PV Adventures

February Volunteer Reflection, Part 2

2012-02-13T13:44:00.000-05:00

In our February PV Newsletter, we also included a reflection written by another of our volunteers,Maureen Maroney. Maureen thoughtfully compared her experience volunteering her first summer in 1994 and this past summer.

Flashback: July, 1994
Kate Maroney, 12, and I, her mother, slightly older, leave New Jersey for Wild and Wonderful West Virginia to be Passionist Volunteers for the first time ever. Attracted by the family- welcoming structure, and completely seduced by the incredibly charismatic Katie LaCarrubba, we plan to spend two weeks in Preston County, living in community and helping out where needed. Lacking a car capable of making the trip, we take a train, ending up in Cumberland, Maryland where we are met by the first PV’s we will come to know and love: the pre-Luke Mechmanns, who had graciously offered to fetch the novices and bring us’ Home.’

As the following ten days unfold, we learn Peggy and Ed, Michael and Clare, are representative of the other PV’s we will meet: the Schletzbaum family, as well as Trish and her two nieces from Massachusetts and the group we call the ‘teenagers’- Jill Wallace and Jenny Wiley (more about them later!) Jen’s brother John, Bill and Fabio- all living together in the big old parish house and going to work everyday- to run camps, to do house repair, to tutor. At night we pray and reflect on our day ( we especially like the ‘new and the good’ and will use it often in the following months.) We also have fun- who would have thought that Demolition Derbies were real? Remember Chubby Bunny?

When it is time to leave, Kate is in tears, so I figure our trip has been a success. Only when I promise we will return the following summer does she stop crying and start to plan for the following year.

Flash-forward: July, 2012
Kate Maroney, 29, and I, her mother, still only a teeny bit older, are leaving once again for West Virginia. Although we have been to WV many times since 1994, this is the first time in a dozen years we are able to drive down together. Much has changed: Kate, a professional singer, no longer lives at home; I have retired from teaching, and we have a car which will make the trip! The Passionist Volunteers are now the PV Volunteers, and Jenny and Jill, once apprentices to Katie, are the Co-Directors of the program. We are no longer working in Preston County, but in Wyoming County, and this year in a completely new location. We are not as nervous as we were that first year, but spend a lot of time saying, “I hope so and so is there with us this year” and “I wonder what jobs we will be doing, and how many kids will come to camp” reflecting our veteran rather than newcomer status. Of course, we still criticize one another’s driving and argue about the music we will listen to, but after all, we have been mother and daughter for a long time, and some things will never change.

More important things have not changed, either. The welcome we receive from Jill and Jenny and the other volunteers, some whom we know and some we do not. The strong sense of being in the right place at the right time, doing worthwhile work in sync with incredible human beings, the volunteers as well as the people we serve. Our new Directors, Jill and Jenny, along with the unfailingly imperturbable Dan, follow Katie’s lead in running a program which allows dozens of different people to come together to work and live in an atmosphere of peace, tolerance and justice. In short, our PV experience is a microcosm of the world we wish to inhabit; we get a glimpse of that world whenever we serve.

No tears when we leave this time, because Kate and I know we will be back- and we don’t even argue until we hit New Jersey!

February Volunteer Reflection, Part 1

2012-02-13T13:41:00.000-05:00

In our February PV Newsletter, we included a reflection written by one of our volunteers,Lucy Schletzbaum. Lucy talks about using her experience as a PV in a new and different volunteer experience.

A PV Experience in St. Lucia

This January four PV’s ventured to a different country to serve others for two weeks. It was through Bernice Toepfer that we decided to go to St. Lucia Island. In Bernice’s parish she knew Sister Diane and this Sister suggested we go to St. Lucia because of a hurricane had went through there in October. Some repairs needed to be done at the Pastoral Centre and Sister Frances could use some help. On January 10 Nick Bjelica, Bernice Toepfer, Dan and myself flew to St. Lucia, only knowing that we would be painting and varnishing.

In PV style, Sister Frances was there at the airport to greet us. I felt the warm welcome as I do when in WV.

During my stay there I felt the PV presence all the time: the sharing of bathroom/showers, the occasional coldness of the water at shower time (or sometimes no water), the laughter and sharing memories of past summers, the gathering after dinner with card games and snacking, the new foods at meal time and in general the whole sharing of the group. Many conversations were connected with the PV Volunteers. The thought that was always in the back of my mind was the encouraging comment Jenny and Jill share with the PV’s every summer: the PV’s do the things for the people that aren’t always the most noticeable and glamorous. We did not build any houses while in St. Lucia. Instead we did the simple and sometimes tedious jobs that made a difference in someone else’s life. The other volunteer group that was staying there stated many times they couldn’t believe we were just going to paint. They would brag on the number of small homes they were able to build and all the good they would be doing for the people. Sometimes they would invite us to join them on their sites, but we would turn them down because we were there to help Sister and the Pastoral Centre with their needs. The staff at the Pastoral Centre were very appreciative of what we were doing and the Monsignor couldn’t believe what we had accomplished in the two weeks we were there. Altogether we varnished the outdoor Stations of the Cross and the doors, and painted hand-rails, benches, the entrance gate, four large rooms, a hallway, two bathrooms and two doors!

I felt connected with the PV’s the entire time I was in St. Lucia. We started off as four people going to volunteer but during our stay I felt that we spread the PV charisma, realizing that we will always have the mission of the PVs in our hearts, and came back with a better understanding of what being a PV Volunteer truly means.

January Volunteer Reflection

2012-01-02T13:12:00.000-05:00

In our January PV Newsletter, we included a reflection written by two of our volunteers,Rebecca Hinman and Rob McKnight. Do do space constraints, we were only able to print part of their reflection. Here is that reflection in it's entirety.

As city folk, our notion of a “lifeline” upon entering into our service in Wyoming County was a narrow one, to put it kindly. A week, or two, or seven without what we would consider basic amenities would provide for us an entirely different lifestyle, one that we were both unfamiliar with. College consists of traffic, packed schedules, coffee shops, restaurants, textbooks, family, and friends. Little did we know that this so-called reality was simply a slice, even a sliver, of the whole. The West Virginia experience challenged all of our ideas about what a “normal” life was. To come to realize those true lifelines, like the Itmann Food Bank, The Way community center, Mullen’s Manor, UGWA, the refurbished homes of those displaced by floods and circumstance, and the PV’s was to encounter Christ’s love here on earth.

We had experienced different forms of service numerous times before. As regular volunteers at food pantries and soup kitchens, we were not strangers to the hardships that the poor and marginalized faced every day. But service in a big city offered something completely different than service in Wyoming County, West Virginia. When serving in Kansas City, Missouri or Lawrence, Kansas, we knew of resources that could provide shelter, food, and love to those who needed it. There are multiple food pantries, domestic violence shelters, social workers, free health clinics and people who make it their job to provide for the poor in our towns. There are never enough of these resources, but they are at least present. If someone in Kansas City told us they were in need, we could simply direct them to St. Francis Xavier food pantry where they could get food, St. James Place where they could get assistance paying their electric bill, JayDoc clinic where the uninsured could receive free care, and Holy Family Catholic Worker House where they could take shelter from the cold and enjoy the company of others. West Virginia did not seem to have these luxuries. Our time spent in West Virginia was time spent in community, service, and maybe most importantly, reflection. The reflections about our time this summer led to a personal campaign that told of our stories and of the insights we gained. We gave a voice to the voiceless of West Virginia. We told our friends back home not only about the injustice we saw, but all about the homemade biscuits, the hikes in the mountains, and the friendships formed with the PV’s and those we served. Our experience would not have been complete without every component.

West Virginia beautifully demonstrated how clarity is most often found in simplicity. One highlight of the PV experience was the opportunity to construct guitars out of little more than string, rocks and cigar boxes. PV’s as diverse and unique as the coffee mugs they held in their hands circled around to listen to Tom and Fred as they strummed these simple instruments, each in tacit agreement that the music was as rich and beautiful as anything they had previously heard. We couldn’t help but think about the work that was being done. The PV’s, for all we lacked in the way of resources and time, made up for it through our love and generosity. In those moments we realized how paramount the human element was, not only with regards to the service at hand, but to our lives as a whole. This was demonstrated in perhaps the biggest project of the summer, one in which the majority of the PV’s played a role. Jesse, a devoted preacher displaced by a flood, was in need of easy access for a home that had been raised onto cinderblocks in hopes that flooding would no longer be a concern. With a stockpile of wood, nails, tools, and a little (actually, a lot) of ingenuity, everyone set out to construct a ramp that would serve this purpose. Each individual contribution came together, and eventually this work of art we all called a ramp was created. All of the lunch making, water carrying, designing, nailing, sawing, and laughing had come together to make something that was larger than the sum of its parts, but for all of the significance of this ramp, perhaps the most meaningful element of the experience was the opportunity to talk to the man that we had all been working so diligently for. His gracious and cheerful nature was a reassuring reminder of the reason we had all come together in the first place, and the most gratifying part of the experience.

We are so grateful for our experience in West Virginia. It has altered our world view in the best way possible. We learned how to play Hearts, put up drywall, win at knockout, and how to cherish the PV’s who loved, encouraged, and kept us company. The PV’s have taught us so much about what it means to be men and women for others, and ultimately gave us hope that God has graced this planet with servants of all ages and backgrounds to make a heaven on earth. West Virginia and the PV Program is a haven for those who believe that we all have something to offer, and by putting faith in God and one another, we can accomplish great things. We pray that the PV’s continue to bring the spirit of service, simplicity, and reflection back to their homes and make a haven in New Jersey, Iowa, Florida, and everywhere else that PV’s are working for change. The PV’s continue to inspire us and give us strength even in the coldest of Kansas winters. Know that we are thinking and praying for PV’s everywhere and cannot wait to see you this summer!

Peace & Prayers,

Rebecca & Rob

If you are interested in writing a reflection for the February PV E newsletter, please let us know. We are always looking for new reflections!

Another Successful PV40 Event

2011-11-28T13:56:00.000-05:00

Last month PV Jo Welter decided to have a dinner part at her house to help support the PV40 effort. It turned out to be a very successful evening, and her words a pretty easy thing to do, so we asked her to write down how the event came to be.

When I approached my friend Sandy about helping me raise money for the PVs, she didn't hesitate for a moment. I knew I could count on her since she was involved in a fundraiser held at our parish to benefit the PVs two years ago.

My idea was to have a pizza party and invite some of our friends. Sandy thought it over and said it would be better to have a dinner party instead because it would bring in more money. We hoped we would be able to have 16 people but when the fliers went out, we ended up with 22, and then even more wanted to come!

WE had three table s end to end from the dining room extending into the living room. Deacon John and his wife Kare had just returned from Italy the day before and provided the salad and gave us a hand setting up the tables, etc. One friend served as bartender, other guests insisted on bringing desserts, it seemed everyone wanted to help out.

One couple was celebrating their 57th anniversary that day, so we ended up toasting them with Proseco, which is Italian champagne. What fun!

The dinner was fabulous. Sandy did all the cooking and the desserts she made, along with the others, were out of this world. We ended up with coffee, tea and espresso.

You don't have to have a dinner party or go to extremes to have a fundraiser. Of course having a friend like Sandy would be helpful, but I'm sure if you asked a friend or a group of friends to help you, they will not turn you down. Remember the words of Jesus, "when two or three gather in my name, I am there" and when we do things to help others, our actions become prayers and the Holy Spirit becomes a helper too.

Good luck with all your fundraisers!
Joo

BREAKING PV 40 NEWS

2011-11-18T14:00:00.000-05:00

As of November 18th, the PV40 Challenge has raised $6,954!!!

Thank you to everyone that has helped us get to this total. We are only $3,000 from our goal!

WEB in Brooklyn

2011-11-10T12:55:00.000-05:00

WEB, the young womens empowerment group formally known as TGIA, kicked off it's eighth year recently. With the loss of meeting space, the group as had to be creative as to where they can gather. They have met in diners, at parks, and for this meeting they were welcomed into the home of two of its members. We can't thank their mom enough for giving the space for the group to meet.

Leaders and WEB members alike were able to catch up on each other lives. The WEB leaders hadn't seen the young women since camp this summer, where they were all such a huge help in running our first camp at St. John's. The other purpose was to celebrate the first birthday of one of the member's child. Happy Birthday!!!

Plans are in the works for the annual WEB Thanksgiving celebration, always a highlight of the year. The Thanksgiving feast would take place in the same home again, but if anyone knows of a more permanent place where the group could meet, please let us know!

The PVs are on Twitter

2011-11-07T17:48:00.002-05:00

The PVs are now on twitter at pv_program@twitter.com. If you are on twitter we hope you will consider following us!

A simple PV40 Challenge idea

2011-11-07T17:47:00.000-05:00

Here is an easy way to ask friends and family to help support your efforts as a PV without feeling like you are asking for a lot of money.

Look at the number of contacts who are on your contact list in your email (minus fellow PVs of course) and divide that number in $250 (the PV40 Challenge amount) and ask for a donation of that amount from each person. For example, if you have 50 people in your contact list ask for every person if they can to donate $5 to the PVs. One volunteer did this and raised over $700, by asking for donations of $8. Not everyone responded, but others gave more. You never know the response you might get.

The amount is small, but when added together it amounts to quite a bit. Just like the PVs... We may be small in number, but we are mighty!

Tracking the PV 40 Challenge

2011-11-01T14:18:00.001-04:00

This post will be updated regularly with news from our PV 40 Challenge

*Garage Sale in Cincinnati,OH - Saturday, October 29th: All proceeds will benefit the PV Volunteers

*Italian Club Bake Sale at Holy Angels Academy, NJ - November 7th: All proceeds will benefit the PV Volunteers

*Personal Emails - Many volunteers are emailing their friends and families and asking directly for help in raising money for the PVs.

