Author Archives: J. Ashley Laux

MiddAction Weekly Volunteer Service Opportunities

Womensafe Volunteer Training Announcement
WomenSafe in Middlebury works toward the elimination of physical, sexual and emotional violence against women and their children through direct service, education and social change. Apply to become a volunteer and sign-up for required volunteer training here. Volunteer opportunities include working on the hotline, helping with education and awareness, and providing special events assistance. [Note: Required training for volunteers starts on September 27th! Take action and fill out your application today]

Join the 9/23 Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Join the Alzheimer’s Association, Vermont Chapter at the 2012 Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Sunday, September 23rd at the Shelburne Museum. This movement unites walkers across the country as we take one step closer to eliminating Alzheimer’s disease and reclaiming the future for millions. Visit www.alz.org/walk or call 800-272-3900 to sign up or start a team. Need transportation from Middlebury? Email Megan mmason@middlebury.edu.

Volunteers needed for 9/16 Tour de Farms
The 5th Annual Tour de Farms is scheduled for Sunday, September 16th in Shoreham, Vermont. This popular event consistently draws 500+ cyclists who choose among three established routes visiting farms to sample the incredible bounty of food that is available in the area. Sign up to volunteer by contacting shelby@ruralvermont.org.

Four-year-olds starting violin: Volunteers needed!
Mary Hogan Elementary School is starting a Suzuki-principled violin program this fall. Four year-old students will be invited to take part in this part of our project which will occur four days/week (most likely, M-TH) between 11AM-noon. Volunteers with string experience are needed to volunteer with the program – we can base volunteers shifts on your schedule! Interested? Contact Ultima Danforth, udanforth@addisoncentralsu.org.

September 12th: College Defensive Driving Class [Required to drive campus vehicles!]
This program is required for anyone who wishes to rent a College passenger or 15-passenger vehicle. If you might want to use a campus vehicle for volunteering in 2012-2013 get prepared by taking this class! There is no cost for the class but a driving orientation (a 1 hour review on the road) is required for 15-passenger Vans and larger vehicles. Class time is about 2 Hrs. REMINDER: A valid state license is required to take the class. Individuals wanting a 15-Passenger Van license must have 3 years of driving experience. To sign up email Ed Sullivan, Sullivan@middlebury.edu. Upcoming class: September 12, 9:00 a.m., Mitchell Green Lounge

Become a Reading Buddy!
Bridport Central School is seeking 12 volunteers to act as Reading Buddies. Volunteers will be asked to commit to one hour each week reading one-on-one with a preschool student and completing a literacy related project or activity. Seven volunteers are needed on Tuesdays from 9:45-10:45 and five volunteers are needed on Thursdays from 12:15-1:15. If you are interested or would like more information please contact Beth Bearor, Preschool Teacher, by e-mail at bbearor@addisoncentralsu.org or by phone Monday-Thursday at 758-2331.

Town Hall Theater: Flea Market Volunteers needed
We need two strong people to help move furniture on Saturday, September 14th from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. We need three strong people to help move furniture on 9/14 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Interested? Contact Barbara Blodgett, barbarablodgett@comcast.net, 802-388-8268

Community Friends
Enjoy making an impact in someone’s life? Want to strengthen the community in which you’ll be spending time? Become a mentor for Community Friends! Since 1960 Community Friends has been matching Middlebury College students with children from Addison County. Mentors and mentees spend time together weekly, exploring whatever interests may arise out of these friendships. Many of the matched pairs often develop wonderful relationships that last throughout the volunteer’s time at Middlebury College and beyond. To find out more about this and other opportunities, please contact Nestor Martinez, Mentoring and Youth Programs Coordinator, at 802.443.3010, nmartinez@middlebury.edu. We can answer any questions about the logistics of becoming a mentor, such as funding for transportation or what the process of becoming a mentor looks like.

