Maple March & Appreciation April

Maple March

Hi Everyone! It has been another long break from blogging again...

Maple March was fantastic and busy! There was so much happening! Our programs continued along very well. The Photovoice groups took pictures and and prepared for the last few months before the June 7th exhibit! In addition, the Youth Ambassadors continued to work on their awareness projects! They chose to pursue projects in raising awareness for Nutrition Month, Stress Awareness Month, and Better Sleep Month. The Youth Ambassadors also helped recruit volunteers and spread the word for the Beautify Bennington Global Youth Service Day event.

A great friend of mine, Emily, came to visit at the beginning of the month and we got to see some maple sugaring occur at the Sugar Shack in Arlington, VT. That was a grand adventure. While March wasn't all that warm, some days were nice and Nicole and I got ready for Spring. A trip to Penn State for a visit made March great too! Easter came and went and it was great to be able to spend it with my family! 

Nicole and I spent March getting ready for Global Youth Service Day on April 27th! Which brings us to Appreciation April! :)

Appreciation April

Global Youth Service Day is the largest community service event in the world and over 100 countries participate in it every year! For more information: www.gysd.org. The event we coordinated in Bennington was the "Beautify Bennington" community service day held on April 27th from 1-4pm. This was an early "Green Up Vermont" day where over 100 community members of all ages came out to serve together by picking up litter, cleaning up sidewalks and storefronts, and beautifying the River walk. Volunteers were encouraged to pre-register with Nicole and were asked to bring rakes, brooms, and water bottles. 

This event would not have been possible without the community support and may partnering organizations! We partnered with the Better Bennington Corporation and John Shannahan, the Town of Bennington, Bennington College's Sam Tymchyn and Sage Ober and their fantastic volunteers from the ACTS program - Advocating for Community Through Service. We also worked with Kevin and Ali, ACT volunteers, and several local sponsors to coordinate this event. This event was also made possible through the Stewart's Shops Holiday Match Program grant that the Youth Ambassador Program received. Thank you to all volunteers who participated!

The ACT coordinated a Youth Appreciation Celebration that was held on the Town Office lawn after the Beautify Bennington event at 4pm. This Youth Appreciation Celebration included a presentation of the State Resolution by state representatives - Rep. Campion & Rep. Corcoran, and the Town Proclamation by Select Board Chairman Joseph Krawczyk. These documents were created by the Career Development's Pre-law class. A President's Volunteer Service Award was presented to Cindy Krauthiem for her service to youth. And finally, a band from Bennington College played great tunes and pizza and drinks were provided to volunteers! 

It was a wonderful experience to see Bennington community members of all ages come together to honor the youth in their lives and give back to their town! I am grateful for the experience of being able to work with a diverse team of partners and volunteers on this special event. 

For more information: http://actsvhc.org/2013/04/29/beautify-bennington-greatness/