Feb 22

T-Shirt Sponsors

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We are looking for t-shirt sponsors for the event. The sponsorships are only $50 and if we get enough of them the total cost of the t-shirts, printing and distribution are covered so that 100% of the money raised through the different events go right to the PV Program.  Please consider approaching local businesses for their support.

FAQ about “Live with Passion” T-Shirt Sponsorships

How much is a LWP T-shirt sponsor?  It is only $50 for placement on the t-shirt.  It is a wonderful way to give your company, group or family a little exposure both locally and nationally.

Is the t-shirt sponsorship tax deductible?  Yes, the PV Volunteers, Inc. is a 501 (c) -3 tax deductible organization.

Do I need to have a logo?  If you have one, just send us a hi-resolution jpg file and we will forward it onto the printer.  If you don’t have a logo, we can work with you to create one or we can just put lettering on the shirt.

What is the deadline for t-shirt sponsors?  We must have all designs by March 15th so we can get the t-shirts printed.

Are there forms/information that can be given to a potential sponsor?  Yes, just email us (pvprogram@gmail.com) and we can give you everything you will need. You can  also steer them towards this blog and they can read about and see pictures from last years events.

Feb 22

Live with Passion

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What is the “Live with Passion” you ask? All the information you need to know is right here….

What is the Live With Passion? – The Live With Passion is our largest fundraising effort of the year.  It is a worldwide day of activities to support the work of the PV Volunteers.  For the first two years this event was called “Run With Passion”, but when we realized most events did not include running, we wanted to be inclusive of all the activities.  100% of the money raised goes directly to the  PV Volunteers and its programs.
When is the 2011 Live With Passion? – The weekend of April 30 – May 1, 2011
Where is the 2011 Live With Passion? – Anywhere there is a person willing and interested in organizing an event!  During the first three years of the event, we have had activities in over 25 locations in the US, as well as events in Honduras, England and Australia.
How can I organize an event? – It’s easy!  Pick an activity you would like to participate in and then gather friends, family, co-workers and/or your community at large to take part.  Encourage participants to get their friends and family to support their efforts, in turn supporting the PVs.  Each participant gets a free t-shirt!
What kinds of activities can I do? – It is wide open and we encourage you to think creatively!  In past years  we have had the more traditional events:  hikes, runs, walks, bike rides, canoe trips and swimming events.  We have also had some really creative ideas like farmers “planting with passion”, people “eating with passion” at a local restaurant with proceeds going to the PVs and “voices with passion” which was a local talent showcase.  You know your community, so we encourage you to think creatively what would work.
How do I start the process of organizing and event? – Let us know about your event and location.  Each year we put together a comprehensive list of all the different activities going on through out the world.  We will post your event on our blog and post updates and specifics so people can join you if they are in your area.  We will also provide you with a general brochure explaining who the PVs are and what kind of work we can do with the monies collected during the Live With Passion.  We will also provide you with blank sponsor sheets to collect monies, as well as give you links to a site where you can create your own sponsor page online.  It may sound like a lot of work, but don’t worry, we will walk with you through the process.
What if I can’t organize an event, but would still like to sponsor someone?  This is wonderful too!  Just contact us and we will connect you with a specific event if you would like or you can just make a general donation in support of the day.
How is the Live With Passion funded? –  Since the events are organized on the ground by PV’s, the overhead cost is very small, basically the cost of printing the t-shirts and mailing them.  To cover these cost we are seeking business and group sponsors to put on the back of the t-shirts.  Please see the Business/Sponsor form for more information.
Feb 08

Laura Morgan

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Many of you may have recalled us talking about our landlord and neighbor, Hope and her 108 year old mother Laura.  Unfortunately, we must share the news with you of Laura’s passing.  Please keep Hope in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

The following is the obituary that ran in the Register Herald.  Laura truly lived an amazing life.

