Great Lakes Loons

Loons Hosting Seasonal Job Fair This Saturday

March 14, 2022

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

MIDLAND, Mich. – The Great Lakes Loons and Professional Sports Catering will be hosting a seasonal job fair from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday, March 19th to fill roles needed during Loons games. The Loons are seeking outgoing, enthusiastic individuals with a passion for delivering excellent service in a fun, unique, and fast-paced environment to be a valuable part of their game-day team. The event will take place on the main concourse at Dow Diamond. Staff members will be present to meet and talk with interested candidates looking for seasonal work during the 2022 season. On-the-spot interviews and immediate hirings will take place, with work shifts available to begin as soon as March 21st and wages as high as $16.00 per hour, depending on the role.

Job seekers must be at least 16 years of age, have a valid photo ID (driver’s license or passport), and be able to provide valid identification to prove eligibility to work in the United States. Minors must present a work permit completed by their parents. Updated resumes are required to receive an on-the-spot interview.

Potential candidates are encouraged to bring their social security card and banking information (canceled check or statement with account and routing numbers) with them to the job fair to complete new hire paperwork if hired on the spot.

The following opportunities are available and can be applied for at the event:

• Bartender

• Bat Boy/Girl

• Box Office Ticket Seller

• Catering Attendant

• Concessions Cashier

• Concessions Lead

• Fun Flock (Promo Team)

• Gameday Assistant

• Grill Cook

• Grounds Crew Lead

• Grounds Maintenance Worker

• Janitorial/Custodial Worker

• Loon Loft Retail Associate

• Parking Attendant

• Playground Assistant

• Post-Event Cleaning Crew

• Prep Cook

• Section Leader

• Security Guard

• Stats and Scoreboard Crew

• Suite Servers

• Ticket Taker

“Our game day staff play such an important role in creating the total game experience for our fans,” stated Chris Mundhenk, President and General Manager. “Dow Diamond is truly a unique place to work and our game day roles are a great way to engage with the community, develop lasting relationships with staff and fans while being part of the Loons organization.”

Michigan Baseball Foundation Grant Application Available December 1st

November 29, 2021

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

MIDLAND, Mich. – The Michigan Baseball Foundation (MBF) is proud to announce the opening of the 2022 Grant Application on December 1st, 2021. Grants are available for registered 501c3 organizations that focus on youth-related activities or economic development. Applications must be for specific projects or initiatives the organization is undertaking in 2022 and not for general operations. Primary consideration will be given to organizations in the Midland, Bay, Saginaw, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Genesee, Isabella, Tuscola, Huron, Arenac, Ogemaw, Sanilac, and Iosco counties. The application will close on February 18th, 2022.

This is the first time the Michigan Baseball Foundation is soliciting grant requests since the 2019 grant cycle due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants are funded by ticket sales to Great Lakes Loons games, 50/50 raffle sales during Loons games, and direct contributions to the foundation. Grants for the 2022 cycle have been made possible by the Great Lakes Bay Region’s strong support of the Loons in their return to the field in 2021 following the cancelation of the 2020 season.

Grant applications can be completed online: http://michiganbaseballfoundation.org/grants/. All applications must be received by the Michigan Baseball Foundation via the website, before Feb. 18**th**, 2022.

MBF has awarded 327 grants totaling $1,224,647 to non-profit organizations across 14 counties of the Great Lakes Bay Region over the past twelve grant cycles. Grant recipients will be notified by the end of April 2022. Recipients will also be asked to respond to the Michigan Baseball Foundation Board of Directors on the success of the project for which the grant was used.

“We’re incredibly excited to be able to offer grants from the Michigan Baseball Foundation once again in 2022,” stated Mike Hayes, Chair of the MBF Grants Committee. “MBF and the Great Lakes Loons were established in 2006 with goals of supporting youth-focused non-profits in the Great Lakes Bay Region and promoting economic development and prosperity in the region. We’re grateful for the support the Loons received in their return to play last summer and we’re excited to support the region in return through the grant process. These grants are a significant step forward in achieving our goals of leaving our region a better place than we found it.”

For more information contact Jessica Gillespie at 989.837.6144 or [email protected].