Willowell Foundation Artist Residency: volunteer mural assistant opportunity

The Willowell Foundation is hosting muralist and sculptor Marela Zacarías for a residency in September. Marela Zacarias lives in Brooklyn and grew up in Mexico City. She has created more than 30 large murals in the U.S., Mexico, and Guatemala, often working with local communities and at-risk youth to envision, design and paint. During her residency, Marela will work with Walden students to paint a mural just beyond the entrance to the outdoor classroom. For the first time, she’ll be combining her sculptural paintings, which recall textiles, with muralism to create a dynamic, 3-dimensional “wall in the woods.” The Willowell Foundation is seeking two volunteer assistants to help with the mural project and related field trips and programming. Volunteer swill preferably have experience with painting and/or sculpture. Interested? Contact Administrative Director Hannah Mueller, hannah@willowell.org, 973-306-9238.

Adopt a farm/Adopt a Market!
Adopt a Farm / Adopt a Market! HOPE needs drivers willing to transport donations of fresh produce from local farms and farmer’s markets to the HOPE food shelf this fall. Please e-mail GleanAddison@gmail.com or call the office at 802-388-3608 to volunteer.

Volunteer as a medical interpreterapplications due 9/24
The Open Door Clinic is seeking Volunteer Medical Interpreters for 2012-2013. Click here for more information and a volunteer application.

Need money for service? Apply to the Service Cluster Board Flex Fund to finance your initiatives
Whether it is transportation expenses or ingredients to cook meals at the community lunch program, we want to help you serve others. Click on “Service Cluster Board Flex Fund” here to find our application. Email scboard@middlebury.edu for more information

Questions? If you have questions about any of these volunteer opportunities or want to learn more ways to get involved in the local community, contact Ashley Calkins, Community Engagement Coordinator, jcalkins@middlebury.edu, 802.443.3099

Volunteer with the Open Door Clinic: Applications due 9/24

The Open Door Clinic is seeking Volunteer Medical Interpreters for 2012-2013. Read below for more information and a volunteer application. Open Door will also have a representative at the MiddAction Fair (Sept.19 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., McCullough Social Space) who can answer questions about this opportunity.

Dear Potential Volunteer:

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Open Door Clinic.

As a free medical clinic serving uninsured and underinsured low income individuals in Addison County, we provide essential medical care to individuals of many backgrounds. Approximately 30% of our patients are Limited English Proficiency (LEP) patients requiring assistance of medical interpreters to facilitate communication and thus insure high quality medical care. Although we have access to telephonic interpretation, we rely most heavily on volunteer medical interpreters available for in-person interpretation at clinics and referral appointments.

Please review the attachments below
information before submitting a medical interpreter volunteer application.

VOLUNTEER MEDICAL INTERPRETER APPLICATION
Volunteer Medical Interpreter Position Description
Interpreter External Language Evaluation Form
Interpreter Application cover letter and instructions

Because of the responsibility that interpreters have for insuring accurate understanding of medical conditions, procedures, and treatments, we require a relatively stringent screening process for potential volunteer interpreters. We are glad to train new interpreters in interpretation techniques and practices, but we require fluency in English and the target language before we can accept these new interpreter volunteers for training.

Please return the following application materials to Open Door Clinic by September 24, 2012:
• Medical Interpreter Volunteer Application
• Language Skills Self Assessment Form
• Names and contact information for two personal/professional references, ideally individuals who can comment on your experience in cross-cultural and/or other settings applicable to volunteer work as a medical interpreter
• Please have two individuals familiar with your non-native language skills submit language evaluation forms directly to Open Door Clinic using the enclosed postage prepaid envelopes. If you have formally studied this language within the past five years, at least one of these language evaluations should be from a language instructor.

After receipt of your application materials, an Open Door Clinic staff member will contact interpreter candidates to schedule a 20-30 minute phone interview conducted in English and/or your target language. New medical interpreter volunteers are required to successfully participate in one 2-hour ODC new volunteer training and, in the case that interpreters have not been trained in medical interpretation techniques elsewhere, 4 hours of Open Door Clinic-led interpreter training before being scheduled for interpretation sessions.

