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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (May 1, 2008)
T W M volunoeerjsjn may 2008 19 AmeriCorp Volunteers Arrive in Vemonia By Scott Laird Reinforcements have arrived. A team of eleven AmeriCorp Volunteers have come to Vemonia to help with clean up and restoration projects for victims of the flood. The Blue 4 team, part of AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) program, arrived on April 15 and will work in the Vemonia area until the end of May. The group is living at the Natal Grange and are coordinating with Columbia County Flood Relief (CCFR) to identify projects they can assist with. After four months of flood clean up and rebuilding, fresh faces and bodies are a welcome addition to the community efforts to re build. Twenty-two year old Kate Delahunty from Connecticut has a degree in Public Health. “This is such a great opportunity to meet people from all over. You get few chances in life to give back, and I’m taking this time to do that. I would definitely recommend this program,” said Delahunty. NCCC team members must be between eigh teen and twenty- four years old. They commit to the ten month residential pro gram where they work on approximately four projects that last about six weeks each, focusing in areas of education, public safety, di saster relief, environmental conservation, and commu nity needs. Upon completing their service, members receive a $4,725 education award that can be used for tuition or to pay student loans. Team Leader Tiffany Zapico, from Nutley, New Jersey, explained the arrangement. “We live and work together for ten months. Every thing we do is team based.” Media Coordinator Kelly Comley discussed the benefits of being an AmeriCorp volunteer. “You get to travel, see the country, learn about new places, and meet all kinds of great people. You get a chance to learn about yourself, learn about frugal living, and take time to con sider options that are available. You don’t need money to apply, and your room and board is covered 4 team has worked to restore farmland and did a ma during the program. It a great way to explore career jor community clean up in Alpaugh, California. They choices, work with all kinds of volunteer organizations have also been recognized for and will be receiving a and network. It’s a wonderful introduction to the world national award for their volunteer efforts for their work of service.” in schools in New Orleans. Jonathan Lee, twenty-two, from Fairfax, Virginia, just finished his Bachelors Degree and is planning to go to medical school. “This is an absolutely unique experi ence. It helps you grow as a leader and allows you to see your own potential and put it to use. It really taps into your humanitarian instincts.” Lee offered an in teresting perspective on working in Vemonia. “I have always wanted to be able to help in a natural disaster. Being able to come here and help is a dream job and a dream come true for me.” Vemonia is lucky to have these energetic, committed and service oriented guests here to help. If you see Team Leader Zapico told us about some of the other them around, in their AmeriCorp grey sweatshirts, projects the team has worked on. In addition to work make sure to say hello and thank you. ing with Habitat for Humanity in Sacramento, the Blue BeST HOT DOGS 'DIS siDe of CHicaeoi Try ohe famous Chicago Red Hoo, Polish, Braowurso cooked in beer, Chili-Cheese Fries, Garlic Fries or Nacho Fries. Feaouring Heileman’s Old Soyle Beer! 2008 Cheap Eats Award - Willamette Week "A great hot dog!" ~ Drew Carney, KG W 8 One of the team’s goals while working in a community is to get the word about the opportunities with Ame riCorp and recruit new volunteers. “This has been a great chance for me to clarify what I want to do with my life,” said Kelly Comley. “It’s a great way to spend a year if you’re just out of high school and trying to decide what to study in school or taking time before starting a career.” 2007 Best Bites Award - - Oregonian "Wayne's Red Hot has it all, plus huge flavor. " - Portland Mercury START RIGHT. START HERE“ Spring is here! - Time to get out in the yard! Lawn Mowers - Garden Tools - Feroilizer Weed Conorol - Mower Tune-ups W E H A V E IT A L L , R IG H T H E R E IN T O W N . 0pmilq omed & ofimted (w mmm (fern v e r n o n ia R a l l y c a b b r e a k f a s t W e lc o m e O r e g o n T r a il R a lly C a rs ! Sunday May 18,2008 6:00a.m.~9:30a.m Join us for Biscuits & Gravy, Pancakes, Eggs, Ham, Fruit & more! 3901 NE MLK Blvd.,Poroland • 503.493.4537 Mon. - Thur. 11am-9pm • Fri.-Sao. 11am-10pm • Sun. Noon-6pm $ 5M Plate Fundraiser for new equipment at Vernonia Rural Fire Department
