Archives for September 2020

Tulsa County Election Board Names ONEOK Field Early-Voting Location

 

The Tulsa County Election Board has announced that ONEOK Field will be used as the early voting location for the November 3rd election. ONEOK Field is normally home to the Tulsa Drillers, but it will open for three different periods for Tulsa County voters to complete ballots for the November election.

Throughout the country, several stadiums and arenas have been chosen as voting locations to help provide safe facilities for voters during the COVID pandemic.

The Tulsa County Election Board will be conducting in-person, early voting at ONEOK Field on Thursday and Friday October 29 and 30 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday October 31 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The election board is anticipating record-breaking voter participation for this three-day early voting period.

“We are pleased to announce that we will be partnering with ONEOK Field, home of the Tulsa Drillers in downtown Tulsa, as our chosen location for in-person, early voting,” said Election Board Secretary Gwen Freeman.

“The ONEOK Field location will enable Tulsa County voters to vote at a large, centrally-located venue where our staff and resources can be combined to ensure the success of our early voting teams and to assist in the implementation of CDC guidelines. These guidelines includes adequate room for large crowds and social distancing in a covered but open-air facility that helps prevent the spread of COVID. The venue is ADA compliant, has ample available parking areas, is easily accessible by public transportation and is a well-known and familiar location.”

“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to ONEOK Field management and the Tulsa Drillers team for offering the voters of Tulsa County the use of their location for this event,” said Freeman.

The election board is encouraging voters to wear masks and social distance while voting.

Freeman added that since the election board we will be utilizing all available staff members to facilitate early voting at one large site, the Tulsa County Election Board will not be available for early voting but will be open for other business, including in-person absentee ballot drop-off. Absentee ballots cannot be dropped off at ONEOK Field.

It is the first time that ONEOK Field has been utilized as a voting place. It joins other sports venues in large markets that are being used in this election, including Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles and the Toyota Center in Houston.

“We are thrilled to be able to make ONEOK Field available for early voting and to help provide a safe, outdoor, polling location for all voters, including those with health concerns,” said Drillers President Mike Melega. “It’s a simple, yet impactful, way that the Drillers organization can give back to a Tulsa community that has always been there for us.”

Quick facts for early in-person voting for the November 2020 Presidential Election

Location: ONEOK Field (201 N Elgin Ave, Tulsa, OK 74120)

Dates and times: Thursday, October 29, 2020 8am-6pm
Friday, October 30, 2020 8am-6pm
Saturday, October 31, 2020 9am-2pm

CANNON BALLERS HONOR HEROES THROUGH FIELD OF HONOR®

 

(KANNAPOLIS, NC) – In a tribute of those whose actions made them heroes in our lives, the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers bring their inaugural Field of Honor® display to Atrium Health Ballpark.

It is appropriate to honor our heroes with a display of the flag that they honored through their service and sacrifice. The Field of Honor® display of United States flags bring volunteers, residents, and visitors together as hundreds of flags are posted. This inspiring and memorable panorama of red, white, and blue is hard to describe, but once experienced it is not to be forgotten.

Each 3-foot by 5-foot flag comes with its own story and displays a tag identifying both the flag honoree and the person who sponsored the flag. Flags may be purchased to honor the memory of a veteran or current service member from any branch of service. The purchaser will be permitted to take home the flag following the conclusion of the event. This living display of heroism flies as a patriotic tribute to the strength and unity of Americans, and honors all those who are serving, have served, and have made the supreme sacrifice for our nation’s security and freedom.

The Field of Honor® will fly starting November 2nd thru November 11th. The Cannon Ballers will host an Opening Ceremony for the placing of the first flag on November 2nd at 12:00pm at Gate #1 (West Ave). The field will then be open to the public 24 hours a day for viewing and observation. Each evening, “Taps” will be played at sunset. A Closing Ceremony will be held on November 11th at 11:00AM inside of Atrium Health Ballpark with guest speakers, musical tributes, and the reading of the names of the veterans honored on the field. All ceremonies pending social distancing standards and the mandates from the Office of the Governor.

Flags are available for purchase for $40 at the Cannon Baller team store or online at www.kcballers.com. Cash, check, or credit/debit card are available.

For more information on the Field of Honor®, visit www.kcballers.com or call 704-932-3267. Those interested in sponsorship opportunities are encouraged to contact Ryan Pegarsch at 704-935-1529 or [email protected].

About Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
The Kannapolis Cannon Ballers are a Minor League Baseball team of the South Atlantic League and the Class A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. Currently located in Kannapolis, North Carolina, the team was established in 1995 as the Piedmont Phillies until 1996 when they changed their name to the Piedmont Boll Weevils.

What is Field of Honor®?
The Field of Honor® program is part of a national movement that started out as a way to commemorate the lives lost on September 11, 2001 and was founded by the Colonial Flag Foundation.

