Cornell Cooperative Extension

Steuben County
Volunteer Week 2021

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National Volunteer Week

  • Sunday, April 18, 2021, 12:00 PM - 12:00 PM
  • Saturday, April 24, 2021, 12:00 PM - 12:00 PM

National Volunteer Week is April 18-24, 2021.

National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to recognize the impact of volunteer service and the power of volunteers to tackle society’s greatest challenges, to build stronger communities and be a force that transforms the world. Each year, we shine a light on the people and causes that inspire us to serve, recognizing and thanking volunteers who lend their time, talent and voice to make a difference in their communities.

National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 and has grown exponentially each year, with thousands of volunteer projects and special events scheduled throughout the week. Today, as people strive to lead lives that reflect their values, the expression of civic life has evolved. Whether online, at the office, or the local food bank; whether with a vote, a voice, or a wallet – doing good comes in many forms, and we recognize and celebrate them all.

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Last updated April 22, 2021

Donna Andrews

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Today is Earth Day, and once again we are celebrating National Volunteer Week with a spotlight on one of our amazing volunteers at CCE Steuben. So it only seems fitting to highlight one of our Master Gardeners, Donna Andrews!

Donna is one of the 13 new Steuben County Master Gardeners whose training will be completed on May 1st. She has resumed the garden therapy course that CCE Agriculture Educator Ariel Kirk and VA staff began at the Bath VA Medical Center as an independent project.
When the pandemic began in late March 2020, Bath VA staff were asked to volunteer for other work duties since their ability to treat Veterans in the clinic setting was temporarily reduced. Donna chose to volunteer her time and energy in the Bath VA greenhouse as “gardening has been my passion for many years.” Her responsibilities grew to include care of the POW/MIA Rose Garden as CCE volunteers could not be permitted on site. That expanded to include various other beds and planters on this beautiful, sprawling station.
She wanted to pursue the Master Gardener Volunteer(MGV) program for years but could not attend in- person classroom learning due to her full time tour of duty at the VA. She was thrilled to learn that the classes were going to be held completely virtual beginning January 2021.
“I have served the Veteran population of the Bath VA for over 27 years of my 39 year career as an Occupational Therapist and I enjoy educating people on their health and functional activities. The pairing of my gardening skills and the pursuit of the MGV CCE education has now provided me the opportunity to become a contributing member of the Finger Lakes Whole Health initiative teaching Intro to Horticulture OT classes to a small group of residents. When the pandemic recedes, I am hopeful to eventually offer the same gardening educational opportunities when VA staff and outpatients can safely congregate for healthy in-person learning. I have been busy preparing for my MGV project for my off duty hours to continue to address the greenhouse and station garden projects to promote gardening as a healthy, functional activity for the Veteran population.”
Thank you so much for your service, Donna!
 

Jane Kaszczynec

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It's National Volunteer Week and we thank ALL our wonderful volunteers. Here is just one example:

CCE Financial Educator Nancy Reigelsperger describes Jane Kaszczynec as the type of volunteer that she wishes she could clone. Jane has been one of Nancy’s Financial Volunteers for over 15 years.
Jane first got involved with CCE in the late 1990’s as a member of the Board of Directors. She served as President of the Board from 2001-2003 and Vice President in 2004. Since then she has worked one on one with community members who need assistance with their financial management. Jane says being a financial volunteer is very easy to do. She gets them one at a time and she can concentrate on that one person.
“So many people don’t know how to budget their money,” Jane says. “I get a great deal of satisfaction when I get someone with debt to actually start saving money. When they need tires, they can just reach into their savings and not have a complete meltdown. It is very satisfying to see someone have a success story of their own.“
Thank you, Jane, for everything you do for CCE Steuben!