A Vanceburg View
An Update From the Director of Glenmary's Volunteer Office

March 2006

A Call for Farm Managers Past and Future

As I write this issue of the Vanceburg View, we're in the thick of "March M**ness." The season dubbed "MM" (so abbreviated because a certain basketball tournament has copyrighted the phrase) actually starts at the Farm at the end of February,   runs crazily through March, then we take a deep breath and jump into April to finish a season of service, culture, simplicity and prayer.

In the last few weeks, Farm managers Jay Damron and Laura Zant and I have welcomed college students from Minnesota, Illinois, New Hampshire, Iowa, Indiana, and Nebraska. Most of the volunteers are coming to Kentucky for the first time. Like many of you, these folks have learned that, while they came to give of themselves, they have gained far more than they've given. We have had some great evening reflections with the groups, and I look forward to even more as we see this spring semester wind down.

I've had the blessing of spending more time than usual with Farm volunteers during this semester. But it's a mixed blessing. The reason I've been around more is because we're short one manager!

Thanks, Dave! Dave Turner, who completed his year of service in December, is greatly missed. He was a great Farm manager who gave of himself both to our volunteers and to those in need. I miss his quick wit and excellent social skills and pray that God will bless him abundantly throughout his life after the Farm!

While I really enjoy spending more time with the volunteers, the Farm functions a lot better when we have three   managers and I am able to tend to some of the more mundane, though necessary, tasks required for smooth Farm life: like recruiting new Farm managers. Since Dave left, I've had to postpone my office work until after I leave the Farm each night. But I have been sure to follow up on several inquiries about the Farm manger position.        

Searching for new Farm managers. I think we'll have a third manager before much longer. But I like to think several months in advance, so I'm always looking for future managers.

In my three-plus years as Glenmary volunteer director, I've discovered that many different types of people have gifts they can offer as a Farm manager. Most of our managers are in their early- to mid-20s, but we've had some considerably older than that, too. Although we've had a lot more men than women as managers, women managers give a great perspective and sometimes deal more effectively with teenage girls. Managers need the ability to "go with the flow," but they also must be able to keep volunteers on task and on track. Needless to say, a good sense of humor is a must!

If you're interested in giving a year of service as a Glenmary Farm manager, or know someone who is, please contact me at 606-796-3421 or jgrosek@glenmary.org . I look forward to hearing from you !

Farm manager reunion. You'll recall from our last e-newsletter that plans are underway for a Farm manager reunion, which we've schedule for the weekend of Aug. 11-13. I've already heard from a few managers who are planning to be here. Although we won't turn you away if you show up unannounced, you'll make my life a lot easier if you let me know you're coming.

And remember: First dibs gets the top bunks! Reach me via phone, e-mail or snail mail, (Joe Grosek, Glenmary Volunteer Director, P.O. Box 7, Vanceburg, KY 41179).

Thanks for your on-going support of the Farm, and I hope to hear from past managers who are coming to the reunion, or future managers who want to give us a try!

Peace and God bless,

Joe Grosek
jgrosek@glenmary.org

And if you missed previous Vanceburg Views, check them out.

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