CONNECTIONS VOLUNTEER CENTER 39 W WINTER STREET DELAWARE, OH 43015 (740) 363-5000
Senior NewsNotes
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Tackling Hunger in Delaware County Hunger is not a new issue to talk about. It’s not trendy, nor is it an easy problem to solve. But it is still an important and pervasive issue. So pervasive in fact that 16.4% of us Ohioans struggle with it every day. Nine percent of senior Ohioans are considered hungry or “food insecure.” Food insecurity is defined as not being able to access enough food for a healthy life. Recent statistics reported
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from a local food pantry in the city of Delaware report about 1 out of 5 people who walk in their doors is a senior citizen. Obviously this is a big problem, but what can we do about it? In Delaware
Tackling Hunger…………..P. 1
County the answer is plenty! In greater Delaware, at least 10 organizations are
Friendship Book Club….....P. 2
working diligently hosting community dinners, and at least 6 organizations are run-
Community Meals………....P. 3 Summer Happenings…….. P. 4
ning food pantries that are open to the public. How do these agencies do what they do and do it on a tight non-profit budget? Most of these agencies are somehow affiliated with the Federal Govern-
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ment and/or the Mid-Ohio Foodbank. Affiliations like that make it possible for the Volunteer Spotlight ……….P. 5 Photo Tips………..….….... P. 6
agency to purchase food at a very low rate, and it maximizes donated dollars. Most food pantries and soup kitchens also welcome your donations of shelf-stable goods
Cooks Corner ……..……... P. 7
as well. Some of the pantries have affiliations with local restaurants and grocery
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stores to take their “over-bakes” and day old products. In many cases local farmers and gardeners generously share their harvest with local pantries too. Sometimes hunters and farmers will donate a portion of their processed meat to a pantry. As you can see from these examples, most pantries rely on many sources to gather the food they stock. Another challenge food pantries face is operations. While they may have a staff person or two to oversee operations, (Article Continues on Page 9)
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The Fifth Annual Friendship Book Club Concludes with a Party and Lots of Smiles For the fifth year, seniors from throughout Delaware County have been partnered with 5th grade students in a pen pal program called “Fri en d s h i p Bo o k Club.� This year sixtyone seniors shared their time as they discussed a book penned by Ohio authors and chosen by Buckeye Valley West Elementary students. For the safety of the students and the program, all participants were required to complete a state background check before beginning the program. Once completed, students were matched with a pen pal, books were assigned and the letter exchanges began. This unique program is a result of the collaboration of Lisa Rose, Buckeye Valley West fifth grade language arts teacher, Senior Citizens, Inc., Delaware County District Library, and Connections Volunteer Center. On May 10, the senior pen pals and the fifth grade students got to meet each other in a festive party held at Buckeye West Elementary school. Senior pen pals were greeted with golf carts escorting them to their venue, and an auditorium beautifully decorated with decorations made by the students just for this occasion. As the students filed in to begin their musical program, they could be observed
straining their necks and hoping to catch a glimpse of their beloved pen pal. Smiles and waves were often exchanged. After the program concluded, the students rushed to their assigned tables and excitedly met their pen pals for the first time. There were some hugs, some hand shakes, and plenty of smiles. The students and their pen pals were permitted a few minutes to get to know each other, and then they were able to take part in station-based activities . As the event wound down, refreshments were served, good byes said, and lots of promises to keep in touch over the summer. Some pen pals were even invited to church picnics, baseball games, and family events. Next year’s pen pal program promises to be even more exciting with even more children participating. In fact, we need to recruit a record number of seniors to make it successful. Please consider volunteering as a pen pal next year. If you were already a pen pal, THANK YOU! And please recruit your friends to this wonderful program. Recruitment for this program officially begins in the fall, but due to the large numbers of volunteers needed, we are asking anyone interested to contact Sherri at Connections volunteer center at 740-363-5000. We will put your name on the prospective pen pal list and you will be recontacted in the fall. There is no cost associated with participating in this program.
Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead.
