Service Learning Story of Engagement: Milk River, Inc.

     To describe the service learning site I had the privilege to volunteer in, the first thoughts that came to mind are; care, love, and positivity.  I did volunteer at the Milk River Activity Center, spring 2014.  I was excited to be back, and I was amazed at the many changes at the facility.  Two of the changes are a new executive director that oversees the facility, and a new regional coordinator. In the few months from March to October, there are new trainers to work with individuals at the center, and the new annex that was still a picture on the wall last March is now awaiting final touches with grand opening expected soon.

     To review the agency, Milk River, Inc. was started in 1976 after inadequate services were noted to be available for developmentally disabled adults in a rural area of Northeastern Montana, specifically Valley County.  The agency started by assisting seven people and has grown to working with twenty-eight individuals (M. Wethern, personal communication, November 3, 2014).  Milk River, Inc., is one of the largest employers in the county, with sixty employees working either full time, part time, or as relief workers.  The agency includes an activity center, a new annex building, and three group homes.  Milk River, Inc., is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 which provides employment, life skills training, activities, and residential facilities (as mentioned above) to the underserved, vulnerable population of developmentally disabled people in the county.  Milk River currently has a seven member board of directors that meets monthly.  The current executive director is Marc Wethern, who has graciously agreed to allow me to volunteer at the various facilities for my service learning volunteer opportunity.  The mission of the facility is both uplifting and inspiring, and one every facility that works with developmentally disabled adults should either have or consider:

Our mission is to encourage and advocate for the wishes, dreams and aspirations of persons with developmental disabilities and achieve this in the least restrictive, most appropriate environment (Milk River, Inc., 2012). 

   Group Homes and Activity Center

     As mentioned above, Milk River, Inc. began with seven individuals, and has grown to assisting twenty-eight developmentally disabled adults.  Twenty-one of these individuals live in one of the three separate Milk River residential group home facilities.  The group homes support the client’s life in the community by providing them with a family home, socialization, and guidance. A Life Skills program is in place at the homes, and focuses on nutrition related to wellness, which includes; (a) preparation, (b) cooking, and (c) healthy meal plan choices.  Daily routines are instilled in each facility to best meet each persons need in whichever group home they live in, which includes; check writing, budgeting, household skills, work habits, computer skills, socialization skills, caring for little pets, and daily living skills. 

     The three housing programs include the Warren Group Home, the Mitchell Group Home, and the Transitional Living Complex (Milk River, Inc., 2012).  Eight individuals live in the Warren Group Home which is the standard group home.  The residents of this group home have their own room and share the rest of the rooms in the house with the other people that reside there. Direct care staff is on duty at all times the individuals are at the home.  The Mitchell Group Home was built in 1993, and is an intensive care group home (Milk River, Inc., 2012).  Six people live in this facility, also having their own room and sharing all other rooms in the house with other residents living there. Direct care staff are on duty 24 hours a day, with the morning shift accompanying the individuals to the Activity Center.  The last home, the Transitional Living Complex (TLC) was built in 1984 (Milk River, Inc., 2012).  TLC has eight apartments, two being double capacity, with 8 individuals living there.  A manager lives on site and is on duty during the early morning and evening hours, with staff that work weekends and sleep in the remaining apartment.  For further safety, the TLC staff are on call Monday through Friday during the night for resident’s needs. I was told specifically the support staff in each home facility provide a framework within which residents use their specific abilities to learn and choose healthy behaviors for work and daily living.  Those developmentally disabled adults who do not live in one of the three group homes run by Milk River, Inc., either live in their own apartment or live with their parents and only attend the activity center during the day to work (Milk River, Inc. 2012). 

     I had been invited by one female resident to come visit her home and see her new hermit crabs; Tiny, Oliver, and Biggie.  I was told by trainers the best day and time to visit the Transitional Living Complex (TLC).  I arrived at 7:00 pm on a Wednesday. The evening I visited TLC, the individuals had just eaten pizza they had made with a trainer. When I arrived I was given a tour of the facility where the residents live, as well as I met the three hermit crabs.  I had asked who was going to do dishes for the evening, and I was told by the trainer present that all residents that live at TLC have shared responsibilities to keep the house in order.  One gentleman, who I recognized from the activity center, raised his hand, smiled, and said he got to do the dishes for the night! 

