Monday, October 20, 2008

Homecoming Reception!

The Homecoming Reception will take place from 11am-1pm on Saturday, October 25th, 2008 in Jamestown North in the first floor lounge. Hope to see all the brothers and alums there!

Monday, September 29, 2008

FALL 2008 SERVICE PROJECT INFO

~If you like Tutoring, try…

Brotherhood Tutoring

Project heads: Anna Jean Wirth (ajwirt) & Julia Smart (jmsmar)

What: Offer your expertise on different subjects to brothers currently enrolled in given classes. All you do is submit subjects you feel comfortable tutoring people in, say French 101, and when we receive a request in that subject, we exchange the contact information and it’s all set up!

When: Whenever need demands it.

Tips: Before meeting with someone, review the subject in question so you’re on the same page as your tutee.

Requirements: You need to have taken the class, or tested out of it.

Rita Welsh Adult Literacy Center

Project head: Mary Laurie (mmlaur)

What: Tutor ESL adults right here on campus!

When: Meet once or twice a week for one hour at the Literacy Center (Bryan Basement— the entrance is across from Wawa). You will be set up with a learner based on your availability.

Where: Bryan Basement, the entrance is across from the delis.

Requirements: Must attend an orientation session. For information contact rwalp@wm.edu or call 757-221-3325.

Matoaka

Elementary

Tutoring*

Project head: Gabby Rascati (garasc)

What: Tutor a 3rd, 4th or 5th grade one-on-one, be their temporary mentor and friend!

When: Once a week, times based on when you’re available/carpooling schedules.

Requirements: Training session Friday, Sept. 19th—meet at the SC steps at 3:50 and bring a car if you have one!

Matthew Whaley

Tutoring

Project heads: Johanna Christensen (jlchr2) & Ashley Nguyen (hanguy)

What: After-school tutoring program for SOL review, working with elementary-age students.

When: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:20, starting October 7th.

Where: Meet on the DoG St. side of Wren.

Tips: Brush up on your long division =)

James Blair Middle School Tutoring*

Project head: Meghan O’Malley (mromal)

What: James Blair Middle School is a local school a short drive away from campus. APO brothers volunteer at the school helping the teachers with whatever they need, either in the classroom while classes are being taught, or during the planning period with projects.

When: Tutors are needed both in the mornings and afternoons; days are flexible.

Where: Meet your driver at the SC front steps 10 minutes before you need to be at the school.

Requirements: No training, but drivers are needed to transport tutors. There is a special need for any Spanish-speakers and/or violin players. If you sign up for a tutoring shift, you are expected to go every week for the entire duration of your shift. **Email Meghan if you’d like to “shadow” a brother who volunteers regularly!

~If you like Kids, try…

Boys and Girls Club*

Project head: Michael L’Heureux (mjlheu)

What: Working with kids so that they do not have to go home unsupervised. Provide them with a positive role model and have fun while doing it!

When: Most likely Friday afternoons, 3:30-6:00.

Requirements: You must complete a background check form before going. Michael will bring these to pledge meetings within the next few weeks.

YMCA Daycare*

Project heads: Shewit Giovanni (spgiov) & Cassandra Strunk (cvstru)

What: Playing with kids ranging from 3-4 months to 5 years at the YMCA child development center.

When: Friday afternoons, meet at the SC steps at 3:30, return by 5:30.

Tips: Come in clothes you don't mind getting dirty/playing in.

Middle School Dance

Chaperoning*

Project head: Cayla Neidlinger (ceneid)

What: Help teachers monitor the dance floor or help with other activities going on during the dance (karaoke, etc.).

When: Dates TBA, will be announced at brothers’ meetings (Steph will pass along the information J )

Tips: Dress modestly.

James City County Youth Soccer*

Project head: Laurel Slough (lbslou)

What: This project involves coaching kids between the ages of 5-15 once a week with games on the weekends. Most of the games are at WISC or JCWCC with practices around the area. The coaches are responsible for their own transportation.

When: This typically requires a semester commitment, but you are welcome to “shadow” a coach for a practice or two to see how you like the project. Contact Laurel if you’d like to try it out J

Requirements: Soccer experience is preferred.

