Five volunteers were

recognized for 26+ years

of service!

Myrna Hustad - 26 Years

Leota Walker - 27 Years

Idella Lichter - 28 Years

Eva Kuitert - 29 Years

George Sternfels - 29 Years

The Bridge Builder

RSVP of Alachua County

Spring 2009 XXXVIII Issue No. 7

“RSVP VOLUNTEERS ARE PRICELESS” Over 300 volunteers and guests gathered at the Paramount Plaza Hotel & Convention Center on Wednesday, April 22, 2009, for RSVP’s 35th Annual Volunteer Recognition. The theme for this year’s event was "RSVP Volunteers Are Priceless." Everyone seemed

to enjoy themselves as there was much laughter and chatter about the room. It was great to visit with those that share such a strong desire to help those in need. The need for assistance increases as our economy plummets, this truly makes each and every second of your volunteer service priceless! The room was garnished with “money” and bouquets of

hunter green, silver, and gold balloons. And we heard many squeals over the shiny silver piggy bank centerpieces.

The musical entertainment for our event was provided by Franziska Jaeger, who played her Viola as volunteers were registering and making their way to their table, and The Eastside High School Jazz Band Ensemble, directed by David M. Jones, Band Director, who played several musical numbers. We all enjoyed both of these musical presentations. Debbie Shea, Program Coordinator for RSVP, welcomed everyone to the Recognition and introduced the rest of the RSVP staff, Program Specialist Ruth O’Conner and Senior Staff Assistant, Samantha Crawford. Debbie then introduced Rebecca Falmlen, Director of Senior Services. Rebecca spoke on the theme of the day, “RSVP Volunteers Are Priceless.” Rebecca then introduced our Master of Ceremonies for the day, Bob Williams, Community Service and Employment Manager from TV 20.

He sure knows how to get the party started! Myrna Stengal Hustad, who has written a poem for many of our Recognitions, read her poem titled, "RSVP Volunteers Are Priceless." This year’s poem was especially beautiful! Thank you, Myrna! Can you believe this?

Here is Eva Kuitert receiving her rose. What an honor and

accomplishment! RSVP and Alachua County are fortunate to have such devoted volunteers!

The 2009 Volunteer of the Year Awards, representing 10 critical community needs, were presented to volunteers. The RSVP Advisory Council randomly selected names from those that were nominated by stations. All winners and nominees were recognized along with their station representatives. We congratulate all who were nominated!

Congratulations to the 2009 Volunteer of the Year Award Winners Maureen Anderson – Art/Culture Dan Stevens - Community Safety Shirley Bagnall – Education George Edwards – Environment Virginia Wiley – Health Support Lonnie Thompson - Hospitals Kathleen Morgan – Organizational Support Larry Bagnall – Poverty & Homelessness Clara Reed – Senior Meals Ailene Feldherr – Support for Seniors

Commissioner Lee Pinkoson presented this year’s “Senior Friendly Business Award” to Publix Supermarkets for their outstanding customer service and willingness to go above and beyond to assist their senior customers. Jay Willis, Store Manager of the Millhopper Publix, accepted the award. On behalf of the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners, Commissioner Lee Pinkoson accepted an oversized symbolic check presented by Lester Miller, RSVP volunteer and Treasurer for the RSVP Advisory Council. The “check” was valued at $2,438,691.40 which represents the dollar amount applied to the 124,997 hours served by all you outstanding RSVP volunteers last fiscal year. What a remarkable contribution to the Alachua County community! Give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done! RSVP Staff would like to express their appreciation to the following:

• The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners for sponsoring RSVP for the past 35 years. We appreciate all your help and support through the years.

• The RSVP Advisory Council, who help guide, manage and support our program. • The Paramount Plaza for providing discounts and supporting RSVP. • Ms. Franziska Jaeger and the Eastside High School Jazz Band Ensemble for providing our

musical entertainment this year. • Mr. Bob Williams for being a fabulous Master of Ceremony. • Tower Publications for the 2009 RSVP Annual Guide • The Department of Community Support Services staff that assisted before and during the

recognition which helped make things run smoothly.

A special THANK YOU to the businesses who sponsored this year’s awards!

HAVEN HOSPICE, NORTH FLORIDA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER, AND SHANDS HEALTHCARE

35th Annual Recognition Luncheon

Debbie Shea

How FUN it was to see so many of our volunteers at the 35th

Annual RSVP Recognition Luncheon last

month. I enjoyed being able to talk to several of you and hearing the stories you shared. From many of

your responses, it sounds like everyone had an enjoyable time. It was a time to get together and recognize

all the incredible service you give to our community, and also a time to enjoy getting to visit with your

fellow volunteers, learn more about each other, and share your volunteer experiences. It is certainly an

honor to be part of a program that supports all of you who give so much to this community. Thank you for

all you do! RSVP Volunteers Are Priceless!