Funding Sources and Support

     If you viewed the blog related to Milk River, Inc. last spring, you may remember this facility is involved in many endeavors in Valley County. The Activity Center is located in the southeastern corner of the city of Glasgow, Montana.  The center is where individuals come Monday through Friday to learn to be productive citizens of the county.  Residents that attend the activity center are involved in; (a) recycling activities, (b) laundry services, (c) shredding, (d) ironing, (e) and seasonal endeavors which include a community garden.  Clients are also seen out in the local and surrounding communities, riding on a float in the homecoming parade, attending the Fort Peck Theatre, and purchasing groceries in the local stores. 

     The recycling opportunity for Milk River began in 1976 with the inception of the agency.  This aspect of the Activity Center continues and has evolved since the start where now the center receives, sorts, weighs, bags, stores and sells the aluminum they obtain.  Milk River also collects and recycles newspapers.  Other projects include furniture refinishing, coupon cutting, flowers and American flags for Memorial Day celebrations and cemeteries, cutting and selling rags, selling clothing buttons, assembling and selling pens and stuffing business envelopes (Milk River, Inc., 2012). 

     An educational endeavor the center is involved with is the community garden mentioned last spring, with a late harvest this fall due to a cold spring.  This specific learning and philanthropic endeavor began in the spring of 2012.  The project began with a seed grant obtained from the Montana State University (MSU) Extension office, specifically the Master Gardeners Extension Program (Montana State University Extension, 2014).  The Rural Health Initiative Incubator grant, and a grant from the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, as well as help from Scott's Miracle Gro also assisted with funding the project (Milk River, Inc., 2012).  Milk River participants planted, tended, watched grow, and harvested the garden which was located outside the actual activity center.  The produce from the garden is used for educational purposes at the center, in classes teaching garden-to-table meal preparation, as well as basic cooking skills for individuals at the center.  Community support is also included by residents through sharing some of the produce grown with the local Senior Citizens Center, Food Bank, and Women's Resource Center.

                                         Calling to Volunteer

     As discussed in a previous blog, I have lived in this little rural community my entire life.  The center began in 1976, when I was a freshman in our local public high school, which did include a developmentally disabled female in our class.  I felt a need or passion to help her, by including her in events, activities, or just sitting at the table together when we ate.  I remember volunteering at the activity center whenever there was an opportunity to do so, through my local 4-H club, Key Club, or whatever organization I was involved with at the time.  I remember feeling blessed to have the opportunity to enter the facility, and felt I received more from my volunteer service than those I was involved with.  What is interesting, these same feelings have surfaced all these years later as a grown adult volunteering in pursuit of continued help to others.  Remarkably, I still feel I am privileged to be at the center, and even more honored to get to know these special developmentally disabled adults.   

                                            Volunteer Service

     The service learning experience I had been asked to be involved with last spring was assisting with the community garden project.  The area of the country we live in had a harsh winter, as did most of the nation, and the ground was still frozen during my time at the center. I worked with individuals with their laundry services job and wherever else I was needed. 

     This service opportunity had me helping prepare the facility for Halloween, as well as laundry services, cooking, and feeding those who needed help.  Holiday parties throughout the year are rotated to other developmentally disabled adult facilities throughout Northeastern Montana for socialization, this year the annual Halloween social was to be held at the local activity center.  Also exciting is the new annex attached to the facility off the south side of the building.  Movement into the new facility is expected in November, 2014, and includes; (a) a community kitchen, (b) quiet room, (c) activity and craft room, (d) dance floor, and (e) ramp leading to the existing building.  

                                                   Special Time at Center

     The days spent at the activity center started at 0745, with the local transit bus bringing individuals to the center from little surrounding communities to work for the day.  When individuals arrived they immediately washed their hands and started preparing for the day; wiping down baskets to prepare for clean laundry, turning lights on, and visiting with each other. I was allowed to assist with each step of this process, being instructed by the residents, who also gave hugs, and smiled nonstop.  There were four trainers who assisted with the residents off and on throughout the day in various activities, with other trainers taking people to appointments, and other various activities outside the facility as planned during the day.  At 0830 the first laundry run occurred, with two individuals assisting the trainer to go to the local hospital and get the load.  Those people who did not go on the laundry run were encouraged to participate in the activity for the day which was coloring and crafts to decorate for the upcoming Halloween party on 10/30/14.  When the laundry arrived, weighing and sorting began, with those individuals doing this job wearing gloves.  After the sorting, washing began with three commercial laundry machines.  One individual was assigned to help with a trainer for this task. Throughout the day, shredding was done, snacks were given at 10:00 and 14:00.  Lunch was made by the trainers, with individuals stopping their work and all partaking in lunch and socialization.  When the tasks were completed for the day, all floors were swept and mopped, garbage was dumped, and the entire facility work area was organized for the next day.  At 15:30 the transit bus starting taking individuals to their various homes.  

