The 2012 Wrangell birthday calendar is completed. It has been mailed. Printing takes approximately 30 days. They should be available for distribution the end of April or the beginning of May 2012. Because of the setback, the calendar year will begin May 1st, 2012 and run thru May 31st, 2013.
I apologize for impeding the completion and I take full responsibility. No excuses, I will just say that I had a lot going on and was unable to complete everything on schedule. Please accept my sincere heartfelt apology.
I would like to “explain” what I know about the calendar. If I have made a mistake, I am confident that a more knowledgeable citizen will correct the error and I welcome the information.
The main objective of the calendar is to reward 3 fortunate students a $500 scholarship for four years. There are 3 students chosen per year for the “Wrangell Emblem Club Birthday Calendar Scholarship” Any graduating student is encouraged to apply. The other objective is to provide the Sentinel and KSTK an accurate list for announcements.
The way I understand it, the Wrangell Civic Club originated the project as a not for profit entity back in the 1950’s. When that organization disbanded the Wrangell Emblem Club, also a non-profit organization, took over the tedious process and for many years Noel and Helen Smith and took the lead to ensure the calendar was completed. It worked great because Millie’s Store was a convenient location for changes, deletions, additions, distribution, etc.
After Aunt Noel got sick, my mother, Judy Bakeberg, worked on it for many years and then it was taken over by other Emblem members such as Gail Rilatos and Twyla Nore. I’m sorry if I have missed anyone. I wholeheartedly applaud the foot soldiers who have assisted in the task.
In 2008 the School District was asked to take over the job. The school declined saying they did not have the manpower, however they did submit several photos.
In 2010 there was no calendar due to no willing volunteers.
In 2011 Judy once again picked up the task and we did have a calendar last year and though completed on time it was not easily accessible.
I volunteered my time this year as I believe it is a worthy community project and I want to give back to the town who has treated me so well.
There was a table at the Midnight Madness event at the Elks in December. There was an ad posted on the scanner and I tried my best word of mouth to let everyone know I was working on it. I understand that many people feel it was not “advertised” well and I concur. However, I painstakingly called all the names and numbers I had on file and made many corrections. I now am “explaining” that many households were deleted. Often I did not have correct numbers. Either they were not in the phonebook, clearly cell phones have replaced many home numbers, or I was just unable to reach people. If messages were not returned or if I did make contact and checks were not sent as promised I took the authority to delete. In my opinion this will motivate people to get a hold of me next year.
Thank you for your patience and understanding, any assistance for next year is welcome.
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