FBLA Going Strong Ahead of Canceled State Event

Twelve Lynden FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) students qualified for the state competition originally scheduled this spring. In all, about 20 Lynden students participate in FBLA and spend time working on competitions, but also community service. 

Lynden senior Omar Castellon led the chapter’s community service effort this year, putting a focus on running a series of smaller events to help people understand mental health from a variety of perspectives. Part of the effort included the FBLA students working to create Twiddlemuffs for dementia patients at local assisted living facilities. Twiddlemuffs are knitted and include a variety of sensory items that have proven popular with dementia patients. 

Jody Bogues, FBLA advisor, says the Twiddlemuffs were received well by the patients and the students enjoyed the process so much they even started making similar items for dogs — these, SnuffleMuffs, include matting and fleece mixed with treats to encourage dogs to stay active with their senses — at the local humane society. Bogues says the students have really banded together and enjoy creating items for others.