                                                  Needs Met and Reflection

     The underserved developmentally disabled people in this arena are having their needs met.  Personal communication obtained from staff and the new executive director, as well as review of living conditions and longevity in the group homes, as well as visiting one of the group homes has substantiated this information.  The local community has rallied around the clients at the center by raising money to build a new modern facility that will encourage and allow other members of the local and surrounding communities to become involved with the developmentally disabled adults by coming to where they work with their own projects and activities.  New educational opportunities will be provided to the individuals at the center, while those participating will also be blessed by exposure to this environment and helping those in it.  Residents are seen as productive, and engaged in the little local community.  Community activities as discussed; recycling, laundry services, shredding, and the community garden are important and necessary not only to the individuals who provide the services but for those of us who benefit from these services. 

                                                        Conclusion

     Much remains to be done with and for this underserved, vulnerable population. The executive director has invited me to come to the center at any time to participate again. I feel very fortunate to have been allowed to learn, visit, and get to know this special group of adults.  I have visited with the executive director that when I am done with my DNP schooling, I would be honored to be a member of their board of directors, which is a task I will pursue next year.  As far as other means to assist and engage this underserved population in such a rural area of the country, educational opportunities, state funded programs, and continued involvement in the community events must continue in the future.    

                                                            References

Milk River, Inc. (2012).  Who we are.  Retrieved from http://milkriverinc.com/home

Montana State University Extension (2014).  A brief history of the master gardener program.   Retrieved from http://mtmastergardener.org/

                                          Fall 2014 and a new semester!

This semester I will be volunteering at a center for developmentally disabled adults in Northeastern Montana. There is a new director at the center, a new attached building, and other exciting things I am privileged to be a part of! I am excited to participate at the center. 

1.         The volunteer project:

I will be working with developmentally disabled individuals in a variety of duties; laundry services, activities, learning about the organization, and any other area the executive director feels is needed.  The end of summer brings the “Master Gardeners” responsibilities, which I will assist with.  

2.         Who are the recipients of this service?

 Developmentally disabled adults.                                              

3.          Learning objectives.

a. Describe and review if there are any new or changed learning skills staff has implemented to prepare residents for paid employment.

b. Identify and review if there have been any different and/or new vocational skills taught at the activity center put into place to make independent life financially possible for residents.

c. I will investigate and define what is needed to assist residents at the activity center that is not currently present. 

d. I will recognize and review community resources and/or sponsors the activity center has in place that assists with their operation, and if there are any new partners.

e. I will explore and then arrange at least one new resource/sponsor/partner, from the community to assist with the activity center; specifically related to the new addition being worked on. 

                         Final Service Learning Blog

     This service learning blog will discuss the culmination of a volunteer service learning opportunity.  The “Deal Model” format will be used to; (a) describe the experience objectively, (b) examine the experience (personal growth, civic engagement, and academic enhancement), and (c) show how the project has articulated my learning as well as others (Ash & Clayton, 2004).  

    Overview

     The overview or “big picture” was one of assisting to spearhead, organize, and accomplish a project to raise money for a worthy organization in a little rural community.  Specifically the Northeastern Montana Pet Rescue (NMPR) was the organization assisted.  Throughout the semester work has been done to put together a service event to raise money for the NMPR.  The NMPR is the only pet rescue of its kind in Northeastern Montana (C. Ramsbacher, personal communication, July 19, 2014).  The organization was started by one person, has grown over the past few years, and is desperately in need of financial help.  The NMPR is a non-profit, no kill organization that is dedicated to the care, rehabilitation, and adoption of abandoned domestic and feral animals brought into the facility by people in and around the community. Since the NMPR is non-profit, it receives no State or Federal funding and relies solely on donations to cover the costs involved with the care of the animals at the facility.  Most of NMPR’s animals are obtained by being dropped off at the facility after found wandering in the community and surrounding areas.  The NMPR organizes medical care, including vaccines and free spay and neuter services, places animals in safe and secure adoptive homes, and has a small pet food bank for animals in need.  All animals at NMPR are checked by a vet, vaccinated (age appropriate), and tested, treated for fleas and spayed/neutered if old enough.  C. Ramsbacher (CEO) reports since the inception of NMPR all animals brought to the facility have been safely placed in homes (personal communication, July 19, 2014).

