SPOTLIGHT Business
On cold winter days, or even warmer days when you need some comfort, there’s nothing better than an excellent meal and good company. Diners find both at The Forester in Camino.
Purchased by Bill and Helen Carey in 2002 and owned with their son Tristan Carey, the restaurant has seen many changes over the years but the family’s passion for delicious food and great service has never wavered.
“I’ve always liked the restaurant business,” Bill said. “I love to cook.”
Bill has more than 45 years of experience in the restaurant industry, starting in San Diego at a café where he learned from a Czech chef who had previously worked at a hotel in Vienna. Hence, Bill’s expertise in German fare. The Careys purchased St. Pauli’s Inn on Highway 50 — a popular spot for travelers headed to and from Lake Tahoe — and brought German comfort food to El Dorado County. That restaurant was later sold.
Now diners at The Forester enjoy spaetzle with gravy, goulash,
wienerschnitzel, Heidelberg steak and much more. The Forester also boasts a great selection of German beers on tap to perfectly pair with any meal.
Customer favorites include the beef stroganoff — succulent chunks of stewed chuck in a classic sour cream and mushroom sauces served over spaetzle — and Jäegerschnitzel — tenderized, breaded pork cutlet sautéed to perfection and covered with mushroom gravy. Bill said his personal favorite is the roast duck served with stuffing and gravy. And don’t forget to try the soups.
It’s all made fresh in the restaurant kitchen, Bill assured.
While he’s back in the kitchen, apron tied, Helen greets customers and makes sure everyone feels welcome at the family restaurant. Adding to the restaurant’s appeal, more German food and a building refresh came last year to the much-loved establishment. Enjoy a meal this time of year in the redone dining room, where a crackling fire provides comfort. When the weather warms up, ask for a seat on the large patio amongst the trees.
Mountain Democrat photo by Noel Stack
To Do
Top activities in the region
Jan. 25
Gold Discovery Day will commemorate the discovery of gold by James Marshall on Jan. 24, 1848, with living history demonstrations, speakers and more at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma. For more information visit parks.ca.gov.
Save the Graves will host a cemetery tour of lesser known cemeteries. The tour will visit six cemeteries: Methodist Episcopal Federated Church, Placerville Old City, Saint Patrick’s, Uppertown, Pioneer Jewish Cemetery and the Pest House. There is no cost to attend and the tour is suitable for all ages. Meet at Federated Church Parking Lot, 1031 Thompson Way, at 10 a.m. Registration is required. Visit savethegraveseldorado.org.
The Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom presents Folsom Lake Symphony’s presentation of Connections @ The Symphony, a family concert with an instrument petting zoo for kids after the performance. Show starts at 11 a.m. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
The El Dorado County Search & Rescue’s 39th annual crab feed takes place at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, Forni Building. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy. No-host bar, dinner, dancing, raffle, auction and more. For tickets call Christi Dean at (530) 626-7111.
Jan. 28
The El Dorado Hills Genealogical Society hosts a presentation by Cindy Brennan titled “Should I Stay, or Should I Go” showing how to use Emigrant Guides in Research at 6 p.m. at the El Dorado Hills Library on Silva Valley Parkway. Interested genealogists are welcome to join the EDHGS. All are welcome. The group seeks to promote access to helpful and friendly resources for research,
problem solving and discussion.
El Dorado Hills Community Services District hosts its annual Summer Job Fair at the Pavilion, located at 1021 Harvard Way in El Dorado Hills, 6-8 p.m. The event is open to individuals 15 and older who are interested in working for the district. For more information visit edhcsd. org/jobs.
Tony & Grammy-winning “Dear Evan Hansen” — the sensation and first contemporary musical about connection in the digital age — runs Jan. 28 through Feb. 2 at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
• Large selection of handmade artisan chocolates
• Our chocolates paired with wines from El Dorado & Amador Counties
• Gift boxes of all sizes for any occassion
ACROSS-----------�
1) Leave Her Majesty's service
6) Bullets, in poker
I 0) "Snail mail" bringers
14) "Famous potatoes" state
15) Fur,e.g.
16) Longest 42-Across
17) Smooth curtain fabric
18) Optimistic,as an outlook
19) Little nail
20) Pig's pad
21) Concur
24) Astronomical unit
25) Kind of nerve or artery
26) Autobiographical account
29) Cutlass handle
31) Wavy lines,in the comics
32) Watery castle ditches
34) Play a role
37) Resolve an argument,in a way
IN HARMONY
41) Michael Jackson's film rat
42) Hudson,e.g.
