Chelsea Kiwanis Club cancels all meetings until further notice March 19, 2020 The Chelsea Kiwanis Club has cancelled all meetings until further notice. They remind folks to check these two sites for COVID-19 updates. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html; https://www.washtenaw.org/3095/COVID-19 Stay healthy and safe.

On February 24, 2020 we heard from Darlene Regis, President of the Chelsea Athletic Boosters. The organization is a 501-C3, formed in 1976, and is comprised of parents of the students in Chelsea. Their goal is to offer support to the 20 school funded sports teams in both middle and high school, enhancing team spirit and pride. The support also takes the form of purchasing uniforms and equipment for the teams when school funding has reached its limit. Coaches can submit a wish list the Boosters can consider. Boosters also pay the referees for middle school games. Some of the equipment the Boosters have supplied includes a pitching machine for the baseball teams, netting to keep soccer balls from travelling too far out of play, and a shooting machine for basketball teams. To earn funds to provide this support, Boosters work the concession stands and sell 50/50 tickets at games, staff the entrances at the Chelsea Community Fair, (which earned them $9000 this year), work on a scrap metal drive, and put on a golf outing each year. In addition, the Boosters recognize teams in December each year at a special celebration for division winners. This year there were 13 of the 20 teams that won their division. They also sponsor a coaches retreat each year, and award a boy and a girl each with a $1000 scholarship. A discussion of pay to play followed. Chelsea does not require students to pay to play sports like many districts do in the area. It was mentioned that not having pay to play results in students being more likely to try many sports during the school year. Before the Boosters began in 1976 it was noted, students could work the concession stands to earn points that when redeemed would offset costs of their senior trip. On Monday, March 9, we will welcome Rick Catherman, Director of Bands, Chelsea School District.

On February 17, 2020 we celebrated Valentine's day with our spouses away from our usual meeting 
location. Kiwanians shared stories about the first time meeting their spouse and a song 
that has a special meaning to them.

We also took the opportunity to recognize our member Brian Kidston for his 50 year 
service to the community as a Kiwanian. He began his Kiwanis service in Plymouth, 
Michigan in 1969. Kiwanis bestows the Legion of Honor to members achieving milestones 
like Brian's. For the last few years, Chelsea has been his home. We congratulate him for 
his dedication. 

Next Monday we will hear from Darlene Regis, Vice President of the Chelsea Athletic 
Boosters. She will update us on their activities.  We have supported the Boosters for 
many years in their efforts to enhance student's athletic experiences. They have used our 
food concession trailer at home football games as a fundraiser.  

On January 6, 2020 we heard from Tegan Johnson and Dixie Flavin from Dawn Farm. Dawn Farm is one 
of two treatment programs in Washtenaw county for those suffering from addiction to 
substances like alcohol and drugs. It is an actual farm on 65 acres with animals and 
therapists on site.

Dawn Farm offers a comprehensive program designed for each person. It may include a 
detoxification stay at a separate location, a stay on the farm for 90 days, and help to 
get back into society. The follow up to staying at the farm can include help with a job 
and transitional housing for up to 2 years to offer continued structure. 

Dawn Farm especially works to remove barriers between addicts and the community. Staff 
work to build community partnerships to offer jobs to those in treatment. Restaurants in 
town, for example, can allow someone to get back on their feet after being out of the 
labor force for a time by offering employment. 

Many past clients volunteer to come back to work with addicts to support their recovery. 
They can relate and counsel especially to new clients.

Dawn Farm receives funding from the state, from the courts, and from donations. Usually 
the only reason someone is unable to use Dawn Farm's services is because of a medical 
issue, as it is not a hospital.

About half the clients suffer from alcohol addiction,  about a third from opiate 
addiction,  and the rest from a combination of drugs.

We presented our annual donation to this worthy organization. 

Next Monday we will hear from Lon Cooke and Stewart Elliot from the Right Home Company. 
Beginning in 2017, the company designs Classic Arts & Crafts, Prairie-style, and 
 Bungalow house plans. The ready to assemble house kits are right sized and energy 
efficient.

On January 13, 2020 we heard from Lon Cooke and Stewart Elliot from the Right Home Company. The 
two men created the company, headquartered here in Chelsea,  after they retired from 
decades in the home building/construction industry.

They recognized a need for affordable homes in the area. They reported that almost 50% of 
the population can't afford an entry level house. With the average selling price of a 
home in Chelsea over $300,000, a starter home would sell for about $70,000, but there is 
nothing near that price in the area. 

That absence of houses in the price range for lower and middle income families was the 
driving force behind the company's formation. The company will concentrate on filling the 
need for the middle income range.

They will build smaller homes that are very energy efficient. They will create designs to 
the customer's wishes. They will provide project managers to see the project to 
completion. They have dedicated suppliers,  and have vetted builders. Customers may use 
any or all of their services.

They are especially interested in building auxiliary dwelling units where acreage 
permits.
They are designed as private spaces, yet still close, for family members to join 
together.

They use pre-cast foundations that can be installed in one day. They use pre-assembled 
floors and interior partitions. Structured insulated panels are made in a climate 
controlled factory, making everything fit together perfectly.  Walls with a rating of R50 
keep the house warm in winter and cool in summer. Ready to assemble cabinets are 
featured.

Price per square foot could range from $160 to $200, depending on location and extra 
features wanted.

Current projects are located in Washtenaw county, Pinckney, and Ogemaw.

Next Monday we will hear from Eric McCalla, President of the Chelsea Community Fair 
Board. He will update us on the latest goings on for 2020. This year's fair runs August 
25-29.

