Retiree Connection: G.I.F.T. Center Retiree Connection Service Learning Event A Big Success

Monday, December 14, 2009

G.I.F.T. Center Retiree Connection Service Learning Event A Big Success

Twenty-five local organizations attended the Yavapai College Service Learning Collaborative sponcored by the Retiree Connection and the G.I.F.T. Center. Guest speakers Brent Roberts, Interim Service Learning Coordinator and Christina Dickenson from AmeriCorp VISTA explained to the attendees just what service learning was, and what it means in a community such as ours. Gennie Fuemmeler, from the G.I.F.T. Center spoke about the excitement of a collaboration with the Retiree Connection and it's resources and about branching out to form new partnerships with local non-profits. The event provided an opportunity for the non-profits to meet the faculty at Yavapai College who incorporate service learning into their grading systems. Over 200 students will be looking to sign up for service learning in the spring.

Donna Bellina, Event and Outreach Coordinator for the Retiree Connection said "This is a win/win situation for everyone. The students engage in a meaningful volunteer experience. The non-profits and local businesses get the support they need, and the college expands their resources in the community. The depth of what these organizations contribute to our community is awe inspiring."

Bellina provided a "cheat sheet" for attending organizations to collect data from the organizations in order to publish their volunteer needs. Bellina will collect the data and add it to a new centralized volunteer hub where the students can research opportunities and then sign up and get credit for their volunteer hours. The organizations will be able to critique their volunteers and verify hours for the faculty. This new volunteer portal should be up and running by the end of January. For those still wanting to get their volunteer needs met below lies the cheat sheet!

Go to the Yavapai College web-site at www.yc.edu

The top of the page in the yellow bar click on “Lifelong Learners”

Under the “Center For Successful Aging “ Header click on The Retiree Connection.

Scroll down to the yellow box with the light bulb in it.

Go to "if you are an organization with volunteer needs."

Fill out the easy form and hit submit.

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Twenty Tickets Left For Jesus Christ SuperStar.

Jesus Christ Superstar at ASU Gammage Saturday, April 10th, bus leaves at 11 am, return by 8 pm Meet on the Yavapai College campus – by the flagpoles The first masterpiece from the legendary writing team of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, exploded onto the scene in 1971 changing the world of musical theatre forever. With a score of amazing songs - “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Hosanna,” “Everything’s Alright,” “What’s the Buzz,” “Superstar” and “Heaven on Their Mind,” this original groundbreaking production starring Ted Neeley in the title role is as relevant and timeless as ever. Cost: $85 per person for members/ $90/non-members, includes dinner at PF Chang’s For further information about OLLI, it’s classes and dynamic field trips Contact Patricia Berlowe @ 717-7634 or Deni Harris @ 717-717-7631

Retiree Connection "Water Smart" Commercials Are Aired

Travel Discounts for Volunteers and Educators!

Have you volunteered for eight hours with a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization? You can get a free or half-off night's stay at one of 53 hotels, which are scattered across 23 U.S. states. In other words: Give a day, get a night.

This promotion, which we just found out about on the Jauntsetter blog, is being offered by Sage Hospitality as a way to support volunteerism. They're only giving out a limited number of completely free hotel stays, but the 50% discounts will run through March 2010, so you have plenty of time to plan your getaway.

Sage also offers a deal for active and retired teachers and school administrators! Educators can get a 50% discount on rooms at all the company's hotels, up until December 30, 2009.

I love the idea behind these promotions. There are already plenty of rewards out there for those who travel frequently or have certain corporate affiliations. Now, people are getting rewarded for choosing to volunteer (anywhere!) or work in schools.

Disneyland and Disney World are planning to get in on the action too, starting in January 2010, when they'll offer free days at its theme parks after completing certain volunteer projects.

A Taste of Cinco de Mayo With Chef Bryan

Have A Craving For Some Great Mexican Food? Come to Lunch with Chef Bryan on Friday May 6, one day after Cinco de Mayo, and celebrate the cuisine of our neighbor to the south! The event will be held at Esther Hall in the Prescott United Methodist Church from 11am-2pm. It will be donation-only, with proceeds supporting the poverty relief services of the Coalition for Compassion and Justice. The menu: Fresh Salsa and Chips Guacamole Taco bar with all the fixins Tostadas, Burritos Carne Asada Slow-cooked Vegetarian Pinto Beans Spanish Rice Cinnamon chocolate mousse

Catholic Charities Needs Volunteers For Their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is part of a federal initiative to ensure intended tax credits reach the underserved in our communities; this includes the low-moderate income population, the elderly, disabled, limited English proficient, non-urban and Native American tax-payers.

Under the most recent changes to tax regulations a qualified family with three children is eligible for up to $5,600.00. This is a life changing amount of money for families living at or below the poverty line. Catholic Charities is partnering with NACOG, New Horizons and United Way to bring this free service to the community. This is an organized and well structured volunteer run program. All returns will be prepared and submitted on-line using Tax Wise software.

For those who are interested but don't want to prepare returns the VITA program is also looking for screeners, quality reviewers, greeters, and bilingual assistance. Contact Haley Hyatt @ 708-7279 for more information.

Things To Do In May

"Immigration 101" Event

The Retiree Connection along with Sacred Heart Parish Church and Prescott College are collaborating on an immigration information session event for legal permanent residents, naturalization applicants and the general public. Topics covered in this informative event will be the immigration process, immigration fraud and how to prevent yourself from being a victim. The event will take place at Sacred Heart Parish Church on Thursday, May 5 from 6:00 - 9:00. Prescott College will provide great food and 5 bands during this empowering event. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo and the power of community. Phone 928-445-3141 Ext 323 with any further questions. Click on the image to take you to Sacred Heart Parish Citizenship Website.

