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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: 24225 FolderID: Folder Title: USDA [Department of Agriculture]/Americorps - Clinton Library Copies - FY 95 3rd Quarter Progress Reports to CNS [Corporation for National Service] Stack: Row: Section: Shelf: Position: S 66 1 6 3 DOCUMENT HEADER Document name: 3RD QUARTER SUMMARY Document type: WRD Drawer: AmeriCorps Folder: AmeriCorps Last modified on Aug 16,95 1:23 PM by J.SEYMOUR Author: SEYMOUR, JOHN Typist: SCOTT, NICOLE D. Subject: 3RD QUARTER SUMMARY Summary: Comments: AmeriCorps Third Quarter Report USDA Forest Service The following is a chart of Member Information and a summary of the Public Lands and Environment Corps (PL&E) Accomplishments in the 3rd Quarter. Member Slots in 3rd Quarter = 380 Serving on last day of 3rd Quarter = 332 Served entire 3rd Quarter = 326 Left 3rd Quarter = 21 Joined 3rd Quarter = 6 Total Service hours for 3rd Quarter = 148,587.4 Total Service hours to date = 362,339.7 Volunteers = 292 Volunteer hours = 4201 A general summary of 3rd Quarter Public Lands and Environment Project Accomplishments are as follows. 326 (included RDT) Members served through the 3rd Quarter logging 148,587.4 service hours. Service Accomplishments were: 1200 hours - 1.23 miles 3 structures- Fire rehabilitation/Watershed protection 638 acres of reforestation 355.2 miles of Trail Maintenance 220 campground sites built or rehabbed 58 miles of fence built 52 acres of timber stand improvement 1.5 miles of historic site trail built 912 acres of wildlife habitat improvement with 133 structures built or rehabbed and 58 nesting/shelter boxes built 577 acres - fisheries habitat improvement 15 miles of vehicle trails worked 4 picnic areas built 10 miles of road obliteration -6 eroded areas stabilized 5.4 trails reconstructed - 1289 students taught - 2 wilderness sites rehabbed - 136 acres of seed orchard maintained - 14 check dams built - 600 recreation sites received maintenance - 50 road curves daylighted - 5 bridges built - 720,000 seedlings transplanted - 94 acres of pruning - 25 picnic tables built - 775,000 salmon fry stocked The work accomplished reflects the AmeriCorps motto of "getting things done. " This list does not include the considerable numbers of hours of volunteer work done in evenings and weekends by AmeriCorps Members in their nearby communities. It also does not include work done for counties or rural areas off NFS Lands. The communities are responding to the enthusiasm and dedication of AmeriCorps Members by increasing their own efforts to better their communities. Clubs are being formed, work groups of local citizens are ptiching in. The AmeriCorps Members are serving as catalyst in community after community. The leadership shown by our partners, Camp Directors and Crew Supervisors is helping to make it happen. The good work started with the beginning of the program has become great work as person after person and community after community is observing what is being done. The 4th Quarter will wrap the First Program Year with every expectation that the accomplishments of the AmeriCorps Program as known through the Forest Service will be considered legendary, and thus a prototype for the Future. The Third Quarter report contains evidence of a job which continues to be done well by the dedicated AmeriCorps Members and staff. Thanks for continuing to make it happen. AMERICORPS/USDA NAT SERVICE M UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Third Quarter Report (April 1, 1995 - June 30, 1995) Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman meeting with one of the many USDA AmeriCorps Members who have performed flood relief service recently in Missouri. (Photo by Ken Hammond). "The USDA AmeriCorps program is obtaining concrete, measurable results that are making a significant difference in communities across the nation." " - Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman AmeriCorps/USDA Third Quarter Summary At the end of the third quarter, 980 AmeriCorps Members sponsored by USDA served in 38 states in urban and rural projects fighting hunger, protecting the environment, and re-building rural America. During the third quarter from April 1, 1995 to June, 30 1995 --- the Members provided 486,679 hours of service to their communities, bringing the total number of hours of service performed since the launch in September to 1,392,060. AmeriCorps Members also recruited at least 8,811 unpaid volunteers who served at least 106,139 hours, bring the total number of volunteers to 10,669 and the total number of volunteer hours performed to 134,196. Members of the Anti-Hunger, Nutrition, and Empowerment Team cooked and prepared meals at soup kitchens, created community gardens, conducted nutrition and food safety workshops for the elderly, sorted goods at food banks, developed nutrition education programs for schools, provided outreach for the Women's, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition program, began efforts to improve participation in the summer feeding program, assisted earthquake victims with emergency food information, and informed pantries about how their clients who are working but are still poor can boost their incomes by utilizing the Earned Income Tax Credit. Members of the Public Lands and Environment Team working on Forest Service lands performed rehabilitation and watershed protection work, reforested fire-damaged lands, constructed and maintained trails for hiking and horseback riding, planted cuttings for riparian and wildlife restorations, maintained and rehabilitated campgrounds and made campgrounds accessible for the disabled, completed timber stand improvements, restored historic sites, conducted threatened and endangered species habitat surveys, removed and installed fences, improved wildlife habitats, and hung erosion control netting on roads. Members of the Public Lands and Environment Team working on private and local municipal lands repaired and restored flood-damaged areas, re-created fish habitats, conducted water quality monitoring, built community greenhouses, constructed urban, suburban, and rural nature trails, built playgrounds, restored windbreaks originally created by the Civilian Conservation Corps, revegetated coastal marshes, restored collections at the National Arboretum, created a safe-haven lot at a public housing development, cleaned up an urban wetland, revitalized historical sites, improved camping sites, and protected stream banks. Members of the Rural Development Team provided service on projects related to running water and indoor plumbing, sustainable agriculture, emergency response and prevention, fisheries restoration, new uses of natural resources, environmental education centers, community improvement and personal responsibility, recycling promotion, American Indian empowerment, water quality protection, rural housing improvement, and cultural resource preservation. 2 The Cost-Effectiveness of AmeriCorps/USDA Projects The limited cost/benefit analyses prepared by or for AmeriCorps/USDA provide that the Department's program is extremely cost-effective. The USDA Forest Service has calculated that --- as of the end of the second quarter of AmeriCorps service ---- its 236 AmeriCorps Members serving on Public Lands Teams perform at least $1.51 worth of service for each $1.00 that the American taxpayer spends to support such service. Although it is difficult to blend cost benefits from different Forest Service regions around the country, the cost-benefit figures are based on an average of the combined cost savings of all recreation projects completed. These costs included all Federal spending, including the Member stipends and educational awards. The Forest Service AmeriCorps Public Lands crews completed recreation projects for 51% less than similar projects completed by force account (if completed by Federal employees), and 68% less than similar services completed by contracted services. For example, in one area it cost AmeriCorps $64,185 to complete 53 miles of heavy trail maintenance. The same projects would have cost $126,000 by force account, and $212,000 if the services were contracted. The Clinch-Powell Resource Conservation & Development Council in Tennessee calculated that, in the first four months of the program, the four USDA AmeriCorps Rural Development Team Members, who are managed by the Council, performed approximately $2.73 worth of service for each $1.00 that the American taxpayer spent to support such service. As evidenced by the chart on the next page, the Council calculated that, if purchased on the "open market," one service project performed by one Member would have cost an estimated $23,975 while another service project performed by three Members would have cost an estimated, $50,400, bringing the total value of the service performed to $74,375. The cost of the AmeriCorps Members, pro-rated to the four months period in which they performed the projects, was $27,272. 3 AMERICORPS SOLID WASTE SPECIALIST (One member sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service) Accomplishments (4 months) Cost to Community If Cost as Provided Savings to Service Purchased on Through Community Through Open Market* AmeriCorps AmeriCorps Assist Hancock County with $3,400 Convenience Center Design, Permitting and Funding Grant Assist Hancock County with $8,500 completion of 10 year Solid Waste Management Plan as required by state law. Preparation of Bid Specs and $1,700 package for Recycling Equipment for the City of Harrogate. Preparation of Bid Specs and $2,550 Package for Transfer Station for Claiborne County. Preparation of Bid Specs and $2,125 Package for Grainger County Recycling Center Design and Layout of Solid $1,400 Waste Education Brochure Preparation, development and $4,000 writing of four grant proposals for outside funding of important solid waste projects. TOTAL $23,975 (estimate) approx. $7,272 $16,703 * Estimated costs based on the known 'going price' in the RC&D region. SPECIALTY RECREATION AND TOURISM INITIATIVE (three members sponsored by the Natural Resources Conservation Service) Accomplishments (4 months) Cost to Community if Cost as Provided Savings to Service Purchased on Through Community Through Open Market* AmeriCorps AmeriCorps Inventory, Development of $50,400 (estimate) approx. $20,000 $30,400 Regional Committee, Setup of Tourism Network, Preliminary Funding Search, Eco-Tourism Feasibility Study, Wilderness Road Draft and Design of Regional Tourism Database * Estimated costs based on the known 'going price' in the RC&D region. 4 AmeriCorps/USDA is "Getting Things Done" on Forest Service Lands The following is a brief summary of the third quarter and cumulative accomplishments from the eight Public Lands and Environment Teams operated directly by the USDA Forest Service: * Maintained 127 miles of trail in the 3rd quarter, bringing the cumulative total for the program year to 355.2 miles. * Reforested 386 acres of land in the 3rd quarter, bringing the cumulative total for the program year to 638 acres. * Completely rehabilitated or built 220 campground sites in the 3rd quarter, bringing this cumulative total this program year to 254. * Prepared 16 campsites for accessibility to people with disabilities, bringing the cumulative total for the program year to 42 camp sites. * Improved 52 acres of timber stand, bringing the cumulative total for the program year to 254 acres. * Constructed 58 miles of new fence in the 3rd quarter, bring the cumulative total for the program year to 79 miles. * Achieved 912 acres of Wildlife Habitat Improvement in the 3rd quarter, bringing the cumulative total this program year to 2,019 acres. One-hundred structures to shelter or protect wildlife were built and 58 nesting boxes critical to the survival of the species were built, bringing the cumulative total for the program year to 133 structures and 296 nesting boxes. * Improved 577 acres of fisheries habitat in the 3rd quarter, bringing the cumulative total for the program year to 760 acres. * Work was done this quarter on 15 miles of vehicle trails to keep them passable and free of obstructive growth and slides, bringing the cumulative total for the year to 18 miles. * Established and built four new picnic areas in the 3rd quarter, bringing the cumulative total to 10 new areas. * Improved watersheds damaged by wildfire by cutting and planting 29,500 willows in riparian areas to prevent further erosion during the 3rd quarter, bringing the cumulative total this program year to 92,500. 5 * Built 11 flood fences during the 3rd quarter to prevent future flooding. * Members built 1.5 miles of a special Historic Site Trail during the 3rd quarter. * AmeriCorps Members worked with the city of Eureka, California in the 3rd quarter to build obstructions to stop erosion of six different areas in and around the city. The work was critical to saving slopes from sliding and diverting unwanted runoff and flooding from eroded areas * Maintained 1.23 miles of streambank this quarter. * Improved Forest Service road conditions and thus the safety factor by "daylighting" 50 curves this quarter on winding roads with "blind" curves by cutting and clearing brush. * Released 775,000 salmon fry in a fish stocking operation this quarter. 6 AmeriCorps/USDA is "Getting Things Done" Fighting Against Hunger The following is a summary of the third quarter accomplishments of the five USDA Anti-Hunger, Nutrition, and Empowerment Team projects managed by the USDA Food and Consumer Services through local partnerships with anti-hunger groups and youth service corps. USDA/AmeriCorps Members: * Cooked and served 17,386 meals this quarter, bringing the cumulative total for the program year to 34,586 meals. * Created and helped manage 17 new sites for the Summer Feeding Program, bringing the cumulative total for the year to 22 new sites created. * Repaired and/or expanded 10 emergency food pantries this quarter, bringing the cumulative total for this program year to 14 pantries. * Made nutrition education and food safety presentations to 3,000 students this quarter, bringing the cumulative total for the program year to 8,000 students. * Conducted nutrition education and food safety education workshops for 8,000 low income or senior citizens, bringing the cumulative total for this program year to 12,592 citizens who benefited from workshops. * Distributed 38,400 poster and brochures, directly reached 38,400 people, and referred 5,998 eligible persons for assistance bringing the cumulative total for the program year to 41,490 posters and brochures distributed, 35,347 people reached, and 5,998 eligible persons referred for assistance. * Collected, sorted, and delivered 503,752 pounds (over 250 tons) of food this quarter. * Started, planted, and/or maintained 26 community and school gardens this quarter. * Promoted 16 Farmer's Markets and community gardens, totaling 206,214 square feet this quarter. * Provided information about the Summer Feeding Program to 143,000 citizens this quarter. 7 AmeriCorps/USDA is "Getting Things Done" Helping the Environment The following are highlights from the third quarter accomplishments of the 14 Environmental Team projects sponsored by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) on private lands in urban and rural areas and the one project sponsored by the USDA Agricultural Research Service at the National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. USDA AmeriCorps Members: * In the Atlanta, Georgia area, Members have installed an irrigation center at a community greenhouse; potted 25,000 plants for use in schools, parks, and beautification projects for the Olympics; improved outdoor education centers for six public schools through a wide variety of projects, including construction of 375 feet of wheelchair-access trails, planting 190 plants and 30 trees, clearing one mile of trail, and mulching and planting over 600 square feet; provided conservation education to 8,929 students in 34 schools on litter control, recycling, and beautification. * In Baytown, Texas, the Members provided coastal and shoreline protection in the Galveston Bay area, creating an island that serves as a habitat for an endangered species and a demonstration of productive uses of dredge material; grew thousands of plant materials for stabilizing the land; planted 100 acres of the island, bringing the cumulative total for the year to 220 acres. In Boston, Massachusetts, Members constructed a three-story greenhouse at a home for teen mothers; completed landscaping and maintenance work at the National Center for African-American artists museum; set up a farmer's market at Franklin Park; began landscaping work, rebuilding fences and walls, and painting walls at the Franklin Hill Housing Development; removed a large tire dump from the Lena Park Community Development; prepared a design for site renovation and playground construction at the Perkins Community Development Center; and tutored students at the Jeremiah Burke High School to help them compete in the envirothon the first time an inner-city school from Boston has entered the annual competition. * In Chicago, Illinois, the Members provided environmental education to over 1, 100 students on gardening and fishing; recruited 500 volunteers to help improve the environment and increase public safety near public housing and in Little Villages; performed landscaping and/or apartment improvement work at a variety of Chicago Public Housing Developments, including: Lathrop Homes, Robert Taylor Homes, Henry Horner Housing, Wentworth Gardens, Madden Park, and Ida B. Wells; took 40 children and eight adults from public housing on canoe trips to increase their appreciation for water quality and the environment; and improved 30 apartments for homeless and battered women at Lathrop Homes. 8 * In the District of Columbia, at the National Arboretum, Members planted more than 750 plants of various sizes in various collections and areas, have killed thousands of weeds, by spraying them with a herbicide. Weekly, they cut grass in high visibility areas equaling approximately seven acres in size, performed the delicate task of moving a Japanese koi (an expensive fish in the carp family) from a very murky pond to a cleaner pool, and helped with construction of Japanese beetle traps and the removal of beetles. * In the District of Columbia and nearby Maryland, the NRCS AmeriCorps Members constructed five raised beds for an Earth Week exhibit on the mall; worked with over 450 students on various environmental education activities; improved seven different public parks, including constructing and installing blue bird boxes in Kenilworth Park, planting 250 trees and 350 seedlings in Anacostia Park, constructing 16 feet of boardwalk in Greenbelt Park, installing 280 trees and 900 plants in Little Bennett Regional Park, and improving 200 linear feet of stream bank at Sligo Creek Park; cleaned-up 20 acres in Fort Lincoln that resulted in 15 bags of trash and a truckload of branches and weeds; and cleaned-up seven public swimming pools to help prepare for summer youth activities. * In East. St. Louis area, Members stabilized over 4,000 feet of stream and road in Belleville that suffered from massive flooding in 1993, including surveying the area, drawing a survey chart, removing trees that would interfere with the stabilization work, cutting out ditches and removing silt, and placing "filter fabric" and rip rocks in the stream to prevent future flooding and erosion; created or improved maintenance of 22 community gardens; renovated a greenhouse at Kenneth Hall Park; worked in Kenneth Hall Park (formerly Jones Park) cutting down dead and dangerous trees and saving the city $700 per tree; worked with mental health patients to teach them how to plant gardens; and worked with a church group from Belleville to create a park in Centreville on land that had been donated by a mother in memory of her son that had been recently shot. * In Goldendale, Washington, Members worked to improve salmon habitat by building 6.5 miles of fence to improve riparian areas, planting 600 trees, and installing four structures to retain sediment; treated 300 acres of land damaged from forest fires; cleaned-up parks in preparation for Memorial Day and summer activity; and assisted local conservation districts in the setup of 50 stream monitoring sites. * In Nebraska, removed an old wheelchair-access boardwalk and constructed a new one; provided environmental education activities to 1,700 youth; protected cultural resources at four locations including one that was over 800 years old occupied by the Plains Indians; planted 14,000 trees; and stabilized 70 feet of streambank using bioengineering techniques. 9 * In Indianapolis, Indiana, Members planted 675 trees in a public park and helped implement the State of Indiana Envirothon Program. * In New Jersey, completed stream walks on 10 streams, totalling about 80 miles, to identify potential sources of non-point pollution; planted trees utilizing bioengineering techniques to stabilize 2,000 feet of streambank to enhance wildlife habitat and improve water quality; organized stream cleanups in five counties; organized a cleanup with 12 area high schools at Carnegie Lake; engaged in Beachgrass plantings on dunes in four counties; Cleaned, marked, trimmed 30 sq. ft. of board walk was installed on 12 miles of neglected trail; constructed a 15 foot bridge in a park; and made 128 environmental education presentations to 2,325 students. * In Oklahoma, Members worked in 10 counties to restore 44 windbreaks that totaled 19.5 miles; planted over 64,500, including 7,500 trees in windbreaks and 57,000 on eroded and gullied areas and in outdoor classrooms and community projects. * In the Pittsfield, Illinois area, Members improved three miles of trails in Brown County; enlarged treehouses for camping; constructed a storage shed and completed a bunkhouse; cleared brush and debris from two miles of drainage ditches that serve as main channels to New Canton, Nebo and Pearl; and stabilized two miles of streambank in Calhoun County. * In Portland, Oregon, Members completed a plan to restore a five-acre site from a junkyard to a recreation area more than two acres has been cleared of trash and debris, and the adjacent property has been weeded and maintained; trained and worked with over 1,000 homeowners to survey downspouts and get their participation in an effort to reduce the amount of stormwater from roof tops that flows into the Columbian Slough --- this effort will reduce the overflow from the combined sewer and improve water quality by reducing the amount of untreated sewage that enters the Columbia and Williamette rivers; Members renovated the trail system in an 185-acre park by establishing five main trails and closing a network of unauthorized trails. * In South Dakota, Members assisted educational outreach on environmental issues to over 2,100 elementary school children; completed a 23-county land-use survey to identify areas that may negatively impact the Big Sioux, Vermillion and James rivers; completed ten streambank stabilization projects resulting in 9,500 feet of streambank and 4,500 willows planted; worked with landowners to encourage practices that would improve the Lake Campbell watershed, fish habitat and recreation --- 43 producers were contacted resulting in the use of eight different types of management practices, and treatment of over 2,300 acres. 10 AmeriCorps/USDA is "Getting Things Done" Rebuilding Rural America USDA has fully embraced the vision held by both the President and the Corporation for National and Community Service --- that AmeriCorps be community-based, community-designed, and community-run. The USDA Rural Development Team has different community service objectives for each and every individual site, based on the needs of each local community. Consequently, the Rural Development Team Members are providing such a wide variety of services that they are nearly impossible to aggregate. The best illustration of how the Rural Development Team is "getting things done," is a list of success stories in each of the following areas: running water and indoor plumbing, rural economic development, emergency response and prevention, fisheries restoration, alternative uses of natural resources, environmental education facilities, community facilities improvement, personal responsibility development, tree planting, windbreak restoration, and riparian improvement, land use planning, recycling promotion, American Indian tribal empowerment, woodland management, water quality protection, rural housing improvement, and cultural resource preservation. Many of the Rural Development Team Members are working in rural Empowerment Zones, Enterprise Communities, and Champion Communities. Running Water and Indoor Plumbing * In New Mexico, a Member assisted the Vallecitos Fresh Water Delivery System in its efforts to locate and deliver fresh water to the community and assisted with the development of the El Rito Waste Water Treatment Plant. A Member serving in Las Cruces helped water associations in 5 colonias in the area to successfully apply for almost $30 million in RECD Water and Waste Disposal Grants, helped a colonias set up a water association, * In Jonesville, Virginia, a Member succeeded in getting the Virginia Water Project to pay for installing plumbing for an elderly man who had lived his entire life without it. * In Texas, a Member serving in San Benito assisted local families by facilitating repairs, additions, and water and sewer line connections to 172 bathrooms. A Member serving in El Paso assisted 5 applicants for RECD Water and Waste Disposal Loans, 3 applicants for Section 504 Rural Housing Repair Loans, and 2 Section 502 Single-Family Housing Loans, and with other USDA Members organized a one-day clean up of a colonia. 11 Rural Economic Development * In Southeastern Utah, a Member compiled a comprehensive set of demographic economic and social data for the four counties in southeastern Utah. The data will be used for such purposes as projecting future planning needs, provides vital information for grant applications for economic development and for businesses considering locating in southeastern Utah. * In Oregon, a Member serving in Baker City assisted a local historic preservation group in a project to convert downtown upper story space to commercial use, assisted the mayor of a small town to receive RECD assistance for sewer system hookups. A Member serving in Oakridge helped develop that city's Strategic Economic Development Plan, served as a planning assistant to the City Council, conducted regular work sessions with the Planning Commission, authored a zoning ordinance, and facilitated the annexation of land for a city park. * In Arizona, Member serving in Nogales compiled an industrial building and lot inventory which has helped a local development foundation attract 3 new businesses to the area, resulting in the creation of 46-52 new jobs, has helped a local company create 3 additional jobs, and has compiled a guide of local suppliers to be distributed in the area and northern Mexico. A Member serving in Douglas surveyed job loss in the area, did research and other preparations, then authored an application for a Main St. revitalization grant, and served on the local Border Patrol/Port of Entry Citizen Advisory Committee. * In Tennessee, a Member serving in Jacksboro worked to implement a "Total Quality Partnership" between citizens, and State and Federal agencies by organizing meetings, setting up a county-wide planning committee, producing a promotional video, etc., has written grant proposals and received a total of $403,915 for Campbell County to-date, and served as a liaison between the County Executive's office and various agencies/groups/persons in the County. * In West Virginia, a Member serving in Fairmont worked as the liaison between a local EZ/EC community and the City of Fairmont, helped the EZ/EC revise its Strategic Plan, surveyed leadership needs to help it qualify for a $2,000 community support grant, assisted in organizing technical assistance information into a reference guide for use by local rural communities, and worked with a local university on a $30,000 grant to create an electronic information network for the EZ/EC. This Member was recognized by the Governor of West Virginia for her contributions to rural development in the State. A Member serving at the Lincoln [County] Economic Development Authority worked with a $4,500 grant from the Appalachian Community Fund to set up a local bartering program, and worked under another $67,408 grant to help local counties continue with their economic development plans. 