Spring has sprung and the weather has been beautiful. We’re leaving the cooler weather behind and it’s

starting to get warmer now, so please be careful not to get too much sun or work too hard in the outdoors.

Keep the sunscreen and the water handy nearby.

Please feel free to call if you ever have any suggestions, need information, or just want to say hi. I’d love to

hear from you! Have a wonderful Spring!!!

Hurricane Season: June 1st - November 30th To prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following measures:

• Make plans to secure your property. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.

• Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.

• Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed. • Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts. • Determine how and where to secure your boat. • Consider building a safe room.

If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should:

• Listen to the radio or TV for information. • Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors. • Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting

and keep its doors closed. • Turn off propane tanks. • Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies. • Move your boat if time permits. • Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub

and other large containers with water.

Disaster Supply Kit

• Water - at least one gallon per person for three to seven days • Food - at least enough for three to seven days: non-perishable packaged or canned food; juices;

foods for infants or the elderly; snack food; non-electric can opener; cooking utensils; fuel; paper plates and plastic utensils

• Maps • Blankets and pillows • Clothing - seasonal, rain gear, sturdy shoes • Medical supplies - first aid kit, medicines, prescription drugs, a spare set of eye glasses • Special Items - for infants and the elderly • Toiletries - toilet paper, hygiene items and plastic bags for sanitary disposal • Moisture wipes and anti-bacterial hand sanitizer • Flashlight - extra batteries • Radio - battery-operated and NOAA weather radio • Cash - (Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods.) • Important documents - in a waterproof container: insurance, medical records, bank and credit card

account numbers, birth certificates, social security card • Keys • Toys, books and games • Tools • Pet care items: proper identification, immunization records, ample supply of food and water, a

carrier or cage, medications, muzzle and leash

United Way 211 – Disaster Preparedness & Recovery

The United Way is our County’s lead agency for Emergency Support Function (ESF) 15: RSVP volunteers who would like to volunteer to provide disaster relief will contact us to get signed up with the United Way station. Although this volunteer opportunity may be infrequent or non-existent for extended periods of time, the RSVP wanted to offer this as an option for volunteers, and do so in a way which would provide assistance to our communities. It’s a great opportunity to serve on an “as-needed” basis.

Energy Saving Tips • Use ENERGY STAR® labeled products. A new refrigerator with an ENERGY STAR label will save

you between $35 and $70 a year compared to the models designed 15 years ago. GRU has high efficiency room air conditioner rebates available.

• Install 14-watt compact fluorescent light bulbs in place of 60-watt incandescent bulbs. CFLs use at least 2/3 less energy than standard incandescent bulbs to provide the same amount of light, and last up to 10 times longer. You can save $30 or more in energy costs over each bulb’s lifetime.

• The most important maintenance task that will ensure the efficiency of your air conditioner is to replace or clean filters monthly. Clogged, dirty filters block normal airflow and reduce a system's efficiency significantly. GRU has central air conditioner maintenance rebates available.

• Use ceiling fans to increase comfort level. Set your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher. For each degree you lower the temperature from the recommended setting, you can increase your bill up to 4%. GRU has HVAC system rebates available.

• Don't place lamps or TV sets near your air conditioner thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, and causes the air conditioning to run longer than necessary using more energy.

• Plant trees or shrubs to shade air conditioning units but not to block the airflow. A unit operating in the shade uses as much as 10% less electricity than the same one operating in the sun.

• Install a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature automatically and maximize energy savings. When cooling, try programming the thermostat to 82° while you are gone in the daytime and return it to 78° two hours before you get home.

Gainesville Regional Utilities www.gru.com

News You Can Use

President Obama Proclaims May Older Americans Month

Older Americans have carried our Nation through great challenges and triumphs. They have enriched our

national character and strengthened the Republic for those who have followed. During the month of May, we

pay tribute to the wisest among us.

Throughout the land, older Americans are strengthening our communities and the American way of life. Many senior citizens remain in the workforce to support themselves and their families. Others are embarking on second careers and exploring new interests and fields of knowledge. Inspiring citizens of all ages, many serve as advocates and volunteers in community service roles. In this important work, they make a real difference in the daily lives of fellow citizens of all ages, while promoting and strengthening the American spirit of civic participation.

- Administration on Aging $250 Economic Recovery Payments Vice President Joe Biden and Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, announced that the federal government will send out $250 economic recovery payments to people who receive Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits beginning in early May 2009 and continuing throughout the month.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides for a one-time payment of $250 to adult Social Security beneficiaries, and to SSI recipients, except those receiving Medicaid in care facilities. To receive the payment the individual must be eligible for Social Security or SSI during the months of November 2008, December 2008 or January 2009.

