September Youth of the MonthThe recipient of Youth of the Month award is an honor, and John Gonzales has proved worthy as an outstanding student. He serves as student council vice president, class secretary and is a National Honor Society student, has an Academic Letter and is on the high school track team. He has also served on the prom committee, volunteered for the Veterans Breakfast and participated in the school musical. John was the Lions Club Student of the Month and the Masonic Lodge Outstanding Junior. He has already taken Colorado College summer courses but hopes to attend either Yale University or the University of Colorado Denver to study philosophy and/or Spanish or take courses toward becoming an architect.John spoke of his accomplishments but also paid tribute to the Exchange Club for its achievements.Senior Tax Advisory Group hangs the Freedom ShrineThe Exchange Club of Falcon dedicated a Freedom Shrine to the Senior Tax Advisory Group, located at 6775 Rangewood Drive, in Colorado Springs. President Darian Andreson welcomed the large group of guests, which included veterans from World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam and several retirees from the fire and police department. Kathy Larouere, financial advisor, thanked them all ìfor making it possible that each of us has choices Ö freedom to work, freedom to worship, freedom to be who we want to be.îExchange Club member Leonore Misner talked about the shrine, reproductions authorized by Congress for distribution by Exchange Clubs throughout the United States. Developed by the National Exchange Club, the Freedom Shrine originated from the Freedom Train that toured the nation in 1947, carrying exhibits of American historic documents. Today, there are 32 documents in the Freedom Shrine. To learn more about the Exchange Club, call President Bob Miller at 719-641-0752.American vets are No. 1The Exchange Club of Falcon members distributed ìPocket Talkersî and ìHead Setsî to veterans at Laurel Manor Care in Colorado Springs. Winston Gulley accepted his from Exchangite Carol Conder, while another AmVet, Carmen Cireora, ecstatically waved her arms shouting ìYeaahhh, I can hear!îAlthough some of the veterans already have hearing aids, the new devices will help them hear better in certain situations.Retired veterans have served their country with honor. Providing special hearing devices for them will enhance their lives. It is a small token of our appreciation for the unselfish sacrifices they endured during their military careers.The ability to hear and understand conversations with others is paramount to the basic needs of human interaction. Without this ability, an individual might feel cut off from the rest of the community.The Exchange Club is committed to American veterans by making them No. 1. If you have a heart for AmVets and want to be a part of this effort, contact Bob Miller at 719-641-0752.Child Abuse Awareness BBQOn Sept. 19, the Exchange Club hosted a Child Abuse Prevention Awareness barbecue at the corner of Highway 24 and Meridian Road.The Iron Horse Christian Youth Ranch of Falcon brought in a ìpetting zoo,î and the kids enjoyed personal encounters with horses, goats, ponies, a pet chicken and a white bunny. The free ìbouncy houseî was another draw for the youngsters. The Exchange Club booth offered two mini Angel Trees with paper mittens and socks – to encourage people provide mittens for children and thermal socks for the veterans in nursing homes.A special thanks to the Falcon Fire Protection District, El Paso County Sheriffís Department, Lutheran Family Services, Hope and Home, Peak Vista, Woodman Hills Park and Recreation Center, Walmart, Kyndraís Hope and Memorial Hospital. Each organization had a booth with prizes and gifts for the kids, along with information about child abuse. Volunteer face painters added to the excitement.The Exchange Club provided free hot dogs and lemonade for the kids. Last, a big thanks to ìTime Out Teddy,î who made an appearance to let parents know they should take time out before disciplining a child.Call Kerry McIntyre, chairwoman of the event, with questions about stopping child abuse: 803-847-0534.
