Archives for January 2012

Louie Honors Reading Program Poster Winners

The Baysox lovable mascot Louie made visits to two local schools last week to congratulate some very special students. Louie wanted to congratulate the winners of the annual poster contest that kicks off the Read and Hit a Home Run Reading Program.

Caroline Kerr of Crofton Middle School in Crofton, Md. and Caroline Cooney of Whitehall Elementary School in Bowie, Md., each received special visits from Louie to receive their prizes.

Louie would also like to congratulate Southern Maryland winner Myles Williams of William B. Wade Elementary School in Waldorf, Md., who has moved out of the area and was unable to claim his prize.

The students’ poster designs were selected as the winner for all schools in their respective regions. Caroline Kerr was the winner in Anne Arundel, Howard and Queen Anne’s counties and Caroline Cooney was the winner in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties.

Louie surprised the winners during special school assemblies, rewarding them with a framed poster of the design, 12 Baysox tickets and a collection of Baysox gear. The students also get a chance to throw out a ceremonial first pitch before the Baysox Reading Night game for their county.

Prince George’s County winner Caroline Cooney’s parents were told ahead of time that their daughter was the winner and they were on hand for the presentation. “I am so proud of Caroline,” said Julie Cooney. “She loves drawing and to have something she has done selected is beyond words. I am so excited.”

Caroline Kerr’s Language Arts teacher Diane Wagner was thrilled that her student was the one selected to be the Anne Arundel County winner. “Caroline is an exemplary student, the kind of student that I wish I had 30 of,” Wagner said. “She is a straight A student, she is involved in athletics and she is well-liked. I can’t think of a more deserving young lady.”

The Baysox would like to thank Read and Hit a Home Run Reading Program sponsor Educational Systems Federal Credit Union for their support of the program. This is the eighth year that Educational Systems Federal Credit Union has sponsored the reading program.

In all, 224 schools are registered to participate in the reading program this year. Any student in participating schools who reads at least four books is rewarded with a free ticket to a Baysox game. Louie will be visiting students throughout the weeks leading up to the season to show them how fun reading can be.

Akron Aeros Lend a Paw to Summit County Animal Control

Akron-AerosThe Aeros front office staff fell head over paws as they traveled to the Summit County Animal Control to cheer up homeless, yet hopeful, dogs and cats last Tuesday, January 24.

The Summit County Animal Control takes in stray animals in the greater Akron area, aiming to reunite owners with lost pets, find homes for animals eligible for adoption and providing dog licensing required by the state.

Their mission exemplifies the county’s goals to “protect the health, safety and well-being of citizens and animals…through law enforcement, compassion towards animals and promotion of responsible pet ownership.”

Like all of the Summit County Animal Control volunteers, the Aeros staff had the freedom to roam the facility and partake in anything from walking, bathing, watering and playing with animals of their choice.

“We want our volunteers to want to come back again,” Summit County Animal Control Manager CHRISTINE FATHEREE said.

This open attitude left staff members feeling their time spent was not only efficient, but even more valuable.

“I enjoyed this experience because it gave me the opportunity to work with many animals. It was gratifying knowing that just a simple walk or exercise really put a wag in their tail,” Aeros Food and Beverage Director NATE MICHEL said.

Every staff member left with warm and fuzzy feeling and an outfit covered in hair to match, yet they wouldn’t want it any other way.

As part of the “Helping Hands Program,” the Aeros staff volunteers at local non-profit organizations each month in order to reach out to the Akron-Canton community.

For information on volunteer opportunities with the department or how to adopt an animal, call (330) 643-2845. For additional Akron Aeros community outreach efforts, visit akronaeros.com.

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Group Sales Representative Mitch Cromes gets love from our four-legged friends.
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Lene Spahn, Media Relations Coordinator and IT Specialist, is smitten with this kitten.

