SPECIAL RSVP OF WESTCHESTER 50TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE SPRING 2022 VOL.3 / № . 1
You’re Invited : RSVP
The Official Newsletter For Members of RSVP OF WESTCHESTER
Director’s Message spring 2022 - The 50th Anniversary Issue
Hello, Dear RSVP Members!
Written by Members of RSVP for Members of
I feel like celebrating!
RSVP
For one, the stations are beginning to bring back volunteers! Soon you’ll all be volunteering again at your favorite spots – effecting positive change in Westchester County – just as you – and many before you – have done over the past 50 YEARS!
Editor-in-Chief Lew Koflowitz Executive Editor Wendy Armstrong
That’s right! Throughout the past five decades, volunteers 55+ have done similar work to yours: mentored students, comforted the aging, promoted the arts, provided aid to Veterans, supported families, welcomed newcomers to our country, and much, much more.
Newsletter Committee Advisors Thomasenia Myers Jacqueline Cannino Charling Fagan PUBLISHER Volunteer New York! 220 White Plains Road Tarrytown, NY 10591 c/o Tony Fasciano vol@volunteernewyork.org 2022©All rights reserved
Thank you for having shared your talents, knowledge, skills, and understanding while enhancing the lives of others.
TO READ THIS ONLINE: VOLUNTEERNEWYORK.ORG/RSVP
RSVP of Westchester is a program hosted by Volunteer New York! that is an AmeriCorps Seniors grantee receiving funds through RSVP.
Now to the CELEBRATION! Let’s gather together on May 18th at the Tarrytown Marriott at noon! We’ll share history and highlight milestones. We’ll have lunch and honor some of the best representatives of what community service truly is. Most of all, we’ll have fun and enjoy each other’s company. I am so proud to be your director! See inside for more details on the event or visit volunteernewyork.org/RSVP50. Happy 50th Anniversary to us!
Additional support for RSVP of Westchester is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, New York State Office for the Aging, and the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services.
Warm wishes,
RSVP OF WESTCHESTER VOLUNTEERNEWYORK.ORG/ADULTS 1972-2022
Wendy Armstrong Director, RSVP of Westchester Volunteer New York! 914-227-9318
PRINTED ON SUSTAINABLY SOURCED PAPER
Dear fellow volunteers, Fingers crossed – we’re approaching normalcy – or at least stability – in our battle with Covid-19. After two years of masking mandates, vaccinations, and boosters, that itself is something to celebrate. And our nonprofit partners are responding by increasing their requests for volunteers. Even as new Covid variants come and go, and we see our volunteer opportunities re-open, we have continued to stay connected via Zoom, in what I am now calling “Zoomerama!” I continue to owe a nod of gratitude to RSVP member Sharon McKenzie, who brings us a variety of programming covering films and chair yoga and music – to name a few.
HERE’S A LIST OF THE SESSIONS WHICH HAVE TAKEN PLACE SINCE OUR LAST ISSUE: • Chair Yoga with Haruko or her mentee, Satoko, several times • Medicare review prior to the enrollment deadline • RSVP Movie Talk: Elizabeth Vargas • Ted Armstrong’s holiday piano concert • Black History Month programming: ◊ Advocating for Social Justice through Storytelling ◊ Nine Black Composers ◊ Harlem Renaissance
AND THERE’S MORE IN STORE! I HOPE I’LL SEE YOU ON ZOOM SOON! Have any programming suggestions or have a talent you’d like to share? If so, please do tell! Don’t forget! If you need assistance with Zoom, please contact our Tech-Savvy Teen volunteers: programintern@volunteernewyork.org or 914-227-9316. See you soon –Wendy
At the same time, this year’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of RSVP of Westchester is giving us a “booster” of a different kind. As we mark 50 years of service to communities throughout Westchester, we thank you – our dedicated volunteers – for maintaining that sense of “giving back” and availability for which we have become known. Since this is a milestone year for us, we are dedicating this issue of You’re Invited: RSVP to a review of our 50 years of service. In this issue, you will find a history of RSVP of Westchester as far back as we have records and long-time members’ recollections. As we have in the past, we will also highlight members who have volunteered for many years; as well as some of our partner stations which have been working with us for decades. And to cap off our celebration, we have scheduled a 50th Anniversary Luncheon for Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at the Marriott Hotel in Tarrytown. At this luncheon, we will honor extraordinary volunteers for their dedicated service, as well as Westchester officials who have supported our work through special initiatives. There will be lively entertainment, including music, to add to our enjoyment. Further, we are lining up government officials to keynote the luncheon. Keep the date in mind – and get your tickets early. See additional information inside this newsletter. We look forward to seeing you at this celebration. And we know that you will continue to volunteer at your stations as we enter our next 50 years of service to Westchester communities. Lew Koflowitz Editor-in-Chief & RSVP of Westchester Member 33
RSVP 50 - A Celebration of 50 Years of Community Service Tickets: $50 Wednesday, May 18, 2022 12:00 - 2:30 PM Westchester Marriott, Tarrytown, NY
YOU'RE INVITED TO A SPECIAL LUNCHEON EVENT! Join us in celebrating the 50th anniversary of our beloved "RSVP of Westchester" program, which has been the go-to volunteer resource for thousands of adults aged 55 and over in Westchester since 1972. Help our community recognize five decades of local volunteers, nonprofits, and impact! All guests will be required to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination to enter the event. F OR O NL I NE R E GISTRA TION + SP O NS OR S HIP INF O: volunteernewyork.org/RSVP50 VOLUNTEERNEWYORK.ORG/RSVP50 To pay by check, please contact Wendy Armstrong 914-227-9318
To pay by check, please R S V Pcontact OF W Eat S T914-227-9318 CHESTER Wendy Armstrong 1972-2022
RSVP FOR RSVP 50, YOU’RE INIVTED!
