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Need Last Minute Tax Preparation? | |
Appointments are still available through the RSVP/AARP Tax-Aide Program. Call 240-777-2577 before April 15th!
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As a member of the SWAT Team, you are one of our "go-to" volunteers. You'll get occasional emails, about once a month, with information on one-time volunteer opportunities. This could include helping with mailings, data entry, assisting with a special event. Contact information is provided and if you're interested, you can contact the station directly. There is never an obligation to participate in an opportunity and no minimum hour requirement. Contact Caitlin Alcorn at 240-777-2608 for more information or to sign up.
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Help your friends
and neighbors stay in the loop with the Montgomery County Volunteer Center.
Help them
E-subscribe to Montgomery Volunteer, your monthly e-newsletter, here.
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Free "Work in Progress" Screening
The Creators, A Documentary Film
by Laura Gamse
Your opportunity to be a part of the creative process, for FREE!
Step into the lives of six artists sculpting South Africa's future from the fragments of a tumultuous past. After viewing the unfinished films, the audience will provide constructive feedback.
Wednesday, April 6
7:00 PM
Silver Spring Civic Center
One Veteran's Plaza
Event Flier
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Consider Your Home Equity Wisely
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The National Council on Aging is providing free counseling sessions via their NCOA's Reverse Mortgage Counseling Services Network to consumers aged 62+. You can schedule your free session by calling 1-800-510-0301. NCOA also offers a consumer booklet on reverse mortgages, entitled Use Your Home To Stay At Home. Download this free publication here.
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New Publication
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The Vital Living Committee has just published The Montgomery County Navigator: Vital Living After 50. Click here to view this guide. It's packed with helpful information on job training, health resources and contacts for County assistance. To request a hard copy, please call 240-777-1131 and leave your name and address.
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Greetings!
Spring has sprung The grass has riz I wonder where the birdies is. That childhood rhyme may cause grammarians to cringe, but it's a great way to wish you a happy spring! I can tell you the birdies are right outside my office window, busily building their nests. Talk about free entertainment all day long! Don't get me wrong, though. We are working hard here at the Volunteer Center to "spring" into action. Earth Day is April 22 this year, and we encourage volunteers to celebrate Mother Earth all month long. If you are interested in getting out and getting your hands dirty, consider one - or more - of the many Earth-Day-All-Month volunteer opportunities listed on the Volunteer Center's Earth Day page. Another very special annual event in April is National Volunteer Week.  The theme for National Volunteer Week, commemorated April 10 - 16, is "Celebrating People in Action." The theme captures the meaning behind this signature week - honoring the individuals who dedicate themselves to taking action and solving problems in their communities. Thank you for taking action, year after year, project after project. You make time to give back to our community in so many ways. For all you do, we thank you and celebrate you during National Volunteer Week and all year long.
If you are already totally maxed out with your volunteer work and all your other commitments (yoga, work, travel, zumba, grandchildren ...), please share some of these volunteer opportunities with your friends and neighbors who might be looking for something more to do. You are the best "advertisement" for the benefits of getting involved and giving back to the community. We welcome our newest member of the RSVP team - Michele Cornwell. Despite being the mother of four - count 'em four! - teenage sons, she has made time to volunteer with us as editor of RSVP News. Michele has a bachelor's degree from Western Maryland College and a master's degree from University of Maryland; and has a background in real estate. The Cornwells live in Rockville. If you have ideas or comments about this quarterly publication, please email Michele at michelecornwell001@verizon.net. Sincerely,
Kathleen Meaney Stobie
Montgomery County RSVP Director
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New Arts for Life and Learning Program
To encourage the community's adult learners to engage in and explore the arts, BlackRock has partnered with Asbury Methodist Village to create the Arts for Life and Learning Program. An open house will be held on April 13 from 10 am to 2 pm to launch this exciting initiative.
The program includes creative movement, watercolor painting, cabaret and drama workshops, and many will be sampled at the open house. Also on April 13, watch a performance by the Clancy Works Dance Company, listen to a talk by area photographers and view their work on display, and enjoy a catered lunch.
Advance admission for the open house is $10, which includes the lunch and all the events for the day. Admission at the door is $15.
Download a schedule of events and registration form
here or call Rene Schecker at 240-912-1053.
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Veterans in RSVP
Are you a veteran who volunteers through RSVP? If so, Senior Corps wants to know! The national program, which is sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service, wants to ensure that retired veterans have access to thousands of opportunities tailored to their unique skills and experiences.
Please email Caitlin.Alcorn@montgomerycountymd.gov and let her know of any prior military service so she can compile the data Senior Corps has requested. For more information, visit www.serve.gov/vets.
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New Volunteer Opportunities
 | | Bone Builders Volunteer Leaders |
Bone Builders is a program sponsored by RSVP and the Area Agency on Aging offering free osteoporosis prevention exercise classes at nine locations throughout the county. Because volunteers staff the program, there is no charge for instruction or equipment. Volunteers lead the twice a week daytime classes focusing on building muscle strength and increasing bone density. Volunteer leaders receive a full day of free training and ongoing supervision by a master trainer. Ideal class leader candidates want to build their own bone density and are eager to teach others to do the same. To explore what it takes to be a Bone Builder volunteer leader, contact Shawn Brennan at shawn.brennan@montgomerycountymd.gov or 240-777-1350.
