Foothills Sentry August 2020

Foothills Sentry Page 6 August 2020 “Back in school! Back in sports!" was the rallying cry of close to 200 parents, students – and teachers -- who held a peace- ful protest outside Foothill High School, July 18. Reopen California Schools and Sports is a grassroots organiza- tion recently formed by parents and supporters protesting the continued shutdown of schools and questioning the value of vir- tual learning. The protest came on the heels of Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement that schools will continue to be shut- tered in the fall. Parents push for schools and sports to return Early arrivals encountered a slight roadblock, as they were surprised to find the school park- ing lot had been blocked off over- night. Undeterred, the group took its colorful homemade signs to the sidewalks along Newport, flash- ing them as cars honked and waved in support. Kathy Copeland, one of the founders of the Reopen protest group, said that they question the authority of the governor to man- date such a decision. “The test is,” she said, “is it reasonable to close schools?” Orange Elks support veterans By Bill Neessen The Orange Elks are active in supporting veterans, from serv- ing meals to bingo games to mo- torcycle runs. But because of the coronavirus, Elks activities have been limited. The Lodge Veterans Committee, however, arranged two $1,000 donations to continue its support. One donation went to Dogs on Deployment. Its mission is to pro- vide pet care assistance to service members when they are away. When the military pet owner is deployed, Dogs on Deploy- ment will help them with free pet boarding and/or financial grants. Patriots and Paws also received a grant. The organization helps lo- cal heroes with critical household items, so they are not sleeping on floors, going without blankets, kitchen or bathroom supplies or occupying an empty apartment. Left to right, Elks Exalted Ruler Danny Salas; Founder/Chairman/ CEO of Patriots and Paws Penny Lambright; and Elks Stephanie Fitz- patrick and Don Westerfield celebrated the donation to assist local ser- vicemen and women. Left to right, Kiwanis members Mike Clements, Debbie Booth, Patti van Voorst, Frank Tucker, Shannon Tucker, awardees Melissa Ramos and Kaylee Jansema, Mayor pro tem Mike Alvarez, April Alvarez, Greg Lewin and Jim Lentz. Kiwanis Club of Orange Com- munity Foundation presented the winners of the 2020 Dale Watt Memorial Fund Scholarships in the Orange Plaza, June 8. Kay- lee Jansema and Melissa Ramos, both Villa Park High gradu- ates and residents of Orange, were presented with certificates, scholarship checks and flowers by Kiwanis member and City of Orange Mayor pro tem Mike Al- varez. Kiwanis of Orange awards scholarships Each year, the Foundation’s Schools Committee seeks to rec- ognize outstanding high school and college students who dem- onstrate Kiwanis’ core value of service to the community. All scholarship winners must have a proven history of volunteering and leading by example through- out their high school and college years. Jansema and Ramos are not only National Honor Society members, but also volunteered their time, giving back to the lo- cal community. Additionally, Kiwanis awarded an equally outstanding Chapman University student and Circle K President, Jessica Gibbons, for her leadership and volunteer ef- forts. The Foundation gave a total of $5,000 in scholarships to assist these students as they continue their educational journey.