Streetalk.................... 4 Essay......................... 5 Arts & Culture............. 6 Holiday Help.............. 7 FoodFinds................... 8 Music......................... 9 Feature.................... 11
Kids News & Review
My Path................... 12 Did You Know?......... 13 Film......................... 14 Movie Reviews......... 15 My Winter Window... 17 Kids’ Voice............... 22 15 Minutes............... 23
lending a
helping
hand see Holiday Help, page 7
an autumn
craving see FoodFinds, page 8
Boys & girls club
film festival
reviews see Film, page 14
youths of The year see 15 Minutes, page 19 a special advertising supplement to Reno News & Review
DECEMBER 18, 2014
Reno Bighorns
Proud Affiliate of the Sacramento Kings www.RenoBighorns.com
Stephanie, Age 10 2 kn&r
DECEMBER 18, 2014
T
his is one of the Reno News & Review’s most important and unique projects, for it touches many people in the community while helping to create better awareness and understanding of one of the Reno area’s most valued organizations: The Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows. The “Kids N&R” has received 1st Place honors in its category for 6 years as “Best Special Section” in the Nevada Press Association’s Better Newspaper Awards – a statewide competition judged each year by an out-of-state panel. Most of the stories and ads were created by kids from various locations of the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows, so what you’ll see and read on the following pages is truly “through the eyes of children”.
About the Boys & Girls Club HISTORY
The Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows has grown from a single site in 1976 to 20 sites serving more than 12,000 kids a year - becoming the premier agency serving youth in the Truckee Meadows. Locations for the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows include the Donald W. Reynolds Facility on East Ninth Street, the William N. Pennington Facility on Foster Drive as well as sites hosted in 13 schools, 4 teen centers, Neil Road and Lemmon Valley youth sites and the Early Learning Program at the E.L. Wiegand Youth Center.
MISSION
The mission of the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows is to enhance the quality of life for children
through age 18 in the Truckee Meadows. The Boys & Girls Club is committed to creating healthy children, in body and mind, with a sense of competence, usefulness, responsibility, belonging and influence through diverse programs and community involvement.
PROGRAMS
The Boys & Girls Club offers nearly 130 different programs, events and activities to meet the diverse needs and interests of their members. Core programming areas include: Character & Leadership Development Education & Career Development Health & Life Skills The Arts Sports, Fitness & Recreation
Food Bank of Northern Nevada (775) 331-3663 www.fbnn.org
Trinity P., Age 11
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Like so many non-profit agencies, it takes the generosity of a caring community to continue to provide high-level programming – especially at a time when the services offered by the Boys & Girls Club are in demand, now more than ever. Corporate and individual donations can be made online, securely at bgctm.org or by calling (775) 331-5437 (KIDS). Donations of items for the annual Jack T. Reviglio Cioppino Feed and Auction: Contact Allyson Bolton at (775) 331-5437 Thank you for supporting the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows and enjoy the 2014 Kids News & Review. Please tell our advertisers that you saw their ad in the Kids N&R!
2014 Kids News & Review Content:
Kids and Staff of the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows Kids from the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows Photos: Kids and Staff of the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows BGCTM COORDINATORS: Tina Colliver, Education Director Casey Rogers, Program Development Director Layout/Design: Priscilla Garcia Ad Coordination: Karen Brooke, Nanette Harker Ad Sales: Joey Davis, Gina Odegard, Bev Savage and Jessica Wilson Published by: Chico Community Publishing, Inc., dba The Reno News & Review General Manager: John D. Murphy cover art: Nicko, age 10
Ad Design:
The content and opinions expressed in this issue do not necessarily reflect those of the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows or Chico Community Publishing, Inc.
Doughboys Donuts
57 Damonte Ranch Pkwy, Ste. 101, Reno • 85-DOUGH (36844) 5115 Mae Anne Ave, Reno • (775) 787–8586
Jose Ramirez, Age 11 a special advertising supplement to Reno News & Review DECEMBER 18, 2014
2014 kids news & review 3
StreeTalk with Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows at Neil Road
What has the My Path program taught you and what are your take aways? The My Path program taught me good money saving skills and taught me how to be wise with my spending. -Jaylen Franklin, 16
My Path taught me how to budget my money. It showed me how to set up a plan and see it through. It also taught me how to make short and long term goals. -Jasmine Scott, 18
Bully’s Sports Bar & Grill Various Locations www.bullyssportsbar.com
Athena, Age 10
My Path has shown me the difference between my needs and my wants. Additionally, I have learned the difference between credit and debit. -Esmeralda Flores, 15
My Path has helped me budget my money. Through the program I have gained independence in using my debit card and have learned how easy it is to go to the bank and ask for help. The savings account I opened has been very helpful and I am still using it to save money after completing the program. -Vicky Linares, 18
My Path has impacted me by helping me overcome the challenge of saving money. Not only do I have a savings account, but I have continued to save money even though I have completed the My Path program. -Ashley Herrera, 17
My Path has affected me by strengthening my understanding about financial literacy. Since the program I can distinguish my needs from my wants as well as the difference between credit and debit. Because of the program, I have learned how to set financial goals as well as the steps needed to achieve set goals. -Eric Cruz, 17
Scheels
Legends at Sparks Marina • 1200 Scheels Drive, Sparks (775) 331-2700 • www.scheels.com
Kenny H., Age 10 4 kn&r
DECEMBER 18, 2014
My Path has given me a new way to understand the use of money. This class has given me the opportunity to open a bank account as well as creating a savings account with a deposit of $100 for finishing the program. I would recommend this this program for others, especially if they want to know how to manage their money. -Maureena Jacinto, 17
