Andrews Family Info -

JUNEAU ROTARY PREMIERS ALASKA OUTDOOR SAFETY EXPO

 (Juneau, May 13, 2009) – Juneau has it all – natural beauty, scenic wonders, the great outdoors; and no matter what the season, many a Juneauite and visitor alike wants to take advantage of it all.  Equipment gets purchased, permits and licenses secured, and we’re ready to head out to boat or kayak, fish or hike — actively participate in whatever their outdoor pleasure.  But are we truly as prepared as we think we are?  Do we take care of all the basics before heading out?  How do you make sure we can handle the whims of weather…or wildlife?

 The need to be prepared is the driving force behind the first-ever Southeast Alaska Outdoor Safety Expo (SOS) planned by the Rotary Club of Juneau for Saturday, May 23^rd at Centennial Hall.  More than 35 organizations, mostly non-profits and community groups, will be on hand from 10am to 5pm for this free, day-long event of seminars, demonstrations, a trade-show and more.  Not only does the Rotary club want to expose attendees to the many outdoor recreational groups and resources available here – but  to enable those who venture into Juneau’s great outdoors do so with an eye toward safety and survival.

 The concept for the Expo began when the Rotary’s Club Service committee met last July to develop the year’s calendar.   Bob Rehfeld, a past president of the Club, proposed that something be done to replace “Heavy Equipment Day,” a major service project of the past that provided young children with the opportunity to safely ride on construction equipment.  (In recent years, equipment commitments and liability concerns have precluded the possibility of the Club continuing with the project.)  At that same meeting, Craig Duncan, now co-chair of the event, wanted to do something to showcase the Capital City’s plethora of outdoor activities.

 When Club member Brian Andrews and his son Brandon disappeared on a short flight between Admiralty Island and Juneau last fall, the focus became clear – teaching those of us who live here how to be cognizant of the numerous challenges the outdoors might present.  Concurrently, the Association of State Accountants, under the leadership of Ruth Danner, began work on a related program that was held in October of 2008 and focused on survival skills.  Joining Rotary for this inaugural SOS Expo will be a first responder effort coordinated by Danner and inclusive of many of the original participants from last Fall’s exercise.

 Among the diverse groups participating at the SOS Expo are the Seadogs, Trail Mix, and the Department of Transportation’s Bicycle Rodeo (for those who may have missed it earlier in the month) and many, many more.  (NOTE TO MEDIA:  A complete list of participating organizations is attached for your information and contact.)     Two helicopters, one from both the Alaska National Guard and the US Coast Guard will land in the former sub-port area and be available for tours.  Commercial vendors will also be on hand to showcase product, as well.

Millie and Craig Duncan, co-chairs of the inaugural event, point out that most important to organizers is for it to be free-of-charge and open to anyone who wants to learn more about outdoor safety.  During this first year, the Rotary club will be covering all fees associated with the event (not already donated by Club members and participating organizations), with the hope of being able to obtain more corporate participation in the future.

For more information about SOS, visit the web at www.juneaurotary.org/SOS