LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT:

This letter is just a reflection back on all the accomplishments for the FCYSO through 2008. We are really looking forward to even more positive changes in 2009.

I am pleased to announce the 2009 FCYSO Board and Directors elected at the last meeting of the year:

President – Kristy Bolen
Vice President – Shawn Klabunde
Treasurer – Kori Grosse-Rhode
Secretary – Tom Skelton
Concession Director – Melissa Ruge
Baseball/Softball Director – Greg Polsley
Volleyball Director – Teresa Lake
Basketball Director – Mark Bouwman
Soccer Director – Jay Steadman
Football Director – Chris Taylor

In 2009, we will possibly be looking for a Cheerleading/Dance Team Director as well as expanding the Concessions Director position to include a Concession Director as well as a Fund Raising Director. If you are interested in more details on either of these opportunities, please contact any member of the Board.

Also, to just communicate and summarize the financial workings in general, it is important to note that each sport’s registration fees go to fund the operation for that particular sport. Registration fees cover things such as league fees, t-shirts, anticipated equipment uses, etc. Each sporting director develops a budget for that season and the registration fees are set to cover those budgeted expenses.

However, in order to improve our programs, expand our offerings, and cover unexpected needs, we work with sponsors and hold fundraisers (i.e pancake feed, wreath sales, etc.). In 2008, funds from sponsors and fund raising events allowed us to provide a number of things including (but definitely not limited to):

• A combined insurance policy that covers liability of all sports
• Renovation of the concession stand at the baseball/softball fields
• New football sideline markers
• Earmarked funds for equipment room organization & renovation
• Contribute to the Derek Ruth fundraiser (EVW youth football player injured during a game)
• Offer new sports of basketball and volleyball
• Contribute to the Wayne Spitzer memorial (a baseball/softball umpire who worked with our program for many years)
• Offer reduced registration fees to families with financial income needs

2009 offers us the opportunity to expand and grow in even more positive directions. Therefore, we will be looking forward to working with our sponsors, expanding sponsorship, and again offering fundraisers. Some ideas that have already been tossed around are as follows:

• Youth cheerleading / dance team
• Argillite for the JC Field
• T-ball field improvements
• Community Building kitchen/concession improvements/offerings
• Possibly flag football for younger age groups
• Equipment Upgrades (including equipment room renovation)

We also have long-term development goals to better our community and facilities. Each financial proposal and sporting budget is reviewed and voted on at monthly FCYSO board meetings; which are open to the public and all are welcome to attend.

Just a reminder, we currently have volleyball sign-ups happening right now and baseball/softball sign-ups are coming just around the corner. In addition, we are excited to rollout the organization’s revised Code of Conduct. So, be watching for these updates in the near future.

Collaboration is the key to success and strong community relationships. Therefore, we look forward to seeing you at a future meeting and/or fund raising event. Your input is sincerely appreciated.

Please visit our website at www.calhounyouthsports.com for future meeting and organization information. Feel free to contact any FCYSO Board Member or Director with any questions or ideas. Once again, thank you for all your continued support and encouragement. Feel free to pass this word out to all in our community with children. We truly want to expand our offerings in 2009 and make sure to include our entire community!

Sincere regards,

Kristy L. Bolen, President
FCYSO
P.O. Box 272
Fort Calhoun, NE 68023
(402) 468-4502 – home phone
bolen5@huntel.net - home email