Retired & Senior Volunteer Program Newsletter Sept-Oct 09- Henderson & Transylvania Counties

September-October 2009 Henderson/Transylvania

Notes from the Coordinators Desk Welcome to our special edition of your RSVP Newsletter. In celebrations of Land-ofSky Regional Council’s Annual Celebration and Report we thought it fitting to bring to you a special edition, one that gave you a better understanding of RSVP and Land-of Sky Regional Council or as we call it LOSRC. Enjoy!

Get to Know Your Land-Of-Sky Regional Council

Tell people you’re affiliated with the Land-of-Sky Regional Council (LOSRC), and you’re probably going to get some confused looks. Even though the Council was formed in 1966, many in our region are unfamiliar with our services. Technically, LOSRC is a COG – or a Council on Governments. Ours brings together the leadership of the cities and towns in a four-county region – Madison, Buncombe, Henderson and Transylvania, and our services to those counties range from volunteer opportunities to affordable housing to clean energy. Our mission is to “work with local governments, the Region’s leadership, state and federal agencies, service providers, and volunteers to foster desirable social, economic, cultural and ecological conditions in Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania Counties."

More specifically, LOSRC is the sponsoring agency for the three programs affiliated with Senior Corps – RSVP, Senior Companions and the Foster Grandparent Program. LOSRC is also home to the Area Agency on Aging, where the older adults and their families can find information and advocacy about issues related to healthy aging and other services in the community.

Looking to start a recycling program in your community? Or do you need information about mass transit plans?

LOSRC is the place to start for many of the issues affecting our counties and communities. Because Land-of-Sky is a government entity, our budget and other operating information is a matter of public record, and you can find out more by accessing our website at www.landofsky.org.

Meet our LOSRC Executive Director

Joe McKinney Joe has 18 yrs experience in local government, having served in city, county, and regional government management since 1991. Joe was appointed to serve as Executive Director of LOSRC in January 2003. Before joining the LOSRC family he served as a Co. Manager for Mitchell County, Town Manager of Spruce Pine, and County Administrator for Chesterfield County, SC and most recently as Executive Director of Eastern Carolina Council of Governments. We sat down with Joe and ask him to share his thoughts on the Land-of-Sky Regional Council and RSVP; he had this to say.

“Land-of-Sky Regional Council offers a forum for local government officials and community leaders to work together as a region to address challenges we face in WNC. What I like about LOSRC is that our organization has encouraged a spirit of regional cooperation that has remained true to our mission – to foster desirable social, economic, cultural, and ecological

conditions in our four counties.”

“During this time of economic unc er tainty , RSVP is assisting many non-profits by providing volunteers as an added resource. We appreciate our RSVP volunteers and their willingness to share their skills, talents, and experience to meet a wide range of regional needs.”

Community leaders and officials like Joe recognizes the important role RSVP volunteers play in our region. Learn more about how important volunteers are to our region in our LOSRC annual report. Copies will be available on our website this October.

RSVP - The Volunteer Center for People age 55+ This past year we have worked hard to break the image of RSVP as just another volunteer center. Each time a new volunteer comes through our doors we do our best to instill in them the understanding that when they join RSVP they join nearly 500,000 volunteers across the country who are tackling tough issues in their communities and that they are part of a larger movement; a movement for change!

Here are some things to be proud of as a RSVP member.

• RSVP was established in 1971 and is part of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) under the umbrella of Senior Corps. CNCS is working to foster a culture of citizenship, service, and responsibility in America. Also part of this movement is the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Vista and Citizen Corps.

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Locally RSVP is sponsored by the Land-of-Sky Regional Council and has been connecting active adults with volunteer opportunities throughout Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania Counties for the past 20 years.

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RSVP members are addressing the most critical needs in our community. Together with local leadership RSVP works to identify critical needs throughout our region. Currently RSVP works in 8 service categories; Community & Economic Development, Disaster Recovery & Relief, Education, Environment, Health & Nutrition, Housing, Human Needs and Public Safety.

RSVP members are making an impact. The time and projects that RSVP members and our partnering agencies are involved in are documented and reported annually to Congress. Your accomplishments are an indication to our national and locally elected officials the extent to which older Americans are making a difference in our community and shines a spotlight on local needs.

As you can see, we are not just a volunteer center for older adults– We are a movement for change!

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Your RSVP Member Benefits RSVP not only helps you find a meaningful volunteer placement, we also make it our goal to keep you healthy, active and involved in our community. We accomplish this through Volunteer Perks. We want to ensure that all RSVP members are up-to-date on their benefits with RSVP. Volunteer Recognition: RSVP recognizes the contribution of its members through a fun and social volunteer recognition party annually.

