KROC
QUARTERLY ISSUE 4 Summer 2016
REMEMBERING AL BY ANGEL ROY
W
eekday mornings at 10 a.m. are a little quieter at the Kroc Center gym.
What’s missing is Al Stasko’s kind and sturdy voice, checking in with Kroc Center associates as though they were members of his own family, asking about new homes and newborns, and bringing small (and often homemade) gifts to celebrate both milestones.
EXPLORE YOUR PASSION FOR MUSIC FOR FREE
“He was loyal, real, and supportive,” said Andrea Sanford, Kroc Center Director of Athletics & Member Services. “He supported this place – he supported the people.”
Page 3
Stasko, a long-time member, volunteer, and friend of the Kroc Center passed away on December 2, 2015. He was 70 years old. Stasko joined the Kroc Center in 2011, though records show he filled out a volunteer application in 2006. He also spent time in the wellness center on the treadmill and in the weight area. COURTESY PHOTO
“He just wanted to be here. He wanted to be involved,” Sanford said. “This was the right place for him.” Membership Manager Dustin Nickerson first met Stasko on his second day working at the Kroc Center. The two went on to share many conversations over the following three years, but it was always Stasko’s closing words that Nickerson held on to most. “And family is everything,” Stasko would say upon his departure.
(continued inside)
“He was just a very humble man,” Nickerson noted.
HEROES WANTED
BY JESSICA CHENOWETH
ON A MISSION: BRINGING THE GOOD NEWS BACK
On a typical day at the Kroc Center, you will see a senior citizen on the treadmill, a child playing basketball with their team, an adult taking a dip in the pool, or a teenager in a dance class. Many of those taking part in these programs are there thanks to a hero. That hero is someone who donated to the Heroes Program & Scholarship Campaign. This year’s campaign kicked off on April 1.
The Kroc Center is a place for adults, children, seniors, and families to foster their talents, stay healthy, and grow; it’s a facility that provides life-changing opportunities; that serves its community and those in need in hundreds of ways.
The Heroes campaign is the Kroc Center’s annual fundraising effort to provide scholarships to those within the community that are in need and want to participate in one of the many offerings
With Joe Muth, assistant director of Operations and Mission Integration, at the helm, the Kroc Center has begun rolling out new ways to promote its mission—to preach the gospel of
(continued on back)
(continued inside)
SILVER SNEAKERS FIND FITNESS & FRIENDSHIP
Page 3
BY ANGEL ROY
The Kroc Center is also The Salvation Army.
CONNECT WITH US! SD.KROCCENTER.ORG
TEEN VOLUNTEERS IN
FREE ACTIONFAMILY GIVE BACK Page 4 FUN FEST Page 4 >
Remembering Al
(continued from front)
KROC BEAT
with Jessica Chenoweth
What is your favorite class at the Kroc Center? Marta Ayala San Diego Kroc member for nine years “Zumba with Laurie. She’s a great teacher and it’s fun.”
Myrna Ishikaua San Diego Kroc member for three years “Silver Sneakers Circuit because Robyn keeps it interesting.”
Jeane Taddonio San Diego Kroc member for three years
Stasko loved volunteering as a Kroc Center theatre usher with Jean, his wife of 45 years, but the duo would also help wherever needed—whether it be unwrapping toys for the Easter Eggstravaganza or sorting items for Christmas distribution. “He was very dedicated,” said Volunteer Manager Janet Higley-Reade. “If he said he would be there, he’d be there—even if he didn’t feel well.” The pair also volunteered with the San Diego Concert Band, of which Jean is a member. “Giving back just made them happy,” Higley-Reade added. While volunteering at the theatre, Stasko would talk to everybody—the facilities staff cleaning up, the women working the concession stand, said House Supervisor Priscilla Hamann. “He would get involved and ask if he could help,” she added. “He would go above and beyond.” Hamann met Stasko six years ago and the two bonded over their love for theatre and the arts. Hamann and the Staskos shared a love of the musical Phantom of the Opera, and Hamann remembers the pair as a dynamite team. “Everything they did, they did together,” Hamann said of the Staskos. “No matter the hardship they had to go through, they would be positive about it. Now matter how big the mountain was, they would get through it together to the other side.