RSVP OF WESTCHESTER: A WIN-WIN FOR ALL By Sha Fagan
Over the past 50 years, the members of RSVP of Westchester have addressed a range of community needs that have changed from time to time. Today as an AmeriCorps Seniors grantee, RSVP of Westchester members focus their support to tutor kids, assist Veterans with services, help to provide economic opportunities, and more. When selecting nonprofit partners, volunteers prefer efficiently run organizations that continually monitor the success of their clients. We expect such organizations to welcome volunteers that come to them and recognize the extra value senior volunteers offer, and we hope that they will also encourage our members to become “part of the fabric” by fulfilling regularly scheduled assignments. Over the years we have formed close bonds with many of the nonprofits we have partnered with, some of which have endured for decades. Since the inception of RSVP, countless numbers of volunteers have engaged in a myriad of activities that have enriched their own lives as well as those whom they have helped: a win-win for all. Over the past 50 years, RSVP has connected several thousand volunteers with opportunities that address pressing community needs, such connections facilitated by a host of nonprofit organizations (or “stations,” as we call them). Many of these stations have been long-time partners of RSVP. Recently we invited some of our long-term stations to comment on our collaborations. FSSY (Family Support Services of Yonkers) recruits volunteers through RSVP. Serving as an invaluable hub, RSVP’s ability to find volunteers for FSSY is a function that enhances FSSY’s ability to fulfill its mission and has been an RSVP station since 2000. Madeline Finesmith, Volunteer Recruitment and Public Relations Manager of FSSY, spoke about the “symbiotic relationship” between FSSY and RSVP of Westchester. For example, Chuck Siegel, a member of RSVP’s Advisory Committee, gives technical help to FSSY in twice-weekly Zoom sessions. Currently eighty volunteers provide services to 100
children, says Finesmith. She hopes for another 50 years of RSVP’s contributions to the Westchester community. That sentiment is echoed by Phillis Maucieri of the Hugh Doyle Senior Center in New Rochelle, who says the volunteers are “a tremendous resource,” explaining that without volunteers, the Center would be unable to offer such a rich array of activities. In the past volunteers (mostly seniors) have helped with yoga, exercise classes, dance, and other activities, enabling the organization to provide a wealth of support resources to the seniors at the Center. For the Wartburg, in Mount Vernon, named one of the “Best Nursing Homes in New York State” by U.S News and World Report for the tenth consecutive year in 2021, RSVP has been a devoted partner for over 30 years and has led the charge in providing compassionate care to their residents. In the words of Kerry Minto at the Wartburg, “In assisting with meals, transporting seniors to the Chapel, working in the libraries, staffing the gift shops, and conducting care visits, the work of RSVP volunteers have had a significant impact on the lives of the people we serve and have made our community a better place.” The VA Hudson Valley Healthcare System has welcomed 29 RSVP volunteers who are now back in full swing after Covid-19 restrictions having been lifted, says Nicole Embry, Chief, Center for Development & Civic Engagement (formerly VA Voluntary Service). Since 1990 volunteers have been performing a range of services: transporting veterans to and from doctors’ appointments, serving as ambassadors for the Healthcare System, and covering the information desk and greeting visitors. The food pantry and clothing shop are two other areas where RSVP volunteers clock hundreds of hours. These are just a few of the success stories from our stations, whose partnering with us is an integral contribution to RSVP of Westchester’s longevity. Simply add the talents of our members, and you have a recipe for success that has been shared for the past 50 years! RSVP of Westchester 50th Anniversary Issue