ODC volunteers must participate in one of the following Volunteer Training sessions:
Saturday, September 29, 2012, 9-11 AM, Middlebury College Hillcrest 103
or Wednesday, October 3, 2012, 6:30-8:30 PM, Middlebury College Bicentennial Hall 219

The additional Basic Medical Interpretation Training can be completed through one of the following options:
Saturday, September 29, 2012, 12-4 PM, Middlebury College Hillcrest 103
Or Wednesday, October 10,, 2012, 6:30-8:30 PM, Middlebury College Bicentennial Hall 219 and Thursday, October 11, 2012, 6:30-8:30 PM, Middlebury College Hillcrest 103

If you are unable to attend these interpreter training sessions or commit to one year of volunteer interpreter service with Open Door Clinic or are interested in using language skills in a capacity other than medical interpretation, please contact Kay Freedy, Open Door Clinic’s Outreach Coordinator, to discuss other volunteer opportunities with Open Door Clinic. Also, please do not hesitate to contact Kay with questions about Open Door Clinic, medical interpretation and/or medical interpreter application, screening, and training.

Thank you again for your support of our community and assistance in ensuring quality healthcare for all.

Sincerely,

Kay A. Freedy
Outreach Coordinator
outreach.opendoorclinic@gmail.com

MiddAction Weekly Volunteer Service Opportunities

Volunteer with NOM on tomorrow (Tuesday)
Nutrition Outreach and Mentoring (NOM) will be volunteering for the Learning Kitchen series doing cooking activities at the Vergennes Boys and Girls Club, leaving campus from Adirondack Circle at 3:05 p.m. Want to volunteer? Email Emma Burke, nom.midd@gmail.com.

Lake Champlain Bridge Opening: Volunteers Needed
Come and be a part of the historic celebration of the Lake Champlain Bridge Opening on May 19 & 21. Volunteers are needed on Friday, May 18 to set up, as well as on May 19 & 20 to help with the event. We are expecting thousands of visitors and there are plenty of jobs that need to get done. If you have a 4, 6 or 8 hours to give on any of those days, please contact Lorraine Franklin at: info@champlainbridgecommunity.org . The event is about 20 minutes from Middlebury on the shores of Lake Champlain, you will need to provide your own transportation to the event.

5/9 College Defensive Driving Class [Required to drive campus vehicles!]
This program is required for anyone who wishes to rent a College passenger or 15-passenger vehicle. If you might want to use a campus vehicle for volunteering in 2012-2013 get prepared by taking this class! There is no cost for the class but a driving orientation (a 1 hour review on the road) is required for 15-passenger Vans and larger vehicles. Class time is about 2 Hrs. REMINDER: A valid state license is required to take the class. Individuals wanting a 15-Passenger Van license must have 3 years of driving experience. To sign up email Ed Sullivan, Sullivan@middlebury.edu. Upcoming class: May 9, 12:30pm, Mitchell Green Lounge

Google+
A volunteer is needed to assist the United Way of Addison County set up their Google+ page and best utilize other Google products including ads. Interested? Contact United Way co-director Helen Freismuth, helen@unitedwayaddisoncounty.org.

Questions? If you have questions about any of these volunteer opportunities or want to learn more ways to get involved in the local community, contact Ashley Calkins, Community Engagement Coordinator, jcalkins@middlebury.edu, 802.443.3099

MAlt Leader Applications due April 30th

Middlebury Alternative Breaks (MAlt) is accepting leader applications for February Break 2013 service learning trips. MAlt is Middlebury’s alternative break program. In 2012-2013 MAlt will offer three domestic and two international student-led service trips over February break.

If you have a great idea for a trip complete the application with a co-leader, and turn it in to Ashley Calkins in the Center for Education in Action, 211 Adirondack House, by 3:00 pm on Monday, April 30th. Interviews will be held on May 4th, 5th, and 6th, and leaders will be notified by May 11th.

MAlt trips can be domestic or international, but this year we will also be looking for strong applications in the New England region. This past year MAlt traveled to El Paso, Mexico, The Dominican Republic, Boston, and Tennessee.

MAlt 2012-2013 Leader Application

Questions? Please contact co-chairs Daniel Loehr at dloehr@middlebury.edu and Charlotte Zelle at czelle@middlebury.edu.