In just a short amount of time, the concept has grown and communities like ours across America are turning to Field of Honor® tributes to raise money and awareness for a growing array of causes. The Field of Honor® is a community project of remembrance, and an expression of humanity and patriotism.

Spokane Indians in the Negro Leagues

 

SPOKANE, Wash. – The Negro Leagues were founded by baseball luminary Rube Foster in 1920 and ran until the 1960s. After struggling through the Great Depression, the Negro Leagues reached their zenith in the late 1930s and early 1940s with legendary players like Cool Papa Bell, Josh Gibson, and Satchel Paige thrilling fans across the country. Finally in 1947, Jackie Robinson officially integrated the sport with the Brooklyn Dodgers and opened the door for other black players to join affiliated baseball, including six that spent time with the Spokane Indians.

Choo Choo Coleman: Clarence “Choo Choo” Coleman earned the nickname as a child for his fleet-footedness that was likened to that of a speeding train. A tremendous high school athlete, Coleman signed with the Florida State League’s Orlando C.B.’s following his graduation but received limited playing time and left the team the following year to join the Negro Leagues’ Indianapolis Clowns on a barnstorming tour of the country. He returned home to play for the Orlando Dodgers in 1959 and reached the big leagues two years later with Philadelphia after being selected by the Phillies in the Rule 5 draft. Coleman struggled with the Phillies in a brief trial and returned to Triple-A with the Spokane Indians where he produced career-highs in nearly every offensive category (.288, 13 HR, 45 RBI, .868 OPS). He was on the move again the following season after being selected by the New York Mets in the expansion draft and performed admirably for a 120-loss squad (.250, 6 HR, 17 RBI in 55 games). Coleman spent parts of two more seasons with the Mets before retiring from organized baseball following the 1969 season.

Nap Gulley: A member of the Negro League Wall of Fame, Nap Gulley was a talented pitcher that also played in the outfield for the Kansas City Monarchs, Chicago American Giants, Birmingham Black Barons, and Cleveland Buckeyes. He won the Negro League World Series with Cleveland in 1945 and threw a no-hitter against a team of combined major and minor league all-stars the following season. Nap joined the Spokane Indians, who were part of the Class B Northwest League at the time, at the age of 30 in 1955 and had a terrific season, posting a .361 average with 18 home runs in 127 games. Gulley played his last season of organized baseball the following season with the Salinas Packers of the California League.

David Hoskins: A top Negro League pitcher and dangerous hitter at the plate, Hoskins teamed up with Josh Gibson, Cool Papa Bell, and Buck Leonard to form one of baseball’s most fearsome lineups for the Homestead Grays. Hoskins’ talent drew the attention of MLB teams and he earned a tryout for the Red Sox and Braves along with Jackie Robinson and Sam Jethroe in 1945 (Hoskins was unfortunately unable to attend due to injury). He spent two more years in the Negro Leagues before becoming the first black player in the Class-A Central League with the Grand Rapids Jets in 1949, dealing with racial taunts from the stands and fastballs aimed at his head from opposing pitchers. Despite the adversity, Hoskins hit .393 and showed that he was more than capable of competing against white players. After returning to the Negro Leagues for a season with the Louisville Buckeyes, Hoskins signed with the Dallas Eagles and became the first black player in the Texas League in 1952. He was once again the subject of taunts and death threats but it didn’t affect his performance on the field, where he went 22-10 with a 2.12 ERA. Hoskins reached the majors in 1953 with the Cleveland Indians and held his own with a 9-3 record and 3.99 ERA. The highlight of that season came on August 21 when Hoskins matched up against Satchel Paige–the first time two African-American pitchers faced off in an MLB game. Despite his strong showing, Hoskins made just 14 appearances for the Indians the next season in what would be his final year in the big leagues. Hoskins bounced around the minor leagues after that, landing with the Spokane Indians in 1959 where he went 2-2 with a 2.47 ERA in eight games. He would pitch one more season in the minors before retiring to his farm in Michigan.

Don Newcombe: Newcombe spent two years with the Negro League’s Newark Eagles before embarking on an historic MLB career with the Dodgers, Reds, and Indians. The towering right-hander was named Rookie of the Year for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1949 after finishing 17-8 with a 3.17 ERA and league-leading five shutouts, also becoming the first black pitcher to start a World Series game that same year. He earned All-Star nods the next two seasons (leading the league in strikeouts in 1951) before serving in the Korean War from 1952-53. He struggled in his return to Brooklyn the following season but rebounded with 20 wins and a World Series title in 1955. Newcombe had a season for the ages in 1956, posting a 0.989 WHIP and winning 27 games to earn league MVP and baseball’s first-ever Cy Young Award (which was awarded to only one pitcher in all of baseball at the time). “Newk” spent two more seasons with the Dodgers before finishing out his big league career with the Reds (1958-60) and Indians (1960). He signed with the Dodgers and attempted a big league comeback with the Spokane Indians in 1961 (where he was teammates with fellow Negro League alum Curt Roberts) but struggled to a 4.96 ERA over 25 games. Newcombe, always a good hitter for a pitcher, wrapped up his playing career as a first baseman/outfielder alongside Larry Doby for Japan’s Chunichi Dragons in 1962.

