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Erick has a drive for the game and potential to rise up through the ranks to become a great golfer in his future. Button Hole has seen his potential and given Erick his very first set of golf clubs. "I have wanted my own set of clubs since my first day at the program," Erick said.
The 9 year old, 4th grader at William D'Abate Elementary School first came to Button Hole in the fall of 2007 with the Olneyville Community School After School program. He returned for the winter and spring session that began last month.
Now that Erick has his own set of clubs, he hopes to be able to come to Button Hole on Saturdays during the regular season to practice and put to use his new clubs. He plans on bringing his close friends, Tommy, Jose and Kevin who are classmates in the after school program back with him to practice. Erick was excited to bring home his set of clubs and show his older sister what he has learned through the program. When asked which clubs are his favorite, Erick replied, "Woods of course, because they help me hit the ball the farthest." |
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A Record Breaking 2,000 Kids in One Year |
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The numbers are in, and we couldn't be more pleased. This past year we reached more kids than ever before. Tallying up the kids that participated in our summer instructional program, those who participated in our after school programs and the inner city elementary and middle school kids that took Introduction to Golf as part of their physical education requirement we figure 2,000 children this past year participated in Button Hole programs. |
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What a kick off to 2008! An Appearance on NBC's The Today Show; A Record Breaking Number of Children Participating in Button Hole Programs; and a Full Slate of Exciting Programs Set to Launch This Spring!
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Button Hole Program Featured
on Today Show in "Best Communities
for Young People" Awards
Button Hole kids at the Perry Middle School were shown practicing their golf skills in a Today Show Segment that recognized Providence's selection by the America's Promise Alliance as one of the Best Communities in the nation for its commitment to youth and creation of healthy, safe, caring environments for kids. Button Hole provides after school programs as part of the Providence After School Alliance (PASA) and other in-school and after school instruction initiatives. Our programs continue to grow with an ongoing focus on urban school youth.
Commenting on the award and the PASA providers like Button Hole, Mayor David N. Cicilline said, ""It is really a testament to all the men and women across Providence who work so hard every day to enrich the lives of Providence kids. There is nothing more important than the healthy development of our kids so it is an honor to be singled out for our work with PASA AfterZones and for our continued commitment to young people."
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What's Coming up this Spring?
Spring fever anyone? Sitting at home, anxiously waiting for warm weather and the promise of the first day out on the golf course? Begin dusting off your golf clubs and get ready to hit the course because before you know it opening day will be upon us.
 We've got a full slate of great programs and new initiatives coming up at Button Hole. Our greens keeper is doing a wonderful job getting the course ready for opening week at Button Hole which will begin April 14th and run until April 18th. The week will be filled with exciting promotions, including the opportunity to become a Button Hole Kid and play the course and hit balls at the range for only $1 a day for the entire week.
You will notice a few updates with the course and grounds this year. New distance targets are in place in the range bays and the North grass tee driving range. The bike path is now complete, connecting our local community to many others and providing bicycle access to Button Hole.
To learn more about upcoming spring programs and happenings at Button Hole, please visit our website. Schedule information can be sent directly to your email inbox, by sending a request with your name and email address to dprior@buttonhole.org.
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A Role Model Comes to Button Hole
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An Afternoon of Mentoring
How can Button Hole kids parlay golf skills into life opportunities? That was one of the questions poised to Anna Grzebien as she met with a group of Button Hole girls. Grzebien, a Duke University graduate and All American golfer from Narragansett who qualified for the future's tour was in Rhode Island over the holidays and in the spirit of giving back she spent an afternoon mentoring seven Button Hole girls. The 22 year old, began playing the game when she was 5 years old. She was a three-time winner on the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) and had an additional 20 top-10 finishes. Grzebien turned professional after tying for 25th at the LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament in 2007.
Advice Grzebien offered to the girls - work hard, pursue your dreams, and take advantage of the many opportunities to use golf as a vehicle to success. Specifically Grzebien gave tips on applying for women's college golf scholarships noting that there are a significant number of women's scholarships that go unrewarded because girls are hesitant to apply.
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