Skatepark is coming

Are your kids skating in the streets, or in the parking lot of the grocery store. Well there is a solution to that problem. Have you heard of Tony Hawk a professional skater or BMX biker?  Tony Hawk has a grant your city can appliy for. Here is the work sheet that will determine if your city meets the requirements to recieved the grant. As you read the quilfication to get this grant one must do plenty of research, to obtain the grant. Laplace would a great candiate because because there are no skateparks near by. There are skatepark throughout near by cities that are 20 to 30 plus miles so it would benefit them to have one. It first must have a need for it. Here is a list of cities that has skatepark(s)

Tony Hawk Foundation

GRANT APPLICATION WORKSHEET

THE TONY HAWK FOUNDATION IN NO WAY ENDORSES OR PROMOTES THE PRODUCTS OR SERVICES OF ANY SKATEPARK VENDOR, DESIGNER, OR BUILDER. A Federally registered 501c3 California Public Charity, the Foundation is committed to working in the best interests of skaters and their communities, offering guidance and suggestions regarding the skatepark process, and where applicable, information about skatepark design and construction options that will best serve the needs of each community. Polices, Programs, and Discounts promoted by any particular vendor, designer, or builder are conducted at their discretion and in no way influence or determine decisions made by Foundation staff or the Board of Directors.

This Grant Application WORKSHEET is valid through February 1, 2012.

The online grant application must be completed by Midnight, February 1, 2012.

All supporting documents must be postmarked by February 2, 2012 and sent to the following address:

Tony Hawk Foundation, 1611-A S. Melrose DR #360, Vista CA 92081

In order to consider your skatepark project for a grant, it is important that you present the most accurate, up-to-date information.

If you have not reviewed the Eligibility Questionnaire, please do so before proceeding:

http://www.tonyhawkfoundation.org/skatepark-grants/eligibility/

For more information, go to www.tonyhawkfoundation.org

If this application is coming from a non-profit organization other than a municipality, a copy of your IRS Determination Letter indicating your non-profit status must be submitted with the online grant application. The Applicant must itself be a public agency or a federally registered non-profit organization, and must be the organization listed on the IRS Determination Letter.

If your organization has already received a Tony Hawk Foundation Grant Award greater than $1,000, you are not eligible to apply again.

Directions for completing the Grant Application:

1.     All questions must be answered and completed to the best of your ability. We know that applicants may be in different stages of the skatepark-development process, and while you may not be able to answer every question directly, it is important that you do respond to the best of your ability (for example, if you have not already hired a professional designer, discuss how you will go about choosing a designer, and which firms, if any, you are considering).

2.     If you find that you are unable to provide most of the information requested, it is in your best interest to not submit an application until you can do so. If you have not yet raised ANY funds, it is also in your best interest to do so before applying for a Tony Hawk Foundation grant.

3.     While not all supporting documents are required, the more thorough your application, the better we can assess your project’s eligibility for a Grant Award. Building a skatepark is a difficult task and we use the requested information to help determine which groups are not only committed, but have the support necessary to see the project through to completion.

Identification of Applicant

1.        City, County, State, and Address (if known) where proposed skatepark will be located:

Laplace, LA. 

1b.       City Population:
Population in July 2007: 30,737.

2.        Legal name of organization applying for grant (municipality or non-profit organization, as registered with IRS):

 St John Pairsih

2b.       Address of applicant’s principal office:

3.         Names, titles, addresses, telephone and e-mail of members of organization’s governing board:

4.         Name, address, title (if applicable), telephone, and e-mail of the individual responsible for submission of this application:

5.         Type of entity (non-profit, municipality, school district, etc.):

Municipality

6.         Federal Identification Number:

Supplement 1: Determination Letter

Non-profit organizations other than municipalities must also submit a copy of their IRS Determination Letter indicating tax-exempt status. This requirement does not apply to municipalities.

7.         May we include your contact information in a directory to be shared with other skatepark projects? (Note: The directory enables skatepark advocates to seek advice from communities that have already been through the process.)

Grant Request

8.         Amount of funds requested: 5000

9.         Breakdown of how Foundation funds will be used:

 Funds will be used to help fund the building of a skatepark

Qualifications of Applicant

10.       What is your total annual municipal budget?

11.       What is your annual parks-and-recreation department budget?

12.       Does the Applicant oversee any other programs or activities?

12b.     If yes, please describe them.

13.       Who oversees the Applicant’s budget?

14.       Please provide an estimated total cost of the skatepark:

15.       Please provide a breakdown of the total cost of the skatepark, divided into major categories, such as building materials, equipment, design expenses, etc.:

16.       How much money has been raised for this project?

16b.     Provide a breakdown of where existing funds have come from.

