RSVP Newsletter Henderon & Transylvania Counties March April 2010

March –April 2010 Henderson/Transylvania Counties

RSVP Signature Program Updates

Launch of Operation Toasty Toes in Transylvania County a success

RSVP Newsletter Enriching Lives Meeting Community Needs RSVP is the Volunteer Center for adults 55+ that works to keep you healthy, active and involved in your community.

RSVP partners with over 120 community agencies in the counties of Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania to offer you, volunteer, social and educational opportunities.

Call us to get involved 828-251-6622

Special Thanks to our Newsletter Sponsor

A group of 7 volunteers met at Silvermont Senior Center in Brevard to launch Operation Toasty Toes and to knit much-needed items for our troops oversees.

At the last meeting we had seven competed items ready to be sent off to the troops with more to come.

The group meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at Silvermont from 10-11am. Just give us a call so we will know to expect you. Our next meeting will be March 18th.

After a successful launch of Toasty Toes in Brevard we are ready to expand the program to Buncombe and Madison counties.

Interested in getting involved? Call us at 251-6622 and ask for Patti, or contact us through email at rsvp@landofsky.org. Once we get enough interest we can pick a time and location.

Recent Letter of Thanks To Operation Toasty Toes I would like to thank you all for thinking about us and spending your time making all the hats, gloves and other items for us. Something like that has a very personal touch that means much more than candy or the other items that people send. They will be very useful for us even after returning to the US. Our unit is based in Alaska and I am used to a very active personal life, so the caps and gloves will be great.

I grew up in the Asheville/Hendersonville/Brevard area and graduated from A.C. Reynolds HS. It was a surprise to find out that both my and Maj. Taylor's parents live in Hendersonville. Again, thank you for all the thoughts. Your generosity has really been a godsend and brought warm thoughts of home.

Sincerely, Staff Sergeant Matthew MacRoberts Afghanistan

RSVP Signature Program Updates Continued

Join the Victim’s Assistance Program and help take a bite out of crime for seniors.

The Victims Assistance Program (VAP) is pleased to announce that 20 volunteers have signed up for the March 31ts training session. If you haven’t signed up yet and are still interested contact Christina Giles in our office. She can be reached at 251-6622 ext 108 or by email christina@landofsky.org.

In sum, the Victims Assistance Program utilizes the skills and availability of trained volunteers to assist the special detectives in the State Attorney General's Office to provide follow-up with community older adults who have been victims of crime to assess their level of functioning, explore a safety plan, identify community and social supports and make referrals. The programs ultimate goal is to reduce the incidence of repeat scams.

Simple Acts of Green

Team battling energy costs one draft at a time

Meet “Drafty, the Draft Constrictor,” team mascot for Simple Acts of Green!

Seniors at Laurel Woods Apartments in South Asheville spent a day drafting (oops, I mean crafting!) a whole family of Drafty, the Draft Constrictors to share with friends and neighbors. This group launched the RSVP Simple Acts of Green signature project in Buncombe County.

Residents volunteered to stuff and decorate 17 draft-stoppers or “draft-constrictors” as we like to call them. The completed “draftconstrictors have been donated to the Council on Aging and Meals on Wheels for their at-home clients.

Draft-constrictors are a very simple act of green with a big impact on our environment. Sealing drafts under doors and windows can save anywhere from 5% to 30% on home energy costs. Plus, that type of savings can offset close to 550 lbs of CO2 per home, which means the volunteers at Laurel Woods helped stop 9350 lbs of CO2 from entering our environment. Great job, team!

We are looking for more groups in Henderson and Transylvania Counties to help us produce Drafty and reduce the cost of energy in our homes. Get involved with this fun project– no crafting skills necessary! If your group or residents would like to take part in this project give Patti a call in the RSVP office or drop her a line at RSVP@landofsky.org.

Station Spotlights

Welcome New RSVP Workstations Aging at Home in Henderson County Does this sound familiar? “I am a long distance caregiver and I don’t know where to turn to for services in my loved one’s community.” Being a caregiver near or far has never been an easy task. There is now a website that promises to make the process easier called “Aging at Home” created by the Aging at Home Consortium of Henderson County. Aging at Home’s lists in-home services in Henderson County. Currently there are roughly 50 providers listed on the site, but there is room for plenty more.

