AmeriCorps 20/20 VISTA Vision Project Bradenton, FL

2011 United Way Annual Meeting brings out VISTAs

2011-02-12T16:42:00.004-05:00

VISTAs joined local supporters at the 2011 United Way Annual Meeting, held at Mattison's on February 10. We watched as new board members and foundation members were elected to serve and we are always pleased to see former Senator Edward Price, long time United Way supporter and community philanthropist.

VISTA alum and newly-elected Manatee School Board member Karen Carpenter (left) and VISTA Nina Wiley, currently serving at the Suncoast Center for Independent Living-a United Way agency-(right) say "hello" to United Way of Manatee County executive director Jerry Koontz and Pam Koontz.

VISTA alum Bob Terry, now leading a minority micro-business project at the Manatee Community Action Agency-a United Way agency-poured.

Table mates Nina Wiley, Bob Terry, Joyce Whitworth VISTA Leader, Bridgette Halliburton-former VISTA Leader and alum, and Karen Carpenter caught up on current events.

VISTAs join in Kelley-Brown Career Development Center ribbon cutting

2011-02-06T12:06:00.008-05:00

I am sure that you remember our Brenda Freeman. She was the hostess of the event, two year VISTA member (one of the original four) and alum. She worked hard to see this center come to fruition and will be responsible for the operations of the new Kelley-Brown Center.

Honorary 20/20 VISTA Vision Project volunteer Silvia Gedeon brought three year VISTA member and alum, and now Manatee County Neighborhood Services employee, Alan Gedeon, to the event so he that could see the final project that he has worked so hard to see through.

Representatives of the Kelley and Brown families attended the event. Shown here are the daughter of Govan and Mary Kelley and Gwen Brown, former Manatee County commissioner and community activist. The center celebrates the memory of Mary Kelley and activism of Gwen Brown.

Three year VISTA and alum Dave Kaminski prepares for the ribbon cutting.

Manatee County Neighborhood Services employees Bill O'Shea and Cheri Coryea (director) attended the celebration . (Not shown is Suzie Dobbs.)

Getting ready for the festivities to begin are VISTA alum Virginia Sirocky and VISTA Leader Joyce Whitworth. Standing is VISTA Nina Wiley, who serves at the Suncoast Center for Independent Living.

(I think that this writer/photographer was either standing under a fluorescent light or she had the camera on a foreign setting.) But, here are our VISTAs and that's former Palmetto Mayor and current County Commissioner Larry Bustle standing betweem Al and Nina in the back row.

(Ditto above.) I took a second photo to get VISTA alum Dave Kaminski in the mix.

If you remember, thanks to our former VISTA Brenda Freeman, the 20/20 VISTA Vision Project Team members (current and future) participated in last year's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service at the Kelley home/Ann & Reynard Day Care Center. (see January 2010 blog) We were looking for a meaningful project and Brenda had just the one for us.

Manatee County was widening the road where the house set and was willing to sell it to the board of the Anna E. Gayle Center where Brenda had served for two years, so that the organization could expand and serve the older youth and adults of the community.

With grant money from Manatee County Government and financial gifts from the community, the rehabilitation project began, with VISTA Alan Gedeon became the "go-to- guy" for the project.

When guests arrived on Saturday afternoon for the ribbon cutting of the new building, no one could have imagined what the building had become. The resource center has a fully-equipped computer lab, learning spaces and offices. It is ready to meet the needs of the neighborhood.

Joining the festivities were VISTAs and VISTA alums that participated in last year's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service at Kelley-Brown.

VISTAs attend annual Take Stock in Children Prayer Breakfast

2011-02-06T11:49:00.005-05:00

E.D. "Moody" Johnson, former HandsOn Network VISTA and alum, welcomed guests to the event and also serves as a mentor to a TSIC mentee.

Our friend Norm Lupino and Karen Carpenter enjoy the festivities.

Dave Miner, three school board staff, Pastor Jerry Parrish (back row), Johnson Middle School assistant principal Lori Starkweather, VISTA alum Karen Carpenter, former VISTA Leader and alum Bridgette Halliburton, VISTA Leader Joyce Whitworth, Johnson Middle School Principal Omar Edwards and VISTA alum Virginia Sirocky gathered for a group photo after the event.

When former VISTA members Karen Carpenter and Virginia Sirocky left their VISTA posts, they did not forget their service at the Take Stock in Children program. With "scholarships, mentors and hope", the 4th annual Prayer Breakfast took place on Thursday, February 3rd.

Currently serving on the local school board, Karen is the Honorary Chairman of the TSIC Leadership Council and continues to mentor Britane Hunter, a junior at Southeast High School.

Fellow VISTAs and alums joined their friends at the event.

VISTAs attend Bradenton Kiwanis meeting; 'meet and greet David Lawrence, Jr. of the Children's Movement of Florida

2011-02-01T15:33:00.012-05:00

We first met David Lawrence, Jr. in the fall of last year when he brought the Milk (and cookies) Party to Sarasota. He is leading the Children's Movement of Florida to make us all aware of "the wellbeing and education of our children in Florida must be the highest priority..." http://www.childrensmovementflorida.org/

Thanks to Kiwanian and former "VISTAh-Sistah" Karen Carpenter, several VISTAs attended today's weekly Kiwanis meeting to listen to his message. Of course we got Mr. Lawrence to join us for a group photo!

Joining us for lunch were VISTAs Joyce Whitworth, Nina Wiley (representing Suncoast Center for Independent Living), Geneva Presha, Emily Dunlap, Ellie De Leon, Liz Sibell-Field and Tori Bell. VISTA alums at the table were Virginia Sirocky, Jo Ann Spencer and Karen Carpenter.

Project Light holds annual meeting; VISTA Belvo takes part

2011-01-30T12:06:00.005-05:00

The annual meeting was underway and every seat was filled.

Listening to Board President Luz Corcuera speak to her audience, one could feel the admiration that she has for the volunteers and board members that support the Project Light Literacy Center in Bradenton.

From humble beginnings, the all-volunteer organization has taught hundreds of people to learn to read and speak English. This year, the organization honored founder Sister Nora Brick. She spoke of the need to teach those who did not speak the language; not being able to converse, limited what the person would be able to do in this country. She is shown here receiving her award and being congratulated by board members. (Check out board member and former VISTA member Alan Gedeon on the left of the photo.)

Volunteers were also honored and the student of the year was announced.

AmeriCorps*VISTA member Jeff Belvo, who divides his time between Project Light and Stillpoint House of Prayer also is shown here with Luz Corcuera and Georgia Quick, Project Light supporter.

"Celebrate Literacy Week" brings out VISTAs to read

2011-01-30T11:19:00.012-05:00

20/20 VISTA Vision members are no strangers to reading to classrooms of young children, so when "Celebrate Literacy Week" rolled around, we received a call from Heather Zink, Reading Specialist at Ballard Elementary School.

You may recall that we have read at the school in the past; once during American Education Week and then when we all wore Dr. Seuss hats and read on "Read Across America" Day in April.

These are our readers; in the top photograph, from l-r, VISTA Alum Karen Carpenter and VISTAs Elizabeth Sibell-Field, Geoff Vitiello, Geneva Presha and Jeff Belvo.

Photos taken as the VISTAs read to the classes show Elizabeth, Geneva, Karen, Jeff and Geoff.

With VISTA project in final year, Bradenton Herald interviews VISTAs

2011-01-30T11:19:00.008-05:00

Most recently when VISTA Ellie De Leon was being interviewed by the Bradenton Herald's Timothy Wolfrum, she made mention that the 20/20 VISTA Vision Project was winding down, and with that bit of information, he set out to write a story about the project and what it had accomplished in the past three years.

VISTA members that could attend, met at the Bradenton Herald meeting room where Wolfrum and photographer Grant Jeffries interviewed and photographed the group.

Former VISTAs Jo Ann Spencer, Alan Gedeon, Dave Kaminski and Alex Demolina (who drove down from Tampa and brought our VISTA baby Kiersta) joined Ellie De Leon and Geneva Presha to talk about their VISTA experiences. Volunteer Alice Payne joined in.

The article was the lead story in Sunday's paper. Thank you, Tim!

Manasota Florida KidCare Coaltion "knocks it out of the park" with Healthy Kids Field Day event

2011-01-23T19:52:00.017-05:00

America's Promise Alliance's Debbie Lister presents the "100 Best Communities for Young People" award to AmeriCorps*VISTA member Anyelle "Ellie" De Leon.

AmeriCorps*VISTA member Nina Wiley (serving at the Suncoast Center for Independent Living) and our VISTA leader Joyce Whitworth greeted guests as they arrived.

VISTA member Emily Dunlap, stationed at the Healthy Teens Coalition, and FKC Coalition member VISTA Liz Sibell-Field (not pictured) quizzed teens and adults "so you want to be a sexpert?"

Manatee County Neighborhood Services representative Sherry Weydert greeted attendees and let them know about what Neighborhood Services provides to the community.

FKC Coalition member Cathy Joyce made sure the Manatee County Health Department was well represented. Here, the WIC program shared their services.

Coalition member Linda Johnson (left) distributed ACCESS Florida information.

Dental services provided by Dr. Andrew Cutler shared information.

FKC Coaltion member from Manatee Glens was on site.

There was even a nutrition puppet show for all to enjoy.

Here is another table of information provided by FKC member Cathy Joyce and the Health Department.

Thanks to FKC member Becky Bouchard and Manatee Memorial Hospital, volunteers gave Beanie Babies as prizes for correct answers about nutrition.

Gerber provided healthy snacks for toddlers, thanks again to FKC Coalition Manatee Memorial Hospital.

The Health Department provided healthy snacks of yogurt, honey and fruit for everyone. The snacks are very easy to make!

Sharon Carlson of the Health Department fitted youngsters with bike helmets.

Here's Sharon with her 200 bike helmets before the event began.

In August 2010, soon after attending the VISTA pre-service orientation in Atlanta and during her first month of service, AmeriCorps*VISTA member Anyelle "Ellie" De Leon talked about putting together a family event for children and their families. (The idea "brewed" in the back of her mind for months.)

Ellie is the Florida KidCare "Boots on The Ground" outreach coordinator for Manatee County. Working closely with the Florida Covering Kids initiative and stationed with The Whole Child-Manatee project, she has seen met hundreds of working families who cannot afford health insurance for their children. (Approximately 20% of the children living in our community do not have medical insurance.)

One of the many things that she has done in just a very short time is to take the fledgling Manasota Florida KidCare Coalition and make it a full-functioning entity with active members, by-laws and website. Working together, the group of service providers is getting the word out about affordable Florida KidCare insurance.

In October, when she was approached by Volunteer Manatee's executive director Adraine McKell about using a $1000.00 gift from America's Promise for a child-centered event, she "jumped" at the idea. (For the fourth year, Volunteer Manatee had made application for and received one of the "100 Best Communities for Young People" by ING awards.)

Ellie brought the "Healthy Kids Field Day" idea to the coalition and the group agreed that this was an event that could be held in an area of Manatee County that did not see too many family events like this one.

The new Manatee Family YMCA branch in Parrish hosted the event inside (and outside) of their beautiful facility. With the $1000.00, another gift from one of the FKC insurance underwriters, a free bounce house and plenty of volunteer spirit, the event took place on Saturday, January 22.

WOW! Ellie, your vision became a grand reality. Thanks America's Promise Alliance and FKC friends.

VISTAs gather for holiday luncheon

2011-01-05T06:06:00.004-05:00

In mid-December VISTAs met for a holiday lunch at the Bistro on 34th.