Reaching for the
Interview with Mike Wurm, Executive Director & CPO
By Lauren Soulam, Grants Director
T
he rapid growth in Washoe County during the 1970s brought with it an increase in juvenile problems. It became clear to a handful of local businessmen that the solution wasn’t a bigger juvenile justice system, but rather programs that would curb issues before they began. It was this line of thinking that led to the founding of the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows in 1976. Then called the Boys Club, the first Club members occupied a facility just south of the intersection of Terminal Way and East Plumb Lane in Reno. The early days of the Club were challenging with limited funding to keep the organization afloat. Longtime board members recall days when a hat would be passed around at board meetings just to make that month’s payroll. It was a hard-fought battle, but the Club’s founders—led by Boys & Girls Club patriarch Jack Reviglio—were dedicated to the cause and the kids. Over time, support for the Club grew. A major fundraising campaign was instituted to provide a better location for the Club, and in late 1981 the Club was moved to a new location on East Ninth Street, today known as the Donald W. Reynolds Facility. In 1983, girls were invited to participate as full-time Club members, and two years later, the name was officially changed to the Boys & Girls Club. Nearly forty years after opening, the Boys & Girls Club is running strong, operating 20 sites throughout northern Nevada. In that time, they’ve expanded membership to include teenagers, launched four sites in Fernley and opened the new William N. Pennington Facility on Foster Drive. And while there is much to celebrate over the history of the organization, each new success only seems to open the door to the next need. “It seems like each time we reach a new peak, there’s another, higher peak on the horizon,” said Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows Executive Director Mike Wurm. “You can see that over our history. We have been very fortunate to have so many opportunities for expansion over the years, but with every win, another need, another opportunity is there.” The Club is committed to a pursuit of those opportunities, always seeking ways to grow to serve more children with the highest
quality programs and services. “Growth seems to be a perpetual state at the Boys & Girls Club. Always responsible, sustainable growth, but growth nonetheless,” Wurm said. This past year was certainly a year of growth at the Boys & Girls Club as the organization completed a 12-month construction project to build the new William N. Pennington Facility on Foster Drive. Located across the street from Reno High School, the property has a long history of serving local young people, and the Club was proud to continue that tradition. The facility opened this past June, and initial estimates were to serve 250-300 children each day. Those estimates fell short. Attendance at the Pennington Facility reached 350 after just the first week and only grew from there, peaking at times to 600 youth. Children and families from all different backgrounds, it seems, were excited to have a Boys & Girls Club in their neighborhood. The demand for the facility was greater than the Club could have predicted, and now, only six months after opening the facility, the Club is already looking for ways to enhance services at the Pennington Facility to meet the needs and interests of members. “The Pennington Facility is a great example of how expansion has turned into another opportunity for growth,” said Wurm. “There’s still more we can and will do in that community, and it’s not the only one. There are other opportunities coming up over the next year at different schools and the Project Solution Complex that could mean reaching more youth in more neighborhoods.” The Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows will serve more than 13,000 youth this year and is expected to serve even more in 2015. An impressive number, perhaps, but this represents just 20 percent of the school-aged population in Washoe County. Some children may not need the Club’s services, but there is still much work to be done. “We’re not there yet, we haven’t reached the summit,” said Wurm. “So the mission of the Boys & Girls Club, and the vision of our founders, will keep pushing forward.”
Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body Opening January 3rd, 2015 Wilbur D. May Museum Rancho San Rafael Regional Park • (775) 785–5961 • www.maycenter.com
Nancy, Age 12
Eldorado Hotel Casino
345 N. Virginia St., Reno • (775) 786–5700 www.eldoradoreno.com
Adelena, Age 10 a special advertising supplement to Reno News & Review DECEMBER 18, 2014
2014 kids news & review 5
The National Fine Art Exhibit T
he National Fine Art Exhibit is something that the Boys & Girls Club takes pride in participating in each year. Members from four different age groups: 6-9, 10-12, 13-15 and 15-18, submit their art work in 10 categories against other Club members across the world. Throughout the year members at all of our sites participate in programing specific to a category. Monochromatic drawing consists of pictures created using pencils, charcoal, crayons, etc. resulting in a submission all one color or hue. Multicolored Drawing is similar to the monochromatic drawing however it may contain multiple colors. The Pastel category consists of chalk or pastel. The paint category includes Watercolor; including tempera, pan-type or tube based paints and Oil or Acrylic which includes oil and acrylic based paints. Other catego-
Dolan Automotive Group 2100 Kietzke Lane, Reno (775) 826–2750
Nancy Estrada, Age 12 6 kn&r
DECEMBER 18, 2014
ries are Print Making which is created by transferring an impression of a composition from one surface to paper (silk screening, etching, etc.), Mixed Media which is the combination of any other categories onto one two-dimensional surface. The final categories are Collage, Sculpture and Group Project; group projects do not need to fall into any one category and simply consists of a group of Club members working on one project together. In conjunction with teaching techniques and different mediums of art, I add a little bit of art history to the curriculum. I feel it is important for our members to learn about past successful artist that worked in the mediums they are learning and I also believe it helps to create inspiration along with allowing for the retention of the material.