On January 20, 2020 we heard from Eric McCalla, President of the Chelsea Community Fair Board.  
He reported that 2019 was a record year. Wednesday was the best day, helped by the rain 
on Tuesday.

Washtenaw county is the only county in Michigan to have 4 fairs. Of the Saline Fair, the 
Manchester Fair, and the 4H fair at the Washtenaw Farm Council grounds, Chelsea's is by 
far the most successful.

At the Michigan Association for Fairs and Exhibitions convention held in Grand Rapids, 
two Chelsea Community Fair Board members, Jeff Layher and Richard Bollinger were 
recognized for their long service volunteering at the fair. Between them over 100 years 
of service.

McCalla has seen many improvements during the 15 years he has been on the board. There is 
so much going on that events like the horse show and antique tractor pulls are now held 
on the days before the fair begins.  The fairgrounds are in use about 20 weeks during the 
year. All the barns are now full for winter storage.

Possible improvements for the future include asphalt surfaces to ease traveling around 
the grounds, and remodeling barns to become a convention center. 

We presented Eric with our donation in memory of long time Fair Board member and Kiwanian 
Walt Zeeb.

Next Monday we will hear from Sheri Montoye, the new director of Faith in Action.

Sheri Montoye, the new director of Faith in Action joined us on January 27, 2020 to update the 
club on the latest developments at the organization. 

Faith in Action helped about 300 families last year with food, clothing, durable medical 
equipment, and assistance with paying utility bills. 

Social workers work with individuals to find solutions and meet their needs. Often, 
people are ashamed or embarrassed to ask for help, especially men. Faith in Action is 
skilled in engaging reluctant folks to discover ways their particular situation can be 
improved. 

27 people used the shower and washing machine last year that were donated by the 
hospital. 

Scholarships were provided to 75 kids for a week at the summer camp of their choice.

Shari discussed the successful relationship Faith in Action has had with Avalon Housing. 
17 affordable apartments have been leased in Chelsea and progress continues in Dexter for 
housing there. 

She and Avalon are working to answer questions from residents of Dexter concerned about 
the location next to school buildings. It was noted that affordable housing existed near 
the school buildings for many years in the past with no issues. In addition, tenants of 
the future housing are vetted and required to adhere to strict rules and regulations.

Faith in Action is well used in the community,  often seeing 100 people per day. It is a 
nimble resource for those in need, responding quickly to help with power shutoffs, or a 
food crisis.

We continue to support Faith in Action as we have since its founding in 1980 by Rev. 
Jerry Beaumont. Jerry was also a member of our club.

Next Monday we will hear from Jessica Federico from the Chelsea Parent Teacher 
Organization. We commend their efforts to advance student's education, filling the gaps 
left from reduced state funding.

On February 3, 2020 we heard from the Chelsea Parent Teacher Organization. Three officers attended their presentation, President Jessica Federico, Vice President Kim Gutierrez De Pineres, and Co-Teasurer Emily Burr. Jessica was an auto engineer before moving to Chelsea and starting her family. Her two boys are now in school, and she’s been with the PTO for two years. She told us the PTO is an organization behind the scenes designed to help children get the most out of their education. She would like to become more well known in the community, though. They have 9 events during the year for students, their families, teachers, and other school staff. A big fundraiser is the Bulldog Jog, bringing in between $12,000 and $19,000. Kids collect pledges, then have fun running around the track with their classmates. This event is the only time parents are asked for monetary support during the schoolyear. Coming up this month on the 12th, Para Professional Appreciation Day, and on the 28th, Geography Night. It’s a great educational family event held at WSEC with tons of hands-on learning. The largest family event is the Ice Cream Social held on June 5. Carnival style games, bounce house/obstacle courses, live bands, the Kiwanis food truck, and of course ice cream are featured. We are happy to donate all the day’s profits to the PTO. Another fundraiser that has been successful is collecting box tops from packaged foods. Last year they redeemed $4000 worth. Our club turned over some box tops we have beem collecting for the PTO. This year the process has changed. Now there is a compuer application which will automatically send box top redemption cash to the school of your choice. For more information, email [email protected] Facebook – Chelsea Elementary PTO Website – https://sites.google.com/a/chelsea.k12.mi.us/chelsea-pto/ We were also happy to see members of our Kiwanis family on Monday night. The officers of St. Louis Center Aktion Club and their advisor, Rick Viser, presented us with the proceeds of their annual Christmas card sales. Members of the club design the cards and sell them at churches in the area. This year’s donation to our club was $1000. Another Kiwanis family club, Chelsea High School Key Club is busy this month. Members are participating in the Polar Plunge event at University of Michigan stadium on February 21. This is one of 30 plunges statewide to support Special Olympics of Michigan. Nearly 23,000 intellectually disadvantaged students benefit with year round sports training and athletic competition. Brave Key Club jumpers invite everyone to join in the event, plunging or cheering. Post plunge party follows immediately after last plunger. More information at Polar Plunge Michigan 2020. Key Club members join with students in Chelsea High School’s Independence Hall in activities like bowling, basketball, and a movie night during the school year.

Some of the groups we support:

*Preschool scholarships for families in the Chelsea School District

*Chelsea Parent Teacher Organization for their programs

*Chelsea District Library’s Summer Reading Program

*Chelsea Boy and Girl Scouts for their character building activities

*Chelsea Athletic and Band Boosters

*Annual Gettysburg Field Trip

*American Legion’s Boys State and Girls State attendee’s tuition

*Chelsea High School’s Principal’s fund for student needs