Retiree Connection

The Retiree Connection Salutes CCJ And Gerry Garvey

2011-05-05T12:54:00.000-07:00

Open Door, Circles of Support, Home Repair, Fair Start, Thrift Shop, Warm For Winter are just a few of the programs and services CCJ (Coalition For Compassion and Justice) provides our community. Thank you to Executive Director Gerry Garvey and all the CCJ Staff who work so hard to create support and advocacy to empower people to self-sufficiency.

Mother's Day Brunch All Proceeds Will Benefit Coalition For Compassion and Justice Programs

2011-05-04T09:51:00.000-07:00

Chef Bryan Mother's Day
Reserve your seats now!
Make your reservations now for CCJ's Mother's Day Brunch, on Sunday, May 8th in Esther Hall at Prescott United Methodist Church! Call (928) 445-8382 with your preferred entree choice and seating time for hours between 12 noon and 3 p.m.

$20 per person, 2 for $35, Child's Plate (12 yrs. and under) $8.

Chef and staff will provide a full service buffet with your entree choice from the mesquite grill and choice of beverage.

Menu:
Assorted Pastries and Muffins, Bagels, Cream Cheese, Fresh Fruit,
Strawberry Field Green Salad with Candied Walnuts and Bleu Cheese Crumbles, Scrambled Eggs with Cream Cheese and Chives, Smoked Slab Bacon, Potatoes O'Bryan, Spinach and Crab Cake Eggs Benedict with Roasted Pepper Hollandaise Sauce
ENTREES
From the Mesquite Grill:
Top Sirloin with Carmelized Onions and Portabello Mushrooms
Filet of Salmon with Blackberry Compound Butter
Assortment of Balsamic Marinated Vegetables:
Broccolini, Mushrooms, Zucchini and Eggplant

Slow Cooked BBQ Vegan Pinto Beans
Dessert:
Dark Chocolate Mousse Cups, Peach and Apricot
Puff Pastry Bows

All proceeds help to serve local community members struggling with poverty.

Yavapai College Big Band Event

2011-05-03T11:13:00.000-07:00

Yavapai College Trailblazers Big Band Presents
"A Ballroom Partner Dance"

"Yavapai College Trailblazer Big Band is so good you will not be able to stay in your seats"

Where: Prescott Resort’s Main Ballroom

When: Sunday, May 22, 2011 3:00-6:00 PM - Cash Bar (No Food)

Appropriate attire recommended.

Tickets are $10.00 per person from the YC Music Department.
Raffle Drawings and a Silent Auction will take place during this fun event!

Proceeds go toward the fund raising efforts to send the Yavapai College Big Bands to the 2012 Reno Jazz Festival at the University of Nevada at Reno.
Call 928-772-2045 for further information.

Painter Artist Charles Conrardy Shares Thoughts on Retirement And His Passions For Life

2010-11-22T13:39:00.000-08:00

Painter/Artist Charles Conrardy shares how be came to be a painter and his philosophy on what to do in retirement. Charles is from the Bay Area in California and he and his wife came to Prescott, fell in love with it and retired here. They have a lovely home that is filled with his powerful and beautiful art pieces. For further information about his work contact Charles at concots@cableone.net

Dr. James Horton Talks About Retirement, Yavapai College and Entering A New Phase In His Life

2010-11-18T09:37:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don't know Dr. James Horton, President of Yavapai College is set to retire on December 31, 2010. He was kind enough to agree to a short video interview in which he revealed his thoughts on retirement, Yavapai College and his humble beginnings. We wish Dr. Horton the best and Yavapai College will certainly miss him as a President, a person and as a person who contributed so much of himself to support and sustain Yavapai College.

Holiday Lunch With Chef Bryan and Chocolates Too!

2010-11-10T15:34:00.000-08:00

Mark your calendars for a special holiday Lunch with Chef Bryan with proceeds to benefit Open Door. This delicious event will take place on Friday, December 3rd, from 11am-3pm at the Prescott United Methodist Church. The Chef is cooking up some seasonal dishes for you to enjoy, and you will be able to purchase gift boxes of chocolates, caramels, and brownies. There will also be an art show during the event at which you can view and purchase arts, crafts, and jewelry made by Chef Bryan and local artists. All of the proceeds from the lunch, and art show will go to serve people in need. In addition from 12:00 - 2:00 The Cool Azul Jazz Trio will be playing. Un-notch your belt and check out the menu. I will see you there.

The menu:
Hearty chicken noodle soup
Homemade cheddar bacon bread
Field green salad with Chef's blue cheese and balsamic honey dressings
Winter orange cranberry relish
Creamy sauteed mushrooms
Mustard honey-crusted pork loin
Pan gravy
Roasted garlic mashed potatoes
Rosemary apple stuffing
Vegetarian meatloaf
Fresh green beans and fried onions
Holiday pie festival: apple, pear, pumpkin, pecan

Also throughout the holidays Open Door CCJ Catering is selling special candy gift boxes. You can buy chocolate caramels in milk, dark, and white-and-milk chocolate, as well as salted caramels, in half-pound and pound boxes. We are also selling the Chef's famous chocolate cheesecake brownies by the dozen! Call CCJ Marketing manager Sam Robson at (928) 499-1240 to order, or pick them up at the December 3rd Lunch with Chef Bryan!