The works of art are judged nationally only after a local or regional exhibit. Our local exhibit will be held at Swill Coffee and Wine for the month of December. This is year is the first year the local exhibit has been held off a Boys & Girls Club campus. Every site in Reno will submit artwork from their members to be displayed and judged to move on to the regional competition. The reception and judging will take place on December 5th from 4-6 p.m., the judg-
ing will be done by the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows board members that night. Moreover, throughout the month the community has the opportunity to cast their vote for their favorite piece. We are excited to have our local exhibit displayed at a local business and we invite everyone to come out and support the young artists of the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows.
By Eddie Guth, Art Coordinator
The Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows 2014 Holiday Help Program T
he Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows, with tremendous support from the Reno, Sparks and Fernley communities, provides Christmas gifts and goods to local club families in need. In 2013, the Club matched more than 200 families with the help of generous adopters, as well as those who provided extra toys. We were able to help more than 1,500 children. Many of the families that receive help through our program are Club families that are either living on a very limited income or are homeless. The children in our Holiday Help program range in age from 5 to 18. All are currently enrolled at the Boys &
In 2013, the Club matched more than 200 families with the help of generous adopters. Girls Club of Truckee Meadows and have attended the Club at least 52 times in the last year. Each family goes through a prescreening process before their application is approved for the Holiday Help program, so we know these are families in need of assistance.
We ask that donors specify the size of the family they want to adopt. We always do our best to match donors with the family size they request. Our families range in size from one parent and one child up to two parents with six or more children. It is our hope that donors will provide at least three new, wrapped gifts for each child. In most cases, these gifts will be the only presents our children receive. Many donors also want to give the parent a gift. We suggest a gift card to Wal-Mart or Save-mart (they can be purchased with restrictions such as no tobacco or alcohol), so the parent can buy food for their family and donors do not have to
worry about buying additional gifts for the parents. Another option is if a parent has filled out specific needs they have on their application the donor may choose to purchase these items. To adopt a Reno-Sparks family for the 2014 Holiday Help program please contact Kathleen Vanderziel at (775) 3602450 or email. To adopt a family in Fernley please contact Robin Gane at (775) 3035901 or email .
By Kathleen Vanderziel, Donor Relations Manager
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a special advertising supplement to Reno News & Review DECEMBER 18, 2014
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2014 kids news & review 7
11th Annual Bully’s Community Thanksgiving Dinner:
An Autumn
Craving By Chad Kirkland, DWR Chef
W
Czyz’s Appliance
9738 S. Virginia St., Ste AB, Reno, NV • (775) 322–3451 774 Mays Blvd. #11, Incline Village, NV • (775) 831–1300 10960 West River St., Truckee, CA • (530) 582–4400
Jake Odegard, Age 8
Welmerink Orthodontics (775) 358-6320 • Prater Way, Sparks www.welmerkinkorthodontics.com
Eric Padilla, Age 11 8 kn&r
DECEMBER 18, 2014
hen I was just a kid, each autumn meant more to me than most. As leaves churned from green to the Nevada browns of its vast landscapes, and the dry arid heat sifts to a brisk cold, I always knew Thanksgiving was upon the horizon not just from dates on a calendar—I could feel it. Years later, I can still feel it. The smells of my grandmother’s sweet potatoes fresh from a piping oven, and the savory tastes from my grandpa’s ham, perspiring over my tongue. Nostalgia from stories of my parents, aunts’, and uncles’ past still echo over the dinner table each year as November dissolves into winter. This is what I’m thankful for. Not just the memories, but for the opportunity to share Thanksgiving with more than my family—my community. On the eve of Thanksgiving, my
colleagues and I worked with the conscientious folks from Bully’s to deliver an autumn feast for the Reno-Sparks area. We served 1,200 plates of warm mashed potatoes, traditional cooked turkey with stuffing, and plenty more. Over 200 volunteers, combined with players from the Reno Bighorns and Nevada Wolf Pack mascot, Alphie, gave their support to make this year’s event a success.
A lot of hungry tummies were filled, and the smiles of appreciation make it all worth it. As I ventured amongst those in attendance, listening to the nostalgia from others’ past Thanksgivings—the smells and tastes—I could not help but smile a little wider this November. Watching those in the community I’ve known since I was just a kid, for this first time I can really remember, being able to help create everlasting Thanksgiving memories for at least one other person makes this autumn once again mean more to me than most. Thank you to all who attended and volunteered to make this day special for all who was there. Have a safe, unforgettable, and delightful Holiday season!
