Today Melissa, Amy, Tami, and I (Dominique) attended the first of our annual "Partner's Breakfast" fundraisers. I have to say that without Melissa and Amy the event would not have happened, they were super VISTA's!
I wanted to write about this event for a couple of different reasons. First, I always LOVE to travel so it rocked going to Brandon and being in a small town. I stopped at the gas station for some much needed gas station coffee (an addiction of mine). It was actually a bit creepy but totally fun.
Second, When I arrived at the Fundraiser most of the work had already been done and we ushered in the volunteers and then sat down to watch the presentations while munching on some yummy free breakfast. I have to say I was pretty impressed. The video was a GREAT marketing tool. I was already teary before the images even started because the music was so effective. Then the stories came, the images of the work with do and it was very touching. Finally, the personal testimonials were quite beautiful. At this point, when the young woman and her mother were openly discussing how Volunteers of America has helped her overcome her drug addiction and the long road to recovery, I found it very difficult to not cry. But, I am proud of myself...no weeping here.
Third, I am really happy to continue to see how much the VISTA's and those at Volunteers of America support each other and the work they do. It was a great way to start my weekend.
So thanks for the great start to my weekend, all the smiling faces, and the reminder of the importance of our work!
You Rock,
Dominique
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
County population data
For those of you who use population data, the Census Bureau has published its 2009 county estimates. Click here to access the tables.
Fun fact for Friday: Of South Dakota’s 66 counties, Jones County is the least populous. I thought 2009 might have been the year Jones County became the state’s only county with fewer than 1,000 residents. But its estimated 2009 population is 1,037, which is actually 22 people higher than 2008. The population at the 2000 Census was 1,193.
Just something to think about the next time you make that pit stop at the Triple H in Murdo...
Have a great weekend!
Fun fact for Friday: Of South Dakota’s 66 counties, Jones County is the least populous. I thought 2009 might have been the year Jones County became the state’s only county with fewer than 1,000 residents. But its estimated 2009 population is 1,037, which is actually 22 people higher than 2008. The population at the 2000 Census was 1,193.
Just something to think about the next time you make that pit stop at the Triple H in Murdo...
Have a great weekend!
AmeriCorps NCCC serving in South Dakota
Two days ago, an AmeriCorps NCCC team started serving in Flandreau, SD. Did you know that the same team has just traveled from Custer, SD? And a second team has been serving in Rapid City since March 5!
Currently, AmeriCorps NCCC Cedar 5 core team is in Flandreau, SD at the Flandreau Indian School. You can read more on the kick off event from yesterday's post (link). Their projects may include tutoring, development and implementation of a recycling program, grounds clean up and maintenance, and participating in after school activities with the students.
The Cedar 5 team just came from Custer, SD where they served for two and a half weeks at Custer State Park. There, they cut down pine tress that were encroaching on the hardwoods.
The other AmeriCorps NCCC team serving South Dakota is Cedar 6. The team has been at Black Hills Workshop since March 5, completing projects like teaching classes and working with support staff in the Elderly Program, STEPS program, and Suzie Cappa Art Center. Cedar 6 will be in Rapid City until April 21.
Thank you fellow AmeriCorps members for your service to South Dakota!
Currently, AmeriCorps NCCC Cedar 5 core team is in Flandreau, SD at the Flandreau Indian School. You can read more on the kick off event from yesterday's post (link). Their projects may include tutoring, development and implementation of a recycling program, grounds clean up and maintenance, and participating in after school activities with the students.
The Cedar 5 team just came from Custer, SD where they served for two and a half weeks at Custer State Park. There, they cut down pine tress that were encroaching on the hardwoods.
The other AmeriCorps NCCC team serving South Dakota is Cedar 6. The team has been at Black Hills Workshop since March 5, completing projects like teaching classes and working with support staff in the Elderly Program, STEPS program, and Suzie Cappa Art Center. Cedar 6 will be in Rapid City until April 21.
Thank you fellow AmeriCorps members for your service to South Dakota!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Meeting the Founder of AmeriCorps NCCC
Yesterday evening, VISTA Dominique and I drove up to Flandreau, South Dakota to listen to Brigadier General Donald L. Scott speak about being the founder and first director of AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC).
The 90-mile round trip was definitely worth it. When we sat down in the auditorium of Flandreau Indian School, we noticed a whole team of AmeriCorps NCCC. Cool! We talked with various core members and the team leader, Rachel, about their Custer project and the differences between NCCC and VISTA.
Shortly after, four of the students presented the flags and Adrienne introduced General Scott.
General Scott began the event by telling us a little bit more about himself. He spoke about his youth, military career, AmeriCorps NCCC founding and his work at the U.S. Library of Congress.
He incorporated the Native American medicine wheel, encouraging us to consider using the wheel to keep us balanced. The wheel involves being balanced physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
Another strong point in General Scott's speech was encouraging us to be "positive warriors." These warriors always look past prejudices to see the best qualities in others and supporting them in their pursuits. General Scott mentioned several "positive" warriors that pushed him to step outside of his comfort zone towards success.
General Scott was an honored guest at the kick off event for the AmeriCorps NCCC team on campus at Flandreau Indian School. The NCCC Cedar 5 team, stationed out of Iowa, will be serving at the school until April 22. Projects may include tutoring, development and implementation of a recycling program, grounds clean up and maintenance, and participating in after school activities with the students.
Learn more about:
AmeriCorps NCCC | Flandreau Indian School | City of Flandreau
The 90-mile round trip was definitely worth it. When we sat down in the auditorium of Flandreau Indian School, we noticed a whole team of AmeriCorps NCCC. Cool! We talked with various core members and the team leader, Rachel, about their Custer project and the differences between NCCC and VISTA.
Shortly after, four of the students presented the flags and Adrienne introduced General Scott.
General Scott began the event by telling us a little bit more about himself. He spoke about his youth, military career, AmeriCorps NCCC founding and his work at the U.S. Library of Congress.
He incorporated the Native American medicine wheel, encouraging us to consider using the wheel to keep us balanced. The wheel involves being balanced physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
Another strong point in General Scott's speech was encouraging us to be "positive warriors." These warriors always look past prejudices to see the best qualities in others and supporting them in their pursuits. General Scott mentioned several "positive" warriors that pushed him to step outside of his comfort zone towards success.
General Scott was an honored guest at the kick off event for the AmeriCorps NCCC team on campus at Flandreau Indian School. The NCCC Cedar 5 team, stationed out of Iowa, will be serving at the school until April 22. Projects may include tutoring, development and implementation of a recycling program, grounds clean up and maintenance, and participating in after school activities with the students.
Learn more about:
AmeriCorps NCCC | Flandreau Indian School | City of Flandreau
Sunday, March 21, 2010
AmeriCorps Week
Greetings! Hopefully it is just as sunny and beautiful where you are as it is in Sioux Falls today!
I'm just popping in to let you know that Sioux Falls VISTAs started planning events for AmeriCorps Week last week. This year, AmeriCorps Week is May 8-15. We hope you are able to join us - stay tuned for details!
I'm just popping in to let you know that Sioux Falls VISTAs started planning events for AmeriCorps Week last week. This year, AmeriCorps Week is May 8-15. We hope you are able to join us - stay tuned for details!
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