43) Candy striper, e.g.
44) A sheet of glass
45) Confounded
47) Travel in big circles?
50) Chennai, formerly
53) Remain undivided
55) William H. Bonney, "Billy the Kid"
58) "Meet Me _ Louis"
59) Data,briefly
60) Motown,for one
62) England's national art gallery
63) Wall board?
64) Lacking the knack
65) Downhill vehicle
66) "The Lake _ of Innisfree"
67) Build on
B Gia Kilro
DOWN
1) Loud noises
2) Insert or delete text
3) A goodly number
4) "Look what I found!"
5) Hobby with little growth
6) Big spreads have many
7) An Aussie outback call
8) Comfy spot
9) Eyelid inflammation
10) Open,as a deadlock
11) "Cops" sound
12) Costa del Sol attraction
13) Jewish holiday meal
22) Mess up
23) City in Oklahoma
24) Examine (with "over")
26) Dead Sea kingdom
27) Good thing to have when competing
28) The wee hours, to the Bard
30) "_ a beautiful morning" (Rascals lyric)
32) Symphony parts
33) Old, flowery poem
34) Hard seed covering
35) Relinquish
36) Started a golf hole
38) Muse holding a lyre
39) "Man" in "The Wizard of Oz"
40) Wanders aimlessly
44) Like some dates or prunes
45) Former "Jeopardy!" host Fleming
46) Plant with large,showy flowers
47) Final notices
48) Relating to the kidneys
49) Moisten, as a turkey
51) Abominable
52) Vacuum tube type
54) Unless,in legalese
55) In the sack
56) Fulfilled, as a promise
57) Sax type
61) "_ I quote ... "
Answers to puzzle on page 21
Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom presents “The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays” by Ken Ludwig through Feb. 16. The danger and hilarity are non-stop in this glittering whodunit set during the Christmas holidays in 1936. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.
Registration for the The Travis Scott Memorial 5k Walk/Run for Shatterproof is open through Feb. 23. The run will take place at the El Dorado trailhead in Camino. The event starts at 9 a.m. and registration is available in person. For more information and to register early visit shatterproofcyof.donordrive.com.
All Things Equine How to Blanket a Horse
Learning how to blanket a horse is an essential skill. A horse’s winter coat is naturally designed to do a great job of keeping him warm, but some horses need a little extra help in cold or wet weather. Blanketing offers additional protection for thin or older horses, or those that don’t have much of a coat.
Measure to Fit
To find the correctly-sized blanket for your horse, you’ll need to measure him. Run a soft cloth measuring tape from the center of his chest to the edge of his tail, including the widest part of his shoulder and hip. This measurement (in inches) is his blanket size.
Make sure the blanket fits your horse well. A blanket that doesn’t fit right can rub hair off and cause sore spots on your horse’s shoulders and withers. A blanket that’s too big can slip around the animal and cause an unsafe situation if your horse steps on it or gets tangled up in it.
Be sure your horse’s hair coat is completely dry after your ride and before you put his blanket back on. If he’s damp and sweaty under his blanket, he’ll feel chilly. Even if you aren’t riding, you need to check your horse’s blanket daily and make sure that he’s comfortable underneath. It’s important to take the blanket off for regular grooming, as well.
Aim for healthier hydration with a habit-building beverage
Begin building tiny, healthier practices into routines you already have to help make it easier to establish habits you can stick to. This concept is called “habit stacking,” and it can help you improve habits from morning to night.
Consider those busy mornings when you need an on-the-go solutionrather than opting for sugary foods and drinks, turn to Green Tea Berry Banana Smoothies that include unsweetened green tea. When incorporated as part of an overall healthy diet, unsweetened tea can support heart health.
This no-sugar-added recipe from Lipton, a proud national sponsor of the American Heart Association’s Life is Why campaign, can help you enjoy healthier mornings while checking emails or hydrating before heading to the office.
Choosing beverages with no added sugars can contribute to a healthy heart, according to the American Heart Association, making these smoothies perfect for building into a morning routine. Because it’s predominantly water, which is needed to keep your body run-
ning at its best, unsweetened tea provides a delicious way to hydrate without ditching those healthier habits. Visit Heart.org/eatsmart to find more habits that contribute to heart health.
