Thanks to a new partnership between Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and the Walmart Foundation, the Boys & Girls Club of Elgin has received a $10,000 grant to launch a new reading initiative that promotes both educational and leisure reading for adolescents.  The Walmart Foundation’s Bright Spot for Reading Initiative has helped create a Reading Center, provided training for staff and is encouraging intercommunity relationships to ensure the success of young members.

  Elementary members were greeted this summer with the special reading centers, complete with bright reading rugs and chairs.  All elementary members are taking part in the Gail Borden Library’s “Be a Hero Read!” program.  Ana Devine, a Gail Borden librarian, will visit every Thursday with books in a special theme.

 A story teller, Marcia Gutierrez, will also be visiting the Club throughout the summer to work with the children on what Storyteller's call "Bare Bones Tales."  These tales are short stories, like Aesop tales, that can be worked on to develop the character, setting and plot.  They are easy to learn and the students will learn various story telling techniques. She will tell the story in English and in Spanish, saying a line in English then repeating it in Spanish, which is really beneficial for English language learners.  It is very hands on and the kids will often have a part in the tale!

Teen members are able to join a special book club that is exploring “From the Barrio” by Robert Renteria.  They will also take part in the Six Flags Challenge, and if they read 600 minutes at the Club they will receive a free ticket to Six Flags. In addition, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s teen web site www.myclubmylife.com will serve as a resource for the Club to promote the reading initiative; highlight age-appropriate books and book reviews; and encourage teens and tweens to read more and share their reading experiences with others. 

 “The Walmart Foundation’s Bright Spot for Reading Initiative is essential in preparing youth for academic and life success,” explains Kristy Rapps, the Education Director at the Boys & Girls Club of Elgin.  “We are grateful to The Walmart Foundation for the opportunity to create an environment that will encourage and allow our youth to enjoy and develop an affinity for reading.”

In order to reach more people, our own Quacky has a facebook page!  Updated with fun photos of Quacky all over the world - Quacky's Facebook friends are treated to duck quotes, jokes and trivia.

Become Quacky's Facebook friend today at www.facebook.com/quackyelgin

The 2010 Duck Pluck will take place on Saturday, September 11th at 2pm.  Starting mid-July, ducks can be adopted at www.elginducks.com.  You can win fabulous prizes - and as always - when you adopt a duck...you help a child!

Join us for Elgin Brewfest 2010!

                   Friday, June 18 - 5:00pm – 12:00am
Saturday, June 19 - 5:00pm – 12:00am

This is a free event.

Elgin Brewfest is an annual charity event serving the Boys & Girls Club of Elgin. All proceeds from the event go to this wonderful organization that promotes positive development and education for children.

Brewfest, sponsored by Budweiser, features a large selection of premium beers, local food vendors and, of course, live music from your favorite local bands.

The festival grounds are free to enter. Wristbands with valid photo ID must be obtained to purchase alcohol. All food, soda, water and wine sales are cash only.

No dogs
No coolers
No bikes (Bike rack is located outside of the festival grounds at the northwest corner of Festival Park)

For more info go to www.elginbrewfest.com