BuddyBench1 Jamestown (CSi) A Friday morning celebration was held at Jamestown Middle School, as the Jamestown Kiwanis Club presented Jamestown Schools Buddy Benches.

The Buddy Benches are supported locally by the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 4, the Jamestown Kiwanis Club, coordinator by the local FOP Liason, Nellie Degen.  Nellie says, when a student sits on the Buddy Bench, it’s a signal for other students to approach them, asking them to join play . A Buddy Bench eliminates loneliness and fosters friendship.

She adds that there are Buddy Benches all over the United States; however this is the first time any community will receive eight Buddy Benches as a donation. The eight schools receiving a Buddy Bench are Gussner, Lincoln, Louis L’Amour , Roosevelt, Washington , Victory Lutheran, Hill Crest, and St. John’s Academy.

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Those on hand at elebration and ceremony were: The Jamestown Kiwanis Club, President, Jan Barnes,  Jamestown students, School principles, board members, and government officials along with the North Dakota Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 4 ( who helped put them together and will be delivering the benches).

Guests included, District 12 State Senator, John Grabinger and District 12 State Representative Jessica Haak, who  joined Jamestown City Council Members, Charlie Kourajian, Ramone Gumke, and Steve Brubakken.

Lincoln School Principal, Sherry Schmidt was joined by Lincoln students, Liv Frolich and Leeah Bender.

BuddyBenchAlso on hand for the celebration were:  Miss North Dakota Pre-Teen, Annika Tweten and Miss North Dakota Little, Gabby Tweten.

Before the closing ceremony with Jan Barnes a Ribbon cutting and release of balloons was held.

The  Jamestown Kiwanis Club”s, Janna Bergstedt says, the Kiwanis Club’s theme is “Focus on Kids,” and is one of a number of ways the Kiwanis Club supports young people. Those wanting to support the Jamestown Kiwanis Club may send donations to post office box 1462 in Jamestown.

Jamestown Police Detective, Tom Nagel, President of the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge four, points out that FOP Lodge four is involved in several youth activities, in addition to the Buddy Bench, which includes the Cops & Kids Christmas shopping event, along with the Bike Rodeo, and after prom and after graduation activities.

To support the Fraternal Order of Police send donations to post office box 1851 in Jamestown.