Architect Joe Gilleland's Designs Gave Us The Yavapai College Performance Hall

2010-10-12T15:00:00.000-07:00

Architect Joe Gilleland is proud of his design concepts that came to be our Performance Hall. "A great performance arena raises expectations for both the performer and the audience, says Joe "and that's what you want." The building was designed to incorporate the art gallery as an appendix of the Performance Hall without violating the security of the ongoing art exhibits. Joe also had to design practice rooms into the music department that could not be heard from the classrooms. He called in the firm of Landry and Bougan who were theatrical consultants out of Palo Alto, California to help fine tune the designs and lend their much sought after expertise as to what makes a unique and workable performance arena.

Some interesting facts about the design of our Performance Hall are:

Firms were called in to design independent mechanical systems that could isolate sound that would not interfere with performances.
The air conditioning is designed to drop air at the level that the audience sits - no noisy rattling air conditioners up above.
There is a "drape point" under the edge of the balcony that can be drawn to make the house smaller 500 to 600 seats.
There are banners on the side of the walls that are designed to "tune the house" simply by lowering or raising them.
The Performance Hall seating is designed so that the angle of vision is above the floor line of the stage. The highest part of the seat was intentionally taken out so that there wasn't a bad seat in the house.
The sound in the Performance Hall is not augmented by a system. The concave pillow shape of the Performance Hall breaks up and disperses sound.
The railing on the orchestra pit can be removed or moved for tuning.
There is no center aisle in the Performance Hall. "Continental Seating" was used to maximize the number of prime seats. The center aisle are the best seats in the house.
There is a full orchestra pit which can accommodate a 30 piece orchestra.

Joe is retired now and he and his wife recently bought a house at Timber Point in Prescott. He plans on splitting his time between Prescott and Scottsdale. Thank you Joe for your beautiful design concepts that awe me everytime I enter the Yavapai College Performance Hall.

Meet Jen, Keiri and Stevie Our New Student Workers

2010-10-12T13:58:00.000-07:00

Jen, Keiri and Stevie come to the Division of Lifelong Learning with three completely different looks and personallities. We are so lucky to have student workers with such varied skill-sets. They are always there to support us, share a laugh and a good story. They already are part of our working family and I enjoy their perspective, their style and all the help they give to our division. We all welcome you.

Italian Food and Adventure!

2010-10-11T14:56:00.000-07:00

Join Yavapai College EDventures for a culinary tour of Italy. Nine days visiting multiple regions and cooking with renowned Italian Chefs. Tuscany, Bologna and Florence are just a few of the places you will experience. Visit herb gardens, wineries, special food shops, and delis. Every one of the nine days of this wondrous trip will be filled with food, fun and Italian wonder. This trip will take place in June 2011 and there are only 20 spaces available. Call Heather Hurst from EDventures @ 717-7638 to sign up. Molto buon. Mangi!

Dancer Kathleen Provence Shares Her Experience With The Eterno Ballet

2010-10-10T16:15:00.000-07:00

Kathleen always dreamed of being a Prima Ballerina. When the chance presented itself through the Eterno Ballet Kathleen went for it. Listen as she shares her experience and what it has meant to her.

http://vimeo.com/15439983

Casa Belles Audition For Retiree Connection's Eterno Dance Performance

2010-06-20T15:25:00.000-07:00

For all the details check out our Eterno blog. www.eternoballet.blogspot.com/

This show is being performed to honor all our local non-profits and their top volunteers.

Spread your wings and embrace this wondrous experience. To sign up contact Donna Bellina at 717-7633. I'll see you there.

Kirk and Kathy Cunningham Share Their Overseas Volunteer Experience

2010-06-17T09:44:00.000-07:00

AARP TAP Program Changes Dian Cheney's Life

2010-06-08T09:39:00.000-07:00

“I have been out of the workforce raising my family for the past twenty years and found that by today’s standards I didn’t have the knowledge or the skill-set to re-enter today’s job-force. Through the Arizona Department of Rehabilitation in Prescott Arizona I was matched with a job counselor who suggested I take some basic computer courses offered at Yavapai College. Once I completed the courses she suggested I look into the AARP TAP Program, a paid training program offered through AARP. I was introduced to Donna Bellina at Yavapai College The Retiree Connection and was thrilled to find out they were serving as a Host Agency for the TAP program.

After meeting with Donna she set up an interview with The City of Prescott in the HR Department. Mary Jacobsen, the HR Specialist felt that I would be a good match to meet some of their administrative needs. The rest is history! I’m learning and growing professionally with the help of these wonderful people . Due to my time training here, I know now I have both the skills and the ability to re-enter the workforce confident in all I do. The AARP Tap program has made a huge difference in my life. I’m ready now to move forward and see what life has to offer me. Thank you Retiree Connection and a special thanks to Prescott’s greatest match-maker Donna Bellina.”

