Ask the Scholar

Document scope · 1 page
doc
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory. For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.

Scholar Source Context

Document identity
localId
348833145
label
[Reports] [1]
core
doc
dtoType
document
pageCount
1
Source metadata
Source extras
naId
348833145
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
otherTitles
311842741-20130661F-Seg3-036-010-2023
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
986e86ad868b4757
ocrText
FOIA Number: 2013-0661-F (3) FOIA 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: 24238 FolderID: Folder Title: [Reports] [1] Stack: Row: Section: Shelf: Position: S 66 1 1 1 Clinton Presidential Records Digital Records Marker This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff. This marker identifies the place of a tabbed divider. Given our digitization capabilities, we are sometimes unable to adequately scan such dividers. The title from the original document is indicated below. A Divider Title: Vivian Jones Wuran ARKANSAS NRCS FOURTH QUARTER AMERICORPS REPORT 1. NUMBER OF MEMBERS ENROLLED AT THE TIME OF THE LAUNCH (14) 2. NUMBER OF MEMBERS ENROLLED AT THE END OF THE QUARTER (21) 3. TOTAL NUMBER OF HOURS OF DIRECT SERVICE PERFORMED (1,540) 4. TOTAL NUMBER OF HOURS IN TRAINING (325) 5. (a) PROGRESS TOWARDS MEETING COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES: Community service objectives have been met. The objective of the Central Arkansas Resource Conservation And Development Council is to implement the DAD (Dealing With Adolescent Development) Program in the City of Holly Grove, Arkansas. Holly Grove, is located in Monroe County, this Delta Community is agriculture based and is a community of 845 residents , in which 60% are African Americans. Because of the problems that many African American youths are facing. The DAD Program has been implemented in Holly Grove, Arkansas to offer alternative living to African American Males between the ages of 8 and 16 years of age, with or without fathers in the home. The program focuses on Respect, Responsibility and Restraint as a means to address the ongoing problems in the lives of many African American Males. The DAD Program offers the following programs to participants: DAD Awareness; DAD Tutorial Programs; DAD Outings; and DAD Parents/School Contacts. These programs have been designed to meet the special needs of these young men in the Delta Community and surrounding areas of Holly Grove, Arkansas. As an AmeriCorps participant, my responsibility as Project Coordinator has been to develop the DAD Program, which includes setting up budget for 3 year operation, and seeking funding for program. A Dad Committee has been set up that will oversee program and will hire needed personnel to operate program Success of the DAD Program will be measured by the number of youths that graduate from program; the number of youth that are tutored the first year, and remain in school; and the number of youth whose lives demonstrate measurable differences. (b) PROGRESS TOWARDS MEETING COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES: Community service objectives have been met. Through Labor Education at the University Of Arkansas At Little Rock. As an AmeriCorps participant I have completed four skills (10) N/A DAD Dealing With Adolescent Development KICKOFF CEREMONY TIME: 11:00 - 1:00 P. M. DATE: JULY 20, 1995 PLACE: FOSTER -BRANCH COMMUNITY CENTER HOLLY GROVE, AR "Where There Is No Vision The People Perish" COMMUNITY INVITED 501-462-8300 Holly Grove, Arkansas is located in Monroe County, 75 miles east of Little Rock in the heart of the Delta. The economy of Holly Grove depends primarily on agriculture. The population of this Delta Community is 840, sixty percent of which are African American. Statistics of the region indicate that one in four African American Males never complete high school. The Dad program was established in 1995 under the Central Arkansas Resource Conservation And Development (RC&D) Council on behalf of the City Of Holly Grove, Arkansas. The Goal of the DAD Program, working through a coalition of minority males serving as advisors and mentors, was designed to save these young men from the ongoing devastation that is an ever present reality in many communilies in the United States. The primary focus of the Dad Program will be on (1) Respect (2) Responsibility and (3) Restraint. The Dad Program work with socially disadvantaged youth between the ages of 8 and 16 years of age with or without fathers in the homes. DAD PROVIDES THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES: DAD COUNSELING: School Retention, Drug Prevention, and Health. DAD TUTORIAL: Assistance With School Work (after school and Saturdays) and Scholarship Awards. DAD YOUTH ACTIVITIES: Supervised Programs (after school) Sports, etc. DAD AWARENESS: Programs Dealing With Total Person( Spiritual, Nutrition and Motivational Speakers). DAD OUTINGS: Special Activities( Field Trips, Art Galleries, Museums, etc.) DAD PARENTS/SCHOOL CONTACT: Working Relationship Between Parents, Dad Counselors, and School DAD COMMITTEE: Harry Mayo Janice Everett Louise Sands Ulysses J. Williams Fred Abram FOURTH QUARTER AMERICORPS REPORT ARKANSAS 1. NUMBER OF MEMBERS ENROLLED AT THE TIME OF THE LAUNCH 10 2. NUMBER OF MEMBERS ENROLLED AT THE END OF THE QUARTER 10 3. TOTAL NUMBER OF HOURS OF DIRECT SERVICE PERFORMED 4,528 4. TOTAL NUMBER OF HOURS IN TRAINING 498 5. SORRY DEE DELTA CENTER TEL: 901-753-2613 Jul 6.95 15:09 No.001 r.uz LOWER MISSISSIPPI DEUTA DEVELOPMENT CENTER, INC. 9777 WAI.NUT GROVE KUAR nox X7 MEMITHIM TENNEHSEE 38180 1001) 753-1400 Date: July 7, 1995 TO: Mr. Bruce Leggitt AmeriCorps Program Coordinator FROM: Ray Bryant, Executive Director LMDD Center Ray RayBupt Buyet SUBJECT: : FOURTH QUARTER REPORTS AmeriCorps Program Enclosed is the fourth quarter report for Cedric Brown, AmeriCorps Employee provided to the Lower Mississippi Delta Development Center by the NRCS of Arkansas. We continue to be satisfied with Cedric's performance and the work he is doing will most helpful in our. future work in the Delta region. 901 753 2613 PAGE.002 JUL 6 '95 14:01 DELTA CENTER TEL: 901-753-2613 Jul 6.95 15:09 No. 001 P.03 LOWER MISSISSIPPI DELTA DEVELOPMENT CENTER, INC. 7777 WALNUT GROVE ROAD. BOX 27 MEMPUS, TENNESSEM 88120 0901)703-1400 AMERICORPS PROGRAM REPORT Third Quarter - 1994-1995 1. One (1) 2. One (1) 3. 1700 hours of direct service 4. A total of 384 hours of training was provided by the LMDDC and from cluster meetings and conferences. 5. Much of the time for this past quarter was spent on various training and meeting events, including familarization with NRCS field work in the Marion area. The remainder of the time was spent with a continuation of the collection of tourism information being used by the LMDD Center to develop its tourism activities. Time was spent on developing data charts from data received from various sources for the states of Arkansas, Tennessee and Louisiana. These data deal with income, poverty, education, and other socioeconomic areas. Specifically: AmeriCorp employee worked on all of these data. 6. In addition to the work outlined above, the AmeriCorps employee has been involved in library dedication at Arkansas State University at Jonesboro. President Clinton addressed the dedication and paid special tribute to the AmeriCorps employees. Already, with incomplete information, calls are being received requesting information and data for various reasons. All of the work accomplished in item 5 above will lead to the LMDD Center being able to respond more completely when asked for information about the 219 county/parish Lower Mississippi Delta region. 7. It is expected that the collection of various data will continue throughout the work period and the AmeriCorp employee will spend the majority of his time on this work. No specific data sets are programmed for any time frame simply because it is unpredictable how the information sources will respond to the Center's request for the data. It is the goal of the Center to have four to five sets of data completed along with the tourism data by the end of the approved AmeriCorp work period. JUL 6 '95 14:02 901 753 2613 PAGE.003 DELTA CENTER TEL: 901-753-2613 Jul 6,95 15:09 No.001 P.04 AmeriCorps Third Qtr. Report Page 2 The AmeriCorp employee will catalog and transfer much of this data to computer files for maintenance for future use. He is expected to have continuing work in developing tourism information for the seven Delta states as the Tourism Coordinator works toward completion of the LMDD Center's overall tourism program. 8. The problem discussed in the first report continues but the LMDD Center has found other sources and has had some success in receiving data. The Center staff, including the AmeriCorps employee, will continue our follow-up with calls, other letters and personal contacts to assure improved responses. 9. Still, no NRCS, USDA or CNCS training, other than the kinds that have been conducted to date, can assist with this project being more successful. All data and up-to-date information received by the LMDD Center is cataloged and will be of benefit to the Region's users. The data collection project can be more fully successful as participation increases. 10. The Center will issued its first newsletter in May 1995 and will next quarter publicize the data collection work in this medium. It is expected that some news sources will pick this up and develop publicity for the work being done. Radio interviews have been held with members of the LMDD Center Board of Directors and some of them mentioned this work in their interviews. 11. No new creative documentation is being used at this time. 901 753 2613 PAGE.004 JUL 6 '95 14:03 UCLIH LENIEK TEL 901-753-2613 Jul 6.95 15:09 No 001 P.05 U5; 20195 10!00 USDA $cs LR - Central AR RC$D [ RECEIVED 12/12 11:26 1904 AT 6034638 7 006 PASE 2 (PRINTED PAGE 2) ] 06/20/95 08:12 2028900639 COMM-ASSISTANCE +++ ARKANSA 00/2/001 1995 AmeriCorps Members' Stories Those of you serving in NRCS AmeriCorps this first year are ploneers in this experience. We would like to learn from you about some of the impacts of this program on the members. Would you lake a few minutes to answer the questions below? This La a voluntary opportunity to share your personal story of the AmeriCrops service experience. This Information will be helpful In the development of future projects and in explaining the value of AmeriCarps to polioymakers. (Names will not be used without permission). Name: CEDLIC BROWN Project location: memphis, TN. Briefly describe your background (education, work and service experiences, etc.): B.S. Degree - Industrial Technology Elictronic Engineering Emphasis Co-op - United stretes Frastserve- Aspa, Co. What are your present education and career goals? to go to graduate school Have they changed at all as a result of your AmeriCorps experience? Yes No If yes, please explain: How would you describe the impact of this AmeriCorps experience on you personally? I'VE become more business mind in Commonlty services. What have you learned about natural resources through this program? The importance that it plays IN are lives. What have you learned about community service through this experience? there is Much need AN Rund communities For Services. What have you learned about working with people of different backgrounds? ENHANCED my ability to be more divorse in working with people What would you tell someone who expresses Interest in applying for NRCS AmeriCorps? it's A great opportunity. JUL 6 '95 14:03 901 753 2613 PAGE.005 Lower MS Delta LMDDC NEWS LMDDC NEWS ( Conter Volume 1 Issue 1 -- May 1995 TENNESSEE TO OPEN FIRST 200 MILES FROM THE EXECUTIVE OF MISSISSIPPI RIVER BICYCLE TRAIL DIRECTOR: RAY BRYANT Tennessee is taking the lead Rewards for developing for the Delta on capturing the tourist attractions can be big for enthusiasts of what is fast some communities within the becoming one of our nation's Lower Mississippi Delta. This most popular sports and vacation is one way the LMDD Center is activities - bicycling! recommending that some of the Delta region capitalize and try to SERVING AS A MODEL gain a share in the big dollars spent every year by vacationers In October of this year, the five and other travelers to this area. counties bordering the Mississippi River in Tennessee will officially This first issue of a new LMDD inaugurate the Mississippi River Center newsletter is highlight- Trail-Tennessee. It's