Richmond Roundup

High school teens serve in Mexico
Sixteen high school teens who participated in the YMCA of San Francisco's "Sun and Service" program returned home from Baja Mexico on Tuesday, July 26, after a successful trip serving the youth and families of San Quentin. The trip was run and organized by Kristin Flores of the Peninsula Family YMCA, Erin Reedy of the Stonestown YMCA, and Josh Leonard of the Richmond District YMCA.

The San Francisco teens participated in building and beautification projects, including painting, tree removal and park repair, and camp-oriented activities with local youth, including arts, crafts, sports and games. In addition, the group brought with them 20 bags of donated sports equipment, arts and craft supplies and building materials to distribute to the community.

The Sun and Service Program was a success due largely to the hard work, flexibility, dedication and attitude of the teens involved, according to Richmond District YMCA Executive Director Robert Sindelar. He said the program is a great vehicle for developing character, confidence and leadership skills.

Society gets grant to expand garden
The San Francisco Botanical Garden Society has been awarded a grant to expand its Children's Garden Program. The botanical society will receive a $121,686 grant to fund a two-year project beginning in September 2005.

The grant, awarded by the Federal Institute of Museum Library Services, is the largest federal grant for museums in the country. The grant program is designed to help institutions sustain the world's cultural heritage and serve as centers of community engagement.

"We're honored," said Executive Acting Director Mary Chute. "This will allow us to take a huge step forward in our ability to support students in the public schools who are often removed from the natural world."

The grant will enable the SF Botanical Garden Society to further support and expand programs year round.

New name for Presidio college
Presidio World College has changed its name to the Presidio School of Management to better reflect the aims and goals of the university. The school offers a two-year program for a masters degree in sustainable management.

Responding to the needs of its students, the school says it has updated its services and now offers a newly-designed Web site (www.presidioMBA.org) with extensive information about the Presidio community.