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The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation and LISC Award $1.275 Million to Upgrade Under-Resourced Community Sporting Spaces in 14 Cities and Towns

Initiative will fund renovation of facilities for basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, football, tennis, lacrosse, and volleyball

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NEW YORK /PRNewswire/ — Community organizations, schools, and parks in 14 cities and towns across the country are using $1.275 million in new grants from The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation to improve sports facilities in under-resourced neighborhoods.

The awards represent the first round of funding through the Game On-Community Places to Play Initiative, a partnership of The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). The program selected 15 non-profit community-based organizations to receive grants ranging between $50,000 and $100,000 to advance sports renovation projects in low- and moderate-income communities.

“We are thrilled these communities will be able to offer revitalized sports spaces to deserving athletes across the country,” said Rick Jordan, vice president of The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation. “We are proud of this partnership and believe that the rejuvenation of sports facilities is not just an investment in infrastructure, but an investment in the future of youth athletes.”

Grantees were selected through a competitive application process administered by LISC earlier this year, which required applicants to secure 1:1 match funding. In addition to managing the grant program, LISC will provide technical assistance to grantees to help them move projects forward.

“Sports teaches young people about teamwork and community, all while nurturing healthy bodies and minds,” said Beverly Smith, LISC vice president. “We are so glad The DICK’s Sporting Goods Foundation joined with us to invest in creating safe, quality sports facilities where youth and their families can play, exercise and spend time together.”

Grants will be used to meet a range of renovation needs. The 15 organizations selected to receive funding through the Game On-Community Places to Play Initiative include:

  • Brooke Charter Schools (Boston, Mass.): Transform an unused four-acre portion of the former Boston State Hospital grounds into athletic fields and outdoor space.
  • Highline Public Schools (Burien, Wash.): Install additional lighting for six tennis courts at Highline High School.
  • The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati (Cincinnati, Ohio): Build new outdoor basketball courts at Blanchetta Park in Colerain Township.
  • The Urban Community School (Cleveland, Ohio): Create two mini pitch soccer fields on its campus in the Near West Side.
  • The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas (Dallas, Texas): Install a natural grass multipurpose athletic field and sprinkler system at its Grand Prairie Club.
  • Detroit Horse Power (Detroit, Mich.): Build and activate an equestrian center for youth at a demolished school site in the Hope Village neighborhood.
  • KIPP Bold City High School (Jacksonville, Fla.): Develop an athletic field for football and other community sports programs.
  • Memphis Business Academy Schools (Memphis, Tenn.): Install an outdoor natural grass multipurpose athletic field on its campus in the Frayser neighborhood.
  • The Police Athletic League (New York, N.Y.): Renovate and repurpose an undersized and underutilized gymnasium in Washington Heights into a multi-sport training facility.
  • Nicetown Community Development Corporation (Philadelphia, Pa.): Install four basketball courts on underutilized land in the Nicetown neighborhood.
  • The Kingsley Association (Pittsburgh, Pa.): Renovate the gymnasium at its facility in the Larimer neighborhood.
  • The Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh, Pa.): Renovate a baseball and softball facility at its Shadyside Clubhouse.
  • The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego (San Diego, Calif.): Resurface the soccer arena at its branch in the Logan Heights neighborhood.
  • Spokane Hoopfest Association (Spokane, Wash.): Resurface two existing basketball courts and convert an unused tennis court into pickleball courts in the East Central neighborhood.
  • The Wichita Parks Foundation (Wichita, Kan.): Install programmable lighting at the largest baseball field at McAdams Park.

About LISC
LISC is one of the country’s largest community development organizations, helping forge vibrant, resilient communities across America. We work with residents and partners to close systemic gaps in health, wealth and opportunity and advance racial equity so that people and places can thrive. Since our founding in 1979, LISC has invested $29.7 billion to create more than 489,000 affordable homes and apartments, develop 81.4 million square feet of retail, community and educational space and help tens of thousands of people find employment and improve their finances. For more, visit www.lisc.org.

