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Post by schlager7 on Sept 13, 2009 9:11:57 GMT -6
During the weekend of the SYC here in Houston, I was approached by Mr. James Gill. He is the founder of a group called American Rising Stars, Inc. Please take a moment to check out the link to their website. I understand he has already contacted a number of folks in our division (Bill Trapani, August Skopik...) Among the after-school sports they offer to under priviledged (and under-served) school kids is... fencing. What Mr. Gill needs right now is the donation of any used but serviceable fencing equipment. Here is an excerpt of his letter to Mauro Hamza (forwarded to me): Hello Mauro, It was really good to meet you this past Saturday with April at the Fencing tournament. As discussed, please forward to me a SAMPLE of the liability fencing letter you said would be helpful for our classes. Again, if you know of anyone who has extra Fencing equipment, please forward their information to me. The list is below: JACKETS- 3 LARGES* CHEST PROTECTOR- 7 UNDER PROTECTORS- 6 GLOVES- 4R/2L* THANKS! MASK- 5* *-DENOTES NEED ASAP
James Gill President/COO American Rising Stars, Inc. 11152 Westheimer Road - #406 Houston, Texas 77042 832-566-6595-Direct 281-894-7333-FaxHe then sent me the following addition... Hello John, For your information, I have forwarded a list of items I need for Fencing. The most pressing are the 5 Mask, 3 Large Jackets and 6 under Protectors. I am not sure of the sizes for Mask and Protectors. I do know that the equipment is for Elementary students. Please advise.. JGI know I have a few things (not many) in elementary school sizes and plan a rummage through my closet later today. It strikes me that this represents exactly what the announced plan of the old Young Elites was supposed to represent. This would be a cance for us to contribute to a greater good and help build the foundation for our continued growth as a vital sport. Mr. Gill's email is jgill@americanrisingstars.us
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Post by freyja on Sept 13, 2009 10:35:28 GMT -6
Hi John, I have some chest protectors, for girls, if they need that, I would be happy to donate.
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nemo
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Post by nemo on Sept 15, 2009 10:56:55 GMT -6
Not meaning to cast doubts, but are you sure this is on the up-and-up?
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Post by Aldo N on Sept 15, 2009 12:14:21 GMT -6
Not meaning to cast doubts, but are you sure this is on the up-and-up? You figure there's a large market for hot used fencing masks?
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Post by August Skopik on Sept 16, 2009 16:17:15 GMT -6
Not meaning to cast doubts, but are you sure this is on the up-and-up?
Dear Nemo,
Absolutely. Most of you don't know I did this for a year for James in O'Donnell Middle School. The pay covered my gas, but not my broken equipment which I hauled there every Friday. Steve Moss came and helped me often, and covered me when I went to JOs that year. It was exactly what Young Elites is designed to do, before they ever began. Most of the youth did not have fathers at home, and the program director/principal (?) at the school still comes by Katy Blades and is waiting until her son is old enough.
When I moved into Katy Mills I could not do it any longer, because I have not invented being in two places at one time. I am working on it.
Augie
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Post by schlager7 on Sept 16, 2009 22:01:53 GMT -6
Thanks, Augie.
I think this would be an excellent program for us to get behind, for so many reasons.
I am putting together a "care package" of some items from the closet at our house.
Anyone else?
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Post by August Skopik on Sept 17, 2009 10:34:03 GMT -6
From my group at O'Donnell, that was the year I was supposed to host JO's at Katy Blades. I had someone putting up the USFA membership for about 20 13 - 15 year olds, and I had rides set up to Katy, (about 20 minutes). I was going to loan equipment because I could support this at my location. Obviously I was going to Scholarship there entry fees.
Unfortunately, the JO's was removed from Katy Blades and 20 or more youth never got to fence. Not one ever joined the USFA, because the benefactor would do it for something like Junior Olympic Qualifiers but not for just any tournaments. I also could not carry equipment for 20+ fencers to another location.
Sometimes our policies and bickering can hurt the sport and youth more than anything else. The sport itself is fun.
