New initiative helps parents learn the early warning signs of teens in trouble
A mock bedroom set up as part of Anoka County’s Top Secret Project. (Photo Credit: Anoka County)
Children whose parents talk to them about the risks of using drugs or alcohol are up to 50 percent less likely to experience addiction later in life, according to research by the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. Studies show that many young people do not drink alcohol or experiment with drugs because they don’t want to disappoint their parents.
Anoka County, in partnership with area schools and the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, is presenting a special program for parents called Top Secret Project: Decoding the Mysteries of the Teen Domain. This educational program helps parents identify dozens of ordinary items in a teen’s room that may point to drug or alcohol use, self-harm, or eating disorders. Parents will learn how commonly found objects, such as books, candles, dental floss, light bulbs, lip balm, and more may be cause for concern.
On Monday, Diana Hoffman a social worker for Anoka County will speak to CR Rotary about the project. Here are additional links on the project:
Yo-Yo master saves a bit of trickery for unsuspecting birthday boy
Dazzling Dave Schulte gauging distance and wind before his final trick: displacing a poker chip placed above Dan Thomsen’s left ear.
When Dan Thomsen awoke last Monday it was his birthday. Another year older, another year wiser he probably thought. Little did he know that within a few hours he would meet face-to-face with a yo yo master who has traveled the world over. Not only that, Dan would stand calmly, frozen in place like a statue while a plastic disc with ball bearing zipped by his head at lightening speed. All held together on a tender string - all in the name of entertainment for his fellow Rotarians. So much drama for the good-natured banker in a business suit.
Dan was the unsuspecting accomplice for Dazzling Dave Schulte, yo yo master and main attraction for last week's weekly lunch. Dave is the youngest child of Mel and Doris Schulte and the younger brother of Scott. Dave started his fascination with yo yo's in college, where he studied to become a teacher. After 4 years as a middle school teacher, he hit the road - eventually becoming one of only 16 people worldwide to hold the title of yo yo master. Dave has traveled all over the country and world, mostly taking his shows to schools. He has a collection of more than 2,000 yo yo's and shared several different tricks - from "Rock the Baby" to "Walk the Dog" - during his performance last Monday.
Dazzling Dave Schulte with mom and CR Rotarian Doris Schulte.
Founding CR Rotarian Mel Schulte and son Scott laughing it up during Monday’s lunch.
Thanks to Dave Schulte for his impressive skills and entertaining style; to Dan Thomsen for playing along; and to Mel Baker for arranging the program.
CR Rotary & Emma B. Howe YMCA team up to serve meal at Stepping Stone shelter
Pictured: Letty Van Ert and daughter, Nick Bednarczyk, Ben West (YMCA), Grant Fernelius and Dave McCauley.
Last Monday night, CR Rotary teamed up with the Emma B. Howe YMCA to cook and serve a meal to 45 residents of the Stepping Stone homeless shelter in Anoka. The shelter is not licensed to prepare meals on site, so when there is an opportunity for a home cooked meal to be brought in and served it is a special moment. Many of the residents were so grateful for the time and attention. Sharing a meal or a few moments of conversation was rewarding beyond words.
Thanks to Erik Hegg for organizing the dinner and CR Rotarians Letty Van Ert (and daughter), Nick Bednarczyk, Grant Fernelius and Dave McCauley for preparing and serving the meal, along with YMCA board members Ben West and Maria Carillo-Perez (who cooked, but couldn’t attend).
CR Rotary receives $7,000 grant award from BNSF Foundation in support of youth initiative
CR Rotarian Al Hamel is pictured earlier this week receiving a grant check from Amy McBeth, Director of Public Affair for BNSF Railroad. (Photo Credit: Al Hamel)
Last week CR Rotary was notified that it would receive a $7,000 grant from the BNSF Foundation to help support the club’s youth initiative (Youth Frontier’s Respect Retreats). CR Rotary’s role was to provide the program and busing services for six hundred 9th graders at Coon Rapids High School. The BNSF grant helped pay for about 60% of the cost, with the CR Rotary Foundation paying for the rest. Thanks to Al Hamel and Nick Bednarczyk for their efforts to secure the grant and to the BNSF Foundation for their generous support.
Every year CR Rotary organizes an orientation session for new or existing club members to learn about the history of Rotary and the various opportunities for service. On Monday, Jerry Koch and Al Hamel will conduct a refresher orientation session at 11 AM at Bunker Hills. All club members are invited to attend. Contact Jerry or Al for details.
Recipients of the 2016 CR Rotary Foundation Rotary grant award program. The 2018 program will be held on April 2, 2018.
On Monday, April 2nd CR Rotary will hold its annual grant recipient luncheon to recognize those groups that received funding through the CR Rotary Foundation. Due to the generosity and efforts of club members and the broader community, the CR Rotary Foundation will award over $23,000 in grants in 2018. According to some long-time members, this is the largest amount distributed in club history.
We hope that all grant recipients and club members (including honorary) will come out and join us for this important occasion to celebrate all of the hard work of Coon Rapids Rotary to provide these critical grant dollars.