Kroc Center was so appreciated that he was elected as Fearless Leader of the 2012 Heroes Program & Scholarship Campaign, a role in which he took great pride. “He was an actual leader, not just a fi gurehead,” Sanford said. The Heroes Campaign also impacted Stasko’s life, so much so that in lieu of flowers at his standing-roomonly memorial service, his family requested that donations been in Al’s name made to the scholarship fund. “He didn’t just use the Kroc Center, he believed in the Kroc Center,” Nickerson said. “He spent time, energy, and money for the good of the center and the good of the community.”
HOW TO VOLUNTEER
1
Fill out Volunteer Interest form to schedule an interview with the Volunteer Department. Interviews are held at the beginning of each month. Be sure to bring a valid photo ID as the Volunteer Department will conduct a background check.
2
Once your application is approved, you will attend a Kroc Volunteer Orientation. After your orientation, the Volunteer Department will call your references.
3
You will be matched with a volunteer opportunity. An immediate volunteer position may be available, or your application will be placed in the volunteer queue and you will be notified of opportunities as they arise.
“They were a power couple,” she said. Stasko’s infl uence and time spent helping at the
Questions? E-mail janet.higley-reade@usw. salvationarmy.org or call 619.269.1424.
“I like yoga because it keeps me flexible.”
On A Mission Penny Brawner La Mesa Kroc member for 10 years “The Aqua Zumba class is great because there is lots of movement and wonderful music.”
Linda Goodwind San Diego Kroc member for one year “I like the exercise in the Aqua Tone and Flex class.”
(continued from front) Jesus Christ and meet human needs in his name without discrimination—through its programs. “What we’re doing isn’t unique—it’s something our organization has been doing since 1865,” said Muth, who previously served as sports and recreation director. “We remain true to these values in 2016.” Some changes in the Center have included Christian rock music playing in the gym on Sundays, a new weekly member Bible study, and the Kroc Center’s first-ever verse of the year— “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength,” as voted on by its staff members.
“I think the most exciting thing is seeing the staff rally around the idea that we’ll have a consistent approach to mission integration within their programs and try to find unique areas where it fits,” Muth said. “It seems like the time is right.”
New!
What: Member Bible Study When: Wednesdays at Noon Where: Member Lounge
Have an idea for the next edition of Kroc Quarterly?
Let us know! Please submit story suggestions to sandiego@kroccenter.org.
EXPLORE YOUR PASSION FOR MUSIC FOR FREE AT THE KROC CENTER BY JESSICA CHENOWETH
A little known fact about the Kroc Center is the variety of free classes offered by the music department, in which the only requirement for participating is a passion for music.
That investment pays off in the children’s choir “Singing Company,” where children not only learn songs but also how to read music. In the class, older children who have been members for a while regularly help younger children who are new. The group performs together at Kroc Church events, such as the Christmas musical.
The Salvation Army has a long history of music, which started by accident in 1882. Soldiers of the Army at that time would preach the gospel on street corners in England. Unfortunately, the response was not always friendly. A man by the name of Charles Frye and his sons offered to act as bodyguards to the soldiers. At that time, brass instruments were very popular and Frye and his family began playing music while protecting the preachers. With that, the first Salvation Army band was formed.
“Each person had their time to shine,” said 11-year-old Diana MacDonald, a participant in the Christmas 2015 performance of “A Shepherd’s Story.”
