James Vollbracht
COMMUNITY News:
Can a glass of lemonade change the world? I’m not sure, but it just might be possible and I believe Heather McClenahan, just might think so, too.
McClenahan is the executive director of the Los Alamos Historical Society. She is attempting to engage the community with, “Community Conversations.” Community Conversations is essentially a book conversation group of James Vollbracht’s, Stopping at Every Lemonade Stand, How to Create a Culture that Cares for Kids. The book was given to McClenahan as part of her Leadership Los Alamos class several years ago.
“The book had fun, practical tips that I try to use every day with kids in the community,” McClenahan said. “It was easy to read and yet offered a wealth of information.”
Vollbracht shares stories related to every age, job station and culture, related to building relationships and Assets with youth. McClenahan engaged local programs like the Historical Society, Assets In Action, JJAB, PEEC, The Family YMCA, Los Alamos Teen Center, Los Alamos County, UNM-LA, Los Alamos Public Schools and Los Alamos MainStreet in the cultural competency.
The Family YMCA is hosting registrations for the community conversations and selling books for just $10 each. Visit www.laymca.org, search keyword lemonade, visit the Y’s front desk at 1450 Iris St., or download as an e-book from various electronic book sources.
The book created a mission for McClenahan, as she was continually asked what can be done for the youth in the community.
“This book, which I had read five years ago, immediately came to mind. It offers a lot of points for discussion and, as the title says, many tips for creating a culture that cares for kids,” McClenahan said. “Anyone who sees teens … at Starbucks, at the grocery store, at church … can use the ideas in this book to have a positive impact on kids.”
The conversations are as follows:
The sponsoring organizations will host facilitated discussions:
- Jan. 27 noon-1 p.m. in Fuller Lodge and 7-8:30 p.m. at the White Rock Town Hall, Introduction and Chapters 1 and 2
- Feb. 3 noon-1 p.m. in Fuller Lodge and 7-8:30 p.m. in the White Rock Town Hall, Chapters 3-5
- Feb. 10 noon-1 p.m. in Fuller Lodge and 7-8:30 p.m. in the White Rock Town Hall, Chapters 6-8
- Week of Feb. 17 TBD conversations will culminate in a live Skype chat with the author.
Those unable to attend the weekly sessions are welcome to attend the Skype session, details coming soon.
To learn more, contact Assets In Action at 505.695.9139 or AssetsInAction@att.net.
