National Service in the News for Saturday, April 29, 2017 through Monday, May 1, 2017.
May
5 is deadline to return Energy Express applications
The Cumberland Times-News (MD), May 1, 2017
Energy Express is accepting child applications for the six-week summer program
June 19 through July 28. The program runs Monday through Friday from
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Keyser Primary and Wiley Ford Primary
schools. Breakfast and lunch are served. Limited busing with designated
stops will be provided. Energy Express is a proven program to cure summer
boredom and to keep children’s educational achievements from sliding
during the summer months. An AmeriCorps summer reading program, since its
inception in 1994, children have increased or maintained their reading skills
over the summer and have received 58 percent of their daily nutritional
requirements.
At 5 city schools, program makes 'College Possible'
The Philadelphia Tribune (PA), April 29, 2017
Two days a week after school, Ronald Young Jr. meets with College Possible, a nonprofit that mentors and helps socioeconomically disadvantaged students get to college. “College Possible has definitely helped me to ease into the college application process,” said Young last week from inside a classroom at Murrell Dobbins CTE High School at 2150 W. Lehigh Ave. “They helped to motivate me to basically continue this process of going forward.” Young, a senior at Dobbins with a 3.8 grade point average, has been accepted into five colleges. He’s chosen to attend Holy Family University and credits College Possible with helping him obtain a $68,000 scholarship, or $17,000 a year.
Keep
Lakewood Beautiful volunteers dig in to spruce up Madison Park area
Cleveland.com (OH), May 1, 2017
Chilly, rainy weather didn't deter about 60 volunteers from digging in to
spruce up the Madison Park area on April 29. "This is great planting weather,"
said Melissa Meehan of Keep Lakewood Beautiful, an event organizer, as she
directed volunteers at one of the bioretention cells in front of the park. The
cells are designed to help improve drainage and were installed during the
recent Madison Avenue repaving project. Signs are posted in the cells to
explain their purpose. This was the fifth year for the annual event, which is
part of the Great American Garden Cleanup, Keep America Beautiful and Earth
Day. In Lakewood, the event rotates among city parks. Previously, it took place
at Lakewood Park and Kauffman Park.
Columnist
Deena Rubin: Protect resources battling hunger
The Daily Hampshire Gazette (MA), April 30, 2017
My daughter Yael is an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer in Baltimore, sponsored by
Hunger Free America, a national nonprofit group that enacts the policies and
programs needed to end domestic hunger and ensure that all Americans have
sufficient access to nutritious food. Hunger and food insecurity harm one in
six Americans and one in five children. Yael’s job is to build a nutrition
program that could be used at the farmers markets. She educates people using
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to help them make the
best nutritional choice on their limited finances. SNAP offers nutrition
assistance in the form of money designated for food to millions of eligible,
low-income individuals and families. SNAP is the largest program in our
domestic hunger safety net.
Mayor's
view: City investments in parks, trails, youth programs abundant
The Duluth News Tribune (MN), April 30, 2017
Our parks system is one of our biggest treasures and resources. Increasingly,
the city of Duluth is working to ensure fair citywide access to our parks and
trails so all neighbors, and neighborhoods, can benefit. There has been a lot
of conversation around our parks and trails recently, which fortunately creates
the perfect opening to share with Duluth our deep and abiding financial and
programming commitment to ensure access to outdoor and after-school
recreational opportunities for youth across our city.
Great
Falls parks receive spring-cleaning
KRTV-TV (MT), April 30, 2017
United Way of Cascade County hosted their sixth annual "Take Pride In
Our Parks" day on Saturday dispersing 130 volunteers from various
businesses across Great Falls to spruce up the city's parks. Volunteers from the public met United Way workers at Elks
Riverside Park, and local business-teams "adopted" specific parks
within the city. KRTV caught up with the General Mills crew as they were
trimming dead branches, raking, and cleaning up debris at Pinski Park. The
General Mills team has been cleaning Pinski Park every year since the 'Take
Pride In Our Parks" event started six years ago. Organizers say Great
Falls really needs the help, because the city has the largest public parks
system in Montana, but also one of the smallest parks maintenance
departments in the state.