Laura Elizabeth Morgan

PINEVILLE — Laura Elizabeth Morgan, the oldest citizen of Wyoming County, WV, passed away Saturday, January 22, 2011, at the age of 108 at her residence.

Mrs. Morgan was born in Key Rock, West Virginia, on March 14, 1902, the daughter of John Lewis Smith and his wife Mary Louvenia Sizemore Smith. She was the eldest of five children — John Calvin, Martha Jane, Bessie Lillie, and Andrew Jackson “Buster” Smith.

On September 2, 1922, she married William Rath Morgan. Their children were Glenna Hope, Fawn Grey, Margie Mavis, Wanda Jean, Ronald Rath, and William Harold Morgan.

From her 1OOth birthday on, Mrs. Morgan was recognized on her birthdays by local, regional, and national media outlets, including THE INDEPENDENT HERALD, THE WYOMING COUNTY REPORT, THE REGISTER-HERALD, THE BRISTOL HERALD COURlER, the Bluefield, West Virginia, television station WVVA, and the NBC TODAY SHOW.

In recognition of her remarkable longevity, Mrs. Morgan twice received letters and personally autographed photographs of Pres. G. W. Bush as well as a letter from the President’s wife, Mrs. Laura Bush. Joe Manchin III, former governor (now Senator) of West Virginia, sent congratulatory birthday letters in four separate years; and Betty Ireland, West Virginia’s Secretary of State, also sent birthday greetings.

On her 108th birthday, Mrs. Morgan received a belated, personal birthday greeting from President and Mrs. Barack Obama. Willard Scott, who included her in his program on her 100th and 104th birthdays, also sent her birthday greetings. On his program, THE TODAY SHOW, Mr. Scott called her “Mrs. Smucker.”

On June 29, 2007, Mrs. Morgan was honored by the town of Pineville during its centennial celebration when it was noted that she was older than the town itself. That same year, in the Dec. 2007-Jan. 2008 issue of WEST VIRGINIA SOUTH magazine, Mrs. Morgan was featured in a photo-journal article describing her life in rural West Virginia of a century ago.

In 2009, Mrs. Morgan was invited to be part of and has since been included in the New England Centenarian Study. This is the largest research project in the world seeking to identify and study the lives, health and personalities of individuals living to be over 100 years old and to ascertain the factors contributing to their longevity.

Mrs. Morgan is preceded in death by her husband William Rath Morgan; daughters Fawn Grey Morgan, Margie Cochran, and Jean Stone; son William Harold “Bill” Morgan; and grandsons Ronald Rath “Ronnie” Ball, Gary Duane and Brian Keith Cochran, and Michael Scott Morgan. She is survived by a sister, Martha Cook, age 100, of Pineville; her daughter, Hope Ball Huffman of Pineville; her son, Ronald Rath “Ron” Morgan and wife, Anna, of Bristol, VA; and daughter-in-law, Wilma Morgan of Gray, TN.

Surviving grandchildren are granddaughters, Elizabeth Ann Morgan of Charleston, WV, and Annika Morgan Thomas and husband, Dr. Duke Thomas, of Sewickley, PA; grandsons, Ronald Rath “Randy” Morgan, II, and Dr. Breton L. Morgan of Point Pleasant, WV; Melvin Gregory “Greg” Cochran and wife, Annette, of Bristol, TN; William Charles Stone and wife, Becky, of Augusta, GA, and John Keith Stone and wife, Cheryl, of North Port, FL; Kevin Morgan and wife, Mareena, of Waynesboro, VA; Mark Morgan and wife, Patricia, of Beckley, WV, and David Morgan and wife, Crystal Gayle, of Whitesville, WV.

