Over the last year or so I've become friends with many of my amazing fellow volunteers. Men and women who take time out of their busy schedules to help a worthy organization with a variety of tasks. They assist staff with everything from office duties, special events, and membership campaigns. Some even attend multiple volunteer orientation to help boost interest and answer the many questions new volunteers may have. Their assistance is VITAL to the survival of The Nine Network.
A few volunteers have designated hours that they spend at the Nine studio helping staff address and stuff envelopes, distribute mail, filing, data entry, phone calls, and overall organization. The amount of office work available for a volunteer could keep you busy for weeks!
Special events volunteers help distribute a wide variety of information, answer questions, and serve as an important ambassador for Nine. We are the face of Nine, the volunteers that the public identify with. These volunteers often determine the experience that an individual may have with Channel 9.
You know those pesky membership campaigns that air once each quarter, where you'll see people in the background answering phones? Those are volunteers as well. Campaign volunteers track each pledge and sort through campaign information to make sure that each new member receives the appropriate gift requested and is signed up as a Nine member. It's not always a simple task between the background noise, and the programming going on.
To all of my fellow volunteers, THANK YOU!! For everything you do. Every one of you is helping to improve your community. I hope to see many of you tonight!
That's all from your eccentric Channel 9 cheerleader. Thanks for tuning in, and keep on givin'!!
About Me
- Stephanie Alioto
- The projects and produce of our small family farm. Hard work and habits that go into maintaining two gardens, 7 acres, four harses, three ducks, an average of a dozen chickens, and our family of six; Marmee, Papa, daughters Gabrielle and Stephanie and her two children, Miguel and Anna. We'll share what veggies and herbs we have for sale, artwork available for purchase and the fun projects we are working on.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
That's Entertainment Meet and Greet
While staff, executives, and board members were celebrating the launch of the new re-branding of Channel 9 the weekend of October 12th, 2010, Celtic Thunder Fans were once again thrilled to see George, Ryan, Paul, Keith, Damian and recently added Neil, back in St Louis. If you have had the chance to read through any of my previous blogs, you're well aware that I'm a fan of Celtic Thunder. So, you won't be surprised to hear that I offered to help out during the meet and greet. The location and timing of the meet and greet this year was a big improvement. The Fox Theater has such a colorful history, and hides many secrets beyond what the average theater goer will experience. The talent who have graced the stage of the Fox have been the best of the best, and pieces of their stories remain. Celtic Thunder joins great's such as, Nat King Cole, Haley Mills, Liberace, Bob Hope, Tommy Dorsey, Glen Miller, Frank Zappa, the Grateful Dead, and Chris Botti.
Our Meet & Greet took place in the Fox theater's screening room. We were led into the main auditorium then down a flight of stairs behind the customer service desk. I couldn't help but stop to stare at the signed pictures of Baryshnikov and Gregory Hines on the way down. Tables and chairs were available, as well as some light refreshments for members to enjoy while they waited. And the name of the game is always waiting. I had the chance to visit with a few of the attendees that night, many familiar faces as well as some I hadn't seen before. One family brought their two daughters who are big Damian fans. The older daughter had broken both of her arms a couple of weeks prior, but it didn't keep her from showing up in a precious and elegant silver dress that matched her sisters. What a joy to watch their excitement! I doubt she minded the casts after Damian signed them. I have a feeling they'll both remember that night well.
The platinum level members were finally treated to a visit by Damian and Keith an hour before showtime. All ready to appear on stage they both came charging into the room and were greeted by a roar of applause. Everyone agreed the wait was worth it. I won't bore you with details of autographs, photos and giddy ladies, but needless to say everyone was pleased with the event. The performance that followed was an even greater treat, with a brand new line up of songs. These talented men treated the audience to their own renditions of a few traditional irish tunes during the first half, then the audience clapped, laughed, cried, and sang along to the now familiar songs from, It's Entertainment.Celtic Thunder continues to grow in popularity and it's not difficult to see why, these young men are not only professionals in their field, but they bring so much to the stage. Personality, energy, humor, and a love of performing all make a Celtic Thunder performance an experience and not simply a concert.
If you're interested in learning more you can visit www.celticthunder.ie, or keep your eyes on Channel 9 during their current pledge drive and you may catch a glimpse of their Christmas show that was performed during the second leg of their recent fall tour. They'll be back in St Louis again next fall with another brand new show, and I'll be there to make sure you hear all about it!
That's all from your eccentric Channel 9 cheerleader. Thanks for tuning in, and keep on givin'!!