17.       Provide a total for additional funds you anticipate (other grants, donations, fundraising income):

17b.     Provide a breakdown of the additional funds you anticipate (source of funds and amount each will contribute):

18.       Median Household Income in vicinity of proposed project with source of data (The 2010 U.S. Census from factfinder2.census.gov is recommended):

19.       Please provide any statistics about “at-risk” youth in the region:

20.       Please describe any local laws or bans on skateboarding in public.

21.       Where are the three nearest existing skateparks, both public and private? Please provide the name of the city and state the skatepark is located in, as well as the distance from your proposed skatepark.

City:                                        ST:                   Distance (miles):

City:                                        ST:                   Distance (miles):

City:                                        ST:                   Distance (miles):

22.       Has your group (or any group assisting this skatepark project) ever applied for a Tony Hawk Foundation Grant?

No

22b.     If yes, when did you apply?

22c.     What was the outcome of the previous application?

Proposed Skatepark

23.       How far along are you in the planning or construction of this skatepark?

Supplement 2: Financial Statements

Please include the most recent financial statements and budget of skatepark committee, if any. (Please don’t include your municipality’s entire budget. We just need to see numbers pertinent to the skatepark project).

24.       What expert resources, if any, did you find instrumental in directing your skatepark project? (For example: Skatepark company, local advocates, Web sites, books, other communities, etc.)

25.       Will the skatepark be indoors or outdoors?

26.       What type of construction is the planned skatepark?

o Custom Concrete

o Pre-cast Concrete

(Above-ground steel or wood “ramp-style” skateparks are not eligible for Tony Hawk Foundation grants.)

27.       Has a site for the skatepark been selected? (If no, proceed to question 29.)

27b.     What size is the actual skating area, in square feet?

28.       Does the skatepark site require that the land be purchased?

28b.     If yes, how much will/did the land cost?

28c.     If no, who donated or provided it?

29.       Do you intend to allow BMX bikes in the skatepark?

            29b. If no, what were your key considerations?

30.       Please provide a percentage breakdown of expected users (e.g. 50% skateboarders, 15% inline skaters, 25% BMX riders, 10% Other: Scooters):

31.       Please provide details of local skateboarders’ involvement in the project, such as design sessions, fundraisers, and lobbying efforts:

Supplement 3: Community Support Evidence
Please include documentation of community support for your skatepark such as newspaper clippings or letters from prominent officials.

32.       Have you hired a professional designer?

32b. If yes, what were your key considerations in choosing this designer over others?

Supplement 4: Skatepark Design
Please supply a physical copy of the diagram or blueprints of the proposed skatepark design on standard 11 x 8.5-inch paper. (If you have not hired a professional designer, send a preliminary design showing as much detail as possible of the skatepark you hope to build, and indicate who will oversee its design.)

33.       Have you hired a builder/contractor?

33b. If yes, please include the names of the last three skateparks (name of skatepark, City, State) they’ve built:

1.      Skatepark name:

City:                                              State:

2.      Skatepark name:

City:                                              State:

3.      Skatepark name:

City:                                              State:

            33c. If no, what steps have you taken to ensure that a qualified and experienced skatepark contractor will be hired?

34.       Will this be a free public skatepark with no entry fee or membership required?

35.       Will the skatepark be supervised on a daily basis?

35b. If yes, by whom?

36.       Aside from daylight hours, general park hours, or city curfew, will hours of access be limited?

36b. If yes, what is the limitation? (For example, “Closed during school hours.”)

37.       Will the skatepark be lighted for nighttime use?

38.       Will the skatepark be fenced and gated?

39.       When do you expect the skatepark to open?

40.       Under what circumstances would this skatepark not be completed?

41.       Please give us a brief history of your project, with approximate dates. (Please limit to the space provided.)

Checklist: Supplemental Documents

Use this checklist to ensure all necessary Supporting Documents are included with your Grant Application. Supporting Documents will be mailed to the Tony Hawk Foundation after your online application is submitted.

o Supplement 1: Determination Letter

If this application is coming from a non-profit organization other than a municipality, a copy of your IRS Determination Letter must be submitted with this application.

o Supplement 2: Financial Statements

Please include the most recent financial statements and budget of the skatepark committee, if any. (Please don’t include your municipality’s entire budget. We just need to see numbers pertinent to the skatepark.)

o Supplement 3: Community Support Evidence

Please include documentation of community support for your skatepark, such as newspaper clips or letters from prominent officials.

o Supplement 4: Skatepark Design

A copy of your skatepark design must be submitted. A final design of the proposed skatepark is preferred, but a preliminary design is acceptable. The Tony Hawk Foundation Design Committee will review each skatepark design, make recommendations to the Board of Directors, and may return the diagram to applicants with comments and feedback. Submitting a copy of your skatepark design helps the Board understand the scope of your project.

