2015 has come and is almost gone, but Touchstones Discussion Project made sure to celebrate its wonderful volunteers and supporters before the year's close. The 9th Annual Volunteer Appreciation Gathering took place December 12 at Harry Browne's in downtown Annapolis. A festive atmosphere and a great turnout ensured the evening was a success. After time to get a drink, mingle, and sample the savories, the crowd gathered together to acknowledge the efforts of our volunteers, who make the world a better place through collaborative discussion and by believing in the power of everyone's voices. Alexandra Fotos and Gregg Steinberg each received a 2015 Volunteer of the Year award.

Howard Zeiderman, Touchstones Co-Founder and President, shared how Alex Fotos has been a part of Touchstones since the very beginning--even before he, Nick Maistrellis, and Geoff Comber knew exactly what they were creating. Touchstones' co-founders routinely ate at Dimitri's, Alex's family restaurant as they formulated the project that became Touchstones. Alex would graciously serve them breakfast, even if they arrived after the breakfast counter closed. Alex now volunteers on Touchstones' Advisory C ouncil and is an ardent supporter of Touchsto nes' work in schools, with older adults, and in prisons. As Howard said of Alex at the gathering, "Her enthusiasm and co m mitment make our world more vibrant and human."

Alexandra Fotos (l) and Gregg Steinberg (r) accept their awards as the Touchstones 2015 Volunteers of the Year.

Gregg Steinberg, CEO and Director of Growcentia in Fort Collins, CO, has served as a Touchstones Board member for more than ten years. His commitment to the Touchstones' vision is clear, and he is generous with his support in every way. Gregg's steadfast faith in the Touchstones mission can be seen in all that he does. He is an ambassador for all things Touchstones--throughout the US and abroad--and we were thrilled to formally celebrate and acknowledge Gregg for his tremendous contributions to Touchstones over the years. Touchstones could not be more proud to have Alex and Gregg as part of its amazing family.

      

Shanelle's principal Colin Hogan nominated her for the 2015 Cynthia M. Barry Touchstones Teacher of the Year Award. In his nomination letter, he wrote about Shanelle's impressive work with Touchstones.

Her students regularly request to resolve issues in Touchpebbles Circles. Shanelle has served as a speaker for the program for districts starting the program and demonstrated the program to visiting faculty members from Aarlborg University in Copenhagen, Denmark... Students in her class have internalized procedures for Touchpebbles and are willing to walk any guest in the classroom through the lesson's procedures and the students are incredibly adept at including visitors into their discussions.

Cindy Barry (l) presents Shanelle Muse (r) with her award.

Touchstones was delighted to present Shanelle with our Teacher of the Year award at our December celebration. She and her guests traveled from New Jersey to be a part of the evening's festivities and honors. Even in her acceptance speech, Shanelle demonstrated her heart as a true educator and role model by sharing what two of her students offered for her to include in her acceptance speech:

Honoring Shanelle was a highlight of the evening for Touchstones and all our friends. We are humbled that so many teachers use Touchstones materials to connect with their students and to help their students engage more thoughtfully and meaningfully with each other and the world.

1      Film screening sponsored (Beyond Measure)

2     More volumes adopted district-wide in Anne Arundel County PS

25    Women involved in pilot groups at MCI-W

42   Workshop scholarships given to educators and volunteers

600+   Volunteer hours provided to Touchstones prison programs

$66,128    Goods and services donated by Touchstones                                                       this year thanks to generous donors like you!

A Touchstones class at Annapolis High School

Join us in this vital work to build critical thinkers, collaborative leaders, and community through discussion. 

Make a gift in support of Touchstones programs today.

If you have already made a gift to Touchstones this year, thank you! Together, we are changing the world one discussion at a time.