Our Meet & Greet took place in the Fox theater's screening room. We were led into the main auditorium then down a flight of stairs behind the customer service desk. I couldn't help but stop to stare at the signed pictures of Baryshnikov and Gregory Hines on the way down. Tables and chairs were available, as well as some light refreshments for members to enjoy while they waited. And the name of the game is always waiting. I had the chance to visit with a few of the attendees that night, many familiar faces as well as some I hadn't seen before. One family brought their two daughters who are big Damian fans. The older daughter had broken both of her arms a couple of weeks prior, but it didn't keep her from showing up in a precious and elegant silver dress that matched her sisters. What a joy to watch their excitement! I doubt she minded the casts after Damian signed them. I have a feeling they'll both remember that night well.
The platinum level members were finally treated to a visit by Damian and Keith an hour before showtime. All ready to appear on stage they both came charging into the room and were greeted by a roar of applause. Everyone agreed the wait was worth it. I won't bore you with details of autographs, photos and giddy ladies, but needless to say everyone was pleased with the event. The performance that followed was an even greater treat, with a brand new line up of songs. These talented men treated the audience to their own renditions of a few traditional irish tunes during the first half, then the audience clapped, laughed, cried, and sang along to the now familiar songs from, It's Entertainment.Celtic Thunder continues to grow in popularity and it's not difficult to see why, these young men are not only professionals in their field, but they bring so much to the stage. Personality, energy, humor, and a love of performing all make a Celtic Thunder performance an experience and not simply a concert.
If you're interested in learning more you can visit www.celticthunder.ie, or keep your eyes on Channel 9 during their current pledge drive and you may catch a glimpse of their Christmas show that was performed during the second leg of their recent fall tour. They'll be back in St Louis again next fall with another brand new show, and I'll be there to make sure you hear all about it!
That's all from your eccentric Channel 9 cheerleader. Thanks for tuning in, and keep on givin'!!
Nine Makeover
Fall managed to grab me by the ear and drag me through three months, relatively reluctantly, without much of an opportunity to stop and smell the roses let alone breathe. But here I am, December, and the holidays are in full swing and I have so much I have to catch you all up on! During my extended, and unwanted absence, I have volunteered for a few events and there has been several exciting developments at Channel 9. Most importantly is that you will no longer hear me refer to Channel 9 as KETC. Channel 9 is now the Nine Network of Public Media. A mouthfull? Yes, I was inclined to agree with you at first, but what the new Channel 9 has to offer is simply amazing! The current nineMagazine includes an indepth article detailing the new changes and additions to the Nine Network. The subtext states "On October 12, 2010 KETC/Channel 9 became the Nine Network of Public Media. The change signifies the organization's expanded opportuniites for engaging the community through the multiple platforms of public media." Technology has delivered an entire new dimension for community members to become involved, and The Nine Network is rising to meet the new standards that have been set. You can find Channel 9 on Facebook, Twitter, ninevoices.org, ninenet.org, through nineProductions, nineTownSquare, nineCommunityCinema, nineMagazine (formerly known as the KETC Guide) and several more! There's a full list in the KETC guide this month, or take a look yourself at the sites I've listed, you'll find plenty of great information for you to look through. Each site provides a more in depth look and different aspect of the Nine Network of Public Media and all it includes. Channel 9 has grown from a single public broadcasting station into an entire network of people and organizations that connects and inspires St Louis people to become more engaged and involved in the community! Remember that illusive hallway with all of the doors of opportunity that your teachers used to mention? Well, now that number has doubled and a few windows have been added just for variety.
The Nine Network has been a long time coming and the staff and board members are thrilled to see the success of this new branding. Although I've been watching channel nine for 20 years now I only recently discovered what that number 9 represents "strength, trust, and energy" (nineMagazine p5), and that is something I feel proud to support!
Let your curiosity get the better of you for once and explore the many avenues The Nine Network now has to offer. Believe me, you won't regret it! Let me know what you think about the new brand, and share any experiences you have had with a new website, or nine platform.
That's all from your eccentric Channel 9 cheerleader. Thanks for tuning in, and keep on givin'!!
The Nine Network has been a long time coming and the staff and board members are thrilled to see the success of this new branding. Although I've been watching channel nine for 20 years now I only recently discovered what that number 9 represents "strength, trust, and energy" (nineMagazine p5), and that is something I feel proud to support!
Let your curiosity get the better of you for once and explore the many avenues The Nine Network now has to offer. Believe me, you won't regret it! Let me know what you think about the new brand, and share any experiences you have had with a new website, or nine platform.
