Jul 20, 2015

Getting Cheesy Over VISTA 50!

On Tuesday, July 14th we were honored to be a part of Connecticut's celebration of VISTA's 50th Anniversary. Taking place in Hartford, Connecticut - one of the very-first VISTA service locations in the 1960s - the event brought together over 100 alumni, current members, and lovers of national service from throughout the state.

We were joined by Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra, who thanked the VISTAs who had served and announced plans to place AmeriCorps VISTA members in support of the newly-rewarded Promise Zone designation of Hartford's North End. Also giving their thanks were MC End Hunger Connecticut! Executive Director (and VISTA Class of 1980 alum) Lucy Nolan, currently-serving PAVE New Haven VISTA Brittany Groat, and our very-own Chapter Leader Tina Lindstrom.

Hartford Mayor Segarra thanks VISTAs from
five decades for their service.

In addition to serving on the event's planning committee, we were honored to have helped provide food for the event through our new partnership with Cabot Creamery Cooperative and the Gratitude Grill. Cabot treated attendees to a hearty and delicious meal of homemade Legacy Mac & Cheese alongside a delicious fresh salad and cookies. 

Thank you to chefs Jimmy Kennedy and Cindy Stoker for making sure our bellies were full, and to Carolyn Kingston for coordinating the details. It was tremendous to work with everyone and a great pleasure to get to meet one of Cabot's Coop Farmers, Amanda Freund of Freund's Farmer's Market in East Canaan - we love that the cheese we buy can help support our local farmers (and taste so, so good!).

As a cooperative, Cabot Creamery is dedicated to giving back to the community and honoring all of the volunteers who help get things done. Reward Volunteers is an initiative that makes it easy to keep track of the time you spend making your community a better place and allows you to earn rewards, not only for yourself but also for the organizations you serve. For more information click here: http://www.rewardvolunteers.coop/about.php.



Bringing Cabot's Legacy Mac & Cheese Home!

Members from the Connecticut Chapter Leadership Board
Enjoy Legacy Mac & Cheese at VISTA 50, July 14, 2015
In honor of VISTA's 50th Anniversary on July 14th, our VISTA alums, VISTAs, and AmeriFriends were treated to a hearty meal including homemade Legacy Mac & Cheese, served by Cabot Creamery Cooperative Farmers’ Gratitude Grille. The farm families who own Cabot appreciate what volunteers do for their communities every day and are proud to support their efforts with the Gratitude Grille. 

Want to make Cabot Chef Jimmy Kennedy’s yummy Legacy Mac & Cheese at Home? Here’s a link to the recipe: http://www.cabotcheese.coop/recipes/Legacy-Tomato-Basil-Mac-Cheese

https://www.cabotcheese.coop/

For more ways that Cabot gives back to volunteers, check out their Reward Volunteers program at http://www.rewardvolunteers.coop/about.php!



Jul 12, 2015

Why CT's AmeriGrads Serve...

At this year's inaugural AmeriGrad Picnic held on June 27th, we were joined by members from throughout the state representing Green Crew, VISTA, Community Health Center Association of Connecticut, and even NCCC!

We asked the over-35 graduating members to share why they choose to serve Connecticut. From supporting social justice to listening to their heart, these brand-new alums really know how to get things done!

Thank you to InterCorps Council of Connecticut for their support, as well as to Trader Joe's of Orange, Subway, Insomnia Cookies, and Girl Scouts of Connecticut for their support in making this event possible.