The music department at the Kroc Center continues that long tradition with free choir and brass classes every Monday and Tuesday night. “Not everyone can afford to pay for lessons,” said Director of Musical Arts Susan Pierce, who began the free music programs at the Kroc Center as a way to give those that have a passion for music a place to perform. “Participation in that kind of group builds a real sense of community.” The Kroc Center’s free brass program is composed of different levels of musicians of all ages. In the beginning and intermediate brass classes, children and adults play together. A child could be playing a cornet for their first time or an adult could be picking up a trumpet for the first time since high school. It doesn’t matter, as long as they enjoy music and want to be there. If a student doesn’t have their own instrument, they can rent one from the Kroc Music Department. “For the adults, we are giving them a place where they belong with like-minded people,” Pierce said. “For the children, we are investing in their future by creating good citizens.”
Stepping into the Madrigal Singers rehearsal on a Monday night is like being transported to another place and time. The voices of the nine members combine to sound like 100 singing in a gothic cathedral. The group started in the fall of 2015 with an ad Pierce placed on Meetup.com looking for like-minded members wanting to make music together. Local singers, hailing from not just the U.S. but also other countries such as Spain and England, now sing together weekly. “I like the people and I like the music, “ said Jay Levine, a choir member who sang with the Boston and San Diego symphonies. “If people here didn’t have a passion, I wouldn’t come back. I wouldn’t sing with people that didn’t have a passion for it. It’s just not worth it.”
Kroc Center
MUSIC DEPARTMENT Free Classes
Children’s Choir (“Singing Company”) Tues, 6–6:55PM Adult Choir (“Songsters”) Tues, 7:15–7:55PM Madrigal Singers Mon 7–8:30PM Beginning Brass Tues, 7–7:55PM Adult Brass Tues, 8–8:55PM
SILVER SNEAKERS FIND FITNESS & FRIENDSHIP BY JESSICA CHENOWETH
An evil villain named “Dirty Harry” ties a helpless maiden to the train tracks, resulting in a sword fight when her husband attempts to save her. Unfortunately, this villain brought a gun to a sword fight and our hero falls. Though the scene may sound like the plot to an afternoon soap opera, our actors were actually Silver Sneakers members celebrating at the group’s January birthday party. Monthly parties are only one of the Silver Sneakers program benefits at the Kroc Center.
“Coming here is not just an opportunity to work out, it’s also an opportunity to meet other people, connect, and make friends,” said Fitness Manager Kat Korn. “It’s really important for [the Silver Sneakers] because it gives them something to look forward to.”
Silver Sneakers is a nation-wide program focusing on fitness for adults over the age of 65. The Silver Sneakers program gives its members the opportunity to use their membership at many different fitness and recreational centers across the country, including the Kroc Center. The Kroc Center offers a variety of Silver Sneakers-specific classes tailored for older adults.
“They develop a friendship beyond the Center,” said Robyn Reising, personal trainer. Reising taught the very fi rst Silver Sneakers class at the Kroc Center more than 10 years ago, and continues to teach and organize other group activities.
But it’s not only the classes that keep members coming to the Kroc Center — it’s the people.
Kroc Center Silver Sneaker members look out for each other. During a Silver Sneakers Classic class, you may hear them yell out encouraging words to their friends and classmates. If a member is sick, they make sure to keep the instructor and other friends updated about their condition — and a casserole or two may arrive at their door.
“It’s more than just exercise,” Reising added. “It’s a lot of love.”
TEEN VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION GIVE BACK BY JESSICA CHENOWETH
The image many have of teenage boys today is one of a young man who would rather spend his free time playing video games than helping others . The members of Teen Volunteers in Action are anything but that. Along with their parents, these young men are volunteering their time and getting a new perspective on life along the way.
Higley-Read. TVIA volunteered at the Kroc Center for 300+ hours in 2015, including helping at such events as Easter Eggstravaganza, Boo Bash, and the Toy N Joy Workshop.
Teen Volunteers in Action (TVIA) started in North San Diego County 16 years ago as a way to give teenage boys the opportunity to lend a hand within their community. The boys, in grades 7-12, volunteer with their parents at organizations helping the homeless, elderly, animals, and children. Two years ago, Irene Lacota was looking for a way to expose her son, Ryan, to more of his community when she discovered TVIA, which did not have a local San Diego chapter at the time.
