THEATER BUS

by Ruth Hellenbrand

A busload of retired Americans was touring Switzerland. On the third day, they visited a farm known for its excellent quality goat cheese. The young farmer’s wife gave them a tour, a cheesemaking demonstration, and some samples. As the retirees were tasting the cheeses, she pointed to a pasture full of goats. She said, “This is a special pasture where we let our older goats graze happily after they can no longer give milk. In the United States, what do you do with your old goats?”

A woman piped up, “Well, they take us on bus tours.”

—an anonymous voicemail message

The written mission of Theater Bus is to provide safe, affordable, escorted outings to theatrical, cultural, and social events. The unspoken mission is to reduce social isolation and loneliness in older adults. Theater Bus has been taking adults ages 55+ on day trips since 1976. Though we don’t tour goat farms or travel to foreign lands, we do go on day trips to fabulous plays, musicals, shows, boat tours, and more all year long. And unlike old goats, participants smile a lot, laugh, and enjoy life.

Social isolation and loneliness affect more than one-third of older adults and are common sources of distress, suffering, and impaired quality of life. Risk factors include lack of transportation, mobility impairment, untreated hearing loss, and limited opportunity to engage with others. Steps that can be taken to decrease isolation and loneliness include volunteering, community and church involvement, and taking a day trip with similar people.

Theater Bus provides safe transportation and convenient pickup points for day trips to see matinee theatre performances and concerts that include a stop for lunch, and trips are always escorted by caring volunteers. One price includes the coach bus, ticket to a show, lunch, tips, and the opportunity to connect with new people. One Theater Bus participant shared, “Theater Bus provides me with an opportunity to go to theatre shows I wouldn’t normally have access to. It’s a great way to meet new people, and I feel very taken care of!”

Theater Bus also has fun and challenging volunteer opportunities in the office and on its committee service and board. Learn more about Theater Bus at theaterbus.org or by calling (608) 257-0003. You can also sign up for a quarterly newsletter to keep up to date on trips and new information. Great venues, buses, food, and people— that’s Theater Bus, Inc.

Ruth Hellenbrand is director of Theater Bus.

MADISON SCHOOL & COMMUNITY RECREATION (MSCR) Arts & Enrichment Classes

(608) 204-3021 mscr.org

PLATO (PARTICIPATORY LEARNING & TEACHING ORGANIZATION)

(608) 262-5823 platomadison.org

UW-MADISON CONTINUING STUDIES (608) 263-6960 continuingstudies.wisc.edu/advising

UW-MADISON SENIOR LEARNING PROGRAMS (608) 262-5823 continuingstudies.wisc.edu/seniorlearning

WHEELHOUSE STUDIOS (608) 262-3156 union.wisc.edu/wheelhouse-courses.htm

WISCONSIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (608) 264-6535 wisconsinhistory.org

WISCONSIN VETERANS MUSEUM (608) 267-1799 wisvetsmuseum.com

Employment

THEATER BUS, INC. (608) 257-0003 theaterbus.org

SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM - GOODWILL INDUSTRIES (608) 246-3140 goodwillscwi.org

URBAN LEAGUE OF GREATER MADISON (608) 729-1200 ulgm.org

WISCONSIN SENIOR EMPLOYMENT (WISE) PROGRAM (608) 242-4897 dhs.wisconsin.gov/wise/employment.htm

WORK PLUS, INC. (608) 238-6018 workplus.org

WORKSMART NETWORK (608) 288-2459 worksmartnetwork.org

YWCA EMPOWERMENT CENTER

(608) 257-1436 ywcamadison.org

Entertainment

THEATER BUS, INC.

(608) 257-0003 theaterbus.org

Grandparents

FOSTER GRANDPARENTS

RSVP OF DANE COUNTY

6501 Watts Rd., Ste. 250, Madison 53719 (608) 441-7894 info@rsvpdane.org rsvpdane.org/programs

/foster-grandparents

Income-eligible volunteers age 55+ work with children in Dane County schools and Head Start sites. The grandparents function as consistent, caring role models providing one-on-one adult attention. Volunteers earn a tax-free, hourly stipend and travel reimbursement.

GROCERY & DELIVERY

WILLY STREET CO-OP

North: 2817 N. Sherman Ave.

Madison 53704

(608) 471-4422

West: 6825 University Ave.

Middleton 53562

(608) 284-7800

East: 1221 Williamson St.

Madison 53703

(608) 251-6776 info@willysteet.coop willystreet.coop shop.willystreet.coop (online store)

A full-service grocery cooperative specializing in local, organic, and natural foods with three locations. You don’t need to be a member to shop. Everyone is welcome. Delivery available in the Greater Madison area.

HOME & GARDEN

CHADS DESIGN BUILD

3212 Commercial Ave., Madison 53714

(608) 221-1799 chadsdesignbuild.com

Chads Design Build is a full-service residential remodeling company creating award-winning home renovations in the Greater Madison area since 1992. We specialize in thoughtful, well-built spaces and we focus on your comfort, health, and safety to give you an outstanding remodeling experience from beginning to end.

