How Dublin Turns One Saturday Into 70 Volunteer Projects

One Saturday can change how you feel about your hometown. We’re gearing up for Dublin, Ohio Community Service Day on Saturday, May 2, and we brought in two people who help make it happen: Jenny Amorose, COO of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, and Christine Nardecchia, Director of Outreach and Engagement for Dublin. Together, with Lindsay and Bruce, we unpack why this day has become a can’t-miss tradition for families, students, and local businesses.

We trace the origin story back 26 years to a Leadership Dublin class project and follow how it grew into a community-wide volunteer event with 70+ service sites. You’ll hear how projects are selected through partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and city teams, plus a concrete example of impact at the Giving Garden.

We get practical too: where to register (DublinChamber.org), how volunteers are matched with a site lead, what happens if the weather turns, and why you don’t need special skills to help. Along the way, we share the small details that make volunteers want to return, from the social side of serving to a boost in wellness that comes from doing something real for someone else.

If you’ve been looking for volunteer opportunities in Dublin or a simple way to meet good people fast, this is your sign. Subscribe for more local stories, share this with a friend who should come with you, and leave a review to help more neighbors find Link Ahead.

Transcript

Welcome And May 2 Preview

SPEAKER_03 0:02

Hello and welcome to Link Ahead, the City of Dublin podcast. And I tell you what, we have this circled on our calendar every year. We are talking about Community Service Day this year, Saturday, May 2nd, a day to get involved and give back to this exceptional community.

SPEAKER_00 0:18

Absolutely. And it's such a great day to spruce up Dublin and help our neighbors while enhancing community pride. And let's not forget having a lot of fun while we're at it. So let's talk to our guest, Jenny Amros. You are the Dublin Chamber COO, and Kristin Ardecia, you are the director of outreach engagement. Welcome to Link Ahead.

SPEAKER_02 0:35

Thanks for having you.

Why Community Service Day Matters

SPEAKER_00 0:37

Awesome. Let's get right into it. What does Community Service Day mean to you? And Jenny, let's start with you.

SPEAKER_01 0:41

Oh my goodness. That's truly one of my favorite days of the year. It's just so heartwarming to see all of our families and businesses, a whole community to come together and to get out and help, you know, our residents in need.

SPEAKER_02 0:54

To me, it means legacy and it means impact. This started as a Leadership Dublin project. And I remember that year when they started it. And it just goes to show you when you step forward with an idea in service and leadership, and it has a lasting legacy and impact. So I love seeing what a tiny idea has grown into.

How A Class Project Became Tradition

SPEAKER_03 1:14

Well, let's talk about that idea. Jenny, when did this get started and really what sparked it?

SPEAKER_01 1:19

You know, it started 26 years ago. Wow.

SPEAKER_00 1:22

Wow.

SPEAKER_01 1:23

As Christine mentioned, it was a class project for Leadership Dublin. Um, and so really the class gathered around the idea and they were instrumental in making it happen.

SPEAKER_02 1:34

Wow, what a legacy. It is. And in those days, I don't know if this still goes on, Jenny, but it was regional. So every leadership program in the central Ohio region did their community service day on the first Saturday of every of May, every year. And so I don't know, it was just a regional center of doing well and doing good.

SPEAKER_00 1:56

So how much has it grown since then?

SPEAKER_01 1:59

You know, we have we even did this during COVID, believe it or not. So we have had huge years with, you know, 500 volunteers, smaller years during COVID. And now we're back up to about 350 volunteers, but we're at over 70 sites throughout the community that day.

SPEAKER_00 2:16

That's awesome.

Finding The Right Projects Each Year

SPEAKER_01 2:17

Let's talk about those sites. How do you find the projects that you do every year? You know, it's really through community partnerships. You know, Christine and I, TouchBase, we work from a city perspective. We work with the schools, with our townships, um, our local nonprofits, and we just work to identify people that really need assistance.

SPEAKER_00 2:35

Dublin is pretty well known for being this meticulously maintained. So, how do you find some city projects that really need uh to be included in this area?

