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Remember the NBGC Family Fest Carnival? A lot of days and nights, a lot of work and a lot of fun. Share your photos of the Carnival. Family Fest was one of our biggest fundraisers for 60 years- its impact funded so many of our programs. You can have an impact today! Donate early to NBGC Giving Tuesday. Thanks to a group of anonymous matching donors, the first $20,000 donated will be doubled!! Go to- https://TheNBGCImpact.givesmart.com Make it count- donate today!!!    
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NBGC Bands rocking the Family Fest Carnival. For 60 years the Family Fest was one of our biggest annual events- creating a lot of memories for our Leaders- and bringing in a lot of money to support our programs. You can help us create future memories- Donate now to Giving Tuesday! Thanks to a group of anonymous matching donors, the first $20,000 donated will be doubled!! Go to- https://TheNBGCImpact.givesmart.com 2014 NBGC scholarship recipients. Scholarships are central to the NBGC impact on our members. In 1960 we awarded $1000. In 2021 we awarded $90,000!!! You can have an impact- donate early to NBGC Giving Tuesday. Thanks to a group of anonymous matching donors, the first $20,000 donated will be doubled!! Turn $25 into $50! Or why not $50 into$100!!! To donate, go to- https://TheNBGCImpact.givesmart.com  Were you on this Leader trip to Devil's Lake in 2016? Share your memories of the NBGC! Then donate early to NBGC for GivingTuesday! Thanks to a group of anonymous matching donors, the first $20,000 donated will be doubled!! To donate, go to: https://TheNBGCImpact.givesmart.com Turn $25 into $50- or better yet $50 into $100!
Webster's Dictionary- Monkeyshine: mischievous or playful activity- usually used in the plural As founder Robert O. Buehler's mother worked in the office of the club house, she would listen to the commotion coming from the game room. She decided to name the weekly newsletter "Monkeyshines". 91st Annual Turkey Bowl !!! Come out and join us for the 91st NBGC Turkey Bowl celebration. In 1931, Robert Buehler and Dick Valentin took a group of kids playing football in the mud of Revere Park, formed them into teams- and led them to our first Thanksgiving Day championship. The Turkey Bowl has become the Clubs most important tradition- where players, families, alumni and the community come together for football and soccer games, hot cocoa and donuts. The action starts the night before at the Pep Rally- where posters, predictions and cheerleaders rev up the rivalries and celebrate all that the NBGC has brought to its members and their families for 9 decades. The Pep Rally schedule, Turkey Day team matchups and other Turkey Bowl events can be found in articles below. So please come and join us and share the fun and memories with family and old friends. Then- 1930's Football Now- 2010's Soccer PEP RALLY On Saturday the game room will be festooned with photos and Monkeyshines from the past 90 years. But if you can't be here in person- this year you can tour our game room from your home! Go to the nbgc.org website to find out how.
