HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Happy birthday James Vance, aka Cousin Pookie.
COLLEGE MONEY: Looking for college dough? I know one option that is totally cool yet somehow largely secret. I'm talking about AmeriCorps. Those of you who know about AmeriCorps are no doubt smiling and nodding; the majority of you are scrunching your brow and asking, "What?"
AmeriCorps is like a domestic Peace Corps. It offers an opportunity to make a big difference in your life and in lives of those less fortunate right here in our country. There are positions available in our area, or you may choose to serve on the other side of the country. AmeriCorps offers the chance to apply your skills and ideals toward helping others and meeting critical needs, members learn new skills and become a part of an incredible network of like-minded people.
Members provide 1700 hours of national service in one year; a portion of that time is devoted to training, not just for performing service but also in leadership and other vital skills for the workplace. At the end of the service year, if all requirements are met, the member will get what is called an education award, which is slightly at or about 5,000 dollars.
Following is an excerpt from a recent e-mail to LifeBridge AmeriCorps members from Director Betsy Southall, "... I have spent the last month traveling the state to do site visits. I have listened to members tell me of their accomplishments and heard site supervisors rave about their non-profit organization's success because of the efforts of AmeriCorps members ... I have met children and families who beam with joy when they talk about [what AmeriCorps members have done].
LifeBridge AmeriCorps members have been responsible for organizing baby pantries, food drives and clothing drives for women getting back on their feet ... these are just a few things accomplished in addition to the mentoring and tutoring that is their required service."
Southall used the following quote from Mahatma Gandhi in the moving e-mail to the members, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world."
Darnitta Elswick from Scott Depot is the associate director of the program. "I cannot believe the level of commitment I see from LifeBridge AmeriCorps members, some work with nothing and make changes in so many lives ... our members are people who love helping kids and families. Most of them go into education after completing their service," she says.
The new year of service will start August 10. If you think you would like to take part in changing the world, and while you're at it earn money for college tuition, or to pay back existing student loans, call Betsy Southall at 304-340-3519 or Darnitta Elswick at 304-340-3593 for information on how you can get started!
TEEN INSTITUTE: Teen Institute (TI), a nationwide program designed to help young people going into the eighth or ninth grade next year become leaders in the prevention of substance abuse and violence while encouraging positive choices on other health decisions, will have its 12th annual conference June 10-13 at Camp Rippling Water located off the Haines Branch Exit of I-77 near Sissonville.
Since 1996, the Adolescent Health Initiative, Region III, has coordinated TI for young people from Boone, Clay, Kanawha and Putnam Counties. Community leaders and volunteers staff the Institute; many staffers are alumni of the Institute. Margo Friend, health institute director, was asked if only "at risk" teens are considered for camp. Friend said, "All teens are at risk. We don't just address substance abuse; we also cover date rape, teen pregnancy and Internet safety. The topics are chosen by youth at planning meetings."
Friend said that one of the most valuable outcomes of the camp is the network of like-minded youth supporting one another and spreading the word that you can have fun without substance. And the youth do have a fun, positive experience at the camp attending interactive workshops, a variety of activities and developing action plans for sharing what they learn with their community.
Both donations and applications are being taken for this summer's session. Campers and staff stay in air-conditioned cabins. Most activities occur in the conference center. In order to allow equal opportunity for youth from a variety of socio-econimic backgrounds, the fee is kept to $20. Scholarships are available. Due to limited space, only the first 70 to register will be accepted, so you should probably go ahead and get your application by going to their Web site at www.youthmakeadifference.com or by contacting Bill O'Dell at 304-553-1186 or by e-mail: odell24@Marshall.edu.
There will be a fundraiser for the Regional Teen Institute on May 15th at I-HOP at Trace Fork (Corridor G) between 5 and 7 p.m. Come and eat, and TI will get 20% of the profit. Friend encourages everybody to come and eat, bring your family, friends, neighborhood, etc. "We want lots of people and to have lots of fun eating all that stuffed French toast or salads."
Let Jill Oxley, Putnam County's resident community newshound, know about your events by leaving a message at (304)757-9579 a week in advance.
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