School library volunteer shares her time and knowledge
By Constance Garcia-Barrio
It’s said that every life is a work of art. If that’s true, then serving children of different creeds and colors has helped to make Elayne Blender’s days a brilliant creation.
Blender, 70, volunteers three half-days a week at Mount Airy’s Henry Houston Elementary School, tutoring mostly African-American students in literacy and math and coordinating the school’s 12 other volunteers in the school library.
Find ways to be active, involved during Older Americans Month
For 55 years, Older Americans Month (OAM) has been observed to recognize older Americans and their contributions to our communities. Led by the Administration for Community Living’s (ACL’s) Administration on Aging (AoA), this celebration each May offers an opportunity to hear from, support, and celebrate our nation’s elders. This year’s OAM theme, “Engage at Every Age,” emphasizes the importance of being active and involved. You are never too old (or too young) to participate in activities that can enrich your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Volunteers exemplify Older Americans Month theme
By Marcia Z. Siegal
Older Americans Month, observed during May, highlights the contributions of older people. This year’s theme, “Engage at Any Age,” emphasizes that you are never too old (or too young) to take part in activities that can enrich your physical, mental and emotional well-being. It also celebrates the many ways older adults make a difference in our communities, according to the Administration for Community Living, which leads this national, annual observance.
Opportunities for seniors in Philadelphia to remain active abound, including volunteer programs that bring generations together.
PEER ombudsmen provide volunteer advocacy
By Marcia Z. Siegal
Darlene Sauer frequently walks the halls on her floor at the Immaculate Mary Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare in Northeast Philadelphia to check on fellow residents. “I try to solve problems and, if I can’t, I report them to people who can,” said Sauer, who is one of the Pennsylvania Empowered Expert Resident (PEER) ombudsmen at the skilled nursing facility.
Heart transplant recipient expands her life
By Constance Garcia-Barrio
Waiting for a donor organ can leave patients caught between hope and desperation, says heart transplant recipient Janet Dennis. “I lived in the University of Pennsylvania hospital for six and a half weeks, waiting for a donor heart,” says Dennis, 63, a social worker retired from the city of Philadelphia. “I was blessed. Twenty-two people die every single day in the U.S. while waiting for a donor organ.”
Veteran volunteer offers volunteering tips
By Barbara Sherf
Longtime volunteer Bob Rossman, who retired as a computer programmer more than 15 years ago, has some tips for those looking to take on volunteer responsibilities. Rossman, 75, who has lived in Northwest Philadelphia for 40 years, enjoys a mix of volunteer activities that includes serving on several boards, as well as working with his hands.
Making mats for homeless Philadelphians
By Barbara Sherf
New York Opera and Broadway singer Leigh Munro, who teaches “Singing for Seniors” at her Chestnut Hill Voice Studio, is amazed at the volunteer ideas one can find on the internet.
Staying engaged, with dementia
By Constance Garcia-Barrio
When Betty Ann Fellner’s surgeon okayed her to start physical therapy after a 2011 hip replacement, she felt relieved at clearing a major health hurdle. But her physical therapist uncovered a shocking new problem.
Submit your nominations for 2018’s Emergency Fund Coalition Community Service Awards
Nominate a community member you think deserves to be recognized for his or her effort and support of the elderly.