A
morning birding southern Illinois: Bellrose Waterfowl Reserve
The Chicago Sun Times (IL), April 30, 2017
The long-billed dowitcher drilled, drilled, drilled its bill into the moist
soil, as the descriptions say, like a sewing machine. Memories bubbled of my
late mother revving her Singer while patching my jeans. Kim Rohling and Karen
Mangan had taken turns looking through a spotting scope, which Mangan had
mounted on the driver’s side window, before confirming the dowitcher. It was
one of many highlights Wednesday at the 1,000-acre Frank Bellrose Waterfowl
Reserve, part of the 16,000-acre Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge that is
located in four of the southernmost counties in Illinois: Alexander, Johnson,
Pulaski and Union. While the reserve is primarily for waterfowl, a side benefit
includes shorebirds attracted by managed moist-soil areas. The viewing area on
the edge has a scope.
Homegrown
Fest reconnects community to sustainable lifestyles
The State Journal (IL), April 29, 2017
Dustin Kelly sought to inspire local food producers to use fruit from an
invasive Illinois plant by offering jams prepared from it Saturday at the
Homegrown Fest at Lincoln Land Community College’s Workforce Careers Center. The
business Kelly owns, Autumn Berry Inspired (wild-crafted nutrition), uses
autumn berries (the fruit of the invasive Autumn Olive tree) as a local food
source. The berries have a flavor similar to a cranberry or pomegranate in
sweetness and tartness, and their small, edible seeds taste like almond. Among
jams Autumn Berry Inspired offered for sale at $5 a jar Saturday were those
made with habanero, mild jalapeno and a non-spicy recipe.
Unique
Pop-Up Art Gallery to open May 19
The Sun (NY), April 29, 2017
A group of Rutland boosters are hoping to use a pop-up gallery to raise local
artists’ profiles and add to the growing art scene that includes multiple
galleries, murals and a planned series of sculptures in downtown Rutland. Organizers
this week issued a call for artists for the new pop-up gallery, which will
feature a rotating mix of art and artists over the next four months. The
shop, to be located downtown, is a collaboration between Neighborworks of
Western Vermont, MKF Properties and Green Mountain Power, with support from the
Chaffee Center for the Arts and Greenscreen Graphics. Selected artists’
work will be exhibited free of charge. MKF Properties is providing the space,
Neighborworks’ Americorps members will manage artist relations and displays and
help staff the shop, and GMP is providing marketing, technical and staffing
assistance.
AmeriCorps,
DYRHS Students Clean Up Highlands Center
Cape Cod Today (MA), April 29, 2017
AmeriCorps Cape Cod and 35 student volunteers from Dennis-Yarmouth
Regional High School spent the morning of April 28 restoring and cleaning
up the Highlands Center at Cape Cod National Seashore. Corps members and
students worked alongside rangers to collect trash, post new signage, and control
overgrowth. The project was part of National Volunteer Week.
Economic
diversity still elusive at top private colleges
The Daily Gazette (NY), May 1, 2017
Standing at the center of Union College’s campus last week, senior Andrew
Guyatte recalled the moment he was accepted. It wasn’t a sure thing for Guyatte,
and a lot rode on how much financial support the college would offer. “I wanted
somewhere that was affordable to go; that was the main goal,” said Guyatte, who
is part of the college’s Academic Opportunity Program, AOP, which targets
financially-needy students who likely would not make it to Union without extra
financial and academic support. “I knew I had the extracurriculars and grades
to get in, but the money part was concerning ... If I didn’t get financial
aid I wouldn’t be able to attend,” he said.
Mountain
Studies Institute adds three to team
The Durango Herald (CO), April 28, 2017
Mountain Studies Institute recently added Jeremy May, Lisa Branner and
Priscilla Sherman to their team. Jeremy May is from Durango and joined the
organization as an Americorps Volunteer in service to America. May has 10 years
of youth education experience, including wilderness therapy, traditional
classroom teaching and volunteer work as a project manager and community
organizer with the Village Aid Project in Laos, Nicaragua and Ecuador. He will
work to unite mountain communities through the Bridging Mountains Network in
his new position. Lisa Branner was hired as director of development and
engagement. She will spearhead fundraising efforts and work to build community
connections through outreach in her new position.
Montezuma
orchard project plants trees at CSU research station
The Durango Herald (CO), April 30, 2017
The Colorado State University research station in Yellow Jacket is joining the
Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project’s efforts to bring apple production back
to the region. More than 20 volunteers visited the Southwest Colorado Research
Center recently to help plant about 44 heritage apple trees as part of a
project that will study efficient ways to grow the varieties that once thrived
in Montezuma County. Apples were once one of the area’s primary crops, and the
Restoration Project has been working since 2008 to find a way to make them
profitable again. This is the first time in several years that they’ve
partnered with the research center, and extension agent Gus Westerman said the
new project was made possible by grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture
and the National Farmers Union..
