Take a Red Wing to School

Sylvan Learning Centers offers unique opportunity for students

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Parents – kids – take a Red Wings player to school, courtesy of Sylvan Learning Centers.

Monroe County students in grades 3-8 are encouraged to write an essay of 100 words or less on why education is important to them. The student with the winning essay will have the opportunity to take a Red Wing to school, on a mutually agreed upon day. The Red Wings player will pick up the student at their home in a limo and take the student to school.

The player will visit the student’s school for an hour, talking with classmates and answering questions about his career and the importance of education.

The winning student will also receive a prize package from the Red Wings, courtesy of Sylvan Learning Centers.

Students should send their essays to :

Sylvan Scholars- Take a Red Wing to School contest
Rochester Red Wings
Frontier Field
One Morrie Silver Way
Rochester NY 14608

 

Click here for a pdf with the official rules and a form you can print out to submit your essay with.

All essays must include student name, age and school, and parent or guardian first and last name, address, email address, and daytime phone number. All essays must be clearly printed or typed. Please call 454-1001 and press zero, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p,m. if you have any questions on submitting, or click here to send an email.

Contest essays must be received by May 30. The Red Wings staff will make the final determination on the winning entry. No purchase necessary. The family of the student selected will be notified on Monday, June 1.

Parents: you can depend on talented tutors at Sylvan Learning Centers in Rochester to deliver the individual attention your child needs to thrive in the classroom and beyond. Like all Sylvan Learning Centers across the country, the Rochester Sylvan Learning Centers aim to ensure measurable academic progress by providing an engaging, collaborative and enjoyable learning environment.

Contact the Rochester Sylvan Learning Centers:

Pittsford – 3300 Monroe Ave. 385-9480

Greece – 1600 W Ridge Rd.   663-6226

Webster – 980 Ridge Rd. 872-1071

Canandaigua – 2510 Rochester Rd. 393-4870

or click here for more information.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Rochester Red Wings. Click here to view the original story.

MBF Announces 2015 Grant Recipients

22 organizations are part of 2015 grant class

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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 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 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.

Spokane Indians Kick Off Reading Challenge

Molina Healthcare proud to sponsor learning program

The Spokane Indians Front Office Staff inform children and OTTO the Mascot about the Reading Challenge presented by Molina Healthcare. (James Snook)
The Spokane Indians Front Office Staff inform children and OTTO the Mascot about the Reading Challenge presented by Molina Healthcare. (James Snook)

SPOKANE, Wash – The Spokane Indians are excited to announce the Spokane Indians Reading Challenge, presented by Molina Healthcare. The reading challenge will encourage and empower local children to learn through reading. The challenge started today at Sheridan Elementary!

Click here to see a photo gallery!

“The Spokane Indians are always working on new ways to give back to the community,” said Otto Klein, the Indians Senior Vice President. “With the help of Molina Healthcare, we were able to bring the Reading Challenge to life.”

Each child at Sheridan Elementary will be given a reading log to keep track of their progress. For every 150 minutes read, each child can earn a new prize as they make their way around the bases:

  • 150 Minutes (1st Base): An autographed OTTO or Doris baseball card
  • 300 Minutes (2nd Base): A free book courtesy of Molina Healthcare
  • 450 Minutes (3rd Base): Special edition Spokane Indians bookmark
  • 600 Minutes (Home Run): Two tickets to a Spokane Indians game

The challenge will run for six weeks, ending on Friday, May 29th. If each child reads just 20 minutes five days a week, they will hit a home run! The classroom with the most minutes logged will win a pizza party with OTTO the Mascot!

“It’s important for kids to begin living a healthy lifestyle at a young age,” said Erica Newton, Community Engagement Coordinator for Molina Healthcare. “Molina Healthcare promotes the exercise of both the body and mind that will ultimately lead to a healthy lifestyle.”

About the Indians

The Indians are the Short Season Class “A” affiliate for the Texas Rangers. Ticket Packages and Group Areas for the 2015 Spokane Indians season are now available! Click here to view the 2015 schedule. For more information, please visit www.spokaneindians.com or call (509) 343-6886 (OTTO). Parking at all Spokane Indians games is FREE!

