RSVP / Senior Corps “Your Local Volunteer Resource” Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands July / August 2015

Program of Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands ph.: 508-394-4630 fax: 508-394-0608 toll free: 1-800-244-4630 www.escci.org

Senior Corps Staff:

Susan Schneider, RSVP Program Director Ext 520

Ann Gallagher,

Three R’s Coordinator Ext 521

Linda Merrill-Contonio,

Volunteer Coordinator Ext 522

Anita Lord,

Senior Environment Corps, Fieldwork Coordinator Ext. 523

Stefanie Paventy

Senior Environment Corps, Fieldwork Coordinator @ Joint Base Cape Cod 508-968-5125

Senior Corps Volunteers Active in Tai Chi

Falmouth residents and Senior Corps volunteers Clifton & Judy

Genge are serious devotees of the martial art of Tai Chi. The martial

art has evolved over the years into an effective means of alleviating

stress and anxiety. It is considered to be a form of “meditation in mo-

tion” and a facilitator of serenity and inner peace.

As members of the Cape Cod Guang Ping Tai Ji Quan Club in Fal-

mouth, which is open to the public, Judy assists with instructing Tai

Chi for Healthy Aging for Mashpee residents at the Senior Center on

Thursday evenings. Tai Chi for Healthy Aging is an adapted training

program designed to improve strength and balance , reduce fear and

Members of the Cape Cod Tai Chi Seniors in Motion from left, Hope Sargent, Clif Genge,

Audrey Jackson, Judy Genge, & Donna Brown.

risk of falling through flexibility and relaxation techniques. Recently, the Club celebrated

World Tai Chi Day at the Gus Canty Community Center. World Tai Chi Day is celebrated every

year on the last Saturday in April. It starts in New Zealand at 10:00 am local time. From there

organizers note that it has spread its “wave of calm and healing” from time zone to time zone

around the world on six continents and in 65 countries, concluding with final events in Hawaii.

This year there were over 75 people in attendance at the Canty Community Center.

Clif is a Tai Chi instructor and offers classes at the Falmouth Senior Center on Thursday eve-

nings and at the Gus Canty Recreation Center in Falmouth on Monday afternoons. To learn

more about the classes offered, contact Clif Genge at opendoor65@aol.com or call 508-540-

5459.

Are you retired Coast Guard, a history buff, or interested in the work the Coast Guard does?

The Coast Guard Heritage Museum needs volunteers!

Open May thru October , the museum is looking for volunteers to serve as docents, work the front

desk, greet visitors, receive admissions, or handle sales in our small gift shop.

Work 5 hours a week. Training will be provided.

We are located at For more information

3353 Route 6A contact John McGrath

Barnstable 508-846-1388

Visit: www.coastguardheritagemuseum.org

Thank you to all the members of the Senior Corps / RSVP Advisory Council!

We appreciate your commitment to the program & look forward

to your continued involvement .

James Barnes, June Groele, Geoff Heins, Michele Jenness,

Joan Knowlton, Antonia Martin, & Gabby Sakolsky

Welcome to our new members:

Becky Alden, Katherine Garofoli, & Betty Hart

Can you knit, crochet or quilt?

Than HopeHealth could use your help!

We are in need of volunteers to make lap blankets for our Hospice patients. If you

possess this valuable skill and would like to use it to bring joy to seriously ill patients,

please call Linda Merrill-Contonio at Elder Services, 508-394-4630 for information

about how you can help.

Volunteer Opportunities

Senior Environment Corps—Stefanie Paventy @ 508-968-5125 or Anita Lord @ 508-394-4630

Dennis, Town of, Do you love being outdoors? Want to make a difference in your community? Become

a town of Dennis Land Steward! Volunteering as a land steward will assist the Dept. of Natural Re-

sources in protecting & preserving conservation areas, public access, & fragile habitats. No experi-

ence or commitment necessary. Call Anita Lord for more information. 508-394-4630

Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Martha’s Vineyard Garden Volunteer Work Party—Help our garden

grow! Work along side knowledgeable volunteers , Thursdays; July 2—August 27, 1—3 pm. Come for

the knowledge but stay for the experience and fun! Call Anita for more information.

