Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC Class 20 Corps Member Spotlight: Marlene Flaherty

By: Sarah Williams

Marlene Flaherty, from Baileyville, Maine is serving on team Cedar 5 in AmeriCorps NCCC Class 20. She arrived in Vinton on February 11 to start her 10-month service term. Cedar 5 is made up of nine people from across the country who will serve together around the Midwest.

Marlene says, Gandhi stated that "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." This statement resonates with me and is precisely why I have chosen to commit to AmeriCorps NCCC. I hope to build my own character and experience through helping others. I am also attracted to the team setting of NCCC, because being surrounded by positive and motivated people is the best place to be.”

Before Marlene joined the NCCC program she had just graduated college, moved back to her native Maine. After three years of life in New York City and working to put herself through school, a respite on the beaches of Maine sounded ideal. She had been spending the last few months working part time and enjoying time with family and friends.

Cedar 5’s first round project is at Camp Fire Southeast Michigan, in Holly, Michigan

Cedar 5 is assisting the sponsor with maintenance and upgrades in order to be able to offer full summer programming to the youth of Southeast Michigan. Specific projects include: management of invasive species in and around the 250 acre camp, clearing 1 mile of trail, trail and boundary marking, and painting buildings.

Some fun facts about Marlene:

Q: What is your favorite TV show and why? Parks and Rec. Amy Poehler is a comedic genius and a great role model for girls

Q: What song best describes you? Not really sure what song would best describe me but I do love Dave Matthews Band

Q: What did you want to be when you grew up? A journalist for National Geographic

Q: If you could have a superpower what would it be? The sense of humor of Adam Sandler Vince Vaughn, and Will Ferrell so I can always make people laugh.

Q: What is the most challenging and/or exciting thing you have done? Working New York Fashion Week with Women’s Wear Daily, and moving to New York City from a very small town.

Q: If you could come back as animal which one would it be and why? A seagull, so I could always be at the beach.

Q: What is your favorite book? “The New Golden Rule” by Amitai Etzioni