For more information, see http://www.jccegov.com/recreation/index.html

~If you like Animals, try…

Heritage

Humane Society*

Project head: Kellie O’Malley (keomal)

What: Walking dogs and petting cats, yay!

When: After training, you can go whenever you want to.

Requirements: Training date is TBA.

Gone to the Dogs*

Project head: Johanna Christenson (jlchr2)

What: No-kill shelter providing a loving home to approximately 40 dogs. Volunteer work includes adoption advertising outside PetSmart, cleaning kennels, working with the dogs on obedience and leash training.

When: Generally on Saturdays, meet at the SC steps.

Tips: Wear clothes you don't mind getting muddy or dirty, and sneakers.

~If you like

Environmentalism, try…

APO Recycling

Project heads: Olivia Walch (ojwalch) & Megan Ammirati (meammi)

What: Teams of APO brothers and pledges empty bins weekly from academic buildings while simultaneously being incredibly attractive.

When: Every Friday, times depend on the building(s) being emptied.

Requirements: Love for the Earth.

~If you’re interested in medical

relief, try…

Blood Drives

Project head: Grace Hwang (gehwan)

What: Volunteer in 2-hour shifts to work the blood drive, either registering people, or offering food and water to donors.

When: Usually twice a semester, dates TBA.

~If you like Being with People, try…

ARC*

Project head: Alison Weigel (acweig)

What: ARC is an organization of and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We volunteer at different ARC activities, such as arts and crafts, dances, and educational programs such as basic math.

When: The times of activities vary, Alison will send out a calendar every two weeks/every month.

Avalon*

Project head: Emily Crimmins (egcrim)

What: Working at the Avalon shelter for battered women and children.

**This project is currently full, as volunteers need to undergo training and commit to regular shifts. Please contact Emily if you are seriously interested in this project.

Williamsburg Landing*

Project head: Brittany Minor (bcmino)

What: Visit with people in an assisted living facility, where a majority of the patients have dementia. Volunteers usually go to talk, occasionally playing games or assisting with arts and crafts or snack time. Very laid back.

When: Friday afternoons, times TBA. Shifts will run for an hour, sometime between 2:00-4:00.

Dreamcatchers*

Project head: Virginia Zakrzewski (vrzakr)

What: A therapeutic horseback riding program for disabled children and young adults. Volunteers provide assistance during lessons, either directly with the horse or with the student.

When: Volunteers go based on their own schedule, and carpools are usually set up. Please be able to make a weekly commitment for a specific time period as you will be working with the same students every week.

Tips: Be ready to get a little muddy—you’ll be working in a barn. Closed-toed shoes and long pants required.

Requirements: Training is necessary. Contact Virginia to set up a time.

~If you like Fundraising, try…

Relay for Life

Project heads: James Muirhead (jhmuirhead) & Katie Boretsky (klbore)

What: Relay for life is an overnight relay that was established by the American Cancer Society. The relay itself is meant to celebrate the lives of those that survived cancer, remember the lives of those lost to cancer and to fight back against cancer. Over the course of the semester, we hope to raise money to help the American Cancer Society in their attempts to combat the disease with an APO team that is part of a greater initiative within the college.

When: The fundraising and meetings will begin in the next few weeks. Contact the project heads if you are interested in being on an APO team for the event.

~If you like Hands-on work, try…

Housing Partnerships*

Project heads: Elise Dennis (eadenn) and Ryan Cerone (racero)

What: APO volunteers repair and build homes for disadvantaged locals in the area. Involves painting, cleaning and working with wood and cement.

When: Saturday mornings at 9am, lasting until 1 or 2pm (5 hours of service credit)

Requirements: Training is required, sessions take about 20 minutes.

Campus Kitchens

Project head: Jen Gimbert (jjgimb)

What: Prepare and deliver meals to low-income housing communities in Williamsburg.

When: 4 shifts a week, cooking on Mondays and Thursdays, deliveries on Tuesdays and Fridays. Deliveries require transportation. Cooking is done at the Caf.

