Niles Rotarians have a rich history in working with schools. Recently we have focused for several years in benefiting Blacow Elementary. Steve Landon has been an instrumental figure in this ongoing relationship. Being in the construction industry with JR Griffin Construction, Steve has been a natural with the work, tools and helping Niles Rotarians literally get their hands dirty, clothing smudged with paint or just plain sweaty digging holes for shrubs, trees and other things that needed to be planted.
On September 10, 2016 Niles Rotary organized a force of 50 strong, mainly composed of Rotarians, but with a show of force made by CarMax (thanks to our organizing Rotarian Josh Carlson at the YMCA). We also had Interactors and Rotoractors show up and help as well.
We replaced worn backboards for the basketball standards, painted a huge colorful map of the United States on the playground and planted somewhere between 20 – 30 trees and shrubs. It was a great project and those involved had a good time. We believe in feeding our volunteers well and provided breakfast sandwiches from the Depot Cafe (Past President Lisa’a Place) and yummy Bronco Billy’a pizza for lunch (vegetarians were catered to as well 😊). We want to thank Principal Jose Hernandez for always being there to open doors and coordinate staff to help us accomplish this project. He is a genuine pleasure to work with!
Prior to the “day” of the service project, Steve Landon, Kai Andrus and Kai’s friend helped paint and prepare the backboards by painting them.
And a couple weeks after the event, Steve returned with Rich Godfrey and myself (Paul Andrus, Community Service Chair) to install a drip watering system so our plants can survive this sunny Mediterranean climate.
Thank you to all your wonderful volunteers who take time on your busy weekends and from you busy lives to make Fremont a more beautiful place. You do make a difference!
Paul Andrus, Community Service Chair
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