Green Tea Berry Banana Smoothies
Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association
Servings: 4 (1 1/2 cups per serving)
3 cups water
8 single-serving green tea bags
16 ounces frozen mixed berries (about 3 cups)
2 medium bananas, peeled, cut in half and frozen
1 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt
2 teaspoons fresh-grated peeled gingerroot (optional)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (optional)
2 teaspoons chia or flax seeds (optional)
Directions: In small saucepan over high heat, bring water to boil. Remove pan from heat. Submerge tea bags. Steep 4 minutes. Discard tea bags. Let tea mixture cool 30 minutes. Pour into pitcher. Refrigerate 2 hours, or until chilled. In food processor or blender, process tea, berries, bananas and yogurt until smooth. Add gingerroot and vanilla, if desired, and process until smooth. Pour into four glasses. Sprinkle with chia seeds, if desired.
Are your loved ones at high risk?
According to the CDC, some people face higher risks of getting very sick from respiratory viruses, including:
• People not up to date on their vaccines: Vaccines cut your risk of needing hospital care for flu or COVID-19 by about half. In 2023, 90% of adults admitted to the hospital for COVID-19 were not up to date on their COVID19 vaccines. People who skipped their flu shot were twice as likely to need to visit a doctor for flu.
• Older people: Most flu, COVID-19 and RSV hospitalizations and deaths are in people ages 65 and older. If you help care for an older friend or loved one, let them know their risk for getting very sick from these viruses — and that vaccines can help protect them from needing to go to the hospital.
• Those who live in long-term care facilities: Respiratory viruses can spread among people in long-term care who may be older or have health conditions that raise their risk of severe flu, COVID-19 and RSV.
• Pregnant people: Getting flu and COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy provides protection against severe illness for you and your baby during their first 6 months. An RSV vaccine during pregnancy also protects your baby from severe RSV in their first 6 months.
Urge loved ones to get vaccinated
Flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines are the best way for you — and your friends and family — to risk less and do more of what you enjoy this winter.
Visit cdc.gov/ RiskLessDoMore or talk to your doctor to learn more about flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines. Visit vaccines. gov to find a nearby pharmacy.
them should take extra precautions.
Additional high-risk groups
In the U.S., some additional groups of people are at higher risk of respiratory viruses, according to the CDC:
• People in rural parts of the country: People who live in rural areas face a higher risk of getting very sick from flu, COVID-19 and RSV. In these regions, less than half of adults got a flu vaccine last year. Fewer than 1 in 5 got an updated COVID-19 vaccine. Serious illness can be more dangerous in rural areas with less available medical care.
• Black and Hispanic people: At the peak of last year’s respiratory virus season, Black people were more likely than white or Hispanic people to be hospitalized for flu, COVID-19 or RSV. By season’s end, Hispanic people were more likely than non-Hispanic white people to have been hospitalized for flu.
Cozy, comforting recipes to take on the cold
Family Features
If blustery conditions are giving you the blues, come inside from the cold for a winter warmup in the comfort of your own kitchen. Cold-weather favorites that are baked, roasted or slow cooked are usually equal parts easy, delicious and lling, making them perfect solutions for chilly, snowy days.
Add a bit of comfort to your weeknight menu with this Loaded Chicken Bake that’s ready in about half an hour. A short list of ingredients and allowing your oven to do most of the work for you mean it’s ideal for saving time (and money at the grocery store) while still satisfying winter appetites.
Serving as the hearty base is READ German Potato Salad, made with thinly sliced potatoes and bacon in a traditional
sweet-piquant dressing. While it’s delicious when served chilled, heated or at room temperature on its own, it can also be the star of the show in family meals. For another true cent saver, try Oven-Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Beets. is savory side dish highlights the avors of the season in a recipe that’s as easy to assemble as it is to enjoy with loved ones. Picked and packed at peak ripeness, antioxidant-rich Aunt Nellie’s beets are pickled with a delicate balance of sweetness and vinegar for a homemade avor that’s perfect in this roasted side that can accompany winter meals of all sorts. Versatile jarred whole pickled beets are always in season, meaning you can enjoy them chilled, warmed or worked into recipes. Find more favorite wintertime recipes by visiting READSalads.com and AuntNellies. com.