The legislation also provides for a one-time payment to Veterans Affairs (VA) and Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) beneficiaries. The VA and RRB will be responsible for paying individuals under their respective programs. However, if someone receives Social Security and SSI, VA or RRB benefits, he or she will receive only one $250 payment. People getting Social Security or SSI should not contact the agency unless a payment is not received by June 4, 2009.

- Social Security Administration

CCCCurrent Volunteer Opportunitiesurrent Volunteer Opportunitiesurrent Volunteer Opportunitiesurrent Volunteer Opportunities

Home Delivered meals

Would you like to help deliver meals to home-bound seniors? Do you have 1-2 hours per week? You or you and a buddy could partner up and deliver what could be someone’s only hot meal for the day!

Altrusa House

An adult day health care facility that provides for the socialization and safety of frail, elderly and disabled adults, age 18 and over needs your help! They need front desk workers to answer phone calls and check clients in and out. Wouldn’t it feel great to know you’ve enhanced the quality of life for others?

Ronald McDonald House

Needs Front Desk Hosts to check families in and out, answer phones, give tours, etc. There is also a need for volunteers to staff the Family Room at Shands. The Family Room provides comfort and support to local families who do not need to stay overnight at the Ronald McDonald House, and to out-of-town families who cannot leave the hospital because of the fragile condition of their child. Now who could turn down this opportunity?

Winn-Dixie Hope Lodge

Wouldn’t you like to assist a facility that combines a home-like atmosphere with easy access to Gainesville medical centers for cancer patients who have traveled from out of town for treatment? They need front desk workers to check guests in and out; answer phones; and give tours. Let’s show these visitors what hospitable volunteers reside in Gainesville!

Catholic Charities Volunteers in the Respite Program provide secure companionship for a frail family member while the caregiver takes a much needed break or Friendly Visitors render a similar service to the disabled living alone and may run simple errands like picking up groceries. Volunteers do not administer medications or do housework. Time commitment is 3-4 hours a week.

Ombudsman

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is always looking for volunteers to advocate on behalf of Florida's more than 160,000 residents of long-term care facilities. Ombudsman volunteers are authorized to enter any nursing home or assisted living facility to check on residents and make sure their rights are being properly respected. Now wouldn’t you want this reassurance for one of your loved ones?

Contact Ruth O’Conner @ 352.264.6752 if interested in any of the above

opportunities!

BENEFITS OF SHARING YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS WITH US

ARE YOU READING THIS NEWSLETTER IN PAPER FORMAT? DO YOU

HAVE AN E-MAIL ADDRESS? IF YOU ANSWERED YES TO BOTH OF

THESE QUESTIONS, YOU MUST NOT BE AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING

BENEFITS:

• Informed of timely information o Community Events (health fairs, senior seminars, free theatre tickets) o Farmers Market Info o New Volunteer Opportunities o Emergency Press Releases

• Ability to view quarterly newsletters in color • Friendly reminders to complete timesheets at the end of each quarter

Example: Last month our office received a call from the Stephen O’Connell Center. They had some free tickets to give us for the “Yanni Live - In Concert” show. We had just a few hours to contact volunteers to see if anyone would like to go to the show. We immediately sent out an e-mail to 120 volunteers currently on our e-mail list and 30 of you were able to go to the concert. If we hadn’t had the e-mail addresses, we wouldn’t have been able to let so many people know about this wonderful opportunity.

IF YOU’D LIKE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE ABOVE, PLEASE SEND YOUR E-MAIL

ADDRESS TO: Samantha Crawford @ scrawford@alachuacounty.us . PLEASE INCLUDE

YOUR FIRST AND LAST NAME IN THE E-MAIL SO WE’LL KNOW WHO YOU ARE.

Summer Safety Guide for Seniors

As our bodies age, skin and fat tissue, the body's insulators, tend to thin. Because of that change, seniors regulate temperature less efficiently, putting them at greater risk than others from heat-related health problems. The following tips can help seniors beat the heat.

• Slow down. If you must be active, do so between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. • Take regular breaks when engaging in physical activity on warm days. • Stay cool. • Plan outdoor activities in the cooler early morning or evening hours. • Use U/V skin protection • Drink plenty of water. • Eat small meals and eat more often. • Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician. • Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Wear a hat. • Discuss with your doctor how medications and/or chronic conditions may affect your body's ability

to manage heat. • Take the heat seriously. Rapid heartbeat, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, headache, chest pain, fatigue,

clammy skin, mental changes or breathing problems are warning signs that you should seek immediate medical attention.

(Taken from the American Red Cross)

Important Dates Annual Pancake Breakfast – June 13, 2009

Join the RSVP Advisory Council for a Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser! Saturday, June 13, 2009 from 8 - 10 a.m. This year the Annual Pancake Breakfast will be held at Gator’s Dockside located at 3842 Newberry Road in Gainesville. Come enjoy pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, orange juice, milk or coffee – and support seniors! Tickets are only $6.