 While you're here at the Club to enjoy the games, the game room memories, and the donuts, you and your family can get free Covid Vaccinations- first shot second shot or booster TURKEY DAY GAME SCHEDULE
On October 30, 2021 the Neighborhood Boys ad Girls Club will celebrate its 90th Anniversary and induct seven new members into the Hall of Fame. The event will be held at the White Eagle Event and Convention Center in Niles, Illinois. Be sure to save the date. Look for event details on NBGC's website, social media posts, emails and other sources. Tickets to the 90th Anniversary and Hall of Fame Celebration are on sale now and can be purchased online at: NBGCTURNS90.givesmart.com This blog post celebrates the 2021 inductees. Enjoy the memories... and more importantly, make plans with your family and friends to join teammates for a wonderful night to celebrate the NBGC! Tom Boettjer Tom joined the Club in the late 70's as a member of the Pirates. He was a Leader and a staff member throughout the 80's. . . while also attending Gordon and Northeastern Illinois University. Concurrent with being a Leader and on the staff, he coached younger NBC teams which would lead him into his career as an elementary physical education teacher at Cleveland Elementary, and high school coach at Roosevelt. Tom worked with the NBGC tutoring program in the 1990's. He also loved volunteering at NBGC Track Meets, Haunted Houses and Family Fests. With his wife Margaret, he ran first aid classes at the Club in the early 1990's. Tom was one of the inaugural winners of college scholarship funds from 1984 - 1988. He has served for many years on the Scholarship Committee- interviewing candidates, reviewing application materials and selecting awardees. Tom is a regular donor to the NBGC and the Leaders of the Future (past winners) Scholarship. First Scholarship winner (click) Tutoring program (click) CPR classes (click) Varsity coach (click) Scholarship Committee (click)   Phil Cline Phil was a member of the Tarantulas in the 1960's, and, when he turned 13, became a youth leader. While in high school, Phil was a batboy for the Chicago Cubs. He was always interested in sports and loved arranging games between friends. After high school, he formed a softball team called the Rowdies- some of whom were NBC alumni. He followed his father, a Chicago Firefighter, into a life devoted to public service. After becoming a Police Cadet in 1968, Phil worked his way up the ranks on his own initiative, finally becoming Chicago Police Superintendent. Phil also started the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, which cares for the families of wounded or killed Chicago Police Officers. He was a guest speaker at one of the Leaders of the Future Celebrations, and has been an annual donor for twenty plus years. Party to win (click) Duck hunting (click) By the way, Phil gets married (click) Police Superintendent (click) Keynote speaker (click)  Maria Gomez Maria has called the NBGC home since before her time as a leader, starting in 1997. She remembers her baby brother becoming a part of the NBGC family when he started playing tackle football in second grade- she had no idea it would also become her family one day. Maria started with summer camp, then sports, eventually becoming a Leader. At the time she didn't realize the impact the Club would have on her. Initially, Maria had no clue what responsibilities went with the job- "So it was no surprise that I was let go from the Leader program because I didn't take it seriously!" It was right then and there Maria was staring reality in the face- not only had she let herself down, but also those at the Club who were counting on her. From that day she decided if she dedicated herself to something, she had better mean it. This experience allowed her to build the work ethic which has garnered her so much success in life. "I dedicated myself to the NBGC, and realized we stood for so much more than our selves. Once that moment of enlightenment came, I was provided with so many opportunities for growth. Bonnie and Jim continued to push me out of my comfort zone and never fell short of letting me know that they believed in my abilities to succeed . Whether it was their trust in me, or the fear of letting them down, I was able to always push forward, and I remember I always wanted to play a part in an very successful organization. Along the way I had so many mentors and peers who also shaped how I embraced being a part of this family. Family is what drove us. This amazing family dynamic that comes with the job is what has driven me to dedicate the time that I have to the NBGC. That dynamic is also the reason why it made my decision to walk away a difficult one. I always knew