An Update From the Director of Glenmary's Volunteer Office

End of Summer 2009

Meet the new Glenmary Farm Managers
In September, Colleen Ryan and Alex Choperena arrived at the Glenmary Farm to begin their one-year commitment to serve as Glenmary Farm Managers.

Colleen is originally from Poughquag, N.Y. She recently graduated from Marist College with a degree in American studies. Coming from a supportive, loving community at home, she is thankful for the welcome she has been shown here in Lewis County! So far she says she has loved her time at the Farm, meeting new people, hearing their stories, and finding new adventures along the way. She looks forward to a great year at the Farm, open to what may unfold, ready for a new adventure. 

Alex graduated in 2009 from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in biological sciences and political science.  As a graduate of University of Notre Dame, he's a diehard Irish football fan.  He visited the Farm as a volunteer in March 2009 and liked it so much he felt called to apply to become a Farm Manager.  He is excited that he has the opportunity to serve the people of Lewis County and can't wait to get to know the community.

J. Patrick Roberson completes her term as a superb Glenmary Farm Manager.
At the end of August, Patrick completed her term of service as a Glenmary Farm Manager and returned to Dayton, Ohio. She did a superb job at the Glenmary Farm as a Farm Manager and was always very attentive to the needs of those in need in Lewis County. She has a very deep spirituality and was very hospitable to all of those we serve and those who come and serve with us. Patrick was a tireless worker and was not afraid to try new things as is evidenced by the introduction of chickens to the Glenmary Farm. It was a true joy and honor for me to serve with Patrick.

The lack of donations catches up with Lending a Helping Hand Food Pantry.
Lending a Helping Hand Food Pantry located in Tollesboro, Ky., and one of our primary service sites, is feeling the crunch of the economic slowdown as donations of money and food have decreased to the Food Pantry and those coming in for food have increased.

Just two years ago, Lending a Helping Hand Food Pantry was serving an average of 120-150 families bimonthly with food boxes. Currently, the food pantry is serving an average of 220-250 families. Meanwhile, the major sources of food for the pantry have also seen a marked decrease of donations and funds. So, George is wondering if there are alternate ways to get food to the Pantry than our current system and would love if anybody has any ideas on how to tap into new sources of food for those in need in Lewis County.

Volunteers work on solar houses for People Self Help Housing last summer.
Many of our volunteers last summer worked on solar houses for People’s Self Help Housing. The houses are part of the continuing effort of People’s Self Help to build more efficient, cost effective, and green buildings in Lewis County.

Finally as summer ends I find that we were pretty hard on tools and kitchen items last summer. So wishes list for the Glenmary Farm.

1. A miter saw or table saw
2. Kitchen items especially can openers (manual), measuring cups, serving spoons, cloth napkins, etc.
3. Tape measures, nail aprons, hammers, and utility knives
4. Axes, splitting mauls or even a Stihl or Husquevarna chainsaw for the upcoming fall wood gathering season (I already got into poison ivy, lol)
5. A newer car that gets better gas mileage than Old Blue, the Grand Marquis.
6. Any reflective books, construction manuals, prayer books, or youth ministry books that you think would be good for the library in God’s Time Room at the Farm.
7. Prayers

Peace,
Joe Grosek
Glenmary Volunteer Director

And if you missed previous Vanceburg Views, check them out.

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