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How Many Hotdogs Can You Eat? |
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Spring is in the air, which means it's time to get outside and enjoy the beautiful sunshine! On June 2nd we will host our annual picnic barbeque at
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It's not a CFM picnic without John at the grill! |
Oakledge Park. We invite mentor pairs to join us as we recognize our current mentors, play games, enjoy food, and spend time with other pairs. We will provide BBQ fixings and invite you to bring a dish to share. Check your mail for an invitation coming next week.
Sunday, June 2nd
4-6:30pm
Oakledge Park, Lower Pavilian
(backup location: Baird School Gym)
* RSVP by emailing Jenny or calling her at 488-6651 by May 24th * |
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Community Friends is sad to announce the death of former mentor Kathy Searles from pancreatic cancer last week. Kathy was a mentor in our program a number of years ago, and she retired from the HowardCenter last June after more than two decades of holding several positions at the agency. She was a big supporter of our program as well as being a well known figure and advocate in the county for women, families, children, and all four legged creatures. She will be missed. |
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This month we recognize the following matches on the anniversary of their friendship. Congratulations! (Not only are we recognizing anniversaries for the month, but at our picnic celebration we will share our appreciation for the pairs who have been together for more than 1 year).
Renzo & Zach - 1 year
Jenny & Pyper - 1 year
Amy & John - 2 years
Michael & Kenny - 3 years |
Crossing Invisible Barriers |
Thoughts from a VISTA
I recently read an article titled "What Does Modern Prejudice Look Like?" The article discusses our tendency to favor those who are connected to us in some way, whether it is a family member, friend, neighbor, or fellow member of an organization. In today's society, people generally do not support explicit prejudice. However, by giving preferential treatment to 'in-groups', we strengthen existing patterns of disparity along racial and socioeconomic lines. Our personal connections tend to be people who share the same beliefs, religion, and socioeconomic status, and are largely those who we favor.
I was struck by the inherent truth of this article and began recollecting not only how many times I have benefitted from knowing someone, but how many people I have helped out who were in some way connected to me. I don't argue that we should stop helping out those we know or who we have some commonality with. Relationships create unity within society and it truly does feel good when you can give a hand to a friend. Instead, I believe we should start making connections in groups we might not normally associate with.
Mentoring is one stepping stone to bring together two people from different walks of life. At Community Friends Mentoring, we create matches between an adult volunteer in the community and a youth who needs additional support in their life. By expanding interactions through mentoring and creating friendships with youth and volunteers that might not normally form on their own, we cross invisible barriers between groups. The hidden biases revolving around socio-economic differences and belief systems will slowly dissolve and the new connections both the mentors and mentees make can decrease this modern form of prejudice. |
If They Cook It, They Will Eat It |
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For the past year or so, City Market has offered cooking classes for kids and teens and has opened them up to mentor pairs - free of charge! We are so grateful for their generosity and hope to keep this classes coming. However, the continuation of these events relies on the participation of our mentor pairs. This is a wonderful opportunity to make delicious food in a fun environment and hope you can partake! If interested, email Jenny to sign up.
 | | The perfect spring snack |
Vietnamese Spring Rolls
Sunday, May 5
11:30am - 1:00pm
The McClure Multi-Generational Center
241 N. Winooski Ave, Burlington
Spring rolls are ridiculously fun to make and taste delicious with a sweet and spicy peanut sauce. Roll up your favorite veggies along with shrimp, pork, or tofu. For pre-teens and teens accompanied by an adult.
Smoothies and Strawberry Shortcake
Monday, June 3
6-7:30 p.m.
The McClure Multi-Generational Center
241 N. Winooski Ave, Burlington
Come out and give our bike-powered smoothie maker a whirl as you blend your own smoothie with yogurt, fruit, and maple syrup! Then we'll dive into more fruity goodness as we make homemade biscuits, slice up strawberries, and make homemade whipped cream for strawberry shortcake. For pre-teens and teens accompanied by an adult.
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Touch a Truck
Saturday, May 4th
9-11am
Colchester High School Parking Lot, Colchester
Climb, sit and play on tractors, police cars, fire trucks, ambulances and more. Sirens may be used from 10:30-11. Free event, rain or shine.
More info.
City Market Kids' and Teens' Cooking Class
Sunday, May 5th
11:30am-1pm
241 N. Winooski Ave, Burlington
Learn to make Vietnamese spring rolls this month with a tasty dipping sauce. FREE for mentor pairs. Email Jenny to register.
Dairy Day at the Farm
Sunday, May 5th
1-4pm
Shelburne Farms
Meet spring calves and their moms, take a wagon ride, and watch the cows get milked. $5 per carload, free for walkers.
More info.
Kids Day
Saturday, May 12th
10am-3pm
Battery Park, Burlington
Come out for Vermont's largest celebration of children. Highlights include a parade, craft activities, dance performances, and a bounce house.
More info.
Spring Carnival
May 23-27th
University Mall, South Burlington
Rides, games and concessions. Free admission, ride tickets additional cost.
More info.
More to do in May
Don't forget about our online calendar where we share additional activities and events for mentor pairs to participate in around the community! |
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Featured from the
Mobius Card
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Shelburne Farms is an education organization dedicated to cultivating a sustainable future. With your Mobius card, you and your mentee have free entry year round! Enjoy fun activities such as walking the trail, visiting the children's farmyard, and making cheese. |
The warm weather brings an array of exciting spring and summer activities. We'd love to hear about what you and your mentee are doing together! Send us an email, give us a call, or share with us on Facebook (without identifying mentees by name) your most recent outings.
 | | Fun spring activity from one of our mentor pairs |
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HowardCenter - Child, Youth and Family Services
1138 Pine St.
Burlington, VT 05401
Catherine Shahan
Coordinator
802-488-6650
cshahan@howardcenter.org
Jenny Peterson,
AmeriCorps VISTA
802-488-6651
jpeterson@howardcenter.org
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