Volume 25 Number 4 www.fsbgc.org Fall 2011

“Give me five” - Northside High cheer team members give encouragement during the annual Boys & Girls Club Cheer clinic held September 10 at Evans. Both Southside and Northside cheer/dance team members provided instruction to 187 girls attending.

ANNUAL CAMPAIGN

UNITED WAY DRIVE HELPS34 LOCAL AGENCIES

With a campaign goal of $ 2.3 million, United Way officials are relying on the help of hundreds of volunteers to boost this year’s fundraising efforts. “We are proud to have Sister Judith Marie Keith as chairperson for our campaign” said Tom Minton, United Way executive director.

“Our focus is going to be on employee campaigns” said Sister Judith Marie. “You make more money when you have a broad base of of people giving” she added. As retired CEO of St. Edwards Mercy Hospital, Sister Judith has a vast background in fundraising experience in the Fort Smith area. Kickoff for the 2011 United Way campaign was held on September 8 at Golden Living. Sam T. Sicard, President of First National Bank, is serving as board president for the United Way. Sicard is a long-time Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club volunteer.

Approximately 24 % of operating revenue for the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club comes from the annual United Way campaign. The Fort Smith Area United Way supports 34 local non-profit agencies. For more information about the United Way contact 782-1311.

FSBGC Board Member

SICARD REMEMBERED ASAN OUTSTANDING LEADER

Long-time Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club board member Sam M. Sicard died on August 7, 2011. Sicard, age 70, served on the Boys & Girls Club board of directors for the past 37 years.

Sicard was President, Chairman and CEO of First National Bank. Through his influence, the Bank has been one of the leading supporters of the Boys & Girls Club during the past four decades. The bank’s generosity included major gifts to Boys & Girls Club building projects in 1993 (Goldtrap) and 2003 (Evans). The bank has been a corporate sponsor of the Alumni & Friends Association Golf tournament for the past 14 years. As co-chair of the 2003 Evans Boys & Girls Club capital campaign, Sicard and fellow FSBGC board member Robert A.Young III, led efforts to raise $2.7 million for the project. Sicard and Young enlisted the help of Dorothy “Dot” Rappeport to help coordinate fundraising efforts. With a major renovation and expansion, the Club was re-dedicated on October 17, 2004.

From 1974 through 2011, Sicard served in various capacities on the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club board of directors, including foundation trustee, budget committee chair and executive committee member. He made personal contributions annually to the endowment and general fund. Sicard was president of the Boys & Girls Club board of directors in 1986-1987.

Known as a humble and generous leader, Sicard cared deeply for the progress and success of our community. He served on various local boards, including: United Way Endowment, University of Arkansas Fort Smith Foundation, Marshal’s Museum and past chairman of the Chamber of Commerce. He was an avid Razorback fan and enjoyed playing golf and fishing with his friends.

Sam is survived by his wife Sharon; son Sam T. Sicard; sister Lucy Buerglar. Before his funeral service held on August 10 at Immaculate Conception Church, mourners lined up and down Garrison Avenue to watch in silence as Sicard’s hearse passed Sixth Street in front of the Bank for a slow final farewell to his colleagues.

Sam M. Sicard1940-2011

Craig Gentry’s dream season leads to the MLB World Series

(see page 10)

Page 2 www.fsbgc.org Fall 2011

In Memory of...Memorial contributions to the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club are invested in the Club Endowment fund.

Interest from these donations generate operational support for the Club. The Endowment was established in 1940. Gifts received during the third quarter of 2011 (July, August and September) were given in memory of the following...