Interview with
Skyler Mcanany By Dan Pike, Technology Coordinator
S
kyler Mcanany has been a musician since he started playing piano with his grandmother at 6 years old. Now at age 14 Skyler Mcanany is heavily involved in the music program as a member at the brand new Boys & Girls Club Pennington facility off of Foster drive in Reno. Skyler is attends Clayton Middle school, but attends the Boys & Girls Club regularly. He plays guitar and has had some piano lessons in the past, but what he really focuses his talent on in the Club is creating hip hop beats using looping software. He can remember learning guitar from his grandmother’s boyfriend and says “I love playing the same 5 chords over and over again because I like to listen to the way it sounds. I just like to express myself through this way.” Skyler loves to convert popular songs he hears into acoustic guitar pieces. One of the pieces Skyler loves to hear converted into acoustic guitar is All Of Me by John Legend. One of his greatest influences for playing guitar being his dad, Skyler says, “I like to listen to my dad play guitar. The more I see him play the more I want to play. My family talked about creating a band. My dad plays guitar, mom sings, sister plays piano.” Skyler has a variety of influences in his music from people such as his dad, to his faith, the way the weather makes him feel, and even some of the staff members of the Boys & Girls Club. Skyler explains that, “I grew up in a Christian family” and enjoys some of the musical talents of artists such as Chris Tomlin and Kutless who strengthen his faith. He loves their song “What Faith can do” which speaks to what the power of God can do in our lives. Listening to music outside of Christianity too he loves listening to some of the songs his dad listens to from artists including Nickelback, 3 Doors Down, and Theory of a Dead Man. One of his favorite songs is called “Not Meant to Be,” by Theory of a Dead Man which inspires him in its message of overcoming difficulties in life. The song’s lyric, ““Trying to
turn around in a one way street, I can’t give you what you want and it’s killing me” means a lot to Skyler. He agrees that, “some people give up on things, and he is saying that he is trying his best even though it is like turning around on a one way street. It is really hard to get passed certain things, but he is trying.” Sklyer draws some of his inspiration from nature and says that he loves seeing dark clouds outside the studio when he is working on his hip hop projects at the Club. Sometimes it inspires me whenever I am in a mood or whenever it is dark outside. He says, “I like to look outside while I am working on music and the clouds really inspired me in my music.” When drawing inspiration for his hip hop work he is also inspired by his favorite hip hop artist Lecrae. Along with all these other inspirations for his work the Club also provides an environment for him to grow his musical talents. “The Boys & Girls Club has helped me, the staff introduced me to soundation. com and it really got me into hip hop music and furthered my interest in making music.” A brand new recording studio is expected to be installed over Winter Break at the Pennington facility and Skyler says, “I like to make music and I don’t have any way of recording my music on my own or storing it so I am really excited about it.” Skyler wants other artists to know to “Try your best, do what you gotta to do succeed!” and “I would tell them to not listen to anybody else, but to take inspiration from the music that you wish you could do and the artist you like”
Kimmie Candy Company
525 Reactor Way, Reno, NV (775) 284-9200 • www.kimmiecandy.com
Sophie, Age 12
Port of Subs
Various locations throughout Northern Nevada www.portofsubs.com
Jaiden, Age 11 a special advertising supplement to Reno News & Review DECEMBER 18, 2014
2014 kids news & review 9
Circus Circus Reno
500 N. Sierra Street • Reno, NV 89503 (775) 329-0711 • www.circusreno.com
Courtney, Age 12
Sierra Trading Post
6139 S. Virginia St., Reno (775) 828–8050 • www.sierratradingpost.com
Jake O., Age 8 10 kn&r
DECEMBER 18, 2014
20 14
Eric Cruz, 2014 Male Youth of the Year Eric Cruz was just six years old when his father passed away. His mom was rarely around, so his dad had raised Eric and his two older sisters on his own, working as many as three jobs to provide for his family. Following his dad’s death, Eric and his sisters were adopted by their aunt and uncle. But even as life was moving back toward normalcy, Eric continued to struggle. “I had always been a quiet kid, but in the midst of crisis, I retreated further into myself,” Eric recalled. “It was hard to get attached to anyone else. I was so afraid of getting hurt again.” For many years, Eric remained that quiet kid with few friends and even fewer meaningful connections with others. Things didn’t begin to change for Eric until he was 13, when he was introduced to the Boys & Girls Club. “As I came to the Club more often, I got out of my box and started to interact with other Club members and began to make bonds which I was hesitant to do before,” Eric said. “I can honestly say that summer was the best summer I ever had with the staff and teens at the Sun Valley Teen Center.” A few months later, Eric was invited to join Leaders in Training (LIT). As an LIT, Eric would volunteer his time at other Boys & Girls Club sites and assist staff with running programs for younger members. It even came with an opportunity to earn a paid position at the Club over the summer. The program clicked with Eric, and the once shy boy was now a leader and a mentor. Today Eric is 17 and is one of the Club’s standout LITs. He has earned paid spots at the Club for each of the last three summers and is saving money from those paychecks to help with college next year. Eric has excelled in school as well. He is a senior at Coral Academy of Science and is in the top 15 of his class. Next fall, he plans to attend the University of Nevada where he will study to become an emergency services nurse. Eric has come incredibly far in four short years, and he is quick to acknowledge what the Club has meant to
him. “The Club has shown me that even the most difficult challenges in life are an opportunity for growth, and as I pursue my goals and dreams, I will never forget the role the Boys & Girls Club has played in my life.”
Nikita Cleveland, 2014 Female Youth of the Year Nikita Cleveland’s earliest memories go back to her mom. After her parents split when she was a baby, it was Nikita’s mom who took over custody. Life with her mom meant moving around a lot as her mom moved from relationship to relationship. At times, they would live in shelters. The moves eventually brought them to
“ The Club has shown me that even the most difficult challenges in life are an opportunity for growth, and as I pursue my goals and dreams.” Eric Cruz
Texas, which is where Nikita’s younger brother was born. Deciding that it was too great of a financial burden to care for two children, Nikita’s mom brought fiveyear-old Nikita back to Reno to live with her dad. “Once we got to Reno, we went straight from the bus station to the courthouse where a man was waiting,” Nikita remembers. “She told me that this man was my dad, and at first I was excited. But in the middle of my excitement, my mom walked away. I used to think she would come back for me one day, but she never came.”