Curt Roberts: A slick-fielding second baseman and shortstop, Roberts opened his career with a Kansas City Monarchs team that featured Negro League luminaries Elston Howard, Buck O’Neil, and Satchel Paige. He played for the Monarchs from 1947-50 before spending the next three seasons with the Western League’s Denver Bears after signing with the Boston Braves. Roberts reached the majors with Pittsburgh in 1954 (Denver became a Pittsburgh affiliate in 1952), becoming the first black player to suit up for the Pirates. He spent three seasons in the Steel City and his Spanish fluency is credited with helping a young Roberto Clemente adjust to life in the big leagues. Roberts struggled to hit with the Pirates and never returned to the majors after 1956, spending the next seven seasons in the minors including 1960-61 with Spokane; hitting .290 and .307 while continuing to provide solid defense up the middle. He would spend two seasons in the minor leagues before retiring in 1963.

Herbert Simpson: An important part of minor league baseball’s integration on the West Coast, Simpson started his career with the Homestead Grays before being drafted for WWII. After serving for four years in Germany, Simpson returned to play for the Seattle Steelheads, Harlem Globetrotters, and Chicago American Giants before becoming the first black player in the Western International League with the Spokane Indians in 1952. The Indians went 91-64 that season with Simpson hitting .282 at the plate while spending time at first base and in the outfield. Simpson joined the Albuquerque Dukes the followng season and became the first black player in the West Texas-New Mexico League. He starred with the Dukes for three seasons, hitting .344 in 1952 and .372 in 1953, before retiring from the sport in 1954.

About the Spokane Indians

The Spokane Indians are the High-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies located in Spokane, Washington, and were named the 2021 MiLB Organization of the Year. Avista Stadium is home to the $5 Kids Bench Seat courtesy of MultiCare. Parking at all Spokane Indians games is FREE. The Spokane Indians office and team store hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.


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Nashville Sounds Announce Virtual 5K Presented by First Horizon

 

The Nashville Sounds Postseason Run presented by First Horizon is now open for registration to participants around the world. The virtual 5K (3.1 miles) run will start on Tuesday, September 29 and end at the conclusion of the 2020 World Series. Registration options can be found at www.nashvillesounds.com/run.

For $40, all participants will be able to submit times throughout MLB’s postseason and in return receive the official run t-shirt, official run hat, finisher medal, a downloadable finisher’s certificate, and an invite to a post-run gathering at Germantown’s Bar with a Ballpark, Third and Home, on Saturday, October 31.

Runners will participate in one of the following age brackets with winners recognized from each:

Male Runners

  • 14 and under
  • 15-19
  • 20-29
  • 30-39
  • 40-49
  • 50-59
  • 60-69
  • 70+

Female Runners

  • 14 and under
  • 15-19
  • 20-29
  • 30-39
  • 40-49
  • 50-59
  • 60-69
  • 70+

The Nashville Sounds will provide course maps around the city of Nashville, playlists, and prizes for registered participants throughout the race period.

In addition to receiving an invite to the post-run gathering, all participants will be able to use their finisher’s certificate for one complimentary Michelob Ultra (21 and older) or Pepsi fountain soda (under 21) at Third and Home during the month of October.

The Nashville Sounds are the Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play at First Horizon Park. The 2021 Minor League Baseball Schedule will be announced at a later date.

Blue Wahoos’ Employees Available To Lend A Hand At Local Non-Profits

 

In their season without baseball, the Blue Wahoos were still able to spend the summer bringing the community into the ballpark.

Through varied events, the Wahoos worked to provide an outlet for families in the community to enjoy a safe, affordable night out while most other entertainment options were limited due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. All-in-all, the team held over 130 community events during the months they would have been playing baseball in a regular year.

With school back in session, the team transitioning into their would-be off-season, and many of the restrictions lifted across the community, the Blue Wahoos are again pivoting to help the community in new ways.

Beginning this week, the Blue Wahoos have made their staff available to help local non-profit organizations across Pensacola.

“It’s a good opportunity for us to meet our mission to make a difference in our community by reaching out area non-profit organizations,” said Anna Striano, the Blue Wahoos merchandise manager and community relations coordinator, who is directing efforts for staff help to area organizations.

“Everybody has been so appreciative of what we have been doing here at the stadium with our events and we’re so thankful for the support of our community. This is an opportunity for us to reach out and take it a step further and give people the help they are needing now.”