Lori
Canova: 'I Have a Dream' Foundation salutes National Volunteer Week
The Daily Camera (CO), April 28, 2017
To illustrate the critical role of our volunteers, let's put it down in
numbers. More than 500 youth from low-income backgrounds walk into our
classrooms and community centers nearly every day, greeted warmly by our
program directors and AmeriCorps members. However, these kids need additional
one-on-one support to succeed in school, college and career and our volunteers
become the vital key to maintaining our individualized long-term support. During
National Volunteer Week, April 23-29, "I Have a Dream" Foundation of
Boulder County is hosting appreciation activities to make sure our amazing
volunteers that work with us throughout the year know they are instrumental to
our success. These volunteers share their afternoons and weekends to help our
youth with homework, or as mentors, take them on adventures.
AmeriCorps
team improves Old Fort facilities
The Journal (CO), April 28, 2017
An 11-person AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps team arrived April 11
to upgrade facilities of the Old Fort at Hesperus, 18683 Colorado Highway 140,
for food security, educational and other programs. The team will support
gardens, improve irrigation systems, repair fencing, upgrade the root cellar
for winter storage, help with historical restoration and stabilize several
structures while in the area. The corps members started the AmeriCorps program
Oct. 11 in Denver and will graduate July 14.
Help
fight suicide at Saturday walk
The Independent Record (MT), April 28, 2017
For almost 40 years, Montana has fallen within the top five states for suicide,
which remains one of the primary causes of death for people ages 10- to
44-years-old. Nationwide, suicide is the tenth leading cause of death,
according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. It touches
millions of lives – people of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds – but the
research is clear: This is a preventable public health crisis and the more
people in our community who stand up for suicide prevention and mental health,
the more lives we can save.
Great
Falls parks receive face lift as part of "Take Pride In Our Parks" weekend
KRTV (MT), April 28, 2017
As part of its 6th annual Take Pride In Our Parks, United Way
of Cascade County has recruited more than 120 volunteers to spruce up 13 of
Great Falls’ 58 city parks on Saturday. The public is invited to join United
Way volunteers at near the skate park at Elk’s Riverside Park, Saturday from 10
a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers will be raking out leaves and garbage near the
skate park and spreading woodchips underneath the playground at Elk’s Riverside
Park, among other tasks. Volunteers are encouraged to wear work clothes,
including gloves and bring a shovel or heavy-duty rake. This is the sixth
year that United Way has organized Take Pride in Our Parks to celebrate
National Volunteer Month and give local people the opportunity to make our city
parks a safe and inviting place for healthy play.
Pollinators
' Palooza Speakers
Dispatch Argus (IL), April 28, 2017
Pollinators’ Palooza Speakers. Trish Wilger presenting “Magical Monarchs”. This
presentation will engage children in the world of the Monarch butterfly. Kids
will learn about the Monarch life cycle and their miraculous migration, the
importance of butterflies to our gardens and environment, and how kids can be a
meaningful part of the effort to save the Monarch. Bio: Trish Wilger is a
butterfly enthusiast who along with her son has “raised” and released Monarchs
for the past 10 years. She maintains an official Monarch Waystation garden in
her yard. Trish has been a Scott County Master Gardener since 2013 and
especially enjoys sharing her love of gardening and nature with children.
Smyth
County event remembers the victims of child abuse
SWVA Today (WV), April 28, 2017
Children are a precious resource and there are local agencies dedicated to
protecting them from harm and assisting them and their families in times of
crisis. Over three million reports are made every year of child abuse and
neglect involving over six million children. Over a thousand of these were made
in Smyth County last year, according to the Family Resource Center, serving
individuals and families affected by abuse and sexual assault. In 2016, 1,223
referrals and complaints were made to the Smyth County Department of Social
Services, said Tara Addair, Smyth County youth advocate for Family Resource Center
during a special event Thursday at Hungry Mother State Park.
Quick
Read: Little Traverse Civic Theatre welcomes new face to the stage
The News Reviews (MI), April 28, 2017
The Little Traverse Civic Theatre has recently welcomed a new face to its
stage, Mara Klco, who plays Sophia Zubritsky in the current production of
“Fools,” by Neil Simon. “Fools” is a comedic farce in its final weekend at the
Crooked Tree Arts Center, with remaining performances at 8 p.m. today (Friday)
and Saturday, April 29. Klco moved to Harbor Springs this October to serve in
the AmeriCorps as a volunteer recruiter with Northwest Michigan Habitat for
Humanity. However, she has had ties in Northern Michigan since she was a child,
spending every summer since she was 8 in Good Hart. She has worked in Good Hart
at Primitive Images since the age of 14. Most recently, she graduated from the
University of Michigan with a bachelors in linguistics and Spanish.