Thanks to an idea by VISTA Liz Sibell-Field, each brought small gifts to fill a package to send to a soldier in Afghanistan.

Shown above are, top to bottom:

Henry Blyden

Jeff Belvo, Liz Sibell-Field and Myron Robinson
"goodies" ready for packaging

newly-retired VISTA Leader Bridgette Halliburton and VISTA Leader Joyce Halliburton

Tori Bell and Ellie De Leon

Kate Campbell and former VISTA Bob Terry

Geneva Presha

and, Emily Dunlap and Janeen Dunlap, visiting from Ohio.

Unable to attend were Calaina Goodyear Green and Geoff Vitiello.

On the road with Geoff''s Community Gardens project

2010-12-08T12:17:00.015-05:00

Community Gardens VISTA Geoff Vitiello and VISTA Elizabeth Sibell-Field are working together to bring gardens to the Manatee County Housing Authority's Pine Village. Liz is serving at the housing authority to build self-sufficiency among the residents and ultimately move them out of government housing.

She has already planted a container garden (made of 5 gallon plastic buckets) in front of the office and now she and Geoff Vitiello are bringing a 4' x 4' garden to the community. With help from the inmates at the Manatee County Jail (they make the frames), the garden materials were delivered to Pine Village on Monday.

Liz hopes this will inspire the residents to grow some of their own vegetables and be able to serve more nutritious meals, as well as lower the cost of their grocery bills.

Now, if it will only warm up, they can plant their winter crops.

Original VISTAs end three year term

2010-11-21T13:23:00.006-05:00

Three years; where did the time go?

Our original four VISTA members - Alan Gedeon, Bridgette Halliburton, Brenda Freeman and David Kaminski - came on board November 17, 2007. They met for the first time when they attended pre-service orientation in Atlanta and have been a "family" since then.

Even when Brenda completed her second year and was hired by her site - the Anna E. Gayle Resource Center - they still remained close. In fact, in January 2010 the 20/20 VISTA Vision Project members "adopted" Brenda's Kelly-Brown Center clean-up project for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.

On November 9th, as Al, Bridgette and Dave were winding down their third year of service, the four VISTAs attended a farewell luncheon hosted by remaining VISTA Leader Joyce Whitworth and Project Leader Rosie Wiley.

After lunch at Mattison's, the VISTAs got together to recreate the picture taken three years ago when we first met them.

While there VISTA time is over, we will still be working together to serve our community. But, I will miss the close interaction that we had these past years.

We wish you all the best, dear friends!

Monitoring visit by Florida state program office brings everyone together

2010-11-21T13:22:00.022-05:00

We've just completed another year as an AmeriCorps*VISTA project and hosted a monitoring visit to review the three year project.

Hue Jacobs - CNCS Florida State Program Specialist and Yvonne Thomas Walker - CNCS Grants Management Specialist spent the better part of a week with us; Hue reviewing the program side of the grant and Yvonne reviewing the financial side.

He spent a full day meeting with all of the VISTA members, and then met with the site sponsors at their offices the following day. Yvonne spent her time in the Volunteer Services office with Executive Director Adraine McKell.

We look forward to receiving a written report of their findings.

(Although Hue wouldn't sign a photo release, we hope that he doesn't mind that we've posted photos of him with some of our VISTAs and VISTA site sponsors on this blog.)

Former VISTA Karen Carpenter elected to Manatee School Board seat

2010-11-21T13:22:00.013-05:00

We are proud to announce that former AmeriCorps*VISTA member Karen Carpenter (August 2009-October 2010) has been elected to the Manatee County School Board for a four-year term. On Tuesday evening, November 16, her "VISTA Sistahs" and friends attended the swearing-in ceremony and then took her out to celebrate. Daughters Kate and Julia and grandchildren watched in Massachusetts via Skype.

Congratulations, Karen!

"Iron Sharpening Iron" event brings out VISTAs

2010-07-25T22:58:00.004-04:00

Educational Consultants Consortium, Inc. was the first organization to sign up with us when we began our project almost three years ago. Brenda Freeman was one of our original four VISTA members and served two years until she was hired by the Anna E. Gayle Resource Center to continue the work she had begun there. Marquita Robertson joined her as a VISTA during Brenda's second year.

We are still very close to the project and even VISTA member Alan Gedeon continues to work with them as they prepare to take occupancy of their second building. (See 2010 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Celebration project in an earlier blog.)

On Saturday evening, July 24, current and former VISTAs, and even one of our Honorary VISTA members attended the "Iron Sharpening Iron" dinner event to celebrate "taking it to the next level with work and education."

Young people participating in the Health Education Project, Workforce Academy, and the Summer Job Club were all honored for their participation this summer. The Truly Blessed Gospel Choir presented a program including the "History of the Negro Spiritual" as well as three spiritual songs that "wowed" those in attendance.

Among those attending the event were front row: former VISTA Robert Dunlap, second row: Honorary VISTA Silvia Gedeon, VISTAs Alan Gedeon, Geneva Presha, Friendship Volunteer Center VISTA Nina Wiley, VISTA Karen Carpenter and former VISTA Brenda Freeman. Not shown is former VISTA Marquita Robertson.

VISTAs share AmeriCorps information at SCIL 20th anniversary open house

2010-07-25T22:57:00.006-04:00

It was heralded as a "Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Amercans with Disabilities Act" and our friends at the Suncoast Center for Independent Living invited us to attend and to host an AmeriCorps table. We were among thirty businesses, vendors and community-based organizations that offer services to the recipients of SCIL services.

Shown here are Friendship Volunteer Center VISTAs Eva Holtzer, Nina Wiley, Sid Holtzer (VISTA Leader) and VISTA Erin Bartholmew-Cook. 20/20 VISTA Vision members also attending the event were Tori Bell and Alan Gedeon.

New VISTA Ellie De Leon joins team

2010-07-25T22:56:00.003-04:00

We are pleased to welcome our newest VISTA member Ellie De Leon. Ellie is continuing the Florida KidCare "Boots on the Ground" initiative and will spend her year developing a bi-county coalition to sustain the Florida Healthy Kids marketing project in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Upon graduation for New College, she spent a year teaching in France and has moved here from Hollywood, FL.

She will be stationed with The Whole Child Project-Manatee organization and her office will be with the four VISTA members now serving at Manatee County Neighborhood Services. Welcome, Ellie!

VISTA joins with American Red Cross-Manatee Chapter to present disaster preparedness workshop

2010-07-18T17:46:00.005-04:00

Bradenton Central Community Redevelopment Agency VISTA member Jo Ann Spencer knows the importance of being prepared should a hurricane come to this area. She invited a local American Red Cross volunteer to come and present disaster preparation, as well as local shelter information to her Washington Park Neighborhood residents.

Shown here are participants as they listened to the message and Jo Ann with the American Red Cross volunteer Rob Law.

Welcome, new VISTA Tori Bell!

2010-06-29T11:39:00.006-04:00

We first met Victoria Bell when she came to our annual meeting in March. She is a recent graduate of Stetson University and wanted to spend a year as an AmeriCorps*VISTA before she enrolls in law school.

Two of our site sponsors were introduced to her and she decided that would join Manatee County Neighborhood Services to develop a youth leadership council with young people from underserved neighborhoods as members.

Tori believes that becoming civically engaged and to have a voice in your community is a step in the right direction to move out of poverty.

We wish you the best, Tori, and welcome you!

It's hurricane season; VISTAs receive Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) Training

2010-06-19T22:42:00.010-04:00

June 1st marked the beginning of the 2010 hurricane season.

Like she has done for the past two years, Adraine McKell-Volunteer Manatee Executive Director - hosted a training for VISTA members should they be called into service should a disaster strike. Local Manatee County ESF-15 coordinator Dick Haynes of the Manatee County Emergency Operations Center was also introduced to the group and he gave a short presentation about how he and the local volunteer center work together after a storm or disaster hits.

Adraine has taught the class throughout the country to thousands of individuals and she knows of whereof she speaks; in 2005 she and her staff opened the Volunteer Reception Center in DeSoto County after Hurricane Charley blew through. For eight weeks, without electricity, she and her staff and volunteers "held down the fort", first in the local American Legion hall until the river flooded its banks and ending up under at tent in the parking lot of the local Wal-Mart. More than 8000 unaffiliated volunteers came from throughout the state and the country to help the residents of DeSoto County, but not before passing through the VRC for registration.

Here is what a VRC does: (from the Volunteer Leon manual)

"During times of disaster, large numbers of untrained volunteers with little or no connection to disaster relief agencies come forward to help. These spontaneous unaffiliated volunteers, also called convergent volunteers because they often converge at the scene of a disaster, can actually become a hindrance unless there is a designated place where their time and talents are efficiently linked with disaster relief and recovery efforts. Unaffiliated volunteers are those not associated with any recognized disaster response agency, but possessing valuable training, skills, and experience. They appear on the scene or call to offer assistance.

The Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) is activated following a disaster, and serves as the starting point for both volunteers and people or agencies needing volunteer assistance. The VRC connects individuals or groups desiring to help with the locations in need of assistance. The location depends on the area or areas affected by the disaster. A VRC is more of a concept than a location."

A VRC "matches citizens desiring to help with a specific need in the community to help emergency response organizations, as well as human service agencies whose clients may need assistance after an event."

Pictured above are some of the AmeriCorps*VISTA members and friends as they took part of the VRC simulation/training session.

Gubernatorial candidate Lawton "Bud" Chiles III visits Volunteer Manatee

2010-06-19T11:49:00.007-04:00

Ever since we met "Bud" Chiles at a "Worst to First" community meeting a few months ago, VISTA Leader Bridgette Halliburton has wanted to invite him to lunch and meet with him. Then we heard that he had thrown his hat into the ring for the upcoming governor's race and she was even more sure that he needed to get to know more about our AmeriCorps*VISTA project.

And, she got her wish!

Volunteer Manatee Executive Director Adraine McKell got a call that Mr. Chiles would like to stop by and say hello. He and son Geoff Chiles met with Adraine and staff, and got a tour of the office and a description of all of the programs - from ManaTEENs and Adult Volunteers, to Summer of Service, AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps*VISTA- that the organization provides to the community.

When they arrived in the AmeriCorps*VISTA area, we asked him to personally autograph photos that we had taken when we had met him previously and Mr. Chiles did so graciously. (You may have previously seen THE PHOTO on this blog.)

Of course, we couldn't let another photo opp slip by, so here is "Bud", Bridgette, Joyce and Geoff! Of course!

"Thank you" both for stopping by!

VISTAs have voice in Realize Bradenton project

2010-06-19T11:48:00.004-04:00

"Glimpse of the future" read the headline on the front page of Thursday's BRADENTON HERALD.

How can downtown Bradenton be revitalized to bring more people downtown? How should the Bradenton waterfront along the Manatee River look?

There is a $2 million dollar Riverwalk project in the works and decisions need to be made.

On Wednesday, eleven students of the University of South Florida-Sarasota Graduate School of Architecture and Community Design presented their three projects and ideas to 100 invited guests at a three hour community meeting. Some ideas were kayaking, rowing, estuaries, a water taxi and covered walkways; even a skateboard park near the Wellness Park near Manatee Memorial Hospital!

Thanks to VISTA Leader Bridgette Halliburton (shown above on right), several local AmeriCorps*VISTA members attended the Realize Bradenton -sponsored event. Also pictured, left to right, are VISTA Leader Joyce Whitworth, and AmeriCorps*VISTA members Geneva Presha, Karen Carpenter and Jeff Belvo.