Long Pasture, Audubon, Barnstable - Volunteer needed to work as receptionist at the Visitor Center,

Greet & orient visitors, provide information, answer phones, and assist with registrations. Call Anita.

Thornton W. Burgess Society: E. Sandwich Volunteers needed to help with trail maintenance in July &

August. Must be able to operate a weed Wacker. Call Stefanie Paventy 508-968-5125

Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve: Volunteers needed to help in the Visitor’s Center

in July & August. Contact Stef Paventy for more information. 508-968-5125

Wellfleet Bay—Audubon, Volunteers needed to substitute at the front desk / receptionist position.

Possibility of picking up a regular shift. Flexible hours. Kayak enthusiast needed to work with group

tours. Must have extensive paddling experience and own equipment. Docents needed to help guide

visitors thru exhibit area and provide information. Also volunteers needed to work on Diamondback

Terrapin Turtle project. Walk the beach looking for nesting females in July, and for hatchlings in Au-

gust & September. Must be able to walk a mile, carry lightweight gear, work once a week for a few

hours. Call Anita Lord.

Wildcare—Eastham Volunteers needed for office work, clinic work, fundraising and to work with baby

birds. Training provided. Call Anita Lord for more information. 508-394-4630

FANS—Friends and Neighbors—Call Linda Merrill-Contonio @ 508-394-4630

American Cancer Society: Drivers needed. Take seniors to medical appointments, some off Cape.

Call Linda for more information. You can make a difference! 508-394-4630

American Red Cross: Volunteers are needed in Hyannis for office support. Help needed answering

the phones, welcoming visitors, light paper work, etc. Work shifts Monday—Friday 12:30—4:30 pm.

Become a blood drive volunteer! Welcome and assist donors at local Blood Drives. Provide instruc-

tions, maintain donor counts, direct medical questions to nurses, & supply refreshments. Call Linda.

Barnstable Senior Center: Volunteer drivers needed for our new electric car! We are going green and

need volunteer drivers to transport seniors to appointments or local errands in our electric car. If you

have a clean driving record & a good knowledge of the Barnstable area, we would love to talk to you!

For more information, call Linda Merrill at 508-394-4630.

Brewster Council on Aging: Needs volunteers to provide transportation to seniors for medical appoint-

ments. Most rides are local, never over the bridge, no weekends, & times are flexible. Call Linda Mer-

rill for more information 508-394-4630

White House Conference on Aging

Monday, July 13th

The White House has held a Conference on Aging each decade since the 1960s to identify and advance actions to improve the quality of life of older Americans. The 2015 White House Conference on Aging is an opportunity to look ahead to the is-sues that will help shape the landscape for older Americans for the next decade.

On Monday, July 13th, Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands will host a watch

party for the White House Conference on Aging event. It will be held in confer-

ence room A ( on the lower level – 68 Route 134, So. Dennis, MA).

PRELIMINARY AGENDA FOR WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON AGING

EVENT

Note: All times and topics are subject to change

10:00am to 12:20pm ET Welcome; Opening Panels on Caregiving and Finan-

cial Security; President Obama’s Remarks

12:20pm to 1:20pm ET Break for Lunch

1:20pm to 4:20pm ET Afternoon Panel Discussions on Healthy Aging, El-

der Justice and Technology

4:20pm to 4:30pm ET Closing

If you would like to attend, please call Cheryl Gayle, Director of Community Ser-

vice, Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Island at 508-364-4630, x 103 or email:

cheryl.gayle@escci.org.

Please note that you may attend part or all of the conference.

