Cardinals, Missouri Lottery accepting September Teacher of the Month nominations

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

-BlueClaws-

Non-Profit Hero of the Week: Harmony House

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — For nearly 50 years, Harmony House has been there for Southwest Missouri–providing shelter, advocacy and education to survivors of domestic violence and promoting the principle that all individuals have a right to a life free from abuse.

Since its founding in 1976, Harmony House has helped over 17,000 individuals who were victims of domestic violence. Even before the uncharted times our country has endured these past six months, Harmony House stands as a hero in our community.

But it’s what they’ve done and found ways to continue to do during the COVID-19 pandemic that makes them this week’s Non-Profit Heroes award winner, presented by American National Insurance.

“It was important to our entire team that we keep our doors open for victims in our community, as many are still suffering at the hands of their abuser even through the pandemic,” Harmony House Director of Development Jared Alexander said. “We maintained a full staff of advocates in shelter, continued operation of our 24-hour emergency hotline, and transitioned to several virtual presentations and programs to continue services and communication for residents, volunteers, and the general public.”

And the community recognized those efforts. Harmony House received over 10 percent of all nominations for our Non-Profit Heroes. Their impact and effort was certainly noticed.

“Harmony House has continued to work through the COVID pandemic, sheltering clients and providing outreach services,” one nominator said. “Harmony House is the only domestic violence shelter in Greene County and without their services many abused people would have been trapped in dangerous situations.”

The Harmony House team understood the added dangers for domestic violence victims during the stay-at-home-order and responded, implementing a code word that could be used to indicate that an individual was in immediate danger and continuing to help alleviate individuals from the epidemic of domestic violence–as one nomination put it.

“We are so proud of the entire team at Harmony House–staff, volunteers, and our board–who continue to work tirelessly for domestic violence victims in our community despite the challenges we are all facing as a community,” Alexander said. “Harmony House, like so many in our community, was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as an organization. Immediately, our leadership team and board of directors made the decision to remain open and to implement screening procedures to protect the staff, volunteers and clients currently residing in shelter and participating in our Outreach program.”

Harmony House is not only the only domestic violence shelter in Greene County, but it’s the largest of its kind in the state of Missouri. In 2017, Harmony House expanded to a larger facility that allowed it to expand its bed count from 110 to 168. Each year, Harmony House assists over 900 women, men, and children in our community.

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

Do you need help or 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 Harmony House, contact them at myharmonyhouse.org/contact.

If you need help, call the Harmony House 24-hour hotline at 417-864-7233 or toll free at 800-831-6863. You can also visit myharmonyhouse.org for additional resources.

For more on what Harmony House is doing for our region on a daily basis, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/**myharmonyhouse.**

SMOKIES ANNOUNCE PITCHING & CATCHING CAMP TO BE HOSTED AT SMOKIES STADIUM SEPTEMBER 15 AND 16

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SEVIERVILLE – The Tennessee Smokies have announced that the club will host a two day baseball camp specifically for pitchers and catchers at Smokies Stadium September 15 and 16, 2020. The camp is for players 13-18 years old. The camp will be led by former professional Major League Baseball Player and 2009 Chicago Cubs organization Pitcher of the Year, Casey Coleman.

“Since moving to the area, I’ve seen how much passion there is for baseball at the youth level. I want to put on camps to allow these young athletes to reach their full potential,” said Coleman. “Along with other amazing instructors and former professional players, our goal is to teach each and every player the value of hard work while learning new techniques that will help them become the best player possible.”

Along with Coleman, a staff of over 36 combined years of professional playing and coaching experience will lead the instruction, including Carson Newman coaches Pat Brown and Brandon Roberts. Pitchers can look forward to strength training, throwing programs, day-before pitch prep, and individual suggestions to craft their mechanics. Catchers will work on framing, footwork, pitch calling, and pop times, amongst other drills.

“We are proud to host this wonderful opportunity to local young athletes,” said Tennessee Smokies General Manager Tim Volk. “This hands-on experience can really benefit each player and give them a once in a lifetime experience at Smokies Stadium.”

The fee to register is $150 prior to September 11, and is $175 starting September 12.

For more information and to register for the Pitching and Catching Camp taking place at Smokies Stadium, visit smokiesbaseball.com/pitchingcatchingcamp 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

Baseballtown Charities ‘Dinner Under the Stars’ Set for October 3rd

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The Reading Fightin Phils are pleased to announce the Baseballtown Charities Dinner Under the Stars. The fifth annual event will be held on the field at FirstEnergy Stadium. Enjoy a wonderful night outdoors and support a great cause!

Tickets are $100 per person with the cocktail hour beginning at 5:30 and the dinner at 6:30. All attendees are encouraged to wear white attire to match the ‘Beisbol Blanco’ theme!