For tickets or information, contact:

Pam Fitzgerald: 352-955-7243

Memorial Day – May 25th

Father’s Day – June 21st

Independence Day – July 4th

National Fried Chicken Day National Watermelon Day

July 6th August 3rd

Welcome New Volunteers

Local classes for AARP Driver Safety Program

Gainesville: June 9th & 10th, 12:00-4:00 (Trinity United Methodist Church)

June 11th & 12th, 9:00-1:00 (The Atrium – FREE hot lunch on 12th) June 20th & 27th, 9:00-1:00 (Palm Garden Home – Two Saturdays) July 9th & 10th, 9:00-1:00 (The Atrium – FREE hot lunch on 10th) July 15th & 16th, 9:00-1:00 (Trinity United Methodist Church) *For information or to register, please contact Lynda LeGrow at (352) 333-3036.

Thank You

“Friends of RSVP”

Contributors

Arlene Alexander Frances Sharon Faris

Elaine C. Gray Idella B. Lichter

Ron & Karen Mahan Lillian Mason Anita Minck

Deanne C. Moler Herbert & Barbara Oberlander

Phyllis Piazza Mildred Robinson Pattie Thompson Robert Williams

Carole Emrick Stuart Monplaisir Esther Garcia Winifred Roscoe Lawrance Grant Flory Telleck Charles Griffin Patricia Williams Sarah Kerslake Brandy Wilson

We want to hear from you! Please send any of the following items for use in our upcoming newsletters.

• Articles • Stories • Jokes • Recipes • Photos

You may e-mail, fax, mail, or drop the items off by the office. Look for your submissions in the next newsletter!

Myra Eddy and Patricia Read

These ladies were the lucky winners of the two $25 Publix Gift Cards raffled for completing

and turning in their surveys on time! Way to go!

Two elderly women were out driving. Both could barely see over the dashboard. As they were cruising along they came to an intersection. The stoplight was red but they just went on through. The woman in the passenger seat thought to herself, "I must be losing it. I could have sworn we just went through a red light."

A few minutes later they came to another intersection and the light was red again, and again they went right though. This time the woman in the passenger seat was almost sure the light had been red but was really concerned that she was losing it. She was getting nervous and decided to pay very close attention to the road and the next intersection to see what was going on.

At the next intersection, sure enough, the light was definitely red and they went right through. She turned to the other woman and said "Mildred! Did you know we just ran through three red lights in a row! You could have killed us!"

Mildred turned to her and said "Oh darn, am I driving?"

Fun Facts Submitted by Myrna Hustad

Finally, some definitions that make sense

• Beauty Parlor – a place where women curl up and dye • Chicken – the only animal you eat before it is born and after it

dies • Committee – a body that keeps minutes and wastes hours • Egotist – someone who is usually me-deep in conversation • Raisin – grape with a sunburn • Toothache – a pain that drives you to extraction • Yawn – an honest opinion openly expressed • Secret – something you tell to one person at a time • Inflation – cutting money in half without damaging the paper • Wrinkles – something other people have; you have character

lines

THANKS FOR SHARING MYRNA!

Refreshing Summer Pie

Ingredients - 1 Graham cracker crust - 24 oz. fruit yogurt - 9 0z. container cool whip - fruit for garnish

Directions Combine yogurt and cool whip in a large bowl. Pour into crust, refrigerate until firm, garnish with fruit of choice!!!!!

www.epicurean.com

RSVP Advisory Council

CHAIR VICE CHAIR Linda Gardner Kimberly Owens SECRETARY TREASURER Pam Fitzgerald Les Miller Pat Bellis Anthony Clarizio Cindy Flowers

Vidya Hogan Myrna Hustad Pat Knight Sadie McBroom Lee Pinkoson

HONORARY MEMBER

Charles Gatton

THANK YOU TO INSTY-PRINTS FOR THEIR VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION

RSVP STAFF Program Coordinator: Debbie Shea Program Specialist: Ruth O’Conner Senior Staff Assistant: Samantha Crawford

The Bridge Builder Published by the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program RSVP is part of the Corporation for National Service

and is sponsored locally by the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners

within the Department of Community Support Services

FRIENDS OF RSVP If you would like to become a Friend of RSVP,

send your donation to: 218 SE 24th Street

Gainesville, FL 32641

Please make checks payable to the Advisory Council for RSVP and enclose the form below:

I wish to become a Friend of RSVP as indicated:

Individual $5 Family $15 Contributor $25 Patron $50 Benefactor $100+ Other $____

Name: _____________________________

Address: ___________________________

City: _________________Zip__________

The Bridge Builder Retired and Senior Volunteer Program 218 SE 24th Street Gainesville, FL 32641

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 23 GAINESVILLE, FL