CINCINNATI – Members of the University of Cincinnati track and field/cross country program recently ventured out into the areas surrounding Cincinnati to lend a hand in the community, this time taking up different tools to assist Habitat for Humanity in rehabilitating several properties on Saturday, September 17. The Bearcats were represented by many members of the track and field team that will begin their 2017 season in two months with one indoor competition.

On Saturday, four vans with 10 Bearcats each ventured to different sites, putting in several hours of labor to assist Habitat for Humanity. Duties, including light demolition work, roof repairs and landscaping, were just several of the ways the Bearcats were able to give back.

Saturday’s event was not the first time the Bearcats have joined in efforts within the community this academic year. Earlier this semester, around 30 members of the cross country team joined in Operation School Bell, which took place in Downtown Cincinnati. The event saw the student-athletes prepare backpacks with clothing and school items for local youths to use in the new school year.

Another program the Bearcats joined earlier this year was Feed Your Neighbor. The event, put on by Trinity Lutheran Church, saw 10 members of the team join former coach Bill Schnier as the group helped prepare and serve meals as the church. The athletes also took time to sit and chat with those they served.

http://www.gobearcats.com/sports/c-track/spec-rel/092116aaa.html

NEW HAVEN, Connecticut – The Quinnipiac women’s basketball team recently volunteered twice for the Stepping Stone Transitional Housing Program earlier this week in New Haven. The trip was organized as a part of Quinnipiac Athletic’s commitment to the Positive Play initiative which encourages student-athletes to volunteer and give back to the surrounding communities.

The trip downtown saw the Bobcats work alongside the organization to clean up outside facilities, raking leaves, cleaning up the playground and trash. The entire Bobcat squad volunteer their services over the two day period with members of the coaching staff including head coach Tricia Fabbri. Assistant coach Danielle Brennan helped organize the event and commented afterwards.

“We hope to continue our services with the Stepping Stone Program throughout the year,” Brennan said. “We’re also looking to connect with the families and help paint and clean up the apartments new families will be moving into. We hope to see them at one of our games this season as well!”

ABOUT STEPPING STONE TRANSITIONAL HOUSING PROGRAM

The Stepping Stone Transitional Housing Program is a housing and apartment complex. Guests can stay for up to two years, and they will be furnished an apartment based on their family income and size. Families throughout the Greater New Haven County Connecticut area who are homeless, facing eviction or at risk of homelessness are eligible for support from the CAA Stepping Stone program.

One of the key goals of the temporary housing program is to offer low income and homeless families case management services in a safe, supportive environment. It will foster the growth of the client and also increases the self-sufficiency of each family member. Families will go through a process of responsibility and self-sufficiency attending school, budgeting workshops, job training programs, etc. 16716

The people who stay in the housing units will work with a case manager to develop a comprehensive, Family Service Plan for those that need help. The plan will be the road map to ensure resident’s success as they focus on family and individual goals. Throughout their time living at Christian Community Action Stepping Stone, residents participate in many social services offered to them. Programs may offer Job oriented life skill training, Computer training, Parenting education, Income/budget training, Childcare for workshops, and After school programs.

Quinnipiac has already planned several more activities in the surrounding towns as the Bobcats continue along with their preseason schedule. The 2016-17 season opens on Friday, Nov. 13 when the Bobcats host Florida Gulf Coast at 2:00 PM.

The Herricks community showed its pride during the 2016 homecoming weekend, which featured an “Honoring America” theme.

Celebrations at Herricks High School kicked off with a pep rally, held on the afternoon of Sept. 16, that boosted excitement and cheered on the Highlanders in anticipation of an evening football game against the Sanford H. Calhoun Colts. Students, staff members, alumni, residents and other guests gathered on the field for a barbecue held prior to the game.
The team players gave their all and demonstrated great determination, sportsmanship and athletic skill. Musical entertainment was provided by the band, while the cheerleaders rooted on the Highlanders throughout the four quarters. Spectators and fans filled the bleachers, and some students continued a display of support that seems to have become tradition, proudly sporting painted letters that spelled out “Herricks.”

More highlights occurred during the halftime show, which included a performance by the cheerleaders and presentation of the homecoming court. Cheerleaders formed a path that nominees Joseph Carmody, Samantha Aloysius, Steven Gerazounis, Gianna Chan, Ashwin Palaniappan, Priyanka Kumar, Alan Ponieman, Chase McGahan, Haseeb Waseem and Julia Sombrotto walked through, two by two.

Assistant Principal Andrew Frisone announced each candidate and shared brief bios, and Assistant Principal Bryan Hodge officially crowned Samantha and Ashwin the 2016 homecoming queen and king. Principal Dr. James Ruck and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Fino Celano, along with other administrators and members of the board of education, extended their congratulations and praise to these highly-regarded seniors.

As in past years, football players took homecoming as an opportunity to give back through charitable efforts. The team raised more than $1,800 in donations for the Stop Soldier Suicide organization by selling T-shirts during the week that led up to the festivities. Stop Soldier Suicide director Major Ian Fuller (US Army- Retired) visited from North Carolina to attend the game and participate in the opening coin flip. He was joined by Frank Wirth and Aaron Kim, Herricks High School alumni who have provided military service.
The events continued after the game, as students enjoyed a homecoming dance on Sept. 17.

Photo Caption: Stop Soldier Suicide director Major Ian Fuller was joined at the game by servicemen and Herricks alumni Frank Wirth and Aaron Kim. More than $1,800 was raised for this cause.

Members of Sewanhaka High School’s Green Club participated in an International Beach clean up at Hempstead Lake State Park on Sept. 17. The group spent two hours collecting more than 25 bags of litter and left the northeast pond in a better state.

Photo Caption: Sewanhaka High School Green Club members took part in an International Beach clean up at Hempstead Lake State Park.

Photo courtesy of the Sewanhaka Central High School District