Requirements: Must go to the CK website and fill out a form of availability in order to sign up for a shift. http://web.wm.edu/so/campuskitchensproject

Interest Meeting: (not required, but recommended!) 9:30PM on Wednesday, Sept. 17 in Washington 301.

Blankets of Hope

Project head: Ashley Nguyen (hanguy)

What: Making quilts for the soldiers overseas.

When: 3-4 dates TBA – stay tuned!

Where: TBA (on campus)

Tips: This is for the crafty type. No sewing experience is required but is greatly welcomed.

~If you like Writing Letters, try…

Soldiers’ Angels

Project head: Contact Laura Nelson (lvnels) if you are interested in this project.

What: Write letters to soldiers who are serving abroad. Each letter counts for one 1/2 hour of service.

When: On your own time! Simply deliver the letters to the project head when you are done.

ALSO: On Saturday, Sept. 27 there will be a service social! Location and time TBA; can earn 1 hour of service for two letters, while getting some interviews in! J

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Want to run for Treasurer?

Nominations will be taken for the Executive Board position of Treasurer at meeting on Tuesday, March 18th, at Executive Board meeting on Sunday, March 23rd, and the day of elections, Tuesday, March 25th.

Elections for the Executive Board office of Treasurer will take place on Tuesday, March 25th.

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Brotherhood Announcements, Comments, and Events

We could not add a forum function to this blog, but here's a solution! Simply comment on this post with your announcement.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Fund Raising

A message from Heather M:

I'm running in a half-marathon to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (my uncle passed away from Lymphoma), and tomorrow night (Tuesday, February 19th) from 5-9 PM at California Tortilla if you say "I support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society" when you order, 15% of your check will go towards my fund raising goal for that organization. It would be awesome if APO came out (family dinner there??)!

Sunday, February 17, 2008

To stop clogging inboxes, we are going to be sending out a bi-weekly email - one Thursday and one Sunday. If you have any announcements to get out to the brotherhood, email Erin H (eohous).

Also, Kristen M will be sending out a weekly service-related update every Wednesday.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Spring 2008 Service Project Information

Spring 2008 Project Information

Listed alphabetically by project title

Adopt a Highway

What: A group of students go out to APO's adopted highway and collects trash along the road. Trash bags, reflective vests, and gloves are provided.

When: 2 times each semester TBA (1-2 service credit hours)

Where: Meet at the Rec Center.

Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC) of Greater Williamsburg

What: APO volunteers make friends and assist mentally and physically disabled adults during social, fitness, and other activities.

When: Usually a couple times a week from 6:30pm to 9:00pm (2.5 service credit hours). There are also special events that you can sign up for and receive service credit. Watch announcements for specific weekly times.

Where: Meet on the UC steps a little before 6:30pm to get a ride. Project head will e-mail you with the exact meeting time.

Project Head Contact Information: cdelle

Avalon

What: Avalon is a crisis shelter for survivors of domestically-battered and sexually-abused women and children. APO volunteers usually help with childcare, but they also help with the 24-hour helpline and office duties at Avalon.
When: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Meet at 6:00pm, drive to Avalon, volunteer from 6:30 to 7:30. Volunteers help with childcare during these days and times. (1.5 to 2 hours of service credit).

Where: Meet on the UC Steps.

Project Head Contact Information: scrums

Other Important Information about this Project: It is really important to volunteer with this project consistently because the kids get very attached. To volunteer with the help-line, you must complete a weekend training session. No training is required to help with childcare, but it is recommended. All volunteers will also have two background checks. There are no fees for college students who volunteer. Contact project head before participating, so she can be sure there are enough rides.

Blood Drive

What: Brothers assist the Red Cross volunteers and workers in running campus blood drives. Student volunteers help with donor registration, attend to donors' needs while they are donating, or staff the canteen.

When: Usually twice each semester. You receive service credit for the number of hours you volunteer, and you receive two hours of credit for donating blood.

Where: Either upstairs in the UC or in Trinkle Hall.