12 * In Washington, one Member assisted 7 local community non-profit organizations to tie into a Statewide telecommunications project, and organized annual workshops and a conference to assist rural community leaders to meet public agency representatives to access needed resources, and was noted in a national publication. A Member serving in Grant County organized and coordinated a grant- writing workshop for the county's non-profit organizations, and gave a number of presentations to a variety of community-based organizations and networks on strategies for accomplishing goals, trends in private and corporate funding and contacts of sources of possible funding. Another Member organized monthly meetings of the Washington Community Economic Revitalization Team to assess its impact in assisting rural, timber-impacted communities and more effectively target the funding of economic diversification projects, and completed a report on the efficacy of Federal/State coordination and collaboration in large-scale diversification projects in timber-distressed communities. * In Mississippi, a Member serving in Cleveland organized 15 community meetings to discuss collaboration between local leaders and the EZ/EC community, which resulted in the development of a 5-year program of leadership, economic, and community development for the region, and to help a community revise its strategic plan. A Member serving in Yazoo City helped the Yazoo Microenterprise Program to write its business plan, keep records, and develop marketing strategies; represented RECD AmeriCorps at the National Rural Development Conference, assisted in the development of an Even Start education program proposal and a Teen-Age Pregnancy Prevention Program proposal, coordinated transportation for Yazoo Community Action Inc., and helped write a proposal for a family-based center for public-housing residents. * In Texas, a Member serving in Alice collaborated with the Small Business Development Center to provide training, enabling 2 individuals to establish their own small businesses. A Member serving in Weslaco helped 30 businesses prepare proposals for expansion and marketing, facilitated the submission of 4 loan applications to create more than 48 jobs, contacted 25 Social Service agencies to commit appropriate resources, helped 10 applicants for RECD Water and Waste Disposal loans, and assisted the Empowerment Zone sub-zone team in prioritizing needs and developing programs to address concerns relative to rural healthcare, and as a result, 2 rural health clinics and a private medical clinic associated with a major hospital are under construction in the area. Sustainable Agriculture * In Maine, an AmeriCorps Member coordinated workshops on best management practices for blueberry growers. 124 growers participated and received credit towards receiving their pesticide applicators license. 13 * In Arizona, in an effort to support sustainable agriculture for native Americans and other local farmers, Members built a greenhouse to demonstrate technology and growing high value crops. They built 20,000 feet of drip irrigation to conserve water. Ten producers have requested the greenhouse plans and five are interested in the irrigation system. Members organized a farmers produce cooperative and built a trailer for the market. Six-hundred flowers were grown for beautification projects. Food is also being grown for community food banks and soup kitchens. * In Tennessee, Members drilled a water well for one family, helped to build 3 barns, two fences and pheasant cages; worked with landowners to install animal waste systems on dairy, beef and poultry operations --- once construction is completed, these systems will handle 40-50 tons of waste per year. * In lowa, AmeriCorps Members have assisted with animal waste management. On ten farms lagoons have been pumped to recycle the effluent onto grassland or cropland. Plans have been prepared for six other farms. * A Member serving in London, Kentucky helped the local Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation, part of the local Empowerment Zone, create an agricultural diversification committee as called for in the EZ's strategic plan, which will identify new ideas, experimental crops and production methods, approve and recommend which projects will be accepted, and review reported data to determine the degree of success. * In Minnesota Members provided assistance to landowners in informing livestock producers in waste facilities and utilization. Members worked with 40 producers to collect soil and manure samples to determine application rates, developed a list of manure spreading equipment and worked with the farmer to produce waste utilization plans, 17 are complete and 20 more are in progress. * In Kentucky, a Member helped the Eastern Kentucky Vegetable Producers Association become a viable and successful cooperative of farmers from a seven county area. Emergency Response and Prevention * In California, AmeriCorps Members conducted a survey of citizen awareness on emergency preparedness and assisted in damage reports, conservation plans and field surveys of flooded farm land. They are completing information to the public on fire-retardant plant projects. Three demonstration sites have been set up to evaluate the plants and to show residents landscaping techniques for integrating them into the home environment to reduce fire hazard. 14 * In Missouri, Members surveyed and mapped 2300 acres of flood plain to assist 16 landowners in sand removal. Completed maintenance of 27 floodwater retarding dams, assisted 95 landowners in assessing herbicide runoff into water supply, and worked with 11 farmers to develop water management plans. * In Tennessee, a Member serving in Johnson County assisted the local Enterprise Community in obtaining fire-fighting equipment in conjunction with a State of Tennessee and a business development grant, and worked with the local organizing board to institute a county-wide 911 emergency system. * In McCreary County, Kentucky, Members started a road inventory and management system for 965 roads in the county in order to establish a 911 system. * In Las Cruces, New Mexico, two Members worked with a local planning department to help institute a 911 emergency system. * In Arkansas, Members worked with the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest facilitated the installation and dry fire hydrants. The State of Arkansas has appropriated 2.2 million dollars for the Dry Hydrant project. In Holly Grove, Members worked to help residents move from a 100-year flood plain. The City of Holly Grove saved $50,000 due to the appraisal efforts of one Member. * In South Carolina, Members completed pond assessments for potential Dry Fire Hydrant sites in an effort to reduce fire insurance rates in Williamsburg County. * In New Mexico, a Member aided in locating a building and funding for the Coyote Volunteer Fire Department. * In Vermont, Members have worked with 77 rural fire departments in considering the use of dry fire hydrants. Fire departments in eleven communities now have plans for accessing water supplies for fire protection, and four more communities are in the planning process. * In lowa, Members have worked with local conservation districts to assist two dozen counties collect information and make GIS maps for used by agencies and landowners for land use and resource management practices on erodible land and in flood plains. The Members assisted the City of Oakland to design a community tree planting project to replace large number of trees lost to construction and weather damage. * A Member serving in Helena, Arkansas worked to set up a local 911 emergency communication service, helped reorganize and helped secure over $13,000 in State funding for 2 local fire departments serving over 3,000 residents. 15 * In North Dakota, AmeriCorps Members have helped seal abandoned wells; cleaned-up flood damage at Aneta City Park and Harwood Trailer Court; helped with the flood relief planning being done in anticipation of the dangerously high water levels at Devils Lake. Members conducted a flood hazard survey and watershed inventory mapping; performed bank stabilization at McVille Dam and a watershed inventory at Silver Lake. * In Mississippi, twenty-one dry hydrants were installed for fire suppression in the Mt. Olivet community. Efforts are being made to establish dry hydrants in four other counties. AmeriCorps Members are working in 10 counties to identify alternative water sources for rural fire protection. Fisheries and Aquatic Wildlife Restoration * In Maine, Members worked with the Beals Island Shellfish Hatchery to help raise 15-20 million juvenile clams. With the help of AmeriCorps, the number of clams raised is 5-10 million more than normal. This effort will provide over $1.8 million benefit to the coastal community. Community Facilities Improvement * In South Carolina, Members constructed ten buildings that will be used to house youth at-risk in an outward bound program. * In New Mexico, a Member helped obtain equipment and supplies and provided program guidance for the Coyote Senior Citizens Center and worked with secular, religious, and government groups to develop the Coyote Community Center. * In Texas, a Member serving in Uvalde, organized 20 community volunteers to enhance and expand a local recreational area by facilitating the installation of a swimming pool. A Member serving in San Diego partnered with the Freer Improvement Committee to organize and help 20 volunteers clean up their community. A Member serving in Hebbronville organized community volunteers and businesses to increase access to a local park by widening the sidewalk. Concrete and lumber were donated by local businesses enabling the volunteer labor to complete the Kohler Park Project in 6 weeks. * A Member serving in Marshall, North Carolina who previously established a Family Resource Center, saw the caseload triple from 4 to 12, and obtained the services of a mental health professional who works in family preservation to work at the Center. 16 * In North Carolina, Members organized, coordinated, implemented, and supervised the Mingo Falls restoration trail project with local businesses and the Oconaluftee Job Corps, coordinated the ground-work for Phase I of the Oconaluftee Greenway Project, worked toward the development of Walking Trail brochures for downtown Cherokee and adjacent hiking trails, organized a work group that constructed playground equipment and painted the facilities a the Ceremonial Grounds on the Qualla boundary, organized and implemented an Arbor Day event at the Qualla Civic Center, worked to develop a Mountain Bike Trail, prepared an Urban Forestry Grant for beautification of neighborhood parks, and worked with communities to provide access to parks and recreational facilities for the disabled. * In New Mexico, a Member serving in Las Cruces organized 20 National Honor students to spend a day cleaning a community building in San Elizario and helped clean a newly constructed homeless shelter. A Member in Aztec helped a local Boys and Girls Club apply for over $90,000 for operational funds and purchasing a building and completed a community service project with other AmeriCorps Members to clean up and repair a local adult day-care center. * In Marion, Virginia, Members printed, presented, and installed 40 tree identification plaques, 265 Riverwalk Tree Identification Guide Books, and 1,200 Riverwalk brochures, held a Riverwalk Tree Identification Laboratory Field Day, held two teacher trainings, provided the school system and community and educational outdoor laboratory and exercise trail. * In Mississippi, Members worked with the City of Indianola to develop a community recreation and education program, and worked with the City of Belzoni to develop a Centennial Park Plaza and Green. Alternative Uses of Natural Resources * In Arkansas, Members worked to develop a market for wood pellets thus creating local jobs and save small sawmills in the local community. * In New Mexico, Members worked with the Sangre De Cristo Wood Workers to build an incubator facility. * In Minnesota, Members conducted a survey to determine the activity and level of interest in short rotation woody crops for alternative fuel use. * In Louisiana, Members worked to provide timber bridge technology and materials for recreation project in Lake Providence. 17 Conservation Education Facilities * In Mancos, Colorado, Members developed and helped construct a nature walk in the town of Mancos, wrote grant applications and recruited local partners and volunteers to build and publicize the trail. * In Tennessee, Members established outdoor environmental learning centers have been established at 14 schools. * In South Carolina, AmeriCorps Members constructed, two outdoor classrooms; six miles of nature trails and prepared two teachers guides. * In New Mexico, Members assisted in the cleaning, painting and laying an irrigation system at a ranch for disadvantaged youth. * In Mississippi, Members worked with the O'Bannon Elementary School to construct an Education and Conservation Outdoor Classroom. * In South Carolina, members completed the restoration of a nature trail at Greeleyville Elementary School. Community Improvement and Personal Responsibility Development * A Member serving at the P.R.I.D.E. in Logan County, West Virginia, EZ/EC community organized the donation and distribution of 12 tons of seed potatoes to needy families, assisted the Director of the local Head Start program, drafted plans for a local senior center, and worked with other AmeriCorps Members and volunteers from local organizations to repair homes. Two Members serving at the Council of the Southern Mountains worked with a Summer Food Service Program running 55 sites in McDowell County feeding approximately 1,000 children. * In Utah, Members renovated a building and established a food bank in San Juan County that serves 6,000 residents including 2,000 Navajo residents. A cleanup was organized for a two mile section of highway. * A Member serving in Macon Ridge, Louisiana, established a tutorial program for high school seniors, assisted the local Drug Awareness Resistance Education program, and helped victims of the New Orleans flood as a member of the State flood relief team. * In Oregon, a Member helped other AmeriCorps Members organize a community paint project that enlisted an estimated 200 volunteers. 18 * In Virginia, a Member serving in Jonesville organized 10 volunteers to clean up a portion of a local river and worked with other Members to organize a clothing donation and perform home repairs for low-income families; also worked with the Appalachia Service Project to provide volunteer labor and donate materials. * In Mississippi, a Member serving in Natchez helped organize a "Teen Rally" to discuss unwanted pregnancy prevention, preparing for college, and the AmeriCorps program, for which she generated a great deal of community interest, as well as donations of time and materials from a variety of benefactors, and also worked with a local university to determine local recreation needs. A Member serving in Lorman tutored grammar school students in reading, math and science, conducting a series of HIV/AIDS awareness workshops, sponsored a college ACT workshop to improve standardized college entrance exam scores, organized a college recruitment night, and ran a blood drive. * In Tennessee, a Member in Johnson County works with families of patients in the intensive care unit the local Veterans Administration hospital. A Member serving in Greeneville set up a data base of local social services that will be provided to citizens and agencies to improve the provision of these social services where needed. * In New Mexico, Members organized a job fair targeting youth to try preventing gang membership. Members also assisted in developing a work ethics, school to work project at San Juan College. * A Member serving in Prestonburg, Kentucky assisted the Service Connection Inc. in performing necessary social services for local residents and helped with referrals to local contractors from local citizens who needed home repairs done. * In Kentucky, a Member helped develop the Owsley County Fund for Excellence --- a foundation dedicated to helping the youth of Owsley County stay in school. A Member serving in Hazard wrote the district plan for the local Family Preservation and Family Support Services Program, helped a local county start an education foundation designed to help the children of the county, worked with 15-20 volunteers of the Eastern Kentucky Vegetable Producers Association to purchase a building, and was instrumental in setting up a Local Economic and Community Development Center to bring in and retain business and economic opportunities. A Member serving in Barbourville designed and taught a series of lifeskills classes for low-income individuals that have been given to 63 families to date; information on home ownership and renovations that was requested by many attendees was supplied by RECD offices in the area. A Member serving in London developed a life skills curriculum for a local Job Training Program for young people, developed a transportation system for JOBS/Welfare clients to travel to/from training and educational facilities, and helped out at a local Senior Citizen Center. 19 * In South Carolina, Members sponsored three Scout Troops for the Adopt-A- Highway program managed by the South Carolina Department of Transportation * A Member serving in El Centro, California planned and worked at a drug usage identification conference attended by 79 people, and organized volunteers to assist in a city beautification project where the community restored a public park, renovated buildings, and painted over graffiti. Tree Planting, Windbreak Restoration, and Riparian Improvement * In North Dakota, Members have canvassed Grand Forks county to identify healthy Elm trees and to assess the loss of trees due to Dutch Elm Disease. * In Missouri, assisted one landowner to implement a wetland wildlife area on 40 acres that included planting 400 trees. * In lowa, AmeriCorps Members have been credited with the success of over 3,000 acres of wetlands being reserved. They have contacted landowners, shared the program with them, and assisted them in developing easements and restoration plans. One member assisted in work that resulted in the local conservation district board purchasing a 512 acre tract of diverse landscape. Members provided assistance in harvesting and replanting 2,000 willow trees to stabilize a streambank. * In Minnesota, AmeriCorps Members have been working in the Nemadji River Basin, in which they organized a project that recruited 100 volunteers to plant 5,000 trees. Members worked with over 580 students in various environmental education activities including river monitoring, tree planting, and the envirothon. They also worked with over 160 adults in various environmental management presentations. * In California, Members are also helping residents with erosion problems due to high coastal winds. They have prepared information and tours on windbreaks. Members assisted in collecting seeds from three conservation plants and have worked in the nursery to produce young trees for windbreak plantings. Tourism Development to Boost Local Economies * In Colorado, Members developed a management plan for the San Juan Skyway which increased local involvement in tourism development and preservation of cultural, physical, and historical resources, and inventoried scenic, recreational, and cultural resources for the Skyway. 20 * In West Virginia, Members worked to develop the 600 mile Hatfield-McCoy Trail System across seven counties, assisted in planning and implementation of the Phillipe Convention and Business Bureau's Spring Craft Festival which was attended by 2500 people, worked with McDowell County to develop a publicly held recreation area to develop a tourism base in the county. * In Utah, Members worked with San Juan County and the Navajo Nation-- The Rural Development Team Members inventoried sites for inclusion in the Trail of the Ancients. The sites were inventoried for geologic, historic, scenic, recreational, aesthetic, and cultural qualities and potential. The Members worked with the Navajo Nation to develop a strong tourism industry and to determine the impact of tourism on the Nation. Environmental Education * In Oregon, Members were trained in leadership and mentoring to work with 16 youth who have dropped out of school. AmeriCorps Members developed a plan for training those they were mentoring in environmental education. In one-to-one mentoring relationships, they are working in teams of eight for a six week summer program. * In Missouri, Members provided conservation education to 850 students. * In Tennessee, Members made 2,250 environmental education presentations; assisted in an envirothon participated in by 100 students -- team trained by AmeriCorps Members won the state competition. Members also coordinated and promoted regional Envirothon for high school students from 10 high schools in five counties and coordinated a Conservation Camp for over 900 4th grade students, teachers, and parents. Land Use Planning * In Western New York, AmeriCorps Members are helping to demonstrate applications of GIS computer mapping in managing natural resources. Approximately 280 miles were mapped by the third quarter. Members worked with the American Chestnut Foundation to map 150 surviving mature chestnut trees in Western New York. Forest inventory data has been digitized for the Seneca Nation of Indians, to support improved management of the over-harvested forest resources. Members are also working to identify bald eagle nesting sites on the reservations. One hundred, fifty natural gas wells are being mapped and evaluated by AmeriCorps Members to help with managing the closing the wells. 21 * A Member serving in Cave Junction held meetings, and met with appropriate officials to update the Strategic Plan of the local Enterprise Community, assisted in the planning for expanding a local state park, worked with the Oregon Economic Development Department to design a tourism plan that was eventually full-funded with a $12,000 grant. Recycling Promotion * In South Carolina, Members posted Two-thousand signs at businesses to support recycling of oil, batteries and hazardous materials. * In Tennessee, Members gave five demonstrations and 12 presentations on recycling, were given, leading to a 25% increase in the volume of solid waste recycling and helping the county meet the compliance requirements of the Tennessee Solid Waste Management Act of 1991. They also organized four Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collections during which 7500 pounds of hazardous materials from 120 households and worked with 140 school children on art projects made from recycled materials. * In South Carolina, AmeriCorps Members helped to upgrade a recycling curriculum for statewide use in schools. This curriculum has been used to train nearly 3,000 teachers. The upgrade was done to include materials used by other programs and the cost estimates for presenting 160 of the lessons. American Indian Tribal Empowerment * In Arizona, one Member helped establish a community wool cooperative on the Navajo Nation. Another Member also worked with the Cameron Chapter House of the Navajo Reservation to identify natural and cultural resource based tourism programs including developing bed and breakfast Hogans. A Member serving in St. Michaels, Arizona travelled to very remote parts of the Navajo Nation to make presentations at various tribal functions, and in so doing has increased the number of applications for RECD Housing Preservation loans from 7 in the 3rd quarter of FY94 to 33 in the 3rd quarter of 1995, an increase of more than 400 percent. * In Colorado, a Member inventoried 33 sites on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation supervised the work of the South Ute Conservation Corps to prevent erosion. 