National Service in the News for Wednesday, May 31, 2017 through June 1, 2017.
How Manchester’s School District is Trying
to Serve Many Student Populations
NHPR-FM (NH), May 30, 2017
With 14,000 students from a huge variety of backgrounds, the Manchester School
District is both the largest and most diverse in the state. But those
distinctions come with challenges that sometimes result in stark disparities
between schools just a few miles apart. Beech Street and Green Acres are two
elementary schools in Manchester. They’re about the same size; they’re only
about three miles apart, and a few months ago, they were both teaching the same
math lesson. At Green Acres, Erin Chubb leads her 3rd grade class through a
math problem on area and perimeter. Meanwhile at Beech Street, Kathryn Dillon
is helping a student work through a similar problem.
School it out: Keeping kids’ minds, bodies
active this summer
KTVA-TV (AK), May 30, 2017
With school out for the summer, families are settling into a new routine.
Experts say it’s important kids’ minds and bodies are still active outside the
classroom. Mom of three and former teacher Janette Geasley says summer is a
time for fun but the learning doesn’t end just because school is out. “There
tends to be a huge gap in the summertime when kids are staying at home and
they’re not active,” she said. That’s why the library becomes a home away from
home for her three children. “We like to do things that will engage their
brains, so, we do a lot of reading,” said Geasley. During their visit to the
Mountain View Public Library Tuesday, the Geasley kids added “starting a
business” to their list of summer activities. They signed up for the Lemonade
Day program, which teaches kids about planning, budgeting and sales all through
opening a lemonade stand.
Meet the
Katahdin 7
WFVX-TV (ME), May 31, 2017
The Katahdin Area Trails are expanding, with the help of some AmeriCorps volunteers
from across the country. Deep in the North Maine Woods, swarmed by black flies
and mosquitoes, you'll find the Katahdin 7, a group of AmeriCorps NCCC
volunteers. "We're working with Katahdin Area Trails out here at the New
England Outdoor Center," said Alex Unger, a volunteer with AmeriCorps.
"We're building mountain biking trails and helping build cross country ski
trails." Like most AmeriCorps teams, they come from all over, some from as
far away as California. "We actually just kinda got to know each other
before we came up here," Unger said. "Honestly, we all just
clicked," said Becca Marcott, an AmeriCorps volunteer.
AmeriCorps
National Service Programs Seek Michigan Members
Press Release, May 30, 2017
Across Michigan, more than 1,400 members with the AmeriCorps national service
program are dedicating a year of their lives to building stronger communities,
and one organization is looking for more to join their ranks. The Community
Economic Development Association of Michigan, or "CEDAM," runs two
AmeriCorps programs with an emphasis on financial awareness and eliminating
poverty. Director of national service programs Rachel Diskin says the members,
who receive a modest living stipend along with an educational credit, are
getting hands-on experience and changing lives at sites across the state. "They're
facilitating financial-education classes, and they're also doing things like
creating community-resource fairs, hosting the VITA free tax assistance
program, and some of the members also do foreclosure prevention," she
explains.
Millie Toppe Discusses Sumer Programs,
Including New Classes
The Wetzel Chronicle (WV), May 31, 2017
Mollie Toppe, West Virginia University's extension agent for Wetzel County, visited
the Wetzel County Commission Tuesday, May 16 to discuss summer programs
throughout the county - 4-H camp, Energy Express, and the Wetzel County
Farmer's Market. Toppe said 106 kids had already signed up for 4-H camp, prior
to the first deadline, and there are also approximately 40 volunteers. Toppe
said there are some new classes for this year's camp, such as kayaking, sign
language class, and a couple of STEM courses. The extension agent also reported
that there is a new volunteer to serve as a camp nurse.
Mini-murals
celebrate community
The North Central News (AZ), June 1, 2017
It started with the idea of bringing some color and excitement to the otherwise
bland lobby of the Washington Activity Center. Pam Fitzgerald of the Washington
Park Neighborhood Association explains that her association holds its regular
meetings at the center, 2240 W. Citrus Way, and she couldn’t help but wonder if
there was a way to make the lobby visually a little more appealing. “It was
just so boring,” she said. Then her association received some information about
the city of Phoenix’s Love My Block mini-grant program, and an idea began to
take shape. Fitzgerald approached Karen Bell-Zinn, Visual Art Department chair
and AP Art teacher at Washington High School, about possibly doing a mural for
the lobby.