     This volunteer service was chosen as the DNP project I am working on relates to animals and how they can positively enhance the quality of life for elders in a nursing home.  To successfully put into place the DNP project it is important to learn about animals related to immunizations, how to handle them, and care for them.  The veterinarian who had envisioned the event is the doctor who has agreed to assist with my DNP project.  This veterinarian had approached me in February, 2014 to see if I would help.  I immediately agreed.

                                                            Doggie Dash

     With the volunteer service chosen and approved by faculty at Regis, planning for the event began.  The name was chosen for the race by the veterinarian who envisioned the event, naming it the “Doggie Dash.”  The Doggie Dash was a 5k run/1 mile Fun Run-Walk and was chosen as the fundraiser for the Northeast Montana Pet Rescue to be held July 19, 2014.  Little did I know at the time what this project would include; networking that would be needed, as well as personal pride and feelings of accomplishment that would occur during and after completion of the project.  The goals the veterinarian had in mind for this volunteer service, which would hopefully turn into an annual event, were to; (a) raise money and awareness for the local pet rescue (NMPR), and (b) provide education to the community related to animal-human safety issues, the need to spay and neuter animals, and overall awareness of the need in the community.  With those thoughts in mind, the event was planned. 

                           Recipients of the Service

     The community as a whole; humans and animals.  Animals are recipients as those entering the “race” will be given immunizations if needed as part of the entrance fee.  This is important as non-immunized animals carry and can spread diseases to humans as well as other animals. Animals are recipients as monies received from the race will be used to assist with humane care of the animals at the shelter until placed for adoption.  Humans are recipients as they will benefit from exercise, fresh air, socialization, and improving their community.  The community as a whole will benefit by having a “safer” environment with less “stray” animals roaming about that could pose a community health problem.                                   

                                 Specific Leaning Objectives

     Three objectives were chosen for the volunteer service which were similar to the veterinarian’s reasons and objectives mentioned above and are:

1. Observe and document how people interact with others and their animals.  Note and document the size, age, and overall demeanor of all dogs in attendance (which will also assist me in my capstone project).
2. Work will be done with Dr. McAllister, the veterinarian involved, in formulating the pilot race registration forms related to animals and humans in a road race.
3. Specific immunizations required for animals for their safety, other animals around them, and humans will be examined, understood, and discussed with human participants (this is also important as I will need to do this for my capstone).

Examining this experience in light of the specific learning objectives, all three objectives were accomplished.  Collaboration which included networking with many ancillary people in the community, as well as the local civic center, medical community, media, and volunteers needed to organize, run, and complete the event was positively done.      

                                          Personal Experience Perspective

     The need to help, not only humans but animals made this event a positive experience for me.  As with each volunteer service done, I feel humbled to be allowed to help those in need.  I was unaware the importance of having an animal shelter in our community, and how many animals are in the shelter.  I also have a new respect for veterinarians and those who work with animals.  The need for the DNP project I am doing and my belief in doing the project were strengthened by assisting in this event.  Animals are an important part in peoples’ lives; emotionally, physically, and socially.  Documenting the event related to interaction of people with their animals, as well as those around them at the event strengthened my resolve for doing my DNP project.  Unconditional love was seen between the animal and their owners who were from many “walks of life.” 

     Networking, while working on the event, was a positive experience.  Local businesses were approached for donations, as well as the medical community and media.  On a side note, I was also able to discuss my DNP project with those involved in the event with encouragement for both this fundraiser, and my DNP project.

     Specifically the roles played by the DNP in promoting health and wellness in this group of humans and animals is through networking and education.  I was actively involved in organizing those involved in donating, assisting, and providing help as needed for the event.  Education was done by discussing with all participants, as well as the media, the importance to be aware of feral animals and the communities’ health.