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

College Fair Night Returns on May 6th

High school students get free ticket, early entrance to meet with over 40 colleges

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LAKEWOOD, NJ – A BlueClaws game can be more than just a fun night out! The BlueClaws annual College Fair Night is back on Wednesday, May 6th when the BlueClaws take on the Augusta GreenJackets (Giants).

High school students get into the game for free. To register and to reserve additional tickets for family members, call Kyle Volp at 732-901-7000 ext 142.

Plus, the first 1,500 fans will receive a BlueClaws Drawstring Backpack, perfect for high school students to take to college with them in the next few years!

While the gates open at 5:30 pm for the general public, high school students receive early entrance at 5:00 to begin meeting with representatives from all of the colleges at the event.

Fans are also encouraged to wear the shirt and/or hat of their alma mater, and fight songs will be played throughout the night.

Participating Schools: Kean University, University of Saint Joseph, Ocean County College, Monmouth Univeristy, Five Towns College, DeSales University, Saint Joseph’s University, East Stroudsberg Univeristy, Brookdale Community College, Johnson & Wales University, SUNY Cortland, Mount St. Mary’s College, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Fordham University, Kings College, Ramapo College, Saint Francis University, Delaware Valley College, Dowling College, Goldey-Beacom College, William Patterson University, Univeristy of Arizona, Caldwell College, Vanderbilt University, Montclair State University, College of New Jersey (additional schools could still be added).

– BlueClaws –

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

Record-setting Race to Home 5K raises $15K

Third annual event brings all-time fundraising total to more than $33,000 for the Bandit Scholars Program

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Nearly 700 runners and walkers set a new record for participation in the annual Bandits Race to Home 5K and Fun Run presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics on Saturday morning. In its third year, the unique bi-state race that ends inside Modern Woodmen Park helped raise more than $15,000 – also a new event record – for the Bandit Scholars Program.

Since the inaugural year in 2013, the event has more than doubled its annual participants – to 695 this year – and more than tripled its annual proceeds for the Bandit Scholars Program, which annually awards two Bandit Scholarships to cover the entire first year of college tuition for Quad Cities-area students. In three years, the event has raised more than $33,000 for the Bandit Scholars Program.

“We are tremendously grateful to all of the participants, sponsors, volunteers, staff and spectators who made the Bandits Race to Home 5K presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics the most successful yet,” said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. “As one of the largest fundraisers for the Bandit Scholars Program, this event makes an impact in the lives of Quad Cities-area students, and it is a unique community celebration that is the perfect way to kick off another River Bandits season at Modern Woodmen Park!”

The top three overall female and male finishers received a medal and an engraved, game-used baseball bat. The top three finishers in each of the 13 age groups – (14 and under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 and above), were awarded medals, and all Fun Run participants received ribbons. All participants also received a free T-shirt and a free ticket to a 2015 River Bandits home game.

Danielle Berndt of Bettendorf, Iowa, became the event’s first repeat overall winner Saturday, leading all female participants by finishing in 19:09 – setting the female record for the Bandits Race to Home 5K. She led all females with a 20:21 finish in 2014.

Jerry Lack of East Moline, Ill., was the top male finisher at 17:48. It was his second race title, as he led all males in the inaugural race in 2013 with an 18:01 finish. He was third in 2014 with an 18:02 mark.

Here is a link to full race results; and below is a list of the winners in their respective age group.

