HomeMy WebLinkAbout3.1 Josh Routh Recognition
STAFF REPORT CITY CLERK
File #610-50
CITY COUNCIL
DATE:March 18, 2014
TO:
Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM:
Christopher L. Foss, Acting City Manager
SUBJECT:
Certificate of Recognition for Joshua Routh, School of Imagination Volunteer
Prepared by Taryn Gavagan Bozzo, Executive Aide
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City Council will present a Certificate of Recognition to Joshua Routh, a School of
Imagination Volunteer.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council present the Certificate of Recognition.
Reviewed By
Acting Assistant City Manager
DESCRIPTION:
Staff received a request to recognize a young volunteer, Joshua Routh, who has made a
significant contribution to the Dublin community through his work with the School of Imagination,
an educational facility located in Dublin that offers innovative classes for infant, preschool and
kindergarten development.
A living example of health and vibrancy, despite his struggles with cerebral palsy, Joshua has
proven to be an asset to the Dublin community through his endless enthusiasm, friendly
demeanor, willingness to help others, and commitment to making a difference in the community.
NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH:
None.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Email from Charlene Sigman, Co-Founder & Executive Director for
School of Imagination
ITEM NO. 3.1
Page 1 of 1
From: Charlene Sigman [mailto:charlene@soi4kids.org]
Sent: Thursday, February 13, 2014 4:19 PM
To: Timat timsbrantidotcom
Cc: Chris Foss
Subject: Re: Thank you
Hi Tim,
Thanks so much again for this opportunity. Here is the letter that we submitted for Josh's nomination. Please
let me know if you need any additional information. Thank you again! Charlene
Josh Routh is a young man with cerebral palsy who has been confined to a wheelchair most of his life. The
School of Imagination is a preschool where 2/3 of the children are normally developing and 1/3 have
developmental disabilities such as Autism. Josh is one of our volunteers. Explaining what Josh "does" doesn't
get to the heart of the matter as much as who Josh "is." Imagine if you are a young child, aware you are
"different" and then you see Josh outside sweeping the playground. The entire idea of the school is that there is
no "normal" but only kids who need more help than others. That we all have strengths and weaknesses. That we
can all be challenged, in different ways, to meet our potential. This is the philosophy of the school and the
teachers, parents, and staff all try to live it out. We try. Josh does live it out. He has no choice, of course, but
that doesn't seem to occur him.
We have more than 350 kids (plus their families) who come through this school every week. They all cross
paths with Josh at some point. He's here twice a week and any days off from his regular job at Raley's grocery
store in San Ramon. He's been doing this for 6 years through two locations. It's impossible to quantify what
Josh does. It's too important and elusive. Again, it's who Josh is. It's not just that he's a great role model for
children who must necessarily struggle with self-identity, but also that Josh throws himself into tasks with
unbridled enthusiasm. Need someone to say a few words in front of a group? Josh is not shy about public
speaking. Hand him the microphone. He's keen to volunteer for any task. He doesn't carry himself as if he has a
disability. He acts as if he has no limitations at all. In an environment like this school, it's impossible to explain
how valuable that is and how it affects, inspires, and comforts the minds of families and children struggling
with this mysterious condition. He is our greatest supporter and loves each child that he works with as if they
were his own
And this is just what Josh does at our school. Josh is also extremely active with the Wheelchair Foundation and
has gone on many wheelchair deliveries throughout the world. He has chosen to celebrate his birthdays at an
orphanage in Mexico that he has been visiting and supporting each year and considers his second family. He
has recently been visiting local schools and encouraging students to raise money for the Wheelchair Foundation
and has worked with his father to create a curriculum that educates these students about people with differing
abilities.
Josh is a living example of the health and vibrancy of this community. He, undoubtedly, benefited from what
this community offered as he struggled with his own congenital problems. He not only overcame his personal
issues but matured to a point where he now gives back and greatly enriches the lives of others. We are honored
that he is such an integral part of our program and truly appreciate what he does for us and for so many others to
make this world a better place.
Charlene Sigman, M.S.Ed, CCC-SLP
School of Imagination & Happy Talkers
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Toll Free Phone/Fax: (877) KIDS-TLC | (877) 543-7852
Local Phone/Fax: (925) 829-9555 x 705
www.soi4kids.org | www.happytalkers.org