                                                Civic Perspective Experience

     The volunteer service was to assist both the community as a whole, and the unwanted safety issues involved with feral animals in the community.  Symptoms and causes of problems related to these areas were discussed throughout the process of planning and organizing the event, from beginning to end.  The focus of the event was appropriate as awareness to the problem was brought forth to the community, education was given to those attending the event as well as to the entire community. 

     The roles played by those involved were suitable, timely, and necessary.  Volunteers and organizations who had donated items for the event, as well as medical people involved were accessible and agreeable to assist as needed throughout the process.  Volunteers were assigned areas based on their desire to help; stuffing doggie bags, manning the snow-cone booth, guiding runners, and cleaning up after the event.  Organizations were generous in donating water, fruit, and free items for the event to be put in “goodie bags” for participants of the race.  Medical people, specifically emergency personal were available as needed.  All individuals worked collaboratively with no hidden agendas brought forth, and no problems verbalized.  No power differentials were seen, as all involved were there for the common goal of the project.  The community came together to provide assistance as requested, donations and support for the project and ultimately the NMPR. 

     Leadership was shown during the project and the day of the race by shuttling people along, signing up runners, and assisting as needed with post-race procedures.  There were no “power struggles” noted, among those involved with the event.  The common good was seen by all involved, with no “trade-offs” needed.  This experience brought forth feelings of good-will and companionship among all involved from the organizers to those who donated to participants.

                       Future Needs and Culmination of Semester

     This first ever, now to be an annual event, was positive with all objectives met.  Notes were taken during the event, with only minor changes needing to be made for next year’s fundraiser.  A few changes will be; (a) a table with educational material for both humans and animals, (b) small watering stations for small dogs, as only large watering stations were available, and (c) handouts put into the “goodie” bags related to services in the community related to animal and human care.

     This semester the most challenging thing that happened was working on finding ways to accomplish the hours needed for the DNP degree.  On the other hand, the semester was successful in; (a) uniting people from diverse backgrounds to work toward a common goal, (b) building camaraderie by instilling teamwork, and (c) understanding the community needs that fostered empathy and self-efficacy.

Reference

Ash, S. L., & Clayton, P. H. (2004). The articulated learning: An approach to guided reflection

     and assessment. Innovative Higher Education, 29(2), 137-154.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer 2014 Volunteer Service Opportunity!

6/24/14: Called Dr. McAllister to see if there was anything I could help with in way of the “Doggie Dash.”  I was asked to contact the mosquito control in Valley County and see if they would/could spray for bugs the night before the race.  I contacted the County department and was told to call the department head, “Stone Tihista.”  I contacted Ms. Tihista who assured me she would have her crew fog for mosquitoes the night before the race on July 18th, free of charge!  I then contacted Dr. McAllister and told her what is now in place.  I then contacted the company who made the posters for the race to see if they could make some yard signs also.  I was told they do not have a machine big enough to make yard signs.  The lady emailed me the logo they had made that is used on the posters.  I was told we could do whatever we wanted to do with the logo.

6/30/14:  I contacted Dr. McAllister to see if there was anything I could do to help her and/or learn about animal immunizations.  I was told to come over to her clinic and I could shadow her throughout the day.  I asked many questions related to what may be needed in writing a policy and procedure for bringing an animal into a healthcare facility.  I heard what she had to say from a DVM perspective.  I enjoyed the day and learned a lot. 

7/1/14:  Reviewed information done related to volunteer service.

7/10/14:  Met with Dr. McAllister to plan exact route as set my Civic Center for race.  Obtained tables for information at race, and finalized all necessary items; refreshments, door prizes, and bibs are ready for the race on 7/19/14.  We will meet again on 7/16 to discuss the event again.

The learning objectives in relation to this volunteer service experience include:

1. I will observe and document how people interact with others and their animals.  I will note the size, age, and overall demeanor of all dogs in attendance, and document this (which will also assist me in my capstone project).
2. I will work with Dr. McAllister in formulating the pilot race registration forms related to animals and humans in a road race.
3. I will learn what immunizations are required for animals for their safety, other animals around them, and humans (this is also important as I will need to do this for my capstone).

    

Summer 2014 Volunteer Service Opportunity!

