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MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the William J. Clinton
Presidential Library Staff.
Collection/Record Group:
Clinton Presidential Records
Subgroup/Office of Origin:
Americorps
Series/Staff Member:
General Files
Subseries:
OA/ID Number:
24228
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66
1
4
3
* NAI AMERICORPS IN UNITED
STATES
DEPARTMENT
OF AGRICULTURE
NEWSPAPER
COVERAGE
JARY 17, 1997
METRO/NORTHWEST
2M
C3
life
EnviroCorps: Volunteers help at-risk youth
Continued from Page C1
pend to continue their schooling or
tions and habitat restoration -
For her part, Rains is scrambling
Lobbying efforts with the senators.
to repay college loans.
have saved the city about $500,000.
to plug her candidates into other
failed, however, forcing the elimina-
About 25,000 AmeriCorps mem-
In the metropolitan area, Ameri-
AmeriCorps programs.
tion of a number of operations.
bers are working in 438 communi-
Corps volunteers mentor at-risk
"We're doing our best to match up
The cutoff will affect about 1,000
ties around the nation.
youth, teach English language
people we wanted in our program
AmeriCorps workers and 300 sites
Steve Hoar, a Newberg resident,
classes for nonnative speakers, as-
back in September with the North-
nationally. In Oregon, about G5 posi-
spent a year helping 3,000 tribal
sist with weatherization projects for
west Service Academy," Rains said.
tions won't be filled.
members on the Umatilla reserva-
low-income residents, monitor
"Instead of having two teams of
ed this week
Program directors called the deci-
tion upgrade their fresh-water sys-
drinking water in the Bull Run wa-
about nine volunteers, the best we
is week are expected to
sion politically motivated.
tem.
tershed and assist with dozens of en-
can come up with will be one."
he Legislature.
"It's absurd since Congress had al.
"I wanted to get some experience
vironmental projects.
Former volunteers call it the best
ready approved the funding," said
with city planning and use some of
They have been placed in such
Just stop turning in draft leg-
varied organizations as Salmon
experience of their lives.
Joel Berg, administrator with the
my talents to help others," said
Corporation for National and Com-
Corps, I Have a Dream Foundation
"It opened my eyes to a world I
S
Hoar, who has a degree in civil engi-
e.
munity Service in Washington, D.C.
neering. "I think I touched the lives
and Partnership to Stop Violence
would never have imagined," Rich-
"It seems clear that to save the en-
of hundreds of people because I
Against Women.
ard Melo said. The two-year Ameri-
know they touched mine."
Barry Messer, a Portland State
Corps volunteer battled flood wa-
tire AmeriCorps programs, it was a
University professor who coordi-
ters, worked with disabled children
compromise the administration
Program organizers said that two
made."
nates AmeriCorps workers with
and educated young people about
to three candidates apply for every
local schools, said the cuts could
the environment. "It's heartbreak.
lec-
Some Republicans have criticized
available position.
President Clinton's national service
cost him 20 positions.
ing to meet people who want to
"I've got a woman in North Caro-
He compared volunteers' efforts to
work in this program and cannot.".
program since its inception in 1994.
lina who wants to join EnviroCorps
those of their Peace Corps counter-
Last year, opponents jumped on a
and others waiting tables or taking
parts.
General Accounting Office study
temporary jobs waiting to get in,"
"We know that they can make a
that revealed the average cost of an
Rains said. "For the little stipend
difference in kids' attitudes about
SPORT
new legislation.
AmeriCorps worker at $26,654 a
they receive, they're probably the
their environment," Messer said.
emerge later. Committees
year.
best bargain around."
COURT.
"Here in Portland, we've also seen
ise.
House Speaker Newt Gingrich, R-
In fact, she estimated that Enviro-
them doing outreach work with kids
BACKYARD GAME COURTS
- Steve Suo
Ga., called the program bloated and
Corp workers - doing jobs such as
who might have an interest in col-
BASKETBALL, ROLLER HOCKEY, VOLLEYBALL
wasteful, labeling it "coerced volun-
SPORT COURT of OREGON
tree planting, downspout disconnec-
lege and helping them get on track."
SINCE 1976
[800] 793-HOOP
COB #11728
Ig Tuesday
teerism."
Supporters countered that as
in three Portland legislators
much as $9,000 of each member's ex-
on High School, 2735 N.E.
Van rolls on I-5; father, son die
penses is raised from private, local
use Speaker Lynn Lundqu-
and state agencies.
To save the program, AmeriCorps
A 4-year-old boy was ejected and
when she fell asleep.
:p. Jo Ann Bowman and
55¢
Director Harris Wofford told Con-
crushed when his family's van
le event.
Investigators said the van rolled
gress that he would cut expendi-
rolled over Sunday afternoon on In-
questions.
several times before landing on its
ion.
tures by about 40 percent, to $15,000
terstate 5 near Roseburg.
wheels in the traffic lanes.
COLOR COPIES
for each worker, by 1999.
Matthew Wallmann of Redmond,
The mother and two other chil-
FEB-19-1997 09:39
In September, Congress approved
Wash., died at Columbia Douglas
dren, Elizabeth, 11, and Andy, 9,
February 17-March 1
Clinton's request for $402.5 million
SS otherwise noted:
Hospital in Roseburg.
were treated for minor injuries.
to finance operations through 1998.
B.5 y 11. one side, 24= white houl paper
For one year of service, each
His father, Peter Wallmann, was
The accident occurred at 12:30
AmeriCorps participant earns a
pinned in the front passenger seat.
p.m. four miles north of Roseburg.
eral bitis, Including HB2369 (an-
$7,600 living allowance and an edu-
He died at the hospital Sunday
Why Pay More
Southbound lanes were closed for
1:30 a.m., Room HA A. Call 986-
cation award of $4,725: Part-time
night.
1½ hours.
members earn $4,023 and an award
Oregon State Police said the hny's
14n (contractors), 8:30 a.m.,
Peter Wallmann was wearing a
Al participating locations
of $2,363.
mother, Denise Wallmann, 37, was
safety belt, but investigators could
i) and HB2394 (workers' compen-
After completing a year of service,
driving south when the van drifted
not say whether the others in the
LAZERQUICK
members may use the college sti-
into the center median, possibly
van were.
800-477-COPY
SONOMA-MARIN
FARM NEWS
March 1995
Volume 6, Issue 8
The official Farm Bureau newspaper that serves Sonoma and Marin Counties
Kits
from page 1
lems and do what we need to do to avoid
future problems."
Appointments are still being made for any
dairy farmer interested in learning 10 use the
ammonia test kit. Telephone calls to arrange
for first time appointments will be taken until
March 30, although follow-up appointments
will be accepted at any time.
Visits made, come rain or shine, are free
and confidential. For more information call
Colin Close or Julie Maggi at the Natural
Resources Conservation Service's Santa Rosa
field office, (707) 575-1409.
The AmeriCorps members wish to ex-
press their gratitude to Doug Buttke, Jim
Kehoe and Jack Dei, Jr. for their active com-
mitment to the water quality issue and for
their consent to use their names for this
Colln Close of NRCS, kneeling, shows Doug Buttke and his son Danny how to use the
article.
ammonia test kit.
March 30 cut-off date for first-time assistance
Dairy Owners Check Out Ammonia Test Kits
As the water from the relentless January
So far, all of the dairy farmers that have
storms drained off the land, AmeriCorps mcm-
been introduced to the ammonia test kit were
bers Colin Close and Julie Maggi donned
happily surprised to find the kit quick and
rubber boots and headed out to visit three of
easy to use. It was also viewed by each dairy
Sonoma County's dairies. Working out of the
operator to be a valuable tool to help better
Natural Resources Conservation Service in
manage their dairy.
Santa Rosa, the two AmeriCorps members
The test results may be a rewarding testi-
have made themselves available to train dairy
mony to the time, money and energy invested
farmers on how to use ammonia test kits.
in improving water quality upon a dairy.
The CHEMetrics kit, which produces test
Dairy owner Jack Dei, Jr., has made yearly
results on location in just a couple of minutes,
changes in management practices to better
(ARTICLE & photo
is used to analyzc the amount of ammonia
improve his operation. Says Dei, "Using the
contained in a water sample. The derived
test kit is very valuable because now when I
PRODUCED By
results enable dairy operators to locate any
make changes I can monitor the improve-
potential problems. As dairymen Doug
ment of the water quality."
Buttke, Jim Kehoe and Jack Dei, Jr., were the
AMERi Comps MEMBERS)
Jim Kehoe, the dairy manager of Saint
first to ask for assistance in learning how to
Anthony's Dairy, says of the water quality
use the ammonia test kits, they were among
issue, "It's a tough subject that needs to be
the first to receive one of the ten test kits that
addressed, but it all can't be done overnight.
were generously donated by the Gold Ridge
We have to work together to solve the prob-
Getting
the job
Gearing up for work
Crews from AmeriCorps prepare to work
on the Chapparal Neighborhood interpre-
Putting teeth in it
tive site at the US Forest Service Lytle
AmeriCorps crew members Tim Paye, Metin Kanikay-
Creek Ranger Station.
nar and Candice Chavez joined in chainsaw training in
Idyllwild last week.
Done
FARM WEEK
7/10/95
Conservation
STATE
Workshop offers ideas
for former CRP land
By Kay Shipman
farming, orchards, production
Farmers wondering how to
of grass seed and hay, and
continue conserving their
hunting and recreation opera-
Conservation Reserve Pro-
tions.
gram (CRP) acres may learn
Several workshops have fo-
about several alternatives at a
cused on potential problems
July 22 workshop.
and practices when former
A free CRP alternatives
CRP land returns to row-crop
workshop will be from 8 a.m.
farming, but this will provide
to noon at the Orr Agriculture
ideas if farmers are consider-
Center, Perry (Pike County).
ing something other than row
Participants are asked to pre-
crops, Roegge said.
register so enough materials
Workshop participants will
can be prepared.
get a thumbnail sketch of al-
Later this year, the first
ternative operations, basic re-
CRP contracts will expire.
quirements, and market po-
Farmers will decide what to
tential, Roegge said.
do with a considerable num-
Farmers may not want to
ber of acres. In a five-county,
put all their former CRP land
West-Central area alone,
in an alternative practice, but
about 75,000 acres were en-
might use a portion or some of
rolled in CRP.
the rougher ground that way,
In the entire state, CRP en-
he added.
rollment was about 794,000
The workshop is organized
acres.
by the Two Rivers Resource,
The workshop topics are
Conservation, and Develop-
those most frequently request-
ment Area; the Quincy Exten-
ed by farmers surveyed in the
sion Center; AmeriCorps; Nat-
Two Rivers Resource Conser-
ural Resources Conservation
vation and Development
Service; and the Consolidated
Area, said Mike Roegge of the
Farm Services Agency.
Quincy Extension Center.
For more information or to
The topics include: tradi-
register, call the Quincy Ex-
tional and alternative live-
tension Center at 217-221-
stock, specialty crops, tree
2508.
ORegonian 7/30/96
Low-income families
get Food Bank's help
Low-income residents of Multno-
rebagging food and taking food to
mah County can join Community
the homebound, said Kahlil Ed-
Basket. a new membership program
wards, an Americorps volunteer at
run by the Oregon Food Bank.
the food bank.
Located in the Child's Path ware-
The program begins Aug. 1, from
house at 3808 N. Williams Ave., it of-
noon to 3 p.m., and will continue the
ters members a newsletter with in-
first Thursday of each month. To
formation on nutrition. jobs,
sign up at the door. individuals and
community projects and social serv-
families must meet poverty income
ices. In addition. they will get bags
guidelines and have proof of ad-
of free groceries and nonfood items
Low-income food program
dress.
once a month.
Membership is $15 for the year or
Edwards said the food bank will
$5 every four months. Members can
provide surplus items from its ware-
expands territory to North, SE
volunteer for various duties such as
house. He added that the surplus
food will not be as nutritious as the
By MERLE ALEXANDER
bers also can volunteer to help run
items in an emergency food box. A
of The Oregonian staff
the program.
member will get several loaves of
bread along with snack items, condi-
The Oregon Food Bank has ex-
To qualify, a person must show
tended its new Community Basket
proof of address and meet poverty-
ments, paper goods, soap and per-
haps pet food. By not spending
program to North and Southeast
level income guidelines; sign-ups
Portland.
are either at a registration time or
money on these items, he said, mem-
during the regular Friday sessions.
bers can make their money go fur-
The membership program, which
ther on more healthful food.
These are the times and locations.
serves low-income residents of Mult-
The food bank plans to open other
nomah County, costs $15 a year or
Northeast Portland: The first
sites in Northwest, North and
$5 every four months to join. Mem-
site, which opened Aug. 1 at the
Southeast Portland later this year.
bers get free food and nonfood items
agency's Child's Path warehouse, is
For more information and to vol-
now located at Bethel A.M.E.
once a month. They also get infor-
unteer. call Edwards at 282-0555.
mation about nutrition, jobs, parent-
Church, 5828 N.E. Eighth Ave. It
from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
ing and community services. Home
will be open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sept.
6. Registration will be the first Fri-
delivery of food is available. Mem-
day of each month.
North Portland: Columbia Villa,
9020 N. Dana Ave., noon to 3 p.m.,
Sept. 20. Preregister Sept. 6, 11:30
Foorday
a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Registration open
the third Friday of each month.
Southeast Portland: Portland
(USPS 000194)
is published weekly by the Oregonian Publishing
Impact Family and Youth Center,
Company, 1320 S.W. Broadway, Portland, Oregon
Member of the Associated Press - The
Associated Press is entitled exclusively to the use
4707 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd., 11 a.m.
97201-3499 Established June 10. 1986. Circulation
tel. 221-5399 Periodicals postage paid at Portland,
for republication all the local news printed in this
to 2 p.m., Aug. 23. Registration open
Oregon Postmaster: Send address changes to
newspaper, as well as all AP dispatches.
every fourth Friday of the month.
FOODday P.O. Box 8200, Portland. Oregon,
Represented by Newhouse Newspapers (Metro-
97207-8200
Suburbia, Inc.) with offices in New York, Chicago,
For more information about join-
Detroit, Atlanta, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
ing or home delivery, call Khalil Ed-
wards or Deb Lippoldt at the food
bank, 282-0555.
Low-Income families receive surplus food
Community Basket, a new program
information and community services
dinator responsible for scheduling vol-
sponsored by Oregon Food Bank in
and a bonus bag(s) of food and non-
unteer shifts. arranging home deliver-
the N/NE neighborhoods, is a volun-
food items once a month. The first
ies. supervising the site. and re-bag-
teer run membership program.
fifteen members to join will get $5 off
ging food. Anyone interested in vol-
Community Basket will provide its
the annual membership charge for
unteering can call Khalil Edwards at
members with informational services
the first year.
282-0555 for more information.
concerning nutrition, job opportuni-
To qualify. household income
Beginning August 1st and the first
ties, community projects, parenting,
guidelines must be met (185% of pov-
Thursday of every month following,
self-help information and various
erty level) and a proof of address
individuals and families in the N/NE
961 18/1 vanesq 0 profe
community programs, on a monthly
showing that you live in Multnomah
neighborhoods can register at the fol-
basis. Members also receive a bonus
County is needed. Anyone who quali-
lowing time and place and receive their
package of food and non-food items
fies for any other services: W.I.C.,
first newsletter and bonus bag(s) of
once a month.
food stamps. Head Start. etc.. will
food: August 1. 1996 1st Thursday of
By paying a $15 annual fee or a $5
certainly qualify for Community Bas-
each month) 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. and
quarterly fee (every four months)
ket.
will be held at Child's Path. 3808 N.
members will receive a newsletter with
Each site will have a volunteer coor-
Williams Portland. Ore 97227.
Headline #25
Phrase: AGRICULT*
Copyright
AP DATASTREAM NATIONAL NEWS WIRE [APO2W] via NewsNet
Sunday October 08, 1995
Update #: 24 Item #: 54
HANGING IN THERE WITH AMERICORPS
Eds: Sent Oct. 2 as b0279
By EDDIE PELLS
Associated Press Writer
FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) -- With one arm stretched back and another
on the horn of the saddle, Joel Berg leans back and gives a
celebratory ``yee-haw'' as he steadies himself on a 2,000-pound
bull.
The bull lives at the Browning Ranch, one of dozens of projects
undertaken nationwide by Americorps, the youth service program.
But this bucking beast is also a metaphor for life-and-death
battle for Americorps itself. Congressional Republicans say
Americorps is a bloated example of federal bureaucracy, and they
want to cut it out of the budget.
Berg is one of the Americorpsmen on that wild ride, head of the
U.S. Department of Agriculture's branch of Americorps. He does not
appear to be a man who is worried about losing his job.
rt'
There's a lot of gamesmanship going on now -- a lot of
brinksmanship, he says. But I welcome people to come in and
look at the cost and benefit of what we do. I'm still convinced
Congress is going to support this idea.
At Bob Browning's 45-acΓe ranch, Americorps members are creating
a petting zoo where children will get to know horses, pigs, goats
and cattle -- an example of the wide-ranging projects undertaken by
the program.
President Clinton likes to call it a domestic Peace Corps.
Federal and state agencies combine with private businesses to
develop community projects. For their 1,700 hours of work per year,
``volunteers'' receive minimum wage and vouchers to apply toward
their college educations.
The program began last year. In its first year, the USDA
sponsored 1,200 of the 20,000 participants, assigning them to work
in 38 states on one of three teams -- an anti-hunger team, a public
lands and environment team, or a rural development team.
But the future of the program is in doubt; both the Senate and
the House have eliminated funding for Americorps for the year
beginning October 1996. However, Clinton has vowed to veto any bill
that does not keep Americorps alive.
``It seems like just now things are getting put together, says
Americorps member Todd Tucker, who was on the ranch to meet Berg
during his recent visit to northwest New Mexico. A11 the little
details are getting ironed out in the program. But when we're told
the program may not be around for another year, that's kind of
frustrating.
Critics say the program is top-heavy with bureaucrats, that it
costs too much per person and that it goes against the spirit of
volunteerism by paying people to do work for communities.
Although the participants receive about $12,000 per year for
'living expenses and a $4,725 education voucher, a recent study by
the General Accounting Office found the average participant in
AmeriCorps is supported by more than $25,000 in federal, state and
private dollars. That equals more than $18 for an hour of direct
community work by each person.
Americorps doesn't dispute the GAO totals. But program chief Eli
Sega1 says the price per worker would go down if the GAO considered
thousands of hours of work performed by unpaid volunteers recruited
by Americorps members.
Berg says some of the extra money goes toward training
212
Americorps members. Members pledge to spend at least 20 percent of
their time training to become more knowledgeable in the projects in
which they're involved.
He says other expenses include health insurance, transportation,
day care for some workers' children and start-up costs for some
projects, which are high because Americorps is still suffering
growing pains.
There are some problems with overhead, but I welcome people
coming in to look at cost, Berg says. When the GAO comes, most
people in my position would hide under the desk and slowly dribble
out pieces of paper. I welcome them in to look at every penny we're
spending.
Berg maintains costs will go down and efficiency will improve as
projects take hold in communities. He dismisses critics who point
out that the program is spread over numerous agencies, all with
bureaucrats to handle administrative work.
``I can't imagine any program being scrutinized like this so
early in its life, Berg says. ``It's hard for me to explain to
Americorps members why anyone would want to cut the program before
anyone could have any rational way of judging its successes.
In New Mexico, Berg visited the tiny town of Cubero, where
Americorps is helping to restore a firehouse, and Jemez Pueblo,
where Americorps workers are helping install indoor plumbing to
homes that never had it.
Americorps is also helping small communities in southwest
Colorado find ways to increase tourism on scenic U.S. Highway 550
while lowering the environmental impact of the traffic.
Americorps members have collected more than $10,000 in supplies
to help transform Browning Ranch. They also sponsored a volunteer
day in which 83 people cleaned the grounds, painted buildings and
laid irrigation pipe.
`If the people around the country were as resourceful and
hard-working as some of the kids I've worked with here, this has
potential to be a good program, Browning says.
Continued AmeriCorps from page 1
We're impacting
R
people's lives
members receive training in con-
flict resolution, cultural diversity.
here.
cardiopulmonary resuscitation,
Rudy Leora
first aid, child development and
team building.
AmeriCorps workers in Tulare
come from a variety of pack
Administrators at Live Oak
grounds.
and at Lincoln School, where she
GW
Raina Miles, 40, is a Visalia res'
also icaches, have been enthusi-
ident who is working on her Mas.
astic and very supportive, Miles
ters of Divinity degree at Men
said. "They wanted these ser-
nonite Biblical Seminary and
vices."
wants to be a counselor.
AmeriCorps has provided an-
other way for schools to provide
STUART NEWS
Julio Valadez, 21, is a Pixley
resident who has worked two
one-on-one contact with students
STUART FL
who need it, said Pam Canby, di-
DAILY
30.300
years at Teen City, starting when
he was with the California Con-
rector of curriculum for the Tu-
WEDNESDAY
servation Corp. He is now attend-
lare City School District.
APR 3 1996
ing COS.
