Here are some recent updates concerning Asset Builders throughout Kirkwood.
- Positive Tickets – Good News! A few tickets were given out and a few young people did get their free sodas. Better News! Chief Plummer is 100% behind this effort and wants us to continue to develop this project. He acknowledged that officers might be a little slow in getting it into their routine, but, most importantly, he is behind the effort and will work to make sure it becomes a reality.
- Youth Summit – among the other positive ideas about how to proceed as a group is to host a YOUTH SUMMIT. Based on some other input, we feel this could be valuable to our community and youth as well as a great symbol of our united work. One suggestion is late January or February 2011. This gives us plenty of time to be creative and build enthusiasm.
- Tutors Needed – The tutoring the program at Turner School that serves Robinson and North Glendale Elementary schools began tutoring on October 14th. But they need more tutors for Wednesdays. The basic schedule 3:45 pm until 5:15 pm and each tutor is typically assigned to one student. They are looking for 10 tutors for this school year. If you would be able to help with this very important and rewarding project, please contact Barbara Swalina, a teacher at North Glendale, by e-mail at barbara.swalina@kirkwoodschools.org or by phone at school 213-6100x3217.
- Leadership – If you are interested in having more input in the development of Kirkwood Asset Builders, please let me know. We value your ideas, input, perspective, insights, and passion for developing healthy youth in Kirkwood.
- Youth in Action – help YIA provide a WISH for a young girl Natalie who has a heart defect. Through the Make A Wish foundation, YIA is trying to help Natalie get her wish of going to Disneyworld. You or your group could help with a fundraiser. For more information, contact Keith Rawlings. http://www.youthinactionstl.com/upcoming_events
- Parent Academy – The CFUH is hosting this event to help parents know how to "navigate" the school system. The Parent Academy will be October 17, 2009 – 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the Oak Bend Branch of the County Library behind QT.
- “SMOKING BAN” Community Forum – taking no stance other than to facilitate dialogue on the issue with representatives from both positions, the CFUH is sponsoring a forum on the upcoming ban which will be on the November ballot. With a great Asset Building idea, Dennis Roach is hoping to enlist a group of youth to critically evaluate the event and determine how well leaders and participants did in having a successful ‘dialogue.’ The forum will take place October 21, 2009 from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Reim (Stages) Theater (Kirkwood Community Center/Geyer Road.)
- KIDDO-PALOOZA – through the partnership of a few Asset Building groups in Kirkwood (the Library, YMCA, Parents as Teachers, and Kirkwood Baptist), we hosted a festival for children last Saturday on the grounds of the YMCA and Walker Park. It was a huge success as more than 1,000 people enjoyed games, activities, free food, and entertainment. More info at www.handsonkirkwood.blogspot.com
