By Aidan Fox ’16, News Editor

The Community Service Council (CSC) is in the middle of its most ambitious year yet. The council has grown more and more influential over the years, but this council looks to top all previous years with more events and a closer connection to the student body. In addition to volunteer opportunities with Bridges Outreach, St. Ann’s Soup Kitchen, trail maintenance, rebuilding at the shore, and more, the CSC recently held a clothing and linens drive in partnership with the Green Committee.

The CSC also co-sponsored Dr. Antwi Akom, our most recent Global Speaker, and will host a discussion about his ideas’ implications for service.  Dr. Akom’s message ties in perfectly with the CSC’s focus for the year. Each year at the CSC retreat, a theme is chosen. Previously, the theme has been the likes of homelessness, generosity of spirit, or food insecurity. This year’s theme is “Youth issues, youth impact,” or as the cool kids say, “YI².” Council member Erin Eagle ’17 explained this choice by saying, “The goal is to bridge the gap between the youth in our very own community and the youth outside in the real world. […] As youth, we can, and will make an impact.” The council will make efforts to create more events that aim towards helping our fellow youth. One project that falls under YI² is PACS Tutoring and Mentoring, a partnership with Philips Academy Charter School in Newark. Council member Joelle Gross ’17 call PACS  “the epitome of [the] theme.”

On Friday, December 11th, the Council hosted its largest event of the school year, the Holiday Party, which provides a full Christmas celebration for families from Apostles House, who may not be able to afford Christmas otherwise. In the dining hall, they are served a full meal by the kitchen staff, after which they have an opportunity to visit Santa Claus (who usually bears an uncanny resemblance to NA’s very own Mr. Jacoby, but whom this year was played by Mr. Bitler because Mr. J is on temporary leave while he nurses an injury), play with model trains, complete arts and crafts projects, and receive gifts.

Another exciting addition to community service this year is NA Serves Week, a new twist on last year’s Generosity of Spirit Week. In past years, the week simply highlighted NA students’ service, but this year, there will be many opportunities for students, faculty, and alumni to get involved in service during the week of January 15^th-23^{rd .} Here is a list of a few events on the calendar for that week – be sure to pick up your permission slips, and stay tuned for more.

Saturday, January 16^th: St Ann’s Trip (and CSC member/Minuteman editor-in-chief Courtney Cooperman’s birthday!)

Tuesday, January 19th: Letters to soldiers for Operation Gratitude during advisor groups, Color-a-Smile after school

Wednesday, January 20^th: CSC Morning Meeting #2, schoolwide crafting initiative for animal shelters

Friday, January 22^nd: Bridges Sandwich Making

Saturday, January 23^rd: Bridges Activities Day at the YMCA in Newark