The Michigan Baseball Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity that was founded in 2006 to create regional economic development through creative partnerships, and to enhance the efforts of regional organizations that serve young people. The Michigan Baseball Foundation owns and operates Dow Diamond, home of the Great Lakes Loons, a Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Loons to Host Seasonal Job Fair May 26th

May 21, 2021

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

MIDLAND, Mich. – The Great Lakes Loons and Professional Sports Catering will be hosting a seasonal job fair from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, May 26th to fill roles needed during Loons games. The event will take place on the main concourse at Dow Diamond. Staff members will be present to meet and talk with interested candidates looking for seasonal work during the remaining months of the 2021 season. On-the-spot interviews and immediate hirings will take place, with work shifts available to begin as soon as June 1st.

“Our game day staff play such an important role in creating the total game experience for our fans. Dow Diamond is truly a unique place to work and our game day roles are a great way to engage with the community, develop lasting relationships with staff and fans while being part of the Loons organization,” said, Chris Mundhenk, President and General Manager.

Job seekers must be at least 16 years of age, have a valid photo ID (driver’s license or passport), and able to provide valid identification to prove eligibility to work in the United States. Minors must present a work permit completed by their parents. Updated resumes are required to receive an on-the-spot interview.

The following opportunities are available and can be applied for at the event:

Grounds crew members
Guest Service Team
Ticket Takers
Ticket Sales Associates
Seating Section Leaders
Cooks
Food Runners
Dishwashers
Bartenders
Post-Game Cleaning Crew
In-Game Cleaning Crew
Retail associates
Suite servers
TV Production Crew
Parking Lot Attendants
Fun Flock
Security Personnel

The Great Lakes Loons have been the Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers since the team’s inception in 2007. Dow Diamond serves as the team’s home and also houses the Michigan Baseball Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity, and ESPN 100.9-FM. For tickets or information about the Loons, call 989-837-BALL or visit Loons.com.

Loons Join MiLB’s CommUNITY First Campaign

April 28, 2020

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

MIDLAND, Mich. — The Great Lakes Loons today announced they are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) in conjunction with Feeding America®, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Loons fans are encouraged to visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Loons as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. For every $10 donated, the Loons will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

Since 1981, the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan has grown to serve more than 331,000 people annually through a network of over 700 Hunger Relief Partners, including partner agencies, schools, and other community organizations.

School closures, rising unemployment and rising poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months, according to Feeding America. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

In response, contributions from Loons fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Join the national campaign by donating and selecting Loons at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 40 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Loons to Host Pride Night on May 31

May 3, 2017

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

MIDLAND, Mich. – The Great Lakes Loons will host Pride Night at Dow Diamond on Wednesday, May 31 during their game against the West Michigan Whitecaps. The Dow Chemical Company and GLAD (Dow’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Ally (LGBTA) employee resource group) are proud to sponsor this inaugural event with the Loons.

“We’re looking forward to hosting our first-ever Pride Night here at Dow Diamond,” Loons Vice President of Baseball Operations & Gameday Experience Tiffany Wardynski said. “It’s another opportunity for the Loons to connect with our fans and have our ballpark act as a community gathering place.”

The Loons, Dow and GLAD are focused on inclusion and awareness for the LGBTA community in the Great Lakes Bay Region. LGBTA advocacy groups will be on hand throughout the concourse that night.

Fans interested in purchasing a Pride Night ticket package can do so for $20. The purchase gets fans a reserved box seat, as well as a Loons Pride Night t-shirt.

Dow fosters a safe, inclusive, supportive and open working environment for all employees regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. GLAD is one of eight diversity networks at Dow, and for more than 17 years the group has been championing for the realization of a fully inclusive workplace and community.

“A community that is inclusive, celebrates differences, and respects and welcomes everyone, unites its people – enabling individuals and families to thrive, businesses to prosper and economies to grow,” said Howard Ungerleider, vice chairman and chief financial officer of Dow and GLAD executive sponsor.

Jim Fitterling, Dow president and chief operating officer, will throw the ceremonial first pitch prior to the Loons facing the Whitecaps.

The 2016 Midwest League Champions and hosts of the 2017 MWL All-Star Game presented by GoGreat.com have been a Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers since the team’s inception in 2007. For tickets and more information about the Great Lakes Loons, call 989-837-BALL or visit Loons.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

MBF Exceeds $1 Million in Grant Donations

April 12, 2017

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

MIDLAND, Mich. – The Michigan Baseball Foundation is pleased to announce that after awarding grants for the 2017 cycle, MBF has exceeded $1 million donated to non-profit organizations since 2008. This month, MBF distributed 26 grants totaling $104,515 across seven counties in the Great Lakes Bay Region this past year.