That's all from your eccentric Channel 9 cheerleader. Thanks for tuning in, and keep on givin'!!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
A Bragging Moment
Ever find something that you love doing so much that any significant absence from said activity leaves a noticeable effect on your mood? I'm willing to admit it could simply be my own insanity but I miss volunteering when I don't have a chance to help out at least once a week. Either because of a hectic schedule or lack of volunteer events. I'd hoped to help out at the station last night during their four hour live broadcast of the election but a PPA meeting and lack of a sitter had me tied to my phone and at home. Bummer! So I'll blog.
Why do I love volunteering at Channel 9 so much? If you haven't picked up on this fact yet, let me just tell you again, I ADORE volunteering! I don't know if it's the kick I get out of helping other people out that need it, or it's the outlet that it supplies for my various talents. (An excuse to explore my photography and writing skills. And an increased desire to improve both). Or, maybe it's the amazing group of people that I've had the opportunity to become friends with. It could even be the exciting, inspiring, humorous, intelligent, and artistic events that I've been able to participate in, while meeting a few incredibly talented performing artists along the way. Actually, I think it simply boils down to the feeling of accomplishment and good will that I get when I give back to the community in a big way. Knowing that when I'm capturing photos at a meet and greet, or dressed as the Cat in the Hat, or giving information to people at a fair, speaking at an orientation, answering phones during a pledge drive, and yes, even blogging, I'm helping support a station I feel proud to be a part of. A local business that wouldn't be alive if it weren't for support from it's members and volunteers. Channel 9 is one of the best examples of the St Louis Community, and it's such a rewarding experience to be a part of it!
Come join me, and my bountiful enthusiasm for this growing station. Progress is the key here, and The Nine Network has it! Their recent re-branding offers so much more for the community, but more on that later. If you are at all interested click on the link and you will find more information on how to become a volunteer. I'll keep you informed of any upcoming events you may want to participate in. The next orientation isn't far off! Can't wait to meet you!
Keep Smiling!
Why do I love volunteering at Channel 9 so much? If you haven't picked up on this fact yet, let me just tell you again, I ADORE volunteering! I don't know if it's the kick I get out of helping other people out that need it, or it's the outlet that it supplies for my various talents. (An excuse to explore my photography and writing skills. And an increased desire to improve both). Or, maybe it's the amazing group of people that I've had the opportunity to become friends with. It could even be the exciting, inspiring, humorous, intelligent, and artistic events that I've been able to participate in, while meeting a few incredibly talented performing artists along the way. Actually, I think it simply boils down to the feeling of accomplishment and good will that I get when I give back to the community in a big way. Knowing that when I'm capturing photos at a meet and greet, or dressed as the Cat in the Hat, or giving information to people at a fair, speaking at an orientation, answering phones during a pledge drive, and yes, even blogging, I'm helping support a station I feel proud to be a part of. A local business that wouldn't be alive if it weren't for support from it's members and volunteers. Channel 9 is one of the best examples of the St Louis Community, and it's such a rewarding experience to be a part of it!
Come join me, and my bountiful enthusiasm for this growing station. Progress is the key here, and The Nine Network has it! Their recent re-branding offers so much more for the community, but more on that later. If you are at all interested click on the link and you will find more information on how to become a volunteer. I'll keep you informed of any upcoming events you may want to participate in. The next orientation isn't far off! Can't wait to meet you!
Keep Smiling!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
The Cat in the Hat visits The Big Read
Downtown Clayton was home to the Big Read last weekend. An event I regret to remark, I have been unaware of until this year. I'm only too sorry I've missed past events as the afternoon proved to be filled with fun activities and wonderful opportunities for the entire family! My first visit to The Big Read was spent disguised as one one of the best loved literary characters of all time, The Cat in the Hat! I did not take this responsibility lightly. I had volunteered to wear the costume as soon as the request arrived in my inbox, but honestly had no idea what this position entailed. I'd seen enough of characters parading down the streets, or the school mascot at sports events that I knew it looked fun and definitely wanted to try my hand behind the mask.
A brief pause in between photo opps. Mom's and dad's couldn't resist snapping several pictures of excited kids with the energetic Cat. Every now and then fun poses were even attempted.Notice the stilt walker in the background? She played the ukulele and I had a blast dancing around for a small audience. A few kids even joined in!
Nearby tents were filled with kids working on a variety of fun craft projects. Decorating mini pumpkins, coloring in fun fall pictures, making journals, and much more!