Coast Guard Heritage Museum : Barnstable Volunteers needed to help with exhibits and act as do-

cents . Museum is located in Barnstable Village and is open May thru October, Tuesday thru Satur-

day, from 10 to 3:00 pm. If you are retired Coast Guard, or are a Coast Guard family, this would be a

fun volunteer opportunity for you! Contact Linda for more information 508-394-4630

Dennis COA: The Dennis Senior Center’s Computer Learning Center is looking for more volunteer in-

structors. Requirements: sufficient comfort with the device you use in order to field questions from

newcomers & an occasional “knotty” problem and 2) sufficient comfort in working with others in order

to maintain a collegial, helpful atmosphere. Call Linda Merrill @ 508-394-4630 if interested.

Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands— Mature Workers Program: Skilled volunteer needed to

design & build a relational database (on Microsoft Access) to house information on the Mature Work-

ers Program’s community partner agencies. This is a one time project that includes uploading the ini-

tial tables of data, programing & testing relationships, creating forms and training office staff on prop-

er data entry. Estimated commitment is 20 hours. Completion date is August 31. For more infor-

mation, contact Laura Roskos, Mature Worker’s Program Director, 508-394-4630.

Family Pantry of Cape Cod, Harwich: The Pantry is in need of able bodies to work our varied shifts at

the Second Glance Thrift Boutique in Harwichport. We also need volunteers to work our food distri-

bution line on Tuesdays, do computer in-take on Thursday’s & Saturdays, and work on incoming

trucks on Saturday mornings. Also, garden shifts available Monday thru Fridays 8:30 am to 11 am.

Call Linda for more information. 508-394-4630

Flower Angels, West Dennis—Volunteer needed with a SUV or van to pick up donated flowers on

weekends at Chatham Bars Inn, Wequassett Resort, or Wychmere Beach Club. Always need experi-

enced floral arrangers on Monday & Thursday morning from 10:30 until 1:00 pm. Call Linda

Harwich COA: Volunteers needed for the following: Travel Desk Receptionists , Mondays 10—2,

Tuesdays—Friday 10—noon. Trivia Challenge Leader, Wednesdays 1:00—2:30 pm. (Fun!) Always

need medical drivers to take seniors to appointments. Call Linda for more information.

HopeHealth: Hyannis, Hospice: It’s about Living! Volunteers: They’re about Caring! HopeHealth is a

non-profit organization bringing hope to seriously ill patients & their families. There are many oppor-

tunities available that match your specialized expertise, unique talents & interest in caring for others.

All volunteers participate in comprehensive training program. Call Linda for more information.

Housing Assistance Corp: Volunteers are needed to assist with the following: Childcare on week-

days at one of our family shelters (Hyannis, Bourne, Falmouth); transporting clients to local medical

appts.; folding & labeling newsletter usually 1st Thurs or Fri of the month. Call Linda for info.

Sight Loss Services: Drivers are needed to take people to & from Support Group meetings—which

are held once a month, usually between 10 & 1:00, at 13 different locations across the Cape. Special

need for people in the Upper Cape area & Falmouth. Call Linda Merrill for more details.

VNA: “Thriftique” VNA’s thrift shop needs volunteers! Join a group of fun & hard working folks who

price, sell & merchandise donated items to our thrift shop. Also a need for Hospice volunteers. Be a

comforting & supportive presence at this difficult time. Volunteers do not provide any hands on care.

Listen to stories, engage in a patient’s hobby, run errands, or provide much needed respite for care-

givers. Volunteers receive comprehensive training to ensure they are comfortable. Call Linda

Vineyard Village, Martha’s Vineyard: Drivers needed to take seniors to appointments, shopping, er-

rands, etc. Hours are flexible. Call Linda for more information 508-394-4630

Veterans Outreach Center: Hyannis - Food Pantry—Needs volunteers to pick up food in Harwich eve-

ry other Monday also help unload truck & stock shelves in pantry. Other miscellaneous jobs as well.

Call Linda for more information.