MiddAction Weekly Volunteer Service Opportunities

Willowell garden work day
Saturday, April 21 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
This Saturday, celebrate spring by lending a hand at the Willowell Foundation’s herb garden, with lunch baked in our own pizza oven. RSVP to Julie Mitchell (eosbotanicals@gmail.com) or just show up.

Green Up Day!
Each year in Vermont over 15,000 people volunteer annually on the first Saturday in May for Green Up Day to pick up litter and do other environmental projects. This year’s projects on May 5th will also focus on Irene Recovery. Passionate students are needed to help coordinate Addison County’s Green Up Day participation including organizing a group of Middlebury College students and involving local elementary school children. Interested? Email Charlotte Tate, tate@middlebury.edu.

One-time volunteer opportunity: Vergennes Boys and Girls Club
Volunteer Services Organization (VSO) would like to invite you all to join us on a great volunteering opportunity coming up with the Boys and Girls Club of Vergennes. On Friday, April 20th from 12pm to 3pm, we will help to set up for a weekend kids’ painting event. Transportation will be provided. To sign-up to volunteer or if you have any questions please email Daniela Barajas at vso@middlebury.edu.

Apply to participate in the Hesselbein Global Academy: Funding provided for attendance
Join 50 top student leaders from across the world to learn how to be effective, ethical, and innovative leaders. Participants will work alongside distinguished mentors who will share their expertise and provide advanced leadership training. Students will emerge from the academy with the skills and experience to excel as global leaders. Deadline April 30.
Apply online at http://www.hesselbein.pitt.edu/student-leadership/overview.php
Questions? Contact previous attendee Quan Pham ‘12, qpham@middlebury.edu.

Feel like cooking on a Wednesday?
(Sweet potato poutine!)
Volunteer with NOM (Nutrition Outreach and Mentoring) this Wednesday at the Teen Center in town! Volunteers will cook and eat dinner with the teens, beginning at 4:30. It is a fun and easy way to make an impact in the community! For more information, contact the group at nom.midd@gmail.com.

Reminder: MAlt Leader applications due 4/30

Middlebury Alternative Breaks (MAlt) is accepting leader applications for February Break 2013 service learning trips. If you have a great idea for a trip, read this material:MAlt Leader App for 12-13, complete the application with a co-leader, and turn it in to Ashley Calkins in the Center for Education in Action, 211 Adirondack House, by 3:00 pm on Monday, April 30th. Interviews will be held on May 4th, 5th, and 6th, and leaders will be notified by May 11th. MAlt trips can be domestic or international, but this year we will also be looking for strong applications in the New England region. This past year MAlt traveled to El Paso, Mexico, The Dominican Republic, Boston, and Tennessee. Here’s how some MAlters described their trips in one word: community, warmth, eye-opening, growth, intense, challenging, humbling, real, soulful, marvelous, robust, refreshing, fantastic, and unforgettable. Questions? Please contact co-chairs Daniel Loehr at dloehr@middlebury.edu and Charlotte Zelle at czelle@middlebury.edu.
Need money for service? Apply to the Service Cluster Board Flex Fund to finance your initiatives!
Whether it is transportation expenses or ingredients to cook meals at the community lunch program, we want to help you serve others. Click on “Service Cluster Board Flex Fund” here to find our application. Email scboard@middlebury.edu for more information.

Questions? If you have questions about any of these volunteer opportunities or want to learn more ways to get involved in the local community, contact Ashley Calkins, Community Engagement Coordinator, jcalkins@middlebury.edu, 802.443.3099

MiddAction Weekly Volunteer Service Opportunities

Square Dancing Volunteers Needed
Looking for a fun volunteer opportunity? Come participate in a square dance with the residents of Helen Porter Nursing Home. Specifically, we need volunteers to help decorate and to dance with the residents. Our goal is that for each resident, we will try to have one volunteer to push the wheel chair through the motions and another volunteer to be the dance partner. So, sign up and come dance to some country western music. The event is on April 13th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and transportation will be provided. The residents of Helen Porter are excited for us to come join them, so please email vso@middlebury.edu in order to reserve your spot for this fun event.

