More than 100 community members from across the region gathered at the Antrim Town Hall on Thursday evening to celebrate the volunteers who make The Grapevine and Avenue A’s programs possible. The annual volunteer celebration honored 75 individuals whose time, talents, and dedication support youth and family programming throughout the year.
Teens from Avenue A played a central role in the event, preparing desserts and creating handmade cards for each volunteer. They also designed banners, signs and decorations that filled the Town Hall with color and appreciation.
The evening recognized both behind-the-scenes contributors and those who lead Avenue A’s youth programs focused on woodworking, art, writing, hiking, cooking and more. Avenue A teens shared personal stories that highlight the impact volunteers have on their lives.
Eighth grader Gwendolyn Caffrey spoke about Avenue A’s cooking program volunteers.
“They dedicate themselves to guiding teens through the art of cooking, which is one of the fundamental skills of life and one of the things that makes us human,” Caffrey said. “They’re always so ready to help when we need it, and they’re willing to step away and let us be independent, too. From Nancy’s applesauce to Mark’s great humor and Sue’s warm smile, every volunteer brings their own special thing that really adds to the whole experience.”
Teen Peyton Haught expressed gratitude for Clothing Day volunteers. “It’s really nice to be able to go and pick up clothes when we might not have the money for them or the time to go out and get clothes,” Haught said. “I got my dress for last year’s school dance at clothing day for free, and I got a lot of compliments wearing that dress.”
Ninth grader Michael Melvin recognized volunteer Nancy Razza for providing free piano lessons.
“Without Nancy, I wouldn’t be where I am right now,” he said. “She’s the reason I continue playing piano. ”
Jacqueline Roland, director of teen programs at The Grapevine, explained the environment that volunteers help create: “The magic of Avenue A — and The Grapevine as a whole — is that everyone who is here truly wants to be here. Our volunteers bring dedication and heart, and our teens and families show up with genuine enthusiasm. It creates an atmosphere of shared joy that’s contagious.”
As a program of The Grapevine Family & Community Resource Center, Avenue A is a regional teen center based in Antrim. With the support of volunteers, Avenue A runs year-round afternoon and evening enrichment programs. More than 350 teens, aged 11 to 19, from 21 towns participate in Avenue A from across the ConVal School District and surrounding towns.