What a great way to spend the weekend! I can't wait till next year! I'll definitely be awaiting the next chance to spend some Dr Seuss time, and embrace my inner Cat in the Hat. You're never too old to stir up a bit of mischief!
Stay tuned for more from Channel 9! I've got loads to dish and I want you to be the first to hear! :D
Keep Smiling!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Clayton Art Fair
At this point apologies for the delay in posting this would be drastically understated. Unfortunately a busy schedule and stubborn internet service has me scrambling to find time and a place to sit down and write. But the recent visit back down to Clayton for the Big Read reminded me of what a great weekend the Art Fair turned out to be. So enough of my excuses for the lengthy silence and more about the fun weekend the kids and I had.
Friday afternoon couldn't come fast enough. After a long week at work I was literally bouncing in my seat by 2pm on Friday (partly due to my sitting on a yoga/pilates ball at work rather than an office chair). I was leaving early to grab the kids from school so I would make it into Clayton before traffic hit I-40, and hike the uphill mile to the Channel 9 booth all before 4pm. The mile hike is solely due to my own inability to find a good parking spot in down town Clayton and my deep rooted fear of parallel parking. So, I choose the first available parking garage in the vicinity and then proceed to convince my children that the hike ahead of them really isn't as bad as it seems. Considering it was a Friday afternoon, and cooler weather had set in we were all in pretty high spirits. I couldn't wait to get to the booth and help set up. The kids had the backpack of toys to keep them busy, but spent most of our walk talking about how excited they were to help hand out KETC guides and Channel 9 kids club bookmarks.
Most of the set up was complete by the time we arrived. Jessica LaBozzetta and Matt Heulskamp had arrived early to set our tent, tables and equipment up. Two flat screens, video camera, and recording equipment were added to our set up this year. Nine Voices, the new Channel 9 Website forum for local residents to speak their mind on a variety of topics relevant to the St Louis region, made it's first public appearance! I have to say I was thrilled about the launch of this new web site, and the promotional set up that was provided at the fair. Fair goers had the opportunity to stop by and record a brief 1-3 minute video expressing their views on new ways to increase interest in the arts around St Louis. The camera was focused out of the tent on the passers-by attracting a good deal of attention and allowing the volunteers and employees to elaborate on this fantastic new site. If you're interested in checking it out hop on over to www.ninevoices.org, and have fun viewing the great videos that have already been posted.
The second flat screen was running a promotional video on repeat for Nine on Stage, one of my favorite programs from Channel 9. Being raised in an artistic family may have contributed to that though. Supplementing this video were the three drawings for tickets to upcoming concerts that anyone was welcome to enter. And anyone and everyone did seem to enter.
The opening of the fair brought in large crowds, despite the jacket weather, cloudy skies and light drizzle that was dragged along with the descending evening darkness. Friday night provided the perfect setting for the videos, dark back drop, and bright reflective glare from the sun was absent. So from 4-8 I enjoyed talking with a variety of PBS supporters, people curious about the video they had suddenly walked through, and answering every kind of question you can imagine to the best of my ability. Clayton Art Fair always attracts some of the most colorful, outgoing, fun people I have ever met, and our central location was a great place to introduce them to, or remind them about Channel 9. I had a chance to meet a few more fellow volunteers as well who came in for the next shift before I left.
Then the "powers that be" decided I had enough experience to be a shift lead during Sunday afternoon for a couple of hours, which means I have the responsibility of "running" the booth with fellow volunteers, no Channel 9 staff in sight. It was fabulous! The weather was perfect, crowds were a little lighter, and I had a fantastic group of volunteers to work with. I got to know Dorothy and Tom Moore a mom and her son who came out to help me during our shift. We had lots of people stop by to enter for our drawings and plenty that were interested in upcoming programming, so our KETC guides went quickly. I was so grateful to see such a great turn out and the interest at our booth. An incredibly successful weekend from where I was standing!
There's a certain feeling of fulfillment derived from being out in the public eye representing an organization I am proud to support. And what a great way to get a better look at our gorgeous and diverse city! I can't wait until next spring and the Belleville Art Fair!
Thanks for tuning in and I'll be back again soon with an inside scoop on the Big Read. I had a great view on that event and it's coming at you from a very different perspective!
See you around the studio!