“Giving back to our local youth has been something we have taken pride in since MBF started awarding grants,” Michigan Baseball Foundation vice president Paul Barbeau said. “It’s an important part of what we do at Dow Diamond, not just providing fun entertainment during the baseball season, but also supporting the communities that surround us.”

MBF has awarded 283 grants totaling $1,022,761 to deserving non-profit organizations across 14 counties in the Great Lakes Bay Region over the past 10 years.

This year the Friends of Hoyt Park Foundation in Saginaw received $6,600 for dugout benches and a tractor. Midland Center for the Arts received a grant in the amount of $6,250 to upgrade the permanent microscope exhibit in the museum’s “Hall of Ideas.” The Bay Community Tennis Center will install net posts, while Gladwin Community Schools will use $3,000 to upgrade their athletic building and batting cages.

The Foundation began its annual grant process in April 2016 and solicited grant applications from non-profit organizations throughout the region. All applicants were required to meet one or more of the following guidelines, which reflected the purposes for which the Michigan Baseball Foundation was organized:

•   The organization contributes to regional economic development.
•   The organization is based in Mid-Michigan and serves young people.
•   The organization promotes amateur sports and fitness

The Michigan Baseball Foundation considers funding mid-Michigan non-profit organizations that use the grant money to fund projects; the grants are not intended to fund day-to-day operations. Primary consideration will be given to organizations in the Midland, Bay, Saginaw, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Genesee, Isabella, Tuscola, Huron, Arenac, Ogemaw, Sanilac and Iosco counties.

The 2018 grant process is currently in the planning stage. Updates will be communicated once the plans are finalized for the next cycle. For more information contact Carol VanWert at 989.837.6144, or at cvanwert@loons.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

MBF Grant Application Deadline is Friday

February 13, 2017

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

MIDLAND, Mich. – The Michigan Baseball Foundation’s 2017 grant application season will be closing this Friday, February 17. Grant applications can be picked up at Dow Diamond or downloaded at Loons.com. All applications must be received by the Michigan Baseball Foundation via mail (825 E. Main St.; Midland, MI 48640), in person at Dow Diamond, or via email at cvanwert@loons.com.

MBF has awarded 257 grants totaling $918,251 to non-profit organizations across 14 counties of the Great Lakes Bay Region over the past nine years.

To be considered for a grant from MBF, the organization must meet one or more of the following guidelines, which reflect the purposes for which the Michigan Baseball Foundation operates.

• Contributes to regional economic development by expanding employment opportunities and promoting the general welfare of the area.
• Based in the mid-Michigan area and serves young people.
• Funded project promotes amateur sports and fitness.

The Michigan Baseball Foundation will consider funding mid-Michigan non-profit organizations that use the grant money to fund projects; the grants are not intended to fund day-to-day operations. Primary consideration will be given to organizations in the Midland, Bay, Saginaw, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Genesee, Isabella, Tuscola, Huron, Arenac, Ogemaw, Sanilac and Iosco counties.

Grant recipients will be notified by the end of April 2017. Recipients will also be asked to respond to the Michigan Baseball Foundation Board of Directors on the success of the project for which the grant was used.

For more information contact Carol VanWert at 989.837.6144, or at cvanwert@loons.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

MBF Grant Applications Available Now

December 6, 2016

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

MIDLAND, Mich. – The Michigan Baseball Foundation’s 2017 grant application cycle is now open.

Grant applications can be picked up at Dow Diamond or downloaded at Loons.com. All applications must be received by the Michigan Baseball Foundation via mail (825 E. Main St.; Midland, MI 48640), in person at Dow Diamond, or via email at cvanwert@loons.com. The deadline for the current cycle is February 17, 2017.

MBF has awarded 257 grants totaling $918,251 to non-profit organizations across 14 counties of the Great Lakes Bay Region over the past nine years.

To be considered for a grant from MBF, the organization must meet one or more of the following guidelines, which reflect the purposes for which the Michigan Baseball Foundation operates.