Yarmouth COA— Special event greeters needed—also help with registrations. Volunteers to help

with light maintenance— afternoon set up & break down of tables & chairs needed for events, sweep-

ing, mopping & taking out trash. Also need a Web Site Coordinator to upload calendar & events on

Town Senior Services website. About 7 hours of data uploading per month. Flexible job. Call Linda

Your Volunteering Counts! Log Your Volunteer Hours With Us!

Reminder: You can now send in your timesheet without leaving your desk! Click on the following link,

you can fill out the time sheet, hit the save button, and hit the send button (looks like envelope on tool

bar) hit send copy, default/continue , put linda.merrill@escci.org in the To: box & send. Quick & easy!

Click Here for Volunteer Timesheet

“Hipp Hipp Hooray”

Three cheers for Senior Environment Corps volunteer pro Nancy Hipp who

demonstrated her mettle once again when battling debris deposited after Juno

wreaked its havoc on Ryders Cove, Chatham last winter. The flotsam and jet-

sam along with an excessive accumulation of lit-

ter made the June 16 clean-up a rather daunting

task.

Tools & Tricks of the Trade

But Nancy’s “Be Prepared” Girl Scout training was evident

when she arrived on site with bug and tick repellent wearing

her specially treated knee high socks to let what was lurking

in the marshes know who was boss. Armed with her orange

metal trash grabbers and recycle basket, our tireless trek-

ker was a great motivator for the handful of young, less expe-

rienced AmeriCorps volunteers witnessing her dogged de-

termination first hand. Upon assignment completion, her

generous supply of rubbing alcohol wipes came in handy for

soothing bites, blisters, and bruises acquired along the way.

Thanks for showing us how it’s done, Nancy!

Written By Anita Lord

We’re on the web! Visit us at

www.escci.org

68 ROUTE 134

SOUTH DENNIS, MA

02660

SENIOR SERVICE CORPS ELDER SERVICES OF CAPE COD AND THE ISLANDS

RSVP offers maximum flexibility and choice to its volunteers as it matches the personal interests and skills of older Americans with opportunities to serve their communities.

Non-Profit Organization

US Postage Paid

Permit #16

So. Yarmouth, MA

02664

SENIOR SERVICE CORPS ELDER SERVICES OF CAPE COD AND THE ISLANDS

2015

Summer Fun

At the museum!

July 13-17 Dinosaurs & Reptiles

July 20-24 Science Wonders

July 27-31 Knights, Princesses & Fairies

Our Summer Calendar is growing every day with more exciting programs and events,

so be sure to check our website at www.capecodchildrensmuseum.org

when planning your visit.

We are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to participate in our lively environment. We have opportunities for high school

and college students, adults and families. Join Cape Cod Children’s Museum’s energetic and friendly team of dedicated volunteers

and rediscover the joy of playing, laughing and learning all over again! 577 Great Neck Road South, Mashpee, MA 02649 | Phone: (508)539-8788 www.capecodchildrensmuseum.org

Monday—Saturday, 10:00 am—5:00 pm Sunday, 12:00—5:00 pm

SENIOR SERVICE CORPS 68 Route 134, South Dennis, MA 02660

Phone: (508) 394-4630 or (800)-244-4630, Fax. 508-394-0608

Linda Merrill, SSC Volunteer Coordinator, x522 linda.merrill@escci.org

VOLUNTEER HOURS REPORT NAME: ___________________________________ MONTH/YEAR:___________ Date(s) Hours *** Mileage

(if requested)

Agency:

Responsibilities: ______________

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**** I am recording mileage for my tax records only: Please check here_________ Total Hours Agency 1: ________ Supervisor Signature: ____________________* Total Hours Agency 2: ________ Supervisor Signature: ____________________ * Total Hours Agency 3: ________ Supervisor Signature: ____________________ * Total Hours this month: _______ Volunteer Signature: ____________________________ Date: _______________ As of June 1, 2011 the mileage cap of 100 miles is in effect. Please be sure to have your mileage/timesheet in

the office by the 10th

of the month. RSVP mileage reimbursement is subject to fund availability.