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Volunteer brings Junior Achievement to schools (Daily Times-Call 1/24/05)

LONGMONT — When Elizabeth Shoeman learned about the Junior Achievement program through her former employer, StorageTek, she thought it would be something fun to do.

Little did she know that she would create a lasting impression on her students.

Junior Achievement builds a bridge between the classroom and the business community. Volunteers pass on positive attitudes toward work, education and staying in school.

“Junior Achievement is about putting role models into the classroom,” said Heather Hope, public relations manager for Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain Inc.

“Elizabeth is a role model to the kids and the community. She’s a wonderful example of the positive influence volunteers have on students.”

Shoeman teaches first-through third-graders at Spangler Elementary in Longmont, Coal Creek Elementary in Louisville and her twin granddaughters’ classroom in Eldorado K-8 in Superior.

She is impressed by how well the Junior Achievement program meshes with the schools’ curricula.

“The materials are so well-developed,” Shoeman said.

“All I need is to review them to teach. They really get kids thinking about the economic process.”

In first grade, she discusses the economic role of the family.

“The first-graders just blow me away when discussing needs and wants,” Shoeman said. “They understand that you spend on needs first, then wants.”

To second-graders, she teaches economic opportunities and responsibilities in the community.

“We discuss taxes and how they pay for services,” Shoeman said.

Her third-graders learn how business works.

“We pretend to open a restaurant,” she said.

“The students enjoy making decisions and understanding the concepts.”

Volunteering for Junior Achievement is a positive experience for Shoeman because she is more involved in her granddaughters’ lives.

Shoeman also feels valued by her students.

“There’s nothing like it when a full room of first-graders line up to give you a hug to tell you they’ll miss you,” she said.

For more information on volunteering or how Junior Achievement can be taught in your classroom, visit www.jacolorado.org.

Glorioso provides the melody (Daily Times-Call 12/13/04)

Tom Glorioso is a self-taught pianist who has been playing for about 15-years. Glorioso volunteers his services weekly at the Applewood Living Center. (Times-Call/Joshua Buck)

LONGMONT — Music is an important part of celebrating the holidays at the Applewood Living Center.

At this time of year, many singing groups visit from local high schools, community groups and churches.

Some of this year’s carolers include students from Niwot High School, members of the Rocky Mountain Christian Church and the Moose Lodge Carolers. There also will be Celtic music at this year’s Victorian-themed Christmas party Dec. 22.

Volunteer Tom Glorioso, who plays classic piano for the residents every Monday evening, also will provide some holiday cheer.

Glorioso, 21, has played for 15 years and is mostly self-taught, with a little help from his mother. He does not use sheet music. Instead he plays by memory and will play requests if he knows the music.

Volunteering for Glorioso is second nature. He has donated his time at Regis University, where he is a senior majoring in math.

This past Easter he made baskets and helped organize an Easter egg hunt. He also has volunteered at his church, St. John the Baptist, serving monthly dinners and teaching a religious education class.

However, playing piano at the Applewood Living Center is the first time he has volunteered to play music. He said he enjoys playing for others and derives satisfaction from the residents’ compliments.

“One lady always catches my mistakes in a nice way,” he said. “We have a laugh about it.”

Another resident, a woman who is there every time he plays, asks what he is playing and who wrote it.

“Some folks like to sit and listen,” Glorioso said. “Some residents are very talkative and like to interact.”

The staff at the Applewood Living Center appreciates Glorioso’s efforts, as well.

“The residents absolutely adore him,” said Brenda Gokey, recreation director at the Center. “He’s the epitome of who your daughter should marry. We feel lucky to have him.”

The Applewood Living Center needs special help this holiday season. If you would like to volunteer or donate gifts, please call Brenda Gokey at 303-776-6081.

Volunteer helps with Holiday Basket Program (Daily Times-Call 11/1/04)

Lauren Bailey works at the OUR Center Infant Care Center on Oct. 26. Bailey offers her services to the center every day. (Times-Call/Richard M. Hackett)

LONGMONT — Lauren Bailey has been volunteering for the Holiday Basket (angel trees) Program at the Boulder County Fairgrounds since she was in middle school.

“I love it,” she said. “I have memories from when I was young of staying there and watching these families go and get a present they thought they wouldn’t have for Christmas.”

The Holiday Basket Program, sponsored by the St. Vrain Community Council, provides holiday dinner provisions for families living in the St. Vrain Valley School District. Children receive toys donated by those who pick a paper angel from the angel trees at Twin Peaks Mall, Wal-Mart, Kmart and ShopKo.

Now a college student majoring in early childhood and special education at Metro State College, Bailey finds working on the Holiday Basket Program extremely rewarding. “I love the idea that the community comes together and helps out these people,” she said.

For the past five years, Bailey has coordinated toy requests. With gift cards donated by Target, she buys gifts for children whose angel tree tags are not taken. Each child receives a gift no matter what.

“People don’t make the connection between the angel trees around town and the Holiday Basket Program,” Bailey said. “They don’t know the presents they bought were for this.”