For more information contact Carol VanWert at 989.837.6144, or at cvanwert@loons.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Loons, MBF Team Up for Baseball Camps

May 5, 2015

Clinics focus on skill development, coached by Loons

MIDLAND, Mich. – The Michigan Baseball Foundation is pleased to announce the dates of this season’s Loons Summer Baseball Camps – presented by Culver’s of Midland & Mt. Pleasant – at Dow Diamond. The first two-day camp will be held June 17-18.

The camps will pair participants with professional players and coaches from the Great Lakes Loons in a strong learning environment. Loons manager Luis Matos will serve as Camp Director.

Campers will learn various aspects of hitting, throwing, fielding and pitching while being instructed in the characteristics that define successful baseball players. The drills taught will be the same ones utilized by the coaches and player personnel of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Great Lakes Loons.

Loons Summer Baseball Camp Dates
June 17 & 18 (ages 7-12) • July 8 & 9 (ages 7-12)

As part of the camp, each participant will receive two days of instruction from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Campers will also receive a camp t-shirt and two tickets to a Loons game that will take place following the second day of instruction. All campers will be invited on the field for a special pre-game recognition.

Each two-day Loons Summer Baseball Camp is $90 per person with all proceeds benefiting the Michigan Baseball Foundation. A portion of the entry fee is tax deductible.

All interested parties should reserve their spot now as space is limited. To secure a spot or to obtain more information, please contact Amy Charboneau at 989-837-6137, cpmpone@loons.com or Aaron Cole at 989-837-6148, cpmptwo@loons.com. Fans can also visit Loons.com. You can download a registration form here.

Through your support at Loons games, the Michigan Baseball Foundation has been able to award $829,486 to youth baseball leagues, schools and other deserving non-profit organizations throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region. To continue its economic and charitable impact and to meet its obligations as a public charity, MBF must raise annual funds from public support.

The Michigan Baseball Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and public charity, which was formed in 2006 to generate regional economic development through creative partnerships and grants and to enhance the efforts of regional organizations that serve young people. The Michigan Baseball Foundation owns and operates Dow Diamond, home of the Great Lakes Loons, a ninth-year Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Great Lakes Loons. Click here to view the original story.

MBF Announces 2015 Grant Recipients

April 15, 2015

22 organizations are part of 2015 grant class

MIDLAND, Mich. – The Michigan Baseball Foundation (MBF) is pleased to announce that 22 organizations are part of its 2015 grant class. The 2015 grant total is $108,477.

At Olson Park in Saginaw County, Heritage High School Athletics will install two scoreboards with an $8,000 grant. The Mt. Pleasant School District in Isabella County received $6,900 for construction of a press box at their athletic complex. Improvements to the horse arena at the Bay County Fair and Youth Expo received 6,858 this year. In Tuscola County, the Reese High School softball program received $5,000 to build batting cages for their teams to use.

Since 2008, the Michigan Baseball Foundation has awarded 231 grants to deserving non-profit organizations across 14 counties, bringing the grant program’s total to $829,491 since its inception.

The Foundation began its eighth annual grant process in April 2014 and solicited grant applications from non-profit organizations throughout the region. All applicants were required to meet one or more of the following guidelines, which reflected the purposes for which the Michigan Baseball Foundation was organized:

The 2016 grant session begins Monday, April 20, 2015 and applications will be accepted until February 19, 2016. For more information, contact Eric Ramseyer at 989.837.6166, or at eramseyer@loons.com.

The Michigan Baseball Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and public charity, which was formed in 2006 to generate regional economic development and to enhance the efforts of regional organizations that serve young people through creative partnerships and grants. The Michigan Baseball Foundation owns and operates Dow Diamond, home of the Great Lakes Loons, a Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Foundation received its initial funding from The Dow Chemical Company Foundation, The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, The Dow Corning Corporation, The Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation, The Charles J. Strosacker Foundation and The Bill and Linda Stavropoulos Foundation.