Female 1st Place Time 2nd Place Time 3rd Place Time
Overall Danielle Berndt; Bettendorf, IA 19:09 Morgan Casey; Davenport, IA 20:16 Danielle Blocker; Davenport, IA 20:50
14 & U Kaitlyn Powell; Blue Grass, IA 24:53 Lydia Wood; Davenport, IA 25:32 Karsyn Kuffler; Moline, IL 28:36
15-19 Jadwin Woodall; Bettendorf, IA 26:42 Christine Hultquist; Davenport, IA 33:21 Ashley Walters; Clinton, IA 33:33
20-24 Hannah Schoening; Davenport, IA 24:16 Faith Raaen; Moline, IL 25:19 Burgus Brittany; Bettendorf, IA 26:19
25-29 Lauren Vasicek; Davenport, IA 24:24 Chelsea Masterson; Davenport, IA 24:58 Katie Mayer; Le Claire, IA 25:16
30-34 Ashley Spain; Dewitt, IA 22:53 Kathryn Monroe; Davenport, IA 24:14 Teresa Thoensen; Silvis, IL 24:25
35-39 Nicole Callahan; Moline, IL 22:10 Bethany Wood; Davenport, IA 25:33 Allison Kopp; Osco, IL 25:59
40-44 Melissa Braddock; Dewitt, IA 23:12 Cheryl Allen; Wellman, IA 23:47 Jennifer Burris; Davenport, IA 24:50
45-49 Christina Martinez-Mcdowell; East Moline, IL 24:37 Jeanette Dawson Rhodes; East Moline, IL 29:37 Shari Connell; Macomb, IL 29:48
50-54 Kathleen Jensen; Davenport, IA 24:17 Kathy Evanchyk; Davenport, IA 25:17 Denise Gonzales; Davenport, IA 27:24
55-59 Cheryl Bivens; Moline, IL 25:24 Carol Brockway; Bettendorf, IA 25:29 Jolene Vipond; Aledo, IL 29:53
60-64 Karen Nelson; Le Claire, IA 28:25 Sarah Schafer; Sherrard, IL 30:07 Kathy Loomis; Davenport, IA 30:30
65-69 Marianne Schroeder; Bettendorf, IA 26:24 Amy Prusa; Sherrard, IL 35:18 Jeanne Carton; Atkinson, IL 35:29
70-plus Judith Teeple; Davenport, IA 33:55 Barbara Donald; Bettendorf, IA 44:40 Only 2 Finishers
Male 1st Place Time 2nd Place Time 3rd Place Time
Overall Jerry Lack; East Moline, IL 17:48 Jay Whitmore; Donahue, IA 18:30 Mitchell Hines; Davenport, IA 18:32
14 & U Christopher Guise; Davenport, IA 19:28 Ben Rhodes; East Moline, IL 22:36 Trent Doty; Port Byron, IL 24:52
15-19 Andrew Sattler; Clinton, IA 20:18 Logan Rathjen; Bettendorf, IA 23:15 Timothy Schwartz; Moline, IL 25:37
20-24 Noah Forbes; Rock Island, IL 22:10 Mark Steinhauser; Bettendorf, IA 22:55 Kyle Kiel; Davenport, IA 23:42
25-29 Luke Anderson; Moline, IL 19:58 Zach Knobloch; East Moline, IL 20:04 Jacob Clark; Davenport, IA 20:51
30-34 Jacob Knobloch; East Moline, IL 18:59 Travis Lynch; Rock Island, IL 19:41 Chris Massie; Eldridge, IA 19:57
35-39 Billy Butler; Moline, IL 20:11 Kurt Haiar; Davenport, IA 21:16 Matthew Holst; Davenport, IA 21:23
40-44 Joel Madden; East Moline, IL 20:27 Kory Kuffler; Moline, IL 20:41 Kirby Winn; Davenport, IA 21:12
45-49 Stephen Rhodes; East Moline, IL 18:44 Andy Feliksiak; Rock Island, IL 23:27 Rob Woodall; Bettendorf, IA 24:37
50-54 Mark Taghon; Bettendorf, IA 19:14 Scott F Caldwell; Moline, IL 21:17 Mark Schmidt; Blue Grass, IA 22:27
55-59 Michael Oberhaus; Rock Island, IL 23:36 Brian Kopf; Davenport, IA 24:19 Dave Craddick; Moline, IL 24:50
60-64 Steve Vipond; Aledo, IL 24:39 Gary Nelson; Le Claire, IA 25:46 Craig Foster; Davenport, IA 26:06
65-69 Tom Miller; Bettendorf, IA 26:17 Tony Schiltz; Davenport, IA 26:44 James Knorr; Milan, IL 29:10
70-plus Dave Zimmer; Long Grove, IA 25:47 Arthur Tate; Blue Grass, IA 34:04 John C Gardner; Bettendorf, IA 34:52

The Bandits Race to Home 5K began on 2nd Street in Davenport, Iowa, in front of the YMCA. The five-kilometer route crossed the Centennial Bridge into Rock Island, Ill., and the Rock Island Arsenal Bridge back into Davenport before ending at home plate inside Modern Woodmen Park. The quarter-mile Fun Run for kids began outside the party plaza and ended inside the playing field.

