The SCA New Hampshire corps has begun 2011 with its usual cadre of icy delights. You can't come to NH in January and not expect to become acquainted with the cold in some form or other ("Live, Freeze, and Die" some say...or did I get that wrong?) Well, this year is no different. Not only have we gotten some phenomenal snow to dig out from, and are in the middle of another winter-wonder-bluster, but our very first service project of the year involved frozen treats.
Let's explain a little. The SCA NH corps is a 10 month Americorps program living and working out of the heart of Bear Brook State Park from January through October. This time of year we nearly bore everyone with all the stories of playing in the snow, getting acquainted with the woodstoves that keep our cabins warm, and shoveling out our cars. On January 7th this new corps was Sworn-In at City Hall in Manchester. We heard opening remarks from the Mayor and Superintendent of Schools; followed up by Manchester's conservation commissioner adding words about the importance of being stewards for our environment and communities; a letter of support was read from Senator Shaheen's office; and our own Dale Penny energized and inspired the new crew with thanks for their dedication and sacrifice. It should be noted too that this week had been book-ended by Dale after Liz Titus-Putnam had come to Bear Brook at the beginning of the week to greet the crew. After these warming speeches the corps came to the front of the hall and were Sworn In. Now how is this related to the frozen theme you might ask? The crew, and Dale, went immediately from the ceremony over to the New Hampshire Food Bank warehouse and did the first of too-many-to-count service projects. In just two hours the team sorted through over 13,600 pounds of frozen meet. That's over 200 .lbs/person/hour. All in a days work for this crew.
Stay tuned for more stories from the snow north as we dig-in and dig-out with the Manchester Community and the great state of New Hampshire.