a 200-mile More than 300 cyclists expected for Inaugural Ride ing some success stories of bicycle route along scenic paved communities that are feeling back roads from Memphis to positive economic results be- Reelfoot Lake. The trail, which Communities along the cause they dared to commercial- received federal funds from Mississippi River Trail should be ize some of the attractions that the Intermodal Surface Trans- DELTA REGION encouraged to develop downtown they had taken for granted for so portation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) BICYCLING TRAIL trails, with the goal of a user- many years. of 1990, will open with ribbon friendly system which provides cutting ceremonies and an inau- long-distance bicycling with safe Another highlight of the issue is gural bicycle ride with festivities Using the Tennessee trail as and easy bicycle access to the the new Mississippi River Trail all along the route. a model, the LMDDC is wealth of historical and cultural that is being established for cy- advocating the extension of the amenities in Delta communities. clists along the river in West It is being marketed nationally as route into the seven states of the Tennessee. The LMDD Center, well as regionally. Delta region from St. ACTION working with the City of Mem- Genevieve, Missouri to New The success of the Delta Region phis and the six West Tennessee Strong support from the City of Orleans. The center has carried Mississippi River Trail will Counties along the river is plan-- Memphis has been pivotal to the out preliminary route research depend on the concomitant ning for an inaugural ride along success of this consortium of rural and is investigating the potential support of all states in the region, the new trail in the fall of this counties with a major metropoli- for marketing the expanded the counties and parishes through year. Based on the bikers com- tan center and Memphis is initiat- route through an enlarged which the trail will pass, as well mittee that is working on the ing the formation of a not-for- Mississippi River Trail as regional bicyclists and bicylce trail, this one ride will attract profit "Mississippi River Trail Association. clubs. from 400 to 2000 bikers from Association" to manage and mar- around the country and possi- ket the trail. bily abroad. It will bring eco- TRAVEL'S IMPACT nomic opportinites for busi- The Lower Mississippi Delta nesses along the trail in each of Center has acted as principal trail Makes up 6% of GDP the six counties that are included development coordinator, focus- Ranks as third largest retailer in revenue in the corridor. This segment of ing on route identification, sig- Has added jobs at 43% rate in 10 years, twice rate of the MRT will hopefully become nage, map development, histori- overall employment a pilot for the establishment of - cal and cultural interpretation the MRT in the other Delta Among top 3 industries in 37 states and marketing. states in the future. Source: USA Today Page 4 LMDDC NEWS DELTA CENTER ANNOUNCES GRANT MONEY FOR ORGANIZATIONS IN NEED OF PROPOSAL WRITING Bryant said any group or present an overview of the LMDD Commission's final report. According to Ray Bryant, organization within the 219- proposed project and provide Call 901-753-1400. parish county/parish region in details about the organization, its Executive Director of the Lower Mississippi Delta Devel- need of this type of assistance, role and functions that would tic opment Center, the Board of should write to the LMDD Center, to recommendations found in the Directors of the center has ap- proved a total of $10,000 to be ENTERPRISE CORPORATION OPENS HEADQUARTERS spent to provide needy organi- zations funds to employ profes- GREENVILLE, MS - The Enterprise Corporation The ECD offers innovative assistance in three areas sionals to assist with prepara- of the Delta (ECD), a nonprofit organization aimed critical to business success: business finance, tion of grant applications. at aggressively rebuilding the Delta region, recently management assistance and access to expanded markets. announced the opening of its new headquarters in Bryant explained that the writ- Greenville, Mississippi's historic E.E. Bass School. The organization is building a $20-million capital fund ing of grant proposals is some- offering companies access to flexible loans, lines of times difficult for even profes- The ECD offers a comprehensive business credit and other business financial products. It also sionals in this field and that assistance program using private funds provided by provides hands-on technical assistance. many organizations do not have private foundations. the knowledge of grant-writing The ECD is forming partnerships with the region's or the manpower to devote the The goal of the Enterprise Corporation is to foster banks, community colleges and other business hours it takes to do the task. new investment, increase business capacity and to assistance providers. create more jobs and better ones throughout regions of Arkansas Louisiana and Mississippi. For information, call 601-944-1100. LMDDC NEWS Bulk Rate LOWER MISSISSIPPI DELTA DEVELOPMENT CENTER U.S. Postage AGRICENTER INTERNATIONAL PAID 7777 WALNUT GROVE RD., BOX 27 Memphis, TN MEMPHIS, TN 38120 Permit No. 3299 Ph. 901-753-1400 Inside This Issue * BIKE TRAIL FOR DELTA TOURISM SUCCESS STORIES * FUNDS FOR GRANT WRITING FOURTH QUARTER AMERICORPS REPORT 1. NUMBER OF MEMBERS ENROLLED AT THE TIME OF THE LAUNCH 2. NUMBER OF MEMBERS ENROLLED AT THE END OF THE QUARTER (JUNE 30, 1995) 3. TOTAL NUMBER OF IIOURS OF DIRECT SERVICE PERFORMED 4. TOTAL NUMBER OF HOURS IN TRAINING 5. PROGRESS TOWARDS MEETING COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES This is the most important item in the quarterly report. Responses should be concise, quantifiable, measurable and show how much has been done towards the service objectives. 6. PRIMARY ACCOMPLISIMENTS Expand on #5 above using narratives, quotes and stories to show how your project has begun meeting your community service objectives. Also specify, other important services you have performed that "get: things done" in your community. Tell what progress you have made i: boosting the personal development of the Members or helping local communities build their long-term infrastructures. 7. PROJECTED OUTCOMES FOR NEXT QUARTER We assume that the amount of work accomplished in subsequent quarters will exceed progress made during the program start up. What will you accomplish in the last quarter that you were not able to to date? 8. PRIMARY CHALLENGES Please be candid in specifying any challenges, problems, or disappointments you have faced, as well as what steps you, your Members, NRCS, USDA, and/or the Corporation for National Service ca) take to either rectify the problems or at lease ensure they do not reoccur in the future. 9. PRIMARY TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE NEEDS Specify precisely what kind of staff of Member training, or other technical assistance can be provided by NRCS, USDA, CNCS or other sources to improve your project. 10. MEDIA COVERAGE Please provide all newspaper or magazine clippings, videotapes or T news reports, and cassettes of radio news reports. 11. OTHER CREATIVE DOCUMENTATION Look for other ways to creatively demonstrate the progress of your projects, such as: * before and after photographs and videotapes * excerpts from journal entries written by Members " letters of support from satisfied individuals or groups HARRISON LOCKE ALFDC AMERICORPS NRCS ARKANSAS 5. Met with 15 members demonstrating integrated farming systems. Other members (20) have incorporated alternative crops in their farming system. Demonstrated to 15 members the mechanics and maintenance of alternative cropping system. Next progress report will report dollar value of harvest. Introduced poultry litter to 15 members as an alternative fertilizer. 6. Twenty of our existing members have become totally independent producers in alternative crops. Five new members have been enrolled into the program for next year as a result of successes from existing members. 7. Will work directly with producers (35) on harvesting techniques and marketing strategies of alternative crops. Will begin instructional phase of fall crop plantings. 8. Having to work over such a large area to meet reqest and needs for program. Insufficient funds to adequately expand the program. Old and outdated equipment. 9. Training is needed in advanced alternative cropping technologies. JUL 95 11:07 FROM JEFFERSON COUNTY PAGE. 002 FROM : ARKANSAS LAND & FARM DEV CORP PHONE NO. : 7343570 RECEIVED 12/12 11:26 19m ar REPLACE VOUR - 14 COULTER AA mawa P03 06/28/98 05:12 02028800639 PAGE z (PATETED PAGE z) , COMM-ASSISTANCE ... ARKANSA 1996 AmeriCorps Members' Stories Those of you serving in NRCS AmeriCorps this first year are planeers in this experience. We would like to learn from you about some of the impacts of this program on the members. Would you take a few minutes to adswer the questions below? This is & voluntary opportunity to share your personal story of the AmeriCrops service experience. This information will be helpful la the development of future projects and explaining the value of AmeriCarps to policymakers. (Names will not be used without parmission). Name: Havinon Locke Project location: AL7D- Fardo,Ar. Briefly describe your background (education, work and service experiences, etc.): BSE egree - A& Education. Tought Vo- 6 and formed for 30 yrs. ON OWN for IN What are your present education and career goals? None Have they simaged at an # a result of your Amed Corps expecience? You No organization, and share my experience with If I yes, have please explain: time To work with this Kind of How I would have you describe hala the impact of this chance to AmeriCous experience meet on you personally? people / farious Places, and exchange seeas White Learn have (Preserve.) you learned more about natural resources about through their program? What have you learned about community service through this expericace? There are numerous needs in a these communities, anda Willines What have you learned about working with people of different back grounds? It es to with to serve. people with different bee digrounds, What would you tall someone who expresses interest in applying for NRC8 AmeriCorps? Hunny. and get starbed JUL 5 '95 9:43 7343570 PAGE 003 ** TOTAL PAGE. 002 ** 07/07/95 FRI 09:02 FAX 501 324 6335 USDA NRCS ARKANSAS 1 002 A gody at FOURTH QUARTER AMERICORPS REPORT Jody Pagan 1. - 2. - 3. 1700 hours 4. 200 5. All 75 Counties have been reviewed for endangered species of federal concern. Maps containing species locations, legends, species summary sheets, and natural areas have been completed for each county. Thirty-three (33) additional reports on species of federal concern have been completed and mailed to the respective counties. This represents 95 percent of the goal. Reports have also been provided to Biologist at Natural Resources Conservation Service, Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. 6. Communities may now use these reports (endangered and threatened species information) in preparing assessments to meet permit requirements for needed community improvements involving construction. 7. Five (5) additional reports are in varying stages of completion and still have to be quality control (QC) checked. These reports will be QC'd and mailed to the respective counties over the next month. Two remaining presentations were conducted at Clay and Woodruff Counties during this quarter. 11. Conducted field surveys for Yellow Lady Slipper in Montgomery County and Corkwood in Jackson, Clay, Greene, and Woodruff Counties, Arkansas. FOURTH QUARTER AMERICORPS REPORT WILLIE CHAPPLE MARION, ARKANSAS 1. NUMBER OF MEMBERS ENROLLED AT THE TIME OF THE LAUNCH. 1 2. NUMBER OF MEMBERS ENROLLED AT THE END OF THE QUARTER (JUNE 30, 1995). 1 3. TOTAL NUMBER OF HOURS OF DIRECT SERVICE PERFORMED. 1700 4. TOTAL NUMBER OF HOURS IN TRAINING. 