“It’s so much fun to watch Lauren work at the fairgrounds, sorting toys and getting so excited about the possibilities of the joy she can offer a child at Christmas,” said Ann Jennings, coordinator of the Holiday Basket Program. “Her enthusiasm is contagious, and she is one of our most reliable and conscientious volunteers.”

Bailey works at the OUR Center’s Infant Care Center and meets disadvantaged people every day. “I see the legitimate needs that they have,” she said.

Since the demand for community resources and charities is up, she expects an increased need for food baskets and gifts this year.

“It’s neat to see people coming in and registering (for baskets),” Bailey said. “We expect a huge turnout and are always looking for more volunteers.”

Volunteer Sews Blankets to Comfort Children (Daily Times-Call 9/27/04)

Olivia Follett of Longmont displays some of the blankets she has made for Project Linus (Times-Call/Richard M. Hackett)

LONGMONT — Olivia Follett loves to sew and collect fabric, but wondered what she should do with the 21 receiving blankets she made.

Only so many could be given to grandchildren and friends.

When she entered Hancock Fabrics one evening, she had no idea she would meet someone who would help her solve this dilemma.

Follett struck up a conversation with Heather Osborne, Project Linus’ Boulder County coordinator. Osborne told her that Project Linus, through gifts of new, homemade blankets and afghans, gives seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise needy children a sense of security, warmth and comfort.

When she handed Follett a brochure that night, Follett realized she had found the perfect place to donate her blankets.

“Olivia was the first person to make a donation (to the Boulder County chapter),” Osborne said. “It was very unexpected. She gave a big boost at the very beginning. And since I got her donation, things have just blossomed and the chapter has grown.”

Most of the receiving blankets that Follett donates are given to new mothers in need through Longmont United Hospital.

Follett took up sewing when her children, now grown, were young; she is self-taught. She can produce up to 12 receiving blankets in one day, depending on how large and detailed they are.

The blankets Follett creates for Project Linus are made out of fabrics that are soft and easy to clean, such as fleece, chenille or cotton.

She also crochets blankets and makes what she calls “comfort blankets,” one-square-foot blankets that have fleece on one side and satin on the other.

Children love to touch and snuggle the mini-blankets.

“Volunteering isn’t something I have to do,” Follett said. “It’s something I get to do. It’s an honor and a blessing to give and stand by another.”

Follett gains strength through her efforts in making blankets for children. She plans to start making larger blankets for older children.

“We all have struggles and pain,” Follett said. “So a simple act of kindness renews hope.”

Helping Students Pursue the American Dream (Daily Times-Call 8/23/04)

Becky Birkelo, shown here at the Longmont Civic Center, helps teach immigrants basic English language skills at Intercambio de Comunidad in Longmont. (Times-Call/Joshua Buck)

LONGMONT — When she became a volunteer for Intercambio de Comunidad, Becky Birkelo had no idea she would help immigrants pursue the American dream. She was just there to give back to the community.

Intercambio provides free English classes for Latino immigrants to reduce language and cultural barriers. Birkelo teaches intermediate classes twice a week at Skyline High School. Both of Birkelo’s grandparents and parents spoke Spanish at home. Even so, Birkelo says she understands more than she speaks.

“I learn from my students,” she said.

“Becky’s wonderful,” said Lee Shainis, executive director of Intercambio. “She’s extremely hard-working and a most valuable volunteer. All of her students form strong relationships with her. They have nothing but positive feedback about working with her.”

Birkelo’s students are mostly from Mexico, but she’s worked with immigrants from Peru, Honduras and Guatemala. Her students come to the United States to pursue opportunities they cannot find in their home countries.

“They want more for themselves and their children,” Birkelo said.

Her students struggle to find a comfortable place between the American lifestyle and their native culture. However, she said she believes we all have the same concerns.

“Children and family are an important part of their lives,” Birkelo said. “We all want to own a home, keep our children safe and have opportunities.

“A lot of students enjoy living here but don’t want to become citizens,” she said. “In their hearts, to give up their citizenship is to give up their homeland and their pasts.”

Birkelo helps her students with their language and life skills. They work on pronunciation by reading out loud. Then, through role-playing, they deal with day-to-day situations such as speaking to a doctor, ordering a meal and interviewing for a job. Homework helps them practice their English writing skills.

Birkelo’s goal is to help her students fit in with American culture and succeed.

“Instead of a melting pot, we’re a salad,” she said. By keeping their culture intact, “no one loses their flavor,” she said.

Youth as Resources Board Provides Grants, Service (Daily Times-Call 7/26/04)

Members of Youth as Resources — front row, Alaina Ferris; second row from left, Karen Wolf, Amy Vue; third row from left, Ryan Kennedy, Keri Selzler, Caitlin Dennis and Megan Schoenbauer — stand together July 14. (Times-Call/Erin McCracken)

LONGMONT — The St. Vrain Youth as Resources board is a group of teenagers dedicated to improving their community.