Somerville
Spotlight: Kevin Dua prepares students for life beyond Somerville High
Wicked Local (MA), April 28, 2017
Kevin Dua’s classroom at Somerville High School resembles an art gallery, with
large, striking images covering the walls. Each image captures an important
moment in America’s history. There are photo prints of joyful Muslims holding
American flags, an Olympic team of female gymnasts, and a shot from the
performance of the musical “Hamilton.” But there are bleak moments too — an
image of a lynching and a Ku Klux Klan cross burning. “It’s important that the
students see America as it is, without censoring,” says the 29-year-old history
teacher, who has been at the high school since 2012. “It’s my job to provide them
with different perspectives and skills, so they can ask their own questions and
find their voice.”
Healthy
Acadia: AmeriCorps VISTA
WABI-TV (ME), May 1, 2017
This Morning on Healthy Acadia, we learned more about AmeriCorps VISTA, a
national service program that is designed to fight poverty through local
organizations to do anti-poverty work. Healthy Acadia is hiring in both Hancock
and Washington Counties for AmeriCorps VISTAs to do this kind of work!
Positions start this summer. Contact Katie Freedman for more info: 667-7171
AmeriCorps Funding in Limbo
Coastal Review Online (NC), May 1, 2017
Erica Connery spends hours every week working with children, teaching them
about the coast through hands-on activities, marine debris crafts and
educational school visits. She does all this as an AmeriCorps national service
member, where she serves with the North Carolina Coastal Federation’s Wanchese
office as a community engagement specialist. The AmeriCorps program is run
through the Corporation for National and Community Service, or CNCS, a federal
agency that engages Americans in community service – and it’s an agency
targeted for elimination in President Trump’s proposed budget. The Trump administration
proposed cutting funding to the independent agency in its 2018 budget
blueprint. Under the current budget, the agency was allocated $1.1 billion.
Area communities get word out on check-ins for seniors
The Blade (OH), April 30, 2017
Allean Harris is a hugger, so the two volunteers visiting her were not leaving the home without a warm embrace from the 83-year-old Toledo woman. Beth Veres, 76, and Freddi Roberson, 74, were the week’s Retired Seniors Volunteer Program visitors to Ms. Harris’ home. “I look forward to them coming, especially when you live alone and you don’t have anyone to talk to,” she said. The program, started in 2000, pairs retired volunteers with seniors who want a pair of weekly visitors to check on them.
Weiss:
Experts Say Isolation and Loneliness Impacting More Older Americans
Go Local PDX (OR), May 1, 2017
Sarah Hosseini, a blogger on Scary Mommy, a website bringing entertainment and
information to millennial mothers, penned a touching story about Marleen
Brooks, a California resident, who came home to find a heartbreaking
hand-written note from Wanda, her 90-year-old neighbor, asking her to be
friends. Wanda wrote: “Would you consider to become my friend. I’m 90 years old
– live alone. All my friends have passed away. I’m so lonesome and
scared. Please I pray for someone.” According to Hosseini’s blog posting,
Brooks shared this note with KTVU News Anchor Frank Somerville, who posted it
on his Facebook page. She responded to the posting by saying, “Came home
to this note from a lady that lives down the street from me.
Forming friendship
The Delaware Gazette (DE), April 30, 2017
As the two women laughed together, their bond was undeniable. About a year ago,
Inge Khatchadourian and Maria Colatruglio were brought together through the
Senior Companion program. The program instituted by Catholic Social Services
and locally run by Connections Volunteer Center, connects senior adult
volunteers with adults 60-plus limited to the outside world. “Because we are
the same age group, we think the same. The kids don’t relate to us the same way
we do.” said Maria, 79, of Powell. Inge, 72, of Delaware, volunteers to visit
Maria once a week. They garden together, go shopping and Inge takes Maria to
her doctor appointments. A special bond that they share is that they both
immigrated to the United States in their 20s, Inge from Germany, and Maria from
Italy. “Suzanne from Connections did a great job in fixing us up,” said Inge.
“We’ve never have had a bad visit. We always have a good time together.”