Household Item Donations

AGRACE THRIFT STORE

(608) 327-7200 Madison East

(608) 327-7072 Madison West

(608) 327-7396 Madison Home Store

(608) 314-2990 Janesville agracethriftstore.org

ATTIC ANGEL ASSOCIATION

ATTIC SALE

(608) 662-8900 atticangel.org

DANE COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY THRIFT STORE

(608) 827-8997 giveshelter.org

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES

(608) 246-3140 goodwillscwi.org

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RESTORE

(608) 661-2813 East Location

(608) 442-9919 West Location

(608) 663-1191 Donations restoredane.org

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL

Multiple Dane Co. drop-off locations

(608) 257-0919 request assistance

(608) 278-2920 x1 home pick up svdpmadison.org

LEGAL

ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES –ADULT/ELDER AT RISK

(608) 261-9933 danecountyhumanservices.org

ELDER LAW CENTER (CWAG) Elder Financial Empowerment Project (608) 224-0606 or (800) 488-2596 cwagwisconsin.org

GREATER WISCONSIN AGENCY ON AGING RESOURCES (GWAAR) (608) 243-5670 gwaar.org

L EGAL ACTION OF WISCONSIN (608) 256-3258 legalaction.org/services

MEDIA & PARTNERS

MADISON LOCALLY SOURCED PO Box 559, McFarland 53558 (608) 729-4888 asjp@asj-publishing.com madisonlocallysourced.com Celebrating the originality and diversity of independent businesses, organizations, and community leaders throughout Greater Madison.

MOVING SERVICES/ SPECIALISTS

MOVING MAUDE SENIOR MOVE MANAGEMENT (608) 333-8653 sue@movingmaude.com movingmaude.com

Specializing in estate cleanouts, senior moving, and downsizing. Additionally, space planning and décor, preparing your home for sale. Task pricing avoids surprises. Call for a free consultation.

SEGUES SENIOR MOVE SPECIALISTS

(608) 345-1942 transitions@segues.net segues.net

For over 20 years, Segues (sĕg-wāys) has joyfully helped seniors make “smooth moves & easy transitions” with customizable services designed to reduce the emotional, physical, and economic aspects of downsizing, moving-in, and clearing-out of their residences. Free inhome consultation.

REALTORS & REAL ESTATE SERVICES

RESTAINO & ASSOCIATES ERA POWERED

Assisting Seniors Transition

6131 Nesbitt Rd., Ste. 300 Fitchburg 53719 (608) 833-7777 (800) 637-1178 info@restainohomes.com restainohomes.com

Restaino & Associates ERA Powered is here to assist you with the transition to a new home.

Recreation

ALDO LEOPOLD NATURE CENTER (608) 221-0404 aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org

MADISON SCHOOL & COMMUNITY RECREATION (MSCR)

Adapted Recreation/Inclusive Programs (608) 204-4581 mscr.org

Restaurants

PORTA BELLA RESTAURANT

425 N. Frances St., Madison 53703 (608) 256-3186 portabella@portabellarest.com portabellarest.com

Porta Bella is known for its pasta, homemade Italian dinners, pizzas, steaks, and seafood. Recipes that came from Madison’s historic Italian Greenbush district are still offered today in addition to new dishes found during our travels to Italy.

SUGAR RIVER PIZZA

957 Liberty Dr., Verona 53593 (608) 497-1800 sarah@sugarriverpizza.com sugarriverpizza.com

Family-run, friends and family gather here for simple made-from-scratch comfort food, unique brews, and handcrafted cocktails to warm the heart.

SHOPPING & SPECIALTY RETAIL

ABEL CONTEMPORARY GALLERY

524 E. Main St., Stoughton 53589 (608) 845-6600 info@abelcontemporary.com abelcontemporary.com

For the last 32 years, the Abel Contemporary Gallery has been building a reputation as one of the largest and most impressive collections of fine art and fine craft in the region, featuring notable works in many media and hosting new exhibits every six to seven weeks by artists from across the nation.

GOODMAN’S JEWELERS

220 State St., Madison 53703 (608) 257-3644 goodmansjewelers.com

Madison’s oldest full-service jewelry store. Located in the heart of Madison on State Street, where we’ve been since 1933. Our high standards, classic traditions, and warm boutique shopping experience are part of the reason we’ve been open for more than 90 years.

MIDDLETON OUTREACH

MINISTRY TRANSPORTATION AND SHOPPING ASSISTANCE

(608) 826-3410 momhelps.org

Transportation

Listings below include nonemergency transportation. Companies may use specialty-designed vehicles as well as offer reduced rates for disabled individuals or Medicaid candidates.