People Who Care Needs Volunteers To Assist With Transitional Care

2010-05-10T16:08:00.000-07:00

People Who Care is looking for a special volunteer who can assist their clients who are transitioning from home into assisted care. The volunteer would assist with paperwork and all aspects of making the transition smooth and stress free for the client. This volunteer assignment would be random depending on client need. There will be an orientation and training involved with this position. If you are interested in this very special volunteer position please contact Fritzi Mevis, Executive Director

People Who Care

928-4452480

It's a Kick! Kick-Boxing For Seniors

2010-04-23T16:15:00.000-07:00

It’s a Kick!

It is important for seniors to build and maintain muscle strength and endurance to help you live an active lifestyle. That's why you will enjoy an excellent workout utilizing principles of kickboxing. This class is offered through OLLI in Prescott at Yavapai College. You will learn punches and kicks to activate lazy, unused muscles, all set to great music. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Kick it!

Mon: 6/14-7/26, 10–11:30am; Bldg 31 Rm 105
Faciltator: Teri Masto

Call Patricia Berlowe at 928-717-7634 to register or for further information.

Yavapai County Babies Need Our Help

2010-04-23T13:57:00.000-07:00

"It takes a village to raise a child."

In honor of Mother's Day Yavapai Regional Partnership Council of"First Things First"is having a diaper drive.

They need your help.

To keep a baby healthy it takes 90 diapers a week.
In Yavapai County 26% of all families are living in poverty.
It costs $40.00 a week for diapers and wipes for one child or $2,080 per year.
When you donate you are contributing to the health and welfare of an infant and bettering their chance of being a positive member of the Yavapai County community.
Please contact Claire Louge @"First Things First" - 928-776-0062 - to make your donation. Meet Claire by clicking on the video below. Thank you Claire for your dedication to the children of Yavapai County.
http://www.azftf.gov/WhoWeAre/HowWeWork/Pages/default.aspx

User Friendly iPad Is The First Computer 100 Year Old Woman Uses And Masters

2010-04-23T12:53:00.000-07:00

The iPad is so easy to use, a cat can play with it. So can a dog! But what about a centenarian? Virginia of Oregon bought her first computer—an iPad—and as the video shows, she's a whizz.

According to her daughter Ginny, the iPad has "changed her life," as the glucoma-suffering woman has found reading and writing much easier on the iPad. In fact, she's read two ebooks, and written 12 limericks—one of which appears in the video below, where she calls herself a "technical-ninny."

Virginia of Oregon bought her first computer—an iPad—and as the video shows, she's a whizz.

Cheers to Apple for creating a product that can grab the interest of a 100 year old woman and help her towards exploring the whole digital world for the first time.

Watch video.

http://gizmodo.com/5522709/ipad-is-first-computer-100+year+old-woman-bought

Sedona OLLI Welcomes Natalia Molina McKendry

2010-04-19T12:36:00.000-07:00

The Retiree Connection welcomes Natalia Molina McKendry into the folds of Yavapai College Division of Lifelong Learning. Natalia is the recently hired Administrator for the OSHER Lifelong Learning Institute for the Verde and Sedona Campuses. In her role with OLLI, Natalia will be coordinating activities for the program with the support of her qualified, capable, and enthusiastic team. “The OLLI staff has an outstanding reputation in the community. Whenever I hear discussion of OLLI in the community, it is always with great respect, reverence, and support of the program.”
Some past highlights of her accomplishments include: securing funding for mobile HIV/AIDS education and prevention services to homebound and neighborhood bound Hispanics residing in North Philadelphia, PA; assisting in the establishment of translation and interpretation services for a large healthcare system in North Philadelphia, PA; expanding the volunteer base for a non-profit organization in Southeastern, PA.

One of the many reasons that attracted her to work for OLLI was the intellectual stimulation and fellowship that the program offers to retired persons as well as the peer centered model of leadership. We welcome you Natalia. An innovative and enthusiastic new member of the OLLI Family. For further information contact Natalia at 928-649-4275 or check out their web-page at http://www.yc.edu/content/centerforsuccessfulaging/ollisedona.htm

Hacienda de los Milagros Is Looking For Volunteers

2010-04-02T11:03:00.000-07:00

Hacienda de los Milagros a sanctuary for rescued horses, burros and ponies is looking for some caring volunteers to help with their beautiful friends. Meet Clyde, Jerimiah and Nobleman.

Volunteer Training Be A Great Volunteer

2010-03-26T12:27:00.000-07:00

Volunteer Training

Be a Great Volunteer

New to volunteering? Want to get more out of your volunteer work? How To Be a Great Volunteer is a free webinar that will prepare you to ask the right questions to determine if an organization is a good fit for you and your skills.

Thursday, April 15

11am PST / 2pm EST

Thursday, May 20

11am PST / 2pm EST

Retiree Connection's Community Corner

2010-03-11T11:25:00.000-08:00

The Retiree Connection congratulates Ken Lain, owner of the Watters Garden Center in Prescott for winning the "Revolutionary 100 Award" and being voted the best garden center in the country.
Lain also places value on partnering with the local non-profits. He donates the garden center for an evening and has helped raise $20,000 in one event. Prescott is grateful and proud to have such a productive and caring person who stimulates the heart and the economy of our community. Once again we congratulate you Ken. For more information about the Watters Garden Center go to their website at www.wattersonline.com
If you'd like to talk to the "Garden Guy" in person call 928-445-4159.

