Dear editor:

I wish to express to you [adviser Greg Stobbe] and the editors how grateful the Madera Historical Firefighters Society is for the help and support for our 5th Annual Heritage Day in the park.

The Madera Historical Firefighters began Heritage Day in the park five years ago, with the intent to give the community a family-fun day. It was decided that the main attraction would be water events, such as a fire muster for the adults, and a mini fire muster for the kids.

The events include a motorized water pumping game, Target Ball, and a Bucket Brigade. The kids events are Bucket Brigade, hand pumping of water, a jump house, giant slid and face painting. With an agenda that large help would be needed.

October 2009, the Fresno Christian sophomore class came to our rescue: seven students volunteered to come out and work with the kids. They were given minimal instructions and authorization to make any changes deemed necessary to make this a fun day for the kids.

Fresno Christian gave these kids a great day, above and beyond our expectations. They took charge of the events and organized among themselves as to which event they would do. They made changes when necessary to keep the level of interest high. As I observed the activities throughout the day I was overwhelmed by compliments that I received from parents and staff about the courtesy and professional conduct of Fresno Christian.

The following week a critique meeting was held to identify the things that worked well and those that were weak or failed. The first response was, can we get Fresno Christian to come back next year?

On October 9th, 2010, eight students from The Feather staff volunteered to help with Heritage Day. This year more events were added, and the attendance was much larger, therefore increasing the activity level for them. The Feather staff demonstrated their ability to take charge and meet the challenges of the increased crowd attendance.

Some of the new equipment failed, but they worked around it and kept the fun going for the kids. The Madera Parks and Rec. Director was extremely pleased by the performance of The Feather staff, lots of happy faces and smiles through out the day.

Mr. Stobbe, you must be very proud of these students. They are excellent ambassadors for Fresno Christian and The Feather, and they have made their presence well-known and respected in Madera. I am optimistic that this could lead to new students attending Fresno Christian in the future.

Looking forward to working with The Feather staff next year.

Respectfully,
Jack Reeves, President
Madera Historical Firefighters Society

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