February was another great month for the St.Leonard’s team. February gave us some very cold weather but also gave us a week of mild weather, which reminded us that spring is just around the corner. Congratulations to Michael for reaching his personal goal of having 300 miles logged by the end of February. This month we also had Elton surpass the 200 mile level. Issac and Francis passed the 100 mile level. Other members will be reaching the 50, 100, 200, or 300 mile milestones very shortly. We have continued our Saturday optional long run. We have some very eager long distance runners in our group! This month a few of our members logged their longest run to date: Francis (10 miles), Issac (9 miles), and Javiar (5 miles), Ray (3.5 miles).
We had two fun events outside of our runs this month. On February 9, Michael, Javiar, Francis, Issac, Ray, Ramiro, Doug, Kate, and Tia enjoyed listening to Jazz at the Chicago Cultural Center. Everyone enjoyed the music and coffee and snacks. Kudos to our residential members who thought of others and generously gave the leftover pastries to the Jazz Artists. On February 27, Frank, Issac, Elton, Kate, & Tia represented the St. Leonard’s team at the BoMF track meet. They had lots of fun and flashbacks to high-school as they competed in the wheel barrel race, backwards running, fastest lap, etc.
So what are our residential members up to when we aren’t running the Chicago streets? Several of our members (Michael, Ramiro, Javiar, Francis, Maurice, Jorge) go to school. Some of our members (Ramiro, Elton, Earl, Jorge) work part-time or full-time. Special recognition to Earl and Elton who secured permanent employment this month. Earl also found housing outside of St.Leonard’s. On February 17th, Francis gave an emotional and heartfelt speech at the Business Leaders Breakfast. Ramiro produced a show that will air on CANTV on March 4 and 18 at 8PM. Domingo has been active with Cease Fire, an anti-violence organization, by speaking with grade-schoolers. This month our residential member of the month was Issac. Issac is such a happy and dedicated member of our team. He keeps us laughing on the runs with all his stories. Our non-residential member of the month is Tia. Tia is our volunteer coordinator and is known for her cheery disposition even so early in the morning.
Residential Member of the Month: Issac Denson
Since joining the St. Leonard’s team in early December, Issac has been a model teammate, missing only one run on the way to amassing 120 miles in 3 short months. His energy and positive attitude keep everyone going in the early morning hours, and his dedication is second to none. But Issac has benefited from BoMF as well. As he would tell you:
“BoMF has taught me a lot about unity and leadership. It’s shown me that people from all walks of life can come together, and whether you come from the penitentiary or the rich side of town or the poor side of town doesn’t matter, you are still a team. BoMF helps me deal with my everyday actions in life period and strengthens my health as well as my soul. I’m happy because of BoMF.”
Non-Residential Member of the Month: Tia Djondo
Tia joined BoMF and quickly established herself as a key member of the St. Leonard’s team. Her cheery disposition and willingness to always lend a hand (or an ear) have made her well-respected and appreciated amongst the team. As the team’s Volunteer Coordinator, Tia tracks attendance and assists St. Leonard’s non-residential members in a variety of ways. Even when battling injury, she still shows up to support and cheer on the St. Leonard’s team. She’s a great motivator for the team, but as she would tell you, the team motivates her as well:
“BoMF has helped me to become a dedicated runner. Before BoMF, I spent the entire winter, rainy days and windy days on the treadmill or making excuses to avoid running. But now, thanks to the guys on the St. Len’s team I’ve learned to not only, brave the run, but to enjoy it too! It’s easy to get up for a run knowing that once I arrive at St. Len’s I’ll be welcomed with warm hugs and happy smiles.”
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