ServiceWorks!

The Service Learning Center is currently developing a competition for local schools called ServiceWorks! This is a competition designed to recognize students who have demonstrated outstanding dedication and service to their community. Eligibility for ServiceWorks! is extended towards high school juniors and seniors, local community college students, and current Bethany College students. The entry deadline for students is January 1, 2011 and the competition date is Friday, March 4, 2011 in Commencement Hall at Bethany College. First place high school winner will receive a Bethany College scholarship amounting to $500 and first place high school group will receive a $250 scholarship each. Cash prizes with a matching donation to a non-profit organization will be awarded to first place winners of in the individual and group category for Bethany College students. Second place winners and honorable mentions will walk away with either a plaque or certificate of recognition. In order to participate projects must be self-initiated and not part of a previously established on-going or community service activity. Service activities must have been initiated within the past 12 months and are current or on-going. Project submission must complete all criteria mentioned in the application in order to be eligible. The Service Learning Center will be distributing applications to local school guidance offices. Our hopes are that this will be a day for students to take pride in their work while gaining recognition from others. Keep looking for updates on the agenda plan for the day!

Country Market Date Changed

Opening Date of Country Market Changed to Saturday, July 31!

You can now enjoy Bethany's Open Air Country Markets on the last Saturday of every month through October. Don't miss out on the freshest local foods and unique items from bargain and antique sellers! Hope to see you there!

If you have any questions, email us! countrymarket@bethanywv.edu.

Bethany Open Air Country Market

Starting on August 7, residents of Bethany and surrounding areas will be able to purchase locally-grown foods and locally-made goods right in their hometown.

As part of the "Buy Fresh, Buy Local" effort to increase the availability of fresh, affordable foods, the market is the first of its kind in the area. In addition to promoting healthy eating, markets of this type boost local economies and increase tourism.

Residents in this part of the state have to drive before they have access to a market of this type. The market aims to bring the community together and allow residents to display and sell their high-quality produce and crafts while accessing a healthier way of living.

In addition to local farmers, small produce growers, and food vendors, vendors selling unique, handmade crafts, fresh cut flowers and plants, as well as recycled products, estate sale items, and antiques are highly encouraged to attend. All crops and crafts must be grown or made within a 25 mile radius of Bethany.

The mission of the market committee is to make it as diverse of an event as possible. It is different because vendors aren't limited to just selling baked goods or produce. The committee is looking for everything that makes this area of the state unique.

The market will be held during the first Saturday of every month from August - October from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Ross Street in Bethany. For the inaugural year, vendor fees are only $5.00 per weekend. Anyone interested in selling or displaying goods in the market should contact the Bethany College Open Air Market Committee by calling (304) 829-7150 or by emailing countrymarket@bethanywv.edu .

In addition to working on the country market, the Center is still working on establishing a comprehensive plan to allow faculty to integrate service learning into their classroom curriculum. Our new presentation presents a 6-step plan offering faculty considerations about how to get service learning opportunities started. Check it out at http://prezi.com/gdqkgcu6psks/

Service Learning Orientation

The Bethany College Service Learning Center has a new idea. In order to create an easy transition into service learning, we are compiling a short orientation in order to aid classrooms in their understanding of the difference between service and service learning. This will allow both faculty and students to gain a better idea of what forms to fill out and what procedures to follow so the the center can document campus efforts. So far, we have created a Prezi presentation to show the classrooms and have created packets to handout to students and faculty. Each packet contains forms such as: evaluation forms, surveys, course considerations, records and time sheets of service learning hours, and agency request forms in order to bring in local organizations. Check out our orientation Prezi at http://prezi.com/be9igbxblytx/ .

Laying the Foundation

Over the next seven weeks, in conjuntion with the help of Americorps* VISTA summer associates, the Department of Social Work is working to establish a service learning center at Bethany College.
Service learning is an extremely important experience that allows for the enhancement of classroom teachings by giving students/participants the opportunity to utilize their knowledge and skills in a real world atmosphere. Service learning forms a symbiotic relationship with community organizations and students/participants. Thus far, the Service Learning Center has focused on creating advertisements through facebook, twitter, campus e-mail, and blogs. We have been able to create our mission statement and through the media invite locals who could potentially be involved with the Service Learning Center. Currently we are working on our first goal which is strengthening local non-profit organizations through volunteer recruitment and building stronger relationships between higher education and non-profit sectors. Embedded in this goal are four objectives we aim to meet: 1. make list of community agencies/organizations to be contacted, 2. outline procedures for interviewing agencies, 3. compile a list of on campus groups and faculty, and 4. create a Service Learning Moodle website.