MR. DONALD R. BROWN, SR. by Lorraine Tate Family

MR. BRENT BURFORD by The Family of Mr. & Mrs. Okla Ben Smith

MR. BILLY CORROTTO by Jerry Kerwin

MR. BYRON CLAY CRAVENS by Cyndi & Jerry Glidewell

MR. “T.J.” CUNNINGHAM by Tommy G. Cunningham by Justin M. Dolan by Diane England by Patricia, Thomas & Felix Robbins by Jamie Woolsey by Linsey E. Yates

MR. LINDSEY ROBISON EAST by The Family of Mr. & Mrs. Okla Ben Smith

MR. CARMON FARRELL by Becky & Phillip Plunkett

by Mr. & Mrs. James Wagoner

MR. TED FARROW by Mr. & Mrs. Okla Ben Smith

MR. HAROLD D. HENSON by The Family of Mr. & Mrs. Okla Ben Smith

MR. BRYAN BEDELL HIGHTOWER by Carole & William Craig by Barbara Fitts by Cyndi & Jerry Glidewell by Linda & Jim Harwood by Peggy & Billy Higgins by Iris, Roger & Daryl Hightower by Jerry Kerwin by Terri & Mike Lorenson by Nadine & Bob Miller by Carolyn & Hall Smith by Mr. & Mrs. James Wagoner

MS. REBA K. IRONS by Carmelita Adams by Vickie Beaty by Nadine Bishop by Debbie Bonner by The Dunford Family by Cyndi & Jerry Glidewell by Theresa & Allen Hales, Jr. by Mae Harris by Denise Kolp

MS. REBA K. IRONS (continued) by Lucy & Bill Sowell

by Judy & David Trent by Betty Wasson by Kristi & David Williamson by Rose & John Williamson by Janet Wilson

MR. EDWARD JAMES by Cyndi & Jerry Glidewell

MR. JAMES L. “JIM” JENKINS by Cyndi & Jerry Glidewell by the Spillmans: Shirley, Don, Tracy & the girls

MR. DON JOHNSON by Cyndi & Jerry Glidewell by Becky & Phillip Plunkett

MR. KEVIN BARKLEY JONES by Ann Jones

MR. RANDOLPH NEY by Mr. & Mrs. Okla Ben Smith

MR. TABOR RAY by Mr. & Mrs. James Wagoner

MR. RUDD ROSS, JR. by Janice & Bob Powell by Mr. & Mrs. Okla Ben Smith

MR. JOHN SCHACKELFORD by Tom Lowry by Becky & Phillip Plunkett by Polly Yeager

MR. SAMUEL M. SICARD by Joey Stout & Employees of American Energy Guard Heat & Air by Patti & Rick Andrews by Ann & Richard Appleton by Arkansas Bankers Association by Officers & Staff of Arkansas Banker’s Bank by Arkansas Children’s Hospital Foundation by the Staff & Board of Directors of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce by Linda & Jim Atkins by Cynthia Bagby by Officers, Directors & Staff of BancorpSouth by Bank of the Ozarks by Lynnette & Jerry Barling by John Baxter by Beall Barclay & Company, PLC by Candace & Gimo Berry by BKD, LLP

Fall 2011 www.fsbgc.org Page 3

MR. SAMUEL M. SICARD (continued) by Charles W. Blaschke by Nancy & Kent Blochberger by Hilda Jo Boyer by Tim Briessel by Brown - Hiller - Clark & Assoc. by Margaret & Morgan Bryant by Bryant Preserving Company by Ann Byers by Cliff Cabaness by Calvert McBride, Inc. by Mr. & Mrs. J. Michael Carroll by Phyllis & James Childers by Sandra & Larry Clark by the Officers & Staff of The Community State Bank by Compreshensive Juvenile Services, Inc. by Renda & Charles Cook by Jacki & Carl D. Corley by Correll, Inc. by Shirley Cothren by Nora & Ed Craig by Craig Box Corp. by Mr. & Mrs. K.B. Crawford by Curtis Investments, LLC by Jill & Randy Cutting by Daugherty & Lowe, CPAs by June & Mike Dewitt by Joyce & Jimmy Didier II by Danielle & Dave Dixon by Anita & Ronnie Dodson by Ann & Mont Echols, Jr. by Susan & Jim Echols by Eddie Bryant Enterprises, Inc. by ERC Properties, Inc. by Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce Board & Staff by Fort Smith Regional Healthcare Foundation Board of Trustees; AND Degen Foundation Board of Directors by Rebecca & Brent Frueh by Denise & John Furness by Cyndi & Jerry Glidewell by Diane & Curtis Goldtrap, Jr. by Staci & Cole Goodman by Laura Gregory by Guaranty Abstract & Title Co., Inc. by Guest Reddick Architects, Inc. by Ann & Rick Haggard by Sonya K. Hall by Hanna Oil & Gas Co. by Stacy Hardgrave by Hardscrabble Country Club by Bonnie & Jim Harmon by Linda & Jim Harwood by Healthcare Solutions Group, Inc. by Peggy & Billy Higgins by Carter Hunt

