Jan-Feb 2010 Buncombe/Madison Co.
The Year Ahead
The Year of the Tiger!
RSVP Newsletter Enriching Lives Meeting Community Needs RSVP Coordinators Patti Cameron ext 126 Buncombe & Madison Patti@landofsky.org, Vicki Jennings, Ext. 130 Henderson & Transylvania Vicki@landofsky.org Program Assistant Brenda DeLaCruz ext. 132 Brenda@landofsky.org (Call for Theatre Tickets) Tel: (828)-251-6622 or 1-800-727-0557 http://sites.google.com/site/ rsvpserniorcorp/Home Special Thanks to our Newsletter Sponsor
Welcome to 2010, the Year of the Tiger, this is the Chinese sign of courage to face new challenges. ROAR! Are you up to a new challenges RSVP Members? We hope you are because we are going to need your help to meet our ambitious 2010 goals. In an ever evolving process of improving RSVP we have take on a new challenge; it is called Signature Programming. You might ask yourself what is signature programming and why should it be important to me? Signature Programming is a new way of running RSVP. We will still continue to be a volunteer center for older adults, helping to keep you active, healthy and involved through volunteer service. What will change is that we will now offer Signature Programs that will be RSVP lead and in some cases RSVP Member organized. Each year we will pick several projects to place our emphasis on and invite RSVP Members to get as much involved as they would like. Through Signature Programming RSVP
Members will have much more say in what RSVP does and how it does it. This is our challenge for 2010. We don’t quite feel the courage of the tiger yet but are confident that by years end we will have gone from a meow to a ROAR! You will find each new Signature Program listed and described below. If you would like to get involved in any of them please contact our offices at 828-251-6622 or 1-800727-0557 or RSVP@landofsky.org.
RSVP SIGNATURE PROGRAMS FOR 2010 Simple Acts of Green In October 2008, Cisco Systems launched One Million Acts of Green in Canada to show that individual, organizational, and community simple acts of green add up to something significant. An “Act of Green” can be any simple act that helps to reduce our carbon footprint, such as installing a low-flow showerhead, taking public transportation instead of driving, using a refillable coffee cup. Or something bigger, like covering your roof in solar panels. One Million Acts of Green had set a goal of 1 million acts of green to be completed in a year. Little did they expect that they would reach that goal in less than 100 days and the resulting acts would save 100,000kg of greenhouse gasses from entering the atmosphere. Amazing! We know we are not as big as the whole country of Canada but we are certain we too can take on the challenge. Our hope is that our success will act as a model for other RSVPs throughout the nation to take up the challenge. An ambitious goal but we think we can reach it! RSVP is looking for volunteers to help implement this program. We need volunteers with vision, organizational skills, and outreach volunteers to go into the community. If you are interested in helping us develop and implement this program please contact our offices. Continued on Next Page >>>>>>>>>
The Year Ahead
Year of the Tiger– Continued Personal Disaster Preparedness “Be Prepared” may be the Boy and Girl Scout motto, however, in today’s world it should be the motto of every person. It is vital that the average person takes the time to develop an emergency plan. September 11 is not so long forgotten for any of us. This act of terrorism is not the only type of emergency we need to be prepared for, natural disasters are an everyday reality for the people of WNC and we all need to be personally prepared. In 2010 Land-of-Sky RSVP has set the goal to increase the emergency preparedness of our at-risk population. We have partnered with Citizen Corp, Hearts with Hands and the American Red Cross to provide training to outreach RSVP volunteers. These volunteers will educate the community on Personal Preparedness, help them design household plans and follow up to determine the new level of preparedness of their participants. RSVP already has a model and resources in place for this project, we just need volunteers to take the training, identify opportunities for outreach and provide Personal Preparedness Training to these communities. Once trained volunteers can work individually or in groups. If you are interested in lending your passion to this project give our office a call. Once we have enough interest we can determine dates, locations and times for the first Train-the-Trainer workshop to get us started.