22 * A Member serving in Sylvia, North Carolina worked on a Cherokee reservation to increase the knowledge and receptiveness of RECD housing assistance in the tribe, worked to get an RECD inventory property house for a family, helped organize youth volunteers to build homes on the reservation during the summer, and helped a very poor family to without electricity, running water, or adequate sanitation to obtain same. * In New Mexico, in San Juan County, a Member generated 42 applications for RECD Section 504 Housing Preservation Grants/Loans from residents of Indian pueblos who had not filed a single application in FY94, represented the RECD and AmeriCorps by giving a lengthy presentation on RECD assistance to a meeting of every housing improvement coordinator at every pueblo in New Mexico, an organized a basketball camp for at-risk drug-endangered youth. A Member serving in Gallup generated 17 applications for RECD Section 504 Housing Preservation grants from the Pueblo of the Zuni Native American tribe where no applications had been filed the same quarter in FY94, organized families to form "sweat equity" teams to apply for RECD Self-Help and Single-Family housing assistance, and helped locate funding for a local bike path project. * In Oregon, a Member serving in Pendleton assisted 3 very low-income applicants of the Umatilla tribe for RECD single-family housing loans, assisted the tribe in successfully applying for a $2.6 RECD Community Facility loan and grant for a Tribal Interpretive Center, assisted in the design of a water and waste system under this grant, including designing specifications, setting up and configuring hardware and software for the Tribal Water Department, training employees in using the systems, and used the Internet to access information on grants for housing, water systems, education scholarships, etc. for the Tribe. Woodland Management * In West Virginia, Members assisted the West Virginia Division of Forestry to develop a field survey to determine the amount of logging residues. * In Minnesota, Members developed and conducted a Best Management Practices education workshop for loggers. Water Quality Protection * In South Carolina, Members completed grassland surveys covering 50,000 acres in two counties. This work is to support the improvement of water quality through better management of hayland and pasture land. 23 * In Maine, an AmeriCorps member assisted the Dept. of Marine Resources with a sanitary survey of to pinpoint failing septic tanks within 500 feet of the shore. This source of pollution is having a detrimental effect on the shellfish habitat. Many people in this low-income community are without indoor plumbing. This motivated the AmeriCorps members to take action. They helped the community seek resources for septic repair and water quality monitoring. Today a total of $40,000 has been allocated for repairs and 11 new monitoring sites are targeted. * In West Virginia, over 90 limited resource farmers were by water quality projects in six communities. Three members evaluated over 4400 acres of cropland that lead to the reduction of an estimated 88,000 pounds of nitrogen. Over 200 students were given presentations on things you can do on the farm to improve water quality. Members assisted Save Our Streams volunteers to survey the health of aquatic life on several streams. * In Ohio, Members inventoried over 35 miles of Big Darby Creek corridor, designed 20 Best Management Practices, and designed a two acre wildlife wetland. Members also assisted the Nature Conservancy in addressing severe gully erosion with native prairie grasses. * In Mississippi, two AmeriCorps Members and five volunteers have been trained and certified in the Adopt-a-Stream program. Five streams have been adopted and being tested monthly. * In Michigan, 750 farm families completed the risks assessments for farm a Farm A Syst. As a result, nearly 200 people have made changes in their practices to reduce the risk of contamination. * In Louisiana, AmeriCorps Members conducted the Farm A'Syst program which is designed to help landowners assess and reduce the level of risk to ground water pollution on a farm. Members conducted a public information campaign to raise the level of knowledge of groundwater pollution risks. Five-hundred students completed pre and post-assessment; 685 landowners received information packages; and members completed 90 one-on-one farm assessments. Rural Housing Improvement * A Member serving in Blytheville Arkansas assisted in the development in the application for an RECD Housing Preservation Grant for 20 houses, and conducted a series of Low-Income First-Time Home Buyers workshops and worked with those who applied and qualified for Arkansas Development Finance Authority HOME funds. 24 * A Member serving in El Centro, California caused the following increases in RECD Section 504 Rural Housing Repair Program loans and grants activity: from 0 inquiries in the same Quarter in FY94 to 250 inquiries; from 0 applications to 37; from 0 recipients at the end of the Quarter in FY94 to 19 recipients at the end of this Quarter at a total of $94,840, with an additional 4 applications pending for an additional $40,000. This Member also collaborated with the City of Brawley Housing Rehabilitation Program to assist elderly homeowners with low-interest construction loans to replace or convert substandard hazardous dwellings into safe, adequate, and affordable homes, and as a result was able to obtain a $4,900 grant for an elderly lady to pay for the dismantling of her existing home and permits for a new home, which will include a new air-conditioning and heating system. * In Louisiana, a Member serving in Bastrop assisted over 70 applicants for RECD Single-Family and Home Repair loans and made 10 presentations on Farm/Home Safety to over 200 students, and worked with an elderly feeding project. A Member serving in Ferriday increased applications for RECD assistance by approximately 10 percent. A Member serving in Winnsboro had 10 RECD Home Repair loans funded and an additional 10 approved, worked with the Rural Housing Assessment Program, and made 6 presentations on Farm/Home Safety to over 200 students. A Member serving in Tallulah and Lake Providence provided training via the local Community Action Agency to over 30 low-income home buyers, through the Rural Housing Assessment Program conducted 55 surveys that will hopefully lead to either new construction or repairs of existing dwellings, assisted 8 appli- cants for RECD Home Repair assistance, and made 6 presentations on Farm/ Home Safety to over 200 students. A Member serving in Jonesville assisted in the filing of over a dozen applications for RECD Single-Family and Home Repair loans, educated 40 children about Farm/Home Safety. A Member serving in Rayville represented the RECD to 30,000 Louisiana residents at a Parish festival, personally generated more than 100 applications for RECD assistance and promoted Farm Safety videos to over 1,500 students. A Member serving in Lake Providence has had 7 applicants for RECD housing assistance approved, worked with over 60 families in a rural assessment project to obtain safe, decent and sanitary housing, and made 8 presentations on Farm/Home Safety to over 400 students. A Member serving in Alexandria and Boyce has generated 25 applications for RECD housing assistance. * In New Mexico, two Members serving in Las Cruces generated 1 REC Section 502 Single-Family Housing Loan application, 4 RECD Water and Waste Disposal Grant, 1 Section 504 Housing Preservation Grant, 1 Section 504 Housing Preservation Grant by meeting with approximately 200 people during the quarter. A Member worked with the Mesilla Valley Habitat For Humanity to build 6 homes. A Member serving in Aztec helped Habitat For Humanity build a home and worked with other Members to survey over 500 single-family houses for possible State of New Mexico housing assistance. 25 * In Mississippi, a Member serving in Jackson worked to get low-income potential home buyers to participate in a series of Home Buyer Education classes by preparing and distributing flyers, pamphlets, and public service announcements. A Member serving in Natchez went door-to-door, posted notices, and organized meetings to inform people about the various types of RECD housing assistance that is available to them; over 60 applications in the last 10 months for single- family housing loans were generate, as well as 20 housing preservation loans, of which 7 have already been funded. A Member serving in Jackson conducted seminars to inform local residents about the types of RECD housing; subsequently approximately 15 percent more applications for aid were received and 10 percent more loans were actually approved. A Member serving in Greenville performed outreach for RECD housing assistance programs which increased the number of actual recipients of RECD Very Low- and Low-Income Housing Repair Loans and Grants by approximately 25 percent over the previous year. A Member serving in Canton worked with delinquent RECD borrowers to make their accounts current, assisted applicants for RECD aid, organized a new home buyer education program for a local community resource center, and distributed information on energy conservation and good property maintenance. A Member serving in Webb assisted applicants for 13 RECD Self-Help Housing loans, as well as applicants for RECD Very Low- and Low-Income Housing Repair Loans and Grants, and worked on the sale of tax credits to support the construction of low-income apartments. * In Texas, a Member serving in Laredo organized several volunteers, local donors, and businesses to rebuild an elderly man's home that had been destroyed by fire. Expenses were covered by a benefit plate sale, and as a result of the cooperation between the citizens and the businesses engendered by the Member, the project was completed within 3 months. A Member serving in Raymondville assisted 25 residents in obtaining funds to build safe and adequate housing, install water systems, and do home repairs. A Member serving in Edinburg teamed up with the Child Protective Service to provide needed home repairs for a local family, and got contractors to donate materials and manpower to this 1-day project. The repairs included sheetrocking 2 bedrooms, a kitchen and a living room, and painting the inside of the house. A Member serving in Edinburg helped a family of 5 relocate from living in an old school bus to a home. The husband was disabled and unable to work, but took care of the children while his 8-months pregnant wife worked in the fields. The Member also helped them obtain funds and donated materials to build a bathroom to their new home. * In Oregon, A Member serving in Ontario assisted 5 applicants who had been refused State weatherization aid, to successfully apply for RECD home weatherization aid, helped a local county senior center to apply for a $134,000 Housing Preservation Grant, and arranged for a local donation of a truckload of dirt and volunteers at the home of a low-income senior citizen. 26 * In Jonesville, Virginia, a Member arranged for an RECD loan to allow a homeless family with a baby acquire an RECD home from inventory. Cultural and Historic Resource Preservation * In West Virginia, a Member performed archeological site investigations on over 100 acres in seven rural communities; artifacts that were recovered were documented for exhibit; mapped and planned for the use of a civil war site; monitored the removal and re-burial of four historic graves. This Member will increase the future use of archaeologists as volunteers to bring expertise to local cultural resource preservation. * In Tennessee, Members completed oral histories for the Hidden Heroines Oral History Project. * A Member serving in Morgantown, West Virginia has been working to renovate a historic theater in the heart of the downtown business district which is a source of local pride and interest by organizing a visit for the consulting firm overseeing the restoration, organized a cleanup of the building, compiled a report on needed repairs and facilities, and authored a guide for fundraising for the repair committee. 27 AmeriCorps/USDA Members Are Learning Personal Responsibility While Expanding Their Own Educational Opportunity Because USDA has spent so much time and energy to date documenting the accomplishments towards meeting community service objectives, we only do not have a tremendous amount of hard, empirical, aggregated evidence to date on our success in meeting Member development objectives. Our best empirical evidence of success in meeting Member development needs is our excellent rentention rate, which has been at least 80% since the start of the program. In addition, our quarterly site reports, as well as site visits in every region of the country, indicate the following: * All USDA Members have received extensive training --- in the vision of AmeriCorps, team-building and citizenship development, and the specific technical skills they need to perform their service. * By performing hard work together under the philosophy of "sweat equity," Members have learned to bridge their diverse racial, gender, religious, generational, and geographical backgrounds in order to work together as cohesive teams. * Many USDA Members have significantly increased their leadership, public speaking, and project planning skills in just the few months since the launch of the program. * Of the USDA Members who joined the program after dropping out of high school, many have either earned their GEDs or made significant progress towards obtaining their GEDs. Of the Members who joined the program with either some college education, college degrees, or some graduate education, many have expressed the belief that AmeriCorps has increased both their ability and their desire to continue their educations. One USDA AmeriCorps member was picked to speak at a forum sponsored by Secretary Glickman, and another was picked to participate in a forum sponsored by the First Lady. 28 One Great Success Story For Both an Individual and a Community Regina Lynn's parents divorced when she was six years old, and she spent the remainder of her childhood living in various places in the country with either her father or her mother, or under the custody of a local department of social services. She became an alcoholic, dropped out from school, spent ten years married to a man who physically and emotionally abused her, and gave birth to four children. In 1988, she moved back to one of the areas she living during childhood rural Madison, County, North Carolina and overcame her alcoholism and embarrassment to go back to school to earn her high school equivalency degree. She then attended college and after borrowing $1,000 to pay for a lawyer successfully won a legal battle to keep custody of her children. As she writes in her attached life story, "When my children were sick, my car quit, my two year old niece destroyed my only copy of a major research paper, and the hamster died, it required great effort to stay in school." Still, she persevered and received her B.A. On November 22, 1992, President Bush personally awarded Regina with a gold "National Literacy Honor" medallion in a White House ceremony that was later broadcast on television nationwide. (Copy of picture of this ceremony is attached.) Regina then joined AmeriCorps, which, she writes, "Allows me to pursue my goal of family self-sufficiency one step at a time," even as she helps countless other families in Madison County. Through AmeriCorps, Regina has played a leading role in creating a new non-profit center that provides literacy education, general tutoring, job skills training, employment information, parenting information and classes, GED classes, toy making workshops, adult reading programs, and arts and crafts classes. Through a remarkable, life-long struggle, Regina has transformed herself from a recipient of social services to a provider of such services. 09-07-1995 07:39 804 2871737 SCS STATE CONSVT. P.01 NATURAL RESOURCES 1606 SANTA ROSA ROAD, SUITE 209 RICHMOND, VA 23229-5014 CONSERVATION SERVICE FAX Number of pages 9/7/95 including cover sheet: Date: 15 To: Dee DeFiere From: PATRICIA A. PAUL Phone: Phone: 804/287-1681 Fax phone: 202/690-0639 Fax phone: 804/287-1737 CC: REMARKS: Urgent For your review Reply ASAP Please comment Narratives from 3rd quarter reports for Wy theville and Keysville clusters. Pax 09-07-1995 07:39 804 2871737 SCS STATE CONSVT. P. P.02 TTE AMERICORPS 3 QUARTER REPORT SITE INFORMATION Operating Site name: Virginia Rails to Trails State: Virginia Site ID # Your Name: Ray Dorsett Your Position: Project Manager Telephone number: 804/736-8403 Fax number: 804/736-0003 e-mail address (if available) Date report completed 7/12/95 Reporting Period: 3rd Ouarter - April - July 1995 Program Start-up date: September 1994 159 09-07-1995 07:39 804 2871737 SCS STATE CONSVT. P.03 SERVICE Virginia Rails to Trails PRIMARY ACCOMPLISMMENTS 1. Member Development: Progress made in boosting the personal development of members. A one-day photography training session improved members' skills in recording and visually documenting project activities for increased understanding and participation by the public. A half-day session on civil rights training was designed to enhance members' understanding of USDA requirements for outreach and program delivery to all constituents. A three-day training session on effective presentations and instruction gave members hands-on training to improve communication skills for making public talks, providing educational instruction and using visual techniques to illustrate key points. 2. Community Building: Progress made in meeting your community service objectives. The dedication and opening of Staunton River Battlefield Park visitor's center will provide opportunities for increased. tourism and economic development in rural area. Estimates are that 100,000 tourists will visit the park annually. The center also will increase understanding of local residents about the historic and cultural resources of the area. A curriculum development committee has been established for the Park and they have submitted an ISTEA grant application for $450,000 in addition to the current grants already received for $600,000. The grant will be used to develop exhibits at the center. The opening of the Lee's Retreat Auto Tour will benefit rural businesses along the Route through South central Virginia as will as expand educational opportunities to learn about a unique chapter in U.S. historyton Hundreds of dry hydrants will be installed to provide fire protection for rural communities based on the inventory and GIS maps developed by AmeriCorps members for a 10 county area. 168 09-07-1995 07:40 804 2871737 SCS STATE CONSVT. P.04 * A DEPARTMENT Virginia Rails to Trails 3. Other Accomplishments: -Numerous requests have been received for Iandscape design assistance to improve recreational and industrial parks in rural areas. Some of these parks had fallen into disuse and a state of disrepair for lack of public support. Interest and enthusiasm generated by AmeriCorps members for improving local parks have increased participation of residents and funding for improvement projects for at least 3 parks. -A basketball tournament organized by AmeriCorps contributed to raising funds to support park improvements and neighborhood park committees are ordering playground equipment which will restore vacant lots" to attractive places for tots. 4. Unique Successes or "Creat Stories": 3-4,000 people attended the Staunton River Battlefield Park opening. Participants had an opportunity to tour the park and view a cívil war reenactment. Among the dignitaries attending were Governor George Allen and other state and local officials. One AmeriCorps member designed a T-shirt which was sold to help raise funds for the Historic Stauton River Foundation which has been organized to continue development of projects and activities in the future. 169 09-07-1995 07:40 804 2871737 SCS STATE CONSVT. P.05 A Virginia Rails to Trails PRIMARY CHALLENGES Report on problems resolved and unresolved, obstacles to achieving program objectives, significant sources of delay, program elements not meeting expectations, events or incidents that caused concern. Use the format below for explaining problems and solutions. NATURE OF PROBLEM Please state the problem clearly and concisely. Be candid. More lead time for recruiting, developing program proposals. Reporting procedures need to be in place at the beginning of the year and timekeeping and financial codes in place to gather information on such items as non-volunteer and volunteer hours and partners financial contributions. The new manual with report forms should help if this now capture all needed data. Delays in delivery of guidelines/manuals should decrease in 2nd year of program. Need more interaction with Va. Department of Volunteerism early in year to plan HAS THE PROBLEM BEEN RESOLVED? joint activities, events. In some ways - eg. updated manual. IF NO, WEAT STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM? Even though program is still not confirmed, we have done some advertising for 1996 speculating there will be no program changes and that there will be renewal of project but we don't want to go out on a limb til more information received. This limits ability to recruit candidates and also puts some current AmeriCorps members in limbo who are very interested in reapplying but need to make decisions about school, etc. WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE SOLUTION OR RESOURCES NEEDED TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM? Specify what steps you, your Members, USDA, and/or the Corporation for National Service can take to rectify the problems or at least ensure they do not recur in the future Would be helpful to have written guidance using best estimate of what is anticipated for 96 to use with potential members. More administrative support at NHO to help with delivery of materials since small staff is faced with being only source of contact and help for this program. When these few people are trying to answer questions foom all over country, it becomes formidable. Perhaps electronic bulletin board from USDA could be used to increase information dissemination. 170 09-07-1995 07:41 804 2871737 SCS STATE CONSVT. P.06 AmeriCorps *USA Operating Site Quarterly Report New River-Highlands RC&D Operating Site ID # 1651268015 USDA National Direct Third Quarter $/ 1-6/30 Audrey L. A. Biggs, Outreach Coordinator T# (703) 228-2879 Fax (703) 228-4367 110 W. Spiller St. Wytheville, VA Full Time Part Time No. of members allotted to your site s 0 No. of members enrolled on last day of third quarter 5 0 No. of members who served entire third quarter S 0 No. of members who left sites during the third quarter 0 0 No. of members who joined sitcs during the third quarter 0 0 Total mambers' service hours during third quarter 1,040 0 Total members service hours to date 2,360 Please estimate the Following: a) Total number of Non-AmeriCorps Volunteers who were involved in AmeriCorps service projects 30 b) Total number of Non-AmeriCorps service activities completed by Non-AmeriCorps Member Volunteers this third quarter: 1,245 Summery of progress this reporting quarter towards accomplishing annual objectives The Outreach Coordinator is responsible for press releases and media coverage for Council activities, the development and implementation of the newsletter for the Council, the Middle Fork Holston River Water Quality Committee (MFHWQ). Some of her duties will include writing press releases. identifying funding sources, and assisting with a videography project for the Jetterson National Forest. Develop Newsletters Prepare mailing lists and data bases for newsletters. Train volunteers to develop newsletters. Set-up and direct press conferences for activities of the Council and other watershed groups; 10 include planning conferences, arranging for press coverage, preparing press packets and arranging for speakers. Prepare Brochures' pamphlets and programs that promote or explain RC&D Council or Grassroots Organizational activities or workshops. Primary Accomplishments this quarter: A Direct Service Objectives: 1. Completed all activities and reports for an Urban and Community Assistance Grant. These actions included: Working with the Chairperson Grassroots Conservancy to record all volunteer activities and AmeriCorps. Worked on the final edit. printing arrangements and distribution of 260 teachers guides. 28 'd NOIIVAN 7108 00 hilm 00:21 8661-21-20 09-07-1995 07:41 804 2871737 SCS STATE CONSVT. P.07 Operating Site ID # 1651268015 USDA National Direct Third Quarter S/ 1-6/30 Participated as an instructor in 2 teacher's workshops. These workshops taught how to uso the guide books created for the Smyth County schools to be used by 260 teachers in five Marion area schools that function within the Riverwalk area. 2. Directed Riverwalk Field Day activities for 75 people plus speakers, and town officials, Preparing 5 press releases, Creating the activity program for the Riverwalk field day, Creating Radio announcements. Arranging for 4 speakers for the event 3. Continued to work on the quarterly newsletters for the council and other watershed groups in the Southwest Virginia Appalachian region. These news letters have a combined distribution of 400 individuals, elected officials and Incal prospects. The scope of the newsletter has grown 10 include Smyth and Washington County Area teachers to increase awareness of watershed information. 4. Assisted in the development of the Adopt-A-Watershed program developed by the Middle Fork Holston Water Quality Committee and supported by the Tennessee Valley Authority and the RC&D Council. The Adopt-A- Watershed program is an initiative developed introduce students to the impacts of land use, water quality, and pollution problems in their watershed areas. The program will increase student, farmer and community understanding of how Non- Point Source (NPS) pollution affects water quality. The program has the added bonus of reducing the number of watershed miles affected by agricultural and urban NPS pollution in Washington and Smyth Counties. Partners and agancies are developing the Adopt-A-Watershed program to increase involvement and participation by teachers and students in water quality problem solving. Assisted in the development of the MFH Canoe Expedition and Sampling expedition Served as Media and Assistant Event Coordinator Working as Brochure Designer 5. Arranged media packets for Water Conservation Farm demonstration in the Geenway Creek Area. The project was initiated in 1993, by the Middle Fork Holston Water Quality (MFHWQ) Committee and the RC&D Council. for the purpose of tracking critical stream bank problems and their effects on the river system. The project will focus on the water quality of the Middle Fork Holston River and its tributaries. The demonstration was developed to inform the community about the developments from the project and its affects on Middle Fork Holston River and it's tributaries 6. Assisted in the development of the RC&D Council Annual report created brochures for SCWS 1000 individual distribution, 15 press packets for watershed events 7. Trained MFH outreach members on event planning, committee reporting, and cditing for their newsletter 8. Assisted the MFH outreach members in developing a strategic plan for the Committee. This document has been distributed to Area Town councils, local agency personnel. and interested community members. 