May 24, 2013
The Only Weekly Newspaper Exclusively for the Rancho Santa Margarita and Coto de Caza Area
The Coto de Caza News
Disabled “Theme Child” Introduced at CaliforniaHawaii Elks 98th Convention in Anaheim In Anaheim, officers and members of Elks Lodges of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (“BPOE”) throughout California and Hawaii were introduced to their new “Theme Child”. Andrew Bowring (photo attached) will represent California – Hawaii Elks Association’s (“CHEA”) Major Project program through May 2014. CHEA is best known for its state-wide children’s vision testing program and support of children with disabilities through its Major Project program, affectionately referred to as the “Purple Pig.” Elk members fill a purple piggy bank with “A coin a day so children can walk, talk, see and play.” Erin Bowring went into premature labor at twenty (20) weeks. She was given little hope of the baby’s survival. But, she carried to term and on December 11, 2010 Andrew arrived as a nine pound five ounce healthy baby. Father James and sister Macie welcomed the new addition to the family. After several months, Andrew’s grandmother noticed Andrew was behind in motor skill development, which was confirmed through
testing. In Tehama County, physical therapy services are very limited so the Bowring’s were referred to the CHEA Major Project program. Within two weeks, Denise Wilson an Elks physical therapist visited the Bowring home. She outlined a physical therapy program to strengthen Andrew’s muscles. With the Denise and Bowring administered physical therapy, Andrew was soon able to sit up, crawl and eventually stand. Andrew was then diagnosed with a mild form of cerebral palsy. After using a “reverse” walker for a few months, leg braces helped him stand and walk. Physical therapy continues. Erin said, “The Elks program has been phenomenal when it came to adjusting therapy to our family’s busy needs. Having the program there for us has made life so much easier and has made accepting Andrew’s diagnosis of cerebral palsy easier to handle. We really want to say thank you very much for helping our family so much. The program has positively influenced our lives and we truly want to say thank you.” In addition to the gifts given to An-
drew on the convention’s stage, he was granted his wish to visit Disneyland. At a recent Orange Coast District Elks gathering, it was learned of Andrew’s desire to visit Disneyland. An impromptu passing of the hat with donations from the ten Orange Coast District Elks Lodges netted over $1,000, more than enough for the entire Bowring family and care giver to visit Disneyland. Following the introduction of Andrew and his family, the president’s of 172 Elks Lodges proceeded to the convention stage announcing their yearly lodge donations to the Major Project program. The donations to the Major Project totaled $3.023 million.
Andrew Bowring.
Headquarters for the CHEA is in Fresno with headquarters for the BPOE in Chicago. The BPOE is a charitable organization with a 145 year history of giving, “Elks Care, Elks Share.”
Alex Koch of Dove Canyon Youth Begins Work on Eagle Scout Project Santa Ana Zoo Is Beneficiary
Alex Koch, Eagle Scout Candidate, has officially launched his fund raising efforts for his Eagle Scout project benefiting the Santa Ana Zoo. Alex is working to raise $6,000 to replace the goat enrichment structure at the Zoo in Santa Ana, CA. “A more durable and goat-friendly structure is needed by the Zoo,” explained Alex. “ It’s a very expensive undertaking. Any and all donations from the community would be appreciated. All funds raised will be given to and used by the Friends of the Santa Ana Zoo. The goat exhibit, located in the Crean Family Farm, is extremely popular with the children that visit the Zoo. I still love going there myself.” “I chose the Zoo for my project because I think it’s a great place for kids, plus I wanted to do something for the animals.” Tax deductible donation checks can be made out to: The Friends of the Santa Ana Zoo and mailed directly to: Alex Koch, 24 Flossmoor, Dove Canyon, CA 92679. Eagle Scout is the highest rank a scout can attain in the Boy Scouts of America. The Eagle Scout project provides the Scout with the opportunity to demonstrate his leadership of others while performing a project benefiting his community. Alex is currently the Senior Patrol leader of Troop 1618 in Rancho Santa Margarita. He’s a Page 8
charter member of the Troop originated at St. John’s Episcopal Church in RSM. Alex attended St. John’s School kindergarten through 8th grade and is now a sophomore at Santa Margarita Catholic High School in RSM. The Santa Ana Zoo, located at 1801 E. Chestnut Ave. Santa Ana, 92701, is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and is
The Coto de Caza News
dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and a better future for all living things. With more than 200 accredited members, the Association of Zoos & Aquariums is a leader in global wildlife conservation and a link to helping animals in their native habitats.