Operation Toasty Toes You may already be familiar with Toasty Toes as it has been a project of RSVP for several months. To refresh your memory, Operation Toasty Toes, makes handcrafted (knitted or Crocheted) items for our troops abroad. This act of love sends a much needed message of support. One of the largest chapters in the nation is located in Henderson County. They have a small group of volunteers that does the work of dozens. This year we have partnered with this group to bring the program to Buncombe, Madison and Transylvania Counties. We have even gotten started a little early with the development of the Toasty Toes group at Silvermont Community Center in Brevard. They meet the 3rd Thursday of each month. We are looking for more volunteers of all
skill levels for the Brevard and the Henderson County groups. Those who live in Madison & Buncombe Counties and want to get involved with Toasty Toes please call us at the RSVP offices. We will be creating groups in these counties but need to gauge interest and locations first before we get started. Volunteers would meet once a month to socialize and craft. The yarn is provided; we ask that you knit one item for the troops and one item to help raise funds through Toasty Toes fundraisers.
Victims Assistance Program In 1999 an AARP survey found that older consumers are disproportionately vulnerable to telemarketing fraud. 56% of those identified by the survey as targets of telemarketing fraud were age 50 or older. Unable to replace assets lost to these fraud artists, the financial and psychological impact of telemarketing fraud on senior victims can be devastating. RSVP, the Area Agency on Aging, the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services, and the NC Attorney General’s Office are working together to create a Victims Assistance Program (VAP). The Victims Assistance Program utilizes the skills and availability of trained senior volunteers to assist the special detectives in the State Attorney General’s Office to provide follow-up with community seniors who have been victims of crime to assess their level of functioning, explore a safety plan, identify community and social supports and make referrals to professionals in areas where appropriate and ultimately to reduce the incidence of repeat scams. If you are interested in becoming a VAP volunteer contact Christina Giles in our office; Christina will take your contact information and notify you when dates have been confirmed. Christina Giles can be reached at 251-6622 ext 108 or email christina@landofsky.org. Training will be conducted at the Land-of-Sky Regional Council on March 31st, 2010 from 10am –2pm lunch included. The year of the Tiger will surely be a challenge but worth the hard work! ROAR!!
MLK Day of Service
Everyday Essentials Toiletries Drive Dec 14-January 14 RSVP, along with the Foster Grandparent & Senior Companion Program, is working in collaboration with ABCCM, Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry, Hot Springs Salvation Army, Transylvania County Christian Ministry (Sharing House) and Interfaith Assistance Ministry to honor the work of Martin Luther King Jr. An increasing number of people in our community relay on our local crisis ministries for their subsistence needs such as food, clothing, financial and medical services. Personal care items such as soap, deodorant, Most Needed Items feminine hygiene items, toilet paper, tooth paste and We are looking for New Toiletries brushes etc are often overlooked as items to donate and in are therefore in short supply. To make matters worse we full and travel sizes recently discovered that food stamps do not cover these _________ much needed items. From Dec 14-Jan 14 RSVP will be collecting toiletry items in all four counties to help bridge this need. Drop off sites are listed below. We encourage you make a donation and encourage your friends and family to do the same. If you would like to take this service project to the next level and collect items through your place of worship, community center or place of employment we would be happy to support you with flyers, and posters.
Let’s celebrate the life and works of Martin Luther King J.R. by doing our part to help our neighbors in need.