9. Created outreach committee for Friends of the Little Reed Island watershed Committee SA'd WYTH CO. SOIL CONSERVATION 01:21 5661-21-20 09-07-1995 07:42 804 2871737 SCS STATE CONSVT. P.08 Operating Site ID # 1651268015 USDA National Direct Third Quarter $/ 1-6/30 B. AmeriCorps Member Development: Our AmeriCorps management support group meets with the entire cluster for bi-monthly Staff meetings to inform us about any changes that are occurring within the AmeriCorps program. These meetings serve as a means of distributing consistent information as well as a barometer of our AmeriCorps objectives. As another means of developing the AmeriCorps Member we have attended A USDA Effective Presentation and Information Workshop. This forwarded the opportunity to meet with AmeriCorps Member асгозs Virginia. C. Community Building/Strengthening Objectives The community objectives require that my AmeriCorps project identify necessary improvements in communication and coordination among existing community-based organizations and local, state, federal and other environmental projects. Through the New River-Highlands Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) area, I have worked on objectives and strategies to establish a public awareness of water quality concerns impacting their areas. To accomplish this, I have continued to produce newsletter that features local water quality issues and highlights actions that are being initiated to correct any identified concerns. I have also worked on event planning and press opportunities to increased the awareness of local, state and federal elected officials and the community toward the water quality problems in the Southwest VA Appalachian region. Other Accomplishments this Quarter Currently serving as AmeriCorps Coundinator for & Multi-site Conservation Demonstration in Aug. Preparing press releases, Creating the activity program for the Friends of the Little Reed Island field day, Creating radio announcements. Arranging for and exhibitors for the event Coordinating tour and travel arrangements Providing correspondence Unique Successes NA Primary Challenges: This quarter my primary challenge has been to develop skills in event planning. This is an area that requires both organization and coordination skills. I have either assisted or Coordinated 3 events this quarter with little direct training. Trial by fire, while unnerving can be the best teacher of all. I am interested in being trained in this particular area, however I am confident that what I have learned. thus far, is useful and acceptable. National Identity Activities This Quarter: Joel Berg participated in a tour of AmeriCorps Member sites and interviewed the AmeriCorps members. The visit was an opportunity to gauge the effectiveness of AmeriCorps members in their assigned communities. He met with area committee chairs and local officials to look at the Riverwalk Tree Identification Lab. The l.ab .part of & walking trail, is one of the Community Service Projects completed by the New River-Highlands AmeriCorps Cluster. Significant Program Changes This Quarter: NA 'd 7108 '00 WIAM 11:21 5661-21-20 09-07-1995 07:43 804 2871737 SCS STATE CONSVT. P.09 AmeriCorps USA Operating Site Quarterly Report New River-Highlands RC&D Operating Site ID w 1651268015 USDA National Diruct Third Quarter S/ 1-6/30 Audrey L. A. Biggs, Outreach Coordinator T# (703) 228-2879 Fax (703) 228-4367 110 W. Spiller St. Wytheville, VA Full Time Part Time No. of members allotted to your site s D No. of members enrolled on last day of third quartur 5 o No. of members who served entire third quarter 5 0 No. of members who lætt sitas during the third quarter 0 c No. of members who joined sites during the third quarter 0 0 Total members' service hours during third quarter 1,040 o Total members service hours to date 2,360 Please estimate the Following: a) Total number of Non-AmeriCorps Volunteers who were involved in AmeriCorps service projects 30 b) Total number of Non-AmeriCorps service activities completed by Non-AmeriCorps Member Volunteers this third quarter: 1.245 Summery of progress this reporting quarter towards accomplishing annual objectives The Outreach Coordinator is responsible for press releases and media coverage for Council activities. the development and implementation of the newsletter for the Council, the Middle Fork Holston River Water Quality Committee (MFHWQ). Some of her duties will include writing press releases, identifying funding sources. and assisting with A videography project for the Jofferson National Forest. Develop Newsletters Prepare mailing lists and data bases for newsletters. Train volunteers to develop newsletters. Set-up and direct press conferences for activities of the Council and other watershed groups; to include planning conferences, arranging for press coverage. preparing press packets and arranging for speakers. Prepare Brochures' pamphlets and programs that promote or explain RC&D Council or Grassroots Organizational activities or workshops. Primary Accomplishments this quarter: A Direct Service Objectives: 1. Completed all activities and reports for an Urban and Community Assistance Grant. These actions included: Working with the Chairperson Grassroots Conservancy to record all volunteer activities and AmeriCorps. Worked on the final edit, printing arrangements and distribution of 260 teachers guides. Great Stories National Identity Activities this quarter: I led two teachers training sessions. This was to help teachers to use the trail as an outdoor classroom in tree identification (see article). I wore a badge recognizing myself as an Americorps member while attending a landscape ecology symposium where Paul Johnson spoke optimistically about Americiums. 09-07-1995 07:43 804 2871737 SCS STATE CONSVT. P.10 Quarterly Report Mindy Clark Operating Site Name: Wytheville, Virginia New River-Highlands RC&D Operating Site ID Number: 1651268015 Corporation Grantee/State Commission Name: Grassroots Conservancy Third Quarter (4/2-6/30) Mindy Clark (703) 783-7355 Project manager, Riverwalk Full Time Part Time NOM allotted to your sites 2 o NOM enrolled last day of 3rd 2 0 NOM who served entire 3rd quarter 2 o NOM who left sites in 3rd O o NOM who joined sites 0 0 Total Members service hours in 3rd 1040 o Total Members s.h. to date 3280 0 Estimated total non-Americorps volunteers this quarter 21 Estimated total hours non-Americorps volunteers 1247 Summary of Progress Direct Service Objectives The temporary trail has been revised but the suggested final trail remains the same. The Urban and Community Forestry Enhancement Grant has been fullfilled and they have agreed to pay the toatal amount. Americorps Member Development Objectives Americorps members in my cluster have continued to help each other in various ways, The articles attached attest to the visiblity of Americorps in the press. Community Building/Strengthening Objectives Many people have talked to me about their use of the trail and I can see there is increased interest throughout the community. Great Stories National Identity Activities this quarter: I led two teachers training sessions. This was to help teachers to use the trail as an outdoor classroom in tree identification (see article). I wore a badge recognizing myself as an Americorps member while attending a landscape ecology symposium where Paul Johnson spoke optimistically about Americiums. SB'd WYTH co. SOIL CONSERVATION 11:21 5661-21-28 09-07-1995 07:43 804 2871737 SCS STATE CONSVT. P.11 Joel Berg visited the Riverwalk and this appeared in the newspaper (see article). A public hearing was held to discuss parking along the Riverwalk. Although many opposed the addition of parking, the meeting became a positive forum of ideas (see article) I took part in a riverfloat and water sampling expedition which was written of in the paper (see article). Changes in Program Organization Jack Anderson, a Grassroots member, was given a position with Jobs Training Partnership Act. New Officers were voted in at the May GC meeting. Grassroots Conservancy became a non-profit organization. Primary Accomplishments. A design for the trail at the Town Pool was drawn. Sixteen trees of 1-1/2 to 4 inches caliper were bought and planted. They were well-cared for and are off to a good start. Field Day was held. My donation included setting up a "Friends of the Library" booth, an outdoor sitting room where visitors can look at books to identify plants. Some of my photos were displayed there. I developed a tree identification key and used it while leading about seventy teachers in two training sessions. The specifics of the grant were fulfilled to the extent that the total dollar amount was received and all were pleased with the work performed. I assisted in surveying the Cliff Avenue stretch of the trail. I prepared the office for future occupants. I was trained in photography, attended a symposium, and went on a riverfloat. I arranged for Riverwalks to be held. Rosebushes were eradicated and the pool area was spruced up. Challenges. Throughout my tenure I have been concerned that decisions were being made by three members only. This has been resolved by the new status of non-profit organization which requires ten members be present to vote on decisions. Working with Troy Brown on trail plans has not come about yet but attempts are being made to do so. Program concerns- I did not receive the equipment I needed, such as a typewriter or computer and I had to travel across town to use one in addition to & copier and fax. $8 'd 7108 '00 HIAM LOEPBZZEBLI 21:21 5661-21-10 07-12-1995 07:28 17032284367 WYTH CO. SOIL CONSERVATION P. 01 New River-Highlands RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AREA 110 West Spiller Street Suite C Wytheville, Virginia 24382 703/228-2879 FAX: (703) 228-4367 Telecopier Transmittal Cover Sheet DATE: July 12, 1995 TO: Joel Berg FROM: Mary Boring COMMENTS: - Witherelle VA NUMBER OF PAGES: 10 (including Cover Sheet) C EXPRESS PHOTOCOPY PRESERVATION 07-12-1995 07:28 17032284367 WYTH CO. SOIL CONSERVATION P. 02 AmeriCorps *USA Operating Site Quarterly Report New River-Highlands RC&D Operating Site ID # 1651268015 USDA National Direct Third Quarter $/ 1-6/30 Audrey L. A. Biggs, Outreach Coordinator PHOTOCOPY T# (703) 228-2879 Fax (703) 228-4367 PRESERVATION 110 W. Spiller St. Wytheville, VA Full Time Part Time No. of members allotted to your site 5 0 No. of members enrolled on last day of third quarter 5 0 No. of members who served entire third quarter 5 0 No. of members who left sites during the third quarter 0 0 No. of members who joined sites during the third quarter 0 0 Total members' service hours during third quarter 1,040 0 Total members service hours to date 2,360 Please estimate the Following: a) Total number of Non-AmeriCorps Volunteers who were involved in AmeriCorps service projects 30 b) Total number of Non-AmeriCorps service activities completed by Non-AmeriCorps Member Volunteers this third quarter: 1,245 Summery of progress this reporting quarter towards accomplishing annual objectives The Outreach Coordinator is responsible for press releases and media coverage for Council activities, the development and implementation of the newsletter for the Council, the Middle Fork Holston River Water Quality Committee (MFHWQ). Some of her duties will include writing press releases, identifying funding sources, and assisting with a videography project for the Jefferson National Forest Develop Newsletters Prepare mailing lists and data bases for newsletters. Train volunteers to develop newsletters. Set-up and direct press conferences for activities of the Council and other watershed groups, to include planning conferences, arranging for press coverage, preparing press packets and arranging for speakers. Prepare Brochures' pamphlets and programs that promote or explain RC&D Council or Grassroots Organizational activities or workshops. Primary Accomplishments this quarter: A Direct Service Objectives: 1. Completed all activities and reports for an Urban and Community Assistance Grant. These actions included: Working with the Chairperson Grassroots Conservancy to record all volunteer activities and AmeriCorps. Worked on the final edit, printing arrangements and distribution of 260 teachers guides. 07-12-1995 07:29 17032284367 WYTH CO. SOIL CONSERVATION P. 03 Operating Site ID # 1651268015 USDA National Direct Third Quarter $/ 1-6/30 Participated as an instructor in 2 teacher's workshops. These workshops taught how to use the guide books created for the Smyth County schools to be used by 260 teachers in five Marion area schools that function within the Riverwalk area. 2. Directed Riverwalk Field Day activities for 75 people plus speakers, and town officials, Preparing 5 press releases, Creating the activity program for the Riverwalk field day, Creating Radio announcements Arranging for 4 speakers for the event 3. Continued to work on the quarterly newsletters for the council and other watershed groups in the Southwest Virginia Appalachian region. These news letters have a combined distribution of 400 individuals, elected official: and local prospects. The scope of the newsletter has grown to include Smyth and Washington County Area teachers to increase awareness of watershed information. 4. Assisted in the development of the Adopt-A-Watershed program developed by the Middle Fork Holston Water Quality Committee and supported by the Tennessee Valley Authority and the RC&D Council. The Adopt-A- Watershed program is an initiative developed introduce students to the impacts of land use, water quality. and pollution problems in their watershed arcas. The program will increase student, farmer and community understanding of how Non- Point Source (NPS) pollution affects water quality. The program has the added bonus of reducing the number of watershed miles affected by agricultural and urban NPS pollution in Washington and Smyth Counties Partners and agencies are developing the Adopt-A-Watershed program to increase involvement and participation by teachers and students in water quality problem solving. Assisted in the development of the MFH Canoe Expedition and Sampling expedition Served as Media and Assistant Event Coordinator Working as Brochure Designer 5. Arranged media packets for Water Conservation Farm demonstration in the Geenway Creek Area. The projec was initiated in 1993, by the Middle Fork Holston Water Quality (MFHWQ) Committee and the RC&D Council, for the purpose of tracking critical stream bank problems and their effects on the river system. The project will focus on the wate quality of the Middle Fork Holston River and its tributaries. The demonstration was developed to inform the communit about the developments from the project and its affects on Middle Fork Holston River and it's tributaries 6. Assisted in the development of the RC&D Council Annual report created brochures for SCWS 1000 individual distribution, 15 press packets for watershed events 7. Trained MFH outreach members on event planning, committee reporting, and editing for their newsletter 8. Assisted the MFH outreach members in developing a strategic plan for the Committee This document has been distributed to Area Town councils, local agency personnel, and interested community members. 9. Created outreach committee for Friends of the Little Reed Island watershed Committee PHOTOCOPY PRESERVATION 07-12-1995 07:30 17032284367 WYTH CO. soil CONSERVATION P. 04 Operating Site ID # 1651268015 USDA National Direct Third Quarter $/ 1-6/30 B. AmeriCorps Member Development: Our AmeriCorps management support group meets with the entire cluster for bi-monthly Staff meetings to inform us about any changes that are occurring within the AmeriCorps program. These meetings serve as a means of distributing consistent information as well as a barometer of our AmeriCorps objectives. As another means of developing the AmeriCorps Member we have attended a USDA Effective Presentation and Information Workshop. This forwarded the opportunity to meet with AmeriCorps Member across Virginia. C. Community Building/Strengthening Objectives The community objectives require that my AmeriCorps project identify necessary improvements in communication and coordination among existing community-based organizations and local, state, federal and other environmental projects. Through the New River-Highlands Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) area, I have worked on objectives and strategies to establish a public awareness of water quality concerns impacting their areas. To accomplish this, I have continued to produce newsletter that features local water quality issues and highlights actions that are being initiated to correct any identified concerns. I have also worked on event planning and press opportunities to increased the awareness of local, state and federal elected officials and the community toward the water quality problems in the Southwest VA Appalachian region. Other Accomplishments this Quarter Currently serving as AmeriCorps Coordinator for a Multi-site Conservation Demonstration in Aug. Preparing press releases, Creating the activity program for the Friends of the Little Reed Island field day, Creating radio announcements Arranging for and exhibitors for the event Coordinating tour and travel arrangements Providing correspondence PHOTOCOPY Unique Successes NA PRESERVATION Primary Challenges: This quarter my primary challenge has been to develop skills in event planning This is an area that requires both organization and coordination skills. I have either assisted or Coordinated 3 events this quarter with little direct training Trial by fire, while unnerving can be the best teacher of all. I am interested in being trained in this particular area, however I am confident that what I have learned, thus far, is useful and acceptable. National Identity Activities This Quarter: Joel Berg participated in a tour of AmeriCorps Member sites and interviewed the AmeriCorps members. The visit was an opportunity to gauge the effectiveness of AmeriCorps members in their assigned communities He met with area committee chairs and local officials to look at the Riverwalk Tree Identification Lab. The Lab part of a walking trail, is one of the Community Service Projects completed by the New River-Highlands AmeriCorps Cluster. Significant Program Changes This Quarter: NA 07-12-1995 07:32 17032284367 WYTH CO. SOIL CONSERVATION P. 05 Quarterly Report Mindy Clark Operating Site Name: Wytheville, Virginia New River-Highlands RC&D Operating Site ID Number: 1651268015 Corporation Grantee/State Commission Name: Grassroots Conservancy Third Quarter (4/1-6/30) PHOTOCOPY Mindy Clark PRESERVATION (703) 783-7355 Project manager, Riverwalk Full Time Part Time NOM allotted to your sites 2 0 NOM enrolled last day of 3rd 2 0 NOM who served entire 3rd quarter 2 0 NOM who left sites in 3rd 0 0 NOM who joined sites 0 0 Total Members service hours in 3rd 1040 0 Total Members s.h. to date 3280 0 Estimated total non-Americorps volunteers this quarter 21 Estimated total hours non-Americorps volunteers 1247 Summary of Progress Direct Service Objectives The temporary trail has been revised but the suggested final trail remains the same. The Urban and Community Forestry Enhancement Grant has been fullfilled and they have agreed to pay the toatal amount. Americorps Member Development Objectives Americorps members in my cluster have continued to help each other in various ways. The articles attached attest to the visiblity of Americorps in the press. Community Building/Strengthening Objectives Many people have talked to me about their use of the trail and I can see there is increased interest throughout the community. Great Stories National Identity Activities this quarter: I led two teachers training sessions. This was to help teachers to use the trail as an outdoor classroom in tree identification (see article). I wore a badge recognizing myself as an Americorps member while attending a landscape ecology symposium where Paul Johnson spoke optimistically about Americiums. 07-12-1995 07:33 17032284367 WYTH CO. SOIL CONSERVATION P.06 Joel Berg visited the Riverwalk and this appeared in the newspaper (see article). A public hearing was held to discuss parking along the Riverwalk. Although many opposed the addition of parking, the meeting became a positive forum of ideas (see article) I took part in a riverfloat and water sampling expedition which was written of in the paper (see article). Changes in Program Organization Jack Anderson, a Grassroots member, was given a position with Jobs Training Partnership Act. New Officers were voted in at the May GC meeting. Grassroots Conservancy became a non-profit organization. Primary Accomplishments. A design for the trail at the Town Pool was drawn. Sixteen trees of 1-1/2 to 4 inches caliper were bought and planted. They were well-cared for and are off to a good start. Field Day was held. My donation included setting up a "Friends of the Library" booth, an outdoor sitting room where visitors can look at books to identify plants. Some of my photos were displayed there. I developed a tree identification key and used it while leading about seventy teachers in two training sessions. The specifics of the grant were fulfilled to the extent that the total dollar amount was received and all were pleased with the work performed. I assisted in surveying the Cliff Avenue stretch of the trail. I prepared the office for future occupants. I was trained in photography, attended a symposium, and went on a riverfloat. I arranged for Riverwalks to be held. Rosebushes were eradicated and the pool area was spruced up. Challenges. Throughout my tenure I have been concerned that decisions were being made by three members only. This has been resolved by the new status of non-profit organization which requires ten members be present to vote on decisions. Working with Troy Brown on trail plans has not come about yet but attempts are being made to do SO. Program Concerns- I did not receive the equipment I needed, such as a typewriter or computer and I had to travel across town to use one in addition to a copier and fax. PHOTOCOPY PRESERVATION USDA - Forest Service operated '95 AmeriCorps Program 3rd Quarter Report Summary With 3 quarters of the AmeriCorps year gone, the accomplishments of the AmeriCorps Members are numerous and varied. Since the beginning of the program the over 332 Members have logged 362,339.7 Service hours, and: * Maintained over 24,000 acres cumlative along with 1.23 miles of stream bank in Fire rehabilitation/Watershed protection Achieved 386 acres of reforestation in the 3rd quarter bringing the cumulative figure to 638 acres -- 29,500 wilows have been planted 11 flood fences were built and 20 structures to prevent flooding * Maintained 127 miles of trail in the 3rd quarter, bringing the total miles of trail maintained since the beginning of the program to 355.2 miles * Completly rehabilitated or built 220 campground sites in the 3rd quarter, putting the total thus far in the program year , to 254 * Prepared 16 campsites for accessability to people with disabilities - bringing the cumulative to 42 camp sites * Improved 52 acres off Timber Stand for a total of 254 acres to date this program year * Constructed 58 miles of new fence in the 3rd quarter - bringing the years total thus far to 79 miles of new fence built by the AmeriCorps Program Members * Members built 1.5 miles of Historic Site Trail as an unusual and highlighted project. * Achieved 912 acres of Wildlife Habitat Improvement in the 3rd quarter bringing the total acres improved to date, through the AmeriCorps Program, to 2,019 acres. 133 structures to shelter or protect wildlife were built and 58 nesting boxes, critical to the survival of the species were built - bringing the cumulative to 133 structures and 296 nesting boxes for the year * 577 acres of Fisheries Habitat Improvement was done in the 3rd quarter for a total of 760 acres through 3 quarters of the program year * Work was done this quarter on 15 miles of vehicle trails to keep them passable and free of obstructive growth and slides. The total for the Program year, thus far, is 18 miles of vehicle trail work * Established and built 4 new picnic areas this quarter - bringing the total this year to 10 new areas for use * AmeriCorps Members worked with the city of Eureka to build obstructions to stop erosion of six different areas in and around the city. The work was critical to saving slopes from sliding and diverting unwanted runoff and flooding from eroded areas A name LIMITED SECURITY MEDIA ASSESSMENT 1. NATIONAL IDENTITY ACTIVITIES THIS QUARTER NONE 2. MEDIA COVERAGE * APRIL 10, 1995. CHANNEL 22 TV COVERAGE OF AMERICORPS VFTST MEETING WITH NRCS CHIEF PAUL JOHNSON. * APRIL 10-29, 1995- SUMMIT VIDEO TAPE SHOWN ON 19 COMMUNITY CABLE STATIONS. * A WRITE-UP APPEARED IN 244 TOWN REPORTS CONCERNING THE WORK BEING PERFORMED BY THE VFTST AND THE GEORGE D AIKEN RESOURCE CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT. * MARCH 28-APRIL 12, 1995- 50TH ANNUAL TOWN OFFICERS' EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCES THROUGH OUT VERMONT. VFTST HAD A BOOTH EXPLAINING AMERICORPS PROGRAM, DRY HYDRANTS AND SERVICES. MAY 1995- VERMONT RC&D MESSENGER-NEWSLETTER: DISCUSSES VFTST WITH UPDATE. 3. OTHER CREATIVE DOCUMENTATION MEDIA COVERAGE CONTINUED * MAY 25, 1995- RUHS COMMUNITY SERVICE FAIR/'HERALD" ARTICLE. MAY 1995- RC&D ANNUAL REPORT DISCUSSES VFTST. SPRING 1995- VFTST BROCHURE REVISED. * JUNE 27, 1995- VERMONT AMERICORPS CONFERENCE AT VERMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE. CHANNEL 5 TV COVERAGE OF THE STATES NEEDS & GOALS OF THE TEAMS AND THE CONFERENCE. JULY 1995-"GREEN MOUNTAIN RESPONDER"- VERMONT'S FIREFIGHTING NEWSLETTER. VFTST PROVIDED EDUCATIONAL INTERNET COLUMN FOR FIREFIGHTERS. JULY 1995- "AG REVIEW"- VT DEPT. OF AG. MAGAZINE FOR FARMERS AND FOLKS LIVING IN RURAL VERMONT. HAS A STORY CONCERNING RURAL FIREFIGHTING AND THE VFTST/USDA-NRCS/GEORGE D. AIKEN RC&D EFFORT TO ASSIST RURAL VFDS. A. "FIRE PROTECTION WATER SUPPLY PLAN"- THIS PLAN WAS DEVELOPED BY THE RC&D, AND INTEGRATED WITH IDEAS THE VFTST HAD FOR IMPROVING IT.. THIS PLAN IS A TOOL THAT TOWNS AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS CAN USE FOR IMPROVED RURAL FIRE FIGHTING, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, REDUCED EMOTIONAL STRESS ON FIRE FIGHTERS, BETTER RECORD KEEPING, HAS PERMIT INFORMATION AND EASEMENT INFORMATION TO ASSIST IN THE WHOLE PROCESS OF IMPROVING SAFETY THROUGH IMPROVED COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS. 172 INERICORP A INFORMATION - STATES - . - OA TVE TRAINING ASSESSMENT PRIMARY TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE NEEDS Please specify precisely what kind of staff or Member training or other technical assistance can be provided by USDA, the Corporation for National and Community Service, or other sources to improve your project. 1. 1994-1995 AMERICORPS TEAM NEEDS NO NEW TRAINING. 2. 1995-1996 AMERICORPS TEAM WOULD REQUIRE THE SAME TRAINING AT A MINIMUM. A. GRANTSMANSHIP TRAINING B. ISO FIRE RATING TRAINING C. BASIC PHOTO INTERPRETATION TRAINING D. U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS/USDA WETLANDS TRAINING E. COMPUTER- AUTOCAD TRAINING F. TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT (TQM) TRAINING G. CPR AND FIRST AID TRAINING NOTE: THE CPR AND FIRST AID TRAINING WOULD BE MOST HELPFUL/BENEFICIAL TO TEAM MEMBERS, IF IT WAS COMPLETED IN THE FIRST MONTH OF WORK VERSUS LATER ON. 171 AMERICORPS A name - . 2 PRIMARY CHALLENGES Report on problems resolved and unresolved, obstacles to achieving program objectives, significant sources of delay, program elements not meeting expectations, events or incidents that caused concern. Use the format below for explaining problems and solutions. NATURE OF PROBLEM Please state the problem clearly and concisely. Be candid. NONE HAS THE PROBLEM BEEN RESOLVED? N/A IF NO, WHAT STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM? N/A WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE SOLUTION OR RESOURCES NEEDED TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM? N/A Specify what steps you, your Members, USDA, and/or the Corporation for National Service can take to rectify the problems or at least ensure they do not recur in the future N/A 170 MERICORP BATTER name 3. Other Accomplishments: THE VFTST ORGANIZED A "COMMUNITY SERVICE FAIR" FOR 300-400 6TH AND 7TH GRADERS FROM RANDOLPH UNION HIGH SCHOOL- RANDOLPH, VT (HELD MAY 24, 1995). THIS FAIR INTRODUCED THE 6TH GRADERS TO COMMUNITY SERVICE BY SEEING WHAT THE 7TH GRADERS ARE DOING AND WHAT OTHER INDIVIDUALS/GROUPS ARE DOING. THE VFTST HAS PROVIDED 30+ TOWNS/FIRE DEPARTMENTS ENGINEERING WORK FOR THE INSTALLATION OF DRY HYDRANT/DRAFTING BASINS. THE VFTST HAS REVIEWED AND SURVEYED 210 DRY HYDRANT/DRAFTING BASIN SITES THROUGH OUT VERMONT. 