Et cetera : Mayor\'s Day: Vinton Mayor Watson joins NCCC for recognition of service

Mayor's Day: NCCC members Julia Sanders and Bellille Wilkinson join John Watson in Vinton.

Mayor John Watson, along with more than 600 mayors across the country, are acknowledging the first-ever Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service on April 9, a nationwide bipartisan effort to highlight the impact of national service.

“National service is a vital resource for Vinton,” said Mayor Watson. “AmeriCorps members have a positive and lasting impact, making Vinton a better place to live. As Mayor, I am grateful for the dedication and sacrifices of these citizens, who are helping make our community of Vinton a great place to live.

The AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) operating out of the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School (IBSSS) in Vinton is the home base for the AmeriCorps NCCC North Central Region. Operational for nearly five years now, the NCCC North Central Region in Vinton is one of five NCCC campuses located in the United States. Approximately 480 NCCC and NCCC-FEMA Corps members arrive in Vinton annually and are trained and deployed throughout a ten state geographical region. These young adults, ages 18 – 24, perform a variety of national service projects that strengthen communities and improve lives.

The Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service was conceived by Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter, President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, as a way to recognize the positive impact of national service in cities, to thank those who serve; and to encourage citizens to give back to their communities. The day is sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the National League of Cities, and Cities of Service.

“Mayors are leaders who get things done, responding every day to needs in their cities,” said Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for national and Community Service. “I commend Mayor Watson for joining in this important effort to recognize the impact of national service. We are proud to work hand-in-hand with mayors and other local partners to improve lives and strengthen communities through national service.”

As Mayor Watson recognizes the AmeriCorps NCCC program and the impact of National Service, he is also quick to recognize the many community members of Vinton who volunteer on a continual basis, making the community of Vinton strong and resilient. Mayor Watson reminds us that the residents of Vinton reflect the best of the American Spirit, people turning toward problems instead of away, working together to find community solutions.

“Today, as we thank national service members, AmeriCorps NCCC members and the citizens of Vinton for their commitment, let us all pledge to do our part to continue to strengthen our city through service and volunteering,” said Mayor Watson.