200 HRS 5. PROGRESS TOWARDS MEETING COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES. Partial funding was secured for the Marion Lake Road project. The initial request of $65,000 was secured, however, after a more detailed investigation by Sorrell Engineering, the funds secured are inadequate to complete the project. State Representative Ben McGee was contacted and is looking for an additional $15,000 to complete the project. I am continuing to work with RECD on processing applications for home repair and connection to rural water systems. So far, 63 applications have been turned in. 45% of the applications have been scheduled for appointments, and 15% have their houses all ready repaired or in the process of being repaired. I am also working with East Arkansas Planning and Development to secure home weatherization funds for 5 applicants who did not qualify through RECD. 6. PRIMARY ACCOMPLISHMENTS. The following water projects were completed during the quarter 1995: 1. Bulk Lake Road, 2. Gilmore East, and 3. Gilmore West. These water lines will provide water for 23 homes and 47 persons. 7. PRIMARY CHALLENGES. The challenges have been working with other agencies and companies that do not have the same tasks as members of AmeriCorps. It takes time to work through the system. 8. PRIMARY TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE NEEDS. Computer training and media relations training is needed. 9. MEDIA COVERAGE. Television and news media coverage when the project began. Three television stations and local newspaper. Coverage was local, state wide and the surrounding. 10. OTHER CREATIVE DOCUMENTATION. We have pictures and slides before and during the start of the project. 06/20/95 10:08 USDA SCS LR [ RECEIVED 12/13 11:26 1900 AT 5034638 Central AR RC@D 008 06/20/95 PAGE z (PRINTED PAGE 2) ] 09:12 2028900639 COMM-ASSISTANCE +++ ARKANSA 002/002 1995 AmeriCorps Members' Stories Those of you serving in NRCS AmeriCorps this first year are pioneers in this experience. We would like to learn from you about some of the impacts of this program on the members. Would you take a few minutes to answer the questions below? This is a voluntary opportunity to share your personal story of the AmeriCrops service experience. This information will be helpful in the development of future projects and in explaining the value of AmeriCorps to policymakers. (Names will not be used without permission). Name: Willie Chapple Project location: Marion, AR Briefly describe your background (education, work and service experiences, etc.): Education: B.S. cilegree, Agriculture Economics June 94 Arkansas Army National Guard 6yrs as Presenttine. a ballistic computer operator May 89- Present. American Participant Sept. 74 - Present., FmNa Summer 92 What are your present education and career goals? Presently, I am Persuing a master's degree from Arkansas state University. My Career goal is One day Owning my-cron business. Have they changed at all as a result of your AmeriCorps experience? Yes No If yes, please explain: How would you describe the impact of this AmeriCorps experience on you personally? This ovperience has had a tremendays impact on me. It allowed me to actually get out into the environment of SENSE. of pride knowing that while helping people, it restored their Pride, their dignitity, Polerty and actually help PEOPLE that WERE Effected by lack of resources. It also gavt are a and hope for a better community and future. What have you learned about natural resources through this program? I have learned that natural resurces are Vital tools of this land in order for us to survive. In order to continue to benefit from nature's Supply, we must protect and Preserve these rescurces in order to Maintain life form, What have you learned about community service through this experience? I have. learned that it is More People than I imaged that need some type of help or assistance in order to live up to the standards. Community Service is an on going procoss and more People need to get involved. What I have have you always learned Known about working that with regardless people of of different Color, creed, backgrounds? race, or SELF that if WE all - work together tow and a goal, despite of our diversities, WE can accomplish anything as a whole, What would you tell someone who expresses interest in applying for NRCS AmeriCorps? I would tell them that working with NRCS American will be CV6 of the must rememberal task that they will ever do, bocause it and gives you a Chance to leach out and it. half carvill JUL.10 '95 14:03 PAGE. 002 BRPA ВОРУ 3rd Quarter Progress Report Willie Chapple Marion, Arkansas The following water projects were completed during the third quarter 1995: 1. Buck Lake Road 2. Gilmore East 3. Gilmore West Partial funding was secured for the Marion Lake Road Project. The initial request was secured, however, after a more detailed investigation by Sorrell Engineering the funds secured are inadequate to complete the project. Stato Representative Ben McGee was contacted and is looking for additional funds to complete the project. I continue to mork with RECDS on processing applications for home repair and connection to rural water systems. I am also working with East Arkansas Planning and Development to secure home ucatherization funds for applicants who may not qualify through RECDS. Three weeks of this quarter mas spent on military duty. TOC 6335 USUA NRCS ARRANSAS 00/20/95 10:06 USDA SCS LR Central AK KCBU [ RECEIVED 12/13 11:26 1980 AI 5034638 PAGE E (PRINTED PAGE 2) } 06/20/95 09:12 2028900639 COMM-ASSISTANCE +++ ARKANSA 002/002 1995 AmeriCorps Members' Stories Those of you serving in NRCS AmeriCorps this first year are pioneers in this experience. We would like to learn from you about some of the impacts of this program on the members. Would you take a few minutes to answer the questions below? This is a voluntary opportunity to share your personal story of the AmeriCrops service experience. This information will be helpful in the development of future projects and in explaining the value of AmeriCorps to policymakers. (Names will not be used without permission). Name: Jody Paga Project location: Little Rock Briefly describe your background (education, work and service experiences, etc.): B.S. Biolong Climatry for uefA AN: HVAC service tich. Habaium worker during college. What present education and career goals? To are acquire your a M.S. in Botany. To have a mentally challenging job in the Field Taxonomy. Have they changed at all as a result of your AmeriCorps experience? Yes No in My If yes, career please Endangred explain: goals have Species changed. project l and want Wetland to apply Inventory what Project l have to learned a career in How the would you describe the impact of this AmeriCorps experience on you personally? the field Biological research. l feel it is The thest career move l could have made at Volunteering for this position was an experience that l will never forget. this point in my life, What have you learned about natural resources through this program? l have learned that there are many people doing great things for The environment. And while working in the Americarp program l have been atte to contribute to the Cause. What have you learned about community service through this experience? Community service is a tool to accompolish things that would otherwise-be overlooked. It was. a very. fulfilling experience. What have you learned about working with people of different backgrounds? if a person Keeps am open mind, working with people South Arkansas it seemed that everyone was different than me and since l have lear from different backgrounds can be a learn experience. Coming from What would you tell someone who expresses interest in applying for NRCS AmeriCorps? things. many interesting l would have to tell then that Americarp will vield whatever you allow it to, Americasp valunteers are exposed: adults only dream oh. JANA COLEMAN NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION SERVICE AMERICORPS - USDA HELENA, ARKANSAS TRI-COUNTY OUTREACH PROJECT #3 TOTAL NUMBER OF HOURS OF DIRECT SERVICE. I completed 347 hours of direct service between April 1, 1995, and June 30, 1995. This makes a total number of 1395. hours worked since September 12, 1994. The rest of the time I was on leave without pay for doctors appointments and maternity leave. #4 TOTAL NUMBER OF HOURS IN TRAINING. During the third quarter, the total number of training hours completed was 64. This brings my overall training time to 216 hours. #5 PROGRESS TOWARDS MEETING COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES. My project objective is to improve the standard of living for people in small towns and rural communities within Monroe, Phillips, and Lee counties. I am doing this by meeting with county and city governments such as county judges, mayors, and city councilmen. I also meet with community organizations and civic groups. Together, we try to identify their community needs and find the most appropriate way to address those problems. I worked primarily in three towns during the third quarter: *FARGO, AR (Monroe County). I have drafted two city ordinances to be heard before the Fargo City Council on July 6, 1995. Both ordinances pertain to unkept properties. One refers to weed control regulations and the other concerns unfit housing. *HOLLY GROVE, AR (Monroe County). I have compiled a package to be presented to the Holly Grove City Council on July 20, 1995, concerning the lighting situation in the town. If approved, the town will obtain eight additional street lights and upgrade nine existing lights to sodium. *MARVELL, AR (Phillips County). I have assisted with the organization of a city-wide clean-up that was held April 17-21, 1995, and the organization of a beautification committee to continue this as a yearly event. I also assisted with the completion of and acted as a partner for a Forest Service grant in which the City of Marvell was awarded $12,000. Currently, we are applying for state funding for a "fun park". #6 PRIMARY ACCOMPLISHMENTS. I have met my community service objectives in the following ways: *FARGO, AR. Since I first began working with Fargo, their goal has been to become more like an organized town and an overall more desirable community to live in. As reported last quarter, they have obtained city lights, street signs, and garbage pick- up. This quarter we are trying to improve the existing conditions. By passing these two city ordinances, the City of Fargo would be able to condemn houses, buildings, and structures that are deemed hazardous. Also, the city would be able to mow overgrown lots that are considered unsightly and unsanitary and charge the property owner for that service. We are on the agenda for the month of July and have a considerable amount of support from area residents. *HOLLY GROVE, AR. I have been working with the Crime and Drug Committee in Holly Grove on a lighting recommendation to be presented to the Holly Grove City Council in July. If approved, the town will install eight street lights in the parts of town where they are virtually nonexistent as well as upgrade nine low wattage white lights to the preferred sodium lights. This is all in an effort to cut down on crime and loitering in the community. *MARVELL, AR. The "Paint the Town Clean" project organized in Marvell was a huge success. There were daily duties planned during the clean-up week and most were directed towards improving the environment i.e. planted flowers, picked up trash, and cleaned out ditches. Volunteers came out of the woodwork to clean, paint, and fix up their community and even formed a committee to continue their efforts year after year. The City of Marvell received funding through the Forest Service in order to improve the social, economic, and natural environment of the town. Ten interchangeable trash bins and planters will be installed as permanent fixtures in the downtown area. Two handicap accessible ramps will be built and the existing sidewalks will be repaired. Also, 33 culverts will be added in residential areas where poor drainage exists. The total value of the "city of Marvell Enhancement Project" is $24,000 and the start date is July 1, 1995. We are in the process of applying for state funding for a "fun park" to be built in a very poor part of town. The park would provide a safe play area for the Marvell children. A Park Planning Committee made up of five residents has been formed to assist with decisions pertaining to the park. The grant is not yet complete and award announcements will be made after my AmeriCorps term of service ends. #7 PROJECTED OUTCOMES FOR NEXT QUARTER. My personal goal this past year has been to allow the community leaders and residents to work side-by-side with me on all projects in order to enable them to continue any unfinished efforts. By having them help me, they will be able to help themselves long after I am out of the picture. During the last quarter, I will continue to meet with my communities regarding their concerns, fears, and problems and assist them in any way possible. I will not hesitate to take on a new project in any town as I feel strongly that by involving the residents, especially is the form of committees, any work not completed by September 12, 1995, may still be carried out. Lastly, I plan to make available to city officials reference materials, grant resources publications, and community organization information that I have collected. #8 PRIMARY CHALLENGES. The realization that sometimes-small towns are reluctant to change has been my primary challenge. In communities where everyone has known each other a lifetime or is kin to one another, town leaders and residents alike are hesitant to step on each others toes. Even when a small handful of people can see change is for the better, it is still frightening to them. As an AmeriCorps participant I try to provide encouragement and offer success stories of neighboring towns that have faced the same types of problems. #9 PRIMARY TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE NEEDS. I feel that I have received ample training in all areas and on all subjects that I have inquired about. #10 MEDIA COVERAGE. The following are documentation of media coverage for my AmeriCorps projects as well as for the AmeriCorps program. Included are two newspaper articles on Director Joel Berg's visit to Holly Grove, an article on Marvell's city-wide clean-up, and a press release on the Forest Service grant awarded to Marvell. #11 OTHER CREATIVE DOCUMENTATION. Additional information included are the actual lighting recommendation for the City of Holly Grove and pictures taken during the clean-up in Marvell. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: BARBIE WA SHBURN June 23, 1995 (501) 829-2573 CITY OF MARVEL, ARKANSAS RECEIVES AMERICORPS GRANT MARVELL, AR. The City of Marvell, Arkansas, in partnership with the East Arkangas Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council, has received funding through the Rural Forestry Assistance (Rural Development) AmeriCorps Program. The mission of the AmeriCorps Program is to engage a diverse group of Americans in working partnerships with communities to provide real and measurable service to meet environmental and human needs while building an ethic of service, responsibility, and citizenship. The "City of Marvell Enhancement Project" is designed to improve the social, economic, and natural environment of the town. "As part of the project, trash bins and planters will be installed as permanent fixtures in the downtown area. Accessible ramps will be built and the existing sidewalks will be made nocessible. Now oulverts will be installed in residential areas where they are virtually nonexistent or nonserviceable," stated Barbie Wa shburn, Assistant to the Mayor Clark Hall As part of the project, the East Arkansas RC&D Council will began revisions on an Area Plan. In the plan revisions, committees will be selected and public meeting hold for each county in the district. The following concerns have been identified in Phillips County: Soil Conservation and Land Treatment; Infrastructure; Use, Quality, and Quantity in Irrigation Water, Flood Protection and Drainage of Agricultural and Urban Land, Recreation and Tourism; Rural Fire Protection; and Recycling & Waste Management. The "City of Marvell Enhanoement Project" will address waste management, infrastructure, flood protection, and drainage concerns. Besides the city of Marvell and the East Arkansas RC&D Council, additional partners include the USDA Forest Service, Phillips County Conservation District, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. "Cetting Things Done" is the motto of the AmeriCorps Program. With assistance from this grant and the partners involved, the city of Marvell is doing just that. ### LIGHTING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CITY OF HOLLY GROVE APRIL 20, 1996 Mayor Lula Tyler and City Councilment The Crime and Drug Committee. on behalf of the city of Holly Grove, respectfully requests the following lighting changes. We feel that the switch from mercury vapor lights, or white lights, to the high pressure sodium lights will greatly reduce the crime in our community as well as prevent loitering in certain areas. Therefore, we are asking Mayor Tyler, upon the recommendation of the City Council, to write a. formal letter of request including our information and findings to Clifton Avant, District Manager of Arkansas Power and Light, P.O. Box 100, Helena, AR 72342. The City of Holly Grove currently has a total of 136 city lights with the majority of these lights being 100 watt white lights. We realize to change completely over to sodium lighting would increase the city's average bill of $635.23 per month to approximately $1050.00 per month. This would result in a yearly increase of $4800.00., an expense that is not feasible at this time. After evaluating the lighting situation in Holly Grove, the Crime and Drug Committee was able to determine what streets in town need to be more adequately lit. Our suggestions include changing nine lights from mercury vapor to sodium and installing seven additional sodium lights where there is currently no lighting at all. We approximate the additional cost per month to be around $93.00. Information attached includes street addresses for lighting changes, current rates for white and sodium lights, the city's current lighting status, and how we determined the costs. We sincerely appreciate the time and consideration given to this matter. CRIME AND DRUG COMMITTEE CITY OF HOLLY GROVE LIGHTING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CITY a HOLLY GROVE The following are rates for white lights and sodium lights as quoted by Arkansas Power and Light. WHITE LIGHTS 100 watt at $4.04 per light per month 175 watt at $5.88 per light per month 250 watt at $7.55 per light per month SODIUM LIGHTS 150 watt at $7.61 per light per month 250 watt at $9.78 per light per month The following is the current lighting status for the city of Holly Grove. NUMBER OF LIGHTS WATTAGE RATE TYPE 104 100 watts $4.04 white 14 175 watts $5.88 white 11 250 watts $7.55 white 7 150 watts $7.61 sodium Assuming that the nine lights we want to change over to 150 watt sodium are currently 100 watt white lights, the cost of $4.04 per light per month would increase to $7.61 per light per month. The price difference would result in an increase of $32.13 each month. The eight 150 watt sodium lights that we would like to see added to the city would cost an additional $60.88 per month. This combined total would be $93.01 per month. These prices were subject to change upon their quote and do not include taxes. LIGHTING RECOMMLNDATIONS FOR THE CITY OF HOLLY GROVE CHANGE MERCURY ADD POLE STREET ADDRESS & LOCATION VAPOR TO SODIUM & SODIUM *304 South Smith X Behind the Legion Hut *307 South Smith X By the James Hartse!l Home *101 Atlanta X By the Janette Morton Home *404 East X Between J. Hoppers & Church *121 South Smith X By the Randy Everett Home *112 South Smith X By the Jackson Home *Corner of Marshall & Louise X By the Ralph Arbramson Home *Corner of Louise & Wilson X By the John Skinner Home *100 East Wilson X By the I.W. Endsley Home *105 Lyniee X By the Sally Phillips Home *Corner of Second & Holly X *Corner of Dogwood & Mimosa X *Corner of Dogwood & Holly X *305 North Pine move up In Alley by Apartments light *112 South Pine X By the Joe Gibbs Home *104 South Pine X By the AI Bones Home *906 Fourth Street X - p Daisy Swift Lot pote sodium light? ht to a sodium light nge from mercury vapor 4th 475 use DaisySwift 10!0 996 Fourth St. Mimos Dogwood Joe Gibbs S HOLLY 1125.Pine 1125 Pine N BEECH MAIN AI Bones 104 S. Pine 4TH 4 TH Creek PINE MAIN ON2 Rand Everett 1 ByApts 3RD 121 Smith I Jacksons 1525 Smithj. N James Hortsell SMITH SMITH 5 HOIH 307 S. Smith : WASHINGTON Saith 105 Phillips : Legion Huf Lynke DR 304 S. Smi LYNLEE : 17 SPRUCE AVE. AVI ATL ANTA CENTRAL AVE Jarelle Mor OAK 101 At lanta WIL SON EAST OUIS E.. I.Endsta 100 Wilson : JonyHarper 404 East 1 AVE MARSHALL ELM DR. DIAL 27 94 23 LIGHTING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CITY OF HOLLY GROVE PatChastani Franced Herrlack James Elwarde Bill Brown atto 3 adams Brenda Celemn Rosemary Cartwright Billy Cartwright James Rence Nolen Spurlock Patsy Edwards Floyd Christian Willie Stokes Brende Dunawan Helen Jackson nathan Ray Magan Jr. Levise Sands Susan Raie Morgan moxine strong Mike chartain Sherry Martin Paula Davidson Janette martin Garl Hill Lany tilema you Marry Bessie Davidson Jay Scott Vicki Harry Hantsee Cauly Lil Scott James E Scott Broop Haulyn Elosie Webb 61 let "PAINT THE TOWN CLEAN" Tod City-wide clean-up (lisn Marvell, Arkansas 1" Place 2.M Place 17-23 04:32 PM CITY OF HOLLY GROVE 06/20/95 10:06 USDA SCS LR +++ Central AR RCOD RECEIVED 12/13 11:26 1900 AT 5034630 PAGE 2 (PRINTED PAGE 2) , 06/20/95 09:12 2028900638 COMM-ASSISTANCE +++ ARKANSA 002/002 Jana FILE COPY 1995 AmeriCorps Members' Stories Those of you serving in NRCS AmeriCorps this first year are pioneers in this experience. We would like to learn from you about some of the impacts of this program on the members. Would you take a few minutes to answer the questions below? This is a voluntary opportunity to share your personal story of the AmeriCrops service experience. This information will be helpful in the development of future projects and in explaining the value of AmeriCorps to polioymakers. (Names will not be used without permission). Name: Jana Coleman Project location: Phillips County NRCS Helena, Arkansas Briefly describe your background (education, work and service experiences, etc.): 1 građuatea in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science aegree 111 Radio-Television and worked at a broad- casting corporation before coming on board with AmeriCorps. while 1 nad been involved with a large number of clubs and organizations, my volunteer service had been limited. What are your present education and career goals? 1 an $0 pleased with the projects 1 have been working on thac 1 would like to continue artother year with the AmeriCorps program. AC this cime, 1 00 not plan to further my education Dut to apply the educational award to my student loan. Have they changed at all as a result of your AmeriCorps experience? Yes X No If yes, please explain: 1 am no longer interested in working in the communications industry, Dut in grant writing. 1 would like to apply for federal and state funoing for rural communities ac some occupational level. How would you describe the impact of this AmeriCorps experience on you personally? MY AmeriCorps position nas given me an opportunicy to work for a reason other than a monetary one. By making a aifference in other people's lives 1 can go name at the end of the day feeling richer within. What have you learned about natural resources through this program? 1 nave found out chat very few people know about or are concerned about natural resources in their area. 1 would like to see an educational program geared to people of all ages on the natural resources and environment that surrounds them. What have you learned about community service through this experience? Volunceerism 15 very catony! when people see individuals working to improve the community, more unes cnan not, they will join in the effort or at least try to contribute somewhat. What have you learned about working with people of different backgrounds? Working with a diverse group of citizens on community projects IS the only way to go. It allows a wide variety of íoeas and input as well as broaders the support from the community. What would you tell someone who expresses interest in applying for NRCS AmeriCorps? GO FOR IT! The AmeriCurps program enables inoividuals w get an education---in the classroom as well as in the real world. 06/20/95 10:06 USDA SCS LR +++ Central AR KCWD [ RECEIVED 12/13 11:26 1900 AT 5034638 PAGE 2 (PRINTED PAGE 2) ] 06/20/95 09:12 2028900639 COMM-ASSISTANCE +++ ARKANSA 002/002 1995 AmeriCorps Members' Stories Those of you serving in NRCS AmeriCorps this first year are pioneers in this experience. We would like to learn from you about some of the impacts of this program on the members. Would you take a few minutes to answer the questions below? This is a voluntary opportunity to share your personal story of the AmeriCrops service experience. This information will be helpful in the development of future projects and in explaining the value of AmeriCorps to policymakers. (Names will not be used without permission). Name: Jana Coleman Project location: Phillips County NRCS Helena, Arkarisas Briefly describe your background (education, work and service experiences, etc.): 1 graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science aegree 111 Radio-Television and worked at a broad- casting corporation before coming on board with AmeriCorps. while 1 had been involved with a large number of clubs and oryanizations, my volunteer service had been limited. What are your present education and career goals? 