Attendees answered a survey addressing their opinions about how the downtown should look in the future as well as voted for their favorite presentation by the USF students.

Volunteers build seven wheel chair ramps this year!

2010-06-14T15:51:00.010-04:00

With a concrete ramp poured by C2 Concrete at an Oneco home, and the Home Depot volunteer team building the seventh and final ramp in Ellenton, AmeriCorps*VISTA member Alan Gedeon has once again exceeded the 6 Ramps 6 Days goal!

The top four photos were taken at the ramp building at the Ellenton home.

Volunteers at the Ashe ramp were the Home Depot Team of Kelli Tawney, Charlie Harris, Mont Hedrick, Conrad Colaco, Roger DuFresne and Dale Martin. AmeriCorps members James B. Heaton and Lucean Tripp finished the railing for the ramp the following week. The site leader was AmeriCorps*VISTA member Alan Gedeon. And providing site moral support were AmeriCorps 20/20 VISTA Vision Project VISTA Leaders Bridgette Halliburton and Joyce Whitworth and AmeriCorps*VISTA member David Kaminski. The sign holder is AmeriCorps*VISTA member Nina Wiley.

The last photo is of the ramp poured by C2 Concrete. The sign holder is AmeriCorps*VISTA member Nina Wiley.

"Thank you" Volunteer Florida, Sun Coast Center for Independent Living, 6 Ramps 6 Days Project Leader AmeriCorps*VISTA Alan Gedeon, Publix Super Markets for the $150.00 gift card, and all of the many volunteers that worked so hard in the 100 degree Florida heat to make this another successful event. How wonderful it is for the seven people that are currently wheel chair-bound to now be able to leave their homes in a safe manner and have the freedom to move about!

"Atlanta was great! (Oh, and I agree with Dr. Seuss.)"

2010-06-14T15:02:00.003-04:00

We haven't even had a chance to visit with her since she returned from pre-service orientation in Atlanta on Friday, but newest AmeriCorps*VISTA member Tori Bell already agrees with The Lorax.

Thanks, Dr. Suess, for the reminder!

Juneteenth Celebration brings out FKC clowns and "VISTA Sistahs"

2010-06-13T15:23:00.004-04:00

"Dating back to 1865, Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States." (Visit http://www.juneteenth.com/ for more information.)

With leadership from the local chapter of the NAACP, our friends at the Bradenton Boys & Girls Club recently hosted a Juneteenth public event and invited our Florida KidCare clowns to participate.

Community leaders spoke throughout the day as attendees were offered meals of ribs, fish and chicken. There was face painting and children's activities and a health fair, complete with the blood mobile and free immunizations from the Manatee County Health Department.

To lend moral support to the Florida KidCare clowns - VISTA Leader Bridgette Halliburton, VISTA Leader Joyce Whitworth and special clown Grandma Gaines-AmeriCorps*VISTA member Linda Gaines - were VISTA alum Brenda Freeman (who brought along the Truly Blessed Gospel Choir to perform), VISTA Nina Wiley and VISTA Karen Carpenter.

(Thanks to AmeriCorps*VISTA member Karen Carpenter for coining the phrase "VISTA Sistahs" for our group of women serving as VISTAs!)

More 6 Ramps 6 Days

2010-06-09T19:55:00.015-04:00

Two ramps were in the works on Saturday, June 5th. One was being built in central Sarasota the other was being built in North Port. (One more to build!)

The top three photos are of the Gerseson ramp.

Volunteers at the Gersenson home in Sarasota were AmeriCorps member James B. Heaton, Jim Lockhead, and AmeriCorps member Lucean Tripp. The site leader was AmeriCorps*VISTA member Alan Gedeon and site moral support was provided by Rosie Wiley, 20/20 VISTA Vision Project Leader.

The last two photos are of the Townsend ramp build.

Volunteers at the Townsend home in North Port were Alex Masi, Travis Masi, Site Leader Tom Wilson, David Tucker, Steve Masi, Robert Sommers, Johnie Bunkley and Gary Rorstrom. Site moral support was provided by SCIL AmeriCorps*VISTA member Cheryl Herbold.

RAMPS! RAMPS! RAMPS!

2010-06-09T19:54:00.008-04:00

With a team of volunteers busy in Bradenton and two teams busy at two sites in a mobile home park in Sarasota, the 6 Ramps 6 Days Project co-lead by partners Sun Coast Center for Independent Living (SCIL) and the AmeriCorps 20/20 VISTA Vision Project got off to a good start.

Volunteers in Bradenton at the Rouzier home were Bill Spicer, Chris Peters, Marius Felix Binder, Site Leader Nathan Nolte, and Priscilla Ridall-photographer. Site moral support was provided by AmeriCorps*VISTA Nina Wiley.

Volunteers in Sarasota at the Alord home were AmeriCorps member James B. Heaton, AmeriCorps member Mike Thomason, AmeriCorps member Rachel Hansen, Jim McKinstry, Jim Lockhead, and AmeriCorps member Lucean Tripp. Site Leader was AmeriCorps*VISTA member Alan Gedeon. Site moral support was provided by Rosie Wiley and site visitors were SCIL Executive Director Keith Kitchens, SCIL Director of Finance Alexis Martin and SCIL AmeriCorps*VISTA member Cheryl Herbold.

Volunteers in Sarasota at the Gibson home were: Alex Masi, Travis Masi, Tom Wilson. David Tucker, Steve Masi, Robert Sommers and Johnie Bunkley. Site Leader was AmeriCorps*VISTA member Alan Gedeon. Site moral support was provided by Rosie Wiley and site visitiors were SCIL Director of Finance Alexis Martin and SCIL AmeriCorps*VISTA member Cheryl Herbold.

Say hello to newest VISTA members - Jeffrey Belvo and Kate Campbell

2010-05-23T19:44:00.009-04:00

Just returning from their pre-service orientation in Atlanta and joining our project are newest AmeriCorps*VISTA members Jeff Belvo and Kate Campbell.

Jeff will be running between two faith-based sites, Stillpoint House of Prayer and Project Light, raising money and awareness for both of them. Kate will be stationed at the Manatee Community Action Agency, leading a "green" project to reduce household consumption of electricity.

Welcome aboard!

VISTA Alan Gedeon once again leads local Volunteer Florida "6 Ramps 6 Days" project

2010-05-23T00:58:00.010-04:00

Leading the local project for the third year, AmeriCorps*VISTA member Alan Gedeon knows about wheelchair ramps and knows about generous volunteers.

After successful projects in 2008 and 2009, Gedeon is set to lead the building six wheelchair ramps in six days. The first two years, volunteers built fifteen wheelchair ramps for residents in Manatee and Sarasota counties; from north Palmetto to North Port.

The annual project kicks off each year in May, celebrating National AmeriCorps Week. The 6 Days 6 Ramps is project sponsored by Volunteer Florida and this year additional sponsorship was provided by the Department of Health-Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program.

Partnering with the Sun Coast Center for Independent Living (SCIL), the 20/20 VISTA Vision Project connects volunteers with those people needing ramps. SCIL, one of six participating not-for-profit organizations across Florida, identifies persons with disabilities who have low incomes and need a wheelchair ramp for better mobility.

“We have volunteers that started with us in 2008 and continue to volunteer; they built two or three each year. Last year two new groups joined us. These are the kind of people that when I thank them for volunteering, they respond ‘thank you for inviting us to help,’ says Gedeon.

Everyone is happy, as the wheelchair ramp recipients find new freedom and are happy to be able to comfortably and safely leave their homes.

"National AmeriCorps Week" proclamation read by Board of County Commissioners

2010-05-23T00:57:00.009-04:00

20/20 VISTA Vision Project members came before the May 11, 2010 Manatee County Board of County Commissioners meeting to hear a proclamation read proclaiming May 8-15, 2010, as "National AmeriCorps Week". VISTAs listened as Commissioner Joe McClash read the proclamation. Future AmeriCorps*VISTA baby Kiki DeMolina-Archer joined the VISTAs.

Shown above with the proclamation are most of the project members.

School Board of Manatee County proclaims "National AmeriCorps Week" and thanks VISTAs

2010-05-23T00:56:00.017-04:00

At the May 10th meeting of the School Board of Manatee County meeting, the three AmeriCorps*VISTA members stationed at the Manatee County School District received a "National AmeriCorps Week" proclamation read by Doug Wagner, director of the Adult, Career and Technical Department.

AmeriCorps*VISTA members Pat Brahm, Karen Carpenter and Virginia Sirocky received the proclamation and kudos from Mr. Wagner and the school board members themselves.

Shown here are Rosie Wiley, local AmeriCorps*VISTA project leader, Carpenter, Sirocky, Brahm and Bridgette Halliburton, AmeriCorps*VISTA Leader.

Washington Park mothers invited to Mothers Day "thank you" tea

2010-05-23T00:55:00.006-04:00

Second year AmeriCorps*VISTA member Jo Ann Spencer invited neighborhood women to a Mothers Day celebration; to honor them for serving their community with kindness and goodness for many years.

She wanted to have the event at a location with easy access for all and so she chose the Bradenton Community Work Station. It is nestled among family homes in the Washington Park neighborhood and is the substation for a local unit of the Bradenton Police Department. After the tables were set with lace tablecloths and fine china and flowers, the building was transformed into a tea room.

Volunteers made tea sandwiches and desserts with VISTA members assisting. The tables were beautiful and the food looks yummy, don't you agree?

Shown above are: Naomi Bivens, dressed in Mandarin orange with a straw hat (that's daughter Bridgette Halliburton behind her), hostess Jo Ann Spencer, pretty in pink, and community resident Alice Jones in yellow, with a striking white hat. "Special thanks" to Priscilla Ridall for photographing the event.

Mr. Cheesecake opens bakery to 13th Avenue kiddos to decorate Mothers Day cookies

2010-05-08T00:35:00.010-04:00

With her Washington Park neighborhood Mothers Day Tea a few days away, VISTA Jo Ann Spencer met up with eight 13th Avenue Community Center members for an hour of cookie decorating at Mr. Cheesecake.

Owner Phyllis Dobbins and John LaPrairie welcomed them in to decorate sugar cookies in the shape of Mothers Day hats. After a decorating, each child took home a dozen cookies to share with their mothers, grandmothers and aunts, and any other women who have nurtured them in their young years.

Jo Ann is giving cookies to the guests at her Mothers Day Tea; neighborhood mothers who have been part of her neighborhood network of women who are working together to bring good things to their neighborhood.

VISTA member is part of Tampa Bay's 25 Wealth Builders

2010-05-02T13:13:00.004-04:00

The article in the 2010 Quarter 1 issue of THE POWER BROKER magazine began like this:

"Times are hard, but hope springs eternal-especially if you have a plan. The Power Broker convened 25 of the bay area's top financial advisors and wealth-building advocates to bring you their expert advice on how to start or strengthen your journey to financial freedom."

Below was a photo of those 25 top financial advisors, and pictured was our own VISTA member Bob Terry (top row, second from the right) along with Dr. John Else (top row, far left) and one of our favorite site partners, Sherod Halliburton, (third row from the top, second from the right.)

Congratulations, Gentlemen!

SafeKids Coalition Water Safety program brings out VISTAs in support

2010-05-01T17:53:00.006-04:00

Last year VISTA members helped out at the Kiwanis Club-funded water safety program at the Manatee Family YMCA for children attending Samoset Elementary School. VISTAs Alex DeMolina, Dave Kaminski and Al Gedeon had been part of that neighborhood's SafeKids Coalition program to "keep kids safe".