Recipe, Holiday Wishes And The Promise Of Adventure From EdVentures

To put you in the mood for the holidays and for the EDventures trip to Italy in June, Sherry Cornett, a culinary instructor at Yavapai College, shares a favorite, healthy recipe for your family or gathering. Sherry will be leading the EDventures trip to Italy scheduled May 28 to June 7, 2011. You will travel through the regions of central Italy tasting the fruits of the fields – olive oils, balsamic vinegars, hams, cold cuts, cheeses, wines and herbs. Find out about the origins of the slow food movement while learning to cook from some of the best chefs of the country. Walk the ancient cobblestones where this favorite, distinctive style of cooking originated. For more information, please call Barbara at the EDventures office: 717-7755. Hurry, this trip will fill up quickly! Buon appetito!

Italian Holiday Pie Recipe From EdVentures

Ingredients * 1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie * 8 eggs * 1 1/2 cups cooked white rice * 2 pounds ricotta cheese * 2 cups white sugar * 1/4 cup candied orange peel * 1/4 cup candied lemon peel * 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract * 2 tablespoons milk Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). 2. In a large bowl, beat eggs until light and fluffy. Add rice, ricotta, sugar, orange rind, lemon rind, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix until thoroughly combined. 3. Roll out half of pastry to fit 10 inch deep-dish pie pan. Place pastry in pan, and fill with ricotta mixture. Roll out remaining pastry and cut 12 1-inch wide strips. Lay strips in a lattice pattern on top of filling. Brush pastry with milk. 4. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour, until toothpick inserted in filling comes out clean.

OLLI Vista Alex Finnarn Bids Us Farewell

Alex is heading to Cleveland, Ohio to continue his Americorps VISTA experience with the Tremont West Development Corporation. He will assume the role of Community Organizer helping to revitalize the Tremont neighborhood in Cleveland. Alex has previously been involved in neighborhood restoration when he was down in New Orleans rebuilding homes in the community of Chalmette, LA, and he looks forward to helping out another community in late November. He will miss his friends in Prescott, the OLLI office, and of course working beside the lovely Donna Bellina.

AARP Hosts Community Health Forum In Prescott

Congress recently enacted a new health care law that will bring a number of benefits to Americans, including people 50 and over. In an effort to help people understand the new law, AARP Arizona will host a community forum in Prescott on Friday, July 30. The community forum will be held at the Prescott Community Adult Center, 1280B East Rosser in Prescott from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, July 30. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is requested as seating is limited. To register click on the image above.

Jodie Buehler Producer of Senior Moment wins Program of the Year Award

Cudos to Jodie Buehler, Administrative Assistant for The Division of Lifelong Learning for winning the Public ACCESS 13 award for the Community Service Program of the Year. From all of us in the Division of Lifelong Learning (OLLI, Community Education/College for Kids, EDventures and The Retiree Connection) congratulations Jodie. We also want to extend our appreciation to all of you who voted for our monthly public access television show called Senior Moment: Successful Aging. We couldn’t have done it without your votes. Thank you!

Deni Harris teaches Wise Women's Gathering for Community Education

Never have I heard so much laughter or seen such a full class. OLLI staff member Deni Harris has managed to bring women together to help them discover their gift of feminine wisdom and apply it to navigating their lives in peace. Deni's class starts with the book "Taking The Leap" by Pema Chodron. I don't know what they're doing in there but it sure sounds fun. I think it may be life changing. For further information about the Wise Women's Gathering class contact Heather Hurst in Community Education at 928-717-7638. To read excerpts from "Taking the Leap" click on Deni's (in blue) lovely picture.

Alex's Corner

AmeriCorps VISTA Alex Finnarn says the best thing about being the Technology Director for OLLI at the Prescott campus is the great stories the members share with him. They offer advice and share their own life experience which has added value to some of the decisions Alex has had to make concerning issues within his project. "We're both learning better ways to communicate with each other. The members are starting to embrace some technology and I'm gaining insight from their own life experience." Alex is from the "Buckeye" State of Ohio and apparently it is common practice to wear a red nose when interviewed. It's great having Alex in the Division of Lifelong Learning as a fellow VISTA, co-worker and friend. Nice Alex.

Greeters needed for "Animals In Art Event" held at Prescott Fine Arts Gallery

The Animals In Art show at Prescott Fine Arts Gallery will open on April 30 with the reception taking place from 5 – 7 pm. In conjunction with the animal theme, they will be inviting a few animal rescue groups and animal related vendors to have tables on their patio area. If you are a non-profit you will not be required to pay the $10.00 table fee. They will provide participants with a table. This is a great chance for animal organizations to talk to visitors and distribute their materials. This wonderful event helps to stimulate awareness and revenue to the wonderful organizations that rescue, board, rehabilitate and adopt animals. The event is open to the public. Please contact Scott Heide @ 458-9521 or Raelynn Wrinkle @ 899-8869.

National Volunteer Week - Nominate Outstanding Volunteers

Call to Action

National Volunteer Week is April 18 - 24

It's that time of year again: time to honor the volunteers who have helped your organization be its best. Whether they've donated an hour, a day, or have made a long-term commitment, National Volunteer Week is the time to say thank you.

Take a moment to think about the ways you can show volunteers your appreciation. Remember, even a simple gesture such as a handmade card or a pizza party can go a long way. Over at HandsOn Network, organizations can nominate volunteers for a number of awards that honor outstanding commitment to making a difference.