Sweating to Make a Difference!

JLCD members participated in a "Done in a Day" (DIAD) to help build a playground in the Lake Belleview Community in Clearwater, Florida. This playground will help children in a disadvantaged community learn social skills, build self-esteem and get some exercise. The playground serves Belleair Elementary School, a Title 1 school which serves many foster children.

Marcy and Laura (Marcy's mother) Hawk, Michelle Anger, Christine Battista, Nola Johnson and Chloe Harriman came out to sweat (it was extremely hot) and perform several hours of manual labor! (If I missed you, thanks for coming and please let me know).

Councilmember Carlen Petersen was also there in her official capacity and dedicated the playground during the official ceremonies to Arturo Huerta-Cruz. Spc. Huerta-Cruz is Clearwater's fallen soldier who died serving his country in Iraq two months ago. The ceremonies were extremely emotional, and there was not a dry eye on site. His parents and other unit members were extremely thankful for the dedication in his honor, especially on Flag Day.

Thanks to everyone that participated in the first DIAD of the year. I hear Nola Johnson is working to get a formal "DIAD" application on our website. So, if you know any community organizations that would like our assistance and have projects or programs that benefit foster children, please direct them to the website~

As always, thanks again for spending your time helping to make our community a better place.