How To Register And Get Placed

SPEAKER_02 2:44

Good question. Yeah, it is. Well, we're really proud of our our sense of civic responsibility and civic ownership here. And as you know, year-round, we have so many volunteers who give so much time and sweat equity into our parks to assist our staff. And in doing so, they learn a lot. And so we look for projects that are good matches that help people feel philanthropic. So a good example of that is the Giving Garden, which is a plot of land outside the Kaufman Historic House in Kaufman Park, and volunteers plant produce all summer long, and the harvest goes to the Dublin food pantry. So volunteers come out on a community service day, they learn about the goodness of that land, that it serves a historical purpose, but it also feeds people in need. So we look for projects like that each year, and there is always work to be done.

SPEAKER_00 3:38

Uh, so for all these events, let's just cover some house cleaning things. So if I want to get involved in this, how do I get involved?

SPEAKER_01 3:44

You would go to Dublinchamber.org. We have a calendar of events on our website, and you'd scroll to May 2nd. Um, and right there you can actually register to volunteer. Okay. Uh we'll send you emails, reminders, all that good stuff to make sure you're ready to go that morning.

SPEAKER_00 4:00

So are there options? Like I'm I don't have a green thumb. If I plant something, it dies. So is there something else I can do? Oh, alert.

Weather Plans And What To Bring

SPEAKER_01 4:07

We'll teach you a thing or two how pairs. If you come, we'll give you a pair of garden gloves. Um, we're gonna pair you with a site volunteer, and you're gonna go with your group out to whatever site that you'll be working at that day. Like I said, we're at 70 different locations. We even have um our school districts involved, our superintendent is leading um some students. We'll be putting them on school buses and taking them out to projects as well. So it's really truly a community event in the sense that it's for all ages.

SPEAKER_00 4:39

What happens if there's bad weather?

SPEAKER_03 4:42

Well, no, not in all out of the way in the first quarter. I hope Lindsay.

SPEAKER_01 4:48

I always say a little bit of rain is not gonna cancel this event. Um, but if we have thunder and lightning, it will cancel the event. So we say dress for weather. Come and bring your sunscreen or a hat or a raincoat or boots. Um, we're gonna be out rolling up our sleeves, you know, and helping our community members.

SPEAKER_02 5:08

And what Jenny, what I've learned from Jenny over the years is if you are going to the home of a senior citizen, this is a day they look forward to all year round. So they've already purchased the mulch. They've already gotten, they worked all day Friday to get their tools out for you to help with. And so a little bit of rain isn't gonna hurt that. In fact, it makes it a bit more fun to do with a group.

SPEAKER_03 5:30

Yeah, you so speaking of being with a group, I'm thinking this is good for individuals, probably a good family activity. I know our city manager, Megan and her kids do this every year. And uh, but there could be some businesses out there uh thinking this would be good um, you know, team building or just something for, you know, their their employees to do.

SPEAKER_01 5:47

Yes. So we have groups from different businesses that join together. One of my favorite stories is BMI Federal Credit Union put a team together last year. They always want to go to the same person's house because they've they've created a wonderful relationship with that senior and they take on more projects than even is requested. So um we encourage that involvement. It is great team building. It's also a great family um experience as well.

SPEAKER_02 6:14

So um yeah, that that's one of my favorite things about this day is seeing children volunteer. We know children who value the younger you start volunteering and the more you volunteer with your own family, the likelihood of you becoming a lifelong server of your community increases.

SPEAKER_00 6:32

Christina, I know I always say this story when I see you is I'm my first year working for the city, it's Irish Festival. There I have to be there. And but I was just amazed at the community, how everybody is out there. I was working in the kids area and I had some younger volunteers, and I've seen them time after time come back to volunteer. It's awesome.

SPEAKER_02 6:54

Well, that's one of with the city's volunteer engagement, that is one of our all-time goals is retention. So the better experience you have, the greater of an impact you know you make, and we do our best to communicate that, the likelihood is that you'll keep coming back year after year. And I think Jenny and the chamber and the chamber board and your committee does they do a great job and trying to make sure that that happens. And we're proud as a city to hold that up and partner with the Chamber of Commerce. And I am a 1999 graduate of Leadership Dublin, and so I feel obliged to do this every year as well.

SPEAKER_01 7:30

She's been a great partner.