Oven-Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Beets
Servings: 4
1 jar (16 ounces) Aunt Nellie’s Whole Pickled Beets
2 large sweet potatoes (about 1 pound) peeled and cubed (1/2-3/4inch cubes)
2-3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 red onion, sliced about 1/4-inch thick
2 fresh rosemary sprigs, plus additional for garnish
STARS AT SCHOOL
Ashley Harris
EDCOE Facilities, Maintenance & Operations
Ashley Harris, program assistant for Facilities, Maintenance, and Operations at the El Dorado County Office of Education, has been an ongoing force in supporting schools across the county. A lifelong resident of El Dorado County, Ashley’s deep connection to her community inspires her daily work.
In her role, Ashley serves as the essential link between programs, vendors and her team. Whether addressing safety concerns, managing repairs or processing developer fees to fund modern educational facilities, her work ensures schools remain functional, safe and welcoming. “I love being the middleman who makes things happen. It’s fulfilling to know that my efforts directly or indirectly support students and educators,” Ashley shared.
Phil Jones, director of Facilities, describes Ashley as the team’s “Buddy the Elf,” bringing energy, creativity and cohesion to every challenge. “She has a knack for making the impossible look easy. Ashley juggles endless requests with grace, humor and a smile; smiling is her favorite,” he remarked.
Ashley’s proudest moments come from the daily opportunities to collaborate with her team and serve her community. Beyond her professional life, she’s an avid traveler, fitness enthusiast and budding photographer.
The Facilities, Maintenance, and Operations department at EDCOE provides vital services like mail and supply deliveries, emergency coordination and maintaining safe, modern learning environments for students. With Ashley’s dedication and passion, the department continues to uphold its mission to support education across El Dorado County.
New area code coming soon to NorCal
News release
The California Public Utilities Commission reminds Californians that the new 837 area code will be added as an overlay to the 530 area code region starting Jan. 31.
In June 2023, the CPUC approved the implementation of an area code overlay, which adds a second area code to the same geographic region served by the existing 530 area code. The 530 area code serves most of northeastern California, covering all or portions of Alpine, Butte, Colusa, El Dorado, Glenn, Humboldt, Lassen, Modoc, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Yolo and Yuba counties. It serves communities such as Chico, Davis, El Dorado Hills, Oroville, Paradise, Placerville, Red Bluff, Redding, South Lake Tahoe, Truckee, Woodland and Yuba City, as well as unincorporated areas.
Starting on Jan. 31 customers in the 530 area code region may be assigned a number in the new 837 area code when they request new service or an additional line. Customers receiving an 837 area code will be required to dial 1 + the area code and phone number for all local calls, just as customers with telephone numbers from the 530 area code do today.
Facts
about the 530/837
area code overlay
• Telephone numbers, including the current area code, will not change.
• The overlay does not affect the price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services.
• What is a local call now will remain a local call.
• Customers in the overlay region will continue to dial 1+10 digits for local calls within and between the overlay area codes, and 1+10 digits for longdistance calls.
• Customers still can dial just three digits to reach 911 and 988, as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 or 811 if those are currently available in their community.
How to prepare
• Customers should continue to identify their telephone number as a 10-digit number (3-digit area code + 7-digit telephone number) and include the area code when giving the number to friends, family, business associates and others.
• Customers should ensure their websites, personal and business stationery, printed checks, advertising materials, contact information and personal or pet ID tags include the area code.
• Customers should ensure that all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment recognize the new 837 area code
as a valid area code and should continue to store or program telephone numbers as 10-digit numbers. Some examples include but are not limited to: stored telephone numbers in contact lists in wireless or cordless phones, PBXs, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, speed dialers, call forwarding settings, voicemail services, medical alert devices, safety alarm security systems and gates, ankle monitors and/or other similar equipment.
For more information about the new area code contact your telephone service provider or visit the CPUC’s website at cpuc.ca.gov.
Photo by Brian A. Jackson / Getty Images
A new area code comes to Northern California. Those getting new phone numbers in El Dorado County and surrounding counties could be assigned a number that starts with 837.
