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MSCR Spotlight Newsletter • Spring 2010 • Vol 15, Number 3 |
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Message from the Director
Walking and Tulips
Walking and tulips have become critical to my health and well being as I work with MSCR staff through these difficult budget times. Walking takes me out of the office setting for exercise and fresh air. It gives me the boost of positive endorphins I need after a long morning spent working on the budget or leading planning meetings.
With the rates of obesity on the rise, everyone can use more exercise. As we move from short winter days into long, lovely spring days, MSCR is here to help you increase your activity level. MSCR offers many affordable options, from parent/child swimming, yoga for preschoolers, to fitness for adults age 18 to 100!
Tulips remind me that spring is here. As their tight buds open, tulips remind me to keep be open to new ways of doing things. Even during these difficult economic times, the staff at MSCR will continue MSCR’s 84 year legacy of providing public recreation programs and services for the Madison community!
Sincerely,
Lucy Chaffin,
Executive Director
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MSCR Summer Program Guide
Distribution of the MSCR 2010 Summer Program Guide began earlier this month. The guide is available at all MMSD schools, libraries and local grocery stores.
The program guide is filled with a variety of summer activities for all ages including day camps, arts and enrichment, pontoon boating, fitness, 50+ fitness, recreational sports, league sports, swimming and tennis.
New programs offered this summer include:
- a fitness program for teens held at MMSD middle schools,
- several adult arts and enrichment classes - like bookmaking, arts boot camp, mosaics, rubber stamp carving, tye dye
- new tennis lessons sites
Parents can choose from a wide selection of camps like Super Center Arts Camps, Soccer Day Camps, Wresting Camp, MAD Youth, Camp Adventure and more. Please click to register.
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Survey Indicates Positive Response
MSCR recently surveyed parents whose children participated in winter youth sports programs. Results indicated that nearly 74 percent were very satisfied and 26 perecent were satisfied with their child's program. Here are some comments:
- "I was impressed with the plan for each session and how it built on skills as they went along as well as having some variety so that the kids didn't get bored"
- "Wonderful instructors!"
- "Very impressed with instructors - some of the best MSCR instructors I've seen. So interactive with children. They actually talked TO them and not just at them. They made it fun and tried to include all students. They enjoyed it - weren't just trying to earn a paycheck like it seems some others have been. Truly, so so impressed."
- "The coaches were young but very prepared. They had a plan and handled transitions like pros!"
Congratulations youth sports staff!
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MSCR is a department of the
MSCR CALENDAR
April 13-14
Adult Baseball League Registration
April 17
Spring Dance Recital
April 18
Spring 3v3 Soccer begins
May 1
Junior Leader Graduation
May 7
Adult Softball Leagues begin
May 22
Adult Baseball Leagues begin
June 2
8th Grade Track Meet
Lussier Stadium
June 14
Youth Tennis Lessons begin
June 17
Art Cart begins - Elmside Circle Park at 9:30 am
June 12
Most summer programs begin
Register Now at MSCR!
Join us for the Friends of
MSCR Annual Golf Outing on Friday, July 16 at Yahara Hill Golf Course. Tee time is 2 pm. Enjoy 9 holes of golf, dinner and awards. Proceeds support after school programs, volunteer appreciation and more. Sponsors are needed. Please call 204-3000 for more information.
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Wellness Tips:
A Bounty of Health Benefits - Fruits & Vegetables:
- Are loaded with health-promoting antioxidants
- Can help keep your blood sugar stable as well as keep you feeling full longer
- Are a good source of fiber to help keep your digestive tract moving
- Make the perfect “grab and go” food, since most fruits and many vegetables, like carrots, celery and bags of pre-washed snap peas need no preparation
- Can help build strong bones because some, like dark leafy green, broccoli, oranges and figs are good non-dairy ounces of calcium
- Are packed with potassium, a mineral that can help control blood pressure
- Bananas, dried apricots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, white potatoes, oranges, tomato products, spinach, kale and acorn squash are all rich sources of potassium
Source: Your Guide to Lowering Your Blood Pressure With DASH, published by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute |
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Volunteer Highlight
MSCR has more than 1000 dedicated volunteers. We asked a few of these active individuals why they volunteer.
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Andrew Chew
Andrew began as a volunteer tutor with Mendota Safe Haven last semester, which was his first year at the University of Wisconsin. This semester, he also began tutoring during the school day at Mendota.
Why do you volunteer for MSCR?"When I entered high school, I found that helping people to understand concepts that they struggled with was truly a rewarding experience for both the other person and for me. I continued to tutor throughout high school and thought it would be a great way to contribute back to the Madison community and so I continued my volunteer work here."
Why is MSCR important to the community?
"Education is one of the most important aspects of a child's life and development. Even outside the knowledge gained from textbooks and in class, children learn just as much, if not more, from constantly engaging with peers and teachers in a school setting. It is important for organizations like MSCR to exist because it expands that crucial element of interaction, combines it with learning, and gives kids the opportunity to engage with one another, with teachers and volunteers, and have fun after the school day has ended. If kids begin to correlate education and school with the enjoyment they can gain from it, then their academic potential is vastly expanded."
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Brittany Torud
Brittany began volunteering this fall at the Falk Community Learning Center tutoring children.
Why do you volunteer for MSCR?
"I started volunteering with MSCR last fall because I really missed spending time with kids! I was placed at Falk Elementary and have loved the time I've spent there so far! Being able to leave campus to see 20 smiling faces every Wednesday has been so rewarding for me. Seeing the kids grow from week to week keeps me coming back!"
Why is MCR important to the community?