Mrs. Morgan is also survived by seventeen great-grandchildren: Amanda Hope Ball McGrady and husband, Chad, of Beckley, WV; Justin, Autumn and Jacob Morgan of Point Pleasant, WV; Bryce Morgan of Waynesboro, VA; William Cochran and wife, Colleen, of Smyrna, GA; Laura Katharine Biscotte and husband, Stephen, of Roanoke, VA; Steven Cochran of Houston, TX; Evans and Emily Stone of Augusta, GA; Heather Frame of Ashburn, VA; John Powell, Molly Jean and Oliver Stone of North Port, FL; and Ben, Dane, and Lars Thomas of Sewickley, PA.

Mrs. Morgan’s great-great-grandchildren are Carter Biscotte of Roanoke, VA; Aidyn River McGrady of Beckley, WV; Ebone Frame of Charles Town, WV, and Chandler Turpin of Ashburn, VA.

Additional beloved family members include special nephew, Darrell Tolliver, Tommy and Juanita Morgan, Max and Jackie Morgan, Onnie and Marsha Morgan, Kay Morgan Wolfe, Judy Morgan Chericozzi, Bill and Millie Morgan, Church, Peggy Morgan Muniz, Wanda June Morgan Parks, Terry and Janie Morgan Allen, Lynn and Jerry Morgan; Rolland and Trilla Morgan, Morris and Pat Morgan Toot, Jack and Ann Morgan, Wimmer, Bob and Linda Morgan, Hollandsworth; sister-in-law, Billie Coen Smith, and nephews Johnny Smith and wife, Pat, Bobby Smith and wife, Tammy, and Teddy Smith and wife, Deena; John Henry Morgan and wife, Dolphine, and Merle Morgan of Scottsdale, AZ.

The family also would like to acknowledge the kindness of Dr. Brian Love of Beckley, WV, Dr. David Eells of Welch, WV, Dr. Sam Muscari, II, and Hospice of Beckley, WV, as well as express gratitude for the love and support of good friends, Nancy Ball Almond, Roby Castle, Gabriel and Ola Roberts, Wally and Dolores Brannon, and caregivers, Margie Hatfield, Vivian Church and Debra Morgan.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Chapel of Calfee Funeral Service with the Rev. Donald “Doc” Adkins officiating. Burial will follow in Morgan Family Cemetery, Centerville. The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to may make a contribution in her name to the Pineville Ministerial Food Pantry, P.O. Box 1508, Pineville, WV 24874.

Red ribbons will be placed throughout the Town of Pineville to honor Mrs. Morgan as Pineville’s oldest resident. These ribbons symbolize that she is older than the town and celebrate her life.

Calfee Funeral and Cremation Service of Pineville is serving the Morgan family.

Feb 08

Laura Morgan

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Many of you may have recalled us talking about our landlord and neighbor, Hope and her 108 year old mother Laura.  Unfortunately, we must share the news with you of Laura’s passing.  Please keep Hope in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

The following is the obituary that ran in the Register Herald.  Laura truly lived an amazing life.

Laura Elizabeth Morgan

PINEVILLE — Laura Elizabeth Morgan, the oldest citizen of Wyoming County, WV, passed away Saturday, January 22, 2011, at the age of 108 at her residence.

Mrs. Morgan was born in Key Rock, West Virginia, on March 14, 1902, the daughter of John Lewis Smith and his wife Mary Louvenia Sizemore Smith. She was the eldest of five children — John Calvin, Martha Jane, Bessie Lillie, and Andrew Jackson “Buster” Smith.

On September 2, 1922, she married William Rath Morgan. Their children were Glenna Hope, Fawn Grey, Margie Mavis, Wanda Jean, Ronald Rath, and William Harold Morgan.

From her 1OOth birthday on, Mrs. Morgan was recognized on her birthdays by local, regional, and national media outlets, including THE INDEPENDENT HERALD, THE WYOMING COUNTY REPORT, THE REGISTER-HERALD, THE BRISTOL HERALD COURlER, the Bluefield, West Virginia, television station WVVA, and the NBC TODAY SHOW.