that there would be a day where I would look to further expand on the foundation that the NBGC has helped me build- I just never knew when. I know there will never be another experience like that of the NBGC. But I know that we work towards 'Better Men and Women', and I take that with me." YouthNet Teen Council (click) Turkey Toss (click) Leader of the Month (click) Coonley Kid's Club Assistant (click) NBGC Afterschool Director (click) Director of Social Programs (click)   Phil Jensen Phil's long involvement with the NBGC started in the 1990's as a Pirate playing in all sports. He went on to become a Leader, then all the way to Athletic Director. Phil was once known as the "Pebble Princess" running the Pebble League soon after the Girls Program began. He was in charge of the leadership training programs for years, and led many of the outdoor wilderness group trips. Phil always played an essential role in the annual Family Fest, as he worked tirelessly to coordinate the set-up, daily operations and wrap up for the Club's most important yearly fund raising event. Throughout high school and college Phil was able to take advantage of the NBGC Scholarship Program. And while teaching for CPS and continuing his involvement in youth development, he went on to earn a Master's Degree. Over the years he has donated to the Scholarship Program and helped out with the candidate interviews. Pirates QB (click) North Region Hockey champs (click) First for 8 Year Achievement Awards (click) Pebble League Director (click) Rush birthday party (click) Assistant Program Director (click) Athletic Director (click) Open letter to the Club (click)   Jack Leske Jack joined the NBC in 1938 playing for the Ravens. Being very goal-driven, he achieved medals in chess and checkers, and was tops in attendance over the years. Jack was the third recipient of the White Star Award ring for all-around excellence. He became a Youth Leader in the 1940's, and especially enjoyed the Leader trips to White Pines State Park. His involvement in sports and physical fitness at the NBC, combined the the values of sportsmanship he learned here, led to a career with the Niles Baseball League and 17 years as a Commissioner with the Niles Park District- ensuring that other youth could benefit from the experiences he had at the Club. He was a dedicated company man, inventor, entrepreneur, tomato grower and family man. Well into his 80's, Jack was an avid walker and cyclist (2500 miles/year)- and could do a 1-minute plank until he was 89. He was an annual contributor, and is in the Buehler Legacy Society. Jack was known as one of life's "good guys", and passed away in September, 2018- one day after his 90th birthday. Christmas play as young Scrooge (click)    Joe Miceli Joe played on the Leopards in the 1970's. He went on to become a Youth Leader and Secretary of the NBC Bowling League. Joe was instrumental in the formation of the NBC band- which entertained at Mom's Club Socials and pep rallies. Composed mostly of NBC alums, the band evolved into the Chicago Continentals, continuing to play at football games, dinner dances and weddings for over 40 years. Joe was the organizer of a Leaders and friends Friday night football game, played from September through Thanksgiving. Joe served on the Board of Directors, was Co-Chairman of the Family Fest for several years, and helped his good friend Arp Horvath man the Ham & Bacon Booth. And Joe has been an annual donor for many years. Scholarship winner (click) Mad Trumpeter sinks in the mud (click) NBC band (click) Bowling record (click) Ping pong instructor (click) Executive Director Neighborhood Youth Organization (click)   Jack Sharkey Jack started his 65-year affiliation with the NBC/NBGC in the 1950's playing for the Falcons. He continues to serve the Club as an annual contributor. For more than a decade, Jack has organized a group of alums from his NBC era who contribute the donuts each year for the Thanksgiving Day football and soccer games. After graduating from Gordon Tech High School, he married his grammar school sweetheart, Geraldine- and they have been married for 55 years! They raised four boys and have ten grandchildren. During his business career, Jack owned two successful businesses- Gerlin, and Precision Stamping Products, in Schiller Park (which he still operates today). As a businessman, they said he could "sell snow to an Eskimo". Respected by all who know him, his friends and family will tell you there is no one else more generous with his time. Jack treasures his decades of involvement with the NBGC. Crew leader (click) Untouchable pitcher (click) Ping pong champ (click) 1958 Recognition Award (click) Wrestling winner (click) Turkey Bowl (click)   On October 30, 2021 