"MSCR is absolutely vital to the community and to the success of Madison's kids. After school programs like Safe Haven provide kids with extra help outside of school to help them see learning as a positive (thing) that extends outside of the school day. The tutoring provided gives kids the one on one attention they deserve but are sometimes unable to get from day to day at school. MSCR provides kids with a positive and safe environment where they can go to spend time with dependable role models committed to their success. Organizations like MSCR are vital for every community that wishes to raise happy, successful kids." |
Robin Lindeman
(pictured on right)
Robin has been a volunteer with the Downill Ski program for four years. She helps people who have disabilities learn how to ski.
Why do you volunteer with MSCR?
It's a fun way to help others and get involved in the Madison community.
Why is MSCR important to the community?
No other organization offers so many great programs for all age groups and abilities, at very reasonable prices.
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Volunteer Now
MSCR has openings for volunteers for the following programs:
- Pontoon Boat
- Soccer
- Friends Golf Outing
- Tutoring
- Inclusion
- Citizens' Advisory Committe
Please call 204-4585 or visit the MSCR website for more information.
Volunteers need to complete a criminal background check.
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MSCR Highlights
Downhill Ski Fundraiser Celebrates 19th Successful Year
The annual Downhill Ski Fundraiser was held on January 23 at Tryrol Basin. Since it was raining, skiers had the option to ski February 6. 120 skiers enjoyed the slopes and supported services for people with disabilities. The event raised $1,600 which will be used to purchase adaptive ski equipment. MSCR appreciates participant support, and event sponsors, Fox 47 and Tyrol Basin. Thanks to Channel 27 for doing a nice story on the event.
MSCR New Adult Winter Volleyball League
MSCR offered a new Adult Winter Volleyball League late January - March. Nearly 200 players participated on 19 teams. The program took place Monday and Wednesday nights at Olson, Cherokee, O'Keeffe, and Sennett/LaFollette school gyms.
Participants responsed positively to the new league. Several said it gives them something to do "at home" (in Madison) rather than heading to leagues in other communities. Other participants asked if MSCR could add spring leagues.
 Allied Safe Haven Participants Celebrate Black History Month
Allied Safe Haven participants started preparing for a Black History Month Celebration early February. Fourth and fifth grade students researched and created a poster on an African American who they felt was influential. The students used their posters to create a “Black History Month Museum.” To celebrate the “museum opening” Safe Haven participants participated in a day of special activities. They enjoyed performances by UW’s Zeta Phi Beta sorority step group, Boys & Girls Club of Dane County drumming team, and the local spoken word and poetry group, Johnson Brothers Entertainment. The message was "believe in yourself and work hard to reach your goals." Students enjoyed the guest performances and they left feeling truly inspired.
MSCR Annual Chess Tournament
MSCR held the Annual Chess Tournament on Saturday, February 20 at Warner Park Community Recreation Center. One hundred local students in grades Kindergarten through 12th grade competed in this event. Team awards went to:
- High School Team Champions: Madison West
- Middle School Team Champions: Jefferson
- Elementary School Team Champions: Shorewood
Click here for a complete listing of champions.
In addition to the Chess Tournament, MSCR holds other annual events including the Annual Drill Team Festival, 8th Grade Track Meet, and basketball, volleyball and wrestling middle and high school sports tournaments. These events showcase MSCR after school programs. For more information call 204-3000 or go to MSCR.
High School Basketball Tournament
The annual MSCR Metro Basketball Tournament was held on Saturday, March 13 at Warner Park Community Recreation Center and LaFollette High School. Twenty teams competed in two divisions for the championship title. The Cre-Remington Experience from West High School won Division A and The Prairie Dogs from Memorial High School won Division B. The league began January 30 with 200 11th & 12th graders from all four MMSD High Schools participating. The Metro League is a recreational league for youth who do not play on their school WIAA baseketball teams. This is the 7th year of the program that was initiated when the 9th grade "no cut" sports policy was implemented. |
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MSCR Meadowood Neighborhood Center Celebrates First Anniversary
February 23 marked the one year anniversary of the opening of the Meadowood Neighborhood Center. Funding has been approved for continuation through December 31, 2010. Celebrations were held throughout the week and included a VIP party for the top 15 youth who had attend most frequently. These participants visited the center 70-180 times between February and December 2009.
In 2009, the Center was open 2300 hours recording over 6000 visits to the center, representing nearly 800 different individuals.
“The Community Center has been a valuable source to the Meadowood Community for the past year. There have been job source sessions every Wednesday morning, which helped me land a job. I would have to say that without the Community Center being here as an outreach tool for the community, a lot of [programs like] this would not be happening.”
Duane L. Dahl Jr., Participant |
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MSCR To Hold Activities at Ride the Drive
Join us for Ride the Drive on Sunday, June 6.
Ride the Drive is a celebration of Madison’s commitment to healthy, active lifestyles. This community event invites citizens to leave their cars behind and experience some of Madison’s most scenic byways a whole new way - by riding, walking, skating, or strolling along some of our city’s most beautiful streets. Stop at the MSCR booth for fun activities.
Ride the Drive is free, open-to-the-public, and a family event (sponsored by City of Madison Parks) — a whole new way to experience our great city. Click here to learn more. |
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MSCR Main Office • Hours: 8am-4:30pm, Mon-Fri
3802 Regent Street, Madison, WI 53705 (click for map)
Phone: 608.204.3000 • Fax: 608.204.0557 • TDD: 608.204.3058
Email: mscr@madison.k12.wi.us
MSCR at Warner Park Community Recreation Center • Hours: 8am-4:30pm, Mon-Fri
1625 Northport Drive, Madison, WI 53704 (click for map)
Phone: 608.245.3669 • Fax: 608.245-3685
© 2009 • MSCR is a department of the Madison Metropolitan School District
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