MO
recovers from 2017 flooding
The Standard News (MO), May 31, 2017
For many families, volunteers, and communities throughout the state, April 28th
seems like it was yesterday. It was then that a strong storm system brought
multiple rounds of thunderstorms and torrential rain to much of Missouri,
leading to deadly and historic flooding. At least 12 rivers and major creeks
crested at all-time high flood levels (in some cases several feet higher than
previous records); rainfall totals reached 10 to 12 inches within several hours
in some places; the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration determined
parts of Howell and Texas counties received “once-in-a-millennium” rainfall
totals. Other areas received once-in-500-year rainfall totals. In addition,
there were four tornadoes on April 29.
Wicker,
Cochran Announce $5 Million for Mississippi AmeriCorps
Press Release, June 1, 2017
U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Thad Cochran, R-Miss., today announced
$5.0 million in AmeriCorps grants to support tutorial and mentor programs in
Mississippi. The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) is
awarding $5.0 million between five programs in Mississippi, including $2.26
million in state competitive funding and $1.19 million in Segal AmeriCorps
Education Award funding. Another $1.5
million was approved for Volunteer Mississippi, the state’s service commission,
to support AmeriCorps education programs. “Mississippi’s strong support for
volunteerism and service is one part of what makes the state a great place to
live and work,” Wicker said. “AmeriCorps
volunteers have a proven record of improving the lives of citizens and creating
lasting change in their communities. I
am excited for the educational opportunities these grants will provide for
Mississippi’s students.”
AmeriCorps
summer employment may lead to careers
The Shoreline Area News (WA), May 31, 2017
Why Summer Meals? Each year, thousands of families struggle to keep food on the
table and kids engaged while school is out. That’s why United Way deploys Fuel
Your Future Summer Meals members to work with civic and nonprofit leaders to
provide high-quality meals and educational programming for youth at high-poverty
sites in their community. Launch a nonprofit career with a summer of service.
The Summer Meals team is a fantastic career building opportunity for students
or recent grads to receive training and professional development, a $1,222
monthly stipend, and a $1,194.71 AmeriCorps Education Award for student loans
or future education.
Safe and Active
The Coeur d’Alene Press (ID), May 30, 2017
Around the time people started getting creative with hair colors, Ryan Davis
was in charge of a teen program at a Boys and Girls Club in Arizona. One day at
the club, one of those teens sprayed silver Creon paint all over Davis’ head.
Years later, Davis received a phone call from that same teen, asking for a
letter of recommendation for a full-ride scholarship to Arizona State
University. It’s a success story Davis, now the executive director of the Boys
and Girls Club of Kootenai County, said highlights the difference Boys and
Girls Clubs can make in a youngster’s life. The Boys and Girls Club of Kootenai
County doubled the number of kids it reaches, thanks to the recent addition of
the Lola and Duane Hagadone Boys and Girls Club in Coeur d’Alene. With that
comes a need for more programs, staff and even more funding for its summer
program.
AmeriCorps
team helps Midcoast Habitat build homes
The Village Soup (ME), May 31, 2017
An AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps team has been serving with
Midcoast Habitat for Humanity during the month of May. The team helped to build
two homes that the organization will provide to people in need. The NCCC team
of seven from the Atlantic Region campus of Baltimore made their contribution
to the work of Habitat for Humanity through general construction labor, including
replacing windows, as well as the cleanup and siding of the houses. Through
their service, NCCC members are aiding the organization in its pursuit to make
affordable housing available to the 13 percent of Knox County residents who
live below the poverty line.
Sunday
Tours Offered at Wilson School and Round Barn in Mannington
WBOY-TV (WV), May 31, 2017
It is often said that things aren't like they used to be. In West Virginia,
that may resonate even more, but the Wilson School Museum and Hamilton Round
Barn in Mannington offer an in-depth look at Mannington's rich history. "It's
really impressive. This was quite a booming town and people need to have a
little bit of pride of where they live," said Jason Wright, an Americorps
Vista with the West Augusta Historical Society. The Bowers Pottery Plant was
once the largest sanitary pottery company in the world, located in Mannington,
and oil derricks were scattered across town. The Wilson School Museum offers an
insight into these times of prosperity.