BUS BUDDY & BUS BUDDY TOURS

RSVP OF DANE COUNTY

6501 Watts Rd., Ste. 250, Madison 53719 (608) 441-7891 info@rsvpdane.org rsvpdane.org/programs/bus-buddy

Volunteers teach other older adults, individually or in groups, how to achieve more independence and mobility by using the Madison Metro Bus System.

DOOR-TO-APPOINTMENT

ESCORTED TRANSPORTATION

(608) 274-7900 independentlivinginc.org

DRIVER ESCORT/VETS

HELPING VETS

RSVP OF DANE COUNTY

6501 Watts Rd., Ste. 250, Madison 53719 (608) 441-7896 or (608) 441-7892 info@rsvpdane.org rsvpdane.org/drivers.html

RSVP volunteers provide rides to medical appointments for Dane County residents 60+ and rides to other important appointments for veterans of all ages. We welcome drivers of any age with a valid driving license/driving record and receive mileage reimbursement, extra insurance coverage, and the satisfaction of helping seniors and veterans remain independent.

METRO TRANSIT PARATRANSIT INFORMATION

(608) 266-4466 mymetrobus.com/paratransit

MIDDLETON OUTREACH

MINISTRY TRANSPORTATION AND SHOPPING ASSISTANCE

(608) 826-3410 momhelps.org

SHARING ACTIVE INDEPENDENT LIVES (SAIL)

6209 Mineral Point Rd., Ste. 210 Madison 53705 (608) 230-4321 info@sailtoday.org sailtoday.org

SAIL is a nonprofit network of older adult members living in the Greater Madison area. Membership includes access to transportation provided by volunteer drivers.

TRANSPORTATION RESOURCE CENTER

(608) 242-6489 danecountyhumanservices.org

/transportation

TRAVEL & TOURS

BADGER BUS TOURS

(800) 416-2049 or (608) 255-1511 badgerbus.com/tours

THEATER BUS, INC.

437 S. Yellowstone Dr., Ste. 214 Madison 53719 (608) 257-0003 info@theaterbus.org theaterbus.org

Theater Bus is a volunteer-driven, notfor-profit organization serving seniors 55+. Offering year-round day trips to plays, musicals, comedies, boat cruises, and great restaurants. Convenient Madison pick-up points, safe comfortable transportation, and fun for all.

UW–MADISON/ EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL

(608) 263-7787 or (608) 263-7055 uwtravel.org

VAN GALDER TOUR SERVICES

(800) 747-0994 or (608) 752-5407 coachusa.com/vangalder

Volunteer Opportunities

ATTIC ANGEL ASSOCIATION

(608) 662-8900 atticangel.org/volunteering

DANE COUNTY HUMANE

SOCIETY (DCHS)

(608) 838-0413 giveshelter.org

FOOD BRIDGE

RSVP OF DANE COUNTY

6501 Watts Rd., Ste. 250, Madison 53719 (608) 441-7896 or (608) 441-7892 info@rsvpdane.org rsvpdane.org/drivers.html

RSVP recruits volunteers for Food Bridge, a program of NewBridge Madison, to be paired with a low-income, homebound senior to shop for and deliver monthly groceries from a local food pantry. We welcome drivers of any age with a valid driving license and a driving record in good standing. Volunteers receive mileage reimbursement, extra insurance coverage, and the satisfaction of helping people who are at risk of food insecurity.

MADISON SENIOR CENTER –VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

(608) 267-2344 cityofmadison.com/senior-center

/volunteer

NEWBRIDGE

(608) 512-0000 newbridgemadison.org

RIVER DELIVERS

RSVP OF DANE COUNTY

6501 Watts Rd., Ste. 250, Madison 53719 (608) 441-7896 or (608) 441-7892 info@rsvpdane.org rsvpdane.org/drivers.html

RSVP recruits volunteers for River Delivers, a program of The River Food Pantry, to deliver healthy groceries and meals to Dane County seniors and people with disabilities who do not qualify for other delivery services and who lack transportation to the pantry for curbside distribution. We welcome drivers of any age with a valid driving license and a driving record in good standing. Volunteers receive mileage reimbursement, extra insurance coverage, and the satisfaction of helping people who are at risk of food insecurity.

RSVP OF DANE COUNTY

6501 Watts Rd., Ste. 250, Madison 53719 (608) 441-7891 info@rsvpdane.org rsvpdane.org/programs

Agency personally places volunteers age 55+. Volunteers provide rides and deliver meals for seniors and veterans, tutor children, make handmade items for people in need, educate seniors about safety and scams, and help nonprofit and public agencies extend their services.

SSM HEALTH AT HOME

(800) 924-2273 ssmhealth.com/athome

STATE OF WISCONSIN BOARD ON AGING AND LONG-TERM CARE

Volunteer Ombudsman Program

(608) 246-7001 longtermcare.wi.gov

UNITED WAY OF DANE COUNTY

VOLUNTEER CENTER

(608) 246-4380 unitedwaydanecounty.org

/volunteer-center