Archives for September 2020

Cutters to Hold Free Drive-Thru Trick or Treat Event

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The Williamsport Crosscutters have announced a free trick or treating event for children and their families. Boomer’s Drive-Thru Trick or Treat will take place in the parking lot of BB&T Ballpark on Halloween night from 6pm-8pm presented in part by Backyard Broadcasting.

The event will be hosted by Boomer, the Cutters popular mascot, and give children age 14 and under in costume, the opportunity for a fun, safe trick or treating experience. Over a dozen other exhibitors, including some of Boomer’s mascot buddies, are slated to be part of Boomer’s Drive-Thru Trick or Treat.

Crosscutters Vice-President of Marketing and Public Relations Gabe Sinicropi stated, “With COVID-19 impacting many of the usual Halloween activities in our area, we simply wanted to give children and their families a safe way to do some trick or treating.”

All participants will be required to stay inside their vehicle as they receive treats from the Williamsport Crosscutters and other area businesses. CDC Halloween recommendations will be observed including;

· All exhibitors wearing protective masks and gloves

· All candy individually wrapped and in treat bags

· No-contact trick or treating where children (or parents) pick up the treat bag instead of it being handed to them

Those attending the event are asked to enter the BB&T Ballpark lot via the 4th St. entrance only. Cars will exit at the back of the stadium on Bieber St.

More information on Boomer’s Drive-Thru Trick or Treat is available by calling the Cutters Hotline at (570) 326-3389 x1100.

Non-Profit Hero of the Week: Kids’ Harbor

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — When the COVID-19 pandemic reached Southwest Missouri back in March, the impacts on the lives of local residents was immediate. But what happens when those impacts fall onto a portion of the population that is unable to help itself?

Specifically, what happens when kids who are victims of abuse, or drug endangerment, or physical and mental neglect, are suddenly confined to their homes? Well, that’s where Kids’ Harbor steps in.

Based out of Osage Beach and serving Lake of the Ozarks, Fort Leonard Wood and surrounding areas, Kids’ Harbor serves those children by providing resources to keep them safe and to assist with whatever situation they may be enduring. During COVID-19, doing that work instantly became more challenging. But the Kids’ Harbor staff accepted that challenge. And that’s why they’re this week’s Non-Profit Hero award winner, presented by American National Insurance.

You can view all of our Non-Profit Heroes at springfieldcardinals.com/heroes.

“We are so grateful to be chosen as a Cardinals Non-Profit Hero,” Kids’ Harbor Board President Tim Thompson said. “While we have all been dramatically affected by the COVID pandemic, children have suffered the most. Not only do they have to deal with the crisis but we know abuse has gone un-reported while kids have been locked down. Our staff has worked tirelessly to figure out how to serve and protect them all while having to adapt and overcome these challenges we all face.’

“Cardinals and American National support is incredibly helpful in getting this crucial message out: Please be aware and alert for signs of abuse, and if you see something, say something.”

At the onset of the pandemic, the State of Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline experienced a drastic drop (60%) in the number of hotline calls made. Reason being? Forty percent of those calls are made by school personnel.

“Kids, whose safe places had historically been school, church, extracurricular activities, etc., suddenly found themselves alone and isolated with no friends, teachers, or counselors to see them or report concerns,” one Non-Profit Heroes award nominator wrote. “Throughout the pandemic, Kids’ Harbor has continued to spread awareness to encourage the adults in our community to keep kids safe and report any concerns they see.”

Kids’ Harbor has remained open throughout the pandemic, providing forensic interviews and medical exams and providing counseling and advocacy to children and their safe caregivers.

Even if they had to work from home, Kids’ Harbor advocates continued to reach out to families who had experienced trauma and crisis to see how they could provide support and needed services.

Kids’ Harbor also provides support to local law enforcement and others who are tasked with investigating child abuse and related cases. Throughout the pandemic, Kids’ Harbor has found ways to assist in these difficult investigations virtually to make sure that their services continue uninterrupted.

