Sign in or 
Share this
Headline News
Rockin’ out for a cause
By Sharon Swanepoel
The Loganville Tribune
Published March 7, 2008
LOGANVILLE — Many of Walton County’s youth, their parents, grandparents and a few local officials turned out in force Friday to support the first annual Battle of the Bands at American Legion Post 233.
“We did not actually count people, but I would estimate about 400 people in attendance with teenagers, adults, younger siblings, etc.,” said Emily Gallman, youth development coordinator for The Partnership for Families, Children and Youth which co-hosted the event with the American Legion. “It was a really wonderful turnout. The Youth Advocacy Board members — high school students from Monroe, Loganville and Social Circle — had suggested holding the Battle of the Bands and they really knew what would interest their peers. The whole focus on the evening was on making healthy choices and realizing that you don’t need alcohol, drugs or violence to make an event like a concert enjoyable.”
Teens swayed to some of the music of their favorite local bands and, on occasion, held up their cell phones as lights as they swayed. For the most part, parents stayed on one side of the room and the kids hung out with their friends expected to tap their parents for funds for pizza or something to drink. But everyone agreed it was a great family event with many generations coming together for the good of the community.
Gallman said the three bands performing were comprised of high school students from Walton County. County Line and Sarudus were from Loganville and Blake Helman was from Monroe.
The entrance fee was either $5 or $2 with a donation of canned goods for the Shepherd’s Staff pantry in Loganville.
“We raised almost $1,000 from ticket sales and plan to donate a portion of it to charity,” Gallman said. “In addition, we collected tons of canned foods that we will be donating to Shepherd’s Staff.”
Gallman said the number of kids that came to support the effort shows teens want to be involved in the community.
“They want to help others by collecting canned foods or raising funds for charity. Also, they want their community to be interested in them and I think we clearly showed that on Friday night,” Gallman said.
Walton County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Tim Lull and Loganville City Councilman Chuck Bagley were some of the city and county leaders in attendance.
“I think this event really gave teens an opportunity to see their community cares about them and vice versa,” Gallman said. “We are definitely planning on holding the event next year. We will make a few adjustments, but overall try to include more bands and get even more teens involved. “
If anyone has any questions or wants information about youth development initiatives in Walton County, they can contact Gallman at 770-883-6881 or emily.gallman@gmail.com
Monroe teen wins president’s volunteer award
Published November 25, 2007
MONROE — In the age of video games, the Internet and cable TV, the likelihood of getting a teenager off the couch or out of their room is almost non-existent.
But groups like the Youth Advocacy Board brandish light in the time of darkness when it comes to motivating young minds, and one member in particular — Jessica Leach, a freshman at Monroe Area High School — shines brighter.
Tuesday morning, Leach was presented with the President’s Volunteer Gold Level Service Award, recognition which does not come lightly.
“Volunteerism at any age is phenomenal,” said Melinda Quinn, coordinator for The Partnership for Families, Children and Youth, who helped present the award to Leach. “It is important to the development of these young people. They are being pulled in so many different directions. And for Jessica, caring for others is a way of life.”
In 2003, President George W. Bush created the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation to help recognize the much-needed contributions volunteers make, bringing together business, entertainment, sports, education, government, non-profit and other leaders to weigh in on the accolade. The awards bestowed thanks and honor demonstrated commitment and action which inspires others — which easily describes Leach.
The young Monroe resident’s resumé is already established with a multitude of activities, which includes the Girl Scouts, the American Red Cross, sewing pillows for children in Somoa, collecting items and assembling more than 200 comfort kits for Hurricane Katrina victims and more.
Perhaps what sealed the deal for Leach to be thrown into the limelight followed a book sale by The Partnership. With hundreds of books left over, The Partnership agreed the books could be donated to various organizations throughout the county to help promote literacy, rather than stuffed in a box for storage.
Calls were made and hours spent sorting the variety of books, placed in boxes marked for each group which would benefit from each genre. Great Oaks Retirement Home asked for romance novels; the fire department requested action and adventure books. Many requests were made for children’s books, but those were few and far between in what was left over after the sale.
Leach took it upon herself to collect more books, creating a flyer for “gently used” children’s books from the 200 homes in the subdivision her family lives in, Woodlake. The residents stepped up to support the efforts of Leach, and through her initiative and their generosity, more than 500 books were collected. This afforded places such as the Boys & Girls Club the benefit.
“On behalf of the 600 kids of the Boys & Girls Club, thank you,” said Michelle Unchuan, executive director of the Walton County Boys & Girls Club. “We only survive on efforts of the community, and Jessica is one of the fine individuals in Walton County. She is one of those people who will have a big impact in life.”
For Leach, the reward came when she saw how much the children and other members of the community appreciated the books when they were delivered.
“Caring for others is a way of life, it’s what you do every day that can make a difference,” Leach said. “If you are having a bad day, do something kind for someone else — no strings attached, no expectations — that is the pure love of Christ. It will always make you feel better.”