Principals on all the campuses
she has visited have said they are
BURRELLE'S
Rudy Loera, 30, is a Visalia
pleased with the program, Canby
234
resident who is close to complet-
CECO
RI
ing an associate of arts degree.
said. "They all report positive
He has lived in communities in
feelings."
Martin sheriff takes
Asia and the South Pacific as a
C-SET's AmeriCorps program
member of a church mission or-
includes seven other members
AmeriCorps program
ganization.
besides the six working here.
6297AT
:
They are assigned to schools in
STUART
The
Martin
AmeriCorps members Oz Gon-
1
zales, a Tulare resident, and
Lindsay and Exeter.
County Sheriff's Office took the
Johnny Macias, a Visalia resi-
Whether the program will be
AmeriCorps community service
dent, also work in Tulare but were
funded in 1997 is not known.
program under its wing Monday,
not interviewed for this story.
AmeriCorps, which has been
program officials said Tuesday.
called "the Peace Corps of the
The local AmeriCorps pro-
1
The workers believe their year
of service in Tulare is making a
'90s" has not been without contro-
gram. part of a national initiative
founded by President Clinton in
difference.
versy.
1993, will be administered by the
"This has its rewards," Loera
Most recently, an internal in-
:
department's special services divi-
said. "We've already seen results.
vestigation by the inspector gen-
sion, sheriff's officials said.
We've seen people [students]
eral of the Corporation for Nation-
"We're just trying to motivate
move up levels."
al Service, which oversees Ameri-
everybody,' said sheriff's Maj.
In the schools, AmeriCorps
Corps, said the financial books for
Gary Frechette. "Hopefully, they
members often work with stu-
the project are in such disorder
feel like they've found a home."
dents on a one-on-one basis, help-
they could not be audited.
The Martin County program,
ing them with reading and other
Last year, a Congressional
which brings education, literacy,
basic skills.
study found that AmeriCorps'
health and crime prevention pro-
"It's working really well,"
cost per participant was nearly
grams to Booker Park, Banner
Maple School Principal Ruben
$27,000 instead of the $18,000
Lake and East Stuart, was under
Canales said.
promised by Clinton.
the auspices of the United Way of
At his school, the workers are
AmeriCorps has a lot of red
Martin County and the Martin
trained to diagnose reading diffi-
tape, but the program is good and
County Interagency Coalition.
culties, and they work with stu-
Congress shouldn't cut it, Loera
Frechette said he will soon
dents who are performing in the
said.
open a community program office
the bottom one-third of their
"We're impacting people's lives
in the Martin Square Mall. The
class, Canales said.
here," he said.
office will be shared with the de-
At Live Oak School, Miles is as-
Fjetland-Beshwate said school
partment's crime prevention unit.
signed to the Discovery Class
districts, Teen City and other or-
teacher and her students, who
ganizations AmeriCorps mem-
are developing a guide to recre-
bers are serving reap many bene-
ational activities for Tulare youth.
fits without spending a dime.
NEWS-GAZETTE
CHAMPAIGN, IL
SUNDAY
52.896
APR 7 1996
BURRELLE'S
Program director Tami Tun-
960
UA
nell of A Woman's Place said the
CEBO
two Americorps workers there
have helped more women main-
Service
tain contact with the program
and continue to use its services.
"We're seeing some of those
workers
people we probably would-have
lost if they hadn't had regular
contact from Americorps," Tun-
help out
nell said.
Americorps member Jenna
Collins meets with women week-
homeless
ly to help them budget their
money, clean up bad credit histo-
6297AT
ries, find jobs, affordable hous-
By JODI HECKEL
ing and child care. She also
News-Gazette Staff Writer
takes them shopping for grocer-
CHAMPAIGN - Two years
ies, to open bank accounts and to
ago, Cecelia Overton spent sev-
job interviews.
eral months at the Center for
Tunnell said those things are
Women in Transition, a homeless
necessary, but the staff doesn't
have time to do them because
shelter on Church Street.
Since October, she has worked
they concentrate on domestic
in the shelter's outreach pro-
abuse counseling.
"That extra mile they can go
gram.
that we can't because of the
An Americorps worker, she
workload makes all the differ-
wants to give hope to homeless
ence in the world," Tunnell said.
women.
Some days Overton feels frus-
Americorps member Lalita
Pourchot works with clients at
trated and wants to quit. She
sometimes asks herself what she
the Developmental Services Cen-
ter, negotiating with homeless
could have done differently to
help someone change their life.
shelters and landlords and help-
Sometimes she makes a differ-
ing clients budget their money
ence and sometimes it doesn't
and find affordable housing.
Caseworker Lynn Canfield
become apparent until later.
said Pourchot was able to meet
Overton said she recently saw
every day with a few of her cli-
a girl who had stayed at the shel-
ents that needed more time,
ter. When the girl left the shel-
which Canfield couldn't provide
ter, she had no place to go and
because of her caseload.
Overton was afraid she would
"The value for us of having an
end up on the streets.
Americorps member here is the
The girl has an apartment and
people with special needs re-
a job now, and is trying to get
quire so much attention from us
into school.
and we can't give it," Canfield
"I think that I am making a
said.
difference," Overton said.
Ron Bribriesco, director of
"There have been people I've
case management, said Pourchot:
worked with who have chosen to
convinced one longtime client to
take a spiritual path and reach
out for something different than
see a doctor, something others
they had before."
had been trying to do for years
The Americorps/CHART
without any success.
(Comprehensive Homeless As-
"She has a real feel for build-
sistance Response Team) pro-
ing relationships with our cli-
gram is a national service pro-
ents. They come to trust her
gram that gives participants
really quickly," Bribriesco said.
money for education in return
Pourchot now has a full-time:
for a year of community service.
job at the Developmental Ser-
Local Americorps members
vices Center.
work at sites that serve the
Felts said he will start recruit-)
homeless. Their goal is to coordi-
ing for new Americorps workers'
nate services for the homeless
this month. He hopes to have 25
among local agencies.
to 30 workers next year and five:
Of the 12 Americorps mem-
or six additional sites, including:
bers sworn in last October, one
the proposed Urbana single.
has left the program and one has
room occupancy apartment:
begun a full-time job. Six work-
building.
ers have been added.
The hiring of new workers is
Mike Felts, director of the lo-
contingent on whether federal
cal Americorps program, said all
funding for the Americorps pro-:
the current sites have been able
gram is included in next year's.
to provide services they weren't
budget. Overton hopes the pro-
able to before with the help of
gram will be continued.
Americorps workers.
Without it, Overton said, "A lot.
of people will fall through the:
cracks."
Youths Earn, Learn in Program
How to Become Involved In AmeriCorps
ontinued from Page 27
Mrs. Anderson said the AmeriCorps
way to pay for future schooling."
team is "the group we want demonstra-
AmeriCorps is the Clinton adminis-
USDA Team
7826 or (402) 223-6061.
dron, (308) 432-3393.
Helmke's work partner is Dianna
ting what we d like to do." Teamed with
tration's new national service Initia-
Marilyn Anderson, 896-0121.
Vaters, a 20-year-old Lincoln resident
schoolchildren and organizations, they
tive for volunteers who will work in
Community Action Centers
the is considering changing her college
will be role models for future volunteer
about 400 education, anti-crime, so-
Mediation Centers
Association of Community Action
IN IOWA:
ocus. She said she had planned to major
efforts, she said.
cial service and environmental pro-
Office of Dispute Resolution, Lin-
Agencies, Lorrie Benson, director, Lin-
Program coordinator is Jody Heu-
n English but now "probably will do
grams nationally.
coin, Kathleen Severens, (402) 471-
coin, (402) 471-3714.
berger in Des Moines, (515) 281-9043.
omething with natural resources."
A list of projects that will take the
Who is eligible? Anyone who is 17
3730.
Blue Valley Community Action, Fair-
The specific programs and the num-
Working with AmeriCorps' public
Omaha team through spring includes
years or older, a U.S. citizen or
Liza Schug, Central Mediation Cen-
bury, (402) 729-2278.
ber of volunteers being sought are:
ands and environmental team will "let
everything from cleaning public recro-
permanent resident and, In most
ter, Kearney, (800) 203-3452 or (308)
Goldenrod Hills Community Services,
Association of Farmworker Oppor-
ation areas to planting wetlands and
cases, a high school graduate.
237-4692.
Wisner, (402)529-3513.
tunity program, five.
ne get my feet wet and see if there's
omething else I'm interested in doing."
building fences.
How can you join? Call (800) 942-2677
Betsy Kosier, Lincoin/Lancaster Me-
Lincoln Action Program, (402) 471-
I Have A Dream Foundation, five.
to receive an AmeriCorps National
diation Center, Lincoln, (402) 434-
Ms. Waters said.
Helmke said his team will help with a
4515.
lowa Coalition Against Domestic
Referral form. Fill It out and mail It.
9480.
In their first week on the job, Helmke
Panhandle Community Services, Ger-
bison project in Thurston County in the
Violence, 20.
and Ms. Waters set their agenda, work-
coming weeks. The Winnebago tribe is
IN NEBRASKA:
Donna Parnell, Metro Mediation Cen-
ing, (308) 635-3089.
lowa College and Community Ac-
trying to establish a buffalo herd as a
AmeriCorpe-USDA - public lands
ter, Omaha, (402) 444-1970.
Southeast Community Action Coun-
tion Network, 82.
ng in Omaha parks sweeping broken
lass and gathering litter and answering
food source that is lower in cholesterol
and environmental team, 20 volun-
Debora Brownyard, Nebraska Jus-
cil, Humboldt, (402) 862-2411.
Mid-lowa Community Action, 20 vot-
juestions from curious park users.
than beef, Helmke said. "We'll help them
teers: Community Action of Nebras-
tice Center, Walthill, (800) 774-0346
Central Community Services, Loup
unteers.
City, (308) 745-0780.
When they worked at Zorinsky Lake
build fences" to contain the herd.
ka, 23 volunteers; and VISTA, 29
or (402) 846-5576.
ne day, Ms. Waters wore a T-shirt
volunteers.
Lori Burkey, Panhandle Mediation
Greater Omaha Community Action,
AmeriCorps/USDA public lands and
In winter, the AmeriCorps' outdoor
Those interested in working with
Center, Scottsbluff, (800) 967-2115
(402) 341-8060.
environmental team, nine.
:mblazoned with the AmeriCorps' logo
AmeriCorps projects in Nebraska this
or (308) 635-2002.
Mid-Nebraska Community Services,
AmeriCorps/USDA rural develop-
an A on a gold sunburst surrounded
work will be replaced by indoor pro-
year may contact the specific agencies
Julie McGreer, Southeast Nebraska
Kearney, (308) 234-2591.
ment team, 26.
IV blue lettering spelling out Ameri-
grams that involve schoolchildren in
involved:
Mediation Center, Beatrice (800) 837-
Northwest Community Action, Cha-
VISTA. 60.
Corps National Service.
environmental issues, Ms. Waters said.
TULARE ADVANCE-REGISTER
TULARE, CA
DAILY
9,300
TUESDAY
APR 2 1996
BURRELLE'S
GW
711
anthiici
bs.a
AMERICORPS MEMBERS BUSY IN TULARE
GFOGRAPHS
Maria Ahumada/Tulare Advance-Register
Angelina Guerrero, left, an AmeriCorps member, reads with Fernando Aguilar at Teen City.
Workers trade service for scholarships
By Julie Fernandez
FRONT
for a second year and qualify for
Tulare Advance-Register
even more financial aid.
Tulare resident Angelina
If they already have a govern-
Guerrero was attending College
ment loan, the accumulation of
of the Sequoias when her former
interest stops for the time they
high school principal told her
are in the program, Fjetland-
about a new program that would
Beshwate said.
allow her to serve her communi-
Some AmeriCorps workers
ty while earning scholarship
continue to attend college while
money.
they are in the program, but for
"She knew I was running out
the time being Guerrero is not.
of scholarship money," Guerrero
"I took this semester off," she
said. "She told me about Ameri-
said. "I want to go back this sum-
Corp. I didn't know what it was
mer."
really."
Her career plans are not defi-
Guerrero, 20, is one of five
nite, but her experience working
AmeriCorps members working
with children at Roosevelt and
in the Tulare City School District
Maple schools and with teen-
and at Teen City. A sixth is work-
agers at Teen City, a recreation
ing at Tulare Tech Prep and in
center, has pointed her in a di-
Lindsay.
rection.
AmeriCorps is President Clin-
Maria Ahumada/Tulare Advance-Register
AmeriCorps member Julio Valadez, left, and Gustavo Cruz,
"I know I want to work with
ton's somewhat controversial
program of national service that
17, play a table game at Teen City.
kids," she said. "I like to see their
smiles when they accomplish
began last year. Full-time mem-
Beshwate, AmeriCorps coordi-
After they complete their
something."
bers who commit to 1,700 hours
nator for Community Services
year, they become eligible for a
In addition to her work, Guer-
of service are paid a $7,000
and Employment Training Inc. in
$4,900 educational scholarship,
rero and other AmeriCorps
stipend, said Denise Fjetland-
Visalia.
she said. They also can sign up
Please see AMERICORPS, Page 2
M
POE
AM
20
60
95
C I
50
ELP FOR POOR FAMILIES
Extra food won't go to waste,
thanks to nutrition program
Though less appealing than produce
Restaurants can donate
in grocery stores, the food is still nu-
MORE INFORMATION
heir surplus, and farmers
tritious. Restaurants may donate
from the surplus of what they pre-
To volunteer or participate in
an donate produce that
pare each day.
the program, call the Greene
vould otherwise be tossed.
About $25,000 will go to pay
County Farm Service Agency
AmeriCorps members and to trans-
Office in Jefferson at (515)
port or package the food.
386-3138.
By MARY HILL
"The program started with the
RECISTER STAFF WRITER
(U.S.) secretary of agriculture, who
decided that we needed to do our
than one kind of food distributed."
Twenty-five Inner-city families
part in trying to recover some of the
vill get free meals this summer as
Fitzpatrick said. Ile said the pro-
food thrown out every day," said
art of a food-distribution program.
gram will help provide "a decent,
Kevin Fitzpatrick, state project coor-
well-balanced diet."
Two agencies are joining forces to
dinator for the Iowa Farm Service
ather food from cafeterias, restau-
Participants in the program will
Agency. "Instead of throwing it into
ants, hotels and farms to distribute.
receive fresh fruit and vegetables,
the mouths of garbage cans we need
) some of Des Moines' poorest fami-
which Fitzpatrick said may be luxu-
to get it into the mouths of the hun-
ries for some.
es. The program is being sponsored
gry and the needy."
y the Iowa Farm Service Agency
Volunteers are needed to package
He said the program is similar in
nd AmeriCorps, a national service
and transport the food. The distribu-
philosophy to giveaways of cheese
tion will be a 12-week program.
rogram.
and other commodities sponsored by
lowa is one of 17 states where
Six AmeriCorps members will re-
the federal government.
eive nutrition training from Iowa
AmeriCorps members will partici-
"It's different than cheese,
tate University. They will then
pate in the food-distribution pro-
though. because there will be more
each families how to prepare meals
gram.
rith the food they receive. The pro-
ram will get under way in June.
Farmers will donate food that
ey consider unmarketable, such as
mall or misshapen vegetables.
DES MOINES REGISTER
IOWA
5-16-96
SANTEE STRIPER
SANTEE, SOUTH CAROLINA
APRIL 19, 1995
Santee is scene
for Americorps
By Barry Wood
"Yours is among the best-function-
Editor
ing programs in the country. I urge you
Volunteers from across the state met
to look into it - see for yourself that it
in Santee yesterday for a two-day con-
works."
ference of Americorps workers and ad-
Berg added a personal note on the
ministrators. This was not a sit-down
late Josephine High. who was an
meeting. While service projects went
Americorps worker with the EOCEC.
on throughout the little town on Lake
"I offer my deep regrets." he said,
Marion. National USDA Americorps
"for the passing of Josephine High.
Director Joel Berg took a break from
While I didn't know her personally, I
cutting the grass around Town Hall to
understand that her work with
speak to this reporter.
Americorps was simply a continuation
"This program." said Berg of
of her life's work."
Americorps. "meets the Jesse test. From
Jim Wilson, project coordinator in
Helms to Jackson. politicians approve
South Carolina for the Natural Re-
of what's being done.
sources Conservation Service. told the
"These folks are doing great stuff.
Observer that Americorps is "a domes-
They help with 911 implementation.
tic peace corps." In fact, the program's
housing improvement. enterprise com-
$500 million budget and 18,000 volun-
munities and a host of other projects."
teers make it bigger than the Peace
Corps ever was.
Americorps is a federal program
"Local counties come up with pro-
begun by President Clinton in which
posals," said Wilson, "for community
people volunteer their services for up
improvement. Some 90 percent of it is
to two years. They work at community
physical work, and around 80 percent
projects. and in exchange receive a
of our volunteers have college educa-
monthly stipend, as well as up to
tions. They provide hands-on labor, as
$9,400 for college tuition. Locally,
well as assessments, like grasslands in-
Gloria Richardson is working. as an
ventories or stream coding. In return.
Americorps volunteer. with the Eastern
these folks are able to work with pro-
Orangeburg County Enterprise Com-
fessionals, to get exposure in a number
munity (EOCEC).
of career possibilities. We rotate team
"This program," said Berg. "is about
leaders so that all are able to plan. or-
getting things done. It produces con-
ganize and delegate.
crete results for the community. It
"Workers learn to complete a
brings together all aspects of the com-
project. They plan. and then produce
munity and bridges divisions. It teaches
tangible results. But most of all, they
personal responsibility and provides
have developed a sincere desire for
people with an opportunity. It's a com-
community service. All of them have
mon sense program that works."
their hearts in the right place."
Of South Carolina's Americorps pro-
The USDA Americorps meeting
gram. Berg was enthusiastic.
continues today at Santee State Park
SANTEE STRIPER
SANTEE, SOUTH CAROLINA
AUGUST 23, 1995
EOCEC; Americorps:
Still Hard At Work And
Making Progress
Also to be included in their lists of
By E. Marie Jackson
accomplishments IS performance of
After more than a year, Eastern
national service to the community in the
Orangeburg County Enterprise
town of Santee with such projects as
Community (EOCEC) and its
Beautification. Daycare, Landscaping,
Americorps representatives are still hard
Santee Town Hall. and Litter Pick Up.
at work and making progress in the
In addition to overseeing the day to
eastern part of our county.
day operations of the EOCEC office,
Without fanfare or the spotlight,
Richardson and Smalls host a community
EOCEC still holds their monthly
awareness radio broadcast weekly to
meetings and. along with Gloria
inform the public of issues affecting their
Richardson and Vernell Smalls
everyday lives.
(Americorps representatives). are finding
As envisioned by the founders of
new and innovative ways to help area
EOCEC. the group is well on its way to
residents with all kinds of problems.
carrying out their mission. which is:
Some of their accomplishments
The citizens of the Eastern Orangeburg
include assisting the elderly with home
County Enterprise Community plan to
improvement grants and low-interest
increase job opportunities and quality of
loans, as well as helping other residents
life for all eastern Orangeburg County
with home-ownership loans.
citizens so residents can enjoy a standard
They have also worked closely with
of living that is above the poverty line
small business owners in eastern
and have the chance to realize their
Orangeburg County, educating them
dreams.
about business loan programs.
"My term as an Americorps member
EOCEC has joined forces with local
has been fulfilling and, rewarding,"
police forces. U.S. Marshall's office,
Richardson said. "I've had the
Office of Juvenile Justice, and school
opportunity to work in the different
administrators to bring crime and drug
capacities to bring the communities
prevention programs to area students.
together. It gives me a great sense of
Educational seminars have been
fulfillment knowing that I've helped
hosted by the group on topics such as
someone who really needed help and
Wills and Trusts: Home Weatherization;
would have otherwise been forgotten."
Business and Industrial Loan Programs:
Smalls also expressed her sincere
Emergency Services: Drug and Crime
appreciation for being able to be there for
Prevention: and Steps To Building Your
so many people in need. "The EOCEC
Credit.
has been a fulfilling experience for me.
Countless hours of volunteer services
After coming on board for four months
have been provided to Vance Senior
after the death of Josephine High, 1 have
Citizen Centers, as well as Orangeburg
learned a lot. I feel that I have helped or
School District Three.
at least tried to help my community."
THE SAN JUAN RECORD
SAN JUAN,
MAY 17, 1995
Food bank in Blanding gets new coat
The Americorps team cal food stores. Needy fam-
painted the town of Blan-
ilies will be given a nutri-
ding - at least that is how
tionally balanced seven-
the team members felt as
day food supply.
they painted the inside
Henry Silentman coordi-
walls and ceiling of the
nated the inside paint party.
newly acquired San Juan
Fellow Americorps team
County Food Bank build-
members Andrea Dyar,
ing.
Sam Sellers, Eldon Miller,
The new food distribution
Anna Prawl, and Nancy
center will open later this
Steele; their Americorps su-
month, primarily through
pervisor, Kresha Eastman
the efforts of Americorps
and her son, Klint; and
team member Henry Silent-
Allison Williams, a local
man. Silentman wrote the
VISTA volunteer working
proposal to establish a food
with students at Albert R.
bank to serve San Juan
Lyman Middle School, all
County's needy population.
participated in the project.
