People from infants to octogenarians enjoy our classes and activities, and probably the most effective way to convey the breadth of programs the Neighborhood Club furnishes is to take a brief look at each one individually.

One of our most popular activities is our sports leagues. Leagues for children offer a healthy outlet for youthful energies as well as affording opportunities for families to spend constructive, enjoyable quality time together. Whether as participants, coaches or fans, everyone can share in the fun.

Basketball begins early with our kindergarten and first grade instructional league. Here, our little ones can learn the basics of the game from dribbling to free throws. What a great feeling to shoot that first basket! Having learned the essentials, boys and girls in grades 2-5 go on to build strength, confidence and good sportsmanship. Our  league for 6th-8th graders combines the challenge of the game with learning to respect each other's talents and differences. For adolescents, we provide leagues on both middle and high school levels. Young people can improve their skills, have a good time with friends and find a positive release for their energies. For grown up "boys" we offer a variety of leagues, both competitive and fun. The teams are set up by age groups 18 and over.

When basketball season is over and all participants have received their plagues and/or plates, floor hockey begins. From Kindergarten to 3rd grade, there's a team for everyone, and it's not only the kids that have a great time. Our volunteer coaches and loyal fans have just as much fun as the players. Whether it's scoring a goal or defending the goal, floor hockey is a learning experience everybody enjoys. (3 slides of little girl in goalie's mask) Who is that masked man? Oops!

Rolling into spring and the outdoor sports season, soccer is always popular. 

We are very fortunate to have the support of volunteer coaches. Without them, our leagues couldn't function. To assist them, coaches clinics are held providing instruction and moral support. Though these individuals receive no monetary recognition for their work, a feeling of personal satisfaction is reward enough.

In T-ball everyone's a winner. Today's 4, 5&6 year olds are given the start they need to become tomorrow's all stars.

Hitting a softball or a soft baseball from the tee and being able to run the bases while the other team fields the ball allows youngsters to get a feel for the games of baseball and softball without the advanced motor coordination those games require. The pride and pleasure our budding athletes take in learning T-ball are reflected in their happy faces. The enthusiasm and support of both coaches and fans, help make this a most successful program. Parents can enjoy a great game and make new friends at the same time.

Our biggest spring/summer activity is softball. Leagues for girls, men and women teams fill up fast when the spring/summer brochure comes out. The fans may not always find the games exciting, (kids playing in the sand on sidelines) but the players certainly see a lot of action. Safe! (shot of umpire) Give 'em that ol' high five for a game well played. Even an occasional sports celebrity has been known to grace our playing fields. Nooo, that's not really Dave Rozema, is it? We also offer an adaptive recreation league for the handicapped. Played at locations throughout Grosse Pointe on fields maintained by the Neighborhood Club's Mitchell Armentrout, these recreational leagues are a source of fun, friendship and fitness. Even when the season is over the fun continues. These young ladies are really enjoying their post season party. Pass me another cookie, will you?

Tennis anyone? For young players in grades 2-6, the Neighborhood Club conducts the Henry L. Caulkins, II tennis clinics at the Elworthy Courts right across the street on Waterloo. Good basic skills are developed, warm up exercises teach control and ball clean up promotes tidiness.

For those who prefer to serve a volleyball, the Neighborhood Club can put you right into the team spirit. Leagues for women, men, and co-rec enthusiasts are popular choices affording participants an evening of exercise and camaraderie. The volleyball fans are always big athletic supporters and their excitement is unbounded. (Shot of little girl sleeping) Well, most of the time it is anyway.

As you can see, our sports leagues make up a large part of our program, but they are indeed only a part. Equally important are the activities the Neighborhood Club has to offer senior adults. With our ever growing senior adult population in mind, the west addition to the Neighborhood Club building was designed and constructed. Barrier free, it provides a meeting place for more than (?) individuals annually. For many, it is literally a home away from home where they can meet with old friends, make new friends, enjoy a full social life and continue the personal growth that is so essential for maintaining a healthy, meaningful life. There are even occasional visits from the younger set like this memorable July 4th parade.

For senior men there's a card group that meets every Monday. Socializing and the challenge of the game offer hours of enjoyment. For those who prefer coed games, duplicate bridge meets twice a week. The turnout is always good, and these players certainly take the game seriously. "You bid WHAT?"

Another special group of seniors is our Knitting Ladies. Since the beginning of World War II they've been meeting to knit and crochet afghans for donation. They also craft tine caps and booties for premature infants at Hutzel Hospital. They'd love to have you join them the second and fourth Wednesday of the month. As you can see, they do beautiful work.

At the opposite end of the age continuum are the programs for our youngest members, headed by our excellent nursery school. Licensed with the State of Michigan our preschool classes are limited to 25 children. Classes are held in the east wing of the Neighborhood Club in a room designed with the small set in mind. Roomy and colorful, it affords the children opportunities to develop learning skills, socialize with other children and simply have fun. There are frequent trips across the street to the Elworthy Playground as well as field trips to interesting places like the public library. Everybody buckled up and ready to go?

