Volunteers, Green Dots, and Pool Parties, Oh My!

Well, we've certainly rounded out the end of July with big excitement!

"We'll tough it out," volunteers agreed as thunder rolled and rain threatened the area yesterday. Sure enough, these dedicated individuals continued to weather the conditions and completed the day's task just minutes before the full force of a summer storm broke open over Bowling Green.

Kids on the Block would like to express sincere thanks to our four volunteers from Camping World that participated in the United Way Day of Caring nationwide event yesterday. After contributing their time in the morning at the Family Enrichment Center, volunteers visited our building to complete our "Cleaning up the Block" project. Now, with a weed-free, newly spruced up yard, we're looking sharp and ready to start our busiest season of the year off right.

Today, the staff participated in the Green Dot training, a program that aims to reduce violence and promote safety by encouraging bystanders to take action. Through the training we learned how to connect to an issue of violence and how to properly respond. Using the "Three D technique," standing for Direct, Distract, and Delegate, staff is more alert and prepared than ever to respond to acts of violence.

For more information on the Green Dot training or to schedule a session with your business, call Jenny Neville at Hope Harbor by dialing (270) 782-5014. Visit Kentucky's Green Dot site by clicking here.

Last but not least, our troupe is helping kick off a new school year by performing two Water Safety programs at the Russell Sims Aquatic Center this Sunday between 1 and 5. The performance is a part of the WKYU Back to School Pool Party which will feature activities and handouts for children and, of course, general fun in the sun. So bring the kids for the show and don't forget the SPF!

More Love for the 'Ville

Throughout past week, Louisville has opened her welcoming arms to our troupe. Yet another award for the area has been made, rounding out the work week with 3 grants for performances in Louisville. Today's award, made by the Department of Public Health and Wellness in Louisville, Kentucky, as a part of the Mayor's Healthy Hometown Movement, brings our show total to 10 for the big city in the upcoming school year. Specifically, this new program features 5 obesity shows where children will not only learn about developing healthy lifelong habits, but each participating child will receive a pedometer, too. We think it's a great way to keep kids motivated to reach the small goals they set during our program.

Thanks, Louisville, we'll see you soon!

New Look in September

Today is a big win for the performance team here at KOB! Thanks to the great advisory council at the WHAS Crusade for Children, we're receiving a grant that funds a new backdrop for performances. Inspired by the Chattanooga troupe's setup, our new backdrop will feature a burst fabric display that proudly dons our logo at the top. And it doesn't stop there--the Crusade for Children is also funding a number of programs for us to educate the children in Louisville (and show off our new look, too)! So come September, we'll be ready to kick back performances back into high gear with our new backdrop.

Of course this would not have been possible without the generosity of the people of Kentuckiana who participated in this year's telethon, so a great big thanks to all of you!