This Grant Application WORKSHEET is valid through February 1, 2012.

Applicants MUST complete an online Grant Application to be considered for a Tony Hawk Foundation grant. Supporting documents accompanying the online grant application must be postmarked by February 2, 2012 and sent to the following address:

Tony Hawk Foundation,1611-A S. Melrose DR #360, Vista CA 92081

For the latest information and deadlines, or to access the online grant application after December 15, 2011, go to www.tonyhawkfoundation.org

Over the course of this semester I was introduce to a new world of communication called blog. Although I've heard of blogging, I never knew what it was nor how to do it until now. When I started my blog for my class weekly assignment I was very excited about it. I told just about everyone I could. As a fan who follow the sports world and who find it hard to keep up, I can only imagine with reporters have to do to meet dead lines. When following a event one have know what they are looking for to report on and that takes skills. You have to be very knowledgeable about what you are reporting. You also have to take good notes, and be very observant.
Some of the things I think could hender one from meeting dead lines would be the fact that a person is just not that good. Another would be that your not in to the game or the event. Family could be the cause of you not meeting dead lines. No matter what it has to get done people are waiting to hear what you have to say.
So make sure you are paying attention to the game, write down what you see and don't chance it to memory. That can prove fatal to your blog.

Drugs in College Sports

The news just came out about 4 TCU football players arrested for selling drugs. When will this end? When we get athletes from questionable communities there should be some questions in the back of every coach, is this kid involved in extra activities. Make no mistake about it most do. Don't give me this sad story that they should get paid. For the most part they do, they are giving a 4 year room and board to play sports and get and education. But to sell drugs to someone elses child is a bit much. Words to coaches if your getting a athlete from an area thats looks like, smell like, and feel like there is drugs then 5 out of 10 that athlete is involved. So coaches before you bring that kid into your house (progam) you might want to hire a private invesetagator to find out more about that student.

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Authorities arrested 17 students in a sweeping drug sting at Texas Christian University on Wednesday, a bust that included four members of the Horned Frogs football team accused of selling marijuana to undercover officers during the season and as recently as a few weeks ago.

Police said the 17 people who were arrested were caught making "hand-to-hand" sales of marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy and prescription drugs to undercover officers. They said the bust followed a six-month investigation prompted by complaints from students, parents and others.

The arrests stunned the campus community, coming just one day after a thrilling overtime victory by the men's basketball team and less than 24 hours after TCU released its football schedule for next season, its first in the Big 12 Conference. TCU has an enrollment of about 9,500 students, but the involvement of the athletes drew the most scrutiny.

"There are days people want to be a head football coach, but today is not one of those days," coach Gary Patterson said. "As I heard the news this morning, I was first shocked, then hurt and now I'm mad."

This is a prime example of what we learned about crisis. Every coach should always be prepared for anything these days. Student are coming from the worse parenting back ground having no limits and allowed to do just about anything they want. I can say that because I work with students that is heading in the same direction. When 12 -15 year old students have Probation Officers is a tall tale sign something going on at the home and deffiantly not parenting.

Recruiting and Fundraising. Are the two different or there is some similarities.

I have to agree with this article by Chris Delisio of Dayton University (OH) and Steve Fleming, Asst. Basketball Coach, Ashland University (OH) Recruiting & Fund-Raising.
Here is how they look at it.
When looking for your star athlete or donor you have to identify them. Just like every kid participating on a high school team my be a potential recruit the same goes for every individual in the world can be a potential donor.
2. Qualifying the Pool of prospects
Every coach is looking at the players and seeing if they are the piece of the puzzle that will make them a championship team and it's the same as for donors. Are they a fit with our school do we have the same things in common. I am sure people want to be part of a winning team and will give their last dime to have their name associated with that organization.
They go on to talk about ability and fit, contact with the prospect, research on your prospect, personal contact with the prospect, personal connections, personal visit to make the hit. Sometimes you being the coach show a prospect player or donor that you really want to start a relationship by visiting them personally. As a coach who is coaching at the high school level or a college coach wanting to be an athletic directors read the article and ask yourself, I'm ok having a sub par team with no money or I want to be in contention and that others or willing to invest money in my team.

