Spring Break…What Break?

So last week was a very busy time for me, while I didn’t have school I found many ways to fill up that time. For starters I took part in the Advancing Youth Development training. Advancing Youth Development (AYD) Partnership offers professional development for youth workers in New York State. Using a train-the-trainer model, teams of trainers from a variety of youth serving organizations are recruited, trained and then supported in the provision of AYD trainings in their Home Counties or regions. They are also offer new, one-day, skill building workshops that address one of the ten core competency areas – skills, knowledge and attributes needed to do effective youth work – outlined by the National Collaboration for Youth.

This was the type of training I attended; the topic was Creating Inclusive Environments for LGBTQ Youth. While at my AmeriCorps placement this isn’t something I work directly with, it was a timely topic and something that I can come in contact more as I finish my Master and start looking for a full time job.

More than just the material what I took away from the training is the importance to make a welcoming environment, not only for youth but also for co workers. We were talking about sensitive topic and a topic with various levels of education. The presenters did a great job at making the training open to questions and offer advice. They came up with problems and situations and helped us work through them.

I also help do a presentation at Youth Bureau’s Annual 7^th and 8^th Grade Leadership Conference. Students heard from a speaker about the effects bullying has on brain development. While there was a wide range of topics and subject the workshop I helped in dealt with Asset Development and how to use that approach to be a better friend and how to be a positive support and influence on their peers. In the afternoon the students help in the creation of a service project that we are working on for the RSVP luncheon.

I also had a meeting for Young Christians at Work last week. A large number of the team met to start going over the details of the week. I am so excited about the program this year and also for the students to go through program. I learn something new every year and can only imagine and pray for how much the students will grow from the program.

I also attended an early morning meeting for Fabulous Females Luncheon, mark your calendars!!! The YWCA annual Fabulous Females Luncheon will take place May 7^th at Genesee Community College. It’s an event were we not only recognize outstanding women in our community but celebrate all women and how fabulous we are all are.

I also had A.J. Birthday last weekend!!! We celebrated by going out on Friday and having a party with his friends on Saturday. Sunday I attend the annual St. Joe’s Table at my church and had dinner with AJ family to celebrate his birthday.

I am also in the process of preparing to leave of a conference in Ithaca this week and getting excited for my Leadership Genesee Class meeting on Wednesday! Finally I am looking forward to Voices of Experience event tomorrow night at GCC. Other things that are coming up to look forward to: Zonta’s annual Lucky Numbers Lunch April 9^th (my birthday) at the Batavia Downs! Tickets for that event are going fast, let me know if you are would like tickets.

Now if I can only have a break from my vacation.

Voices of Experience

Voices of Experience 2011

Batavia, New York, March 16, 2011 — The YWCA and Women’s Foundation of Genesee Valley Present Voices of Experience 2011. This event will take place on March 22 at Genesee Community College in the Conable Technology Building, Room T-102. Doors for the event will open at 6:30 pm; the program will begin at 7:00 PM with a social hour beginning in 8:00 PM. There is no registration fee to attend this event.

Young women ages 13-18 are invited to hear from a panel of community members from varying educational and professional backgrounds share their life and educational experiences. This year’s panel includes:

Sandra Gillard—Retired Librarian, Richmond Memorial Library

Roula Alkhouri—Pastor, First Presbyterian Church

Lisa Barrett—Prevention Educator, GCASA

Loren Penman—Retired Educator, Byron-Bergen Central Schools

Angela Barbeau—Youth Program Coordinator, Genesee Co. Youth Bureau

Join us for discussion, refreshments, and prizes! Please RSVP your attendance to Angela or Vicky at the Genesee County Youth Bureau, 344-3960.

Don’t Cry Because It’s Over, Smile Because It Happened

Looking back on my four year journey in the Miss American Organization, this quote couldn’t seem more fitting. It has been an amazing, joyous journey with so many memories and true growth. I couldn’t have imagined, prior to beginning it, how I could have become the woman I am today without my involvement with this organization.

When I started to compete, I never thought I would gain so much. I started only to be able to perform on stage again after completing high school and not being in dance recitals and musicals anymore. Like so many things, the reasons I stuck around were very different then the reason I started. I continued to be involved because of so many different things and do not regret a minute of it.