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Post by schlager7 on Sept 22, 2009 15:36:10 GMT -6
I received the following from James Gill. He was starting a fencing program at a second school, but his instructor can't take this on due to schedule issues. It is Mondays & Wednesdays, from 4PM-6PM. It pays $25.00 per hour, essentially $100.00 per week. Hi John, Please forward on that we need a Fencing coach off of I-10 Waco to work MW from 4pm-6pm. The pay is $25/HR. Start date September 28, 2009. They can reach me via email or phone.. God Bless! James Gill President/COO American Rising Stars, Inc. 11152 Westheimer Road - #406 Houston, Texas 77042 832-566-6595-Direct 281-894-7333-Fax www.americanrisingstars.us
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Post by schlager7 on Oct 1, 2009 8:38:28 GMT -6
Justy updating a bit here. James Gill advises he is still in need of someone who might be able to take up that twice per week coaching gig. While I realize 4PM-6PM might be difficult for most of us in the work force, I considered that someone from amongst our college and university fencers might have that slot open.
Nothing like trying to teach beginners to make you focus your own understanding of fencing (and $100.00 a week is not bad for 4 hours work).
UH? Rice? St. Thomas?
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Post by schlager7 on Nov 24, 2009 9:44:30 GMT -6
Apparently the fencing program Mr. Gill initiated is proving a bit popular. I got a telephone call from him this morning which was followed by the email I reproduce below. Basically, the problem is that it is proving to be successful. I expect more requests for gear in the future. The fun part, however, is that they will be "showcasing" fencing for an event at another school. I will be arranging the loan of some gear for some middle-school aged pupils to use in a demonstration. With luck there will be a video, as well. Here is the email: ============================================= Good morning Mr. Trojanowski, It was good speaking with you again on this morning. I want to thank you again for donating the Fencing equipment we currently have for our students. The program is going great and we now have a good problem in that other schools are requesting the program. As discussed this morning,I would like to borrow the equipment listed below for a "showcase" we are having at Kandy Stripes Academy on December 15, 2009. The "showcase" begins at 5:30pm. Please let me know what day you want for me to pick up the equipment in order to have it available. Our fencing classes for this campus are scheduled on every Friday for right now. I am sure that our instructor would like to borrow the equipment prior to the event so that the students can get use to wearing the garments and mask. If possible, maybe we can borrow the equipment on Friday December 4, 11, and the day of the "showcase" December 15, 2009. If not, just let us know what you can do. American Rising Stars, Inc. will be solely responsible for the care of the equipment. Please advise. James Gill President/COO American Rising Stars, Inc. 11152 Westheimer Road - #406 Houston, Texas 77042 832-566-6595-Direct 281-894-7333-Fax www.americanrisingstars.us
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Post by fox on Nov 24, 2009 10:15:49 GMT -6
An encouraging turn of events. Where is Kandy Stripes Academy ?
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nemo
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Post by nemo on Nov 24, 2009 12:15:04 GMT -6
GoogleMaps put it just south of the 610 Loop and a bit east of 288.
Don't mean to throw a wrench in it all, but I notice James Gill's group is a for profit organization. Why donate? If it's a business, let him make that part of the overhead as he sells his services.
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Post by seguin on Nov 24, 2009 13:01:59 GMT -6
Just because a group is for-profit does not necessarily mean anyone is going to get rich running it. There are valid reasons for going that route vs non-profit status.
From what I can see, it's a group doing good work and helping to spread fencing.
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Post by schlager7 on Dec 3, 2009 9:56:44 GMT -6
I think they are trustworthy enough to take the risk and lend the amount of gear they requested...
and so we did.
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Post by schlager7 on Jan 3, 2010 12:29:37 GMT -6
I saw that Gary Spruill posted this on FNet the other day. Not sure if it is too late, but... what the heck. I did PM him and point him to this thread. In spite of the lack of support from a lot of the clubs in our division, I still believe this to be a worthwhile endeavor. My thanks to my friends at CLFC and the Galveston club for their donations.