Successful Aging Profile - Father Mark Moline

2010-03-11T08:52:00.000-08:00

Each month The Retiree Connection will introduce
a member of the community in a successful aging profile.
Meet Father Mark Moline of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Prescott.

If you know someone who would like to be profiled in our "Successful Aging" video
or you are interested in participating contact Donna Bellina @ 928-717-7633 or
better yet, just reply to this post at the bottom of this window.

Volunteers Honor Martin Luther King

2010-02-08T14:41:00.000-08:00

Kevin Tigue Helps To Set Retiree Connection's Service Learning Partnership In Motion

2010-02-08T08:29:00.000-08:00

Retiree Connection's Service Learning Collaborative is in motion. The newest member of the team is Retiree Connection member Kevin Tighe. He will serve as Brent Robert's right hand man to help update the current data base of students and organizations and to track both the volunteer and organization's volunteer experience. Kevin will also be available to coordinate Service Learning events and the production of a great media piece that will inform the community about service learning and the project's successes. Kevin has a background in broadcast media and publishing. He is currently re-publishing the first diet book ever written. The book was originally published in 1918. Kevin is happy to be such a big part of the Service Learning Project at Yavapai College because it is so far reaching and has such great community impact. Kevin, we are thrilled to have such a committed and enthusiastic volunteer. Anybody interested in the first diet book ever written can contact Kevin at tigheA2Z@gmail.com. I guess that about says it all about Kevin.

Call For Retirees To Tell Short Digital Stories

2010-02-07T11:58:00.000-08:00

The Retiree Connection needs retirees to be a part of a Digital Story Program to begin soon. This is part of a diversion program for youth that have been detained through the juvenile system because of drug and/or alcohol problems. This exciting inter-generational project will be a wonderful learning experience for all involved. The students will learn the basic technical tools for effective digital story-telling using still photos and video. The retirees will tell short three minute stories about an event or person who really impacted their lives. They will be paired with a student and together they will produce a wonderful story. Monica Bishop of Channel 13 has promised the stories air time and exposure to other digital sites.

Please help us out with this potentially life changing program. Have I got a story to tell you!

Do you? Call me. Donna Bellina @ 928-717-7633.

For more information about digital storytelling visit the Center for Digital Story Telling @ www.storycenter.org.

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

2009-12-14T12:45:00.000-08:00

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.

People Who care profiles Leona Rice; A neighbor who depends on and appreciates her wonderful volunteer

2009-12-10T15:11:00.000-08:00

Retiree Connection is Host Agency for Disney's "Give A Day Get A Day."

2009-12-09T16:09:00.000-08:00

The Retiree Connection has been approved to be an online volunteer verification partner by the Hands On Network, the organization that is managing the "Give A Day Get A Day" event sponsored by Disney. This is a wonderful opportunity to volunteer at a local non-profit for 8 hours and have a chance to get a free ticket to Disneyland. Disney is only giving away one million tickets. Guess how fast they're going to go? Organizations please register your volunteer needs by following these simple instructions. I will enter the information onto the Hands On Network. Be sure to email me who your volunteers are and confirm that they have volunteered at least 8 hours. I will send you updates as I get them.

Here's how to register your organization through Yavapai College Web-site:

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.

Please complete this form as soon as possible.

Disneyland! Yeah!

For more information about this wonderful event click on this link.

disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/WhatWillYouCelebrate/index?name=Give-A-Day-Get-A-Disney-Day

Sex, Drugs & Growing Old Book Signing

2009-12-09T14:51:00.000-08:00

On December 4th in Yavapai College's Community Room Dean Dennis Garvey gave a talk and book signing. "Sex, Drugs & Growing Old" a book that took Garvey 10 years to finish gives readers a fresh, funny and informative look at aging. Dennis who serves as the Dean of Lifelong Learning also teaches the Gerontology courses here at Yavapai College. This event was sponsored by the Yavapai College Library. His book is currently sold out in the college bookstore so for the time being you can check it out in the library. Dennis jokingly holds up his book during the book signing and states " 30 years of doing this and this is all I know."

For further information about "Sex, Drugs & Growing Old" tour-stops contact Dennis on Facebook or call 928-350-4503.

Check Out Community Education's Tap For All Ages

2009-11-13T15:17:00.000-08:00

Retiree Connection Thanks Open Door & Chef Bryan For All That They Do

2009-11-10T14:23:00.000-08:00

Retiree Connection Partners With AARP

2009-11-10T11:57:00.000-08:00

The Retiree Connection is serving as a host agency for a wonderful new program. We have recently partnered with AARP who has grant money available to help pay volunteers aged 55+ willing to work 18 hours a week.

