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November 2023

Whew! What a Busy October!

We had so many volunteer opportunities in October, and you guys rose to the challenge. 

In October, we served our community with these projects:

  • Sun, Oct 1 -- NCVAN Garden Beautification: 4.5 volunteer hours

  • Fri, Oct 6 -- Miracle League volunteer hours: 25.5 volunteer hours

  • Sat, Oct 7 -- Food Bank: 16.5 volunteer hours

  • Sat, Oct 14 -- Brown Bag Ministry:  18.75 volunteer hours

  • Sun, Oct 22 -- JDRF volunteer hours: 26.25 volunteer hours

  • Fri, Oct 27 -- Oak Grove ES Fall Festival: 21.25 volunteer hours 

  • Sat, Oct 28 – ADHS Grounds Clean: 26 volunteer hours

  • Sun, Oct 29 – Lochmere Halloween: 22.75 volunteer hours

 

So for the month of October, Teen Core contributed a total of 140.25 hours to our community!  That’s a yearly total of 272.75 hours.

 

Still Opportunities Available This November

 

We still need a Project Lead for SPRUCE Adopt a Spot on Sun, Nov 19 from 1-3pm.  Please email teencoreofcary@gmail.com if you are interested.

 


 

Holiday Toy Drive Nov 18-Dec 1

 

Again, this year, you can earn .5 hour volunteer credit by donating a toy to our toy drive.  This year, we are supporting an organization close to the hearts of one of our Teen Core Families: The 14th Annual Ryan Burris Memorial Toy Drive to benefit Duke's Partners in Caring.  During his life, Ryan was an incredible advocate for his community and started a toy drive for children who are impacted by HIV/AIDS.

 

If you are interested in donating a toy or learning more about Ryan's work and Partners in Caring, see  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409094EA5A62DA0F85-45453200-partners.

 

December Calendar Opens Nov 20

 

With everyone busy this holiday season, we will offer only a few opportunities this December, but you can already view many of them on the December calendar. We are just waiting to see if a Brown Bag opportunity will be available. (I will try to sign up for Sat, Dec 2.)

 

If you are interested in being a Project Lead for any event, please email me asap.

 

  • Sun, Dec 3: Regency HOA holiday event 2 shifts: 10:30-1pm & 1-4pm

  • Sat, Dec 9: The Christmas Store 2 shifts:  10am-12:30pm & 1:30-4:30pm

  • Sat, Dec 16:  Santa Visit at Lochmere: 2:30-5:00pm

October 2023

What a Great September!

We are off to a fantastic start to the year!  I am receiving so many compliments from the organizations that you've worked with.  In fact, they are interested in having Teen Core come back for more events!

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In Sept, we served our community with these projects:

  • Sat, Sept 2 -- Food Bank: 9 volunteer hours

  • Sun, Sept 3 -- Lochmere Ice Cream Social:  16 volunteer hours

  • Sun, Sept 10 -- Regency Kids Triathlon: 48 volunteer hours (See picture below)

  • Sat, Sept 16 -- Brown Bag Ministry:  20 volunteer hours

  • Sat, Sept 16 -- Rise Against Hunger:  24.5 volunteer hours

  • Sat, Sept 30 -- NRGRR Fall Swim: 24 volunteer hours (See picture below)

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So for the month of Sept, Teen Core contributed a total of 132.5 hours to our community!

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That's a great start towards our 1000 hour goal this year!  Let's keep it rolling in October.

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Still Opportunities Available This October

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There are still many volunteer opportunities for October!

  • Saturday, Oct 14 -- Brown Bag Ministry (1 slot)

  • Friday, Oct 27 -- Oak Grove ES Fall Festival  (NEED PROJECT LEAD & 2 slots open)​​

  • Saturday, Oct 28 -- Athens HS Grounds Clean Up (NEED PROJECT LEAD & 3 slots open)

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Check out the October calendar on the website.  The password for this month is in your email.

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Looking Forward to November

I am still looking for additional activities in November.  But here is the current list.  Please remember if you are interested in being the Project Lead for any of these events, simply email me at teencoreofcary@gmail.com.

Also note, that most volunteer opportunities in November will be BEFORE the Thanksgiving holiday.  I know we'd all like to relax during our break.  :-)

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  • Sat, Nov 4 -- Leaves to Leases

  • Sat, Nov 4 -- Food Bank

  • Sun, Nov 5 NRGRR Rescue Event -- many opportunities

  • Thurs, Nov 16 STEAM Night at Swift Creek ES

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You Oughta Be in Pictures

We love receiving pictures of our teens at their volunteer events.  If you have any to share, please send them to teencoreofcary@gmail.com or text them to Marie at 919-602-9993.

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Regency Kids Triathlon

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NRGRR Fall Swim

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July 2023

Teen Core Kickoff: Sunday, Aug 27

Our training session and kickoff will look a little different this year.  Please pay close attention to the sections below for more information.

