Volume 10, Issue 2 Tenacity November 2009 Spring 2010 Newsletter
Tennis Legend Bjorn Borg Captures the Hearts of Tenacity Kids and Supporters Tenacity Profiles — Ernie Klein, Founding Board Member And steals the show at Cheers—Hampshire House Party—much to everyone’s delight! Photos on pages 4-5.
The Staples Champions Cup took and Philippoussis, the former world place Thursday, April 29, through Sun- number ones played in the Friday day, May 3, 2010. It was the fifth afternoon Tenacity Pro-Am at Har- year the Champions played in Boston, vard’s Murr Center and attended each time naming Tenacity as their that evening’s Tenacity Cheers Play- Charity Partner. ers’ Reception hosted by Tom and The four-day event was wonderful in Janet Kershaw. Both were success- itself and especially nice for Tenacity ful fundraisers for Tenacity. “I support Tenacity friends, staff, alumni and Champions The Cheers reception featured a because... as it continues players. Te- video star- to grow, it has more of an nacity pro- ring one of impact on the Boston vided ball our Tenacity community. Since kids and alums, inception, Tenacity has mini-tennis Reggie had excellent leadership players, and Louissaint. with a forward looking the interac- The video, strategic plan for the tion between created by future. A lot of great kids our kids and our very have come out of the the Champi- talented program.” ons was ex- Brian Tuttle, citing and cleverly and inspiring in humorously Ernie Klein is a lawyer at both direc- likened WilmerHale. tions. Our Reggie’s life students taught Jim Courier and Mark growing up in a project in Boston to Philippoussis a few lessons as they the storied life of Björn Borg. The beat them in Wii Tennis at the Staples common element in their lives? Hav- hearted, jabs. In short order, all of the store in Needham. ing tenacity! Champions players were on stage, The Staples Champions Cup brought Borg, who was emotionally moved by each taking a moment to thank Tenac- Björn Borg back to tennis for the first the video, greeted Reggie with a ity, encourage our kids, and praise time in 10 years, and together with bear hug when they were introduced Borg. John McEnroe, we all celebrated the on stage by sports reporter Mike It was rumored that Borg was seen late 30th anniversary of their famed 1980 Dowling. He proceeded to woo the night at the Four Seasons with some Wimbledon finals match. Along with crowd by enticing McEnroe to join Tenacity friends! We hope he will re- Wayne Ferreira, Mikael Pernfors, him on stage where the two shared a turn next year after the fun we all Jimmy Arias, Mats Wilander, Courier tête à tête of humorous, yet warm shared.
EP—After School AS r ASEP e Program Corne —Bulleti Excellenc n Board
Tenacity Profiles — Tenacity Class In the Inphenitee Thomas- Middle of the School Day Harrison, 6th grade, McCormack Middle The implementation of Extended Our students are flourishing because Learning Time (ELT), by the Boston of the strong community we have School. Public Schools, at the Mario Umana established in their East Boston Middle School in East Boston has school, where English is not the pri- helped create a winning formula for mary language of 65% of the student students in the Tenacity program population. there. What else makes the Tenacity ap- The Umana is one of five ASEP sites, proach work? Our Family Engage- but don’t let the name fool you. Te- ment Coordinator meets with the nacity at Umana is anything but after families of the students’ in their school. It is school. That’s right. homes, often with our Spanish speak- Smack in the middle of the school day ing staff. Weekly meetings are con- our students are in attendance at Te- ducted between faculty and on-site nacity-Language Arts class followed by Tenacity staff to ensure the well being Tenacity-PE class. Because each of the kids. Our students’ tests results school day is extended to 4 p.m., there are strong, and their tennis games is time in the curriculum to embed our are the best in the city, (the Tena-city, formula of teaching literacy, life skills that is). and tennis. “I come to Tenacity “We’re closing the achievement gap because...I like L-Block All involved, from the school admini- one student at a time,” says Ned stration and teachers to our literacy Eames, President and Founder of [literacy class] and staff, volunteers and tennis pros, work Tenacity. “And our relationship with learning about books and cohesively to deliver a quality program the Umana is a winning formula for Arthur Ashe, and the other to the students. these kids.” thing I enjoy is getting involved with people in And the results? Astounding! Tenacity.
TENACITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Look for Lawrence D. Greenberg, Chairman ASEP Year in Review student Edward W. Eames, President & Founder profile sports William "Bud" D. Schultz, Co-Founder Our ASEP students have enjoyed another fun filled, yet rigorous, cards coming William F. Achtmeyer after-school program of literacy, life skills and tennis. in the mail Paul H. Collins During the fall semester, students read eight short stories from soon. Kate Sides Flather* different genres and did literacy-based activities designed to fur- Sarah O. Hoit ther their comprehension of the stories. Students read a variety of Ralph M. James chapter books ranging from Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Stephen B. Kay* Choldenko to How Tia Lola Came To Stay by Julie Alvarez. When Ernest V. Klein* they turn off their electronics, they love to read. Caroline S. Lane Through the course of the year, every ASEP student tackles an Dr. Muriel J. Leonard intensive vocabulary development program. They are all able to Joseph C. McNay* empathize with someone’s misconception! Stan Mescon George A. Neale Tennis has also been successful. In the fall, it was fun to introduce the game to players who were new to it while watching returning Roger T. Servison players warm up their strokes. Team tennis began in September Footnote: ASEP and culminates in the final competition of the year where our five is Tenacity’s David B. Arnold, Jr., Trustee ASEP teams compete in the annual Crane Cup tournament (yes, it After School Joseph M. Patrnchak, Trustee Excellence is named for our own Andy Crane!) hosted at Harvard. Good Program for sportsmanship was on display all season. middle school *Founding Board Member Become a TENACITY game. set. LIFE. Facebook Fan to see who students. won!