Full list of grant recipients (by county):

Bay County

Bay City Central High School – $5,000
Bay City Northeast Little League – $3,770
Bay County Fair and Youth Expo – $6,858

Gratiot County

Breckenridge Little League Association – $1,755

Isabella County

Mt. Pleasant School District – $6,900

Midland County

Chippewa Nature Center – $4,900
Edenville Township – $2,834
FRC Team 2619 – $1,900
HH Dow H.S. All Sports Booster Club – $4,550
Midland Center for the Arts – $4,764
Midland Public Schools; Midland High School – $4,000
Midland Speed Skating Club – $5,000
Momentum Midland – $20,000
Sanford Youth League – $4,900

Saginaw County

Carrollton Township Recreation – $4,800
Hemlock Boosters – $1,763
Heritage High School Athletics – $8,000
Mid‐Michigan Children’s Museum – $1,200
Saginaw Community Foundation – $2,583
Swan Valley Little League – $5,000
YMCA of Saginaw – $3,000

Tuscola County

Reese High School Softball – $5,000

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Great Lakes Loons. Click here to view the original story.

Michigan Blood Celebrates Milestone at Dow Diamond

April 13, 2015

Employee of The Dow Chemical Company is 10,000th blood donor

Michigan Blood opened a donation center at Dow Diamond prior to the 2012 season. It's open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Michigan Blood opened a donation center at Dow Diamond prior to the 2012 season. It’s open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

SAGINAW, Mich. – The nation’s first blood donation center inside a sports stadium opened in April 2012 and three years later, 10,000 donors have walked through its doors.

The Dow Diamond Donor Center is the result of a partnership between The Dow Chemical Company, the Michigan Baseball Foundation, the Great Lakes Loons baseball franchise, and Michigan Blood. Thanks to a generous donation from The Dow Chemical Company to support renovations, the Dow Diamond Donor Center replaced a long-time location at Dow.

“The Dow Diamond Donor Center is a continuation of the rich history of blood donation in Midland. It’s an honor for Michigan Blood to be a part of this legacy,” said Bill Rietscha, CEO and president of Michigan Blood. “We are pleased to have a center right in the heart of the Great Lakes Bay Region that offers donors another opportunity to help support the needs of our partner hospitals throughout Michigan.”

Todd Sloggett of Midland and an employee of The Dow Chemical Company was the 10,000th person through the doors of the Michigan Blood donation center at Dow Diamond.

“Donating blood allows others to get back to good health. My daughter had to get several pints of blood last year for a surgery. Now my son is donating at Dow High School as a junior which really makes me proud of him and the other students that are starting this process young in life,” said Sloggett who has donated over 6 gallons of blood.

In recognition of the 10,000th donor and three years of operations at Dow Diamond, Michigan Blood will present representatives of The Dow Chemical Company, Michigan Baseball Foundation, and the Great Lakes Loons with its Ruby Award, which recognizes people or organizations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to saving lives of patients in Michigan hospitals.

“We are very grateful for the ongoing and generous support of these fine organizations,” said Carleen Crawford, Director of Community Relations and Marketing for Michigan Blood. “They, along with hero donors like Todd, help Michigan Blood ensure that our partner hospitals and their patients have this precious blood resource when needed. The MB Ruby Award is our way of recognizing this valuable contribution.”

Besides the Dow Diamond Donor Center, Michigan Blood collects blood donations at other donation centers in the Great Lakes Bay Region including one at MidMichigan Medical Center-Midland. Michigan Blood is the exclusive provider to MidMichigan Health, Covenant HealthCare, and St. Mary’s of Michigan, as well as over 40 other hospitals throughout the state.

Any healthy person 17 or older (or 16 with parental consent) who weighs at least 110 pounds may be eligible to give blood every 56 days. Blood donors should bring photo ID (or two forms of non-photo ID). Appointments are preferred. Individuals can schedule appointments by visiting www.miblood.org or calling 1-866-MIBLOOD (642-5663).

About Michigan Blood

Founded in 1955, Michigan Blood is an independent, nonprofit, blood bank that provides blood for hospitals across Michigan. Michigan Blood is committed to serving the needs of Michigan hospitals first. Besides blood donation at permanent donation sites, Michigan Blood conducts more than 3,700 mobile blood drives each year. Other related services include Michigan’s first public cord blood bank, blood stem cell (marrow) program, transfusion medicine consultation, transplant center support, and other services. For more information, visit www.miblood.org.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Great Lakes Loons. Click here to view the original story.

Community Organization of the Night Returns in ’15

March 3, 2015

Loons, SVSU will spotlight local organizations at Dow Diamond

The Great Lakes Loons and Saginaw Valley State University are pleased to present the “Community Organization of the Night” promotion for the 2015 season at Dow Diamond.

