On Saturday, May 9, the New York State Commission on National and Community Service
and the Corporation for National and Community Service hosted the national kickoff
for AmeriCorps Week 2009. More than 1,300 AmeriCorps and other National Service
members as well as community volunteers from across New York State spent the day
providing service to the residents of East Harlem.
From left to right: Mark Walter, Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito, Susan Stern, Governor David Paterson, First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson, and Peter Hunsinger begin the day of service.
The day started early with a short ceremony kicking off the week. Honored guest
speakers were New York’s Governor David Paterson and First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson.
Other special guests included Terrell Blanding, who sang the National Anthem; Donna
Smith, Director of the Corporation for National and Community Service New York Office;
Peter Hunsinger, Publisher of Gentlemen’s Quarterly (GQ) Magazine; District 8 Councilwoman
Melissa Mark-Viverto and singer/songwriter Matt White who provided musical entertainment
to the crowd. Susan Stern, Chair of New York’s Commission on National and Community
Service and a member of Governor Paterson’s Cabinet, was the event emcee.
After the members and volunteers ate a delicious lunch, they were ready to get to
work. The Commission worked with several organizations to sponsor the service projects:
Children for Children led volunteers in a reLightNYC project to distribute 5,000
CFL light bulbs and provide energy conservation information to residents
of local New York City Housing Authority property.
New York City Parks and Recreation staff led volunteers to beautify Thomas Jefferson
Park and the East River Esplanade by planting more than 100 flowers and plants, spreading
4 yards mulch, rehabbing the long jump area with one yard of sand, re-finishing
barbeque grills, and improving playground appearance.
The American Institute of Architects led volunteers in surveying Recreation Center
at Thomas Jefferson Park to determine steps that could be taken to make the building
more sustainable. A formal plan was presented to the Thomas Jefferson Park’s Director
that would make the Recreation Center a self-sustaining facility, utilizing only
natural energy.
Jumpstart for Young Children led volunteers in educating local children about beautification
and “being green” by reading two children’s books, Curious George Plants a Tree
and Something Beautiful as well as by completing arts and crafts activities relative
to the book themes. Jumpstart distributed 300 copies of the community greening books
to local youth.
Cornell University Cooperative Extension provided training to volunteers who conducted
a survey of environmental assets in the neighborhood. The study will help AmeriCorps
members implement the resulting plan to maximize resources in the community where
needs are greatest.
New York Restoration Project led volunteers to mulch, nurture, and provide stewardship
of more than 400 trees that were recently planted in the local neighborhood surrounding
Thomas Jefferson Park.
More than 120 City Year Young Heroes volunteered with the New York Restoration Project
to clear waste in High Bridge Park, study “man’s impact on nature”, and beautify
Swindler’s Cove Park.
Harlem Children’s Zone led volunteers who planted flowers and plants in several
beds and completed educational murals with a greening them to beautify Countee Cullen
Community Center
AmeriCorps Week is a recruitment and recognition event designed to bring more Americans
into service, salute AmeriCorps members and alums for their powerful impact, and
thank the community partners who make AmeriCorps possible. AmeriCorps Week provides
an opportunity for AmeriCorps members, alums, grantees, program partners, and friends
to shine a spotlight on the work done by members in communities across the country
-- and to motivate more AmeriCorps to join AmeriCorps or volunteer in their communities.
For a complete listing of all AmeriCorps Week events held throughout New York State,
Click here or visit www.NewYorkersVolunteer.ny.gov or www.americorpsweek.gov