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Delaware City Vineyard - Fourth Monday, 6:00-8:00pm (Also a Choice Food Pantry) 425 South Sandusky Street, Delaware, OH 43015 740-362-6383 Web Facebook Vineyard Church of Delaware County - First and third Mondays, 6:00-8:00pm 1001 West Cherry Street, Sunbury, OH 43074 740-965-8888 Web Facebook William Street United Methodist Church (Fellowship Hall) - First Wednesday, 5:00-7:00pm 28 West William Street, Delaware, OH 43015 740-363-4741 Web Andrews House - Second Friday, 6:00-7:00pm and Third Thursday, 5:00-6:00pm 39 West Winter St, Delaware, OH 43015 740-369-4520 Web Facebook Winter Street Dinner - Fourth Thursday, 6:00-7:00pm First Presbyterian Church 73 W. Winter Street, Delaware, OH 43015 740-363-1205 Facebook A Table Prepared - Fourth Saturday, 4:00-6:00pm Zion AME Church 140 S. Washington Street, Delaware, OH 43015 740-363-1810 St. Peter’s Dining Room - Last Friday, 6:00-7:00pm St. Peter’s Episcopal Church 45 W. Winter Street, Delaware, OH 43015 740-369-3175 Web Facebook Grace United Methodist Church - Second Saturday, 8:00-10:00am 385 E. William Street, Delaware, OH 43015 740-363-2092 Common Ground Free Store Ministries - Monday, 10:00-1:00; Thursday, 3:00-6:00; Saturday 10:00-1:00 193 E. Central Avenue, Delaware, OH 43015 740-369-FREE (3733) Web Facebook The Council for Older Adults in Delaware County offers nutrition services for seniors. Call 740-363-6677 (Toll Free) 800-994-2255 or check the following link for more details. http://www.growingolder.org/ Beginning with next quarter’s newsletter we will be featuring your letters, questions, and comments in our publication. We would love to know what you want to read about, hear your suggestions for improvement, and answer all of your questions. We are CONNECTED with over 110 non-profit agencies in Delaware County. So go ahead—-ASK! If we don’t know the answer, we will find out for you, and your letter and the response could be printed in next quarter’s publication. Direct letters and inquiries to Sherri @ Connections Volunteer Center, 39 W. Winter St, Delaware, Oh 43015, or sfitzpatrick@helplinedelmor.org, or 740-363-5000.
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Summer Happenings
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July 22—Free Summer Concert Series, 7-8pm— Bicentennial Park, Park Avenue, Delaware.
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July 29—Free Summer Concert Series, 7-8pm— Bicentennial Park, Park Avenue, Delaware.
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Aug 3—Picnic with the Cops—First Fridays Downtown Delaware
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July 15— Grandparents picnic 11am Deer Haven Preserve, 4183 Liberty Road Delaware, OH July 15—Free Summer Concert Series, 7-8pm— Bicentennial Park, Park Avenue, Delaware. July 17—Senior SHINE Day,11am-1pm—Pack food bags for the hungry, FEED Food Pantry. Call 740-363-5000 to register. Lunch provided
Aug 4—Praise Jam 7 Christian Music Festival. Mingo Park, Noon to 6pm, $5 adults, $3 children
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Aug 5—Free Summer Concert Series, 7-8pm— Bicentennial Park, Park Avenue, Delaware.
Common Ground Free Store Presents:
August 12—Free Summer Concert Series, 78pm—Bicentennial Park, Park Avenue, Delaware.
