COMMUNITY & CLUBS:

The American Legion Post 291, 215 E. 15th St., Newport Beach, along with the Orange County Exploring Council, will host a barbecue from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 24 for community members interested in learning more about career Exploring Posts.

Fifty years ago, the Exploring Program started in Orange County as William H. Spurgeon III’s vision to inform students of careers that then became a nationwide program. Examples of Explorer posts include law enforcement, fire, medical, CSI, animal care, hospitality and business, and several posts will have displays and explorers in attendance to answer questions. Today, the largest supplier of new police and fire department recruits are those who have been in exploring posts, according to Exploring Director Lane Calvert.

Business leaders are invited to find out how they can have a work force development post at their business, while students can learn about the 190 plus posts in Orange County as well as the requirement for joining one, according to Al Rasch, Council Exploring Chair.

The cost of the barbecue is $25 per person and funds raised will support efforts to continue to provide quality programs for high school and college youth preparing for careers. For more information and reservations, contact Calvert at (714) 546-8558.

EXCHANGE CELEBRATES YOUTH OF THE YEAR

With the leadership of member Jerry Nininger, the Exchange Club of Newport Harbor celebrated successful high school students in Costa Mesa and Newport Beach at a recent meeting presenting them with the Youth of the Year Award.

Newport Harbor High School students recognized were Rebecca Brown and Peter Jackson; Corona del Mar students Susan Moheimani and Colton Dillion; Costa Mesa students Ann Vu and Nhu Truong and Estancia students Kelsey Hinson and Oscar Lara. Each student received a plaque acknowledging the honor from club president Bob Jessen. Molly Warmsley, counselor from Estancia High School spoke on behalf of fellow counselors Lindsey Flynn of CdM and Michelle Gonzales of Costa Mesa and thanked the students for their outstanding work and the Exchange Club for recognizing and encouraging the students.

WORTH REPEATING

Thought for the Day as provided by Greg Kelley of the Newport Mesa Irvine Interfaith Council… “Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I may not forget you.”

COMMUNITY & CLUBS is published Saturdays. Send your service club’s meeting information by fax to (714) 921-8655 or by e-mail to jdeboom@aol.com.