Bedell Hightower – died September 10, 2011 at the age of 84. Hightower was a volunteer baseball coach for several years at the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club and a member of the Alumni & Friends Association. Known for his strong integrity and positive influence, Hightower grew up with a love for the sport of baseball. He shared his baseball passion with Club members participating in the Babe Ruth and American Legion programs. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in the Korean War. Bedell was founder and teacher of the “Win One” Sunday School class at Wesley United Methodist Church. Hightower courgeously battled Parkinson’s disease that last 10 years of his life. Bedell was a retired controller for Armour Meat Company and later W.R. Grace. His burial service was held at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith. He is survived by his wife, Iris; two sons, Roger of Fayetteville and Daryl of Sheridan; one granddaughter, Sarah of Little Rock.

Reba K. Irons – of Fort Smith passed away on August 2, 2011. A long-time supporter of the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club, Reba was known for her strong work ethic and generous heart. She was a retired nurse from Holt-Krock Clinic, Sparks Pedatrics, and the office of Dr. Nassari. Irons was a member of District 5 Nursing Association, a board member for Make-A-Wish foundation, and a board member for the Presbyterian Children’s Home in Monticello. She was also a member of the First Christian Church, and was former President of the Sunnymeade PTA and Northside High band boosters. Reba was a preceded in death by her husband David and her son Kirk. She is survived by her sister Lucy Sowell of Fort Smith, nieces Kristi Williamson and husband David of Muldrow, OK; Hiliary Chapen of Westwood, MA and Haley Medford of Searcy, AR; nephews Monty Sowell of Springdale and Scott Sowell and wife Lynn of Fort Smith.

Jim Jenkins – died October 8, 2011 at the age of 72. Jenkins was a member of the FSBGC Alumni & Friends Association. A past member of the Optimist Club, Jenkins was a life member of the NRA and past owner of Advanced Copy Systems in Fort Smith. An Air Force veteran, Jenkins was buried with military honors at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith.Jenkins is survived by two daughters, Kimberly Jenkins and Christy Pressley, both of Fort Smith; a son, Stacy Jenkins of Cedarville; a brother, Curtis Jenkins of Greenwood; and five grandchildren. Jim Jenkins spent many hours watching ballgames which involved his grandchildren at the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs. Memorials in his name have been designated by his family for the Steven D. Jenkins Memorial College Scholarship fund.

Bryan Bedell Hightower

James L. “Jim” Jenkins

Reba K. Irons

Page 4 www.fsbgc.org Fall 2011

MR. SAMUEL M. SICARD (continued) by Susan Huston

by J & B Supply, Inc. by Sallie & Gerald Jerry by Kelley Realty Company by Jerry Kerwin by Betty Jo Lee by Diana Lee by Helene M. Lewis by Nancy Martin & Alan Lewis by Drew Linder by Mary & Danny Loyd by Paula & Brent McCord by Suzanne McCord by Kim & John McFarland by Pam & Buddy McMahon by Nadine & Bob Miller by Jane Dills Morgan by MP Warehouse, Inc. by Sandra & Leon Neihouse by Norval A. Nichols by Mr. & Mrs. Doug Parker, Sr. by Janice & Bob Powell by Elizabeth & Joe D. Powers by Greta & Dewayne Pryor by Stephanie & Larry Randall by Mr. & Mrs. Myron Rappeport by Rausch Coleman Homes, LLC by Calvin Redding by Officers, Directors & Staff of Regions Bank by Jon C. Remer by Janice Rickman by Tim A. Risley & Assoc. by Nancy & Harry G. Robinson, Jr. by Rodebush Construction, Inc. by Sage Partners, LLC by Saviers Partners, LLC by James D. Simpson III by Connie & Doug Smith, Jr. by Jorgette & John Smith AND Smith Automotive Group by the Family of Mr. & Mrs. Okla Ben Smith by Sue & Greg Smith by St. Edward Mercy Foundation by Mike Shumard by Jeannie & Ed Sutton by Mr. & Mrs. Donald R. Swaim by Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Swofford by Pat & Don Tankersley by Lisa & Philip Thompson by Ann & Fred Topham by Susan & Gilbert Travis by Sally L. Vick by Waco Title Company by Mr. & Mrs. James Wagoner by Jane & Jim Walcott, Jr. by Jane Warmack AND Warmack & Co. LLC by Gingie & Marc Watson

