Alesa and I are chairing a committee for the 'This Boat Rocks' dragon boat club to provide Christmas gifts for the 200 or so students at the Lake Hills School. It is a special needs school run by Lake county public school system in Howie-in-the-Hills. It is very much like the Barber Institute in Erie and has students ranging in age from 3 to 22. We met with the principal and much of the staff today to discuss how we could help and went on a short tour of the school. We will be taking our committee for a full tour over the next two weeks. Many of them have special needs education experience in their past jobs and are excited to help. We are also investigating other ways the group could help. The 'clown' club may even entertain during their Halloween party. The entire staff was very impressive with their passion and commitment to the students. We are excited to help and contribute to the outstanding work being done. I was fully prepared to feel sorry for the students but left excited and full of hope for the opportunities afforded these disadvantaged kids in this environment.