So I am asking you all to indulge me for a moment. As I never had a farewell speech for giving up a title, this is my chance to thank all those who have helped me all these years.

First and foremost, I have to thank my Mom. While you were never there physically to see me compete, I knew you were always watching. You are my guiding force and everything I do is in honor and tribute to you. To my Daddy, who hates the spotlight more than anyone I know. Thank you for always reminding me that no matter what, I was your princess. No matter the outcome to any pageant, I knew you wouldn’t care either way and always be happy that “Lacey” came home again. Thank you for always letting me be the little one and always supporting me no matter what.

My little foot, aka Roz, how could I ever thank you for everything you do for me. You are always my loudest cheerleader and the person I can rely on. Your strength is beyond inspiring; thank you for everything you do for me. I know that no matter what my next journey in life is, I can count you being in my corner.

To my pageant sisters, god truly couldn’t have blessed me with better people with whom to go through this journey. I have learned so much from each and every one of you, and am honored to count you as my friends. It would take me over the limit of a blog entry to thank you all individually, but I hope you know how truly special and amazing each of you are. However I cannot go without saying a couple of words to Amy and Corri. Thank you seems to not fully say how much I appreciate you both. Thank you for believing in me even at times I questioned myself, your support as been so amazing and important. Also to my adopted sisters Kieran, Stacey, and Chelsea, I am so proud of you this year and look forward to being your cheerleader.

This amazing organization would not be possible without the volunteers that make each pageant work. It is because of them that we all get the chance to dream and compete. Calista, your advice and opinions have meant the world to me. Your dedication and passion for the organization can always be seen. Miss Greater Rochester was my first ever Miss America local, and I couldn’t imagine a better way to end this journey that back with your pageant once again.

Sue, Gary, and Shelby, meeting you at breakfast after Miss Finger Lakes that year was truly amazing and I am so grateful for the day I met you all. I can’t imagine or look forward to a better part of my summer then going up to Clayton for Thousand Islands. While I was never from there, you always made me feel like I was coming home. You truly put your hearts into this organization and I can’t thank you enough for all the love you have shown me. I also have you to thank for bringing Barb Yerdon into my life!!! I couldn’t imagine my life without you all in it.

Chris, Pilar and Jane, I can still remember when I decided very last minute to compete in Finger Lakes! My trip to Corning is yet another yearly highlight that I enjoy so much. You all put your hearts into your pageant, and I am so grateful to be part of the Finger Lakes family. I also must thank Karen Watson: from sewing me into an interview dress, to helping me with my crazy idea to put a slit in my dress, thank you for all your support and love.

To my Mary Kay family: Shelley, Jaclyn and the rest of not only our amazing Pink Sirens but extended Mary Kay family: thank you for all your love and support. I know that I am always in your prayers, but I know you always say some extra ones during pageant season. No matter what the outcome, you always make me feel like a queen and an important part of this amazing company. I truly see the heart and support of Mary Kay in each and every one of you.

To my Diocese of Buffalo family and my Young Christians at Work: Thank you for helping me find my passion for service and giving me the chance to share it with others. My involvement with the program and the youth and young adult ministry has truly shaped my life and made me feel that even without a crown I have made a difference in others’ lives. To my Young Christians, you are my inspiration and inspire my belief that this world will get better because you are all in it.

To Father Gary: I know you watch down on all the lives you touch and I hope you find joy in mine. You saved my life at the age of 16, and I thank God every day because he blessed me with you in my life for two years. It is because of you that my heart is truly open, and without that none of the wonderful things I have experienced would have ever happened. You not only inspired my platform but you are the inspiration every day when I get up to help make a difference in this world.

Blessed is the heart that finds joy in the journey. I have been blessed by my journey in this organization and cannot thank God enough for putting this in my journey of life.

Annual Report

Hello everyone, has many of you may know I am currently serving as an AmeriCorps member at the Genesee County Youth Bureau. The office recently published their annual report; here are some sections from it dealing with AmeriCorps and me as while. To read the full report should be up on the website any day now, click here to check the site.

Program Overview:

AmeriCorps is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service. The Corporation’s mission is to improve lives, strengthen communities and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering. Other Corporation programs include Senior Corps and Learn & Serve America. Throughout the country, Americans of all backgrounds are engaged in service to meet community needs. Genesee County AmeriCorps members bring this dedication and commitment to our area.