the Neighborhood Boys and Girls Club will celebrate its 90th Anniversary and induct seven new members into the Hall of Fame. The event will be at the White Eagle Event and Convention Center in Niles, Illinois. Be sure to save the date. Look for event details on NBGC's website, social media posts, emails and other sources. This blog entry highlights the 2015 class of Hall of Fame inductees (below is a link to the program for that occasion). We also take time to celebrate our scholarship programs over the decades. Enjoy the memories... and more importantly, make plans with your family and friends to join teammates for a wonderful night to celebrate the NBGC! Tickets to the 90th Anniversary and Hall of Fame Celebration are on sale now and can be purchased online at: NBGCTURNS90.givesmart.com When the NBC was organized in the 1930s it gave neighborhood boys a place to go and somewhere to belong. For Ray Baumhart, Hall of Famer and future Reverend, it became so much more. In the video, "A Great Ride", (see the link in our blog post of August 15th - "A Great Ride"), Rev. Baumhart tells how the athletics and leadership programs helped to build his confidence. Perhaps more importantly, founder Robert Buehler introduced Ray to the idea of going to college. Mr. Buehler graduated from the University of Illinois and the University of Chicago, and understood what great advantages higher education provided. No one in Ray Baumhart's family had ever gone to college, and he had never considered it (and this was also the middle of the Depression). Mr.Buehler saw the potential in Ray and convinced him to pursue his education. When WWII arrived, Ray was ready to enlist, but Mr. Buehler did not want to see him drop out of college- so he arranged for Ray to be interviewed by the Army, the Navy and the Marines officer training programs. Ray chose the Navy. They sent him to Northwestern and Harvard- leading to all his achievements later in life. A college education has been central to the NBC/NBGC culture since those early days. In 1960, the Club announced a new Scholarship Program: Scholarship Winners to be Announced (click) The first five winners are named and each awarded $200.00: The first five (click) Subsequently, the first Scholarship Dinner was held on January 10, 1961: Dinner at Schulien's (click) The program continued to grow until a change came in 1984. Alumni Association and Board members Joe Walsh and Jim Baumhart (brother to Ray) moved the funding and administration of the scholarships to the Alumni Association. Funds were raised specifically for Scholarships and were restricted for that use. (Previously the scholarship awards came out of the Club's general operating dollars). Alumni funds for scholarships (click) Three awarded scholarships- up to $3500.00 (click) After the Girls Programs started, the first girl Leaders were awarded scholarships in 1996: Girls join Scholarship Program (click) The program has continued to grow over the decades and impact the lives of our members. And, as with Rev. Ray Baumhart, many of these young men and women would have never considered college, or had the means to attend, without the encouragement and support of the NBGC. Scholarships are awarded from the general resources of the Scholarship Program. But many of our alumni, families, businesses and charitable organizations have set up their own specific scholarships which they fund every year. If you are interested in donating to this Program- which is at the heart of "For Better Men and Women"- please contact the Club. Read in our previous posts about other Hall of Famers who have grown our scholarship awards. And a special thanks to Board Member Tom Lyons who currently oversees the program. He and his committee help organize the events, interview the candidates, select the winners and make the awards. Contact Tom to find out more about how you can help in this process. And hear from him how rewarding it is see the kids' confidence grow every year as they master valuable job interview skills. In 2021, due to the pandemic, the Club held a virtual Scholarship Event: They awarded $90,000! Jim Baumhart Golden Youth award (click) 50th Anniversary Banquet organizer (click) Keynote speaker (click)   Bob and Anna Mae Cole The Cole family became involved in the Club in the 1950s- the sons as members, the daughter as a cheerleader, and Anna Mae as an enthusiastic volunteer. But Bob, Sr. worked 7 days a week, including holidays. Nevertheless, every year he was able to join his family at the Turkey Bowl- all together, they would cheer each other on. After retiring, Bob joined his wife as an avid volunteer. Call to volunteer (click) Helping with mailings (click)   Herb Preiner After a childhood illness, doctors