SPEAKER_00 7:31

That's awesome.

SPEAKER_01 7:32

That's for sure.

The Volunteer Experience And Lasting Impact

SPEAKER_00 7:33

And that's what Dublin has. We have partners and everything. Um, so let's talk more about the event. So it's not just about making the city look more beautiful, it's also about building a culture.

SPEAKER_01 7:43

You know, it's about relationships, it's about connecting with one another, it's about serving one another. I can't even tell you the stories that I've heard from people when they come back after they're done volunteering that day. My favorite one was this group of high schoolers came in and they all get volunteer hours. We actually fill out their paperwork and they get credit for the volunteer hours that they have. And they were kind of coming in a little tired, not sure what they were signing up for. And again, we try to make everybody's experience great. So when they check in with us at the rec center, we give them, you know, bottled water, gloves, a complimentary t-shirt, a grab and go breakfast, and then we send them out. And this group of students came in afterwards. We always have a little celebration afterwards with pizza and you know, snacks and all that type of stuff. And they were sitting around the table, had no idea I was listening to them. And they were like, oh my goodness, that was so much fun. I had no idea what we were going out to do, and they just absolutely enjoyed it. So um, those are the experiences that we want to create for people, and we want them to keep coming back year after year because we know how important it is to, you know, reward people for volunteering definitely warms our heart.

SPEAKER_02 8:59

So and when you do those sorts of things, it really adds to your whole wellness and being. Um, when you reach out to do something for others, it really literally is good for you. And so just observing conversations like that over the years, and then you also see people feel good about the community they're in, right? Whether they're working in the community, a chamber member, or they're living here. I notice the new residents who come to town and move into Dublin. Those are the ones I tend to notice because, of course, I'm going to shake their hands saying, welcome to Dublin. There are ways to be engaged year-round, and this is a perfect launching pad to do that. And my hope is that the home sites of the senior citizens in particular get a sense of uplifting as well from this, knowing, gosh, there are people who really do care, who really do want to look out for one another here. Um, and then we ensure that they get a packet of information on Forever Dublin, their area agency on aging, um, any information about the city that might be relevant, even down to recycling and composting and chipper service. So it really they are left with reading material because um we just love sharing that knowledge.

SPEAKER_03 10:22

Wow, she's sounding like the director of outreach and engagement. Right. Uh how about you, Christine? Do you have a favorite anecdote or something from a community service day that you could remember?

SPEAKER_02 10:33

I think it's like a reunion every year, don't you? I there are people I don't see in an entire year's time, and I kind of look forward to it, uh, seeing people and catching up when we have a minute in between refilling food stations and checking in volunteers and answering questions. So and I also want to recognize the Dublin Community Recreation Center for being such a great host partner um in hosting that that event as well in the community hall. They're very, very accommodating.

SPEAKER_00 11:03

And Christine, you kind of touched on this a little bit. So they let's say somebody volunteers for this day, then all of a sudden it spurs that interest in volunteering and other things. You know, how do people continue to get that itch and that and that bug to want to volunteer? So what are they?

SPEAKER_02 11:17

Well, my favorite is when people don't need a formal program to get out and help a neighbor.

SPEAKER_00 11:23

That's awesome.

SPEAKER_02 11:24

And that is my my favorite. It's so I hope they're sparked with a sense that, gosh, maybe I can come back and connect with this neighbor or bring them some muffins that I bake in a couple of months. Um, but I think there are so many ways to be involved, and it's always been a hallmark of this community. We work really hard to centralize that information in ways to care, whether it's the many philanthropic chamber programs, the nonprofit community, or certainly the city, there is very robust citizen engagement here. Um, so we just make sure that that's always in front of people and the messaging is loud and clear on where what where the avenue is to find that.

SPEAKER_03 12:03

All right, I know it's happening. People are listening, they're getting inspired, they want to take part. I think you said there are already 350 or so volunteers signed up for this. Is it too late? Is there a deadline to register to volunteer?

SPEAKER_01 12:15

No, we need as many volunteers as as we can have. I know we have 70 sites to go to. Um, we had almost 2,000 volunteer hours last year. Wow. So um there's always more to do. So um we really encourage everybody to come out and have some fun, help others. It's just a really great day in Dublin.