Area non-profits who would like to request volunteer help from the Blue Wahoos can do so by clicking this link. Through the link, registered 501c(3) non-profit organizations can supply the dates help is needed, a description of the project volunteers will help complete, and the number of helpers needed.

“Our mission as an organization is to help improve the quality of life in our community, and this is a great direct opportunity to do that,” team president Jonathan Griffith said. “A Minor League Baseball team has people on its staff with such varied skills, from groundskeeping to sales to website building to graphic design to event planning. We’re confident we can help find a staff member with the right skills to help local organizations no matter the project.”

The volunteer effort meets a quest by team owners Quint and Rishy Studer when they announced their decision in April to maintain full employment for the front office staff. The Blue Wahoos are among just a small handful of professional sports franchises at any level that did not reduce their staff during the ongoing pandemic.

“Quint and Rishy kept all of us on, and in return, the plan has been for us to help if we can with non-profit agencies,” said Striano. “If we have available hours, we can offer our staff to do whatever a non-profit organization might need. Whatever we can do to ease some of the burden that the COVID situation has created for them. We know that a lot of non-profits have probably been hit really hard. Lay offs have affected numerous local non-profits and the pandemic has made it difficult to find needed volunteers.”

Thanks to the commitment by the Studers, all front office employees, trainees, and interns kept their jobs for the season.

“It has been incredible to watch (the Studers) lay out and live out the mission they set for the organization,” Striano said. “In Minor League Baseball, and this being a smaller business industry, you get to know a lot of people working with other teams. Watching many of my friends in this industry be furloughed or lose their job entirely was heartbreaking and made me incredibly grateful for the opportunities we have here. It’s special to be with the Blue Wahoos.”

Non-Profit Hero of the Week: SeniorAge

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — From the very beginning of COVID-19’s impact in the United States and around the world, the most vulnerable population has been our seniors.

Suddenly, people couldn’t hug—or even visit—their parents or grandparents. Couldn’t offer them help on a daily basis.

Here in Southwest Missouri, SeniorAge filled that void in a big way. And they’re this week’s Non-Profit Heroes award winner, presented by American National Insurance.

Since 1973, SeniorAge has been serving thousands upon thousands of seniors in 17 counties in our region, primarily serving those aged 60 years and older and serving based on need—not income. The work they do plays a key role in a senior’s ability to remain independent and live at home.

In a normal year, part of that work includes serving over 1 million meals to seniors through home delivery and in their dining rooms.

But when COVID-19 hit and transitioned into a worldwide pandemic that reached us here in Missouri, SeniorAge was forced to close its senior centers to the public.

Yet the rate of meals and the volume of help only increased.

“From the beginning of the COVID interruption in mid-March when many organizations were forced to close their operations to the public, SeniorAge worked diligently to ensure seniors in our 17-county service area continued to receive meals and services that kept them safe in their homes,” SeniorAge Marketing Director Juli Jordan said.

Since the shutdown began back in March, SeniorAge has provided over 750,000 meals to seniors at no cost—maintaining home delivery and instituting a no-contact drive-thru program.

“Our home-delivered meal program nearly doubled in volume to serve vulnerable seniors who could not get out for groceries and food,” Jordan said. “And our telephone reassurance program saw an increase in customers who wanted a friendly phone call and wellness check. Seniors have come to trust us for guidance, information, and direction.”

SeniorAge’s telephone reassurance program exists purely for joy and wellbeing. Seniors receive a friendly phone call from a caring staff member to check on their personal well-being and to provide a kind ear just to listen and talk.

“During a time of social distancing, seniors can often feel isolated and forgotten about,” one Non-Profit Heroes nominator wrote. “The telephone reassurance program is similar to having a best friend to talk to when times are tough.”

SeniorAge staff have made over 26,000 wellness calls to local seniors, completed nearly 5,000 tax returns at no charge, distributed over 1,100 farmers market vouchers, and provided over 42,000 units of “information and assistance” to help guide seniors through these difficult times.

They also started a text and e-mail alert program to ensure safety and inform about possible COVID-related scams, created new virtual counseling and online wellness videos, and provided transportation trips through carGO to those who needed help getting to health centers.

The farmers market vouchers alone account for over $65,000 of fresh food from local farmers for seniors.

And they’ve done all of this while maintaining their full pre-pandemic staff.

“We all follow alongside our CEO Starr Kohler, who has empowered us with the confidence and resources we all need to be successful,” Jordan said. “Every employee has moved through this pandemic with compassion, courage, and an eagerness to deliver winning service at a time when so many felt alone and scared.’

“The way we operate now is a little different than six months ago, but we look forward to the day when we can safely reopen our doors to allow seniors to enjoy meals, activities, and programs among friends in one of our 36 activity centers. Until then, we will continue to do what it takes to ensure safety and security at home.”

To keep track of all of our Non-Profit Heroes, presented by American National Insurance, visit springfieldcardinals.com/heroes.

Do you want to 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 SeniorAge, visit senioragemo.com/contact.