1 am so pleased with the projects 1 have been working on that 1 would like to continue another year with the AmeriCorps program. Ac this cime, 1 00 not plan to further my education DUC to apply the educational award to my student loan. Have they changed at all as a result of your AmeriCorps experience? Yes X No If yes, please explain: 1 am no longer interested in working in the communications industry, DUT in grant writing. 1 would like to apply for fegeral and state funaing for rural communities ac some occupational level. How would you describe the impact of this AmeriCorps experience on you personally? MY AmeriCorps position has given me an opportunity to work for a reason other than a monetary one. By making a aifference in other people's lives 1 can go name at the ena of the day feeling richer within. What have you learned about natural resources through this program? I nave found out that very few people know about or are concerned about natural resources in their area. 1 would like to see an educational program geared to people of all ages on the natural resources and environment that surrounds them. What have you learned about community service through this experience? Volunteerism is very catchy! When people see individuals working to improve the community, more times than not, they will join in the effort or at least try to contribute somewhat. What have you learned about working with people of different backgrounds? Working with a diverse group of citizens on community projects IS the only way to go. It allows a wide variety of ioeas and input as well as broadens the support from the community. What would you tell someone who expresses interest in applying for NRCS AmeriCorps? GO FOR IT! The AmeriCorps program enables individuals to get an education---in the classroom as well as in the real world. The Monroe County Sun Clarendon, Arkansas AmeriCorps Participants Meet in arch 30, 1995 Holly Grove with Director Berg Eight Ameri participants ment to bring the department up along with other officials met last to standards, worked in bringing Wednesday with U. S. Depart together local churches for com- ment of Agriculture AmeriCorps munity functions, and have Director Joel Berg. The meeting worked towards securing fund- was held in the Holly Grove City ing for projects. Jana Coleman Hall. related that she had worked with Area Ameri workers were Fargo for the city to install street joined by Berg, Allen Pigg of the lights and in securing regular U.S. Forestry Service in Georgia; garbage pickup. Cedric Bradford, state conserva- In other areas, the work of tionist with Natural Resources Ameri Corps varies greatly. Debra Conservation Service; Don Carmen of the Central Arkansas Jernigan, publicist with USDA- RC and D Council has been work- NRCS; Monroe County Judge ing with a pellet stove project Tom Catlett; and Holly Grove which involves cooking with pel- Mayor Lula Tyler. lets made from compacted saw- The Arkansas Corps par- dust. She has also worked with ticipants have been working on finding markets for poultry lit- rural development projects in ter, and installing dry hydrants eastern Arkansas. In Holly Grove in rural areas. Loyda Stith of the work has focused on apprais Batesville has been working on als of homes located in the 100 recycling projects and educating year floodplain. At a fair market land owners about the value of value, the Federal Emergency wetlands. Harrison Locke of Management Agency (FEMA), is Fargo has been working with buying up the properties fre marketing of alternative crops quently flooded by the overflow and supervising ASU students waters of Dial Creek. Once the learning about vegetable crops. buy-out is completed, residents Vivian Jones of North Little Rock may relocate to a new, yet to be has been working with an adoles- built, housing complex at the in cent development program tar- tersection of Highways 17 and 86 geted towards the African-Ameri- Some relocated residents will be can male. allowed to build houses on two or Director Joel Berg commented three nearby areas. Property that the various works of clearance from the floodplain will Ameri Corps model the "national begin when other factors are in service" priority of President Bill place. Individual home apprais- als will move the relocation project Clinton. Berg stated that along. AmeriCorps is the way to change Lisa Cobb of the Eastern Ar- America through "local residents kansas RC and D Council has and empowering local communi- been instrumental in helping with ties to change themselves." Ap- appraisals. Audria Coleman, proximately 20,000 AmeriCorps Renee Spurlock, and Jana workers are at work across the Coleman have been involved sur- nation. The program provides for veying residents in the floodplain cost of living expenses and pro- and offering practical assistance vides payment for higher educa- about relocation. tion. Berg calls the program the In addition to the work of the "G. I. bill without the G. I." Berg buyout, AmeriCorps is involved commended the work of the in many other projects. In Holly AmeriCorps members present. Grove, AmeriCorps workers have Following the meeting, the assisted local planne members lested ПОВИС: inc MONROE COUNTY SUN, CLARENDON ARKANSAS, THURSDAY, AR. 30, 1995 AMERICORPS MEETING IN HOLLY GROVE: Eight AmeriCorps participants and other officials met Holly Grove last Wednesday with U.S. Department of Agriculture AmeriCorps Director Joel Ben Each of the participants told of specific areas of work in which they were involved. In some way, the have all been involved in the work at Holly Grove. AmeriCorps participants include from left: Vivic Jones of North Little Rock; Loyda Stith of Batesville; Audria Coleman of Holly Grove; Debra Carme of Little Rock; Joel Berg, AmeriCorps director of Washington, D.C.; Renee Spurlock of Holly Grov Jana Coleman of Holly Grove; Lisa Cobb of Jonesboro; and Harrison Locke of Fargo. AmeriCorps Participants Meet in The Brinkley Argus Brinkley, Arkansas Holly Grove with Director Berg Sunday, April 2, 1995 Eight AmeriCorps participants ment to bring the department up along with other officials met last to standards, worked in bringing Wednesday with U. S. Depart- together local churches for com- ment of Agriculture AmeriCorps munity functions, and have Director Joel Berg. The meeting worked towards securing fund- was held in the Holly Grove City ing for projects. Jana Coleman Hall. related that she had worked with Area AmeriCorps workers were Fargo for the city to install street joined by Berg, Allen Pigg of the lights and in securing regular U.S. Forestry Service in Georgia; garbage pickup. Cedric Bradford, state conserva- In other areas, the work of tionist with Natural Resources varies greatly. Debra Conservation Service; Don Carmen of the Central Arkansas Jernigan. publicist with USDA- RC and D Council has been work- NRCS; Monroe County Judge ing with a pellet stove project Tom Catlett; and Holly Grove which involves cooking with pel- Mayor Lula Tyler. lets made from compacted saw- The Arkansas Ameri Corps par- dust. She has also worked with ticipants have been working on finding markets for poultry lit- rural development projects in ter, and installing dry hydrants eastern Arkansas. In Holly Grove, in rural areas. Loyda, Stith of the work has focused on apprais- Batesville has been working on als of homes located in the 100 recycling projects and educating year floodplain. At a fair market land owners about the value of value, the Federal Emergency wetlands. Harrison Locke of Management Agency (FEMA), is Fargo has been working with buying up the properties fre- marketing of alternative crops quently flooded by the overflow and supervising ASU students waters of Dial Creek. Once the learning about vegetable crops. buy-out is completed, residents Vivian Jones of North Little Rock may relocate to a new, yet to be has been working with an adoles- built, housing complex at the in- cent development program tar- tersection of Highways 17 and 86. geted towards the African-Ameri- Some relocated residents will be can male. allowed to build houses on two or Director Joel Berg commented three nearby areas. Property that the various works of clearance from the floodplain will AmeriCorps model the "national begin when other factors are in service" priority of President Bill place. Individual home apprais- als will move the relocation project Clinton. Berg stated that along. AmeriCorps is the way to change Lisa Cobb of the Eastern Ar- America through "local residents kansas RC and D Council has and empowering local communi- been instrumental in helping with ties to change themselves." Ap- appraisals. Audria Coleman, proximately 20,000 AmeriCorps Renee Spurlock, and Jana workers are at work across the Coleman have been invólved sur- nation. The program provides for veying residents in the floodplain cost of living expenses and pro- and offering practical assistance vides payment for higher educa- about relocation. tion. Berg calls the program the In addition to the work of the "G. I. bill without the G.I." Berg buyout, AmeriCorps is involved commended the work of the in many other projects. In Holly AmeriCorps members present. Grove, AmeriCorps workers have Following the meeting, the assisted local planning commit- AmeriCorps members hosted a tees, worked with the fire depart- reception for all in attendance. In Marvell illips County ogress lena, AR Volunteerism alive and well 26, 1995 Volunteerism-and the good à couple of months ago, you would ward recovering the city vital such & concept can accomplish--- have found it in an unkempt condi- ty, its vim and vigor, was made is alive and well in Marvell and tion-vacant lots high with weeds, this week when dozens of volun- residents are inviting visitors to trash on streets and in ditches, and teers, armed with lawn mowers, see what they have done. a municipality suffering from hedge cutters, rakes, hoes and If you happened to visit the "woe-begotten attitude." buckets of soap and water fanned small South Phillips County town Not any more. A large step to- out in the various neighborhoods, determined to get their ntunici- pality back in shape, It was "Clean-up, Paint Up, Fix-up Week" in Marvell-and volunteers clearly emphasizodthe "Clean-up" portion of the moito. "It was & real community effort and I'm proud of each and every person that participated in the AC- tivities," said Barbie Washburn, administrative assistant to Mayor Clark Hall, who spearficaded the effort. "There are still a lot of things to do-but the volunteers have made a great start, The most visible sign of clean- up work was on the city's Main Street, where volunteers mounted ladders to wash all of the store windows. One store owner, seeing his and his neighbor's windows be. ing washed, brought out paint bucket and brush and put "paint- up" back in the motto------by paint- ing the door of his business. Even children did their part. Students in Mrs. Betsy Campbell's grade school class swarmed over ditches near the school, clearing them of debris, limbs and other trash. Other volunteers spruced up the yard of the Marvell Library, trimmed hedges, and unclogged drainage outlets. A number of vacant lots were mowed, loads of fallen limbs and trash were hauled away and vol- unteers even washed and scrapped Main Street. And, perhaps in an effort to Window cleaners remind them of what had been These ladies were among the dozen or so volunteers who took it accomplished during the week, on themselves this week to "Clean-up, Fix-up, Paint-up" Marvell. volunteers took special care in planting flowers at BGACDC Here, they re cleaning windows of downtown businesses, but they Manor, at City Hall, and at the also planted flowers, picked up trash, and cleaned out ditches. Police Station. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: BARBIE WA SHBURN June 23, 1995 (501) 829-2573 CITY OF MARVEL, ARKANSAS RECEIVES AMERICORPS GRANT MARVELL, AR.