Food will come from do-
Local Boy Scouts may
nations and purchased from
clean the grounds as a pos-
the Utah Food Bank and lo-
sible Eagle Scout project.
TIMES INDEPENDENT
MOAB, COLORADO
MAY 4, 1995
Value-added agriculture
products forum set
Alternative farming and - answers are alternative and
marketing methods will be the
value-added agriculture.
topic of discussion at a meeting
Alternative agriculture is
entitled "Gardeners" and
the production of non-food,
Growers' Value-Added Agri-
non-feed products from farm
cultural Products Forum."
and forest materials.
The meeting, sponsored by
Value-added agriculture is
AmeriCorps, will be held on
the practice of adding value to
Thursday, May 4, at 4 p.m. in
a product by marketing it in
the Moab City Hall Council
innovative ways.
Chamber located at 115 West
A good example of this is
200 South in Moab.
Agriboard Industries' manu-
With today's farming prac-
facturing of panels made from
tices, much more is harvested
residual wheat straw which is
from each acre of ground. This
used for building houses.
is both good and bad.
Their system uses 65%-less
The good part is that there is
dimensional frame lumber
a plentiful supply of farm
than traditional wood con-
products available for the con-
struction. This gives not only
sumer.
an environmental advantage,
The bad part is prices are so
but an economical advantage
low it takes a larger harvest to
as well.
meet farm expenses.
With prime farmland being
This causes the farmer to
sold to developers, small
work harder to produce enough
farms are becoming more
to make a go of it, thereby driv-
commonplace and cost effec-
ing the prices even lower.
tive.
Even though more is pro-
These topics will be dis-
duced, the overabundance
cussed at Thursday's meeting.
creates a hardship for the
For more information contact
farmer.
Jackie at 259-4100 or Henry at
What are the answers? Two
801-587-2271.
ASHLAND TIDINGS
ASHLAND, NORTH CAROLINA
JUNE 26, 1995
AmeriCorps forest project
shows what can be done
At the top of Morton Street in Ashland is a unique neigh-
borhood of big beautiful homes with grand views, where res-
idents can relax on their decks and watch the shadows play
on the castern hillsides and follow the spring squalls as they
sweep through the valley. It's also one of Ashland's neighrol 1
borhoods in the forest interface - known for both its beauty
and potential fire danger. Last week a crew of young people
in the AmeriCorps program braved wet, steep slopes and
wrestled with downed logs, dying trees and poison oak to
help make this area less of a fire danger.
The city of Ashland owns about 1,000 acres of undevel-
oped land, so the four acres of city land cleaned up by the
Forest Service and AmeriCorps crew will not have a major
impact on our city's vulnerability to fire. But the clean-up
does illustrate the value of this national service program.
AmeriCorps/USDA has three broad programs:
Empowerment and Anti-Hunger, Rural Development, and
Public Land and Environment. The work done in the
Ashland watershed was part of the latter program, and the
work is dispatched out of the Applegate Ranger District.
Members of this hard-working and enthusiastic team live at
the Star Gulch facility and are paid the equivalent of about
$1,200 a month for living expenses and tuition credits. In
addition to watershed work, the crews protect wetlands,
restore recreation areas, increase handicap accessibility, and
much more.
The AmeriCorps program has been criticized by Rep.
Newt Gingrich and others as being too expensive, but impor-
tant work is being donc and the long-range benefits are great
in lcarned job skills and cducational incentives. Investments
in education pay big dividends, as we have witnessed with
the GI Bill.
The local project also serves as an example of what can be
done to reduce fire danger even on steep slopes with dccades
of accumulation of dead fucl. The slash was piled up and
covered with tarps for burning next fall. and enough dead
and dying trees were hauled out of the area 10 generate
$2,000 for the city's forest land clean-up fund.
So private forest land owners take note. Even difficult
property can be managed to reduce the danger of forest fires.
You won't be able to get an AmeriCorp team for private pro-
jeets, but a lot of good ideas and direction are available
through the Ashland Fire Department and the local Forest
Service ranger station.
THE BARBOURVILLE MOUNTAIN ADVOCATE
BARBOURVILLE, KENTUCKY
MAY 11, 1995
Helping out
Rebecca Davidson, center, Barbourville, an Americorps representative,
spent a day during the recent National Service Week in Williamsburg,
helping Cumberland College's Mountain Outreach Program and Cedar
Ridge Ministries. She is shown with Michele Humfleet, London, and
Jamie Duncan, Harlan, working with the clothing store on the Cedar
Ridge property.
LAS CRUCES SUN
LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO
AUGUST 25, 1995
AmeriCorp personnel tour colonias
By Steve Ramirez
through the Southwest. Wed-
"It was partly through the
Las Cruces Sun-News
nesday afternoon, he toured the
help of AmeriCorps volunteers
The national director for
Sparks Colonia east of El Paso.
that the wastewater treatment
AmeriCorps toured throughout
"That was something to see,"
plant in Anthony was able to
Dona Ana County, including
Berg said. "I got to meet a
get a ($750,000) grant to im-
the area's colonias, Thursday.
95-year- old woman who had
prove the treatment plant,"
"Don't judge us by our words,
just gotten running water in
said Ernie Watson, spokesman
judge us by our deeds," said
her home for the first time.
for Rural Economic Community
Joel Berg, AmeriCorps national
Getting to see the look on her
Development, the agency which
director of services within the
face and her reactions are some
provided funding. "AmeriCorp
U.S. Department of Agricul-
of the rewards of this job."
volunteers were able to help
ture. "This is a program that's
Thursday, Berg, AmeriCorp
them fill out the necessary ap-
become enormously successful
volunteers Anna Rodriguez and
plications to get the funds."
throughout the country. Not
Lourdes Vigueria, and John
AmeriCorps is a national
only do our members want to
Thomas, state rural de-
service program created by
get involved in the communi-
velopment director, toured the
President Clinton. About
ties they work in, they want to
Gospel Rescue Mission in Las
20,000 citizens, who perform
find ways to improve them, too.
Cruces, a water improvement
services that meet critical
This program is a good way to
plant in Mesquite and a waste-
community needs receive
bridge the gap between
water treatment plant in An-
money from AmeriCorps that
government and its people."
thony. Later, Berg traveled to
can only be used for college, job
Berg is in the midst of con-
Tucson, Ariz., before ending the
training or paying back student
ducting a whirlwind tour
day in Flagstaff, Ariz.
loans.
ALDEN ADVERTISER
ALDEN, NEW YORK
MARCH 9, 1995
Alden Resident Participates
in AmeriCorps Project
Alden, first to receive Wetland data from study
Alden - one displaying NYS DEC
Wetland delineations, and one show-
ing US Fish and Wildlife Service
Wetlands. These maps will provide
an accurate and efficient means of
locating wetlands in the Town of
Alden. Alden is the first town in
Erie County to receive Wetland data
from AmeriCorps."
The wetlands data, when over-
laid on other computer maps, will
provide an efficient and accurate
means of identifying wetland loca-
tions, boundaries, and classifications
to agencies and municipalities with
Geographic Information System
(GIS) capabilities. The AmeriCorps
team will make the data available at
no cost to local communities in their
effort to promote the use of GIS in
Western New York.
In addition to the wetland inven-
tory
mapping,
ongoing
USDA/AmeriCorp projects include
creating a GIS tax parcel base map
Lisa Matthies
for rural areas of Erie County in
conjunction with Inteligis Corpora-
Lisa Matthies, a 1990 Alden High
tion, producing a series of forest
School graduate and a 1994 graduate
management maps with the Seneca
of Alfred University, recently helped
Nation of Indians, and generating
complete transferring 32 Erie Coun-
original maps with the WNY Land
ty Fish and Wildlife Service Nation-
Conservancy, American Chestnut
al Wetlands Inventory maps from
Foundation, West Seneca Ameri-
paper to computer format. Matthies,
Corps, Governor's Office of Volun-
23, is part of a five member
tary Service and a number of other
USDA/AmeriCorps team based in
agencies and community organiza-
East Aurora.
tions.
As an example of how the work
Of the 42 USDA sponsored Ameri-
AmeriCorps does aids communities,
Corps sites nationwide, the East
Lisa explains, "By request, we have
Aurora based program is the only
plotted two maps of the Town of
one in New York State.
HUTCHINSON NEWS
HUTCHINSON, KANSAS
JUNE 21, 1995
Volunteers
clean up at
Meade Lake
By Alan Montgomery
The Hutchinson News
MEADE - AmeriCorps vol-
unteers joined 20 Kansas De-
partment of Wildlife and Parks
employees Tuesday in the hot,
sooty job of cutting down hun-
dreds of fire-blackened trees at
Meade State Fishing Lake.
Jim Meisenheimer, an Ameri-
Corps supervisor based in Salina,
brought 11 of his volunteers to
the lake to spend a week there
helping to clear trees that were
killed in a March 22 prairie fire.
Photo by Scott Ladd
The volunteers came from
Kansas Wildlife and Parks officer Mike Mitchen, left,
their posts in Salina, Emporia.
oversees John Droste, Dodge City AmeriCorps volunteer,
Dodge City and Hutchinson and
as Droste cuts through a tree at Meade County Lake.
from the Kanopolis. Glen Elder
and Webster reservoirs, Meisen-
heimer said.
Mark Goldsberry. the Kansas
Goldsberry said the pace of the
AmeriCorps. he said, is "Pres-
Wildlife and Parks ranger who
work crews Monday gave him
ident Clinton's national service
manages the 55-acre lake, its 30.
confidence that all the lake's
program" that began in Sep-
acre park and 350-acre wildlife
park areas will be open well be.
tember 1994.
refuge, said the fire in March
fore the July 4th holiday.
burned more than 360 acres in
The program is open to young
He was grateful for the Wild-
people, age 17 or older, who have
the park and refuge, located 14
life and Parks workers, who
completed college. high school or
miles southwest of Meade.
came in from as far away as
earned a high school equivalency
A windstorm had broken a
Belleville to help for the week, as
diploma, he said.
tree limb, which downed a power
well as for the AmeriCorps
"In return for (AmeriCorps)
line that started the blaze.
workers, he said.
community service. they receive
an educational reward. to help
pay off their student loans or to
further their education," he said.
'It's great. With the extra bodies, we're going to cover a lot
The volunteers receive modest
of ground we couldn't have covered otherwise.'
stipends to pay living costs, plus
- Mark Goldsberry,
a $4,725 education award. for
ranger at Meade State Lake
about nine months work, he said.
Fort Scott native Kyle Hedges.
23. was among the AmeriCorps
volunteers at the lake Tuesday.
Fanned by 60-mph northwest
"It's great," he said. "With the
With sweat dripping off his nose,
winds. the wildfire roared
extra bodies. we're going to
and with his T-shirt and blue
through most of the park before
cover a lot of ground we couldn't
jeans blackened with soot, Hed-
it was brought under control by
have covered otherwise."
ges at 2 p.m. was dragging cut
firefighters from Meade. Fowler,
Volunteerism didn't end with
limbs to a point where state em-
Seward County, Beaver, Okla.,
the AmeriCorps. Area busi-
ployees were feeding them into a
and Forgan, Okla.
nesses, including Pizza Hut and
chipper-shredder. Tractors were
used to drag the main trunk sec-
Goldsberry said at least 500
Schmidt Packing, both of Meade.
tions to burn piles.
mature trees. most of them cot.
and National Beef Packing. Lib-
tonwoods that were 60 or more
eral, donated food for lunches
Hedges in December 1994
years old, were killed by the fire
and dinners for the volunteers
graduated from Kansas State
University with a degree in
and must be removed. In turn,
for the week, said Willie Helms.
fisheries biology and he hopes
the parks department already
park office assistant.
Helms doubled as a cook this
soon to land a job with the Kan-
has acquired 2,600 seedlings
sas Department of Wildlife and
from Kansas State University
week, along with Myrna and Jim
Parks: he already has worked
Forestry Extension to be planted
Perona, Fort Dodge. who camp
often at the lake and volunteered
several summers for the agency.
in the park and refuge this fall.
to help feed the tree-cutting
He joined AmeriCorps in
The new trees will include
crews. Helms said.
April. at the advice of his college
mulberry. ash, bur oak. black
The AmeriCorps volunteers
counselor: AmeriCorps found
walnut, locust and cottonwood
and Wildlife and Parks workers
him a position with the Natural
trees, he said.
all are camping in tents at the
Resources Conservation Service.
Despite the fire damage, the
lake for the week, Goldsberry
Dodge City, where he is helping
lake's park and camping areas
said.
with wetlands research.
still have acres of healthy,
Meade County Lake was built
"This is a good opportunity for
stately trees for visitors to en-
in the 1930s by the Civilian Con-
me." Hedges said. "It certainly
joy. with visitation averaging
servation Corps, a national work
gives me some experience in my
about 130,000 people per year.
program that is similar to
field."
the park manager said.
AmeriCorps. he said.
THE BURLINGTON FREE PRESS MONDAY, JUNE 26, 1995
Corps
HUNGER: Prison garden
marches
yields 15 tons of food
against
Continued from Page 1A
The pair covers Franklin and
Grand Isle counties.
Feeding the hungry
hunger
One out of every. ven-meafs served at community kitchens is going to a
The pair's first big project
child under the age of 18, In 1994, 8,534 children were er ved a month.
was an eight-week nutritional
More thang children rely on private eme gency food services. More
program they taught to fur-
than half of the two million provided an nually by food shelves and
By Shay Tottam
Free Press Staff Writer
loughed prison inmates.
community kitchens go to under the age of 18.
Monthly
average.
Volunteers in a year-old
The program - which in-
200001
cludes classes on nutrition and
97
program designed to fixed and
cooking - might be used
177
empower low-income Ver-
Number of
monters are gaining actional
statewide.
emergency
attention for their work to
15000
food shelves
help the rural poor.
"That's a part of everything
Food shelf
we do: sustainability," Does
The Households served
In Vermont
Under the banner of the
Vermont Anti-Hunger Corps,
said. "And that is one of the
10000
1990
1994
roughly 40 volunteers have
aspects that drew me into Ame-
fanned out over the state's
riCorps."
26
counties to set up community
gardens, nutritional programs
The pair also helped feed
5000
Number of
14
for the elderly, and summer
new life into a St. Albans com-
Community kitchens
community
munity garden and an inmate
Meals served
meal sites
hot lunch programs, among
in Vermont
other programs.
garden at the Northwest State
1990
1994
Their work is being recog-
Correctional Facility, also in St.
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
nized by the U.S. Agriculture
Albans.
Department and first lady
Source: Vermont Office of Economic Opportunity
Free Pres:
Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Jones helped launch a St.
Two Vermont Anti-Hunger
Albans summer lunch program
ranging from the environment to
Corps members travel
for several dozen low-income
literacy.
Lend a hand
Tuesday to a Washington,
children. The city's recreation
D.C., seminar on dildhood
department will let kids in the
If the budget cuts are ap-
The Vermont Anti-Hungers
proved, the program will end
Corps Is looking for Ameri-
nutrition hosted by the first
program have free use of the
Oct. 1, the start of the federal
Corps volunteers. The dead-
lady. The USDA, which funds
pool and the lunches will be
line Is June 30.
part of the anti-hunger project,
served in a nearby tent. Jones
fiscal year. Volunteers and pro-
AmeriCorps was created by
may use Vermont as a model
hopes that number will grow.
gram leaders are confident that
President Clinton In 1993 to
for how to get the runal poor
the program's elimination will
act as a domestic Peace
involved in self-sustaining nu-
"This gives the kids an activ-
not end the anti-hunger projects.
Corps in which people receive
tritional programs.
ity to come to other than the
a bi-weekly stipend and a
The fuel behind the Ver-
lunch. And, it helps take away
"Our focus has been to work
lump sum after completing
mont Anti-Hunger Corps is
the stigma for the parents,"
with the community so it can
1,700 hours of service. The
AmeriCorps volunteen, a pro-
Jones said.
continue the project after we're
lump sum can be put toward
gram started in 1993 by Presi-
gone," said Bari Gladstone, pro-
college tuition or other educa-
dent Clinton. AmriCorps
Does has spent much of his
gram director for Vermont Anti-
tional uses.
workers are paid about $800 a
time working on the prison gar-
Hunger Corps. "We help them
For information, call the
month and after 1,700 hours
of service they get $4,725 for
den, which includes picking up
with the agreement that they
Vermont Anti-Hunger Corps
educational use.
donated plants from local green-
will take it over after we leave."
office at (800) 360-2577 or
241-2577.
houses and farms.
"We have to get people
Vermont's hard work is pay-
More than 100 of Ver-
into the self-sufficient mode
Last year, the garden sup-
ing off and may give federal
mont's AmeriCorps members
and 1 think that's crucial
plied 30,000 pounds of fresh
officials fodder to keep the pro-
and program staff will come
among the low-income popula-
vegetables to area food shelyes
tion," said Laurie Larson,
gram, and similar ones, funded.
together today and Tuesday
and community kitchens and
at Vermont Technical College
leader of the the corps' North-
may produce more this year.
"The Vermont project is one
in Randolph. The meeting will
west Vermont team, which
of the most outstanding projects
be the first statewide Ameri-
covers Addison, Chittenden,
But, the sweat and service of
Corps conference.
Franklin and Grand Isle coun-
in the country. It seems to be
ties. It's the corps' largest COV-
volunteers like Does and Jones
Participants will attend
leading the country in getting
might not last for long. Ameri-
workshops on life after Ameri-
erage area and has six
things done, not by giving more
Corps and look at local Ameri-
volunteers.
Corps funding, about $850,000
handouts but by building oppor-
Corps projects, among other
Two of the volunteers are
in Vermont, may be wiped out
tunity and responsibility among
things.
Jamie Does, 26, and Emily
under current proposals in Con-
the people they are working
The conference runs from 9
Jones, 21, both of Burlington.
gress. AmeriCorps volunteers
with." said Joel Berg, USDA's
a.m. to 7:30 p.m. today and
work in a variety of mediums
national service director.
8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tues-
See HUNGER, SA
day.
CITIZEN TRIBUNE
HAMBLEN COUNTY, TENNESSEE
MAY 12, 1995
AmeriCorp volunteers
were in Hamblen County
recently for an anti-erosion
project on the Ronald Ray
farm in east Hamblen Coun-
ty. Shown here (from left to
right in the foreground) are
Paul McQuade, Amy
Crumley, and Billie Barlow.
Also shown are Janet Let-
terman and Stephen Trent.
(CT photo by Greg Kyle)
AmeriCorps Members
Visit Hamblen Co. For
Steambank Protection
AmeriCorps members of East
aquatic wildlife living in the stream.
Tennessee were in Hamblen County
To prevent soil erosion of the
recently for a streambank protection
streambank and improve the water
project.
quality, the AmeriCorps members
AmeriCorps is the national ser-
planted four different species of tree
vice program helping improve the
seedlings, broadcast seed and
quality of life for Americans
mulched the area.
through health education, environ-
To further protect the area, Ray
ment improvement and rural de-
will fence the streambank to pre-
velopment.
vent cattle from causing erosion.
The project was sponsored by the
For more information on stream-
Hamblen County Soil Conservation
bank practices or other best man-
District, and was held on the
agement practices, call the Natural
Ronald Ray farm on Bent Creek in
Resources Conservation Service at
east Hamblen County.
586-5501.
Streambank sloughing and
erosion can be caused by obstruc-
tions directing the slow toward a
specific point or by cattle breaking
off sod as they go to the water.
Not only is the soil lost forever,
but the sediment smothers out the
ST. LOUIS POST DISPATCH
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
APRIL 26, 1995
Renyold Ferguson
AmeriCorp workers prepare the soil for a garden in Rush City.
Gardens A Matter OfPride
By Margaret Gillerman
Crews Are Preparing
neighborhood organization, started
Of the Post-Dispatch Staff
the garden program about two
It won't be long before the lot
next to Jesse and Donna Haire's
Community Project
years ago and has been expanding
home in the Rush City neighbor-
it since. At least four community
hood pride.
hood will be ripe with yellow pep-
Crews of workers from Ameri-
gardens are new this spring. Amer-
pers, plump red tomatoes, tasty
Corp and neighbors are helping
iCorp joined as co-sponsor this
season.
green peas and summer squash.
prepare the soil, build the wooden
Marigolds and zinnias will bloom.
sides and walkway, and plant seeds
"Community gardens serve as a
The gardeners who are tilling
and cuttings at the garden at 910
way of bringing neighbors and
and planting this week are building
Sycamore.
neighborhoods together for a com-
a community garden. And backers
Other folks also helped get the
mon purpose
and of harvesting
of the project hope this community
community garden project -
good neighbor relations," said
garden - and about a dozen like it
called Harvesting Good Neighbor
Venessa Marion, administrator of
around East St. Louis - also will
Relations - this far. MECCO/O-
MECCO/Operation New Spirit.
grow a bumper crop of neighbor-
peration New Spirit, a citywide
See GARDENS, Page 4
Gardens
experimenting with a raised bed gar-
for their community."
den, Johnson said.