4. Unique Successes or "Great Stories": THE VFTST WAS AN INSTRAMENTAL FORCE IN ORGANIZING VERMONT'S FIRST "FIRE SUMMIT" HELD AT THE PAVILLION BUILDING AT THE STATE HOUSE COMPLEX IN MONTPELIER. THIS SUMMIT WAS HELD MARCH 13, 1995, BUT IS STILL BEING ACTIVE IN THE FORM OF SUBCOMMITIES FORMED TO FIND SOLUTIONS TO MANY OF VERMONT'S FIRE SERVICE PROBLEMS AND NEEDS. THIS SUMMIT HAS HELPED TO GARNER SUPPORT AND BRING FIREFIGHTERS FROM ACROSS THE STATE, REGION AND NATION TOGETHER TO SOLVE THESE PROBLEMS WITH THE HELP OF NON-FIREFIGHTING FOLKS (SENATORS, CONGRESSMEN, INSURANCE INTERESTS, US FOREST SERVICE/USDA, LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS, ETC.). INSURANCE SERVICE OFFICE (ISO) FIRE RATING COURSE/WORKSHOP- JUNE 3-4, 1995. THIS COURSE WAS OFFERED THRU THE GEORGE D AIKEN RC&D/VFTST AMERICORPS PROGRAM, CHAMPLAIN COLLEGE, FIRE SAFETY INSTITUTE AND THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE. THIS PROGRAMS BIGGEST SUCCESS STORY HOWEVER IS THE HANDS ON WORK THAT WE WERE BROUGHT HERE TO DO. WE STARTED WITH ABOUT 3% OF ALL VFDS IN VERMONT AND NOW ARE WORKING WITH OVER 30% OF ALL VFDS. THE ENGINEERING WORK WE PROVIDE IS MEETING REAL NEEDS THAT WOULD NOT OTHERWISE BE COMPLETED DUE TO THE COST. THE BENEFIT GAINED WILL ALWAYS BE INCREASING WITH A SITE EVERY TIME IT IS USED TO EXTINGUISH A FIRE OR SAVES A LIFE. THE-OVERWELMING RESPONSE IS EVIDENCE OF OUR MARKETING WORK AND THE FIRE SERVICES GRAPEVINE CONCERNING A GOOD PROGRAM. WE STILL HAVE A BACKLOG OF WORK THAT IS EVER GROWING AS NEW TOWNS AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS HEAR OF THE PROGRAMS WORK. 169 2 3. To assist 40 rural fire departments/ communities identify potential funding resources. The VFTST is educating fire departments and communities to the fact that funding can be achieved by adding funds for dry hydrants to town infrastructure grants. The VFTST provided the use of 10, $50.00 schoolarships and gave a dry hydrant head away to increase the enrollment in the ISO workshop. The VFTST has helped the fire departments of West Newbury, Weathersfield and Woodstock, Vermont with grant application strategies and fund raising activities. The VFTST makes available to approximately 250 towns and fire departments a handbook titled, "Fund Raising Can Be Fun", and "Grant Sources and Funding." 4. To improve communication among fire departments; fire departments and regulatory agencies; and their communities. Have met with 70+ towns and conducted meetings of instruction on how VFDs can improve communications with their communities. Have handed out a handbook titled, "How to Market Your Dry Hydrant Program." Instruction book contains sample press releases, and instructions on how to work with the media. April 20, 1995- VFTST met with Natural Resource Regulators (State & Federal) to make sure the Dry Hydrant Program is understood fully, so that any needed permits for installations can be made easily and quickly by Towns. The VFTST held meetings with the Vermont State Firefighters Association, LEPCSERC, FEMA, VT Public Safety and Local Fire Departments to develop the Statewide newsletter, the "Green Mountain Responder" (Vermont's Fire Service Newsletter), to increase its coverage and its interest throughout the state. The VFTST got 3 grants to improve the newsletter. The VFTST was in continuous contact with the media to help towns and fire departments garner support for their projects. A BIRTH nini DEPARTMENT PRIMARY ACCOMPLISHMENTS 1. Member Development: Progress made in boosting the personal development of members. Each member has their own reasons for joining AmeriCorps. Each person desired training in a new area, which would add to their knowledge for the work place after AmeriCorps. We have had the following for training: Grantsmanship, Insurance Service Office (ISO) Fire Rating, Basic Photo Interpretation, USDA/US Army. Corps of Eng. - Wetland Identification, Computer/AutoCAD, Total Quality Management. (TQM), and Self- Directed Work Team Training. In addition, we all have learned to be better public speakers and how to hold an interview with the media. Each member has gained field experience in site environmental review and engineering in regards to dry hydrants and drafting basins for fire ponds. Each member has increased their personal know- ledge of state and federal agencies in which we worked/have expanded our professional -personal network. 2. Community Building: Progress made in meeting your community service objectives. The following are the VFTST objectives: 1. To work with 40 rural fire departments/ communities in Vermont. The VFTST is currently working with 77 rural fire departments/communities in Vermont. 2. To provide 15 rural fire departments/ communities with fire protection water supply plans. The VFTST is currently surveying sites and collecting engineering data. The VFTST has completed 11 of 15 fire protection water supply plans. 168 THE non a Objectives Section Objective: (state objective) Progress towards meeting this community service objectives The following are the VFTST objectives: 1. To work with 40 rural fire departments/ communities in Vermont. The VFTST is currently working with 77 rural fire departments/communities in Vermont. 2. To provide 15 rural fire departments/ communities with fire protection water supply plans. The VFTST is currently surveying sites and collecting engineering data. The VFTST has completed 11 of 15 fire protection water supply plans. (complete this sheet for each objective) 167 A SEPTEM F name MW nur . Minor PROJECT DIRECTOR COSTS (One per State - Above site level costs only) Do NOT include any costs already captured by the Project Manager. Federal dollars spent on AmeriCorps Per cent of your time spent on AmeriCorps 2% Approximate dollar amount 1,300 0 Cost for any other Federal employee spending time on AmeriCorps 112 Travel costs for Members & Managers 0 Training costs 824 Supplies 0 Uniform costs 0 Program Costs (Please explain what these costs were.) Non-Federal Funds Spent 0 (Explain) 166 SATIONAL SERVI MERICORP A BUTD name . hit BUDGET INFORMATION Federal dollars spent on AmeriCorps (Local Level Only) Project Manager completes this section Per cent of your time spent on AmeriCorps 25% Approximate dollar amount 15.000 Cost for any other Federal employee spending 4,000 time on AmeriCorps Travel costs for Members & Managers 3,000 800 Training costs Supplies 1,200 0 Uniform costs 0 Program Costs (Please explain what these costs were.) Partner dollars spent on AmeriCorps Supplies 1,800 Travel 2,600 0 Training Program Costs 0 Other 0 165 A SERVICE $ runs pow L'ASSIGNATIVE MEMBER ASSESSMENT as of end of this quarter TOTAL AUTHORIZED POSITIONS: 3 TOTAL EMPLOYED: 3 TOTAL ENVIRONMENTAL CORPS POSITIONS FILLED TOTAL RURAL DEVELOPMENT CORPS POSITIONS FILLED 3 DEMOGRAPHICS OF AMERICORPS MEMBERS Box 1 - GENDER Number of Males 2 Number of Females 1 TOTAL 3 Box 2 - RACE Number of Caucasians 3 Number of African Americans Number of Native Americans Number of Hispanics Number of Asian Americans/Pacific Islander Other TOTAL 3 Box 3 - EDUCATION Number w/out High School Diploma or GED Number with High School or GED Number with some college Number with college degree 3 Number with Graduate degree Number w/Professional or Trade School TOTAL 3 NOTE: Totals in boxes 1-3 should be the same number and should be the same as TOTAL EMPLOYED. BOX 4 - OTHER Number receiving Health Insurance from NRCS 3 Number receiving Child Care through AmeriCorps Number of children 2 Number w/Disabilities 164 NATIONALS NATION A STEORPE STATE DATE SEPARTMENT . MAIOR - SIGNIFICANT CHANGES THIS QUARTER 1. Staff changes made this quarter: NONE 2. Program structural changes made this quarter: NONE Number of Members who have left National Service NONE this quarter. Total-to-date 0 Number of Members who have gained employment thru their N/A AmeriCorps Service 163 NATIONAL NATION MERICORE A SECURITY BIRTLE name DEPARTINING . MINICA THE VOLUNTEER ASSESSMENT Non-AmeriCorps Member Volunteers Total Number of non-AmeriCorps Volunteers: 125 involved in AmeriCorps service activities in this quarter Total hours of AmeriCorps service activities: 665 completed by non-AmeriCorps Member volunteers in this quarter. 162 AMERICORP A MEMBER name Tar a CM - PART-TIME MEMBER INFORMATION N/A Number of Members authorized: Environmental Corps Members : Rural Development Corps Members : Number of Members enrolled at end of quarter: Environmental Corps Members Rural Development Corps Members: Number of Members at beginning of quarter: Environmental Corps Members: Rural Development Corps Members: Total Hours of Direct Service for previous Quarter: Environmental Corps Members: Rural Development Corps Members: Total Hours of Direct Service for this Quarter: Environmental Corps Members: Rural Development Corps Members: Total Hours of Direct Service to date: Environmental Corps Members: Rural Development Corps Members: 161 A BMITHS states SERVICE AMORICA MEMBER INFORMATION FULL-TIME MEMBER INFORMATION Number of Members authorized for your site: Environmental Corps Members: Rural Development Corps Members: 3. Number of Members enrolled at end of quarter: Environmental Corps Members: Rural Development Corps Members: 3 Number of Members at beginning of quarter: Environmental Corps Members: Rural Development Corps Members: 3 Total Hours of Direct Service for previous Quarter: Environmental Corps Members: Rural Development Corps Members: 1,937 Total Hours of Direct Service for this Quarter: Environmental Corps Members: Rural Development Corps Members: 1,616 Total Hours of Direct Service to Date: Environmental Corps Members: Rural Development Corps Members: 4,942 160 SOLITY MEDITAL SERVICE $ A FLAM states - . - OR TMIC AMERICORPS 3RD QUARTER REPORT SITE INFORMATION GEORGE D. AIKEN RESOURCE CONSERVATION & DEVELOP Operating Site name: MENT. VERMONT State: Site ID # UNKNOWN Your Name: DENNIS BORCHARDT Your Position: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Telephone number: 802-728-9526 Fax number: 802-728-5951 N/A e-mail address (if available) Date report completed JULY 7, 1995 Reporting Period: APRIL/MAY/JUNE 1995 Program Start-up date: SEPTEMBER 12, 1994 159 United States Natural 18 Blair Park Road Department of Resources Suite 207 Agriculture Conservation Williston, Vermont 05495 Service TEL. (802) 878-7402 FAX (802) 879-3920 FAX TRANSMITTAL SHEET Subject: AMERICORDS 3/4 REPORT To: PAULA COLE JONES Di D. FioRe Comments: Sorry its late, / was on vacation Page / of 6 If any are missing please call the above telephone number. The Natural Resources Conservation Service. formerly the Soil Conservation Service, is an agency of the & Anriculture AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 100.3001 '95 16:06 FROM USDA WILLISTON VT THE WINOOSKI RIVER WATERSHED PRCJECT- WILLISTON VERMONT THIRD QUARTER AMERICORPS REPORT 7/17/95 1. Two members enrolled at time of launch. 2. Two members enrolled at end of the quarter. 3. No members have been terminated. 4. A total of 3,316 hours of direct service has been performed. 5. A total of 560 hours of training has occurred. 6. Progress towards meeting community service objectives include completion of over 31 miles of streambank erosion inventories, evaluations, and recommendations. A total of 25,000 acres of streambank and upland erosion restoration sites were surveyed. A final draft of our survey findings have been incorporated into a report which will help reduce costs and improve the efficiency of current watershed erosion control efforts for local landowners, non-profit organizations and the federal agencies. Our report includes long-term effects of erosion control efforts on stream morphology and fish and wildlife, streambank site sketches and summaries, streambank cross sections, before and after photographs of erosion control sites, and plant, tree, bird, and mammal surveys for the riparian and upland areas in the watershed. 7. We have had the opportunity to present our project findings and provide erosion control education to The Nature Conservancy, Vermont Land Trust, Vermont Department of Agriculture, Mad River Watershed Association, local farmers and landowners, USDA Farm Service Agency-Vt., and Paul Johnson, chief of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. 8. Our report will provide valuable recommendations for failed erosion control efforts and improvements on other sites in the watershed. Recommendations are to be implemented by the 1995-1996 Winooski River Watershed Project AMERICORPS team. This future implementation will provide local community members with direct service in the form of streambank stabilization to severely eroded lands. Presentations to local community members will continue in a community outreach program. 9. Our greatest challenge recently has been staying optimistic in the face of continued threats from the U.S. Congress to terminate the Americorps program. There are many valuable community service programs occurring right PAGE FROM USDA WILLISTON VT 20:07 S6, here in Vermont that would not be able to continue without the Americorps program. 10. See number 9. 11. Media coverage includes NBC Evening News Coverage of the Americorps Conference in Randolph, vt. Various news media for USDA NRCS Chief Paul Johnson. 12. Included in this report is a letter of recognition from The Nature Conservancy of Vermont. 13. The Wincoski River Watershed Project will be completed and under budget before the end of the Americorps term, saving both Americorps and the USDA funds. This community project had been proposed by the USDA NRCS for several years but it could not be initiated due budgetary constrains and lack of available persons within the agency to complete the task. 800 PAGE FROM USDA WILLISTON VT 20:91 S6, 11 701 JUL-07-1995 10:55 FROM FMHR BERLIN UT BO TO 1038718028793920 P.01 The Nature Conservancy Vermont Field Office 27 State Street Montpelier, Vermont 05602 PHONE 3 (802) 229-4425 FAX I (802)229-1347 TO: John Roe & TNC Staff Bruce Chappell Jim Libby Daniel O'Brien Dave Dolan Dick Hodge Ethan Parke Elizabeth Ready Alex Considine Virginia Farley Rate willard Gil Livingston Any Jestes Llewellyn Bob Wagner FROM: Jon Binhammer DATE: 6/28/95 RE: Wincoski River Streambank Stabilization Project presentation on 7/11/95 (SHORT) Jim Ryan and Heather Frost, Americorps employees with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS - formerly Soil Conservation Service), have comprehensively studied the Soil Conservation Service's (SCS) Wincoski River streambank stabilization project. This encrmous undartaking in the 1930s came about as a result of massive flooding in 1927 on the Wincoski. A wide variety of methods were used to stabilize eroding banks. Some were successful and some were not. Heather and Jim have spent the last year studying the effectiveness and the long term results of these early efforts. Their research will have bearing on standards and practices used by the NRCS in the future, and involves that zone between agricultural and natural land and water that we all spend time thinking about and discussing. Jim and Heather will give an interesting talk about their research on July 11, from 10:00 to 11:00 an at the offices of the UVM Extension Service Classroom at the Agricultural Center* on Constock Road in Berlin, with before and after slides of the sites where the ses experimented with various techniques for bank stabilization, including what we now call soil bioengineering through the use of plants to stabilize soils. I invite you all to come hear their excellent presentation to get a glimpse of the history of streambank stabilization and participate in a discussion about streambank issues. *Please note the change of the location of this presentation. To reach the Agricultural Center, take I-89 to Exit 7, then travel east on Rt 62 to the first light, take a right, then the first left onto Comstock Road. Travel about I mile and watch for a road on you center is the first bu: OPTIONAL FORM a (7-29) of the road. FAX TRANSMITTAL of - / JIM RYAN - From HEATHER SWORT BRUCE CHAPELL Phone , Fax # Fax * National Office 181i PAGE 004 TOTAL P.01 JUL 17 100'398° '95 16:07 FROM USDA WILLISTON VT United States Natural Resources 69 Union St. Department of Conservation Winooski, VT Agriculture Service 05404 SUBJECT: Chief's Visit, April 10, 1995 DATE: 4/13/95 TO: Jim Ryan FILE: 130 AmeriCorps Member Natural Resources Conservation Service Williston, VT Thanks so much for making an extra effort to make Chief Paul Johnson's visit such a success. He and Pat were impressed with the quality of our employees and our Vermont AmeriCorps programs. Thanks again for "going the extra mile". John John C. Titchner State Conservationist cc: Norm Smith 900.3988 JUL 17 '95 16:08 FROM USDA WILLISTON VT JANA COLEMAN NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION SERVICE AMERICORPS - USDA HELENA, ARKANSAS THIRD QUARTER REPORT 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. LIGHTING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CITY OF HOLLY GROVE APRIL 20, 1990 Mayor Luia 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 approx mately $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 Meach 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 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CITY OF HOLLY GROVE CHANGE MERCURY ADD POLE STREET ADDRESS & LOCATION VAPOR TO SODIUM & PODIUM *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 A1 Bones Home *906 Fourth Street X the Daisy Swift Lot det sodium light? ge of to a sodium light from mercury vapor 4th 5th 6th Daisyswift Swift 1010 90% Fourth St. Mimos Dogwood S HOLLY Joe Gibbs N 1125. Pine BEECH MAIN AI Bones 104 S. Pine T11 4 Creek PINE MAIN ONS Randy Everett 3RD - ByApts 1 1215. Smith N Jacksons 1525 Smith SMITH SMITH 5 HIGH James Hartsell 307 S. Smith Salh 105 Phillips Legion Huf 17 WASHINGTON Lynke DR 304 S. Snu LYNLEE SPRUCE AVE AVF AVE ATLANTA Janette Morton CENTRAL OAK 101 Atlanta WIL SON Endstey EAST OUIS F.. 100 E. Wilson : Jerry Harper 404 East AVE MARSHALL ELM DR. DIAL 27 92 23 LIGHTING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CITY OF HOLLY GROVE PatChastani Franced Hendack James Elwarde Bill Brown atto 3 adams Brenda Celemon Rosemary Cartwright Billy Cartwriight genee Rence Spurlock Patsy Edwards James Nolen Floyd Christian Willie Stokes Brende Dunawan Helen Jackson nathan Ray Magan Jr. Levise Sands Susan Raie Morgan moyine strong Mike Chartain Sherry Martin Paula Davidson Jonette martin Day Daviton Dorie Dandsn Garl Hill Lany tolema you Marr Bessie Davidson Jay Scott Vicki Hartsee Harry Cauly Lit Scott James E Scott Broop Harlue Elosie Webb F. the "PAINT THE TOWN CLEAN" Part Ford City-wide W clean-up (lian & 1 Marvell, Arkansas 14Place Place AND 17-23 JUL-07-95 FRI 04:32 PM CITY OF HOLLY GROVE 15014623580 P.01 06/20/95 10:06 USDA SCS LR -++ Central AR RC&D 0006 [ RECEIVED 12/13 11:26 1900 AT 5034639 PASE 2 (PRINTED PAGE 2) ] 06/20/95 03:12 2028900638 COMM-ASSISTANCE +++ ARRANSA 4 002/002 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 policymakers. (Names will not be used without permission). Name: Jana Coleman Project location: Phillips County NKCS Helena, Arkansas 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 naa been involved with a large number of clubs and organizations, my volunteer service nad been limited. What are your present education and career goals? 1 an $0 pleased with the projects 1 have been working on that 1 would like to continue another year with the AmeriCorps program. AL this time, 1 00 not plan to furuner my education Dut to apply the educational award LO 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 funding 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 opportunity to work for a reason other than a monetary one. By making a difference in other people's lives 1 can go nome at the end of the day feeling richer within. What have you learned about natural resources through this program? I nave found at chac 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 catcny! When people see individuals working to improve the community, more times than not, uney WIII 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 1S the only way to go. It allows a wide variety of íoeas and input as well as broaders the support from the comunity. What would you tell someone who expresses interest in applying for NRCS AmeriCorps? GO FOR IT! The AmeriCorps program enables inoividuals w get an education---in the classroom as well as in the real world. 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 19mm ar 1 U.S.A - 14 P03 COULTRY AA 5040 06/20/95 05:12 PAGE & (PRINTED PAGE z) , COMM-ASSISTANCE ... ARKANSA Gooza 1998 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 & 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: Havison Locke Project location: AL7D-7urPo,Ar. Briefly describe your background (education, work and service experiences, etc.): BSE Degree - A& Education. Tought Vo-Agrito 6 and formed for 30 yrs. ON OWN for IN cotton Plant What are your present education and career goals? None Have they shanged at an # a result of your AmeriCorps experience? You No If organiza and share my experience with I yes, have please explain: time To work with this kind of How I would have you describe halp the impact of this chance AmeriCons experience to meet on you personally? people / Tarious Places, and change seas White Learn have (Preserve.) you learned more about natural resources about through this natural program? Resources What have you learned about community service through this experience? There are numerous needs in a these Communities, anda Willines What have you learned shout working with people of different back grounds? It is to with to serve. people with differen bee digrounds, What would you tall someone who expresses interest in applying for NRC8 AmeriCorps? Hunky and get starbed. JUL 5 '95 9:43 7343570 PAGE 003 ** TOTAL PAGE. 002 ** THIRD QUARTER AMERICORPS REPORT TIME PERIOD: April 1 - June 30, 1995 DUE DATE: June 30, 1995 1. NUMBER OF MEMBERS ENROLLED A'l' THE TIME OF THE LAUNCH 2. NUMBER OF MEMBERS ENROLLED AT THE END OF THE QUARTER (JUNE 30, 1995) 3. TOTAL NUMBER OF HOURS 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 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 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 A excerpts from journal entries written by Members it letters of support from satisfied individuals or groups Vivian Jones Vivian ARKANSAS NRCS 3rd 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 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 enhancement work shops As part of team teaching, and as a team instructor these workshops have successfully been conducted in the Delta Community of Marvell, Arkansas a community of 1,545 residents. Workplace skills enhancements workshops were conducted at the Boys Girls Adults Community Development Center (BGACDC) to supervisors whereby enabling them to become more effective supervisors in the work place. Because of new technology and the continuance changes in the work place, labor education has been offered as one solution to meet these new changes and challenges. Skills training has been administered to supervisors in the areas of Daycare/School, Housing/Manor, and Food/Service. Workshop have focused on supervisor and employee relations, productivity, and effective supervising in the work place. Success of the work shops will be measured by the productive changes in supervisor and employee relations and measurable overall productivity in the workplace. (c) PROGRESS TOWARDS MEETING COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES: Community service objectives have been met. As an AmeriCorps participant, I have completed a small urban study of the City of Brinkley, Arkansas at the Central Arkansas Planning and Developing District in Lonoke, Arkansas. Brinkley is located in Monroe County in the Northeast portion of the state, population is 4,234. The purpose of the transportation study was to assist the city of Brinkley in identifying the types and extent of transportation problems that exist in their city street system. The study reflects the growth that has occurred in the city of Brinkley in the last decade. The transportation study/survey entails a profile of the city of Brinkley, the educational system, housing, major industries, business, state and local highways. Completed data has been turned over to the Department of Transportation in Little Rock, Arkansas for further study and recommendations. Success of the transportation study/survey has been measured in teams of completion of project and approval by advisory committee and Mayor of Brinkley, Arkansas. (6) The above mentioned projects have been successfully completed. (7) As an AmeriCorps participant I have not encountered any challenges, problems, or disappointments that were not resolved. (8) The above mentioned hours have been designated as training hours toward projects (9) N/A (10) N/A 35 10:06 USDA SCS LR Central AR RC@D 006 1) 12/13 11:26 1900 AT 5034638 PAGE 2 (PRINTED PAGE 2) ] 36/20/95 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). Lonoke, Ar. and Little Rock, Ar. Name: Vivian Ann Jones Project location:Holly Grove, Ar. Briefly describe your background (education, work and service experiences, etc.): B. S. Degree Social Studies ( I've taught school for 20 years, worked as a Nurse for 5 years Licened Nurse ( Have worked in voter registration, Community Activicist, Gov't Programs) I have three adult children, one an Attorney and two in Medicine. What are your present education and career goals? My present goals are to return to the World School of Ministeries. My present education is mentioned above: I plan to continue to work in the community and to give of myself to make a difference in the world through service. Have they changed at all as a result of your AmeriCorps experience? Yes X No If yes, please explain: AmeriCorps has redefined my life long goals for me. I realized more than ever that there is so much work to be done in the world, and we have all been called to make a a difference. AmeriCorps has kept me reaching to accomplish those goals of service to How my would you describe and his experience forward on you personally? AmeriCorps has kept me focused on my purpose in life and that is to serve and to make a difference in our world in some small way. I have received lots of experience and and training that I did not have prior to AmeriCorps. I'm grateful for having had the opportunity to be a part of a National Service Effort to make a difference. What have you learned about natural resources through this program? I've learned through AmeriCorps that there is a sincere effort to make a difference in our. natural resource, and to protect the enviroment. I've learned that conbinding efforts we can make a difference in saving the resources that have been intrusted to us. What have you learned about community service through this experience? I've learned that it is all of our responsibilties to give back to the community and and. work toward helping people to help themselves and showing others that they are part of the purpose of life also. I've learned the spirit of empowering people to to help themselves and to recognize their self worth. What have you learned about working with people of different backgrounds? It. is a challenge to work with people of different backgrounds, it is educational, as well as providing growth and understanding between people. I've learned new tools and skills as how to work in challengingsituations and with challenging people. I feel it has added to my growth and acceptance of differences as a person. What would you tell someone who expresses interest in applying for NRCS AmeriCorps? I would tell them that'a year of National Service will add to their personal growth and would be giving back or planting a seed in tomorrow, in all of our future 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 JUN 30 '95 15:30 FROM USDA BATESVILLE, AR. Loydia PAGE. 001 Loyda I. Stith- NRCS, Batesville, Arkansas Third Quarter Americorps report Time Period: April 1 - June 30, 1995 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- 1,145 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 OPTIONAL FORM 99 (7-90) FAX TRANSMITTAL , of pages 6 From To Bruce Leggitt Loyds I. Stith Dept /Agency Phone F Central ARK. RCaD 648 698-1017 1017 Fax Fax 158-7052 793-7829 NSN 7310-01-317-7000 5092-101 GENERAL St INVICES ADMINIS TRATKIN JUN 30 '95 15:31 FROM USDA BATESVILLE, AR. 06/20/95 10:06 USDA SCS LK PAGE. 002 [ RECEIVED 12/13 11:26 1930 At 5034638 +++ tentral AR ROWD 000 06/20/95 09:12 PAGE 2 (PRINTED PAGE 2) 3 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: 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 AmeriCorps 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 it! 