This loop trail wraps around the perimeter of the Fleming Meadows Ferrari Mill area and consists of 6 miles of trail connected by 1.1 miles of native surface roads. e outer loop is bisected by other roads which allow the user to choose shorter loops back to the trailhead. e segments along roads tend to be easier to travel. e narrow trail segments are more di cult and have rolling grades.
e Fleming Meadow Loop also provides access to Sly Park recreation trails administered by the El Dorado Irrigation District
Directions: From Highway 50, take the Sly Park exit at Pollock Pines, turn right on Sly Park road and travel south 5 miles to Sly Park Reservoir. Turn le on Mormon Emigrant Trail and travel east 2 miles to the trailhead.
e Fleming Meadows trailhead parking area is for day use only. No overnight use is allowed. No campres and pack out what you pack in; no garbage service is provided.
THE EL DORADO COUNTY AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT OFFERS INCENTIVE PROGRAMS TO RESIDENTS OF EL DORADO COUNTY TO IMPROVE LOCAL AIR QUALITY.
The Chimney Smoke RIP offers $599 to $2,000 * to replace a non-EPA certified woodstove with a new efficient, cleaner burning, eligible EPA certified device.
*$2,000 incentive available to low -income residents or residents of designated low -income communities
The expanded Clean Lawn equipment Incentive Pr ogr am (CLIP) offers $100 to $2,000 to replace a piece of gas powered lawn equipment with a zero -emission cordless electric version. Now includes mowers, leaf blowers, weedeaters and more!
The new CHar ge At your Residence and Go Electric (CHARGE) incentive program offers plug -in car owners and lessees a $300 incentive to purchase and install a home EV charger.
The Drive Clean! incentive program offers El Dorado County residents a $599 incentive towards the purchase or lease of an eligible electric, plug-in hybrid, or hydrogen vehicle.
PAPRIKA (A161452)
Colorful but not too spicy, this F Red Hound mix is just 13 mo. old and in need of a fur-ever home.
TONY (163036)
He is a beautiful orange tabby. A garden kitty who likes a hiddie-hole as you can see. DSH 3yr.
Precious Pawprints
Adopt Today! Second-Chance Animals Make First-Class Pets!
To Ask about these pets at the El Dorado County Animal Shelter (530) 621-7631 • 6435 Capitol Avenue, Diamond Springs
JENNIFURR (A163063)
This friendly loving DSH is just waiting for her ‘furever-home’ at the shelter this week. brown tabby, 2 yr.
ALMOND JOY (A161304)
Even if you don’t feel like a nut, this cool banded B&W Guinea Pig will love you. Adopt! F, age unk.
ELSA (A162605)
No icy stares here, just a wagging tail and a good attitude. F, Black & Tan, GSDx, 19 mo.
(A163144)
This blue merle Australian Shepherd is waiting at the shelter for you to take him for a turn about the meeting yard. 1 yr.
chocolates
SPINNER
LAFCO seeks new alternate member
News release
The El Dorado Local Agency Formation Commission is considering the appointment for the alternate public member on LAFCO. The application deadline is March 10.
The appointed alternate public member will serve the remainder of the current four-year term, from May 2024 through May 2028.
The public member alternate represents the interests of the taxpayer-citizens of El Dorado County. The alternate fully participates in the discussion and deliberation at LAFCO meetings but votes only when the regular public member is absent or disqualified.
Applicants must be a resident and registered voter in El Dorado County and cannot be a city, special district or county official of any public agency within El Dorado County. Those seated on LAFCO are subject to the Fair Political Practices Commission and must file an annual conflict of interest statement.
Under state law, LAFCO is mandated to ensure the logical formation and determination of the local government agency boundaries, which affect growth and development patterns, delivery of urban services and agricultural and open space lands within El Dorado County.
The commission meets on the fourth Wednesday of every other month (first Wednesday in December) in the Board of Supervisors meeting room at 330 Fair Lane, Placerville. LAFCO meetings are currently scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m., though this start time is subject to change.
If you wish to be considered for the alternate public member position on LAFCO, the application form is posted on the LAFCO website at edlafco.us/alternatepublic-member-vacancy. If you have any questions call the LAFCO office at (530) 295-2707.