*Coffehouse and Book Sale - Volunteers in the Bronx will be hosting a coffee house and used book sale

*Jo's Chicken Parm. Dinner - On Sunday,Nov. 13. a chicken parm.dinner to benefit P.V. Volunteer program,$15 per person. Everyone welcome but must have check made out to P.V. Volunteers by Saturday. Nov, 5. Space limited to 18 people. Please call Jo if you are interested (732)-774-9302.

*Game Night - Morris County/Parsippany, NJ - November 26th - For more information go to http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=253449931373297

*Ministering - Gainesville, FL - Volunteers are putting in $$$ amount for each individual they are currently ministering to. To them we have given our time and talent.

*In honor/In celebration - We have a volunteer who just retired and asked that in lieu of retirement gifts to donate to the PV 40 Challenge. This can be done for birthdays, births, anniversaries, etc.

November Volunteer Reflection

2011-11-01T13:22:00.000-04:00

In our November PV Newsletter, we included a reflection written by one of our volunteers,Pat Wiley. Here is that reflection:

My time as a PV started out – literally – with a bang.

After years of familiarity with the program, I finally took the opportunity to become an active volunteer at the end of last July. Along with my daughter Carrie, I headed out on a Saturday afternoon for the six hour drive to Wyoming County, WV. Other than the few summer storms we encountered along the way, the drive was quite routine. Until we reached Pineville, where I announced my presence by colliding with a vehicle being driven by a local woman quite unprepared for the appearance of my car in the intersection she was driving through.

Even before any of us had unbuckled our seatbelts to survey the damage, the great wail of a Civil Service siren sprang the small town into action. Within less than three minutes, a swarm of First Responders was on the scene. The volunteer Fire Department, which had fortuitously been holding a picnic on grounds adjacent to the accident scene, was quick to make sure we were all okay. They were unbelievably friendly; they even invited us to their picnic! While no one was injured, my car had to be towed away and I had no idea when I was going to get it back. Jenny – who along with Jill was waiting at the Pineville house for our arrival – arrived on the scene and took us to the house where what would turn out to be among the most memorable weeks of my life began in earnest.

From the time fellow volunteers got there and we joined those already there, a spirit of kindness and generosity took hold and did not let up for the entire week we were there. And that spirit was not confined by any means to the volunteers. Whether it was a homeowner in the County we were assisting, a VISTA volunteer we encountered or the mechanic who was so helpful in getting my car back on the road.
That is not to say that everything in that area is rosy; quite the contrary. Nearly every advantage most of us take for granted is absent there. One of the things that makes the experience of volunteering in Wyoming County so amazing is the grace and dignity with which those who endure so much misfortune carry themselves. There is a stoicism and strength of character about them which simply must be experienced to be appreciated.

Among the many memories I carry from that week were the nightly “Reflections”. Anyone who has had the privilege of sharing these with Dan knows of his fondness for a nightly theme. The theme of this reflection is :”You Can take it with you”. I chose that theme because for a long time after I got back to the daily grind, I found myself spiritually buoyed by the memory of my week in West Virginia, and by those I was blessed to spend that time with. Even now, and hopefully continuing to when I repeat the experience, I can adjust my sometimes negative worldview by reflecting on how, for all of its hatreds and cruelties, there is much beauty and kindness in the world, You just have to know where to find it. And I have found a bounty of it in the PV Program.

PV 40 CHALLENGE

2011-10-19T13:42:00.000-04:00

We are launching a new fundraising effort and need your help. It is a critical time right now for the PVs, otherwise we wouldn't be asking for your help so soon after the appeal went out. It is our hope that the PV 40 challenge will engage people outside of the PVs.

PV 40 CHALLENGE: In celebration of entering our 40th year as a program, the PV 40 Challenge is asking for 40 teams (they can be an individual, group or organization) to try to raise $250. If we get 40 teams raising $250 a team, that would bring in $10,000, roughly the amount needed to fill our financial gap. The flyer lists some ideas for events that are simple and ask as little as a $7 donation. What we would like is for the people to reach outside of the PV Community and try to get some friends, families and coworkers involved, much like the "Live with Passion." The volunteers already give so much to our program, that we wanted to come up with an idea that would bring in other people.

If you would like a PV 40 Challenge information sheet or a booklet that can be used at events to inform people more about who the PVs are and what we do, please email us (pvprogram@gmail.com) and we will send them you way. As groups are formed please let us know so we can post it on this blog. We would like to show the progress of our effort on the way to the $10,000 goal. If possible, we would like all events to take place by December 1st.

Thanks for your continued support and generosity to the PVs!

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Fall PV Reunion and Evaluation Weekend

2011-10-18T13:34:00.001-04:00

What a beautiful weekend for our annual get together at the Jersey Shore. The dates were moved up a weekend from our traditional third week of October and boy did we have nice weather. Honestly it made it a little hard to sit inside while we were working, so much so that when we broke into two small groups, both groups headed outside. We were able to talk about the summer and the general state of the program and we enjoyed each others company and catching up with everyone. In all, twenty volunteers took part in the festivities of the weekend.
A huge thank you to Jo for hosting us for the day on Saturday and well as providing accommodations for eleven PVs on Saturday night. Also, a big thank you to Wayne and Kathy for having us over on Saturday night for dinner. We ate wonderfully all weekend and Saturday night was a beautiful night to sit around the outside campfire and share some laughs.
Thank you to all who came during the weekend. Your presence is what drives us into the future!

A few pictures from Saturday evening...

Bed Stuy Camp- Day 5

2011-08-26T23:47:00.009-04:00

The final day of camp... today's big highlight was making solar ovens. The kids made ovens out of pizza boxes and then cooked s'mores in them during recess. It ended up being a really cool craft.

We really had a wonderful week of camp in Brooklyn. Huge thanks to all the PVs who came to pitch in and make it happen. We wouldn't have been able to pull it off without your help! Also, a big thanks to our local young women and young man, who came faithfully each day and helped the camp run. Most importantly they were wonderful mentors to the kids. In all we had 38 kids enjoy "Space Camp" with 8 local mentors.

We enjoyed a wonderful week, experienced an earthquake together and rallied on the last day to clean up and pack up quickly so all could get a head start in leaving the city ahead of Hurricane Irene. For all PVs in her path, stay safe!

Bed Stuy Camp - Day 4

2011-08-25T20:59:00.000-04:00

After such a beautiful week, today we had our first bit of rain. Unfortunately with the rain the kids had to stay inside today for all of the camp day. The volunteers were great though, as they improvised and had a little "recess time" in the hallway and caught up on crafts that were missed earlier in the week because of the earthquake. The kids continued to have a great time and keep asking for another week of camp!

Bed Stuy Camp - Day 3

2011-08-24T20:22:00.000-04:00

Another great day at camp today. We really could not have asked for better weather than we have had this week. Sunny skies, a slight breeze...it has been beautiful.

We had another great day with the kids. Today the kids learned about the moon. All the activities focused on learning about the moon and it's place in space. The campers have been very attentive and a lot of fun to be around. We also have a wonderful group of junior counselors who ventured over from Monserrate to help with this new camp.

Enjoy some pictures from today...

Bed Stuy Camp - Day 2

2011-08-23T19:40:00.001-04:00

What an exciting day! We started the day and everything was running smoothly and we even picked up several new kids. And then...... the earthquake hit. Two classes were in the building and felt the sway, while the younger kids were out in the parking lot having their "recess time." We were asked to leave the building and stay outside until further instructed. While we were waiting on the sidewalk, an impromptu game of the magicball broke out on the sidewalk, harkening back to the early dates of the PVs in Bretz. After some time, it was decided that we shouldn't go back in case there was an aftershock. So, we spent the last hour of camp out in the parking lot skipping rope, playing with chalk, blowing bubbles, etc. Again, we were very impressed with everyone's ability to adjust and be flexible with the changes. After the kids went home, all the PVs headed over to the Alligator Lounge for pizza. Yummy, yummy!!!

Bed Stuy Camp - Day 1

2011-08-22T22:51:00.000-04:00

We started a new era today, as we began our first day of camp at St. John the Baptist church in Brooklyn. We were very pleased to have five of the young women from WEB join with eight PVs to run the camp. We were also pleased with the turnout of the camp with 22 kids in attendence. For being in a brand new place we feel like we have a great foundation to build upon.

After camp we headed up north to the Bronx to meet up PV's who live in the Bronx, Yonkers, West Chester area at Rory Dolan's. As always is was great to get together, catch up and enjoy the company of fellow PVs.

We will be uploading pictures and updating daily as the camp conintues. Enjoy!

Week 7 Pictures

2011-08-05T21:44:00.000-04:00

Friday, August 5, 2011

2011-08-05T20:05:00.000-04:00

"My life is my message." Mahatma Gandhi

The West Virginia portion of the PV Summer Program is officially complete. For the last day, we all headed to Mullens to work with UGWA and do bug counting, collecting. We were able to do samples in three different locations in and around Mullens. One area turned out to be fine and another, not so great and will need some work. The day turned out to be one of the hottest of the summer, capping off the hottest summer in West Virginia in 75 years.

After coming home from the bug monitoring, everyone pitched in to help get the house ready to close up for a few months. Instead of dirtying a bunch of dishes and creating leftovers, we ended up treating everyone to pizza.

We wrapped up the evening with a closing reflection, asking each of us to share a person or an event that left an imprint on our hearts.

As we close this portion of the summer, we want to thank everyone that came and spent time with us, or sent prayers and good thoughts our way. A lot of wonderful work was done, but more importantly many lives were touched including ours.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

2011-08-05T08:50:00.000-04:00

"The work an unknown good man has done is like a vein of water flowing hidden underground, secretly making the ground green." Thomas Carlyle

Today the crew headed back up to Hanover for one last day of home repair, and one last push for the summer. A small group went and finished up the bathroom we have been working on for a couple of weeks and the rest of the group went to continue work on the trailer where we have been removing drywall, replacing it, mudding sanding and painting. Besides all of the drywall work, today they installed a kitchen sink and cabinet. We were able to completely finish the living room, kitchen and bathroom, so the family can move back in while they continue to work on the remaining rooms.

Dinner tonight was like the story Stone Soup. A big pot of soup was made (well actually two pots of soup were made) from all the leftover vegetables in the house. It turned out to be scrumptious, especially when eaten with homemade the cornbread.

One of our very talented PVs sang us a song for reflection while accompanying herself on the guitar. It was beautiful and quite a treat. For the sharing component, a traditional "new and good" was done. We hadn't done a new and good for so long it was nice to revisit an oldie but goodie.

We can't believe we only have one more day of the PV summer program in West Virginia, where did the time go?

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

2011-08-04T08:48:00.000-04:00

"Thousands of a candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared." Buddha

Once again, we had two sites in the morning that joined together for the afternoon. The new site yesterday was putting a Ondura roof on a porch in Glen Rogers for a lady we met when we first came into the county 13 years ago. Luckily the Ondura could be put on right over the old rolled roofing roof, so the site was complete by lunch. The other group which they joined in the afternoon was the ramp site in Ravencliffe that was started yesterday. After a lot of sweat and hard work, the ramp was complete by the end of the day. After the site was complete, a car load of people headed up into Glen Rogers to visit another long time friend of the PVs who is quite the story teller. It turns out that the ramp we built was for his sister, who would have known.

Dinner tonight we were treated to a Mexican feast, make your own taco/burrito's with homemade grilled corn salsa. For dessert we had dump cake direct from the PV Cookbook. Yummy, yummy.

Reflection tonight we focused on the idea of a "bucket list." Not our own bucket list, but what our bucket list would be for the area down here. It was good to hear everyone's idea's of how they would help make the lives of the people here a little easier.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

2011-08-03T08:35:00.000-04:00

"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catchers mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back." Maya Angelou

The hot weather continues this week. Today was in the mid-90's and humid again. We just saw in the paper it has been the warmest summer in West Virginia in 75 years. At least we know we aren't crazy...

Today we started the day at two different sites, but ended up all at one. We had a few little things to tighten up at a site out in Lilydale, and after fixing those few things and visiting a little, the crew headed up to join the other work crew who were building a ramp. The ramp is for a woman in Ravencliffe who needs a little help getting in and our of her house. It is actually a backwards ramp, as the entrance to her house sits below the road. It was a lot of hard work, but when all was said and done we were able to get all the framing and all the posts up and a good start on the deck boards.

Dinner tonight we had a cookout and enjoyed veggie burgers and regular burgers, along with pasta salad and beans. Always a good and satisfying meal.

With all our sore muscles from the day, today's reflection was well timed, as we started it with some stretching and relaxing breathing. After a short reading, we shared and reflected how we are stretched while we are in West Virginia as PVs.

Monday, August 1

2011-08-02T08:34:00.000-04:00

"Love the earth and the sun and animals: Despise riches, give aims to everyone that asks; Stand up for the stupid and crazy; Devote your income and labor to others...And your very flesh shall be a great poem." Walt Whitman

A great day. We broke into two work crews today to go up to Hanover and finished off two sites that carried over from last week. We finished plumbing a bathroom for the gentleman up in Hanover. He is all set except for one more two foot wall to frame and drywall. He has a working sink, toilet and shower.

We also went up to continue work on the site where we have been ripping out flood damaged drywall, replacing it, mudding and taping and painting it. We made some progress, but as always we have more to do. We are going to try to get up there one more day.

After a warm and tiring day, we relaxed on the porch at the house and felt like we were watching wild kingdom. There were birds, cats, dogs and more dogs. Being able to enjoy the nature around us was a real treat.

Dinner tonight was homemade pizza, along with corn on the cob, salad, banana muffins, and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Yummy yummy!

Reflection tonight focused on water, the good and the bad of water. We were each asked to drink a glass of water and share whether it was good or bad, and why that was the case.

