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

June 2006

Good-bye to Some Longtime Friends

Our busy spring at the Farm promises to be followed by an equally busy summer. For me, summer isa time to welcome and train new farm managers who have come to serve the people of Lewis County and our volunteer groups. But it’s also a time to say good-bye to Farm managers who are finishing terms of service.

This summer, though, I’m also saying good-bye to people who have played an integral role in the life of the Farm and the community of Lewis County. Holy Redeemer pastoral coordinator Sister Joseph Fillenwarth, sacramental minister Father Bruce Brylinski and former Farm manager and current Holy Redeemer parishioner and all around great person Ann Royster are all leaving Lewis County for new and exciting ministries. I tried to reflect on each of their contributions for this Vanceburg View, but found myself going on and on and on . . . So, I decided to devote each summer issue to the contributions of one of them.

A Passion for Service

I’ll start with Ann, whom I met when I arrived as a Glenmary Farm manager nearly six years ago. Ann, a native of Pittsburgh, first came to the Farm in 1982 as a college volunteer. After graduation, she worked in business for 15 years, but eventually returned to Vanceburg seeking a place of peace and discernment. During her time as Farm manager, she discovered a love for the people of Lewis County that compelled her to take a job with People's Self Help Housing.

When I met Ann I could sense her passion and joy for service. For a new guy, unsure of his own decision to serve, her joy spilled over to me and prepared me to serve the people of Lewis County. Ann was also a great contact and seemed to know everything there was to know about both the needs and resources of Lewis County. I don’t know how many times I called Ann for information about people or places in the county. A couple of years ago we started to host picnics as a way to introduce volunteers to kids in the county. Ann was a great help, connecting us with parents and telling us the best places to find the kids. Ann and her husband John opened their home to Farm managers for pool parties, going-away parties and just to hang out.

Lewis County youth found a friend in Ann. As her time in Lewis County went on, Ann felt a call to serve the youth of Lewis County and took a job at Lewis County High School teaching job readiness skills to low-income and high-risk teens. On a personal note, she and John became court-appointed special advocates and foster parents, and a few years ago they adopted Elena from Guatemala.

Recently, Ann decided to return to Pittsburgh to take a job with the Sisters of Divine Providence, working in the religious community’s family resource center. She and Elena left Lewis County at the beginning of June for some rest and relaxation and Ann will begin her new ministry in July. John will follow at the end of the summer after he completes some college classwork. Although Ann’s move is a big loss to Vanceburg and the Glenmary Farm, it will be boon to Pittsburgh and the Sisters of Divine Providence.

Jay Damron Completes Year of Service

In June Jay Damron will complete his term as a Glenmary Farm manager. Jay, who is originally from Pikeville, Ky., is signing on for another volunteer year at St. Jude Mission in Louisa, Ky. Jay’s gifts to the Farm included a ready sense of humor, understanding of others and a love of service. Jay also brought a deep love of Appalachian culture, traditions and people as well as a deep love for the Catholic Church that he shares with the volunteers. He has been truly a joy to work with and I hope God keeps and protects him in his new ministry in Louisa.

Farm Managers' Reunion

Don’t forget, the Glenmary Farm Managers’ Reunion is scheduled for Aug. 11-13 here in Vanceburg. I’ll have some great projects lined up. I’ve received lots of calls from folks who need help with home repair. We  also have a bridge that needs to be redecked and plenty of fencework to be done. Let me know if you’ll be here (jgrosek@glenmary.org, 606-796-3421 or PO Box 7, Vanceburg, KY 41179). I look forward to seeing you!

Peace and God bless,

Joe Grosek
Glenmary Volunteer Director
jgrosek@glenmary.org

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

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