In recognition of her remarkable longevity, Mrs. Morgan twice received letters and personally autographed photographs of Pres. G. W. Bush as well as a letter from the President’s wife, Mrs. Laura Bush. Joe Manchin III, former governor (now Senator) of West Virginia, sent congratulatory birthday letters in four separate years; and Betty Ireland, West Virginia’s Secretary of State, also sent birthday greetings.

On her 108th birthday, Mrs. Morgan received a belated, personal birthday greeting from President and Mrs. Barack Obama. Willard Scott, who included her in his program on her 100th and 104th birthdays, also sent her birthday greetings. On his program, THE TODAY SHOW, Mr. Scott called her “Mrs. Smucker.”

On June 29, 2007, Mrs. Morgan was honored by the town of Pineville during its centennial celebration when it was noted that she was older than the town itself. That same year, in the Dec. 2007-Jan. 2008 issue of WEST VIRGINIA SOUTH magazine, Mrs. Morgan was featured in a photo-journal article describing her life in rural West Virginia of a century ago.

In 2009, Mrs. Morgan was invited to be part of and has since been included in the New England Centenarian Study. This is the largest research project in the world seeking to identify and study the lives, health and personalities of individuals living to be over 100 years old and to ascertain the factors contributing to their longevity.

Mrs. Morgan is preceded in death by her husband William Rath Morgan; daughters Fawn Grey Morgan, Margie Cochran, and Jean Stone; son William Harold “Bill” Morgan; and grandsons Ronald Rath “Ronnie” Ball, Gary Duane and Brian Keith Cochran, and Michael Scott Morgan. She is survived by a sister, Martha Cook, age 100, of Pineville; her daughter, Hope Ball Huffman of Pineville; her son, Ronald Rath “Ron” Morgan and wife, Anna, of Bristol, VA; and daughter-in-law, Wilma Morgan of Gray, TN.

Surviving grandchildren are granddaughters, Elizabeth Ann Morgan of Charleston, WV, and Annika Morgan Thomas and husband, Dr. Duke Thomas, of Sewickley, PA; grandsons, Ronald Rath “Randy” Morgan, II, and Dr. Breton L. Morgan of Point Pleasant, WV; Melvin Gregory “Greg” Cochran and wife, Annette, of Bristol, TN; William Charles Stone and wife, Becky, of Augusta, GA, and John Keith Stone and wife, Cheryl, of North Port, FL; Kevin Morgan and wife, Mareena, of Waynesboro, VA; Mark Morgan and wife, Patricia, of Beckley, WV, and David Morgan and wife, Crystal Gayle, of Whitesville, WV.

Mrs. Morgan is also survived by seventeen great-grandchildren: Amanda Hope Ball McGrady and husband, Chad, of Beckley, WV; Justin, Autumn and Jacob Morgan of Point Pleasant, WV; Bryce Morgan of Waynesboro, VA; William Cochran and wife, Colleen, of Smyrna, GA; Laura Katharine Biscotte and husband, Stephen, of Roanoke, VA; Steven Cochran of Houston, TX; Evans and Emily Stone of Augusta, GA; Heather Frame of Ashburn, VA; John Powell, Molly Jean and Oliver Stone of North Port, FL; and Ben, Dane, and Lars Thomas of Sewickley, PA.

Mrs. Morgan’s great-great-grandchildren are Carter Biscotte of Roanoke, VA; Aidyn River McGrady of Beckley, WV; Ebone Frame of Charles Town, WV, and Chandler Turpin of Ashburn, VA.

