Once upon a time, long ago, there was a Parent Association that met a couple of times a year. It was an unhappy group, because its purpose was limited to meetings. Therefore, it did what unhappy people do; it identified problems and issues, and lobbed suggestions at the administration. Then, one year, it decided to reinvent itself as a service organization called "PAPA." Here's a photo of parents grilling at Saturday's Spring Festival.

Now free to solve problems (instead of identifying them,) PAPA is a prospering organization that loves its work: serving and helping Proctor. This is the reggae band Roots Of Creation.

Perhaps all organizations frustrated by meetings should take a cue from PAPA, and do stuff. PAPA volunteers call the parents of newly-admitted students to establish helpful relationships. They sponsor student parties. They enrich and enhance the work of the Student Activities Office. This is tie dying:

We don't really know all that PAPA accomplishes, because--through the Adopt-a-Dorm program--they're spontaneously volunteering with foods and fun at dorm parties throughout the year.

It's one of those win-win situations. Students have fun, while parents are doing exactly what they want to do: to really make a positive difference in their kids' lives.

I mentioned the Student Activities Office above. One of Sunday's activities was a deep sea fishing expedition through Sushi Hunters charters. The ocean was calm, the weather was sunny and warm, and the fish were biting!

Tonight at Burbank, the Kenneys and our fisherfolk are enjoying a fresh fish fry....