“A big concern during the pandemic was the safety of children,” a Non-Profit Heroes award nominator wrote. “They weren’t being seen by the mandated reporters that they normally see. Stress was much higher than usual. Parents might not be working, money might be tight, kids were at home full time, and they were trying to homeschool their kids. This was a lot more pressure than they were used to. It could cause some people to deal with that stress by hitting their children or other things they normally wouldn’t do. Kids Harbor trained other people in the community on signs to watch for to help protect children.’

“These employees faced the same problems that we struggled with. But they never quit fighting for every child and safe caregiver that needed them. They are heroes every day and they really stepped up and made a big difference during the pandemic.”

How can you get involved?

Volunteers are such a big part of what make all of our Non-Profit Heroes, presented by American National Insurance, so great.

To get involved with Kids’ Harbor, visit kidsharbormo.org.

For more on what Kids’ Harbor is doing on a daily basis, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/kidsharborinc.

Posted by Kids’ Harbor, Inc. on Monday, August 10, 2020

Enroll Your Class in Fang’s Reading Club for 2021

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GRAND CHUTE, WI – The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers have had to make a few changes before announcing the 2021 edition of Fang’s Reading Club. The changes have been made and the team is ready to take enrollments in the popular, long-running, incentive-based rewards program that encourages reading development in children from grades K through 5! This year’s program is presented by Fox Communities Credit Union, Learning Rx, Badger Sports Park, Myndology, EatStreet, and Tutor Doctor. Teachers and reading coordinators have until December 31 to get involved in this program.

Registration is very easy and may be done through the website set up at FangsReadingClub.com. You may also check out other details on the program at that link.

Personnel at participating schools have the flexibility to design the program to meet the needs of their students. Students who meet all their goals for the program are rewarded with a FREE ticket as part of their school’s Family Night at a Timber Rattlers game in 2021. Plus, the sponsors and the Timber Rattlers will have a special prize waiting for those who complete the program at the ballpark when they attend their game!

The Timber Rattlers and the sponsors of Fang’s Reading Club will provide:

  • An introductory letter to be sent to parents at the start of the program.
  • Baseball related verification aids to help parents and teachers track the progress of participants.
  • A FREE ticket to a 2021 Timber Rattlers home game with a hot dog & soda voucher for students who complete the program.
  • Home Run Prize to be redeemed by students on their School’s Family Night at the Ballpark.
  • An easy, online ticket ordering option. Information to aid schools in setting up their Family Night at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium.

You may also download this year’s Reading Club brochure here.

The club had 200 schools and over 40,000 students participate in the program last year and Fang is looking to make this year’s club even bigger!

Contact Dayna Baitinger at [email protected], (800) WI-TIMBER, or (920) 733-4152 if you have any questions or would like to register your class or school for Fang’s Reading Club.

Special Olympics Indiana 2020 State Softball Championship Games Coming to Victory Field

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INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Indians and Indianapolis Indians Charities today announced that two Special Olympics Indiana State Softball Championships featuring four teams and nearly 70 athletes will be played on Saturday, Oct. 10 at Victory Field. The first game begins at 11 AM and the second contest starts at 1 PM.

“We have been proud partners with Special Olympics Indiana for over 50 years and are thrilled to provide its athletes an opportunity to play at beautiful Victory Field,” said Randy Lewandowski, Indianapolis Indians President and General Manager. “We hope to uplift the spirits of the athletes in what has been a challenging summer and give them a memory they’ll cherish forever.”

Special Olympics Indiana softball teams consist of athletes of all ages and compete in one of three classifications: traditional teams including only Special Olympics athletes; unified teams comprised of individuals with or without intellectual disabilities; and designated pitcher teams, which play under modified rules to ensure greater pitcher consistency. The Special Olympics Indiana 2020 State Softball Championships feature gold medal games in the traditional (Johnson County Blue vs. Johnson County White) and designated pitcher (Tippecanoe County Sluggers vs. Shelby County Cardinals) classifications. Both games will be seven-inning affairs.

“In a year that has seen the cancellation or suspension of countless events and even entire sports seasons, the excitement our athletes are now feeling about the chance to compete – not only in-person, but at a professional baseball stadium – just cannot be overstated,” said Special Olympics Indiana President & CEO Jeff Mohler. “So, on behalf of the entire Special Olympics Indiana community, I’d like to extend our gratitude to the Indianapolis Indians and Indianapolis Indians Charities for helping us to get back on the field and for making this a really memorable experience for everyone involved.”