MR. SAMUEL M. SICARD (continued) by Susan & Tom Webb by Bob Wells by Western Arkansas Counseling & Guidance Center by Rebecca & Ron Wey by Elizabeth Wilkinson by Linda & Gary Winton by Carol & G. Alan Wooten by Richard Yaffe by Mr. & Mrs. Marshall Yantis

MR. CHRIS L. TOMLIN by Mr. & Mrs. James Wagoner

MR. FRED WAELDER by the Family of Mr. & Mrs. Okla Ben Smith

MR. COLLIER WENDEROTH, JR. by Sue & Greg Smith

MS. JOYCE WILSON by Hanna Oil & Gas Co.

HONORARIUMSMR. DON FOSTER by Cyndi & Jerry Glidewell

MR. JERRY GLIDEWELL by Carolyn & Hal Smith

SCHOLARSHIPSJUNE & JIM ALEXANDER (for) MR. SAMUEL M. SICARD by June & Jim Alexander

MR. VIC FORSGREN by Arkansas Chapter Association of General Contractors of America (for) MR. SAMUEL M. SICARD by Forsgren, Inc. by Lyn & Bruce Caselman

MR. STEVEN D. JENKINS by Rick Taylor

MEMORIALS: (for) MS. BONNIE JENKINS by Jim Jenkins by Carolyn T. Jenkins by Rick Taylor by Sandy & Jerry Wagner

(for) MR. JAMES L. “JIM” JENKINS by Davis Structural Steel, Inc. by Carolyn T. Jenkins by Jean Ann & Pedro Sadler by Sandy & Jerry Wagner

HONORARIUMS: (for) Rick Taylor by Jim Jenkins

Fall 2011 www.fsbgc.org Page 5

MR. BOBBY NEEDHAM, SR. by Marla & Hank Needham

(for) MR. JIM HICKS by Marla & Hank Needham

(for) MR. BRYAN BEDELL HIGHTOWER by Marla & Hank Needham

(for) MR. JAMES L. “JIM” JENKINS by Robyn & Bobby Needham, Jr. by Marla & Hank Needham

(for) MR. RICKY MAURONER by Marla & Hank Needham

(for) MS. RAMONA MCCUTCHEN by Marla & Hank Needham

(for) MS. REBECCA NEEDHAM by Marla & Hank Needham

(for) MR. WARREN SHADE by Robyn & Bobby Needham, Jr.

(for) MR. SAMUEL M. SICARD by Marla & Hank Needham

MR. ROBERT A. YOUNG IV (for) MR. SAMUEL M. SICARD by Mary & Robert A. Young III

Memorial and Honorarium contributions to the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club endowment create a perpetual stream of income for the organization. Acknowledgment cards are mailed to the families of those memorialized and/or honored, and donors receive a tax deduction receipt.

The endowment was created in 1940. For the past 71 years, interest income from the Endowment has been used solely for Club operations. Interested donors are encouraged to consider naming the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club their will. For more information, contact the FSBGC administrative office at 479-782-7093.

Marilyn Foster Poetry Winners – finalists in the annual Boys & Girls Club Poetry contest were awarded prizes by program sponsor Marilyn Foster. Presentations were held at Goldtrap-Gardner on October 3. Foster provides cash prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place in both age divisions.

MARILYN FOSTER POETRYWINNERS ANNOUNCED

Club members participating in the annual Marilyn Foster Poetry contest were provided awards at a ceremony held October 3 at the Goldtrap-Gardner unit. Cash prizes were presented by Foster to the top three contestants in each age group.

This is the 15th year that Foster has sponsored the program. She has supported an annual Eassy contest for 17 years. Foster also sponsors the FSBGC Photography program awards.