Additional beloved family members include special nephew, Darrell Tolliver, Tommy and Juanita Morgan, Max and Jackie Morgan, Onnie and Marsha Morgan, Kay Morgan Wolfe, Judy Morgan Chericozzi, Bill and Millie Morgan, Church, Peggy Morgan Muniz, Wanda June Morgan Parks, Terry and Janie Morgan Allen, Lynn and Jerry Morgan; Rolland and Trilla Morgan, Morris and Pat Morgan Toot, Jack and Ann Morgan, Wimmer, Bob and Linda Morgan, Hollandsworth; sister-in-law, Billie Coen Smith, and nephews Johnny Smith and wife, Pat, Bobby Smith and wife, Tammy, and Teddy Smith and wife, Deena; John Henry Morgan and wife, Dolphine, and Merle Morgan of Scottsdale, AZ.

The family also would like to acknowledge the kindness of Dr. Brian Love of Beckley, WV, Dr. David Eells of Welch, WV, Dr. Sam Muscari, II, and Hospice of Beckley, WV, as well as express gratitude for the love and support of good friends, Nancy Ball Almond, Roby Castle, Gabriel and Ola Roberts, Wally and Dolores Brannon, and caregivers, Margie Hatfield, Vivian Church and Debra Morgan.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Chapel of Calfee Funeral Service with the Rev. Donald “Doc” Adkins officiating. Burial will follow in Morgan Family Cemetery, Centerville. The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to may make a contribution in her name to the Pineville Ministerial Food Pantry, P.O. Box 1508, Pineville, WV 24874.

Red ribbons will be placed throughout the Town of Pineville to honor Mrs. Morgan as Pineville’s oldest resident. These ribbons symbolize that she is older than the town and celebrate her life.

Calfee Funeral and Cremation Service of Pineville is serving the Morgan family.

Feb 08

Laura Morgan

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Many of you may have recalled us talking about our landlord and neighbor, Hope and her 108 year old mother Laura.  Unfortunately, we must share the news with you of Laura’s passing.  Please keep Hope in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

The following is the obituary that ran in the Register Herald.  Laura truly lived an amazing life.

Laura Elizabeth Morgan

PINEVILLE — Laura Elizabeth Morgan, the oldest citizen of Wyoming County, WV, passed away Saturday, January 22, 2011, at the age of 108 at her residence.

Mrs. Morgan was born in Key Rock, West Virginia, on March 14, 1902, the daughter of John Lewis Smith and his wife Mary Louvenia Sizemore Smith. She was the eldest of five children — John Calvin, Martha Jane, Bessie Lillie, and Andrew Jackson “Buster” Smith.

On September 2, 1922, she married William Rath Morgan. Their children were Glenna Hope, Fawn Grey, Margie Mavis, Wanda Jean, Ronald Rath, and William Harold Morgan.

From her 1OOth birthday on, Mrs. Morgan was recognized on her birthdays by local, regional, and national media outlets, including THE INDEPENDENT HERALD, THE WYOMING COUNTY REPORT, THE REGISTER-HERALD, THE BRISTOL HERALD COURlER, the Bluefield, West Virginia, television station WVVA, and the NBC TODAY SHOW.

In recognition of her remarkable longevity, Mrs. Morgan twice received letters and personally autographed photographs of Pres. G. W. Bush as well as a letter from the President’s wife, Mrs. Laura Bush. Joe Manchin III, former governor (now Senator) of West Virginia, sent congratulatory birthday letters in four separate years; and Betty Ireland, West Virginia’s Secretary of State, also sent birthday greetings.

On her 108th birthday, Mrs. Morgan received a belated, personal birthday greeting from President and Mrs. Barack Obama. Willard Scott, who included her in his program on her 100th and 104th birthdays, also sent her birthday greetings. On his program, THE TODAY SHOW, Mr. Scott called her “Mrs. Smucker.”

On June 29, 2007, Mrs. Morgan was honored by the town of Pineville during its centennial celebration when it was noted that she was older than the town itself. That same year, in the Dec. 2007-Jan. 2008 issue of WEST VIRGINIA SOUTH magazine, Mrs. Morgan was featured in a photo-journal article describing her life in rural West Virginia of a century ago.