 The Jewish Council for the Aging is hosting a 50+ Employment Expo on May 17 and is looking for volunteers to assist with registration and resume reviewing. The event will be held at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Contact Micki Gordon at mgordon@accessjca.org or 301-255-4231. This is also a great event to attend if you're looking for a new job. See the flier for the event here.
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (Montgomery Parks) has multiple opportunities for volunteers all around the county. Are you a bird-watcher? Montgomery Parks needs bird monitors. Like to walk and work? Trail construction projects are underway. Visit the Volunteer Page here for a full list of positions. Get outside this Spring and help our parks!
The Literacy Council of Montgomery County is looking for teachers and tutors to help county residents struggling to learn English. The next afternoon volunteer orientation is on Wednesday, June 29, from 10:30 am to noon at the Rockville Library for anyone interested in the programs. Visit their website at www.literacycouncilmcmd.org for more information and to register for an orientation.
Rebuilding Together Montgomery County has a wish list on their website and your skills might be the perfect fit. For upcoming home repair projects they are looking for skilled trade volunteers like roofers, plumbers and electricians, as well as office volunteers to help with mailings and fundraising. Visit their website at www.rebuildingtogethermc.org for more information or to put your dream project on their list.
Hospice Caring, Inc. has long-term administrative positions, as well as short-term event opportunities. Administrative volunteers work at least 5 hours per week assisting with multiple programs at the office. Event volunteers may chair an event, help fundraise, or volunteer at the event itself. For more information, visit their website at www.hospicecaring.org or contact Madeleine Carmichael at madeleinec@hospicecaring.org or 301-869-4673.
 The Mental Health Association is looking for dedicated, caring volunteers willing to provide supportive listening and crisis intervention service. Volunteers are required to complete a training class to learn skills related to suicide prevention, problem solving, information and referral and other interventions. The training is free, and will be held July 25 through August 25 (52 hours of training). MHA then provides a protected and comfortable setting where volunteers can anonymously answer calls. Please contact Amy Regalado at aregalado@mhamc.org or 301-424-0656. |
Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities
 Brookside Gardens in Wheaton is always looking for volunteers interested in staffing the gift shop or working in the gardens. Visit their website at www.montgomeryparks.org/brookside, or contact Jared Ashling at jared.ashling@mncppc-mc.org or 301-962-1429.
Here at the Montgomery County Volunteer Center, we're looking for volunteers to help with the RSVP Program. So if you're looking to take a stronger role with RSVP, please contact Caitlin Alcorn at
caitlin.alcorn@montgomerycountymd.gov or 240-777-2608. Positions include collecting and recording volunteer hours, updating volunteer contact information and much more. RSVP is looking for volunteers with experience using a computer.
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2011 City of Gaithersburg's Active Aging Expo
On Monday, May 2, the City of Gaithersburg presents a day filled with energy, educational talks, interactive demonstrations and preventive screenings. This free event will be held at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park, from 9:00am - 2:00 pm. Bohrer Park is next to Gaithersburg High School at 506 South Frederick Avenue.
The Expo is a partnership between the City and the Montgomery Village Foundation, Montgomery County Housing Opportunities Commission, and Asbury Methodist Village. Speakers will include Allison Silberberg, activist and public speaker who wrote "Visionaries in Our Midst: Ordinary People Who Are Changing Our World," and William Schlossenberg, Director of Development and Community Partnerships for the Universities of Shady Grove, and former Publisher of the Gazette Newspapers.
Among the many exciting offerings will be facials, massages, and the opportunity to learn how the arts can help you age more successfully. Come to the Active Aging Expo and learn ways to keep your brain active and your body safe and healthy. No registration is necessary. For more information, click here, or call 301-258-6380.
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America I AM: The African American Imprint
Walmart, the title sponsor of the America I AM: The African American Imprint exhibit has partnered with the National Council on Aging (NCOA), the D.C. Office on Aging, the National Hispanic Council on Aging and the National Caucus and Center on Black Aged (NCBA), to host Seniors Day at the National Geographic Museum.
Adults ages 50 and over in the Washington, D.C. area will receive free access to experience this one of a kind exhibition on Thursday, April 21, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Complimentary lunch will be included in the day's festivities.
RSVP of Montgomery County has secured 50 vouchers for RSVP Volunteers. If you would like a voucher, please contact Kathleen Stobie at kathleen.stobie@montgomerycountymd.gov or 240-777-2612.
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Events at Your Local Library
Beginning Internet and Computer Basics: Every Wednesday evening at 7:00 pm at the Damascus Library, volunteers provide basic help in learning to use the library computers and on internet access. Registration required but the classes are free. Please call 240-773-9444 or register in person at the Information Desk.
Hooks and Needles: Bring a friend and learn to crochet and knit, too! Bring your own supplies. Or if you already know how to crochet or knit, bring your project and meet new people. For adults and teens ages 12 and up at the Twinbrook Library every Thursday from 6:00-7:00 pm.
Senior Health Insurance Counseling: A Maryland SHIP volunteer will meet with individual seniors and family members to answer questions about claims, supplemental insurance, Medicare, etc. Call 301-590-2819 to make an appointment. This event takes place at the Wheaton Library on Tuesday, April 12 between 1:00-3:00 pm.
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Thank you all so much for volunteering your time and skills through the RSVP Program. "I won't be old till my feet hurt, and they only hurt when I don't let them dance enough, so I'll keep right on dancing!" Bill "Bojangles" Robinson
Editor: Michele Cornwell
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