Join us for a night of entertainment from Erich Cawalla and the Uptown Band. The R-Phils are proud to have partnered with Willoughby’s on Park, The Berkshire County Club, Crowne Plaza Reading, and Redner’s Markets for the night’s cuisine. FirstEnergy Stadium will be spectacularly decorated by Dave Reppert through Wishes Entertaining & Event Design.

Please consider sponsoring the event at either premium or secondary levels. Sponsors will receive print, verbal, and social media recognition.

The R-Phils and Baseballtown Charities will adhere to all CDC and Pennsylvania state health department guidelines.

This event is significant to the growth and prosperity of Baseballtown Charities. The Reading Fightin Phils encourage you to engage in an exciting, community celebration! For more information and to purchase a ticket Baseballtown.org.

Baseballtown Charities is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded to keep baseball alive in Reading so youngsters can benefit from the many life lessons the game teaches.

Drillers Bringing the Arts to ONEOK Field

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In a normal year, September at ONEOK Field, which is located in downtown Tulsa in the historic Greenwood District, usually features the sounds of baseball. The familiar sounds of a baseball hitting a leather glove or being struck by a wooden bat. But 2020 has been anything but normal, resulting in the cancellation of the Tulsa Drillers Minor League Baseball season. With no baseball in September, ONEOK Field is being filled with new sounds. The sounds of the performing arts.

The Tulsa Drillers are working with several organizations to bring four unique, outdoor arts events to downtown Tulsa. The events include three symphonies and one opera presentation.

The presentations will begin with A Celebration of Beethoven from the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, September 5.

Two weeks later, on Saturday, September 19, the Signature Symphony at Tulsa Community College will present Beethoven’s 5th Symphony.

The Tulsa Opera will come to ONEOK Field on Friday, October 9 with its presentation of Verdi’s Rigoletto in a baseball-themed production directed by James Robinson.

The Tulsa Symphony Orchestra will return for a second performance, a matinee presentation on Sunday, October 18.

“We are thrilled to have found a way to partner with these great Tulsa arts institutions to bring their amazing talents to life here at ONEOK Field,” said Drillers General Manager Mike Melega. “These events are a perfect example of how the Tulsa entertainment community can come together to help each other during these trying times.”

All three performances will take place on the playing field at ONEOK Field with the downtown Tulsa skyline providing the backdrop.

COVID-19 safety standards will be utilized, limiting attendance capacity to approximately 20% of normal.

Tickets are currently available for all three events with links provided below.

PERFORMING ARTS SCHEDULE AT ONEOK FIELD

Tulsa Symphony – A Celebration of Beethoven on September 5

Signature Symphony at TCC – Beethoven’s 5th Symphony on September 19

Tulsa Opera – Verdi’s Rigoletto on October 9

Tulsa Symphony – Triple Play: Brahms 4 on October 18

Round Rock Express Announce Skills & Drills Baseball Camp Series

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ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express are excited to announce a series of half-day Skills & Drills Baseball Camps coming to Dell Diamond this fall. Each camp will run approximately three hours and focus on the fundamentals of the game. The inaugural Skills & Drills Baseball Camp is set for Sunday, September 20 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Registration for each camp is $125, includes a Round Rock Express gift, and is available now via ExpressCamps.com. Additional Skills & Drills Baseball Camp dates will be announced in the near future.

“We are thrilled to add a series of Skills & Drills Baseball Camps to our robust lineup of Round Rock Express Camps. With school back in session throughout much of Central Texas, either virtually or in-person, we are honored to be able to provide the next generation of athletes with an outlet to experience Express Camps on select weekends this fall,” Express Camps Director Chase Almendarez said. “Although these camps are only half-day, as compared to our longer summer camps, each participant will receive the same high-level baseball instruction from our experienced and knowledgeable coaches.”

Express Camps offer big league quality instruction on the fundamentals of the game. Express Camps range by age and offer opportunities for all skill levels and provide high-level instruction from knowledgeable, experienced and passionate coaches. Every Express Camp aims to develop the complete ballplayer by emphasizing physical, mental and leadership skill sets.

The safety of participants and staff at Express Camps is the top priority. As mandated by the State of Texas, the Express will be implementing a series of expanded protocols and procedures. Each camp will be limited in numbers to follow health and safety protocols from local and state officials with campers split into small groups based on age that will remain consistent for the duration of each camp. Each group will have two dedicated coaches that will stay with that group for the duration of camp. Campers will not participate in games or scrimmages with other groups.

Additionally, parents and guardians will not be allowed to attend camps, except to drop off and pick up campers at designated curbside areas. Assigned coaches and staff will check campers in and out of camp at designated curbside areas. Water stations, which are regularly monitored and sanitized, will be available to campers only. Campers are required to bring their own bats, gloves and refillable water bottles. For more on the enhanced safety procedures being implemented, please visit ExpressCamps.com.

