Kiwanis Club of the Helderbergs Bonnie Conklin Presentation
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Kiwanis hears about BKW Connections program, and plans to help
To The Editor:
At its meeting on Wednesday, March 7, the Helderberg Kiwanis heard from Bonnie Conklin, coordinator of the Berne-KnoxWesterlo Connections program.
The BKW Connections Program is a prevention program. Intervention is provided in order to prevent foster-care placement in years to come, if children's inappropriate behaviors were to continue without services.
The program is a joint effort between the Albany County Department of Children, Youth and Families; the Berne-KnoxWesterlo School District; and St. Catherine's Center for Children's Prevention Program.
The program supports students, their parents, and other children in their families, and the teachers of those students.
The program accommodates children in kindergarten through fifth grade. During the academic year, the program is held after school hours, and during the summer continues to operate for six weeks.
Mrs. Conklin pointed up the value of the program and also the financial difficulties she faces due to the economic problems the county has in funding the program in these difficult economic times. Members of Kiwanis had many questions about the program and the club will be considering ways it can
help both financially and in a hands-on way.
Helderberg Kiwanis supports programs to improve the quality of life in the Hilltowns. To support Kiwanis activities, the club offers many fund-raising projects such as the current bluebird- house sale, and the upcoming Kiwanis Maple Festival Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, March 25, at the Knox firehouse from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
If you are inclined to be active in our community, why not pay us a visit at one of our weekly meetings, 6 p.m. every Wednesday at the Highlands Restaurant on the Berne-Altamont Road, Route 156 West. We would be happy to welcome you!
Ray Lauenstein President-elect
Helderberg Kiwanis
Altamont Enterprise - Thursday, March 15, 2012