“Courage” was the theme for this year’s Poetry contest. First place winners received $50 cash, with 2nd place getting $30 and 3rd place receiving $20. All finalist recieved a certificate and Poetry souvenir booklet. Elizabeth Easter serves as coordinator for the program.

Division I (ages 6-11) 1st Place Julie Fenby (age 11) 2nd Place Bobbie Bull (age 10) 3rd Place Jacob Reeder (age 6) Honorable Mention: Alexis Harrison (age 10) Jozlyn Woodard (age 11) Salvador Colorado (age 9)Division II (ages 12-18) 1st Place Jessica Smith (age 16) 2nd Place Randi Ruehle (age 14) 3rd Place Tai Norton (age 12) Honorable Mention: Chris Hembree (age 12) Brandon McCarney (age 15)

Lean on Me Mentoring ProgramYOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

call your local FSBGC for more information

Page 6 www.fsbgc.org Fall 2011

UAFS Student Ambassadors provide assistance with activities at the Jeffrey Boys & Girls Club. The College

students are volunteering at four units this winter.

Horseback Riding at the Boys & Girls ClubOne of the most popular Summer activities was

horseback riding. The program is coordinated byClayton Mitchem and Jeff Wasson.

Job Shadowing - Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club teen members enjoy a special Job Shadowing Day at the

local Old Navy store.

LEAN ON ME MENTORINGPROGRAM UNDERWAY

Helping a child through one-on-one weekly men-toring sessions is the purpose of the FSBGC “Lean On Me” program. A 2011-2012 kick-off event started with an Ice Cream Social held on October 19 at the Evans Boys & Girls Club.

Kari Fenby, Mentoring director, is interviewing and screening volunteers before matching them with mentees. “This is one of the most important programs offered at the Boys & Girls Club” said Fenby, who is in her fifth year of coordinating the program. “Hav-ing positive guidance is very important in the life of a need child” she added.

The program is sponsored by the FSBGC Alumni & Friends Association and the Optimist Club. It was developed 14 years ago through the help of Cavana-ugh School principal Hank Needham. For more infor-mation concerning Lean On Me, contact Kari Fenby at 479-522-1712.

FORMULA FOR IMPACTADDED BY FSBGC

A new strategic plan that includes Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s “Formula For Impact” is being integrated into the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club. The plan includes five key elements for positive youth development, including:

1) Safe, positive environment 2) Fun 3) Supportive relationships 4) Opportunities and expectations 5) Recognition

With a goal of increasing attendance by all members, the Club strives to offer a varied schedule of targeted programs and high-yield activities. These efforts will result in positive youth outcomes in three areas:

Academic Success – graduate high school ready for college, trade school, military or employment.

Good Character & Citizenship – be an engaged citizen, involved in the community, register to vote

Healthy Lifestyles – adopt a healthy lifestyle, make good choices, make a lifelong commitment to fitness.

Improving effectiveness of Club’s services and programs by using measured outcomes is the key element to the Formula For Impact.

Fall 2011 www.fsbgc.org Page 7

MEMBER OF THE MONTHRECIPIENTS

July August September

Stephens Cha’Briya Harris Logan Claybaugh Dalton Copeland

Evans Dakota Warcham Jaden Morland Evan Morland

Jeffrey Estefania Hernandez Stacy Barroso Nicole Hernandez

Goldtrap Rashud Abdul-Khaliq Dylan Scarbrough Rylae Shelton

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTHRECIPIENTS

July August September

Stephens Cassidy Jackson Gabe Scrivner Kizzy Bell

Evans Brad Kifer Nick Fenby Robert Capron

Jeffrey Bakari Keeling Danisha Shade Paul Williams Jr.

Goldtrap Dylan Reynolds Kenny Snow David Orick

SPECIAL THANK YOU2011 Haunted Warehouse Sponsors

The Vibe 102.7SUPERCUTSCricketCarman Inc.Pic-n-ToteCSMFort Smith PlatingDr. Jim SaviersAll Covered Up

Midwest Sporting GoodsEastside Animal Health Center

Shamrock Bolt & ScrewAir Compressor Specialists

A&A Army Surplus Upchurch ElectricRiver Valley Door & Trim Robin’s LawnsJim Hall & Associates Ink SpotSouthwest Garage Door Monty’s Electronics

Juan’s Mexican RestaurantWe appreciate our wonderful sponsors for their support of our annual Haunted Warehouse fundraiser at Chaffee Crossing.