About The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation
The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation with a mission to inspire and enable sports participation. It was created by DICK’S Sporting Goods as a private corporate foundation to support DICK’S charitable and philanthropic activities. Driven by its belief that sports have the power to change lives, The DICK’S Foundation champions youth sports and provides grants and support to under-resourced teams and athletes through its Sports Matter program and other community-based initiatives. Additional information about The DICK’S Foundation can be found on www.sportsmatter.org.

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SOURCE Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)

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Unity and Support: Baltimore’s Response to the Key Bridge Collapse

“Baltimore’s Orioles and Ravens unite, donating $10M to Key Bridge Fund after tragic collapse. Community stands strong in the face of adversity.”

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"Orioles and Ravens logos side by side - Unity in support after Baltimore Key Bridge tragedy."
Dali 10 hours after the collapse with remnants of the bridge’s superstructure on its bow. Note the section of roadway. Wikipedia

In a display of unity and generosity, Baltimore’s major league franchises, the Orioles and the Ravens, have joined forces to donate $10 million towards the recovery efforts following the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26. The donation will be channeled through the Baltimore Community Foundation’s “Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong Key Bridge Fund,” aiming to provide financial assistance to the families of victims, port workers, first responders, and others impacted by this devastating event.

New Orioles owner, David M. Rubenstein, emphasized the city’s resilience in the face of adversity, noting that the donation reflects a commitment to supporting those who play pivotal roles in maintaining the city’s operations. Ravens owner, Steve Bisciotti, expressed heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, acknowledging the bravery and dedication of the first responders involved in the rescue efforts.

The collapse, triggered by a container ship losing control and striking a pier, resulted in the tragic loss of six construction workers with two individuals fortunate to be rescued from the river. This catastrophe has undoubtedly shaken the community, but the response from the Orioles, Ravens, and the wider Baltimore community speaks volumes about their solidarity and determination to stand together during times of crisis.

As the city mourns the lives lost and works towards recovery, the support from these sports franchises serves as a beacon of hope and solidarity. The resilience and strength displayed by Baltimore and Maryland in the wake of this tragedy are a testament to the unwavering spirit of its people. Through collaboration and compassion, the community is coming together to heal and rebuild, showcasing the true essence of unity in the face of adversity.

https://abcnews.go.com/US/baltimore-ravens-orioles-donate-10-million-key-bridge/story?id=108945428#:~:text=The%20Baltimore%20Ravens%20and%20Baltimore,Baltimore%20Strong%20Key%20Bridge%20Fund.

About the Key Bridge Collapse

Key Bridge collapsed on March 26, 2024, at 01:27 EDT (05:27 UTC) due to a collision with a Singapore-registered container ship named MV Dali. The ship lost power and hit the southwest supporting pier of the main truss section. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that the bridge was built before the use of redundant support structures, which are now commonly used in modern bridges. The NTSB stated that these structures would have prevented the collapse.

During sonar exploration, it was discovered that several vehicles were submerged underwater, and two individuals were rescued alive from the river. Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a state of emergency, acknowledging that the situation could have been much worse. However, the actions of the ship’s crew, who sent a distress signal, and the workers on the bridge, who prevented other vehicles from crossing the bridge moments before the collapse, helped to save many lives. Following the incident, insurers are expected to face multi-billion dollar losses due to damages, business disruptions, and liability claims.

An eight-worker repair crew was working on a bridge when a collision occurred. It is believed that the crew members are the only victims of the disaster. During the search and rescue operation, two of the victims were found inside a red pickup truck, submerged under 25 feet of Patapsco River water, near the mid-span of the collapsed bridge. Due to the unfavorable water conditions, further search operations have been suspended. (Wikipedia)

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Scott_Key_Bridge_(Baltimore)

https://stmdailynews.com/

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National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day: Celebrating Small Business Excellence in 2024

“March 29 is National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day! Let’s celebrate the small businesses that make our communities thrive. #SupportLocal”

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March 29th is a day dedicated to appreciating the hardworking small business owners who contribute to the growth and vitality of our economy, “Mom and Pop Business Owners.” On this special day, we acknowledge the more than 27 million small businesses in the country and shine a spotlight on their remarkable efforts.