This year the water safety program was focused on children attending OrangeRidge/Bullock Elementary School.

Beginning at the bottom, is VISTA Kaminski and VISTA Nina Wiley as they checked in families for the event. Before entering the pool area, each received a Florida KidCare insurance bag of goodies and SafeKids beach balls.

Sharon Carlson - Worksite Wellness/Injury Prevention Coordinator at the Manatee County Health Department and husband, Ray and new family member Dudley (8 weeks old) participated in the event.

Deb Mortensen and the Manatee Family YMCA lifeguards introduced the young non-swimmers to the pool and showed them water safety tips should they need them. Parents were encouraged to bring their children to upcoming classes for beginners.

Pictured at the top are members of the local SafeKids Coalition from Cedar Hammock Fire & Rescue, Manatee County Head Start and All Childrens Hospital as they wait for children to leave the pool after water safety lessons.

National Arbor Day project beautifies area where VISTA member serves

2010-05-01T17:32:00.004-04:00

While Keep Manatee Beautiful was receiving National Arbor Day proclamations, trees and plants and shrubs were being planted in five different areas throughout Manatee County.

VISTA Leaders Bridgette Halliburton and Joyce Whitworth joined Manatee County Neighborhoods Services VISTA member Geneva Presha at a ceremony outside of Pride Park. (This is one of the two Community Redevelopment Areas and neighborhoods where Geneva serves.)

To hinder gangs from tagging the fence along 9th Street East, shrubbery (that will grow six feet tall) was planted along the fence line. Trees were also planted along the street to beautify the area (photo, above right) and Geneva joined community and CRA advisory board members in with the shovel/dirt turning ceremony.

City of Bradenton proclaims National AmeriCorps Week at city council meeting

2010-04-28T21:30:00.005-04:00

With National AmeriCorps Week upon us, Bradenton Central Community Redevelopment Agency AmeriCorps*VISTA members appeared before the Bradenton City Council to receive a proclamation from the Mayor and councilmembers. Shown here are VISTAs Bob Terry, Jo Ann Spencer and Henry Blyden.

West Bradenton Rotary Club invites VISTA Al Gedeon for 6 Days 6 Ramps update

2010-04-28T21:22:00.005-04:00

Last year about this time, the VISTAs were invited to the West Bradenton Rotary Club weekly meeting to speak about the 20/20 VISTA Vision Project. In doing so, VISTA Al Gedeon talked about the 6 Days 6 Ramps wheelchair ramp building project. At that time, Clay Johnson of Manasota Construction approached Al and told him that he had a crew that could build a ramp. His crew showed up the first day of the project, and the ramp was built.

When Al was rounding up volunteers for this year's project, he contacted Mr. Johnson, and with that, came an invitation to come and speak to the Rotary membership again. Gedeon is shown here speaking to the membership and he and Mr. Johnson stopped for a quick photo when making plans for another ramp this year. Club members too will be helping in 2010!

Local VISTA Project has openings for dedicated individuals

2010-04-28T16:09:00.004-04:00

Since 2007 the local AmeriCorps 20/20 VISTA Vision Project in Manatee County has provided opportunities for 33 full time volunteers to create and expand programs that ultimately bring individuals and communities out of poverty. Using their diverse talents and skills, some VISTA members are currently serving in neighborhoods, building economic capacity for small businesses, developing sustainable funding resources for education programs, outreach for childrens health insurance for families with uninsured children and database development.

The local AmeriCorps*VISTA project currently has openings for dedicated individuals that commit to spend a year serving in the community. Positions available are:

Database management, development and analysis
Coalition building for children’s health insurance program
Establishing a charitable foundation for human services organization
Community mapping and “neighborhood” building (must live in the Palmetto CRA area)
Develop asset-building program for community capital organization
Leading a Family Self-Sufficiency initiative
Development partner for child mentoring organization

In return for a year of full-time service, the VISTA member receives other benefits as well:

A $5,350 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award or $1,500 post-service stipend
Modest living allowance of $10,692
Ten days vacation and ten days sick leave
Healthcare benefits while in service
Childcare assistance while in service
Student loan forbearance or deferment while in service
One year of noncompetitive status for a federal government job
Access to the network of VISTA & VISTA alumni (170,000 strong)

These positions are for mid-July and mid-August start dates.

The AmeriCorps*VISTA member will be part of the 20/20 VISTA Vision national service team that is currently serving Manatee County. For more information, contact the 20/20 VISTA Vision Project office at 941.761.3207.

Additional information is available at http://www.americorps.gov/

"Manatee Marshals for Education" writes Bud Chiles

2010-04-28T12:39:00.007-04:00

Thanks to Bud Chiles and the "Worst to First" organization for posting our VISTAs' photo on his blog along with his comments about his recent visit to Bradenton. For more information, go to http://www.worsttofirst.org/ Please see our blog below.

Manatee Marshals For Education

04/27/2010 10:25 am
Bud Chiles

At a recent meeting in Manatee County, hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Bradenton, I had the opportunity to participate in a discussion with several groups and individuals gathered to talk about one thing, education.
Those assembled had the chance to express their education concerns and then share ideas for reform if desired. One teacher, for instance, suggested that on-line teacher certifications be prohibited, especially where no background in teaching or child development exists. Fund Education Now, another group present, advocated education change through collaboration. Still, others proposed that the state provide matching funds for all localities statewide that have passed a special tax specifically to support education and children’s issues locally.
Barbara Harvey, a member of the Manatee County School Board, contributed to the discussion powerfully, when she said what everyone knows. Stated Harvey, “There have been major cuts to our school budget, but we refuse to let the cuts affect our children in the classroom. We’ve downsized our administrative staff, but now we have nowhere to go. We can’t cut anymore without affecting our kids in the classroom.”
After hearing her plea, so to speak, I couldn’t help but think about Florida’s children and Florida’s future. I couldn’t help but think about solutions, communities working together to meet community needs. I couldn’t help but think about the little that Manatee and other counties get in return for what they send to Tallahassee. I couldn’t help but think locally and realize we then must act locally for any reform in education to succeed.

So long and farewell to our VISTA Alex DeMolina

2010-04-27T21:12:00.013-04:00

Alex contacted us in the spring of 2008 about becoming an AmeriCorps*VISTA member. After a summer of classes at USF/Tampa, she joined the 20/20 VISTA Vision Project in late August 2008. She joined the VISTAs Al Gedeon and Dave Kaminski, already stationed at Manatee County Neighborhood Services.

Alex brought the underserved Pride Park neighborhood together with the annual Fall Fest in November. She became a full partner with the SafeKids Coalition and helped bring one year safety programs to Samoset Elementary school and OrangeRidge/Bullock Elementary school.

Her knowledge and dedication to her service brought the comment, "I want a VISTA just like Alex" from a future 20/20 VISTA Vision Project Site Sponsor.

Since she arrived, she met Brian Archer and they now have a new addition to their family-baby "Kiki". A new baby and new responsibilities and a future move to Tampa, it is time to wish our friend a fond farewell.

Alex, we are going to miss you, but know that you won't be so far away that we won't be seeing you. You will always be part of our VISTA family.

Her fellow VISTAS and site supervisor posed one last time with Alex. Left to right, Al Gedeon, Geneva Presha, Debbie DeLeon, Alex and "Kiki", and Dave Kaminski.

There is nothing like a little baby to bring out "oohs and aahs" and while there is not enough room in this blog for all of the photos, here is Manatee County Economic Development Advisor Karen Stewart telling the baby of her "being a grandmother wish."

Henry Lawrence Youth Foundation football camp brings VISTAs out to assist

2010-04-24T17:37:00.012-04:00

The 2010 Spring Youth Football Camp held by the Henry Lawrence Youth Foundation brought out a group of young people to spend the morning with Mr. Lawrence and football coaches. Mr. Lawrence attended the local Palmetto High School, Florida A&M University, and played for the National Football League for 13 years as an offensive tackle with the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders. He was a starter in Super Bowl XV and Super Bowl XVIII for the Raiders.

Young people (boys and girls) spent the morning running wind sprints, drills and position training. Avery Burke and his grill team cooked burgers and each participant received a trophy and camp tee-shirt.

Shown in the top left photos is the group listening to the coaches. The next photo is local Lincoln High School/University of Miami graduate and football hero, Raymond Bellamy.

That's Henry Lawrence, VISTA Geneva Presha, site supervisor Debbie DeLeon and VISTA Al Gedeon, and Avery Burke in front of the HLYouth Foundation banner.

And finally, Geneva is shown with two of the HL Youth Foundation board members after all participants are checked in.

Lawton "Bud" Chiles brings WORST TO FIRST message to Manatee County

2010-04-22T18:06:00.002-04:00

Do you know some of the Worst to First indicators of child well-being in Florida?

Lawton "Bud" Chiles brought the statistics to Manatee County and local VISTA members came to hear the message.

Florida ranks 49th of 50 states on number of uninsured children. It ranks 47th in the percentage of pregnant women receiving prenatal care in the first trimester, with 70%. Florida ranks 34th in the nation in the percent of low-birthweight babies. Teen birth rates has Florida in 33rd place. Florida ranks 50th in spending on education, but ranks 16th in the nation in per capita spending on corrections.

Want to know more? Visit www.worsttofirst.org

VISTA members joined Mr. Chiles after his informative presentation and conversation with audience members for a quick photo. Shown left to right are, VISTAs Bridgette Halliburton, Mr. Chiles, Joyce Whitworth, Henry Blyden, Karen Carpenter and Jo Ann Spencer.

Honorary VISTA member Naomi Bivens shares the Florida KidCare message

2010-04-22T17:49:00.005-04:00

The Florida KidCare clowns took the day off and appeared as themselves at the recent Mills Elementary Kindergarten Round Up. Joining them in the festivities was Honorary VISTA member Naomi Bivens (on right).

Joyce Whitworth takes the reins as second VISTA Leader

2010-04-22T17:36:00.012-04:00

On April 13, VISTA Joyce Whitworth started her third year as an AmeriCorps*VISTA member and her first year as our new and second VISTA Leader.

She now joins Bridgette Halliburton to "learn the ropes" and what it takes to be a VISTA Leader with our project. Bridgette ends her third year as a VISTA member and Joyce will be here to assist the VISTAs and the Project Leader.

Congratulations!

Bradenton Marauders opening game puts VISTAs in the seats

2010-04-16T20:01:00.004-04:00

DeSoto and his crew, the Mayor of Bradenton, a contingent of the local AmeriCorps 20/20 VISTA Vision Project team and 2400 more fans watched as the Bradenton Maruaders defeated the Ft. Myers Miracle, 18-3.

Past, current and future VISTAs watched from the seats in McKechnie Field.

Past project VISTA Linda Gaines and her family sat opposite of the the first base line and past project VISTA member Tony DeFilipio joined in the festivities. Both are second year VISTAs currently serving with the National Coalition on Homelessness and Goodwill Manasota, respectively.

Current VISTAs Karen Carpenter, Pat Brahm, Virginia Sirocky, Joyce Whitworth, Jo Ann Spencer and Nina Wiley (Friendship Volunteer Center VISTA) welcomed VISTA to be Kate Campbell.

Gulf Coast Rhythm & Ribfest event benefits 13th Avenue Community Center; VISTAs assist

2010-04-15T23:16:00.009-04:00

Imagine a three day event of ribs and music and fun for the whole family; the fourth annual Gulfcoast Rhythm & Ribs Fest is just that! This event benefits the 13th Avenue Community Center's capital campaign and all proceeds go the building fund and their brand new building.