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The kickoff will also be at a different location.

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Macedonia United Methodist Church

Fellowship Hall

2700 Jones Franklin Road

Raleigh, NC 27606

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Mandatory Training Starts at 2:30

You must attend the mandatory training session if you meet either of these conditions:

  • This will be your FIRST year with Teen Core.

  • This will be your SECOND year of Teen Core and you have not received the Project Lead training.  You must attend the Project Leader training before you can serve as a Project Leader.

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If you attended the Project Lead training and you have served as a Project Lead in previous years, you DO NOT have to attend this year's training ... although if you (or your parent) would like a refresher you are welcome.

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Training will begin promptly at 2:30.  It will be a combined session, and should hopefully take no more than 30-45 minutes.  There will be a hopefully fun quiz (with small prizes) at the end so take notes.  ;-)

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RSVP for the training now!

Ice Cream Social at 3:30

Immediately after the training, we will have an ice cream social.  This will give our new members to "break the ice."  We hope other Teen Core members and their families will come join us as well.

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Who will be able to build the biggest or most creative ice cream sundae?  We can't wait to see your creations!

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If you ordered a T-shirt for this year (see list below), please come pick up your shirt at this time.

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RSVP for the social!

August Opportunities

At the end of last year, many of you were finding it difficult to squeeze in those last few hours because of sports, work, and other commitments throughout the year.

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So I am trying something new this year.  There will be 2 opportunities in August to participate in one of our favorite activities, working with Brown Bag Ministry.  These opportunities are open to returning Teen Core members. 

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You can sign up today on the August calendar.

  • Saturday, Aug 12 8:45-11:15 (3 slots)

  • Saturday, Aug 26 8:45-11:15 (5 slots)

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Last Chance to Order a T-Shirt

Remember:  When volunteering, you must wear your Teen Core shirt.  Below are the list of t-shirt orders that I have for this year.​

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If you need a t-shirt, please send me (teencoreofcary@gmail.com) your order by AUG 1.  T-shirts are $10.  You can pay through Venmo or by mailing a check.  

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Here is the current list of orders.  If you don't see your name on this list, it is either because you told me and I missed it or I don't have your order.

Small:

  • Gracyn B (2028)

  • Reagan C (2027)

  • Katy D (2027)

  • Mia F (2028)

  • Jackie H (2027)

  • Brynn M (2028)

  • Leah W (2028)

  • Abby Z (2028)

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Medium:

  • Ryan A (2026)

  • Aeden B (2027)

  • Ryan B (2026)

  • Annie B (2028)

  • Alex B (2028)

  • Matthew C (2028)

  • Lyndsey D (2024)

  • Rocco F (2026)

  • Aiden F (2025)

  • Edward F (2025)

  • Carter G (2026)

  • Lesley I (2028)

  • Lilian N (2026)

  • Kevin N (2025)

  • Lena O (2026)

  • Isabella P (2028)

  • Nathan P (2027)

  • Cole P (2028)

  • Adam S (2025)

  • Lucy W (2027)

  • Piper W (2026)

  • Justin W (2027)

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Large:

  • Alexandra B (2024)

  • Mitchell B

  • Harrison B (2026)

  • Alex D (2025)

  • Benjamin E (2027)

  • Thomas G (2024)

  • Emma G (2028)

  • Will H (2025)

  • Dylan H (2026)

  • Sterling M (2026)

  • Ben S (2026)

  • Louis VC (2028)

  • Tanner W (2028)

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X-Large:

  • Danny G (2026)

Questions?

Have questions, concerns, suggestions, or maybe a philanthropy that we can work with next year, please send that information to Marie Dexter at teencoreofcary@gmail.com.

May 2023

As another school year draws to close, I want to congratulate all of you for your various achievements this year. Whether it was in the classroom or on the sports field or in your church, you should be proud of all you’ve accomplished in these areas and with Teen Core. 

Congratulations to Our Seniors!

A special congratulations to our Seniors who are graduating this year:

  • Sawyer Adams
  • Kinsey Avent
  • Sam Benjamin
  • Francesa Brady
  • Kate Evenhouse
  • Gavin Martin
  • Molly Koonce
  • Hudson Myers
  • Ryan O'Leary
  • Jessica Scheiber
  • Elli Sheppard
  • Tehya Shere

Thank you for your service to our community over the years!  We wish you the best wherever your journey takes you.


Summer Opportunities for Volunteering

For all current Teen Core members, volunteer opportunities for the 2022-2023 year will be available through mid-August, so you still have time to meet your 10 hour requirement. Many of you have already reached your 10 hours, but please don’t let that stop you from volunteering this summer! Our community still needs our help.