 

Cats Receive Honor from the Friendship Service Center

ROCK CATS RECEIVE HONOR FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE

left to right: Steve Kunsey (Rock Cats), Amy Helbling (Rock Cats), Jason Howey (Okay Industries), and Rocky the Rock Cat
left to right: Steve Kunsey (Rock Cats), Amy Helbling (Rock Cats), Jason Howey (Okay Industries), and Rocky the Rock Cat
left to right: Steve Kunsey (Rock Cats), Pam Vatti (Liberty Bank), Rocky the Rock Cat, Amy Helbling (Rock Cats)
left to right: Steve Kunsey (Rock Cats), Pam Vatti (Liberty Bank), Rocky the Rock Cat, Amy Helbling (Rock Cats)

The Friendship Service Center of New Britain – a decades-old community-based organization dedicated to assisting the area’s poor and disadvantaged – took time at its 43rd Annual Meeting yesterday to recognize the Rock Cats as their “2011 Business of the Year.” The New Britain franchise enjoys a proud history of supporting worthy community causes and, as such, has been pleased to partner with the Friendship Service Center for several years.

Located on Arch Street, the Center provides a range of essential community living services, including emergency shelters and transitional and permanent housing, to families in need.  Ms. Ellen Perkins Simpson serves as the organization’s Executive Director.

Assistance to the Center from the Rock Cats has come in many different forms including food and clothing donations, the provision of complimentary tickets to ball games, and the delivery of Thanksgiving Dinners and other Holiday gifts to families identified by FSC.

Another of the Rock Cats’ fabulous sponsors – Liberty Bank – was also present at yesterday’s event and took the occasion to present the Friendship Service Center with a check for $3,700! As a valued partner of the Rock Cats, Liberty Bank set aside $100 each time a New Britain player blasted a home run during the 2011 Season. As the ‘Cats swatted 37 round ‘trippers, Connecticut’s oldest mutual bank put together a kitty of $3,700 – and yesterday generously donated the entire amount to FSC!  What a great gesture – and a wonderful cause. Bravo to all parties!

By the way, Liberty Bank noted that they plan to open their 44th branch location at 747 Farmington Avenue in New Britain in the Spring. Maybe some of next year’s home runs will bounce off their new roof!
This article originally appeared on the official website of the New Britain Rock Cats. Click here to view the original story.

Cutters banquet raises $4,500 for charity

Bresnahan inducted into Bowman Field Hall of Fame

Phillies GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. (left) is interviewed during the Cutters Hot Stove festivities.
Phillies GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. (left) is interviewed during the Cutters Hot Stove festivities.

With a star-studded guest list and a jam-packed Genetti Ballroom, the Williamsport Crosscutters 6th Annual Hot Stove Dinner & Auction with the Phillies was a great success while raising $4,500 for charity.

On a cold winter night in Williamsport, Phillies GM Ruben Amaro, Jr, former Phillie Andy Tracy, former Phillies GM Ed Wade and others entertained attendees with stories and answered audience questions.

Tracy, who will manage the Crosscutters in 2012, discussed his excitement about his first year as a manager this summer in Williamsport and helping young players advance through the Phillies farm system. In talking about ending his playing days after the 2011 season, he remarked, “I was ready to enter the next phase of my baseball career.”

The night, presented by HB Rentals, Woodlands Bank, WRAK Radio and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, was also highlighted by live and Chinese auctions that featured a wealth of sports memorabilia including a bat signed by Phillies third baseman Placido Polanco, baseballs signed by Phils catcher Carlos Ruiz, hall-of-famers Goose Gossage, Rod Carew, Jim Rice and many others.

Other highlights of the event included the induction of Dave Bresnahan into the Bowman Field Hall of Fame. Bresnahan played for the Double-A Williamsport Bills in 1987 and gained national and worldwide notoriety for his trick play that involved using a potato instead of a baseball in a game that season against the Reading Phillies.

At the event, Bresnahan entertained the audience by describing in detail the trick play and it’s planning. The play was ruled illegal and Bresnahan was released by the parent Cleveland Indians the next day. He made numerous TV and radio appearances across the nation in the days, weeks and years following the stunt which has been dubbed “The Great Potato Caper”.

