May 2013

“Creating collaborative partnerships to provide positive programming”

Most kids can only dream about playing at Dodger Stadi- um but on April 14th, 100 RAP kids got the chance of a lifetime. They were able to walk onto the famous major league ballpark and, as a blue bonus, learned baseball skills from Dodgers legends thanks to the Jackie Robin- son Day Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) Youth Clin- ic. ’s daughter, Sharon, was the guest speaker and addressed the importance of equality in sports and life. Hall of Fame third baseman Frank Robin- son, ’s first black , also spoke to the kids about the impact Jackie had on his ca- reer. Dodgers legends , , Al Downing, Kenny Landreaux, “Sweet” , Dennis Powell and Derrel Thomas helped various on-field drills including fielding, hitting and throwing exercises. The participating recreation centers were Montecito Heights, Bellevue, Queen Anne, Costello, 109th Street, Rancho Cienega, Ross Snyder, Ritchie Valens and Hubert Humphrey. Ten kids from each recreation center were se- lected to participate in the celebration.

Healthy Lifestyles Councilmember Tom LaBonge led the way to the top of Mount Hollywood on May 9th to celebrate the 8th annu- After School Club al Hike for Health and the 2013 “Get To Know Your Wild Neighbors” launch event. 300 kids participated in Grants Administration has received a $5,000 the event which started with the 3-mile trek and ended at grant from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe the Greek Theater parking lot where local non-profits set -up educational and interactive booths. Participating (BNSF) Railway Foundation to create a new organizations included The Audubon Center from Debs healthy component to Banning Recreation Cen- Park, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, Bureau of Land Man- ter’s After School Program. The new element will agement, National Forest Foundation, LA Animal Ser- have participants engage in 60 minutes of daily vices Wildlife Program, RAP’s Camping Section and Cow Wow. This is the 2nd year RAP is participating in physical activity, promote nutrition education the contest that invites youth to create original works of with healthy snacks and will include parent partic- art, writing, photography, videography and music in- ipation. The goal is to motivate youth to develop spired by their local natural surroundings and wildlife. Submissions will be accepted April 8th - November 1st. skills and habits necessary to lead healthy life- For more information visit www.get-to-know.org. styles.