 

  • Regency Swim Meets -- Dinner will be provided
  • Golden Retriever Rescue Dog Wash

 

Note: Summer opportunities will be limited because many folks will be traveling or working summer jobs.  For example, we will not sign up for Brown Bag again until Sept.  If you need hours and don't find anything that works with your schedule, please contact teencoreofcary@gmail.com as soon as possible.

Time to Register for Next Year!

We've had a GREAT year in Teen Core!  If you are interested in continuing with Teen Core next year, May is the month to register!

 

Complete this Google form by June 15.  On this form, you'll have the opportunity to recommend new members for next year as well!  We are also looking for your feedback on projects for next year.

 

Save the Date for our August Kickoff Meeting: Sunday, Aug 26

Mark your calendars for the afternoon of Sunday, Aug 26. (Location TBD).

 

  • We will have a mandatory training session for all Teen Core members who are entering their second year. This training will outline the responsibilities for being a Project Leader and is mandatory to be a Project Lead. (Starting your second year of Teen Core, all members must complete 10 volunteer hours and serve as a Project Lead.)
  • Following this training and the training of our new members, we will have an opportunity to mingle and enjoy some pizza and ice cream. 

Thank You!

Thank you for all the amazing work this year! I have received so many compliments about how hard working, responsible, and attentive our members are at events.


Parents, a special THANK YOU to you as well. Teen Core couldn’t survive without your support of your teen and our Teen Core community.

April Recap

  • April 15:  Miracle League:  12 hours
  • April 15:  Food Bank:  9 hours
  • April 22:  Brown Bag Ministry: 17.5 hours
  • April 29:  Wake County Senior Games:  14 hours
  • April 30:  Joey O'Bocce Classic:  15 hours

 

That's a total of 67.5 hours this month!

Teen Core in Pictures!

Questions?

If you have any questions or have a suggestion for an activity, please contact Marie Dexter at teencoreofcary@gmail.com.

April 2023

April Calendar Opens Wednesday, March 29 6:00pm

Here are the opportunities that we have this April:

  • April 15: Miracle League
  • April 15: Food Bank
  • April 22: Brown Bag Ministry
  • April 29: Wake County Senior Games
  • April 30: Joey O’Bocce Classic

Note: No activities are scheduled during Wake County Public School’s traditional Spring Break: April 1 - 8.

I hope you can spend this time relaxing and preparing for the end of the school year!


March Recap

Thank you for all your amazing hard work this month!!!!


In March, we completed these projects:

  • Wake Up and Read: 30 Hours
  • Food Bank: 21 Hours
  • Regency Spring Fling: 24 Hours
  • JDRF Marathon: 32.50 Hours
  • SCES Book Fair, Family Heart Hop: 30 Hours
  • MS Walk: 18 Hours
  • Lochmere Easter Egg Hunt: 27 Hours

This totals ~182.5 hours that we gave to our community this month! Well done!

Recruitment for Next Year Begins in May

Next month, you can enroll in Teen Core for next school year (2023-24). Registration will occur through a Google form.


We are also looking for new members from the class of 2028! If you know someone who would be a good fit for Teen Core, send their name to teencoreofcary@gmail.com or include that information in the Google form when you re-enroll.


Questions?

If you have any questions or have a suggestion for an activity, please contact Marie Dexter at teencoreofcary@gmail.com.

March 2023

Open Spots in March!

Way to go everyone for stepping up and filling so many slots in March! We have 70 volunteer slots this morning, and you have filled 80% of them.

If you are interested, we still have opening for these events:

  • Wake Up and Read on March 4 9:30-12:30
  • Food Bank on March 4 from 9-12
  • A Project Lead for the Regency Spring Fling afternoon shift 11-3
  • JDRF Marathon on Sunday March 19 8:45-12:00


February Recap

In February, we completed these projects:

  • Meals on Wheels – Valentine’s Craft: 12.5 Hours
  • Brown Bag Ministry: 25 Hours
  • SPRUCE: 10 Hours

For a slow month, we still managed to give 47.5 hours to our community!  Well done!

Donations: Wake Up and Read

Thank you to everyone who donated a book to our Wake Up and Read book drive. Our goal was to collect 50 books and we exceeded that!


Project lead, Austin Deaton, delivered 100 books to the Wake Up and Read folks on Feb 28. These books will go to students in 10-15 elementary schools in Wake County. Thank you for giving these kids books that they can treasure!

Reminder about Volunteer Hours

The end of the traditional school year isn’t far away, so you might be moving towards “the end of the school year” mode. As we wrap up another great year of Teen Core, here are some reminders:

  • Each member is required to complete a minimum of 10 volunteer hours in the year.
  • Members who have been with Teen Core for 2+ years are required to serve as Project Lead at least one time during the year.  Your parent or guardian MUST attend the entire event with their Project Lead.  
  • The Teen Core calendar runs from Sept - July, so you have until the end of July to complete your 10 hours. However, the number of service projects in June and July are limited. Please see the Teen Core calendar for upcoming opportunities.
  • Recruitment for returning members and new members will begin in May. More information is coming soon.