New mentoring program: Informational meeting 4/11 7:30 p.m.
There will be a new mentoring program starting next Fall at Middlebury Union High School, which will pair at-risk high school students with college mentors.
The Goal: to give students a friend, role model, and support who can help them navigate not only everyday life and growing up issues, but also the high school and college processes. Many of the students could use someone to give them the encouragement needed to believe in their own abilities and look forward to high school graduation and beyond.
Interested? There will be a short informational meeting on WEDNESDAY April 11th at 7:30 p.m. in Axinn 109. Brooke Jette, prevention specialist at MUHS, will be there to speak to the program and how to get involved. Because it is still in its developmental stages right now, it is a great opportunity for any of you to take a leadership role in heading the program here at Midd! If you think that you may be interested in getting involved, come to the meeting on Wednesday to ensure that you’re contacted next Fall!
Questions? Email Emma Lennon, Mentoring and Youth Programs coordinator, elennon@middlebury.edu.

4/10 College Defensive Driving Class [Required to drive campus vehicles!]
This program is required for anyone who wishes to rent a College passenger or 15-passenger vehicle. If you might want to use a campus vehicle for volunteering this semester, plan to take this defensive driving class! There is no cost for the class but a driving orientation (a 1 hour review on the road) is required for 15-passenger Vans and larger vehicles. Class time is about 2 Hrs. REMINDER: A valid state license is required to take the class. Individuals wanting a 15-Passenger Van license must have 3 years of driving experience. To sign up email Ed Sullivan, Sullivan@middlebury.edu. Upcoming class: April 10 9:00 a.m., Mitchell Green Lounge

Volunteer at the annual Page 1 Reading Carnival
Saturday, April 14th is the annual Page One Spring Reading Carnival! Come join us for medieval merrymaking! The event will be held in Atwater Dining Hall from 1pm-3pm, for children in grades K-4. Volunteers are needed to play with kids, do fun crafts, and read. Please email pageone@middlebury.edu if you’re interested in helping out!

It’s Relay Week! Participate in these events to raise money and awareness about the fight against cancer.
Monday (4/9) : Two Brothers Night, 5-8 PM, 10% proceeds go to Relay, $5 to enter
Tuesday (4/10): Bank Night at Crossroads, 6-9 PM, FREE REGISTRATION :), free cookies and espresso bar!
Wednesday (4/11): Silent Art Auction, 51 Main, 6-9 PM, SIM (Stuck in the Middle) will be performing
Thursday (4/12): Trivia in Crossroads, 9-11 PM
Saturday (4/14): Babysitting Day, McCullough, 11am-1pm, if the kids want to go to the Page One Reading Carnival, then 11am-3pm

Video Game Design Project: Volunteer Needed
Vermont Adult Learning, a local educational non-profit, is looking for a volunteer to help with a video game design project. The goal is to create a video game for a local museum. If you would be interested in helping mentor a student for up to four hours, and if you know something (anything!) about game design, we would love your help. Contact Alison Bromage to learn more or sign up to volunteer: 802.388.4392, abromage@vtadultlearning.org.

Need money for service? Apply to the Service Cluster Board Flex Fund to finance your initiatives!
Whether it is transportation expenses or ingredients to cook meals at the community lunch program, we want to help you serve others. Click on “Service Cluster Board Flex Fund” here to find our application. Email scboard@middlebury.edu for more information.

Questions? If you have questions about any of these volunteer opportunities or want to learn more ways to get involved in the local community, contact Ashley Calkins, Community Engagement Coordinator, jcalkins@middlebury.edu, 802.443.3099

MiddAction Weekly Volunteer Service Opportunities

Volunteer Services Organization: Boys and Girls Club of Vergennes
On April 6th from 4pm to 6pm, we will volunteer doing some fun activities with the club’s elementary and teen-aged participants. Transportation will be provided. To sign-up to volunteer or if you have any questions please email Daniela Barajas at vso@middlebury.edu.

Video Game Design Project: Volunteer Needed
Vermont Adult Learning, a local educational non-profit, is looking for a volunteer to help with a video game design project. The goal is to create a video game for a local museum. If you would be interested in helping mentor a student for up to four hours, and if you know something (anything!) about game design, we would love your help. Contact Alison Bromage to learn more or sign up to volunteer: 802.388.4392, abromage@vtadultlearning.org.