We are proud to say that we have placed three people through the Retiree Connection into this program and have helped to contribute to the possibility of gainful employment. For more information regarding this program and it's guidelines contact Donna Bellina @ 717-7633 or click on the link below.

http://www.aarpworksearch.org/pages/TAP.aspx

United Way's Resource Fair; A Wonderful Gathering

2009-11-09T10:58:00.000-08:00

The Retiree Connection was happy to be a part of United Way's Community Resource Fair held on Saturday, October 24th at the LDS Cultural Hall. Fifty agencies and businesses were there to give free services and offer short seminars on job search and resume building, managing stress, seniors re-entering the job force, getting the best food for less and budgeting. Free screenings for blood pressure, depression, and vision were offered and a free lunch! For information about future events through the United Way contact the United Way information network at 928-443-5321. And thank you AmeriCorps VISTA Beth Ashton for helping to organize this event and for her great direction to lunch! www.unitedwayyavapai.org/

Donna Bellina commits another year to the Retiree Connection

2009-11-09T10:35:00.000-08:00

AmeriCorps VISTA Donna Bellina has committed another year to her position through Yavapai College Division of Life Long Learning. "I'm happy to be working with such great staff, and not only working towards giving my project The Retiree Connection sustainability but connecting to the non-profits to give them the support they need in this challenging economic climate." Donna works under the guidance of Dennis Garvey, the Dean of Life Long Learning and is looking forward to new successes and challenges in the upcoming year. "This is a wonderful project. You change someone's life every time you volunteer, it changes your perspective as to what community is really about."

The Hills Are Alive With The Sound of Music - Yavapai College wants More!

2009-10-09T13:42:00.000-07:00

The friends of Yavapai College Music Department are looking for active volunteers that will take the “ball and run with it.” This is a progressive project that will help to strengthen and build the music program for future students at Yavapai College. The volunteers would be responsible for:

Starting a committee under the Yavapai College Foundation Office patterned after the Friends of Yavapai College Art
Fund raise for scholarships, instruments, equipment and building renovation
Help with recruiting efforts and concert promotion
Chair and administer this new committee.
Contact Donna Bellina with interest @ 717-7633

29 Local Organizations attend The Retiree Connection's First Volunteer Fair!

2009-10-08T10:54:00.000-07:00

Stand out in your community. Be a volunteer.
Do you know what Yavapai Association For The Blind & Visually Impaired,

Az Living Well, Medical Reserve Corps, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Prescott Department of Parks & Recreation, People Who Care, Neighbor to Neighbor, CASA, United Way, Veteran's History Project, SCORE, Catholic Charities, Department of Public Works, Coalition For Compassion & Justice, Prescott Valley Library,

Dewey Humboldt Community Center, Boys To Men Mentoring, RSVP Program, Adult Care Services, Humboldt Unified School District, Northland Cares, Senior Peer Program,

Horses With Heart, NACOG, United Animal Friends, Prescott Fine Art Gallery, Prescott Film Festival, Prescott Creeks, Yavapai County Search & Rescue, Habitat For Humanity, & Prescott POPS all have in common?

They all have volunteer opportunities available for you. These 29 organizations attended our first Volunteer Fair and after having the chance to talk briefly with each one I was impressed. I can truthfully say that there is something for everybody who is looking for a good fit for a volunteer opportunity. The Arts, Education, Medical, Home Health, Government, City, Animals, Environment, Music & Film Organizations reached out, networked and presented the need that you can help fill in our community. The Retiree Connection would like to personally thank all of the organizations that attended our Fair and the interested volunteers that joined us for this very worthwhile event. To get connected to these organizations contact Donna Bellina @ 717-7633.

Belly-Dance With Candice Coleman

2009-10-07T16:15:00.000-07:00

Got Beer? Community Education Offers 2 New Great Classes.

2009-10-07T16:00:00.000-07:00

Join Yavapai College Community Education Facilitator Caere Dunn at The Raven for her

Beer Appreciation Class.

Free Admission, Lunch & Childcare. United Way's Community Resource Fair

2009-10-07T14:16:00.000-07:00

United Way's Community Resource Fair needs volunteers who are available on Saturday, October 24th from 9AM - 4PM. Volunteer times can be broken into shifts. We need help with the Children's Activity Room (retired teachers would be great) but any volunteers who like to work with children who are 6 - 12 years old would be great. We'll have activities, we just need supervision and a caring presence. LDS Church at 1101 Sandretto (behind Fry's on Willow Creek with the big white spire. Contact Muriel Haverland @ 928-443-5353 for further information.

TAKE A BREAK and allow 50 agencies and businesses

give you free services and all-day short

seminars:

► Job Search & Resume Building

► Get the Best Food for Less

► Managing Stress

► Budgeting & Talking to Kids about $$

► Dealing with Foreclosures

► Seniors Going Back to Work

► Caring for Elderly & Disabled

► Healthy Food Preparation

► Retirement Planning

► AND MANY MORE!!!

Free Screening: Vision ◊ Blood Pressure ◊ Depression

Nursery & Supervised Child-Care Activities

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2009

9:00 A.M.—4:00 P.M.

LDS CHURCH CULTURAL HALL

(BEHIND WILLOW CREEK FRY’S)

1101 SANDRETTO DRIVE

PRESCOTT, AZ

PR Person Needed For The American Cancer Society

2009-10-06T16:00:00.000-07:00

The American Cancer Society Cancer Resource Centers of Prescott and Prescott Valley

are looking for a volunteer to do some publicity. Some of the volunteer responsibilities include:

monthly public service announcements by email to radio

local television and written media.

