Community Impact: YAC Update and Honoring Veterans
Veteran’s Day is a time to remember, honor, and thank those who have put their lives at the service of their country. We honor those who have gone before us and displayed courage, selflessness, and commitment to their country, community, and their brothers and sisters in arms. On Veteran’s Day, Monday, November 11, 2024 the Meadows Valley chapter of the Youth Advocacy Coalition (YAC) hosted a dinner for the community with that respect in mind. The YAC leaders also ran a slideshow of pictures and updates from the after school program that is in its second year of operation.
During the regular YAC after school program the previous Thursday, activities were set up to prepare for the Veteran’s Day dinner. One table had vases and all sorts of silk and artificial floral arranging items for making centerpieces. One table had many heart shaped cards for children and adults to write on and thank veterans. There was also a card to write thanks to Natural Grocers for their generous food donations.
The cards were displayed and given to veterans along with hearty thank yous at Monday’s event. Packs of Clove gum, flag pins, stickers, mints, and conversation cards were all displayed for guests to partake in. Guests were greeted on arrival with kind hellos, Fall decor, and the smell of chili and cornbread. The Intersection BBQ, Bar & Grill donated a crock pot full of chili for this event. Natural Grocers donated hamburger meat and beans. Natural Grocers also donates food for the twice weekly after school program run by YAC. Some of the food is used for snacks and some is available for families to take home. During the after school program they have also offered donated clothes, warm coats, and books.
The after school program in New Meadows is in its second year of operation. They started this year in September meeting on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school until 5:00 p.m. The program will run through May 2025 and then break for the summer. The stated mission of YAC is “to cultivate and strengthen supportive community partnerships that encourage and foster the physical and mental wellbeing of youth and families and to prevent substance misuse among youth.” The after school program provides a safe and fun space for kids of all ages. This year activities have included arts and crafts projects, a field trip to the fire station, outdoor play at the school yard and city playgrounds, and there are always delicious foods available to feed kids who are hungry after working hard at school.
Klaryssa Keane, Mechelle LePore, and Teresa Fanselow (Coalition Coordinator) all run the after school program including planning, set up and clean up, supervision, and care. At each program, snacks are prepared and much thanks goes to “Snack Ladies” and kitchen volunteers Kristi Schiermeier (Board Member), Penny Steadham (Board Chair), Diane Adams, Dan Graff, Rose Bourgault, Marge Battaglia, Angie Crow (Board Secretary), Becky VanDeusen, Kathy Elson, Jane Finan, Laura Silkworth, Diane Markham, Diane Hunter, Tina Taylor, and Heidi Braly. Thanks for snack donations go to Laurie Pillers and Faye Ferguson along with Megan Stewart for sourdough bread for the Veteran’s Day buffet. Other members of the coalition include Vice Chair Craig Baker and Board Member Angie Mettie.
The Meadows Valley Planet Youth and YAC Coalition meets monthly at City Hall from 5:30-7:00 p.m. Their next meeting is Thursday, Dec 12 and anyone is welcome to attend the meeting.