For more on what SeniorAge is doing for our region on a daily basis, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/senioragemo.

SeniorAge is located at 1735 S. Fort Ave. in Springfield, Missouri.

Chihuahuas to Host Virtual 9-1-5K Presented by Texas Gas Service

 

EL PASO – September 15, 2020 – The El Paso Chihuahuas announced today their first virtual race, the 9-1-5K presented by Texas Gas Service. Named after El Paso’s area code “915”, registration for the virtual 5K run/walk will begin today (9/15) and conclude on September 30 and will benefit the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) relief efforts.

Registration is $30 per person with proceeds benefiting the El Paso Chihuahuas Foundation. Included in the fee is a participation tee shirt and one $9 voucher for a future Monday-Wednesday 2021 Chihuahuas game. For each entry sold, one voucher will be also donated to a frontline worker who has been helping those affected by COVID-19.

Participants will have one week to complete the 5K starting on Thursday, October 1 and ending on Thursday, October 8. Each participant may choose to walk, jog, and/or run and the 5K may take place outdoors, indoors, on a treadmill, etc. Each participant’s distance must be logged using any step app on any device (not included in the entry fee and is at participant’s own cost) and a photo of the distance must be submitted to info@epchihuahuas.com with the headline “9-1-5K Completed.”

Participants are also encouraged to take photos and tag @epchihuahuas on social media with the hashtag “#EP915K” for a chance to be featured on the respective Chihuahuas accounts.

Availability is limited and the event is expected to sell out. Fans may register HERE. Additional online fees may apply. Tee shirts will be mailed and/or available for pick up on a future date.

The El Paso Chihuahuas Foundation was established in 2014 to create a positive financial and cultural impact on families and children in the community through creative programs and events.

For more information, visit epchihuahuas.com, text (915) 533-BASE or email info@epchihuahuas.com.

Iowa Cubs to Host Naturalization Ceremony at Principal Park

 

On Thursday, September 17 — Constitution Day — the United States Citizenship and Immigration services, Des Moines Field Office, will hold a naturalization ceremony with the Southern District of Iowa, Des Moines Federal court, on the field at Principal Park.

The ceremony for 75 candidates — representing 32 different countries — will begin at 11 a.m.

The public is invited to attend the free event — which replaces the traditional July 4 pre-game ceremony as the Iowa Cubs 2020 season was canceled. Per the City of Des Moines guidelines, masks will be required for attendees.The Iowa Cubs first hosted a citizenship ceremony in 2009. It is now an annual event, with 327 new citizens welcomed during the first 11 years. [Earlier this summer, Principal Park hosted an informal Citizenship Week, June 22-26, when 487 new citizens were naturalized in a drive-thru process outside the stadium.]

The nation observes Constitution Day and Citizenship Day as part of Constitution Week. The commemoration honors the signing of the Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787. Iowa schools were the first to recognize Constitution Day, in 1911. Nationwide observance began in 1940 as “I Am an American Day.” Citizenship Day began in 1952, based on a law signed by President Harry Truman, and in 1955, President Dwight Eisenhower proclaimed the first Constitution Week.

Former and Current Owners of the Visalia Rawhide Baseball Club Team up to Donate $250,000 to the Visalia and Tulare County Community

 

VISALIA, CA- The former and current owners of the Visalia Rawhide have jointly contributed $250,000 to establish the Visalia Rawhide Charitable Fund at the Central Valley Community Foundation to serve the community where Visalia Rawhide fans live, work and play.

“The Visalia community provided great support over our 18 years with the Rawhide ballclub,” said Tom Seidler, former Rawhide co-owner and President of Top of the Third, Inc. “We are excited to have the opportunity to give back to the community during this time of great need, in partnership with the Rawhide and the Sigal family. I can’t think of a better way to commemorate the one year anniversary of the Rawhide championship than this effort to help many families in need through these two grants.”

To support families with childcare costs, food, distance learning supplies, and other essential services, an initial grant from the new fund of $50,000 has been donated to First 5 which supports six family resource centers, including the Visalia Family Resource Center. During the COVID pandemic, family resource centers in Tulare County are experiencing, on average, a 50% increase in the number of calls for assistance, many from families that have never sought help before.

A second $50,000 grant will help fund The Healthy Harvest Program in Tulare County. The local ag industry is essential and has continued the food production we all rely upon. This new program expands messaging to the Valley’s food production industry about coronavirus safety. It will provide access to testing, house workers who need to self-isolate and provide food and transportation to make quarantine possible. These are essential steps to stop the spread of the virus throughout the community.

“It takes all of us coming together to make a difference in this national crisis”, said Sam Sigal, current co-owner of the Rawhide and Vice President of First Pitch Entertainment, LLC. “ The Healthy Harvest Program is a partnership that brings together state, federal, industry, and philanthropic dollars.” Among the agencies that support The Healthy Harvest Program are the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Tulare County, and the Tulare Farm Bureau.