Follow us on Facebook

Chevy Baseball Promotion – John M. Smith (2nd from right) and Terry Harris (2nd from left) hold a check for the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club on behalf of Smith Chevrolet-Cadillac and their summer baseball program for area young people. Club members and staff were part of the presentation ceremony.

Vic Forsgren Memorial Scholarship Fund - on behalf of the Arkansas Chapter Associated General Contractors, Joel Hoover presents a check of $ 8,000 to Jerry Glidewell, executive director of the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs. The donation will be used for College Scholarships for needy youth at the Club. Justin Forsgren (back row left) and Dallas Forsgren (back row right) attended the presentation ceremony held at the FSBGC.

FSBGC Now Provides AfternoonSnacks and Evening Meals

Club members are now being served “free” afternoon snacks and evening meals at all four FSBGC units. The service started in September. Snacks are served from 3:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. and meals are served from 5:45 p.m. till 6:45 p.m. on weekdays.

Page 8 www.fsbgc.org Fall 2011

ALUMNI NEWSFAll 2011

20th Annual

ALUMNI & FRIENDS BBQ CELEBRATES ACHIEVEMENTS

“A special thank you to everyone who has helped build up this Alumni Association” said Alumni & Friends board president Jim Petty. “We are proud to celebrate 20 years of support to the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club” he added.

Guest speakers Dr. John Cross and Larry Smith, both former boxers at the Club, gave heartfelt remarks to the audience regarding their love of the Club. Dr. John Cross is a retired Sociology Professor from Oklahoma State University. At one time, Cross was a unit director of the Jeffrey Boys Club. Larry Smith is a retired pro rodeo steer wrestler. He also served as a Chaplain for the Professional Rodeo tour. Smith now operates a Christian Youth ranch just outside of Alma, AR.

Board president Jim Petty recognized the leadership of the Alumni & Friends board of directors. The Alumni Association was established in 1991 as a support base for the Boys & Girls Club. The name was later changed to the Alumni & Friends Association in 2006. During the past 20 years, the Alumni & Friends Association has provided more than $ 750,000 in financial support to the FSBGC. The sustaining membership drive is one of two fundraisers conducted by the Association each year. An annual golf tournament is held in June.

Several guests were introduced at the BBQ including: Gerald Price, a charter member of the Fort Smith Boys Club in 1928, County Judge David Hudson, Woody Solomon, Bill Hodnett, Mark Goode, Jeff Inness, and Cindy Faldon. The BBQ event is the official kickoff for the 2012 membership drive. The Association hopes to top the 500 member mark by the Summer of 2012.

51 YEARS LATER – the photo on the left was taken of Brad Thompson and Dr. John Cross in 1960 after a Boys Club boxing match at Wheeler. The photo on the right was a re-enactment of

the original photo taken at the FSBGC Alumni & Friends BBQ on October 12. The men hadn’t seen each other in 51 years.

FORMER GOLDEN GLOVES CHAMP – Larry Smithentertains Alumni BBQ attendees with some favorite storiesfrom his youth at the Club. Smith is a retired pro rodeo steer

wrestler who credits the Boys & Girls Club for saving his life.

Fall 2011 www.fsbgc.org Page 9

Billy Higgins, Jim Wyatt, Jim Hamilton & Randy Malone Joey McCutchen, Eric Burnett & Janie Wyatt

Patti Cox, Kathy & Mike Redd Bill Hodnett, Woody Solomon & Bobby Needham

SCENES FROM THE 2011 FSBGC ALUMNI & FRIENDS BBQ

Page 10 www.fsbgc.org Fall 2011

S P O R T S

Texas Rangers Craig Gentry – rounds first base after a base hit against the Oakland “A’s.” Gentry is a former member of the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club and played American Legion baseball for Kerwin’s.

