To the 2010-2011 AmeriCorps Members

A Letter from Julie McClure, CalSERVES Program Director

2010-2011 AmeriCorps Members,

As CalSERVES programs begin their new year, I wanted to share with you some reflections from those impacted most by our program and my wishes for your year.

I think B has benefited from having a tutor and from being in After School. She lost her mother this year and she really connected with her tutor and was able to open up with her and talk. She’s so shy in the classroom. She’s been through so much. I’m glad she had that all-important one-on-one time with her mentor. I’m grateful to her mentor for taking her under her wing. - Teacher

Remember that every day you can make THE difference in someone’s life.

During my year of service I have come across challenges, and with these challenges have come rewards. The rewards are simple smiles on the faces of my students, and the excitement they share with me when they understand what we’ve practiced for weeks. I have better honed my skills and my patience…and have also reaffirmed my love for helping kids. – CalSERVES AmeriCorps Mentor

I realized this month that Social Services are what I want to do in life, and it took AmeriCorps for me to recognize my talents and passion for helping others. I am so thankful to have come so far and to have gained so much experience being in AmeriCorps. I value this program for a multitude of reasons. –VIP AmeriCorps Mentor

Take advantage of the growth and development opportunities available to you.

I really like tutoring because it is fun and we do the big three: learning, reading, and writing. I have had so many achievements. – CalSERVES Student

Celebrate all your successes!

I am proud of the work you are doing and of the accomplishments I am sure you will have throughout your year of service.

Julie McClure, Program Director

AmeriCorps Members are Getting Things Done!

Emily Mann, CalSERVES Program Coordinator

On the hottest day of the Summer, 40 AmeriCorps members got together to learn about their community and make a difference. Working with the City of Santa Rosa, they walked down to Colgan Creek (near Kawana Elementary School) and cleaned the area. 

With the sun beating down on them, and no Air Conditioning in sight, they worked with amazing enthusiasm and energy. This will be a fantastic year as this crew Gets Things Done for America! Way to go, CalSERVES!

What's Cookin? Tuesday: Vegetable Kabobs and Dip

Reasons to Eat Zucchini

A cup of sliced zucchini is:

• A good source of vitamin C.
• A source of manganese, potassium, and vitamin B6.

Champion sources of vitamin C:

• Grapes
• Green beans
• Melons
• Peppers
• Swiss chard
• Tomatoes

 

Vegetable Kabobs and Dip

Ingredients:

Makes 32 tastes at 1 stick each

8 raw zucchini, sliced

8 raw yellow squash, sliced

4 tomatoes, cut into eighths

32 mushrooms, whole

2 cups lowfat vegetable dip

16 wooden kabob sticks, halved

Serving tray and napkins

Place zucchini, squash, tomatoes, and mushrooms on sticks, alternating colors. Arrange on a tray and drizzle with vegetable dip. Serve with napkins.

CalSERVES Full Time AmeriCorps members begin!

On August 23rd, 28 full time AmeriCorps members joined us from all over the country for a Welcome / AmeriCorps 101 Training at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa. Throughout the 6 hour training, members learned about the history of service in our nation, specifically AmeriCorps and CalSERVES. We discussed the difference between service and a job and talked about how important it is to serve our communities. They are a wonderful group with thoughtful comments, positive attitudes and we're looking forward to seeing them grow into leaders this upcoming year!

Welcome CalSERVES AmeriCorps Members!!