A nationwide program with only one Colorado board, YAR’s current St. Vrain board members are Caitlin Dennis, Alaina Ferris, Max Horowitz-Burdick, Susanna Hovestol, Mikah Jaschke, Ryan Kennedy, Megan Schoenbauer, Claudia Velazquez, Amy Vue, Peter Wessels and Karen Wolf.

They have worked on a variety of projects, including stenciling neighborhood storm drains with pollutant warnings for the Watershed Approach to Stream Health program. They have mentored and taught computer skills to youth at Casa de la Esperanza, a migrant housing development. They also have volunteered on behalf of Habitat for Humanity and Rhythm on the River.

In addition, YAR provides grants of up to $500 for youth to plan and carry out service projects. Youth groups or individuals come to YAR, write a grant proposal, and go through an interview process. Then the YAR board decides if the project is worthwhile and serves the community.

Recently, YAR sponsored Skyline High School’s after-prom event and a battle of the bands at Club Breakdown. A YAR grant paid for supplies for a tae kwon do class for Casa de la Esperanza youth, and supplied dresses for a local ethnic dance team.

“Another grant helped a school-approved underground student newspaper buy printer cartridges,” YAR board member Alaina Ferris said.

Board members can pursue personal projects through YAR like Megan Schoenbauer did with Bake for Goodness’ Sake. “Using our high school’s home ec labs, volunteers baked items to donate to the OUR Center,” she said.

“They’re awesome,” YAR adviser Susan Zimmerman said of the group, “and a great group of people that take on more than can possibly be accomplished even with all the things they have going on. I look forward to doing things with this group.”

ESL Volunteer Works with International Students (Daily Times-Call 6/07/04)

Volunteer Tony Reyelts helps adult English as a Second Language students Wednesday at Heritage Middle School. (Times-Call/Eric Bellamy)

LONGMONT — As a volunteer with St. Vrain Valley Adult Education, Tony Reyelts works with English as a Second Language (ESL) students.

Monday nights he is a teacher’s aide, assisting with routine classroom tasks and teaching.

“Sometimes the teacher will divide the class into two groups,” Reyelts said. “She’ll take half and I’ll take half.”

Thursday nights he works in the ESL Literacy Lab tutoring individuals and small groups of students.

“I know I’m the only one who volunteers both in the classroom and the lab,” he said.

Meeting students’ needs makes Reyelts popular with students and staff.

“He monitors students and knows who’s not getting it,” said adult education teacher and volunteer manager Ardith Loustalet. “As an individual tutor he’s very versatile. He has a good rapport with the students and is good at targeting and providing what they require.”

Most of his students are from Latin America, with the majority of those from Mexico. He also works with students from Russia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Ukraine and Nepal.

“There is a line between the Latin American group and the others,” Reyelts said. “Latin Americans have more exposure to the media. They do a lot better verbally, but need help with their written English. With the Asian students, it’s just the opposite. They’ve had schooling and writing, but haven’t had exposure to spoken English. As a teacher it’s something you have to watch for, and was one of the more interesting things I learned my first year.”

Besides giving his time in the classroom and lab, Reyelts won a $1,000 grant from his employer, IBM, where he is a software engineer.

“That was actually kind of an accident,” he joked. “I went to a meeting about something else and found out about this program that IBM has for volunteers. As long as you meet the minimum amount of volunteer time, you can submit a grant proposal.”

The grant recently was awarded and will go toward printers for the ESL Literacy Lab and the teacher work areas.

Tiny Tim Volunteer Follows Family Footsteps (Daily Times-Call 5/10/04)

Richardson-Staver has been a volunteer at the Tiny Tim Center for nearly six years. (Times-Call/Joshua Buck)

LONGMONT — Volunteering at the Tiny Tim Center is a family tradition for Julia Richardson-Staver. Her father Jim Richardson was a board member. “I remember as a kid attending functions at Tiny Tim,” she said. “When I came back from school, I wanted to give back to the community. Since my dad was involved at Tiny Tim, I looked into that. I fell in love with the kids and their program.”

The Tiny Tim Center provides preschool education and therapeutic services to children with and without special needs. Their main goal is to give developmentally disabled children a way to maximize their potential while minimizing the effects of their disability.

Richardson-Staver is vice president of the board and director of the personnel committee. Once a month she takes time from her busy schedule as owner of Alpine Physical Therapy to provide treats to Tiny Tim’s staff.

“Julia’s intent was to be sure that the people working directly with the children were being appreciated,” said Tiny Tim’s executive director Teedee Keister. “She knew the salary schedule was lower than what their credentials warranted, so she took it upon herself to bring them goodies such as movie tickets or candy. It’s been huge in terms of staff morale knowing the board values them. She single-handedly bridged the working relationship between the board and staff through her understanding that individuals need to be appreciated.”

Helping special-needs children makes volunteering worthwhile for Richardson-Staver. “Tiny Tim gives them an avenue to live a normal life,” she said.

Richardson-Staver cannot wait for her son to continue the family connection to Tiny Tim. He will attend Tiny Tim’s preschool in September 2005. “By then, they’ll be in their new building,” she said. “He couldn’t be in a better place.”