WORLD SERIES A DREAM COMETRUE FOR TEXAS RANGERS

OUTFIELDER CRAIG GENTRYOnly 10 years ago he was wearing a Kerwin uniform

and playing baseball at Hunts Park. Craig Gentry, a former Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club athlete, realized a dream come true during the 2011 Major League baseball season, by making it to the World Series.

Gentry, who played baseball for UA Fort Smith and the Arkansas Razorbacks, was called up to the Major Leagues last season for the Rangers. But, during the 2010 Rangers American League Championship run, Gentry was sent back to the Minors. In 2011, Gentry was called back up to the team and has made major contributions in the success of the defending American League champion team.

During the 2011 regular season, he batted .271 in 133 at bats, with 18 steals in 18 attempts. Craig was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 10th round of the 2006 MLB draft. During his formative years at the Boys & Girls Club, he played for the 2000 Trophies Sportswear American Legion team and the 2000-2002 Kerwins American Legion team.

While in elementary school, Gentry played basketball at the Goldtrap-Gardner Boys & Girls Club. He was a multi-sport star athlete during his high school years at Fort Smith Christian. Craig was born in Fort Smith on November 29, 1983.

CLUB MEMBERS EXCITEDABOUT NEW GYM FLOOR

AT JEFFREY UNITWith basketball season approaching, a $38,000

gym project was recently completed at the Jeffrey Boys & Girls Club.

“We are thrilled to get a new gym floor” said J.T. West, unit director. A new Sport Court gym floor was installed at the end of August. The entire Jeffrey gym was painted and lights adjusted right before the gym floor was installed. “It looks like a brand new gym” said West.

The project was made possible through a private anonymous gift and the support of the FSBGC Alumni & Friends Association.

New Jeffrey Boys & Girls Club gym floor – was made possible by an anonymous gift of $ 30,000 and the support of the FSBGC Alumni & Friends Association.

2011-2012 BASKETBALL SIGNUPSUNDERWAY AT FSBGC

When: October 17 through November 11Where: Any of the four FSBGC locations Evans, Jeffrey, Stephens, Goldtrap-GardnerAges: Rinky Dink (grades 1-2), PeeWee (grades 3-4) Midget (grades 5-6), Junior (grades 7-9) and Senior (grades 10-12).Costs: $18 activity feeLast season, more than 1000 young people participated in the FSBGC basketball program. Games and practices are held at the Boys & Girls Club gyms. For more information regarding basketball, contact FSBGC athletic director Chris Reeder at 479-452-5779.

Fall 2011 www.fsbgc.org Page 11

COLLEGE & PROFESSIONALPLAYER WATCH

In each fall edition of the FSBGC “Beat” newsletter, we list former Boys & Girls Club members who are currently participating in College or Professional sports. We salute the positive influence that volunteer coaches at the FSBGC have made in the lives of these athletes.

PROFESSIONAL ATHLETESNAME SPORT TEAMHenry Burris Football (CFL) Calgary StampedeCraig Gentry Baseball (MLB) Texas RangersBrett Goode Football (NFL) Green Bay Packers

COLLEGE ATHLETESNAME SPORT COLLEGECameron Adams Basketball Drury UniversityKevin Arnold Basketball Northeastern St. OKShanita Arnold Basketball Univ. of Arizona Mannasha Bell Basketball UA San AntonioThomas Biocic Baseball Arkansas TechLyndsey Bockelman Basketball UA Fort SmithNeil Braddy Track ArkansasBlake Brodie Baseball UA Fort SmithIan Carter Basketball Drury UniversityRyneka Church Basketball State Fair CCCory Copeland Basketball Missouri StateEvan Daniel Tennis UA Fort SmithTyler Davis Baseball UA Fort SmithChris Dolan Football Missouri Southern Chase Dixon Football Univ. of Central ARDax Dupire Baseball UA Fort SmithJosh Garcia Baseball UA Fort SmithDave Gean Baseball Johnson Co. CC KSBlake Gentry Baseball Southeastern OKSean Geraghty Cross Country UA Fort SmithTaylor Green Basketball AR BaptistElliott Hawkins Football NEO A & MMatt Henry Baseball McNeese St.Ashley Hobbs Basketball Southeastern OKJohn Koch Baseball Arkansas StateMarion Kursh Basketball UA Little RockDaniel McKinney Baseball Southeastern OKBlake Mitchem Basketball Arkansas TechCailey Moore Basketball Lyon CollegeMarshall Parker Basketball Nebraska Dalton Person Football Univ. of ChicagoHunter Phelan Football Southeastern OKBrennan Rogers Baseball UA Fort SmithZach Rogers Basketball Oklahoma WesleyanChance Scamardo Baseball Carl AlbertA.J. Smith Football Arkansas TechDawson Urrutia Track Missouri SouthernMichael Waldon Football Arkansas TechLenious Walls Basketball Ecclesia Tyler Wilson Football ArkansasCameron Young Baseball UA Fort SmithChelsea Young Tennis Univ. of the Ozarks

