HCC has had many parents contacting the Center to sign up for the Neighborhood Playground Program.  The Village of Machesney Park has decided to not fund a Neighborhood Playground Program this summer.  This 20 year old program has been an important part of families summer activities.  HCC is working to secure funding in order to continue at least one of the four Playground Program sites.  If you would like further information, please contact us.  We will let the community know as soon as possible if we are able to operate a program.
 

Hand-n-Hand Child Care Center is now caring for children enrolled in the Harlem School District who attend morning Kindergarten.  These children can have breakfast at HCC, catch the bus to school, and be bussed by in time for lunch and fun afternoon activities!  This is a great opportunity for parents who work to know that their children are safe and enrolled in a licensed facility.  Additionally, they will be exposed to Hand-n-Hand's Creative Curriculum to further enhance their education.  Call now to enroll.  Only 40 children can be accepted.
 

HCC gratefully accepted a check for $6000 from the Third Annual Police and Fire Softball Tournament.  Rob Czech, of the Loves Park Police Association, organized this very successful and fun event which was held at the HCC Sports Complex on Saturday, August 23rd.  Twelve teams of firefighters and police officers competed in the double elimination tournament.  The event began three years ago as a game between the Loves Park Police and Fire departments and has grown to an all day tournament. 

 

Cronies held its first annual fundraiser for HCC this July.  The event featured a fun filled day of food and music.  HCC thanks Cronies for their generous donation of $500 to the activities of the Center.  We can't wait until next year's event!

 

Rockford College and the Center for Nonprofit Excellence held a Business Plan Competition for non-profits looking to begin earned income ventures.  This 8-month competition ended today with the announcement that the HCC Hand-n-Hand Child Care Center was the runner-up.  HCC was awarded $4000 and received invaluable advice from the committee.

 

Unfortunately, the Village of Roscoe chose not to fund the summer Playground Program that had been offered for the first time last summer.  The program had received great feedback from its participants but HCC was not invited to present its proposal for the Village.  HCC had submitted a bid which was only $34/week per child with no parent co-pay but was not selected.  Parents who had participated in that program can contact Michelle at 885-4862 to see if there are other ways their children can participate. 

Floor hockey features all the benefits of ice hockey without all the cost and time consuming restraints.  Each child will play approximately 15-20 games with a one week skills camp leading up to the season and finishing with an All Star Game.  No equipment is needed.  Children play in tennis shoes.,  HCC will supply sticks, helmets, and shin guards.  This is a co-ed league for 9-11 year olds (junior division) and 12-14 year olds (senior division).  The cost is $65 for ten weeks and includes the jersey and awards.  For more information contact Joe Leach at 815-871-9893. 

The Hand-n-Hand Child Care Center officially opened on October 22nd.  This 150 child facility is for youth ages 6 weeks through preschool.  Children are cared for in a warm and nurturing environment while also receiving enhanced preschool and recreational opportunities.  Call 885-4214 for more information. 

HCC is participating in the Logli's Community Card program.  This is a great way to earn "free" money for the Center.  HCC can earn up to $21 every month from every family who participates!  If you shop at Logli's and would like more information, contact HCC at 633-5817. 

Harlem Community Center presented the Loves Park Rotary the first business sponsor plaque for 2007.  Loves Park Rotary is a Neighborhood Sponsor of HCC which means they contributed a minimum of $5,000 to the Center.  Thank you to all Rotarians for their support!

 

A new web site for HCC has launched!  Its primary purpose is to provide information concerning HCC, its programs & activities, and events that affect HCC.  The volunteer web master is Troy Scheffel, an application developer for Woodmark Technologies (an IT consulting firm) in Barrington, IL. 

Your feedback is solicited and is necessary for the site to grow and provide tangible value.  Please send Troy any comments/compliments/complaints you have.