Praise Jam Christian Music Festival 7. Mingo Park August 4 Noon-6pm 8 bands
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Aug 19—Free Summer Concert Series, 7-8pm— Bicentennial Park, Park Avenue, Delaware. August 29—Free Summer Concert Series, 78pm—Bicentennial Park, Park Avenue, Delaware. Sept 2—Free Summer Concert Series, 7-8pm— Bicentennial Park, Park Avenue, Delaware. Sept 7—Dog Days of Summer Pet Parade—First Fridays Downtown Delaware
Chili & pie cook off
bake sale
kid’s activities
Adults $5, children $3
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Paula Shares her Cooking skills to Feed Hundreds Every Month Sometimes volunteering does more than serve the agency you volunteer with…sometimes it can serve you too. This was the case with treasured senior volunteer Paula W. who volunteers often and regularly at Common Ground Free Store in Delaware. Paula has been volunteering at Common Ground Free Store since January 2011. The Free Store in Delaware is an organization that runs much like a thrift store, but everything in the store is free to those who need it. The Free Store has been around since 2006 and is located at 193 E. Central Avenue. They are open three days a week: Mondays (10-1), Thursdays (3-6) and Saturdays (10-1). They accept donations whenever they are open of in-season clothing and household items (no furniture please!). One of the unique things about the Free Store is they also serve a hot meal every time they are open to their shoppers. In fact, as the economy continues to tighten, more and more people visit the Free Store just for the meal. It is not uncommon to serve about 200 meals out of their tiny kitchen on any given day. Serving these meals simply could not happen without volunteers like Paula. Paula cooks food in large batches and brings it to the store 30 minutes before opening, and has been doing it at least once a week since January 2010. She also stays to help serve the shoppers, manage the kitchen, and clean up. Paula is too humble to admit what a huge asset she is to the Free Store, and what an inspiration she is to the staff and other volunteers. Paula needed surgery a few months ago and was missing from the Free Store for several weeks while she recuperated. I can’t begin to describe how missed she was by everyone and what a void was present in her absence. What is different about Paula than some other volunteers? Well, Paula gives and gives and gives, and even though she is not a rich woman, she manages to find resources so she can give some more. She freely shares that just before she came to the Free Store she found herself ill, laid-off from a long-time job, and in many ways at a painful crossroads. Many would turn inward during these times, but Paula decided it was time to give back. She had clipped an article out of the newspaper about the Free Store a couple of years previous, and then one day she decided it was time to go see what she could do there to help. No more wallowing—it was time to serve! And that’s exactly what she’s done for the last 1.5 years. Paula says about the Free Store, “It was an important cause that I could feel for.” What I learned about Paula last week is what incredible lengths Paula goes to to provide all that food to the community. It’s very expensive cooking so much a couple of times per week, especially being a senior on a very fixed income. But Paula takes donated food she receives, food people give her for this purpose, and food she would otherwise eat herself, and works absolute magic. I can tell you from first-hand experience that she is a master in the kitchen and her food is always scrumptious. Paula credits her deeply rooted faith as the impetus to keep her spirits and volunteerism up. She says, “He has provided, so I can provide.” She firmly believes this, and she says she will follow this mandate as long as she possibly can. If you would like to find a cause you can truly believe in like Paula has please call us at Connections Volunteer Center at 740-363-5000. We are trained to match the right volunteer to their rewarding opportunity, and we would love to help you today.
Five Tips on How to take WONDERFUL Pictures this Summer. Tip #1: Avoid Bright Midday Light The reasoning behind avoiding midday light is because the sun at noon is at its strongest, or brightest, and directly overhead. The strong light creates harsh shadows. This is because whatever is in direct sunlight is much brighter and lighter, and whatever is in shadow is very dark. The big difference between the light and shadow can make your shadows end up looking completely black. So if you find yourself outside at midday and want to take a picture, it might be best to wait for the sun to move a little, or if possible, move your subjects inside.
Tip #2: Flash Is Your Friend. It doesn’t seem right to use your flash setting when it’s really sunny outside, but sometimes this is really the best answer. This is called “fill flash”. The flash helps illuminate the shadows in the spaces of the picture between dark and light and usually makes for a better picture overall. This is especially true when people are in the photos.
Tip #3: Use the Right Setting on your Camera. If you are anything like me, you put your camera on full auto and never touch that dial. But experts remind us that our camera is designed to work best if we use all the features the camera has to offer. Most cameras today have “sunlight”, “portrait”, “landscape” and “sports” settings. These settings will adjust the camera to work in these settings and your pictures will come out sharper and nicer. If you don’t love it, you can always just set it back to auto!
Tip #4: Mix it Up. When you are at the beach it’s very tempting to look out at the vista and take 51 photos from the same spot. Isn’t it frustrating when you get home and not one of those shots captures the majesty you felt when you were there? Experts tell us to take photos from several different vantage points because what looks one way to us in person may look differently on camera. Also, at family gatherings and picnics with friends don’t just take one group shot that is posed. Take several shots with lots of mixes of people—most of them candid. You are more likely to capture true personality in the photo.
