.I.T. is a program which allows Club members ages 13 to 17 various opportunities to learn the importance of responsibility and leadership skills. It gives teenagers the knowledge and understanding of the Boys & Girls Club movement, community, responsibility, work ethics and unique personal skills. By becoming involved with L.I.T., it allowed me to break out of my shell, make friends, and felt “right at home” at the Club.

My greatest highlight from the Club: In addition to being named the 2007 Youth of Year by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale last March, another highlight was being named the 2007 Arizona State Keystoner of the Year. The award was based upon my commitment to the Club and how I have exhibited my leadership skills and abilities. I was nominated by James Moran, branch director at The Thunderbirds Branch, and it was great to be awarded this prestigious honor.

Life lessons I’ve learned: The Club taught me how to be a leader and help others not only at the Club but in my community. It’s a great feeling to know that I can contribute to society and have a positive impact on others.

People who have inspired me: All of the staff at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale have been so kind to me over the years. They serve as great role models for me and other kids at the Club and they have always looked out for my best interest. Their assistance and encouragement helped me through both good and bad times in my life. I don’t know what I would have done if I didn’t have their support!

What it means to me to be Youth of the Year: Being Youth of the Year has given me the chance to share my story with others and to be a role model for today’s youth. I want to be someone that kids can relate and look up to, and being Youth of the Year has given me the opportunity to do so.

Where I am today: The fall semester of college I attended Arizona State University. In between classes, I worked part-time at the Hartley & Ruth Barker Branch in the art room. I’m glad I can continue to be a part of the Club which has given me so much. The best way to give back is to teach my example and I’m so fortunate to be able to help today’s Club members in this capacity. Spring semester I transferred schools and now attending St. John’s University in New York.

What I want to do after graduation: After graduating from college, I’d like to pursue career where I can work with kids and give back to the community.

My advice to today’s youth: Get involved with anything you can and be apart of something you are passionate about.

The impact the Club had on me: My experiences as a member have made be who I am today. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale taught me to how to resist peer pressure and provided a safe haven for me when I was growing up. Thank you!

Meet Our 2008 Youth of the Year Finalists

New Collaborative Fitness Program Benefits Youth, Staff

Fitness Fun Camp Emphasizes How to Develop Healthy Lifestyle

Eating healthy and exercising regularly are important practices for all youth. Fitness Fun Camp is one program offered at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale to help get kids interested and excited about personal fitness.

When James Moran, branch director at The Thunderbirds Branch, recognized the need for a program to get kids physically active and eating right, he enlisted help from The Club Continuum, a group of young professionals, many who are past Club members, dedicated to giving back to the community and helping today’s youth. Through this partnership, they had the opportunity to work with Chris Powell, a personal trainer who owns his own training and nutrition company called STAX Nutrition Lifestyle System. Together they developed an interactive fitness and nutrition program for Club members and staff.

By incorporating Chris Powell’s STAX system, Fitness Fun Camp teaches youth and adults to eat five or more meals a day, and has color coordinated containers and timers as a reminder of when to eat. Last year, 16 kids and eight staff had the opportunity to participate in Fitness Fun Camp, and even more members are expected to become involved in the program in 2008.

The camp is a component of Project L.E.A.N. (Lifestyle, Education, Activity and Nutrition), the healthy lifestyles initiative that supports the well-being of all members. From activities to snacks at the Clubs, Project L.E.A.N. educates children and teens on how to make positive life choices.

Powell’s interest in collaborating with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale was sparked through one of his clients who wanted to help educate kids about the importance of developing proper eating habits and exercise. David Smith weighed more than 600 pounds when he first started training with Chris Powell. His weight problem began as a child, and he was constantly teased by other kids for being overweight. Now, Smith wants to make sure that children know the how to make smart choices for both their physical and mental well-being. In just two years, Smith lost approximately 380 pounds. Smith’s story has been featured on television programs like “20/20” and “Oprah.” With the help of Powell and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale, Smith’s dream is becoming a reality.

Fine Arts Program Encourages Artistic Expression
Among Youth

Winners Advance to Regional Competition

The annual Fine Arts Exhibit – Art Show 2008 – was held at the Scottsdale Camelback Resort. Sponsored by Harris Bank, the competition consisted of community artists and educators selecting the best works of art from members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale. Members create art in different categories, including acrylic and oil painting, multicolor drawing, printmaking, mixed media, monochromatic, watercolor, constructing sculptures and group projects. Exhibits were done at the branch level last year with the first and second place pieces advancing to the recent competition. From there, selected artwork will compete in one of five regional shows around the country for the opportunity to be included in the Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Fine Art Exhibit in Atlanta and which is also toured around the country for all to see and enjoy.

Kids Compete in the 3rd Annual Spelling Bee

Organization-Wide Spelling Bee Brings Together Members from Different Clubs

Over 80 Club members came to the Virginia G. Piper Branch to compete in the 3rd Annual Spelling Bee. Members participated in grade level spelling competitions, Cranium activities and Scattergories puzzles. Though several were eliminated, no one walked away empty handed. Every member received a medal, t-shirt, prize and a barbeque lunch. Along with the kids, we had a large number of supporters on the sidelines. It was wonderful to see so many parents and families out supporting our members.

« Alex, age 8 & Jack, age 7

New Puppet Theater Delights Club, Family Members

Members Produce Show at The Thunderbirds Branch

A new Puppet Theater at The Thunderbirds Branch has helped Club members learn about the art of live theater, set production and acting. Developed by the branch’s art director Bruce Barrow, members involved with this program worked diligently for more than two months in preparation for its first show in the fall. A team of eight met three times a week to create puppets, build props and practice their lines. While many of the members participated in handling the puppets during the show, others assisted in behind-the-scene roles such as lighting manager. Through teamwork and dedication, the Puppet Theater debuted with three performances of the show, Frankenstein. Audience members of both youth and adults watched in awe as the puppets and set came to life!!

The Puppet Theater group is looking forward to the spring show production of Sleeping Beauty.

Uncorked & Unplugged 2007 Entertains Crowds

Annual Fall Taste Event Benefits Club Programs

On the evening of Sunday, October 21, Desert Ridge Marketplace was packed with over 2,800 people – but not pre-holiday shoppers. They were there for the annual fall gala – Uncorked & Unplugged, sponsored by Casino Arizona benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale. Fierce winds did not deter partygoers from spending an evening under the stars, enjoying the best in gourmet food, fine wine and spirits, and live entertainment.

Nearly 30 restaurants and food vendors provided an eclectic taste menu. Accompanying the delicious tastes was a vast selection of wines, spirits, and foreign and domestic beers donated by Southern Wine & Spirits of Arizona and Hensley & Company. Bottled water was also available courtesy of Fiji.

Three stages with live bands entertained guests as they made their way around the mall. Featured performers at this year’s Uncorked & Unplugged included Big Mamma & White Bread, Rock Lobster, The Swingtips, Tragedy Andy, and Showstoppers Live!

The party continued for those with a Post Party ticket at Malee’s Thai Bistro. The band Shining Star got people on the dance floor and help conclude a fun-filled evening.

Thanks to all of our generous sponsors and attendees for making this year’s Uncorked & Unplugged the best party in the Valley. For a complete list of sponsors and to view photos, visit our web site at www.bgcs.org – under Special Events tab select Uncorked & Unplugged.

Plan now to attend Uncorked & Unplugged on Sunday, October 19, 2008!

BGCS Leadership Team