Annual welcome back Cottey picnic Aug. 24

Returning Cottey College students and new freshmen and transfers will be officially welcomed back to Nevada when the college, the Nevada-Vernon County Chamber of Commerce and the city of Nevada host a community picnic and partner fair.

Students from 37 states and 19 countries, along with area businesses and organizations, will convene Saturday, Aug. 24, from 6-8 p.m. at the Franklin P. Norman City/County Community Center.

The picnic and fair is designed to showcase community organizations and businesses to incoming Cottey students and their families, stated a press release from the college.

"The purpose of the community picnic and partner fair is to allow students to become familiar with area businesses and churches as well as allow service organizations and clubs to recruit students for volunteer opportunities, service learning projects, local internships and undergraduate research," said a letter from committee members Mari Anne Phillips, Renee Hampton, Erica Sigauke, Julie Lewis, Dana Redburn, Bev Baker and Jennifer Eaton.

"Businesses, churches, and civic organizations are encouraged to showcase their products and services through displays, promotional materials, samples, give-a-ways and demonstrations.

"The community partner fair is a great networking opportunity for both the students and community partners."

Participation is free to any business, church or civic organization in Vernon County. The events are funded by a grant through the Missouri Campus Compact.

Set up for the fair is 4 to 5 p.m. and partners will need to provide their own booth or table for their display.

Cottey will provide sign-up sheets for each business or organization that offers a local internship.

For more information on Cottey volunteers and interns or to register for the 2013 Community Picnic and Partner Fair, contact Renee Hampton, experiential learning coordinator at 667-6333 ext. 2184 or email rhampton@cottey.edu.

Registration deadline is Wednesday, Aug. 21, at 5 p.m.