CalSERVES visits Rep. Lynn Woolsey's office in Santa Rosa, California

Julie McClure, CalSERVES Program Director

 AmeriCorps members, alums, and champions for service came out today to express their support for AmeriCorps and national service.

We came representing CalSERVES and CalSERVES VIP, programs which engages over 250 AmeriCorps members in service in each year both locally and throughout the State. The programs provide vital after school programs, tutoring services, and volunteer development to students and organizations in the highest need communities.

We brought letters from hundreds of people that the program impacts directly. Our service partners are teachers, school administrators, non-profit staff people, and community members who know how vital AmeriCorps is to the community. Direct service recipients, including children and families impacted by the program every day wrote to express what it would mean to them to lose these important services. AmeriCorps alumni wrote eloquently about the important service they engaged in and how it has impacted their lives and the lives of the community for the better.

I have had the privilege of being the director of an AmeriCorps program for over 13 years. In that time I have seen how vital the services of these dedicated individuals are to the community and to the children and families they touch. They have generated and supported over 150,000 volunteers in meaningful service to the community. They have supported the growth and development of over 10,000 students and not in an insignificant way. These AmeriCorps members are mentors and role models to students who desperately need them. They dedicate their lives for a year to our community and in so doing have changed the course for so many students, showing them what is possible and providing them the tools to get there. This program is essential to this community and to who we are as a Country.

It's About Belonging!

Annette Zucconi, CalSERVES Program Manager

 Inclusion is more than the presence of children with disabilities or other special needs in After School Programs; it is about belonging. CalSERVES is proud to administer The After School Inclusion Project where we assist After School programs to better include students with special needs and disabilities while creating this sense of belonging. A focus on belonging benefits all children.


"When inclusive [practice] is fully embraced, we abandon the idea that children have to become ‘normal’ in order to contribute to the world. Instead, we search for and nourish the gifts that are inherent in all people. We begin to look beyond typical ways of becoming valued members of the community, and in doing so, begin to realize the achievable goal of providing all children with an authentic sense of belonging."
—Norman Kunc (1992)

We are working hard to support programs throughout the state of California to acquire the knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes to be successful in including all students and with systems at all levels to achieve inclusive after school programs. You can find us at www.californiaafterschool.org, Special Needs tab.

Project Services
Inclusion Project
Strategic Planning Facilitation
Technical Assistance

Inclusion Resources
Resources for Building an Inclusive After School Program
Inclusion Quality Self-Assessment
Kids Included Together
Legal Resources
Library Resources

Professional Development
Inclusion Trainings
National Training Center on Inclusion
Webinar Registration

A Successful School of Rock!

Katie O'Looney-McCormick, CalSERVES Supervising Teacher at Wright Charter

Every year the team leaders of CalSERVES take on the role of facilitator and create a conference for the mentors. The conference provides training for mentors where they need additional support as well as an opportunity for team leader’s to gain experience as workshop facilitators. This year, the conference included topics like: classroom management, improving lessons plans, understanding student standards and more. When the event was over, mentors and team leaders alike were very pleased. The Conference was February 4.

What's Cookin'? Tuesday - Brown Rice Pilaf

The CalSERVES Nutrition Program brings you What's Cookin'? Tuesdays! The theme for February is dried fruit.
 
Reasons to Eat Dried Fruits

One serving of most dried fruits provides:

• A source of dietary fiber (e.g., dates, dried figs, dried plums, raisins).
• Potassium, which the body needs to maintain muscle contractions and a healthy nervous system (e.g., dried plums, raisins).
• Iron, an essential mineral for maintaining the delivery of oxygen throughout the body (e.g., dried figs, raisins).
• A source of calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, B-complex vitamins and magnesium (e.g., dates, dried figs, dried plums, raisins).

Dried Fruit History

• Athenians, including Plato, referred to themselves as “philosykos,” which translates to “friend of the fig.”
• After his failed gold mining venture, Frenchman Louis Pellier introduced Californians to dried plums at his Santa Clara Valley nursery in 1856.
• Raisins are noted in ancient writings as far back as 1490 B.C.E., but it wasn’t until 1876 when Scottish immigrant William Thompson developed a seedless grape variety in the San Joaquin Valley that the raisin industry was launched.
• Early USDA explorer Bernard Johnson became the “father of the California date industry” when he established a research station near the desert town of Mecca in the late 1880s.

For historical timelines, visit: www.harvestofthemonth.com

Brown Rice Pilaf with Sage, Walnuts and Dried Fruit
Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients:
as needed canola cooking spray
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium stalk celery, ends trimmed and chopped
2 cups brown rice, uncooked
2 1/2 cups water
2 cups fat-free vegetable broth, reduced sodium
1/4 cup dark raisins
1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1 teaspoon dried sage
2 Tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste


Instructions:

1. Spray the large skillet with canola cooking spray. Heat skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion and celery until tender, about 5 minutes. Add brown rice and sauté for 5 minutes.
3. Add water, broth, raisins, and apricots; heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 50 minutes.
4. Stir in walnuts if desired, sage, salt and pepper.
5. Transfer to serving dish. Garnish with fresh sage and serve immediately.