Project Head Contact Information: ltmusk

Books for Africa

What: APO volunteers collect books from around the campus to send to Africa.  Some of the books cannot be sent directly to Africa.  These are sold on the Better World Books website, and the money earned is used to purchase books for African libraries.
When: Project head will let you know when this project will take place. (1 to 4 service credit hours)
Where: Meet at the Escort House (on Jamestown Road across from the Jamestown dorms).
Project Head Contact Information: djnycz
Other Important Information about This Project: Let project head know that you are coming beforehand, since only a certain number of people can be in the escort house at one time.  

Boys and Girls Club

What: APO volunteers go out to the Boys and Girls Club of Newport News to play games with the kids, and give the hardworking volunteers there a breather.
When: TBA
Where: Volunteers usually meet at the UC Steps sometime in the early afternoon to drive to Newport News. Because of that, we'd love people who can drive to bring their cars.
Project Head Contact Info: jbmyer, achutc
Other Important Information about This Project: Before your first afternoon of helping with Boys and Girls Clubs, volunteers fill out paper work for a minor background check, but the project heads will have the forms for volunteers before leaving. Contact project head to be sure you will have a ride to volunteer. Also, if you can drive a car, it would be great for you to bring it with you.

Campus Kitchen at William and Mary

What: Brothers package and transport surplus food from local restaurants to a local women’s shelter.

When: Beginning the first week of February: Monday 8pm-10pm (cooking); Tuesday 3pm-5pm (delivery); Thursday 9am-10:30am (help with food pick-up); Thursday 8pm-10pm (cooking shift); Friday 3pm-5pm (delivery)

Where: Primarily the Caf (or “Commons”)

Project Head Contact Information: smwink, jjgimb

Other Important Information about This Project: To sign up for a shift, go to http://www.wm.edu/so/campuskitchensproject/ and click “Volunteer”. Shifts are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis (no pun intended). Or contact djvill to be added to the listserv.

Dream Catchers

What: This is a therapeutic horseback riding center for children with physical or cognitive disabilities. Volunteers can be sidewalkers or leaders (leaders usually need experience with horses).

When: Training session is coming up. Email project head for more information. Schedules are based on a personal schedule (and coordinated with transportation).

Where: Dream Catchers Therapeutic Riding Center in Williamsburg, VA

Project Head Contact Information: vrzakr

Other Important Information about This Project: Training is provided. Application and waiver need to be filled out beforehand. Brothers need to be regularly committed to this project.

Escort

What: Escort is a service APO provides the entire campus community. It keeps students safe at night by escorting them from one location to another either by golf cart or on foot.
When: Sunday thru Thursday A-shift 9pm-11pm, B-shift 11pm-1am; Friday & Saturday A-shift 9pm-11:30, B- shift 11:30-2am

Where: The SA/Escort House (404 Jamestown Road across from the Jamestown Dorms and Barksdale Field).

Project Head Contact Information: majohn, APOCampusEscort

Other Important Information about This Project: As a brother, you are required to complete 2 weekend shifts at Escort. Pledges must be trained at Escort and they cannot drive the cart with non-APO passengers. The cart cannot be driven in rain, sleet, or snow – instead we walk. The cart must be charged after returning from runs. Runs can only be made on campus which includes Ludwell but not the Law School. While we make runs, do your best to stay on the sidewalk. Please remember to give proper information, as radios are monitored.

Freshmen Move-In

What: APO volunteers help students and their parents move into the freshmen dorms.

When: Freshmen Move-In Day (4 or 5 hours of service credit)

Where: Freshmen dorms around campus.

Project Head Contact Information: rflowd

Other Important Information about This Project: Volunteers move in early (the day before the freshmen arrive, which is usually about 4 days before fall classes begin).

Gone to the Dogs Animal Shelter

What: APO volunteers go out once a week to Charles City to work directly with dogs that need love and attention. Walking and playing with the dogs is a vital part of their recovery from their usually inhumane life before arriving at the shelter. In addition to working with the dogs volunteers also help with the upkeep of the property which includes moving materials, cleaning, and reorganizing.

When: Most Saturday Mornings at 8:30am.