The garden on Sycamore is just
Sheets of plastic were placed on
outside the window of the Haire's
top of the original neighborhood soil,
From page one
house in Rush City, on land donated
and then covered with clean soil, so
Florine Johnson, an AmeriCorp
any possible contamination would be
by the Haires. Most years, Donna
worker, coordinates the tilling and
eliminated. The original soil has been
Haire, has planted a smaller garden
sent to a lab for tests.
on the lot. "I love gardens and I like
planting and was busy on Sycamore
this week. Johnson, 46, of Centre-
James Pace, 40, an AmeriCorp
to see stuff grow," Donna Haire said.
ville, recently completed a master
worker from East St. Louis, helped
She already has plans to freeze the
install wooden planks around the gar-
tomatoes and make stew and chili for
gardening course offered by the Uni-
den and till the soil. He recently com-
versity of Illinois' Extension Service.
her husband and two daughters.
pleted the master gardening course
She joined AmeriCorp because she
MECCO/New Spirit and Ameri-
and joined AmeriCorp "to try to
wanted "to give a year of community
Corp are sponsoring 11 gardens in
beautify the community" and im-
service." In March, she and others
the Winstanley, Olivette Park, Day-
prove the environment. He said he
started surveying the land and plot-
ton, Wedgewood, Fairlawn and Lans-
wanted to get rid of the city's "eye-
ing the designs of the gardens. They
sores" and the dangers they pose,
downe neighborhoods and the central
lan to use only organic fertilizers.
including hiding crime.
business district. AmeriCorp also has
The garden at 910 Sy amore is in
"All over, there are lots where the
about a half dozen more community
neighborhood near heavy industry.
weeds are taking over," he said. Be-
gardens in Lovejoy and Washington
the
S.,
industrial
and
you start cleaning up the
Park and at State Community
Times-News photo - Ned Jilton =
A Sullivan Central team tests soil at the Envirothon at Sycamore Shoals State Park.
Envirothon tests nature knowledge
By LISA ELDRETH
ties.
Times-News Staff Writer
For the wildlife questions, the Tennessee
Wildlife Resources Agency had various items
ELIZABETHTON - Sullivan Central senior
on display - such as traps, pelts, skulls and
Sara Everett examined a handful of soil at
feathers - that students had to answer ques-
Wednesday's Envirothon competition before
tions about.
she helped her team come up with an answer.
"I think there is a problem with the envi-
The hands-on outdoor competition involved
ronment, and people don't realize that," said
15 teams from area high schools.
Heather Seay, a junior at South. "I want to try
"I've just always liked nature and the envi-
to help rather than sit around and do nothing."
ronment," said Everett, a member of Central's
As a project, the club tests the water quality
ESP (Environmental Student Protectors) Club.
of streams near the school. Also, a recycling
Envirothon tests students' knowledge in five
day is planned Saturday at South for area resi-
areas: forestry, soils, wildlife, aquatics and a
dents to bring paper and aluminum to the
current environmental issue. This year's issue
school between noon and 4 p.m.
was groundwater.
"The club's purpose is to make people more
Students spend 25 minutes in each area, an-
aware of environmental issues," said senior Ja-
swering written multiple choice questions and
son Phipps.
identifying plants, trees and other objects.
South's team also included Spicey Gould, a
Each team fills out one answer sheet.
senior, and Amy Haase, a junior. Club adviser
The team from South Greene High School
is biology teacher Dee Eiklor.
won first place and will compete in the state
Recycling has been promoted by the ESP
contest in May. Second place went to one of the
Club at Central for about five years - so much
two teams competing from Hampton High
so that even the cafeteria grease is recycled,
School. And the FFA Club team from Cloud-
said English teacher Nancy Shackelford, club
land High School took third place.
adviser.
"It's peaceful to be outside, and I'm con-
Team members Tina Kyte, Sara Weaver, Jef-
cerned about the environment," said Jessica
frey Kiser, Gabe Anderson and Everett, all sen-
Stowell, a sophomore on Sullivan South's team.
iors, spent time reviewing sample questions
The team was made up of members of the
sent to schools about the Envirothon to help
school's Environmental Awareness Club.
prepare them for the contest.
The aquatics' questions were the toughest,
Billie Barlow, Americorps National Service
competitors agreed. Sponsored by the Tennes-
member, helped recruit Envirothon teams.
see Valley Authority's Clean Water Initiative,
Barlow works with the Appalachian-Northeast
the questions included mapping a watershed.
Tennessee Resource Conservation and Devel-
The Tennessee Division of Forestry spon-
opment (RC&D) Council, which has coordi-
sored the forestry questions, which included
nated the local Envirothon for the past two
the identification of five different tree varie-
years.
KINGSPORT TIMES-NEWS
KINGSPORT, TENNESSEE
APRIL 20, 1995
THE NEWS
KINGSTREE, SOUTH CAROLINA
JUNE 14, 1995
Page 18 - Wednesday, June 14, 1995 - THE NEWS
A JOINT EFFORT enabled Williamsburg Academy to
receive some new plants for the school campus.
Williamsburg First National Bank donated the plants,
Williamsburg Soil and Water Conservation District pro-
vided technical assistance. and local Americorps mem-
bers supplied labor. Pictured from left to right are
Americorps member Michael Busby. WA Headmaster
Larry Berry, Alan Chandler of Williamsburg First
National Bank, Americorps member Kendra Williams.
June Holliday of Williamsburg First National Bank, and
Willie Humphrey of the U.S. Forest Service.
THE BETHEL CITIZEN
BETHEL, MAINE
FEBRUARY 1, 1995
Young AmeriCorps volunteers
are tackling WMNF projects
32-member
crew plans
to spend a year
working on
conservation
tasks -- unless
their new
program
is Newtered
By WENDY HANSCOM
They're young, enthusiastic, vi-
IMPROVING WILDLIFE HABITAT-AmeriCorps members Sara Cory (left), Claire Darling and Stina
sionary and they want to inspire a
Johnson help clear out a spot along the Kancamagus highway to improve animal and bird habitat.
generation of Americans to take up
AmeriCorps members will be working in the White Mountain National Forest until December, unless the
national community service.
program is cut. Some House and Senate Republicans have been critical of President Clinton's national
service program.
Thirty-two AmeriCorps members
(Photo by Bryan Yeaton)
are now encamped at the Bog
big reason is for the money for
Brook Training facility in Gilead.
They range in age from 18 to 26,
'We're not high-school dropouts
school. It's not a ton of money, but
and have signed up for a year of
it's enough to get me going.'
work in. the 800,000-acre White
t-ordered people here
Erik Hamilton, a 20-year-old who
hasn't been to college yet, said he
Mountain National Forest.
AmeriCorps was a cornerstone of
DAN MARTEL
just wanted to do something dif
ferent.
President Clinton's campaign plat-
form. He likened it to a domestic
AmeriCorps member
"I wanted to meet new people,'
Hamilton said, "I also want to fur-
Peace Corps. The six-month-old
ther my education in phys. ed. It's
program currently employs 20,000
they have completed 1,700 hours of
plore opportunities in environmen-
young people in 300 programs:
service.
nice being around a lot of people
tal studies," said Jessa Eisenwinter-
AmeriCorps members have been The grant may be used to pay off
and I can use the money for college.
Lake, a biology major who recently.
I love the outdoors, and I like what
charged with environmental college loans, or for further school-
graduated from Mt. Holyoke. Col-
we're doing right now. I could do it
cleanup, conservation work, com ing if it's not used for either pur-
lege in Hadley, Mass. "It's a
for the rest of my life."
bating hunger and poverty, and posetit's forfeited.
good way to look at options in en-
Susan Chunt of New York City is
helping rural communities plan for Crew members at Bog Brook
vironmental careers, study and pay
the future,
hoping the program will improve
have enlisted for a variety of rea-
back those loans."
her construction skills.
Workers in the program receive a some say it's the money,
Jeff Fournier of Penbroke, N.H.
"I want to learn the construction
weekly living stipend, room and others were intrigued by the experi-
said he needs the money too.
board, limited health and medical sence
side because I want to join the
"I came here for the experience of
care and a $4,725 tuition grant after $1:1m here because I want to ex-
living up here," he said, "and the
See AMERICORPS, page 3
THE MANCHESTER ENTERPRISE
MANCHESTER, KENTUCKY
APRIL 20, 1995
AmeriCorps to help
with home repairs
Dear Editor,
elderly or disabled in the
I am an AmeriCorps mem-
household, entire household
ber working in your county
income, the specific types of
on housing repair.
repairs needed, and a brief
My job is to locate families
statement giving me per-
in the community who need
mission to discuss your situ-
help affording repair work,
ation with a loan/grant re-
and then finding a resource
source.
in the community to help
them.
Send this information to
If you have needed repairs
AMERICORPS, 242 Daniel
in your home and cannot
Boone Drive, Barbourville,
afford to make these repairs
KY 40906.
yourself, write the following
Please remember this is
information on a blank sheet
no guarantee of help.
of paper and send it in
All information will be
I need to know your name,
reviewed and put on a list.
address, phone number,
All information received
county, number of people in
will be kept confidential.
the household, number of
Rebecca Davidson
children under 18, number of
AmeriCorps member
AmeriCorps
crew helps
sort it out
By SABRINA HAYES
Staff Writer
Cleaning out a warehouse and
sorting clothes was an all day-job
for some area AmeriCorps
volunteers.
The members serve through the
USDA's Rural Economic and
Community Development depart-
ment, usually helping with rural
housing and community
development.
But for one day, Rebecca David-
son said they went beyond that.
Davidson, the Barbourville
TIMES-TRIBUNE
AmeriCorps volunteer, said 10 of
BARBOURVILLE, KENTUCKY
her colleagues participated in the
Corporation for National Service
MAY 5, 1995
Day April 25.
Nine of those members were
from Somerset, Barbourville, Mid-
dlesboro, Hazard and Prestons-
burg. The others were from
Virginia.
The job of all of the members is
to help poor people fix up their
homes.
The group was scheduled to help
Mountain Outreach repair houses
throughout Whitley County, but
Michelle Humfleet, the Cumber-
land Valley Area Development
District volunteer in Laurel
County, said the cold weather
changed the plans.
Mountain Outreach is a student-
based organization in Williams-
burg that helps repair homes for
the indigent in the area.
Instead of helping repair
houses, the group helped Cedar-
idge Ministries clean and sort the
clothes in the warehouse in
Williamsburg.
The ministry helps people
whose homes have been burned or
who are in need.
Laura Duncan, who serves in
the Bell County area, said the
AmeriCorps motto is "getting
things done for America."
"We, as AmeriCorps members,
have the opportunity to improve
ourselves and our communities.
By taking the responsibility for one
small part of our community, we
hope to be an example to the com-
munity, to demonstrate just what
can be done when we work
together," Duncan said.
COMMONWEALTH JOURNAL
SOMERSET, KENTUCKY
DECEMBER 5, 1995
FmHA 504 funds upgrading local homes
By BRIAN WILKERSON
CJ Staff Writer
Mildred E. Bell's Antioch
Shores home, where she's lived
for 44 years, has undergone
some major renovations in the
past year. There's new vinyl sid-
ing on the outside, running
water on the inside, a septic tank
underground.
While those and other changes
have helped "a whole lot," that's
FmHA
not the only benefit for Bell.
Because of state and federal
Continued from Page 1
grant and loan programs, the
$10,000-plus she needed was
ration's federal HOME program.
provided at a rate that could fit
Mayor Jim Williams some
her budget.
homes may receive $20,000 or
The funding was derived from
more, but most wouldn't need AS
Farmers Home Administration's
much. The money may be given
504 Grant and Loan program,
in five-year, forgivable deferred
which has existed for years, and
CJ Staff Photo by Brian Wilkerson
loans, depending on the home.
from the Kentucky Housing Cor-
Mildred E. Bell, center, stands In front of her recently renovated
owner's income. That means the
poration.
home, which Included new vinyl siding. Wither her Is her great-
money wouldn't have to be
Local officials are encouraging
grandson, James Christopher White; Tina Elza, an AmeriCorps vol-
repaid.
homeowners meeting low.
unteer; and Gary Crockett, assistant county supervisor with Farm-
Applications won't be accepted
income and, for the grants, age
ers Home Administration.
until some more administrative
guidelines to follow Bell's lead, if
used for less-pressing purchases,
can meet with homeowners to
work, such as hiring a firm to
repairs are required. Only those
such as siding.
help fill out an application or
administer the project, is com-
having ownership interest in
their home can apply.
FmHA is "trying to promote it
plan a budgét for payback of the
pleted, Williams said.
The homeowner must be at
more," Gary Crockett, the agen-
loan. Those with questions can
least 62 years old to qualify for
cy's assistant county supervisor,
contact the agency at 679-7493
said.
or stop by the FmHA office on
any 504 grants, which won't be
In that vein, Tina Elza, a vol-
100 Parkway Drive.
available again until the next
unteer with AmeriCorps, Presi-
Though the 504 grants/loans
funding cycle. That money can
dent Clinton's national service
are available county-wide, quali-
be used for such necessary
improvements as adding indoor
program, has been putting up
fied Somerset residents will also
plumbing or updating the heat-
posters, meeting with various
be able to apply for a portion of
agencies and contacting the
the $257,250 the city received
ing system.
media. Her efforts, she said, are
from Kentucky Housing Corpo-
The loans can be borrowed by
starting to pay off.
low-income families at a 1 per-
She and other FmHA officials
cent interest rate and can be
See FmHA, Page 2
THE NATCHITOCHES TIMES
NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA
APRIL 20, 1995
Pond hydrants contribute to rural protection
Louisiana's rural population and
completed in 1992. Approval of the
installed in existing lakes. ponds and
water source. This reduction in the
local government agencies have
current project resulted in the com-
streams.
amount of time taken to supply
received good news about rural road
bined efforts of Trailblazer and
Properly installed. dry hydrants
water to rural fire fighting efforts
maintenance and fire protection.
DNR and in cooperation with the
can solve the problem of hauling
can reduce insurance rates in those
Jack McClanahan. secretary of
Northeast Delta. Capital. Twin
water over long distances by provid-
areas.
the Louisiana Department of Natural
Valley and Imperial Calcasieu
ing natural. unprocessed water for
Water is also a key ingredient to
Resources (DNR). has announced
RC&D councils and parish police
use. The multiple benefits awarded
maintaining gravel roads.
the approval of $998.984 in oil over-
juries.
by dry hydrants include energy sav-
Using water to compact new lay-
charge funds for the implementation
Twin Valley is a non-profit orga-
ings to consumers and road mainte-
ers of dirt or gravel makes a
of a statewide dry hydrant project to
nization supported by federal. state
nance departments. and improving
smoother surface on which vehicles
be coordinated by Trainblazer Inc.
and foundation grants. The RC&D
rural fire protection and lower fire
can travel and increases the mileage
of Ruston. The project will demon-
program is designed to help volun-
insurance ratings.
vehicles using the road can achieve.
strate energy savings through
teers at a local level identify and
Improved rural fire protection is
Having water available for
improved rural fire protection and
work toward solving the problems
achieved with the use of dry
extraction on-site resulted in a 50
road maintenance with the installa-
unique to their individual communi-
hydrants by providing water from
percent reduction of driving time for
tion of 2,000 dry hydrants through-
ties. Twin Valley RC&D area serves
existing sources.
road maintenance trucks in the pilot
out the state.
eight parishes area including Caddo.
Fire department tanker trucks
project.
As primary contractor for the
DeSoto. Grant. Natchitoches,
can tap these water supplies to fight
With water trucks averaging
statewide dry hydrant project,
Rapides, Red River. Sabine and
rural fires and reduce the amount of
approximately four miles per gallon
Trailblazer brings three years of
Vernon.
time a water tanker would spend
in fuel efficiency. the use of dry
qualified experience to the project
A dry hydrant is a non-pressur-
travelling back and forth from the
hydrants reflects substantial savings
for their successful pilot program
ized pipe system permanently
site of the fire to the originating
in fuel costs.
Dominic Beggan and Angela Norsworthy, from left, view a dry fire
hydrant in Natchitoches Parish. Every parish in Louisiana will be
given the opportunity to install 35 hydrants.
Americorps helps
Ute Mountain Utes
SPECIAL TO THE DAILY TIMES
Dale White. a recent Ameri-
Corps recruit, is doing an
inventory of the Ute Mountain
Ute Reservation land south of
the Colorado state line in New
Mexico.
His project to assist the Ute
Mountain Ute Tribe in gather-
ing information for their land
use management plan, a part of
Geological Information System.
White has lived and worked
construction jobs in Durango
for 20years. After repeated con-
struction-related injuries, he
decided to pursue a college
education in natural resources.
He identifies plants in the
arid zone of northwestern New
Mexico while helping the
Mountain Ute tribe compile
information for a land manage-
ment plan.
"You have to know what you
have before you can plan,"
White said.
He drives about 80 miles to
the survey location from his
Cortez office. Most days start
with a stop at tribal headquar-
ters in Towaoc to pick up any
information and tools needed
for the day.
MAY 16, 1995
Then he drives to a point east
of Waterflow where a dirt road
DURANGO, COLORADO
THE DAILY TIMES
takes him past the power plant
Special to the Daily Times
to the reservation's New Mexi-
Date White of Durango Inventories Ute Mountain Ute land
CO land.
for land management uses.
"I love this transitional zone
where the desert changes to
plant coverage. He once spent
At the days end, White trans-
mountains," White said.
two days in a small canyon
fers his data onto a range site
His job is to walk an area
because the terrain was very
sheet that includes all his find-
documenting everything he
steep.
ings about the area. This will
sees. This could be anything
White stops every four or
eventually be mapped into a
from manmade structures like
five feet to examine something
GIS to aid the Utes in creating a
water tanks, roads, and fences
at his fect; either a grass clump,
long range land use manage-
to signs of wildlife in the area.
bush, animal track, prairie dog
ment strategy.
The ability to identify animal
hole or soil type.
White graduated from Fort
tracks and scat is helpful.
He also makes a visual count
Lewis College in 1990 with a
During the winter when there
on the average percentages of a
bachelor of science degree in
are no blooms, the identifica-
particular plant at that site. The
earth system science, a self-
tion process include checking
variables that determine how
directed major. In 1991, he
the root and/or seed. If that
many plants of a particular
moved his family, wife Angie
doesn't produce an answer, a
species will be found in an area
and three daughters, to Keene,
change of season will some-
are moisture, slope of the land
N.H., where he worked towards
times bring more clues. Mid-
and aspect of the land to the
a master's degree of science in
summer is ideal for plant identi-
sun.
natural resource management
fication.
He'll return to the area later
and administration which he
He covers about two square
to check on the percentage of
received last year.
miles a day depending on land
new plant growth. if Ameri-
He and his family have since
formation and the percentage of
Corps project time permits.
moved back to Durango.
THE GAZETTE VIRGINIAN
HALIFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA
MAY 15, 1995
COMPLETE BRIDGE
WORK- From left, Brian
Bates, Americorp historian,
Kathryn St. John, chairman
of the Historical Staunton
River Foundation, park man-
ager Jim Zanarini and Doug
Spencer, Americorp land-
scape architect, look over the
work on the new pedestrian
deck at the Staunton River
railroad bridge at the Fort
Hill Battlefield. The park, a
joint private, public venture
between Virginia, Virginia
Power, ODEC and the His-
torical Staunton River Foun-
dation. The park will grow
by 80 acres when it officially
opens June 10 and Virginia
Power and ODEC turn over
the additional acreage. The
park will include an eight
tenths of a mile walking trail
across the river to Randolph.
The new pedestrian platform
the bridge was built by park
service personnel. (David
Conner II photos)
Post 798
VFW takes over Newport Community Meal Site
by Ralph Heymsfeld
NEWPORT - The Newport Community Meal
Site has found a new sponsor in the Veterans of
Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 798 in Newport.
Founded eight years ago at St. Mark's Episcopal
Church, the meal site has operated from the VFW
Hall under the supervision of North East Kingdom
Community Action (NEKCA) since 1990. Now the
post has formally adopted the project, which helps
meet the needs of hungry Vermonters in our area.
The meal site, which served 4,442 meals in
DUWWAN
1994, is one of several community service projects
that NEKCA has either privatized or is in the
process of privatizing. Fearful of a substantial loss
of federal funds, NEKCA officials say that they
would like to see as many programs as possible
supported by the communities in which they serve.
The changing of the guard at the meal site
coincides with the first annual National Day of
Service, April 25, which is the highlight of National
Service Week, April 22-29. President Clinton has
APRIL 26, 1995
designated these dates as a time to honor service
NEWPORT, VERMONT
and citizenship, as well as an opportunity to
expand services to the needy. The Northeast
Kingdom Initiative Americorps program is
celebrating National Service Week by participating
in a series of events throughout the week, including
At the Newport Community Meal Site on April 24, Betty Challfoux of Americorps, Steve Austin, one of two NC high
the preparation of a special meal which was served
school students who work at the site, Theresa Tessler of Vermont Associates, who also works at the site, and
at the Newport site on Monday. Some other
Frank Huard of Americorps helped prepare and serve a special meal as part of National Service Week.
activities in this area were marigold planting on
Photo by Ralph Heymsfeld
Monday at Pine Knoll Nursing Home in
Lyndonville and a canned food drive this past
post as "facilitators of the transition," according to
The VFW has also donated $100 to start a fund
Friday at Lyndon State College.