said Herb would never be able to play sports. He joined the NBC in the 1930s, played all the sports, joined the military, played basketball at Loyola and lived to 91. That's why the NBC/NBGC is still here! Alumni President (click) At Dad's Club Dance (click)   Tom and Mary Nickels Easter bunny (click) Clubhouse emergency repairs (click) Girls softball coach (click) Christmas tree sale (click) Girls basketball coach (click) Setting up the beer garden (click) Mom's Club President (click) Dad's Club President (click)   Tom VanDenBosch Track champ (click) Boys Benefit sales leader (click) Girls Program Bylaws Committee (click) Board President (click)   Johnnie Weigelt Turkey Bowl donation (click) Birthday party (click) Long trip home (click) Somethin's Jumpin' at Weigelt's (click)   Leo Wollins One of the first, Leo Wollins was there at the founding of the Club. He organized and led the Forum, and was an original Board member.  On October 30, 2021 the Neighborhood Boys and Girls Club will celebrate its 90th Anniversary and induct seven new members into the Hall of Fame. The event will be at the White Eagle Event and Convention Center in Niles, Illinois. Be sure to save the date. Look for event details on NBGC's website, social media posts, emails and other sources. This blog entry highlights the 2014 class of Hall of Fame inductees (below is a link to the program for that occasion). We also take time to honor the veterans of the NBGC. Enjoy the memories... more importantly, make plans with your family and friends to join teammates for a wonderful night to celebrate the NBGC! Tickets to the 90th Anniversary and Hall of Fame Celebration are on sale now and can be purchased online at: NBGCTURNS90.givesmart.com Connections- around the world. Finally, we would like to honor our Hall of Fame members who have fulfilled their ultimate duty and served in the military. Rev. Ray Baumhart Rich Brandon John Chambers Bob Cole Tony Coppola Ray Donner Dick Geshrey Paul Goerner,Sr. Arp Horvath Ed Kelly Pete Krier Bert Lawrenz John Lunkes Jerry Ottesen Frank Peters Jack Pittges Herb Preiner Dick Schroeder Herb Veith Johnie Weigelt Don Wilhelm Ray Donner Midget team organizer (click) Letter from boot camp (click) Leatherneck wedding party (click)   Fred Stoesser Greats of the gridiron (click) On to ping pong City finals (click) Alumni memories (click)     Barrett Family Jim and Mike high point trophies (click) Blue Ox (click) The Egg and I (click) New toboggans (click) Speedy recovery (click) Dad's Club honoree (click) Mike Barrett Memorial (click) Aces founder (click)    Herb Veith Wrestling sweat suits (click) Goalie powers (click) Ducky Booth (click) Pirates champs 3 years running (click) St. Andrews (click) Sponsors Track Meet (click)    Arp Horvath Ties high jump record (click) Welcome home from Air Force Academy (click) Alumni Association President (click)   On October 30, 2020 the Neighborhood Boys and Girls Club will celebrate its 90th Anniversary and induct seven new members into the Hall of Fame. The event will be at the White Eagle Event and Convention Center in Niles, Illinois. Be sure to save the date. Look for event details on NBGC's website, social media posts, emails and other sources. This blog entry highlights the 2017 Hall of Fame inductees (below is a link to the program for that occasion). We also take time to celebrate our Board of Directors and their stewardship of the Club over the years. We include links to our Monkeyshines and Alumni Chatter-. Enjoy the memories . . . but more importantly, make plans with your family and friends to join your teammates for a wonderful night to celebrate the NBGC! Tickets to the 90th Anniversary and Hall of Fame Celebration are on sale now and can be purchased online at: NBGCTURNS90.givesmart.com A Seat At The table- Since it's founding in 1931, the NBGC has had a Board of Directors to guide the Club through the decades. The Board insures we stay true to our vision- a club for kids, run by kids, where everybody plays- and our Mission- "To enhance the well-being and develop the potential of our club members, their families, and the community For Better Men & Women". It also makes sure the Club is always on firm financial and legal footing; that we are growing and enhancing the kids' experiences; and we are adapting to and embracing the everchanging culture. The Board has four officers that make up the Executive Committee. Currently, they are: President- Hall of Famer Tom Van Den Bosch Vice-President- Todd Beeson Secretary- Lori Novak Treasurer- Diane Kelly The Executive Committee works closely with Executive Director Jeff Sadowski and the staff to support the day-to-day operations of the Club. The Board consists of from twelve to