To help grow the listing of services, volunteers are needed to work from home to research area providers, contacting them to explain the free service and assisting them with answering any questions. Volunteers receive all the training and support they need to be successful. Having access to a computer for email and research would be helpful but not necessary. Volunteers with precious customer service experience would be a good fit. A couple hours a week of your time will bring caregivers peace of mind and help their loveones maintain a better quality and safety of life at home. Interested? Call Vicki at 251-6622 or Vicki@landofsky.org . To learn more, go to www.HendersonCoNCAgingAtHome.org.

ECO—Environmental and Conservation Organization ECO’s mission is to preserve the natural heritage of Henderson County and the mountain region as an effective voice for the environment. They fulfill this mission through focusing on four key areas: green infrastructure, water quality, energy conservation/renewable energy and recycling. Founded 20 years ago as a hiking group, ECO became increasingly alarmed by the degradation of the environment. Since then, ECO has risen to become a preeminent and influential leader in promoting environmental issues affecting the region.

They work with citizens, business leaders, like-minded environmental groups and government officials to create a balance between growth and environmental preservation.

They also undertake water quality monitoring of six watersheds, adopt-a-stream cleanup of dozens of waterways, public policy development towards natural heritage protections, energy expos, workshops and forums to encourage greater stewardship of our environment and recycling programs and activities that encourage sustainable practices.

Currently, they need volunteers in all areas of operations: Office help ranging from database research to fielding phone calls from the public; Administrative help in the areas of advertising, marketing, grant writing and fundraising, and help in the field, where volunteers can really “get their feet wet” helping to monitor and test water quality or be involved in the Adopt-A-Stream program.

If you are interested in helping ECO protect our environment, please contact Vicki at (828) 251-6622 or by email at Vicki@landofsky.org.

MLK Day of Service

Everyday Essentials Toiletries Drive a success for region’s relief agencies Congratulations and thank you to everyone who donated toiletry items to help the relief agencies in our region provide toiletries to those in need in our communities. Over 400 pounds of toiletries were collected through our Everyday Essentials Toiletries Drive. All those toothbrushes, soaps and laundry detergents were delivered to ABCCM, Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry, Hot Springs Salvation Army, Transylvania County Christian Ministry (Sharing House) and Interfaith Assistance mid February.

We also want to say a big “thank you” to all of our drop-off locations in Henderson and Transylvania counties. We appreciate your partnering with us in this effort!

AARP Driver Safety Program at the Land-of-Sky Regional Council Cars have changed and so have the traffic rules, driving conditions, and the roads you travel every day. Some drivers age 50-plus have never looked back since they got their first driver's license, but even the most experienced benefit from brushing up on their driving skills.

What Will I Learn by Taking the Course?

You can expect to learn current rules of the road, defensive driving techniques, and how to operate your vehicle more safely in today's increasingly challenging driving environment. You'll learn adjustments to accommodate common age-related Date: Monday April 19th changes in vision, hearing, and reaction time. After comTime: 12:30-4:30pm pleting the course, you will have a greater appreciation Location: Land-of-Sky Regional Council of driving challenges and of how you can avoid potential Costs: AARP Members $12, others $14 collisions and injuries to yourself and others.

Registration: Patti Cameron: RSVP Coordinator at the Land-of-Sky Regional Council 251-6622 ext 126 patti@landofsky.org We can accept up to 24 people.

What else?

Participants may be eligible for discounts on their auto insurance and are encouraged to check with their agent.

Also, membership in AARP is not required to participate.

Call Patti at Land-of-Sky to reserve your space!

Volunteer Opportunities Front Desk help needed—Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy What better way to get to know CMLC than to serve as its first point of contact when visitors call or come in the office? You’ll have the chance to get to know everyone from staff to volunteers. Duties include routing phone calls, greeting visitors and basic computer functions.

Must be comfortable working with the public. Fun perks include laughs with AmeriCorps, the best desk in the office, and close proximity to the candy dish!

Hours are flexible, but they are primarily looking for afternoons during the week. One day a week or several is great!

Sewing Instructors—Henderson County 4-H Program 4-H will soon hold spring sewing classes and has an immediate need for volunteers to help teach sewing to youth ages 9 - 18. The greatest need is for teachers in the 3 Beginner classes. Teachers are not responsible for teaching the whole class on their own, but will work with 1 - 2 students to help them complete their garments. The Beginner classes are Thursday and Friday afternoons.