Sponsored by SVSU, the “Community Organization of the Night” will give non-profit groups the opportunity to win up to $1,500, while also spotlighting their organization at a Loons home game and through various media.

Non-profit organizations wishing to participate can do so by purchasing a minimum of 20 tickets to their scheduled game. Each organization will get a skirted table set up on the concourse to display information about their group, radio mention on ESPN 100.9-FM, and a Dow Diamond public address and video board announcement.

Helping to drive traffic to the group’s table will be an entry form box in which fans can enter a drawing to win an iPad Mini, courtesy of SVSU.

The organization which sells the most tickets to a Loons game during the season will receive $1,000. Organizations that purchase the minimum of 20 tickets are also automatically entered into an end-of-season raffle to win an additional $500.

For more information or to book a “Community Organization of the Night” date, contact Amber Ferris at aferris@loons.com, or 989-837-6140, or James Cahilellis at jcahillellis@loons.com, or 989-837-6173.

The Great Lakes Loons are a ninth-year Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Loons ticket staff is currently taking orders for individual game tickets, ticket packages and group outings for the 2015 season. For more information, visit Loons.com or call 989-837-BALL.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Great Lakes Loons. Click here to view the original story.

Loons, Girl Scouts Team Up For Dow Diamond Sleepover!

February 19, 2015

Girl Scout Family Night and sleepover scheduled for May 15

The Great Lakes Loons and Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan are pleased to partner for the Girl Scout Family Night and Sleepover at Dow Diamond on May 15.

The event will include two options for participants. The Game Only option will give participants the opportunity to watch the Loons game vs. the South Bend Cubs, take a behind-the-scenes tour, receive a patch, and meet and greet with Rall E. Camel

The Game and Sleepover option will include all of the above plus a post-game dance party, a movie shown on Dow Diamond’s video scoreboard, as well as the opportunity to sleep on the field. All participants must supply their own tent. Males will sleep in a separate area and must also provide their own tent.

The Game Only Option is $8 per participant until April 30 and $11 after until May 6. The Game & Sleepover Option is $15 per participant until April 30 and $18 after. The sleepover will last until 7 a.m. Saturday. Dow Diamond is located at 825 E. Main St., Midland, MI.

A special prize will be awarded to the troop or Girl Scout family who show the most Girl Scout spirit.

To reserve tickets, fill out a Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan program registration form and roster (attached), or register online at gshom.org. Participants are asked to bring a blanket to sit on in Girl Scout lawn area during the game. For additional information, contact Michelle Holmes, GSHM program specialist, at 989-399-7260.

The Loons are a ninth-year Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. For tickets or more information about the team, call 989-837-BALL or visit loons.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Great Lakes Loons. Click here to view the original story.

MBF Grant Application Deadline is Feb. 13

January 22, 2015

Grant applications can be picked up at Dow Diamond or downloaded online

The Michigan Baseball Foundation’s 2015 grant application season will be closing on Friday, February 13.

Grant applications can picked up at Dow Diamond or downloaded at Loons.com. All grant applications must be received by the Michigan Baseball Foundation via mail (825 E. Main St.; Midland, MI 48640), in person at Dow Diamond, or via email at eramseyer@loons.com.

MBF has awarded 209 grants totaling $721,014 to non-profit organizations across 14 counties of the Great Lakes Bay Region over the past seven years.

To be considered for a grant from MBF, the organization must meet one or more of the following guidelines, which reflect the purposes for which the Michigan Baseball Foundation operates.

– The organization contributes to regional economic development by expanding employment opportunities, and promoting the general welfare of the area.

– The organization is based in the Mid-Michigan area and serves young people.

– The funded project promotes amateur sports and fitness.

The Michigan Baseball Foundation will consider funding Mid-Michigan non-profit organizations that use the grant money to fund projects; the grants are not intended to fund day-to-day operations.

Grant recipients will be notified by mid-April 2015. Recipients will also be asked to respond to the Michigan Baseball Foundation Board of Directors on the success of the project for which the grant was used.

For more information contact Eric Ramseyer at 989.837.6166, or at eramseyer@loons.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Great Lakes Loons. Click here to view the original story.

MBF Spotlight: The ROCK Center for Youth Development

December 22, 2014

Creating new, positive path for area youths at core of mission

For the staff of The ROCK Center For Youth Development, creating a new, positive path for area youths isn’t just an idea. It’s at the very core of everything they do.

