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 Happy Holidays!
Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly wants to extend to you and your family our wishes for a very blessed and peace-filled season.
Thank you for all you do for the elders of our community! |
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Tips for Driving Elders
During the holidays, we find ourselves transporting elders often, whether they're family members or our special LBFE friends. Here are some suggestions for a safer transport.
Getting In
- For safety reasons, step stools and wheelchairs should not to be used for getting in and out of the vehicle. The elder may use a walker or cane.
- The elder needs to be able to get in your vehicle with little to no assistance from you, other than verbal cues. Point out any grab rail or strap.
- If your vehicle has fabric seats (not leather), it may help to have a plastic garbage bag on the seat to help the person pivot on the seat.
- Have the seat positioned as far back as it can go when getting in or out.
- Suggest that the elder turns first to sit down on the seat, rather than have them stepping into the car sideways. Prompt them to place their hands on the dashboard and/or the back of the seat for support.
- Have the elder swing their legs into the car. Please do not assist lifting their legs into the car to prevent injury.
Dealing with Seat Belts
- Ask your elder if they need help with the seat belt. If so, volunteers should provide a "running commentary" on what you're doing. "Let me get the short end of the belt, and I'll buckle this end into it. Now I'll adjust the shoulder strap for you. Is that comfortable? Not too tight?"
Getting Out of the Car
- Have the seat positioned as far back as it can go.
- Have the elder swing their legs out of the car. Avoid assisting them to lift their legs out of the car.
- If a walker or cane is required, make sure it is available before the elder stands.
Source: DARTS
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| Volunteer spotlight
Bernie Lindholm, baker
For 24 years, Bernadette (Bernie) Lindholm's organization, Just Desserts, has been leaving its special imprint on the cookies, cakes and other baked treats received by the elders of LBFE.
 | | Bernie Lindholm of Just Desserts |
"It all started when my husband, Gordon, and I volunteered to serve meals at a holiday dinner for Little Brothers," Bernie recalled. "We were so impressed by the fact that fresh foods were prepared - we peeled potatoes and cooked fresh broccoli. I told my fellow employees at Piper Jaffrey what fun it was to serve in this way, and it just grew from there."
Bernie formed Just Desserts and, since then, the organization has prepared freshly baked goodies for LBFE's events. "We've been pretty consistent with the size of our group, averaging about 20 bakers from year to year," said Bernie. And although she's been retired for 18 years, the majority of her team still consists of Piper Jaffrey employees and retirees. Her ingenuity and commitment to serving the community through her baking has been unfailing - and impactful. In fact, in 1991, Bernie was a recipient of KARE 11's Eleven Who Care award.
In addition to the many hours of shopping, preparation and baking time, every cup of sugar, teaspoon of vanilla and sack of flour is personally donated by the staff at Just Desserts. "I put out a notice of what the needs are for upcoming events, and the bakers sign up," Bernie said. They specialize in providing a variety of scrumptious cookies (both regular and diabetic recipes), which are distributed each month to Friendship and Flowers elders. And on Good Fridays, Bernie and crew gather at Little Brothers to decorate cakes for the big Easter Sunday dinner event.
So, many thanks to Bernie Lindholm and her team at Just Desserts. Because of her, our elders look forward to that extra-special home-made touch that LBFE is known for. |
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Volunteer opportunities: December and January
CHRISTMAS DINNER
Thursday, December 25, 12-2 p.m. Where: Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 285 N. Dale Street, St. Paul
Volunteer needs: Click here
To volunteer, contact lspeeter@littlebrothersmn.org or 612.746.0753
BAKING FOR NEST NEIGHBORHOOD OUTREACH
Ongoing need for 2-3 dozen treats (bars, cookies, etc.) and 2 9"x13" cakes or 4 dozen cupcakes per month.
Where: Bake at home; deliver to LBFE at 1845 East Lake Street, Minneapolis, or call Gretchen at 612.746.0755 for other delivery options.