To be considered, applicants must be available to attend and interview at LAFCO’s meeting on March 26. The agenda will be posted approximately one week prior to the meeting. Refer to the agenda for the specific start time. Submit applications to: lafco@edlafco.us or El Dorado LAFCO
1190 Suncast Lane, Suite 11
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
32) Symphony parts
1 puts in place (9)
2 having a bit of a bounce (7)
3 Napoleon’s country (6)
4 moves quickly (6)
5 very small pools (5)
6 “spot lights” (5)
7 a spoonful of sugar, perhaps (9)
33) Old, flowery poem
34) Hard seed covering
35) Relinquish
36) Started a golf hole
38) Muse holding a lyre
39) "Man" in "The Wizard of Oz"
40) Wanders aimlessly
44) Like some dates or prunes
45) Former "Jeopardy!" host Fleming
46) Plant with large,showy flowers
47) Final notices
48) Relating to the kidneys
49) Moisten,as a turkey
51) Abominable
52) Vacuum tube type
54) Unless,in legalese
55) In the sack
56) Fulfilled, as a promise
57) Sax type
61) "_ I quote ... "
Answers
Find the 7 words to match the 7 clues. The numbers in parentheses represent the number of letters in each solution. Each letter combination can be used only once, but all letter combinations will be necessary to
Finding the Perfect Volunteer Opportunity for You
Tom Thousand spent many years helping low-income residents with home repairs. After retirement, he knew he wanted to continue helping people in his free time.
He answered the call to serve through AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP. Since 2010, he has volunteered to deliver meals to those in need, transported donated food to food pantries and captained boats on a nearby lake for group trips. Thousand was there when his neighbors needed rides to medical appointments and the Red Cross needed help delivering blood in his community.
All across the country, AmeriCorps Seniors connects people aged 55 and older with opportunities to volunteer in their communities. The program matches each volunteer’s interests and skills with local non-profit organizations. More than 140,000 older Americans serve their communities yearly through three core programs – the RSVP Program, the Foster Grandparent Program and the Senior Companion Program.
Many older adults look for variety, flexibility and benefits when searching for a way to volunteer.
“Since it was established in 1971, our RSVP program has been one of the nation’s largest older adult volunteer programs,” said Atalaya Sergi, national director, AmeriCorps Seniors. “The program has a wide variety of service opportunities that allow volunteers to help address our nation’s most pressing challenges.
For our volunteers, RSVP takes the guesswork out of choosing how and where to volunteer their time and energy.”
Opportunities vary by city and state, but the RSVP program offers volunteers diverse ways to serve through local organizations. Examples include packaging meals for people with disabilities or other older adults, working in a call center for fraud victims, coordinating poetry workshops at a community center to stimulate the minds of those participating or transporting cancer patients to medical appointments. Service could also involve workforce development and job training or providing disaster preparedness assistance.
There are even select programs specifically designed to support veterans.
Mark Piscatelli volunteers at veterans’ coffeehouses. Coordinated through his local AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP program, the coffeehouses allow veterans to gather and socialize with each other and with volunteers. The social setting creates a safe space, fostering community and stability for everyone involved. Guest speakers frequently visit and provide new and updated information to attendees on local and national veterans’ services.
“AmeriCorps Seniors has created a wonderful opportunity for me to learn about veterans, veterans’ issues, what they’ve experienced, what they currently experience and what some of their concerns are going forward,” Piscatelli said.
David Langlois, a fellow volunteer, concurs.
“I really think that the bottom line is to support our veterans,” he said.
Older adults need volunteer programs that fit their lifestyles and allow them to choose how, where and the frequency of their service. Commitments range from a few hours to 40 hours per week. This flexibility allows Piscatelli and his fellow volunteers to participate without feeling overwhelmed by time obligations.
Volunteering is more than a way to fill time, however. Research from sources such as the National Institute on Aging suggests that older adults who are engaged in social and community activities maintain mental and physical health longer than those who are not.
“After one year of service, 88% of our volunteers reported a decrease in feelings of isolation,” Sergi said. “Plus, 78% of volunteers felt less depressed. That uplifts spirits and significantly impacts and benefits people’s lives.”
Yolanda Dave is an example of the positive impact of volunteering on the community and the volunteers themselves. She started volunteering more than 20 years ago because helping her community with hunger, isolation and literacy issues empowered her to be part of the solution. It’s more than that, though. She also benefits from the experience.
“I love volunteering,” Dave said. “You meet wonderful people of all ages. I get to share my skills, my experience. It keeps me active, mentally and physically, which is very healthy.”
Volunteers like Thousand, Piscatelli, Langlois and Dave support people in need and strengthen their communities and neighborhoods. If you’re 55 or older and looking for the right volunteer opportunity, visit AmeriCorps.gov/YourMoment to explore opportunities near you.
