What's March 7th? Dr. Seuss' Birthday, of course!

Volunteer at Seusspicious Behavior March 7!

Don't sit home with nothing to do! Come celebrate with a birthday whoo-hoo! Visit the Monroe County Public Library for a Read Across America birthday celebration for Dr. Seuss. Come see a Seusstacular live performance, make Seusspicious crafts and play games-or even be a game piece on a life-size game board!

When: Saturday, Mar 07, 2009

12:30 PM - 04:30 PM

Contact: Kim Ecenbarger, Volunteer Coordinator

(812) 349-3739

ecenbark@bloomington.in.gov

Jill Behrman 5K Run/Walk

Volunteers are needed to assist with the Jill Behrman 5K Run/Walk nextweek benefitting Jill's House - a temporary, home-like residence forpatients undergoing treatment at the Midwest Proton Radiotherapy Institute in Bloomington.

Opportunities are available on the following days and times:
Wed, Oct 15 5-7pm Race preparation- SRSC

Fri, Oct 17 10:30am -1:15pm Packet pick up- Memorial Stadium
3:45-6:45pm Packet pick up- Memorial Stadium

Sat, Oct 18 9am-11:30 am Course support ,water station & finish line - Memorial Stadium

Please e-mail cgeary@indiana.edy if you are interested.

Run Through The Jungle 5K Run/Walk

This 4th annual 5K run/walk benefiting the Exotic Feline Rescue Center will be held on

Saturday, May 17th
at the Rescue Center

located in Center Point, about 45 minutes from Bloomington. The route passes directly through the compound that houses 190 lions, tigers and other exotic big cats.
Volunteers are needed to help with sign making, parking and water distribution.
Shifts begin at 9 a.m. and the timed race will begin at 10:30 am.
Participants and volunteers will receive a t-shirt and a coupon for a free visit in the future. Minimum age is 16. For more information contact: Gary Anderson at (812) 244-0487 or garyo20042004@yahoo.com (www.junglerun5k.com).

Take Pride in America Day

You are invited to take part in the 22nd annual Take Pride in America Day on

Saturday, May 3rd
at the Hoosier National Forest

The day will kick off at 9 a.m. at Shelterhouse #1 at the Hardin Ridge Recreation Area, 13 miles south of Bloomington, just off Highway 446.

There are projects for all ages, such as working on pond sites, maintaining trails, planting wildflowers in a native seed nursery, planting trees and picking up litter in the forest.
Volunteers will be treated with free camping Friday and Saturday and a free cookout on Saturday.
You can participate as a group or individual. All groups should pre-register by April 25th. All ages are welcome!

For more information contact: Ron Doyle at (812) 275-5987 or Bruce Whittredge at (812) 277-3599 or r9_hoosier_website@fs.fed.us (www.fs.fed.us/r9/hoosier).

Hoosier Hustle

Saturday, April 26
An Urban Adventure Challenge. Imagine a Bloomington version of Survivor, The Amazing Race and EcoChallenge. This event makes reality television a real experience for participants. Each team will be tested with both mind and body challenges during this one-day race around town. The day may be filled with canoes, buses, bikes, trails, puzzles, heights and plenty more. Due to the nature of specific challenges, details must be kept secret until the day of the event.
Duties: If you’re up for an adventure, be a part of the second Hoosier Hustle. Volunteers assist with registration, work with staff at challenges along the route, and prepare for the event reception.
Program Time: Shift 1, 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (12-14 vol.) Shift 2, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (13-15 vol.) Shift 3, 12-5 p.m. (6-8 vol.)
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: Meet at Third Street Park, 331 S. Washington St.
Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up

If you would like to Get Involved in any of the list volunteer opportunities, please contact Kim Ecenbarger by phone: 349-3739 / email: ecenbark@bloomington.in.gov or visit our web page at http://bloomington.in.gov/parks/ to find out about other upcoming events or programs to get involved in.