Over 4 er ,000 Summer Corn to h Boston it the c youth pa ourts get set rks ...a at 24 B r nd do oston eadin their s g with umme an ass r Ten ist from Alison Link acity New Director Summer Tennis and Reading Tenacity wants to express a Program heartfelt thank you to Andy Crane “I’m looking for over a decade of service to forward to the summer with so much Tenacity. Andy was instrumental excitement to put all of our planning in the creation of all three Tenacity Tenacity Profiles— into action! We have a great team on programs: ASEP, STRP, and in Paul Bermel, Tenacity board already creating systems and more recent years, Alumni Ser- Marketing Steering vices. Thousands of Boston youth curricula for the kids. With everything Committee member ready now, we will be doing our best have benefited from Andy’s de- to engage Boston’s youth in lifelong voted efforts in making Tenacity’s activities of playing tennis and programs accessible and relevant enjoying reading.” to their lives. And there are some very lucky Tenacity kids who have had Andy as a mentor and father Summer Tennis and Reading Program figure. Look for an expanded story on Andy and his work in the fall • July 6—August 13 newsletter. • Ages 6—16 • 24 Boston Park sites “I volunteer for Tenacity • Details at www.tenacity.org Bienvenida—welcome to Alison because…it Link, our new director of the Sum- constructively gives mer Tennis & Reading Program. practical skills, hope and Alison is finding her new position confidence to urban kids Radio listeners… tune in to at Tenacity to be a perfect match who need it most.” hear the Tenacity promotional for her skills and passions, which announcements airing on include youth development and Morning Edition and Marketplace on WBUR recreational activities. Alison is Paul Bermel is a former enthusiastic about the summer radio in June thanks to Bank of America. Director of Business program and is looking forward to Development at CNN.com. working outside with the kids and Did you see us on Tennis Channel? Tenacity staff. was featured on TC’s Court Report in April. Thanks to Paul Bermel for getting us on TV. To watch the video, visit our web site or Face- Summer Reading List—a few book fan page. of our Favorites The Schwa was here Tenacity welcomes back Worcester’s youth for six weeks of our Summer Tennis and Reading Sahara Special Program. Park locations include Crompton The Book of Three Park, Clark University and Newton Square. Summer Program We want to thank Ellen Ferrante for her ef- Before we were free Thriving in forts in establishing and managing the Worcester program. And we welcome Tony An island like you Worcester Brissette who will take over as Program Direc- Read along with us and let tor. For information on registering for Tenac- ity in Worcester, visit www.tenacity.org. Pro- us know your favorite! gram begins July 6.
Tenacity Cheers-Hampshire House Party Photos by Sarah Putnam featuring Staples Champions Cup Players A Special Thank You to Our Generous Hosts-The Kershaws Tenacity Pro-Am Fundraiser Our Deep Appreciation to Harvard and Our Donors Photos by Will Osier Jac k Albo co n—A j mpetito unior U s r is a T STA 1 ador— enaci 0-12 B spread ty Jun oys raising ity at t ing aw ior Am ity Fun - d ennis t arene bas- Tenac prom ournam ss of T otion ta ents b enac- and ble wit y settin sign up h post g up a futu shee ers, ha re am ts for v ndouts bassad olunte ors. T ers an hanks d Jack!
Tenacity Profiles — • A huge thank you to New Balance Cor- Scott Lane, Tenacity poration for the support of its Foundation Donor for seven years over the last few years and for the com- pany’s continuing generous in-kind dona- tions of clothing and shoes for Tenacity kids. • We’re moving on July 1. Thanks to New Balance for helping us find a new, afford- able office, large enough to house all of our staff and AmeriCorps Members in one space. Find us at 38 Everett Street in Allston.