Americorps worker Betty Chalifoux, who was on
which they hope will enable the program to be self-
Americorps, a newly formed nationwide
hand Monday. She said that her organization
supporting. Several fund-raising efforts are
program, is described by its members as a
targeted the meal site as one of its major projects
already under way. Raffle tickets costing $10
"stateside Peace Corps," dedicated to public service.
after an exhaustive survey of the area revealed the
apiece are on sale; a $4,000 vacation will be
The Northeast Kingdom Initiative is one of five
program was in danger of collapse.
awarded on August 20 at the Orleans County Fair.
Vermont teams. It is made up of 21 members who
"We found out that there wasn't really any
In addition, 310 letters requesting support have
are focused on improving services in the area of
group or organization whose mission included
been mailed to area businesses and other
education, human needs, public safety, and the
maintaining a soup kitchen," added Americorps
organizations. Those interested in either
environment.
worker Frank Huard. Americorps arranged for the
volunteering or making a donation may call 888-
Americorps has been working with the VFW
post to take over the operation of the meal site.
8910 or 888-5702.
AmeriCorps program contributing much to nation's future
If the focus of the current (and un-
Western New York - a NYS Corps
with numerous local agencies and mu-
timely) political debate over the 5-
Collaboration site in West Seneca and
nicipalities, assisted in soil and water
month-old AmeriCorps national service
a National Direct program sponsored
conservation practices, and trained and
program were directed toward the re-
by the United States Department of
worked alongside eight Earth Team
sults of full-time service instead of
Agriculture in East Aurora. As one of
volunteers.
AmeriCorps "volunteer" status, critics
the five members of the Ameri-
The need for quality production of
threatening to eliminate the program
Corps/USDA team based at the Natu-
digitized data and instruction in GIS
would note:
ral Resources Conservation Service in
will become essential as increased
AmeriCorps programs are devoted
East Aurora, I see the benefits of
members of organizations store and
to increasing the quality and volume
AmeriCorps firsthand.
manage cartographic data by comput-
of community service by taking advan-
The goal of our AmeriCorps pro-
er. The East Aurora Ameri-
tage of America's resource of youth.
'gram is to support resource manage-
Corps/USDA team has incredible po-
By working directly with the communi-
ment and protection in Western New
tential to facilitate GIS data
ty on a full-time basis, AmeriCorps
York in part using Geographic Infor-
production and education in Western
members enhance their communication
mation Systems. Our focus has been
New York - but only if AmeriCorps
and teamwork skills, gain a strong
on digitizing data (converting maps
survives the war of words in Washing-
sense of personal achievement and re-
from paper to computer format) for
ton.
sponsibility, and, most importantly, in-
efficient, accurate analysis and man-
crease their awareness of and commit-
agement. In the short time Ameri-
LISA A. MATTHIES
ment to community needs.
Corps has been in existence, we have
AmeriCorps/USDA
Two AmeriCorps programs exist in
worked on GIS projects in cooperation
Alden
BUFFALO NEWS
BUFFALO, NEW YORK
FEBRUARY 25, 1995
Agriculture director
praises AmeriCorps
during visit to region
By Kristen Hebestreet
Press Staff Writer
People who condemn the
AmeriCorps are speaking from
ideology instead of reality, the
U.S. Department of Agriculture
National Service director said
Tuesday.
"Challenge anyone with ques-
tions to come out and visit a
site," said Joel Berg, USDA
National Service director, dur-
ing a discussion with nine
AmeriCorps members at the
USDA office in Jonesborough.
Berg toured AmeriCorps pro-
jects in Upper East Tennessee
Wednesday, all projects cover-
ing anti-hunger, social services,
environmental or rural develop-
ment projects.
Berg, who developed the
Joel Berg
JOHNSON CITY PRESS
basic outline of the AmeriCorps
program while working on Pres-
workers as a 'funded nonman-
JOHNSON CITY, TENNESSEE
ident Clinton's election cam-
date," Berg said, in reference
MAY 24, 1995
paign, now manages the 1,200
to the recent conservative con-
USDA AmeriCorps members
demnation of unfunded federal
working in 33 states.
mandates.
The national service initia-
Berg does not feel Congress
tive is intended to develop com-
will eliminate AmeriCorps as it
munities and protect the envi-
works to balance the budget
ronment at a local level. Ameri-
because so many things about
Corps workers are provided a
AmeriCorps passe what he calls
stipend, basic health insurance,
the "Jesse Test."
a child care allowance and a
"That means both Jesse
$4,725 education award for col-
Helms and Jesse Jackson sup-
lege or vocational training.
port it," Berg said.
"The vast majority of our pro-
Clinton also has said he plans
jects range from good to excel-
to veto efforts to severely cut
lent," Berg said. "It's our first
funding to AmeriCorps and
year, and we're already bigger
other job-training programs.
than the Peace Corps was at its
The total budget for Ameri-
height."
Corps is $370 million, Berg said,
AmeriCorps projects in this
which breaks down to a total
region include putting together
cost of $20,000 per volunteer.
a map of tourist attractions in
"This is the most cost-effec-
Unicoi County, renovating the
tive way for the federal govern-
Sneedville jail, agricultural
ment to serve people at the
education work, attracting both
grass-roots level," Berg said.
industry and tourists to Clai-
"For every $1 of federal money,
borne County and working with
communities get back at least
families of critically ill patients
$1.50."
at the Veterans Affairs Medical
Berg drove himself around in
Center, Mountain Home.
his Toyota on the tour of Ameri-
Because many of the Ameri-
Corps projects in North Caroli-
Corps workers are in financially
na, West Virginia, Kentucky,
strapped rural communities,
Virginia and Tennessee.
most projects require federal
"This is the best part - East
grants, loans or some type of
Tennessee," Berg said. "And
funding, Berg said.
don't you believe I said the same
"We refer to the AmeriCorps.
thing in West Virginia."
MACHIAS VALLEY NEWS
MACHIAS, MAINE
APRIL 18, 1995
Cranberry project
begins Down East
MACHIAS - The first year of a
that contains an explanation of the
new cranberry research project
project, data collection sheets, and
for wild mountain cranberries in
background information on wild
Washington County is under way,
cranberries and lingonberries. The
and will include taste-testing and a
packets are available at the dis-
recipe and jam contest this fall.
trict office in the federal building
According to Karen Bert of the
in Machias.
Washington County Soil and Water
This year, he will begin evaluat-
Conservation District office, the
ing his own test planting of cuttings
Cranberry Observation Project, or
from six different patches.
COP Project, needs information
Bert, an Americorps volunteer,
from all cranberry growers who
said there are thousands of native
are voluntarily observing patches
cranberry patches that could be
of the red berries and are willing to
evaluated as Nielsen is doing in
do simple data collection.
search of the ideal strain appropri-
The project was conceived by
ate for commercial cultivation.
Reinald Nielsen of Whiting, who
The data sheets will be collected
became interested in the hardy na-
by the district this fall. They will be
tive berries after observing them
used to create a baseline of infor-
on his property. After doing some
mation for the year 1996, when
private research, Nielsen realized
"best" plants may be located and
that the berry patches require lit-
set out for intensive cultivation.
tle of the intensive watering,
The information also will be used
spraying with pesticides and fertil-
to establish guidelines for growing
izing that other berries need.
wild mountain cranberries.
He recently approached the Con-
This fall, the district will conduct
servation District with the idea of
informal taste testings and a reci-
holding an informal meeting to test
pe and jam contest.
public interest in the potential low-
Anyone interested in the COP
input cash crop. In April, 33 people
Project may call Bert or District
attended the initial meeting at
Manager Nathan Pennell at 255-
Machias.
3995, or write Box 121, Machias
Nielsen has developed a packet
04654.
Schools clamor for environmental teacher
THE TIMES RECORD BRUNSWICK, MAINE FEBRUARY 20, 1995
Americorp worker
takes Brunswick
BEYOND
students outdoors
THE
BY MICHELLE KEARNS
Times Record Staff
3R's
BRUNSWICK A patch of forest
with a swamp and an open hill has
been drawing small bands of fourth
and fifth graders who trudge mer-
a piece of yarn. Then she asked for
rily through the snow in boots and
a plant-eating animal. After a "rab-
snowpants for their weekly lesson
bit" came forward, a "hawk"
in the way the outdoors works.
offered to eat the rabbit for lunch.
Holly Sheehan, who works for
As the story continued and vol-
the national service corp started by
unteers came forward, Sheehan
President Clinton, has been com-
continued asking for volunteers
ing to Jordan Acres School on Fri-
until there was an eagle, a bear, a
days to take students to this piece
human, a fern, carbon dioxide. One
of wilderness as part of an hour-
boy fell back into the snow and said
and-a-half-long lesson.
"I am soil."
She said she wound up in
The story stopped when every-
Brunswick because fifth-grade
one had volunteered for something
teacher Rayle Ainsworth had been
and held on to the yarn that had
asking for help designing course-
become a web.
work that would take advantage of
PAUL CUNNINGHAM / THE TIMES
It was taut until Sheehan added
what was in the school's back yard.
pollution to the story. What if some-
So Sheehan, who is part of
HOLLY SHEEHAN of the Americorps national service program demonstrates to Jordan Acres fifth graders
one changed his car oil in the back
Americorp, the national-post-col-
pollution can disrupt the food chain. Sheehan conducts the 90-minute classes behind the Brunswick sch
yard and just left it there, she
lege graduate program, has
asked. What if more than just one
brought herself and her lesson
She is also helping teachers with
and frozen dry scat.
uated in 1992.
person was careless?
Next students will figure out
At $6.50 an hour, she will
plans here once a week from her
ideas for future lesson plans, so
"If it's a big mess of pollution,
office at the Cumberland Country
that once she's gone the course-
where to put classroom amenities,
for another year for Americon
Soil and Water Conservation Dis-
don't you think it would affect the
work can continue.
such as a wooden walkway over the
domestic help-the-commin
soil?" said Sheehan.
Sheehan has combined short
now-frozen swamp, a trail with
Peace-Corps-style program.
trict.
On an afternoon a few weeks ago,
She told the boy who was soil that
activities like the yarn web with a
signs that explain things to look at,
may dry up after the political
she went with Ainsworth's class to
because of the spilled oil he would
bigger project that she will see
and benches for a small amphithe-
ing battles play out in Washin
a clearing beyond the trees for a les-
have to let go of his section of yarn.
through until warm weather -
ater.
In the meantime, word
son in the food chain.
Gradually, everyone else let go,
building a classroom into the for-
After that volunteer groups will
han's work has spread and
As students sat in a circle, she
too, and the web fell slack.
est.
spend two weeks doing the build-
are clamoring for her.
held out a skein of red yarn and
The idea behind the classes is to
Students have mapped out dif-
ing.
"I'm turning people awa
asked for a volunteer to be a plant
make students understand how
ferent land behind their school -
Sheehan, 25, studied environ-
schedule is full. There's an
that would "eat the sun - sort of."
human behavior affects the envi-
on it are oaks, pines, maples, a dead
mental science at Antioch College
ible need for environments
The student who volunteered got
ronment, said Sheehan.
tree, an apple tree, squirrel tracks
in Massachusetts, where she grad-
tion," she said.
THE SAN BERNADION SUN
SAN BERNADINO, CALIFORNIA
JUNE 20, 1995
TUESDAY, June 20, 1995
The Sun B3
AmeriCorps members F.B.
plant trees in county
By DAVID WAHLBERG
chairman of the House Appro-
Sun Staff Writer
priations subcommittee.
Democrats wanted to boost
A leader of President Clin-
AmeriCorps' initial $370 million
ton's AmeriCorps national serv-
annual budget to $570 million
ice program visited the San Ber-
next year, increasing mem-
nardino Mountains on Monday to
bership to 33,000 or more.
tout the program and try to shield
it from the Republican budget ax.
Lewis and other Republicans
say it should be status quo until
"It's a great investment," Joel
the program proves successful.
Berg, director of the U.S. Depart-
"It's relatively new," said
ment of Agriculture's portion of
Dave LaStrange, spokesman for
AmeriCorps, said after helping
Lewis. "We should sce how it's
about 90 AmeriCorps members
working before it gets a huge in-
plant trees in the Heart Bar area.
fusion of taxpayer dollars."
"It promotes work instead of
Berg said AmeriCorps will
welfare. It says you don't get a
save money by teaching members
dime unless you sweat."
to fend for themselves. "It's all
AmeriCorps, often called the
about responsibility."
domestic Peace Corps, provides
Karen Gilbert, a sixth-grade
$4,725 education grants to about
teacher at Charles Hoffman El-
20,000 members who spend a
ementary School in Running
year on community projects.
Springs, said AmeriCorps mem-
Locally, members have built
bers have worked hard on the
hiking trails, designed nature
nearby Children's Forest.
centers and repaired fire-ravag-
"They have been fantastic,"
ed areas. Much of the work has
she said.
been in the San Bernardino Na-
AmeriCorps members have
tional Forest.
taught students to snowshoe and
The program, which started
design nature signs, she said. "It
last year, is facing budget cuts
would be such a shame to cut
from Republican leaders, includ-
back on something like this that is
ing Rep. Jerry Lewis of Redlands,
so mutually beneficial."
THE CHEROKEE ONE FEATHER
CHEROKEE, NORTH CAROLINA
APRIL 5, 1995
AmeriCorps' James Bradley To Assist
With Home Loans On Reservation
also be working in Jackson, Swain,
The United States Department
and Haywood Counties.
of Agriculture (USDA) announces
Many lending institutions are
that AmeriCorps member James
hesitant to make housing loans to
Bradley will be working in an
members of the Tribe residing on
outreach program on the Cherokee
the Qualla Boundary due to the
Indian Reservation through the
Possessory Land Holding situation.
Rural Economic and Community
Bradley will be working through the
Development Service (RECD). Mr.
RECD Guaranteed Loan Program to
Bradley is the son of Mr. and Mrs.
encourage banks 10 make housing
Red Bradley of the Soco
loans to Tribal members.
community.
The RECD also makes low
AmeriCorps is a program that
interest home repair loans and
engages diverse groups of
grants, which may only be used for
Americans in performing critical
needed structural repair or to remove
services to meet human,
health or safety hazards. Applicants
environmental. public safety, and
must be over 62 years of age to
educational needs in return for
qualify for a grant.
vouchers for education, vocational
Anyone with questions about
training, or loan repayment after
the RECD Guaranteed Housing
1,700 hours of service.
Loan Program or home repair loans
USDA is running three types of
and grants, call Bradley at (704) 586-
AmeriCorps teams at urban and
5549. You may also call your local
rural sites nationwide: an Anti-
lending institution for information
Hunger Team, a Public Lands and
on the Guaranteed Housing Loans
Environment Team, and a Rural
program.
Development Team.
The AmeriCorps member will
Bradley will be working with
also be compiling a directory of
the RECD Guaranteed Housing
available local resources for use on
Loans Program which assists
the Reservation. Anyone with
moderate-income Americans who do
information about other sources of
not have a down payment when
funding for housing, about any
qualifying for a mortgage. The
possible housing grants, or about
USDA/AmeriCorps member's main
any Indian-owned businesses such
goal during this time of service is
as contractors, surveyors, plumbers,
10 build an effective outreach
electricians, that could be included
program between RECD and the
in the directory may call Bradley at
Eastern Cherokee Tribe. He will
the same number.
EAST AURORA BEE
EAST AURORA, NEW YORK
FEBRUARY 23, 1995
AmeriCorps team in EA
finishes map transfers
The USDA/AmeriCorps team
NRCS District Conservationist
based in East Aurora has com-
and program director. "The five
pleted transferring the 32 Erie
members of the East Aurora
County Fish and Wildlife Service
based AmeriCorps team have cer-
National Wetlands Inventory
tainly lived up to that motto. In
maps from paper to computer
the last few months, they have
format. The data were joined by
developed and assembled many
computer to create a complete
data layers that will help with
Erie County wetlands map. The
efforts to implement geographic
five-member team began this
information systems throughout
work when their service term
Erie County. Benefits of the
started in September.
AmeriCorps team's efforts are be-
The wetlands data, when
ing realized as communities start
overlayed on other computer
using GIS to more effectively and
maps, will provide an efficient
efficiently protect environmental
and accurate means of identifying
resources and direct future devel-
wetlands locations, boundaries
opment with greater sensitivity to
and classifications to agencies
environmental constraints, eco-
and municipalities with
nomic impacts, community needs
Geographic Information Systems
and individual land rights."
(GIS) capabilities. The
In addition to the wetlands in-
AmeriCorps team will make the
ventory mapping, ongoing US-
data available at no cost to local
DA/AmeriCorps projects include
communities in their effort to
creating a GIS tax parcel base
promote the use of GIS in West-
map for rural areas of Erie
ern New York, according to a
County in conjunction with In-
recent press release.
teligis Corporation, producing a
"Getting things done for
series of forest management
America is the AmeriCorps mot-
maps with the Seneca National of
to," said John Whitney, USDA
Indians, and generating original
maps with the WNY Land Con-
servancy, American Chestnut
Foundation, West Seneca
AmeriCorps, Governor's Office of
Voluntary Service and a number
of other agencies and community
organizations.
Of the 42 USDA sponsored
AmeriCorps sites nationwide, the
East Aurora based program is the
only one in New York State.
Members are Melissa Brice of
Clarence, Michael Gangemi of
Hamburg, Lisa Matthies of Al-
den, Jeffrey Rosier of Arcade and
Betsy Vazquez of Lancaster.
The Natchez Democrat/Kevin Cooper
APRIL 10, 1995
AMERICORPS RALLY: Charleston, S.C., Police Chief Reuben Greenberg talks to a group of teens
NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI
after speaking at the Americorps Rally on Saturday.
THE NATCHEZ DEMOCRAT
Teens hear messages about
keeping community values
By MICHAELA GIBSON
become a society of endless excus-
Natchez Middle School. "More
The Natchez Democrat
es," Greenberg said.
people should have come."
A nationally known author and
Greenberg and the other speak-
The organizers brought in speak-
police chief urged people attending
ers talked to teens about the prob-
ers from different disciplines to
a Americorps Teen Rally to no
lems off violence, drug use and
give the rally participants their
longer accept excuses for crime.
teen pregnancy at Saturday Ameri-
viewpoint on the problems facing
Charleston, S.C., Police Chief
corps Teen Rally. Americorps vol-
teens.
Reuben Greenberg stressed the
unteer Shelly Foutz-Lowe, the
"As long as we've helped one
importance of a community-value
rally organizer, said she was
individual, we're pleased," Betty
system and accountability for
pleased with the audience's
Oliver, state coordinator for U.S.
criminals, instead of blaming soci-
response to the rally.
Department of Agriculture Ameri-
ety for creating criminals.
"The people here have been
corps volunteers.
"Values are something all of us
dynamic in their response," Foutz-
Foutz-Lowe said she hopes the
need to pay a little more attention
Lowe said. She estimated about
teens who attended the rally will
to," Greenberg said. "We've creat-
120 teens and adults were on hand
continue the dialogue begun at the
ed a system of no fault crime."
for the rally put together by Ameri-
rally. "It's important for them to go
Greenberg, who wrote "Taking
corps volunteers from around Mis-
home and talk to their parents."
Back the Streets, said that commu-
sissippi.
In addition to Greenberg, Ameri-
nities, told the teens and adults
"The crowd may be small, but
corps rally participants heard from
attending the Americorps rally that
the results can be big," Mayor
WLBT anchor Maggie Wade, who
the community was vital to
Larry L. "Butch" Brown told the
talked about the importance of
reestablishing values and taking
audience gathered at the Natchez
self-esteem.
away excuses such as lack of edu-
Convention Center.
Americorps volunteers from
cation from criminals.
"It was worth coming out for,"
Louisiana and Arkansas also
we
(the
criminal).
we
said Katrina Harris. a student at
helped to put on the rally.
Rural Economic USDA & Community Developme
READY WITH INFORMATION - Americorps representatives (from left) Tina King, Michelle Humfleet and
Rebecca Davidson manned this booth at Community Expo '95.
THE SENTINEL ECHO
LONDON, KENTUCKY
MARCH 22, 1995
AmeriCorps unit completes
mapping chore for county
The five-member Ameri-
Corps technical unit based in
East Aurora has completed its
first task, computerizing paper
maps of Erie County's wetlands
so that as map overlays they
are readily available for devel-
opers and municipal planners.
