ISSUE YEAR VOLUME

“MEDICARE INFORMATION &

CAROLYN’S CORNER…..3 & 4

GETTING TO KNOW RSVP

STATIONS AND VOLUNTEERS

OF THE MONTH …….…2 & 3

WHY ARE YOU AN RSVP

VOLUNTEER? ................ …1

Volunteer Focus A B I MO N THL Y NEW SLETT ER F RO M L OW ER COLU MB IA C AP ’S

RSVP VOL UN TEER CE N TE R TO OU R ME MBE RS A ND S TA TI ONS

The RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program)

engages and encourages people 55 years of age and

older to meet community needs through volunteer

opportunities that enrich the lives of both the volunteers

and those they serve.

Why Are You an RSVP

Volunteer?

As a volunteer, you might be asked, “Why are you an RSVP Volunteer?” Here are some reasons!

Benefits for Your Community Help frail, at-risk,

disadvantaged, homeless and/or hungry populations

Build stronger communities Make your community safer,

cleaner, and more unified Support local non-profit

organizations Personal Benefits Greater connection with

community An opportunity to use your

current skills and learn new ones

Improved physical health from

being actively engaged in positive acts of care and assistance

Gain new friends Practical Benefits Volunteer hours counted

towards national volunteerism efforts

Membership with national volunteer organization

Free supplemental insurance Invitation to annual

recognition event Monthly newsletter

RSVP Volunteer Center Lower Columbia CAP 1526 Commerce Ave. Longview, WA 98632 (360) 425-3430 x 288

October 2013

September: Volunteer of the Month Mary Nelson, Senior Community Meals

Described by husband Myron as

“the wind beneath my wings,”

Mary Nelson has actively served as

an RSVP volunteer for 12 years.

Originally from Wisconsin, Mary

worked as an x-ray technician be-

fore marrying her high school

sweetheart, Myron. In 1986, they

moved from California to Castle

Rock, “We visited Mt. St. Helens

every summer and thought this area

was beautiful. As we slowly built

our retirement home over those

summers, we became close with

our neighbors. In fact, when we

finally moved into our house in

‘86, it felt like we were coming home.”

Mary is an avid gardener and maintains a 3 acre yard.

She is especially fond of their “friendship grove” that

contains over 100 trees planned in honor of each person

who has visited their home.

Mary volunteers three days a week at

Castle Rock Senior Center. Some of

her volunteer activities include:

assisting with AARP Driving classes,

acting hostess for bingo, serving CAP

Senior Community Meals on

Wednesdays and Fridays, and serving

her famous cinnamon rolls as a

Monday morning hostess.

When asked about volunteering,

Mary said, “I love the social aspect.

After being here so many years, these

people have become some of my best

friends.”

Thank you for being an RSVP volunteer, Mary!

October: Volunteer of the Month John Person, Catholic Community Services

“If you find something enjoyable, do it.” That’s John Person’s motto and

he’s stuck with it.

For the past 13 years, John has been driving low income seniors and Medi-

caid patients to doctor’s appointments and other errands as a volunteer driver

for Catholic Community Services. John volunteers an average of 66 hours

each month. John became an RSVP volunteer about two years ago after

seeing a presentation by Anita Hopkins, former RSVP program manager.

Raised in Naselle, John moved to Longview after getting a job at Reynolds

Metals. He worked there from 1968 until the business closed in 2001. John

shared, “Volunteering made a big difference in my life. I wasn’t very happy

when I retired, but volunteering gave me a chance to meet nice people.”

John’s favorite pastimes include spending time with his wife Lani, putting

together puzzles, collecting antique trucks and tractors, and visiting with

family.

Thank you for being an RSVP volunteer, John!

Find out what’s happening with other volunteers by liking our Facebook page. Search for “RSVP Volunteer Center for Cowlitz-Wahkiakum.”

AN RSVP STATION

SINCE 2011!

Kelso-Longview Train Depot use to be an undesirable

place to visit. When Amtrak and Greyhound left, there

was no one to care for the facility. In 2009, a group of

concerned citizens formed a volunteer organization to

keep the building open and tourist friendly.

Almost five years later, the depot is still serviced by vol-

unteers. Depot volunteers assist about 2000 passengers a

month with issues such as entering the correct train car

to updating them on late arrivals or departures. RSVP

volunteer, Val Malella said, "I enjoy the variety of chal-

lenges presented through volunteering at the depot. Each

day is a new adventure."