In 2009, Mrs. Morgan was invited to be part of and has since been included in the New England Centenarian Study. This is the largest research project in the world seeking to identify and study the lives, health and personalities of individuals living to be over 100 years old and to ascertain the factors contributing to their longevity.

Mrs. Morgan is preceded in death by her husband William Rath Morgan; daughters Fawn Grey Morgan, Margie Cochran, and Jean Stone; son William Harold “Bill” Morgan; and grandsons Ronald Rath “Ronnie” Ball, Gary Duane and Brian Keith Cochran, and Michael Scott Morgan. She is survived by a sister, Martha Cook, age 100, of Pineville; her daughter, Hope Ball Huffman of Pineville; her son, Ronald Rath “Ron” Morgan and wife, Anna, of Bristol, VA; and daughter-in-law, Wilma Morgan of Gray, TN.

Surviving grandchildren are granddaughters, Elizabeth Ann Morgan of Charleston, WV, and Annika Morgan Thomas and husband, Dr. Duke Thomas, of Sewickley, PA; grandsons, Ronald Rath “Randy” Morgan, II, and Dr. Breton L. Morgan of Point Pleasant, WV; Melvin Gregory “Greg” Cochran and wife, Annette, of Bristol, TN; William Charles Stone and wife, Becky, of Augusta, GA, and John Keith Stone and wife, Cheryl, of North Port, FL; Kevin Morgan and wife, Mareena, of Waynesboro, VA; Mark Morgan and wife, Patricia, of Beckley, WV, and David Morgan and wife, Crystal Gayle, of Whitesville, WV.

Mrs. Morgan is also survived by seventeen great-grandchildren: Amanda Hope Ball McGrady and husband, Chad, of Beckley, WV; Justin, Autumn and Jacob Morgan of Point Pleasant, WV; Bryce Morgan of Waynesboro, VA; William Cochran and wife, Colleen, of Smyrna, GA; Laura Katharine Biscotte and husband, Stephen, of Roanoke, VA; Steven Cochran of Houston, TX; Evans and Emily Stone of Augusta, GA; Heather Frame of Ashburn, VA; John Powell, Molly Jean and Oliver Stone of North Port, FL; and Ben, Dane, and Lars Thomas of Sewickley, PA.

Mrs. Morgan’s great-great-grandchildren are Carter Biscotte of Roanoke, VA; Aidyn River McGrady of Beckley, WV; Ebone Frame of Charles Town, WV, and Chandler Turpin of Ashburn, VA.

Additional beloved family members include special nephew, Darrell Tolliver, Tommy and Juanita Morgan, Max and Jackie Morgan, Onnie and Marsha Morgan, Kay Morgan Wolfe, Judy Morgan Chericozzi, Bill and Millie Morgan, Church, Peggy Morgan Muniz, Wanda June Morgan Parks, Terry and Janie Morgan Allen, Lynn and Jerry Morgan; Rolland and Trilla Morgan, Morris and Pat Morgan Toot, Jack and Ann Morgan, Wimmer, Bob and Linda Morgan, Hollandsworth; sister-in-law, Billie Coen Smith, and nephews Johnny Smith and wife, Pat, Bobby Smith and wife, Tammy, and Teddy Smith and wife, Deena; John Henry Morgan and wife, Dolphine, and Merle Morgan of Scottsdale, AZ.

The family also would like to acknowledge the kindness of Dr. Brian Love of Beckley, WV, Dr. David Eells of Welch, WV, Dr. Sam Muscari, II, and Hospice of Beckley, WV, as well as express gratitude for the love and support of good friends, Nancy Ball Almond, Roby Castle, Gabriel and Ola Roberts, Wally and Dolores Brannon, and caregivers, Margie Hatfield, Vivian Church and Debra Morgan.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Chapel of Calfee Funeral Service with the Rev. Donald “Doc” Adkins officiating. Burial will follow in Morgan Family Cemetery, Centerville. The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to may make a contribution in her name to the Pineville Ministerial Food Pantry, P.O. Box 1508, Pineville, WV 24874.