The unit, guided by District
Conservationist John Whitney
of the U.S. Soil Conservation
Service, began work last Sep-
tember. The computerized data
when overlayed on other com-
THE buffalo NEWS
puterized maps will provide an
BUFFALO, NEW YORK
efficient and accurate means of,
FEBRUARY 21, 1995
identifying wetlands for agencies
with Geographic Information
Systems. The East Aurora
AmeriCorps unit is one of 42
tied to a U.S. Department of
Agriculture agency and the only
one of its kind in New York.
Other tasks awaiting the
team during its service period
are creating a computerized tax
parcel map, forest management
map and other maps. The; East,
Aurora AmeriCorps team will
be working with the Seneca In-
dian Nation, Western New
York Land Conservancy, Amer-
ican Chestnut Foundation, the
Governor's Office of Rural Ser-
vice and West Seneca Ameri-
Corps unit and other agencies.
Technical AmeriCorps mem
bers who work 1,700 hours are
paid $6.62 per hours up to 11
$12,000 and are given a $4;700
tuition voucher.
JOHNSON CITY PRESS
JOHNSON CITY, TENNESSEE
MAY 28, 1995
AmeriCorps provides opportunity to help
By Kristen Hebestreet
Press Staff Writer
As the little girl handed
Samuel Shore a homemade get
well card made from a folded
paper plate, she asked, "Could
you please give this to my
papaw?"
Shore immediately took the
card to her grandfather, a patient
in the critical care ward at the
Veterans Affairs Medical Center,
Mountain Home.
Shore is one of the 300 Ameri-
Corps volunteers working in Ten-
nessee's urban and rural commu-
nities. As a 47-year-old man
preparing to study for the min-
istry, Shore is almost twice as old
as the average AmeriCorp partici-
pant.
Half of the AmeriCorps work.
ers are 21 to 29 years old, with
one quarter 20 years and under
and the remainder 30 and over.
Most have had some college or a
bachelor's degree and more than
half 64 percent are women.
"The only requirement for
AmeriCorps is that they be at
least 17 years old and an Ameri-
can citizen," said Carol White,
Tennessee Commission on
National and Community Service
executive director.
What the AmeriCorps workers
do depends on what the leader-
ship of the community considers a
priority, Ms. White said. This
includes promoting tourism,
attracting industry, improving
housing or working in existing
programs.
In Knoxville, AmeriCorps is
reducing violence in inner cities
by working with Head Start stu-
dents who display violent tenden-
cies at an early age. AmeriCorps
workers in Nashville are develop-
ing health care programs for at-
Staff Photo by Eddie LeSueur
risk families and senior citizens.
"And in Memphis, AmeriCorps
Samuel Shore, left, helps Mary Miller at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center
workers are working to break the
cycle of child abuse," Ms. White
said. "This has been the most
The USDA Rural Development
said. "AmeriCorps workers all
rewarding and fulfilling thing I've
to submit a quarterly report stat-
Team is recruited from people
done since I was in the military."
ing the goals of each project and
across the state are working in
who grew up in this area. Accord-
Nationwide,
what is being done to meet those
environmental education and eco-
Americorps'
ing to an AmeriCorps brochure,
20,000 participants work in com-
goals.
nomic development."
planners hope this will empower
munities for $6,200 in salary and
A service learning grant pro-
Like AmeriCorps members in
communities to develop local
other communities, Shore wears
living expenses and, if they com-
vided by the National Service
leadership and to reverse the
more than one hat. In addition to
plete a nine-month tour, are
Corp. allowed East Tennessee
"rural brain drain."
his work with families of critically
awarded $4,725 for college.
State University, Milligan Col-
Amy Crumley, a 22-year-old
ill patients at Mountain Home, he
The Corporation for National
lege and Northeast State Com-
Jonesborough resident, says she'd
munity College to each offer a
is updating the community ser-
and Community Service, which
been a 4-H volunteer and Future
three-credit class called "Intro-
vices directory at the First Ten-
oversees AmeriCorps, received
Farmers of America member
duction to Community Service."
nessee Development District
$575 million in funding this year.
since she was in fourth grade. As
Billie Barlow, a former journal-
Area Agency on Aging.
Like many other job training and
an AmeriCorp worker, she was a
ist from Charlottesville, Va., is
Shore is partnered with Robert
education programs, AmeriCorps
primary organizer of the recent
may be eliminated in the efforts
working on a "Hidden Heroines"
Hamm, an AmeriCorps volunteer
Envirothon for high school stu-
project for the ETSU Center for
based in Johnson County. Hamm,
to balance the federal budget by
dents and the Conservation Field
53. who also works at the VA
the year 2002.
Appalachian Studies.
Day for elementary school stu-
intensive care unit waiting room,
There are seven AmeriCorps
dents.
The project involves collecting
does some work for Habitat for
workers with the U.S. Depart-
"I really enjoy doing things for
oral histories from Upper East
Humanity and the Haven of
ment of Agriculture's Rural Eco-
other people," she said.
Tennessee women who somehow
Mercy.
nomic and Community Develop-
AmeriCorps volunteers like
changed their communities for
Hamm became an AmeriCorps
ment Council, all of whom are
Ms. Crumley are required to work
the better, Ms. Barlow said, and
worker after his small business
stationed in Upper East Ten-
a total of 1,812 hours in order to
has also written a grant proposal
shut down and his 20-year job at
nessee, said Jeff Powell, council
receive the educational assistant-
for the cranberry project in Shady
Burlington Industries ended. He
spokesman.
ship. This must take at least nine
Valley.
wanted to graduate from college,
Powell, who is based in
months but no more than one
"I was attracted to the national
but said he also wanted to serve
Nashville, said the workers are in
year.
service movement." Ms. Barlow
the community.
this region because so many of
Paperwork within the agency
said. "I felt that a number of peo-
"I understood I could help oth-
the counties here are below the
is kept to a minimum. Each
ple could really make a differ-
ers by helping myself." Hamm
poverty level.
AmeriCorps member is required
WINN PARISH ENTERPRISE
WINNFIELD, LOUISIANA
APRIL 5, 1995
Director of National Service for
USDA Visits Winnfield on Thursday
Joel Berg. Director of National
ment, rural projects in 33 states and
teer for Winn Parish.
Service for the United Stated De-
toward the prevention of hunger.
While he was in Winnfield, Berg
partment of Agriculture (USDA)
Berg made a flying tour through
visited the Winn Parish Museum,
was in Winnfield on Thursday.
Louisiana, stopping in Winnsboro,
with which Trissler is working.
In his position as director, Berg
going on to Macon Ridge Eco-
Trissler's job in Winnfield is as a
is responsible for planning as well
nomic Development Corp., Winn-
tourism specialist. She has worked
as managing the AmeriCorps na-
field, Alexandria, Crowley and Ba-
with local organizers to prepare
tional service program, overseeing
ton Rouge in two days.
brochures and with the museum to
1,200 AmeriCorps members.
"He is visiting all states with
train volunteers.
Those volunteers are working in
AmeriCorps projects," explained
At present, she is working with
fields of environmental endanger-
Alicia Trissler, AmeriCorps volun-
officials to prepare grant proposals
for a HeadStart Program and a pro-
gram in folkart. At the museum,
she also aids in meeting certifica-
tion guidelines of the American
Association of Museums.
"We are planning to make the
museum the center of tourism in
Winn Parish, a starting point for
tourists," Miss Trissler explained
to Rerg.
AmeriCorps is the brainchild of
U.S. President Bill Clinton. It's
been called his version of the Peace
Corps. In Louisiana, there are 21
USDA AmeriCorps members
working with local officials to get
jobs done in the arcas of tourism,
community planning, rural fire
protection, ground water protection,
timber bridge replacement, farm
safety and USDA loan and grant
programs.
One program about to begin in
Winn Parish is the installation of
ten more dry hydrants. Already 25
have been placed around the parish.
USDA Official Comes To Winnfield
Joel Berg, National Services Director for the
United States Department of Agriculture was in
Winnfield on Thursday during a nationwide tour
of AmeriCorps workers. During his visit he
toured the Winn Parish Museum with Mayor
Deano Thornton and Alicia Trissler, local
AmeriCorps volunteer working as tourism
specialist for Winn Parish. Here Berg discusses
local tourism and the museum with Mayor
Deano Thornton. There is a full story of his
visit on page one.
THE PINE KNOT
CLOQUET, MINNESOTA
MARCH 4, 1995
Cromwell land is 'educational'
By JACKIE HEBERT
to walk about three-quarters
a resource network and do
Pine Knot Managing Editor
of a mile into the land, cleared
community service projects,"
an area for a base camp where
said Julie Smith, a graduate of
Thanks to the generosity of
they would later eat lunch, and
the University of Minnesota, St.
foresighted benefactors, the
then fanned out into the wooded
Paul, and an AmeriCorps mem-
Cromwell School has an 80-
area to begin brushing.
ber who has been working in
acre tract of farm land only a
Eliason said the school has
the Willmar and Alexandria ar-
few miles south of the school
been able to make good use of
eas.
that is being used for diverse
the land for environmental
Jen Melby, an AmeriCorps
educational purposes.
education purposes, and stu-
member who has been working
According to Oscar Eliason,
dents from grades K-12 have
with the East-Central Regional
a science instructor at Cromwell
had numerous opportunities
Development Commission in
High School, the land was willed
for first-hand experiences be-
Mora, was also present, along
to the school in 1988, and has
cause of it.
with R.C. Boheim and Tim
been a primary resource and
Reese, AmeriCorps members
teaching tool since its acquisi-
"A.S.P.E.N. from Potlatch was
working on the Nemadji River
tion.
active on the '80' and in the
Basin Project in the Carlton
One of the main instruc-
school, as well as area forest-
County area.
tional purposes of the land is to
ers," Eliason said.
Phillip Klocksien, the State
show students "succession,"
Students have taken part in
coordinator for AmeriCorps, was
Eliason said, the succeeding
maple sugar making and have
also on hand to assist with the
stages a plowed tract of land
learned about wildlife manage-
rural development crew service
goes through as it returns to
ment as a result of having ac-
project in Cromwell.
its natural state.
cess to the land.
Eliason said an all-school
Eliason also said a number
Forestry Day is planned on the
Monday, four Cromwell High
of local citizens have contrib-
land for the last Wednesday in
School students, along with
uted their knowledge and ex-
April.
personnel from the Department
pertise to students in the out-
With the help of the DNR,
of Natural Resources (DNR) and
door classroom afforded by the
AmeriCorps, Eliason, and four
AmeriCorps, went to the site to
site.
of his pupils, the site will be
brush out new trails so stu-
On-site Monday was a clus-
ready for Cromwell students to
dents will have access to a
ter group of AmeriCorps per-
learn even more about the for-
creek and a black spruce
sonnel who assisted with the
est and the environment within
swamp on the land.
brushing.
the 80-acres of "natural" class-
The group used snowshoes
"One of our missions is to be
room.
WESTERN EXPRESS
BARRY, ILLINOIS
JULY 11, 1995
Friendly people and bad roads
Citizens tell what they like and dislike about Barry
By ToM COULSON
"What do you feel is the
"Where do you shop?"
biggest problem in Barry?"
A big majority of respondents
According to Americorps. the
VFW wants liquor license
363 responded to this, but
shop at home for groceries. gaso-
people of Barry like its friendly
many answers were similar to
line and bank service. Quincy is
helpful people most, and its roads
what they liked the least. The
the favorite source for clothing.
Barry VFW Commander Everett Dolbeare asked council last
first two, however, were a little
and sidewalks least.
Market comparisions:
These are two of dozens of
night about the possibility of a liquor license for the club, which
different. The top five:
Groceries - Barry 246. Quin-
has a clubhouse on Decatur 1 1/2 blocks from route 106.
findings relayed to council last
22 - Too few activities for
cy 65. Pittsfield 29, other 28.
Dolbeare said the club would like to sell only beer and only 3-4
night by Darlene Ivarson and Starr
teenagers, young adults and sen-
Clothing - Quincy 125, other
nights a week.
ior citizens.
McDaniles.
109. Pittsfield 87. Barry 38.
Ivarson and McDaniels, during
He was told a first step would have to be getting the clubhouse
22 - Drugs and alcohol
Gasoline - Barry 172. other
rezoned commercial. It is residential. and the liquor ordinance
May 11-June 9, delivered 541
caused by too few activities.
96. Quincy 22. Pittsfield 19.
questionnaires and had 351 re-
prohibits licenses in that zone.
22 - Streets and sidewalks
Banking - Barry 247. other
turned - 65%. Of the returns, 310
Mayor Ed Venicombe did not know whether a license is availa-
need repair.
48, Pittsfield 23. Quincy 11.
ble. and city attorney Mike Hollahan said he would check.
were filled out.
21 - -Too many police offi-
Public works director Bob Dieker said he would let Dolbeare
These are some of the things
cers.
One-half of respondents be-
know when the zoning committee is to meet.
the survey shows:
17 - Lack of jobs.
lieve Barry's downtown business
will increase; 35% believe it will
A question about historic pres-
decrease.
One-half of respondents
have lived in Barry 26 years or
172 responded to this with a to-
"What three things do you
ervation was answered by 98 per-
Eighty percent want tourism
longer, and 90% expect to be liv-
tal of 519 comments. The top five:
like least about Barry?"
sons with 108 suggestions. The
to increase.
ing there five years from now.
259 responded to this with 322
question:
206 - Friendly. helpful people.
comments. The top five:
"Are there any historical or
This was a "needs assessment
Although the largest single
58 - Roads and sidewalks.
geographical features you
survey" conducted by Two Riv-
group of respondents was older
85 - Small rural town setting.
than 70, the response was fairly
39 - Businesses.
35 - Some people get treated
would like to see preserved in
ers RC&D's Americorps rural
37 - Quiet, peaceful neighbor-
better than others.
your area?"
development team.
uniformly distributed across age
hood.
30 - Too many police officers.
Beginning May 11. Ivarson
ranges.
26 - Library and churches.
27 - Unresponsive govern-
The leading answers:
and McDaniles distributed forms
Fifty-two percent have high
ment.
35 - Downtown buildings.
with requests they be returned in
school diplomas. 23% some col-
Fourteen other factors were
22 - Run down houses.
17 - Old homes.
three days.
lege. and 8% college degrees.
Of 301 who answered a
listed, including (in descending
Twelve other factors received
11 - Cemetery.
On the third day, the team
order) good schools; progressive
votes, including (in descending
11 - Park
gathered surveys of persons who
work question, 76 work in Barry,
and improving; low crime rate;
order) drugs and liquor problem,
6 - Churches.
were home or had left them in
115 elsewhere, 111 are retired.
Other responses included his-
Of the 115 commuters, five
police, fire and ambulance depart-
lack of jobs, dogs and cats roam-
the door to pick up.
work less than six miles away, 14
ments; security; excellent city
ing, not enough for young people
torical monument, library, stone
If residents were not home,
services including pool; clean:
to do, trucks parked around cen-
bridge on Bainbridge. Bennett
surveyors made one more at-
work 7-15 miles away, 40 work
16-30 miles away, 15 work 31-40
parks: community spirit including
tral park and over city, lack of
Springs, bluff area west of Barry,
tempt. After that signs were post-
festivals; meets most basic needs;
available housing, children run-
Indian mounds, school, restore
ed asking citizens to return forms
miles away, and 10 more than 40.
low cost of living; close to major
ning the streets. education sys-
top of bank building, forests,
to city hall.
LIKES AND DISLIKES
roads; good senior housing: and
tem, sewer system, too many city
Watson property, museum, Ber-
"The 64.9% return was very
American Legion.
employees not doing their work,
nie Keller farmhouse, bandstand
good." Ivarson said. "Anything
"What three things do you
no zoning, too much low income
and Mortimer Street House.
over 50% is good."
like most about Barry?"
housing.
CALHOUN NEWS
BRUSSELS, ILLINOIS
JULY 12, 1995
Brussels Historic Jail Renovated
The historic jail building in
visitors to stop by. The jail is
Brussels recently received a face-lift.
located on Main Street by the
Darlene Ivarson and Starr
Brussels Tavern, Wood Duck and
McDaniels, volunteers from the
Grandma's Attic antique shop.
Ameri Corps Rural Development
Mayor Sarah A. Kinder is pleased
Team, provided the labor to
with the upkeep of all the historic
refurbish the old building. A fresh
homes and buildings in Brussels.
coat of paint was applied to the
"A drive through quaint Brussels
exterior and the interior has a
takes one back to the late 1800's
display of early prison life.
and is a pleasant experience,"
The jail will be open on
commented Mayor Kinder.
weekends from noon to 5 p.m. for
THE SENTINEL ECHO
LONDON, KENTUCKY
MAY 29, 1995
AmeriCorp workers building
new home for WWII veteran
By Eddie Arnold
Feltner home to do a health and
Keavy resident Bertress Felt-
safety assessment, she found that
ner served his country during
the elderly man, who has numer-
World War II - now, the govern-
ous health problems, was living
ment is getting a chance to help
in conditions that were less than
him.
adequate.
Feltner will soon have a new
Walking through Feltner's
home thanks to the efforts of
frame home, King explained that
local AmeriCorps workers and
the house was extremely cold in
other local community service
the winter. His only source of
agencies.
heat was a coal-fired stove which
Local AmeriCorps worker Tina
left a layer of coal dust through-
King, who is assigned to the Lon-
out the house.
don Rural Economic Community
King said that she worked with
Development office (formerly the
members of London's Heavenly
Farmers Home Administration),
Helpers to get a cook stove for
has been working to make the
Feltner to allow him to cook
Feltner project a reality for more
meals at home.
than seven months.
"I bet I've made 50 trips out
When King first visited the
here," King said, adding that she
THE DAILY PRESS
VICTORVILLE, CALIFORNIA
APRIL 25, 1995
COMMUNITY SERVICE
High desert residents moving
forward, thanks to AmeriCorps
vice throughout the nation. This was
By Julie Johnson
the first year money went to the Natu-
Daily Press
ral Resources Conservation Service in
Apple Valley, said district con-
Valli Andreasen knew she needed a
servationist Rick Aguayo.
change.
The program gave him enough
The oldest of her six sons was enter-
money to start soil surveys at Fort
ing 10th grade. so she would soon have
Irwin. Edwards Air Force Base and
to get a job to help send the children to
the Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat
college.
Center at Twentynine Palms. Six peo-
But because she had dropped her
ple of various ages are currently en-
rolled.
goal of a degree in zoology to spend 17
years as a homemaker, Andreasen
Soil surveys map the different types
didn't know what she should do.
of soil in a region. said Crisand Giles, a
24-year-old participant from Cal Poly
An advertisement for AmeriCorps
San Luis Obispo. If the type of soil is
changed that
known, scientists can determine, for
Now the 37-year-old is three months
Instance, where desert tortoises might
from completing her one-year portion
live or how to treat a hazardous spill,
of a project to survey soil at Fort Irwin.
she said.
When she finishes she will have $4,725
Aguayo's five-year project is unique
in scholarship money waiting for her.
to AmeriCorps. Most are short-term,
"It's nice to be able to contribute to
such as planting trees or diverting a
the community," Andreasen said of the
stream.
project. "And I earned an education
Aguayo's six participants have also
award so I can continue school."
worked in the community, teaching
AmeriCorps is a federally funded
school children about soil and conser-
program that pays for community ser-
Please see AMERICORPS, B4
AMERICORPS / From B1
vation.
City, Nev. Participants would
In addition to a scholarship,
work with the tribe to plant tradi-
AmeriCorps pays workers. who
tional crops and help them apply
must be at least 17 years old and
for grant money.
U.S. citizens, a living stipend of
"I think it's a win-win situa-
about $12,000 for the year they
tion," he said. "These folks are
spend in the program.
providing community service
Aguayo said he hopes to get the
and will be able to pay for
soil survey funded again next
school."
year. He also wants to expand
the project to the Chemehuevi
Indian Reservation, across the
Colorado River from Havasu
Resident joins national environmental effort
AmeriCorps gaining experience
by helping others, themselves
by TARA POTZLER
A job." Vazquez said.
With the rising costs of college
In addition to the technical of.
tuition and interest rates on stu.
fice work. AmeriCorps works with
dent loans, those interested in
the public on various issues.
higher education are looking for
"It's a lot of fun and a great
innovative ways to offset the
opportunity." Vazquez said. "You
costs, while helping others and
Ret experience, and you get a
gaining experience for them.
chance to work with and meet
selves
people in the community."
The AmeriCorps program, A re-
Melissa Brice of Clarence an-
cently created national service or.
other team member involved in
ganization. has A few local groups
the mapping project. The Syra.
who have been lending their ex.
cuse University graduate first
portise and dedication for a varie.
heard about the AmeriCorps pro-
ty of regional projects.
gram from a newspaper article.
John Whitney, . United States
With her background in envi-
Department of Agriculture Dis-
ronmental studies and GIS. Brice
trict Conservationist and pro-
saw the work as an "excellent
gram director in East Aurora, has
opportunity. It gives you the ex-
been working with five
perience you need." she said.
AmeriCorps members from Erie
Many AmeriCorps members
Lancaster resident Betsy Vazquez (second
project. Vazquez is pictured with Michael Gangemi,
cite the on the job experience the
from right). has worked recently as part of the
Melissa Brice, Lisa Matthies, and Jeff Rosier.