The transition, however, came easily as life with her dad was wonderfully different than the instability to which Nikita was accustomed. They lived in one place, she attended one school, and she was nearby other family members. Not long after she arrived in Reno, her dad signed her up for the Boys & Girls Club. Nikita jumped headfirst into the programs at the Boys & Girls Club. The outgoing little girl loved making new friends, doing her homework at the Club, participating in community service projects and having peers and mentors to help her navigate adolescence. “The Boys & Girls Club was part of the first stable environment I had ever had in my life,” Nikita said. “After my mom left, things seemed so uncertain. But now, my life was stable and consistent.” Today, Nikita is a 17-year-old senior at Hug High School. She still comes to the Boys & Girls Club every day, now attending the Club on the Hug High campus. There, she finds academic support, help with the college application process and caring mentors that continue to positively influence her life. After graduation this spring, Nikita plans to attend college where she wants to earn her Master’s Degree and become a dental hygienist. “Looking back at my past, I realized I could have taken a very different path,” Nikita said. “I could have chosen to be a victim of my circumstances or followed the negative path modeled by others in my life. But my dad and the Boys & Girls Club have inspired me to be so much more.” by Lauren Soulam, Grants Director
a special advertising supplement to Reno News & Review DECEMBER 18, 2014
2014 kids news & review 11
Summer financial literacy program empowers youth T
hroughout the summer 17 Jr. Staff, ages 14-17, completed a financial literacy program called MyPath Savings. MyPath Savings engages young people in banking and saving, transforming their first paychecks into an economic mobility pathway. The program seamlessly integrates relevant youth-owned savings accounts, innovative online and in-person financial education, and savings incentives into existing summer and school year youth workforce programs. The model uniquely leverages a powerful teachable moment as youth are earning and managing their own income, often for the first time. After delivering financial knowledge and connecting it to real-time financial action steps, MyPath
Wells Fargo Bank Various locations www.wellsfargo.com
Jaiden Quicksey, Age 11 12 kn&r
DECEMBER 18, 2014
Savings positions youth to connect their personal goals with their finances and achieve behavior change outcomes. The program places an emphasis on setting and achieving a savings goal which was facilitated by first establishing a savings contract in which they pledged to save at least 10% of their paychecks. Jr. Staff then participated in three 60 minute financial education sessions. These sessions were developed by youth, delivered by Jr. Staff participating in the program and accompanied by online activities. The topics of the sessions included financial goal setting; budgeting and expense tracking; the power of compound interest; and an overview of the different types of financial institutions
and products. Through MyPath Savings Jr. Staff had an opportunity to engage with a mainstream financial institution, United Federal Credit Union, and be the sole owner of a savings/ checking account. The Jr. Staff not only had accounts opened, but they also had access to ATMs and online banking. Jr. Staff were required to have direct deposit and attained a savings incentive of $100 saving bonus upon completion of program and meeting their savings goal. Almost all of the Jr. Staff met their goals: 80% met their savings goals and 81% completed all of the online MyPath Savings financial education activities. In just over two months over the summer,
the Jr. Staff save about 20% of their paycheck (approximately $115 savings/ youth, with some saving $400 over the summer). The Jr. Staff also increased their financial knowledge, adopted healthy financial behaviors, and saw changes in their attitudes toward their future which is evident from their comments below. This collaborative program is critical to getting improved financial empowerment outcomes By Ta-Tiana Anderson-Hall, LIT Coordinator & Sabrina Kansara, My Path
Wiegand Early Learning Center By Kim Stevens- Early Learning Center Director
In the past
2 years we have:
Total enrolled
18% pay full price 27 % on Children’s Cabinet 55% on some sort of BGC scholarship
* Painted the building * Installed Astro turf * Added half walls and doors to accommodate more children * Replaced cribs, cots and bikes to keep up with licensing requirements
58% White 18% Black 15% Hispanic 4% Asian 3% Native American 2% other
* Installed fire escape gate on playground * Opened a second Pre–k class up stairsfully furnished it for 32 additional kids
Chester’s Reno Harley–Davidson (775) 329–2913 www.RenoHD.com
Gildo, Age 10
* Put in a shed * Put in chain link fences to provide safe playground Foster kids & Single parent homes
24 Kids on IEP/IFSP
* Added phone line in lift to keep up with code * Installed eye wash sink to OSHA standard * Purchased new phones, new TV for cameras * Purchased new cabinets in several classrooms
Programs & s partnership 1 READ TO ME partnership with Assistance league & Washoe county school
district which provides one on one reading to each child once a week. 2 NEIS we have a MOU to provide spots for children with special needs 3 CBS work with therapist to provide trauma informed care to children. 4 Music therapy once a week for all kids 5 Partnership with UNR to do ASQ-3 (developmental assessments) on
every child electronically each month.