SPEAKER_02 12:37

And you build community. You know, you don't have to come to these sites with a group. You can come to these sites and you meet others you're volunteering with at a site. So that a lot of people volunteer for the social aspect as well as the helping aspect. So uh if you're out there and you're just a person who doesn't have anything to do that Saturday, come and do something and meet others. It's a terrific way to do it.

SPEAKER_03 12:59

Right. Dublinchamber.org, right?

SPEAKER_02 13:01

Correct.

More Ways The Chamber Gives Back

SPEAKER_03 13:02

Okay, perfect. Well, Jenny, uh, community service day is an awesome day in Dublin. We love that. But the chamber does so much all year round. I know you do hundreds and hundreds of events. Is there anything else that you want our listeners to know about?

SPEAKER_01 13:14

You know, I just really would like to share how special our business community is as well. Um, we are not your average chamber of commerce. We have an amazing board of directors, members, you know, businesses that are, you know, diving in to help. We have Tasted Dublin that's coming up. That's in September. It will be held at the Wendy's Company. Again, the chamber always has a give back component to everything we do. So Taste of Dublin this year will help um benefit Glitter Guild and the programs that they offer to our residents here in Dublin City Schools. Um, you know, we have our big scholarship program, which is called Community Champion Awards, where the business community will be coming together and giving out over$15,000 worth of scholarships and awards to about 200 students and teachers. And then we have tons of educational programming from youth programming for sixth to eighth graders. We have Leadership Academy for young professionals. We've already talked a little bit about Leadership Dublin. Class of 99. Um so there's so many ways. Um, I would encourage again, those that like to volunteer and get connected, connect with your Chamber of Commerce. We can help um introduce you to lots of different businesses here and help you grow personally and professionally.

SPEAKER_03 14:36

And you didn't even mention the the corporate charity cup, which we're about to start our volleyball practices.

SPEAKER_00 14:42

Oh, I'm already sore from that least.

SPEAKER_03 14:44

And I heard this year there's gonna be karaoke, so that might be a one and done because after you hear some of us single. You might not want to do that event anymore.

SPEAKER_00 14:54

In our team staff meeting today, Lindsay was already talking about laying down the tracks. Yes. And we've got moves and everything.

SPEAKER_03 14:59

So it's participate participation points. So you don't win or lose. You just volunteer points and volunteer.

SPEAKER_02 15:05

So you don't have to participate, but you can volunteer and you get points. So I'm all about that.

SPEAKER_01 15:11

Oh my goodness. Businesses start holding tryouts.

SPEAKER_03 15:14

Like I know. We've seen you all talking to you. Cardinal cardinal. Yeah, exactly. No, we know.

SPEAKER_01 15:22

Yeah, um, some of these look like semi-pro volleyball players or basketball players, but we also have yoga. This year we're adding Mario Kart. So we have Ulti Fibers bringing out their um Mario Kart vans and um all of our yoga.

SPEAKER_02 15:39

This is when participation really stuck with me because I thought, well, how do you win at yoga? Just by showing it. That's what Jenny explained to me. No, it's participation points.

SPEAKER_01 15:50

And we had hundreds. We filled the football field last year, and we decided the afternoon yoga is going to be called hot yoga. Um yes, that's a good idea.

SPEAKER_03 16:01

Out there on the turf field, and you're sweating up in there.

SPEAKER_01 16:04

Do you have the dates for this year? It is June 11th and 12th. Yes. It's going to be um Thursday evening at the Columbus Marriott Northwest. And then we move over to Dublin Jerome High School for Friday. And again, talking about volunteers, we need 250 volunteers to make that event happen. And Christine and I work together. We have students from Dublin City Schools that volunteer. We have senior citizens or those working or living in Dublin. Um, you know, can sign up to volunteer again at DublinChamber.org.

SPEAKER_03 16:38

Yeah, if you can't tell, we really love that event. Maybe you could do it twice a year. I don't know. You're like, oh, a lot of work.

SPEAKER_01 16:45

Right.

SPEAKER_00 16:45

It's like the Olympics every year.

