Picnic Latino Americano

Joy of Delivering Meals to Seniors

Audrey Holland, Volunteer Administrator recently asked her volunteers what they liked about delivering meals to seniors. She shares some of their responses.

            ...because it's all about the smiles. ...happy faces when we pop in the door. 

 

            "Jesus says, "Where you have done it unto the least of these, you have done it unto Me." Our seniors get at least one healthy meal a day and I get the opportunity to visit with some really nice and grateful people that otherwise, I would have never known.

           

            I enjoy checking on them and making sure they are ok. It is just a little thing that takes little time but is a huge benefit to the recipients.

 

            ....it is fun to see and talk to the clients. It makes my day and makes me feel good. Even when I'm having a bad day and don't feel like delivering meals, I know that my day will be better when I see "my folks."

 

            I feel like I'm doing something satisfying to these families. They like to talk and share about what is going on in their lives and it helps them when they are unable to prepare one for themselves. I also pray for each family I serve and some are very sick. They need encouragement.

 

            I love delivering meals to seniors because my visits allow contact with the folks that are primarily bound to their homes. They truly appreciate the visit and the meals. Further, I'm able to help seniors in a way I was unable to do for my parents due to living in different states. It is a very satisfying experience.

 

            ...it makes me feel good to help others. Bringing a smile to others is a nice feeling. I enjoy contributing to our community. God has blessed me in so many ways that I also like to be a blessing to others.

 

            ... because it brings a smile to my face to see these precious shut-ins and hear their stories of life "way back when". I may be the only contact they have all day, and it's a joy to add a ray of sunshine when I can. "What goes around, comes around" and perhaps one day it will be "my turn". I hope one day there will be someone who will help me when I need it.

 

            ...they are a terrific group of people. I look forward to every delivery from the welcoming smiles to the last "thank yous" or "have a blessed day."   It is a pleasure to serve the seniors.

You can join these volunteers. Delivered Meals Program serves seniors 60 years or older, homebound and unable to prepare a nutritious meal. The program needs volunteers to deliver meals to seniors in Manteo and the beach area, Monday through Friday. If you can donate one hour a month in the fight against senior hunger by assisting with meal distribution, please contact Mary Jernigan at (252)475-5637 at the Baum Center or Gianinna Sanchez at (252)475-9279 at the Dare County Center.  You can also contact Audrey Holland Volunteer Administrator,  252-426-7093 ext 230         aholland@albemarlecommission.org   

Outreach Wellness City Workshops

Do you or a friend or family member deal with Mental Health, Substance Use or other Life Challenges?  Free participation in Wellness City's workshops is available.  The workshop consists of 15 stand-alone units of Living and Coping Skills Anyone to come into the class at anytime during the Workshop. Held at the Dare County Library in Manteo, the 90 minute workshops begin at 6:00 pm.  We are Adult Providers for East Carolina Behavioral Health and are county funded. Outreach Wellness City's classes are not designed to replace what someone is doing for their recovery but to enhance their recovery process.

New Treatments for Melanoma

THE UNC CANCER OUTREACH CLINIC is accepting referrals for patients and families seeking assistance with melanoma.This clinic will be held on  August 12, 2011. Appointments may be made by calling (252) 449-8265. The community is invited to hear Frances Collichio, MD, provide a Lunch and Learn workshop at noon on August 12, Outer Banks Hospital Cancer Resource Center,  entitled: "New Treatments for Melanoma." Pre-registration is encouraged and may be made by calling 252-449-7350.

 

Dr. Frances Collichio is an associate professor of medicine in the division of hematology and oncology in the UNC School of Medicine and a member of UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.  Dr. Collichio sees patient in the UNC Lineberger Neuro-Oncology and Melanoma Programs as well as the UNC Breast Center.  The UNC Cancer Network office in Dare County at (252) 449-8265.

 

American Heroes Offered an OBX Thank You.
Saltwater Soldiers provide offshore fishing trips and financial aid for wounded soldiers, soldiers, veterans, and the families of our U.S. Military.  The organization is headquartered in Haymarket, Virginia and provides offshore fishing trips out of Ocean City Maryland and the Outer Banks, North Carolina. Saltwater Soldiers was founded to provide the necessary support and reward for the service, sacrifice and dedication of our military personnel and veterans. All of our trips are designed to give our American heroes a positive experience and opportunity to catch "a fish of a lifetime"

Saltwater Soldiers program will participate in the upcoming 2011 2011 Pirate's Cove Big Game Tournament, August 14-18. As part of the Saltwater Soldiers program, Pirates Cove Vacation Rentals and Property Management will host service personnel to the hospitality and accommodations of a Pirate's Cove vacation home. PCVRPM is contributing funds toward the rental of a beautiful waterside home for 12 in Pirate's Cove.

 

"It is our honor to host these men and women whose service, valor and sacrifices at home and abroad protect our freedoms," said Debbie Green, Rental Manager for PCVRPM. "It is their dedication that allows us to enjoy the unique beauty and lifestyle of the Outer Banks. Making their dreams come true is a privilege."

 

Saltwater Soldiers entirely from donations, contributions and sponsorships from individuals and businesses. Information about the Saltwater Soldiers Program is available online at www.saltwatersoldiers.org.

 

OB Hospital Get Pinked Campaign

Last year the  breast cancer awareness and fundraising campaign raised over $35,000 by partnering with 27 organizations and countless individuals in a community effort to make a difference. "Once again we will be encouraging businesses and individuals to commit to raising a $1,000 donation in away that suits their individuality - either through employee campaigns, such as a "blue jeans" Friday, sales of unique and pink items or from customer donations," said Linda Willey, Co-Chairman. "The Get Pinked! Campaign pledges once again that every $1,000 raised by our Get Pinked! Partners will go toward the detection and treatment of breast cancer right here in Dare County." For more information about the GET PINKED! Campaign and how to become a GET PINKED! Partner, call The Outer Banks Hospital's Development Office at 449-9183. The campaign will run August through October.