To view the full lineup of a variety of special events coming to Dell Diamond in 2020, visit RRExpress.com/Events. For more information about the Express, visit RRExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Boys To Law Enforcement Day To Be Held at Bowling Green Ballpark

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Bowling Green, Ky. – Boys to Men, Bowling Green Police Department, Warren County Sheriff’s Department, Western Kentucky University Police and the Bowling Green Hot Rods are please to announce the Inaugural Boys to Law Enforcement Day at Bowling Green Ballpark. The event will be held on Saturday September 26th from 10am to 5pm.

The event is to build positive relationships with law enforcement and young males in our community through education and athletics. ” I personally know that initiatives like this build positive relationships with law enforcement and young males in our community. Education and Athletics is a great way to tie these organizations together. They require discipline, integrity, teamwork, confidence, and trust. The most important thing that we want to build is love and positive energy. We want our officers to be seen in a positive light. We want our students to know that they can become one of them and much more. This is a great community, with great children and people. We must continue to shed light on the good of our community and not the tragedies of the world. Bowling Green Hot Rods, have been supportive of our organization. Along with a number of community partners, we see a great need to mentor and provide every resource possible to ensure that these students have a positive pathway towards adulthood.” Said Boys to Mens Director, Tyreon Clark.

Boys To Law Enforcement Day will consist of an array of activities that include: Run Bases with a Cop, Catch with A Cop, Home Run Derby & ending in a Flag Football Charity Game. Each Activity will be broken down into grade levels within the program. This day will be full of fun, and it will shed light on the positive relationships that our local officers are committed to building with young men in our community. “I think this partnership will help the Bowling Green Police Department by providing positive role models to your group and bridging the gap between the police department. You never know who’s life you might change or influence. Our goal is to help you encourage these young men and get them to believe in themselves. Once you believe then you can achieve. I look forward to helping and hopefully inspiring these young men.” Said Bowling Green Police Chief Michael Delaney.

The goal of the event is to introduce officers to students, provide a safe and fun environment for students and officers to interact, and develop positive relationships with students and law enforcement. “We are very committed to building partnerships that invest within our community and the lives of those that live here. I look forward to making plans to build our partnership” said Warren Country Sheriff Brett Hightower.

The gates to Bowling Green Ballpark will open up at 9:30 am with opening ceremonies at 10am. The days events will include ceremonial first pitch, run bases with a Cop at 10:20, catch with a Cop at 11am, Home Run Derby at noon, followed by a Flag Football Charity Game at 2pm. Concessions will be open beginning at 11am during the event. Eric C. Leach, Hot Rods General Manager and COO said “We are looking forward to hosting the inaugural event at our ballpark. We have partnered for the past two years with Boys to Men and love how they are impacting our community. We always want to be a place for the community to gather, make positive impacts, and help be a part of positive change.”

For media requests Boys to Men Tyreon Clark can be reached at [email protected] or at 931-999-3031.

###

Victory Field Lights Up Red as Part of #RedAlertRestart

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INDIANAPOLIS – Tonight, Victory Field and other venues around Indiana have gone on #RedAlert to raise awareness for the thousands of Hoosier workers and small businesses in our industry who have been impacted by COVID-19. Live events venues were the first to close and will be among the last to return, and efforts to help us safely back to live events are critical for our economy.

Did You Know?

  • Live events employ over 12 million people.
  • Live events contribute over $1 trillion annually to the US economy.
  • 95% of live events have been canceled due to COVID-19.
  • 96% of companies have cut staff and/or wages.
  • 77% of people in the live events industry have lost 100% of their income, including 97% of 1099 workers.

On September 1, 2020, #WeMakeEvents, a coalition of trade bodies, businesses, unions and live events workers, will light up their venues, home and cities red in over 1,500 locations across North America to raise public and media awareness in support of the live events sector. Will you join us?

How You Can Help

  • Please contact your representatives at WeMakeEvents.org.
  • Post a red-tinted photo of your favorite live event to your social media with the following caption: #RedAlertRESTART: the live events we love may never recover from the pandemic, we need to take action! Take 2 minutes to contact your representatives here, and post a red photo of you at your favorite event, too: https://WeMakeEvents.org #WeMakeEvents #ExtendPUA
  • Turn your photo red here: https://www11.lunapic.com/editor/?action=tint
  • Check out the hashtag #RedAlertRESTART and share/RT images of venues and live events workers you love.

Segra Stadium to Host 2nd Annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

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FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The 2nd Annual Fayetteville 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb will be held on the morning of Saturday, September 12th at Segra Stadium. Opening ceremonies will begin at 8:45 a.m. and the climb will start at approximately 9:15 a.m.

