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A
Vanceburg View
A Monthly Update From the Director
of Glenmary's Volunteer Office
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| A snowy January. After three inches of snow fell in Lewis County, students from McNicholas High School, Cincinnati, cleared the parking lot at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, the Glenmary mission in Vanceburg. Inclement weather limited volunteer projects for the month. |
News From January 2004
January 2004 was a quiet month at the Glenmary Farm. Groups from Fordham University (New York, N.Y.) and the University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, Minn.) visited and served. Both groups were true gifts to the Farm, the Farm managers and the Lewis County community, putting themselves second and others first.
Winter Weather Changes Routine. We really had to roll with the weather punches during the month. January is always cold, of course, but this year it seems Mother Nature had it in for Lewis County. Because of the harsh cold, we did little or no construction work and many of our other sites had to cancel because of weather. Yet, both groups were understanding (and nobody minded NOT working outside in sub-freezing temperatures!), and turned their talents to serving folks in Lewis County nursing homes and activities centers. The volunteers lived simply and built strong communities among themselves during their weeks of service.
Volunteers Help With New Youth Center. Despite the rough weather, plans for and construction of the new youth center in Lewis County is progressing. Jim Vaden, a local Methodist minister, is spearheading this effort with community support. Our volunteers have helped clean and paint the building and, hopefully, we'll be able to continue to help with the project.
Later, Dude! Matthew Dooley will be leaving Vanceburg as he completes his term as Farm manager. Matthew has done an excellent job; he has a great rapport with students as well as a good understanding of the charism of Glenmary and the Farm. Thanks, Matthew--you'll be missed! Rebecca Coomer and Don Malewitz will continue as Farm managers until at least August.
Interested In Being a Farm Manager? We always need qualified people to serve the needs of people in Lewis County as Farm managers. We're looking for people who enjoy working with youth and in the community. For the past few years, most of our Farm managers have been former volunteers and were familiar with our mission, we've also had outstanding managers who have no experience with Glenmary. If you're interested in serving for a year, or even longer, please contact me at P.O. Box 7, Vanceburg KY 41179, jgrosek@glenmary.org , 606-796-3421.
Goodbye to Susan Hellmann. Susan Hellmann, whose association with the Farm goes back over 20 years, has retired from Glenmary Home Missioners. For many years Susan coordinated the volunteer program at the Farm with amazing efficiency and love. She not only provided thousands of people with the opportunity for a life-changing experience, but found Farm managers to serve those who came to volunteer. She showed great patience and fortitude through flood, fire and the always-changing cast of volunteers and needs of Lewis County. And this was only part of her job--she spent the other half of her time working with the Vocation Office. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement, Susan!
Peace,
Joe Grosek
jgrosek@glenmary.org
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