Additional sponsors for the 2015 Bandits Race to Home 5K were Triumph Community Bank, ECS, Inc., Aramark, Hy-Vee, Sam’s Club, Pepsi, 7G Distributing & Michelob Ultra.

UP NEXT: Gates open for the home opener at 12:15 p.m. Sunday, when the first 1,000 fans receive a Mediacom River Bandits pennant, and the first 2,000 fans receive a Mediacom River Bandits magnet schedule. River Bandits players will sign autographs on the field at 12:30 p.m. The Nintendo Wii-ster Egg Hunt is at 12:45 p.m., with three Wii-U systems to be given away. Family Sunday presented by B-100 and ESPN 93.5 means Bark in the Park on the Modern Woodmen Berm and postgame Kids Run the Bases presented by Prairie Farms. Individual tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office and online at riverbandits.com. Ticket plans of 12 to 70 games – which include free parking, reserved seats, merchandise discounts, and guaranteed giveaways – are available by calling 563-324-3000.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership in 2014 made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 105 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, Space Camp opened June 20; the new Drop’N Twist debuted in July; and the newly expanded 300-foot long zip line also reopened.

 

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Quad Cities River Bandits. Click here to view the original story.

Dragons Players and Mascots to Visit Schools in Three Counties This Week

Heater will join players as part of Dragons MVP Program

DAYTON, Ohio – Dayton Dragons players and one of the team’s mascots, Heater, will visit schools in three different counties across the Miami Valley this week. The visits are part of the Dragons MVP program and members of the local media are invited to cover them. The players will introduce themselves to the students, answer questions and take pictures. Each student will also receive a Dragons pen. The following schools are listed with an address, date and time of visit:

Tuesday, April 14

10am-10:45am

Cox Elementary

506 Dayton Avenue

Xenia, OH, 45385

Phone: 937-372-9201

 

11:15am-12pm

Main Elementary

2942 Dayton-Xenia Rd.

Beavercreek, OH, 45434

Phone: 937-429-7588

 

Wednesday, April 15

9:45am – 10:30am

Perrin Woods Elementary

431 West John Street

Springfield, OH, 45506

Phone: 937-505-4310

 

11:15am – 12pm

Rolling Hills Elementary

2613 Moorefield Rd.

Springfield, OH, 45502

Phone: 937-399-2250

 

Friday, April 17

10am-10:45am

Salem Christian

6500 Southway Rd.

Clayton, OH, 45315

Phone: 937-836-9910

 

11:15am-12pm

Dayton Leadership Academies

1416 W. Riverview Ave.

Dayton, OH, 45402

Phone: 937-567-9426

Members of the media may contact schools individually at the numbers listed if they intend to cover the visits.

The Dragons MVP Program, a tool for teachers, uses the marketing power of Dayton Dragons Baseball as an educational tool for fourth and fifth grade teachers, helping them motivate and reward students for success in and out of the classroom. The Dayton Dragons MVP Program is sponsored by Bob Evans, WDTN-TV, Dayton’s CW Television, and Sinclair Community College. For more information on the Dragons MVP Program contact the Dayton Dragons or visit www.daytondragons.com.

More Information:  The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

—end–

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

Virginia529 Good Report Card Day is April 19th

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Lynchburg-HillcatsThe Lynchburg Hillcats and Virginia529 College Savings Plan have teamed up to reward high academic achieving students in the local area. All K-8 students with a report card with all A’s and B’s or better, can come to the Lynchburg Hillcats Box Office to earn two free GA tickets for the game on Sunday, April 19 at 2:00pm. Simply fill out this form and bring it along with your report card to the Hillcats Box Office prior to the event anytime Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, or the day of the game to earn your free ticket.

Virginia529Good Report Card students may also participate in a parade on the field before the game! To participate, register at the Virginia529 table on the concourse between 1-1:30pm. The parade will begin at 1:35pm. Plus, all students who turn in the form will be entered into a drawing for a “Hillcat for a Day” Prize Pack!

Virginia529 College Savings Plan is the Official College Savings Plan of the Lynchburg Hillcats. Virginia529 offers four flexible, affordable and tax advantaged programs to help you save in advance for higher education. Visit www.Virginia529.com to learn how you can get started with as little as $25.