Sunday, July 31, 2011

2011-08-01T08:19:00.000-04:00

We are all settled into our house in Pineville and are all ready for the week ahead. Our group may be smaller in number this week, but we are a determined group, ready finish up the work in Wyoming County.

For our last community day, we headed up to Twin Falls for a hike to the falls, which included a little exploring in and around the falls. After we finished up the hike we drove up to the lodge. They have been spending the past several years renovating the lodge and it looks fantastic. You wouldn't even know it was the same place. We then went down to the pro shop by the golf course in hopes of getting ice cream, only to find out the little cafe went away during the renovations. We were left with only one thing to do, we had to go to Dairy Queen. What a sacrifice!

After our long day of excursions, a few naps were taken before dinner. For dinner we retooled leftovers from our Thursday night dinner from last week, spaghetti, added some garlic and melted cheese over it, and ta-da we had baked spaghetti, bread and salad.

After dinner we spent some time getting reoriented and then went right into the commissioning service, to welcome the new volunteers. The evening finished up with getting signed up for jobsites for Monday. We are looking forward to another great week.

Week 6 Pictures

2011-07-30T17:58:00.004-04:00

Friday, July 29, 2011

2011-07-30T15:17:00.000-04:00

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." Sir Winston Churchill

As you can imagine with moving out of the school, Friday was a really busy day. We broke up into teams to either clean, pack up or drive and move all of the PV possessions from Hanover to our house in Pineville. With teamwork and a coordinated effort, everything that we weren't still using (ie. air mattresses, food, etc.)was at the house and put away by 1:00 and the cleaners were done by noon. Having done the clean up with only 2 people before, this was an amazing effort the is MUCH appreciated.

After all the moving was done, some volunteers headed out to Glen Rogers manor for an afternoon of Banana Bingo and fingernail painting and what also turned out to be an afternoon of singing and playing the piano. What a great afternoon.

Also in the afternoon, some volunteers went on much appreciated visits to some of the people we have met over the years.

For dinner tonight we had pizza, since all of our dishes were packed. Although not a lot of food, it was appreciated after a hard days work.

Reflection tonight was a chance to close the chapter of this years summer program at Huff Consolidated. We reflected on how easy people can fall through the cracks, but how important it is to talk with each other and share our experiences. We all shared how we were changed, or how our world has changed because of our experiences this summer. It was a very poignant ending to this chapter.... onward to the house in Pineville for our last week in Wyoming County before moving on up to Bedford Stuyvesant.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

2011-07-29T08:22:00.000-04:00

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Howard Thurman

Another hot day awaited us on our last home repair day of the week. Today we had five different home repair sites going on at the same time. We finished the flooring/linoleum site, so the home owner can now return home after a year of being out of her house from the flooding. We were also able to finish up the ramp and powerwashing that we began yesterday for a woman in Brenton. Work continued, and will continue next week on the bathroom site and the site where we are replacing drywall four feet up throughout due to flooding. The last site was helping a man put down some hardwood flooring in his house, also damaged by the flood.

Tonight was our last night of using the kitchen, as we will be packing up everything tomorrow. Dinner was a delicious use of many of the items in the kitchen. We had spaghetti, bread and salad; and a delicious caprese, with tomatoes brought down from Jersey. We were treated to two desserts, brownies and zucchini bars made from zucchini that was brought down earlier in the summer from a volunteer's garden.

Reflection tonight focused on nourishment, how we nourish each other and other nourish us, both literally and figuratively.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

2011-07-28T08:25:00.000-04:00

"The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of tiny pushes of each honest worker." Helen Keller

Hot and humid seems to be the trend of the summer...Today we had the five home repair sites from yesterday carrying over as well as adding a new one. The ramp site and the porch roof site but were completed today, yay!!! A lot of progress was made at the flooring site. The big room has all of it's linoleum down and the back bedroom is ready for tomorrow. At the bathroom room site, we are ready for all the fixtures to be put in place, so that should be pretty close to being done by the end of the day. The drywalling site continues moving along well. This is a site that we won't be able to complete, but plan on doing as much as possible for the family before we leave for the summer.

The new site today was down in Brenton for an elderly lady who needed a small ramp to help her get out of her house as well as needing her whole house power-washed. When we stopped by the site in the evening to pick up some supplies, the house looked shiny and bright where the power-washing had been completed. The ramp frame was all built, just waiting for the deck boards, great progress was made.

Tonight for dinner we enjoyed a breakfast feast, pancakes, eggs, bacon and sausage. Yum, yum, yum. After reflection we had cupcakes as our dessert.

Reflection this evening focused on traits that we all as PV Volunteers share in common. We passed around a poster with a hand traced on it and everyone's names and were asked to add our trait to the poster and share with the group the word and why we chose that word.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

2011-07-27T08:32:00.000-04:00

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Our brief respite from the hot weather is over, as today the temperatures climbed back into the mid 90's. Despite the heat, all 5 home repair sites went on.

A group went back up to the flooring site to lay underlayment in the rooms that they ripped up the carpet and bleached the floors. They have almost all the underlayment down in both rooms so it is ready for the linoleum.

A group went back up to continue work on the porch roof that was started yesterday. All the framing is done, as well as two rows of ondura. Right across the yard at the site where they are redoing the bathroom, great progress was made. Everything is all laid out and they are ready to go to start with the plumbing.

The final two sites were the neighbors near the school. Work continued on the ramp, which is so close to being finished. Only a little bit of decking needs to be done and the hand rails. At the other house, a lot of work was done. Some volunteers hung drywall and mudded, while others sanded and painted. The house is really starting to come together.

Tonight's dinner was a gourmet feast. We had pork tenderloin, green beans with almonds, rice and beans for the veggies, and salad. After reflection we had our dessert of cooked peaches with honey drizzled over them served over lady fingers. Absolutely delicious.

Reflection tonight focused on the little things. How every day we do a lot of little things and how sometimes those little things are really big things to other people.

Monday, July 25, 2011

2011-07-26T08:48:00.000-04:00

"Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness, to pull another hand into the light." Norman B. Rice

The first work day of a new week...today we had 5 home repair sites and one combo site. For the combo site, a group went down to meet a food truck to transport items to the Itmann Food Bank. After driving the food and unloading it in Mullens, the group went back to Pineville to go to meet another truck at St. Vincent DePaul and unload it. This truck was packed tight with furniture and other household items for distribution throughout the county.

On the home repair front, we sent groups back to the ramp and back to the drywalling site behind the ramp. We also start three sites, all in the Hanover area. On group spent their day building porch roof for the woman whose house we worked on all last summer. This past winter when it snow, she had snow accumulate in front of the door, making it impossible for her to open her door. With a porch roof this problem should be eliminated.

We sent another small group next door to work on putting in a bathroom into a small camper trailer that this gentleman calls home. We are taking out the small toilet and sink that are in there and replacing them with regular sized items as well as putting in a small shower so he doesn't have to go to his brothers house to shower.

The final group was working up the road ripping out carpets for a lady who has been out of her house for a year since the flood of last spring. Even though the water did not get into her house, it got up and under her house and saturated her carpets which in turn grew mold. The group pulled up all the carpets and scrubbed the floor with bleach to remove any remaining mold.

After a tough day of work we were all looking forward to dinner. Tonight we were treated to shepherds pie, corn, beans and salad. It was delicious and filling.

Reflection tonight centered on home. We do home repair, but what does that structure of home represent to us. It was a very thought provoking reflection.

Sunday, July 25, 2011

2011-07-25T08:28:00.000-04:00

And the last week in the school begins.... this week we have the largest group of the summer with 34 volunteers, which is great as we try and finish up as much work as we can this week before we move to the house.

On Saturday we only said goodbye to three volunteers, but over the weekend we welcomed 18. With a full house and a lot more names to learn, we were once again led in community building activities by our two summer longs. Once again, a good time was had by all. Since this was the last Sunday they will be with us, we just wanted to say what a wonderful job they did all summer long as our community liaisons. They did a great job bring each community together.

Shortly after community activities finished it started pouring down rain. It was raining so hard that water kept coming up the kitchen floor drain and flooding the kitchen. We were armed with mops to tackle it each time it came up, but it was quite a battle. Eventually we ended up "plugging" the hole with one of our cups and at the same time the rain subsided, we are not sure which acting stopped the water, but as long as it stopped. After that excitement we went outside to check the creek and the water was high and moving very fast from all the rain.

For the evening meal, we had our usual Sunday cook out meal. The excitement this time was that the Hanover Fire Department came as someone had called in thinking the school is on fire. Soon after the fire department called, the principal called. It is good to know that people are looking out for us : )

We closed the evening with the commissioning service and jobsites for Monday. We are looking forward to another great week!

Week 5 Pictures

2011-07-23T08:36:00.000-04:00

Friday, July 22, 2011

2011-07-22T23:39:00.000-04:00

"I've seen and met angels wearing the disguise of ordinary people living ordinary lives." Tracy Chapman

Yet another hot and steamy day. There is hope that this weather is supposed to break over the weekend... Today is our non-home repair day, but still a very busy day.

We sent a crew over to St. Vincent DePaul in anticipation of a truck arriving on Monday. The warehouse needed some organizing so that there would be space to put the items that will be delivered.

Another crew went up to Twin Falls to work on a trail in the park that they would like to open up to hikers and mountain bikers. The PVs worked alongside UGWA and the Hillbilly Bike Club.

We also sent volunteers out to the way to continue to work on the firewall and the tiling in the bathrooms. The place looks great and is getting close to where it needs to be to be open to the youth.

Another crew also went to Mullens Manor for a day of Banana BINGO. There were 16 residents that took part in the BINGO, with many staying afterwards for the nail painting and conversation.

The final group of the day finished up at our inaugural Hanover PV Basketball Camp. The crowds grew as the the week went on and the kids had a great time and leaned a lot. Big thanks to "Coach D" and "Coach John" for their tireless enthusiasm and patience they showed to the kids this week.

For dinner tonight we were treated with a combo of home-cooked veggie lasagne and chicken and slaw, brought down by the family whose house we are in the middle of building the ramp for. They wanted to thank the volunteers for all their hard work on the ramp by supplying us with dinner.

We wrapped up the week with a reflection on volunteering, how it brings up a lot of questions, changes us and reshapes our views.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

2011-07-22T08:38:00.000-04:00

"Sometime in your life, hope that you might see one starved man, the look on his face when the bread finally arrives. Hope that you might have baked it or bought or even kneaded it yourself. For that look on his face, for your meeting his eyes across a piece of bread, you might be willing to lose a lot, or suffer a lot, or die a little, even." Daniel Berrigan

Today was another hot, humid and steamy day, with the temperatures in the upper 90's and the heat index at 105. Our mantra, drink lots of water, take lots of breaks and quit early....

There were two home repair sites today as well as the basketball camp. We were able to finish the site over in Lillydale. The place looks great with some new floors, new tiling, a new door and part of a ceiling replace. Great work was done by the PVs and the home owners seem happy with it. What more could we ask for, right?

The second home repair site was continuing to work on the ramp in Hanover, as well as finish up some ceiling tiles inside the bathroom. The ramp is coming along, with only about 35 feet of framing left to finish and the deck boards are almost caught up to the framing. It will be a beautiful ramp when it is finished.

Basketball camp went great today. We picked up kids both in the morning session and in the afternoon session. In all now, there are 16 kids participating in the camp and we couldn't be more thrilled.

By the time dinner rolled around everyone was hot, tired and hungry. Luckily, we were having taco's so everyone was able to munch on them to their hearts content. They were delicious!

The focus of reflection was on our and everyone else's extra-ordinariness,using CS Lewis' Mere Christianity as a prompt. WE were asked to share a moment in the day when we were extraordinary and when we witnessed someone else being extraordinary.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

2011-07-21T08:37:00.000-04:00

"A handful of pine-seed will cover mountains with the green majesty of a forest. I too will set my face to the wind and throw my handful of seed on high." Fiona MacLeod

Another hot and humid day in southern West Virginia. Today we had two home repair sites and the basketball camps. The home repair sites are continuing sites from yesterday. The ramp is getting close to getting all of its framing done and the site with the floor and tile replacement is moving along quite well, as well. But sites ended up wrapping up a little early because of the heat and humidity. Basketball camp continues to grow and to gain momentum. The camp for the older kids in the afternoon has gotten bigger each day.

The menu for dinner tonight was breakfast for dinner. We were treated to an egg casserole, fried potatoes, fruit salad and blueberry muffins. Yummy, yummy.

Reflection centered around the idea of equality, or lack there of. We were read several quotes about equality and a prayer by Mother Theresa and asked to share a "new and good" from the day.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

2011-07-20T08:28:00.000-04:00

"It's one thing to have a lot of people around you. But you know you're in a good place when you have a lot of people around that would give you the shirts right off their backs." Unknown

The temperature continued to climb today, despite the fact that it was a little drizzly in the morning. Like most of the country right now it, we are having hot and humid weather. The weather did not hamper a lot of wonderful work that was done today though. We had groups at three home repair sites and at Basketball Camp.

One home repair group finished the spindles on the ramp that was started two weeks ago. The ramp is officially done. Thank you to all who put in a lot of hard work in building the ramp, it looks beautiful.

Next door the ramp continues as about half the framing is done. Just like the ramp next door, this is quite a project as it helps the home owners exit and enter their homes after they have been raised up 8 feet to protect them from flood waters.

The third group headed out to Lilydale to work on several repairs in home there. There started by fixing in a leaky sink, tearing up the floor that the leak ruined, replacing the floor and tiling the floor. The hallway still needs to be done as well as a couple of other minor things around the house. Our friends from down the street were around lending a helpful hand whenever needed.

The Basketball Camp continued, and continued to pick up a few more kids. The kids are having a great time and receiving wonderful coaching from "Coach D" and the rest of the PVs.