Occasional attendance is required at Health Fairs and other non-profit groups.

Training will be provided.
Contact Roberta Winker of The American Cancer Society for further information@ 928-717-8272.

The Phantom Of The Opera, October 31!

2009-10-06T09:18:00.000-07:00

The Prescott Osher Lifelong Learning (OLLI) program, through Yavapai College only has 3 more tickets left for The Phantom Of The Opera.

Don't miss out on the opportunity

to attend this glorious event.

Contact Patricia Berlowe

or Deni Harris @ 928-717-7634.

www.yc.edu/olli

Animal Communication Classes Offered Through Community Education

2009-08-21T15:39:00.000-07:00

Be A Part of The Prescott Film Festival

2009-08-18T22:10:00.000-07:00

Be a part of building a film festival from the ground up.
The Prescott Film Festival and Series is looking for volunteers Would you like to screen films? Write press releases? Escort filmmakers around Prescott and the quad-city area? Find sponsors? The Prescott Film Festival would love to hear from you! Just go to their web-site, click on volunteers & complete the form then press send. Didn't you always want to be in the film business? Now's your chance at www.prescottfilmfestival.com

September 9th we air a short film Gone Fishing. We will also be airing a feature documentary

The Wonder of it All.

Come on by and be the guest of the Prescott Film Festival and enjoy the films. They are both excellent.

Gone Fishing is by a British filmmaker and is the film fest's first foreign film.

September 16th will be the short film, (a “mockumentary”) called

A. Lincoln, a Life Embellished.

It was made by Bruce Dellis, Arizona Filmmaker of the year for 2007. Bruce has agreed to come up to Prescott and is excited about the opportunity. He’s very active in the Arizona filmmaking community and I’m sure he will be an excellent guest, and a great person to know for those of us who continue to/look forward to producing our own films.

The Prescott Film Festival will do a Focus on Film that evening. A Q&A with the Filmmaker.

The feature that evening is Gotta Dance, a fun documentary about the senior, (age 58 to mid-80’s) hip hop dance team for the New Jersey Nets basketball team. Check out the trailer for this film with a click below. See you at the movies. Enjoy!

www.gottadancethemovie.com

Retiree Connection's Food & Fun

2009-08-18T14:10:00.000-07:00

Catching up at The Retiree Connection Pot-Luck Luncheon

Retiree Connection had it’s first pot-luck on Tuesday, July 14 from 12:30 – 3:00.

It was good to see all our volunteers on the receiving end of a day filled with thanks and good cheer for all that they do to help to maintain our community and keep the important services going. The Retiree Connection salutes you Rita, Bill, John, Linda and Diane. You too Richard!

Call for Host Coordinators & Curators At Prescott Fine Arts Gallery

2009-08-17T15:03:00.000-07:00

The Prescott Fine Arts Association Gallery is looking for a Host Coordinators as well as Curators to help them plan and launch upcoming events and exhibits. The Host Coordinator position would be a time commitment of 7 hours a month and some of the volunteer's responsibilities would include working with the curators and scheduling trainings for new host artists who sit the gallery. The curator volunteer position would be a time commitment of 40 hours over a 6 week period. The responsibilities would include ad and postcard design, reviewing the jurying process for the exhibits, event planning and some knowledge of web-site input. These are exciting positions and a great way to learn the many steps that lead up to a successful exhibit and special event. For further information or to schedule an informal interview regarding these opportunities please contact Maria Lynam, Co-Chair of the Visual Arts Committee at the Prescott Fine Arts Gallery at 443-8854.

A Peek At The Prescott POPS Symphony

2009-08-15T15:19:00.000-07:00

The Retiree Connection wants to thank the Prescott POPS Symphony for introducing and recognizing our program at their wonderful performance at the Yavapai College Performance Hall. The performance entitled "Super Heroes" was a collection of the musical themes of the Super Hero movies. A wonderful performance by "Pandamonium" was given as three performers from that group played the sticks to steel drum music. POPS Conductor, Paul Manns thanked Donna Bellina, Rita Myers, Diane Kuzminski and Kit Hickman from the Retiree Connection for their volunteer support. Rita and Diane are the new Hospitallity Volunteer Coordinators for the POPS and did a beautiful job coordinating the reception after the dress rehearsal for the show. Kit Hickman is the new Assistant Music Librarian and helped to coordinate and collect music for the show. Donna Bellina is the Out-Reach Coordinator for the Retiree Connection and put together a short video of some of the highlights of the show. Enjoy and be sure to check out the POPS web-site at www.prescottsymphony.com for any updates on their upcoming concerts, events and volunteer needs.

Prescott Valley Library Virtual Reality Volunteers

2009-07-06T14:27:00.000-07:00

Yavapai College Retiree Connection is looking for some dynamic volunteers to train and assist a unique new project that is a part of the new library in Prescott Valley.