Questions?

If you have any questions or have a suggestion for an activity, please contact Marie Dexter at teencoreofcary@gmail.com.

February 2023

March Calendar Opens Feb 20 at 6am

The March calendar will open on Monday, February 20 at 6:00am. Please check your email for the password.

March opportunities include:

  • Saturday, March 4 -- Two opportunities!
    • 9:30 - 11:30 Food Bank -- Please note that you must sign up using the Teen Core calendar AND through the Food Bank link
    • 9:30 - 11:30 Wake Up and Read -- Help box books and get them ready to distribute to 10 local elementary schools. Again, please note that you must sign up using the Teen Core calendar AND through the Wake Up and Read link. Wake Up and Read Also requires a waiver.
  • Tentative, Saturday, March 18 -- Help with the Regency Egg Hunt.  I am still waiting on details.
  • Sunday, March 19 -- JDRF Marathon
  • Thursday, March 23 -- Book Fair and Family Heart Hop at Swift Creek Elementary

No Brown Bag Ministry in March

Brown Bag is one of the most popular Teen Core projects. However, due to a large group volunteering, there are no open slots for March. Brown Bag has let me know that 2 weekends in April are also full, so we might not be able to do Brown Bag in April either. Fingers crossed!

Meals on Wheels Craft on Feb 4

Check out the beautiful Hershey kisses flowers that our Teen Core members made on Feb 4. They made about 100 roses that will be delivered along with Meals on Wheels on Valentine's Day. What a great job to our volunteers. These will definitely brighten someone's day!


This project was possible because of YOUR Teen Core membership dues.  We were able to purchase all the supplies for this project.


Meals on Wheels is always looking for ways to brighten the day of the people they serve.  If you love crafts and are interested in another project, email teencoreofcary@gmail.com.  Teen Core will pay for any supplies.  We just need your leadership and creativity!

DreamFest Food Drive -- We Collected 236 Items

Thank you to everyone who donated to the DreamFest food drive in January & February. We collected about 236 items for Dorcas Ministries. As you can see, we filled up the trunk of a car with all our donations.

Last Donation Project of the Year -- Help in the Wake Up and Read Book Drive

Help Teen Core collect 50 books for this year's Wake Up and Read Book Drive!  We are looking for new and gently used books to donate.  For more information, see the sign up.

Need Project Leader for SPRUCE on Feb 26

We are still looking for a Project Lead for the SPRUCE project on Sunday, Feb 26 from 1-3pm.  If you are interested, please email teencoreofcary@gmail.com ASAP.

Need Volunteer Hours for NHS or Another Club?

Teen Core can help!  We know that you are busy teens and very involved in our community.  You are welcome to send your NHS or club recording sheets to teencoreofcary@gmail.com, and I am happy to sign off on any hours that you've spent on a Teen Core project.


Thank you for all you do for our community!  You guys are making a difference!

June 2023

Summer Volunteer Opportunities

For all current Teen Core members, volunteer opportunities for the 2022-2023 year will be available through mid-August, so you still have time to meet your 10 hour requirement. Many of you have already reached your 10 hours, but please don’t let that stop you from volunteering this summer! Our community still needs our help.

 

  • Regency Swim Meets -- Dinner will be provided
  • Brown Bag Ministry
  • Golden Retriever Rescue Dog Wash

 

Note: Summer opportunities will be limited because many folks will be traveling or working summer jobs.   If you need hours and don't find anything that works with your schedule, please contact teencoreofcary@gmail.com as soon as possible.

Deadline June 15:  Register for Next Year

We've had a GREAT year in Teen Core!  If you are interested in continuing with Teen Core next year, you must register now.  So far ONLY 14 people have registered, so sign up today!

 

Complete this Google form by June 15.  On this form, you'll have the opportunity to recommend new members for next year as well!  We are also looking for your feedback on projects for next year.

Former Swifties:  Senior Clap Out On Thursday, June 8

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Kickoff Meeting: Aug 26

Mark your calendars for the afternoon of Sunday, Aug 26. (Location TBD).

 

  • We will have a mandatory training session for all Teen Core members who are entering their second year. This training will outline the responsibilities for being a Project Leader and is mandatory to be a Project Lead. (Starting your second year of Teen Core, all members must complete 10 volunteer hours and serve as a Project Lead.)
  • Following this training and the training of our new members, we will have an opportunity to mingle and enjoy some pizza and ice cream. 

May Recap

  • May 6:  Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue 20 hours
  • May 18:  Swift Creek International Night  24.5 hours
  • May 20:  Food Bank  18 hours
  • May 26:  Brown Bag Ministry  12.5 hours

 

That's a total of 75 hours this month!

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