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

EDUCATION THROUGH BASEBALL – MAY 21st

On Thursday, May 21st the Brooklyn Cyclones will host their 3rd Annual Education Through Baseball Day at MCU Park.  This event is specifically designed for schools to attend, and focuses on educational components using the game of baseball as the tool.  Learn math, science, history, and language arts all while enjoying a day at the ballpark.  For more information, or to reserve tickets, contact Craig Coughlin at 718 – 382 – 2601.

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

Drive Celebrate Reading All-Stars on April 13th

Accomplishments to be celebrated with entertainment and pregame parade

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Fluor Field will host its first Reading All-Stars Night of the 2015 season on Monday, April 13th at 7:05! Monday’s game marks the first of the Drive’s three-game series against the Lexington Legends, affiliate of the Kansas City Royals.

Along with Michelin, N.A., the Drive are excited to welcome students from Greenville County Elementary Schools and Pickens County Schools to Fluor Field for a fun evening of celebration! The Drive’s eighth annual Reading All-Stars program is designed to encourage learning and education success through reading.

A pregame parade of champions around Fluor Field that celebrates their success in the program begins at 6:30 PM, and each student will be provided with a Drive-Michelin Reading All-Star t-shirt.

During the game, schools with continued success in the program will be inducted into the Reading All-Star Hall of Fame, and top performers for the school year will be recognized. In addition, students will participate in the in-game entertainment, including a tug-of-war, shoe scramble, sack race and more!

Come out and support the Reading All-Stars on all their hard work in school this year! To purchase tickets, stop by the Main Street Box Office, call (864) 240-4528 or click here.

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

Muckdogs Announce “Hit the Books” Reading Program

The Batavia Muckdogs today announced the start of their reading program, designed to promote reading amongst the youth of the local communities. Along with the help of NYs 529 College Savings Program, 2015 will mark the third year of the “HIT THE BOOKS with the Batavia Muckdogs” reading program.

As part of this program, the Muckdogs have provided various schools and libraries across local counties with customized bookmarks. On the back of these bookmarks, children can have a parent, guardian, teacher, or librarian initial each time they complete a book. When a child completes 10 books, they can redeem the bookmark at the Dwyer Stadium box office for a FREE TICKET to any Sunday-Thursday Batavia Muckdogs’ game! In addition to the free ticket, the child will also receive a prize courtesy of NYs 529 College Savings Program. If a child reads 20 books, they will be entered into a drawing to win a backpack with school supplies, provided by NYs 529 College Savings Program; along with the opportunity to throw out a first pitch at a Muckdogs game.

In addition to the many participating schools, bookmarks will be made available to children at the following local libraries:

  • Richmond Library (Batavia)
  • Lee-Whedon Memorial Library (Medina)
  • Byron-Bergen Public Library
  • Haxton Memorial Library (Oakfield)
  • Hoag Library (Albion)
  • Pavilion Public Library
  • Corfu Free Library
  • Woodward Memorial Library (LeRoy)
  • Holley Community Free Library

Any questions about the reading program, bookmarks, or redeeming for tickets can be answered by Mike Ewing, at 585-343-5454 x 1005.

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

Hit the Books Underway in Area Elementary Schools

missoulaosprey_2015-03-19

Annual reading program assists children in setting & achieving goals

Missoula-OspreyThe Missoula Osprey with help of their partners, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana and Sylvan Learning, kicked off the club’s biggest and most successful community program, Hit the Books, in nearly 30 area elementary schools.

The Osprey started the Hit the Books Reading Program in their inaugural season in 1999 and have seen participation grow over time. 4,777 students spanning 241 classrooms are participating in the 2015 edition of Hit the Books, where annually nearly 50,000 books are read.

“Hit the Books is one of the best reading programs in all of professional baseball,” Osprey Vice President/General Manager Jeff Griffin said. “The program is incentive based designed for Missoula-area students to set goals and follow through with achieving them over a seven week period.”

Hit the Books is set up like a baseball game, meaning there are nine innings (three books equals one inning), where students receive a different prize for each inning completed. Every student that participates gets a letter of achievement and is entered to win a Kindle Reader. Other prizes include Osprey themed school supplies, an exclusive dessert party with team mascot Ollie, and ticket vouchers to an Osprey game. Over $100,000 in prizes was awarded to area students in 2014.