-- The City of Marvell, Arkansas, in partnership with the East Arkansas Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council, has received funding through the Rural Forestry Assistance (Rural Development) AmeriCorps Program. The mission of the AmeriCorps Program is to engage a diverse group of Americans in working partnerships with communities to provide real and measurable service to meet environmental and human needs while building an ethic of service, responsibility, and citizenship. The "City of Marvell Enhancement Project" is designed to improve the social, economic, and natural environment of the town. "As part of the project, trash bins and planters will be installed as permanent fixtures in the downtown area. Accessible ramps will be built and the existing sidewalks will be made accessible. New culverts will be installed in residential areas where they are virtually nonexistent or nonserviceable," stated Barbie Wa shburn, Assistant to the Mayor Clark Hall As part of the project, the East Arkansas RC&D Council will began revisions on an Area Plan. In the plan revisions, committees will be selected and public meeting held for each county in the district. The following concerns have been identified in Phillips County: Soil Conservation and Land Treatment; Infrastructure; Use, Quality, and Quantity in Irrigation Water: Flood Protection and Drainage of Agricultural and Urban Land, Recreation and Tourism; Rural Fire Protection; and Recycling & Waste Management. The "City of Marvell Enhancement Project" will address waste management, infrastructure, flood protection, and drainage concerns. Besides the city of Marvell and the East Arkansas RC&D Council, additional partners include the USDA Forest Service, Phillips County Conservation District, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. "Getting Things Done" 18 the motto of the AmeriCorps Program. With assistance from this grant and the partners involved, the city of Marvell is doing just that. ### LIGHTING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CITY OF HOLLY GROVE APRIL 20, 1990 Mayor Lula Tyler and City Councilmen: The Crime and Drug Committee, on behalf of the city of Holly Grove, respectfully requests the following lighting changes. We feel that the switch from mercury vapor lights, or white lights, to the high pressure sodium lights will greatly reduce the crime in our community as well as prevent loitering in certain areas. Therefore, we are asking Mayor Tyler, upon the recommendation of the City Council, to write a. formal letter of request including our information and findings to Clifton Avant, District Manager of Arkansas Power and Light, P.O. Box 100, Helena, AR 72342. The City of Holly Grove currently has a total of 136 city lights with the majority of these lights being 100 watt white lights. We realize to change completely over to sodium lighting would increase the city's average bill of $635.23 per month to approximately $1050.00 per month. This would result in a yearly increase of $4800.00., an expense that is not feasible at this time. After evaluating the lighting situation in Holly Grove, the Crime and Drug Committee was able to determine what streets in town need to be more adequately lit. Our suggestions include changing nine lights from mercury vapor to sodium and installing seven additional sodium lights where there is currently no lighting at all. We approximate the additional cost per month to be around $93.00. Information attached includes street addresses for lighting changes, current rates for white and sodium lights, the city's current lighting status, and how we determined the costs. We sincerely appreciate the time and consideration given to this matter. CRIME AND DRUG COMMITTEE CITY OF HOLLY GROVE LIGHTING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CITY OF HOLLY GROVE The following are rates for white lights and sodium lights as quoted by Arkansas Power and Light. WHITE LIGHTS 100 watt at $4.04 per light per month 175 watt at $5.88 per light per month 250 watt at $7.55 per light per month SODIUM LIGHTS 150 watt at $7.61 per light per month 250 watt at $9.78 per light per month The following is the current lighting status for the city of Holly Grove. NUMBER OF LIGHTS WATTAGE RATE TYPE 104 100 watts $4.04 white 14 175 watts $5.88 white 11 250 watts $7.55 white 7 150 watts $7.61 sodium Assuming that the nine lights we want to change over to 150 watt sodium are currently 100 watt white lights, the cost of $4.04 per light per month would increase to $7.61 per light per month. The price difference would result in an increase of $32.13 each month. The eight 150 watt sodium lights that we would like to see added to the city would cost an additional $60.88 per month. This combined total would be $93.01 per month. These prices were subject to change upon their quote and do not include taxes. LIGHTING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CITY OF HOLLY GROVE CHANGE MERCURY ADD POLE STREET ADDRESS & LOCATION VAPOR TO SODIUM & SODIUM *304 South Smith X Behind the Legion Hut *307 South Smith X By the James Hartse! Home *101 Atlanta X By the Janette Morton Home *404 East X Between J. Hoppers & Church *121 South Smith X By the Randy Everett Home *112 South Smith X By the Jackson Home Corner of Marshall & Louise X By the Ralph Arbramson Home *Corner of Louise & Wilson X By the John Skinner Home *100 East Wilson X By the I.W. Endsley Home *105 Lyniee X By the Sally Phillips Home Corner of Second & Holly X Corner of Dogwood & Mimosa X Corner of Dogwood & Holly X *305 North Pine move up In Alley by Apartments light *112 South Pine X By the Joe Gibbs Home *104 South Pine X By the AI Bones Home *906 Fourth Street X = the Daisy Swift Lot 4th 1975 75 79 get to a sodium light from mercury 10!0 Mimos Dogwood HOLLY S beGibbs N BEECH MAIN 4 TH 1045.A 104 A PINE MAIN 2ND 3RD of Creek ByApts N 55 HIGH SMITH 1525 Smith S Jacksons : I James Hortsell SallyPhillips 3075 307 Smith 105 Lynke DR & LYNLEE SPRUCE WASHINGTON AVE. AVE AVE 17 OAK ATLANTA CENTRAL WILSON Janette Mo I,Endsta 101 Atlanta 100E.Wilson 100E. B-+ EAST ouis F.. ELM MARSHALL Jomytharper 404 East 1 AVE DR. DIAL 21 26 23 LIGHTING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CITY OF HOLLY GROVE PatChastani Franced Hendock James Elwarde Bill Brown atto 3 adams Brenda Celemn Resemary Cartwright Billy Cartwright Rence Spurlock Patsy Edwards James Nolen Floyd Christian Willie Stokes Brende Dunawan Helen Jackson nathan Ray magan Jr. Levise Sands Susan Raie Morgan moxine strong Mike chartain Sherry Martin Paula Davidson Janette martin Doyez Garl Hill Larry tolema for Marry bessie Davidson Jay Scott Vicki Hartsee Harvey Cauly Lil Scott James E Scott Broop Hailyn Elosie Webb H 35 all PAINT THE TOWN CLEAN" Point & 0 Town City-wide clean-up (l:an larvell, Arkansas 1 - Place 2:11ac- 3" Place Poster Contest Pamis WINNER I.y CLEANER AMPUL 17-23 Pertina 543 8033 PAGE.002 4 05:01 S6, 0€ NNS FOURTH QUARTER AMERICORPS REPORT PERTINA WHITE TIME PERIOD: DUE DATE: 1. There were 14 members enrolled at the time of launch. 2. There were 19 members enrolled at end of the quarter. 3. There were 1700 hours of service performed. 4. There were 120 hours of training. 5. PROGRESS TOWARDS MEETING COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE: Several minority farmers have incorporated vegetables into their farm operation. The per acre income from the vegetables should be much higher than the per acre income from the traditional crop (soybeans). Therefore net income should increase. In addition five minority youths have loans to grow vegetables for their project. These youth are potential future farmers who should know that vegetable crops are profitable on small farms. 6. PRIMARY ACCOMPLISHMENTS: I assisted minority and limited resource farmers with their crop production practices. Since practically all of the minority and limited resource farmers grow traditional crops, many questions were asked about soybeans, cotton, rice. Therefore, I provided some information on crops but my emphasis was on vegetable crop. To help farmers Increase their yields I took soil samples on several farms and discussed the soil test recommendations with them. I obtained Extension Service recommendations on vegetable crops and traditional crops. This information was reviewed and given to farmers during my visits to their farms. During the farm visits I demonstrated the correct way to cut sweet potato slips, I checked the spacing on sweet potatoes, I examined a rice field for weed control and made recommendations, and I checked a bollweevil trap to determine if the farmer needed to make an Insecticide application. Many other observation and recommendations were made during the farm visit. 2052 258 S01 - IS EXE RGRI EARD 15:00 56/02/90 543 8033 PAGE.003 05:01 S6, 0€ NNS I also assisted 3 Jefferson County youths with youth project loan applications. I developed their farm plans (projected income and expenses) and assisted them in getting additional forms that accompany the applications. After the loans were approved I visited the youths in the field and made vegetable production recommendations. I also arranged a group meeting with the youths to review their records and to advised them on record keeping procedures. 7. PROJECTED OUTCOMES FOR NEXT QUARTER: If the Americorp project is funded then the next quarter I will be providing intense assistance with vegetables and other crop production practices. During this quarter farmers will be actively Involved with field work. Therefore, the assistance and training will be provided in the areas of pest control which includes identifying insects and disease that may cause problems and controlling weeds. Pesticides recommendations will be made as well as agricultural practices. Limited resource farmers and youth project loan participants will be provided with information and training on crop production and record keeping. 8. PRIMARY TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE NEEDS: The training in which I have received has been very Informative and I can not think of any other training that will be needed at this time. 9. PRIMARY CHALLENGES: The biggest disappointment I have encountered is when the National Office request information and give you a short turn around period to respond. 00 NO. 444 2002 RC/ 543 8033 PAGE 004' 06/20/95 08:12 2028900639 COMM-ASSISTANCE +++ ARKANSA 05:01 S6, 08 NNS 002/002 1995 AmeriCorps Members' Stories Those of you serving in NRCS AmeriCorps this first year are pioneers in this experience. We would like to learn from you about some of the impacts of this program on the members. Would you take a few minutes to answer the questions below? This is A voluntary opportunity to share your personal story of the AmeriCrops service experience. This information will be helpful in the development of future projects and in explaining the value of AmeriCorps to policymakers. (Names will not be used without permission). Name: Pertina White Project location:University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Briefly describe your background (education, work and service experiences, etc.): Before graduating from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff with a B.S. Degree in Agrícultural Economics. I worked as a summer intern with Rural Economic Community Development and Natural Resource Conservation Service. What are your present education and career goals? My present education goal 16 to attend the University of Arkansas at Little Rock to work on my Master's Degree in Public Administration. Have they changed at all as a result of your AmeriCorps experience? Yes No X If yes, please explain: How would you describe the impact of this AmeriCorps experience on you personally? The experience has been very challenging for me and I have learned many different things. I have realized how important the AmeriCorp Program is and: that I feel very honored to be serving my community. What have you learned about natural resources through this program? I have learned that natural resources are very essential to everyone or at least should be. What have you learned shout community service through this experience? I have learned that community service is very essential in a community. It will be very hard for a community to survive without having people to care about what is happening in that community. What have you learned about working with people of different backgrounds? Working with people of different backgrounds has helped me understand people better. I realize that no matter what people basically are the same. What would you tell someone who expresses interest in applying for NRCS AmeriCorps? I would tell them that AmeriCorp is a good program for someone who enjoys working in the community with different people of different backgrounds. DOD DDD ON UAPB AGRI EXP ST -> 501 758 7052 50:51 56/02/90 JUN 30 '95 15:30 FROM USDA BATESVILLE, AR. Loydia PAGE. 001 Loyda I. Stith- NRCS, Batesville, Arkansas FOURTH QUARTER AMERICORPS REPORT Time Period: Project- Woodland Owners Association 1. Number of members-1 2. Number of members at the end of quarter-1 3. Total of hours of direct service- 1700 hours 4. Total of hours in training- 210 hours 5. Progress Towards Meeting Comunity Service: At this time the Ozarks Woodland Owners Association is a Fact. The association now exist and it have a constitution, by laws, elected officers and 150 members. 