Community Coordinator Report
By Josephine Wyatt
July - September 2007
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Community Coordinator Report By Josephine Wyatt July - September 2007 |
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Lt. Governor, John Garamendi Visits
In 1991, he became California’s first elected Insurance Commissioner, serving from 1991 to 1995, until then President Bill Clinton, appointed him as the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, where he served until 1998. Garamendi returned to the California Department of Insurance in 2003, after his re-election as Insurance Commissioner, and stayed there until he was elected the 46th Lieutenant Governor of California. Garamendi recalled that it was about 13 years ago, he came to Yreka and worked a graveyard shift at a lumber mill, pulling greenchain, during a statewide tour in which he worked one day in each county as part of his campaign for California Governor. At the roundtable meeting, Garamendi told attendees that he was excited to be in Siskiyou County to talk, share ideas and hear your concerns. Issues that were important to Garamendi included a universal healthcare system and ensuring that the California education system is preparing students for the workforce. Questions that he addressed during the discussion included global warming and how it affects our water, healthcare in rural areas, economic development, and enterprise zone laws. Rory McNeil was very pleased with the event and stated that “This is the first time we’ve had a governor or lieutenant governor here in years.” It’s exciting that he made the time to come to Siskiyou County, especially Yreka, because we tend to get overlooked a lot even though we’re the county seat. Garamendi also enjoyed the trip and said that he plans to return to Siskiyou
County in the future. “I love learning from the people who live
here-seeing what they see as a problem and trying to get a solution. I
value the discussion they’re having with me. I couldn’t learn
about what’s going on with the opportunity to be here. Excerpts from article by Jamie Getner, Daily News Stafff writer.
Eugene “Gene” Schumacher, former President of College of the Siskiyous in Weed, died on August 26, 2007 in Santa Rosa, CA. Schumacher took over the presidency of the college on July 1, 1970 and remained at COS for 22 years, retiring July 1, 1992. Schumacher was a past member of the Board of Directors for Siskiyou Training and Employment Program. His interest and dedication to STEP dates back to July of 1971 with the passage of the Public Employment Program (PEP) by Congress. The program was operated in Siskiyou County as of July 1973 by College of the Siskiyous in Weed, utilizing federal monies to pay public agencies to employ the unemployed in temporary work situations. In that same year, Congress abolished PEP and replaced it with the Comprehensive Employment Training Act (CETA). Gene Schumacher took over the Leadership role for the CETA program (STEP) from 1973-1978, and in 1978 Ferrero was hired for the Director position. Gene continued to keep in close contact with STEP over the years, serving on the Board of Directors from October 1991 to January 2003. During that time Schumacher was elected President of the Board of Directors twice, serving from September 1995-97, and July 2002-January 2003, upon which time he retired and moved with his wife Tania to Santa Rosa to “simplify their lives.” In March 2003 Gene was presented with a plaque honoring his service to STEP with a special designation of “Board Member Emeritus.” Gene was very involved with the community and was named Weed’s Citizen of the year in 1976. He also initiated the directed the Weed United Way and served on the Board of Directors of the Northern California United Way and was a member of the Weed Lions, and Rotary club. He was involved in the Elks and Sons of Italy, where they called him “Gino.” “When anyone asked him how he was, he’d always say ‘up and around and able to take nourishment.” It was his trademark….he is fondly remembered and dearly missed by all who knew him.
Workforce Connection Celebrates Labor Day has traditionally been the day that gives tribute to the American workers, who have contributed to the prosperity and well-being of the United States. Across the country the month of September is deemed Workforce Development month. The Workforce Connection celebrated this special event by hosting a Customer Appreciation week (September 24-28) for local businesses and job seekers. To celebrate, the Community Employment Centers In Weed and Yreka gave away pens, and notepads. Refreshments were provided daily and individuals were given a chance to enter a drawing for two $25 gas gift certificates. The winners of the drawing are pictured below:
On Thursday, the business community was treated to a delicious luncheon at the Lake Shastina Golf Resort. The program began with the guest speaker, Craig Zablocki, from Positively Humor, entertaining the attendees with his presentation on the benefits of not taking life so seriously by following the example of young children. He also stressed that laughter can be a stress reliever and everyone needs to laugh often. Craig was so well received we are hoping to have him back to Siskiyou County real soon. After the lunch, each attendee received a Workforce Connection “bag of goodies” in appreciation of their support of the Workforce Connection.
J.H. Baxter Closes Business
Workforce Connection staff were contacted by the employee’s union representative prior to the layoff and STEP, Siskiyou County Human Services and EDD staff provided Rapid Response services to the dislocated workers affected by the business closure. The employees were very appreciative of the WIA services in their time of need and are currently working with STEP staff to find work.
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In
Memory Of