This unique project This room will have 3 projectors hooked up to 3 computers to project on 3 walls, using special software designed by Embry Riddle. In this special room, the user will act as the mouse, to move items around the screen. It is all motion based, the computers will follow the users motion patterns. This is not like IMAX, where you are “transported” to wherever you choose, but rather more like an interactive research facility. This room can also be used to teach small groups, from 7-10 people in the room at a time.

Volunteers will be trained to become “experts” by the developers at Embry Riddle. First, the software has to be “trained” to follow movements, and then users have to be trained. Access will be controlled so that only trained library members can use the facility. The room will be closed off, with no windows, so a volunteer will have to be inside at all times, to make sure everything runs smoothly. Trained volunteers might also have a special notation on their nametag to let people know they are trained and ready to help with this experience. Training can be done in small groups or one on one.

Another special project for volunteers may be to research interesting websites for potential use in this room. One example of a great link is the Arizona Fish and Game website. Underwater cameras follow the lives of fish in a hatchery. www.azgfd.gov/video This program will use mostly video and still images, and needs several different subjects to fill its database. If there is anyone out there who may be interested pulling together a team and heading up this special project contact Donna Bellina @ 717-7633.

Some interesting facts about the new library are:

The new Library Building design continues to model the Glassford Hill theme as a dormant volcano – with a lot of oranges and grays. The furniture itself is sleek and contemporary as to match the architecture of the building.
Glassford Hill is part of a historical communication site where troops communicated by using "Heliograph Stations" or mirror stations. Glassford Hill was the second-to-last heliograph point for communications with Prescott, when it was the Capital of Arizona. The heliograph theme has been incorporated into the design of the interior of the building. You can see the Heliograph inspired lighting in the ceiling in the attached rendering of the inside of the library. The partnership between the Town of Prescott Valley and Yavapai College is as exciting as the building itself. The College and the Town have an Agreement to share in the costs and the ownership of the building.

Go to the Prescott Valley Library web-site at www.pvaz.net. Scroll down to Volunteer and click on the Library Volunteer Application (part I)

Print out the application and complete it. Return to the Prescott Valley Library check out desk and ask for Linda Bobadilla. Once your application has been turned in, the library will review it and then contact you for an interview and to set up a background check. Everyone involved in volunteering for the Prescott Valley Library has to pass a background check. The background check is part 2 of the application process. Still interested in being a part of it? Get those applications in! For any further questions contact Kathy Heller @ 759-3061. Kathy can also fill you in on some of the other wonderful volunteer opportunities at the Prescott Valley Library.

Thank You Bill Cook

2009-06-16T16:00:00.000-07:00

Bill has been working in the Diamond Valley area building two houses with Habitat For Humanity. He is waiting to break ground in the Chino Valley area and then will start on two more houses. Bill says " Im just providing unskilled labor under the direction of a general contractor along with other folks."

Bill is also working with the Prescott National Forest helping out with trail surveys with the trail foreman which is something Bill supervised before he retired from the Prescott National Forest Service after 15 years. He also volunteers at the VA where he surveyed their memorial tree program. This is a program where people donate money for new trees to be planted to replace trees that are dead, damaged, etc. Bill helped to assess the status of the trees.

He also plans on being a part of the Veteran's Living History Project. This is a chronicle of the veteran's experience through interviews and film.

Bill formed his own consulting business called Legacy Trail Services. To contact Bill or for further information about Legacy Trail Services email: bjcook406@cableone.net

Thank you Bill Cook for contributing so much to our community.

PRESCOTT POPS CONNECTS THROUGH RETIREE CONNECTION

2009-06-16T15:39:00.000-07:00

The Prescott Pops Symphony has found a Music Library Assistant through the Retiree Connection. Kit Hickman is now working with Linda Myers to sort, collate, and clean up sheet music for the musicians that make up this wonderful symphony. Kit is also responsible for collecting and assembling music for return shipping to the music publisher. Also on board from the Retiree Connection are Diane Kuzminski who is serving as the POPS new Volunteer Coordinator, and Rita Myers who is the POPS new Coordinator at large. The Prescott POPS is dedicated to provide accessible, affordable and quality performance for all ages, musical tastes and income levels. Their next performance entitled "Super-Heroes" is being held here at the Yavapai College Performance Hall. The musicians will all be in costume so come prepared to meet Batman in person or a similar facsimile. The concert is scheduled for Sunday, July 12 @ 3:00. For further information about the POPS visit their web-site at www.prescottsymphony.com

Highlands Center Volunteer Opportunity

2009-06-16T11:44:00.000-07:00

Highlands Center for Natural History

The Highlands Center for Natural History helps children and adults discover the wonders of nature and become wise caretakers of the land. We believe that everyone has a fundamental need to connect with the natural world. This connection is fostered by the Center through outdoor-science education based on observation and discovery of the Central Arizona Highlands.

The Highlands Center for Natural History has volunteer opportunities for people interested in education and the natural world. A few of the opportunities include Community Representative, Docent, Habitat Garden Maintenance, Highlands Host/Nature Store, Library Coordinator, Maintenance, Public Relations Coordinator and Refreshments Coordinator.

Contact Information: Gwyneth Mies, Volunteer Coordinator, 776-9550.