Shampoo/Conditioner Soap Deodorant Laundry Detergent Toothpaste & Toothbrushes Feminine Hygiene Products Brushes/Combs Razors & Shaving Cream Note We cannot accept aspirin or any over-the-counter drugs or vitamins
Drop Off Sites Buncombe County Land-of-Sky Regional Council Harvest House Shiloh Center Weaverville Library Madison County Madison County Cooperative Extension Madison County Library - Marshall Branch Madison County Library - Mars Hill Branch Madison County Library - Hot Springs Branch
Henderson County Sammy Williams Center Transylvania County Community Services Building KOALA Adult Day Rosenwald Community
Volunteer Spotlight
Vanderbilt Tailgate Market Richard Shuttleworth and a group of dedicated volunteers are making a difference at Vanderbilt Apartments in downtown Asheville. Richard is a Senior Companion and RSVP Volunteer with the Land-of-Sky Regional Council and resides at Vanderbilt Apartments in downtown Asheville. Due to his inspiration and collaboration, residents of Vanderbilt Apartments now have weekly access to fresh foods. Mountain Foods, a wholesale produce company brings a supply of fresh produce and other prepared items such as sandwiches to the Vanderbilt each week. This win-win collaboration supports our local business and attends to the unique needs of single, community dwelling older adults. Residents can buy food for one - such as a sandwich or a couple of stalks of celery. “ So many of our residents do not have access to affordable good for them food. We provide the serving sizes they need at a very affordable price. We have also made it a community event by bringing in musicians and health care providers to share their information and services. This little tailgate market has transformed the Vanderbilt into happier and healthier place to live, residents love it! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if this could happen all over the community” says Richard. Thank you Richard and the volunteers of Vanderbilt Apartments and Fresh Quarter for making our community more livable and senior friendly. If you have questions about setting up a similar food market at your residence, Richard is happy to share some of his wisdom and experience, you can contact Richard at 828-337-1563.
New RSVP Benefit
Senior Tar Heel Card Discount Program A Senior Tar Heel Card is available to North Carolinians aged 60 and older, from an Area Agency on Aging. This card extends the purchasing power of older adults, especially those living on low, fixed incomes. Businesses participate in recognizing the card and giving the discount as a gesture of appreciation to older adults for their many contributions to the community and state. Some local schools offer free admission to football games with the Senior Tar Heel Card. Participating businesses typically display the Senior Tar Heel Card emblem decal, but you are encouraged to ask if the store honors the card even if there is no posted emblem. Cards are available by calling Christina Giles AAA Project Assistant in our office at 251-6622 ext. 108 or at Christina@landofsky.org We are working on developing a list of participating merchants but need your help. If you come across a merchants that accept the card give us a call and we will add them to our list to share with others.
Advisory Council News The Senior Volunteer Advisory Council, that helps in the plans and policies for the RSVP, Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Program, saw a changing of the guard at their last meeting of the year Dec 10th, 2009. After four wonderful years of service on the Advisory Council we would like to bid farewell, give thanks and recognize the work of Carmella Davis Watkins (Chair), Jim Phelps (Vice-Chair), Darlyne Rhinehart (Madison Co.), Dot Cody (Madison Co.), Barbara Murphy (Buncombe Co.) Catherine Lee (Henderson Co.). We welcome and introduce Pictured above are Carmella & Jim. our new Chair and Vice-Chair for Below is 2010. Richard Shuttleworth (Chair) Darlyne Rhinehart. and Kathe Harris (Vice– Chair). Richard is a Senior Companion and RSVP volunteer from Buncombe County and Kathe from Transylvania has been a very active RSVP volunteer for many years. We are very thankful that Richard and & Kathe have taken on this new role. Welcome! Kathe & Richard our new Advisory Council Vice– Vice–Chair and Chair
Currently we have several seats to be filled in all counties. Seats are open to volunteers, station representatives or anyone interested in volunteerism . For more information contact LeeAnne Tucker, Senior Volunteer Services Director a 251-6622 ext 122 or Leeanne@landofsky.org
