It’s not easy to find snow these days but last week- the Nellie Stone Ski Team went looking- and found it!  The two Nellie Stone Ski Team coaches, along with two volunteer chaperones from the Major Taylor Cycling Group loaded skis, snow pants and 6 pairs of jumpy legs to head, caravan style, to the famed Birkebiner Trails of South Central Wisconsin.  Their trip included a smorgasbord of skiing activities including training, a race at Telemark, a night skiing experience, and all the other fun components of team travel like card games, pizza, and pancake breakfasts.

San Antonio, TX (BlackNews.com) -- The U.S. Army All-American Bowl Selection Committee has announced Dorial Green-Beckham as the 2012 U.S. Army Player of the Year, given to the nation's most outstanding senior in high school football. The announcement was made tonight at the U.S. Army Awards Dinner at the San Antonio's Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. Green-Beckham, a wide receiver at Hillcrest High School in Springfield, Mo., was presented with the Ken Hall Trophy, which is modeled after Ken "Sugar Land Express" Hall, high school football's all-time leading rusher.

Like millions of Americans, I watched a few bowl games in the past few weeks or so. I was struck by something a commentator said during whatever bowl Ohio State played in. He spoke of a player that was back on the field after two suspensions. 

I would have understood if he’d been suspended for missing curfew or a team meeting. Getting suspended for being arrested in a bar fight would have been understandable, as well. But, this brother was suspended once for selling his own memorabilia and once for accepting money for a job that it was determined he didn’t attend enough.

Over the last five years or so, retirees who winter in the south have been bringing a new sport back home with them.  It’s called “PICKLEBALL”

Pickleball is a unique activity for all ages.  Similar to many other racquet games such as badminton, tennis, racquetball, and table tennis, Pickleball is played on a court about one-third the size of a tennis court.  It is played indoors and out, requires very little in expense or equipment, and is great for those who have a few aches and pains from years of tennis, racquetball or squash.

Nobody asked me, but, if they had, I wouldn’t have been able to offer a sensible rationale for The United Way’s decision to withdraw support for youth recreation in our communities.

I have seen what opportunities exist in suburban communities; for  kids of all ages. They’ve gone over the top for their own.

I have four grandchildren who live in Eden Prairie. They are twin boys, 14, and girls 12 and 8. The youngest girl competes in baseball, basketball and swimming. The eldest girl plays baseball, volleyball and basketball. The twins have played football, basketball, baseball and track.

This holiday season, the Minnesota Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation will present the Season of Giving Month, with the focus towards organizations and events that help make the holidays a happier time for those in need. The FastBreak Foundation will also use this special time of year to recognize those individuals in the community who embody the spirit of the season through their work to assist others.

"As we get the NBA season underway, we want to make sure during this wonderful time of the year that our entire organization focuses on making sure those in need have an opportunity to enjoy the holiday season," said Timberwolves President Chris Wright.