For those wanting to attend the championship games, please contact Special Olympics Indiana Director of Sports & Competition Scott Mingle at [email protected] or (317) 328-2004. Gates open at 10 AM.

Officially established as a Special Olympics sport in 1983 and based upon rules developed by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), softball is played by more than 70,000 Special Olympics athletes worldwide each year. Softball is Special Olympics Indiana’s fourth-most popular sport, promoting personal growth and development among its athletes, to encourage active lifestyles, and to improve self-esteem among children and adults with intellectual disabilities throughout Indiana.

In a typical year, softball is played throughout the summer by thousands of individuals and dozens of teams. Special Olympics Indiana’s annual state softball tournament includes sectional qualifiers in the north, south and central regions of Indiana in mid-August, with state finals taking place in or near Indianapolis each September.

On a national level, Team Indiana earned gold in softball at the 2018 USA Games in Seattle, Wash. and is preparing to compete once again at the 2022 USA Games in Orlando, Fla.

Las Vegas Ballpark, in partnership with Vitalant, will host the One October Memorial Blood Drive

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LAS VEGAS BALLPARK® HOSTS VITALANT ONE OCTOBER MEMORIAL BLOOD DRIVE

PRESENTED BY NEVADA HEALTH LINK

Together we are #VegasStronger

WHAT: Las Vegas Ballpark®, in partnership with Vitalant, the largest blood provider in Nevada, will host the One October Memorial Blood Drive, a one-day blood drive in memory of One October.

The public drive is presented by Nevada Health Link, the online insurance marketplace operated by Silver State Health Insurance Exchange that will offer this year more than 50 insurance plans and is the only place Nevadans can qualify for subsidies to offset the cost of insurance.

The One Memorial Blood Drive takes place at Las Vegas Ballpark from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 1.

Leadership from Las Vegas Ballpark as well as local icons will kick off the drive with personal donations starting at 9 a.m. They will be cheered on by Las Vegas Ballpark mascots – Spruce the Goose and Aviator – who will be on hand to greet donors.

Donors must make appointments in advance at www.bloodhero.com and are encouraged to keep social distance recommendations. Per state mandates, masks are required for entry into the facility and temperature checks will be enforced.

Vitalant, the largest blood provider in the state of Nevada, is providing COVID-19 antibody testing with every successful donation. Donors will receive their antibody test results on their private online donor profile. Donors that receive positive results can then choose to aid in the fight against COVID-19 by donating convalescent plasma, the only antibody treatment available for critically ill COVID-19 hospital patients. For those who have recovered from COVID-19, Vitalant will also be collecting convalescent plasma donations at this blood drive. For full eligibility requirements and application, go to www.Vitalant.org/COVIDFree. Appointments are strongly recommended.

WHEN: ** **Thursday, October — 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

WHERE: ** **Las Vegas Ballpark

_ 1650 S. Pavilion Center Drive_

Las Vegas, NV 89135

** About Las Vegas Ballpark**®

Las Vegas Ballpark®, located on eight acres in Downtown Summerlin® just south of City National Arena – practice facility for the Vegas Golden Knights, is the home of the Las Vegas Aviators®, the city’s professional Triple-A baseball team of the Pacific Coast League (PCL) and affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. The team is wholly owned by The Howard Hughes Corporation®, developer of the award-winning master-planned community of Summerlin® and developer of Las Vegas Ballpark. With a wide range of seating options including 22 suites, club seats, berm seating, party zones and decks, picnic tables, kids’ zone, bars and a pool beyond the outfield wall, Las Vegas Ballpark boasts a capacity of 10,000. Designed to host a variety of events in addition to baseball, the site is landscaped to complement the surrounding master-planned community. The site is easily accessed from all regions of the valley via the 215 Beltway. For more on Las Vegas Ballpark, visit www.thelvballpark.com.

