November 2009

Over the past couple months I have been privileged to be involved in promotional and fund raising efforts on behalf of RSVP in Jefferson and Clallam Counites, in connection with the staging of "Dinner And A Murder". This project has been great fun, offering opportunities to meet new (to me) groups of senior volunteers in the community, and to promote professional performing artists in public service to their community. When it became apparent that public health grants supporting my work in Senior Falls Prevention would not be renewed, I found myself more available and so accepted an invitation to help out the dinner theater/auction/fundraiser. This year's production, "Murder in Space", written by director/actor Ramon Dailey, will be staged this weekend, December 5th and 6th at Fort Worden State Park Commons in Port Townsend. I volunteered to write promotional materials in the form of press releases, write and direct mail letters of sponsorship to preferred donor lists and letters for new donor prospects. I put up posters in the windows and on the bulletin boards of just about every public and private establishment in Jefferson County. I maintained my sites, replacing torn down posters (its tough in the world of direct promotion---ask any musician), updating them etc.

The response to the campaign was overwhelming. We sold out the first show (240 seats) in a few weeks and are already approaching 100 seats for the second performance. Considering the economic situation out here on the Olympic Peninsula right now, and the $50 ticket price, it makes a body proud to see people so generously support the work of volunteers in this way. Visiting many of the sites to photograph senior volunteers at work, I was deeply impressed by the scope and passionate attitude of service among senior volunteers here in Jefferson County. Whether it was in the soup kitchens, food banks, libraries, Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building, senior centers or public schools, the senior volunteers spoke enthusiastically and with conviction about their work. I was humbled by their appreciation that I recognized the quality of their efforts and was involved in promoting the raising of resorces for that effort. Volunteers kept appointments to be interviewed and photgraphed at work for photo montages to be used as props during a live auction during the play's intermission. With 2 full bars flowing and lots of good food, the donations will hopefully pour in when crowds of people who acted boldly and bought tickets will "go where no one has gone before."

December 3rd, 2009 Port Townsend

Despite the aforementioned drought in public health grants, the Senior Falls Prevention Coalition is alive and well on the North Olympic Peninsula, though plans have been temporarily shelved for additional training sessions in Blyn and Forks for excercise instructors for the SAIL program. Approximately 32 SAIL instructors were certified in two training sessions in Port Townsend and Port Angeles this year. Senior exercise classes are being at Olympic Medical Center in Sequim and Port Angeles as well as at Port Townsend Athletic Club, Evergreen Fitness and Jefferson Healthcare in Port Townsend.

When you're short of resources (like travel budgets), you work with what you have in hand, which for me has involved more face to face networking with existing agencies in efforts to raise awareness of senior falls prevention. OlyCap, the non-profit agency that houses my office, runs energy conservation programs that include Vista Americorps volunteers conducting home energy audits. Agency personnel in this program have agreed to focus on seasonal hazards of increased risk of falls by seniors due to decreased daylight, slippery mossy surfaces, ice, space heater extension cords and drowsiness brought on by the short dark days of winter. Auditors now provide, along with an energy audit, advice in the form of an informal safety check on their winter habits, including advice about making sure they refresh the airsupply in the home and avoid clutter around heating sources, which could lead to falls (or fire). Snow removal was a critical liability last year.

My second year of service beigns December 12th. I hope it is as rewarding as the first. A new grant and work plan are under development at this time. Hope all you Vistas are staying happy and healthy.

Spokane Falls

As the winter season approaches in the Inland Northwest we are doing our best to keep our citizens safe and injury free. The Spokane Injury Fall Prevention Coalition has been exploring the possibilty of organizing an emergency snow removal team for our most vulnerable neighbors. We are not expecting a return of eight feet of snow this year but, who knows... Our immediate concern is the liability of sending volunteers on to private property. Should someone become injured on the job, or if ice remains under the snow and the resident or a visitor falls we could be facing a lawsuit. We are currently researching our options. Many other snow communities have this service in place and we hope to organize current volunteer agencies to aid in this project.

Thanksgiving Holiday Meals

Thanksgiving Meals project was a run to the finish. The organizer had 2 weeks to get over 30 drivers to deliver over 100 meals to houses in Mason and Thurston counties. Routes had to be mapped, food had to be made, volunteers recruited, decorations gathered… and all in a short amount of time. Maria, the project lead, pulled it off in the short time she was given and no one on our route went without a Thanksgiving meal this year.

Probably the most interesting aspect for me was the variety of people who came to prepare the meals and drive. I videoed them as they talked about how long they have been doing Holiday Meals and why they volunteer. We had mothers delivering meal with their children, friends delivering meals together, singles wanting to help. The reason of why was usually similar among all generations and types, “Because no one should go without food, especially during the holidays.” It seems a concern for the hungry transcends generational, class, lifestyles, and racial gaps. All people were just there to help.

I was impressed with how everyone in at VCW pulled together and took part in this project, even though we all have so many other things going on at this time of year. Where there was a gap in the project, it was quickly filled. I think the team effort to accomplish this was impressive and I think Christmas Holiday Meals will come together with the same life and tenacity.

Alena, VCW VISTA Leader

Flying Time

The days manage to fly by--this is my November and December blog action. There's always lots to do and lots to learn. I enjoyed the IST in Seattle in early November. It was great to hear about other VISTA's work, including the successes and the struggles. So many worthwhile projects going on. I enjoy helping my agency with projects on a "duties as assigned basis." One example is the recent holiday meals project in which volunteers, including myself, delivered turkey dinners on the day before Thanksgiving to community residents in Mason and Thurston counties. Another event I helped with was an RSVP recognition reception at which RSVP members were given gold and lifetime awards for their volunteer hours. Although my VAD was originally written only for a falls prevention specialist, my work has downshifted to about 25% falls prevention & upshifted to about 75% on a project called Next Chapter of South Puget Sound. This RSVP related program will develop opportunities for participants, especially baby boomers, to explore new vistas as they transition into the Next Chapter of their lives. It's ironic that I'm a baby boomer struggling with transition! The Next Chapter program will provide a framework of new and expanded programs around self-discovery, lifelong learning, meaningful work and civic engagement. Fortunately, the agency hired a part-time well experienced staff person to lead this project. Thankfully, she's willing to mentor me as I'm feeling challenged to step out of my comfort zone. Hopefully, I'll be able to integrate a falls prevention project into the Next Chapter project in some way. Wishing all a wonderful holiday season.