Last year our VISTA Leader assisted in getting volunteers to work the event and when she was approached this year, she could not say no.

Along with community volunteers, she was able to get some of her VISTA family members to help too.

VISTAs volunteering at the event were Linda Gaines (as Grandma Gaines, shown here reading to a group of folks that stopped by); Jim Heaton, Joyce Whitworth (who joined Bridgette for two days in the Kids Zone), and Nina Wiley.

Here are Grandma Gaines and Honorary VISTA member Sherod Halliburton enjoying the day.

Curt Bivens, VISTA Joyce Whitworth and Alice Jones.

And of course, the Florida KidCare clowns!

20/20 VISTA Vision Project takes to the airwaves

2010-04-15T22:48:00.006-04:00

Thanks to Clear Channel radio, VISTA Virginia Sirocky and AmeriCorps 20/20 VISTA Vision Project Leader Rosie Wiley spent time with Nikki Harris on her "It's your turn" program.

The program is to be broadcast on five local stations; from country to rock to alternative and classic hits stations.

Shown here is Virginia answering questions ask Nikki asks her about her VISTA experiences.

VISTA Bob Terry is one of 30 USF/ Nonprofit Resource Center First "Graduates"...

2010-04-15T22:29:00.009-04:00

...of a

Professional Development Certificate of Leadership in Non-Profit Management.

On April 8, twenty-two local professionals received a professional development certificate in Leadership and Non Profit Management. The program was developed by USFSM and The Community Foundation of Sarasota's Nonprofit Resource Center.

Can you find our recent graduate?

That's him in the back row, third from the left.

Congratulations, Bob!

CNCS State Program Specialist Hue Jacobs makes visit to meet VISTAs and site supervisors

2010-03-28T14:10:00.006-04:00

It was his first visit to Bradenton since he visited the 20/20 VISTA Vision Project as it was gearing up the first year. With stops at the Bradenton CCRA, Council's, Neighborhood Services, the School District and back to Volunteer Manatee, Hue visited with VISTAs and site supervisors to hear from them what the project is accomplishing in the community.

Pictured here left to right, are VISTAS Dave Kaminksi, Bridgette Halliburton, Geneva Presha, Mr. Jacobs, Yes! that's County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, Manatee County Neighborhood Services VISTA site supervisor Debbie DeLeon, Rosie Wiley-Project Leader and Manatee County Neighborhood Services Specialist Sherry Weydert.

VISTA Leader celebrates birthday

2010-03-28T14:09:00.007-04:00

Even though Bridgette didn't get to celebrate her birthday with co-workers and her VISTA family, husband Sherod stopped by and children Spencer (in the front) and Sammi joined in the fun. That made it all the more special! Happy bd, Bridgette!

VISTA invites IBM executives and partnership is formed

2010-03-28T14:07:00.008-04:00

Being a former IBM executive herself, VISTA Pat Brahm knew who to contact when she needed help with the project at the Manatee Technical Institute. Soon Brenda Barker, Education Solutions Specialist-IBM Global Business Services and Janell Ray, Florida Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Affairs-IBM CHQ-Marketing were here to see how they could assist.

Shown in the upper left photo are, seated, IBM reps Janell Ray and Brenda Barker. Behind them are VISTAs Pat Brahm and Karen Carpenter and 20/20 VISTA Vision Project Leader Rosie Wiley.

After a meeting discussing a future partnership with the School District of Manatee County, attendees stopped for a quick photo. Back row, left to right are Lynette Edwards-Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, David Lesnek-Manager Systems and Programming, Dr. George Vensel-Director of Technology & Information Services, and Brahm. Seated left to right are Carpenter and Barker.

VISTA Christine Blyden leads "LIFE ON THE EDGE" poverty simulation to raise community awareness

2010-03-28T14:04:00.011-04:00

Can you imagine "living on the edge"?
One income for five family members? No transportation? Living in a homeless shelter with your girlfriend and new baby? Having to pawn your belongings to pay the rent and then coming home only to find that your family has already been evicted?

Well, that is what many of us endured in a two hour poverty simulation directed to bring public awareness to the plight of many of our neighbors.

Serving at the Manatee Community Action Agency (MCAA), VISTA Christine Blyden (shown here) is leading the initiative to bring the Circles Program to Manatee County. It is based on Dr. Ruby Payne's "Bridges out of Poverty" best-selling book. Christine is on a mission to find local residents who will be trained to become "allies" and team up with residents that are living in poverty to move them out of their situation.

Dustin Speakman, well-known facilatator of the "Life on the Edge" program, came from Ohio to lead the exercise. Nearly seventy people role-played family situations that included not having transportation, eviction notices, final payments on utility bills, drug use, unmarried pregnant teens and children in juvenile detention, to name a few.

This writer's family had a working mother, unemployed father, no transportation, a pregnant fifteen year old sister, and two little brothers, ages nine and four. It was very stressful; so much so that during the four week event, there was so much stress that the family never ate!

At the end of the simulation, attendees had a moment to catch their breathes as they at a typical high calorie, low nutrition value lunch of macaroni and cheese, green beans, a sweet drink and cookies.

MCAA's Linda Carley and VISTA Henry Blyden host the Manatee Community Action Agency desk, where attendees might be able to receive financial assistance for utility and rent past due notices.

VISTA Virginia Sirocky role-played a mom with a daughter and son (Mike Neuges) who all had their share of problems.

This family included VISTA Leader Bridgette Halliburton (left front), MCAA's Vanessa Rhodes and baby sister, an unidentifed MCAA staff person and VISTA Joyce Whitworth.

Bradenton City Councilmember Harold Byrd was VISTA Jo Ann Spencer's husband. Here they are with their baby as they discuss how they are going to make it through another week.

VISTA to be Jeff Belvin and his girlfriend Sharon Carlson and their baby lived in a shelter, but Jeff was employed and Sharon was able to find housing for the family before the month was over.

14th Street Community Redevelopment Agency hosts neighborhood Spring Fling

2010-03-13T21:11:00.007-05:00

There were horseback rides, firetrucks, a county bus, the library mobile van, community booths, music and games. As the smell of hotdogs and hamburgers wafted through the air, this writer came upon VISTA members, representing their agencies and services.

Among those participating were Linda Gaines, now a VISTA with the National Coalition on Homelessness, who was bringing the local issue of homelessness to those in attendance.

And of course, the Florida KidCare clowns were passing out FKC insurance literature, along with Hepatitis C information.
VISTA Joyce Whitworth and VISTA Leader Bridgette Halliburton are shown here with Manatee County Neighborhood Services' Ivan Groome.

In the Manatee County Neighborhood Services booth were Neighborhoods Specialist Debbie DeLeon, Neighborhoods employee, VISTAs Dave Kaminski, Alex DeMolina and Geneva Presha.

Another day for VISTAs to be seen in the community... Thank you, VISTAs for all that you do!

Annual Better Manatee Day has VISTA support

2010-03-13T20:37:00.021-05:00

"Better Manatee Day" is an annual community project of the local Bradenton Kiwanis Club. This year the membership chose the new Norma Lloyd Park as the top priority and even started the landscaping project the day before. And, getting the park ready for the neighborhood has been a "collective project of love" from many different community partners.

On Saturday, March 13, volunteers came together to plant, mulch and build brick walkways. Shown here are partner representatives Bradenton Central Community Redevelopment Agency Director Sherod Halliburton, VISTA Al Gedeon and Manatee County Neighborhood Services Director Cheri Coryea.

VISTA member Bob Terry used his expertise to teach these young volunteers how to install a brick walkway. (Look at the cool tee shirt!)

And here is part of the final look! Isn't it great when a community comes together to get things done?

Florida KidCare VISTA Joyce Whitworth works with Florida Healthy Kids to develop local coalition

2010-03-13T20:24:00.006-05:00

There are 800,000 children from ages 0-18 in Florida without health insurance. Most recently the "Boots on the Ground" project and VISTA Joyce Whitworth invited businesses and community-based organizations from Manatee and Sarasota counties to come together to strategize; how could all of these children and their families be reached and educated about the affordable Florida KidCare insurance?

Attendees will now attend a full-day forum to learn more about the strategies to bring affordable health care to those that need it.

Shown here is Ryan Morris, Florida KidCare community coalition coordinator speaking to the coalition representatives.

VISTA couple celebrates his milestone birthday; SURPRISE, Henry!

2010-03-13T20:15:00.007-05:00

Unbeknownst to Henry, Christine was planning an EVENT for his coming birthday; she invited 40 of his many friends to Mattison's Riverside for a surprise birthday dinner. Here the guest of honor poses with his "golf course" cake and Mrs. Blyden tells a friend that she was able to surprise him. Happy birthday, Henry!

Hosting a 10K race/fun run and celebrating her birthday on the same day

2010-03-11T20:39:00.004-05:00

When VISTA member Virginia Sirocky decided to spend a year doing national service, she had no idea that she would be welcoming 600 people to her "Take Stock in Children" 10K race/fun run fundraiser and celebrating her birthday on the same day.

She didn't know there was a birthday cake at the event for her, but she was much too busy to celebrate at the moment anyway.

On Monday she stopped by the 20/20 VISTA Vision office with some birthday cake for all. And, it was dee-lish!

She looks pretty happy after an event-filled day on Sunday; happy birthday, Virginia!

"Take Stock in Children" hosts 10K race/fun walk to raise money for college scholarships

2010-03-11T20:22:00.005-05:00

When we heard that VISTA Virginia Sirocky needed 100 volunteers for her recent BIG event, our VISTAs, honorary VISTAs and friends jumped in to help...at 6:00am on a recent Sunday morning; that's right, 6:00am!

Shown in the photo in the upper left hand corner are ManaTEEN president Alycia Bower, honorary VISTA Naomi Bivens, Rosie Wiley, VISTA Nina Wiley and honorary VISTA Crystal Wilson, performing their duties at the pre-registration table.

VISTA and also the race event coordinator Virginia Sirocky looks pretty chipper so early in the morning.

That's VISTA Karen Carpenter at the volunteer table (and Virginia's back is to the camera.) VISTA Dave Kaminski, honorary VISTA Sherod Halliburton, and Mackie Allen, VISTA applicant, take a break before they go out to retrieve the cones marking the race route.
Before heading home, Crystal Wilson, Alycia Bower, Naomi Bivens, VISTA Joyce Whitworth and VISTA Christine Blyden stop for a quick photo. Also volunteering for the event were VISTA Pat Brahm and VISTA Leader Bridgette Halliburton.

20/20 VISTA Vision Project takes "show on the road"

2010-03-08T20:25:00.006-05:00

Ah, youth!

A visit to New College in Sarasota, FL introduced us to soon-to-be college graduates with interests in national service.

Campus Compact VISTAs Katy Tyler (in the argyle sweater) and Jeremy Spangler in the black VISTA shirt and Bermuda shorts were kind enough to have us come and meet and speak to about a dozen honors college students as part of their recruitment process at the school.

Thanks, Katy and Jeremy!

Geneva Presha celebrates birthday

2010-03-08T20:16:00.006-05:00

First we read to youngsters at Ballard Elementary School and then we went to Popi's Restaurant for "green eggs and ham". (What else could we do after reading a dozen Dr. Seuss books?!)

Not only was it Dr. Seuss' birthday, but it was new VISTA Geneva Presha's birthday too!

And, so, after a rousing chorus of "Happy Birthday", we celebrated with birthday cake too!