Where: Meet at the UC Terrace Saturdays at 8:30am.

Project Head Contact Information: aseich

Other Important Information about This Project: More information can be found at www.gonetodogs.com. Must contact project head before going.

Heritage Humane Society

What: APO volunteers go out on their own schedule to Heritage Humane Society in Williamsburg to walk and socialize dogs, and socialize cats. This does wonders for the animals there that are cooped up in a cage all day. In addition to working directly with the animals, volunteers also help with the upkeep of the property and general housekeeping.

When: On the volunteer’s own schedule

Where: The Heritage Humane Society

Project Head Contact Information: aseich

Other Important Information about This Project: Volunteers must take a one hour orientation class before volunteering.

Hillel Co-project

What: Brothers will help homeless families through various events

When: TBA

Where: TBA

Project Head Contact Information: mtzara

Other Important Information about This Project: This project is still in its planning stages. If you’d like to help plan, contact project head, but be on the lookout for more specific information in the next month or so.

Housing Partnerships

What: APO volunteers repair and build homes for disadvantaged locals in the area. Volunteers paint, clean, and work with wood and cement.

When: weekly/semi-weekly, 9am Saturdays, lasting until 1 or 2. (5 hours of service credit)

Where: Meet on the PBK steps Saturday mornings at 8 or 9am.

Project Head Contact Information: naburg or eadenn

Other Important Information About This Project: Contact project heads to sign-up. Training is required.

James Blair Middle School Tutoring

What: APO volunteers tutor middle school students in several subjects during and after the school day on a weekly basis.

When: Tutoring shifts on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays

Where: Meet on the UC steps to get a ride to James Blair Middle School.

Project Head Contact Information: igmuno or mromal

Other Important Information about This Project: Tutors should sign up for a shift or shifts that they can commit to consistently. E-mail project head with questions or if you can be a driver.

Matthew Whaley Elementary School Tutoring

What: Matthew Whaley is an elementary school in Colonial Williamsburg. APO brothers (along with volunteers from other groups) tutor 3rd through 5th grade Kid’s Club students in mathematics, reading, and Virginia Standards of Learning practice work.
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:45pm to 5:15pm (1.5 hours of service credit).
Where: Meet on the DoG Street side of the Wren Building at 3:30pm on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays to walk over as a group.
Project Head Contact Information: mhbyrn and kdbarr
Other Important Information about This Project: Volunteers don't need to bring anything, and anyone is welcome to participate. As long as the volunteers are at the DoG Street side of the Wren Building by 3:45pm, they can come!


Middle School Dance Chaperoning

What: This project serves local middle schools by providing chaperones for middle school dances. You earn 2-4 hours of service at each event. Last year we didn’t just monitor the dance floor, we also helped with refreshments and ran carnival games or karaoke.

When: Friday February 15th, 2008

Where: Toano and James Blair Middle Schools

Project Head Contact Information: ceneid

Relay for Life/Colleges For Cancer

What: Colleges for Cancer is a team event to support the American Cancer Society. The APO team camps out on a field and walks laps around a track for one night. Money that is raised is used to support cancer research and patient services.

When: The actual event is the evening of April 4 to the morning of April 5. (11 service hours if you stay the whole night) For now, brothers participate in fundraising projects. Watch for news about upcoming events.

Where: The event is on Busch Soccer Field.

Project Head Contact Information: majohn, mcruss

Other Important Information about This Project: Being a member of the team involves attending meetings and helping with fundraising events throughout the semester, then participating in the overnight event! Being on the fundraising committee also gets you committee credit!

Rita Welsh Adult Literacy Center

What: APO volunteers primarily tutor adults in English, but may be asked to tutor in basic math or computer skills.

When: During a weekly 1-1.5 hour time slot after you have participated in a 1.5 hour training session. Email rwalp@wm.edu for more information.

Where: Bryan Hall basement

Other Important Information about This Project: You must attend a 1.5 hour training session before volunteering. Email rwalp@wm.edu to get a training schedule.