County for a map transfer project,
including use of the GIS,
projects give participants as a
AmeriCorps program on an Erie County map transfer
Photo by Rick Kintzel
Geographic Information System
reason to get involved.
"It's been A very successful of.
Brice said she will put the
The services will allow for accu-
lizing maps and surveys, corre.
upon completion of service are
fort." Whitney said "We're
voucher money into paying off a
rate means of identifying wet-
sponding with the community,
awarded an educational voucher
pleased and excited with the re-
student loan.
lands locations throughout the
mapping and research, and have
that can be used either to pay off
aulta #0 far. The group has
been going to conferences and
"I've been working with a con-
county.
an existing student loan or for
worked together really well."
centration in GIS, and I've also
The new maps, when used in
presentations.
future tuition.
In assembling the group. Whit
conjunction with other computer-
Members of the group will also
If not used immediately, the
met many people from the com-
ney said project coordinators
ized mapping systems and GIS,
munity," Brice said.
be working with county high
voucher can be held in trust for
were looking for college graduates
will provide protection and proper
schools for the Envirothon in
up to seven years.
with hackgrounds in environmen-
The major project involved
future uses of environmental re-
April, a day of competition and
AmeriCorps members serve a
tal studies, a knowledge of com.
transferring Erie County Fish
sources.
presentations dealing with envi-
length of duty of about 1.812
puters, and GIS experience.
and Wildlife Services National
The USDA has sponsored 42
ronmental issues.
hours, and this current group will
Belsy Vazquez of Lancaster in
Wetlands Inventory maps from
AmeriCorps sites throughout the
have until December of 1995 to
one of those involved in the map-
paper copies into computer for-
country, but the East Aurora lo-
Like all AmeriCorps groups
complete their service hours.
ping project. An environmental
mats.
cation is the only one in New York
throughout the United States, the
Whitney reported good results
science graduate of Rutgers
The maps are complete repre-
State.
work was begun on projects in
with the members he has worked
University, she found out about
sentations of all wetlands areas
Vazquez said the five workers
this area in September 1994.
with, and will be applying for
the project in August
in the county, and are provided At
are doing basically the same
The AmeriCorps members are
more AmeriCorps members for
"It was everything I wanted in
no cost to local municipalities
work, gathering information, digi-
given a stipend to live on, and
the next session.
LANCASTER/DEPEW BEE
LANCASTER, NEW YORK
MARCH 2,1995
The Burtington free Dress
Opinion
Saving funding, food
R
espectful, open-minded, community based, worthy.
No, this is not the new creed of the Boy Scouts. These
are some of the values embodied by the Vermont Anti-
Hunger Corps, a program to feed disadvantaged Vermont-
ers that is worth watching.
The year-old effort is part of President Clinton's AmeriCorps
services program, his domestic version of the Peace Corps. In
exchange for a small wage and later money for college, volunteers
work in community service projects. In this case, the winners are
hungry Vermonters.
Though the program is now a target for Washington's budget
cutters, including the $850,000 that goes to Vermont's effort, its
THE BURLINGON FREE PRESS
attributes are precisely what government should be doing for
disadvantaged people.
BURLINGTON, VERMONT
Respectful. The corps does not just give food away. Respect-
JUNE 27, 1995
ing the people it serves, the anti-hunger effort joins with city
recreation in St. Albans, for example, and then provides lunch for
the kids who come to swim.
Open-minded. The corps has tapped into whatever resources
will feed whoever needs to be fed. The inmates' garden at the
Northwest State Correctional Center in St. Albans - already a
provider of 30,000 pounds of food to hungry Vermonters each year
- has been a focus for one corps volunteer.
Community based. Far from using a federal know-it-all
approach, the corps devises local solutions to local problems.
Many of the workers are volunteers, and the food is often grown at
community gardens.
The merit of this strategy is that the program's beneficiaries -
often the rural poor - learn skills and develop systems that they
can sustain themselves, without outside help. it also means the
corps' work fits the community's needs.
Worthy. Some of the program's local ideas may be dupli-
cated statewide, for example teaching proper nutrition to fur-
loughed prison inmates. The anti-hunger effort has also won
Vermont recognition and a chance to serve as a national model -
"not by giving more handouts but by building opportunity and
responsibility among the people they are working with," said Joel
Berg, Agriculture Department director of national service.
These goals replicate those of many of Washington's fiscal
conservatives, yet they do not place the corps above budget cuts.
The federal government's debt is more than $4.5 trillion, and
growing. AmeriCorps' status as a pet Clinton initiative makes it
particularly vulnerable.
So are the people it serves. The program's values are so Boy
Scout-laudable, it deserves better. Its return on federal investment
is high, too, for the hungry and for the participants.
The state's Congressional delegation should help it survive.
Meanwhile Vermonters should continue to expand the program's
volunteer supporters. Good ideas should survive no matter who is
paying for them.
SANTEE STRIPER
SANTEE, SOUTH CAROLINA
MAY 26, 1995
AMERICORPS
AMERICORPS
A
UNITED
SECURITY
GETTING THINGS DONE
In Rural South Carolina
"There is no member of the U.S. Congress more committed to the AmeriCorps program than I am. I feel
very strongly about volunteerism," 6th District Congressman James Clyburn on Tuesday tells the to South Car-
olina members of the national service program begun by President Clinton. The AmeriCans members are in
Santee for a two-day training session. (T&D photo by David P. Phillips)
AmeriCorps builds spirit to fight
hate of Oklahoma City, Clyburn says
By GENE CRIDER
two-day training session. Besides attending work-
T&D Staff Writer
shops on everything from using time wisely to serv-
ing customers, members also heard Clyburn express
SANTEE, S.C. - It was a day when AmeriCorps
his support for the program.
members showed what they can accomplish by work-
"There is no member of the U.S. Congress more
ing together.
committed to the AmeriCorps program than I am,"
And they received encouragement from 6th Dis-
Clyburn said. "I feel very strongly about volun-
trict Congressman James Clyburn, who said experi-
teerism."
ences such as theirs can prevent occurrences such as
Everyone ought to find something to do with their
the Oklahoma City bombing by teaching people to
energy and enthusiasm, for which they are not paid,
work together.
Clyburn said. Every meaningful job he has had has
The 40 South Carolina members of the national
not paid a salary, he said.
service program started by President Clintor. spent
And volunteerism does not go unnoticed, he said,
nuch of the morning Tuesday cleaning the town of
relating the story of how his volunteer efforts while
Santee - painting the town police department, clean-
he was a school teacher led to his becoming director
ing roadside along Highway 15 and making re-
of an area Neighborhood Youth Program.
pairs a nearby day care center.
Th AmeriCorps members are in Santee for a
Please see AmeriCorps, 2B
SANTEE STRIPER
SANTEE, SOUTH CAROLINA
MAY 26, 1995
Clyburn: Volunteerism helps
AmeriCorps
portant than the other," Clyburn said. It is working to
gether that builds communities, states and nations.
Continued from Page 1B
"Once we learn that, we will learn what patriotism
"I didn't stop doing volunteer work," Clyburn said.
really is," he said.
Eventually, his efforts were noticed again, eventually
Clyburn wasn't the only official at the program.
State and local officials were on hand for a morning
leading to his position as South Carolina human affairs
commissioner, he said.
press conference and the afternoon session, including
Nine-to-five jobs can be rewarding, but volun-
AmeriCorps' U.S. Department of Agriculture National
teerism provides rewards for the person served and the
Service Director Joel Berg.
server, Clyburn said. And it is recognized, he said.
Berg, who was mowing grass outside town hall in
Clyburn then slipped into a discussion of the Okla-
the morning, said he was on hand to show his support
homa City bombing, saying he knows the occurrence
for the program on the day that Clinton recognized na-
tional service, with a focus on rural America.
caused many in the audience to grieve.
He quoted a letter written by Martin Luther King
The South Carolina program is "all about" helping
Jr. to some clergymen he wrote while he was in a
rural areas, Berg said. AmeriCorps members in South
Birmingham, Ala, jail in 1963. The clergymen had told
Carolina are working to organize communities for the
the civil rights leader that they believed in his cause,
common good and helping the elderly, building "dry hy-
drants" and outdoor education centers, and other work.
but that they felt his presence was a disruptive one
He also stressed that most AmeriCorps workers are
and the timing was wrong.
King wrote that timing is neutral - time does not re-
not directed by the federal government, but by state
solve problems - and that "Tm beginning to believe the
governments who use the free manpower to serve com-
munities' needs.
people of ill-will in our society make a much better use
of their time than people of good will"
AmeriCorps is not about doing make-work, "its
The responsibility of bad acts falls not only on bad
about getting things done," for a better South Carolina
and nation, he said. Also, it helps middle-class and
people, but also "the appalling silence of good people."
Democracy cannot be had in a closed-down society,
poor students afford a college education.
and people who close society down "can not be called
Berg also took time out during the press conference
patriotic, because that's not what patriotism means,"
to express regrets for the death of Josephine High of
Clyburn said. The AmeriCorps members' work "is
Holly Hill, who was a member of the AmeriCorps from
what patriotism is all about."
the first. High's family was to receive a presidential
The members should "build upon experiences you've
recognition later Tuesday evening.
bad with AmeriCorps and the relationships you've had
The work of the AmeriCorps members impressed
others as well.
here," to work "on what patriotism is all about," he
"I think it's a wonderful thing to see young people
said.
"We need each
take an interest in the environment and the communi-
other and no one
ty," Orangeburg County Adopt-A-Highway Coordinator
of us is more im-
Fred Wehrun said.
"We are proud, very proud, to have this meeting
here today," Santee Mayor Franklin
B. Goodwin said. "And you know who
caused it?" he asked, pointing to
AmeriCorps member Gloria Richard-
son of Bowman, who helped bring the
meeting to Santee.
AmeriCorps employees receive a
$12,000 a year living allowance,
health and child care benefits and a
$4,725 educational award.
IMPERIAL VALLEY NEWS
EL CENTRO, CALIFORNIA
MAY 26, 1995
AmeriCorps
this year, but Congress may cut or
AmeriCorps
kill the program in coming years.
"It is Important that the national
service honors
(Continued from A2)
service and AmeriCorps keep gel-
Winterhaven, attended coordinating
ting funded." Peer said. "It costs
meetings of the enterprise commu-
about $15-16,000 & year (per per-
go to 3 locals
nity committee, talked to homeown-
son) for AmeriCorps. It costs
ers about government programs and
$40,000 8 year to lock someone up.
By ALEC ROSENBERG
promoted economic development
This nation was bulli on community
for this area.
action. and that's what AmeriCorps
Staff Writer
was built on."
"I'm son of like an ambassador
11 wasn't Memorial Day.
from the office," she said.
The three Imperial County par-
Veterans Day or the Founth of July.
Gonzalez and Luevanos have
ticipants will end their service next
but the federal government Monday
month.
done outreach work for the Rural
recognized three locals for their ser-
Each will receive $4,725 educa-
Economic and Community Devel-
vice to the country.
upment Service, previously known
tional stipends to further their adu-
Anabelle Alvarez, 22, of El Cen-
ention.
as the Farmers Home
tro; Maria Patricia Gonzalez, 39, of
Administration.
Gonzalez and Lusvanos plan 10
E Centro; and Santiago Luevanos,
They mostly worked with elderly
pursue their teaching credentials at
35, of Oxnard were awarded for
people, many who only spoke Span-
SDSU's Imperial Valley Campus.
participating the past year in Ameri-
ish, and informed them of RECDS
Alvarez will pursue master's
Corps, President Clinton's national
programs and helped them complete
degrees in psychology and public
service initiative. All three have
administration, also at SDSU's
paperwork.
bachelor's degrees from San Diego
"I feel great because I've been
Imperial Valley Campus.
State University's Imperial Valley
helping my community," Conzelez
They all are happy they partici-
Campus.
said.
pated in AmeriCorps.
"What we have here are people
Many Republicans have criti-
"AmeriCorps mainly is about
cized AmeriCorps, calling it 100
building trust," Alvarez said. "It
who have been to school to come
expensive for these times. The pro-
benefits both the community and
back to the communities to put
some of the things they have
gram was allocated $575 million for
the Individuals who participate. I
learned in the classroom into
think both sides end up wianing."
action," said Wilbur Peer, associate
administrator of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture's Rural
Business Cooperative Development
Service. Peer also presented
Imperial County with its $2.95 mil-
lion check for being a rural enter-
prise community.
Alvarez has been working in the
sounty's economic development of-
fice headed by Maria Marthews.
Alvarez has helped begin a
Healthy Start office in
See AMERICORPS, AS
THE BETHEL CITIZEN
BETHEL, MAINE
FEBRUARY 1, 1995
Young AmeriCorps volunteers
are tackling WMNF projects
32-member
crew plans
to spend a year
working on
conservation
tasks -- unless
their new
program
is Newtered
By WENDY HANSCOM
They're young, enthusiastic, vi-
IMPROVING WILDLIFE HABITAT-AmeriCorps members Sara Cory (left), Claire Darling and Stina
sionary and they want to inspire a
Johnson help clear out a spot along the Kancamagus highway to improve animal and bird habitat.
generation of Americans to take up
AmeriCorps members will be working in the White Mountain National Forest until December, unless the
national community service.
program is cut. Some House and Senate Republicans have been critical of President Clinton's national
service program.
Thirty-two AmeriCorps members
(Photo by Bryan Yeaton)
are now encamped at the Bog
big reason is for the money for
Brook Training facility in Gilead.
They range in age from 18 to 26,
'We're not high-school dropouts
school. It's not a ton of money, but
and have signed up for a year of
it's enough to get me going.'
work in the 800,000-acr White
or court-ordered people here
Erik Hamilton, a 20-year-old who
Mountain National Forest.
hasn't been to college yet, said he
AmeriCorps was a cornerstone of
DAN MARTEL
just wanted to do something dif.
ferent.
President Clinton's campaign plat-
form. He likened it to a domestic
AmeriCorps member
"I wanted to meet new people,"
Hamilton said, "I also want to fur-
Peace Corps. The six-month-old
program currently employs 20,000
they have completed 1,700 hours of
ther my education in phys. ed. It's
plore opportunities in environmen-
young people in 300 programs.
service
nice being around a lot of people
tal studies," said Jessa Eisenwinter-
AmeriCorps members have been
The grant may be used to pay off
and I can use the money for college.
Lake, a biology major who recently.
I love the outdoors, and I like what
charged with environmental college loans, or for further school-
graduated from Mt. Holyoke Col-
cleanup, conservation work, com. ing if it's not used for either pur-
we're doing right now. I could do it
lege in South Hadley, Mass. "It's a
bating hunger and poverty, and pose it's forfeited.
for the rest of my life.'
good way to look at options in en-
helping rural communities plan for Crew members at Bog Brook
Susan Chunt of New York City is
vironmental careers, study and pay
hoping the program will improve
the future
have enlisted for a variety of rea-
back those loans."
her construction skills.
Workers in the program receive a ?sons some say it's the money,
Jeff Fournier of Penbroke, N.H.
"I want to learn the construction
weekly living stipend, room and others were intrigued by the experi-
said he needs the money too.
board, limited health and medical sence
side because I want to join the
"I came here for the experience of
care and a $4,725 tuition grant after here because I want to ex-
living up here," he said, "and the
See AMERICORPS, page 3
Detnel Citizen
AmeriCorps
Continued from page 1
JOE KIERNAN of the Bog Brook AmeriCorps encampment uses a
bow saw to help clear out a bird habitat area in the White Mountain
National Forest.
(Photo by Brian Yeaton)
Peace Corps," said Chunt, who
"In the summer, we'll focus
graduated from Wesleyan Univer-
primarily on trail work and environ-
sity in 1993 with a bachelor's de-
mental education," said project
gree in economics. "I put the Peace
director Bryan Yeaton. "We'll learn
Corps off a year so I could do this."
more about the Forest Service and
AmeriCorps arrived at Bog Brook
what they do. We'll be teaching
on Jan. 14. The crew spent the first
people to leave the forest as good
few days learning about each other
as, or better than, they found it.
and the program. Last Wednesday
Searching for more projects
was their first full-day working in
the national forest.
During their year with
Their work in the forest will be
AmeriCorps, crew members are
demanding and labor-intensive, ac-
also encouraged to take up a per-
cording to Rebecca Oreskes of the
sonal volunteer project in the sur-
U.S. Forest Service.
rounding community.
Corps members will create wild-
Those projects can be anything
life habitat, clear for scenic vistas,
from volunteering at the local li-
paint and do maintenance work at
brary or school to helping environ-
forest recreation sites, and build and
mental groups with concerns like
maintain trails.
water quality, erosion control or
community education.
"It lets us get a whole lot of
They're willing to listen to about
projects up off the ground that we
otherwise wouldn't be able to do,"
any pitch, Yeaton said, and he'd
welcome project ideas from local
Oreskes said. "We're really im-
non-profit civic, educational and
pressed with the quality of people
governmental groups.
who've come. They're not getting
"We want to get into the schools,"
lots of money ansd we're really
said corps-member Dan Martel, an
pleased with their skills, dedication
electrical engineering graduate.
and determination. They really want
"We're anxious to tell people about
to work and do a service."
what we're doing."
The Forest Service manpower has
AmeriCorps members are also
been hurt by federal cutbacks the
looking for recreational ideas. Some
past few years.
crew members have cars and travel
At times during the year, corps
home for the weekend, but others
members will share Bog Brook
do not and won't get home too
facilities with the National Guard.
often.
For most of the summer, the entire
Cathy Newell, SAD44 Adult Ed
AmeriCorps crew will be camped
director, is trying to help organize
out in the national forest. leaving
some activities, she said. and would
Bog Brook for the Guard.
welcome any suggestions.
ST. ALBANS MESSENGER
ST. ALBANS, VERMONT
JULY 6, 1995
EMILY JONES passes out lunch packages at the St.
JAMIE DOES delivers a load of radishes to the
Albans swimming pool during the first day of the sum-
Franklin/Grand Isle Community Action office in St.
mer lunch program for area children. (Photograph by
Albans, Wednesday. (Photograph by John Thornton)
John Thornton)
For some, the answer is Americorps
STORIES BY KATHARINE BILODEAU
'My life was feeling meaningless. ,
The thread of community
S
T. ALBANS - There is a feeling you get
when about to embark on some new leg of
S
T. ALBANS - Community. Community
action, community involvement, commu-
the life race. It's a sort of an anxiety on
nity spirit.
confusion sandwich, light on the conviction
These are themes that have recurred in
please.
Jamie Does' life, leading or following him on
Probably everyone experiences this feeling
his far-ranging travels and wide-ranging
at one time or another, the most common being
interests.
that strange limbo
Eventually they land-
between high school and
ed him here in St.
the "real world."
About Americorps
Albans,
as
an
For some, a year off,
Americorps,
Anti-
thinking and focusing
while possibly also
Emily Jones and Jamie Does are two volun-
Hunger Corps volun-
teer. But in 26 years, his
doing something pro-
teers for the Vermont Anti-Hunger Corps, a
life has take consider-
ductive, might be the
division of the Americorps program. The
able twists and turns.
best thing in the world.
program is in its pilot year in Vermont with
In junior high, his par-
Emily Jones, an
ents took him out of the
Americorps volunteer
five 8-member teams around the state.
Burlington School sys-
working in St. Albans, is
The volunteers work for a subsistence
tem and entered him
one for whom this
stipend which goes toward their room and
into an alternative edu-
worked well.
board. At the end of their one-year commit-
cation experience called
She grew up in what
ment, they receive an educational award of
the paradis project.
is known as the New
North
$4,725 to be put toward some form of school.
For two years he
End
in
worked on life skills like
Burlington. She went
See AMERICORPS, P. 8
public speaking, and
through the Burlington
empowerment while
school system and when
traveling all over the
graduation came around, she wasn't really
country on student-planned trips.
sure what she wanted.
At the top level of the program. he directed
She ended up at Amherst College, in
and led his own community service project.
Amherst Mass. majoring in the infamous
Then he went through Burlington High
THE MAIL TRIBUNE
MEDFORD, OREGON
AUGUST 27, 1995
AmeriCorps gets thumbs
up from members
By PAUL FATTIG
of the Mail Tribune
RED BUTTES WILDERNESS - Ed-
die Mather has hacked a trail out of the
Five spots open in fall
wilderness.
GRANTS PASS - The Southwest
the Department of Agriculture, she
On the physical level, he's done that as
Oregon Resource Conservation & De-
said.
a member of AmeriCorps' six-member
velopment Council is recruiting five
This marks the second year for the
"back country" team clearing the Butte
people for its AmeriCorps program to
program in Grants Pass.
Fork trail deep in the 20,323-acre Red
begin early in October.
Applicants, who must apply by Sept.
Buttes Wilderness in the Rogue River Na-
tional Forest.
