An Update From the Director of Glenmary's Volunteer Office

December 2007

As 2007 wraps up, we’re extra-busy at the Glenmary Farm as volunteer groups prepare for Project Merry Christmas. But that busy-ness is just a continuation of a great autumn season at the Farm when we welcomed groups from Cincinnati, Ohio; Emmitsburg, Md.; Arkron, Ohio; Notre Dame, Ind.; Warwick, R.I.; Columbus, Ohio; Racine, Wis., and Fairborn, Ohio. These groups accomplished an extraordinary amount of work in a relatively short time!

Lending a Helping Hand Food Pantry sets a record for Thanksgiving food distribution. On Friday, Nov. 16, Lending a Helping Hand Food Pantry distributed 290 boxes of food to families and individuals in need in our area. Board members of Lending a Helping Hand extend a big “thank you!” to volunteers from Bishop Hendricken High School (Warwick, R.I.), Bishop Watterson High School (Columbus, Ohio), and Saint Catherine’s High School (Racine, Wis.) for all their work packing boxes and getting the rummage store ready for the distribution. Lending a Helping Hand will distribute Christmas food on Dec. 21 and we expect that more food will be given than was given for Thanksgiving. If you’d like to spend a few days getting into the Christmas spirit we’re still looking for help with the project!

The Glenmary Farm welcomes new Farm Manager. In November, we welcomed Jacob Eichten from Elk River, Minn., as our newest Glenmary Farm Manager. Jake graduated from Saint John’s University, Minnesota, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and has been involved in volunteer service work since high school. At Saint John’s he was the vice-president of a community service group whose activities included making meals at a local soup kitchen, hosting clothing drives and participating in Adopt the Highway programs. Jake served in several liturgical ministries and was a member of Students for Life, a student organization that promoted a pro-life message both on the Saint John campus and in the surrounding area. Jake enjoys outdoor activities, listening to music and playing sports in his spare time. Jake has two brothers, Dan (19) and Rom (14)—we hope to see them at Farm, too!

Project Merry Christmas News. Work on Project Merry Christmas continues for 2007. The Lewis County Ministerial Association has met to review applications and it seems that the largest age groups we’ll be serving this year will be babies and toddlers. We will also try to serve the many elderly in the community both at the nursing home and those who are still living in their own homes. If you would like to send gifts for people in these age groups (or any in between!), direct them to:
Wendy Nisiewicz and Jake Eichten
Glenmary Farm
2925 Lower Kinney Road
Vanceburg, KY  41179

Farm Manager needed for the remainder of this year and for 2008-2009. We’re still searching for a qualified individual to fill our third manager’s spot. Glenmary Farm managers must at least 21 years old, open to serving the needs of both Lewis County and the volunteers who come to serve at the Farm. Managers must be open to the Holy Spirit and ready to grow spiritually and emotionally. And this is a very important quality: a manager must be open to sharing stories, jokes, and good times with groups and local people—they can’t be afraid to dance at the Thurman’s or sing at the nursing home! Farm managers receive room, board, a stipend, use of Glenmary vehicles, health insurance and an Americorps education award if they complete their year of service. If you are interested in applying for this year's position or for the 2008-2009 Glenmary Farm manager positions please contact me or call 606-796-3421.

Remember, if you change your email address, please let us know so that we can keep you up-to-date on all the Farm news!

Peace,
Joe Grosek
Glenmary Volunteer Director
jgrosek@glenmary.org

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

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