A portion of the proceeds from the evening were donated to Andrew’s Special Kids Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to “Provide special needs children with every opportunity in life which will enable them to reach their full potential by providing them with adaptive equipment, special education opportunities, safety equipment, therapies and financial assistance for out of state travel.”

At the conclusion of the festivities, Dean & Amy Kriebel the founders of the charity along with their son Andrew, accepted a check for $4,500 to help the charity and its mission.

The Crosscutters 2012 season opens on June 18. Season tickets, bonus books and group packages are currently available and can be purchased online at www.crosscutters.com or by calling the Cutters at (570) 326-3389.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Williamsport Crosscutters. Click here to view the original story.

RiverDogs Staff volunteers in Charleston Parks Beautification

The Charleston RiverDogs Front Office Staff participated in their monthly Staff Volunteer Day for January on Tuesday the 17th. Members of the staff volunteered with the Nonprofit organization Charleston Parks Conservancy to assist with the beautification of Brittlebank Park in Downtown Charleston.

“We are really excited we were able to assist the great folks at Charleston Parks Conservatory help keep Brittlebank Park beautiful,” says RiverDogs Director of Media Relations & Broadcasting Sean Houston. “It was a fun day all around, and we are very happy we could help.”

RiverDogs Front Office Staff helped prune and trim bushes throughout the park, rake and clear flower beds, and plant new plants throughout Brittlebank Park. This is the second time in the past year the RiverDogs have volunteered with Charleston Parks Conservancy.

Members of the RiverDogs Front Office Staff dedicate one day each month to community service efforts throughout the Charleston area. Other Nonprofit Organizations the RiverDogs have assisted with in the past include Lowcountry Food Bank, Pet Helpers Inc., and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

Sales Manager, Jake Terrell, planting bulbs
Staff planting new bulbs at Brittlebank Park

From left to right: Charleston Parks Conservancy Horticulturist Kellen Goodell, Director of Media Relations – Sean Houston, Director of Merchandise – Mike DeAntonio, Sales Manager – Jake Terrell, Director of Promotions – Noel Blaha, Director of Special Events – Melissa McCants Azevedo, Box Office Manager – David Cullins, Sales Rep – Annie Fuller, Director of Community Relations – Lauren Allio and Charleston Parks Conservancy Volunteer Director – Neves Richards

BayBears, BMW of Mobile Team-Up for Charity

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In honor of Black History Month, the Mobile BayBears, The Hank Aaron Childhood Home and Museum and BMW of Mobile have joined forces for a greater cause.

For the entire month of February, with each vehicle sold, BMW of Mobile will make a donation to the Hank Aaron Childhood Home and Museum. “This is our way of giving back to the community and celebrate Black History Month,” BMW of Mobile general manager Lloyd Steeves said. “We are honored to partner with the Hank Aaron Childhood Home and Museum and support their efforts in assisting our at-risk youth.”

The Hank Aaron Childhood Home and Museum, through its partnership with the Mobile County Public School System and Boys and Girls Clubs of South Alabama, provide at-risk in our community a historic look at the life and career of Hank Aaron, which hopefully inspires them to chase their dreams.

“We are very thankful for the support of BMW of Mobile during Black History Month,” BayBears President/COO Bill Shanahan said. “This donation will further our efforts in impacting the lives of children in our community.”

For more information, please contact Lloyd Steeves (BMW of Mobile) at (251) 476-2550 or Bill Shanahan (BayBears Charities) at (251) 479-2327.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Mobile BayBears. Click here to view the original story.

Farrell/Monsters Team To Give Back

Two $5,000 Scholarships Through Folds of Honor Foundation

BURLINGTON, VT — Farrell Distributing and the Vermont Lake Monsters teamed up to raise money during the 2011 season to give back to those who gave so much for us. Now through Budweiser’s Folds of Honor Foundation, Farrell Distributing and the Lake Monsters will be giving away two (2) $5,000 scholarships to eligible applicants.