About Nevada Health Link

Nevada Health Link is the online insurance marketplace operated by the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange (Exchange), which was established per Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) in 2011 by the State of Nevada and began operations in 2013 on the belief that all Nevadans deserve access to health insurance. In 2019, the Exchange transitioned away from the federal marketplace, HealthCare.gov and became a fully operational State Based Exchange (SBE), in time for its seventh Open Enrollment Period (OEP). Nevada Health Link connects eligible Nevada residents to budget-appropriate health and dental coverage and is the only place where qualifying consumers can receive federal tax credits to help cover premium costs. Open Enrollment has concluded; for more information or to see if you’re eligible for a Special Enrollment Period, visit our website. Subscribe to Nevada Health Link’s Blog and YouTube channel, like them on Facebook or follow on Twitter and Instagram. Nevada Health Link always encourages consumers to use the free assistance of a licensed enrollment professional by calling 1-800-547-2927 or by visiting NevadaHealthLink.com.

About Vitalant

Vitalant (“Vye-TAL-ent”) is the nation’s largest independent nonprofit blood service provider, supplying comprehensive transfusion medicine services for nearly 1,000 hospitals and health care partners for patients in need across 40 states. Vitalant inspires local communities to serve the needs of others and transform lives through the selfless act of donating blood. Every day, almost 5,000 blood donations are needed to meet the needs of people throughout the country, and Vitalant’s 800,000 donors supply 1.8 million donations a year. In addition to blood products, Vitalant offers customers transfusion services, medical consulting, quality guidance, ongoing education, research and more. For more information and to schedule a donation, visit vitalant.org or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825). Join the conversation about impacting the lives of others on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

###

CONTACTS:

Faiss Foley Warren Public Relations

Melissa Warren / McKinzie Cogswell

702-528-6016; 702-234-5307

[email protected]; [email protected]

SC Counts Day of Action at Fluor Field on Saturday

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The Greenville Drive are joining in on Lt. Governor Pamela Evette’s “2020 Census Day of Action Challenge”. This Saturday, September 26th from 9 AM to 2 PM, Fluor Field will serve as Greenville County’s location – joining 23 additional counties across the state – in a last-ditch effort to increase census participation before the September 30th deadline.

Additional important services will be provided at Fluor Field, including:

  • COVID-19 Testing
  • Flu Vaccinations
  • Voter Registration
  • SC DMV Read ID

Those wishing to take advantage of any and all of these services, will enter the ballpark through the Main Street Gate. A MASK MUST BE WORN TO ENTER FLUOR FIELD.

A limited edition “Vote. Baseball.” T-shirt, featuring the Greenville Drive logo, will also be available for purchase at the Greenville Drive Team Store, located outside of the Main Street Gate. The Team Store will open at 11 AM on Saturday.

South Carolina is currently lagging behind in the 2020 Census self-response rate. A complete county is critical for local governments to receive their fair share of resources from any federal and state programs for the next 10 years. In 2016, South Carolina received more than $12 billion from federal spending programs guided by data derived from the 2010 Census. South Carolina can’t afford to miss out!

SC Philharmonic Dining Experience Comes to Segra Park

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Columbia Fireflies and the South Carolina Philharmonic are partnering to bring the arts and a unique dining experience to Segra Park on Thursday, October 1. Fans will be able to order dinner and drinks (menu here) while listening to a five-piece band under the covered concourse overlooking the diamond.

The musicians to be featured at the special dining experience are trumpeters Charlie Polk and Dick Goodwin, Eric Gulfus on horn, Trombonist Michael Wilkinson and Tuba-player Ronald Davis.

“The South Carolina Philharmonic is thrilled for this opportunity to perform at beautiful Segra Park,” said South Carolina Philharmonic Executive Director Rhonda Hunsinger. “We look forward to continuing this partnership well into the future as COVID restrictions lift and larger ensembles are possible.”

Tickets for the event are $12.50 and all proceeds from the ticket sales benefit the South Carolina Philharmonic. There will be two seatings for the event, one from 5:30-7pm and the second from 7:30-9pm. The half-hour break between the two sessions are for sanitizing surfaces and helping to maintain adequate social distancing measures.

A second Dining Experience with the SC Philharmonic is also on the calendar for Friday, November 6.

”Segra Park was designed as a multi-use sports and entertainment venue,” said Fireflies team president John Katz. “While we lost the 2020 baseball season, we are excited to bring the arts to the ballpark on October 1. We are here to bring our community together, and music is an art that unites us all.”