6. Primary accomplishments: By now the main objective of my project is done, The woodland owners association is been created and working by itself. I belive "I got things done". 7. Project outcomes for the next Quarter: During the next quarter we'll be working to get some funds to hire a professional forester that willbe working with the association. Also another news letter will be out to inform the members about the progress of the association. 8. Primary Chalenges: During this quarter I had a baby and took live without pay. I wasnt able to participate of certain activities related to my project. Other than that everything is beeng going fine. 9. Other creative documentation: a. News article: "Forestry landowners form association" b. Newsletter: "Woodland Owners association formed" C. Letters of support from satisfied individuals 1. Joseph Wooldridge 2. Thomas Roberson 08/20/95 10:06 JUN 30 '95 15:31 FROM USDA BATESVILLE, AR. USDA sis LK PAGE. 002 [ RECEIVED 12/13 11:26 1932 At 5034638 +++ Central AR RCOD VIUUO 06/20/95 09:12 PAGE 2 (PRINTED PAGE 2) 3 2025900639 COMM-ASSISTANCE +++ ARKANSA S 002/002 1995 AmeriCorps Members' Stories Those of you serving in NRCS AmeriCorps this first year are pioneers in this experience. We would like to learn from you about some of the impacts of this program on the members. Would you take a few minutes to answer the questions below? This is n voluntary opportunity to share your personal story of the AmeriCrops service experience. This information will be helpful In the development of future projects and in explaining the value of AmeriCorps to policymakers. (Names will not be used without permission). Name: Loyda I. Stith Project location: NRCS, Batesville, Arkansas Briefly describe your background (education, work and service experiences, etc.): Hispanic, BA in Agricultuaral Science: Animal Industry, My work experiences are the one that Im geting now with the Americorps program. What are your present education and career goals? I plan to get my masters degree (Reproducction of farm animals) Have they changed at all as a result of your AmeriCarps experience? Yes * No If yes, please explain: I been encourage to progress, and to go against all odds. How would you describe the impact of this AmeriCorps experience on you personally? I have change 8 lot, I used to be shy and afraidto talk english because I'm hispanic, but now I have alot of friends and can talk to everybody. What have you learned about natural resources through this program? The natural resources are very important and we have to learn how to manage them for the future of the planet. What have you learned about community service through this experience? There is a lot of people who have the resources, but they dont know how to manage them. With the right information and a little bit of help they can progress What have you learned about working with people of different backgrounds? Is very intersting and educational especialy for me beeing hispanic, people have different culture, and a different language. I love itl What would you tell someone who expresses Interest in applying for NRCS AmeriCorps? I will say"Go for it" and enjoy the job to the max. Dont limit yourself to one project, lern all you can because is a good experince and it count for the future. JUN 30 95 15:31 FROM USDA BATESVILLE, AR. PAGE. 003 Page 10 Batesville. Daily Guard, Datesvare, Arm. Ivemy ev, MN B A T E $ G R D Agriculture Forestry landowners form association A group of forestry landowners JIM REID The formation of this associatic met May 2 to form a woodland own- follows a field day conducted in la ers amociation. Conservation Comer March at the Bryant brothers' cab This association, which will be on Salado Creck. This field day W. identified as the "Ozark Woodland tion newsletter. attended by approximately Owners Association," elected the A constiuution for this association people. following officers: Robert Craig, was adopted at the May 2 meeting. The speaker addressed the issu president; Larry Bennett, vice presi- The constitution Identifies the objec- of how woodland owners could be dent; and Edgar Schoenike, tives of the organization as follows: efit by developing an associatic secretary-treasuror. To promote and improve the and working together 10 promo To date, organizational efforts welfare and professional status of its better woodland management as that have led to the development of members, marketing this association were being con- To encourage professional ducted by a program development Approximately 150 woodlar improvement through all available group comprised of numerous owners have expressed a desire educational opportunities. woodland landowners around the become association members. To increase interest in forestry area and & technical advisory com- The second field trip of the year as a career. mittee comprised of representatives being planned for. late June. F from the Cooperative Extension Ser- more information, contact the loc To provide for exchange of Natural Resources Conservatic vice, Arkansas Forcatry Commis- ideas, methods and techniques for sion and the Natural Resources Service office at 698-1017. woodland improvement. Conservation Service (formerly the To promote cooperation among Soil Conservation Service.) all forestry personnel. Days The Ozark Foothills RC&D Council received a small grant from To improve lines of communi- monies administered by Winrock cation among forest landowners, International for the purpose of forest industries, the general public, encouraging the development of a and various local, state and federal woodland owners association for agencies with forestry-related this area. This money is being used programs. for postage, supplies and printing To improve marketing skills of costs for such things as the associa- forest landowners. JUN 30 '95 15:32 FROM USDA BATESVILLE, AR. PAGE. 004 Ozark Woodland Owners Association FORESTS FOR AHMANSAS FUTURE June 1995 newsletter content, speakers, field Woodland days, workshops, tours and other Owners training opportunities. Association Please take time to write and Formed give us your ideas and opinions. We have an opportunity that may not repeat itself, so we must do it right the first time. A woodland owners association now exists in the North Central Sawmill Tour Arkansas Ozarks. On May 2, a group of woodland owners met in Batesville and adopted a Deark Weodland constitution that forms the "Ozark Ovners Association Woodland Owners Association." Officers were elected to serve the first term of this new association. Your association has scheduled a tour Robert Craig will serve as president; for June 28, 1995, of the Jerry Moore sawmill Larry Bennett as Vice-President; and in Kensett, AR. This will provide an excellent Edgar Schoenike as Secretary- opportunity to understand how important it is Treasurer. to manage your woodland resources for Approximately 150 woodland quality. This tour will leave the Post Office Bldg. owners have expressed a desire to In Batesville at 12:30 p.m. and return at become a member of this association approximately 4:30 p.m. Transportation will be and will receive a member's certificate- provided. Reservations can be made by as soon as they can be prepared: If you calling the NRCS office at 698-1017. have indicated to us that you wish to be a member but have not received a certificate by mid-July, please let us know. All others who would like to join Working With Nature in a Woodlot this association can do so by calling Many Mrd spectes - in the certies. be on help them by desting - occuloral - have in of the woodlot were. under a brge timb = the NRCS office at 501-698-1017. a sight upward argis to - walk - Also, have a few trees standing Such my are Awarte meting places for may species. Ideas Now the WORK begins! How do vou develop a successful woodfand JUN 30 '95 15:32 FROM USDA BATESVILLE, AR. PAGE. 005 THE LAW OFFICES OF Young Wooldridge The Unocal Plaza 1800 30th Street. Fourth Floor . Bskersfick. CA 93301-5298 A PARTNERSHIP COMPOSED or PROFESSIONAL CORPORATIONS Telephone 805-327-9661 Facsimile 805-324-0409 Joseph Wooklridge, PC A. Cameron Paulden PARTNER 1927-1984 April 20, 1995 Independence/Izard Woodland Development Ozark Foothills RC&D Project Council, Inc. Room 108, Federal Building 490 College Street Batesville, AR 72501 Gentlemen: Thank you very kindly for the news letter under date of April 1995, regarding Woodland Owners Association. I appreciate your courtesy in forwarding this newsletter, and I have read with interest that we are setting up the Constitution and By-Laws in connection with the association. 1 am interested in becoming a member of this association in order that I may keep up with what is going on with timber land in that area. Very truly yours, JW/ds ** TOTAL PAGE. 005 ** JUN 30 '95 15:33 FROM USDA BATESVILLE, AR. PAGE. 001 ROBERSON REALTY & INSURANCE P.O. Box 329 Hwy. 167 North Tommy Roberson Pleasant Plains, AR 72568 (501) 345-2929 Broker/Agent June 1, 1995 Ozark Woodland Owners Association Federal Building Room 114 490 College Street Batesville, AR 72501 I am still excited about the formation of the Woodland Owners Association. At this time, I really do not know enough about timber to make many suggestions about training or information to be presented. I am interested in learning about proper management of timber, to help a tract develop to its fullest potential. I would like to know more about dealing with timber buyers. I would like to learn how to estimate board footage of a tract and the different grades of timber from that tract. I do plan to attend the workshop at Moore's on June 28. I will take my own vehicle and plan to arrive there at about 1:30. I hope the support and enthusiasm will continue to grow for the association. Sincerely, Thomas Roberson Thomas Roberson ** TOTAL PAGE. 001 ** FOURTH QUARTER AMERICORPS REPORT UPAGE.001 P.02 1. NUMBER OF MEMBERS ENROLLED AT THE TIME OF THE LAUNCH. 16 2. NUMBER OF MEMBERS ENROLLED AT THE END OF THE QUARTER (MAR 31). 19 3. TOTAL NUMBER OF HOURS OF DIRECT SERVICE PERFORMED. 1700 4. TOTAL NUMBER OF HOURS IN TRAINING. 144 5. PROGRESS TOWARDS MEETING COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES. A. Gathered secondary data from the following sources: 1. Cansus of Agriculture 2. Louisiana CRS Budgets 3. Tennessee CES Budgets 4. Mississippi CES Budgets B. Identified producers, processors, distributors, brokers and other relevant agents: 1. Identified approximately 150 producers 2. Identified approximately 300 processors 3. Identified approximately 46 distributors 4. Identified approximately 46 brokers C. Sent out questionnaires to the producers, processors, distributors, and brokers identified above: 1. Producers 150 2. Processors 300 3. Distributors 46 4. Brokers 46 D. Direct Community Service Connected to above: 1. Presently serve on the Board of Directors of the Arkansas Vegetable Growers & Marketing Cooperative Association. 2. Currently serve as a member of Southeast Arkansas Vegetable Growers Cooperative. PAGE.002 JUL 5 '95 8:42 FROM JEFFERSON COUNTY PAGE. 001 JUN.30 '95 11:20 GREERS FERRY RES OFC P.03 3. Continue to be an active member of Arkansas Land and Farm Development Corporation in October 1994. 4. Have been in direct contact with about 40 farmers in Southeast Arkansas. During these visits, we discussed various aspects of their operations and farm management practices. I take advantage of the opportunities to share my knowledge with them and also learn from them. 5. Have helped SEARK Vegetable Growers Cooperative obtain & pea sheller from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in order for the members to use it to shell peas. 6. Worked with Mr. Mendenhall in identifying farmers to be interviewed. 