Dinner tonight we were treated to chicken and rice, vegetable ratatouille and brown rice. Yummy yummy! With our over abundance of zucchini, it was but to creative use by making zucchini chocolate chip cookies and they were delicious.

Reflection tonight was on burdens. The reflection leaders used the symbol of a yoke and actually recreated a yoke that we each put on as we shared a burden that we see or share.

Monday, July 18, 2011

2011-07-19T08:42:00.000-04:00

"You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give." Kahlil Gibran

We woke up today with the sun shining and a promise of a warm day. Volunteers were spread out at four different sites today, two home repair sites, the Itmann Food Bank and Basketball Camp.

One of the home repair sites was finishing up the ramp that we have been building for the last couple of weeks for a man up in Hanover and the other was working next door at his son's house to build him a ramp of own. Both are moving along wonderfully, but by afternoon it started getting pretty hot. That is for everyone except the lucky two who worked near the open front door and could feel the air conditioning coming out : )

The group who ended up at the Itmann Food Bank started their day stopping by St. Vincent DePaul and picking up as much paint as could fit in the vehicles to bring over to the Food Bank for distribution. They got pretty much most of it, but there are a few cans left. After they got to Mullens and unloaded the paint, they began to reorganize the food bank from Friday's distribution.

The final group of volunteers stayed back at the school to run the basketball camps. Coach D is back for another year of basketball fun. There were nine kids at the camp, with expectations of there being more tomorrow as many of them were going to bring friends along. Also there was some recruiting of the kids who are often found in front of the school playing basketball.

Tonight for dinner we had a filling, but simple meal of spaghetti, salad and bread. The veggie sauce was fortified with vegetables from a volunteers garden that made the trip to WV.

Reflection this evening centered on community and how community can stretch us, in a good a way. We were asked to share an example of how community stretches us.

All in all, a great start to another week.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

2011-07-19T08:29:00.000-04:00

Saturday morning, as we said goodbye to 23 PVs we awaited the arrival of another 14 to begin the fifth week of the program. After Mass, as a group we headed up to RD Bailey Lake Dam and checked it out. After getting the view from above the dam and lake, we drove down the road and checked out the backside of the dam and the river.

The evening festivities were the usual Sunday night fare, orientation, dinner and reorientation for everyone who came in over the weekend. We wrapped up the evening with jobsites and our commissioning service. We are looking forward to another great week.

Week 4 Pictures

2011-07-16T10:08:00.000-04:00

Friday July 15, 2011

2011-07-16T10:02:00.000-04:00

"If you open your heart, the world for you will change and never be as it was before." Paul Dodge

Today was a day free of home repair, however it was a very busy day. First to leave the school in the morning was the crew heading out to help with distribution at the Itmann Food Bank. As usual it was a very busy day, with lots of people taking advantage of the food, clothing and housewares being offered.

Another group went with UGWA up to Twin Falls State Park to do some trailblazing on a section of trail that will be part of a new trail being built to parallel the Appalachian Trail. The PVs worked alongside UGWA volunteers as well as members of a mountain biking club.

We also sent a group out to continue work at the Way outside of Mullens. The volunteers continued tiling and dry-walling.

Today was also the last day of our inaugural Hanover Day Camps. Soccer camp and craft camp ended on a high note with 4 kids at each. A soccer camp the kids learned a lot of new skills during the week, as most had never played the sport before. At craft camp the kids finished their box guitars and were thrilled with them.

In the afternoon, several different PVs converged on Glen Rogers Manor of an afternoon of Banana Bingo, nail painting and conversation.

We were all treated to five different home made pizzas for dinner tonight. The pizza was delicious. For dessert we had a choice of either home made peach cobbler and/or banana bread with chocolate chips.

As it is Friday, our reflection was focused on the experiences of the last two weeks. Using the idea of the sower from Sunday's gospel reading we were asking to reflect on a seed of love we witnessed being sowed this week. As always it is great to hear what particular experiences really impacted everyone during the week.

Thursday July 14, 2011

2011-07-15T09:06:00.000-04:00

"It is the quality of our work which will please God and not the quantity." Gandhi

The heat finally broke today and we enjoyed a nice sunny, but warm day. We had groups continue at the two sites in Mullens, replacing drywall and finishing the steps. Great progress was made! We were also able to finish up the painting and powerwashing site that we started yesterday. The work was completed pretty quickly, but that left plenty of time to visit with the homeowner and her aunt.

We also picked up another kid for both the soccer and craft camp. We are very excited to slowly be building up the camps and the kids and the parents seem to be enjoying the opportunity to come. In the craft camp today they started building their cigar box guitars and they were thrilled!

Tonight in PV land we were treated to a taco and baked potato bar that was scrumptious. The meal was topped off with brownie sundaes and all the fixings.

We were led in a beautiful reflection tonight about the different attributes that we all find important in our PV experience (ie., community, compassion, love, acceptance, etc) and how we can apply those at home and keep a bit of our PV experience alive.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

2011-07-14T08:30:00.000-04:00

"Live simply so others may simply live." Elizabeth Ann Seton

Today the temperature broke a little. It was still warm and very humid, but we had some cloud cover for a lot of the day. Today we sent a group back up to work on the ramp and the stairs and then started two new sites. At one site we worked in a trailer that still had not had any work done since the flood so we cut out the damaged drywall, about 4 feet up, tore out the insulation and replaced both. Since we had a good size group we broke into two groups and were able to make progress in two rooms.

Another new site we worked on was painting inside a women's trailer and power-washing the outside. Her trailer is 40 years old, but looks immaculate on the inside.

Camps continued today and we are happy to report a 300% increase as we had three kids for both camps. Between the local kids and the PV kids (not to mention the big PV kids) it seems that everyone was having fun.

For dinner tonight we were treated to an Indian feast with chicken, curry and rice. It was delicious. For dessert we had cake and homemade ice cream to celebrate one of our summer longs birthdays, Happy Birthday!

Reflection tonight focused on opportunities. We were asked to reflect on an opportunity which may have seemed small to begin with, but really became life changing.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

2011-07-13T08:34:00.000-04:00

"Act without doing; work without effort. Think of the small as large and the few as many. Confront the difficult while it is still easy; accomplish the great task by a series of small acts." Tao Te Ching

We awoke this morning still with only partial power in the building. Some rooms still had no lights, some had no air conditioning, some had partial lights, air conditioning, etc., the internet was still down and the phones were still down. As we headed out to jobsites, many of whom where in the Hanover area we weren't sure if there would be power at the sites. Sure enough at the the three home repair sites in Hanover there was no power. One site did all they could until the cordless drills died, another site did not need electricity so they went about their work in the dark and the third house painted by kerosene lantern. You got to love the flexibility and adaptability of the PVs!

Another group took the long drive to Mullens to continue work at The Way youth center, this time working alongside a group from Tampa. The group continued drywalling and tiling and were joined by the group who ran out of power on their drills. There were a lot of people working and a lot getting accomplished.

It was also day two of our camps and unfortunately due to the power outage we had no kids show up. We say kids later in the day and they said they just assumed there would be no camp since there was no electricity. We are looking forward to tomorrow's camp.

For dinner tonight we were treated to Brazilian Chicken, beans and rice as well as cooked carrots that were all delicious. For dessert, a special treat of jello and cool whip : )

Reflection tonight focused on our challenges and triumphs of the day as well as reflecting on what virtues to we strive for that we encounter during our time as PVs.

Monday, July 11, 2011

2011-07-12T10:19:00.000-04:00

"Don't wait for something big to occur. Start where you are, with what you have, and that will always lead you into something greater." Mary Manin Morrissey

Today was a very hot day, with highs in the upper 90's. The day finished off with a tremendous thunder, lightening and wind storm that caused our power to go out and partially remain out over night into the next morning. We are realizing that power outages occur quite a bit on this end of the county as this is the third time we have lost power in three and half weeks.

The sites were able to get quite a bit done, despite the heat. Work continued on the the ramp and the neighbors house. We also started painting at the other neighbors house, one that we worked on during the spring break trips. So much has been done in that house in the last few months and it is really coming together and looking beautiful.

Besides the three sites working next to each other, another group headed out to
Mullens to continue painting the floor and getting the Itmann Food Bank ready for distribution.

The final two sites were our first camps that we are having in the Hanover area, soccer and craft. Having never done a camp out here and not having a lot of connections yet to people in the area, we were not quite sure what to expect as far as numbers. We ended up with one enthusiastic camper (in addition to the PV campers) and promises of several more to join us tomorrow.

The day was topped off with a delicious meal of baked ziti, spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread and salad. And to top if off, homemade chocolate chip cookies. Very satisfying after a hard days work : )

Just as we were gathering for reflection, the power started flickering and then partially came back on, so we continued. We listened to a wonderful song about changing the world and went around a shared a "new and good" from the day.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

2011-07-11T08:20:00.000-04:00

Another week begins.... After the long drive to Mass in Pineville and grabbing a quick lunch, we all gathered together for our community day activities, a fun day of activities were planned! We started with a name game just to try and get everyone's name down before the week even began. After that we moved into a series of competitions in the style of "Minute to Win It." While we had a lot of fun, lets say the competition was rather fierce between the six teams.

After all the games were done, we met up with the brand new PVs for an orientation session before dinner began. Dinner, was our usual Sunday menu of hamburgers, veggie burgers, beans, corn on the cob and many different salads. It was delish!

After dinner we gathered together everyone who arrived during the weekend for a reorientation and to catch them up to speed with changes in the program. We wrapped up the evening with the PV Commissioning Service to prepare ourselves as we head out for another week of service, community and reflection.

Week 3 Pictures

2011-07-09T08:40:00.000-04:00

Friday, July 8, 2011

2011-07-09T08:13:00.000-04:00

"The purpose of life is not to be happy - but to matter, to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you have lived at all." Leo Rosten

Another week draws to a close, my how time flies... Today we sent a large group to The Way and they were able to do quite a lot of work. The firewall is finished framing and partway covered with drywall, enough tiling has been done so that the plumber coming in this weekend can do what he needs to do. The place is really coming together.

Another group went to the MOC to meet up with UGWA. From there they headed out to the river for some bug collecting. The health of the stream is able to be monitored by the number of bugs collected and the different species that are living in and around the water. A very productive and informative day.

We also sent another crew back to St. Vincent DePaul for a final day of distribution from the warehouse. At one point part of the group went down to the house in Pineville to mow and to do a bit of pruning. The place looks fabulous.

In the afternoon while some PVs went for a few visits, others gathered at Mullens Manor for a great game of Banana Bingo and afterward they painted quite a few nails.

We had yet another scrumptious meal tonight, cranberry chicken and rice, and the veggie dish wash beans and rice. Very good indeed!

After eating and cleaning up we headed into the relfection area for the final reflection for the week. Tonight we reflected on love and were asked to share the good ole' new and good. It was great to hear about everyone's week.

Sadly as the week draws to an end we must say goodbye to 14 members of our community in the morning. They will be missed!

Thursday, July 7, 2011

2011-07-08T08:25:00.000-04:00

"I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do." Edward Everett Hale

Another day with six sites going on throughout the county...We continued on with the porch at the house in Hanover and begun work at the neighbor's house, both were flooded just over a year ago. We also finish up the ramp and back porch at another site just down the road. We were also able to send a group back to The Way to continue work on the tiling. A group also went to St. Vincent DePaul to help with distribution and a final group continued painting the floors at the Itmann Food Bank.
We were treated to a wonderful meal of homemade manicotti, (the cooks stayed home from sites just to make the pasta!) ziti, salad a bread. It was fabulous!

When it was time to gather for reflection we were asked to reflect on lessons we have learned while we have been in WV that we have or want to take home with us.

All in all another great day.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

2011-07-07T08:36:00.000-04:00

"The difference between a helping hand and an outstretched palm is a twist of the wrist." Laurence Leamer

We had six sites going on today, three home repair sites carrying over from the day before as well as three additional sites. The three additional site included painting the floor at the Itmann Food Bank with non-slip paint, laying ceramic tile at The Way in Mullens, and preparing for distribution day at St. Vincent DePaul. A good day was had by all.

For dinner we feasted on ham, macaroni and cheese, green beans and salad, a nice comfort meal after a hard days work. We were also treated to banana bread with chocolate chips. Yum Yum.

Reflection tonight focused on when we have felt the Holy Spirit in our lives and more specifically in our time as PVs.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

2011-07-06T08:29:00.000-04:00

"Bread for myself is a material question. Bread for my neighbor is a spiritual one." Nicholas Berdyaev

Today we continued work on the sites we were working on at the end of last week, but with a whole new crew. A two person crew went up to finish the tiling site from last week. The report back was that the home looked great and that the homeowner was so happy to bring her bed back into her bedroom. It will be the first time she has slept in her bed since the flood over a year ago.

Another group went up to continue on with the soffits and fascia. They are within 45 minutes of finishing, but the weather just got too hot. The same was true with the ramp we were finishing up right near by and the site in Lilydale. All three of those should only take another day.

We also continued work right up the street from us, hanging paneling, dry walling and mudding. Work was also started on a ramp and stairs that will be constructed partly out of already made platforms and partly new construction. It will be quite a site when all is finished.

For dinner tonight we were treated with chili and rice, both the meat and the veggie varieties. It was delicious and topped off with German chocolate cake. Yummy.

As usual, in the evening we gathered for reflection. Tonight we reflected on judgments. Times when we felt judged and times when maybe we judged someone. It was a very thought provoking reflection.

Monday, July 4, 2011

2011-07-05T08:27:00.000-04:00

"i thank You God for most this amazing day; for the leaping greenly spirits of trees and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything which is natural which is infinite which is yes." e.e. cummings

Happy fourth of July!!! We hope you and your families had a wonderful day. We had the unique situation in that all of the home owners whose houses we were working on were going to be away for the fourth, so we needed to find some alternative activities. We search high and low for festivals and fourth of July fun, only to find the closest thing like that was in Fayetteville. We decided to give everyone options of different activities that they could do and let everyone choose, much like job sites.