Theatre Tickets: If you have served 25 hrs in the past quarter you are eligible to request a free theatre ticket. Guests will be put on the waiting list until one week prior to the performance. We currently have tickets at the following Theatres: Theatre UNCA, NC Stage Company, Brevard Little Theatre, and Flat Rock Playhouse. For more information contact our Program Assistant Brenda at 251-6622 ext 132.

Free Supplemental Insurance: A FREE supplemental insurance policy covers all registered RSVP members while they are volunteering or traveling to and from their volunteer positions. The insurance includes: Accident Insurance, Personal Liability Insurance, Excess Automobile Liability Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Coverage.

Local Government Federal Credit Union Membership: RSVP members are eligible to join the Local Government Federal Credit Union. You will need to present a letter from our offices before you proceed to join the credit union.

Workshops and Service Learning Opportunities: RSVP offers educational opportunities throughout the year. Topics range from environmental to topics on health and wellness. Upcoming events are listed in the RSVP newsletter and webpage.

Measuring RSVP’s Impact While it’s no surprise that RSVP volunteers are making a difference to the people in their communities, sometimes it’s surprising to see that impact in terms of numbers.

Below is a summary of each county, showing the number of volunteers, the hours they give and the financial impact of their service for Land-of-Sky’s fiscal year 2008-2009:

County

# of RSVP Volunteers

Total Volunteer Hrs

Financial Value*

Buncombe

226

22,295

$451,474

Henderson

199

27,473

$556,328

24

1,434

$29,038

Transylvania

101

10,319

$208,959

Totals

550

61,521

$1,245,799

Madison

*Financial Value is based on the volunteer labor rate of $20.25 per hour, which is figured by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Meet our Senior Volunteer Advisory Council

Vice Chair Jim Phelps It doesn’t take long to realize there is something different about Jim Phelps. Quiet and soft-spoken, he’s a man who stands on principle and believes strongly in the role of volunteerism in the community.

“I enjoy doing things that serve others,” he said. “There is so much that can be done by volunteering to help others. I just love being involved.”

It’s apparent that his love of helping others has been a life-long commitment. He attended East Carolina University, which by his account has a motto of service to others, and he has been an active member of the Lions Club, which also has a mission of service to the community. In addition to serving on the Senior Volunteer Services Advisory Council, he also chairs the Henderson County Zoning Board of Adjustment and is a member of the Solid Waste Advisory Committee.

Jim and Fran, his bride of almost 50 years, have been members of the Henderson Co. community for years. They knew they wanted to retire to this part of the state The Senior Volunteer Advisory because of its natural beauty and the availability of services like Council helps in the plans and poliquality health care. As the couple was settling in, Jim read an articies for the RSVP, Foster Grandparcle about Land-of-Sky Regional Council and wanted to learn more ent and Senior Companion Proabout the RSVP. It didn’t take him long to find several organizagrams. Members are nominated by tions where he could be involved. local government and accepted by the Executive Committee of the Land-of-Sky Regional Council.

For more information contact LeeAnne Tucker, Senior Volunteer Services Director a 251-6622 ext 122.

He began his volunteer work in Henderson Co. with the VIP (Volunteers in Partnership) program with the Sheriff’s Department.

He also worked with low-income clients doing free-tax returns, and became involved with CERT (Certified Emergency Response Training). Then, when an opening came available on the VSAC, he couldn’t say no.

“Volunteer Services has helped me learn a lot about the different counties,” he said. “I enjoy learning about the different aspects of volunteering and the difference the volunteers are making in the lives of so many people.”

Jim also wants to help spread the word about the LOSRC so other people can find their own place of service. Jim will rotate off of the VSAC in December, but he’s already thinking about his future and how he would like to serve next.

On-Going Opportunities Henderson County Heritage Museum is in need of volunteers to greet visitors and help in the gift shop from 10-1:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 1:30 - 5 p.m. Fridays, 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays and to serve as substitutes on all shifts.

Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy

R

on-SVP offers short term and on going volunteer opportunities for volunteers 55+. There are opportunities for even the busiest person. For a complete listing of our opportunities please call our office or go to your website.

Data Entry- volunteer who would be able to devote 2-4 hrs/wk entering data. A volunteer with basic computer skills would be preferred for this position. Event Outreach volunteers needed who would be willing to participate in outdoor festivals and events doing outreach for the organization, finding new members and volunteers and educating the public on the benefits of land conservation. A great opportunity for anyone who likes speaking to the public and enjoys learning about conservation issues.

The Healing Place is currently accepting (and urgently requesting) applications for ON-CALL CRISIS VOLUNTEERS. Volunteers must be able to provide telephone counseling and hospital accompaniment, if necessary.

