Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Convention Center-Baseball Stadium-County Fair Update
I thought the following, sent out by the McHenry County Community Foundation, might be of interest:
Since December of 2007, meetings have taken place to bring various interest groups to the discussion table in considering all possible uses, designs, benefits and challenges associated with a multi-purpose events venue. Deliberation resulted in the idea of a site that would support the unique cultures of McHenry County by providing proper amenities to stage agricultural, recreational, education and entertainment events while promoting positive environmental practices, and the importance of our non-profits – and then bringing it all together in one location. This would support smart land use, economic resource planning, wise budget practices and would provide numerous resources with the many benefits of tourism.
McHenry County
Multi-Purpose Events Venue
Multi-Purpose Events Venue
Since December of 2007, meetings have taken place to bring various interest groups to the discussion table in considering all possible uses, designs, benefits and challenges associated with a multi-purpose events venue. Deliberation resulted in the idea of a site that would support the unique cultures of McHenry County by providing proper amenities to stage agricultural, recreational, education and entertainment events while promoting positive environmental practices, and the importance of our non-profits – and then bringing it all together in one location. This would support smart land use, economic resource planning, wise budget practices and would provide numerous resources with the many benefits of tourism.
The process continues into summer 2008 with the highest priority being to locate land for the first phase. The McHenry County Community Foundation will continue to facilitate the process. This involves further involvement of interested parties through a thorough evaluation process and networking relatable resources. And unique to other participants, MCCF will continue to educate the County about the Foundation’s special role: the means to leverage financial support and grow investments through the creation of a legacy endowment to provide funds for the venue from creation through years of maintenance support.
Planning Team
Mike Baumstark, Cornerstone
Dick Crone,
Mark Ehlert,
Kate Halma,
EnRico Heirman, Continental Amateur Baseball Association (CABA)
Pete Heitman,
Victor Narusis,
Barbara Wheeler, McHenry
Labels: Barb Wheeler, Baseball Stadium, CABA, Dick Crone, EnRico Heirman, Kate Halma, Mark Ehlert, McHenry County Fair, Mike Baumstark, Minor League Baseball, Pete Heitman, Victor Narusis, Wheeler
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Sage Products CFO to Advise McHenry County Youth Sports Association Board
The following press release has been received from the McHenry County Youth Sports Association:
The photo of the Mickey Sund Sports Complex at the Crystal Lake Park District's Lippold Park was taken last August after the deluge.
The McHenry County Youth Sports Association is proud to announce that Rich Naponelli, CFO Sage Products, Inc. located in Cary, Illinois has agreed to serve as Special Advisor to the MCYSA Board of Directors.= = = = =
Naponelli previously served as the Treasurer for the McHenry County Youth Sports Association and currently serves as Committee Chairman of “The Justin Schroeder MCYSA Student/Athlete Achievement Memorial Award” which was created in 2003. The committee annually awards college scholarships to past host team tournament participants. As of 2007, in excess of $24,000.00 has been awarded by the McHenry County Youth Sports Association to local student/athletes.
The announcementregarding Naponelli comes on the heals of the McHenry County Youth Sports Association committing $25,000.00 to the Crystal Lake Babe Ruth League to aid in the construction of a permanent concession/ washroom facility at the Mickey Sund Complex located at Lippold Park in Crystal Lake.
The $25,000.00 commitment to the Babe Ruth League brings the total to over $95,000.00 that the McHenry County Youth Sports Association has contributed to local high schools, McHenry County College and various youth sports groups over the past six years.
In the summer of 2008 the McHenry County Youth Sports Association in conjunction with USSSA will be hosting the 15U National Championships; the 11 and 9-year old AA World Series and the 13 and 11-year old National Open Championships in Crystal Lake, Woodstock, Huntley and surrounding communities in McHenry County.
In addition to youth baseball they will also be co-sponsoring a number of girls fast pitch tournaments with the Northern Ice Girls Fast Pitch organization.
For information you can go to MCYSASports.org or contact Executive Tournament Director Gregg Sibigtroth at 708/826-1804 or Board President Jack Sebesta at 815/482-1565.
The photo of the Mickey Sund Sports Complex at the Crystal Lake Park District's Lippold Park was taken last August after the deluge.
Labels: CABA, cHenry County Youth Sports Association, Rich Naponelli
Sunday, November 25, 2007
From the Folks Who Brought You CABA
The press release below from the McHenry County Youth Sports Association announces replacement for CABA World Series. It’s not less, but more.Three age group events will be featured.
And, for the first time, girls fast pitch softball.