“It is an honor to team up with the Central Valley Community Foundation, The Family Resource Centers, and the Healthy Harvest Program, said Sam. “Although professional baseball is in a pause due to the pandemic, we look forward to many enjoyable seasons in the years ahead. For now, the health of the people of Visalia and the surrounding area is our focus.”

In April, at the beginning of the pandemic, the Sigal family donated over $30,000 to support Central Valley non-profits. In collaboration with the Central Valley Community Foundation, support was directed to emergency relief funds, food bank distribution efforts and local hospitals.

“The Visalia Rawhide has been an iconic presence in Tulare County by tipping its hat to the Ag industry that propels our community. And by stepping up to help financially support our Healthy Harvest program, the Community Care Coalition in Tulare County can bring much needed supportive services to our farmworkers and their families affected by COVID-19,” said Coalition Co-Chairs Rosemary Caso, Executive Director of United Way Tulare County and Francena Martinez, Division Manager, Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency. “We applaud their efforts in making sure this critical program is available to those that need it.”

For more information about the efforts of the Central Valley Community Foundation in the fight against the Coronavirus, contact Hannah McAbee ([email protected])

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The Visalia Rawhide are a professional baseball team in the Class A Advanced California League and are the only professional sports team in Tulare and Kings counties. The team has been an affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks since 2007 and will be celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Minor League Baseball in Visalia in 2021. The Rawhide look to continue their reputation for hosting competitive baseball while providing affordable family entertainment and defending the 2019 California League Championship. For more information, please contact the Visalia Rawhide Front Office at 559.732.4433, visit us online at rawhidebaseball.com, or follow us on Facebook (TheRawhide), Instagram (@VisaliaRawhide), and Twitter (@VisaliaRawhide).

Cardinals, Missouri Lottery accepting September Teacher of the Month nominations

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Springfield Cardinals and Missouri Lottery are now accepting September nominations for the Cardinals Teacher of the Month Award program, presented by Missouri Lottery!

Created as a way to honor local-area educators from all grade levels, fans have until September 28 to submit new nominations to the Cardinals Teacher of the Month Award program.

The Cardinals and Missouri Lottery are accepting Teacher of the Month nominations right now on SpringfieldCardinals.com/molotteryteachers, creating an opportunity to shine the spotlight on teachers who are making a difference in the lives of their students during these challenging times.

All past nominees are still eligible for the Teacher of the Month selection process and do not need to be re-submitted.

To show gratitude for their important contributions to the Southwest Missouri community, each Teacher of the Month honoree will receive one 2021 Luxury Suite Rental with food and beverage for up to 18 people, one Ceremonial First Pitch, recognition on the Cardinals Video Board and 18 Cardinals Caps, all made possible by Missouri Lottery.

One hundred percent of Missouri Lottery profits are earmarked for education. In fact, since Lottery began 34 years ago, it has generated more than $6.5 BILLION for the state and public education.

In order to be eligible for the program, nominees for Teacher of the Month must be public school teachers in the state of Missouri. Missouri public school teachers at all grade levels and disciplines are eligible for nomination.

M-Braves Present Medgar & Myrlie Evers Institute With $5,000 Grant From The Atlanta Braves Foundation

 

PEARL – In conjunction with the Atlanta Braves, the Mississippi Braves are joining together with the Medgar & Myrlie Evers Institute in their extraordinary effort to empower the youth of color in central Mississippi through education and community activation. In keeping with the mission of the Atlanta Braves Foundation to support youth-serving programs in our community, a grant for $5,000 was presented to the Medgar & Myrlie Evers Institute at Trustmark Park on Friday, September 11.

“Along with our parent club, the Atlanta Braves, we are proud to partner with the Medgar & Myrlie Evers Institute in their mission to impact the lives and future careers of the youth in central Mississippi,” added Pete Laven, Mississippi Braves vice president and general manager. “In the spirit of Medgar and Myrlie Evers, the M-Braves look forward to participating in the Institute’s efforts in providing equitable environments in our community.”

The Evers Youth Empowerment Scholars program (E.Y.E.S.) is about providing Mississippi youth of color with education, training, character development, and team-building skills that will empower them to become actively engaged in their communities. Program components include academic training, community service, and physical activity. These activities instill within our youth, honor, confidence, hope, forgiveness, and responsibility. Values we want to see all of our youth embody each day.

“The Medgar & Myrlie Evers Institute is excited and appreciative to begin a relationship with the Atlanta and Mississippi Braves,” said Reena Evers-Everette, executive director of the Medgar & Myrlie Evers Institute and daughter Medgar and Myrlie Evers. “This gift will help support our ongoing efforts for justice and healing, enhancing our organization’s abilities to support communities through our youth empowerment initiatives. Now especially, with elevated conversations about racism and demands for change, it is inspiring to have the Atlanta and Mississippi Braves support our mission.”