7. Continue to recruit students in agriculture for UAPB. 8. My work with farmers will have some short-term and long-term benefits. 9. Spoke to a few people about how to become an Americorps volunteer. 6. PRIMARY ACCOMPLISHMENTS PRIMARY ACCOMPLISHMENTS DURING THE FOURTH QUARTER:: a. I played a key role in help SEARK Vegetable Growers Cooperative obtain a pea sheller.Having obtained a pea sheller, & positive atmosphere has emerged for farmers who can now expand their production of peas which will help improve their incomes. b. Information and data obtained from farmers, processors, distributors, brokers and other agents are helping improve farmers perception of a brighter future. Their attitude toward adopting alternative crops is becoming more positive. JUN 38 '95 11:20 PAGE.003 JUL 5 '95 8:43 FROM JEFFERSON COUNTY PAGE. 002 JUN.30 '95 11:20 GREERS FERRY RES OFC P.04 7. PROJECTED OUTCOME FOR THE NEXT QUARTER My projected outcomes for the third quarter will relate to objective goals 1 and 2 of the initial project proposal which involve obtaining information and data on the production of crops that have potential for processing and obtaining information and data on the demand for the potential processed products from crops with potential for profitability. The projected outcome will be accomplished by preparing, streamlining, coding, and entering the collected data into the computer for processing, analysis and interpretation. I will be sharing any information and data with farmers that will help them improve their operations. 8. PRIMARY CHALLENGES A major challenge has been getting distributors, brokers and processors to complete the questionnaires we sent out in order to obtain primary data and information. We have had to do follow-up by telephone and a second mailing in some cases. It usually consumes more time that one expects. 9. PRIMARY TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE NEEDS I would like additional training on writing grants and proposals. It would be helpful to me and the farmers and cooperatives. 10. MEDIA COVERAGE Ne have planned to publicize our efforts through the local newspaper the "Pine BluEf Commercial" on the project. We expect to do an interview with a report within a week or 50. 11. OTHER CREATIVE DOCUMENTATION Find below excerpts from my journal during the quarter: 1. Visiting other cities like Memphis TN, Baton Rouge LA, New Orleans LA, and Jackson MS gave me an opportunity to work with different people to help farmers improve their well-being. 2. Visiting and learning about what the extension agents do to help farmers learn how to keep records of what they are doing so that they can increase their potential of growing more crops. JUN 30 '95 11:21 PAGE. 004 JUL 5 '95 8:43 FROM JEFFERSON COUNTY PAGE. 003 JUN. '95 11:21 GREERS FERRY RES OFC X RECEIVED 12/11 11:26 1994 AT seriam PAZZ the (PRINTED PARE 2) 1 P.05 06/28/91 08:12 COMM-ABSISTANCE + ARKANSA 2002/202 1995 AmeriCorps Members' Stories Thom of you serving in NRCS AmeriCorps this first your ace plancers in this experience. Wa would like to learn from you about some of the impacts of this program on the members. Would you take & few minutes to newer the questions below? This is u voluntary opportunity to share your personal Mory of the AmeriCrops DEVICE experience. This information will be helpful in the development of future projects and in explaining the value of AmeriCorps to policymakers. (Names will not be used without permission). Name: Marvin Johnson Project location: University Arkansas Pine Bluff Briefly describe your background (education, work and service experiences, etc.): I Have a Bachelors Degree in Agriculture Economics, I'm in the Army Reserve and I also work at Wal Mart full-time. What are your present education and career goals? To get a MAsters' degree and work in the state so that not only I want to help farmers in the state but to also help my wife in her job, which is to help children that are having problems at home. Have they changed at all # e result of your AmeriCorps experience? Yes No Y H yes, please explain: How would you describe the impact of this AmeriCorps experience on you personally? My Americorps experience has helped me mature futher, equipped me with very good professional working skills, improved my knowledge of lookingat & problem from different points of view and enable me to travel and meet many productive people. What have you learned about natural resources through this program? I have learned that natural resources are scarce, important, and should be managed properly, should be protected so that future generations can also benefit from their availability. Concern for the environment is at an all time high and we have a responsibility to handle these resources with respect and care. What have you learned about community service through this experience?That it takes hard work and dedication to get things done. Communities should pull together and work out the problems to help clean up neighborhoods, fight crime, and keep their kids in school. Community service is a very important and rewarding activity. It. contributes to a better society. It indicates to others that one cares. What have you learned short working with people of different backgrounds? It has been a good the: experience of learning from them as well as them learning from me. exper Tence working with the different people with different backgrounds and gaining What would you tall someons who expresses Interest in applying for NRCS AmeriCorps? I would tell him/her that it would be a great and rewarding experience, They would learn alot and then continue on with their education or possible job contact would be at hand after completion of the project. JUN 30 '95 11:21 PAGE.005 ** TOTAL PAGE. 003 ** JANA. COLEMAN NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE USDA AMERICORPS HELENA, ARKANSAS FOURTH QUARTER REPORT TRI-COUNTY OUTREACH PROJECT #3 TOTAL NUMBER OF HOURS OF DIRECT SERVICE. I worked 320 hours between July 3, 1995 and August 31, 1995 and have completed my 1700 hours of direct service for AmeriCorps. #4 TOTAL NUMBER OF HOURS IN TRAINING. During the fourth quarter, I spent 48 hours in training. This brings my overall training time to 264 hours. #5 PROGRESS TOWARDS MEETING COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES. The two projects from the last quarter that I am most proud of have been the City of Marvell's application for the 1995 Arkansas Community Development Awards Program and their application for the 1995 Arkansas Volunteer Community of the Year Award. The project that has been the most fun is the dinner theater that residents in Marvell and I have been working on to provide the remaining matching funds for the USDA Forest Service Grant the town has been awarded. #6 PRIMARY ACCOMPLISHMENTS. Marvell entered their 1994 Christmas Parade in the 1995 Arkansas Community Development Awards Program because they felt that is was a project that truly recognized and promoted community initiative, cooperation, and commitment along with individual contribution and leadership within their town. When our. application made it to the final round of competition, we had to show our project, the Christmas Parade, to several out of town judges within a one hour visit to our town. Because the parade was already over, we choose to let them see the parade as a slide show from pictures taken at the parade and with the assistance of the NRCS Public Affairs Office, we had a display board as well. Marvell City Hall was decorated for the holidays and local residents who were on hand to show their support wore Christmas attire. The Christmas Parade Chairman gave a parade summary at the presentation and four volunteers spoke on key criteria for which the project was being judged. We have already been notified that.we have placed in the contest and have won prize money. We will not know the final details until the awards luncheon on Sept. 19. As an AmeriCorps Volunteer, I nominated the City of Marvell for the 1995 Volunteer Community of the Year Award. In the application and written report, I highlighted three projects that required a vast number of volunteers within the past year. These projects include the 1994 Christmas Parade, a Pancake Supper and a City Wide Clean Up. The 1994 Christmas Parade was a community event that provided an opportunity for diverse groups in Marvell to work together to help restore civic pride as well as addressed an economical need by exposing newcomers to the downtown business area which has increased trade. The Pancake Supper was a fund raiser put on by Marvell residents to provide matching funds for a USDA Forest Service Rural Development Grant. When the town was awarded $12,000, they lacked the 50/50 matching funds. The city was able to provide $8,000 with in-kind services and $700 from the city budget, but the Pancake Supper contributed enough money to allow the town to receive the fully funded grant. During Marvell's first ever, "Clean-Up, Paint Up, Fix-Up Week" volunteers put in endless hours of hard work into the tidying and sprucing up of the town. By washing windows, cleaning out ditches, picking up trash, painting store fronts, mowing vacant lots, and planting flowers, the group worked to bring the municipality up to par. The application for this award has already been submitted even though the deadline is not until next month. The final project I am assisting with in the City of Marvell is the second, and last, fund raiser to help with the city's part for the USDA Forest Service Grant. Tickets are going to be sold for a dinner theater. Local stores are going to provide the food, people have volunteered to help with dinner preparations, and individuals of all ages have committed to participate in the drama production. This project is at the early stages, but is planned for the end of October or first of November. #9 PRIMARY TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. I believe all USDA AmeriCorps participants in the State of Arkansas have been offered numerous training opportunities. The state offices have always been eager to provide technical assistance. The best example I can give, is the display board used by the City of Marvell during the competition. An individual with the Public Affairs office designed the display and provided computer print outs that were used. #10 MEDIA COVERAGE. I have enclosed five newspaper articles pertaining to my position with AmeriCorps. Each of these stories were printed in small town newspapers that effected the immediate area. However, it should be noted that two of the articles appeared in the Central Delta Messenger, a paper that goes out free of charge to post office box holders and rural route addresses in fifteen different towns. #11 OTHER CREATIVE DOCUMENTATION. Also, enclosed are pictures taken at the City of Marvell's presentation for the 1995 Arkansas Community Development Program as well as pictures taken at the AmeriCorps Rural Development Corps End of Service Meeting. A letter from the Mayor of Marvell demonstrates the town's appreciation for assistance from the AmeriCorps program with the USDA Forest Service Grant. AmeriCorps Rural Development Corps End of Service Meeting AmeriCorps participants from Natural Resources Conservation Service and Forest Service discuss the Mission Statement the group adopted January 4, 1995 and determine mission accomplished. AmeriCorps members complete the exit forms for Nationals. DEVELOPMENT AWARDS PROGRAM CITY OF MARVELL Marvell Mayor Clark Hall talk: with the out of state judge wl scored the community on their diverse group participation. D 11 Superintendent of Marvell Public School explains how the Christmas parade in- volves the entire staff and enrollment of the school system. Committee members for the Christmas Parade listen as Shelton Guest tells how the parade is organized. 1995 ARKANSAS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AWARDS PROGRAM CITY OF MARVELL Local beauty queens greet supporters and hand out agendas at the project presentation. Marvell City Hall was decorated for the Christmas Holiday in order to demonstrate Marvell's Christmas spirit. A display board of the 1994 Christmas Parade served as a focal point for the presentation. The display was put together by the NRCS State Public Affairs Office and myself.