Whiting Elementary School is seeking volunteers to help with several spring projects!

They would like someone to help:
• Build a small greenhouse
• Spread loam and seed bare patches of playground
• Build a basketball hoop and backboard
If you are interested in helping with these playground upgrades, please call Serena at United Way 388-7044 for more information. Thank you!

Monkton Central School: Volunteers needed to help with accelerated math 6th graders
Volunteers are needed 1-2 times per week to work with pre-algebra level sixth graders on math activities between 9:15 – 10:25 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Interested? Contact Kate Geyler, 6th grade teacher, Monkton Central School, kgagner@anesu.org. Need transportation? You could apply to the SCB Flex Fund to get gas mileage reimbursement or to fund a college vehicle (college driver’s license necessary).

Register a Relay for Life Team!

Help raise money for cancer research by registering for Relay for Life! Grab your friends, start a team, and have an awesome time at our event on May 4, 2012! Visit go/relay.

Do you enjoy making a difference and American Literature?
Combine your passion for both by tutoring a Middlebury Union High School Student who needs a tutor in American Literature willing to edit his papers. Tutoring sessions would take place in the high school Learning Lab. If you’re interested, contact Jim Burnett, Learning Lab Coordinator, jburnett@addisoncentralsu.org, 802.382.1165.

Apply to participate in the Hesselbein Global Academy: Funding provided for attendance
Join 50 top student leaders from across the world to learn how to be effective, ethical, and innovative leaders. Participants will work alongside distinguished mentors who will share their expertise and provide advanced leadership training. Students will emerge from the academy with the skills and experience to excel as global leaders. Deadline April 30.
Apply online at http://www.hesselbein.pitt.edu/student-leadership/overview.php
Contact Quan Pham, qpham@middlebury.edu, for questions.

Need a friend to play wiffle ball with this Spring? Become a Community Friends Mentor!
Last Call to have the chance to mentor a child in the community this semester! Applications are due no later than TUESDAY APRIL 3rd at MIDNIGHT. Visit go/cf for an application, or email Emma Lennon at elennon@middlebury.edu for more information.

¿Habla Español?
Get engaged: Support a Middlebury Union High School Student who needs a Spanish tutor one or more days a week. The student is available from 1:30 – 2:15 Monday through Friday, tutoring would take place in the high school Learning Lab. Contact Jim Burnett, Learning Lab Coordinator, jburnett@addisoncentralsu.org, 802.382.1165.

Need money for service? Apply to the Service Cluster Board Flex Fund to finance your initiatives!
Whether it is transportation expenses or ingredients to cook meals at the community lunch program, we want to help you serve others. Click on “Service Cluster Board Flex Fund” here to find our application. Email scboard@middlebury.edu for more information.

Questions? If you have questions about any of these volunteer opportunities or want to learn more ways to get involved in the local community, contact Ashley Calkins, Community Engagement Coordinator, jcalkins@middlebury.edu, 802.443.3099

Middlebury Alternative Break Trips: Students engage with a Vermont community over spring break

Five Middlebury College students participated in the Middlebury Alternative Break Trip (MAlt) to Burlington, VT over spring break with members of the Burmese community. MAlt is a student organization that provides student-designed and student-led service trips for Middlebury College students over Fall, February, and Spring Break.

During the trip participants stayed with Burmese host families for three nights and had the opportunity to learn about Burmese culture and share their own culture through interaction with Burmese children and adults, including meals. Many Burmese refugees settled in Burlington through the Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program. Middlebury College participants led workshops on citizenship topics since many community members are currently studying for the United States citizenship exam. Other service activities included helping children with homework, teaching ESL, and taking the children on cultural outings within Burlington.

Trip leader Carson Hauck ’14 shared, “The trip was a great opportunity for Middlebury students to learn about the culture and stories of the Burmese refugees in nearby Burlington, as well as a chance to form a deeper connection with Vermont communities off-campus.” Middlebury alum Htar Htar Yu ’08 serves as a staff interpreter for the Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program and helped interpret for the group and coordinate activities throughout their trip.