Mothers who volunteer with TVIA have seen their sons change from the experience. Not only does it bond parents closer together, but the young men also get a new perspective on the less fortunate.
“I have a teenage son and we have a comfortable life,” Lacota said. “I started realizing through travels that, though I expose him to the world, I haven’t really exposed him to the needs of San Diego.”
“[Sterling] goes home and gets a better understanding that he’s pretty fortunate to have what he has,” Hayes said.
Lacota soon formed a chapter to help her community. Families from neighborhoods including Point Loma, Mission Hills, and North Park joined the efforts and as the group searched for places to volunteer, they were led to the Kroc Center. “The teens are so well-behaved, so friendly, and they are dedicated to what they are doing,” said Kroc Center Volunteer Manager Janet
“It’s impressive for the mom to see her kid in action,” Higley-Read said.
“It’s a new awareness for him,” said TVIA member Lynn Hayes of her son, Sterling. The pair volunteered together at the Toy N Joy Workshop, helping parents shop for Christmas gifts that they would not be able to otherwise afford.
Beyond the Kroc Center, TVIA has volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House, Rady Children’s Hospital, Challenged Athletes Foundation, and The Miracle League of San Diego. “We’re here to teach our sons not only the problems of our community, but also make them realize they can help solve them,” Lacota said. “Ryan realizes that no matter, what he can make a difference and that we are all the same deep down.”
Heroes Wanted (continued from front) at the Center. Scholarships for a variety of programs such as membership, swimming, dancing, sports leagues, and day camps are available to families and individuals who qualify. In 2015, the campaign raised enough money to provide 845 weeks of day camp, swim lessons for 174 local children, 214 annual memberships, and much more. PHOTO BY PETER DELGADO This year, the Kroc Center hopes to raise $100,000 to continue to provide even more scholarships for its life-changing programs. “These are families who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to participate in these programs due to being low-income,” said Pamela George, Kroc Center Family Resource Center Manager. “It enables their children and their families to have the same amount of education and programs and memories that any other child could have.” Scholarships provided by the Heroes Campaign have a major effect on families who receive them. Angelis and Edward Nelson have four children and struggle to provide for their family on a single income. The family has received a membership scholarship and the three oldest have received scholarships to join the Kroc Kids Junior Theater Company. “Thanks to all the opportunities and scholarships my kids are busy and they are doing good things every day,” said Angelis Nelson. “It has transformed them as human beings. Instead of being lost in the street, or being at home, or doing drugs, or doing other activities that aren’t very good, they’re here growing.” “The Heroes campaign helps everyone,” said Angel Roy, Kroc
Center Marketing and Communications Manager. “It helps everyone who has a desire to come here to improve their life or learn a skill or develop their talent, whether it be singing or whether it just be building confidence, it just helps give them an opportunity to be able to do so.” The Heroes Program & Scholarship Campaign relies on the San Diego community to help raise the money needed. A small donation of $20 can pay for a child to take one month of Taekwondo lessons; a donation of $100 pays for a session of piano lessons. Every little bit will change someone’s life. Beyond donations, the Kroc Center is also looking to the community to become campaigners to help raise money. Campaigners will help spread the story of the Kroc Center and solicit friends and family to reach their donation goals. Campaigners often take it upon themselves to organize events such as bake sales and walka-thons to help raise money. “I think the cool part about the Heroes campaign is that you see the impact,” Roy said. “The people you are helping are here, in your community, in Rolando, and at the Kroc Center.”
HOW TO DONATE Donate in person: In-person donations can be made at any Guest Services desk at the Kroc Center Donate online: Click the “Donate Online” button at sd.kroccenter.org to make your contribution and see how close we are to our goal.
Donate at an event: Heroes events are scheduled throughout the campaign and each serves as a fun and meaningful donation opportunity.
visit SD.KROCCENTER.org for a full list of heroes events.