Spotlight on Sandy Bobbitt

2009-05-11T15:08:00.000-07:00

The Retiree Connection wants to spotlight Sandy Bobbitt and to say thank you for all her effort and dedication in her volunteerism. Sandy is a retired nurse practitioner with a background in disaster planning. She moved to Prescott a year ago with her husband Bill who is a retired

facilities engineer. Since becoming part of the Retiree Connection Sandy volunteers with Yavapai College's Community Education helping to put together their newsletter. She also is working with Catholic Charities to organize their Medical Loan Closet Program and to become an Intake Coordinator Volunteer. But that's not all. Sandy is also volunteering with the Healthy Living Program to help manage chronic health conditions. In her spare time she has her own business "PostureKinetics" that helps to correct posture and manage pain. www.bobbittconsulting.com

Yavapai College and the Prescott community appreciates your time and involvement.

Thanks again Sandy.

Ready for a change?

2009-05-10T11:56:00.000-07:00

Diane Kuzminski talks about her experience with the Change & Transition Dialogues...

Change & Transition Dialogue Video

2009-05-10T10:15:00.000-07:00

Doris & Bill McFarland Connect With Watson Woods

2009-04-29T10:24:00.000-07:00

Doris and Bill Mcfarland went from not doing too much in retirement to connecting to several projects and lending their much appreciated support. One of those projects is the Watson Woods Project; a project that is well on it's way to restoring the City owned Woods Riparian Preserve and the Granite Creek watershed by reviving its wetlands as well as a portion of the forest. Doris and Bill also volunteer at "Open Door" a program that provides meals, showers, clothing and bedding to homeless and low-income people.They are also helping Shaun Rydell, from the City of Prescott Department of Public Works in her Water Conservation Program and plan on being at the Yard and Garden Show, May 15 to answer questions and offer solutions to save water. Thank you from the Retiree Connection and from the Prescott Community for all your support and help.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

2009-04-27T12:49:00.000-07:00

Retiree Connections "Community Connections" brings project opportunities to you and matches them to your lifetime of experience.

Then you choose.

Listed are some of the wonderful organizations that have presented at the Retiree Connection and some of their volunteer needs.

R.S.V.P. for Children's Literacy is a part of Senior Corps. It is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service. R.S.V.P. offers pre-service orientation, training from within the project you choose to serve, gasoline reimbursement and supplemental insurance. If you have patience, flexibility, a love of reading and enjoy interacting with children, R.S.V.P. would welcome you as a literacy coach. Other volunteer needs are: mobilizing other volunteers, legal and financial expertise, assist victims of natural disasters, environmental programs, and fundraising. Contact Jean Jongsma @ 928-713-4114. Email: jean.jongsma@nau.edu
Prescott Creeks - Watson Woods Project Prescott Creeks Preservation Association is well on its way to restoring the city-owned Watson Woods Riparian Preserve and the Granite Creek watershed by reviving its wetlands as well as a portion of the forest. If you love the outdoors, birding, planting and the environment this tremendous project could use your help in several different capacities. Administrative too! Contact Renee Hoover @ 928-445-5669.
Email: rhoover@prescottcreeks.org
Coalition For Compassion and Justice (CCJ) is a coalition of civic organizations, non-profit social service agencies, congregations and individuals dedicated to set a decent standard of living providing food, clothing, housing and medical care for people living in poverty. These needs are addressed through their three outreach programs; Open Door, Home Repair and Circles of Support. CCJ is also looking for Board members. For volunteer opportunities: Contact Gerry Garvey, Executive Director 928-445-8382. Email: CCJDirector@gmail.com. Website: www.YavapaiCCJ.org
Yavapai County Dept. of Public Works needs volunteers for their Regional Water Smarts program. Volunteers are needed to present literature, distribute water saving devices to businesses and to educate the public about designing desert permaculture that is intended to be sustainable and self-sufficient. For further information contact Shaun Rydell @ 928-777-1130.
Catholic Charities of Yavapai County has three volunteer opportunities available. The Medical Loan Closet Volunteer, The Resource Referral Specialist Volunteer and a part-time Administrative Volunteer. All positions require good interpersonal and organizational skills. For further information contact Haley Hyatt @ 928-778-2531 or email: hhyatt@cc-az.org

"We found Community Connections uplifting & inspiring."

2009-04-27T11:09:00.000-07:00

Stacey Morgan, new Director of the Dewey Humboldt Community Center

and Brenda Tolbert, Executive Director.

"We left the Retiree Connection's Community Connections with new and fresh ideas for our Center. This was an inspring and uplifting meeting and was a great networking opportunity. We came away with a firm connection to AmeriCorp VISTA to help meet some of our volunteer needs in the upcoming year. We also are in the process of rebuilding our Board and two people showed interest and Donna Bellina of the Retiree Connection will follow through on this and hopefully make the connection! This is an exciting time for the Dewey/Humboldt Community Center. Our center is in the process of a wonderful transition and we welcome anyone who has some dynamic programming ideas and wants to help create and support a team to see it through."

For further information contact: humboldtactivitycenter@yahoo.com

Or contact Stacey Morgan, Director @ 928-632-0699