Members Experience the Timberwolves Suite

This week, selected members that have been recognized as our Fox Sports North Members of the Month, had the unique opportunity to attend a Timberwolves game in the suite.  Members had a great time watching the game.  Thanks to Fox Sports North for this amazing opportunity.

Taco Tuesday with Augustana Church

This week, we had our monthly Taco Tuesday dinner hosted by Augustana Church.  Members had the opportunity to help prepare and serve the meal to 116 other members.  This is a highlight for both staff and members every month and is one of the many events we have each month that we look forward to.  Thanks to Augustana Church for your consistent support of our club.  We value your time and commitment to our mission.

Keystone and Black History Month

This week, our Keystone, in honor of Black History Month, looked at prominent and influential African Americans throughout history and analyzed the impact and power of their words through quotations.  Members analyzed what these quotes meant in the historical context and then had them discuss their relevance today.  Great discussions today by these emerging teen leaders!

West Side Floor Hockey League

We have had a very successful floor hockey league so far.  We have at least 30 members enrolled and they play on Friday nights.  We are fortunate to have two excellent volunteer coaches, Barry Bloomgren and Nick Bieter, dedicate their time and talents to inspiring our members with the magic of hockey.  Members learn the basics of hockey, while learning teamwork, good sportsmanship and the love of the game!

Kids Feeding Kids Program

Every day, our Kids Feeding Kids Manager, Becky Rea plans balanced nutritious meals for our club. In addition to this, she mentors our member culinary program.  Each day, Becky has a volunteer sign up sheet where members can participate in this program.  Members can sign up for setting the tables, prepping the food, or be a part of the clean up crew.  This program teaches real life skills, the importance of teamwork while building character and leadership.  We are very proud of our Culinary Team!  Keep up the great work!

The STEM Program

As part of our year round STEM programming, twelve members have been selected and enrolled in this program.  Members meet weekly with their STEM volunteers and work on projects.  This module incorporates the use of leggos.  This week members were learning about recycling. They read an article with their group discussing what is recyclable and what is not as well as discussed composting.  After they read the article, members were to build their version of one of the things discussed.

A special thanks to the hard work and dedication put forth by our Education Director, Samantha Hausker, in securing the volunteers for this year long commitment as well as facilitating these lessons each week.

Youth of the Year Competition

We recently had our Twin Cities Youth Competitions help at the Polaris Headquarters.  These candidates read their speeches and the judges had the opportunity to select the Youth of the Year Candidate.

I would like to thank our West Side Candidate Xavier Storay for his commitment to the Al Lenzmeier West Side Boys and Girls Club.  We were very proud to have you represent us!

Right Track Summer Youth Employment Workshop

We recently hosted the Annual Right Track Summer Youth Employment Fair at our location for all members aged 14 and up that are looking for jobs this summer.  As part of this workshop, members crafted resumes, submitted their job application, participated in mock interviews and enjoyed a nice dinner together.  We are pleased to announce that we have teens Right Track Ready and their job applications have been submitted.  Good luck to all of these fine candidates in securing a job!

Celebrating African American History

As part of our month long celebration, members learned about Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream Speech," and had the opportunity to share their dreams.  Our members want to be things like NHL hockey players, teachers, police officers, engineers, marine biologists, college student, figure skater, dancer, singer, football player, and a pediatric surgeon.  So great to see them setting goals for their lives at such an early age!

Merging Minds Keystone Meeting

During our weekly Keystone meetings, we have been focused on current events centered around the topic of diversity. This week, we analyzed the Black Lives Matter possible protest at the Crushed Ice Event that will take place later this month, the Beyoncé Super Bowl Half Time Show and her nod to the Black Panthers, police brutality, and Malcolm X among others. Teaching our teens to think critically about the news and create informed opinions is important. Great discussions tonight!

Congratulations to our Souschef of the Month!

Every day we have a select group of members that participate in our Kids feeding Kids Program. Under the direct supervision of Rebecca Rea, our Kids Feeding Kids Manager, members learn important culinary skills in the kitchen.  Members have the opportunity to help set the tables, prepare the food, and even participate in the clean up.  This month, Ms. Rea has chosen Myya to receive this special recognition!  Keep up the great work, Myya!

Valentine's Celebration and West Side Royalty

We had a wonderful time celebrating Valentine's Day at the club this year.  Members had the whole day filled with fun and engaging activities.  Members had the chance to participate in a coloring contest, Minute to Win It Challenges in the Education Room, and we even voted on our West Side Royalty Court!

It is my pleasure to introduce to you, the 2016 Valentine's Day Royal Court.  Congratulations to the following members for being nominated by their peers:(King and Queen) Alex Meija and Tony Avila, (Prince and Princess) Tony Smiley and Ariana Tokheim, (Duke and Duchess) Ariana Pitt.

Merging Minds-Keystone Group

Keystone Meeting tonight. Excellent discussion about Kendrick Lamar's Grammy performance. Members watched the video and jotted down words they viewed were powerful. We discussed these in small groups and then had them analyze three specific stanzas and spoke about his message. We then compared it to Beyonce's message at the Super Bowl. Great discussion on race.