The five participants will work in rur-
11, should be college graduates, profes-
al areas to help plan and implement
sional school graduates or enrolled in a
But on the spiritual level, Mather, 21, a
natural resource enhancements and
college or technical college. They also
high school dropout who temporarily lost
community development, explained co-
should be community-oriented with
his way through drug abuse, has blazed a
ordinator Amy Wilson.
demonstrated skills in written or oral
path out of a personal wilderness to enroll
In this program, participants will
communications, she said.
in college.
work for a full year, earning a stipend
In addition, applicants must have
"AmeriCorps has helped me turn my
of $12,000 and an educational voucher
demonstrated an ability to facilitate
whole life around," said the soft-spoken
of $4,725, she said. Funding for that
group discussion as well as mediate dif-
youth while taking a break clearing brush
along the Butte Fork trail.
program already has been approved by
ferences of opinion, Wilson said.
Having left drugs behind two years ago
and now with a fiance and four children,
Prospect included installing lighting and
trying to achieve. And they are doing it."
including two stepchildren, he intends to
covered bleachers at the high school and
Since joining AmeriCorps, Mather has
use his AmeriCorps experience to forge a
community field, and building an arbore-
been certified to fight wildfires, a skill he
future.
tum.
hopes to use in the summers.
"This has given me college money," he
"They've helped communities, water-
"I got into a situation where I ended up
said, adding that he will begin classes at
sheds and wildlife," Fleeger said, adding,
addicted to drugs and dropped out in the
Southern Oregon State College this fall.
"And I think we've helped the next gen-
10th grade," he said, noting he had been
"And it has given me a good look at how
eration of Americans along the way."
attending South Medford High School. "I
it would be to work for the Forest Service,
While Congress is still haggling over
ended up in treatment when I was 19."
something I want to do. I push myself
AmeriCorps funding - a final decision on
He has been clean and sober for nearly
now."
the portion administered by the Forest
two years.
Mather is one of 31 AmeriCorps mem-
Service is expected late next month or
He took two programs offered through
bers based in the Rogue River forest grad-
early in October - the agency is optimistic
SOSC as an AmeriCorps member, includ-
uating this coming week after a 10-month
that the program will continue next year,
ing a geography course. He aced both.
tour that began Nov. 1, 1994. The local
said Mindy Martin, AmeriCorps program
"Getting back into school will be a whole
national service crew, one of 40 nation-
director for the Rogue River forest.
new routine," he said. "I'm looking for-
wide, has been deployed out of the old
Another group of 32 participants is ex-
ward to it.
Star Gulch facility of the Applegate Rang-
pected to begin a 10-month tour on Nov.
"The money for college is a big incentive
er District.
1, she said. Those interested should con-
as well as an investment," he added. "I'm
Program participants, all from 17 to 23,
tact Martin at her office at 899-1812.
confident I will end up paying it back
earn at least $7,500 and an educational
"We feel confident that it will happen,
during my career."
voucher of $4,725 for 10 months of work.
although the funding hasn't been allocated
Other members of the backcountry trail
There are about 20,000 members na-
at this point," she said, noting that other
crew agreed with Mather's assessment.
tionwide, all pathfinders in the program's
AmeriCorps programs for next fiscal year
"It's definitely had its ups and downs,
first year.
already have been funded.
but overall, it's been a good experience,"
The crew has earned its keep, observed
Keeping an eye on the program for the
said Tim Dodge, 22, of Cottage Grove.
Bill Fleeger, a Rogue River forest employ-
past 10 months has been Tom Luthy, 27,
A natural resources student at Oregon
ee working with AmeriCorps members.
a member of the Eugene-based Northwest
State University for three years before
"They've done a lot of work," he said.
Youth Corps, which has been providing
joining AmeriCorps, Dodge plans to re-
"And most of it would not have been ac-
support for the local AmeriCorps team.
turn to college.
complished otherwise."
"With this age group you've got a real
"I took a year off from my studies to
Because of staff and budget shortages,
idealistic group of people," Luthy said.
focus," Dodge explained.
the Forest Service hasn't been able to do
"Sometimes you may do a week of pruning
Jennifer Tuman, 22, a 1991 graduate of
a lot of work it had done in the past, he
in the rain. It's hard, laborious work. The
Crater High School, also will return to
explained.
key word is perseverance."
college, studying marine biology.
"But they (AmeriCorps) did more than
Working in the cold, drizzling Oregon
For Tuman, who had been working at a
280 miles of trail maintenance and more
rain on the side of a mountain isn't a job
pharmacy and had studied at Rogue Com-
than 2,000 acres Oi silviculture work," he
many would stick to, he said, noting that
munity College, the program has given her
said. "That's not including the work
some weren't able to endure. The local
confidence.
they've done in the communities."
crew began with about 40 members.
"It's made me a stronger person, phys-
In Butte Falls, A meriCorps crews reno-
"These members who stayed with it
ically and mentally," she said. "I wasn't
vated the commu ity hall, reroofed the
have been putting in long, hard days," he
ready for college. Now I am ready to study.
town library and ilt sidewalks. Work in
said. "Most of them have goals they are
Definitely."
TWIN VALLEY TIMES
THIEF RIVER FALLS, MINNESOTA
MARCH 5, 1995
AmeriCorps members here improve
environment and promote tourism
Five members of the USDA Nat-
AmeriCorps works with the
ing project in Halstad, and helping
ural Resources Conservation Ser-
Agassiz Wildlife Refuge in order to
set up and staffing an AmeriCorps
vice (NRCS) AmeriCorps Rural
provide Habitats for Animals, con-
Development Team in Twin Valley
structing brush lodgings for various
booth at the Red River Valley Win-
announced that in their last few
ter Shows in Crookston.
wildlife. The AmeriCorps members
months of service they have made
also worked with the Snowdrifters
AmeriCorps members working
significant progress improving
Snowmobile Club in Thief River
on the Agassiz Recreational Trail
wildlife habitats, promoting local
Falls to help prepare for the Iron
(A.R.T.) project have completed an
tourism and providing conservation
Man 250 snowmobile race. Other
A.R.T. pre-brochure and are devel-
outreach by designing living snow
community service projects include
oping a Mahnomen County tourism
fences.
Give Water A Hand water screen-
brochure. They are also preparing a
grant for a city park in Ada, and
working on the plans for the Ada
walking trail. The AmeriCorps
members have received a grant for
$200 from Polaris to help with the
promotion of A.R.T.
AmeriCorps members working
on the Conservation Outreach pro-
ject have constructed a working
Living Snow Fence Model to better
demonstrate a need for such a pro-
gram. A living snow fence is one or
many rows of trees planted along a
roadway to stop snow from drifting
across. Members also organized a
tillage demonstration to be held in
late August of this year. Ameri-
Corps has received $3,000 from the
Minnesota Department of Trans-
portation (MNDOT) and $1,500
from the Watershed Advisory
Group to help with both of these
projects.
AmeriCorps is the new domestic
Peace Corps created by President
Clinton and Congress to engage
Americans of all backgrounds in
direct service to their communities
in exchange for an educational ben-
efit that can be used to pay for col-
lege, job training, or to repay back
student loans.
The U.S. Department of Agricul-
ture is sponsoring three types of
AmeriCorps teams composed of
approximately 1,200 members scr-
ving 38 states nationwide: an Anti-
Hunger Team, a Public Lands and
Environment Team, and a Rural
Development Team.
ARIZONA DAILY NEWS
FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA
AUGUST 26, 1995
2-ARIZONA DAILY SUN, Flagstaff, Arizona, Saturday, August 26, 1995
AmeriCorps volunteers
can only help: official
By BLAKE MORLOCK
"They act like volunteers are trip-
In addition, Chavez put together a
Sun Staff Reporter
ping over themselves to help the
cooperative agreement among 19
The director if AmeriCorps'
community and they have all day to
local, state and government agencies
largest component visited Flagstaff
work," Berg said.
in northern Arizona that will stream-
Friday, defending the embattled
On the assertion that it pays its
line the process of sharing resources
program from criticisms raised by
members, Berg said, "When con-
in emergencies.
congressional Republicans.
gresspeople work for free, then
"Some of the complaints are from
Little said her AmeriCorps efforts
we'll stop paying AmeriCorps mem-
Pluto," said Joel Berg, who runs the
in the Navajo Reservation town of
bers minimum wage."
U.S. Department of Agriculture's
Camero have improved the quality
Berg also said that of his depart-
National Service program. He said
of life there. She said she set up a
ment's $2.6 million budget. This
cultural preservation organization
Republicans are attacking the
year, he will spend $30,000 on ad-
and has promoted tourism to im-
program because it displaces volun-
ministrative costs, including his trip
prove the economy.
teers from other organizations, it
to Flagstaff.
pays them minimum wage and it
costs too much to run.
Berg was flanked by two volun-
GFEC President Dave Spaur said
teers, Jerry Chavez and Usha Little.
Chavez helped in attracting Wiscon-
Berg on Friday attacked the com-
As a member of the rural
sin Tissue to Flagstaff because
plaints during a meeting with com-
development wing of AmeriCorps,
Chavez had more staff power and a
munity leaders at the Greater
better budget.
Chavez put together a deal to
Flagstaff Economic Council.
guarantee fire and emergency medi-
Flagstaff Mayor Chris Bavasi said
He said unlike Republican claims,
cal service for the Bellemont area.
the city's faith in AmeriCorps is il-
he has never heard of an
This was instrumental in landing a
lustrated in the city budget.
AmeriCorps program taking over
Wisconsin Tissue plant in the
"The proof in the city of
the work of other agencies.
Flagstaff area, expected to bring in
Flagstaff's interest in this program is
Republicans say this has prevented
75 to 100 new jobs. He also brought
that we have invested heavily in this
concerned citizens from volunteer-
emergency medical services to
program," Bavasi said. "We think
ing.
Parks.
this program is very important."
Mail Tribune / Paul Fattig
ABOUT-FACE - AmeriCorps member Eddie Mather, a high-school drop-
it, says the work has given him a new outlook on life. He plans to use
hi education voucher to atte 1 Southern Oregon State College this fall.
RECOVERY TIMES 6
Recovery Roundup
APRIL 5, 1995
neriCorps Contributes Helping Hands
AmeriCorps members have been
vorking during the recent winter
torms, aiding thousands of flood
ictims by filling sandbags, serving
U.S. Department of
neals to families in need, assisting in
Agriculture Interim
helters, and working to strengthen
Secretary Richard
evees and remove debris.
Rominger (right)
listens to Ameri-
AmeriCorps was started by Presi-
Corps members
Clinton as a national public and
Nancy Scolari (left)
ommunity service initiative for young
and Mike Jensen
eople and senior citizens. AmeriCorps
during the flood
ersonnel have provided assistance at
clean-up.
isasters nationwide.
The National Civilian Community
NRCS Photo by Rebecca de la Torre
orps reported 37 members working in
onoma County, while 12 AmeriCorps
embers of the Sacramento Local
onservation Corps logged more than
50 hr
filling sandbags in Sacra-
ty.
The Los Angeles Conservation
orps had two crews working in the
anta Monica Mountains assisting
sidents by shoring up their properties
ith sandbags.
S.D. Newspaper
Services, Inc.
PHOTOCOPY
Clipping Bureau
Box 2230
PRESERVATION
Brookings, SD
57007
FEB
1997
Black Hills
Daily Pioneer
Americorp project to spruce up canyon garden
By WILLIAM R. CISSELL
which represents about 25 percent of the
"You can enjoy more of nature at your
"Americorp hasn't done much work in
Staff Writer
total cost. This will allow us to buy more
home," he said.
South Dakota and were pleased to find pro-
SPEARFISH - A planned five-acre gar-
plants, educational materials and interpretive
"What visitors see in the garden will be the
jects here.
den filled with many of the native plants of
signage," Boyer explained.
same as they see when they are out in the for-
"This fits in well with our goal of estab-
the Black Hills will receive a boost from the
The advisory panel completed their species
est but it will be interpreted for them so they
lishing a native botanical garden to be used
National Civilian Community Corp - better
selection of the native plants about a month
will know what they are looking at when
for public education," Boyer said.
known as Americorp, according to Spearfish
ago, Boyer said. "Those chose about 160 dif-
they are out in the forest," Boyer said.
Boyer said the Forest Service will be pro-
Canyon Foundation President Jerry Boyer.
ferent species and we have sent that list to one
Americorp was started by the Clinton
viding housing for the youth at Hardy
Boyer was informed this week that a crew
of the better native plant nurseries in Oregon."
Administration and authorized by Congress.
Campus and the Foundation will provide
of 10 to 11 young Americorp workers will be
The plants will arrive around mid-May, having
Participants are 18 to 24 years old. They work
funds for their food.
in the canyon beginning Sunday, May 11 to
been grown to a specific height by the nursery.
for 10 months and receive a $4,725 stipend to be
He said he had first learned of the
begin work on the four-week project.
"The ones they don't have will be trans-
used for higher education. They also receive uni-
youth program through a call from some-
"They will come in a van with a trailer
planted from the forest floor by a horticultur-
forms, health care, child care and job skill training.
one in Rapid City whose daughter was in
containing all the necessary equipment to
ist," Boyer said.
The real compensation, according to an
Americorp. He had read about the foun-
start," Boyer said. "We will be developing
The garden will have 12 separate themes
Americorp pamphlet, "comes from having as
dation's plans and said he thought it
the five-acre botanical gardens which will
and the areas between the different species
much responsibility and as many challenges as
sounded like a good project for the
wrap around the Cultural Center.
will be natural landscaping.
they can handle. This program helps them become
group.
The involvement of the Americorp is "a
"The whole idea with the project is to pro-
skilled community leaders. It promotes civic pride
"I called Washington, D.C. and they put
very integral part of our plans. Since this is a
mote water conservation, reduce chemical
and responsibility through community service."
me in touch with the Denver office. I filled
public garden, it was our goal to involve as
applications and enhance wildlife habitat. We
The youth are racially, economically and
out the application and it was approved
many public entities as possible.
want to encourage people to use native plants
socially diverse.
about a year later," Boyer explained.
"Their participation provides a value of
in their domestic and business landscapes,"
There are four areas of projects Americorp
"I feel very fortunate they found our
between $10,000 and $12,000. It would have
Boyer said. "He said the native vegetation will
considers: environmental, public safety, edu-
Spearfish Canyon garden a valuable pro-
been much less of a garden without their help
also bring in more birds, butterflies and so on.
cational and human needs.
ject," Boyer said.
NEIGHBOR WANT ADS/ 427-9431
THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 1996
Concerned
Students learn concern for environment
By S. A. Montgomery
various types of pollution affect
Neighbor Staff Writer
water supply-sources and the life
Students at Jonesboro Middle
that lives in them.
School practiced environmental
The U.S. Department of Agri-
awareness Friday.
culture sponsors Americorps
As participants in the Gardens
workers, who are a "domestic
Green program, students are
peace corps," according to Ms.
learning gardening techniques.
Ford, who visits various schools.
Some get passes to go outside and
The stuđents then went to a
work.
small creek actually located on
Raking, mulching, planting,
the property of Jonesboro Middle
fertilizing-the students were do-
School to "test the waters" for
ing all of this and more.
phosphates, nitrates, pH,
"I'm just glad to be getting out
temperature, and other
of class," grinned seventh grader
chemicals.
Raion Newton as he raked leaves.
Information: (770) 473-5467.
Participating students learned
to prepare soil for planting in
preparation for planting a water
oak in memory of Olympic cham-
pion Jesse Owens.
Students in Toni Wilkerson's
earth science classes did even
more, taking part in a new
environmental awareness pro-
gram.
Laurie Ford, a Clayton County
Americorps worker, is inaugurat-
ing an "Adopt-A-Stream" pro-
gram in Clayton. Ms. Wilkerson
and her class learned more about
water conservation in both lec-
tures and hands-on workshops
with Ms. Ford.
"We have to be very conscien-
tious about how we use water, this
valuable resource," she said to the
class. "And we're all guilty of
Staff photo by $. A. Mentgemery
Staff photo by S.A. Mentgemery
pollution just by our cars, our
WATCHING IT GROW:
DOING THEIR PART: Jonesboro Middle students (L-R) Elizabeth
litter, fertilizing our lawns-even
Eighth grader Tiffany Scott
Adams, Michelle Paino and Ben Giles do a little digging in the
flushing the toilet or building a
new home."
takes part in the gardening
dirt.
Ms. Ford then talked about how
program.
TLY SUNN
Carroll quits Morrow for Chyton St.
Today's high: 60
MORROW Mark Carroll had a chance to leave the high school sidelines for a
1
terday high: 53
colleg basketball job four years ago and he passed
stnight's low: 12
he couldn I say no.
Atlanta C 1996
'til 0
rainfall: None
SPORTS, prige 5
Clayton News/D
VOL. 25, NO. 206
138 CHURCH STREET, JONESBORO, GA 30236 (770) 478-5753
TUESDAY
APRIL 2, 1996
Natural color
y
Photo by Larry Rice
$
AmeriCorps volunteer Laurie Ford plants an azalea Monday alongside the entrance
to Clayton County International Park, home of Atlanta Beach. Ford and other volun-
teers are planting some 2,500 plants as part of the landscaping of the new entrance.
The plants, which are Being supplied* by the Natural Conservation Resource Ser-
vices, will provide an array of natural color along the roadway to the county park.
NEIGHBOR WANT ADS/ 427-9431
THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 1
Building eco-awareness
Clayton County Adopt-A-Stream program is gaining momentum
By S. A. Montgomery
Holden, another Americorps vol-
water authority has a vested
The group elected Lam to serv
Neighber Staff Writer
unteer, have been the driving
interest in seeing the streams kept
as Clayton's Adopt-A-Strean
force behind the organization.
clean.
Community leaders met last
chairman and selected member
Wednesday evening for the
O.C. Lam, a professor at Clay-
"I'm seeing great enthusiasm
to serve on the Steering Commit
preliminary organization of Clay-
ton State College who plans to
and real interest here," said
tee.
ton's "Adopt-A-Stream" program.
retire in six months, has been
Laurie Hawks, a representative of
According to Lam, sediment
The program aims to clean and
deeply involved in guiding the still-
the Georgia Adopt-A-Stream.
tion is a serious problem in th
keep as pristine as possible the
forming program. Lam has at-
county.
tended workshops and is attempt-
"You have many different part-
many creeks and streams in
"We need to get the program of
Clayton.
ing to secure funding for the
ners-schools, businesses, Re-
the grou
ickly so that we ca.
"We've slowly been able to find
ynold's Nature Preserve, the
take ca
S before it gets an
IT GOIN
people who are interested,' said
hard Calhoun, a department
water authority, Americorps,
worse,
laid.
uentin Holden (L) and Laurie Ford,
USDA Americorps volunteer
ger with the Clayton County
Clayton State-and that's a recipe
oordinator, guide the effort.
Laurie Ford. She and Quentin
Water Authority, affirmed the
for success."
Information: (770) 473-5467.
UPPER CHATTAHOOCHEE
Spring 1996
RIVERKEEPER
RIVER
HAT
A 20 TON EFFORT TOWARDS A CLEANER RIVER
How do you clean up twenty
tons of trash from a Chatta-
hoochee riverbank?
Find lots of volunteers and
a helpful company with heavy
equipment! Thanks to C.W.
Matthews Contracting Co. for
providing a front end loader, 2
flatbed trucks and employees
to assist in the trash pick-up.
Additional thanks to the 75
people who participated in the
hugely successful cleanup on a
Standing in front of Matthews' asphalt stockpile, Riverkeeper
EPA Administrator Carol Browner and Ameri-Corps
sunny Saturday in late March.
Sally Bethea addresses volunteers.
volunteers pause during a hard day's work.
A diverse range of groups were
represented, including the Georgia Canoeing Association, West Fulton Middle School, Ameri-Corps volunteers, Generation Green,
Atlanta Center for Excellence (ACE), EPA employees, Atlanta Whitewater Club and Riverkeeper members. The Cobb County D.O.T.
and Cobb Clean Commission participated prior to the event by removing hundreds of large tires from the site for recycling.
American Rivers' representative Leigh Askew presented Riverkeeper with'a $1,200 check to help cover the cost of the cleanup.
EPA Administrator Carol Browner also participated in the cleanup and spoke to the group prior to the event, emphasizing the impor-
tance of the Chattahoochee River to the health of the region.
Volunteers were supplied with gloves and bags by Home Depot and drinks by Coca-Cola. A big thank you to Riverkeeper volun-
teer Janelle Poldy for helping to organize this event.
RIVER CHAT, SPRING 1996
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VAL ENDA VALENDA CAMPBELL
È
runs
as in
ua
Strokes of cleanness
e
Cora Stering and Heather Liddell, members of AmeriCorps FIRST, apply a
fresh coat of paint to the sliding board at Bessie Branham Park last week
e
as part of Earth Week activities throughout the Atlanta area. The event,
coordinated by AmeriCorps, attracted more than 70 volunteers to the
Kirkwood neighborhood to spruce up the park, which was "reclaimed"
leo.
from drug dealers and graffiti masters in 1991. Volunteers arrived at 8:30
ys,
a.m. to plant a community garden, paint playground equipment, collect
litter, plant wildflowers and create a compost bin. - Valenda Campbell
appointed rounds. Neither wind, nor rain,
Sand Lovel
nor dark of night, etc.
Creative loafing May 4,1996