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2024 January/February First Serve Newsletter

Happy New Year, Everyone!

 

First Serve got off to an unusually busy start to 2024! We welcomed film actor, comedian and musician, Tyler Merritt, author of I Take My Coffee Black to First Congregational Church of Hudson on January 11. Tyler Merritt shared stories from his life and painted a portrait of black manhood in America with a blend of humor and gravitas. Over 900 people attended this event either in person or online!!

First Serve Leadership Update

We made some changes to our First Serve Leadership Team. We welcome Amy Baldwin to the team! Amy is a member of First Congregational Church in Hudson (FCCH) and has worked and volunteered extensively on the church’s youth ministry team as well as a long-time First Serve volunteer. Amy will be joining the team on February 12th and will oversee the Summer Intern Program and planning of the annual Day of Service. Kris Stoehr will transition to being the volunteer coordinator at North HS but will remain part of the Day of Service planning team this spring. Joy Fenton-Jones will serve as Community Development Coordinator. Sue Wimer will continue as Director of First Serve and Outreach Ministries at FCCH.

First Serve’s 2023 Food Tour

Last year’s food tour was designed to introduce our First Serve community to the diverse and delicious cuisine found in North Hill. So many of you have returned to these venues on your own to introduce your friends to these delicious Akron restaurants. If you haven’t dined at one of these restaurants yet, please consider doing so!

Momo House

1548 Home Ave 

Lyeh Thai    

501 N. Main St.


  Papaya Salad Thai Restaurant

3233 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls      

  Ameca La Taqueria: 

608 Cuyahoga Falls Blvd

First Serve Upcoming Volunteer Information

Findley CLC: 65 W Tallmadge Ave, Akron

Jane Penny, First Serve Coordinator. Vnd832@apslearns.org

 

  • Findley Food Bag Packers- Twice a month on a Wednesday evening, First Serve Volunteers are needed to pack 540 weekend bags of food for each of the students at Findley CLC. Please click the link to see the upcoming packing dates and to sign up to help! Findley CLC: Findley Food Bag Packers (signupgenius.com)
  • Children Clothing Donations Needed- Findley’s clothing room is in need of boys and girls NEW underwear size 4-6. Also, gently used shoes sizes youth 12-4. Donations can be dropped off at Findley CLC or First Congregational Church of Hudson.


  • Findley Math Night, Wed, March 27 4:30-6:30pm – Findley students and families are invited to come and play math games with teachers. Volunteers are needed to assist teachers, help with face painting and assist with art projects. Please contact Jane Penny to sign up to help: Vnd832@apslearns.org

 

North High School: 985 Gorge Blvd, Akron

Kris Stoehr, First Serve Coordinator. Kstoehr@hudsonucc.org

 

  • North High School Family Spring Dinner, Tues, March 19 (3:30pm for set up or 5:00pm to serve)  First Serve Volunteers are needed to assist with setting up and serving dinner to NHS families. The dinner is put on by the NHS United Way Family Resource Center and Akron Public Schools. There will also be a special visit by the Easter Bunny. Contact Kris Stoehr for more information at kstoehr@hudsonucc.org. Click the link to sign up to volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D49AEA92AABFCC07-47650452-spring



Thank you from North HS…


  • North HS Holiday DinnerFirst Serve partnered with the United Way Family Resource Center of North HS to host a holiday dinner for North HS families. Families gathered in the Viking Room to enjoy a pasta dinner and dessert, as well as a special visit from Santa Claus. First Serve provide volunteers for the event supported by several individuals from our new partner Vantage Aging.

 

  • North HS Preschool Clothing DistributionDuring the week of December 13th a clothing distribution was held for the families of the North HS Preschool. During the distribution families were able to select clothing for their students. A special thanks to Trinity Clothing Ministry for providing clothing and to all First Serve Volunteers that made this week possible.

 

  • North HS Staff Holiday BreakfastThe teachers and staff were treated to a holiday breakfast this past December. The grab and go breakfast included Chick-fil-A breakfast biscuits and yogurt parfaits. We appreciate the hard work of the staff and their continued support of First Serve at North HS.

 

  • Special Thanks to the Blessed Trinity Parish and St. Hilary Parish for their support of North HS. This year First Serve has taken on the responsibility of the North HS Food Pantry. This pantry provides food and hygiene products for North HS students and their families. We are thankful for the generous support from the Blessed Trinity Parish Food Pantry (Tallmadge Ave).

 

  • First Serve also had the opportunity to work with St. Hilary Parish in Fairlawn to provide Angel Tree Gifts to 30 students at North HS. In addition to Angel Tree Gifts, St. Hilary provides hygiene products and additional funding for food for the NHS food pantry.

Save The Date

2024 First Serve Annual Day of Service

Sunday, September 8th!