Albany
Land Bank properties available for $100
The Spotlight News (NY), May 31, 2017
The Albany County Land Bank Corporation is introducing a new program aimed at
creating local ownership of vacant lots to help stabilize economically
distressed neighborhoods. Under the program, 40 vacant lots will be available
for purchase for $100 each, plus significantly reduced closing costs. The
program, known as “Spend a Little, Get a LOT!” is modeled after similar
programs in other U.S. cities and was developed with the assistance of
AmeriCorps members serving at the Land Bank through a grant provided by LISC
AmeriCorps. “About 50 to 60 percent of our portfolio is comprised of vacant
lots so we wanted to give them a boost so we can get them into the hands of
local owners who can enjoy them,” said Albany County Land Bank Executive
Director Adam Zaranko. “Through this innovative new program we hope to find new
owners for these vacant lots who will take care of them and enjoy them.”
Wilderness
stewards on the front line of trail building
The Citizen Times (NC), May 31, 2017
Stand back when Katie Currier swings an ax. The expert wilderness sawyer is all
business, her body one with ax, wood chips flying, slinging so fast, so
precise, chopping perfect Vs in the fallen birch tree, watching Currier is like
performance art. And her students, in hard hats and safety goggles deep in the
forest, were mesmerized. Currier was demonstrating proper tree chopping
technique to her class in the two-week Wilderness Skills Institute, which runs
through June 2. The institute is run by the Southern Appalachian Wilderness
Stewards, an Asheville-based conservation nonprofit, in partnership with the
U.S. Forest Service and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
Public
invited to free fishing day for children at Lake Lowell
The Idaho Press (ID), June 1, 2017
To celebrate Idaho@Play week and Free Fishing Day, the public is invited to
attend a free Kids Fishing Day event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 10. The event
will be held at Gotts Point at Lake Lowell. Kids and their families will have
the opportunity to fish without a license. They can also learn about fish
biology, fishing ethics, casting, pole rigging and water safety and do
fish-related crafts. Participating families can qualify to receive one free
child’s fishing pole per family (while supplies last). Fishing poles and tackle
will be available for children to use for the event or they can bring their own
gear. Families are encouraged to bring T-shirts to decorate with Gyotaku, the Japanese
art of “fish printing.” Kids Fishing Day is hosted by Deer Flat National
Wildlife Refuge and the Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute AmeriCorps
program.
WNC
Red Cross gives smoke alarms, sets blood drive for June 22
The Tribune (NC), June 1, 2017
The American Red Cross’ recently-consolidated chapter in western North Carolina
is teaming with Asheville and other area fire departments, to provide and
install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Doing so in one recent case
“saved four lives,” new Asheville-Mountain Area Exec. Dir. Pres. Alli Trask
told The Tribune. The American Red Cross has provided disaster relief for
decades such as shelters, food and counseling for displaced families. Many
local volunteers have gone to New Orleans and other disaster sites. Red Cross
states it supplies about 40 percent of emergency blood nationwide. Locally,
Operation Blood Drive in conjunction with WLOS-TV will be June 22, at various
sites across the mountains, Trask said.
Partnership Carson City roundup nets 247
pounds of pills, 91 pounds of syringes
Carson NOW (NV), May 30, 2017
Carson City you did it again, you lent a hand and kept our water, waste lands,
and citizens safe by properly disposing of 247 pounds of prescription and
non-prescription medications and 91 pounds of needles at the April 29th
Prescription Drug Round Up. To all our volunteers; Carson City Sheriff’s Office
Deputy Reserves, Carson City Public Works Waste Management, Starbucks staff
from the North Hwy 395 location, AmeriCorps, One Team Members of Partnership
Carson City, and members of our board we are grateful for the time and
dedication you put forward to assist your community.
Senior Peer Counseling celebrates 23rd
anniversary
The Citizen Voice (PA), May 31, 2017
The Senior Peer Counseling Program (SPCP) of Community Counseling Services and
the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) recently celebrated 23 years of
providing support to senior citizens of Luzerne and Wyoming counties during a
luncheon at the Tyler Memorial Hospital, Tunkhannock. Volunteers received
certificates of recognition and gifts of appreciation for their dedication to
homebound seniors. Rhoda Tillman, Senior Peer Counseling coordinator, welcomed
Carle Welter, RSVP coordinator, and expressed her appreciation for the work of
the 23 volunteers, including four new members, who completed their training
during the past year.
