To the editor:
Are you over 55 years of age? Are you finding yourself in front of the television often or at the coffee shop too long? Wondering if you could be using your free time in a more productive way? Have you been considering “giving back” to your community or helping seniors and/or veterans? As the new Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) coordinator of volunteers for Caribou, Limestone, Washburn, Van Buren, Fort Fairfield, Woodland, New Sweden and Stockholm, I encourage community members 55 and older to consider the possibilities and benefits of volunteering.
The Aroostook/Caribou area RSVP is seeking able and eager people to assist in a variety of activities. There is a full range of opportunities and flexible scheduling that can be tailored to your interests, skills and comfort level. We will state the time commitment up-front, so you are fully aware before you start. Interested people choose the days, time, town and station of their assignment. We are flexible if you cannot make it occasionally or if you choose not to do it any longer. Our goal is to foster a mutually rewarding partnership with the volunteer and the people that are serviced. RSVP will support you with a volunteer orientation and training for your chosen task. Finally and noteworthy, RSVP provides accident, personal liability and automobile insurance coverage while you are on a volunteer assignment. We want you to be happy and content volunteers.
RSVP volunteer opportunities range from (but are not limited to) drivers and workers for Meals on Wheels, transportation for seniors (medical or other), Friendly Visitor Companions, Veteran Companions, food pantry workers, Wildlife Refuge, Medicare or financial educators, knitting, Matter of Balance or Bone Builder exercise instructors, thrift stores, hot meal site workers and special assignments at other community nonprofit agencies.
Volunteering is a win/win — it helps the people receiving services, but at the same time, the volunteer will reap in the rewards of meeting new people and staying active and engaged. It will boost your mood, level of energy and overall physical wellness! Call my Caribou office, 492-2146, or the RSVP Presque Isle office, 764-3396, if you would like to learn more. We would love to have you join our group of registered volunteers. Volunteers are needed and valued. If you are currently a RSVP volunteer, spread the word among your friends — good people generally hang around together.
Jane Pinette
coordinator of volunteers
Caribou Area RSVP