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OUR CELEBRATORY JOURNEY: SO MANY VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCES By Jackee Cannino
HAPPY 50TH ANNIVERSARY RSVP OF WESTCHESTER
How do we celebrate an anniversary . . . flowers, candy, dinner, cards, balloons? Sure . . . they are all celebratory gestures, and we are planning some of that, come May 2022. But at RSVP of Westchester, our celebration will begin with heartfelt thoughts and experiences from some of our outstanding, accomplished, and exemplary members and volunteers. As we all have experienced, the path to success, accomplishment, and fulfillment is not always a straight one. With both people and programs, success typically requires hard work, growth, and evolution. That is certainly how RSVP of Westchester (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program), an AmeriCorps Seniors Program, has achieved its current high standing in the Westchester community. It all began 50 years ago – in 1972. In the 1970’s, the existing “Volunteer Service Bureau” thought to tap a source of volunteers that it had not considered previously...senior citizens...and established SERVE (Serve and Enrich Retirement through Volunteer Experience). What a brilliant idea to utilize the experience, skills, wisdom, and knowledge of those who have already accomplished so much! It is with great pride that RSVP is known as the oldest senior volunteer program in the nation. Fifty years and going strong, due to the incredible volunteers it has attracted throughout the years. In speaking with some of our volunteers in Westchester, I was inspired, amazed and in awe of what RSVP volunteers have done, continue to do . . . and are yet to do. I thought I would share some of their stories and paths . . . it is quite an adventure . . . so hang on for the ride! THE STORIES OF VERY ACTIVE VOLUNTEERS
For Stan Weiner, a member of RSVP’s Advisory Committee, his involvement with RSVP of Westchester and its host organization, Volunteer New York!, began some twelve years ago, after a friend pointed him to the 6 RSVP of Westchester 1972-02
personal benefits of volunteering and the contributions he could make to our communities. As a CPA and financial planner, Stan’s skills in the areas of operations and organization (finance, business plans, budgets, and accounts) were invaluable to the not-for-profit organizations that received his pro bono expertise. Stan said he wanted to “give back” and while doing so, has made lasting friendships. When complimented on his many accomplishments and his volunteering, Stan responded that he “really didn’t think I’ve done that much.” This is the self-effacing attitude we see in so many volunteers. Suellen Havsy volunteers with our station Family Service Society of Yonkers (FSSY) as director of the Open Book program. This program provides books to doctors at Westchester Medical Center to be distributed to children at their clinic. As a retired teacher from New York City’s Department of Education, volunteering with a literacy program was a perfect match for Suellen. She credits RSVP for providing leadership training for non-profits, especially at the start of the Open Book program. In addition, RSVP always comes through with volunteers when a request is made. After working at Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital as a nursing attendant for twenty-five years, Willie Mae Gunther spent another twenty years there as a volunteer. While volunteering at Montefiore, Willie Mae provided Pastoral Care twice weekly, until Covid hit. She particularly enjoyed the yearly recognition luncheons RSVP organized to celebrate its valuable volunteers and hopes that many more will return in the near future. Lynn Reichgott, an RSVP member since 2009, truly enjoys being a volunteer and appreciates the luxury she has of being able to do so. Lynn recounted that when At Home on the Sound was just getting started around 2009, Volunteer New York! guided them in connecting to RSVP and becoming a station – where they continue today. She commented on how gracious RSVP has been in welcoming and appreciating volunteers.