The one "site" that pretty much everyone signed up for was a guitar making workshop that was help at the school by two of our talented volunteers. PV's constructed guitars our of cigar boxes and lumber. It was amazing to watch them come into being. We will post pictures at the end of the week.

In the afternoon people went swimming, hiking, for a drive around the county. at about 1:30 the skies open up and we had quite a down pour with huge wind gusts that knocked a tree down near by, that in turn knocked our power out for what ended up being over six hours. Not only the power, but about four hours into it, our water since it was being run by an electric pump. Everyone was very flexible and made the best of it. We had sandwiches for dinner and we did jobsites by flashlight. Just as we were wrapping up jobsites that power came back on and was back to "normal." After a strange beginning of the week, everyone is set and excited to go out on sites tomorrow.

Sunday, July 3, 2011

2011-07-04T10:21:00.000-04:00

Everyone made it in safe and sound on Saturday, so we were ready for Sunday's community building activities. This week we have 30 volunteers, many of whom do not know each other, so getting to know a little bit about each other before we begin the work we was crucial. Our community guru's led us in several ice breaker games that got the group laughing and enjoying themselves.

Before dinner we gathered the newest PV's together for an orientation to the area and the issues that effect many of the people we work with in. For dinner we had our usual Sunday night cookout with all the fixings. After dinner the whole group gathered for reorienation, as the only holdovers from last week were the staff. We closed the evening with our commissioning service.

We are looking forward to another great week ahead.

Week 2 Pictures

2011-07-02T10:31:00.000-04:00

Enjoy!

Friday, July 1, 2011

2011-07-02T08:35:00.000-04:00

"I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." Mother Teresa

Fridays are home repair free days, allowing everyone to work with different agencies throughout the county. With that said, groups worked with UGWA, St. Vincent DePaul, the Way and Glen Rogers Manor. All and all a great day.

For tonight's dinner we got to relive many of the highlights of dinner from this week along with Nancy's Chicken (minus the chicken.) Very yummy!

The closing reflection for the first two weeks centered on the stories we have heard during our time and what stories we will share when we get home.

All in all, this week was a great week. We will be sad to say goodbye to all but our two summer longs, but look forward to welcoming in a whole new crew.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

2011-07-01T08:47:00.000-04:00

"I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer neglect it , as I shall not pass this way again." William Penn

Another good, but busy day. Today we had PVs at four different home repair sites, plus on all important garbage pick up. Volunteers continued to attach a ramp to a trailer at one site, they continued tiling at another, and dry-walling at another, all in Hanover. At the fourth site in Lilydale, while waiting for the final roofing supplies, volunteers did many little but important repairs through out the two trailers that sit on the property. The garbage pick up crew was busy running around to different sites that we had worked on the first two weeks to pick up the trash we had left behind. After three trips up to the dump at the top of the mountain, they were able to call it a successful day.

As seems to be the trend this week, we had another wonderful meal. This time the meal was lasagne, salad and garlic bread and for dessert chocolate raspberry bars, yummy, yummy in the tummy tummy.

Reflection tonight focused on friendships and different types of friendships that exist. We shared a bit about the people we have met down here and how some of those relationships have evolved into friendships.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

2011-06-30T08:32:00.000-04:00

"Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be." John Wooden

Today we had five home repair sites going on, close to a record I think. We continued work on three from the previous day, went back to Lilydale to work on finishing the roof we started last week when the weather was better, and added a fifth, but familiar site. For those of you who were here last summer you undoubtedly worked if not heard stories working at the two houses that were flooded side by side in Hanover. Well today we went back up there to help to attach a ramp to one of the houses. More than the work that was down up there, the part that was most exciting was for volunteers to see there finished product as well as to visit and catch up.

We had a special treat for dinner as we had homemade calzones with such a variety of vegetables and meats. I think the round of applause and whistles when the cooks came out said it all. There were many happy, full and content PVs after the meal.

The Martha and Mary story were the focus of tonight's reflection as we were asked to share a time when the Martha and Mary in each of us were conflicted. The Martha/Mary story is such a perfect example of how we try to be as PVs.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

2011-06-29T08:40:00.000-04:00

"All is a gift. When one can see the gift of each person, then our view of the world is completely transformed." Kimberly A. Clouse

Today we had four home repair sites running a the same time, lots of PV hammering! We continued working at the flooring site and the painting and siding site in Hanover. The latter being rained out right after lunch. We also continued our work at The Way youth center, helping to hopefully get the place up and running as soon as possible. The fourth site of the day was a new site, but one that we will be working on for quite awhile. We worked for a couple in Hanover would had been flooded out several times, but who have recently had their home raised eight feet to prevent further damage.

Tonight for dinner we had breakfast for dinner, pancakes, eggs, sausage and bacon. With the wonderful assistance of the cook, the dinner was done early! Nothing like breakfast in the evening.

Reflection centered on the image of the bufflehead duck, submerging under water for long periods of time and then popping up again in unexpected places, similar to God in many ways. We went around the room and shared where we saw God today and this week.

Monday, June 27, 2011

2011-06-28T11:05:00.000-04:00

"Give without remembering and receive without forgetting." Author Unknown

Mondays, new group, new adventures... As our group has got bigger, we have quite a few sites going on at the same time. Today we had five different sites. We had one group that had a lot of driving as they went to Pineville to meet a truck of food for the Itmann Food Bank, then drove the food to Mullens unload the food, load up some boxes for St.Vincent DePaul, back in Pineville and then back to the school.

We also had a group who finished up the plumbing work at the house in Pineville. They refilled the massive holes that were dug, mixed and laid new concrete, refastened the shelves that had been removed and reorganized and straightened up the basement. It looks great! Afterward the group went next door to visit a little while with our neighbor and landlord.

A group also headed out to Mullens to work on the inside of "The Way", a youth center that will be opening up in the old Big Lots building. This site will be an ongoing site throughout the summer. When finished, "The Way", will be a tremendous resource for the youth in the county,

Back closer to "home" were our two more traditional home repair sites. At one site the work consisted of taking up floors were damaged in recent flooding and replacing the flooring with new plywood. At the other site the crew replaced some soffits and fascia boards, along with scraping and painting the trailer.

Back at home in the evening we were treated to a Mediterranean feast. A vegetable mix with meat over rice, served with homemade pitas. For dessert we were treated to a delicious fruit pizza.

Later in the evening we gathered to reflect on gratitude. We have so much to be grateful and we were reminded that sometimes even things that are difficult end up being things we are grateful for.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

2011-06-27T08:26:00.001-04:00

Just as we started out to Pineville for Mass in the morning, the skies opened up and we drove in a torrential downpour the half an hour to church. But it seems while we were in Mass the rain passed and it turned into a beautiful day.

For Community Day we decided to make the short drive up to RD Bailey Lake/Damn Visitor Center. Our two summer longs led the group in some rather hilarious and entertaining icebreaker games. All I can say is bunny, bunny, bunny, bunny, bunny...

We had our traditional Sunday night cookout of hamburgers and veggie burgers, yummy. After dinner was finished, we took some time with the newly arrived volunteers to go over some of policies and to catch them up to speed on some of the new changes with the new school.

The evening wrapped up with a nice Commissioning service and the volunteers signing up for job sites for tomorrow. We are looking forward to another great week.

Week 1 Pictures

2011-06-25T19:51:00.000-04:00

Friday, June 24, 2011

2011-06-25T15:13:00.004-04:00

"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself." Leo Tolstoy

The first week came to end today. Today was a beautiful day, sunny, very little humidity and a little bit of a breeze. Fridays in PVland are home repair free days so volunteers engage in all sorts of activities throughout the county.

I guess I should mention that we woke up this morning and did not have water at the school. It seems the pump had kicked off during a short power outage we had had a couple of nights before and we had been using the reserves of the water supply. The maintenance department came from Pineville by mid morning and all was well. On to the sites for the day...

A group went up to horse creek lake near Baileysville to clean up around the lake. The spot was absolutely gorgeous with all sorts of butterflies, birds, frogs, you name it, it was at the lake. By the end of the time, 11 bags of garbage were picked up and ready to be hauled out.

Friday was also the last day of the Mullens Soccer Camp. This year saw record numbers at the camp with 21 kids in the morning session and 7 in the afternoon session. A huge thanks once again to Zach for putting on the camp. A good time was had by all.

Another group went to St. Vincent DePaul for the home repair workshop we are offering to the people in the county. After that they moved on to the house in Pineville to finish up fixing the broken pipe.

After soccer many volunteers headed over to Mullens Manor for an afternoon recreation program. Again we saw record numbers as 18 residents took part in Banana Bingo, visiting and nail painting.

After everyone returned to the school we all enjoyed a wonderful dinner of sausage and bean soup, corn break and cheesy potato casserole. For dessert we were treated to home made ice cream. Yummy!

The evenings reflection centered around looking at the challenges we faced during the week. It was a very heartfelt sharing of challenges and for many overcoming those challenges.

It was a wonderful first week of the program and we look forward to the rest of the summer.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

2011-06-24T08:35:00.003-04:00

"The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own." Benjamin Disraeli

Today we were awakened to rainfall hitting the metal rooftop of the school. While nice to listen to, the rain is not too nice for all our home repair sites since they were all outside. One site was canceled for the day, but the site out in Lilydale went on as there was some indoor work and plenty of opportunity for visiting.

Soccer also went on in the rain. Luckily for the kids and the volunteers it only rained for the first hour out in Mullens, but really, soccer is kind of fun to play in the rain.

We did have an impromptu site in the afternoon, the mail water line going into our rental house in Pineville sprung a leak. After a lot of digging and a little jack-hammering to get to the pipe, the pipe was replaced and water was restored. Yay!

We all feasted on a wonderful and filling meal of spaghetti and meatballs, salad and garlic bread. How could you go wrong with spaghetti, right? It was delicious.

In the evening we gathered for our nightly reflection, this time the reflection focused on what it was that brought us here to WV and why we keep coming back. It is always wonderful to hear what it is that brought people to the PVs.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

2011-06-23T08:47:00.000-04:00

"The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: "If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?" But...the good Samaritan reversed the question: "If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?" Martin Luther King,Jr.

The weather today was just about perfect, warm but with a nice cool breeze. The afternoon got a little warmer, but the breeze seemed to always be around.

Today we finished up our home repair site out in Indian Creek, the first of the summer. Not only were the volunteers that were there treated to fresh biscuits (and the directors as we happened to stop by at just the right time :) ) but a whole batch was prepared by the home owner and one of our younger volunteers to bring back to the school for everyone to enjoy. Wonderful work was done by everyone at the site throughout the week, we couldn't have asked for a better first site of the summer program.

Two home repair crews also headed out to Lilydale to do a little work on the homes of some old friends of the PVs. All the volunteers new and old, were greeted with a welcoming hug and huge smiles. A lot of terrific work was done, but more importantly a lot of great time was spent together.

The third group headed out to soccer camp for another great day with the kids. You couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day to play soccer. I'm not sure who had more fun, the kids or the volunteers.

After a busy day, hungry PVs feasted on a hearty meal of meatloaf, baked potatoes, bean salad and delicious home made rolls made by our cook. To top if off, for dessert the biscuits made earlier were served with peaches and ice cream. Yum yum.

All the PVs gathered in the evening for reflection were greeted by our youngest PV with a beautiful reflection on finding God in the moments of the day. We went around the room and shared where we each saw God that day.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

2011-06-22T08:32:00.002-04:00

"Our prayers for others flow more easily than those for ourselves. This shows we are made to live by charity." C.S. Lewis

After yesterdays nice cool day, today the temperature soared into the 90's, making it little more hot and humid. Once again, three crews headed out for the day.

Soccer camp continued going strong, as 6 new kids were added to the list of those enjoying learning the basics of soccer. Not only are they learning soccer, they are having a lot of fun. And I think the volunteers are as well : )

Another group was sent to the Itmann Food Bank to continue with the organization that the group the day before them did.

The third group continued the repairs of the flood damaged house in Indian Creek. And yes, if you were wondering, they did have home made biscuits again....

For dinner last night we enjoyed rigatoni, salad and garlic bread. A simple, but delicious meal.

The evening came to a close with a nice reflection on how we put our faith into action each day, with the help of two wonderful and thought provoking songs.

Monday, June 20, 2011

2011-06-21T17:43:00.006-04:00

“Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest to you.”Mother Teresa

The first day of the summer program…..by all accounts was a success. We had three work crews out, spread across the county. Two groups made the long trek to Mullens, one for soccer camp and one to work at the Itmann Food Bank. The Mullens Soccer Camp, in its eighth year, is once again being led by Zach. The first day turnout was tremendous for both the morning and afternoon sessions, and the weather was nice a cool. A great first day was had by all the volunteers.

The group at the Itmann Food Bank helped to unpack, sort and organize over 50 bags of clothes and other household items brought down by a couple of PVs from Washington DC over the weekend. By all accounts the amount of work done in just one day was amazing and very appreciated.

The third group headed out to the first home repair site of the summer. The site, about 20 minutes from the school was a house that was damaged by floods last year. Volunteers took on a number of tasks including; repairing a floor, fixing plumbing, repairing a roof and building a small ramp. A lot of work got done, but the highlight of the day was by far the food that was prepared for the volunteers by the home owner. They were greeted in the morning with homemade biscuits and gravy and homemade blackberry jam and then in the afternoon they were given homemade soup. Needless to say when the volunteers shared about their day during reflection, everyone wanted to go to that site.

It was taco night for the first night of dinner. Not only did we eat delicious tacos, but had homemade chocolate chip cookies for dessert. Yummy!

