Child Abuse Awareness BBQOn July 12, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Exchange Club is sponsoring a barbeque at the old fire station at 7030 Old Meridian Road. Free hot dogs for the kids; ice cold lemonade and a fun petting zoo are all part of the festivities.Special thanks to CASA, Bikers against Child Abuse, KPC Respite Center, Safe Passage, the El Paso County Sheriffís Office, Kyndraís Hope, and Hope & HomeYouth of the Year 2014The Exchange Club of Falcon has awarded Mark Estrada as Youth of the Year 2014. ìMark is one of the most outstanding youths the Exchange Club has seen in a long time,î said Joe Bauer, as he presented his plaque. ìAs a hard worker, he has leaped over barricades or figured out the way to get around them.îMark is graduating from Falcon High School with a 4.11 Grade Point Average. In 2012, he placed first in the Colorado HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) Biomedical Debate; he was in the top 20 at the National HOSA (2012 and 2013); and he again placed first in Nursing Assisting with Colorado HOSA. In Medical Terminology Mark placed second, and was awarded the National Mathematics Award in 2012 at the United States Achievement Academy. Mark volunteered as a tutor for his peers in CPR/First Aid and nursing assisting. He also developed anti-bullying lessons with social experiments for the elementary middle school and high school in Falcon School District 49. Mark will attend the University of Colorado to become a nurse and has already qualified as a Certified Nursing Assistant.As he accepted the award, Mark thanked his mom, Dori, for being there for him ìthrough thick and thin.î He also thanked his school counselor, Amber Villani, who commented about Markís compassion and integrity through trials and tribulations, not only helping himself but all those around him.Book of Golden Deeds awardIn April, the Exchange Club of Falcon presented Abby Whiteside with their longest running and most coveted award, the ìBook of Golden Deeds.î Abby is recognized for more than 31 years of equestrian therapy for children suffering from mobility issues. She dedicates endless hours of her time and talent to help these children. Although she charges a fee, if the parent or guardian cannot afford it, she waives it.Donations for child victimsThe Exchange Club of Falcon donated seven new car seats and more than 60 handmade blankets and quilts for children of domestic violence. The El Paso County Sheriffís Office Investigations Division and Victim Assistance Program reported to the Exchange Club that in 2013 alone there were 3,924 victims and 358 crime scenes that involved 236 families. Coordinator Sam McAfree said that children are often taken out of their home in the middle of the night with ìvery little resources.î Car seats are needed for transporting the children. He said the children are usually in awe that someone made a blanket for them. Sam presented Ursula Miller, Child Abuse Prevention chairwoman, with a letter of thanks from the Investigations Division.Support the Exchange Club golf tournamentThe Exchange Club of Falcon is looking for golfers for the sixth annual Child Abuse Prevention Charity Golf Tournament, which takes place June 19 at the Antlers Creek Golf Course in Falcon, Colo. See details in the Community Calendar. We need participants for this worthy cause!The fee is $100 per player; registration begins at 7 a.m. and tee off is at 8 a.m. The fee includes a lunch buffet, prizes and more! Contact Bob Miller at 719-641-0752.