Friday afternoon couldn't come fast enough. After a long week at work I was literally bouncing in my seat by 2pm on Friday (partly due to my sitting on a yoga/pilates ball at work rather than an office chair). I was leaving early to grab the kids from school so I would make it into Clayton before traffic hit I-40, and hike the uphill mile to the Channel 9 booth all before 4pm. The mile hike is solely due to my own inability to find a good parking spot in down town Clayton and my deep rooted fear of parallel parking. So, I choose the first available parking garage in the vicinity and then proceed to convince my children that the hike ahead of them really isn't as bad as it seems. Considering it was a Friday afternoon, and cooler weather had set in we were all in pretty high spirits. I couldn't wait to get to the booth and help set up. The kids had the backpack of toys to keep them busy, but spent most of our walk talking about how excited they were to help hand out KETC guides and Channel 9 kids club bookmarks.
Most of the set up was complete by the time we arrived. Jessica LaBozzetta and Matt Heulskamp had arrived early to set our tent, tables and equipment up. Two flat screens, video camera, and recording equipment were added to our set up this year. Nine Voices, the new Channel 9 Website forum for local residents to speak their mind on a variety of topics relevant to the St Louis region, made it's first public appearance! I have to say I was thrilled about the launch of this new web site, and the promotional set up that was provided at the fair. Fair goers had the opportunity to stop by and record a brief 1-3 minute video expressing their views on new ways to increase interest in the arts around St Louis. The camera was focused out of the tent on the passers-by attracting a good deal of attention and allowing the volunteers and employees to elaborate on this fantastic new site. If you're interested in checking it out hop on over to www.ninevoices.org, and have fun viewing the great videos that have already been posted.
The second flat screen was running a promotional video on repeat for Nine on Stage, one of my favorite programs from Channel 9. Being raised in an artistic family may have contributed to that though. Supplementing this video were the three drawings for tickets to upcoming concerts that anyone was welcome to enter. And anyone and everyone did seem to enter.
The opening of the fair brought in large crowds, despite the jacket weather, cloudy skies and light drizzle that was dragged along with the descending evening darkness. Friday night provided the perfect setting for the videos, dark back drop, and bright reflective glare from the sun was absent. So from 4-8 I enjoyed talking with a variety of PBS supporters, people curious about the video they had suddenly walked through, and answering every kind of question you can imagine to the best of my ability. Clayton Art Fair always attracts some of the most colorful, outgoing, fun people I have ever met, and our central location was a great place to introduce them to, or remind them about Channel 9. I had a chance to meet a few more fellow volunteers as well who came in for the next shift before I left.
Then the "powers that be" decided I had enough experience to be a shift lead during Sunday afternoon for a couple of hours, which means I have the responsibility of "running" the booth with fellow volunteers, no Channel 9 staff in sight. It was fabulous! The weather was perfect, crowds were a little lighter, and I had a fantastic group of volunteers to work with. I got to know Dorothy and Tom Moore a mom and her son who came out to help me during our shift. We had lots of people stop by to enter for our drawings and plenty that were interested in upcoming programming, so our KETC guides went quickly. I was so grateful to see such a great turn out and the interest at our booth. An incredibly successful weekend from where I was standing!
There's a certain feeling of fulfillment derived from being out in the public eye representing an organization I am proud to support. And what a great way to get a better look at our gorgeous and diverse city! I can't wait until next spring and the Belleville Art Fair!
Thanks for tuning in and I'll be back again soon with an inside scoop on the Big Read. I had a great view on that event and it's coming at you from a very different perspective!
See you around the studio!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
CH 9 Volunteer Orientation Gains Popularity
Last spring a push was made to create a more organized volunteer program at CH 9. Students from the business school at Washington University were asked to develop a program that would track each volunteer, the hours they have contributed and general contact information as well as other helpful information in recruiting previous volunteers for work in and out of the station. While that was being done volunteers were invited in for an informative session with Volunteer Coordinator, Brittany Carter, to discuss the pro's and con's of volunteering and potential changes and improvements that could help the volunteer program at CH 9. Following this meeting a volunteer committee was created, as was very intelligently suggested at the meeting, and a small group of volunteers began to meet semi regularly to discuss further ways to assist the volunteer program and KETC/Ch 9. Including a variety of ways to become more involved in the community. Through the successful discussions between staff and volunteers it was decided that required orientation sessions should be held for volunteers on a regular basis.