Reflection centered around the scripture passage about the first being last and the last being inspired by the caboose that sits out in front of the school. After a beautiful reflection, we were each asked to share our new and goods from the day.

All in all the first work day of the summer program went extremely smooth. We hope this is a sign of things to come.

Summer Program Has Begun!!!

2011-06-20T08:29:00.000-04:00

This weekend we kicked off what we hope will be another exciting summer. We are in a new school in Wyoming County, Huff Consolidated in Hanover, in a new part of the county. We are still ironing out some of the kinks like how to direct incoming volunteers to a specific door upon arrival (there has to be at least 7 doors into the school!) but so far our new home seems to be suiting us well. Volunteers will certainly get their exercise since the school is rather sprawling. But with all the PVs now arrived for the week, it already feels like home.

We spent yesterday, Community Day, first taking the long drive to Mass in Pineville and then playing some fun community get to know you games. After a little break we gathered with our newest PVs for an orientation to the area and the program. The whole group then feasted on a wonderful meal of burgers, veggie burgers and all the fixings. After dinner the whole group gathered once again for a reorientation. We closed the evening with our traditional Commissioning Service, connecting us all as we begin our service.

I will be posting each day, with pictures on Saturdays, so everyone at home can follow along each week. We are experiencing some technical difficulties with our computers so some of the posts might be a little late, but just hold tight and it will be updated.

June Volunteer Reflection

2011-06-07T12:57:00.000-04:00

In our June PV Newsletter we included a reflection written by one our volunteers and board member, Joanne Camas. In case you miss it, here is her reflection on her experiences as a PV.

“IT’S BETTER TO LIGHT A CANDLE THAN TO CURSE THE DARKNESS”

Watching the TV news, it’s easy to curse the darkness. We see the worst in people, magnified, and the sensational trumps the hidden heartfelt stories of personal kindness.

For me, working with the PVs is a way to light candles. We let in a little hope, a little kindness, a little dignity where it’s been absent. In return, we receive light back: Sometimes that makes us feel happy that we’ve helped, but other times the light shines on the parts of us that tend to judge or label. And there’s a place for both kinds of light.

I read a powerful quote today about the force of poverty, written by someone who has lived it:

“Poverty breeds stress. Stress destroys one’s body, and sickness is expensive. More expenses, more doctor bills, more poverty. Poverty sucks, but what it sucks is the very life out of one’s soul. Poverty steals our expectations. Poverty pushes us to desperation.”

—Gayle B. Tate

Each summer we offer hope and a sign that people do care. We patch walls and replace roofs, but we listen too. I find these conversations often stay with me throughout the year. When I get frustrated with the challenges of life, I remember strangers who quickly became friends, opening up to me in their homes and sharing the sadness and struggles they’ve faced.

Our sons have grown up as PVs, and for me that’s been the best part of the experience. They look at the world differently, and they’ve seen that we can change the world, even if it’s by lighting one candle at a time.

5 Days until the Live with Passion!

2011-04-25T15:20:00.001-04:00

We are gearing up for the final push! The fourth annual Live with Passion is just a few days away. We hope you will be joining us for the spectacular weekend in support of the PV Volunteers.

April Volunteer Reflection

2011-04-08T14:10:00.000-04:00

In our April PV Newsletter we included a reflection written by one of our long time volunteers, Daniel Schletzbaum. In case you miss it, here is his reflection on what it means to him to be a PV.

Be a Part of it..

I recently went to WV with my daughter, Mary and her college friend, Rebecca, to be a part of the spring break trip. When we arrived in WV, we were welcomed by Jill and Jenny and the Holy Cross College group from MA. This time, like all the other times I have volunteered in WV, the people I met while I was there are all very special treasures. The college students were all so eager to help the people of WV in any way they could. The week we were there together, we helped the teachers at head start, we helped Debbie rearrange St. Vincent DePaul and we worked in Hanover on a couple of homes that were affected by the flood of last spring. No matter what job we were asked to do, we were willing to be a part of it.

Some people may ask what it means to “be a part of it”. For me, to “be a part of it” means to share laughter, frustrations, and fellowship with all whom I encounter.

By “being a part of it” I think you receive a feeling that is not achieved from your routine life at home until you have experienced life as a PV.

I know it was a special privilege for me to be in WV over spring break to help me stay connected. But staying connected with the PVs can be done in many different ways. One way is to log in on the PV Blog. Or you could be involved by taking part in fundraisers which help support our PV program. This coming summer will be another special time in the lives of PVs when we move to a new location. There will be ups and downs, tears and laughter, but there will be many special feelings that can only come by” BEING A PART OF IT”.

Daniel Schletzbaum

LWP is just around the corner

2011-04-06T15:56:00.000-04:00

Don't forget to check out our Live with Passion blog for all the latest event updates.

PV Live with Passion Blog

Busy Weekend

2011-04-06T15:53:00.000-04:00

This past weekend was a busy one in PV-land. On Saturday 13 PVs converged in Emerson, NJ for the annual meeting of the PV Steering Committee. This group of committed volunteers takes the time to go over the results of the evaluations and reunions and helps guide the program into the future. Many lively discussions were had, new ideas were tossed around and plans were set in place. As a group they affirmed the mission and direction of the program and provided some additional guidance to us, as we move forward as a program. Many thanks to all who came.

On Sunday we had our spring PV Board Meeting, also in Emerson. The Board was updated on the current status of the program, given an update on our grant writing from our grant writer and discussed the importance and need for additional fundraising. Thank you to all who participated whether by phone or being present.

Also, a HUGE thank you to the Kraytems for hosting the weekend. Their willingness to open up their home to the PVs (and feed us!) is a huge help to us.

After the Board Meeting we headed into Brooklyn to meet up for dinner with the young women from WEB (Womens Empowerment Brooklyn.) It was wonderful to see them all and to catch up on their lives. An especially good highlight was seeing Marilyn's 5 month old baby.

Our five week road trip has concluded and we are now back in our homes. It was really an amazing five weeks. We covered 19 states, drove over 5,000 miles, spent time with numerous PVs and created an amazing amount of memories. THANK YOU!!!

PVs Awarded Another Grant!

2011-04-06T14:46:00.000-04:00

We are pleased to announce that the PV program has received a $20,000 grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation based in Pittsburgh. This grant will be put to good use this summer in West Virginia.

The Power of the Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwhich

2011-03-30T11:30:00.000-04:00

I read this yesterday and thought of the summer and the countless PB and J sandwiches that are consumed by PVs.

http://sierraclub.typepad.com/compass/2011/03/pb-jelly-sandwich.html

Saturday is Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich day. Let's all raise a PB and J on Saturday!

Kansas...there's no place like a Hoe Down

2011-03-29T10:19:00.000-04:00

It has taken us a few days to recover (hence the delay in writing this), but we had a wonderful time in Kansas over the weekend for the annual Midwest PV Evaluation and Reunion Weekend.

Although it had just been in the 80's a few days before, we were met with a more wintry feel as we arrived for the weekend. Friday night, volunteers arrived throughout the evening and enjoyed a relaxing time of catching up, play ping pong, pool and board games. And oh yeah, in true PV fashion, lots of food!

By Saturday morning all 22 PVs had arrived. We spent the morning reviewing the past summer, talking about changes that could be made and then updating everyone on the events of the program. After a yummy lunch (thanks Lucy!) we piled into the cars and headed out to Weston, MO. Weston is a town that has a cute downtown area with a lot of shops and a lot of history.

Before we knew it, it was time to head over to the shed to make final preparations for the hoe down. The biggest challenge for the night would be to keep everyone somewhat warm for the night. The lows were suppose to go down into the mid-20's and with the shed being a rather large metal structure it was a bit chilly at first. But after Dan and Phil fired up the rather large wood stove, the chill was taken out of the air.

The hoe down itself was a lot of fun. When all was said and done, there were over 90 people in attendance, an amazing array of food was brought to share, lots of square dancing was done, an all around great time was had by all. Between selling cookbooks and Lucy raffling off an afghan, over $250 was made for the PVs. The event also gave a nice introduction to the local Live with Passion effort, Plant with Passion. (see the spotlight on the LWP blog.)

Words cannot express our gratitude to Dan and Lucy and the whole Schletzbaum family for their hospitality, kindness and unwavering support of the PVs.

Friday, March 18, 2011

2011-03-18T20:20:00.000-04:00

Another wonderful week with NIU has draw to close with a busy day of activities. Today was distribution day at the Itmann Food Bank so many volunteers stayed back to help. Whether pushing carts to the cars, creating boxes to give away, helping clients pick out clothes or checking people in, there was plenty to do.

Another group went back up to Hanover to finish up the weather sealant around the house. We can't wait for all those that worked up there this past summer to see all the work that has been done since your departure.

The third and final group went to Head Start. We wanted to say a special thank you to the students for their enthusiasm for Head Start this spring. Students from both Holy Cross and from NIU really took to Head Start and really enjoy their experience. We hope the teachers and the kids enjoyed as much as they did.

The afternoon was absolutely beautiful with plenty of sunshine and highs in the mid-seventies. It definitely felt like spring has sprung (see picture below.) It really is amazing that we have gone from 30 degrees and snowing to 75 and sunny in a matter of a week. The students took advantage of the nice weather and went for a hike in Mullens. After their hike they headed to the PV house in Pineville for dinner and a closing reflection.

It was another wonderful week with NIU. It still continues to amaze us the quality of students that come down and spend their spring break with us. THANK YOU!!!

We will be away from the blog for a couple of days of R&R, but check back as we head to Kansas next, for the annual PV Midwest Reunion....

Thursday, March 17, 2011

2011-03-18T09:20:00.000-04:00

HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY!!!

Today the whole group of NIU students spent the day with UGWA picking up trash along the the Guyandotte River between Mullens and Pineville. It was almost like a treasure hunt with the items they found discarded. Rugs, sinks, stoves, table saws, not to mention the more typical trash of soda bottles, food wrappers, etc. The stretch of river that they worked on looks a whole lot better than before.

After they finished with the clean up, the group decided to explore the county a bit and headed to Oceana to walk around a bit and then stopped in Pineville and climbed up Castle Rock before heading back to the food bank.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

2011-03-16T19:36:00.001-04:00

The rain finally let up today, so we went back to the house in Hanover where last week, we had started to waterproof the new foundation. Unfortunately even though there wasn't any rain to speak of, it was a rather cold day. With a large group of students armed with brushes we were able to second coat most of the foundation. This is the house that this summer we replaced the floors in. It is now 5 feet off the ground so it should remain safe and dry even with another flood.

The remaining students spent their day being entertained by the kids at the Maben Head Start. It is always fun to hear the stories from the day. Kid's say the darnedest things...

In preparation for tomorrows work with the Upper Guyandotte Watershed Association, Val from UGWA came to speak with the students about the environmental issues that affect the area, what organizations such as UGWA do and prep them for tomorrow's work.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

2011-03-16T15:27:00.000-04:00

Another great day with the NIU students. We finished up at the house in Hanover we have been working on for two weeks and Dusquene University the week before. We've included pictures so you can see the beautifully painted rooms.

Another group of students went to the St.Vincent DePaul warehouse to help organize after the truck delivery from last week. When we went in at the end of the day to drop off some doors, we where amazed at how great the warehouse looked.

The final group of students when to Head Start and had another great day. Besides the students enjoying themselves and the kids getting one on one attention, the Head Start will benefit from having a steady flow of volunteers, as they will get extra funding from the volunteer hours.

Monday, March 14, 2011

2011-03-14T21:43:00.000-04:00

Day one of NIU's service week began just as Holy Cross' did with rain and cool temperatures. Luckily we again had all indoor activities so that the day was able to go just as planned.

One group headed back out to Hanover to continue the work from last week. The group today got the first coat of paint on all the newly drywalled rooms. Tomorrow we are all set to finish it off.

Another group went to Head Start to work with the children. There seems to be a cold going through the Head Starts these days so attendance is low. All that means for the kids though is more one on one attention.

The last group stayed back at the food bank to help unload commodities and start to get the food bank ready for Friday's distribution day.

The weather for tomorrow looks like more of the same, but the rest of the week is looking like spring, finally!

Weekend Catch-Up

2011-03-14T18:01:00.000-04:00

Since we haven't posted in a few days we thought we would update since they have been eventful.

Holy Cross headed out on Friday after a full week of activities. It was a wonderful week and a lot of great work was done. It was truly a pleasure to meet the students and to be with them.

On Friday we, along with Kathy, headed out to Hanover to meet with the principal of the grade school that we will be living in this summer. We figured it would be a good opportunity to talk with her, let her know about the program and begin to make plans for the summer. We will update more on this later.

Saturday turned out to be a beautiful day with plenty of sunshine and temperatures in the 60's. One of our former YL PVs Erica, who now works and lives in Charleston, came down for a visit. We thought we would take advantage of the sunshine so we took a hike at Twin Falls on the moonshiner's trail. We only got a little lost twice, but thanks to Erica's orienteering expertise we never got truly lost. After spending the day outside, we were lucky enough to enjoy vegetarian chili with Arnie and Kathy at their house. We finished up the day by meeting the group of 13 students from Northern Illinois University (NIU) out in Mullens. They arrived around 10pm and quickly got settled into their new home for the week.

On Sunday we all met up at Holy Cross for Mass. After Mass the students went on their annual community bonding expedition and we made a quick trip to Twin Falls to again enjoy the sunshine. We met up in the evening for their orientation and commissioning service.

The past three days went by very quickly, but they were full of a lot of wonderful memories.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

2011-03-10T21:46:00.001-05:00

Today was our planned day with UGWA, with all the Holy Cross students working together to clean up the dam at Horse Creek Lake near Baileysville. Although it wasn't rainy much when we started the drive to the lake, when we arrived it was pouring rain. After sitting in the cars for awhile trying to wait out the rain, we noticed the Holy Cross vans slowly emptying as the students had decided to brave the rain and take a look at the lake. After being outside for awhile, and already being soaking wet, the students asked if they could still do the planned litter pick up though the conditions were pretty awful. So needless to say, we followed their lead and really made a wonderful impact and made the dam look beautiful.