LIVING HEALTHY WORKSHOPS Living Healthy is also known as the Chronic Disease Self Management Program and was developed through Stanford University Patient Education. We are currently working with the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services and NC Dept. of Public Health to offer Living Healthy in North Carolina. Whatever health issue you are facing, it's time to take charge and enjoy a better quality of life. Discover that you can control your health and your life! Nothing Beats a Chronic Condition like SelfManagement! Workshops are being planned for Black Mountain, Weaverville and Madison County. Contact Rebecca Chaplin at 828-251-7438 or email at rebecca@landofsky.org for more information. LIVING HEALTHY WITH EARLY MEMORY LOSS Hendersonville Dates: Fridays, February 5 - March 12 Time: 10:00 - 12:30 pm Pardee Health Education Center, Four Seasons Mall Cost: FREE Registration: Rebecca at 251-7438
LIVING HEALTHY WITH A CHRONIC CONDITION Hendersonville Dates: Wednesdays, March 10 - April 14 Time: 2:00 - 4:30 pm Pardee Rehabilitation and Wellness Center 212-B Thompson Street Cost: FREE Registration: Rebecca at 251-7438
LIVING HEALTHY WITH A CHRONIC CONDITION Asheville Dates: Wednesdays, February 24 - March 1 Time: 2:00 - 4:30 pm Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Rd. Cost: FREE Registration: Rebecca at 251-7438
LIVING HEALTHY WITH A CHRONIC CONDITION Asheville Dates: Thursdays, March 11 - April 15, 2010 Time: 10:00 - 12:30 Mission Hospital, Health Education Center, 445 Biltmore Avenue Cost: FREE Registration: 213-2222 option 2 ask for Living Healthy course
LIVING HEALTHY WITH A CHRONIC CONDITION Brevard Dates: Tuesdays, March 30 - May 4, 2010 Time: 2:30 - 5:00 pm Brevard College, Creekside Cost: $75 Registration: Brevard College at 884-3135
News You Can Use
Coming Events for RSVP Volunteers Traveling Volunteer– Savannah March 15-17, 2010 Join Land-of-Sky Regional Council for a spring getaway to Savannah with Runion Tours and Travel. Your price of $299.00 per person includes: (Friends of volunteers can travel for $10 more per person) • • • • •
Transportation aboard a luxury motor coach Dinner at Lady & Sons (Paula Deen’s Restaurant) Dinner at the historic River House and tour/tasting at the River House Candy Factory All-Day Trolley Pass for a day of sight-seeing Two night’s accommodations at the luxurious Four Points Sheraton in the heart of downtown
Wanna’ Go? This trip is limited to the first 50 people, so make your reservations today! A $75 per person deposit is due Friday, January 15th to hold your space, with the balance due by March 1, 2010. For more information and a registration form, call Vicki at Land-of-Sky at (828) 251-6622 ext. 130 or by email at Vicki@landofsky.org. Pictures: View of River Street Trolley stop—above, and one of the dining rooms of the historic River House Restaurant (left.)
AARP Tax Aid—Buncombe County Trained volunteers assist with tax preparation at various locations February to midApril through cooperation with the AARP Tax Aide Program and the Council of Aging of Buncombe County. The program's volunteers are trained in cooperation with the federal IRS and the NC Department of Revenue. Tax aide services will resume in February 2010. Please call the Council on Aging of Buncombe County for locations; services are also available for the homebound and if you are homebound and need individual assistance 828-277-8288.
When You Come Bring 1. 2.
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Copy of last year's forms and verification papers of expense and income. any 1099 and/or W-2 forms showing income you earned or pensions or Social Security payments you received. 1099 forms showing interest or dividends you have earned. Receipts or canceled checks for medical costs or property taxes you have paid or for any contributions you have made to charitable organizations
Volunteer Opportunities Asheville Community Theatre (ACT) Located in the heart of downtown Asheville, ACT is a bustling, fun place to volunteer. There are many types of jobs, something for everyone. If a job appeals to you, we’ll train you in the skills needed to do the job. Box Office volunteers work with the Box Office manager to greet the public and sell tickets. This a great job for someone who wants to volunteer on a set schedule– you pick your hours. Front of House volunteers (ushers & House Managers) greet audience members when they arrive, pass out playbills, sell concessions and help patrons find their seats. Production volunteers help backstage to build and paint the sets, stitch costumes, find props, or join the folk who are part of the crew for a show. They will teach you everything you need to know to do these jobs. ACT rewards its volunteers with free tickets!
