Et cetera : Maple 3 of AmeriCorps NCCC Clears Drainage Ditches at the Village of Richton Park

By Ben Mocarski As the second round progresses to its halfway point, the eight members of Maple 3 have blazed throughmuch of the work the Richton Park Public Works Department has set for them, and each day theycannot wait to accomplish more for the village. The team started out with clearing drainage ditches of any kind of growth, whether it be saplings, invasive plants, or any such nature, and have continuously plowed through this work day in and day out,provided the weather allows for it. Other tasks have included mulching trees and flower beds, removingtree limbs and sticks from unwanted places, and organizing areas such as a sports equipment room forthe local public gym. One of the biggest accomplishments for the team has been is helping with the first annual "Ride the Sauk"� family bike ride. Members helped check in registered citizens and distribute snacks. Some members biked along the trail and kept watch for any bikers in trouble, and some lent bikes and helmetsto people who did not have one from a collection the Public Works Department held in reserve. "Just walking down the street and hearing how grateful people are about the service we're doing reallyvalidates all the difficult work and importance of service,"� says Maple 3 member Raegan from Mendocino, California. Members have also completed independent service projects with the nearby Village of Park Forest. Theteam was able to repaint a playground and do weeding and mulching for another park. Park Forest hashad an AmeriCorps NCCC team in the past. The team is serving with the Village of Richton Park in Illinois until June 28 and cannot wait to continuemaking a difference in the village. Caption for Picture: Member Jacob cuts a branch hanging over a drainage ditch.