RSVP MEMBER PAUL DUCKER PERFORMING WITH HIS BAND, THE BIG EASIES >
^ RSVP MEMBER PAUL DUCKER READING WITH YOUTH IN YONKERS (2016)
Volunteering has always been a part of Lynn’s life and says it “gives me purpose” and has helped develop friendships. She also cited the reimbursement that RSVP provides for mileage as a “wonderful benefit.” After retiring as a physical therapist in school-based pediatric therapy, she then volunteered full-time. During Covid, Lynn has spent more time volunteering on the telephone, as “connection and connecting people to one another” is the most important aspect of volunteering. In 2009, Paul Ducker learned about RSVP while online, which is also how I learned of RSVP (a wonderful thing, the internet). After volunteering on several assignments, Paul was asked of his interest in joining RSVP’s Advisory Committee, which catapulted him, along with Stan Weiner (a kindred spirit), into action. Supporting RSVP’s Director in setting goals and project planning, Paul relished the change and movement within RSVP. During his time volunteering with RSVP, Paul has been involved in JCY-WCP (Westchester Community Partners), Reading Buddies, and FSW RideConnect (Family Services of Westchester). When asked about RSVP’s 50year legacy, Paul highlighted the volunteer luncheons. “It’s a celebration of their dedication and encourages everyone to do more,” he said. Paul applauds publicizing RSVP, sharing pride in the amazing things it does. Flo Brodley has been a member of RSVP since 2001, while volunteering for the Medicare Rights Center and “Seniors Out Speaking” (SOS) program, run by the Westchester Library System. Flo continues to share her
knowledge and expertise on Medicare rights, programs, and application processes. Now retired from teaching, Flo’s teaching skills continue to serve her well as she educates adults about Medicare. Flo was a co-founder of At Home in Somers, an RSVP station that no longer operates. Her commitment to volunteering and supporting her community continues to this day. If someone feels s/he is “beyond the age of volunteering,” I suggest that person speak with RSVP member Noemi Robbins, who is eighty-eight years of age! Noemi is a genuine “breath of fresh air”; our conversation was lively, informative, relevant, and energetic. This summer will mark Noemi’s sixteenth year volunteering with RSVP. She has been a member of RSVP’s Advisory Committee and is still on the Co-Op Board where she resides. Noemi came to the United States by way of Mexico and speaks Lithuanian, Russian and Yiddish. If that confuses you as much as it did me, here is the rest of the story. Noemi and her family were originally from Lithuania. When they were unable to enter the United States on their journey to America, they went to Mexico. It is most fitting that one of Noemi’s volunteer experiences was teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) in Yonkers. She said she “made sure my children knew the value of volunteering.” Noemi modestly shared with me that she has been inducted into the Westchester Senior Hall of Fame. When I asked her about her thoughts on RSVP and how the organization has sustained a successful fifty years of operation, her response came easily: RSVP of Westchester 50th Anniversary Issue
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“Individuals connected with RSVP are professional, courteous and polite. My involvement with RSVP has been a wonderful, wonderful learning experience. RSVP is fabulous, and the people are incredible. They taught me what Boards should do to be successful.” Noemi’s final comments for RSVP Director Wendy Armstrong, “Try to get more RSVP activity in Yonkers.” Theodore Bloch, an RSVP member for over seven years, is a volunteer driver for Family Services of WestchesterRideConnect. Ted’s connection to RideConnect was somewhat circuitous. Even while working in the field of information technology as it relates to finance, Ted always volunteered and would take middle and high school students on hiking trips to various State Parks. A back injury and subsequent surgery which caused further injury, causing Ted to lose his ability to walk . . . but he could still drive!! When Ted saw RideConnect’s advertisement for drivers, he knew that would be a perfect fit. Since some individuals he transports have mobility issues, Ted feels a connection and empathy. As he knows first-hand, sometimes you “feel alone and need someone to talk to.”
(meaning “generations”) is one of our newer stations; they provide “socialization, warmth, and connection” via a wide variety of activities. Eunice “likes meeting and talking to people and putting smiles on their faces.” I will tell you she put a smile on my face while I spoke with her. Although she does not get out much these days, Eunice wants to continue volunteering and gave me the following message for our Director, Wendy Armstrong: “Tell Wendy I’ll be glad to do anything via phone.” Eva Fischer, another vibrant and interesting RSVP member, claims to not be “computer savvy” and prefers volunteering in person rather than over Zoom. During Covid, Eva has been busy driving friends to doctors’ appointments and helping her neighbors. She shared the wonderful experience she had in WCC’s (Westchester Community College) Conversation Partners program. She was paired with a student from Romania, helping to strengthen her English-speaking skills. This volunteer experience was a perfect fit for Eva, after having taught English in Italy, where she lived for thirty years. Eva