Foster
Grandparents recognized
The Courier Times (IN), April 30, 2017
Senior citizens from a three county area gathered in New Castle Friday for a
volunteer recognition program designed to show appreciation for the Foster
Grandparents programs in Hancock, Henry and Rush counties. The event, which was
well attended, took place at Grace Baptist Church on Q Ave. Amy Canaday, Senior
Services Program Director for the three counties involved, explained that the
Foster Grandparent program offers seniors ages 55 and older opportunities to
serve as mentors, role models and tutors for children. Foster Grandparents help
children develop skills, confidence and encouragement needed to succeed in
life. They serve at least 20 hours per week in community organizations
including faith-based groups, Head Start preschools, public schools and other
non-profit facilities.
Letter:
Volunteering worthwhile for retirees
The Post-Crescent (WI), April 29, 2017
I'm writing to express my gratitude to Jean Long Manteufel for her monthly
column in the Post-Crescent about life changes associated with aging. Her March
5 column, "Expand your interactions to stay connected" was very
informative. She shared many opportunities for seniors and described what she
called Circles of Living. The key, Jean stated, is to add circles to your life.
I've lived in Appleton most of my life and have enjoyed the friendship of
people in the area, but when I retired I made a point to get involved with
volunteering. I've tried many different volunteer activities and have settled
on three favorites where I feel my skills are utilized and my energy is
well-spent.
Tyson
Foods grant provides Meals on Wheels service for five Midlands seniors
Midlands Biz (SC), April 28, 2017
Tyson Foods has awarded a grant in the amount of $9,250 to Senior Resources’
Meals on Wheels program. The funding will provide daily delivery of a hot meal
to five Richland County seniors for one year. “Most of us don’t realize how
difficult it is for some people to simply leave their homes to get the food
they need,” said Debra Vernon, director of corporate social responsibility for
Tyson Foods. “This donation will not only result in a greater number of clients
being served, but also increase awareness of food insecurity in Richland
County.” With a corps of more than 300 volunteers, the Meals on Wheels program
delivers a hot, nutritious meal each day to clients’ homes.
Letter
-- Volunteers are good for the community in many ways
News Review (MI), April 28, 2017
National Volunteer Week, April 23-29, is about recognizing those who have
shared their time and talent by volunteering, as well as inspiring and
encouraging others to seek out imaginative and fulfilling ways to engage in
their communities. This is a wonderful time to honor the 200-plus active
volunteers in the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Charlevoix and
Emmet Counties, sponsored by the Friendship Centers of Emmet County-Council on
Aging. RSVP, along with the Foster Grandparent Program and Senior Companion
Program, are the three volunteer programs that make up Senior Corps. All three
programs consist of members who are 55 years of age or older. Locally last
year, RSVP volunteers contributed more than 37,000 volunteer hours to more than
80 local schools, government, and nonprofit agencies in Charlevoix and Emmet
Counties.
Thankful
for railway volunteers
The Sun (NY), April 29, 2017
A friendly “hello,” a bit of information and a smile is how passengers are
greeted at the Port Henry Train Station by volunteers of all ages! The Town of
Moriah Senior Citizen Club wishes to acknowledge and thank these dedicated
volunteers for their service in keeping this station open for the many
passengers that travel on Amtrak. A special thanks to the Mountain Lake
Volunteers; the RSVP volunteers and the senior club volunteers for a job well
done! In 2016 volunteers logged in 2,851 passengers who traveled on Amtrak,
either getting on or off at the Port Henry Station. Volunteers
will attest that many interesting people, from all over the world, visited with
them who or were seeking information about our area and shared a lot of their
own experiences making this an interesting volunteer task.
Pennsylvania
Department of Aging Hosts Inaugural Statewide Volunteer Conference
PR Newswire (PA), April 27, 2017
Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging held its inaugural Statewide
Volunteer Conference, which included workshops, informational sessions,
discussion on the ways the department can help enhance volunteer engagement
throughout the commonwealth, and an awards ceremony recognizing eight
outstanding senior volunteers. "We all know that volunteers help
strengthen communities and neighborhoods throughout Pennsylvania,"
said Department of Aging Secretary Teresa Osborne. "Volunteering
also has important emotional and physical benefits, especially for those who
volunteer in their retirement years, as research shows older volunteers have
lower disability and higher levels of well-being compared to those who do not
volunteer. Today, we gathered with older Pennsylvanians who are reimagining
aging through volunteerism."
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