The Exchange Club is an energetic member of the Valley community with many members from Alamo. Exchange offers opportunities for residents to support a number of activities that promote citizenship, leadership and service.
The Exchange Club recently celebrated the dedication of new Freedom Shrines at Dougherty Valley High School and Diablo Vista Middle School. There are now 12 Freedom Shrines in the Valley, most of them prominently on display at area schools. Developed by the National Exchange Club, the Freedom Shrine project originated from the Freedom Train that toured the nation shortly after World War Two carrying an exhibit of historic documents. The purpose of the Freedom Shrine is twofold. It puts before young Americans proof that the freedom and greatness we enjoy today were not purchased easily and reminds them that these gifts must be cherished and protected. The Shrine consists of replicas of 30 historic documents which were carefully chosen to exemplify the beginnings of our nation and those subsequent turning points of importance which shaped our national character.
Exchange also promotes America’s history to our youth in other ways. We sponsor a Heritage Speaker’s Series each year which is combined with a scholarship essay competition. High school students attend a total of four presentations by local leaders over a period of few weeks. This year’s topic is “The Balance of Power: The Dynamic Tension between the Branches of Government.” Participants then submit an essay that demonstrates their understanding of how our government is affected by the balance of power. Freedom Shrine documents are referenced as part of the essay. The essays are evaluated and scholarships are awarded. 1st place receives a $1500 scholarship, 2nd place receives $1000 and 3rd place receives $500.
Each year, Exchange organizes a September 11 remembrance ceremony at Oak Hill Park. Last year, as part of this observance, students were encouraged to attend the ceremony and then submit an essay on the subject, “Tell Your Story – What if You Were There on 9-11?” Students were asked to imagine that they were news reporters on 9-11 and were covering the story. The response by our local students was immensely gratifying and a significant number of excellent essays were submitted.
Child abuse prevention is a commitment of the National Exchange Foundation and is an important project of the Exchange Club of the San Ramon Valley. On April 17, Exchange will sponsor a child abuse prevention effort in the local area. Exchange Club members will distribute information at several locations. Recognition of child abuse as well as parenting tips such as KidCode and Time-out Teddy will be available. Please visit our website at www.SRVexchangeclub.org for details and locations. Exchange Club meeting information is also available there.
Contact Steve Mick at steve@alamore.org.
Comments are the author’s and do not represent the opinion of the Alamo MAC.
Alamo Community Council
Meets at 5:00 p.m. the 2nd Thursday of the month at Hap Magee Ranch Park – Swain HouseAlamo-Danville Artists’ Society
Meets at 7:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month At Danville Congregational’s Social Hall, 989 San Ramon Valley Boulevard, Danville
Alamo Improvement Association Board of Directors Meeting
Meets at 7:00 p.m. the Thursday after the 2nd Wednesday of the month at Creekside Community ChurchAlamo Chamber of Commerce Monthly Social & Networking Mixers
are held the 4th Wednesday of every month, 5:30pm at various members locations. Visit www.alamochamberofcommerce.com for details!03/24, Wednesday, 5pm – 8pm: Alamo Chamber of Commerce presents “Business After Hours” Trade Show Mixer at the Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Round Hill Rd. Alamo. Exhibitor applications are available at the chamber website www.AlamoChamberofCommerce.com. Questions? Call Sharon Schuyler 510.499.4229.
Alamo Roads Advisory Committee
Meets at 3:30 p.m. the 2nd Thursday of the month at Hap Magee Ranch Park – Swain HouseAlamo Rotary
Meets Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m. Round Hill Golf and Country Club. For more information call (925) 820-6847.Alamo Women’s Club
Meets the 4th Wednesday of the month 1401 Danville Boulevard. For more information call Nancy P. Combs at (925) 351-6999.Delta Nu Psi Service Sorority
Sends donated goods to our military people. For more information: deltanupsi@comcast.netHap Magee Ranch Park Joint Planning and Operations Committee (JPOC)
Meets at 5:00 p.m. – Please visit www.alamore.org for date; Hap Magee Ranch Park – The Cottage