BINGO AND LUNCH
Tuesday, December 13, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Tuesday, January 10, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Tuesday, January 24, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Where: Minneapolis League of Catholic Women
207 S 9th St, Minneapolis
Need: 5 drivers
Sponsored by Minneapolis League of Catholic Women
CHRISTMAS TEA
Wednesday, December 14, 12-2:30 p.m.
Need: 10 drivers
Sponsored by Farnam Street Financial
BIRTHDAY LUNCH
Wednesday, January 18, 12-2 p.m. Where: Blake School, 511 Kenwood Pkwy, Minneapolis
Need: 3 drivers (2 Mpls. and 1 St. Paul)
Sponsored by Blake School
BIRTHDAY LUNCH -- NEST NEIGHBORHOOD
Friday, December 16, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 4, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Where: Our Saviour's Lutheran Church
674 Johnson Parkway, St Paul
Need: 1 driver
DAY OF REFLECTION
Thursday, January 12, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Topic: "Winter"
Where: Benedictine Center, Maplewood
Need: 6 drivers (3 Mpls., 3 St. Paul)
FRIENDSHIP AND FLOWERS
Saturday, December 17, 9-11 a.m.
Saturday, January 21, 9-11 a.m.
Ongoing need for volunteer visitors
GENTLE YOGA
December 12 and 19; 10-11 a.m.
Where: Hamline United Methodist Church
1514 Englewood Ave., St Paul
Need: 2 drivers
KNIT & CROCHET / CARD-PLAYING GROUP
Thursday, December 29, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Thursday, January 26, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Where: LBFE, 1845 E Lake St, Minneapolis Need: 5 drivers MEMORIAL SERVICEMonday, December 19, 4-5 p.m.Where: LBFE, 1845 E Lake St, Minneapolis We encourage anyone whose life has been touched by an elder LBFE served to attend our memorial service. Each service includes a time of sharing memorable and touching moments, which we have found to be especially helpful in our healing process. Please contact Josh Windham at 612.746.0746 or jwindham@littlebrothersmn.org if you would like to attend. |
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Volunteer Time Reports for November Now Due
Take a moment to appreciate all that you do for our elders!
Please complete and submit your monthly time report via e-mail, fax or mail directly to your staff contact with LBFE. If you are unsure to whom you should be submitting reports, contact Dianne Feltham at 612.746.072 or dfeltham@littlebrothersmn.org.
To download a writable PDF of the time report,
click here.
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Christmas drivers / dinner companions needed
We're seeking about 10 more volunteers to pick up elders, drive them to Lutheran Church of the Redeemer and share companionship and a traditional turkey dinner. Dinner is from 12 noon to 2 p.m. on Christmas Day. Please contact LuAnne Speeter at lspeeter@littlebrothersmn.org or 612.746.0753.
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Are you a genealogy buff?
An LBFE elder who lives on the Eastside of St. Paul would like to learn more about her lineage. She just received a portrait of her great-grandfather, which was painted shortly after he immigrated to the United States.
If you're interested in helping her do some research, please contact Gretchen Vanderlinden-Wang at gvanderlinden-wang@littlebrothersmn.org or 612-746-0755.
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Orientation Sessions
Learn about LBFE's history, current programs and what the future holds in store for Minnesota's older adults. As a prospective LBFE volunteer, you'll gain valuable insights on working with older adults, handling various situations and LBFE practices and policies.
The session is FREE and essential for all volunteer companions - please join us!
Saturday, Dec. 10, 9 a.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 21, 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 14, 9 a.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 28, 5:30 p.m.
RSVP to LuAnne Speeter at lspeeter@littlebrothersmn.org or
612.746.0753. |
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Support LBFE's mission of providing companionship to isolated seniors in the Twin Cities
www.littlebrothersmn.org/contribute |
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Volunteer Department Information
Location: 1845 East Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407.
Office hours: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m, Monday-Friday.
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