Disney Divas Princess Party

Saturday, April 19
Hear ye! Hear ye! All princesses are hereby invited to our Disney Divas Princess Party! Young beauties come dressed as their favorite princess and have a magical time as they partake of royal snacks and do activities fit for royalty.
Duties: Volunteers needed to help little Cinderellas, Snow Whites, Belles and Jasmines for a day of princess fun!
Program Time: 12:45-4 p.m.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: City of Bloomington Allison-Jukebox Community Center, 351 S. Washington St.
Age of Volunteers: 16 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 12
Other: Feel free to come dressed as your favorite princess.

If you would like to Get Involved in any of the list volunteer opportunities, please contact Kim Ecenbarger by phone: 349-3739 / email: ecenbark@bloomington.in.gov or visit our web page at http://bloomington.in.gov/parks/ to find out about other upcoming events or programs to get involved in.

Friday Night Socials

Friday, April 18
Friday Night Socials provide recreational opportunities for individuals 16 yrs. and up who have a disability. Each meeting has a different theme and provides individuals the opportunities to work on socialization skills.
April 18 – Hawaiian Luau
Duties: Meet new friends during this service opportunity. Volunteers help prepare for these fun activities.
Program Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: City of Bloomington Allison Jukebox Community Center – 351 S. Washington St.
Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 2-3 per meeting
Other: Sign up for just one or all Friday Night Socials

If you would like to Get Involved in any of the list volunteer opportunities, please contact Kim Ecenbarger by phone: 349-3739 / email: ecenbark@bloomington.in.gov or visit our web page at http://bloomington.in.gov/parks/ to find out about other upcoming events or programs to get involved in.

Leonard Springs Nature Day

Tuesdays, March 25, April 1, April 8, April 15-Rain dates two days after

Wednesdays, March 26, April 2-Rain dates two days after

“Leave No Child Inside” – what a fantastic concept in this age of computers and video games. The City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, in collaboration with Sycamore Land Trust and Monroe County Community School Corporation, is hosting the second year of Leonard Springs Nature Days. This program was developed to help kids learn about our environment while meeting state Science standards and getting them excited to pursue future career options in the life sciences. This year we will host nine 6th grade classes, more than 500 students, through an array of hands-on learning stations. To make this a quality, educational experience we need 16 volunteer facilitators per day.

Duties: If you are interested in helping to “Leave No Child Inside,” volunteer your time to facilitate one of ten stations focusing on karst topography, creek monitoring, wetland bird habitat, forest ecology, or soil composition. You do not need a strong science background to facilitate any of these stations, just an interest in the station topic or working with kids. A set of instructions, talking points and materials will be available to help you through the day, and we’ll offer volunteer training days to orient you to the program and address questions.
Program Time: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Training: Bloomington Parks and Recreation will provide a volunteer orientation for all station facilitators on March 21, 22, and 24th, times TBD. Plan to attend one of these to get the station basics and orient yourself with the park.
Location: City of Bloomington Leonard Springs Nature Park, 4685 S. Leonard Springs Rd.
Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 16 per day
Other: We ask that you sign up for the actual and rain dates that fit your schedule

If you would like to Get Involved please contact Kim Ecenbarger by phone: 349-3739 / email: ecenbark@bloomington.in.gov or visit our web page at http://bloomington.in.gov/parks/ to find out about other upcoming events or programs to get involved in.

Super Fun Fridays

Fridays, January 18, January 25, February, 15, February 29, March 7, March 28, April 11, April 25, May 9

Join us two for a super fun time! Children will enjoy crafts, refreshments and lots of activities and play.
Duties: Do you enjoy working with children and making crafts? Volunteers assist with age-appropriate activities that are planned for each day.

Program Time: 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.

Location: City of Bloomington Allison-Jukebox Community Center, 351 S. Washington St.

Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up

Number of Volunteers: 2

If you would like to Get Involved in any of the list volunteer opportunities, please contact Kim Ecenbarger by phone: 349-3739 / email: ecenbark@bloomington.in.gov or visit our web page at http://bloomington.in.gov/parks/ to find out about other upcoming events or programs to get involved in.