You can buy tickets for the event here. For more information on events at Segra Park, visit ColumbiaFireflies.com.

Shorebirds to host Salisbury Drive-Thru Flu Clinic Friday, October 9 at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium

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TidalHealth’s Salisbury Drive-Thru Flu Clinic is returning for its 26th season on Friday, October 9, 2020 at Arthur W. Perdue (Shorebirds) Stadium at the intersection of Route 50 and Hobbs Road from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Seasonal quadrivalent flu vaccinations will be administered to individuals 13 years of age or older (13-17 please bring a parent or legal guardian to sign consent). A physician’s order is not necessary. Flu shots at the TidalHealth Salisbury Drive-Thru Clinic will be FREE.

TidalHealth will not be providing any COVID-19 testing at this event. In accordance with COVID-19 safety precautions, all clinical and non-clinical staff working the Drive-Thru Flu Clinic will be in appropriate personal protective equipment. Direct contact with participants will be limited. TidalHealth is also asking participants to please wear protective masking in their vehicles when in contact with any staff members at the flu clinic.

Flu vaccinations are encouraged for anyone over the age of 6 months, but especially for people over the age of 65, people with heart or lung disorders, immunosuppressant diseases or diabetes. Participants are encouraged to wear a short-sleeved shirt that will provide easy access to the upper arm. The vaccine being administered is effective for everyone meeting the age restrictions.

Mark your calendars and plan to attend TidalHealth’s Salisbury Drive-Thru Flu Clinic on Friday, October 9 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Reno Aces and Reno 1868 FC Donating Toys to Ashlee’s Toy Closet

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In the midst of possibly the worst fire season on record, the Reno Aces and Reno 1868 FC are donating toys to Ashlee’s Toy Closet.

“We are glad to support Ashlee’s Toy Closet again in a time of need for wildfire victims near our home,” said Aces and 1868 FC president Eric Edelstein. “Thank you to Jakks Pacific for providing these toys in partnership. We hope these toys may bring a small comfort for children experiencing unfathomable tragedy.”

Ashlee’s Toy Closet is a local non-profit that distributes toys to children in and around the area who have lost their homes due to fire.

The toys will be delivered to Phoenix, Oregon in conjunction with Jackson County Fire District No. 5. Donations are still being accepted, and more information can be found on Facebook and Instagram @ashleestoycloset.

The Reno Aces and Reno 1868 FC are thankful for the support of Jakks Pacific and Herb Simon, without whom the donation would not be possible.

Twins Reach Out To Blue Wahoos, Help Out Community In Time Of Need

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In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Sally on Sept. 16, the Minnesota Twins reached out to their Double-A affiliate in Pensacola.

A $10,000 donation was on the way to help the community.

Dave St. Peter, the Twins president, contacted Blue Wahoos owner Quint Studer last week, following the hurricane’s destructive wrath in the Pensacola area.

“He said, ‘We want to do something, can you find out how we can help.’ And so, I started thinking of the right way,” Studer said. “Instead of saying, ‘Oh we have stadium damage, send the money here,’ I wanted to find out what’s the best way to contribute .

“I did some digging and what I kept hearing is the United Way of West Florida seems to be the right place, because they will make sure it is utilized in the best way.”

Studer connected the Twins with Laura Gilliam, president and chief executive officer of the United Way of West Florida. Alex Hassan, the Twins’ director of player development finalized the contribution.

In a thank you note to St. Peter, Gilliam wrote, “We are grateful for this generous donation from the Minnesota Twins. It will be put to good use to help individuals in our community recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Sally.”

The effects of Hurricane Sally on the Pensacola community have been extensive. The eyewall of the slow-moving category two hurricane sat over the community overnight, dumping over two feet of rain and subjecting buildings, trees, and structures to sustained winds that reached 100 miles per hour.

Power was knocked out for hundreds of thousands of citizens and damage totals to homes and businesses are still being calculated. Early estimates place the damage totals well over $30 million and parts of the community remain without power a week after the storm.

Studer said two of the first people to contact him last week, once the storm has passed, were Major League Baseball’s executive office and the Twins executive office, which is directed by team owner Jim Pohlad.