The Salvation Army is looking for persons interested in volunteering in our Food Pantry 1/wk 9:00am -12:00pm. This would involve intake of paper work for persons picking up food boxes, packing the food boxes & filing paper work. This is an ongoing project, Monday—Friday year round.

Interfaith Assistance Ministries (IAM) Experience the joy of giving back to your community. It just might be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Volunteer areas at IAM: *Administrative Reception –answer phones & greet visitors * Client Reception-greet clients and update files * Intake- interview clients in need of assistance * Pantry-receives and fills food orders for families in crisis * Clothing Closet-sort incoming clothing and fill clothing orders for clients The Brevard Police Department has a very active volunteer program. Volunteers have many and varied activities from computer assistance to directing traffic at sports activities and school crossings. They assist with departmental records and city festivals also. Duties: General office duties, typing, data entry, filing, answering phones, greeting customers. Times: During office hours

The Transylvania County Chapter of the American Red Cross needs Disaster Public Affairs volunteers to serve locally and nationally during times of need.

Training will be provided.

Volunteers in Medicine of Transylvania Co. Free Clinic needs physicians, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, social workers, patient interviewers and Spanish translators. The Community Pharmacy needs pharmacy technicians, pharmacists, client interviewers and computer data specialists. For general administrative work we need volunteers for clerical support, data entry, office management, medical records, bookkeeping and general public relations including writing and presentations to community and church groups.

Short Term Opportunities What a great way to be welcomed to Bele Chere; by the smiling faces of RSVP & Senior Companion Member Rick Wallace and LTOP (Leadership Training for Older Persons) Graduate Vicki.

Rick is a Senior Companion with Hospice and volunteers through RSVP in his spare time. Rick shared his musical talents with the kids at Bele Chere this year and also helped out at the Information Booth with LTOP graduate Vicki who is too young just yet to be an RSVP– but we have her in training!

4-H of Henderson County: •

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Silvermont Senior Center

(Sept 4-7) Park at the Curb Market in Hendersonville during the Apple Festival. Volunteers - we will need help manning the parking lot.

(Oct 3) Farm City Day, 4-H will provide activities for kids as part of Farm City Day. We would love to have help Friday morning, Oct. 2 at 9:00, setting up tents; providing activities for kids on Oct. 3, from 10:00 - 4:00, and taking down and putting away tents at 4:00.

(Sept 4 - 7)The Healing Place in Hendersonville Volunteers are needed to help the Healing place

Silvermont serves as a community center for senior citizens in Brevard. Short-Term Volunteers are needed to teach 4 session classes throughout the summer and the fall. If you are an expert in Digital Cameras, a Master Gardner to conduct workshops on proper soil, growing herbs, container, etc. We also are in need of instructors for dance, exercise, cooking, storytelling, golf - just about anything you are an expert in, Silvermont Senior Center could use your skills.

with finger printing and Child ID for the Apple Festival in Henderson County.

Transylvania Regional Hospital Welcomes new volunteer coordinator As of June 1, 2009 Emily Rogers became the new Volunteer Services Coordinator for Transylvania Regional Hospital, replacing Kristin Connor who had worked for several years with the hospital’s volunteers. Emily has worked at TRH for almost 8 yrs as the Hospital Services Liaison to the local physicians, nursing homes, health department and free clinic for all the hospital's services. Emily has herself been a volunteer in numerous organizations for over 40 yrs. And is enjoying her new position.

“I am very excited about the many opportunities we have to strengthen and expand the volunteer services program at TRH," said Emily. “I am looking forward to meeting all the volunteers and finding new ways to enrich their experience here at Transylvania Regional Hospital.” Emily's normal office days are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:30am-4:30am.

The hospital currently has several volunteer positions available, to learn more about the opportunities at TRH, please email Vicki at vicki@landofsky.org or call LOS at (828) 251-6622 or 1-800-727-0557.

MORE PICTURES TO COME

Spotlight

Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy celebrates 15 years of success; moves into new offices in Hendersonville Permanence is a word that has always been packed with meaning for Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy (CMLC), and now it has even more significance – it describes the organization’s new home! Located on Case Street off of Upward Road, CMLC’s new building is a permanent space for the organization to grow and continue to follow its mission to save the places you love.

“CMLC is celebrating 15 years of land protection in western North Carolina that has culminated in reaching a symbolic mountain peak, which is this building,” said Kimberly Brewster, CMLC Operations Director. “Nearly 19,000 acres of land have been protected in reaching this peak, which will continue to grow acre by acre as we pursue our mission.”

The building is also a reflection of the hard work done by the donors, staff, board members and countless volunteers, she said.

