lks news of all types can be found here. Whether it's a local event at the Westminster lodge or a national event, there are plenty of newsworthy items and links here
to satisfy your curiosity. And if there's something missing that should be here, please feel free to forward the information to the webmaster for future submission.
Please send as complete information as possible to help facilitate a quick posting.
Laradon Increases Security to Provide a Safe Haven for Students and Participants
After the shooting at Platte Canyon High School in Bailey, CO, Laradon assembled an urgent Executive Management Team meeting to discuss Laradon's security and safety plans. "Considering the school shootings this past fall in Colorado (Platte Canyon High School) and Pennsylvania, Laradon would be naïve to assume that something like that could not happen here," said Tim Hall, Executive Director.
A team of staff, board members and outside experts, including members of the Denver Police Department was assembled and headed by Annie Green, Laradon's Deputy Director, to develop a plan to strengthen Laradon's safety and security systems to protect the children and adults in our care.
Laradon now requires that all visitors enter through the main reception area, sign in and out, wear a visitor's badge and be escorted to areas within the campus. Additional lighting was also installed in strategic places around the campus. An access control (card swipe) system and a new phone system with alert capabilities were also installed. Laradon is in the process of remodeling the main reception area to limit access to the campus and deter potential "bad guys" from accessing the campus.
Laradon has enlisted the support of the Denver Police Department in helping with training, assessments of the established safety systems and running test scenarios to make sure that all staff is aware of what to do in case of an emergency situation, including an "active shooter."
Laradon received full support of this project from the Board of Directors and was jointly funded by Laradon's endowment foundation, specifically John Amen, Laradon Board President and Gunter Lippman, head of the Calabrese Foundation.
Laradon has taken responsibility for the safety of its "children." Doing everything it should to protect them. The world has become a frightening place. The recent mass murders at Virginia Tech simply confirm our perceptions that the world is a dangerous place for the unprepared. However, by taking appropriate measures, offering training and having strong systems - we can feel safe in sending our children to Laradon where they can focus on learning, overcoming their disabilities and becoming active members of their community.
Contributed 5/15/2007 by Debra Jaramillo, Laradon Hall Administrative Assistant
Colorado Elks Bowling Travel League Update
The 2006/2007 Colorado Front Range Elks Bowling Travel League wrapped up the season on March 25th. Arvada # 1 (AJ Beard, Bob Butts, Jim Nealon, Gene Schluter, Jay Schluter, Bill Stearns, Rick Swearingen) claimed the title of league champions. It was a battle to the end for top honors between Arvada and Northglenn, and the championship trophy will continue to reside at Arvada for another year! The league was comprised of twelve teams with members from lodges around the Colorado Front Range: Arvada, Denver, Englewood, Golden, Longmont, Northglenn, Brighton, Westminster, and Idaho Springs. This year, the league donated $900 to Elks National Foundation and $900 to Laradon Hall, the Colorado State Major Project.
This is a mixed handicap league (must be Elk members) aimed to foster cameraderie and friendship within the Colorado Elkdom. The league starts in September and bowls 1-2 per month on Sunday afternoons through March/April depending on scheduling. Format is five Elk-member teams. Each team hosts the league at the bowling center of their choice and then provides a meal afterward at their Lodge. This is a great Elks activity! Look for announcements on the 2007-2008 season in the summer - initial league meeting is scheduled for August 5th, 2pm, at the Golden Lodge.
Contributed 5/1/2007 by Tammy Dudley, Arvada Lodge Member
Further Donation From Colorado Elks Bowling Travel League
In January 2007, the 2006-2007 Colorado Elks Bowling Travel League contributed $900 to the Elks National Foundation. Participants are from various lodges in the Colorado Front Range, to include Arvada (#2278), Westminster (#2227), Englewood (#2122), Denver (#17), Longmont (#1055), Golden (#2740), Northglenn (#2438), and Brighton (#1586). At the beginning of the 2006-2007 season, the officers advised members of the financial surplus, and league members (made up of entirely of Elk members) voted unanimously to give $900 to the state major project, Laradon, and $900 to the Elks National Foundation.
Contributed 1/17/2007 by Tammy Dudley, Arvada Lodge Member
Colorado Elks Bowling Travel League donates to Laradon Hall
In December, the 2006-2007 Colorado Elks Bowling Travel League contributed $900 to the State Major Project, Laradon Hall Society for Exceptional Children and Adults. Participants are from various lodges in the Colorado Front Range, to include Arvada (#2278), Westminster (#2227), Englewood (#2122), Denver (#17), Longmont (#1055), Golden (#2740), Northglenn (#2438), and Brighton (#1586). At the beginning of the 2006-2007 season, the officers advised members of the financial surplus, and league members (made up of entirely of Elk members) voted unanimously to give $900 to Laradon.
Laradon was adopted as the Colorado Elks Major Project in 1950. Laradon is one of Elkdom's oldest continuous Major Projects and enjoys local, state, and national recognition within the Elks community. As the State Major Project, Laradon is an extension of the Colorado Elks. The miracle of Laradon is a living symbol of the values and principles of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Laradon is a nonprofit organization providing quality program and services to children and adults with developmental disabilities. Laradon serves an average of 400 people each year. In order to carry out our mission of providing an infant and toddler program for children who have disabilities or are at-risk for delays; a school for children; a basic skills program for those with more severe disabilities; a training and employment program for adults; a community integrated residential program for adults; and a recreation program for senior citizens, Laradon is dependent on the generous support of the community. (www.laradon.org)