School Crossing Guards—Brevard Police Department The department is down to only three volunteers as Crossing Guards and is in need of more to help in different areas. Morning and/or afternoon work is needed.

BINGO! Spring Arbor Residential Assisted Living is in need of a Bingo caller on Saturdays. Volunteers can work one or more Saturdays per month.

Our Kids...Our Future Town Hall Meeting Friday, April 16th The Children and Family Resource Center in Hendersonville is sponsoring this special event designed to focus attention and action on the early childhood development needs in Henderson County. Volunteers are needed to help with registration and other administrative tasks prior to the Town Hall meeting and to help on the day of with other tasks as well.

SAFE’s Attic and Attic Interiors SAFE needs volunteer help receiving, sorting and displaying donated goods. Training is provided.

Transylvania Regional Hospital Volunteers are needed in several areas: clerical assistance on Tuesdays and Thursdays up to 8 hrs. per week; Information desk—answer guestions and help guide visitors through the hospital Human Resources—filing, reception and some special projects Inpatient care—evening position from 4 p.m. to 6:30 or 7:00 p.m.—serving meals, collecting trays and help settling patients in for the evening

Station Events “March of the Leprechauns” St. Patrick’s Day Festival and Parade 10 a.m.—9 p.m.—Saturday, March 13th—Downtown Hendersonville Parade begins at 10 a.m., with festivities throughout the day. Contact Karen Shirlin (828) 697-2022 for more information.

“Is it dementia? Is it Alzheimer’s?” by Peggy McGuire 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 25th—Silvermont Senior Center You have concerns about someone’s behavior but don’t really know who to approach with your questions. This informational meeting is for the general public, caregivers, spouses and loved ones who have questions about the two diseases—the warning signs and available treatments. Peggy McGuire, with nearly 40 years of medical research, will try to answer your questions and give you local resources for additional information.

Earth Day 2010—Celebrating 40 years of Environmental Stewardship 10 a.m.—6 p.m. Saturday, April 24th—Blue Ridge Community College Sponsored by ECO, this festival celebrates the 40th anniversary of Earth Day and environmental awareness. Included will be green vendors, live music with local performers, water activities for children, community gardening workshops, and a Greenway Hike, just to name a few of the activities. The day culminates with an evening musical celebration . Events during the day are free of charge—the evening performance is a ticketed event. For more information, contact ECO at (828) 692-0385.

Run for the Hills 5K Fun Run 2 p.m., Sunday, May 2—Fletcher Community Park Sponsored by Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy, this fun run will help raise money for CMLC. Cost is $30 if registered prior to April 15th; after the 15th cost is $35. All participants receive a free t-shirt, and several prizes will be awarded. In addition to the run, there will be family-oriented activities before and after the race. For more information, call CMLC at (828) 697-5777 or go to the Run for the Hills website at http://www.carolinamountain.org/funrun.

Viva La Volunteers Dust off your sombrero, get out your maracas and get ready for a fiesta!

It is time to celebrate the tremendous contributions of the LandofLand -of -Sky Regional Council’s Volunteers Come join us for brunch, live music and awards.

WEDNESDAY MAY 5TH, 2010, NC Arboretum at 10am (100 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville NC 28806)

Reservations Required: Call Brenda DeLaCruz 828828-251251-6622 or 11-800800-727727-0557

Brenda@landofsky.org FREE TO VOLUNTEERS AND THEIR SUPERVISORS.

ADULT GUESTS ARE WELCOME AT A $5 CHARGE.

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

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)

News You Can Use Early Memory Loss & Family Caregiver Support & Resources The Family Caregiver Support Program at the Land-of-Sky Regional Council has recently received funding to provide free respite services for caregivers of persons with Alzheimer or Dementia and to develop programming for people with early memory loss and their caregivers.

The Family Caregiver Support Program is partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association, Project CARE and the Senior Companion Program to provide these services. Families can choose the type of respite and the provider they desire.

To qualify for services all families must be referred for respite by their physician and be told by a professional that their loved one has dementia or memory loss. For more information about these programs contact Family Caregiver Specialist, Carol McLimans at the Land-of-Sky Regional Council 828-251-6622.

A recent poll by AARP asked individuals over the age of 50 what motivates them to volunteer and give back to the community.

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49% The satisfaction from accomplishment 21% Being an agent for change 13% getting to know the community

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10% Religious convictions 7% A desire to stand up and be counted

So what is YOUR motivation?