Forty-five members served at a variety of host site agencies in 2010. Assignments fall under the categories of youth development/mentoring, volunteer recruitment and public safety/community outreach. Members agree to complete 900, 675, 450 or 300 service hours over a specific time period that cannot exceed one year. In return, they earn a modest living allowance, and at the end of their term of service are eligible to receive an education award. The education award can be used for college costs or to repay qualified student loans.

Several new rules to implement provisions of the Serve America Act were finalized in 2010. Members can now earn up to the equivalent of two full-time education awards and complete a maximum of four part-time terms. Previously, members were limited to two terms of any type. Another change will adjust the education award annually. The award for a full-time member is now equal to the maximum Federal Pell grant. Part time awards are pro-rated down from that amount. Procedures were also established to allow members who are age 55 or older when they serve to transfer their education award to a child or grandchild. Prior to this only the member could use the award. (Just a side note the House did pass a resolution that would have eliminated funding for the Corporation and all its funded programs however it was not passed by the Senate. If service is important to you please speak out as we start the budget process!!!!)

From Director’s Notes:

We ourselves were one of the first agencies to benefit from the new AmeriCorps rules that allowed for more than two terms in the program. Vicky came back to us in the fall and picked up right where she left off. She has accepted more responsibility and has taken the lead on much of the training initiatives for the AmeriCorps Program. She continues the use of the social networking communication tools initiated by Lauren.

Program Highlights

Several American Recovery Reinvestment Act (ARRA) members continued to serve in 2010. Greg Briggs, who served at the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services, collaborated with the Genesee County Parks Department to organize a successful Earth Day project to benefit DeWitt Recreation Area in Batavia. On April 24 over 400 trees & bushes of 10 varieties were planted. They will help prevent erosion, improve wildlife habitats, and increase the aesthetic value of the recreation area. Additionally, 10 bird boxes and 5 bat boxes were painted and installed. These will increase the presence of wildlife in the park, and the bats will help reduce the mosquito population. Finally, invasive phragmites were removed and burned. If not controlled, phragmites take over space needed for native plant species. A total of 62 volunteers devoted 284 hours of service to this project. (Including Me, I was in charge of the youth volunteers helping them plant trees and paint bird and bat boxes)

Members participated in a variety of activities during National AmeriCorps Week. On May 12 the Genesee County Legislature issued a proclamation honoring AmeriCorps. Members created display boards highlighting their projects and hosted a reception prior to the meeting. Legislators and other guests had the opportunity to learn about the great things our members were doing. The displays were exhibited at host site agencies throughout the week. On May 14, several members helped serve the meal at the annual RSVP volunteer recognition luncheon. Since RSVP was celebrating its 2 5 t h anniversary, AmeriCorps members and ninety youth at different host sites decorated boxes that were used as favors at the luncheon.

Our members are encouraged to design and execute community service projects at their host sites. Members are given ideas for activities in which the youth can participate and develop a commitment to service. For example, the 120 youth at Camp Wyomoco created greeting cards to send to military personnel serving overseas. At two other sites, Camp Bristol Hills and the LeRoy Christian Community Project, a total of 130 youth made pictures to donate to “Color a Smile”, an organization that delivers artwork to nursing homes and Meals on Wheels programs. It was good to see young people come together to do something to show their appreciation for those serving by brightening someone’s day.

In November a group of members and staff traveled to Albany to attend the New York State AmeriCorps kickoff event. Although it was a long day, it was very inspiring and informative. Members had a chance to get to know each other during the eight hours we spent en transit as well as meet others who are serving at programs across the state. Members also heard from an amazing keynote speaker, La-Verna J. Fountain. Everyone left energized and eager to return home and begin making a difference.

The service of our members has enhanced the ability of organizations to provide caring relationships for young people, helped agencies recruit both youth and adult volunteers and allowed sites to either expand programming or add new services. AmeriCorps not only benefits our community, it provides members with a great opportunity to gain new skills explore career options and finance their education. Use the contact information on the back of this report to inquire further about becoming a host site or a member of the Genesee County AmeriCorps program. You can learn more about AmeriCorps in general or other national service opportunities by visiting www.nationalservice.gov.