Start them early, we always say. Even they're ready for nursery school, the little ones can participate in the Mom and Tot Exercise class. Take a look at these happy 1 and 2 year olds with their moms. They are learning motor skills, sharing in gym activities, doing exercises and playing group games. Those tots can really give Mom a run for her money!

The ability to interact with others is a crucial socialization skill. Our Play Group for 2 and 3 year olds helps cultivate and nurture this skill. Play Group includes play activities, songs and storytelling. Another important aspect of Play Group is parent participation, and the kids love teaching their parents what it means to have a good time. These parents seem to be learning their lesson well.

As an aid in the development of motor skills, 3 to 6 year olds may join the Kiddie gym class. Gym activities and games are all part of the fun. Under close supervision, youngsters even have a chance to work with real gymnastics equipment. Wouldn't you love to see some of the adults try these tricks?

For kids with an athletic bent, there are sports clinics in addition to our leagues. Golf, basketball, baseball, softball and soccer are some of the sports we cover. These little guys are really learning the ins and outs of baseball. And how about this soccer clinic? Intense concentration one minute, (ball sitting shot) sheer enjoyment the next. (balls and air) For girls, fast pitch softball as an option. With the help of our experienced staff, these young ladies will be pitching and hitting like pros in no time.

Both girls and boys can take advantage of our excellent gymnastics classes. Whether it's the uneven bars, the balance beam or the horse, these promising athletes can soar to new heights of  physical achievement. That was a beautiful vault!

Of course, we can't ignore the needs and interests of the adults. The Neighborhood Club's ongoing Aerobic Slimnastics encourages physical fitness with a safe, low impact exercise program. Both women and men have fun shaping up in our exercise center. Everybody's really looking good! For those moms with small children, we even have a babysitting service available. After all, we can't let Mom have all the fun. Just stop gives Mom a chance to feel good about herself and provides a secure environment where little ones can have a social hour all their own.

Fencing is another great way to stay in shape. Physical fitness and mental acuity are honed to a fine point under the direction of instructor, David Foley. After a good warm up, the match can begin. Electronic equipment makes judging whether a touch is fair or foul much easier and more accurate. En garde. Fencers ready? Fence!

 May be you'd like to improve your batting average. the Neighborhood Club can help there too. Sign up for a session or two at our indoor batting cage. 

One of the newest additions to the Neighborhood club is our computer center. An ever growing list of computer based education classes are offered for people of all ages. 

And what could be more special than a night out with your favorite dance partner? Whether its the Daddy-Daughter Valentine's Social  you couldn't ask for a lovelier evening. May I cut in? When all that dancing works up a thirst, refreshments are close at hand. 

Picture day at the end of our sports leagues brings out everyone's best smile. When the season is over, the  memories will still live in the team picture. Okay, Coach, you have to smile too.

For the singers among you, the Barbershop Quartet Society holds its chorus rehearsals every Tuesday evening at the Neighborhood Club. Their melodious tones are music to the ear. Just sing out if you'd like to join.

As a convenience to the community, the Neighborhood Club provides tickets to several amusement parks at a reduced rate. Are you planning a trip to Cedar Point, Green Field Village or the Michigan State Fair? Just step up to our registration window and save yourself both time and money.

One of the goals of the Neighborhood Club as a recreation/community service organization, has always been to provide quality, family oriented activities at a reasonable cost. Membership and activities fees cover about 70% of our operating expenses. Donations received as a result of our Annual Fund Drive provide an additional 10%. The remaining 20% of Neighborhood Club income is generated by the Neighborhood Thrift Shop. Located at the rear of the Neighborhood Club facility, it boasts a fine selection of previously owned clothing, furniture and household items from homes and estates all over the Grosse Pointe area. Its dedicated staff and volunteer personnel keep it running smoothly and efficiently, and they're always ready with a friendly hello and a smile. Come in and browse. There's something new every day. Could we, perhaps, interest you in an exercise bicycle or maybe a commodore's hat? The Thrift Shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from September to June. Donations are happily accepted and are tax deductible.

To communicate the breadth and depth of service the Neighborhood Club provides is no easy task. As a vital, growing organization we are constantly striving to improve our programs and whatever we can to enhance and enrich the lives of the members of our community. Our greatest asset in being able to maintain the tradition of excellence that has become the hallmark of the Neighborhood Club is a dedicated staff working hand in hand with a community minded Board of Directors. As individuals each one offers unique talents and abilities. As a group they make a united commitment to serving their neighbors and their community. And of course, we couldn't function without the help of our many volunteers. Staff, Board, volunteers - an essential, viable, unbeatable combination. Together we've made the past 91 years a period of incredible growth and continuing service for the Neighborhood club. Together we'll make the next 90 years even better.