VISTA of the Month/Aug. 2009

August 2009:  Cal Kohn/Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CEO) 

1. Where are you from?  I was born and raised in Columbia, SC.   I lived in the Gervais and Millwood community.  I attended and was a member of The First Nazareth Baptist Church.

2. What were you doing before becoming an AmeriCorps VISTA?  Before I became a VISTA, I was a manager for the Postal Service.  I had over 34 years of service before I retired in 2006.

3. Why did you join AmeriCorps VISTA?  After I found out the functions of the AmeriCorps and it was related to the Peace Corp, I knew this was an organization that I wanted to be a part of.   I get personal satisfaction from helping people.  Just knowing I have made their situation better is all the reward that I need.

4. What are your duties as a VISTA?  My Duties as a VISTA involves organizing a Farmers Market at the Brookland Baptist Church in West Columbia.  This includes talking with Farmers, talking with the South Carolina Department of Agricultural for advice and assistance.  I also communicate with other organizations that have partnered with CEO.  We are the ones who are forming the market, not the Church.  The Church is only providing us the space.

5. What are your goals from your two years of service? My goal is to establish as many farmers markets in the Columbia community as possible.

6. What are your plans after your years of service?   My goal is to continue to work in the community where I have made contacts in the Health related field.

7. Any special accomplishments?  Yes, taking an idea and turning it into a reality and seeing people enjoying what you have done for them.
Currently the Farmer's Market is heading into its seventh week.  Customers have been slowing picking up but Cal expects the increase in advertising (i.e., radio - 95.3 FM, print - The State and local – church bulletins) would convince the community to do business at the market. The market currently has seven farmers (fruits and vegetables) and two vendors that specialize in honey and pastries. For more information on the Farmer's Market contact Cal Kohn @ (803)463-1588 or email him @ LKohn69093@aol.com.