“Both of them asked if there was anything we need,” Studer said. “Mr. Pohlad and the whole Twins organization, they are just so community oriented. It’s the same way in Minneapolis when you look at all the great things they do in their city.

Johnny TinCap Joins Fight Against Breast Cancer, Teams with Rival

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FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Fort Wayne TinCaps mascot Johnny TinCap is joining the fight against breast cancer. As part of the American Cancer Society’s “Real Men Wear Pink of Fort Wayne” campaign, Johnny is raising money and awareness to help save lives from breast cancer.

For an added incentive, Johnny is competing against the South Bend Cubs’ mascot, Stu, to see who can raise more money. Johnny and Stu have agreed that whoever comes up short in their challenge will have to wear the opposing team’s gear for a day with proof shared on social media.

Neither Johnny nor Stu could be reached for comment. However, through a team spokesperson, Johnny said, “Everyone knows my favorite colors are TinCaps green and red, but for October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I’ll be rocking pink. That’s because breast cancer affects everyone, not just women. The American Cancer Society is helping people take steps to reduce their risk of breast cancer or find it early, when it’s easier to treat. I’m glad my friend Stu is teaming up with me to support this important cause.”

Johnny TinCap is one of 11 Fort Wayne area community leaders fundraising for the American Cancer Society (ACS). Donations will be counted through Nov. 2.

The ACS says it’s in need of help now more than ever. Since February, mammograms have declined by 87%, which can delay an important diagnosis for women. COVID-19 will likely reduce the American Cancer Society’s ability to fund cancer research by 50% in 2020 if current trends continue.

In addition to more than 240,000 women, the ACS notes that thousands of men also are diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States every year.

Despite the 2020 Minor League Baseball season being lost, the TinCaps have remained committed to community service. Through “IN This Together” t-shirt sales, the team donated $10,000 to the Parkview Foundations in August as a way of expressing appreciation for healthcare workers during the fight against COVID-19. In a similar fashion, the TinCaps have rallied their fans to donate meals to local healthcare workers. Meanwhile, Parkview Field has also served as a food distribution site for Community Harvest Food Bank and Aging & In-Home Services. The ballpark continues to host other events for non-profits as well.

TENNESSEE SMOKIES ANNOUNCE 2020 YOUTH CAMP REGISTRATION

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SEVIERVILLE – The Tennessee Smokies have announced that the club will host a two day youth baseball camp specifically designed for 7-12 year olds on October 24 and 25, 2020. The camp will be led by former professional Major League Baseball Player and 2009 Chicago Cubs organization Pitcher of the Year, Casey Coleman.

Focus will be on ‘learning the game.’ Campers will take part in drills on pitching, hitting, fielding, base running, and the fundamentals of baseball. Participants can also look forward to individual drills and advice, batting inside of the Smokies Performance Center with the state-of-the-art HitTrax Data and Capture Simulation System, as well as playing baseball games on the field of Smokies Stadium.

“We are eager to host this great opportunity for local young athletes,” said Tennessee Smokies General Manager Tim Volk. “Involvement in this camp can extremely benefit each player’s skills and give them a once in a lifetime experience at Smokies Stadium.”

The fee to register is $125, and is good for both days of the camp. An official camp t-shirt and lunch will be provided.

For more information and to register for the Smokies Youth Camp taking place at Smokies Stadium, visit smokiesbaseball.com/youthcamp or contact [email protected].

ABOUT THE TENNESSEE SMOKIES

The Tennessee Smokies are the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Members of the ten-team Southern League, Smokies baseball has been entertaining families and fans of America’s national pastime in the East Tennessee region for over 100 years. To learn more about the Tennessee Smokies, visit www.smokiesbaseball.com

Non-Profit Hero of the Week: Least Of These

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — In 2019, over 1 million pounds of food came through the Least Of These food pantry and into the hands of Christian County residents.

During the COVID-19 pandemic this year, that number has only increased.

Least Of These is the only full-service food pantry serving Christian County—one of the fastest growing counties in Missouri—and the cities of Nixa and Ozark, serving over 850 families a month in a normal year.