Red ribbons will be placed throughout the Town of Pineville to honor Mrs. Morgan as Pineville’s oldest resident. These ribbons symbolize that she is older than the town and celebrate her life.

Calfee Funeral and Cremation Service of Pineville is serving the Morgan family.

Feb 01

Feburary Volunteer Reflection

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In our February PV Newsletter we included part of a reflection written by one of our volunteers,Holly Melao.  Here is the reflection in its entirety:

My interest in the PV Program began with a very dear friend and her family.  As we met occasionally throughout the year, the topic always turned to their one or two week summer adventures with the PV’s.  The purpose behind the program definitely intrigued me, but there was something else.  There was a glow.  A glow on their faces at the slightest mention of being a PV.  What was this, I wondered!
So as discussed, I decided to jump in on the adventure.  I signed up through the website. My friend briefed me on the necessary items to bring, and we were off!  Me and my three children; ages 11, 8 & 6, packed up the car and followed my friends down to West Virginia.  The children were so excited and could not wait to get there.  I, on the other hand, was confident about our mission, but would I be able to do this!  By myself, with my three kids!  After a little more that seven hours, we arrived at our destination.
As we pulled into the school, there at the main entrance stoop a group of people ready to welcome us.  As we exited the car, we were introduced to each and every person standing there.  And there was something else, there was that glow again.  The team went into action and before we knew it, our car was unpacked and we were in our assigned room.  Wow, I thought, maybe I can do this! 
Little to my surprise, what began on that very first day, were events that would touch my heart in ways I never knew.  The organization of the program was unbelievable.  Everything, from breakfast to bed, had structure to it.  And within this structure was the heart & soul of each member.  No matter if you were young or old, rich or poor, educated or not, we had our responsibilities, we all had a purpose.
As the week continued, each day brought a new awakening for me and my children.  Whether together or apart, on different job sites, you became more in touch with what being a PV was all about.  Traveling the breath-taking, winding roads, you begin to ask yourself; how will we make a difference in someone’s life today? 
Sadly as the week drew to a close, you find yourself saying, I can’t believe it.  The time has flown by!  And now it’s time to pack up and head home.  As we gather at the same door in which we entered, we sadly say our goodbyes to new members of our family.    Those same faces that I didn’t even know, one week ago, are all a part of me now.  While driving down the road, I can’t help but notice the sniffles coming from behind me.  As I smile quietly, I realize, my children’s hearts have been touched as well.  
God has blessed our family and we thank him for allowing us to share in this experience.    
Oh yes, and that glow I was talking about earlier, we all have it!!
Holly, Julia, Erik & Olivia Melao
We are PV VOLUNTEERS
If you do not receive our e-newsletters and would like to, please email us and we will be happy to send them to you.  pvprogram@gmail.com
Feb 01

Feburary Volunteer Reflection

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In our February PV Newsletter we included part of a reflection written by one of our volunteers,Holly Melao.  Here is the reflection in its entirety:

My interest in the PV Program began with a very dear friend and her family.  As we met occasionally throughout the year, the topic always turned to their one or two week summer adventures with the PV’s.  The purpose behind the program definitely intrigued me, but there was something else.  There was a glow.  A glow on their faces at the slightest mention of being a PV.  What was this, I wondered!
So as discussed, I decided to jump in on the adventure.  I signed up through the website. My friend briefed me on the necessary items to bring, and we were off!  Me and my three children; ages 11, 8 & 6, packed up the car and followed my friends down to West Virginia.  The children were so excited and could not wait to get there.  I, on the other hand, was confident about our mission, but would I be able to do this!  By myself, with my three kids!  After a little more that seven hours, we arrived at our destination.
As we pulled into the school, there at the main entrance stoop a group of people ready to welcome us.  As we exited the car, we were introduced to each and every person standing there.  And there was something else, there was that glow again.  The team went into action and before we knew it, our car was unpacked and we were in our assigned room.  Wow, I thought, maybe I can do this! 
Little to my surprise, what began on that very first day, were events that would touch my heart in ways I never knew.  The organization of the program was unbelievable.  Everything, from breakfast to bed, had structure to it.  And within this structure was the heart & soul of each member.  No matter if you were young or old, rich or poor, educated or not, we had our responsibilities, we all had a purpose.
As the week continued, each day brought a new awakening for me and my children.  Whether together or apart, on different job sites, you became more in touch with what being a PV was all about.  Traveling the breath-taking, winding roads, you begin to ask yourself; how will we make a difference in someone’s life today? 
Sadly as the week drew to a close, you find yourself saying, I can’t believe it.  The time has flown by!  And now it’s time to pack up and head home.  As we gather at the same door in which we entered, we sadly say our goodbyes to new members of our family.    Those same faces that I didn’t even know, one week ago, are all a part of me now.  While driving down the road, I can’t help but notice the sniffles coming from behind me.  As I smile quietly, I realize, my children’s hearts have been touched as well.  
God has blessed our family and we thank him for allowing us to share in this experience.    
Oh yes, and that glow I was talking about earlier, we all have it!!
Holly, Julia, Erik & Olivia Melao
We are PV VOLUNTEERS
If you do not receive our e-newsletters and would like to, please email us and we will be happy to send them to you.  pvprogram@gmail.com
Feb 01

Feburary Volunteer Reflection

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In our February PV Newsletter we included part of a reflection written by one of our volunteers,Holly Melao.  Here is the reflection in its entirety:

My interest in the PV Program began with a very dear friend and her family.  As we met occasionally throughout the year, the topic always turned to their one or two week summer adventures with the PV’s.  The purpose behind the program definitely intrigued me, but there was something else.  There was a glow.  A glow on their faces at the slightest mention of being a PV.  What was this, I wondered!
So as discussed, I decided to jump in on the adventure.  I signed up through the website. My friend briefed me on the necessary items to bring, and we were off!  Me and my three children; ages 11, 8 & 6, packed up the car and followed my friends down to West Virginia.  The children were so excited and could not wait to get there.  I, on the other hand, was confident about our mission, but would I be able to do this!  By myself, with my three kids!  After a little more that seven hours, we arrived at our destination.
As we pulled into the school, there at the main entrance stoop a group of people ready to welcome us.  As we exited the car, we were introduced to each and every person standing there.  And there was something else, there was that glow again.  The team went into action and before we knew it, our car was unpacked and we were in our assigned room.  Wow, I thought, maybe I can do this! 
Little to my surprise, what began on that very first day, were events that would touch my heart in ways I never knew.  The organization of the program was unbelievable.  Everything, from breakfast to bed, had structure to it.  And within this structure was the heart & soul of each member.  No matter if you were young or old, rich or poor, educated or not, we had our responsibilities, we all had a purpose.
As the week continued, each day brought a new awakening for me and my children.  Whether together or apart, on different job sites, you became more in touch with what being a PV was all about.  Traveling the breath-taking, winding roads, you begin to ask yourself; how will we make a difference in someone’s life today? 
Sadly as the week drew to a close, you find yourself saying, I can’t believe it.  The time has flown by!  And now it’s time to pack up and head home.  As we gather at the same door in which we entered, we sadly say our goodbyes to new members of our family.    Those same faces that I didn’t even know, one week ago, are all a part of me now.  While driving down the road, I can’t help but notice the sniffles coming from behind me.  As I smile quietly, I realize, my children’s hearts have been touched as well.  
God has blessed our family and we thank him for allowing us to share in this experience.    
Oh yes, and that glow I was talking about earlier, we all have it!!
Holly, Julia, Erik & Olivia Melao
We are PV VOLUNTEERS
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