Since the students will be leaving in the afternoon tomorrow, we had them all over for dinner and a closing reflection. After reflection, we were treated to a yummy carrot cake that the students brought with them and we were introduced to the game of mafia. Lots of laughter and many stories later, the students headed back to Mullens for their last night in Wyoming County.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

2011-03-10T08:28:00.000-05:00

The rains came down pretty much all day, but thankfully all of our sites planned were indoor sites. A crew headed back out to Hanover to sand off the mud that had been applied the previous two days and were able to get a coat of primer on so it is all ready to paint next week when Northern Illinios University arrives.

A second group headed up to Head Start to spend the day with the kids in Maben. And the third and final group spent the day at the Food Bank unpacking and organizing all the boxes that were unloaded yesterday in preparation of distribution day. We also made a trip to pick up a hospital bed that was being donated and ran it down to St. Vincent DePaul for distribution.

In the evening, the students had another guest speaker as Val from UGWA came and talked about her organization as well as environmental problems in the area in preparation for HC's work the next day.

The evening concluded as we all headed up to St. John the Evangelists Church in Mullens for an Ash Wednesday Mass.

Tuesday, March 8th, 2011

2011-03-08T21:04:00.000-05:00

Happy International Womens Day!

The sun was shining bright today... the crew headed back up to Hanover and put on a third coat of mud on the house they were working on. Another smaller crew worked to replace floors in trailer also up in Hanover. For those of you that were with us this past summer, the trailer belongs to the gentleman who entertained us while working at his sister-in-laws house by singing old gospel tunes. Another new development up in that same area since this summer, the house we replaced floors in has now been raised 5 feet up in the air to prevent any future flooding.

Another group today started up at St. Vincent DePaul organizing the warehouse until a large truck arrived with donations. Many couches, chairs, sinks, doors, etc. where unloaded and placed in the warehouse. We all then jumped into the car and followed the truck to the Itmann Foodbank where all the housewares, bedding and other goods were unloaded. There will be a lot of good stuff going out on distribution day next Friday.

The third group of students went to the Maben Head Start where they had a wonderful time playing with the children.

This evening the students were given the opportunity to sit and talk with Debbie from St. Vincent DePaul. Debbie gave the group tremendous insight into life in Wyoming County.

Weather-wise tomorrow is suppose to be rather nasty with rain and thunder. The county is under a flood watch, so people are a little nervous. Send lots of good, dry thoughts and prayers our way.

New School Approved

2011-03-08T10:26:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we stopped into the Wyoming County Board of Ed and spoke with the assistant superintendent and are happy to announce that the board has approved our move to Huff Consolidated Grade School in Hanover. We are very excited about the new opportunities that this new location will open up. We are scheduling a meeting with the principal so we can see the school and discuss ways we can connect with the community. We will continue to keep you posted on any news.

Monday, March 7, 2011

2011-03-08T10:23:00.001-05:00

The week kicked off with a chilly, but sunny morning. The mountains were absolutely gorgeous with the snow and ice on the leafless trees and the blue sky as the backdrop. I have to say, not a bad way to wake up.

For the service activities for today, we broke the HC students into three groups. One group went up to the Maben Head Start and helped in two different classrooms. From all reports everyone had a great time interacting with the kids.

A second group spent the day at the St. Vincent DePaul warehouse helping to sort and organize. At the end of the day when you walked into "Ned's Place" it looked so nice you would have thought you were walking into a department store.

The third group took the long drive out to Hanover to apply mud to newly installed drywall. The home owner had been flooded a couple of times and recently was able to raise his house on cinder blocks to prevent future flooding. The flood damage that had occurred had ruined his drywall up to about 4 1/2 feet. A group from Duquesne University tore out the drywall up to 4 1/2 feel and put in new drywall. After a few coats of mud, it will be sanded and painted and be ready for the homeowner to move back in.

All in all it was a very good first day out.

Let the week begin!

2011-03-06T21:31:00.000-05:00

Fourteen Holy Cross students arrived this afternoon as well as three wonderful PVs from Kansas (Dan, Mary and our newest PV Rebecca) amidst a downpour of all things, snow! It snowed from about 8am this morning until 8pm, but luckily accumulations where not on the street so driving was easy.

After settling in, we headed to the Itmann Food Bank (where the HC students are staying) for an orientation. We were lucky to have Arnie come and join us and give his perspective of life and culture in southern West Virginia. After orientation we commissioned for the students for the work that lies ahead for them.

Below is a glimpse of Mullens today from the Food Bank parking lot while we were waiting for the students arrival.

Mountain Mamas

2011-03-05T21:42:00.000-05:00

After a drive in non-stop rain, we arrived safe and sound today to our house in Pineville. We are now anxiously awaiting the arrival of the students from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, set to arrive tomorrow morning.

Please check back as we update daily with all the happenings of the week's activities.

2011 Live with Passion

2011-02-22T14:49:00.000-05:00

Planning is in full swing for this year's "Live with Passion" event taking place April 30 - May 1st, 2011.

Please check out the special "Live with Passion" blog for continuing updates.

Laura Morgan

2011-02-08T12:54:00.000-05:00

Many of you may have recalled us talking about our landlord and neighbor, Hope and her 108 year old mother Laura. Unfortunately, we must share the news with you of Laura's passing. Please keep Hope in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

The following is the obituary that ran in the Register Herald. Laura truly lived an amazing life.

Laura Elizabeth Morgan

PINEVILLE — Laura Elizabeth Morgan, the oldest citizen of Wyoming County, WV, passed away Saturday, January 22, 2011, at the age of 108 at her residence.

Mrs. Morgan was born in Key Rock, West Virginia, on March 14, 1902, the daughter of John Lewis Smith and his wife Mary Louvenia Sizemore Smith. She was the eldest of five children — John Calvin, Martha Jane, Bessie Lillie, and Andrew Jackson “Buster” Smith.

On September 2, 1922, she married William Rath Morgan. Their children were Glenna Hope, Fawn Grey, Margie Mavis, Wanda Jean, Ronald Rath, and William Harold Morgan.

From her 1OOth birthday on, Mrs. Morgan was recognized on her birthdays by local, regional, and national media outlets, including THE INDEPENDENT HERALD, THE WYOMING COUNTY REPORT, THE REGISTER-HERALD, THE BRISTOL HERALD COURlER, the Bluefield, West Virginia, television station WVVA, and the NBC TODAY SHOW.

In recognition of her remarkable longevity, Mrs. Morgan twice received letters and personally autographed photographs of Pres. G. W. Bush as well as a letter from the President’s wife, Mrs. Laura Bush. Joe Manchin III, former governor (now Senator) of West Virginia, sent congratulatory birthday letters in four separate years; and Betty Ireland, West Virginia's Secretary of State, also sent birthday greetings.

On her 108th birthday, Mrs. Morgan received a belated, personal birthday greeting from President and Mrs. Barack Obama. Willard Scott, who included her in his program on her 100th and 104th birthdays, also sent her birthday greetings. On his program, THE TODAY SHOW, Mr. Scott called her “Mrs. Smucker.”

On June 29, 2007, Mrs. Morgan was honored by the town of Pineville during its centennial celebration when it was noted that she was older than the town itself. That same year, in the Dec. 2007-Jan. 2008 issue of WEST VIRGINIA SOUTH magazine, Mrs. Morgan was featured in a photo-journal article describing her life in rural West Virginia of a century ago.

In 2009, Mrs. Morgan was invited to be part of and has since been included in the New England Centenarian Study. This is the largest research project in the world seeking to identify and study the lives, health and personalities of individuals living to be over 100 years old and to ascertain the factors contributing to their longevity.

Mrs. Morgan is preceded in death by her husband William Rath Morgan; daughters Fawn Grey Morgan, Margie Cochran, and Jean Stone; son William Harold “Bill” Morgan; and grandsons Ronald Rath “Ronnie” Ball, Gary Duane and Brian Keith Cochran, and Michael Scott Morgan. She is survived by a sister, Martha Cook, age 100, of Pineville; her daughter, Hope Ball Huffman of Pineville; her son, Ronald Rath “Ron” Morgan and wife, Anna, of Bristol, VA; and daughter-in-law, Wilma Morgan of Gray, TN.

Surviving grandchildren are granddaughters, Elizabeth Ann Morgan of Charleston, WV, and Annika Morgan Thomas and husband, Dr. Duke Thomas, of Sewickley, PA; grandsons, Ronald Rath “Randy” Morgan, II, and Dr. Breton L. Morgan of Point Pleasant, WV; Melvin Gregory “Greg” Cochran and wife, Annette, of Bristol, TN; William Charles Stone and wife, Becky, of Augusta, GA, and John Keith Stone and wife, Cheryl, of North Port, FL; Kevin Morgan and wife, Mareena, of Waynesboro, VA; Mark Morgan and wife, Patricia, of Beckley, WV, and David Morgan and wife, Crystal Gayle, of Whitesville, WV.

Mrs. Morgan is also survived by seventeen great-grandchildren: Amanda Hope Ball McGrady and husband, Chad, of Beckley, WV; Justin, Autumn and Jacob Morgan of Point Pleasant, WV; Bryce Morgan of Waynesboro, VA; William Cochran and wife, Colleen, of Smyrna, GA; Laura Katharine Biscotte and husband, Stephen, of Roanoke, VA; Steven Cochran of Houston, TX; Evans and Emily Stone of Augusta, GA; Heather Frame of Ashburn, VA; John Powell, Molly Jean and Oliver Stone of North Port, FL; and Ben, Dane, and Lars Thomas of Sewickley, PA.

Mrs. Morgan’s great-great-grandchildren are Carter Biscotte of Roanoke, VA; Aidyn River McGrady of Beckley, WV; Ebone Frame of Charles Town, WV, and Chandler Turpin of Ashburn, VA.

Additional beloved family members include special nephew, Darrell Tolliver, Tommy and Juanita Morgan, Max and Jackie Morgan, Onnie and Marsha Morgan, Kay Morgan Wolfe, Judy Morgan Chericozzi, Bill and Millie Morgan, Church, Peggy Morgan Muniz, Wanda June Morgan Parks, Terry and Janie Morgan Allen, Lynn and Jerry Morgan; Rolland and Trilla Morgan, Morris and Pat Morgan Toot, Jack and Ann Morgan, Wimmer, Bob and Linda Morgan, Hollandsworth; sister-in-law, Billie Coen Smith, and nephews Johnny Smith and wife, Pat, Bobby Smith and wife, Tammy, and Teddy Smith and wife, Deena; John Henry Morgan and wife, Dolphine, and Merle Morgan of Scottsdale, AZ.

The family also would like to acknowledge the kindness of Dr. Brian Love of Beckley, WV, Dr. David Eells of Welch, WV, Dr. Sam Muscari, II, and Hospice of Beckley, WV, as well as express gratitude for the love and support of good friends, Nancy Ball Almond, Roby Castle, Gabriel and Ola Roberts, Wally and Dolores Brannon, and caregivers, Margie Hatfield, Vivian Church and Debra Morgan.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Chapel of Calfee Funeral Service with the Rev. Donald “Doc” Adkins officiating. Burial will follow in Morgan Family Cemetery, Centerville. The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to may make a contribution in her name to the Pineville Ministerial Food Pantry, P.O. Box 1508, Pineville, WV 24874.

Red ribbons will be placed throughout the Town of Pineville to honor Mrs. Morgan as Pineville’s oldest resident. These ribbons symbolize that she is older than the town and celebrate her life.

Calfee Funeral and Cremation Service of Pineville is serving the Morgan family.

Feburary Volunteer Reflection

2011-02-01T13:07:00.000-05:00

In our February PV Newsletter we included part of a reflection written by one of our volunteers,Holly Melao. Here is the reflection in its entirety:

My interest in the PV Program began with a very dear friend and her family. As we met occasionally throughout the year, the topic always turned to their one or two week summer adventures with the PV’s. The purpose behind the program definitely intrigued me, but there was something else. There was a glow. A glow on their faces at the slightest mention of being a PV. What was this, I wondered!

So as discussed, I decided to jump in on the adventure. I signed up through the website. My friend briefed me on the necessary items to bring, and we were off! Me and my three children; ages 11, 8 & 6, packed up the car and followed my friends down to West Virginia. The children were so excited and could not wait to get there. I, on the other hand, was confident about our mission, but would I be able to do this! By myself, with my three kids! After a little more that seven hours, we arrived at our destination.

As we pulled into the school, there at the main entrance stoop a group of people ready to welcome us. As we exited the car, we were introduced to each and every person standing there. And there was something else, there was that glow again. The team went into action and before we knew it, our car was unpacked and we were in our assigned room. Wow, I thought, maybe I can do this!

Little to my surprise, what began on that very first day, were events that would touch my heart in ways I never knew. The organization of the program was unbelievable. Everything, from breakfast to bed, had structure to it. And within this structure was the heart & soul of each member. No matter if you were young or old, rich or poor, educated or not, we had our responsibilities, we all had a purpose.

As the week continued, each day brought a new awakening for me and my children. Whether together or apart, on different job sites, you became more in touch with what being a PV was all about. Traveling the breath-taking, winding roads, you begin to ask yourself; how will we make a difference in someone’s life today?

Sadly as the week drew to a close, you find yourself saying, I can’t believe it. The time has flown by! And now it’s time to pack up and head home. As we gather at the same door in which we entered, we sadly say our goodbyes to new members of our family. Those same faces that I didn’t even know, one week ago, are all a part of me now. While driving down the road, I can’t help but notice the sniffles coming from behind me. As I smile quietly, I realize, my children’s hearts have been touched as well.

