Arnold speaks at Golden K meeting about the Retiree and Senior Volunteer Program
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KINGSFORD -- Grab your coat, get your hat and leave your worries at home. It's Monday morning and the Golden K seniors are determined to make this day shine inside as bright as the sun outside.
Chairman Ben Determan embraces his duties seriously and sounds the bell exactly at 10 a.m. Keeping the momentum going was Sue LeDuc at the piano and Lois Outcelt led the singing. The group went on a musical "Sentimental Journey" singing "Don't Fence Me In" and "Shine On, Harvest Moon."
Welcomed guests included Kathy Arnold, director of RSVP, and Sue LeDuc. Mary Jane Nelson was serenaded with the Happy Birthday song and then received winnings from the 50-50 drawing. It was a double win for her. Happy Dollars from Dan Pedo were in celebration of high school playoffs that included the Iron Mountain Mountaineers, Kingsford Flivvers, Norway Knights and the Florence Bobcats. The Negaunee Miners recently made an appearance on the "Today Show." Community pride flowed throughout the Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin sports world this past week with local youth leading the way.
Determan's "thought for the day" was appropriate for the program. "Life is like a game. There will be good innings and bad innings, great quarters and disappointing quarters, wins and losses. When the final score is called, those who played by the rules and played fairly will be the winners."
Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency RSVP Director Kathy Arnold spoke about the volunteer services in Dickinson and Iron counties.
The Retiree and Senior Volunteer Program welcomes those 55 years and older to share skills and talents in their respective communities. There are no educational or experience requirements and no membership fees are expected. The program provides opportunities for retired persons to participate in the life of their community through significant volunteer service. RSVP recently joined with Americorp Seniors. They service 20 RSVP projects in Michigan. Senior volunteers have contributed 47 million hours of volunteer service through public and non-profit community organizations throughout the country.
Kristin Sommerfeld, executive director of the DICSA program, provides administrative oversite to assure that RSVP operates in accordance with all federal and state guidelines. They provide members with a volunteer handbook listing qualifications for federal and state requirements. Confidentiality is always respected. RSVP information is never shared with other organizations or individuals. The handbook lists many ways volunteers can record hours for funding purposes. Qualified locations and questions are clarified at the DICSA office.
There are a few rules to be followed by both the RSVP and the volunteer. The rewards for volunteering are unlimited. Volunteers help the community and they help themselves. Volunteering builds friendships and boosts mental health. The "helpers high" creates a physical experience similar to vigorous exercise or meditation.
Volunteers are rewarded for their services once a year by the RSVP. It could be a luncheon or an ice cream social.
The list of opportunities abounds and volunteers are always needed. Contact your local DICSA office to open the door to some heartwarming experiences. Take a bit of time to help someone in need.
Golden K will meet at 10 a.m. Monday at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford. Come and see what we are all about. Don't forget the time change Sunday.