Our Wish
List
* Staff area with Shelving and counter space to hold teaching resources. * Infant sleep area * Updated outside playground equipment * Laminator
* * * * * * *
Sandbox Art walls Benches around the trees New sensory tables Science tables Baby room dishwasher Outside classroom
American Vapor Lounge
465 S. Meadows Pkwy #9, Next to Flowing Tide Pub (775) 737-9991 • www.americanvaporlounge.com
Danielle Martinez, Age 8 a special advertising supplement to Reno News & Review DECEMBER 18, 2014
2014 kids news & review 13
Boys & b u l C s l Gir ee k c u r T of ws o d a e M
Diamond Peak Ski Resort
1210 Ski Way, Incline Village, NV 89451 • (775) 832–1177 www.diamondpeak.com
Camila & Dorothy, Age 12
T
he film festival correlates direct- film that is presented to a panel of ly with the Digital Arts Program judges. The judges award each film run through the Boys & Girls Club for its best accomplishments. of America. Each year beginning in The movies are shown the February our technology coordinaevening of the festival in midtor runs a one week film camp May. The night of the event there at each of the BGCTM is a Hollywood feel with sites. Each site a photographer takspends the first ing pictures of the Each child day crafting involved in the parents and the their story kids. Each child festival is given and how involved in the an invitation to it will be festival is given the event and is told. Day an invitation to awarded with two the the event and is a Film Festival team writes awarded with a recognition a script and Film Festival reccertificate. begins preognition certificate. paring to shoot The evening concludes the film days 3 - 5. with the “Oscar” awards Finally, the technology ceremony and each site is coordinator edits the film the followawarded an Oscar in different cating week putting the clips together, egories such as best actor, best film, adding audio and visual effects. The best set design, etc. product of each of these camps is a
Wild Island Family Adventure Park 250 Wild Island Court, Sparks • 775-359-2927 www.wildisland.com
Mackenzie, Age 12 14 kn&r
DECEMBER 18, 2014
Boys & Girls Club Movie Reviews
Back from the dead
Bulldogs
“Amazing end. Good quality camera use.” ★★★★
“Talk too monotone. Good job but the whistle was sort of at random.” ★★★★
“The have capture 3 people and won’t let them lave because of the evil people. Amazing end. Good quality.” ★★★★
Jaysha, Age 12
“Why did you stereotype the demons???” ★★★★
Melody, age 13
Hanna, age 13
“The granitites were ok but the swords were just breaking apart.” ★★★★
“Eventful.” ★★★★
Jeremiah, age 15
Victoria, age 13
Smurfs 3 “Funny.” ★★★★
Jeremiah, age 15
“Cute. Big library. Super sneaky.” ★★★★ Jaysha, Age 12
“Needs better effects. Paint the girls blue lol.” ★★★ Hanna, age 13
“Make more emotions on growing. Nice whisper. Good screams.” ★★★ Melody, age 13
“The song in the begin is annoying. The screams are loud. Really cute stuffed dog. Funny gaurd dog.”★★★★
Jaysha, Age 12
Negative P90X “I love the basketball séance. Bad team work in my opinion, but the game has some good potential with the passes. But a cheesy acting when the person got hurt.” ★★★★
“Talks in a mono voice. Victoria, age 13 Good job but the whistle was “Coach didn’t call that double dribble sort of a random thing.” XD. 5 stars!!!!!!!!!! Great team work.” ★★★★ Melody, age 13 ★★★★★ Hanna, age 13
Victoria, age 13
“Nice area. So mean. Nice weight lifting.” ★★★
Melody, age 13
“Nice greetings. Good motivator. Nice catch.” ★★★★ Melody, age 13
““Good team work.” ★★★★★ Jeremiah, age 15
Jaysha, Age 12
Victoria, age 13
Jaysha, Age 12
“Weird fears. What’s with the kid in the tube. Wow mean kid. Scary kid with the possession.”★★★★★ Victoria, age 13
“Love the black and white, but the phone kills the 1995. The librarian has some anger problem. The part with the mad person looking in the camera was ok. Also the part when the kid gets drags away.” ★★★★
“Good acting though. Good attitude. Nice trusting. Nice cheer.” ★★★
Hanna, age 13
“Dolls? Grudge ! Push him! Possesed meeting. Everyone will become possessed…” ★★★★★
“Bored. Needs more work.” ★★★
“Weird code names. Funny moments and cute kids. Funny ending.” ★★★
Jeremiah, age 15
“Good I got some laughter out of it. Comedy is always good.” ★★★★★
Football I like. The work out séance is good. Funny times. Nice catches.” ★★★★★
The school
Hanna, age 13
“Awesome.” ★★★★★
Melody, age 13
The possession
Revenge of average joe Jeremiah, age 15
Victoria, age 13
“LOL that’s so funny. Very funny moves. Bruh. Nice diaphragm work out. Nice crazy dance u got there.” ★★★★
The comebacks
Victoria, age 13
“Cool.” ★★★★★
“its ok when the practice happened. it’s funny with the person running in a line back and forward. The jumping jacks or funny with the bro. Love the background music.” ★★★★★
Victoria, age 13
“Nice screaming action. Good for trying to get attention. Great job for praying. Nice for acting. Good backbend.” ★★★ Melody, age 13
“Awesome.” ★★★★★ Jeremiah, age 15
Your death is here “Nice beginning. Good themed music. More emotion. Nice end.” ★★★★ Jaysha, Age 12 “They are being loud and rude. Nice beginning though. More emotions and more serious voice.” ★★★
“Loud screams. Good teacher for role. Speaks loud in a worried voice. They are tryivng to find the coach and assistance.” ★★★ Melody, age 13
