Benchwarmers is a non-profit nascent organization with the mission to promote access to team sports for all kids by providing a nurturing environment where children who are less athletic can thrive and feel they belong. Benchwarmers’ focus is on sportsmanship, education, and deliberate practice. A decade ago retired Teledyne engineer Joe Bock had a dream….
I was at the American Airlines baggage claim waiting for Rico, an exchange student from a suburb of Zurich, Switzerland, to deplane. I checked my phone and noticed this text, “I’m here! Where are you?” Oops! I didn’t know American had two terminals at LAX. When I finally reached the newest one, Rico, age 16,…
Nine-year-old Portia Maddox needs to use the restroom every time she drinks water. She’s always thirsty and hungry and still bone thin. School Nurse Bryant recommends a doctor appointment, and Dr. Thomas confirms her suspicions—Portia has childhood diabetes. She now needs to test her blood regularly and inject herself with insulin; which turns out to…
Joseph Bock, a retired Teledyne engineer who worked on the Surveyor Moon Landing project, has taken up a new calling during his golden years. Bock is a volunteer coach of Benchwarmers Basketball at Cheviot Hills Recreation Center in Los Angeles. His goal is to help less athletic kids have an opportunity to enjoy basketball, improve…
All of us can make a difference. It just takes a little effort, focus, and the willingness to help others. High school and college students looking for scholarship money or just a gift card can bolster their resumes and save lives, too. The American Red Cross has a special program, Leaders Save Lives. Here’s what…
In February 2014 Governor Jerry Brown formally declared California to be in a drought emergency asking for voluntary cutback of water usage by 20%. Since that time we Californians have cutback a dismal 8%. On April 2, 2015, Governor Brown checked out the snowpack at Phillips Station, located at the South Fork of the American…