The program culminates with a celebration at one of eleven Osprey home games designated as Hit the Books Nights, where students are honored for their achievements.

“The program wouldn’t be what it is today without the support of our partners,” Griffin said. “We are also very proud of all of time the students and teachers put in to make it a success. Educators tell us the program helps motivate students as summer vacation approaches.”

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

Cougars Announce Charity Partnerships For 2015 Season

Partnerships with multiple organizations to positively impact local causes in 2015

Kane-County-CougarsThe Kane County Cougars have announced a community outreach partnership for the 2015 season in which four organizations will receive a portion of the in-game 50/50 raffle proceeds through Ozzie’s Outreach Foundation, the Cougars’ charitable arm. Those four organizations are Project Backpack (April/May), DuPage Pads (June), Northern Illinois Food Bank (July) and Family Shelter Service (August/September). Also, the Cougars through their partnership with Acres Group, have announced that the Gateway Foundation Alcohol & Drug Treatment Centers will be the recipient of the charitable proceeds from this season’s “Pitch In For Charity” promotion in which fans, following select games, purchase and throw numbered tennis balls onto a target in order to win a prize.

Project Backpack (project-backpack.org) is a community-based initiative led by Elgin Community College that benefits local students who are in need of necessary school supplies.

DuPage Pads (dupagepads.org) has the solution to end homelessness with housing coupled with support services and employment which leads to improved health and economic sustainability.

Northern Illinois Food Bank (solvehungertoday.org) works with 800 community food pantries and feeding programs across 13 counties to solve hunger in northern Illinois by providing nutritious food to more than 71,000 people at risk of hunger each week. Volunteers can assist at one of their three centers including their west suburban location in Geneva.

Family Shelter Service (familyshelterservice.org), founded in 1976 and located in nearby Wheaton, transforms lives by offering help and hope to those affected by domestic violence.

Gateway Foundation Alcohol & Drug Treatment Centers (recovergateway.org) have provided the answers that individuals and their families need about drug and alcohol treatment. The organization has several treatment centers throughout Illinois, including nearby Aurora.

“Since the franchise’s inaugural season in 1991 and continuing through our upcoming 25th anniversary season, the Cougars’ organization has strived to be the best possible neighbor by giving back to the community in many ways,” said Cougars Vice President/General Manager Curtis Haug.

“Through these types of initiatives, fans can see how deep our commitment is as an organization towards helping others in need,” said Cougars owner Dr. Bob Froehlich.

Added Cougars owner Cheryl Froehlich: “We are reminded more than ever when these milestone seasons occur, that the Cougars organization is aware of how much support that has been shown to us over the years and how critically important it is to give back.”

For more information on the Kane County Cougars and the organization’s upcoming 25th anniversary season which begins on April 9, fans can visit kccougars.com. Fans are also encouraged to ‘like’ the Cougars on Facebook while following the team via Twitter and Instagram at kccougars.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Kane County Cougars. Click here to view the original story.

Cougars Announce 2014-15 Ozzie’s Scholars

Winners and their families to be recognized at July 19 game

Kane-County-CougarsThe Kane County Cougars have designated a total of eight Chicagoland youth as “Ozzie’s Scholars” for the 2014-2015 school year. The Cougars’ reading scholarship program encouraged current and former members of Ozzie’s Reading Club to submit a brief essay explaining how their love for reading was furthered through the Cougars’ reading incentive program.

Since the program’s inception 20 years ago, more than 2 million Chicagoland youth have participated in Ozzie’s Reading Club, which tracks the progress of a students’ reading around the bases of a baseball diamond. Each participating teacher may determine his or her own reading requirements. Students completing the program’s requirements “hit a home run” and earn a free ticket to a Cougars game designated by their school, along with a pre-game parade, Cougars drawstring bag and food voucher.

The following winners have been awarded a scholarship to be used for educational purposes from Ozzie’s Outreach Foundation, the charitable arm of the Cougars organization.

