Little Readers Encouraged by SBCO and SaddleBrooke Ranch Woodworkers

Nancy McCluskey-Moore

For many years, first grade students at Ray Elementary School in Kearny receive a handmade bookcase and at least two books at the end of the school year. Each child annually receives an additional two books (through the third grade) to store in their bookcase. This program was started by the Rotary Club of Kearny to encourage young students to read, since many come from homes where there are no books. For many years, the Club helped to finance and construct the bookcases.

When the Rotary Club stopped helping to finance and construct the bookcases, SaddleBrooke Community Outreach (SBCO) began providing an annual grant to buy the books and the materials for the bookcases. At first, Kearny-area woodworking/shop class students built the bookcases. Then prisoners in Florence were paid to build them. Finally, SaddleBrooke Ranch residents who enjoy woodworking volunteered their talent and time to build the bookcases. This is the sixth consecutive year that Ranchers have built bookcases for these elementary school students.

This year 20 sturdy, beautifully built bookcases were delivered to the school in Kearny. SBCO and the first graders of Ray Elementary School are grateful to the residents of SaddleBrooke Ranch who so generously contributed their skills and resources to support this program: Dan Carter, Ken De Leo, John Gordon, Jeff Hansen, Russ Hardy, Jim Lindley, Dale Lythjohan, Tony Manza, Mark Prose, Sam Rossi, and head builder, Barry Milner.

The students in Kearny value the bookcases and books they receive as first graders. High school students often report that they are still using their bookcases, adding to their book collection over the course of their education.

SBCO Grant Enabled Globe Students to Attend FBLA Competition

Nancy McCluskey-Moore

This past spring SaddleBrooke Community Outreach (SBCO) awarded a $2,130 enrichment grant to the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) club of Globe High School. The grant allowed three students to participate in the FBLA State Competition under the Broadcast Journalism category. This event, which gathered competitors from 55 schools across the state, showcased students’ skills in news reporting, production and presentation.

The preliminary round was conducted on April 7 and all participating schools presented their outputs. Following evaluation, the organizers announced the top 15 finalists and the Globe team advanced to the final round by placing among the top performing schools in the competition.

According to Jaime Ramos, the FBLA advisor at Globe High School, “Ranking 15 out of 55, our team demonstrated strong skills in broadcast journalism, including scriptwriting, reporting, and video production. The students competed at a high level against diverse and competitive teams statewide and represented the school with professionalism, teamwork and confidence.”

The FBLA students who competed were evaluated in these categories:

* Communication skills—able to deliver their news segments with confidence and clarity

* Technical skills—application of video production and editing techniques in their final output

* Critical thinking—able to organize and present accurate, well-researched information

* Time management—completion of competition tasks within the given time frame

* Collaboration—exhibition of strong teamwork with 100 percent active participation in planning, production and presentation tasks.

SBCO annually awards grants to communities, public schools, student groups, public libraries, and pre-K programs in rural, largely low-income former mining communities within the Copper Corridor, an area stretching from Catalina north to Globe, Ariz. To date, SBCO has awarded over $1 million in grants to help enrich the lives of local youngsters.

In Her Own Words: An SBCO Scholar Expresses Gratitude

Nancy McCluskey-Moore

SaddleBrooke Community Outreach (SBCO) scholarship recipient Kaia Warren wanted to tell SBCO volunteers and donors how much she appreciated the support she has received from the organization over the past four years. When she was unable to attend the Annual SBCO Meeting in April, she did the next best thing—she recorded a video. The following is a transcript of that recording.

“I have had the honor and great privilege of being a SaddleBrooke Community Outreach scholarship recipient for the past four years. I will graduate in May from NAU with a bachelor of science degree in chemistry with a health pre-professional emphasis and a minor in biology

Since starting at NAU, I changed my major three times, worked two different on-campus jobs, joined two clubs, volunteered at the local kitchen, learned how to snowboard, lived in two dorms and one off-campus apartment, had eight different roommates, and built so many more meaningful friendships along the way.

“I owe a huge thank you to everyone at Outreach because without your encouragement and support, I would not have been able to have all of these amazing experiences. This scholarship has given me the incredible privilege of focusing on my education without the constant stress of finances. It has helped cover not only my tuition and books but everyday essentials, such as gas and food.

“In the fall, I will be continuing my education at NAU as I pursue my doctorate in occupational therapy through their hybrid program. This will require me to drive down to the Phoenix campus every other weekend for labs and clinicals.

“I am incredibly grateful to have received an additional scholarship from SaddleBrooke Community Outreach. This will help pay for my tuition and commuting costs as I take this next step.

“Thank you again for your generosity and for investing in my future. It really means more than I can express.”

SBCO Seeking Volunteers for Leadership Positions

Nancy McCluskey-Moore

As an all-volunteer organization, SaddleBrooke Community Outreach needs you!

We rely on an army of 300+ volunteers to implement our programs to feed, clothe, enrich and educate local kids. Volunteers are needed for both long and short-term commitments.

Donating your time and talent clearly helps the youngsters who receive assistance from SBCO. But did you know that you also benefit from being a volunteer? Various studies have found that volunteering:

* Is good for your mind and body—feel healthier, improve your mood, increase your sense of purpose, keep mentally stimulated and reduce your stress level.

* Helps you connect to others—connections make you part of a larger community and engaged in making it a better place to live.

* Brings fulfillment to your life—being involved in meaningful and interesting activities can provide a relaxing, stimulating change from your day-to-day routine.

We now are in need of volunteers for these leadership positions:

Communications Director (or Co-director if we have two volunteers to share the job). This position would begin on May 1, 2027, with the opportunity to work alongside the current Director until that date. The Director is a board position responsible for writing or enlisting others to write articles for the SaddleBrooke and SaddleBrooke Ranch newspapers and weekly e-blasts; reviewing copy revisions/additions on the SBCO website; scheduling event-related postings on the site; preparing the Annual Report, and writing/editing emails sent to SBCO contacts about upcoming events, recent activities or volunteer opportunities. Proficiency in MS Word, PowerPoint and email is required. If you would like to know more about this volunteer opportunity, please contact Communications Director Nancy McCluskey-Moore at nancy@community-outreach.org.

Food Drive Chair (or Co-chairs if we have two volunteers to share the job). This position involves leading and directing all processes needed to facilitate the annual spring Food Drive, including collecting monetary and food donations and arranging for transport of food to Tri-Community Food Bank in Mammoth. Responsibilities include scheduling and leading committee meetings from December through early March; securing the MountainView parking lot for donation delivery/packing; creating/reviewing communications with unit captains and outside supporters, and maintaining Food Drive supplies and arranging for their transport and storage. The Chair will work with the Communications Director to ensure the event is properly promoted to SaddleBrooke and SaddleBrooke Ranch residents. Proficiency in email, MS Word, MS Excel and PowerPoint is required. If you would like to know more about this volunteer opportunity, please contact Food Drive Co-Chair Andrea Stephens at andrea.stephens@community-outreach.org.