Carson will continue to coordinate volunteer work with the Burmese community this spring through a student initiative, Friends of Burma. If you’re interested in volunteer opportunities with the group please contact Carson Hauck, chauck@middlebury.edu. Contact Ashley Calkins, jcalkins@middlebury.edu with questions about the MAlt program.

MiddAction Weekly Volunteer Service Opportunities

Get your hands dirty: help paint at Beeman Elementary School
Staying on campus during spring break? Want to spend your time in a meaningful way helping out your community? Beeman Elementary is looking for volunteers to help paint their cafeteria on Saturday, March 24th. Please e-mail tfafard@comcast.net for more information if you are interested in helping!

Monkton Central School: Volunteers needed to help with accelerated math 6th graders
Volunteers are needed 1-2 times per week to work with pre-algebra level sixth graders on math activities between 9:15 – 10:25 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Interested? Contact Kate Geyler, 6th grade teacher, Monkton Central School, kgagner@anesu.org. Need transportation? You could apply to the SCB Flex Fund to get gas mileage reimbursement or to fund a college vehicle (college driver’s license necessary).

Register a Relay for Life Team!
Help raise money for cancer research by registering for Relay for Life! Grab your friends, start a team, and have an awesome time at our event on May 4, 2012! Visit go/relay.

Film your story for VT Energy Independence Day!
March 21st is VT Energy Independence Day. Grab a camera and film your story, interview a neighbor, visit an energy project, talk with a town energy committee. Let’s show the world what one small state can do. This is a story of our State making a bold break from the past, transitioning to a sustainable energy future, and strengthening economy, community, and environment in the bargain. More information at: www.march21st.org.

Apply to participate in the Hesselbein Global Academy:
Funding provided for attendance

Join 50 top student leaders from across the world to learn how to be effective, ethical, and innovative leaders. Participants will work alongside distinguished mentors who will share their expertise and provide advanced leadership training. Students will emerge from the academy with the skills and experience to excel as global leaders. Deadline April 30.
Apply online at http://www.hesselbein.pitt.edu/student-leadership/overview.php
Contact Quan Pham, qpham@middlebury.edu, for questions.

¿Habla Español?
Get engaged: Support a Middlebury Union High School Student who needs a Spanish tutor one or more days a week. The student is available from 1:30 – 2:15 Monday through Friday, tutoring would take place in the high school Learning Lab. Contact Jim Burnett, Learning Lab Coordinator, jburnett@addisoncentralsu.org, 802.382.1165.

Volunteer with Nutrition Outreach and Mentoring (NOM)
This week the Teen Center is hosting community supper at the Congregational Church in town. On Wednesday (today!) we will be preparing dessert for the event with the teens! Think crisp: apple or peach! Either way it is going to be delicious. And we are going to bake several at the teen center. Meet us at 4:30 on Wednesday at the Teen Center In addition, your help would be greatly appreciated to cook, serve, and clean at community supper on Friday! We will meet at the Congregational Church at 3 and the event will probably last until 7. You are always welcome to come any time you are available within this time frame. Friends are welcome to help as well. Questions? Email nom.midd@gmail.com.

On Wednesday (today!) we are going to Beeman Elementary! After much analysis of each class’s drawings, skits, stories, and puppet shows from last week, this week we will reveal each class’s winning vegetable. Want to help plan the curriculum? Let’s meet over breakfast tomorrow morning in Proctor Lounge at 8! More importantly, there will be two time frames in which you can actually be in the classroom with students on Wednesday (transportation provided). One car will leave at 8 am and be back to campus by noon. The other will leave just after noon and be back by 3:30. Please e-mail nom.midd@gmail.com if you would like to carpool to Beeman! If you have your own car, you are more than welcome to go for any length of time that you are available! The kids are pumped. This is going to be an exciting surprise for them!

Need money for service? Apply to the Service Cluster Board Flex Fund to finance your initiatives!
Whether it is transportation expenses or ingredients to cook meals at the community lunch program, we want to help you serve others. Click on “Service Cluster Board Flex Fund” here to find our application. Email scboard@middlebury.edu for more information.