About the Medgar & Myrlie Evers Institute:
Medgar and Myrlie Evers are widely regarded as two of the most outstanding leaders of the civil rights movement. Medgar Evers was a pioneering visionary for civil rights in the 1950s and early 1960s in Mississippi. From the beginning, Myrlie Evers worked alongside her husband, Medgar. In the years following his assassination, she continued the pioneering work they began together in 1998. She founded the Medgar Evers Institute, with the initial goal of preserving and advancing the legacy of Medgar Evers’ life’s work. Anticipating the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Medgar Evers on June 12, 1963, and recognizing the international leadership role of Myrlie Evers, the Institute’s board of directors changed the organization’s name to the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Institute.

About the Atlanta Braves Grant Program:
Each year, the Atlanta Braves Foundation grants funds to youth-serving organizations that focus on health, education, and recreation; and whose plans for the requested funds will have a significant impact upon the individuals served by the requesting organization.

“Although great strides in the field of human relations have been made, we cannot let up now!”
~ Medgar Evers, April 1961

460 Battle Brings Communities Together

 

Roanoke, VA, September 10, 2020 – There’s nothing like a battle to bring people together for a greater purpose. Blue Eagle Credit Union, the Lynchburg Hillcats, and the Salem Red Sox have planned a rivalry baseball game to:

1. Bring back baseball locally and have some fun!

2. Unify communities with a little friendly competition!

3. Recognize some of the key ‘players’ in making our communities a great place to live, work, and PLAY!

“We are thrilled to partner with Blue Eagle Credit Union to rekindle the 460 Rivalry with the Hillcats and the city of Lynchburg. This inaugural game will be a bright spot in 2020 and something that we can continue each year to honor these two great communities.” Allen Lawrence, General Manager, Salem Red Sox

The game is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Friday, October 9, 2020 at the Salem Memorial Ballpark. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. The teams are being drafted currently and will be announced soon. Teams will be made up of local ‘celebrity MVPs’.

Admission is free, thanks to Blue Eagle Credit Union’s sponsorship, but limited to the first 1,000 fans. Don’t miss the action, reserve your tickets early by going online to https://www.milb.com/salem/events/blue-eagle-460-battle. Donations will be accepted at the gate to benefit the American Red Cross and the United Way (in both Lynchburg and Roanoke). Both of these organizations have local programs instrumental in supporting the financial, medical, family, safety, and education aspects of our communities. “Elevating awareness and support for the Red Cross and United Way is a big part of the game – and we’re hoping we hit a home run for them both with donations.” shared Laurissa Grubb, Director of Marketing for Blue Eagle Credit Union.

Andrew Alegre, Brand Ambassador for Blue Eagle Credit Union added “We’ve partnered with the Hillcats and Red Sox for years. We choose to do so because we share common values and a desire to see our communities prosper. We love finding unique and fun ways to get the job done!”

Though this inaugural game will be held in Salem, there’s talk that the game would rotate between the two cities. Matt Klein, Assistant General Manager for the Lynchburg Hillcats comments “We couldn’t be more excited to ramp up the 460 rivalry with The Salem Red Sox and The Lynchburg Hillcats all in the name of “Community”. A wonderful opportunity to connect two great cities, collaborate with Blue Eagle Credit Union, and compete on the “diamond” by celebrating members of each community that play a vital role in making our cities “move and shake!”

Game Day Bonus – The first 500 fans in the gate will receive a limited edition 460 Community Battle t-shirt! Visit the Blue Eagle Credit Union table on game day for additional giveaways (while supplies last). Not a Blue Eagle Credit Union member yet? See what they have for you on game day! You won’t want to miss it.

*– END – *

Blue Eagle® Credit Union is a local not-for-profit financial cooperative serving the greater Roanoke and Lynchburg areas, since 1948. Blue Eagle® Credit Union’s Google review rating averages 4.9 out of 5 stars_, a direct result of their commitment to improving the financial picture of their members and the communities they serve. Blue Eagle® Credit Union wants you to see banking differently! Insured by NCUA. _

_The Salem Red Sox are the Advanced-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox and call Salem Memorial Ballpark in Salem, Virginia home. The team was founded in 1968 and purchased by Fenway Sports Management in December of 2007. _

_The Lynchburg Hillcats are the Advanced-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The Hillcats are eight-time Carolina League Champions, having most recently won the Mills Cup Championship in 2017. The Hillcats play their home games in Lynchburg, VA which has been home to Minor League Baseball since 1940. Visit the Hillcats online at Lynchburg-hillcats.com, and follow the Hillcats on Twitter (@LynHillcats), Instagram (@LynHillcats) and Facebook (Lynchburg Hillcats). _

Cardinals Teacher of the Month: Janice Smith, Williams Elementary

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Springfield Cardinals and Missouri Lottery are proud to announce Janice Smith of Williams Elementary in Springfield as our August Teacher of the Month.