The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is a way to honor and remember the FDNY firefighters, police, and EMS who selflessly gave their lives on that tragic day. Each participant will pay tribute to those brave souls by climbing the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. Your individual tribute not only remembers the sacrifice, but symbolically completes their heroic journey to save others. Through community participation we can ensure that each of the 343 firefighters, 60 police officers, and 10 EMS are never forgotten.

Registration fees are $30/per person and include your entry to the climb and a t-shirt. Anyone interested in climbing MUST REGISTER ONLINE by September 10th. We will not have walk-up registration this year to limit touch points at the entrance. Check-in for the event will begin at 7:45 a.m. All proceeds from the stair climb will benefit programs provided by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to support the families of your local fallen firefighters and the FDNY Counseling Services Unit.

To register, please visit the Fayetteville 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Facebook page HERE.

Non-Profit Hero of the Week: Discovery Center

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The COVID-19 pandemic has forced organizations across the country to adapt how they operate in order to continue to find ways to serve their community.

In Springfield, the Discovery Center (DCS) has done that and much more, establishing itself as a leader on both the local and the national level as one of just two science centers in North America that remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Back in early March when schools, offices and everything else was beginning to shut down to save lives, the Discovery Center adapted. Because just when everywhere else was telling its employees and students to stay home, healthcare workers were busier than ever, and many of their kids suddenly had nowhere to go.

On March 17, 2020, the Discovery Center started a five-day transition from an award-winning science center into a licensed, emergency childcare facility for healthcare workers and first responders with displaced school-aged children. This service was provided for free to over 1,000 children since March 23—seven days a week for 14 hours each day.

In total, DCS provided 100,000 free childcare hours, over 50,000 free meals and snacks and over 1,000 child enrollments.

All of this and more is why the Discovery Center is this week’s Non-Profit Hero, presented by American National Insurance.

“We here in the Ozarks are always helping and caring for each other,” one Non-Profit Heroes nominator wrote. “Springfield might be one of the larger cities in Missouri, but it sure feels like a small town on most days. During this crazy time our world is in, there are stories all over, but I don’t want people to miss out on a great story right here in Springfield.’

“In the middle of all this chaos they are providing one of the most organized and safest opportunities for these students.”

Discovery Center staff—which came to be known as Team Incredibles—provided three meals a day to kids at their facility in addition to preparing boxes of food to send home to families of frontline workers. Each day they created lesson plans for kids—live streaming virtual lessons, organizing hands-on experiments and crafts, assisting with school work, and providing experiences in the museum itself and focusing on science-based education when it is needed more than ever.

The Center’s health and safety standards went above industry standards, and the Springfield-Greene County Health Department borrowed from the Center’s COVID-19 safety measures to model for COVID childcare guidelines.

An average of 3,000 people used the Discovery Center’s free virtual lessons every single day.

“Mister Rogers taught us to look for the helpers,” Discovery Center Executive Director Rob Blevins said. “But we knew from the beginning that we should be doing more than just looking. We knew we needed to help the helpers. And we knew we had the best place for these kids to be.’

“We focused on not only childcare but also making sure that kids felt normal, that they weren’t experiencing a loss in learning by providing schooling based lesson plans, and that they were so well taken care of that their parents could focus on keeping our community safe.”

When talks of how to handle a new school year during COVID-19 began, the Discovery Center adapted again. On July 27, 2020, they announced the opening of the Discovery School, a private K-5 model, and the Learning Support Care Program to assist with Springfield Public School’s plan for in-person schooling. DCS education staff serves as guides and tutors to help children complete SPS virtual curriculum.

The Discovery School at the Center is an independent school run by the Discovery Center for the entirety of the 2020-2021 school year. The education staff has over 20 years of combined education experiences and is creating curriculum in humanities, fine arts, world languages, literacy, language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, computer coding, robotics, 3D printing and more with teaching partnerships with organizations such as NASA and the Smithsonian Museums.

“The kids we cared for navigated the crisis in a fun way that only the Discovery Center could offer,” Blevins said. “We are a top tier community asset. This is our mission. When SkyZone closed down, we took those families in and gave them free admission and free birthday parties. When the opioid epidemic hit Springfield, we became the first science center in the world to offer the science of synthetic endorphins and pharmacology. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that when our helpers needed help that our doors would be wide open.”

Over five million people worldwide have been inspired by Team Incredibles at the Discovery Center. Click here to learn how you can contribute.

How You Can 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 the Discovery Center, contact them at [email protected] or visit discoverycenter.org.

For more on what the Discovery Center is doing for our region on a daily basis, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/discoverycenterspringfield.