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 Batesvure Daily Guard, matesvare, ATM. may ev, DN BATESVILLEGUARD 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 association. Conservation Comer March at the Bryant brothers' cab This association, which will be on Salado Creek. This field day W. identified as the "Ozark Woodland tion newsletter. attended by approximately Owners Association," elected the A constitution 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-treasurer. To promote and improve the and working together to 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 woodlan 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 Forestry 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 ARMANSAS 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 Otark Woodland constitution that forms the "Ozark Owners 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 # Woodlot this association can do so by calling Many bird species net in line certies. the on help them by drilling an occestoral two-inch dismeter hole In some of the woodlot troos. drited under a burge Umb at the NRCS office at 501-698-1017. a sight upward angle to - washin' out. Also, leave a kw doed tries standing Such mg are favorite neeting places for many 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 Bakersfield. CA 93301-5298 A PARTNERSHIP COMPOSED OF 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 ** JUL 5 '95 8:40 FROM JEFFERSON COUNTY Marvingohnson 001 of JUN.30 '95 11:19 GREERS FERRY RES OFC P.02 THIRD 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 (MAR 31). 3. TOTAL NUMBER OF HOURS OF DIRECT SERVICE PERFORMED. 1522 4. TOTAL NUMBER OF HOURS IN TRAINING. 144 5. PROGRESS TOWARDS MEETING COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES. A. Gathered secondary data from the following sources: 1. Census of Agriculture 2. Louisiana CES 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. JUN 30 '95 11:19 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 THIRD QUARTER: a. I played a key role in help SEARK Vegetable Growers Cooperative obtain a pea sheller. Having obtained a pea sheller, a 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 30 '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 We have planned to publicize our efforts through the local newspaper the "Pine Bluff Commercial" on the project. We expect to do an interview with a report within a week or BO. 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.30 '95 11:21 GREERS FERRY RES OFC [ RECEIVED 12/12 11:26 1998 AT Pack 06/28/85 08:12 the (PRINTED PAGE z) I P.05 COMM-ABSISTANCE +++ ARKANSA 2002/002 1995 AmeriCorps Members' Stories Thom of you serving in NRCS AmeriCorps this first your are plancers in this experience. We 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 n voluntary opportunity to share your personal story of the AmeriCrops service experiance. 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 as & result of your AmeriCorps experience? Yes No Y If 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 a 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. Whit have you learned about working with people of different backgrounds? It has been a good exper Tence working with the different people with different backgrounds and gaining the: experience of learning from them as well as them learning from me. 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 ** 07/05/95 08:59 501 3245895 AR STATE ASCS +++ PULASKI 001/001 Information Bulietin No. 1036 Subject: File Transmission File named SESSION will be transmitted 6/26/95 containing two members for the *CSFLIB. MODULE TYPE DATE REF # CSPDUMP P 05/08/95 7 CSFPTF ? 05/08/95 7 - County Release 306 must be installed before placing the above neabers into the *CSFLIB. - To install the above members, type the following on any command liner TOLIBR SESSION, F1, REPLACE, *CSELIB - To verify the neubers loaded successfully, type the following on any command line: LISTLIBR CSFDUMP,PROC,SCSFLIB,USER,NOPAGE,,DIRINEO LISTLIBR CSFPTF,PROC,SCSFLIB,USER,NOPAGE,,DIRINFO - If TOLIBR is successful, the following bessage will be received: SYS-2522 #CSFL18-given members in this library are IBM Select option 3 - If TOLIBR 15 not successful, the following message will be received: SYS-2509 #CSFLIB-Specified neabers not in this library Select option 3 Offices needing assistance should contact their Automation Coordinator. JUL 5 '95 7:39 501 3245895 PAGE. 001 06/20/95 10:08 USDA SCS LR +++ Central AR RC@D [ RECEIVED 12/13 11:26 1900 AT 5034638 1 006 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: Renee Spurlock Project location: Holly Grove, AR Briefly describe your background (education, work and service experiences, etc.): I have a BSE in Business with endorsements in Vocational and Computer Technology. This AmeriCorps service experience has definitely been a learning experience for me in many ways. What are your present education and career goals? I would really enjoy serving my community in AmeriCorps-USDA for another year. By serving another year I would be able to finish a lot of projects that I have started. Eventually I would like to get back into the school system. 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? Personally the impact of this AmeriCorps experience makes me feel that I am helping the community in which I live in. There is no way that the city would program. have been able to get the things done if it hadn't been for the AmeriCorps What have you learned about natural resources through this program? Through this program I have learned alot about enhancing the wetlands by working in the floodplain area at Holly Grove. What have you learned about community service through this experience? If everyone would give a little of their time to community service then it would make the town a better place to live in. What have you learned about working with people of different backgrounds? Just because people have different backgrounds doesn't mean they don't have feelings. I try my best to treat everyone the way I would want them to treat me, even though at times it is very hard to do. What would you tell someone who expresses interest in applying for NRCS AmeriCorps? to It is definitely a learning experience. Be prepared to work hard if want and see take results. You must be able to work with all different kinds of you what information you have and go with it in order for AmeriCorps people to work. THIRD QUARTER AMERICORPS REPORT RENEE SPURLOCK, AMERICORPS MEMBER, HOLLY GROVE 3. TOTAL NUMBERS OF HOURS OF DIRECT SERVICE PERFORMED Renee Spurlock: 1569 hours (start date: 9/12/94) 4. TOTAL NUMBER OF HOURS IN TRAINING Renee Spurlock: 308 hours 5. PROGRESS TOWARDS MEETING COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES A. Assisted The Churches of Holly Grove in organizing as Easter Special on the Mall for the community. B. Met with the DAD'S Program Committee to discuss how to raise money in order to start the program in our community. We have yet to receive any grant to fund this program. C. Various activities have been done with the Jr. 4-H Club. D. Assisted the Economic Development Committee in locating 40 acres for an Industrial Park. E. The water at the City Airport is undrinkable. The AmeriCorps member has checked on various ways to get a water line to this area. F. Helped with ideas on enhancing the Dial Creek area. G. The AmeriCorps member was a part of the very successful City Wide Clean Up. H. Collected ideas on how to rejuvenate the downtown area. I. Gave information to the Holly Grove Fire Department concerning Act 833 money. J. Progress has been made toward the completion of the information to be turned in to FEMA for the buy-out. 6. PRIMARY ACCOMPLISHMENTS A. The citizens of Holly Grove enjoyed the Easter Special on the Mall that was made possible by The Churches of Holly Grove. We hope to make this an annual event. B. The DAD'S Program Committee has collected donations from citizens in or from the Holly Grove area for this program. C. The Jr. 4-H Club helped with the Rabies Clinic in Holly Grove which was very successful. They have planted giant watermelons and pumpkins which requires them to learn how to care for these plants. Various members entered the County 4-H Broiler Barbecue Contest at Clarendon which was sponsored by the Cooperative Extension Service along with Co- Sponsors that included Kroger of Brinkley and Fred's of Clarendon. We had five winners from our group that competed at the District 4-H Broiler Barbecue Contest at Ferndale. Our group also participated in the County 4-H O-Rama in Clarendon. Some went on to the Southeast District 4-H O-Rama at Pine Bluff. From this group we had one Jr. member and one Sr. member that placed. The Sr. member is eligible to compete in the Arkansas 4-H O-Rama at Fayetteville on July 26-28. D. The Economic Development Committee and the AmeriCorps member is in the process of trying to secure 40 acres of land in order to be eligible for an Industrial Park with the Arkansas Industrial Development Commission (AIDC). E. The AmeriCorps member has met with an Engineer to run a water line extension to the City Airport. It is hopeful that we will be able to add an Industrial Park to this area. F. The National Guard was unable to help with the draining of Dials Creek. At this time, the city is planning on enhancing this wetland area instead of draining it. The AmeriCorps member, Mayor Lula Tyler, Brenda Coleman, and Bill Stone toured the Bona Dea Trail at Russillville in order to see what the City of Holly Grove can do with the wetland of Dials Creek. Ken Guston, who is with the Forest Service, is drawing up a park plan for Dials Creek. The plan is part of the package that will be turned in to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) along with various other material. G. A City Wide Clean Up Week was promoted by the City Beautification Committee and the AmeriCorps member on April 23-29 to help the citizens take pride in their community and clean up unsightly sites that aren't meeting the criteria of City Ordinances. On April 29 it was scheduled for BFI to haul all items away. BFI was not prepared for the large quantity of items needing hauling away. Therefore, they agreed to return on May 6 to complete the task. The city has received many compliments on the clean up effort. Members of the City Beautification Committee and the AmeriCorps member schedule days to go around the town to help keep it clean. Other citizens are starting to get involved in the clean ups. Flowers have been planted in several different areas around town. H. Plans are under way to apply for a grant to fund a new Senior Citizen Center. An owner of three vacant buildings in the downtown area will donate them to the city and it is hopeful that we can restore these buildings for a new Senior Citizen Center. At the present time our Center is unfit but, it is better than nothing. I. The Holly Grove Fire Department received their Act 833 money in order to update their department. J. Structures have been located on a flood map that identifies property in the FEMA buy-out. Certified letters have been sent to 50 land owners who were not included in the buy-out in the beginning. Photo's have been taken of each structure and old newspaper articles have been collected along with old photo's of flooding in this area. New certified letters have been sent to the 43 owners, who were included in the beginning, showing the fair market value for each property and structure. A certified independent appraiser has almost completed the appraisals for the first 43 property owners. The AmeriCorps member has been very involved in completing this information for this buy-out. The City of Holly Grove has received over $84,000 for this project. Arkansas Soil and Water Conservation Commission presented a check in the amount of $59,481 and Governor Jim Guy Tucker gave the $25,000 in order to purchase property to provide quality affordable housing to socially disadvantaged residents who live within the Dials Creek floodplain area. 7. PROJECTED OUTCOMES FOR NEXT QUARTER A. Assist The Churches of Holly Grove make plans to expand the programs they have started for next year. B. Help start the DAD'S Program in Holly Grove. C. Continue to work with the Jr. 4-H Club and recruit adults to form more 4-H Clubs in the community. D. Secure the land for an Industrial Park. E. Locate funding to provide water to the City Airport. F. Start enhancing the Dials Creek floodplain with the park plan. G. Assist the City Beautification Committee on locating unsightly property that does not meet the City Ordinances. H. Continue to rejuvenate the downtown area. I. Have a fireworks display around the 4th of July. J. Continue to collect information for the buy-out in order to finish the package to turn in to FEMA. 8. PRIMARY CHALLENGES The biggest problem has been getting the AmeriCorps shirts, hats, and pins to wear while providing services for my community. My service is almost over and I have yet to receive a hat or pin. 9. PRIMARY TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE NEEDS Computer workshops THE HOLLY GROVE UPDATE Prepared by Renee Spurlock, AmeriCorps-USDA Member and Holly Grove High School FBLA Issue 1 February 1995 COMMITTEES WILL MEET ON THE 2ND MONDAY OF EACH MONTH !! FEMA BUY-OUT FEMA (Federal Emergency Mitigation Agency) made a 50/50 declaration for MONROE COUNTY JUDGE $250,000: 50% FEMA; 12% State Office of Emergency Services; and 38% On January 5, 1995, a meeting was City of Holly Grove. This would leave held at the County Judge's office with a balance of $90,000 for the city; Judge Tom Catlett, Bruce Leggit- $45,000 can be in-kind (AmeriCorp Coordinator for RC&D Council, Mayor Workers, County, and City Services). Lula Tyler and Audria Coleman- The Mayor never agreed to the Buy-Out AmeriCorps-USDA Member to introduce because the city could not come up with the mayor to the different projects being the cash money. sponsored by the RC&D Council, A letter was written to FEMA Monroe County and various other requesting a 75-25 declaration instead of agencies. The pojects are as follows: a 50-50 declaration. FEMA has not answered the request, and it is doubtful that this would be approved. Even if it is is not approved, Larry White, Soil and Water Conservation Commission, feels RC&D like his Commission can come up with (RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND the money. He will go in front of his DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL) commission on February 22, 1995. If he receives the money, it can only go RC&D is made up of eight counties in toward the Buy-Out. Central Arkansas. Each county has two council members. They are a 501-C3 HOUSING COMPLEX non-profit organization. The officers are as follows: Noel Deer, Chairman; Judge There have been 7 1/2 acres located on Tom Catlett, Vice-Chairman; and Debbie the corner of Hwy. 17 and Hwy 86. The Morton, Secretary and Treasurer. A Judge has been working with RC&D Council meeting was held at Representative Cunningham and together 10:00 a.m. on January 25, 1995 at the they have drafted up a letter to the Holiday Inn-Airport in Little Rock. Governor for the State to buy this land. The Governor has agreed to have the funds allocated as soon as the Buy-Out is their G.E.D. Their salary will be $7500 finalized. annually, as well as a scholarship to be Phillips Construction was used toward a college education. recommended for this project. They have been secured for the job. They are NEW FLOOD PLAIN MAP in the process of putting the application together. The land and the Housing A letter has been sent to FEMA Complex will be owned by Phillips requesting that the new Flood Plain Map Construction. They will use 2-3 acres be used and disregard the old map. It from the project and the rest of the land will take 9-10 months. This determines will be owned by the RC&D Council. whether the residents are in the 100 or The Council will donate the lots to 500 year Flood Zone. Many residents people to build houses and that will be that are now considered to be in the 500 used as their down payment. It was year Flood Zone are still having to pay mentioned that 1-2 acres be used to build their insurance as if they still lived in the a nursing home. This would have to be 100 year Flood Zone, and will be legally approved by the Council before anything required to do so until the map is is done. Phillips Construction will be changed. totally in charge of building this complex. They will use their own STATE RURAL architects and engineers. The city will DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION not be involved. RC&D made an application to this agency to get a new police car for Holly AMERICORPS-USDA Grove. Deborah Mitchell, who no longer works for the Commission, was The AmeriCorps-USDA program is quite sure that this grant would be funded by a corporation called the funded. However, it was turned down, National Corporation for Community but Deborah works for a new agency and Services which was organized by will re-submit another application at no President Clinton. There are three cost to the city. Corporations that house AmeriCorps- USDA members: Rural Development GROUND ELEVATION Corp (Under the USDA); Public Land and Environmental Corp; and If a resident wants their ground AntiHunger Corp. The AmeriCorps- elevation they will have to have their USDA workers are in the process of land elevation surveyed by a surveyor or putting together an application for eight engineer. Delta Surveyor of Brinkley workers under the Public Land and could be used. Dennis Jones can not Environmental Corp. These workers will give the elevation for a new structure. help tear down houses after the buy-out, clean up the mall, landscaping, etc. DADS PROGRAM They do not have to have a college degree, however if they don't have a The Kellogg Foundation has funded a high school diploma they will have to get DADS program in Marvell. They have shown a willingness to fund another THE HOLLY GROVE UPDATE February 1995 program. AmeriCorps member, Vivian RC&D Jones, is working on getting the program funded for Holly Grove. (From Bruce Leggitt, Coordinator of Central Arkansas RC&D) CORPS OF ENGINEERS The Central Arkansas Resource On January 12, 1995, a meeting was Conservation and Development (RC&D) held with Mayor Lula Tyler; Audria Council has in the past played mainly a Coleman, AmeriCorps-USDA; Renee coordinating role in the Holly Grove Spurlock, AmeriCorps-USDA; Larry initiative. More recently RC&D has Sharp, US Army Corps of Engineers- assumed a more active role on activities Memphis District; and Dewey Powell, within Holly Grove. US Army Corps of Engineers-Memphis RC&D has been the mechanism which District. This meeting was held to allowed AmeriCorps-USDA participants discuss the results of a study done by the to be placed in Holly Grove with Corps of Engineers to determine the emphasis on stimulating committee feasibility and economic justification of activity, and assisting in the FEMA buy- a project to alleviate flooding caused by out. Dials Creek. RC&D is currently locating funds to Former Mayor Hill requested the purchase property in Holly Grove for preceding project two years ago as a housing construction. RC&D has secured spin-off of a study from The Soil a contractor (Phillips Construction) to Conservation Service. The Corps was construct 24 multi-family units on this unhappy to report that the costs incurred property. Phillips has submitted a pre- for the project would not exceed the application to FmHA for funds to benefits. The Corps conducted four construct these units. different plans and unfortunately the As I know it, the history of the buy- benefit to cost ratio is less than 1.0 for out is tied to frequent and intense all four alternative plans. flooding within the Dial Creek 100 year floodplain. A FEMA declaration of 50- The four different studies included: 50 was declared to purchase properties with the floodplain. The city was 1. 6-Ft. Channel Conventional Method somewhat. reluctant to sign the 2. 10-Ft. Channel Conventional Method application due to two reasons: (1) - 3. 10-Ft. Channel Instream Method residents affected by the Buy-Out had no 4. 10-Ft. Channel Explosive/Instream place to move within Holly Grove, Method therefore adding to the out migration problem; (2) - the city would be unable It was suggested that the City of Holly to come up with the matching funds. Grove work in conjunction with the SCS Housing being provided through the office and get a permit from The Corps. RC&D Council solved the first problem. The permit would allow the citizens to A request to FEMA for a 75-25 remove sediment and debris by using declaration was submitted. The request their own personal sources such as was not approved. The city decided to backhoes and explosives. sign the application after some assurance that the matching funds would be located. 3 THE HOLLY GROVE UPDATE February 1995 FEMA city will have to come up with that much money as well. As it stands, the city On January 25, 1995 a meeting was needs $59,000 and that is the amount The held at City Hall in Holly Grove, AR Soil and Water Commission hopes to with the following attendees: Rodney donate. Larson-Executive Director Central If there are any residents living in the Arkansas Planning and Development; flood zone that would like to move their Bruce Leggitt-Coordinator Resource house or trailer to an already developed Conservation and Development; David piece of land, FEMA will pay for the Meador-Soil and Water Commission; Ray move. Linder-Natural Resources Conservation As the properties are acquired, FEMA Services; Terry Gray-Federal Emergency will pay until $150,000 has been used, Management Agency; Lula Tyler-Mayor then other matched funds will be used, of Holly Grove; and Audria Coleman- leaving the states matched funds until the AmeriCorps-USDA. very end of the Buy-Out. This meeting was held to let everyone Bruce Leggitt is going to talk to who is involved in administering the Debbie Moreland, Real Estate Broker, on Buy-Out that FEMA needs all business the legalities of the buying of the homes. regarding the buy-out taken care of by March 1, 1995. This is the time FEMA HEALTH CARE would like to start the issuance of the money to buy the people in the flood area A meeting was held at the City Hall on out. February 6th with Mayor Lula Tyler, The counteroffers were mailed from Mid Delta Health Systems, Inc. Rodney Larson's office on January 17, Executive Director Al Sliger, and 1995 via certified mail. The Americorps Americorps-USDA Member Renee worker and the mayor were asked to Spurlock. The Health Care Clinic at notify every resident on the list to see if Holly Grove does not meet the standards they are or are not interested in the Buy- of the Health Department. At this time Out and answer any questions they may it was decided to get an appraisal of the have. If there is someone that wants to building currently being used. Also get into the Buy-Out at this time, they various buildings around town will be have to return their letter immediately. viewed to see if any could be used, if it All letters will have to be in by February is determined that it is too costly for the 10, 1995 enabling Rodney Larson to give current building to be brought up to an accurate figure to The Soil and Water standards. Commission regarding the amount they will be asked to donate for the cities match. The Soil and Water Commission HAPPENINGS will meet on February 15, 1995 to decide whether or not they will give the money Regina Bennett and J.T. Richardson needed to complete the buy-out. have changed to Sodium Lights. According to David Meador, it doesn't AmeriCorps-USDA member Jana seem like it will be a problem. Coleman will assist the committees with FEMA will be able to give up to information on sodium lights, restoring $227,000 for the Buy-Out, however the the Bent Rail and adopting a corner. 