BonaResponds Blog

YouTube - Gutting in Galveston TX

2009-07-13T15:07:00.001-04:00

When I was putting together the video from this weekend, I found this that had never been uploaded from spring break. Enjoy. I will look for others.

YouTube - Gutting in Galveston TX: "A video from the BonaResponds Spring Break 2009 trip. Gutting a house in Galveston Texas."

BonaResponds Summer service day video is online

2009-07-13T03:20:00.000-04:00

YouTube - BonaRespondsSummer 2009 video

On Saturday July 11th a small group of BonaResponds volunteers helped to scrape a house in N. Olean and to build shelves for the BnaResponds storage facility.

BonaResponds plans summer service day

2009-06-30T18:17:00.001-04:00

SBU press release: BonaResponds plans summer service day:

"With the vast majority of our students away for summer, we really need your help,”...“If you are available and in the area, we'd love to have you come out.”

BonaResponds will team up with Rebuilding Together, the nation’s leading nonprofit working to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize communities, to work on ...homes in the Olean area. Work will include prepping homes so that they can be repainted on July 25."

Thanks Emily!

The Summer 2009 BonaResponds Newsletter is now available

2009-06-30T11:59:00.000-04:00

It turned out pretty good. Only a few typos :)

It is online here.

New HODR video about Haiti

2009-06-30T11:56:00.001-04:00

We work with HODR whenever possible. They just posted a new video that captures what both groups do.

As many of you know, BonaResponds benchmarks everything we do against HODR. They are the best. If you get a chance to donate to them, do so. They have a 2:1 match if you sign up for the monthly giving plan.

Sign-up Form for July 11th local service day

2009-06-27T12:51:00.005-04:00

Hope you can come! And remember we need local volunteers with so many students gone, so come, bring your family, your co-workers, even your enemies.

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BonaResponds local service day July 11

2009-06-26T17:55:00.003-04:00

On Saturday July 11th BonaResponds will be teaming up with RebuildingTogether to work on three homes in the Olean Area. Work will include prepping homes so that they can be repainted on July 25th.

The work day is from 10:00 to 4:00. We will meet in Murphy Aud on the St. Bonaventure Campus. (It is the furthest WEST (towards Allegany) building on campus).

The work day is open to all! With the vast majority of our students away for summer, we really ned your help! So if you are available and in the area, we'd love to have you come out.

Bring gloves and work clothes. We encourage you to bring water and sun protection as the vast majority of the work will be outside. Lunch will be provided.

More information will be forthcoming as I know it and I will get a sign-up form online this weekend!

Here is the waiver form that must be signed by all participants.

Donors, be it companies or individuals, want to know they are making a positive impact

2009-06-17T13:58:00.000-04:00

Something for BonaResponds to remember when working with companies:

From PWC:

Six Essential Strengths Of An Employee Volunteer Program | Social Finance:

"Non-profits ought to create programs in order to better engage specific staff. These are the ones with which companies will create long-term relationships. PwC wants to partner, not hand over a check. Realistic collaboration will always precede an accurate identification of needs.

And what would make it all better…?
ROI. It always comes down to this. I have yet to find an established EVP program that has logged hard data on the ROI of it’s programs. Shannon admitted that it is a challenge to produce the types of outcome metrics people are asking about such as: What are the satisfaction rates? How many people participated and how do we evaluate the value of that participation? What was the impact of the money we gave? ...How many high performing staff became that way as a result of volunteering? So far, Shannon’s experience had led her to decide that the best way to capture metrics is via surveys, but that has only yielded measurements found in stories and anecdotal information. More effective metrics are a “next step”"

The Worst Question to Ask About Charity - Dan Pallotta - HarvardBusiness.org

2009-06-16T17:05:00.000-04:00

this is one thing we definitely do NOT do!

We have had entire local service weekends cost less than $200, slept 9 people in a single hotel room, and used hand me down tools etc.