Literacy Council of Buncombe County Love to read poetry, books and news? Teach an illiterate adult to read as much as you do! Upcoming The Literacy Council of Buncombe will hold orientations for prospective volunteers on Wednesday February 17th from 9-11am and again on Thursday February 18th from 5:30pm –7:30pm.
Carolina Mountain Club– Trail Maintenance Volunteers The Carolina Mountain Club was formed in 1923 by a group of outdoor enthusiasts living in Asheville who wanted to foster people's enjoyment of the outdoors through hiking the area's wonderful trails. It is one of the most active clubs in the nation in group hiking and trail maintenance and construction. Volunteers are needed year run for trail maintenance. Think you are too old? Think again the average age of CMC trail maintenance volunteer is 70!
Draft-Stoppers Help make Draft-Stoppers from home! According to the U.S. Department of Energy, households can save 5-30% of their energy costs by reducing drafts in a home. Hands On Asheville-Buncombe invites you to help keep someone's home warm this winter by helping make "DraftStoppers" (stuffed and decorated fabric tubes that are placed at the bottom of a door). Finished draft-stoppers will be distributed to individuals and families served by Meals On Wheels, Community Action Opportunities, and Council on Aging. This is a great project to do with friends, co-workers, family members, or on your own. Since this project is done from home, volunteers should have prior experience with sewing. Due to a wonderful donation from a RSVP volunteer Gloria Hollister we have an ample supply of material to work with. You will need to supply ribbon, stuffing, and buttons. This project will be available until we run out of donated material. If interested give our office a call, and we will arrange to have the pattern and material sent to you or available for pick up.
Hospice of Madison
is searching for community members who would like to volunteer and visit with hospice patients and their families. Volunteers are vital to hospice care Volunteers can provide relief for caregivers, transport patients to the doctor, run errands, or be a companion to the patient and family. No clinical background or experience necessary - you only need a giving and caring heart. Volunteers can give as little or as much time as they wish. Training provided for visiting volunteers.
Mars Hill Visitors Center Share your love of the area by volunteering at the Mars Hill Visitors Center. Visitor Center volunteers will work two, three, or four hour shifts between 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM. Volunteers can work one regular shift or several shifts weekly.
Retired & Senior Volunteer Program Land-of-sky Regional Council. 339 New Leicester Hwy, Suite 140, Asheville, NC 28806 Tel: (828)-251-6622 or 1-800-727-0557 www.landofsky.org
PRSRT-STD US Postage PAID Asheville, NC Permit no. 367
Return Service Requested
Station Events Ask a CPA Day– Free Opportunity! Sat, January 9, 2010, 9am – 3pm OnTrack's office at 50 South French Broad Avenue Suite 227 Do you have tax questions and would love the opportunity to get professional advice from a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)? On Saturday, January 9, 2010, OnTrack Financial Education & Counseling, the North Carolina Association of CPAs Western Carolina Chapter, and Mountain BizWorks are partnering to present "Ask a CPA Day". Call OnTrack at 828-255-5166 to schedule your appointment for "Ask a CPA Day". Whether you are a small business or have questions about your personal finances, "Ask a CPA Day" appointments are available as a FREE, private, and confidential service to the community.
The North Carolina Roadmap for Healthy Aging is Open for Business! The North Carolina Roadmap for Healthy Aging (www.ncroadmap.org) is a web-based, interactive site to promote healthy aging throughout NC. The Roadmap is designed for community providers, clinicians, and older adults to find and access the health promotion programs in their communities. The Roadmap contains resources and tools to implement and sustain evidence-based health promotion programs throughout the state. It also includes links to health information databases, listings and contact information for the evidence-based health promotion programs currently available in NC, and listings of master trainers. For each county, the NC Roadmap provides a snapshot of healthy aging data and listings of organizations and facilities providing health promotion programming to older adults. If you have questions, please contact Tiffany Shubert at tshubert@med.unc.edu.