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Post by James Gill on Jan 5, 2010 7:12:13 GMT -6
Hello everyone! This is James Gill President of American Rising Stars, Inc. I just wanted to pass on to you again the need of our organization to obtain Fencing equipment. The equipment we currently have, does not fit the larger students we picked up at another campus. As a Board Member and recently selected Vice-President of SETAA (Southeast Texas After School Association) a local chapter of the After School Programs, I can assure you your donations are going to a worthy organization. ARSI is also a member of the National After school Association(NAA) and the Texas After School Association(TAA). I have listed the items we are in need of as soon as possible. Please contact us via email at: jgill@americanrisingstars.us or by telephone: 832.566.6595. I will be more than happy to travel to meet you to pick up the donated equipment.. Here is the list: 6-LARGE MASK 2-SABRES 6- LARGE JACKETS 6- UNDERARM PROTECTORS 6- LARGE GLOVES BEST WISHES, JAMES GILL
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Post by schlager7 on Jan 5, 2010 9:49:29 GMT -6
Here is their website: American Rising Stars
I have sent an email out to many of the Houston area fencers I know. For those who will not see it, it reads in part:Fencers: I admit straight off that this is a plea and a plug. Many of you may already be aware, others not so much. There is a man named James Gill and an organization called American Rising Stars, Inc. Basically they set up and operate after-school projects in some disadvantaged areas. The projects and events range from putting kids on computers to basketball. One of the projects is FENCING. This is not about bringing fencing to neighborhoods like Clear Lake or The Woodlands. This is about taking it to places our sport almost NEVER reaches. Oh, and the kids are enthusiastic! One place has a fencing program, a second had to put it on hold, even though serious interest was there. Why? Because they lacked 6-LARGE MASK 2-SABRES 6- LARGE JACKETS 6- UNDERARM PROTECTORS 6- LARGE GLOVES That's it. That's all. (The kicker is that this is a group of junior-high aged kids and they need seriously grown up sizes.) I know some of my friends out there have already donated their old, unused gear, and it is appreciated. That program is already off and running. This is a second project that only lacks equipment (and please note, that is not a very large list of needs at all). So many of us, myself included, talk a pretty good game about doing what's "good for fencing." It would be good for each of us to look beyond their our own respective clubs. How about expanding our base, creating more young fencers? ... You can ask him questions. Challenge him. He will respond. To put my money where my mouth is, I will make a personal, two-fold start. I will contribute one adult-sized fencing mask AND if holes, tears or inadequate zippers/velcro are preventing you from donating that old jacket or glove, pass it to me first and I will arrange for the sewing repairs or zipper/button/velcro replacements myself before passing this off to Mr. Gill. My cost. You do not have to just take my word. August Skopik has also dealt with Mr. Gill in the past. Contact Augie and see what his opinion is. Also, since I do not have every fencer's email in our area PLEASE forward this to other fencers you know... and friends who have drifted away from fencing but may still have old jackets, gloves, etc cluttering their closets. John Trojanowski
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jgill
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Post by jgill on Jan 6, 2010 7:12:03 GMT -6
Hello everyone, I apologize for not being able to navigate this Fencing Forum system appropriately. However, I will eventually. This is James Gill with American Rising Stars, Inc. I wanted to bring you up to date on some of your concerns about our non-profit status. As of October 19, 2009, our organization formed a non-profit called, America's Rising Stars. This is our non-profit arm to American Rising Stars, Inc. formed to accommodate situations and donations such as Fencing equipment. Our IRS designated 501(c)(3) should be completed soon by our attorneys. Please check with the Secretary of State of Texas for verification. Therefore, make all your Fencing equipment donations in the name of America's Rising Stars not American Rising Stars, Inc. I hope this clears up any misunderstandings and will encourage you to donate. Our older kids program had to be place on hold this week until we found additional equipment.
Best wishes,
James Gill/President
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Post by schlager7 on Jan 6, 2010 23:20:55 GMT -6
Thank you, James.
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Post by fox on Jan 7, 2010 8:09:40 GMT -6
I guess it is time to dig into the closet...
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Post by schlager7 on Jan 11, 2010 9:30:44 GMT -6
James:
I have two donated masks (adult sized) for your organization. I will send them with Nicole tomorrow.
John
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