National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day was established by Rick and Margie Segel in honor of their parents and the success of their clothing shop that started from humble beginnings. It’s a time to recognize the long hours, dedication, and hard work it takes to run a small business.

Celebrating National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day!

So, how can we celebrate this important day?

  1. Shop Local: Support the small businesses in your community by seeking them out and becoming a regular customer. Whether it’s a local bookstore, bakery, or boutique, make it a point to visit them frequently. If you hear about an interesting spot, go on an adventure to discover it and then share your recommendations with friends.
  2. Use Social Media: Most small businesses are grateful for any extra attention they can get. Show your support by following your favorite mom and pop shops on social media platforms, and whenever possible, promote and share their posts. A simple like or comment can go a long way in helping them reach a wider audience.
  3. Write a “Thank You” Note: Take a moment to express your gratitude to the mom and pop shop owners and employees who have made a difference in your life. Let them know how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication. A heartfelt note can mean the world to someone who puts their heart and soul into their business.

Now let’s delve into why we love mom and pop businesses:

  1. Personalized Shopping Experience: Mom and pop businesses take pride in providing personalized service to their customers. They take the time to get to know you, understand your needs, and make your shopping experience memorable. Unlike large retail chains, they genuinely care about their customers and strive to create a unique and enjoyable experience with superior customer service.
  2. Community Support: Small businesses play a crucial role in supporting the local community. They create job opportunities, hire locally, and recycle the money they earn back into the neighborhood. By choosing to spend your dollars at mom and pop establishments, you contribute to the growth and sustainability of your community.
  3. Unique Discoveries: In a world where big-box stores dominate, mom and pop shops bring a breath of fresh air and unique products to the marketplace. They often showcase goods that are different from what you’ll find in every chain store. Discovering something special and undiscovered is quite the delight, and supporting these businesses encourages innovation and diversity.

National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day is a reminder of the remarkable contributions made by small businesses. They are the backbone of our economy, providing jobs, personalized service, and unique experiences for customers. So, on March 29th, let’s show our appreciation for these hardworking individuals and make a conscious effort to support and celebrate the mom and pop shops in our communities.

https://nationaltoday.com/national-mom-pop-business-owners-day/

https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/

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Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging Dual Language Programs in Arizona Schools

Judge Cooper dismissed Arizona’s school chief’s lawsuit challenging dual language programs for non-English speakers, affirming State Board of Education’s authority in approving language models. This reinforces adherence to approved educational standards.

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In a recent legal development that has garnered attention, a judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought forward by Arizona’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Horne, challenging dual language programs used in certain school districts to educate non-English speaking students. The dispute stemmed from the argument that these programs, which split a student’s day between English and another language, violated a 2000 voter-approved law mandating English-only instruction.

Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Katherine Cooper’s ruling on Tuesday was a significant turning point in this legal battle. She determined that Horne lacked the legal authority and standing to initiate the lawsuit and failed to present valid legal claims against Governor Katie Hobbs, Attorney General Kris Mayes, and the 10 school districts involved.

Judge Cooper’s decision highlighted the state Board of Education’s role in approving language immersion models, emphasizing that the school districts in question were following approved models. She clarified that the responsibility for developing and sanctioning immersion models lies with the State Board, not individual districts. As per her ruling, all public and charter schools must adhere to models endorsed by the State Board.

This ruling not only resolves the immediate legal dispute but also underscores the importance of adhering to established educational guidelines and processes. It reaffirms the regulatory role of the State Board of Education in approving language instruction models, providing clarity on the standards that schools must follow.

The outcome of this lawsuit marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding language education in Arizona. It serves as a reminder of the legal framework that governs educational practices and the significance of compliance with state-approved guidelines. Ultimately, this decision underscores the need for a clear, standardized approach to language education that aligns with the broader educational objectives of the state.

https://apnews.com/article/arizona-dual-language-program-lawsuit-schools-c850b20bddb673219ec316f0c646c316

https://stmdailynews.com/category/the-bridge/

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