Cost:
Per Recipe: $ 3.03
Per Serving: $ 0.38

Calories 220, fat 1.5g, sodium 130mg, sugar 3g, protein 5g

Happy Valentine's Day from CalSERVES

Just a few hearts from us to you!

Students from Taylor Mountain After School

Artwork from CalSERVES Student 2008

Volunteer Highlight

Leah Everett, AmeriCorps VIP Fellow at Roseland Elementary

Our volunteers at Roseland have been amazing: consistent, responsible, passionate about helping our kids, positive, and ready to learn. In addition to the fantastic individuals who come each week to support classrooms, help with homework, and lead activities, we have a few special groups that are completing senior service learning projects with CalSERVES at Roseland.

First, our returning volunteer Nallely Ramirez, and her classmate Veronica Corona, from Windsor High School, are planning a fantastic event for February. We will be helping them to host a Multicultural Fair, where students will spend the after noon traveling “around the world” from booth to booth. At each station, they will learn customs of different nations around the globe, taste-testing recipe binder examples of foreign cuisine, completing crafts that symbolize a cultural practice, and hearing stories of different ways of life. These activities will support their exposure to new ideas and promote tolerance of various groups of people. A few of the nations students will explore will be China, Greece, Mexico, and Italy, though there will be eight country booths in total. Our students will be taking passports around to each station to earn a stamp, as one of many tokens by which they can remember this remarkable experience. We are thrilled to help support this event, and are proud of these volunteers who are working so hard to plan and fundraise to make it possible.

We are also in the midst of supporting another service-learning project, by two seniors from Ursuline, Amanda Osequera and Jennifer Bipes. As the girls' academic focus is supported by an art-core, they hoped to build their project around the artistic expression of younger students. In past years at Roseland, we were blessed with the wonderful Imagination Bus Project, where visiting not-for-profit volunteers would bring our kids on-board a renovated bus to complete art projects ten at a time. Since we’re well acquainted with this system for pulling kids out and encouraging their artistic expression, it was a smooth transition to support their project in this same format. The girls were pleased with the idea, and after some activity planning and support from Ursuline for art materials, the project started. We have had such a successful experience so far and the students really appreciate the existence of art in their school. We are so thankful to be able to help facilitate such a fantastic project idea to allow our kids the freedom of expression and support their artistic abilities.

We have fantastic volunteers at Roseland, and we hope to acquire more who will support CalSERVES and make our program more successful.

What's Cookin'? Tuesday - Oat Bran Muffins

The CalSERVES Nutrition Program brings you What's Cookin'? Tuesdays! The theme for February is dried fruit.

Dried Figs
Serving Size: • cup (40g)
Calories 113 Calories from Fat 2
% Daily Value
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 5mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 26g 9%
Dietary Fiber 5g 20%
Sugars 20g
Protein 1g
Vitamin A <2% Calcium 6%Vitamin C <2% Iron 6%

Dried Plums
Serving Size: • cup (40g)
Calories 110 Calories from Fat 0
% Daily Value
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 5mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 26g 9%
Dietary Fiber 2g 10%
Sugars 13g
Protein 1g
Vitamin A 5% Calcium 2%Vitamin C 4% Iron 3%

Oat Bran Muffins
Serving Size: 1/12 of recipe
Yield: 12 servings 

Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups oat bran
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1 mashed banana
3/4 cup applesauce
2 Tablespoons raisins, dates, or other dried fruit
1 egg
1/2 cup orange juice
3/4 cup nonfat milk
2 Tablespoons canola oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Mix the first four dry ingredients. Set aside. Mix the egg with orange juice, milk and oil. Mix fruit and blend with dry ingredients.
3. Add the liquid ingredients to the dry until it is moist.
4. Spray muffin tin with a non-stick coating. Pour batter into muffin tins.
5. Bake for 15-17 minutes. Remove muffins from pan after 10 minutes. Cool on a rack. Freeze muffins for later use. 

Cost:
Per Recipe: $ 2.76
Per Serving: $ 0.23
Calories 120, fat 4g, sodium 140mg, sugar 10g, protein 4g

Tide Pool Fun!

Gabby O'Neill, CalSERVES AmeriCorps VIP at Wright Charter

On January 12th, unexpected squeals of delight came from Wright Charter’s CalSERVES room. Two presenters from the Environmental Discovery Center came to teach the students about tide pools. They brought posters and souvenirs, which the students thoroughly enjoyed, but their favorite part was the live sea creatures! Students got to see and touch several animals including: Sea Stars, a Sea Sponge, Sea Urchin and a Cyton (Sea Slug). Kristina Stanton, one of the presenters, was very pleased with the outcome. “We love coming to teach kids about science. And it’s been great getting to show students some animals from our local tide pools!”