Janice’s immeasurable impact on her students as a kindergarten teacher places them on a path towards future success in and out of the classroom. From resources ranging from nourishment to encouragement and so much more, Janice ensures all of her students have the tools they need for success, even providing supplemental food, snacks and clothes to her students in need.

To show gratitude for their important contributions to the Southwest Missouri community, Janice and each future Teacher of the Month will receive one 2021 Luxury Suite Rental with food and beverage for up to 18 people, one Ceremonial First Pitch, recognition on the Cardinals Video Board and 18 Cardinals Caps, all made possible by Missouri Lottery.

Created as a way to honor local-area educators from all grade levels, the Cardinals Teacher of the Month Award program, presented by Missouri Lottery, is an opportunity for the Southwest Missouri community to shine the spotlight on teachers who are making a difference in the lives of their students during these challenging times.

One hundred percent of Missouri Lottery profits are earmarked for education. In fact, since Lottery began 34 years ago, it has generated more than $6.5 BILLION for the state and public education.

To nominate a September Teacher of the Month, you can visit springfieldcardinals.com/molotteryteachers today.

Pawtucket Red Sox and PawSox Foundation to hold first-ever Fall Golf Classic

 

Event takes place on Tuesday, October 6th at Pawtucket Country Club.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

PAWTUCKET, RI – In an effort to raise more funds to help the community through this unprecedented year, the Pawtucket Red Sox will hold their inaugural PawSox Foundation Golf Classic presented by Navigant Credit Union on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, at Pawtucket Country Club. Proceeds from the event will help the PawSox Foundation support the charities of Rhode Island and the many community partners who have relied upon the ballclub’s support for the past five decades. The course sponsor is LiUNA! Local 271.

The club is celebrating its 50th Anniversary by providing “50 Acts of Kindness” throughout the Ocean State for the second straight year, and this outing will help augment the impact of those acts.

Co-chairmen of the event are PawSox Hall of Famer Mike Tamburro and longtime PawSox executive Mike Lyons.

“This community has been our home for over 50 years,” Tamburro said. “And, with your help, our organization will continue to operate the PawSox Foundation and continue the partnerships and relationships right here in the years to come. We look forward to an afternoon of good friends and good golf.”

The October 6th PawSox Foundation Golf Classic will begin with registration from 11:00 am – 12:00 noon followed by a 12:15 pm shotgun start and then scramble play. A BBQ lunch will be served on the course. Registration includes green and cart fees (18 holes) as well as lunch and dinner (at 5:30 pm). Guests will also receive a complimentary PawSox gift bag upon arrival.

The entry fee is $200 per person or $800 per foursome. Tee Box Signs are available for $200. Click here to register now.

Fans can visit pawsox.com for more information or contact Tamburro at [email protected] or Lyons at [email protected].

The Pawtucket Country Club is committed to providing precautions and ensuring everyone’s safety. The PawSox Foundation thanks PCC owners David Rampone and Gary Reis, along with general manager Jacki Doyle and golf professional Mike Gelinas.

OceanFirst Foundation Honors Non-Profits as Part of Home Runs for Heroes

JERSEY SHORE, NJ – OceanFirst Foundation made donations to 16 organizations that support military personnel on Friday as part of an adjusted version of the Home Runs for Heroes program. The ceremony took place during the Party in the Park fireworks event at FirstEnergy Park.

Since 2009, OceanFirst Foundation has donated to non-profit organizations for each BlueClaws home run hit at FirstEnergy Park. Despite the 2020 season being canceled, the organization still to 16 organizations.

The following organizations received a donation from OceanFirst Foundation.

  • American Red Cross
  • Army Emergency Relief (Fort Dix)
  • Cape May Coast Guard Community Foundation
  • Catholic Charities (Diocese of Trenton)
  • Deborah Hospital Foundation
  • GI Go Fund
  • Homes for All/Hands For All
  • Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey
  • Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Foundation
  • Ma Deuce Deuce
  • National Guard State Family Readiness Council
  • Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
  • Operation First Response
  • Recalibrate
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars – Brick Post 8867
  • Vetgroup

“The BlueClaws are proud to partner with OceanFirst Foundation on the Home Runs for Heroes Program and we thank them for their support of these amazing organizations even in this unique year,” said BlueClaws Team President Joe Ricciutti. “Even without a BlueClaws season, we are thrilled to see OceanFirst Foundation donate to these many worthy causes all over the Shore.”

“We thank the Lakewood BlueClaws organization and Townsquare Media for providing the opportunity to work together to bring much needed relief to local military families and Veterans during these difficult times. We’re pleased to have provided $408,000 in grants over the years of our partnership.” said Katherine Durante, Executive Director of OceanFirst Foundation.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment.

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