“There was not that much killing.” ★★ Jeremiah, age 15
“Loud screams. Drama with the teacher. Weird ending.” ★★★ Victoria, age 13
“Loud screams. Good teacher! Speak more fluently. Adorable killer.” ★★★ Jaysha, Age 12
Melody, age 13
a special advertising supplement to Reno News & Review DECEMBER 18, 2014
2014 kids news & review 15
Need 2 Speed
6895-B Sierra Center Parkway, Reno, NV 89511 in the South Reno Target Center (775) 851-7223 • www.n2sReno.com
Jake Odegard, Age 8
Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum 490 S. Center Street • (775) 786–1000 www.nvdm.org
Phillip, Age 11 16 kn&r
DECEMBER 18, 2014
Courtney Shock, age 12
rosemary, age 12
Cheyanne libro, age 13
Kenyon, age 6
a special advertising supplement to Reno News & Review DECEMBER 18, 2014
2014 kids news & review 17
wesley carr, age 11
Kiera hogton, age 11
18 kn&r
DECEMBER 18, 2014
allyson comer, age 10
edea may, age 13
ashton mathew, age 9
killiah libro, age 14
emily, age 7
hannah banuelos, age 10
a special advertising supplement to Reno News & Review DECEMBER 18, 2014
2014 kids news & review 19
nina, age 7
Hailey cleven, age 12
20 kn&r
DECEMBER 18, 2014
brady, age 8
monterrant hernandez, age 9
Dean, age 10
Caitlyn, age 9
jasmine, age 11
elyse peck, age 10
a special advertising supplement to Reno News & Review DECEMBER 18, 2014
2014 kids news & review 21
What I like about the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows I
like the Boys and Girls Club because they are always offering new and fun activities. Donner Springs is where I go and yes it is small. The staff here always manages to help us out with anything that we need especially with homework. My favorite programs from The Boys and Girls Club is SFR (Sport, Fitness and Recreation) and Art. I like those two programs because it shows us what team work is also learning new facts from each other. I feel safe here with the rest of my friends because the staffs are always asking if we are okay or need anything that they’re here for us. If there is anything I need, I know I can always count on them. The Boys and Girls Club staff is my second family, I just love being with them. This is why I like the Boys & Girls Club.
Joaquin Palomino, Age 9, Donner Springs
I
am 10 years old. I have been coming to the Club for 5 years. My favorite thing here is art especially art that involves pastels and chalk.
Savannah Murray, Age 10, Nancy Gomes
I
have been at the Club for about a year a half. My favorite thing to do at the Club is watch movies on fun Friday. I love when we do art projects and coloring stuff.
Jowan Romero, Age 6, Nancy Gomes
I
I
Skyler McAnany, Age 13, Pennington
Justin Robinson, Age 9, Nancy Gomes
come to the club after school, to do my homework and do other things. I enjoy being with other people and meeting other people. I enjoy being in the keystone club and the cool things we have here. I like how we have time to do our homework and then we have rest of the time to do things in the recreation room and work with music.
’m 9 years old and I been at the Club for about 2 years. My favorite subject here is SFR. I think the Club us great and they help a lot of people.
M
y favorite thing about Rollan Melton Boys & Girls Club is the staff and are really nice and Tiffanee is my favorite staff. She is my favorite staff because she does two of my favorite activities: Girly Girl and science. In October for Girly Girl we raised money for breast cancer. We raised $216 for the Susan B. Breast Cancer Foundation. For science we did traveling water using colored cups, paper towels and water. That is why I love this site so much. Abby, Age 9, Rollan Melton
M
y Boys & Girls Club at the FIS campus is a well developed Boys & Girls Club. This Club also has wonderful staff and LITs that care about what they do. My Club is very creative, the staff make the holidays light up with decorations, arts and crafts, and parties. They also take about half of their day making sure ours was great and safe. We also have very fun with games, outside activities and inside activities. I think the Boys & Girls Club is a good place to be. The Boys & Girls Club means a lot to lots of people including me. Jordyn Martin, Fernley Intermediate
I
love going to the Club at Hug because the staff make us feel at home. They help us with schoolwork and also encourage us to go for the things we love. I’m glad I joined the Club, and encourage everyone to join, even if it’s not at this site. Since I’ve been a member the trip that was most memorable was the Money Matters Program trip to San Francisco. I learned time management and was able to meet members and staff from other clubs. I’ve only had positive experiences at the club! Melaia Pouli, Age 17, Hug Teen Center
22 kn&r
DECEMBER 18, 2014
H
i my name is Natalie Jade Lacayo, I go to Project Solution. What I love about the Boys & Girls Club is that it helps my dad because he can’t get off of work to come pick us up so that really helped my dad. I like to come to Project Solution because the staff is nice and I see most of my friends and it is awesome! My favorite things to do at the Boys & Girls Club is play, do art, and hang out with my friends. Those things help me because art makes me want to be an artist, playing helps me get my energy out and helps me exercise.