Tip #5: Too Much is Too Much. Full length pictures and pictures that capture a lot of the background are sometimes good, but usually these are not the best pictures. The best pictures zero in on someone’s face, a single object or two, or just one vista. Give the eye something to rest on, and you will be pleased.
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Summer is Time for Salads!
Cook’s Corner
Whether going to a potluck or having the children and grandchildren over for dinner, a summer salad is the surest way to take advantage of all those summer fruits and vegetables and serve up beautiful and healthful food in a hurry!
Shared from Allrecipes.com
Alyson's Broccoli Salad Ingredients (for 6 servings) •
10 slices bacon
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1 head fresh broccoli, cut into bite size pieces
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1/4 cup red onion, chopped
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1/2 cup raisins
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3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
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2 tablespoons white sugar
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1 cup mayonnaise
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1 cup sunflower seeds
Directions: 1. Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside. 2. In a medium bowl, combine the broccoli, onion and raisins. In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, sugar and mayonnaise. Pour over broccoli mixture, and toss until well mixed. Refrigerate for at least two hours. 3. Before serving, toss salad with crumbled bacon and sunflower seeds. Nutritional Information : Amount Per Serving Calories: 419 | Total Fat: 35.8g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Carbohydrates: 19.1 g| Fiber: 1.9 g Powered by ESHA Nutrient Database * to significantly cut fat in this recipe, use a reduced or no fat mayonnaise.
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BEANS BUN BURGER DECK FAMILY FRUIT GARDEN
PEACH PLUM POTLUCK STRAWBERRY SUNBURN TRIP VACATION
Answer to Puzzle on Page 4.
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Tackling Hunger….Continued from Page 1 quite often the day-to-day operation of the food pantry is in the hands of volunteers. Most food pantries could not operate at all without volunteers who are willing to do administrative work, stock shelves, pack bags, and interact with the public. Volunteers of all age ranges are generally welcome, and volunteers who are available regularly or during the day are especially prized. Volunteering at a soup kitchen or food pantry is often a good volunteer activity for the entire family. Just be sure to check with the organization first so you can be aware of their minimum age guidelines. If you are interested in knowing more about local food pantries and perhaps would like to volunteer, please call Connections Volunteer Center at 740-363-5000 or email Sherri at sfitzpatrick@helplinedelmor.org.
Make History Come Alive at Gallant Farm Preserve You have watched the construction occur this past year at Gallant Farm Preserve. Located directly across Buttermilk Hill Road from Gallant Woods Preserve, this 19 acre park is the site of a reproduction historic 1930’s1940’s era farm. The farmstead will consist of a house in the appropriate style of the time, a granary and equipment shed, which would have been utilized by the farmer during that time period, various gardens and orchards, as well as demonstration crop fields. Gallant Farm Preserve will open to the public this fall, and volunteers are a vital part of this project. We aim to have the Farm House open to the public Thursday through Sunday from noon-5:00 p.m. Volunteers will be asked to host the farm house during open hours. In addition, volunteers may assist with programs, tend the agriculture, and share skills, crafts, stories, or material items that relate to living on a farm during the 1930’s and 1940’s. Volunteers hosting the facility during open hours will dress in period costumes, and share what life was like living on a farm during the 1930’s and 40’s. Please share your ideas for historical programs or events that could take place at the new Gallant Farm Preserve. Contact Volunteer Coordinator, Saundra McBrearty, at (740) 524-8600, ext. 6
Concerts at Gallant Woods Preserve The Thursday evening FREE concert series is back at Gallant Woods Preserve DATES BANDS MUSICAL GENRE July 5 The Muleskinner Band Bluegrass, Country July 12 Marquis 66 60’s, 70’s Classic Rock July 19 Z-Sharp Big Band 40’s style Big Band July 26 One Night with You Elvis Presley Tribute August 2 Zen Band Motown & Blues August 9 Seefari Duo Reggae