"You're never too old, too wacky or wild, to pick up a book and read to a child." VISTAs celebrate Dr. Suess' birthday!

2010-03-08T19:52:00.017-05:00

We know! We know! VISTAs aren't supposed to do direct service, but we just couldn't resist reading to kindergarten and first grade classes at Ballard Elementary School in Bradenton. A dozen VISTAs and friends arrived to celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday, March 2nd to take part in the 2010 Read Across Manatee reading project. Each wearing "Cat in the Hat" stovepipe hats and armed with Dr. Suess books, they were welcome by six classrooms of youngsters.

Before reading to her class, our colleague Ashley Bower smiles before heading to her assigned classroom. VISTAs Pat Brahm and Joyce Whitworth report that their kiddos remembered them from when we read to classes during American Education Week in November. Mrs. Johnson's kindergarten class welcomed Rosie Wiley, 20/20 VISTA Vision Project Leader and VISTA Linda Gaines to read. And that's VISTA Leader Bridgette Halliburton with VISTA Al Gedeon, who read his book in Spanish. Here are VISTA JoAnn Spencer, our new friend, Alice Jones and VISTA Geneva Presha. And, that "cat in the hat" snuck in too!!

VISTAs Karen Carpenter and Bob Terry also participated but are not pictured here.

VISTA yard sale nets $52.85 for HandsOn/CNCS national conference trip

2010-03-07T18:21:00.008-05:00

For weeks, VISTA members cleaned out their drawers and closets in support of the first VISTA yard sale. Arriving at 7:00 am on a Saturday morning, VISTAs joined several other vendors and set up their wares in two parking spaces in the Sugg Middle School parking lot. As you can see by these photos, the inventory was large, but after expenses, $52.85 was netted for the trip to New York in June. It seemed like a good idea at the time.

Visiting VISTAS shown local hospitality

2010-03-02T21:29:00.005-05:00

"Why, yes! We'd love to introduce our VISTA members to visiting VISTAs!" And so on the third day of the FAVC conference, twelve of us got together for breakfast and lots of Bradenton hospitality.

Shown here in the back row are Bridgette Halliburton, Alan Gedeon, Geneva Presha, Karen Carpenter, Robert Dunlap and Pat Brahm. In the front row are Calaina Goodyear-Green, visiting VISTAs Trina and LaTonya from HandsOn Jacksonville and visiting VISTA Laura from the Palm Beach United Way, and Joyce Whitworth.

Local VISTAs meet with Volunteer Florida CEO Wendy Spencer and celebrate VISTA Karen Carpenter's birthday

2010-03-02T20:57:00.009-05:00

While it was short and sweet, local VISTA members hosted a small soire' so that the Volunteer Florida CEO could get to know them a bit. Before she was whisked away to join other FAVC members for dinner, she met with VISTA members Pat Brahm and Karen Carpenter.

Soon after, additional VISTA members arrived and ultimately honored VISTA Karen Carpenter on her birthday. Also joining in the celebration were VISTAs Bridgette Halliburtion, Joyce Whitworth, Geneva Presha, David Kaminski and Christine and Henry Blyden. It's always a fine time when these VISTAs get-together.

ManaTEEN President Alycia Bower receives Presidential Service Award at FAVC meeting

2010-03-02T20:46:00.009-05:00

Adraine McKell, Volunteer Manatee Executive Director and newly-elected president of the Florida Association for Volunteer Centers, hosted the group's recent quarterly meeting at the Hilton Garden Inn, in Sarasota. Volunteer Center representatives from throughout the state, Volunteer Florida staff, CNCS staff and AmeriCorps*VISTA members from Manatee, Duval and Palm Beach counties attended the February 17-19 meeting.

One of the highlights of the meeting was when Wendy Spencer, CEO of Volunteer Florida presented two-year ManaTEEN President Alycia Bower with the President's Volunteer Service Award for her long-time volunteer service to the community. Congratulations, Alycia!

Goodwill Manasota VISTAs complete year one; one moves to Sarasota VISTA project and one moves on

2010-03-02T20:24:00.005-05:00

Two VISTA members that joined us in February 2009 are moving on; but in different directions.

For the past year, these two have been developing "Good Neighbor" stores for Goodwill Industries ManaSota. Jim Heaton (shown here on the left) served at the Manatee Avenue West store and Tony DiFilippo (shown right) was at the DeSoto Junction store. That's VISTA member Joyce Whitworth in the middle.

Tony will be serving his second year with Goodwill in the DeSoto Junction store, but is transferring to the Friendship Volunteer Center VISTA project. While he will be with a new group of VISTA members, he will continue to participate in special events sponsored by the 20/20 VISTA Vision Project.

Jim is loading up his saddlebags on his motorcycle and taking a "bike ride" through the U.S. His itinerary includes Key West, the Appalachian Trail, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and then out west, with a visit to Salida, CO, where he will spend time with the VISTA Project Leader's family. Jim would like to be a direct service AmeriCorps member in the next year.

"Special thanks" to both of you gentlemen; it's been a fast year!

New VISTAs join the team

2010-02-23T20:35:00.004-05:00

We have never had any of our PSO-returning VISTAs say that they were SNOWED IN and unable to return to Florida. "Snowed in?" you ask. Yes, it's true. Stapleton Airport was snowed in; flights cancelled and our two VISTAs spent extra time in Hot-lanta.

We first met Geneva after one of our VISTAs, said "hey, you need to meet Geneva Presha! I met her at an event where they were giving away school supplies." Soon thereafter we met Geneva and she became interested in becoming a VISTA. We told her of several site openings, but she was interviewed at the Manatee County Neighborhood Services Department and that is where she has chosen to serve. She will lead an economic development initiative. Most recently she was the Executive Director of the Henry Lawrence Youth Foundation.

Robert Dunlap had been a community leader for years. We knew of him in the 1990's when he lead a successful project of bringing HIV/AIDS information to the African-American community. Most recently shortly after heart surgery, he was making final arrangements for the grand opening of the new neighborhood school, Rogers Elementary, while he was still in his hospital bed! He is excited to be leading the new family self-sufficiency project at the Manatee County Housing Authority.

Welcome aboard, new friends!

VISTA baby Kiersta Archer arrives early!

2010-02-23T20:24:00.002-05:00

Say "hello!" to our new VISTA baby! Kiersta Archer a month early to the surprise and delight of her dad Brian Archer and VISTA mommy, Alex DeMolina.
On Wednesday, February 10th, she came into the world at Manatee Memorial Hospital at 3:32pm. She weighed in at 6 lbs. 1 oz. and was 18 in. long. Because she is a preemie, she spent her first night in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Welcome, little Kiersta! (more details in a future blog)

Bradenton Rotary Club invites VISTAs to meet club members

2010-02-23T20:14:00.009-05:00

Our VISTAs like to share their service experiences and what better way that at the weekly meeting at one of the community's most active and generous service organizations; the Bradenton Rotary Club.
Pictured here left to right, are Rotarian Ron Schneider, VISTAs Dave Kaminski, Bridgette Halliburton, Jo Ann Spencer, Henry Blyden, Christine Blyden, Rotarian Pete Blews and VISTA Joyce Whitworth. Virginia Sirocky also spoke before the membership but missed getting in the picture.

New AmeriCorps 20/20 VISTA Vision Project Advisory Group convenes

2010-02-21T21:30:00.005-05:00

Up until now, the Board of Directors of Volunteer Services of Manatee County has served as the advisory board to local AmeriCorps*VISTA project.

Beginning this month, a new informal advisory group comprised of site sponsors, VISTA and community members will meet quarterly to discuss the project and how it is affecting the community by helping move people out of poverty.

Preparing for the first meeting are clockwise, Bradenton CCRA executive director Sherod Halliburton, VISTA Alan Gedeon, Project Leader Rosie Wiley, Manatee Community Foundation executive director Marilyn Howard and Volunteer Services executive director Adraine McKell.

With VISTA baby due in March, VISTAs celebrate with baby shower!

2010-02-21T21:14:00.007-05:00

One Saturday afternoon in January, VISTA member Alan Gedeon and his missus, Silvia, opened their home to VISTA Alex DeMolina's family, friends and VISTA family to "shower" good wishes on her and baby-to-be's dad, Brian Archer.

With a "hippie" theme (check out the head scarves and peace sign necklaces!), along with Winnie the Pooh, everyone got into the new baby mood with the young mother and her mom, who drove up from Miami for the event.

There was lots of food (as always) and great baby gifts that some of us that have not had babies in a while were interested in seeing and learning about.

Shown above are guests gathered around the guest of honor and Alex and her delighted mom are pictured below.

RECOVERY VISTA celebrates first of several February VISTA birthdays

2010-02-21T17:13:00.004-05:00

'Say hello! to our RECOVERY VISTA, Bob Terry.

Bob came on board in September 2009, just before we started our blog Bob.

We had met Bob in July and within no time, he decided that with his thirty years experience in economic development, he might have something to bring to the 20/20 VISTA Vision Project. Even before he went to PSO he was attending our trainings and volunteering; so it is now wonder that he continues to spend 50-60 hours a week as a VISTA member at the Bradenton Community Redevelopment Agency, developing a new not-for-profit that will benefit the community where he serves.

We managed to find Bob in his office on February 2nd and brought him a bushel of birthday wishes, along with a birthday cake!

What would you do if you had 800 people coming to breakfast?

2010-02-21T16:49:00.003-05:00

When VISTA Karen Carpenter came on board in August 2009, she knew her responsibility would be "building capacity and sustainability" for the School District of Manatee County; but it is doubtful that she knew that at her first fundraising event she would be having 800 breakfast guests!

When the annoucement was made that the newly-retired legendary Florida State University football coach Bobby Bowden was going to be one of the speakers at the annual "Take Stock in Children Prayer Breakfast", Karen knew it was going to be a ride.

Coach Bowden joined a group of local religious leaders from all faiths to participate in this important community event.

With her strong leadership skills, she lead a committee to raise money for college scholarships for children who are the first in their families to attend educational classes beyond high school. And to pull off the event, she also rallied a troop of volunteers (including her fellow VISTAs) to help her to do so.

The final tally is not in, but to date, the VISTA-lead event raised more than $22,000.

With VISTAs in the mix, eighty-eight volunteers serve on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service

2010-02-21T16:00:00.002-05:00

It's true; our plan for the 2010 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service was not going to materialize. We needed a new plan and it didn't take long before a new opportunity presented itself!

Brenda Freeman, one of the original four VISTA members that left our project after her second year to take on the responsibility of leading the Anna E. Gayle Resource Center where she served, called to give us an update of current happenings at the Center.

After a long wait, the building that will house the newest project of Educational Consultants Consortium, Inc. (ECCI), was now ready for rehabilitation with a $100,000 Community Development Block Grant. The building had been owned by a Mrs. Kelly and was a community day-care center. It has been closed for many years and now belonged to the local county government due to a road widening project. The inside needed to be "gutted" and the outside grounds needed a complete clean-up, before any rehabilitation could begin.

It didn't take long before three year VISTA member Alan Gedeon (also part of the original four, along with Bridgette Halliburton and Dave Kaminski) and Brenda were co-leading the event. With an incentive from the "HandsOn Network/Give A Day-Get a Disney Day", volunteer for a day-get a free day at Disney, volunteers from as far away as Gainesville, signed up to volunteer. With the VISTAs, there were a total of 88 volunteers-young and old.