So I hope people do ask us :)

The Worst Question to Ask About Charity - Dan Pallotta - HarvardBusiness.org:

"A 2008 Ellison Research study showed that 62% of Americans believe charities spend too much on overhead. In Paul C. Lightʼs 2008 NYU study, 70% of respondents said charities waste either 'a great deal,' or 'a fair amount of money.'"

Notice Board announcement

2009-06-16T14:50:00.001-04:00

I just sent the following to the Notice-Board (SBU's daily email of current events)

BonaResponds Local Service days

Save the dates! July 11, Sept 12, 13

BonaResponds local Service days!

I am sure there will be many other small days, but the Summer Service Day is July 11th. The First Fall Semester Local Service Weekend is Sept 12, 13.

Please mark your calendars.

All BonaResponds events are open to ALL. Whether a student, faculty member, alumni, VP, or person off the street, we'd love your help and are ALWAYS in need of drivers, cooks, and others so even if you do not have any "construction" skills, please plan on attending :) And besides, it is fun!

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 1 Year After Record Flood : NPR

2009-06-13T13:09:00.000-04:00

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 1 Year After Record Flood : NPR:

"'We had 8 foot of water in the building,' said flower shop owner Al Pierson. He's 6-foot-3 and stretches up to show how high the water rose in his shop in the northwest section of the city. It is a mostly working-class neighborhood across the river from downtown. It's full of older houses, many of which are boarded up or hollowed out.

That community, and the adjacent Czech Village neighborhood to the south, were the hardest hit by the floodwaters.

'We lost everything,' Pierson said. 'Everything in here looked like a bomb went off.'"

This is the area that we worked with HODR. Thanks @HODRopsUSA

how can bonaresponds get better?more

2009-06-02T18:09:00.001-04:00

how can bonaresponds get better?more impact,vols,faster response/ organization. suggestions?

The HODR meeting is back online

2009-05-30T09:27:00.003-04:00

Yesterday's HODR "Electronic All Hands Meeting" is now online again!

Highlights:
Review of recent projects and recap of planning
Introducing Jeremy as project director
Update on status of "watching"
Discussion of insurance
Discussion of possible training
Discussion of "experts"
Fundraising---an anonymous donor will match money you give this summer! GIVE!!

Chain Saw Safety

2009-05-29T14:34:00.005-04:00

Having lost some experienced chainsaw volunteers to graduation this year, we are planning some training days in the fall so that we can be ready when a disaster hits. However for now these sites would be a useful starting place to get you prepared for the training.

Chain saw are very dangerous. That is the first and most important lesson today. Before and duong use be very careful. One way to be safer is to know what you are dealing with. So before cutting anything get trained.

This page is not the replacement for training, but rather a preparation for the training.

How dangerous is chainsawing? Here is a page which gives the average number of stitches following a chain saw accident at 110. When I was first trained they said 200, but whatever the number it is big. Chainsaws are great, but also very dangerous. Treat them with the utmost respect.

ACC | Safety Begins At Home:

"Used correctly, a chainsaw is a really useful tool, especially when dealing to the trees in your garden, or chopping your firewood. But most of us have also heard horror stories about nasty cuts or other injuries inflicted by a runaway chainsaw.

So it’s worth knowing a thing or two about chainsaw safety before you pull the ripcord.

ACC have made it easy, by creating Ten Top Tips for chainsaw safety. These tips are useful guidelines to keep in mind before, during and after using a chainsaw. It’s always a good idea to refresh your memory on chainsaw safety - especially if it’s been a while since you last used one."

Other sites that have a wealth of valuable information:

FEMA published a site on Chainsaw safety after Katrina. It is very good!
OSHA--several lists of things to look out for.
The Dept of Forestry at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has a site that gives many safety tips
North Dakota State University has an older page, but it is quite thorough and offers tips on not only using, but also handling the saw.
YouTube - chainsaw safety--
YouTube has many good safety videos on Chainsaw use.
Stihl (the saws we use) has a 7 minute video. (warning, it is not the most exciting presentation ever but really has much good advice!)