Here's the complete release:
The McHenry County Youth Sports Association (MCYSA) announced that they have reached an agreement with the United States Sports Specialty Association (USSSA) to host three different age group youth baseball championship events beginning in 2008.
MCYSA is the not-for-profit organization that has hosted the CABA World Series events in Crystal Lake, Woodstock and McHenry County for the past fifteen years.
USSSA is a leader in both youth and adult sports activities including baseball, fast and slow pitch softball, basketball, soccer and other sports. In 2007, USSSA saw its youth baseball membership increase to 40,000 teams on all age levels.
The three age group events with USSSA will replace the CABA World Series events.
The partnership with USSSA will enable MCYSA to expand its involvement and offerings in youth baseball and other youth sports activities.
In 2008 MCYSA will be co-sponsoring additional youth baseball age group events and will also be involved in a number of girls fast pitch softball tournaments.
These activities will be in addition to the three baseball championship events in late July and early August.
“We have been exploring and looking into various options for the past two years. The MCYSA Board of Directors believes that our partnership with USSSA will enable our organization to be involved in bringing a wider variety of youth sports activities to McHenry County and its communities,” states Jack Sebesta, President of MCYSA.
In the past six years MCYSA has granted $22,000 in college scholarships to past participants and contributed in excess of $70,000 to area youth sports groups, high schools, recreation organizations and McHenry County College.
“Involvement with USSSA opens more doors for MCYSA and allows us additional opportunities to contribute positively to the economic base of Crystal Lake, Woodstock and the rest of McHenry County.
“We have been very lucky over the years to have the support of the Crystal Lake Park District, Sage Products, the City of Crystal Lake and School District #155. All of those organizations have been phenomenal supporters of the World Series events that we have hosted.
“The City of Woodstock, McHenry County College and School District #300 have come forward and also been key partners.
“One of the key factors in the success over the years has been the dedicated group of volunteers from the local host teams and the community in general. Without those unsung heroes, whose names you never hear, these great events would just not happen. The volunteers from the Babe Ruth, Cyclones, Hurricanes, Travelers/Cardinals, Bombers, Lightning, KC Baseball and GWBA organizations – those are the people who really deserve the credit for what has happened here in the past fifteen years and they will be the ones who will continue to make everything possible,” continued Sebesta.
Additional information will be available in the near future. MCYSA is currently updating its new website – www.MCYSASports.org. Gregg Sibigtroth, Executive Tournament Director, can be reached at 708/826-1804. Jack Sebesta can be reached at 815/482-1565 or JSebesta@Crystallakeparks.org.
Labels: CABA, Jack Sebesta
Monday, September 10, 2007
Park District Wins Pride in Crystal Lake Award from Chamber of Commerce
Before the Crystal Lake Park Board meeting got to the official business on its agenda, newly named Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce President Gary Reece presented the Crystal Lake Park District with its “Pride in Crystal Lake Award.”Reece particularly singled out Superintendent of Recreation Jack Sebesta for his role in putting on the CABA World Series.
Here’s what’s on the plaque:
The P.I.C.A.
Pride in Crystal Lake Award
is presented to
The Crystal Lake Park District
By the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce
and Shafer Builders, Inc.
For a tremendous job of
“stepping up to the plate” and
preparing the fields and parks
for the annual CABA World Series.
Because of their Pride in Crystal Lake,
people from across the country and
around the world get to play
on their field of dreams.
August 2007
Pride in Crystal Lake Award
is presented to
The Crystal Lake Park District
By the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce
and Shafer Builders, Inc.
For a tremendous job of
“stepping up to the plate” and
preparing the fields and parks
for the annual CABA World Series.
Because of their Pride in Crystal Lake,
people from across the country and
around the world get to play
on their field of dreams.
August 2007
Sebesta emphasized that without the work of Superintendent of Parks Dennis Jahnke the event would have been impossible.
Labels: CABA, Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce, Crystal Lake Park District, Dennis Jahnke, Gary Reece, Jack Sebesta
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Message of the Day – A Sign
This welcome to the CABA World Series is posted on the Lions Community Events sign in front of the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce building in the park under the water tower near 1776, our favorite restaurant.Right now, it bears the following message to the largest tourist attraction in Crystal Lake:
WELCOME 2007
CABA WORLD SERIES
LIPPOLD PARK
THE GREATEST SHOW
ON DIRT!
CABA WORLD SERIES
LIPPOLD PARK
THE GREATEST SHOW
ON DIRT!
Labels: CABA, Crystal Lake Lions Club