5/26/14:  Met with Dr. McAllister to finalize entrance forms, liability forms, etc., for the “Doggie Dash.”  Forms taken to the local paper for inclusion for advertising the event.  Contacted the local EMS coordinator to see if they would be willing to be present during the race on July 19.  I called the hospital and talked to Clay Berger, EMS coordinator.  Mr. Berger was very gracious and promptly agreed to have an ambulance at the race as needed.  We are to call him 2 days in advance to remind him of the event.  Researched possible measurement tools to use for the capstone.

6/2/14:  Worked on Doggie Dash, assisted Dr. McAllister in choosing colors and the t-shirt type for the race. Dr. McAllister just put the information for the event on her social media website.

6/13/14:  Contacted numerous businesses across town to see if they would like to donate anything for the “Doggie Dash.”

6/17/14:  Finalized posters for “Doggie Dash.”  Distributed these posters to stores, businesses, and organizations throughout town.  Took finalized entrance forms to the local recreation department and veterinary clinic for distribution to possible entrants.

6/21/14:  Spoke with Dr. McAllister to see if all is going well with scheduled race.  I was told the t-shirts ordered have arrived.  We discussed possible people who might want to help with the race; photographer, water station attendant, registration desk person, etc. 

     With the “Doggie Dash” less than one month away, all the pieces are falling into place.  All the major “players” have been contacted and are ready to go.  The necessary forms are completed and distributed, as well as advertising posters.  Another blog will be written closer to the event. 

 

DOGGIE DASH 

 (5k run/ 1mile Fun Run-Walk)   

A fundraiser for the NE MT Pet Rescue!

July 19^th, 2014 at 8:00am (5k) and 9:30 (1mile)

Sullivan Park Softball Complex, Glasgow Montana 59230

Registration Information:

Early Registration until July 4^th, 2014             $30

Registration after July 4^th until race day         $35

Registration includes:  Race Shirt, Goodie Bag, Tickets for Raffle Prizes

* first 50 registrations will receive a free distemper vaccine voucher from Zoetis Animal Health!!

Pick up and drop off Registrations at Valley Veterinary Clinic or Glasgow Rec. Department or mail to:

                  Doggie Dash        (Please make checks to Doggie Dash)

     PO Box 886   

     Glasgow, MT 59230

Registration and Packet Pick-up will begin at 7:00 am until 7:45 am day of race at Sullivan Park softball concession area.

Race Information:

Course Description: Flat and Fast, groomed trail

Raffle Prizes:

            -Table for Six Dinner from Dyan Carlson

            -2 bags of Hills Dog Food from Hills Pet Nutrition

            -Headlamp from Valley Veterinary Clinic

            -Backpack from MWI Veterinary Supply

            - 2 Oil changes from Newton Motors 

            -Wellness Exam from Valley Veterinary Clinic

During and After Race:

            -Water Station for Humans and Dogs

            -Fresh fruit from Reynolds Market

            -Snow Cones (1 raffle ticket or 0.50 each)

            -Photo Station with finisher pictures posted on Valley Veterianary’s Facebook page

 

                   DOGGIE DASH 

 (5k run/ 1mile Fun Run-Walk)

Registration Form

Human Name(please print legibly):

Age:

Dog Name (if participating with a dog):

Dog Age:

Address:

Phone:

T-shirt Size:     S          M         L          XL        XXL

I will be participating in the:              5K run                          1mile Fun Run/Walk

WAIVER (entry not valid unless signed): In signing this waiver, I the undersigned do waive any and all claims for myself, my heirs, executors, administrators or anyone else who might claim on my behalf. I covenant not to sue, and waive, release and discharge all sponsors, organizers, volunteers, or any other persons the Doggie Dash utilizes for any injury or illness which may directly or indirectly result from my participation in the 2014 Doggie Dash. I further state that I will be responsible for the behavior of my dog during this event and I assume all liability for any injuries caused by my dog’s actions. I will have my dog on a leash at all times and will pick up any waste that may occur during the event. Considering the possibility of hot weather I will be responsible for my dog’s medical condition and well being during this event and will not over exert myself or my dog(s). My dog and I are in proper physical condition to participate in this event. I herby grant full permission to use my name and my dog’s name and any photographs, recordings, or any other record of my participation in this event for any publicity and/or promotional purposes without obligation or liability to me. I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS WAIVER: (if under 18, legal guardian must sign)

Participant Signature:____________________________  Date:_________________