But due to the impacts of COVID-19, this year has seen an increase of 32% in families requesting assistance. That increased need has increased the pantry’s food distribution by 116% over last year.

The staff at Least Of These, which is now working with far less help than at the beginning of the pandemic due to many National Guard volunteers being recalled, has continued to meet demands for hundreds of people who often must choose between paying for food or paying for rent and utilities. And that’s why they’re this week’s Non-Profit Heroes award winner, presented by American National Insurance.

You can view all of our Non-Profit Heroes at springfieldcardinals.com/heroes.

“Least Of These continues to serve the most vulnerable in our community amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” Least Of These Executive Director Kristy Carter said. “The way our clients receive food is different right now, but the amount of food and the support each family feels when dealing with us has not changed. It is our commitment to continue to serve families in need in Christian County.’

“We have created and are following an emergency response plan to help those who are faced with food insecurity. As these times are scary and unknown, we will continue to provide food and hopefully remove that fear and anxiety.”

But as the fall and winter months approach, Least Of These continues to need the help of an ever-caring Southwest Missouri community to ensure that its families receive the resources they need.

“The past couple of weeks have demonstrated that it will be difficult to raise the necessary funding to continue to provide food for families faced with food insecurity in Christian County,” Carter said. “In one day alone this week, we served 266 Christian County families and we expect those numbers to continue to increase significantly as we rapidly approach the holidays.”

Least Of These began in 1998 as a community outreach project of a Nixa-based church. Over the past two decades they have grown from providing food assistance to seven families to over 10,000.

How can you get involved?

Volunteers are such a big part of what make all of our Non-Profit Heroes, presented by American National Insurance, so great. Least Of These relies on generous food and monetary donations from the community to provide assistance to struggling families. And they also rely on volunteers.

To get involved with Least Of These, visit leastofthesefoodpantry.org.

For more on what Least of These is doing for Christian County on a daily basis, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/leastofthese.

Least Of These, Inc. is the only full-service food pantry serving Christian County. We feed around 900 families a…

Posted by Least of These, Inc. on Friday, September 18, 2020

FredNats to Unveil New History Wall Inside Ballpark on Saturday, October 3rd

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The Fredericksburg Baseball History Wall Has Been Developed in Conjunction with Germanna Community College, the Fredericksburg Area Museum & Dovetail Cultural Resource Group

FREDERICKSBURG, VA – The Fredericksburg Nationals are excited to unveil their newest element of their ballpark to fans. Located behind the batter’s eye on the centerfield concourse, the “History of Baseball in Fredericksburg” Wall presented by Germanna Community College will be 80 feet long and 12 feet high showcasing some of Fredericksburg’s richest history ranging from the civil war to the present, including some lesser known baseball factoids.

Fans will be invited to the ballpark on Saturday, Oct. 3 to see the History of Baseball in Fredericksburg Wall for themselves followed by a free showing of a movie that is to be determined by a fan vote. Gates will open at 5 p.m. to the first 1,000 fans in order to properly social distance. A ceremony to “unveil” the Wall and hear about the project will begin at approximately 6:30 p.m. prior to the movie showing at 7 p.m.

The following is a sample of one panel of the display which shows the historical and educational elements of the Wall:

“The Fredericksburg Nationals are thrilled to introduce this unique element into the ballpark for baseball and history fans to enjoy.” Team Treasurer Seth Silber stated, “This project brings together the rich history of Fredericksburg and the rich history of our national pastime into one incredible display that will stand the test of time. It was only possible through the support, talents, and creativity of three incredible community partners, Germanna Community College, the Fredericksburg Area Museum, and Dovetail Cultural Resource Group – all of whom had the vision to help bring this dream to reality.”

“Baseball has mirrored social change in America and, at times, even played an important role, as it did when Jackie Robinson broke the game’s color line 73 years ago,” said Germanna President, Janet Gullickson. “We’re proud to be part of this five-year project chronicling the history of baseball in our area, along with the FredNats, Dovetail and the Fredericksburg Area Museum. And we are very happy to be working with the City and the Silber family. “

FAM President and CEO Sara Poore added: “The Fredericksburg Area Museum (FAM) is very excited to have participated in the creation of the History Wall in the FredNats ballpark. What a fun project it has been. The dedication and commitment to the history of our community has been a priority to the Silber family’s relocation of the team to Fredericksburg, as evidenced by the History Pavilion. We look forward to a History Day event in Spring 2021 where the Fredericksburg Museums Council, which includes Fredericksburg Area Museum, The George Washington Foundation, Washington Heritage Museums, James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library, and Gari Melchers Home & Studio, will have an opportunity to engage the public with hands- on activities that will further share the history of Fredericksburg.”