4 Color TRANSPARENCY THIS SIDE TOWARD SCREEN Color TRANSPARENCY Color Color TRANSPARENCY TRANSPARENCY THIS SIDE TOWARD SCREEN THIS SIDE THIS SIDE TOWARD SCREEN TOWARD SCREEN Color TRANSPARENCY Color Color TRANSPARENCY TRANSPARENCY THIS SIDE TOWARD SCREEN THIS SIDE THIS SIDE TOWARD SCREEN TOWARD SCREEN Slides City Wide Clean up Pictures of the City wide Clean up. Pictures of the City wide Clean up Pictures of the city wide Clean up April 17, 1995 11.5hrs. met with mayor and Charlie Cummings on new housing for Holly Grove, worked on Proclamation for City wide Clean up weel and Health week. met with American Legion Auxiliary April 11, 1995 8 hrs. about feeding the LIAMS Cental Students and had a 4-H Talked with Fran at meeting. Pulled names of the Holly Grove Public Schools about Dental - housing to invite to the people interested in new week that they will meeting have for the Students next week. The National Buard will help along - with students from UAMS in Little Rock. Gave this information to Marty Hopper with the monra County Sun so she could write an article for the paper. Held 4-H meeting and met with mayor about the buy-oat. Dental Students to Fire Service Policies for Monroe County Sun 4-27-95 Invade Holly Grove Outside City Limits Adopted Public Schools A trip to the dentist can be E scary experience, but it might be An ordinance adopting policies department standards, and in- fun for youngsters in Holly Grove for fire department services out- cludes the trade-in of old equip- Public Schools this next week. side the city limits of Holly Grove ment. The Arkansas Department Holly Grove students will ge was passed by the Holly Grove of health mandated that the old free dental care and education City Council Thursday night. The well be abandoned properly. from dental hygiene seniors a ordinance authorizes the depart- The council approved Resolu- the University of Arkansas Medi ment to respond to emergency tion 177 authorizing Mayor cal Sciences. The UAMS student calls within a five mile radius of Tyler to proceed with application are teaming up with the Arkan the city limits. Fires occurring a for an Arkansas Community and sas Army National Guard, th greater distance will be responded Economic Development Grant. If state Health Department, and th to at the discretion of the fire awarded, the grant would be used Holly Grove School District t department. to fund a senior citizen project. provide dental services to stu The ordinance limits the re- Alderman Moses Burton com- dents. sponse of the department outside mented that many of the side- Approximately 30 UAMS den the city limits. The department walks need work or extensions. tal students: and other dental tear may respond when it is deter- He was asked to make a priority members will establish a denta mined that responding is neces- list of needs. Alderman Pat Chastain commended the efforts commercial, or agricultural prop- erty. The department may only the city. respond to vehicular fires outside A motion was passed to accept the resignation of Larry Robin- Monroe County Sun 4-13-95 clinic in the Holly Grove Elemer sary to protect life, or residential, tary gymnasium the week of Apr of Floyd Christian in cleaning up 17-21. Students will be housed 8 various locations at Maddox Ba and Maddox Bay Landing. Th the city limits when it is a life school and local organizations i threatening accident or a traffic son as housing authority chair- Holly Grove are providing meal hazard is involved. man. A new chairman was not The project is designed to giv discussed. the seniors hands-on experien Although the ordinance autho- Americorps member Renee working with children and und rizes response to certain emer- Spurlock reported that she, Mayor time pressure. The dental st gency calls outside the city limits, Tyler and Judge Tom Catlett had dents will explain proper dent fire protection services are not attended a dedication ceremony care, examine the children, clea guaranteed to those persons. in Jonesboro at which President teeth and apply sealant to pr Following an hour and one- Clinton was in attendance. She vent cavities. half executive session, the council stated that she is working with For those who need teeth pulle voted to pay vacation pay to po- FmHA on the second housing or cavities filled, dentists suppli lice officers. They will pay back project and continuing to work by the National Guard will be C pay owed to any current officer. on the FEMA buyout. hand to offer assistance. Gua Mayor Lula Tyler stated that the Spurlock stated that it appears members will also transport ne council discussed sick leave pay 12 slots of the Americorps pro- essary dental equipment and S and holiday pay, but no decision grain in this region will be ap- up mobile dental units. was reached. proved for continuation. If the Major General James A. Rya A motion was passed to accept funding is not approved by Con- adjutant gener I of the Arkans the proposal from Layne-Arkan- gress, her employment with Guard, explained the purpose sas for abandonment of the old Americorps will end in July. the exercise. "Everyone knowst water well. The 625 ft. well was The monthly meeting time for Guard has a federal mission drilled in 1929 by the Layne-Ar- the council was changed to 8:00 times of national emergency at kansas Company. The $1,500 cost p.m. throughout the remainder of a state mission in times of natur to abandon the well includes pull- daylight savings time. disasters, but we also feel we ha ing the pumping equipment out All council members were a responsibility to the local cor of the well, backfilling and seal- present for the meeting. Thecoun- munities who support our units ing the well according to health cil will meet again on May 18. The week-long event in Hol Grovewill culminate Friday, Ap 21, with the arrival of UH1 Hu Helicopters at the school brin ing top military officials, CEC of healthcare industries, and oth dignitaries. THE MONROE COUNTY SUN, CLARENDON, ARKANSAS, FRIENDLY, FAMILIAR FACE: At the conclusion of the dental services week at Holly Grove Schools, several dignitaries across the state visited the school. Students were particularly delighted to see Dr. Sandra Nichols, Director of Arkansas Department of Health. Nichols practiced medicine in Holly Grove before moving to Little Rock. Pictured from left are: Walter Tate, dental assistant and member of the 204th Medical Battallion; seventh grade student, Karita Wiley; Dr. Dick Lewallen of Trumann, dentist and member of the 204th; and Dr. Nichols. MINI DENTAL CLINIC: Fifteen portable dental stations were set up in the Holly Grove Elementary gymnasium last week as the National Guard teamed up with UAMS to provide dental care to Holly Grove students, A total of 213 students were provided with dental care and sealants were placed on 859 molars. THE MONROE COUNTY SUN, CLARENDON, ARKANSAS, THURSDAY, JULY 6, 1995 4-H'ers compete in district Broiler BBQ By Eugenia Hocket, Tiffani and Richard both re- CEA-Home Economics ceived Sr. Division blue ribbons for their BBQ, Shaw received a Jr. Division red ribbon, and Abbe More than 1,000 Arkansas 4-H and Ashley received Jr. Division members participated in competi- white ribbons. tive 4-H Broiler BBQ's across the The district and state contests state with 12 finalists competing were conducted by Jerry Wooley, at the Arkansas Poultry Festival. University of Arkansas Coopera- The State Festival was held June tive Extension Service Poultry 9 and 10 in Hot Springs, Arkan- Service, and Danny Williams with sas. The state contestants each G & M Animal Health Distribu- received charcoal BBQ smokers tors of Springdale, Arkansas who and cash awards provided by Ar- served as Co-Chairmen of the ac- bor Acres farms from tivities. Glastonbury, Connecticut and the 4-H is the youth development Arkansas Poultry Federation. 4- program of the University of Ar- Her's begin participation at the kansas Cooperative Extension local club level and proceed to the Service and is open to all boys and county district contests. girls, nine to nineteen years of Participants at the Ferndale age, regardless of race, color, na- District Contest BBQ'd chickens tional origin or disability. provided by Tyson Foods Pine Bluff Complex. District participants repre- sented 4-H clubs in Arkansas, Ashley, Calhoun, Cleburn, Cleve- land, Conway, Cross, Drew, Faulkner, Garland, Grant, Jef- ferson, Lonoke, Monroe, Perry, Pulaski, Saline, and Yell coun- ties. Lavant Randall of Calhoun County placed first and John Evans of Cleburne County placed second in the District Sr. Divi- sion. Lavrinda Rainey of Conway County placed first in the Jr. Division at District. These par- ticipants represented the Ferndale District at the State Contest. Other participants from Mon- roe County competing in the dis- trict cook-off were Tiffani Mayo, Richard Edwards, Ashley Spur- lock, and Shaw Spurlock of Holly Grove, and Abbe Gordon of Clar- endon. 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 communities 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 THE HOLLY GROVE UPDATE Prepared by Renee Spurlock, AmeriCorps-USDA Member and Holly Grove High School FBLA Issue 2 March 1995 * Strengthening communities: AmeriCorps brings together individuals COMMITTEES WILL MEET ON THE from different backgrounds and incomes, 2ND MONDAY OF EACH MONTH !! with different missions and cultures, in the common effort to improve our communities. * Encouraging responsibility: USDA/AmeriCorps AmeriCorps encourages members to explore and exercise their responsibilities USDA/AmeriCorps President's toward their communities, themselves national service initiative to achieve and their families - in their service direct results in addressing the nation's experience and throughout their lives. critical education, human service, public * Expanding opportunity: AmeriCorps safety, and environmental needs at the members receive awards to further their community level. AmeriCorps provides education or pay back student loans, as opportunities for Americans of all ages well as valuable job experience, and backgrounds to serve their country in specialized training, and life skills. organized efforts fostering citizen The program's participants are not responsibility, and building their AmeriCorps employees, we are communities. The United States AmeriCorps Members. We do not receive Department of Agriculture plays a key salaries, we receive living allowances. role in the overall AmeriCorps program. AmeriCorps members are not hired, we The purpose of the AmeriCorps are enrolled in AmeriCorps. We do not program is to "get things done" using the work at jobs, we perform community concept of national service as a vehicle. service. It offers opportunities to Americans to We are enrolled in the USDA Rural serve their country and earn education Development Program. This program is awards in return. It is a grassroots effort geared for recent college graduates and to solve the problems facing communities upon completion of the 1700 hours the across the nation. members will receive an educational award worth $4,725. This can be used The AmeriCorps Ethic is: for college, job training, or repayment of student loans. * Getting things done: Our primary goal Renee Spurlock and Audria Coleman is to improve communities by meeting perform community services in the Holly their educational, nutritional, human, and Grove area and Jana Coleman assists the environmental needs. counties of Phillips, Lee, and Monroe. THE HOLLY GROVE UPDATE MARCH 1995 Programs like these would help keep the deal with some of the many problems children from roaming the streets. Ms. they are currently facing. The DAD Spurlock commented on the DADS Program will not be limited to African program she said that Marvell has this American youth but will target these program and it's funded through the socially disadvantaged youth whom we Kellogg Foundation. She also said that feel are high risk. Ms. Vivian Jones, AmeriCorps member The DAD Program has designed is trying to get one funded for Holly programs for these youth that will deal Grove. with Respect, Responsibility, and Chairman Mayo commented on Restraint. The Mission Statement has another program, STEP, a parent been adopted, "Where There Is No program that teach parents how to Vision The People Perish". Our vision is discipline their children. This is a very to make a difference in the lives of these expensive program. youth, and began to turn a generation of Chairman Mayo asked us to bring a youth around. list of ideas that we think we want to Agencies for funding of program have work on for the education committee. been contacted, such as the Kellogg After an hour of discussion the Foundation and several Arkansas meeting was adjourned until our next Foundations. meeting-Monday, March 13, 1995 at We encourage the support and input of 6:00 PM. the citizens of Holly Grove. For additional information on the DAD DAD Program, please contact Renee Spurlock, (Dealing With Adolescent Development) Holly Grove, Arkansas, 501-462-8300, or Vivian Jones, Little Rock, Arkansas, A meeting was held on March 9 at the 501-753-4452. Holly Grove High School with AmeriCorps-USDA members, Renee CITY BEAUTIFICATION, Spurlock and Vivian Jones, Harry Mayo, RECREATION, AND TOURISM Ulysses J. Williams, Brenda Coleman, COMMITTEE and Moses Burton. The DAD Program is currently in the The Holly Grove City Beautification, planning stages. The RC&D Council in Recreation, and Tourism Committee mèt conjunction with the Mayor of Holly February 13 at 7:00 PM in the City Hall. Grove would like to thank you the city Members present were: Harry Mayo, council and the citizens of Holly Grove Ruby Smith, Frances Spurlock, Ruth for allowing us the opportunity to Dearing, Moses Burton, Willie Stokes, implement this program in your city. Helen Jackson, Dedra Coleman, Brenda The DAD Program will bring job Coleman, and AmeriCorps-USDA opportunities to the city and will also members Jana Coleman and Renee provide the African American youth of Spurlock. the city with programs that will begin to 3 CRIME AND DRUG COMMITTEE apartments for the flood plain residents. On February 28 AmeriCorps member The Holly Grove Crime and Drug Renee Spurlock and Billy Bun, the owner Committee met February 13 at 6:00 p.m. of the Holly Grove Manor, met and in the City Hall. Members preset were: discussed the security of the apartments. Bill Brown, Pat Chastain, Brooke Harlin, Security will be furnished to the residents Police Chief James Nolen, Mayor Lula and completion is scheduled for March Tyler, and AmeriCorps-USDA member 22. At this time AmeriCorps-USDA Jana Coleman and Renee Spurlock. member Audria Coleman is checking on The first item on the agenda was offering security to the flood plain exchanging regular street lights for residents that relocate to the new housing sodium street lights. Chief Nolen, complex. AmeriCorps-USDA member Jana The next meeting is scheduled for Coleman, and Pat Chastain will locate March 13 at 6:00 PM in City Hall. areas in the town that need regular lights exchanged for sodium lights or where EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT new light need to be added. On February COMMITTEE 28 this group met and information will be available by the next committee Education Development committee meeting. met Monday, February 13, 1995 at 6:00 The second item discussed was to PM. The meeting was held in the contact the City Clerk with the City of conference Room at the City Hall. Little Rock to get a copy of their The meeting was opened by Ms. ordinance for school curfew. Renee Spurlock, an AmeriCorps AmeriCorps-USDA member Jana employee. There were seven (7) Coleman will obtain information and committee members present: Mr. Harry report her findings to the committee in Mayo, Ms. Louise Sands, Ms. Maxine March. Strong, Ms. Brenda Coleman, Ms. Dedra Chief Nolen and AmeriCorps-USDA Coleman, Ms. Willie Stokes, and Ms. member Jana Coleman are working on Ruby Smith. applications for the COPS-FAST and Ms. Spurlock stated that she and COPS-MORE Program. The deadline for Mayor Tyler decided to let the committee this is March 17. set their goal(s). Various members are working on the Mr. Harry Mayo was elected as Neighborhood Crime Watch Program. chairman, Ms. Willie Stokes was elected Information will be collected and as reporter. Chairman appointed Ms. reported to the committee at the next Brenda Coleman to preside over the meeting. meeting in his absence. AmeriCorps-USDA Member Renee Chairman Mayo stated that one of his Spurlock was asked to contact the owner main goals to be addressed is the need of the Holly Grove Manor to find out if for more after school education programs they would offer security for the and more adult volunteers. He residents of the apartments for Senior commented on the after school tutoring Citizens and Disabled/Handicapped program at the high school, the ADAP Persons and also check with Phillips after school education and recreational Construction who will build the new program at the Foster-Branch Center. THE HOLLY GROVE UPDATE MARCH 1995 The first item on the agenda HEALTH CARE COMMITTEE concerned the cleaning up of building sites. A list was made of places that The Holly Grove Health Care aren't meeting the criteria of the city Committee met February 13 at 7 PM in ordinance. A City Wide Clean-Up was the City Hall. Members present were: suggested as a way to promote the Herd Stone MD, Maxine Strong, Mickey citizens to take pride in their community. Calloway, Janice Everett, Lula Tyler, The town could be divided into sections Mayor, and Renee Spurlock AmeriCorps- and have the sections compete against USDA. each other to see which one did the best The report from the Ark. Dept. of job. AmeriCorps-USDA member Renee Health's evaluation of the P. C. Mayo Spurlock will get a copy of the city Clinic building was discussed. Dr. Stone ordinance and inform the committee is in the process of having estimates and when the date is selected for the clean-up recommendations made regarding any in order to make it known to the public. improvements and renovations. The second item discussed was the Alternatives to renovations to the clinic trash and debris brought in from the were discussed which included finding country. The committee decided to another building or building a new clinic. request citizens to take license plate Mayor Tyler and Renee Spurlock numbers of vehicles dumping trash in informed the committee that Al Sliger town and turn them in to City Hall. It from Mid Delta had looked at the old was suggested to put this in the Holly Johnson's building but it too would need Grove Update each month to help get the some renovations. There is a proposal to word out to the public. construct a nursing home n the future and Another concern was the Mall. The an option may be to construct a new trash cans need to be replaced or new clinic adjacent to the nursing home. concrete ones need to be purchased. The first item on the agenda Some of the plates that cover the concerned having representative from electrical outlets are missing for the another clinic to speak regarding how lights. AmeriCorps-USDA member they operate their clinic. Renee Spurlock Renee Spurlock took inventory of the could arrange this if the committees so plates on February 16 and discovered desired. that 3 were missing. City Hall has The second item discussed was ordered these plates from the company. expanding clinic hours. Mrs. Tyler A Dog Ordinance was discussed but informed the group that she had spoken nothing was decided. to Mid Delta and informed them that the Brenda Coleman was chosen as city was not happy with physician chairman. At the next meeting the coverage. Mr. Sliger plans to staff the committee will select a recorder. clinic M-W-F with a physician and a The next meeting is scheduled for nurse practitioner on T-Th. The March 13 at 7:00 PM in City Hall. possibility of more flexible hours was discussed so that a physician is available 4 THE HOLLY GROVE UPDATE MARCH 1995 more after 3:30 PM. Dr. Stone stated necessary prior to that date. Renee that the physician is usually gone by 3:30 Spurlock or Mayor Lula Tyler will let or 4:00. Mayor Tyler stated someone the committee members know. had told her about a Doctor on Standby Program. She was not sure about any HOLLY GROVE FIRE DEPARTMENT details on the program and no one had heard of this service before. The AmeriCorps-USDA member Renee physician would not be present but Spurlock contacted the Arkansas Forestry probably reachable only by phone so this Commission about rural community fire would not solve the problem. protection and federal grants. Their The Recommendations of the objective is to assist rural communities in Committee on this date are as follows: the purchase of fire equipment. Rural fire protection districts, rural fire 1. Ideally Holly Grove needs a physician departments, and cities under 10,000 physician to move here and practice. population are eligible. At least 75% of This may or may not be a realistic the city's firefighters must be volunteers. proposal. Grants aid in the purchase of communications equipment, pumps, 2. Dr. Stone will pursue his evaluation tanks, hoses, nozzles, safety equipment, of the present clinic and get back with etc. (exclusive of vehicle chassis). the committee on his findings. A meeting was held on February 2 at 6:00 PM in City Hall with RFD 3. Dr. Stone will get an estimate from Administrator Robert Summerville, AFC Butch Kelly on a building site similar to Roger Tyse, Mayor Lula Tyler, the Masonic Lodge. AmeriCorps-USDA members Renee Spurlock, Jana Coleman, James 4. A. Sliger will be invited to attend a Thompson, and members of the Holly attend a meeting to discuss the following Grove Fire Department. A 15 minute finding and concerns: video "Fighting the Flames" along with various pictures of equipment were a. Could Dr. Athotas hours be shown by the Arkansas Forestry flexed to be here later in the day, Commission. such as 10 AM - 6 PM. Several firemen attended Intro to b. Could something be done Firefighting classes at West Helena Fire about the sign? The committee Department on February 7, 8, 9. Some feels it is unattractive as it is. firemen were able to continue their c. Input into clinic facilities and training at the Arkansas Fire Academy in Mid Delta's future commitment to Camden on February 11 and 12. this area. On February 9, Fire Chief Stanley Spurlock and AmeriCorps-USDA The next meeting is scheduled for members Renee Spurlock and James March 13 unless a called meeting is Thompson met to take inventory of 5 THE HOLLY GROVE UPDATE MARCH 1995 equipment the fire department needed have provided Americorps members to which can be purchased with the Act 833 assist in the various city projects. As money which amounts to around $6,000. well as providing the funds to buy the land to build the new housing complex. FEMA BUYOUT This complex will house the residents who will no longer live in the floodplain In order to have the FEMA buyout in due to the buyout. They will also donate the floodplain, Holly Grove had to match lots to those who wish to build a home. FEMA's funds by 50 percent. To better appraise the homes in order Unfortunately, Holly Grove does not to give the residents fair market value for have the funds it would take to match their homes, there will be a licensed FEMA's. appraiser in Holly Grove to appraise the On February 15, 1995 the staff from homes. The Central Arkansas RC&D the Arkansas Soil and Water Council has also made the arrangements Conservation Commission asked their to provide this service. Commissioners for a grant to donate to the City of Holly Grove. This grant ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT would allow the City to go ahead with COMMITTEE the buyout. The mayor of Holly Grove, Ms. Lula Tyler, AmeriCorps member, The Holly Grove Economic Audria Coleman and Monroe County Development Committee met February Judge, Mr. Tom Catlett were on hand to 13, at 7 o'clock in the city hall. express the need of the buyout to the Members present were AmeriCorps- commissioners. The Commission usually USDA member Reneee Spurlock, Bill allocates funds by means of bonds and Stone, Jack Martin Coleman, Carolyn not grants. However, because the staff Starr, Louise Sands, and Ethel Hampton. recommended this proposal they made an Bill Stone was elected as chairman and exception. Carolyn Starr will serve as recorder. Central Arkansas Planning and The first item on the agenda was the Development is also helping the city a discussion for jobs in the city of Holly great deal by providing administrative Grove and what type of jobs would be services. They have sent letters to the available. The committee will run a residents in the floodplain who are survey of the citizens to identify the interested in the buyout. needs of the working population and their The State Office of Emergency desire to relocate their job. The Services has also appropriated money to followings were proposed as jobs to be assist in the funding of the buyout. They considered: A. Chicken Litter B. have been in constant contact with FEMA Sporting Goods C. Packing/Shipping in order to be able to initiate the buy-out Industrial Co. as soon as possible. The second item on the agenda will be The Central Arkansas RC&D Council to contact local economic development has been exceptional to the city. They consultants and invite them to inform the 6 THE HOLLY GROVE UPDATE MARCH 1995 members of the committee of other TELEPHONES options for economic development in the city of Holly grove. Future meetings AmeriCorps-USDA member Jana would involve inviting someone from the Coleman scheduled a meeting on March Arkansas Industrial Development 9 at 10:00 AM in city hall with Commission and someone from the individuals from various departments legislative arena. Representative Kelvin within the city and a representative from Miller and Representative Jimmy Wilson the telephone center. Those present would be invited. included Robin, who is with the The third item on the agenda was to Telephone Center, AmeriCorps-USDA locate and possibly purchase land for a members Jana Coleman and Renee future site for the economic growth of Spurlock, Carol self, and Police Chief our city. James Nolen. Various needs were A called meeting was held on discussed and cost information will be February 21 at 7:00 PM in city hall. available within the week. Hopefully Members present included AmeriCorps- upgrading the phone system will provide USDA member Renee Spurlock, Bill better security for the citizens of Holly Stone, Carolyn Starr, Louise Sands, Jack Grove. Martin Coleman, and Ethel Hampton. RABIES CLINIC AmeriCorps-USDA member Renee Spurlock organized this meeting for the The Monroe County 4-H Clubs committee with W.E. Hoffman, C.I.D., through the Cooperative Extension Assistant Director of Industrial Service will sponsor a Rabies Clinic in Development with the Arkansas Holly Grove on Saturday, March 18, Industrial Development Commission in from 1:45-2:45 PM at the Holly Grove Little Rock. Fire Station. Vaccinations will be given Mr. Hoffman presented the committee by Dr. Gary Winsect, Veterinarian and with the workbook from The Arkansas he will be assisted by the Holly Grove Community of Excellence Program Builders of the Future, a 4-H Club led by (ACE) and went into details about this Renee Spurlock. Rabies shots are program. During this time he explained required by state law, so take advantage that Holly Grove had already established of this clinic by bringing your dogs and an Industrial Development Corporation. cats and having them vaccinated. The Holly Grove Industrial Development Corporation was formed on March 21, ATTENTION 1960 for future ventures and economic growth in the city of Holly Grove. In If you see anyone that is not a resident order to reactivate this corporation, the of Holly Grove who is dumping trash in committee will have to follow the process town please take their license plate for Reactivation of an ACT 404 number and turn it in to City Hall at 462- Industrial Development Corporation. 3422 or AmeriCorps-USDA at 462-8300. 7 CITY WIDE CLEAN UP WEEK April 23-April 29 Put on your work clothes, roll up your sleeves, get on your gloves and collect all litter, debris and trash including metal and glass junk which cannot be burned and place in sacks. boxes & other non-returnable containers at the curb for loading. These items (including old stoves, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, bed springs, etc.) will be picked up on SATURDAY APRIL 29, 1995 All rubbish will be hauled away FREE during this campaign. DO NOT DELAY BEYOND THE DEADLINE AS NO CALL-BACKS WILL BE HONORED If you need assistance in moving heavy objects or cleaning up your property, please contact: AmeriCorps-USDA member Renee Spurlock at 462-8300 Chairperson Brenda Coleman at 462-8350 Mary Frances Spurlock at 462-3402 Grace Brown at 462-8574 Pertina 200 PAGE 3308 543 05:01 S6, 08 NNS THIRD QUARTER AMERICORPS REPORT PERTINA WHITE TIME PERIOD: April 1. . June 30, 1995 DUE DATE: June 30, 1995 1. There were members enrolled at the time of launch. 2. There were members enrolled at end of the quarter. 3. There were 1464 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: 1 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. 202 DDP ON UAPB AGRI EXP ST -> 501 758 7052 15:00 56/02/90 543 8033 PAGE.003 05:01 S6, 08 NOS 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 DDD "ON ZC0L 543 8033 PAGE.004 08/20/95 08:12 2028900638 COMM-ASSISTANCE +++ ARKANSA 05:00 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 4 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 is 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 about 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. 