Ronald McDonald Can Tab Collection

What: The Ronald McDonald House is a home-away-from-home for out-of-town families being treated for cancer and other serious illness and injury in the Richmond-area hospitals. Throughout the semester, brothers collect can tabs in order to support this great cause. Tabs from both aluminum cans (such as soda) and food cans (cat food, soup, etc.) can be used.
When: TBA
Where: TBA
Project Head Contact Information: mxbusu

Soldiers’ Angels

What: APO volunteers write and send letters to soldiers in the Middle East.

When: Sometimes a social is offered for brothers to gather and write letters together, but most brothers write letters on their own time.

Where: Wherever you like to write letters!

Project Head Contact Information: cmhunt, jaclam

Other Important Information about This Project: Each letter counts for a half hour (.5 hours) of service.

Special Olympics Swimming

What: Brothers aid in coaching and supporting special needs children and adults in swimming.
When: Saturday 10:40am - 12 noon (1.5 hours of service credit each week)
Where: Meet on the UC steps at 10:40am to get a ride over to the James City County Recreation Center.
Project Head Contact Information: klaust

Other Important Information about This Project: The swimmers really begin to depend on seeing the volunteers every week. Just come ready to get in the water and play. No experience is necessary... just a love of the water and a willingness to help. E-mail project head before participating so they can make sure there are enough rides. Also, feel free to e-mail them with any questions.

Ushering

What: Approximately 10 people are needed for each of the concert performances held throughout the year. Brothers dress nicely and pass out programs, collect tickets, and assist guests as needed.
When: Evenings, announced (1. 5 hours of service credit)
Where: Meet at the Phi Beta Kappa Hall entrance.
Project Head Contact Information: adcock
Other Important Information about This Project: You get to stay for the performance for free after helping usher. Email project head to sign up and to receive any special instructions.

Williamsburg Landing Nursing Home

What: APO volunteers go to Williamsburg Landing once a week for an hour and hang out with the senior citizens 
When: Fridays 2pm  (1 hour of service credit)
Where: Meet at the UC terrace at 2:00pm to get a ride.
Project Head Contact Information:  bcmino
Other Important Information About This Project: Contact project head so they can make sure there are enough cars

William and Mary News

What: APO members deliver the W&M News publication to buildings on and around campus.
When: Four Thursdays per semester (You can get at least 1 service hour, even if it doesn't take you the whole hour.)
Where: Meet at the Lambert House at 3:30. Bring a car if you have it, but there are a lot of routes where you can just walk!
Project Head Contact Info.: bsbrom

Other Important Information about the Project: It not only builds character, but builds muscle, too!

YMCA

What: APO volunteers play with kids (infant-5yrs), who are in the YMCA daycare program. This usually consists of playing with them outside on the playground or watching movies with them inside if the weather is bad.

When: Fridays at 3:30pm-5:30pm or 5:45pm. (2 hours of service credit)

Where: Meet on the UC steps at 3:45pm to get a ride.

Project Head Contact Information: spgiov, cvstru

Other Important Information about This Project: Please email project heads before you go so they can arrange all necessary transportation!

Youth Sports Coaching (Soccer)

What: Brothers volunteer in groups to coach a youth intramural sports team for the fall or spring season.

When: Practice is once a week, and games on Saturday mornings.

Where: Coaches are assigned a day of the week and given a game schedule by the director. Coaches may work with the director to come up with the best day/time for practice based on the availability of the fields.

Project Head Contact Information: jddone, lbslou

Other Important Information about This Project: This project is generally a semester commitment and requires regular attendance.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Welcome back, APO!

Please plan on coming out to our Chapter Programming and Planning Conference on Sunday, February 3rd, from 1-4. We need as many voices there as possible to improve the chapter and to give guidance to exec board for the 2008 year.

Do service with your BIG/LITTLE!

Pay your dues: $40 active, $20 associate to Dave E.

Finally, send any information you have to me by email: eohous@wm.edu

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Welcome to the new APO blog!

Hey Brothers!

Here's just another way to get all of the APO information you've always wanted. Don't hesitate to send me more info to get out to the brotherhood!

Enjoy!