|
 |
|
|||
|
|
||
|
|||
December 2006 / January 2007 This issue home | Past issues | Chamber home Leadership Richardson Class Turns Focus To Cultural Arts, Social Services By Kim Quirk, LR Class XXII Participant
What do puppies, goats, sleds, crafts, strollers and about 500 pre-schoolers have in common? Santa’s Village, of course, and this year’s Leadership Richardson class, who volunteered at the Village on Dec. 8 for the first part of their Arts and Culture experience. Although the temperature hovered in the 20s, the class wore lots of clothing and big smiles as area pre-school children and their families toured the village to enjoy the holiday season. After defrosting, the group attended an afternoon session at the Eisemann Center where various local arts groups presented or entertained to give Richardson’s current leadership class exposure to the incredible numbers of activities available to our citizens. The stated mission of the day? “To inspire awareness of cultural arts in the community through exposure, education, and active participation, while presenting opportunities to stimulate involvement in the arts of Richardson.” Included in the “Playbill” were Chinese musician David Wang, orchestra members from Berkner High School, The Contemporary Chorale and The Rich-Tones, which are local singing ensembles. Besides these, participants got a personal tour of the Eisemann Center and learned to tap into the left side of their brains to become better artists. Activities for children were also highlighted in a presentation from “The Classics.” The December session was planned by class members Bobbi Klein, Kim Lott, Souk Tran, Andy Tubbs, and David Waters. Session hosts were First Bank of Canyon Creek and the Eisemann Center. November Session LR participants had an eye-opening day in November as they learned about social services and the multitude of needs in the community. The mission was to educate the class about the needs and available services, as well as spur them to take action. The day told the tale of Sheila, an imaginary single mom living with her elderly grandmother and taking care of her three children. One had a learning disability and a daughter who had been abused. The eldest child, a son, was lacking in the basic amenities to attend school and play sports. As participants went through the various lessons, Sheila and her family were woven into each. Class members heard from Richardson ISD counselors to learn the changes they’ve seen in the district during the past 10 years. They discovered that counselors now spend a great deal of time finding everything from school supplies to furniture and often have to make sure their students have a meal during the weekend. Leaders from three social services talked about what their agencies provide and the changes they’ve incurred. After an emotionally charged morning, classmates took tours of three other agencies – YMCA, Neighborhood Youth and Family Counseling and NETWORK of Community Ministries. At the close of the day, Leadership Richardson Class XXII participants were challenged to make a difference themselves – no matter where or when – as the needs are so great. The session was planned by class members Nick Adamson, Rebecca Arndt, Richard Covington, Ed Hotz and Kim Quirk. Texans Credit Union sponsored the session. Leadership Richardson is sponsored by the Richardson Chamber of Commerce and serves as a means to develop the city’s next generation of community volunteers. Action News is a monthly publication of the Richardson Chamber of Commerce Communications Department. To unsubscribe, e-mail administrator@telecomcorridor.com. Please provide your name, company, phone number and e-mail address. |
|
Top Stories More Top Stories In Every Issue |