Since the inception of the award in 2004, only 4,011 residents in the state have received any of the awards offered — which includes adults and youth across four different levels of recognition. To reach the gold level, Leach had to accumulate more than 100 hours of volunteer service.
After Walton County Board of Commissioners Chairmen Kevin Little presented Leach with her accolade, and Georgia Rep. Len Walker (R-107) gave the youngster a pin recognizing her effort, the humble youth took the podium, uncomfortable with all of the attention.
“Knowledge matters,” Leach nervously said. “When young people get involved, their knowledge of the world around them increases.”
After paying homage to her grandfather, a role model for Leach who in his own right was recognized for his efforts in a community in Florida by having a school named after him, the Monroe Area student joined her family and friends who were in attendance.
With her YAB friends by her side, Leach and others continue to better Walton County. And a grateful community took the time to thank a young leader for her efforts.
Haunted House of Addictions
The YAB sponsored the Haunted House of Addictions on October 18th and 20th, 2007 at Monroe Paintball Works. The event drew 354 guests from all over Walton County. Forty four volunteers put in numerous hours of effort to make this event a huge success! From all those that visited the Haunted House, 84% resported that what they saw in the Haunted House changed their perceptions and attitudes of drugs and alcohol.
The Haunted House took youth through the journey of addiction. Those that attended witnessed and experienced what it would be like to try drugs for that first time, to the point where it becomes an addiction and controls your life. Other points of interest within the Hautned House included a Meth Lab and a drug bust from Walton County's SERT team. The conclusion of the journey through addiciton allowed the participants to witness a car crash caused from an addiciton that finally took the lives of those who chose to use.
This was a dynamic presentation done in conjunction with Red Ribbon Week.
Special thanks to the Youth Advocacy Board, Walton County Sherriff's Department and Monroe Paintball Works.
By Sharon Swanepoel
The Loganville Tribune
Published March 7, 2008
LOGANVILLE — Many of Walton County’s youth, their parents, grandparents and a few local officials turned out in force Friday to support the first annual Battle of the Bands at American Legion Post 233.
“We did not actually count people, but I would estimate about 400 people in attendance with teenagers, adults, younger siblings, etc.,” said Emily Gallman, youth development coordinator for The Partnership for Families, Children and Youth which co-hosted the event with the American Legion. “It was a really wonderful turnout. The Youth Advocacy Board members — high school students from Monroe, Loganville and Social Circle — had suggested holding the Battle of the Bands and they really knew what would interest their peers. The whole focus on the evening was on making healthy choices and realizing that you don’t need alcohol, drugs or violence to make an event like a concert enjoyable.”
Teens swayed to some of the music of their favorite local bands and, on occasion, held up their cell phones as lights as they swayed. For the most part, parents stayed on one side of the room and the kids hung out with their friends expected to tap their parents for funds for pizza or something to drink. But everyone agreed it was a great family event with many generations coming together for the good of the community.
Gallman said the three bands performing were comprised of high school students from Walton County. County Line and Sarudus were from Loganville and Blake Helman was from Monroe.
The entrance fee was either $5 or $2 with a donation of canned goods for the Shepherd’s Staff pantry in Loganville.
“We raised almost $1,000 from ticket sales and plan to donate a portion of it to charity,” Gallman said. “In addition, we collected tons of canned foods that we will be donating to Shepherd’s Staff.”
Gallman said the number of kids that came to support the effort shows teens want to be involved in the community.
“They want to help others by collecting canned foods or raising funds for charity. Also, they want their community to be interested in them and I think we clearly showed that on Friday night,” Gallman said.
Walton County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Tim Lull and Loganville City Councilman Chuck Bagley were some of the city and county leaders in attendance.
“I think this event really gave teens an opportunity to see their community cares about them and vice versa,” Gallman said. “We are definitely planning on holding the event next year. We will make a few adjustments, but overall try to include more bands and get even more teens involved. “
If anyone has any questions or wants information about youth development initiatives in Walton County, they can contact Gallman at 770-883-6881 or emily.gallman@gmail.com
Monroe teen wins president’s volunteer award
| By Robbie Schwartz The Walton Tribune |
MONROE — In the age of video games, the Internet and cable TV, the likelihood of getting a teenager off the couch or out of their room is almost non-existent.
But groups like the Youth Advocacy Board brandish light in the time of darkness when it comes to motivating young minds, and one member in particular — Jessica Leach, a freshman at Monroe Area High School — shines brighter.
Tuesday morning, Leach was presented with the President’s Volunteer Gold Level Service Award, recognition which does not come lightly.
“Volunteerism at any age is phenomenal,” said Melinda Quinn, coordinator for The Partnership for Families, Children and Youth, who helped present the award to Leach. “It is important to the development of these young people. They are being pulled in so many different directions. And for Jessica, caring for others is a way of life.”
In 2003, President George W. Bush created the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation to help recognize the much-needed contributions volunteers make, bringing together business, entertainment, sports, education, government, non-profit and other leaders to weigh in on the accolade. The awards bestowed thanks and honor demonstrated commitment and action which inspires others — which easily describes Leach.