Article on Amanda and Ashley from the Olean Times Herald

2009-05-20T15:25:00.001-04:00

Congratulations Ashley and Amanda!

From the Olean Times Herald

"...each of them are education majors, have identical grade-point averages of 3.94 and were star softball players for the university team. They also were involved in the BonaResponds student outreach program, served as tutors for The Learning Center and Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), and were on the Atlantic 10 Honor Roll."

Amanda and Ashley have been with us on several trips to the Gulf Coast (along with their sister Allie for this year's Bridge City Trip) and their mom (Kim) played the pivotal roll in this year's Buffalo Service Day hosted by Villa Maria.

Congratulations graduates

2009-05-17T22:26:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to the many BonaResponds volunteers who graduated today.

Remember there is always a place for you in BonaResponds.

Please give us your new email address as well! (sign up for our mailing list at BonaResponds.org

Ike the documentary

2009-05-06T10:28:00.000-04:00

Some students from Galveston have put together a movie project on Ike and its aftermath. Here is a trailer that is EXCELLENT!

The movie premiers this month. Money goes to the Galveston schools.
Wow....thanks @help4Galveston for pointing this one out.

Thank you from the SPCA

2009-05-01T08:47:00.000-04:00

We received the following from John at the SPCA.

"Hi,
Just a note to thank the wonderful group that showed up to volunteer at the SPCA again this year. They helped us in many areas on Saturday, including fence repairing, laundry, overall shelter cleaning, and ridding the outside area of the winter's litter. Of course, dog walking was popular and it was really appreciated. I think at the end of the day every dog at the shelter got a long walk around the pond, and they were resting well by the time I left the shelter.

Please extend our heartfelt thanks to the group that came to the shelter.

Sincerely,

John Skadowski"

The SPCA of Cattaraugus County is such a good asset to the community. It is a no-kill shelter that is always looking for volunteers. If you get a chance, whether with BonaResponds, or on your own, please help.

And by the way, the Allegany Park and Shop has a collection box where you can drop off food, cleaning supplies, small toys, and towels for the animals.

BV article on Bill Hammond :)

2009-04-30T20:53:00.000-04:00

Alumnus gives back - Features:

"'I had not really been connected with the university,' Hammond, who works as an insurance consultant in Dallas, said. 'I figured if they were going to come 2,000 miles the least I could do would be to drive 200 miles.'

Hammond admitted he had reservations at first.

'I was not sure the work was something I could do,' he said. 'I didn't know if students would relate to a 65-year-old man.'

....Despite his fears, Hammond had such a positive experience he decided to attend another BonaResponds trip in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike."

and then later:

""He shows the ability to do good works doesn't end when you leave Bona's,".... "They call it 'commencement' for a reason. It's a beginning."

The lesson is especially important for those about to graduate, Mahar said.

"Seniors always tell me they feel sad when it's the last time they get to do something," he said. "They realize they can come back to BonaResponds. It helps them keep contact with friends, the university and doing good."

Bob's Woods

2009-04-29T10:17:00.002-04:00

Much of the trail created with the HODR donated saws.
Originally uploaded by FinanceProfessor.

One of this past week's projects was working on Bob's Woods. This set of pictures shows some of the work (over the past couple of years) that volunteers have put into this project.

It is named after the late Father Bob Stewart who died in 2001 of cancer at the age of 51.

The area is mainly from by the softball fields to over near Gargoyle Park to the east. This weekend we also began work on the West side of campus which while smaller, will also make a more convenient place for a short hike, ride, or escape from the stress of the day. The West side is NOT open yet. Stay tuned.

Also be sure to see this link describing Bob's Woods in more detail including some video of the opening back in October of 2007.