Meredith and Lucie Miller, nieces of Kitty Flather, Founding Board “I donate to Tenacity Tenacity's youngest do- Member, raise funds for Tenacity because…in life there are nor, CeCe Lesnick, be- by running the National Marathon in special moments—and for low with Ned, made her Washington DC in March. Don’t me those come when I they look great after running a com- own donation to Tenac- hear a Tenacity student bined 26 miles for Tenacity? ity this year. CeCe speak about how his or her Thanks runners! raised the funds at her life has been transformed 11th birthday party—in because of the program. lieu of gifts she asked A particularly significant thank you to It’s very satisfying to feel a her friends to consider Tom and Janet Kershaw, owners of part of those results!” a donation to Tenacity. Cheers, the Thanks CeCe and your Hampshire House and 75 Chestnut. Scott Lane is a Senior Sales friends! The Kershaws Representative at Akibia, literally rolled out Inc. which is also a donor. the red carpet after the Staples Champions Cup matches on Friday, April 29, by hosting a Players’ Reception complete with open bar, dinner, complimentary valet parking and a whole lot of fun, all in support of our Tenacity kids and programs..
, orash die B to Ed y on k you peed Than f Sir S , for ent o oston Wellesley High School Seniors Patrick Lewis, resid eet, B — P n Str vices left of Ned, Kenny Sydness, right of, and Mike ylsto g ser Bo rintin tter. Pratt, not in photo, raised funds for Tenacity by ind p ewsle in k this n hosting a WHS doubles tennis tournament. ding inclu Forty-two doubles pairs entered the tourna- ment. The winners? Our kids! Thanks guys.
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There comes a time in each Tenacity student’s life when he or she must leave the haven of the After-School Excellence Program (ASEP) and face the exciting freedoms and daunting responsibilities of high school. For the 40 proud graduates of the ASEP class of 2010, this moment came on Tuesday, May 11th, at Tenacity’s 2nd Annual 8th Tenacity Profiles — Grade Graduation & Alumni Induction event. Sowmya Rao, Tenacity Graduating students and their family members, Tenacity staff, friends Mentor and partners, partner middle school representatives, Tenacity board members, and older Tenacity alumni gathered at The Winsor School in Boston to celebrate in true Tenacity style. All enjoyed a dinner of Bra- zilian food from Café Belo, music, tennis, an official graduation cere- mony, and plenty of fun! We are very proud of our graduates and thrilled to welcome them to our Tenacity alumni community.For the latest news on Alumni Ser- vices, email your request to [email protected].
A special thanks to BCR “I am a mentor at Tenacity Advertising for their unwavering because…I admire their commitment to Tenacity’s kids mission. I believe that by continuing to offer their nothing in life is as advertising services pro bono. satisfying as having a positive effect on a child's life. Being a mentor to [a Tenacity alumna] has been a very rewarding A me experience. We have riC worked on academics and Advantage: or ps taken trips to the Museum Boston Pro Wee ject k of Fine Arts and the Our AmeriCorps Aquarium. I hope these team of 18 hosted a experiences will help her spring clean-up out- succeed in life. ing at five Boston parks where Tenacity will hold its Summer Tennis and Reading Program this Did you know The Boston July and August. Better than 75 volunteers were Sowmya volunteered by Lobsters head coach is a on hand to assist with the clean up of the teaching tennis and helping Co–Founder of Tenacity and grounds and tennis courts. Tasks included clear- kids with homework before a Board member? Bud ing brush, painting, and court improvements. “It becoming an Alumni gets us all in the spirit of Schultz returns for his Mentor. summer and keeping our second season with kids reading and active,” marquee players James says Liz Barnes, AmeriCorps Blake, John Isner and Program Manager for Te- Martina Hingis. Check out nacity, of the day’s activi- the action at ties. “Even some of the www.BostonLobsters.net. families joined in to help us today!”
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Windridge Tennis & Sports Camps Remain turning again this July. “Carl is an Committed to Tenacity outstanding young man who leads by example both on and off the tennis court,” says Hoehn. “He The Windridge Tennis & Sports players. It was then that Ned and reminds Camps, located in Craftsbury Com- Ted Hoehn, who at the time was the me so mon and Roxbury, Vermont, are New England Men’s Singles Cham- much of a known for their outstanding tennis, pion, formed a lifelong friendship. young Ar- soccer and horseback riding pro- “Ted Hoehn has been a supporter of thur Ashe.” grams. Founded in 1968 by Ted Tenacity since day one,” says Hoehn and Ted Hoehn Eames. For many years he has pro- Alden is a New vided multiple scholarships for our Bryan, Win- England students, and their experience at dridge has Hall of Windridge has had a tremendously been rated Fame ten- positive influence on their young by Tennis nis player lives.” This summer, eight Tenacity Magazine and all- students will be receiving scholar- as “one of around ships to the Windridge Camps, which athlete. Ted and his wife Nanny the ten represents a contribution of more won the 60 & over National Mixed best chil- Doubles Platform Tennis Champi- dren’s ten- than $20,000. onships a few years back. He un- nis camps Carl Reid, who has been ranked as derstands the connection of sports in the United States.” high as #1 in New England in the to self-esteem, motivation and life Boys 14 and under and who is cur- Tenacity President and Founder skills. Tenacity thanks him for, in rently playing #1 as a freshman at Ned Eames worked at Windridge in Ned’s words, “affording our kids Belmont Hill, is a Tenacity Alumni the mid-1970s when Ned was one an opportunity which has been who has attended Windridge the of New England’s top-ranked junior past three summers and will be re- transformative.”