The Environmental Discovery Center is part of the Sonoma County Regional Parks Foundation. The presentation was one of many free programs offered along with: habitats, life cycles, adaptations, food webs, plant ID and structure, water conservation, etc. All of which Wright Charter’s After School anxiously anticipates!

Our next presentation will be a Martial Arts Group on February 16th.

It's Time to Join AmeriCorps

Jerry Noviello, CalSERVES Recruitment Coordinator

 Recruitment at CalSERVES is at full steam! It is only the beginning of the year and we have received hundreds of applications for our 2011-2012 AmeriCorps positions. We have had applicants from Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, California, Washington, and the list could go on even more. It’s wonderful to see that people from all across the country want to join AmeriCorps – and want to serve in our programs!

CalSERVES Mentor tutors a child

One of my favorite times in the day is when I share my experiences with potential members. I get to tell others about my passions and reasons for believing in our programs, and I also get to hear the inspirational stories of people who want to serve their country through volunteer service.

Mentors make a difference!

If you are interested in applying to serve with CalSERVES or would like more information about our programs, please contact me! My phone number is 707-260-4286, and my email address is americorps@calserves.org.

You can also read more about our programs on the CalSERVES website: www.calserves.org/join.html.

Students "True Professionals" at Johnny Garlics

Gabrielle O'Neill, CalSERVES VIP Fellow at Wright Charter School

Gabby O'Neill (right) and student Taylor Johnson with Johnny
Garlic's waitress

On Thursday, January 13th Wright Charter’s After School Program teamed up with Johnny Garlic’s Pasta Grill for a dine and donate fundraiser. An added bonus for ten students was the opportunity to train and serve as wait staff. After School students from 5th - 8th grade were selected to participate. They learned the basics of customer service, restaurant etiquette, and food preparation.

The students were so excited to have an opportunity to participate and by the end of the night they looked like true professionals. The fundraiser was such a success and the money we raised will go towards field trips and presenters for our students at Wright Charter’s After School Program.

VIPs Pull Together COOL Sports Dance and Cheer!

Frances Hardie, VIP Leader, CalSERVES

In December, we had our first Cool Sports challenge of the year. Cool Sports is one of the students’ favorite activities here at the CalSERVES afterschool program. Each school sent one team to participate in the final dance and cheerleading competition, which was held on the stage at Sheppard Elementary. Everyone is always a winner in Cool Sports- each team got a distinct award for their dance or cheer.

Our eight local VIPs were in charge of doing the behind-the-scenes logistics for Cool Sports: finding coaches, making practice times, and getting everyone on the bus and safely to Sheppard and back. I came over to the gym at Sheppard, and a few teams were already there. The kids were a bundle of excited and nervous energy. As more schools arrived, it got crazier and crazier, with everyone getting on costumes, practicing, and sneaking glances at the other schools. It quieted down when Ms. Ford began the MCing, and the events began! The kids and their coaches had fantastic dances and cheers, and everyone cheered wildly for each of the other teams.

The award for “Hardest Dance” went to Kawana School (pictured). We had two amazing volunteers working as coaches with the Kawana team, Ms. Mitchell and Mr. H (back left). Together, they put in over 30 hours teaching dances and cheers. They also prepared chants so that the Kawana team could loudly cheer on every one of the other teams as they were making their way up to the stage. In the middle of their dance performance, the Kawna students even tried out a bit of break dancing that they had been working on with Mr. H. Our volunteers are an invaluable addition to our programs at CalSERVES, and their obvious hard work was evident in the great Kawana cheering and dance routines.

Thanks to all of our volunteers, VIPs, Sheppard School, and especially Ms. Ford for making this amazing event come together. And, finally, I can’t wait for Cool Sports basketball in February and track and field in April!

What's Cookin'? Tuesday - Trail Mix

The CalSERVES Nutrition Program presents "What's Cookin' Tuesdays! February's theme is Dried Fruit.

Nutrition Information: Raisins
Serving Size: • cup (40g)
Calories 130 Calories from Fat 0
% Daily Value
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 10mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 31g 10%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Sugars 29g
Protein 1g
Vitamin A <2% Calcium 2%Vitamin C <2% Iron 6%


Nutrition Information: Dates
Serving Size: • cup (40g)
Calories 120 Calories from Fat 0
% Daily Value
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 0mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 31g 10%
Dietary Fiber 3g 14%
Sugars 29g
Protein 1g
Vitamin A 0% Calcium 2%Vitamin C 0% Iron 2%

Trail Mix
Makes 14 servings at 1/2 cup each

Ingredients:
2 cups dried fruits, chopped (at least
3 varieties)*
1 cup nuts**
2 cups pretzels
2 cups lowfat cereal or granola
 
Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients in large bowl.
2. Place 1/2 cup servings in individual containers. Enjoy as snack or dessert.

*Dried fruits: dates, figs, plums, raisins, apples, apricots, cranberries, bananas, mangoes
**Nuts: almonds, peanuts, cashews, sunflower seeds, walnuts, pistachios