2011 FSBGC Football Action – Club participants enjoy a football game at Hunts Park. The season concludes with Optimist Day Bowl games that last week in October.

Cheer Program Volunteers – members of Southside andNorthside High School Cheer/Dance teams provide coaching assistance for the FSBGC cheer program. An annual Clinic was conducted at Evans Boys & Girls Club on September 10.

Soccer Action at Goldtrap – More than 300 Club members are participating in the FSBGC Soccer program this fall. Games are played on weeknights at the Goldtrap-Gardner Boys & Girls Club.

Page 12 www.fsbgc.org Fall 2011Non-Profit

OrganizationU. S. Postage

PAIDFort Smith, ARPermit No. 72

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED4905 North O StreetFort Smith, AR 72904

GREAT FUTURES START HERE

BRAIN?????GAMEBOYS & GIRLS CLUB

PERPLEXING PUZZLES

A. What is the number that is one more than one-tenth of one-fifth of one-half of 4,000?

B. A sundial is a timepiece that has the fewest moving parts. What type of timepiece has the most moving parts ?

C. Roneka bought four oranges and three lemons for 90 cents. The next day she bought three oranges and four lemons for 85 cents. How much did each lemon and orange cost ?

D. Together Tim and Matt caught 32 fish. Tim caught three times as many fish as Matt. How many fish did Tim catch ?

E. Which word, if pronounced right, is wrong, but if pronounced wrong is right ?

F. If it takes five cats five minutes to catch five mice, how long will it take for 100 cats to catch 100 mice ?

A. 41 (4000/2 = 2000 / 5 = 400 / 10 = 40 + 1 = 41

B. An hourglass

C. Orange cost 15 cents each. Lemons cost 10 cents each.

D. 24 fish

E. the word “wrong”

F. 5 minutes

1. b 4. b 7. b 10. c

2. b 5. b 8. b

3. a 6. b 9. b

ANSWERS:

1. Which country in Africa is the most populated?

a) Ethiopia b) Nigeria c) Egypt d) Congo

2. What is pictured on the back of a Ten dollar bill ?

a) U.S. Capitol building b) U.S. Treasury

building c) Monticello d) White House

3. Who was the first African American to be featured

on a U.S. postage stamp ? a) Booker T. Washington

b) Louis Armstrong c) Joe Louis d) Jackie Robinson

4. Where was singer Beyonce’ Knowles born and

raised ? a) Little Rock, AR b) Houston, TX

c) Memphis, TN d) Shreveport, LA

5. Which was the first established National Park in the

world ? a) Grand Canyon b) Yellowstone

c) Yosemite d) Sequoia

6. Which of the following teams has won five Super Bowl

games without a single Super Bowl loss ?

a) Green Bay Packers b) San Francisco 49er’s

c) Pittsburgh Steelers d) Dallas Cowboys

7. What City serves as the national capital of Canada ?

a) Montreal b) Ottawa c) Toronto d) Calgary

8. Who was the first person to win two consecutive

Academy Awards for best actor? a) Clark Gable

b) Spencer Tracy c) Tom Hanks d) Denzel Washington

9. East of the Mississippi River, which state is biggest

by geographic area ? a) Florida b) Michigan

c) Georgia d) New York

10. What year was the NBA (National Basketball

Association) created ? a) 1929 b) 1939 c) 1949 d) 1959