In his eleven years with RSVP, Chuck Siegel has held the position of Advisory Committee Vice Chairperson, and is currently an Advisory Committee member. Even prior to his retirement from the fields of Human Resources and IT (Information Technology), volunteering was a part of Chuck’s life and allowed him to participate in “very rewarding projects.” Chuck is currently a volunteer with JCY-WCP’s eTutor program. As team leader, Chuck is responsible for matching tutors with children in need of individual academic support. The students are in grades 2-7, and Chuck ensures a consistent pairing between tutor and student. He prefers being very active and enjoys interacting with others. He “finds volunteering rewarding” and “it helps me as much as it helps those I am helping.” When I first called Eunice Kaplan, she asked that I call back as she was in the middle of a Zoom class. During my next conversation with ninety-four-year-old Eunice, she shared that she was participating in a Meditation class when I first called. Her other classes include chair and standing Yoga and current events. But Eunice continues to have time for others. She had been a Pastoral Care Volunteer at Montefiore New Rochelle for over twenty years prior to Covid and breaking an ankle in August. Currently, Eunice makes “Buddy Calls” for Dorot. Dorot 8 RSVP of Westchester 1972-2022
^ RSVP MEMBER EUNICE KAPLAN
reports that volunteering at WCC was “such a positive experience,” and she developed a “great relationship” with her student. I believe we can all agree with Eva’s belief that “Volunteering never goes out of fashion.” RSVP IS THE COMMON THREAD
Did you enjoy the ride? I certainly did! My only disappointment was that we’ve met only eleven of RSVP’s 950 current members. Who are the other 939 members? They are adults at least 55 years of age, the oldest of whom is 97, with 23 members in their 90s, 170 in their 80s, and the largest percentage of RSVP volunteers in their 70s. Their backgrounds, experiences, paths, hopes, intentions, and desires are as wide and varied as life itself. But the common thread that brings these incredible individuals together, that supports and guides them in continuing to use their skills and talents through community involvement, is RSVP of Westchester. It is the common thread that for 50 years has provided opportunities for members to continue to grow, learn, remain active and engaged. And as we can see from the statistics above, “staying engaged” has no age limit! As we celebrate RSVP of Westchester’s 50th Anniversary, we thank our members for their hard work and loyalty. You are each unique – with your individual set of skills and positive attitudes. We are inspired by your selflessness and passion. Here’s to another 50 years of being great together as part of RSVP – enriching our lives and those of others.
25 REASONS TO SUPPORT RSVP OF WESTCHESTER Let’s take a step back and recognize why our RSVP of Westchester program is so beloved and worth celebrating! 1.
RSVP is Volunteer New York!’s longest running program
2.
Volunteers age 55+ who volunteer over 100 hours a year are known to live longer and go to the hospital less than those who don’t volunteer
3.
RSVP of Westchester has always been completely free to its members
4.
RSVP members are eligible for transportation reimbursement benefits
5.
RSVP members get to meet new people all the time
6.
RSVP members often make volunteering their “second act”
7.
Nationally, 84% of RSVP members report stable or improving health after one year of service
8.
Nationally, 88% of RSVP members reported feeling less isolated after joining
9.
RSVP members get to participate in intergenerational exchanges
10. RSVP members are invited to free exclusive networking and learning events 11.
RSVP members receive annual recognition gifts and cards on their birthday
12. RSVP members often are able to find long-term engagement with nonprofits 13. RSVP members’ days are filled with meaning 14. RSVP members can choose how much they want to volunteer, from a just a few hours a week up to 40 hours a week! 15. RSVP of Westchester members have over 28 local nonprofit stations where they can sign up to serve 16. In our community RSVP is the go-to volunteer resource for adults age 55+ 17.
RSVP of Westchester members have direct access to Volunteer New York!’s other programs, events, and community collaborations
18. RSVP nembers are building a legacy of service 19. One of RSVP of Westchester’s core focus areas is supporting Veterans 20. RSVP members get to help inspire young people to love reading 21. RSVP members give back an average of over 46,000 hours of service a year 22. RSVP members get early access to exciting new volunteer opportunities 23. RSVP provides people considering retirement with a path forward 24. Serving as an AmeriCorps Senior RSVP member is patriotic 25. RSVP members get a free newsletter written by fellow RSVP members
Whatever your reasons for appreciating the value of RSVP of Westchester, we hope you will join us for RSVP 50 on May 18. Or that you will show your support with a donation of $50 or more today at volunteernewyork.org/donate to help ensure RSVP is around for the next 50 years. So that future generations can share in the same legacy of community and service!
REMEMBERING 50 YEARS OF RSVP MISSION MOMENTS!
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WE CAN’T WAIT TO CELEBRATE THESE MEMORIES AND MORE WITH YOU ON MAY 18. I HOPE YOU CAN JOIN US! RSVP fo Weertshc 1972-2022
-WENDY
RSVP 50 LUNCHEON MAY 18, 2022 JOIN US IN CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF RSVP
SCAN TO LEARN ABOUT RSVP 50