The young Monroe resident’s resumé is already established with a multitude of activities, which includes the Girl Scouts, the American Red Cross, sewing pillows for children in Somoa, collecting items and assembling more than 200 comfort kits for Hurricane Katrina victims and more.
Perhaps what sealed the deal for Leach to be thrown into the limelight followed a book sale by The Partnership. With hundreds of books left over, The Partnership agreed the books could be donated to various organizations throughout the county to help promote literacy, rather than stuffed in a box for storage.
Calls were made and hours spent sorting the variety of books, placed in boxes marked for each group which would benefit from each genre. Great Oaks Retirement Home asked for romance novels; the fire department requested action and adventure books. Many requests were made for children’s books, but those were few and far between in what was left over after the sale.
Leach took it upon herself to collect more books, creating a flyer for “gently used” children’s books from the 200 homes in the subdivision her family lives in, Woodlake. The residents stepped up to support the efforts of Leach, and through her initiative and their generosity, more than 500 books were collected. This afforded places such as the Boys & Girls Club the benefit.
“On behalf of the 600 kids of the Boys & Girls Club, thank you,” said Michelle Unchuan, executive director of the Walton County Boys & Girls Club. “We only survive on efforts of the community, and Jessica is one of the fine individuals in Walton County. She is one of those people who will have a big impact in life.”
For Leach, the reward came when she saw how much the children and other members of the community appreciated the books when they were delivered.
“Caring for others is a way of life, it’s what you do every day that can make a difference,” Leach said. “If you are having a bad day, do something kind for someone else — no strings attached, no expectations — that is the pure love of Christ. It will always make you feel better.”
Since the inception of the award in 2004, only 4,011 residents in the state have received any of the awards offered — which includes adults and youth across four different levels of recognition. To reach the gold level, Leach had to accumulate more than 100 hours of volunteer service.
After Walton County Board of Commissioners Chairmen Kevin Little presented Leach with her accolade, and Georgia Rep. Len Walker (R-107) gave the youngster a pin recognizing her effort, the humble youth took the podium, uncomfortable with all of the attention.
“Knowledge matters,” Leach nervously said. “When young people get involved, their knowledge of the world around them increases.”
After paying homage to her grandfather, a role model for Leach who in his own right was recognized for his efforts in a community in Florida by having a school named after him, the Monroe Area student joined her family and friends who were in attendance.
With her YAB friends by her side, Leach and others continue to better Walton County. And a grateful community took the time to thank a young leader for her efforts.
Haunted House of Addictions
The YAB sponsored the Haunted House of Addictions on October 18th and 20th, 2007 at Monroe Paintball Works. The event drew 354 guests from all over Walton County. Forty four volunteers put in numerous hours of effort to make this event a huge success! From all those that visited the Haunted House, 84% resported that what they saw in the Haunted House changed their perceptions and attitudes of drugs and alcohol.
The Haunted House took youth through the journey of addiction. Those that attended witnessed and experienced what it would be like to try drugs for that first time, to the point where it becomes an addiction and controls your life. Other points of interest within the Hautned House included a Meth Lab and a drug bust from Walton County's SERT team. The conclusion of the journey through addiciton allowed the participants to witness a car crash caused from an addiciton that finally took the lives of those who chose to use.
This was a dynamic presentation done in conjunction with Red Ribbon Week.
Special thanks to the Youth Advocacy Board, Walton County Sherriff's Department and Monroe Paintball Works.
Hands on Georiga Week 2007
The Youth Advocacy Board voted to make this week a “Tour of Community Service” throughout Walton. They will begin the week on Monday, October 1st at Southern Plantation Retirement Community in Loganville. These young people will be spending time with the residents while distributing crafts they have made. The following day, Tuesday, October 2nd the service project will be held at FISH’s Thrift Store in Monroe. The YAB will assist in sorting donations that have been brought to the store, while bringing some of their own donations. The final day of Hands on Georgia Week will be spent on Thursday, October 4th at the Boys and Girls Club of Social Circle. The YAB will be constructing terrarium’s with the children while visiting.
The Youth Advocacy Board is sponsored by The Partnership for Families, Children and Youth. A generous grant from the Walton County Health Care Foundation, Inc, has allowed the continuation of the YAB and other youth development initiatives.
Throughout the week, the Youth Advocacy Board members will have the opportunity to visit areas of the county that they may not visit on a regular basis. In addition, they will be focusing their efforts on different populations throughout the week to broaden their perspective on the population of Walton County.
Supplies for this week were made available by Wal-Mart. Participant t-shirts are supplied by Hands On Georgia and The Partnership.
If you would like to participate or help in any way, please contact Emily Gallman, Youth Development Coordinator at 770-883-6881.
|
YABLeader |
Latest page update: made by YABLeader
, Apr 7 2008, 3:00 PM EDT
(about this update
About This Update
Edited by YABLeader
477 words added view changes - complete history) |
|
Keyword tags:
activities
events
news
More Info: links to this page
|
There are no threads for this page.
Be the first to start a new thread.
