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Martin
Luther King Day was a “day on, not a day off” for
Leon
County
teens that arrived with rakes-in-hand at
Renaissance
Park
in
Marianna,
Florida. Members of the
VolunteerLEON Youth Corps saw this as a time to get involved in their
community, and to serve with other youth in the organization.
“The best way for us to learn about Dr. King’s legacy is to
get…engaged,” says Youth Corps member Jeff Walker. “That’s
the new buzz word for volunteer!” Youth Corps members read about
Renaissance Park while researching potential service projects.
It was selected as a Youth Corps project because it is
family-oriented, and is noted as a place “where nature and history
meet.” |
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For half a day, the youngsters worked together to
clear wooded areas, rake pine straw, trim trees, and create new trails.
They also participated in an environmental education seminar. Each teen made a straw broom, similar to ones used by early
homesteaders, from natural grasses growing in the park. Park
Administrator, Danny Sylvester, prepared a home-cooked meal and
arranged a guided tour of the Florida State Caverns. For more information on the Youth Corps, please contact Sue Baldwin, at 850-921-3105 or baldwins@leoncountyfl.gov. You can reach Danny Sylvester at
Renaissance
Park
by calling 850-482-5133.
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