Barbara Harvey (ECCI founder) and County Commissioner Dr. Gwen Brown welcomed the volunteers to the event and presented the vision that the new building would host job training, classes and be a resource center for young adults, ages 18-21. It would be the second in a series of "lighthouses" or safe places for young people as identified in the recent "STOP THE VIOLENCE" community awareness project. The building is to be named "The Kelly-Brown Center" in memory of Mrs. Kelly and in honor of Commissioner Brown who is co-leading the "STOP THE VIOLENCE" project.

Since the funding for rehabilitation has been secured, all that waits now is for the work to begin and the building ready for the community to use this new resource.

After some hard work, current, past and future VISTA members stopped long enough to have their picture taken. Shown here, front row-left to right, are: JoAnn Spencer, Alex DeMolina, Christine Blyden, Joyce Whitworth, Linda Gaines, Jim Heaton, Robert Dunlap, Virginia Sirocky, Pat Brahm and Marquita Robertson. Back row VISTAs are HenryBlyden, Karen Caprenter (helmet showing) Alan Gedeon, Bridgitte Halliburton-VISTA Leader, Dave Kaminski, Rosie Wiley-Project Leader and Brenda Freeman. VISTA Nina Wiley is the photographer.

"A Day ON, Not a Day off." Community joins VISTAs at 2010 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Project

2010-01-22T11:21:00.007-05:00

The Bradenton Herald's Vin Mannix covered our event and captured the full essence of the day.

Martin Luther King Day 2010: Holiday not a day off for volunteers

By VIN MANNIX - vmannix@bradenton.com

PALMETTO — Bill Gaines would’ve been working in his yard.
Cleve Pearcey, gone fishing.
Alicia Waiters, hanging out at home.
Not on Monday, Martin Luther King Day.
Instead, they were among 80 volunteers who gutted the old Hayden Day Care Center on 17th Street East, cleaning it inside and out for its eventual transformation into the Kelly Brown Career Development Center.
They took their cue from a banner that read:
A Day ON, Not a Day off. MLK Day.
“Everybody’s got to do their part. This is mine,” said Gaines, holding a shovel.
The start of the renovation, funded by a $100,000 government grant and expected to be completed by May, brought volunteers from Volunteer Manatee, Americorps Vista 20/20, and the Anna Gayle Center.
There were also individuals, young and old, from around the community and as far away as Gainesville.
“This is perfect, because Dr. King was about service, about communities working together,” said Manatee School Board member Barbara Harvey, wearing a hard hat around the site.
This facility is going to be like a lighthouse, she said.
“Just as a lighthouse is supposed to serve those out at sea, here it will draw people and make a difference in those lives and address the needs of the community,” Harvey said. “When it comes to work, jobs, self-esteem, after-school tutorial for older students, this is going to be a positive for the community.”
The sound of hammers and power saws could be heard throughout the site. An industrial-sized dumpster overflowed with old cabinetry, pipes, concrete chunks and a sink.
Dozens of plastic garbage bags were stacked outside, filled with yard debris.
There would be more, too, from workers who were busy from 9 a.m. to about 1:30 p.m., said Alan Gedeon, an Americorps Vista volunteer and event organizer.
“All these volunteers! It just blew my socks off,” he said. “I didn’t think we’d have that many.”
Pearcey was glad to be there.
“It does my heart well to see these kids working for a good cause, keep them off the streets, give them some experience in knowing how to work and being responsible,” he said, scraping up linoleum.
“This makes you feel fantastic,” said County Commissioner Gwen Brown as she surveyed the work. “Someone gives up what’s considered to be a free day, working for kids they don’t even know.”
Like Phil Green, who came down from Clearwater with his wife, Calaina, a Vista volunteer.
“America is about helping out each other, doing your part, especially on MLK Day,” said the recent Ohio University graduate. “His dream is we are all equal. We all help out one another. I just wanted to show this world could be a better place if we all did that.”
His words resonated with Waiters, who was raking the yard.
“Just knowing I’m helping my community, helping kids, makes me feel good to be a part of this,” said the State College of Florida student. “I’ll be using this building when it’s up and running, so I’ll always remember I helped get it started.”

Vin Mannix, local columnist, can be reached at 941-745-7055.

Second year VISTA moves from Ohio and joins project

2010-01-17T15:02:00.006-05:00

Say "hello" to Calaina Rose Goodyear Green. After graduation from university, she joined the Rural Action AmeriCorps*VISTA project in Ohio. She finished her first year of service in November and moved to Florida to join us as a Fund Development VISTA with Manatee Glens, the local mental health and addictions treatment agency. She is a newly-wed and looks forward to using her skills, as well as learning new things in this position. Her site supervisor is Mary Ruiz, Manatee Glens President and CEO. Welcome, Calaina!

Washington Park Neighborhood Association wins top award

2010-01-11T20:00:00.007-05:00

National Neighborhood Day was celebrated on Sunday, September 20, 2009. Manatee County Neighborhood Services held a contest to find the neighborhood with the most spirit. This contest was opened to all of the neighborhoods in Manatee County. The Washington Park Neighborhood decided that we would enter the contest at our regular meeting place at the Community Work Station on 6th Street in Bradenton. We decided on a Sunday afternoon with a dish-to-pass. You probably read about our event earlier in this blog.

We brainstormed together on ways in which we could make a notable difference in our neighborhood.

From a plea for help in mentoring from a letter from the Principal of a newly built neighborhood school (G.D. Rogers Garden School), we decided to follow-up and attend a requested meeting that was seeking mentors. Upon attending a meeting, several of us committed to mentoring at the school as a result of the gathering that occurred on Sunday, September 20th.

We were elated to learn that our entry received the winning entry. We were presented a huge banner on Tuesday, December 8th and a small gift certificate to Applebee’s with many of the residents present during the presentation. With many of the residents presents, the banner was presented by Sherry Weydert of Neighborhood Services and VISTA Alex DeMolina during our regular neighborhood meeting.

The residents are very honored to have received this award and will continue to contribute resources to help make our neighborhood a better place to live, work and play.

Here I am with the new banner. AmeriCorps*VISTA and Washington Park Neighborhood President, JoAnn Spencer

Cinnamon rolls bring sweet smiles to site sponsors' faces

2010-01-05T15:58:00.004-05:00

What a better way to thank VISTA site sponsors for their continued support of our project than to deliver warm, homemade cinnamon rolls during the holidays!

Thanks to our friends at Cinnamental Bakery, we brought a smile to many faces one day before Christmas. Our first stop was the Bradenton Central Community Redevelopment Agency where Rebekah Brightbill savored the delicious delivery. Then on to the Manatee Community Action Agency where Carol Hunt accepted them for her staff. Deb Revell was the only one in the ACT office at the School District but she promised she would share them with all. Next, 0ur good friend Sherry Weydert in Manatee County Neighborhood Services accepted the yummy morsels from VISTA

Leader Bridgette Halliburton. Our final stop was at the Manatee Community Foundation where Executive Director Marilyn Howard was pleased to accept the goodies from Bridgette. It was a SWEET morning!

Two more volunteers become "Honorary VISTA members"

2010-01-05T15:16:00.004-05:00

Say hello to Brian Archer (with VISTA Alex DeMolina) and Crystal Wilson, shown here with VISTA Leader Bridgette Halliburton. These are two of our five "Honorary VISTA members" that join us to volunteer in the many events that we participate in. Thank you both!

20/20 VISTA Vision Project presents special volunteers "Honorary VISTA Member" nametags

2010-01-05T15:05:00.005-05:00

There are people that join us at every event that we participate in; from health fairs to playground builds, from gratitude bags to Safe Kids events, as well as all in between, these folks are always on board to volunteer.

Recently we took the opportunity to honor three of them with special "Honorary VISTA Member" nametags. VISTA Leader Bridgette Halliburton did the honors as she presented the nametags to Sylvia Gedeon, Naomi Bivens, and Sherod Halliburton. Shown here are the three recipients, as well as the individual presentations.

VISTAs support Gregory Estates neighborhood fundraiser

2010-01-05T13:58:00.008-05:00

Santa and Mrs. Claus were very busy meeting members of the 20/20 VISTA Vision Project team at the fundraiser for the Gregory Estates neighborhood Christmas party. Loaded down with toys that Volunteer Manatee had received from the Hasbro toy company and a gift of action figures from VISTA member Dave Kaminski and Carol Kaminski, they put them all under the Christmas tree at the Touch of Class supper club. The Clauses would then take them back to their North Pole satellite office in Gregory Estates for distrubution to the neighborhood children at the annual Christmas party and parade.

Before an evening of entertainment by the Henry Lawrence Band and a country cooking buffet, guests visited and met with the Clauses.

Top to bottom, are the Clauses with Naomi Bivens and VISTA Joyce Whitworth; John Mann and VISTA Pat Brahm; Sylvia Gedeon and VISTA Alan Gedeon; future VISTA Geneva Presha; Volunteer Manatee Executive Director Adraine McKell and Friendship Volunteer Center VISTA Nina Wiley, and VISTAs Virginia Sirocky and Karen Carpenter.

VISTAs celebrate holidays with Christmas luncheon

2010-01-05T13:14:00.002-05:00

When VISTA member Pat Brahm turned us on to the MTI Cafe' at the Manatee Technical Institute, we knew we had found the special location for the VISTA Christmas party.

Prior to arriving, three of Santa's elves decorated the room with Christmas lights, candles and decorations. Upon entering the room each VISTA received a holiday pin and beads to wear. MTI culinary students served sparkling grape juice in champagne glasses as VISTA Alan Gedeon presented the toast.

As the students served the lavish three course meal, VISTAs and guests chatted about their holiday plans. And when the VISTAs left, each received a gift bag of candies and VISTA goodies.

Two new VISTAs join team

2010-01-05T13:00:00.004-05:00

Say "hello" to our two newest 20/20 VISTA Vision Project team members who joined us in mid-November. In the top photo is Diana Dill-Take Stock In Children Executive Director, welcoming Virginia Sirocky to her next year of service. Virginia has hit the ground running; planning two fundraising events at once to raise money for college scholarships for young people who otherwise would not have the opportunity to further their educations.

In the bottom photo is Carol Hunt of the Manatee Community Action Agency, as she goes over some things with Christine Blyden. Christine will be working with a new initiative to help move people out of poverty. She will be initiating the Dr. Ruby Payne Circles Program locally.

Welcome aboard!

One of the "original four" ends second year; stays to lead at the Anna E. Gayle Resource Center

2010-01-05T12:41:00.004-05:00

Showing her spunk and her capabilities, two year AmeriCorps*VISTA member Brenda Freeman has been hired by the Anna E. Gayle Resource Center Board of Directors to expand the neighborhood program to include two centers. When her term ended in mid-November, she easily moved into position.

She reminded us that she is still part of our "VISTA family" and wants to be included in all of our activities. Here she is at our Christmas luncheon in December. Brenda, we wish you the very best and look forward to many more years of working together.

Former VISTA team member Linda Gaines moves to National Coalition for the Homeless VISTA Speakers Bureau Project

2009-12-04T11:18:00.012-05:00

We met Linda Gaines in the summer of 2008 when she joined the VISTA team and began a year of service at the Community Coalition on Homelessness. There she made a big impact as she was part of the team that opened the brand-new Bill Galvano One-Stop Center (a service center for people that are homeless).

When her first year of service ended, she stayed at the site but changed programs to the National Coalition for the Homeless VISTA Speakers Bureau Project. She coordinates speakers to provide awareness of the plight of the homeless people in our community.