God has blessed our family and we thank him for allowing us to share in this experience.

Oh yes, and that glow I was talking about earlier, we all have it!!

Holly, Julia, Erik & Olivia Melao

We are PV VOLUNTEERS

If you do not receive our e-newsletters and would like to, please email us and we will be happy to send them to you. pvprogram@gmail.com

New Year, New Ideas

2011-01-27T14:09:00.000-05:00

As most of you are aware, the PV Program has thrived because of the generosity of our volunteers and their support of the program. This support, along with grants, is becoming more and more needed as we move forward into the future. We have been brainstorming ideas for different fundraising activities that we can all organize in our own community. If you have other ideas you would like to share, please share in the comment section.

Speak at your church about your personal experiences. We can provide a Talking Points sheet with statistics (just ask).

Book exchange/fair: Kids and families gather children’s books and then trade them for 25/50 cents with proceeds to the PVs.

Spaghetti Dinners/Soup Suppers at your church: Parish Spaghetti dinner event with friends and parishioners. And ask local business to donate soups with proceeds to the PVs. Use photos of WV to explain how this supports the program.

Birthday Gift: Ask friends/relatives to make a donation instead of buying you a gift. Also use the Alternative Gift program donation to buy a porch/sponsor a child in camp.

Snack Food Fast: Students pledge to give up junk food for a week in lieu of a donation to the PV program.

Car Wash: Find a good spot and host a car wash with proceeds to the program.

Matching Gifts: Some companies will match a donation you make to the PVs. Contact your companies HR representative, obtain a matching gift form and complete it.

Organize a Live with Passion event in your community.

Publicize: Send information on fundraising events to your local newspaper and TV channel. The PVs can help you draft a press release. Also use Facebook and Twitter.

January Volunteer Reflection

2011-01-03T11:50:00.000-05:00

In our January PV Newsletter we included part of a reflection written by one of our volunteers, Mary Schletzbaum. Here is the reflection in its entirety:

In this season of counting blessings and making resolutions I think back to the memories of 2010 and of those my time spent in West Virginia with the PVs. Spending part of the summer with other volunteers makes it easy to have a spirit of servitude, especially serving others by giving time, one of the most valuable gifts. Following the way of St. Paul of the Cross we travel from around the world to W.V. to give our time in service to others. It is not difficult for me to make this commitment summer after summer. When I return to West Virginia I am returning to family, to a simple life without television, internet, or constant cell phone connection to distract me from all the beautiful moments that I would otherwise miss. This simple life marked with daily thoughts of gratitude must not end when I return to my routine life of college, work, and constant activity. However, when I give the time to volunteer throughout the year it is with a different spirit than the one that takes over me in W.V.

In contemplation I think back to the times when I am most giving- what is it in W.V. that makes the time spent there filled with a spirit of true servitude? Again I think of the simplicity of life in those Blue Ridge Mountains. Simplicity must be the secret that allows the gracious and giving spirit to flow through me and support the persisting desire to do more. It is this spirit that wakes me up early on a summer morning to drive an hour on those curvy mountain roads to work all day in the beating sun or the pouring rain; it is this spirit that induces the strength that helps drive the stubborn nail into the deck board that I’ve been struggling with for embarrassingly far too long; it is this spirit that forgets the late night of yester eve which robbed my body of needed sleep and instead created enough energy to climb the mountain, again; it is this spirit that generates my unexpected and genuine smile of compassion in response to a grateful embrace from the owner of the house whose floor was just replaced. What a remarkable spirit that is produced when life is lived simply.

My New Year’s resolution is to make this simple life part of my life not just in West Virginia, but throughout the rest of the year. I resolve to strive for the genuine and generous spirit of not just giving my money (which I, like most other college students, have very little of anyway) but giving my time and my full attention to every person and every task that I am given. I resolve to really listen to the person talking to me and try to understand their story rather than blocking their words with thoughts of what still needs to be checked off of my list for the day. I resolve to send more hand-written letters to friends, and to say hi to more strangers. I resolve to think less of how something will benefit me and more of how it may be hurting others. I resolve to live without distractions- a lifestyle that I take for granted in West Virginia, and have difficulty establishing the other eleven months out of the year.

I hope that with the blessings of the New Year we can all take some time for reflection on ourselves as PV volunteers. Our title as a PV volunteer does not begin and end with the West Virginia state border. The spirit of servitude that allows us to build, serve, and believe is in our hearts all year round. We must unlock this spirit and allow it to reflect itself in our way of living simply even when we are not surrounded by the Appalachians.

Happy New Year

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T14:03:00.000-05:00

We would like to wish everyone a peaceful, safe and blessed Christmas! Embrace and enjoy this time together with family and friends and remember, in a special way, those throughout the world who may be suffering this Christmas.

Jill and Jenny

PVs Recieve Another Grant!!!

2010-12-23T12:26:00.000-05:00

We are pleased to announce that the PVs have been chosen to receive a $2,500 grant from the Carter Family Foundation. This grant will help us to continue our work in the upcoming summer. The Carter Family Foundation is based in Beckley, WV.

Another PV is working overseas!!

2010-12-13T14:32:00.000-05:00

We were just given a link to PV, Allie Garris' blog that she will be updating during her 5 month's of service at an orphanage in India. You can follow her adventure at: http://allie-myindianadventure.blogspot.com/

We keep being amazed and inspired by all the work being done by PV's around the world and in their own neighborhoods.

December Volunteer Reflection

2010-12-01T13:38:00.000-05:00

Each month we include a reflection by a volunteer. This month we had no one volunteer to reflect, so I took the opportunity to do so. If you would like to share a reflection on your PV experience, please send us an email and we will include it in an upcoming newsletter and on the blog.

A VOLUNTEER REFLECTION by Jill Wallace

I’m channeling my volunteer self this month... It has always been a tricky line between volunteer and director. In my heart I am still that 21 year old, first time PV experiencing the wonder of what it means to be a PV.

Maybe it’s the holidays, maybe it’s being stuck inside for several days as Seattle is going through a deep freeze (it was only 14 degrees this morning!); but whatever it is, I have found myself reflecting on how much my life has been changed and impacted by a choice I made 17 years ago and how grateful I am to call myself a PV.

I was recently at a Dar Williams concert and she sang her song “The Hudson.” There is a line in the song that encompasses so many of my feelings toward the PVs. “If you're lucky you'll find something that reflects you, helps you feel your life, protects you, cradles you and connects you to everything.” The PV’s have been that “something” for me.

When I first joined the PVs in college, I was pretty much just looking for an adventure over the summer between by junior and senior years. Little did I know how much that summer would change my life, forever. My eyes were opened to a whole new world. A world where it was my responsibility to reach out to others, to give a voice to the voiceless, to be part of a community, to support and love one another, to open myself up to feel, and to give myself time to reflect on my experiences and actions. I recently was doing a little fall cleaning and came across my journal from my first summer. Reading through the journal and my reflections was a wonderful, affirming experience. It reminded me of the “why” of what I do day in and day out.

After graduation and year of service with the Vincentian Service Corp, I have had the privilege of being fully immersed in the PV experience for the past 14 years. The people whom I have met, the places I have gone have left an indelible mark on my life. It has been a wonderful roller coaster of a ride so far. There has been laughter and tears, struggles and successes. Lots of prayers. Life long friendships have been made and loved ones have been lost. How would my life be different if I hadn’t found the PVs 17 years ago? I cannot even venture a guess…

PVs Recieve Grant

2010-11-29T11:40:00.000-05:00

We are pleased to announce that the PVs have been chosen to receive a $10,000 grant from the McDonough Foundation. This grant will help us to continue our work in the upcoming year. The McDonough Foundation is based in Parkersburg, WV.

An Article about Brenda

2010-11-22T13:50:00.000-05:00

The following article was written by our own Joanne Camas, about Brenda and the work we did at her house this summer. So many hours of blood, sweat and tears were put into her house this summer by so many PVs.

Home is where the heart is. And Brenda Lester knows that more that most people: She promised her husband, B.O., that she’d rebuild their flooded home on the spot where he was born and they’d built their own house together 36 years ago.

“I’ve spent the better part of my life here,” she said, smiling through tears as she thought of her husband, who died in March from cancer.

The Lesters’ home was flooded twice, first on Mother’s Day in 2009, and then on June 13 this year. Last year the house was full of mud; this year it was sand.

Now Brenda is ready to move back home, into a refurbished trailer sitting high on blocks and completely decorated and fixed up by the PV Volunteers, a group that’s been helping out in Wyoming County for 12 years.

“I just sat down and cried,” Brenda explains, recalling hearing the news that the PV volunteers would help her. “I just can’t believe that people give of their time and their summer to help other people who need it.”

Brenda is looking forward to putting family pictures back on the walls and making it home. “The water was 42 inches high in our house,” she says. “I lost everything except a few pictures that were high on the wall, one bed, and my breakfast set.” Her family have made her copies of their photos, which will have pride of place in her new living room.

She has also decorated a bedroom bright pink for her granddaughters, and is delighted to have a place to invite them and room for them to stay.

When Brenda and B.O. were homeless after the flood, they had to sleep in their car for several nights even though he was very sick, and then moved around friends and neighbors. “No one ever turned us down,” she says, “but it was embarrassing.” Her husband also found it difficult not to help her out. “He had worked hard his whole life and always helped everyone out,” she says. “He would cry because I was doing all the work and he couldn’t help me.”

She has been living in a FEMA trailer up the road from her home for a year and a half now, and visits her house every day to encourage and thank the volunteers and watch their progress.

On a recent hot, humid afternoon she sat in the shade under her trees, looking at her house and the creek below. Although she smiles, her hands are kneading the bottle of water in her hand, and tears are never far away.

What has she missed most?

“I can’t wait to be in my own bedroom,” she says, with a big smile. “The first thing I’m going to do is take me a long sleep in my good bed!”

The next thing will be to bring back her dog, Brownie. “He’s been separated from me since last May, and I can’t wait to bring him home. I miss him and he misses me, and when I visit him he jumps up on my lap and nuzzles me like he’s saying “Where you been?’” she says, through tears.

The PV Program draws volunteers from around the country to work in Wyoming County every summer. This year volunteers helped Brenda Lester and other people whose homes were devastated by recent flooding, ran basketball and soccer camps for local youngsters, helped organize and distribute food at the Itmann Foodbank in Mullens, and built steps and fixed roofs for people who were unable to complete the work themselves.

PV Alternative Giving Opportunity

2010-11-22T13:33:00.000-05:00

As the holidays are approaching, we thought this would be a great time to launch a new initiative. We have now set up a way for people to give to the program while honoring a loved one. You can give a gift of a week of camp to a child in WV or NY, or give a ramp or part of a ramp to someone, or even support a volunteer for a week or a day. The person whom you are giving the gift to will receive a beautiful photo card of the PVs at work, acknowledging the gift. There are gifts ranging from $5 on up, so really for any price range. As always, your donation to the PV Volunteers is tax deductible.

Below is a flier explaining the program. You can click on the flier to zoom in to read it and/or print it. If you would like us to email you a copy or send a paper copy of the flier, please let us know and we would be happy to do so. Please spread the word among your friends, family and even your churches. This is something not only for volunteers to do, but for anyone that would like to give a gift that would truly change lives.

On a side note, if you would like to give a gift for Christmas, regardless of how you are paying, could you email us the information so that we can make sure the cards get to the person, or to you if you prefer, before Christmas.

Thank you for taking the time to read the flier and please let us know if you have any questions.

November Volunteer Reflection

2010-11-01T13:59:00.000-04:00

In our November PV Newsletter we included part of a reflection written by one of our volunteers, Amy O'Dea. Here is the reflection in its entirety:

How can I say what the PV program really means to me? How do you talk about the most influential experiences of your life? Oh how I wish I could put into words how much this program has impacted me.

My life before PV was grand. I was motivated, loved and had nothing to complain about. I decided to go on an alternative spring break my freshman year of college. My motives were completely selfish; I was only going to meet people, have fun and see a different part of the country. I was warned this trip would change my life but never imagined the repercussions.

The PV program was a gateway to a world I could attempt to change. The PV program instilled passion in me to be present to the abused, the addicted, the suffering and the unappreciated. I was taught how to love the lost, the lonely and financially burdened. Appalachia went from being a place on a map to my own personal utopia. Welfare recipients went from being numbers on a page to individuals with names, stories and lack of opportunity. The more involved I became with this program, the more meaningful my life became.

Because of the PV program I find myself in New Hampshire as an AmeriCorps VISTA. I am the statewide youth coordinator for the Red Cross. The PV program gave this Illinois gal the curiosity to ask what else is out there. This program introduced me to a former VISTA who truly changed the world. I was so inspired by this individual who played basketball with junior high students and spent his Friday nights with the homebound population that I signed myself up for a year of service. I try to befriend the friendless, to listen to the unheard and somewhere in between all that I provide leadership opportunities to our future. I have been carrying the PV charisma deep in my heart since I returned from my freshman spring break trip.

The other day I had the high school students I work with for an icebreaker draw what they will look like when they are seventy-five as well as where they will be. Immediately I pictured myself smiling on my hands and knees repairing a home surrounded by majestic Appalachian mountains. I could not picture my life any other way. Why would I want to? The program has done so much for me, why would I ever leave this?

March will mark six years since I came across the best thing that ever happened to me. I almost feel like I am writing a love letter but the truth is I love the PV program. I love this program so much I physically ache for summer to return the instant my car passes through the gates of Glen Fork Elementary School. I love this program so much for giving me a mailbox full of pen pals and a nation full of family. I love this program so much I illogically think I would die without this program.

This program is more than a volunteer program; it is a community and a way of life. This program is my motivation to get out of bed in the morning. This program challenges me to live the life I envision for myself. How empty my life would be without the presence of the best thing that has ever happened to me.