Thank you for Olean Street clean up

2009-04-29T10:04:00.002-04:00

Was just sent the following which was also sent to the local paper (Olean Times Herald) from Mimi

April 28, 2009

I want to thank BonaResponds for helping me on Sunday, April 26. A few weeks ago I emailed [BonaResponds] at St. Bonaventure to ask [for a few volunteers] to help me pick up all the trash along the Dugan and Windfall Roads. I have voluntarily maintained these roads for several years and would welcome any help for the initial spring cleanup as it’s a huge job.

I was overwhelmed when 15 students pulled up in three vehicles and jumped out of their cars ready to help me. Together we filled 18, 42- gallon trash bags! The volunteers were cheerful and worked right along with me. What a godsend.

A huge “Thank You” to Jim Mahar for arranging for the volunteers. I am very grateful. The volunteers were:

Bill Hammond Kristen Burke

Alicia D’Alessandro Corey Fahy

Andy Scroger Steve Gearhart

Andrew Serrato Ariel White

Patrick O’Connell Zak Domes

Dan Eichenauer Jarrad Enslow

Jason Leroy Jack Fuller

Michelle Canfield

....

Thank you very much.

Mimi Smith

More photos from Jen of Local Service Weekend

2009-04-28T11:08:00.001-04:00

Local Service Weekend
Originally uploaded by Nif.

Jen uploaded some pictures from Sunday. I still have quite a few, but have not gotten to it.

Hopefully today!

A thank you from this weekend's service work

2009-04-27T17:07:00.003-04:00

I received the following email that really brightened my day. I hope it does your's too :)

"I cannot begin to tell you what a joy it was to have the assistance of the Bona Responds team yesterday! So much has been written about the team and its efforts to meet the needs in various communities, but I have never witnessed the program first hand. Your volunteers reported with smiles on their faces and an enthusiasm that was contagious. We had a mix of parents, community members, and staff members who worked along side your team.

All of your responders were very engaged. They took the initiative and truly worked the entire time they were here. I am sure that your team did what would have take our workers countless hours, even days to accomplish on their own. I was so impressed with one responder who asked a crew leader for the "toughest, dirtiest, worst job that no one else will want" and was so excited to get it.

In just hours, your team helped our crew to complete the following:

stain an entire wooden play ground (back yard)
construct a new piece of playground equipment ( needed post holes, concrete, leveling, etc.) (backyard)
rake the lawn and flower beds/pick up debris (side and back yard)
stain landscape timbers (front yard)l
cut, stain, and install new landscape timbers for a monument (front yard)
complete the prep work for the installation of a new sidewalk to the playground (front yard)
stain and install landscape timbers around the playground - raising it 1 level (front yard)
wash front windows on the main level, and walls in the gym
various prep work for walls to be painted on the second floor
tape and paint and stairwells to the second floor

The workers on our grounds received a great deal of attention as people drove/walled by. I was thrilled that one of our neighbors walked over to check things out. In doing so, she was greeted by your groups' kindness. She praised their efforts and thanked everyone for making our school a better place, making her neighborhood look better, and for caring our community in general. She even walked back home, got her broom and rake, and joined in the work. It was her pleasure to buy the crew a pizza as a way to say thanks!

Please know that I feel that your work is a true ministry. I was touched by your generosity with your time and talents, and grateful that our district would be the receiver of the benefits of your labor.

On behalf of the entire IJN community - THANK YOU - for giving, not just to our school district and neighborhood, but to so many others around the area.

With sincere appreciation,

Linda"

v stubborn tree...didnt hit house! :)

2009-04-26T13:24:00.000-04:00

This message was sent using the Picture and Video Messaging service from Verizon Wireless!

To learn how you can snap pictures and capture videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/picture.

Note: To play video messages sent to email, QuickTime® 6.5 or higher is required.

Jen uploaded some pcitures from the Friday

2009-04-26T02:17:00.002-04:00

Gargoyle Road
Originally uploaded by Nif.

Here is here whole set...it also has some pictures from Buffalo