twenty-four members, generally serving a three year term, and they meet five times a year. But much of the work of the Board happens in the committees, meeting about once a month: Program- overseeing sports, clubhouse activities and afterschool/summer programs. Resource Development- evaluating our current fundraising events and looking for new opportunities. Finance- overseeing the annual budget, our funds and investments, and compliance with financial standards. Marketing- defining our brand, keeping us true to it and presenting the Club to the public. Technology- updating our servers and systems, securing our data and insuring our compliance with industry standards. Also working to preserve our documents, publications and history. Personnel- updating employee manuals and job descriptions, and keeping up with human resources best practices. Compensation- insuring the staff's pay and benefits are fair and competitive. Property- maintaining the building and grounds, and administering capital improvements. Scholarship- overseeing the raising and distribution of scholarship funds; interviewing and selecting candidates. Alumni- our liaison with former members and stewards of the annual Golf Outing. Nominating- soliciting and vetting potential new Board members. Parent's Club Representative- keeping us in touch with our members' families. There are also numerous sub-committees and special event committees. When our Executive Director, Jeff Sadowski, joined the NBGC in 2016, our Board was about at the minimum of twelve members. He quickly revitalized the Board, bringing it up to the current level of (about) twenty three. And, he re-energized the committees, helping them become more focused and productive. Additionally, Jeff created an Associate Board of community members to help us expand our reach and increase our impact- Associate Board Roles & Responsibilities (click) The Club's By-laws require the Board's make-up to be a mixture of former members, current families and outside community members. Our Board members bring a wide array of personal experiences, professional skills, a legacy of service and an allegiance to our history. You can support the Club by taking a seat at the table. Join the Board or serve on one of the committees- share your voice, advocate for your vision and express your passion. Contact Jeff to find out more.   John Chambers John's family was NBGC from start to finish- Uncle Dan Lydon played in the 30's; John was a Tarantula in the 50's; his sons became members; and he was a long time Board Member and a Board President.   Cooney Family Peggy Cooney wanted her kids to join the NBC so she convinced the Club to extend the boundaries! And join they did- there were Cooney's in every sport and every activity.  Frank Hashimoto, Sr. Former Board member Father and Son Turkey Shoot (click) Hosts Sting trip (click) Chicago Rush (click)   Dolores Stahl Former Board member Thanks from the Mothers (click) 2000 eggs (click) Beat Me Daddy Eight to the Bar (click below)   Fares & Jovi Zanayed Former Board President and former Board Member Girl's Program Staff Alumni (click) Fares receives full scholarship (click) Scholarship luncheon speaker (click)   On October 30, 2021 the neighborhood Boys and Girls Club will celebrate its 90th Anniversary and induct seven new members into the Hall of Fame. The event will be at the White Eagle Event and Convention Center in Niles, Illinois. Be sure to save the date. Look for event details on NBGC's website, media posts, emails and other sources. This blog entry highlights the 2013 class of Hall of Fame inductees (below is the link to the program for the occasion). We also take time to celebrate the auxiliary associations that have made the Club so successful over the decades. Included are links to Monkeyshines, Alumni Chatters and the NBG Reporter- we hope you enjoy the memories. Tickets to the 90th Anniversary and Hall of Fame Celebration are on sale now and can be purchased online at: www:NBGCTURNS90.givesmart.com 2013 Anniversary and Hall of Fame Program (click) Side by side Bob Mergens Free throw record (click) Ping Pong champ (click) Studies for the seminary (click) Always there (click)       Gloria and Jerry Ottesen First spaghetti dinner (click) Club Repair and Build (click) Tutoring (click) Bears Bash (click)   Lunkes Family Saves track meet (click) Wrong way run (click) Pat Lunkes wedding (click) Space and equipment (click) Fifty years of service (click)   Ted and Juanita Loosevelt Water balloon toss (click) Snow bound Turkey Bowl (click) White Elephant (click) True fan (click) Thanks for all they do (click)   |
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November 2021
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