Here is another link that can help with recruiting and fundraising. I think it make good sense to have people on your team that have the same passion as you do for your progam and school.
http://www.zimmerman-lehman.com/recruitingfundraisinginmind.htm

Improve your Recruiting and Fundraising Results

Building your enrollment and donations often comes down to relationships. Although it does not focus on sports I think it gives a key point that the get the top prospect athlete or donor it starts with relationships.
http://www.mailprint.com/education.htm

In the fragmented world of higher education, recruitment and development might seem like very different operations, but Mr. Lundquist doesn’t see it that way. “At its core, what admissions people are doing is very similar to what fund-raisers do,” he says. “You want to tell the story of the institution. It’s about reaching out to people and being respectful, and if they don’t want to hear from you, then you bug off.”
http://chronicle.com/blogs/headcount/what-fund-raisingrecruiting-have-in-common/22461

So as you can see  there is no difference between fund-raising and recruiting. It is done by just about all directors in charge of some school or program so coaches should do it as well. You can't just do on a leave the other part to someone else. I think if your doing both as a coach you know first hand what you are getting.

When we look at endorsements in sports is just a portion of whats out there. Companies has been using celeberties for as long as there been television. It was not until the 80's athelets started to get some of the action. Players like Michael Jordan was a poster child for Nike who opened the door for athletes to be used to promote their product. Nike also used Tiger Woods to get started in  the golf world. Here is an articile that explains it.

Branding and Celebrity Endorsements

Nike is known around the world for being one of the most iconic brands. It was recently ranked as the world’s 31st most valuable brand in terms of its brand value – USD10.8 billion – by the annual Business Week’s global top 100 brand survey. In spite of many market maneuvers (such as the recent merger between Adidas and Reebok), Nike has remained the leader in its category. Nike is also very well known for another aspect and that is its consistent use of celebrities to endorse the brand. In fact one of the most successful collaborations between a brand and a celebrity is that of Nike and Michael Jordan. So successful was the collaboration that Nike and Jordan launched a new brand variant called the Air Jordan line of sport shoes. Nike pulled off a very similar coup in the sports industry when it joined forces with the ace golfer Tiger Woods to enter the golf category with its apparel, equipment and accessories. Nike had no experience in golf before. Moreover, golf being a very elite game, it was generally considered that a brand like Nike would not be very successful. This might have probably been true had Nike chosen the traditional path to building its equity in the golfing arena. But Nike chose to associate with the best golfer in the world and have him endorse the brand. As is known today, Nike has emerged highly successful in golf.
This channel now being used by many brands around the world raises some crucial questions about ways brands are built and also about the impact such collaborations have on branding. Is associating with a leading celebrity the easiest way to build a brand? Should celebrity endorsement be the principal channel of brand communications? How can brands decide on potential brand endorsers? What are the advantages and disadvantages of such endorsements? Is celebrity endorsement always beneficial to the brand? How does a celebrity enhances a brand image? Answers to these and many other related questions are the content of this article.

Joe Namath & Beautymist pantyhose
  OJ Simpson & Hertz Perhaps the worst ever celebrity endorsement was car rental company Hertz's choice for a spokesman: OJ Simpson. Endorsements can be good and bad. We never know what will happen with athletes, so those who take a chance know that they are taking a risk but as stated in the article that the risk is far  greater than not to.  

Are you ready for some football? Football the American way that is. Lets hope we don't have what happened in Egypt to happen in Indiania. As fans gather their last minute hours of work in and packed and ready for this weekends. The media has arrived to give us to scoop of all the fun things that is going on showing us what we are missing from no parking, increase room rates, high airfare, rude fans and then some. So I ask this question again. Are you ready for some football. I think the winner is already been determine but what fun and profit in it if we don't allow these millionares to entertain us for a couple of hours.
Gaints 27    Patriots 21. Lets see how that work. I also had all my students that I work with to tell me what they think the score would be or who will win. 4 said NYG  5 Patriots. http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-superbowl-herewegoagain

Egypt police, protesters clash after soccer riot

The out break after a scoccer game in Egypt is a result of people who can't handle the freedom in which they where fighting for. Places like that will always remian in such toimorl. The Police stood and done nothing for the visiting people which speaks volume about them.
What if something like that take place here in the America? Let say the University of Texas goes to play Nebraska and a fight break out and people were killed and the local police stood and done nothing. We all know heads are gonna roll.

• Article: Egypt soccer riot: Have police lost control?
  4 hrs ago