Task #4 Completed: Attend another student's Project Explore! (Kim)

4.  Attend and participate in another student's Project Explore.

Today, I traveled to a nearby assisted living facility and attended Olivia DiMarco's dance therapy class.  I was not allowed to take pictures or videos of the residents, but I took pictures and videos of Olivia to show her accomplishments.  I ended up talking in front of the residents, too.  I told them about my Project Explore and why I was attending this session.  In addition to dancing the Macarena with the residents and watching one of my closest friends perform, I got to listen to a few fascinating stories.  

Olivia's class was not just about stretching and doing dance moves with the residents.  She also provided them with great entertainment.  Olivia brought Margo Libre as a guest dancer, and the two of them had the residents clapping and complimenting them endlessly for their grace and dedication.  They both performed dances from The Nutcracker.  Next month, Olivia will participate in The Nutcracker for the seventh time.  Before saying goodbye, Olivia shared the classic story of the ballet she knows so well.

Watch this video to see excerpts from Olivia's dance therapy session!  (Be sure to click the square button next to the word "YouTube" to make the video full screen)

The most fascinating story we heard from one resident was about Sally Hansen, who founded Sally Hansen Beauty Supplies.  The resident brought her up because Sally Hansen was a ballerina before she had anything to do with cosmetics.  She became involved with nail polish after she retired from ballet.  

Olivia's project was a great experience.  Having Olivia and Margo perform immediately lifted the mood in the room, and that was an amazing thing to witness.

Task #3: Drive By Raking (Kim)

3. Participate in the volunteer "Drive By Raking" project.  

The youth of St. Philips took to the community streets today to show support and rake leaves.  "Drive By Raking" is a service project; the youth group surprises members of the community by raking their yards.  People are chosen to be Drive by Raking victims because they have recently suffered a loss or tragedy, and the youth pick up rakes to show them how much we care.

This sign was left at the yards we raked.

Everyone was surprised to look out and see a group of young people raking their lawns.  But we were surprised, too: several times, hot chocolate and cookies were brought out as a thank you!

NHS students Sabrina Imbrogno (left) and Rachel Ranieri (right)

 The activity was a great success.  Six groups of youth raked twenty-four yards.  And gained a whole new appreciation for leaf blowers.