Most recently she has been asked to bring speakers to elementary school classrooms. After the first visit, she wrote the following story (Heidi is her granddaughter's name) to read to the young people. She now has classrooms of children collecting "extras" for the people that are homeless in our community.

While Linda is serving through another VISTA project, she is still part of our team and joins us for monthly meetings, trainings and celebrations.

We welcome you to read "Heidi's Extras". We love this warm story and hope that you do too!

HEIDI’S EXTRAS

Heidi was trying to get back to Grandmother who had just called her and left a message. Grandmother asked Heidi if she wanted to visit the camp site again. Heidi’s Grandmother was a big game hunter, she hunted lions and elephants and gorillas with a camera, to take their pictures for magazines and books. Heidi could tell by her Grandmother’s voice that she was worried about something. Heidi was 6 years old; she was a very smart little girl. She had helped grandmother on a number of her visits to the camp site.

Heidi packed her bag as fast as she could. She wanted to be really prepared so she threw in two of every thing including some extras. You never knew when an extra could come in handy.

Grandmother’s last message said she couldn’t wait. She would meet her at the camp site. What ever was happening had to be really important Grandmother was never bothered by any thing but this time something had really gotten to Heidi’s Grandmother.

When she arrived at her Grandmothers camp site there were already a lot of people there. It looked like they had moved in. When she finally found her Grandmother she asked her what was going on? Grandmother told her all the people staying at her camp site had lost their homes. Some had also lost heir jobs. They had no place to stay except in the woods. Heidi couldn’t see any thing wrong with that. She loved to camp out.

But Grandmother said you would not like to camp out if you had no water to drink or wash with, no food to eat, only the clothes you wore to keep you warm. No bed to sleep in. What would you do when it rains and you have no place to go to keep from getting wet? But Grandmother, Heidi said, there are so many how can we help them all? We will do what we can. One thing at a time.

Then Heidi remembered her extras that she had packed and knew just what she would do with them. She would give them to the homeless to help them stay warm. Because even a little extra something makes a big difference in someone’s life that has nothing.

By Linda Heaton Gaines for Heidi

"Penzeys Spices" beats out 20/20 VISTA Vison Project for top newsman

2009-11-21T16:22:00.000-05:00

It was our good fortune to meet Jim Smith, former Managing Editor of our local paper, the BRADENTON HERALD. He was looking for a new way to be creative after years of working as a newspaper businessman. He liked our VISTA project and was even more pleased when he chose and then was selected by the Project Light literacy project to spend his year there as a VISTA member.

But, it was not to be. A few days before he was to leave for the Atlanta pre-service orientation in July, Jim received a call from Penzeys Spices, offering him a writing position with their magazine/catalogue, and with it, came a move back to the cold north.

Most recently we received a copy of the recent issue of "Penzeys Spices" and a note from Jim to "check out the yummy recipes!" We will. Thanks, Jim!

Meet our youngest VISTA member

2009-11-21T16:12:00.000-05:00

Marquita Robertson joined the 20/20 VISTA Vision Project in December 2008. She is stationed at the Anna E. Gayle Resource Center in Palmetto creating an initiative to involve more parents in their childrens' educations, finding resources for the many activities that the center offers to its participants, as well as working with local agencies that are bringing resources to the community. When her year of service ends in next month, she will return to college where she has just five classes remaining before she receives her bachelor's degree in Forensic Science.

Early Thanksgiving celebration for School District VISTA members

2009-11-18T21:04:00.000-05:00

The Manatee Technical Institute culinary students prepared a delicious traditional Thanksgiving dinner buffet for 200+ hungry guests. This writer was invited to join the fun and captured this photo of Pilgrim Mary with VISTAs Karen Carpenter, Pat Brahm, Joe King and Marilyn King.

Just what is "Asset-Based Community Development" and who is John McKnight? Ask these VISTAs!

2009-11-18T20:48:00.001-05:00

With "Asset-Based Community Development" (community doing for themselves and not looking to institutions for help), a concept among our VISTAs, the 20/20 VISTA Vision Project collaborated with Manatee County Neighborhood Services to bring Tim Dutton (back row, far left), Executive Director of SCOPE (Sarasota County Openly Plans for Excellence) to deliver the message to Manatee County. Joining neighborhood and local Community Redevelopment Agency representatives and government staff, were our VISTA members. Attending the event were back row, left to right, Dutton, Karen Carpenter, Brian Lynch, Bob Terry and Jo Ann Spencer; front row: future VISTA Kalika Novoa, Nina Wiley, Alex DeMolina and Bridgette Halliburton. Not pictured: Joyce Whitworth.

American Education Week kicks off with volunteer readers

2009-11-18T20:41:00.001-05:00

With four AmeriCorps*VISTA members serving
at the Manatee County School District, it only seemed natural that VISTA members support education in our schools. To kick of American Education Week, VISTA members converged on Ballard Elementary School (the oldest school in Manatee County) to read to kindergarten and first grade classes.

VISTA members met with Reading Coach Heather Zink before being shown to their classes. Naomi Bivens (retired educator who taught kindergarten at the school and also Bridgette Halliburton's mom) read to kindergarteners along with VISTA Leader Bridgette. Also shown here are VISTAs Jo Ann Spencer and Linda Gaines, both reading to their respective classes.

VISTAs continue to read

2009-11-18T20:28:00.000-05:00

Shown reading here are AmeriCorps*VISTA members Alan Gedeon, Joyce Whitworth and Pat Brahm.

VISTAs among those welcoming Take Stock in Children official

2009-11-16T13:24:00.000-05:00

"Take Stock in Children is a solution to one of the most critical problems facing Florida--high dropout and high youth crime rates. Take Stock in Children has a proven record of helping low-income children stay out of trouble, graduate from high school, attend college, and become productive citizens."

"Take Stock in Children is a comprehensive program that helps low-income children succeed by providing college and vocational scholarships, volunteer mentors, student advocates/case managers, tutoring, early intervention and long-term support. High standards, parental involvement, and community support are crucial to the program's success." http://www.takestockinchildren.com/

Most recently, the Manatee County School District hosted State of Florida Take Stock in Children President and CEO Maria Sastre at a reception to introduce her to the community and to the many mentors that the local project has.

Shown here, left to right, are Doug Wagner-Director, Adult, Career and Technical Education of the School District of Manatee County, Maria Sastre, Virginia Sirocky-new VISTA member coming on board who will be stationed at Take Stock in Children, School District VISTA members Karen Carpenter, Marilyn King, Joe King, Diana Dill-Program Director of local Take Stock in Children and Alex Chavez, local Take Stock in Children Leadership Council member.

Other VISTA members attending the event were Bridgette Halliburton and Joyce Whitworth.

Veterans' Stand Down brings VISTAs together with their Daisy Girl Scout troop in assist

2009-11-14T12:52:00.000-05:00

With 229 toiletries bags and 83 Halloween trick-or-treat bags in hand, a local Daisy Girls Scout troop joined VISTAs Alex DeMolina and Joyce Whitworth to dispense them at the Veterans' Stand Down for homeless people on October 31 at the County Fair Grounds. Shown here with them are Girls Scout Autumn and her mom, Cyndie.

Annual Multi-cultural Fair at MTI has VISTA members representing their sponsoring sites

2009-11-14T12:30:00.001-05:00

Once again, the annual Manatee Technical Institute Farmworker's Program Multi-cultural Fair offered good food and entertainment to Manatee County residents. Manatee County Neighborhood Services VISTA members Al Gedeon and Alex DeMolina hosted their information booth and the Florida KidCare clowns were also on hand. They were interviewed by the local eduational network METV and for a show that will be broadcast in the near future. Photos, left to right, VISTAs Bridgette Halliburton, Alex DeMolina, Al Gedeon, Joyce Whitworth and Sylvia Gedeon celebrate Alex's birthday at the event. Alex and her tie-dyed cake, complete with peace sign. VISTAs Bridgette, Al, and Joyce at the Florida KidCare table.

New VISTA members and future VISTA members attend Volunteer Management Training class

2009-11-14T12:20:00.000-05:00

Volunteer Services of Manatee County Executive Director Adraine McKell used her years of expertise to present Volunteer Management Training to our newest VISTA members and two more that will be attending AmeriCorps VISTA pre-service orientation in Atlanta this upcoming week. In photo at left is Pat Brahm, Virginia Sirocky (who leaves for Atlanta on Tuesday) and Karen Carpenter. Clockwise, in photo two are Christine Blyden (who also leaves for Atlanta on Tuesday), JoAnn Spencer, Jim Heaton and Henry Blyden. In photo three are Joe King and Marilyn King.

All 20/20 VISTA Vision Project team members receive this specific training so that they are prepared to recruit volunteers and be able to sustain their projects after their service has ended.

VISTA Jim Heaton hosts volunteer thank you at his Goodwill GoodNeighbor Store

2009-11-14T12:13:00.001-05:00

Goodwill Chaplin Tom Pfaff (right) offers thanks to VISTA Jim Heaton for all of the work that he did to get volunteers and sponsors for his summer block party. Jim then awarded certificates to all of the volunteers who made it happen (that's VISTA Joyce Heaton in pink.) After the pizza party, Jim was surprised with an early birthday cake. Great job, Jim!

More VISTAs lend a hand at Pride Park Fall Fest 2009

2009-11-08T19:23:00.001-05:00

VISTA JoAnn Spencer popped corn. During the festivities, one of the two Florida KidCare clowns said hello to her husband, Sherod Halliburton and VISTA Al Gedeon chatted with Sharon Carlson and Debbie DeLeon.

(not shown) VISTA Brenda Freeman escorted the Truly Blessed Youth Choir to the event as part of the entertainment activities.

Make A Difference Day project two

2009-11-08T15:47:00.000-05:00

After collectings bins of toiletries for the upcoming Veterans Stand Down, VISTAs and community volunteers got together to extend their service of Make A Difference Day by putting together 229 bags of assorted toiletries for the homeless people in our community. They then assembled Halloween trick-or-treat candy bags to pass out to the homeless children that would be attending the Stand Down. VISTA mascot (boxer) Spencer Halliburton is also shown here taking a break with his grandmother, Naomi Bivens when the assembly process ended.

VISTA Alex DeMolina leads another successful event

2009-11-08T15:28:00.001-05:00

Second year AmeriCorps*VISTA member Alex DeMolina planned and orchestrated the second annual Pride Park Fall Fest; an event to bring services awareness to all of the residents of the area. Included in the 100 or so volunteers she recruited for the event were her fellow VISTAs and family members. Shown here are Naomi Bivens, Bridgette Halliburton and Joyce Whitworth-the Florida KidCare Clowns and Dave Kaminski. That's Bob Terry with Alex at the beginning of the day. Jim Heaton and Dave stopped by the Volunteer Check-In tent and that's Linda Gaines with two of her "charges"- the crash dummies.

Washington Park neighborhood celebrates National Neighborhood Day

2009-11-04T13:28:00.000-05:00

Here are the pictures that were taken during National Neighborhood Day on September 20th at 3pm at the Washington Park Community Work Station in Bradenton. We had a social gathering which consisted of a dish-to-pass from all the participants. Discussions ensued for us to brainstorm together ways in which we wanted make a difference in our neighborhood. As a result, it was agreed that we would go from a plea for help to the community, via a letter that was sent from the principal to all community persons and churches from G. D. Rogers Elementary Garden School. As a result commitments were made to mentor and a Women’s Mentoring Group was formed. We have accepted the challenge and will continue to have a viable interest in our community to make it a safer and more enjoyable place to live. JoAnn Spencer, AmeriCorps*VISTA-Bradenton CCRA