Kayla S. (Ontarioville Elementary, Hanover Park)
Sean L. (Our Lady of Peace School, Darien)
Matthew E. (Newark HS)
Mitchell B. (Batavia HS)
Zachary L. (Hawthorne Elementary, Wheaton)
Paige U. (Meadow Glens Elementary, Naperville)
Olivia G. (Lord & Savior Lutheran School, Crystal Lake)
Logan C. (Clinton Elementary School, South Elgin)

Winners and their families will be recognized on the field before the Sunday, July 19th Cougars game.

“Congratulations to all of our 2014-15 Ozzie’s Scholars applicants and winners as once again this year, we were encouraged by how many of our young fans have credited their participation in Ozzie’s Reading Club as an important part of their reading development,” Cougars Ozzie’s Reading Club Coordinator Amy Mason said. “We are looking forward to recognizing our winners, along with their families on July 19th.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Kane County Cougars. Click here to view the original story.

Scrappers Announce the Return of Reading Club Program

mahoningvalleyscrappers_2015-03-12

Mahoning-Valley-Scrappers-2014The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are pleased to announce the return of the Reading Club presented by Associated School Employees Credit Union (ASECU) and ComDoc. The Reading Club is implemented within schools and libraries from Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, Stark, Portage, Mercer (PA) and Lawrence (PA) counties. The goal of this program is to promote the importance of literacy and education while at the same time fostering a life-long love of reading. It’s a completely free program that provides teachers with rewards for students who reach their reading goal. Students that complete the goal set by their teacher receives two FREE tickets to one the designated Reading Club game dates.

Schools and classrooms can sign up for the program by contacting Kate Walsh with the Scrappers at 330-505-0000 or by emailing kwalsh@mvscrappers.com.

Parents, if your child is not participating in the reading club in his/her school; you can sign them up as individuals. You can sign them up by returning an enrollment form and then tracking your child’s reading with the Reading Club bookmark. Once they have reached their goal, your bookmark is now a voucher that is valid for two FREE tickets to one of the designated Reading Club game dates.

The Scrappers open the 2015 season at Eastwood Field on June 25th vs. the State College Spikes. For promotional information, tickets, memberships, or the Scrappers team store visit www.mvscrappers.com or call the front office at (330) 505-0000.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers . Click here to view the original story.

Scholarship Applications Now Available

Foundation to award $30,000 in scholarships to N.H., Mass. students

The 2014 class of Fisher Cats Foundation Scholarship Winners.
The 2014 class of Fisher Cats Foundation Scholarship Winners.

New-Hampshire-Fisher-Cats-logo-2013The New Hampshire Fisher Cats and the Fisher Cats Foundation have announced the application process is now open for the 2015 Fisher Cats Foundation Scholar-Athlete Scholarships. The Foundation will award 12 scholarships to outstanding scholar-athletes from New Hampshire and Massachusetts who demonstrate academic excellence, significant athletic achievement, and active civic involvement. Each award is $2,500 and includes recognition at a Fisher Cats game during the 2015 season.

Fisher-Cats-Foundation-logo-2013Applications are available simply by visiting the Fisher Cats’ website, www.nhfishercats.com, and clicking the heading COMMUNITY. Students can also find the application by clicking SCHOLARSHIP REGISTRATION at www.NHScholars.org.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. on April 30, 2015. A letter of recommendation from the applicant’s coach, FAFSA documentation, and the student’s high school transcript in an electronic format must be uploaded with the application.  All applicants will be evaluated on academic performance, athletic achievement, and citizenship.

Candidates for the Fisher Cats Foundation Scholar-Athlete Scholarships must be residents of New Hampshire or Massachusetts who are graduating from high school in 2015. Candidates must be planning to enroll in a four-year degree program or planning to attend a local community college or technical school in the fall. Candidates do not need to be studying in any particular field.

Three of the scholarships have additional significance. The Chris Carpenter Award is named after New Hampshire native and National League Cy Young Award-winning pitcher, Chris Carpenter. The Swymer Family Scholarship is presented annually to a student who has overcome a barrier on the way to attending college. The Easter Seals Veterans Count Scholarship goes to a student whose parent or guardian is an active, reserve, or veteran member of the United States military.

In 2015, the Fisher Cats Foundation will award a total of $30,000 in scholarships with $5,000 of that amount earmarked to a pair of scholarships for Massachusetts students. Through 2014, the Fisher Cats have presented $230,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors since 2007.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Click here to view the original story.