In April the first Quarterly Volunteer Orientation was held at the station. Over 30 volunteers attended the meeting that provided an overview of the station, it's mission and purpose, a bit of history, and an overview of upcoming events as well as the various needs that volunteers could fill. With the Belleville Art Fair only a few weeks away it was a great time to recruit the many volunteers needed to help man the KETC booth. For anyone who offered to spend a part of their weekend helping at the fair a small thank you gift was offered. T-shirts, bags, and mugs were all for the taking. The meeting was a success and many of the volunteers that attended have been seen around the studio in a variety of positions since then. I was given the opportunity to share some of my own experiences with the future volunteers that night. Having been dubbed the volunteer "cheerleader" I was hoping to spread some of my excitement and enthusiasm for volunteering with those attending.
Clayton Art Fair is right around the corner now, and with it arrived the second Volunteer Orientation. (Volunteers are only required to attend once, unless they choose to return). A few changes were made to the presentation this time and I was added to the mix of presenters as well as being asked to welcome everyone and introduce the CEO and President, Jack Galmiche. With my camera in hand, I snapped photos leading up to the start of orientation and after my introduction. Brittany had set up a great power point presentation to take us through the orientation, and as in April, she and Jess covered the core of the information. The guidelines and expectations were up to me to relay to our eager listeners. I snapped a couple photos from up front, earning a few giggles in the process, but maintaining the upbeat tone already set by Brittany and Jessica. The presentation seemed well received and I was thrilled to see so many people turn up! A fellow fabulous volunteer, Angela and her daughter, took my spot as cheerleaders and shared the vast experiences that they have had during their time volunteering. With over 50 future volunteers in attendance, the room was packed and sign-ups for the upcoming events, Clayton Art Fair, Trash or Treasure, and Live Pledge Nights, were all nearly filled, while the refreshments practically disappeared. Again gifts were given to those who signed up for the events. From Cardinals caps to autographed posters from the cast of Wicked, and tickets to some of the hottest shows in St Louis. This time though, names were taken from a bowl to determine who would leave with the more coveted prizes.
Everyone seemed pleased with the evening and left excited about the upcoming opportunities to help out. The next orientation guarantees to be even better as everyone becomes more familiar with the information and presenting it in an entertaining and timely manner. I'm hoping to be a part of the next one as well. Hope to see you there too!
http://picasaweb.google.com/stephalioto/VolunteerOrientation082502#
In April the first Quarterly Volunteer Orientation was held at the station. Over 30 volunteers attended the meeting that provided an overview of the station, it's mission and purpose, a bit of history, and an overview of upcoming events as well as the various needs that volunteers could fill. With the Belleville Art Fair only a few weeks away it was a great time to recruit the many volunteers needed to help man the KETC booth. For anyone who offered to spend a part of their weekend helping at the fair a small thank you gift was offered. T-shirts, bags, and mugs were all for the taking. The meeting was a success and many of the volunteers that attended have been seen around the studio in a variety of positions since then. I was given the opportunity to share some of my own experiences with the future volunteers that night. Having been dubbed the volunteer "cheerleader" I was hoping to spread some of my excitement and enthusiasm for volunteering with those attending.
Clayton Art Fair is right around the corner now, and with it arrived the second Volunteer Orientation. (Volunteers are only required to attend once, unless they choose to return). A few changes were made to the presentation this time and I was added to the mix of presenters as well as being asked to welcome everyone and introduce the CEO and President, Jack Galmiche. With my camera in hand, I snapped photos leading up to the start of orientation and after my introduction. Brittany had set up a great power point presentation to take us through the orientation, and as in April, she and Jess covered the core of the information. The guidelines and expectations were up to me to relay to our eager listeners. I snapped a couple photos from up front, earning a few giggles in the process, but maintaining the upbeat tone already set by Brittany and Jessica. The presentation seemed well received and I was thrilled to see so many people turn up! A fellow fabulous volunteer, Angela and her daughter, took my spot as cheerleaders and shared the vast experiences that they have had during their time volunteering. With over 50 future volunteers in attendance, the room was packed and sign-ups for the upcoming events, Clayton Art Fair, Trash or Treasure, and Live Pledge Nights, were all nearly filled, while the refreshments practically disappeared. Again gifts were given to those who signed up for the events. From Cardinals caps to autographed posters from the cast of Wicked, and tickets to some of the hottest shows in St Louis. This time though, names were taken from a bowl to determine who would leave with the more coveted prizes.
Everyone seemed pleased with the evening and left excited about the upcoming opportunities to help out. The next orientation guarantees to be even better as everyone becomes more familiar with the information and presenting it in an entertaining and timely manner. I'm hoping to be a part of the next one as well. Hope to see you there too!
http://picasaweb.google.com/stephalioto/VolunteerOrientation082502#
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