Greetings YC friends and Family!
It’s hard to believe we just wrapped up a cohort and are beginning the same intensive process all over again. While the process occasionally feels Sisyphean - our Corpsmembers always have the ability to make the staff’s effort meaningful, thereby culminating in a positive experience for all.
We hit the ground running with our 82nd class on July 6th - bringing in a new cohort. The first days are always a little lopsided - with staff bringing the energy and recruits bringing a lot of skepticism. But in short order, a system of routine - and all the hiccups that come with it - started. It was encouraging to see this group dynamic form.
Class 82 got to work in the classroom by performing their usual assessments, but also did a lot of team building activities - from simple ‘get-to-know-you’ stuff to exploring communication styles and even testing the newly formed bonds they were shaping in designing a better system to drop an egg without breaking it. Check out the video capturing these moments here, or just click the image of the video below.
Catch a glimpse of the activities included in Orientation
Once inducted, the Corpsmembers begin the rhythmic cycle of academic days and service days. It can be more challenging than you think - but the day-in-day-out routine works for our youth. Their first day of service was spent out on Warren County Parkland - specifically Bread Lock Park (BLP) along route 57 in Stewartsville, NJ. A premiere site along the historic Morris Canal Greenway, Lock 7 West became known as “Bread Lock” because the store at the end of the lock sold goods to boatmen passing through back in the mid-19th century, including homemade bread and pies. While still buried, the remains of the lock itself speak to the historical significance of this site as part of the larger Morris Canal Greenway. Today, a short section of the canal has been cleared and offers a lovely walk where you can see the prism that once held water and towpath traveled by mules pulling the boats along. Visitors can also enjoy the nature and exercise trails around the perimeter of the park, as well as the Historic Learning Center. NJYC of Phillipsburg has been maintaining BLP as part of our larger fee-for-service contract with the Warren County Department of Land Preservation. You can check out the work the crew did on their very first service day here or by clicking the video image below.
In developing our service projects over the years, we’ve been trying to increase the program’s capacity to serve our community while developing more technologically demanding, in-demand skills for our Corpsmembers to apply. This past week we took a big step toward that goal. Working with NJ Audubon and our new friends at Merrill Creek Reservoir, we installed data loggers along a section of Upper Merrill Creek to record temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) levels. These loggers were installed at the headwaters of the creek and two other locations downstream. In a few months, we’ll come back, retrieve them, and then download the data. The data will reflect certain dynamics that will inform us as to potential restoration efforts that might be implemented along the waterway. Check out the video of the installation process here or click below on the video link.
Overall, it has been a busy month - and we’re already 1/4 the way through this cohort! Looking ahead to August, we’ll be updating you on some work we’ll be doing along South Main Street in Phillipsburg - with support from our NJDOT Urban Gateway Enhancement Grant and funds from the NORWESCAP Community Development Team - we look to make an impact downtown!
We’ll also look to share our preparations for our 9/11 Day of Service & Remembrance, update you on the progress we’re making toward our current cohorts’ academic goals as well as some highlights from following up with former YC Alumni!
click to go to the Warren County Civid-19 website
Lastly - we want to remind everyone to be safe out there. The current uptick in reported cases of COVID-19 in our region means more than likely an impact that the more infectious and easily transmissible Delta variant may be on the rise. We encourage you to visit the Warren County website for more information on current protocols, vaccination sites, etc. We have found the County website immensely helpful in guiding our team in implementing safe practices and protocols throughout the pandemic and we appreciate the resources they provide - check them out!
Until then, be safe & stay healthy!
Michael