SPEAKER_01 16:47

It points back to charitable causes. Yes. Every business there is playing for the charity of their choice. That is another feel-good type of thing where they know they're playing, whether it's for the Dublin Food Pantry or the American Heart Association or whatever their charity is, um, you know, their team's all in.

SPEAKER_03 17:06

All right, while the energy's up, you guys have both been on the show before. So you know we end every show with uh rapid fire questions. We're just gonna roll right in, and I will start with you, Christine. What is your favorite type of project to roll up your sleeves and volunteer for?

SPEAKER_02 17:22

I think things involving the arts and things involving people living with Alzheimer's.

SPEAKER_01 17:27

Those are really my two causes. Volunteering. I do a lot of volunteering with animal groups, with nature type of groups. Um, but then I also love assisting senior citizens.

SPEAKER_00 17:39

All right. After community service day is over and the last of the volunteers have said goodbye. Jenny, where do you go to unwind?

SPEAKER_01 17:46

Oh my goodness. Well, Christine and I have been doing this for 26 years.

SPEAKER_00 17:49

All right, where do you guys go? Should put it that way.

SPEAKER_01 17:52

We haven't done that. No, we have not got we have not gone out afterwards. We're usually like, see ya. We're usually shower. Get everything packed up and loaded and back to the storage unit. Okay. But following that, you all have your favorites. So depending on if it rained, if it was beautiful, it it might be a different place that we go to. But I love going, you know, any place outside afterwards.

SPEAKER_02 18:16

For me, it's the Kentucky Derby. Oh it's always the same weekend. It's the same day. So you get home in time to perhaps pour something and muddle something and invite some friends over. And it it is just a great um that to me is the tradition. It's community service day and then the Kentucky Derby.

SPEAKER_03 18:37

It goes hand in hand. Okay, confession time. What spring cleaning projects do you both have at your homes that you just really dread or don't look forward to? Mine's gonna be washing windows. Oh, yes.

SPEAKER_01 18:49

I don't mind volunteering on community service day and washing windows, but coming home and having to do it.

SPEAKER_03 18:54

I was thinking the same though. I don't like weeding my own garden. Now on community service day, get out there and do that for other people, that would be fine. But that's just it's not that's not fun. I don't like to do it. I'll tell you I like power washing.

SPEAKER_02 19:06

Uh it's so satisfying. The right equipment. Yeah. I just I really enjoy a good power washing of the driveway.

SPEAKER_00 19:13

With closed toe shoes on.

SPEAKER_02 19:15

With closed-toed stuff and learn the lesson hard. Really knee-high boots is what you should be wearing. Okay.

SPEAKER_00 19:21

All right. Spring and water, warmer temperatures are here. Uh, it's almost summertime in Dublin. What are you most looking forward to in the summertime, Jenny?

SPEAKER_01 19:29

Well, I love to work in my garden. So that's one of my favorite things. But then in Dublin, I love to go down um in the historic district, visit Dublin Village Tavern, sit out and have a drink and just meet some old friends. Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 19:44

That's fun. Christine?

SPEAKER_02 19:45

I think being out and about and seeing people enjoying all of the amenities here. It's just you just have to nod and say life is good and we're really fortunate here.

SPEAKER_03 19:56

Okay, last question, Jenny. First, finish this sentence. I love volunteering in Dublin because I love volunteering because of the people.

SPEAKER_01 20:04

It's not just the people, it's also the causes. Um, but I just really enjoy the relationships and the friendships that I've developed over the years through volunteerism.

SPEAKER_02 20:13

I love hearing people say, I volunteer in Dublin because it's mine, it's theirs, it's their own community, and it's their responsibility.

SPEAKER_00 20:21

Awesome. And if you're listening to this podcast and you're not inspired to go volunteer, there is something wrong with you. So, Jenny, Christine, thank you so much for being on Link Ahead, and we will see you on May 2nd.

SPEAKER_02 20:31

Yeah, thanks. I look forward to supporting you and the chamber. See you then.

SPEAKER_03 20:37

Yes, thank you. And to our listeners, thank you for connect taking the time to connect with your city. Tune in next time as we continue to explore the many perspectives and experiences that make Dublin a thriving place to live, work, and grow.