Brewster and others at CMLC have been waiting for months to make the move, which occurred early this June. Their previous location in downtown Hendersonville was cramped, left little room for growth, and barely accommodated their current staff. Although the new building has plenty of space, it also offers new challenges.

“This building represents the There is an increased need for more volunteers to help in differpermanence of our mission. ent areas, Brewster said.

It reflects that we’re here “We have three hot needs right now,” she said. “We need someone who can help man the front desk, and also adto stay, and so is the land ministrative support in the finance and IT areas.” we protect in its natural state.”

The third need is assistance in the creation and maintenance of their all native garden at the new facility. In addition to volunteers, they are also accepting donations of plants, gardening materials and money. The organization is also allowing donors to personalize bricks and garden beds in honor or memory of a loved one. The bricks will appear in a special donor path that leads through the garden to the building’s back deck. Other areas of the building are also available for dedication.

“This building represents the permanence of our mission,” Brewster said. “It reflects that we’re here to stay and so is the land we protect in its natural state.”

For more information on how you can get involved with CMLC, contact us here at RSVP at vicki@landofsky.org.

Active Aging Week Sept 21-27 Active Aging Week was initiated by the International Council of Active Aging to promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle on a national scale. All events are FREE and open to the public Active Aging Week Kick-Off Events in Buncombe, Madison, Henderson and Transylvania Counties September 21, 2009

For more information contact Rebecca at 828-251-7438 for a complete schedule of programs in Buncombe, Madison, Henderson and Transylvania Counties.

You’re Invited Station’s Benefit & Gala SA (9/26) - Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy- The Ninth Annual Conservation Celebration will be held at Taylor Ranch. There will be a silent auction, ranch tours, live jazz and a film about the saving of World’s Edge (a 1,600 acre tract in Hickory Nut Gorge). $75. For Info: 6975777.

TR(9/24)The ARC of Buncombe Co– Starry, Starry Night. This is the ARC biggest event of the year. The cost is $250 which will admit up to two people and includes dinner, drinks and a chance to win the car or its cash value and other prizes. In keeping with the Starry, Starry Night theme, guests are encouraged to come dressed as a famous person (movie star, baseball player, political figure etc.). For Info: call The ARC at 253-1255.

Funds raised will go to supporting programming and advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Wellness Expo Free Community Event hosted by Land-of-Sky Regional Council And The Hearing Center

Tuesday, September 15

FREE AARP Car Fit Program @ Wellness Expo Do you know the minimum distance you should have between your chest and the steering wheel of your car? Do you know the best way to adjust your mirrors to reduce your blind spots? If you answered "no" to any of these questions, then Car Fit is the program for you. Trained volunteers take a Car Fit participant through a 12-point checklist designed to help older drivers find their best fit in their vehicle.

To schedule your 20 minute CarFit appointment call Patti Cameron in the RSVP office at 828-251-6622 or 1-800-727-0557 or patti@landofsky.org .

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Enjoy No Cost Health Screenings Hearing Screenings * Blood Pressure *Vision * Ask a Nurse Much More...

Bring your walking shoes, a picnic lunch and stay the afternoon to enjoy the beautiful grounds and walking trails at the Arboretum For more information call Brenda at 828.251.7448

Retired & Senior Volunteer Program Enriching Lives, Meeting Community Needs

PRSRT-STD US Postage PAID Asheville, NC Permit no. 367

Return Service Requested

RSVP is a program of the Land-of-Sky Regional Council 339 New Leicester Hwy, Suite 140, Asheville, NC 28806 (828)-251-6622 1-800-727-0557

Special Thanks to our Sponsor

RSVP Coordinators Buncombe & Madison Patti Cameron ext 126 Patti@landofsky.org Henderson & Transylvania Vicki Jennings, Ext. 130 Vicki@landofsky.org http://sites.google.com/site/ rsvpserniorcorp/Home or www.landofsky.org

We need your holiday stories!

For our Nov.-Dec. issues, we would like to feature some of the favorite holiday memories of our RSVP Members about how you have served others and your community throughout the years. Did you spend a great Thanksgiving serving at a homeless shelter? Or have you spent the last 10 years collecting toys for needy children? We want to hear your favorite stories of how you have served others during the holidays.

Stories can either be sent by mail or email, and please limit them to 100 words. We’ll print as many as we can in our upcoming holiday issue. The deadline for submissions is October 10. Mail your stories to: RSVP Holiday Stories c/o Land-of-Sky Regional Council 339 New Leicester Hwy. Suite 140 Asheville, NC 28806

Or, email to rsvp@landofsky.org. All submissions become the property of LOSRC. So start writing! We want to hear from you!

RSVP Newsletter—Henderson/Transylvania