The Depot has 16 active

RSVP volunteers. Karen

Bergquist said," Volunteers

are recognized by receiving

service pins. Each volunteer

receives a green vest embroi-

dered with the volunteer's

name after so many hours of

volunteering.

Kelso-Longview Train Depot is a registered 501 (c) (3)

with a mission to assist travelers and to be courteous

ambassadors for the communities. For more infor-

mation about volunteering at the depot, contact Val (425

-0177) or Karen (636-2152).

Kelso/Longview Train Depot is looking for:

Volunteers 21+

who can problem solve, multi-task, computer and telephone literate, courteous and friendly attitude to work with public, keep station clean

Left to right: Karen & Val

Getting to Know RSVP Stations: Kelso/Longview Train Depot

* Article source: medicare.gov

1. Your Medicare coverage is protected. Medicare isn’t part of the Health Insurance Market-

place established by ACA, so you don’t have to replace your Medicare coverage with Mar-

ketplace coverage. No matter how you get Medicare, whether through Original Medicare or

a Medicare Advantage Plan, you’ll still have the same benefits and security you have now.

2. You get more preventative services, for less. Medicare now covers certain preventative

services, like mammograms or colonoscopies without charging you for the Part B coinsur-

ance or deductible. You also can get a free yearly “Wellness” visit.

3. You can save money on brand-name drugs. If you’re in the donut hole, you’ll also get a

50% discount when buying Part D-covered brand-name prescription drugs. The discount is

applied automatically at the count of your pharmacy—you don’t have to do anything to get

it. The donut hole will be closed completely by 2020.

4. Your doctor gets more support. With new initiatives to support care coordination, your

doctor may get additional resources to make sure that your treatments are consistent.

5. The ACA ensures the protection of Medicare for years to come. The life of the Medi-

care Trust fund will be extended to at least 2029—a 12-year extension due to reductions in

waste, fraud and abuse, and Medicare costs, which will provide you with future savings on

your premiums and coinsurance.

Five Things to Know About the Affordable Care Act and Medicare To learn more

about Medicare

and the ACA, go

to medicare.gov

or call SHIBA:

(360) 425-3430

x 304.

Hi again! Where did this summer go? I’m really enjoying the many colors and

changes in the weather. The office has been abuzz with many of you coming in to

turn in hours. I hope you are all enjoying this new newsletter and the special

recognition of our wonderful volunteers.

DID YOU KNOW ….

We hear each day of the many scams against our vulnerable population. The most

recent one is a phone scam where seniors are being told they need a new Medicare

card and the scammers are requesting their personal information. It is important

to note: Medicare and Medicaid will never contact you by phone. Also, do not

ever allow anyone into your home under these pretenses. Medicare and Medicaid

don’t make home visits.

DID YOU KNOW ….

Your local fire department has free services for the

elderly and disabled. After speaking with the fire

department, I encourage you to contact them for

information on what they have to offer. The local

fire department’s number is 442-5503.

Please drop by when turning in your timesheets so

Sarah and I will have an opportunity to meet and

chat with you!

Carolyn

RSVP/SHIBA Program Assistant

(360) 425-3430 x 212

Carolyn’s Corner

Enrollment in Medicare’s prescription drug program (Part D) starts

Tuesday, Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7. If you’re Medicare-eligible and

want to enroll in Part D or change your current plan, beat the last minute

rush by enrolling early.

The Washington State Office of Insurance

Commissioner’s Statewide Health Insurance

Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) can answer

questions about Medicare Part D and

provide help on other parts of Medicare as

well as other health care topics. Call to schedule your free, confidential appointment today! (360) 425-3430 x 304 Lower Columbia CAP 1526 Commerce Ave. Longview, WA 98632

Medicare Open Enrollment

SHIBA Help-Line is a free, unbiased and confidential counseling service spon-sored by the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Our trained volunteers help consumers of all ages understand their health care rights and options. SHIBA advisors can help you: find health care coverage options, compare health insurance plans and prices, understand government health programs, report health care fraud and abuse. Call today: (360) 425-3430 X 304

Do you have unwanted material or yarn? RSVP knitters & quilters would appreci-ate your donations as they make blankets and hats for people in need! You may drop off yarn or material at the CAP office.

RSVP Notice

We encourage you to distribute Volunteer Focus to your volunteers! You can email it, print it and distribute through the mail or at meetings, and/or post it in a location where your volunteers can access it. We want every volun-teer to feel connected to and part of RSVP.