Want to feel better? Help others, like
these seniors in the RSVP program
The Times Picayune (LA), May 30, 2017
In 2006, Joyce Preston decided she had to do something to put meaning back in
her life. Her husband had died the previous year, and she had been in mourning
for months. "He passed away the Tuesday before Katrina, and his funeral
was that Thursday," she says. "In a way, it was a blessing because he
was terminally ill, and he would have been taken somewhere after the storm --
maybe someplace I couldn't have gone with him." Five years earlier, they
had moved back to Louisiana from California to enjoy their retirement together,
and they settled in Abita Springs."I was from Baton Rouge and he was from
Bogalusa, and we ended up in the middle," Preston says. She felt fortunate
to have the support of family members and former classmates at Southern
University while she tried to cope with her devastating loss.
Volunteers
recognized for Senior Programs
The Duncan Banner (OK), May 31, 2017
The annual recognition for volunteers in both the Foster Grandparent Program
(FGP) and the Senior Companion Program (SCP) was held Wednesday at First
Baptist Church in Duncan. Delta Community Action (DCA) sponsored the event,
which honored volunteers for their service in both programs. Project Director
Tina Casey says that volunteers from both organizations do so much for their
communities throughout the year, they deserve this recognition and more. “(It’s an) annual recognition we hold every
year for our foster grandparent volunteers, and our senior companion
volunteers.” Casey said, “They work real hard (sic) throughout the year
volunteering in schools with at risk children. The senior companions volunteer
with other seniors throughout the year.”
Delta Community Action honors Foster Grandparent & Senior Companion Program volunteers
KSWO-TV (OK), May 31, 2017
Delta Community Action honored over 100 volunteers today but there aren't your typical volunteers. The Foster Grandparent and Senior Companions Program is for seniors. Foster grandparents work one on one with children in schools and head starts throughout 11 different counties across Southwest Oklahoma. Delta also has senior companion volunteers as well, where volunteers help other seniors stay out of nursing homes with activities or just helping them run errands.
Local seniors honored during Plattsburgh’s
6 Over 70
The Sun (NY), May 30, 2017
Giving back to the community means everything for six local seniors. The
first-ever “6 Over 70” event last week recognized a handful residents based on
their volunteering efforts and contributions to the North Country. Honorees included Martha Bachman, Jim
Bailey, Eileen Barnes, Kit Booth, Tom Nagowski and Joan Riani. “I’m overwhelmed
by this honor,” Booth said. “I appreciate it very much.” Booth, a former Clinton County Board of
Legislators chairman, helped launch the city’s Battle of Plattsburgh
Commemoration and served on numerous boards, including the Kent-Delord House
Museum and American Cancer Society.
Lecher honored for 30 years of RSVP service
The Rapid City Journal (SD), May 30, 2017
If Belle was involved in a project, you knew it was going to get done.” said
Roger Wess when reflecting on fellow volunteer, Belvadine “Belle” Lecher. Belle was celebrated recently at the Dawes
& Sioux County RSVP Appreciation Luncheon.
Belle, 95, has served as a Retired and Senior Volunteer Program
volunteer for 30 years, and her volunteer life goes back more than a decade
beyond that. Through the years Belle has
served the American Cancer Society, the Genealogy Society, Daughters of the
American Revolution, and the WWII Commemorative Committee. She has volunteered in the schools and
tutored in Adult Basic Education. Belle
answered the call to help at blood drives, the Chadron Senior Center, the
Chadron Public Library and was a dedicated volunteer at the United Methodist
Church, but her true passion was history.
Coronado Carol Pastor is Busy Lending a
Hand and Helping Our City
The Coronado Eagle and Journal (CA), May 30, 2017
There is not a volunteer job too big or too small for Carol Pastor, whether she
is doing her shift as a Police Senior Volunteer; working at Second Hand Prose,
the Friends of the Library bookstore; preserving Coronado’s historical homes
with the Historical Preservation Commission; or working at the District
Attorney’s office. Pastor, who has served as president of the Friends of the
Library, was recently going to retire from the board since her term was up, but
still volunteer at the store. During the last meeting her plans changed. “‘You
have to stay a few more years’” they told me,” Pastor recalled. Recently Pastor
was honored as Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) volunteer for the
month of April. She was chosen out of the 1,400 RSVP volunteers in the county.
|
