In the face of a very difficult year, we want to thank all our members who stepped up and demonstrated faith in continuing the legacy of the Newcomers Club of Estes Park. Our in-person Club-sponsored activities were limited but it provided us the opportunity to introduce and implement Community Outreach initiatives. These trying times have provided opportunities to reach out to the Community to provide some happiness and hope in times like we are facing. As examples:
We Believe in Estes Park – In spite of holiday events and activities being cancelled and a decrease in our Club funds, Newcomers came together to spread joy and happiness during the Holiday Season. Newcomers participated in the tree lighting ceremony, Catch the Glow Festival of Lights which was held at the fairgrounds which attracted almost 4,000 vehicles and 15,000 people. Additionally, Newcomers developed Holiday videos, answered letters to Santa and supported the activities of the Polar Express.
Lots A Helping Hands – Provides the opportunity for members to volunteer to offer assistance for people in need whether it be meal delivery, rides to appointments, or just drop a line or stop by to say hello and offer support to the family.
Trail Ridge Quilters - The Newcomers sponsored two online sales events which made this year’s fundraising activities possible. These online events enabled Trail Ridge Quilters to hold their annual Winter and Spring sales during the COVID 19 health crisis while observing social distancing. On January 4, the Trail Ridge Quilters presented a check for $9,000 to the Estes Park Health Foundation. These funds were utilized to immediately purchase important supplies and equipment for Estes Park Health Home Care, Rehab Therapy, EMS Ambulance and the EPHF Coronavirus & Subsequent Emergency Response Fund.
In addition, the club has offered virtual gatherings for some of our interest groups, such as book clubs, men’s poker, board games, photography and Trivia Tuesdays groups. These groups remain strong and have been meeting via Zoom on a regular basis.
Fellow Newcomers members Melissa and Wally Wood were weekly volunteers at the Estes Park Elementary School prior to the COVID crisis. Seeing the challenges and how virtual learning has become so difficult for students, teachers and parents they found a way to contribute to student success at EPES.
Melissa became inspired after seeing an article about a person who had downloaded plans from the “Desks for Dads” Facebook page and began building desks for children to use in their homes.
Recognizing the need for a designated learning space at home for children they decided to build custom desks for anyone with a need. These desks provide children a workplace of their own where they can sit down and creatively personalize them in their own way. It also gives them a little bit more pride and motivation in wanting to actually do their work. It is difficult for a child to learn remotely when sitting at the dining room table, on the floor or in bed. The goal is to give children a place to get their work done.
Response from the community and EPES has been overwhelming and very supportive. Feedback from schools and parents indicate the need for children to have a quiet and private place to do homework, draw, read and have time to themselves. This need will remain as back to school learning gradually returns. Investing in children is one of the best things we can do. The dividends last a lifetime, both for the children and our society. If having their own study desk helps then we’ve done a good thing.
Melissa presented a new Community Outreach initiative to the Board with the recommendation that Newcomers adopt the student desk program and provide another opportunity for Newcomers to help our Community during these trying times. The Board voted unanimously to adopt this new initiative to provide desks for students and families in need within the Estes Park School system.
Melissa and Walley report their 25th completed desk was delivered last week and a new batch is underway.
We think more children will request desks, for homework, and with these new COVID strains, school may close again before Teachers & Students & Families get vaccinated.
Here's how to get involved:If you would like to build desks, contact Wally/Melissa at 513.382.7727 or rmwwood@gmail.com. They will give you all the information you need to get started. Newcomers members would be responsible for the purchase of the supplies and construction of the desks on an individual basis. The Club will fund the initial cost of the supplies for the desks and if you wish will reimburse you for the materials, up to $30 per desk.
If you aren't able to build desks but would like to support this Community Outreach effort, we are reaching out to our Membership asking for donations to help fund this project. To make a donation, click here. Funds received in excess of those needed for this project will support future Community Outreach initiatives.
Thank you for your generosity in supporting the student desk project and future programs in which we can continue to support our Community.