In addition to the history wall, the FAM’s future exhibition Playball! America’s Pastime will open in the museum in January. This exhibit will complement the History Wall with artifacts and stories that illustrate Fredericksburg’s long history with the game of baseball –from soldiers to sandlots to the gleaming ballfields of today!

“Dovetail Cultural Resource Group (Dovetail) is utterly thrilled to be a part of the team bringing the history of Fredericksburg baseball to the community,” Dovetail President Kerri Barile said. We began researching this topic back in 2013 when the City considered entering into a previous agreement to bring a team to town. The little bit of research we did blew us away. When the Fredericksburg Nationals began to explore Fredericksburg as their new home, Dovetail knew two things: the FredNats would be an incredible piece of our baseball story and we wanted to be a part of their adventure.”

“The teamwork on this project was incredible,” Barile said. “Dovetail took the lead on the research with FAM then creating a beautiful and monumental exhibit. Germanna backed the studies throughout the project and contributed the breathtaking History Minute videos that will be shown during the games. The FredNats, Seth Silber in particular, were the project glue. The guidance, support, and enthusiasm they provided throughout the project was infectious, and they kept the work on track despite the delays in our opening due to COVID. We hope we have succeeded in making their vision a reality!” said Barile from Dovetail.

Barile said the exhibit and videos track the legacy of baseball in the area as:

  • Union and Confederate soldiers watching each other play baseball games across the Rappahannock River. Abner Doubleday, who, according to baseball mythology, invented the game, was an officer in the Union camp and was said to have organized games there in Falmouth.
  • The beginnings of baseball teams and leagues in Fredericksburg in 1866, as troops who learned the game during the war brought it home to friends and families when hostilities ceased.
  • The world’s eyes turned to Fredericksburg in February of 1936 when Hall of Fame Washington Senators pitcher Walter Johnson recreated George Washington’s legendary silver dollar throw across the Rappahannock. In a brilliant publicity stunt, Johnson was brought to town and more than 4,000 people turned out to watch, with 90 radio stations across the country broadcasting the event live.

To view the previously released Fredericksburg Baseball History Minutes, use the following links.

The Fredericksburg Nationals are the high A affiliate of the Washington Nationals in the Carolina league. The FredNats brand new, state of the art stadium facility is located at Celebrate Virginia South on Carl D. Silver Parkway near the Fredericksburg Expo & Convention Center in Fredericksburg, VA. Stay up to date with the progress of the new ballpark facility and the team online at www.frednats.com and follow the Fredericksburg Nationals on Facebook (@FXBGNats), on Twitter (@FXBGNats), and on Instagram (@fxbgnats).

Calfee Park to host free Halloween Bash on October 23 and 24

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

PULASKI, Va. – Calfee Park will host two nights of Halloween fun on Friday October 23 and Saturday October 24 with a free Halloween Bash presented by Shelor Motor Mile Growing the Future, Tru Harvest Farms, and Calfee Park Baseball. Both events are open to the public and free.

Gates open at 4:30pm each night for trick or treating with local businesses, games, costume contests, and pumpkin painting. Friday night’s activities will conclude with a 6:30pm screening of the Wizard of Oz on the videoboard, and Saturday evening will feature a showing of Hocus Pocus. Free popcorn will be provided during each movie.

The first 250 kids each night will receive a free pumpkin presented by Shelor Motor Mile. The event will cap at 1,000 people each night, and attendees will be asked to comply with social distancing requirements. Calf-E’s Kitchen will be open with full concessions for purchase each night.

If you have any questions about the Calfee Park Halloween Bash or are a local business looking to set up a booth for trick or treating, please contact Melissa Epperly at (540) 250-1732 or [email protected].