Natalie Jade Lacayo, Age 9, Project Solution
W
hat I love about the Boys & Girls Club is that I get to spend time with friends and favorite staff’s like: Tracy, Jose, Luis, Michelle, Alex, Vicky, and many more. What I love about my site at Bernice Mathews is that they teach me to be polite and respectful to others. My favorite program is National Fine Arts because we get to show our life and dreams in drawings. One of my other favorite things that I look forward to is when we get to sit down in assembly and the coordinator tells us to be GREAT and always use our Great Values but most importantly to be respectful and to teach the younger kids to have respect towards others. I’ve learned that people will respect you no matter what you look like and no matter what you draw. The reason I love the Boys & Girls club at my school is because I grew up here and every time my birthday passes I feel like the Club gets more and more into my life.
Jaiden Quicksey, Age 11, Bernice Mathews
H
i my name is Jack Nady and I go to the William N. Pennington Facility at the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows. What I love about the Club: I think I can speak for every one when I say that we love all the activities here and the staff. What I love about our site: It’s brand new and very clean and has a bunch of different games like, Air Hockey and the brand new computer lab.My favorite program: My favorite program is the technology program we have here. Buttonbass. com is my favorite website because it teaches us how to make different music. Jack Nady, William N. Pennington Facility
W
hat I love about Boys and Girls Club is that they have different activities for the community and us to do like Basketball, Day for Kids and Kick off to summer. My site is the Fernley Teen Center I like that I get to hang out with my friends there and we do a lot of fun things. The staff is really nice to. My favorite program is the Claymation because it was fun and we got to create cool videos out of clay and Legos.
Hailey Cleven, Age 12, Fernley
I
like the Boys & Girls Club because it is SO fun. It’s fun because we get to be with our friends and the staffs are so nice. We play really fun games at the quad (aka dodgeball). In the afternoon on Wednesdays sometimes we get to go to the park. On Fridays we get to watch a movie. We get to do our homework in the afternoon and we earn Club Cash doing hide in seek. And that is why Boys & Girls Club is the best. Alex Logan, Rollan Melton
I
come to the club after school, to do my homework and do other things. I enjoy being with other people and meeting other people. I enjoy being in the keystone club and the cool things we have here. I like how we have time to do our homework and then we have rest of the time to do things in the recreation room and work with music. Skyler McAnany, Age 13, Pennington
I
love a lot of things about my club at Hug! There are always activities to do, the environment is especially welcoming and the staff is great. I love the fact that the staff is always supporting us in sports and our education. The Club always makes me feel wanted, safe and secure. My favorite program is Money Matters. It sounds boring, but we learned so much about how to save money, how to write checks, etc. We even got to go on a trip to San Francisco! Malina Funaki, Age 17, Hug Teen Center
I
like the Boys & Girls Club because it is SO fun. It’s fun because we get to be with our friends and the staffs are so nice. We play really fun games at the quad (aka dodgeball). In the afternoon on Wednesdays sometimes we get to go to the park. On Fridays we get to watch a movie. We get to do our homework in the afternoon and we earn Club Cash doing hide in seek. And that is why Boys & Girls Club is the best. Alex Logan, Rollan Melton
T
he boys and girls club helps me out by getting my homework done. I like to hang out with the staff and play around with my friend and new one to have special moments. I also like to enjoy talking to the staff when it’s a bad day but make it better by making me laugh and get me throw the day. The club is best play to hang out with your friends and the staff. Zuma RomeroLinarez, Age 14, Pennington
15 Minutes with an
L.I.T. Interview with Ashley Herrera By Ta-Tiana Anderson-Hall
T
he Leader in Training program is a club service based program geared towards members 14-17 years old. LITs are required to contribute 150 club service hours, complete a financial literacy course and a career preparation course; once they have completed these three requirements they are eligible for a paid position. LITs are dedicated Boys & Girls Club members who want to impact their community. LITs participate in fun, innovative activities and programs that help them become responsible, caring citizens. The LIT program is designed to ensure that members not only graduate high school, but have the skills and tools needed to further their education and careers.
How old were you when you started at the Boys & Girls Club? I became a member when I was 12 years old.
LITs are dedicated Boys & Girls Club members who want to impact their community.
What is your FAVORITE part about the LIT Program? My favorite part of the LIT program is meeting and getting to know new members as well as spending time with old ones. I really enjoy the positive environment I get to work in as well as the supportive people I work with.
Ashley Herrera is a senior at Sparks High School. She has been a Leader in Training since 2011. She has held a paid position for the past year and has been a mentor and inspiration to members at our Donald W. Reynolds facility. Herrera is not only an inspiration at the Boys & Girls Club but she has been inspired; she is in charge of the computer lab programming and has shared her thoughts and experiences about the Leader in Training program.
Why did you decide to become a LIT? I decided to become a Leader in Training after I started volunteering at Alice Maxwell Elementary School. A staff member explained the benefits of the LIT program to my older sister and she relayed the message. I enjoy working with the younger kids and when the opportunity to do so as well as get paid for it was presented I couldn’t wait to start.
What advice would you give members who want to be LITs? The advice I would give them is to look into the program as soon as you’re old enough. As an LIT you learn through many different experiences. The experience is greater than just watching young members; through the LIT program you have help growing up as well as with anything else you need help with. The LIT program is like a home away from home.
Reno Aces 250 Evans Street Reno www.renoACES.com Jake /age 8
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2014 kids news & review 23
Champion Chevrolet
800 Kletzke Lane, Reno (775) 786-3111 www.championchevroletreno.com
Claire Fuentes, Age 11