The ROCK, based in Midland, is a teen-focused organization that helps youth succeed and thrive. Its mission is to provide every youth with unconditional love, support, respect, a safe environment, guidance and a model of healthy behavior.

And it works.

In a recent evaluation by The Legacy Center for Community Success, teens involved in The ROCK’s Exposure program scored higher in all developmental asset categories while the program curriculum positively impacts participants.

“If we can get young people to truly desire something positive, then that makes everyone’s job easier – parents, teachers … everyone involved with their lives,” said Beverlee Wenzel, ROCK’s executive director.

“Once a person is on fire for something, they’re going to succeed.”

In a season of giving, while also spotlighting non-profit organizations in the Great Lakes Bay Region, The ROCK (Reaching Our Community’s Kids) has provided solid ground for local teens looking to build life skills, gain confidence and make healthy life choices.

The Michigan Baseball Foundation has recognized The ROCK’s efforts by rewarding them with three grants over the years: In 2008, MBF provided $4,000 toward the purchase of The ROCK’s mobile rock climbing wall; in 2011 it provided $2,500 for playground equipment, and in 2013 $1,580 was given for a portable sound system of sporting events.

“The rock climbing wall is a big part of our ‘Unplugged’ program,” said Wenzel. “It’s used for larger events in the community that we’re a part of, plus it’s just a great symbol for what we are.”

The ROCK was established in 2001 as an independent, grass-roots program located at 2300 E. Gordonville Rd. Bullock Creek Schools bused students to the facility, and the program provided after school and Friday and Saturday night activities.

Since then, the program has expanded widely, encompassing several local schools, establishing a new base at the Midland Community Center, while also providing programs for juvenile care and detention centers.

It’s open to any teen.

“We do well with at-risk kids but we target all kids,” said Wenzel. “We serve all socio-economic groups.”

The ROCK offers three umbrella programs: ROCK Exposure, ROCK Grounded and ROCK Unplugged. The group employs several full-time “coaches”, or mentors, who work with teens in a variety of settings and activities.

The Exposure program includes ROCK-authored curriculum focused on developing life skills and character. Within Exposure are four unique programs: Drive, Perform, Build and Accelerate. Courses, which are taught by ROCK staff members, include character development, decision-making, conflict resolution, independent living, resource and finance management, trades or college, and employment.

“It’s highly activity-based,” said Wenzel. “If I stand up there and say (to a teen), ‘You need to do this,’ it’s not nearly as effective as them experiencing it. Once you experience something you really can’t un-experience it.”

Current venues and classrooms for the Exposure program include Meridian High School, Coleman 7-12 school, Bullock Creek High School and Middle Schools, Midland High, Midland Dow High, Jefferson and Northeast Middle Schools, the Academic and Career Education Academy and the Juvenile Care Center.

In 2014, Midland Public Schools approved Exposure as curriculum and it is provided in the classroom to all freshmen.

The ROCK Grounded program provides after school mentorship, tutoring, food and activities at Northeast, Jefferson, and the ROCK Underground at the Midland Community Center. In fact, The ROCK has taken over all of the after school non-athletic teen activities at the MCC.

Part of the Grounded program’s mission is to provide a safe place for students who might otherwise go home to an empty house. Its mentors/coaches fill a need for positive role models many teens don’t have.

“With teens, you have to provide something safe enough that the parents trust, but you also have to have programs that are relevant to the teen,” said Wenzel.

Another consistent lesson in ROCK programs, says Wenzel, is perseverance.

“One of the things we teach is grit,” said Wenzel. “There are always going to be tough times in anyone’s life, but you have still have to find a way to get up and face another day. The tough times will pass, but you have to learn how to endure them in a positive way.”

ROCK’s Unplugged program provides community-based summer activities that encourage healthy life choices and relationship. Its activities include the climbing wall, an annual Battle of the Bands, the Midland County youth fishing program, and teen pool parties.

“The Rock Wall was really the start of that program in many ways,” Wenzel said. “We wanted something unique to take to events, and we felt it was also a universal symbol for what we’re about.”

To contact The ROCK’s offices, call (989) 835-2542. Information can also be found on its website, www.therockc4yd.org.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Great Lakes Loons. Click here to view the original story.