Questions?If you have questions about any of these volunteer opportunities or want to learn more ways to get involved in the local community, contact Ashley Calkins, Community Engagement Coordinator, jcalkins@middlebury.edu, 802.443.3099

MiddAction Weekly Volunteer Service Opportunities

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner to Benefit Hospice Volunteer Services
Thursday, March 15th, 6:00 pm Atwater Dining Hall Suggested Donation $20
The evening will include traditional Irish food, great Irish music and of course a tribute to the wonderful work Hospice Volunteer Services is doing in our local Middlebury Community. We are charging a suggested donation of $20 per ticket and tickets can be purchased online.
Purchase tickets online at: http://irishforhospice.eventbrite.com/
Volunteers needed to help: 1.) Set-up: 3-5 pm 2.) Serve: 5:30-7:30 pm 3.) Clean-up: 8-9 pm.
To volunteer email Katie Dunleavy, kdunleav@middlebury.edu.

Ski at Sugarbush with the John Graham Shelter Playgroup 3/17 or 3/18
Looking for avid skiers who would like to share their love for skiing with kids who are first-time skiers! Through the John Graham Shelter Playgroup, we will be taking advantage of these last couple weekends of Spring skiing to take kids (who may not have the opportunity to ski) to Sugarbush. If you have a Sugarbush pass and would be interested in spending a Saturday (3/10 or 3/17) or a Sunday (3/18) helping teach, email hnapier@middlebury.edu.

Attention Seniors! Great Opportunities with Americorps

Americorps Luncheon Panel Wednesday March 14, 12:15. Coltrane Lounge.
Lunch will be provided, courtesy of the EIA!
Want to make a difference while paying off student loans? Looking for a way to transition into the working world after graduation? Or just want to spend a summer doing service? AmeriCorps is an option! AmeriCorps engages more than 80,000 men and women in intensive service each year through more than 15,000 nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and community and faith-based groups across the country. Opportunities exist all over the U.S., and each targets one of these major impact areas: disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and veterans and military families. Join two Middlebury grads and past and present AmeriCorps members for an informal luncheon panel to learn more about AmeriCorps opportunities during your time at Middlebury or for that first job straight out of college!

Middlebury Alternative Break Trips: Burlington Area Burmese community
Spring Break Application deadline March 14, 2012 – Limited space available
Application Spring 2012 Mini-MAlt Participant Application
This student-led trip will depart on Saturday morning, March 24, and return Tuesday afternoon, March 27. Trip participants will be working with Midd ’09 graduate Htar Htar Yu and the Burmese refugee community in Burlington and Winooski. Students will stay with Burmese host families for the three nights and have the opportunity to learn about Burmese culture and share their own culture through interaction with Burmese children and adults, including meals. Our service work will include helping the Burmese with shopping for necessities, assisting them in paperwork for obtaining green cards, helping kids with homework, taking kids on outings, and hosting community suppers. The participant fee is $25; financial aid is available. Please see the attached application for more information.

Last Chance to Become a Community Friend for the Spring Semester!
Community Friends provides children from the community, age 6-12, with college mentors for weekly activities of their choosing. We are still seeking volunteers to be paired with children from Mary Hogan Elementary, Bristol Elementary, and other schools in the county! The due date for applications for the Spring Semester is Sunday, March 25th. Otherwise you’ll have to wait until next year to start a mentoring relationship that could change a child’s life! Don’t wait, and become a mentor today. For an application, or to learn more, visit go/cf, or email Emma Lennon at elennon@middlebury.edu.

Need money for service? Apply to the Service Cluster Board Flex Fund to finance your initiatives!
Whether it is transportation expenses or ingredients to cook meals at the community lunch program, we want to help you serve others. Click on “Service Cluster Board Flex Fund” here to find our application. Email scboard@middlebury.edu for more information.

Questions? If you have questions about any of these volunteer opportunities or want to learn more ways to get involved in the local community, contact Ashley Calkins, Community Engagement Coordinator, jcalkins@middlebury.edu, 802.443.3099