The mission of the Folds of Honor Foundation includes “giving back to the spouses and children of soldiers killed or disabled in service to our country through scholarships and other programs”, according to the Foundation’s website.

The website also states that “the unique scholarships awarded by the Folds of Honor Foundation are intended to offset the rising costs of post-secondary tuition and fees, textbooks, room and board, course-required tools, approved tutoring, and other school-related expenses. Scholarships can be used immediately, or can be held with the Foundation on behalf of young children until their time of enrollment.”

“Once we learned of the Folds of Honor Foundation it was clear we wanted to do more to support our nation’s heroes and establish a scholarship” said David J Farrell, President of Farrell Distributing. ” Our partnership with the Vermont Lake Monsters provided a perfect vehicle to build awareness and raise money for these honorable families.”

“It is an honor to team up with Farrell Distributing and the Folds of Honor Foundation to say thank you to those who have risked so much for us,” said Lake Monsters General Manager, Nate Cloutier. “It is a nice feeling knowing that there are organizations out there that can help these families realize their dreams and put a smile on their face.”

Interested individuals should complete and submit either an immediate or future-use application as appropriate, as well as satisfactory evidence that they qualify according to the existing eligibility requirements.

For more information and eligibility information, please visit the Folds of Honor Foundation website at www.foldsofhonor.org/scholarships.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vermont Lake Monsters. Click here to view the original story.

BayBears to Honor MLK with Free Museum Admission

The Mobile BayBears, Baseball America’s Minor League Team of the Year, will grant free admission to the Hank Aaron Childhood Home & Museum on Monday, January 16th in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday.

The Hank Aaron Childhood Home & Museum was opened to the public on April 14, 2010 and is located at Hank Aaron Stadium. This is the actual home that Hank Aaron and his family lived in which was built by his father, Herbert Aaron. Numerous artifacts are on display from his career including a number of items on loan from the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. The Museum is a tribute to the values, ethics and passion of Mobile’s own, Hank Aaron.

To pay tribute to the efforts of Dr. King, the BayBears would like to offer our hometown the opportunity to visit the Hank Aaron Childhood Home & Museum free of charge from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, January, 16th. For more information, please call 251.479.2327 or go to www.mobilebaybears.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Mobile BayBears. Click here to view the original story.

Non-profits invited to participate in the Community Organization of the Night program with the Legends!

LexingtonLegends_2012-01-09

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) The Lexington Legends are inviting non-profit organizations to participate in their Community Organization of the Night program during the 2012 season.

The Community Organization of the Night program, sponsored by Waffle House, offers non-profits a variety of opportunities to publicize their work at Whitaker Bank Ballpark and on Legends radio broadcasts during each of the Legends’ 70 home games. Hundreds of organizations throughout central and eastern Kentucky have participated.

“The Legends place a huge emphasis on being a strong community partner,” said Legends General Manager Seth Poteat. “With that in mind, it’s really the least we can do to open up our facility each and every game and allow 70 unique non-profit organizations the opportunity to spread their message and raise awareness among the thousands of Legends fans that come through our gates each year. We’re so pleased to continue this program, and we thank Waffle House for their continued support as the title sponsor of our Community Organization of the Night program.”

Organizations may set up a display on the concourse, where they can greet fans and distribute information. Before the game, a representative of each Community Organization of the Night throws a ceremonial first pitch and is interviewed on the public address system. The representative also is a guest on the radio broadcast for a half-inning during the game. Each organization receives four complimentary tickets to their game. Solicitation is not permitted.

Game dates will be reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please download and fill out the 2012 CON Registration Form and send the completed form to Sarah Piester, the Legends Director of Community Relations and Special Events. If you have any questions, please contact Sarah at 859 422-7855, or email her at spiester@lexingtonlegends.com.

The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Houston Astros, will open their home season April 12 against the Kannapolis Intimidators at 7:05pm with a Legends Poster Giveaway to the first 1,000 fans through the gates, along with $1 Beers & Pepsi and a postgame Ford Firework Show.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lexington Legends. Click here to view the original story.