Dear City Council, I learned today that you are having to consider cost-saving measures for the City. I am writing respectfully to ask that you reconsider this decision. Here are just three reasons why: This week, my youngest son, Gunnar Jongebloed (22) graduated from the United States Naval Academy as an aeronautical engineering major. He is commissioned as a Naval Aviator, reporting to Pensacola, FL, in October. My daughter, Ursula Jongebloed (24) graduated from Dartmouth with double majors in Chemistry and Earth Sciences. She is currently in a Masters Degree program at the University of WA, Seattle, studying mathematical modeling in Atmospheric Chemistry. My eldest son, Arthur Jongebloed (26) lives in Berlin, Germany, works in social media and is a successful visual and performing artist. He graduated from Bennington College in 2017. All three of my children participated in Menlo Park Gymnastics for many, many years. Ursula was on the MP team into high school; Gunnar went on to the Stanford Boys' Gymnastics program when he outgrew MP boys' team where he thrived well into high school. Arthur participated in gymnastics and tumbling. He started to learn how to use his body efficiently by attending MP gymnastics and - as a child with special needs and learning differences - these classes were critical to building his self-confidence. All three of my children WORKED as summer camp coaches for Karen in the program once they turned 15 3/4. I credit Karen, Savina, Piers, and all of the MP gymnastics staff and coaches with helping my children in their early developmental stages. They learned perseverance, determination, patience, grit, discipline, respect, teamwork, humility, responsibility, self-reliance .... all incredibly valuable character-building lessons that have helped them become three successful adults. This doesn't even begin to touch on their physical development. My son, Gunnar's extreme athleticism and strength was founded in MP gymnastics. many of the traits that make him suited to being a naval officer were built and developed in the MP Gymnastics program. My daughter learned what her body was capable of due to years of participating in gymnastics competitions on Savina's team. She still runs and exercises daily and, when in college, lead week-long, strenuous backpacking trips all over the US. You cannot put a price on how valuable this program is to the community of Menlo Park. The impact the program and the coaches have on child development is simply incalculable in terms of its positive benefits for children and families. I credit MP gymnastics and the incredible team of staff and coaches with helping me raise confident, purposeful and contributing members of society who will each give back to the world in their own way. Please do not cut this program. Sincerely, Jo Ellis O'Keefe Street 650-245-5265 Received on Mon May 18 2020 - 14:06:03 PDT