904 444 ON 2052 858 S01 + IS EX3 RERI URPE 50:51 56/02/90 DELTA CENTER TEL: 901-753-2613 Jul 6,95 15:09 No.001 P.02 LOWER MISSISSIPPI DEUTA DEVELOPMENT CENTER, INC. 7777 WALNUT GROVE ROAD. nox 17 MEMPHIS. TENNESSEE 38120 (901) 753-1400 Date: July 7, 1995 TO: Mr. Bruce Leggitt AmeriCorps Program Coordinator FROM: Ray Bryant, Executive Director LMDD Center RayBuyet SUBJECT: Third Quarter Progress Report - AmeriCorps Program Enclosed is the third 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 MEMPHS, TENNESSEE 88120 (901) 753-1400 AMERICORPS PROGRAM REPORT Third Quarter - 1994-1995 1. One (1) 2. One (1) 3. 1428 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 DELTA CENTER TEL: 901-753-2613 Jul 6,95 15:09 No. 001 P.05 08/20/95 10:00 USDA SCS LR +++ Central AR RC#D [ RECEIVED 12/12 11:26 1900 AT 5034638 1006 06/20/95 PAGE 2 (PRINTED PARE 2) J 09:12 2028900639 COMM-ASSISTANCE +++ ARKANSA 002/003 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: CEDLIC BROWN Project location: memphis, TN. Briefly describe your background (education, work and service experiences, etc.): B.S. Degree Industrial Technology Management/a Electronic Engineering Emphasis Co-op - United States Frestserve- Aspan, Ca. 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 Commonity 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 Meed 2 Runal communities For Services. What have you learned about working with people of different backgrounds? ENHANCED my ability to be more diverse 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 Della LMDDC NEWS KENTUCKY LMDDC NEWS ( Center Volume 1 Issue 1 -- May 1995 TENNESSEE TO OPEN FIRST 200 MILES FROM THE OF MISSISSIPPI RIVER BICYCLE TRAIL EXECUTIVE 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 and marketing. Among top 3 industries in 37 states states in the future. Source: USA Today LMDDC NEWS Page 3 APPLES TO ANTIQUES - ILLINOIS COUNTY Just last year, the Ava Chamber site for historic reenactments and OLD IS NEW of Commerce celebrated its first festivals. anniversary and members say Although Murphysboro is the center spirits are high among those The town is now visited by most of county government, its JACKSON COUNTY, IL - committed to rebuilding their of the one-million people who downtown business district has been The communities of Ava, wonderful town. visit the state park each year! in a major decline. Makanda and Murphysboro know what can happen when they give ARTISTIC VISION Community leaders formed a plan tourists what they want. Regional BOBBING FOR and now a dozen antique stores have tourism leaders recognize their Meanwhile, in Makanda, (pop. TOURISM DOLLARS opened. accomplishments as outstanding 400), the development of an examples of rural tourism artists' community is bringing Nearby Murphysboro, birthplace A recent ad campaign featuring development. prosperity to the town. of Civil War General John A. antiques was launched by the Logan, is now the site of one of Carbondale Convention and A CRAFTY APPROACH In the 1800s the town was a major the oldest festivals in Illinois. The Tourism Bureau. It generated more railroad shipping origin for fruits "Apple Festival" draws thousands than one-thousand antique-specific The tiny town of Ava (pop. 600), and vegetables. of tourists each September. It's inquiries in just one month! located at the northern edge of so successful that residents now Lake Kindaid and the Shawnee Railroads eventually gave way to hold a series of festivals.. The best of luck to these three National Forest, was, in the mid- highways and many of communities f or continued success 1800s, considered to be the the town's nostalgic storefronts in their tourism efforts. halfway point of an old Indian were left to decay. Today, they've SOUNDS OF MUSIC trail between the communities of been restored and are home to a Murphysboro and Chester, special group of artisans. Known In addition, Murphysboro's Illinois. The headquarters, a as the Makanda Boardwalk, the beautiful Riverside Park features trading post built in 1850, was the shopping area is thriving. an 80-by-40-foot concrete band stopping off place for travelers to shell built in 1938 as a WPA share spirits and conversation. WHAT A LOCATION! project. The shell is now undergoing a $115,000 In the early 1860's, the Louis and Makanda sits at the entrance to the restoration. When it's completed, Mobile Railroad made its way Giant City State Park, a 3700-acre it will enhance the park district's through the community. woodland. These magnificant "Riverside Blues Festival" and surroundings make it the perfect "Riverside Concert Series". Today, although the Indian trail and the Headquarters and the DELTA CENTER HOSTS GIS WORKSHOPS railroad have disappeared, 40 businesses are operating in Ava, including an ostrich ranch, a large DALLAS, TX (U.S. EPA) - The Delta Center recently held two Lower Mississippi Alluvial vineyard, craft shops and the Ava Valley Interagency Spatial Information Workshops. The first was held in Memphis, the second Craft Center. one of the region's in Lafayette, Louisiana.. The purpose of the meetings was to facilitate the exchange of spatial most popular tour bus stops. information and GIS (Geographic Informational Systems) related activities in the region. CITIZENS UNITE WHAT IS GIS? GIS is a system of computer hardware, software, procedures, digital data and expertise designed Ava's citizens realized the to support the use of geographic data for solving complex environmental problems. importance of tourism and in 1993 formed "Citizens for the THE DELTA ISSUE Development of Ava", launching several projects to revitalize the There is a growing consensus among federal natural resource agencies of the need to plan, im- town. plement and evaluate wetland conservation programs. Numerous groups in the Delta are in- volved in the development of GIS data bases relevant to wetland conservation in the region, with The site of recently removed little or no interagency coordination. There is an increasing need for a centralization of a re- railroad tracks is now a beautiful gional GIS. park. The "Ava Homecoming", held since the 1920s, has been COORDINATION BEGINS expanded and several new The Delta Center recently formed the Delta GIS Steering Committee to coordinate such efforts festivals have been added, drawing substantial crowds. and more workshops and sharing of GIS information is planned. For more information, contact Jack Hill at EPA in Dallas at 214-665-6497. THIRD QUARTER AMERICORPS REPORT WILLIE CHAPPLE MARION, ARKANSAS TIME PERIOD: APRIL 1 - JUNE 30, 1995 DUE DATE: JUNE 30, 1995 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. 1413 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 10:06 USDA SCS LR Central AR RCD [ RECEIVED 12/13 11:26 1900 AT 5034638 008 06/20/95 PAGE 2 (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. cologree, Agriculture Economics June 97, Arkansas Army National Guard 6yrs as Presenttine a ballistic computer operator May 89- Present. American Participant Sept. 74 - present., FmHa 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 own 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 experience has had a tremendous 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 digniting, Polerty and actually help PEOPLE that WERE Effected by lack of resources. It also gavt the a and hope for a better community and future. What have you learned about natural resources through this program? 1 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 resources 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 PROSS 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 one of the must rememberal task that they will ever do, bocause it gives you a Chance to reach out and hill Donle that are badly in need of helpor service. JUL, 10 '95 14:03 PAGE. 002 BOPY 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 work 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 weatherization funds for applicants who may not qualify through RECDS. Three weeks of this quarter mas spent or military duty. 07/07/95 FRI 09:02 FAX 501 324 6335 USDA NRCS ARKANSAS 1 002 gody It Jody Pagan Time Period: April 1, 1995 - June 30, 1995 Date: June 30, 1995 1. - 2. - 3. 1256 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. 07/07/95 FRI 09:03 FAX 501 324 6335 06/20/95 10:06 USDA NRCS ARKANSAS USDA SCS LR +++ Central AK KCOD 004 RECEIVED 12/13 11:26 1900 AT 5034638 441 UUO 06/20/95 PAGE 2 (PRINTED PAGE 2) ] 09:12 2028800639 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 Minor Chimatry for U.FA HVAC service tich. Harbarum worker during college. What are your present education and career goals? To acquire 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 If yes, please explain: in the Endangred Species project and Wetterd Inventory Project to a career in My career goals have changed. l want to apply what l have learned the field Biological research. How would you describe the impact of this AmeriCorps experience on you personally? Volunteering for this position was an experience that l will never forget. l feel it is The thest career move l could have made at 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 an open mind, working with people from different backgrounds can be a learn experience. Coming from South Arkansas it seemed that everyone was different than me and since l have learn 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 yield what ever you allow it to Americap volunteers are exposed to the only dear Incentive Programs available for Fuel Reduction ASCS- Agricultural Stabilization Conservation Service administers the following programs available to landowners to cost-share expenses with federal and state government agencies (USDA-FS and CDF) to encourage participation in improved forest management. -SP 58 (Special Practice) is authorized in El Dorado County for Wildland Fuel Break and Habitat Improvement. The purpose of this practice is to construct fuelbreaks. A major benefit of this practice will be to reduce fuel loads. Thinning and pruning are both allowable practices under this plan. The maximum cost-share level for the practice is 75% of the total cost not to exceed $200/ac. -FIP (Forestry Incentive Program) is authorized for Timber Stand Improvement, reforestation, and site preparation for natural regeneration of timber production. Thinning, slash disposal, and pruning are allowable practices in this program, all of which benefit the fuel reduction concept. Fencing and firebreak practices shall be performed as a condition for cost sharing. The maximum cost-share is 75%. The practice must be maintained for a minimum of 10 years. At least 10 acres of eligible forest land are required for FIP. There is a payment limitation of $10,000 to any person annually. -SIP (Stewardship Incentive Program), in cooperation with California Forest Stewardship and CDF, is set up to help with funding for the Registered Forest Plan necessary to landowners involved with commercial timber production. For fuel reduction purposes SIP -3 benefits forest health and SIP- 4 provides for protection from wind and wildfire. Both allow prescribed burning practices, thinning, and pruning. SIP practices are often done in consultation with CDF's Vegetation Management Program (VMP). VMP's "Woodland Improvement" is a practice designed specifically to remove unmerchantable or unwanted trees and other vegetation from wooded areas to forestall spread of disease or insects or for forest quality, enhancement or restoration. SIP provides cost-sharing funding for nine specific forest resource improvement practices. The landowner must complete SIP- 1 (development of a Forest Stewardship Plan) before eligible for assistance with other SIP practices. SIP pays 75% of a forest stewardship plan. 1 9-15-95 SYNOPSES OF RECD/AMERICORPS 3rd QUARTERLY REPORTS VA - A Member in Jonesville organized 10 volunteers to clean up a portion of a local river and has worked with other AmeriCorps Members to organize a clothing donation and perform home repairs for low-income families. The Member was particularly successful in getting the Appalachia Service Project to provide volunteer labor and donate materials, and getting the Virginia Water Project to pay for installing plumbing for an elderaly man who had lived his entire life without it. The Member also arranged for an RECD loan to allow a homeless family with a baby acquire an RECD home from inventory. WV - A Member in Fairmont has been working as the liaison between a local EZ/EC community and the City of Fairmont, has helped the EZ/EC revise its Strategic Plan, has surveyed leadership needs to help it qualify for a $2,000 community support grant, has been assisting in organizing technical assistance information into a reference guide for use by local rural communities, and has been working with a local university on a $30,000 grant to create an electronic information network for the EZ/EC. This Member was recognized by the Governor of West Virginia for her contributions to rural development in the State. WV - A Member at the P.R.I.D.E. in Logan County EZ/EC community has organized the donation and distribution of 12 tons of seed potatoes to needy families, assisted the Director of the local Head Start program, drafted plans for a local senior center, and worked with other AmeriCorps Members and volunteers from local organizations to repair homes. WV - A Member at the Lincoln [County] Economic Development Authority has been working with a $4,500 grant from the Appala- chian Community Fund to set up a local bartering program, and has been working under another $67,408 grant to help local counties continue with their economic development plans. WV - Two Members at the Council of the Southern Mountains have been working with a Summer Food Service Program running 55 sites in McDowell County feeding approximately 1,000 children, working to solicit community input on the expenditure of EZ/EC funds through person-to-person contact and community forums, working with a local university on a regional business retention and expansion plan, and helping participants in the local Job Training Partnership with writing resumes, cover letters, etc. 2 MS - A Member in Jackson has been working to get low-income potential home buyers to participate in a series of Home Buyer Education classes by preparing and distibuting flyers, pamphlets, and public service announcements, and also sponsored a "Teen Rally" with another AmeriCorps Member to discuss unwanted pregnancy prevention, preparing for college, and the AmeriCorps program. MS - A Member in Natchez helped organize a "Teen Rally" to discuss unwanted pregnancy prevention, preparing for college, and the AmeriCorps program, for which she generated a greate deal of community interest, as well as donations of time and materials from a variety of benefactors, and also worked with a local university to determine local recreation needs. MS - A Member in Natchez went door-to-door, posted notices, and organized meetings to inform people about the various types of RECD housing assistance that is available to them; over 60 applications in the last 10 months for single-family housing loans were generate, as well as 20 housing preservation loans, of which 7 have already been funded. MS - A Member in Jackson has organized three forums to bring local elected leaders and the community to discuss problems and reach joint solutions, has helped organize a nonprofit community revitalization organization to improve education, health care, and general community pride, and has helped organize a series of workshops, conferences, and visits by consultants to assist the organization. MS - A Member in Cleveland organized 15 community meetings to discuss collaboration between local leaders and the EZ/EC community, which resulted in the development of a 5-year program of leadership, economic, and community development for the region, and to help a community revise its strategic plan. MS - A Member in Yazoo City helped the Yazoo Microenterprise Program to write its business plan, keep records, and develop marketing strategies; represented RECD AmeriCorps at the National Rural Development Conference, assisted in the development of an Even Start education program proposal and a Teen-Age Pregnancy Prevention Program proposal, coordinated transportation for Yazoo Community Action Inc., and helped write a proposal for a family- based center for public-housing residents. MS - A Member in Jackson has conducted seminars to inform local residents about the types of RECD housing; subsequently approxi- mately 15 percent more applications for aid were received and 10 percent more loans were actually approved. MS - A Member in Greenville has been performing outreach for RECD housing assistance programs and has increased the number of 3 actual recipients of RECD Very Low- and Low-Income Housing Repair Loans and Grants by approximately 25 percent over the previous year. MS - A Member in Lorman has been tutoring grammar school students in reading, math and science, conducting a series of HIV/AIDS awareness workshops, sponsored a college ACT workshop to improve standardized college entrance exam scores, organized a college recruitment night, and ran a blood drive. MS - A Member in Canton has worked with delinquent RECD borrowers to make their accounts current, assisted applicants for RECD aid, organized a new home buyer education program for a local community resource center, and distributed information on energy conservation and good property maintenance. MS - A Member in Webb assisted applicants for 13 RECD Self-Help Housing loans, has assisted applicants for RECD Very Low- and Low-Income Housing Repair Loans and Grants, and has worked on the sale of tax credits to support the construction of low-income apartments. MS - A Member in Indianola conducted a series of home-ownership workshops for prospective RECD housing assistance borrowers. OR - A Member in La Grande conducted outreach by attending town hall meetings and participated in community service meetings, and assisted applicants for RECD Very Low- and Low-Income Housing Repair Loans and Grants, helped organize a committee to apply for RECD Self-Help Technical [housing] Grant assistance, participated in a Rural Development Information Forum, and helped other AmeriCorps Members organize a community paint project that enlisted an estimated 200 volunteers. OR - A Member in Baker City organized community meetings, worked with the local media, and assisted applicants for RECD Very Low- and Low-Income Housing Repair Loans and Grants, assisted a local historic preservation group in a project to convert downtown upper story space to commercial use, assisted the mayor of a small town to receive RECD assistance for sewer system hookups, helped secure a $31,400 State Watershed Enhancement Boear Grant, and helped other AmeriCorps Members organize a community paint project that enlisted an estimated 200 volunteers. OR - A Member in Oakridge helped develop that city's Strategic Economic Development Plan, served as a planning assistant to the City Council, conducted regular work sessions with the Planning Commission, authored a zoning ordinance, facilitated the annexation of land for a city park, and helped organize a statewide RECD/AmeriCorps meeting to publicize the program and encourage citizen participation in AmeriCorps projects. 4 OR - A Member in Cave Junction did research, held meetings, and met with appropriate officials to update the Strategic Plan of the local Enterprise Community, assisted in the planning for expanding a local state park, worked with the Oregon Economic Development Department to design a tourism plan that was eventually full-funded with a $12,000 grant, and briefed the Oregon Governor's office on the Enterprise Community's obstacles and accomplishments. OR - A Member in Pendleton was able to combine an RECD loan and grant with a repair and weatherization grant from the State of Oregon to provide needy repairs for an elderly man, assisted 3 very low-income applicants of the Umatilla tribe for RECD single- family housing loans, assisted the tribe in successfully applying for a $2.6 RECD Community Facility loan and grant for a Tribal Interpretive Center, assisted in the design of a water and waste system under this grant, including designing specifications, setting up and configuring hardware and software for the Tribal Water Department, training employees in using the systems, used the Internet to access information on grants for housing, water systems, education scholarships, etc. for the Tribe, and helped a family to receive special consideration from the RECD for a housing repair loan and matching money from the State. OR - A Member in Ontario assisted 5 applicants who had been refused State weatherization aid, to successfully apply for RECD home weatherization aid, helped a local county senior center to apply for a $134,000 Housing Preservation Grant and contacted the Department of the Interior Historic Preservation Office to find out about restrictions and guidelines on the renovation, met with local agricultural science teachers and 4-H officials to discuss Youth Project Loans, procured all necessary furnishings for 9 transitional/emergency housing project units and helped organize the grand opening, and in conjunction with an RECD loan, arranged for a local donation of a truckload of dirt and volunteers at the home of a low-income senior citizen. OR - A Member in Coquille has helped a small city write an application for a sewer system, has performed outreach for the RECD Housing Preservation Loan program, authored a work plan for the area combining project planning, funding requirements, and implementation support, authored a proposal for support of a local senior mentorship program, developed a youth involvement program for a local fire department, helped develop a comprehen- sive plan for community development, and worked with a local club to develop a system of biking, hiking and horse trails. 3rd Wlost RED ARS FCS FS NRCS RECD 462 109 97C FT At Quarter 4 100 797 8 0 0 08 25 6 8 PT At Quarter lot 305 100 487 HOS 980 4 O Total Members At Qt F/T Hours 2,270 61,771 HOSE , - 0 0 P/T Hours 486,679 2,270 15840 227,993 Total Hours Quarter 144,875 4,9,770 61,771 $223,582 82 key Total Hours to Date 6,505 158,079 362,340 696,6 58 659 # of Volunteers 20 2,527 ICO 5,605 I 4,811 ) 106,139 Volunteer hours 120 50,448 13,395 47,176 486,679 905,38 905 1,392,060 13 13 5C SC 5,5 5,525 5,950 25 14 TX 41,038 1 / VA 425 9-25-95 7WV 7, 975 14, 875 RECD DIRECT SERVICE & TRAINING HOURS ST Name # 1st QTR 2nd QTR 3rd QTR YTD 2,997 AZ - 8 2,448 4,122 1,252 X 4,162 2,802 AR 8 3,231 2,711 2,802 7,051 1,537 CA 3 1,397 1,329 987 2,820 4,162 KY - 9 3,675 1,138 995 11,902 4,876 LA - 9 3,960 4,104 4,896 12,960 5,124 MS - 14 6,568 5,124 1,749 12,772 1,973 NC 5 2,391 1,926 548 2,833 3,215 NM - 9 3,241 3,364 3,275 13,032 3',49 OR - 8 3,289 3,770 3,449 9,769 51100 SC 13 0 0 0 0 3,668 TN 7 2,002 3,059 3,668 8,729 5,100 TX 14 4,129 0 14,802 480 VA 1 560 0 1,440 1,275 WA 3 0 0 0 3,906 3,432 WV - 7 2,016 4,549 2,542 5,260 TOT - 118 38,907 35,196 26,163 111,438 y 40 AZ Bitsie $ 1 384 687 440 1,511 440 AZ Chavez 1 384 687 missing r missing Y YYOZ Cota 1 384 687 missing r missing 292 AZ Diltz 1 384 687 292 You 1,363 AZ Lujan 1 384 687 425 missing 425 # missing YISAZ Miller 1 384 687 missing # missing AZ Rodriguez 1 - S r missing to 520 AZ Suarez 1 144 r missing 415 1,288 AR Banks 1 395 quit - I AR Greer 1 502 quit - - AR Campbell 1 330 525 466 1,321 AR Harris 1 560 200 728 1,488 To 4162 2 AR Davis 1 r missin 952 quit - AR Peters 1 496 422 422 1,496 AR Thompson 1 312 456 464 1,232 AR McKinney 1 636 156 722 1,514 CA Alvarez 1 455 438 550/443 # missing CA Luevanos 1 479 513 475 1,467 CA Gonzales 1 463 378 512 1,353 KY Davidson 1 424 592 522 1,538 KY Duncan 1 376 653 # missing 1,581 Tiha KY Elza 1 423 352 # missing 1,505 KY Estep 1 427 426 # missing 1,502 king KY Hall 1 444 320 # missing 1,507 352 KY Humfleet 1 514 352 # missing 1,612 KY May 1 417 411 # missing 1,214 KY Mills 1 424 546 473 1,443 KY Powell 1 226 510 # missing# missing LA Kitterlin 1 440 456 544 1,440 LA Boley 1 440 456 544 1,440 LA Williams 1 440 456 544 1,440 LA Rosenthal 1 440 456 544 1,440 LA Eley 1 440 456 544 1,440 LA Bethea 1 440 456 544 1,440 LA Ignot 1 440 456 544 1,440 LA Woolridge 1 440 456 544 1,440 LA Powell 1 440 456 544 1,440 MS Allen 1 595 # missing 1,424 MS Barnes 1 452 # missing 1,360 MS Buford 1 420 # missing# missing MS Cole 1 543 522 415 1,480 MS Covington 1 492 # missing H25 1,360 MS Foutz-Lowe 1 480 634 missing # missing MS Gulley 1 556 624 193 1,373 MS James 1 465 462 537 1,464 MS Joyner 1 547 554 211 1,312 MS Keever 1 455 quit missing r missing Resigned MS Meredith 1 547 480 393 1,420 MS Richards 1 - 968 400 1,579 4,274 850 35 850 3 425 MS Osborne 1 480 880 missing r missing MS O'Donnell 1 536 # missing missing r missing NC McKinney 1 447 # missing 1384 425 1,384 NC Eanes 1 512 488 quit 1 536 493 981.5 500 1,973- NC Wolfe ? NC Bradley 1 467 473 8765 500 ? NC Lynn 1 429 472 548 1,449 NM Burns 1 420 584 528 1,532 NM DeHerrera 1 192 708 600 1,500 NM Farnsworth 1 174 # missing 1,350 NM Garcia 1 356 544 512 1,412 NM Montez 1 420 584 528 1,532 NM Montoya 1 408 # missing 1,464 NM Rodriguez 1 477 # missing 1,397 NM Schiavone 1 361 477 502 1,340 NM Vigueria 1 433 467 605 1,505 OR Brady 1 380 515 455 1,350 OR Hannibal 1 493 406 455 1,354 OR Harris 1 383 356 - quit OR Hoar 1 503 429 550 1,482 OR Kauffman 1 402 425 540 1,367 OR Han 1 351 567 457 1,375 OR O'Brien 1 400 540 502 1,442 OR Timm 1 377 532 490 1,399 SC Hiers 1 # missin# missing# missingr missing Ferminated SC Porter 1 # missin# missing# missingr missing SC Gary 1 # missin# missing# missingr missing SC Richardson 1 # missin# missing# missingr missing SC Jackson 1 # missin# missing# missingr missing SC Mungin 1 # missin# missing# missingr missing SC Givens 1 # missin# missing# missingr missing SC Swinton 1 # missin# missing# missingr missing SC Gray 1 # missin# missing# missingr missing SC Grady 1 # missin# missing# missingr missing SC Jamison 1 # missin# missing# missingr missing SC Rodgers 1 # missin# missing# missingr missing SC Conyers 1 # missin# missing# missingr missing 34 4 TN Letterman 1 286 437 524 1,247 TN Hamm 1 286 437 524 1,247 TN Shore 1 286 437 524 1,247 TN Duncan 1 286 437 524 1,247 TN Owens 1 286 437 524 1,247 TN Wilson 1 286 437 524 1,247 TN Trent 1 286 437 524 1,247 TX Clark 1 311 r missing 1,251 TX Mangum 1 460 quit - 460 TX Gomez 1 452 r missingr missing TX Alvarado 1 432 # missing 1,552 TX Richards 1 # missin# missing 1,328 TX Benevides 1 532 # missing 1,560 TX Garcia, A. 1 522 # missing 1,552 TX Rios 1 522 # missing 1,552 TX Martinez 1 200 quit 200 TX Farias 1 r missin# missing 1,051 TX Garza, L. 1 # missin# missing 1,462 TX Juarez 1 r missinr missingr missing TX Garcia, J. 1 420 # missing 1,372 TX Avila 1 278 # missing 1,462 VA Bailey 1 560 # missing 1440 1,440 WA Glen, C. 1 # missin# missing 1,303 WA Beeson 1 # missin# missing 1,293 WA Glen, J. 1 # missin# missing 1,310 WV Haas 1 288 749 # missing WV Munza 1 288 786 695 # missing WV Smith 1 288 672 360 1,320 WV Adkins 1 288 648 792 1,440 WV Totten 1 288 584 695# missing WV Dalton 1 288 555 695 1,250 WV Dunnings 1 288 555 695 1,250 30