Edition: Summer 2017
Editors: Tina M.Weaver
Maria Strohl marias@rsvpmc.org
Our Website:  www.rsvpmc.org

 Happy Summer!
Newsletter Table of Contents
SummerVol

  If you've been volunteering at a school and are ready for an assignment during the summer months, please contact us.  We desperately need support for seniors through our Help on Call program as well as Meals on Wheels and many others.

  Attend an information session or reach out to Marguerite at (610) 834-1040, ext. 123 or volunteer123@rsvpmc.org 
  
 
Facebook
Visit our Facebook page often and see what our
  awesome volunteers are up to.
We can never get enough Likes! 
Won't you help us get to 500? 
Be sure to like us and share our posts. 
MontCoVolCeleb
Montgomery County
Volunteer Celebration Event



On May 10th, we celebrated our Montgomery County volunteers to recognize their efforts, their dedication and their tireless activism to improve our communities. 

Four volunteers earned the President's Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Service Award for 4,000 lifetime hours: Judy Cressman, Ron Gawel, Richard Singer and Mildred Weigner. (Photo not available)


The President's Gold Service Award was given to volunteers contributing more than 500 hours of service in one year. Recipients: L to R: Robert DePorter, Phillip Schwartz, Barbara Rutberg and Robert Leib, RSVP Board President. Missing: Della Amoroso, Melinda Bartscherer, Judy Cressman, Gerald Francis, Ron Gawel, Margaret Heller, Yvonne Kratz, Phyllis Lewis, Richard Lewis, Barbara Makar and Norma Withsosky.



Senior Corps Legacy Award recipients: L to R: Jay Freed, Adele Golkow, Claire Porter, Grace Gray, Steve Small, Steve Sherman and Robert Leib. Missing: Mike Bonenberger, Durante Footman, Rich Layer, Clarence Rader, Ron Steinbrecher and Al Toizer.



Twenty-Years-of-Service Award recipients: L to R: Adele Golkow, Dolores Giera, Mary Rutkowski and Robert Leib. Missing: Mabel Anderson, Patsy Dinney, Douglas Hamel, Fern Roth and Robert Sykes.



Citadel Community Hero Award winner and finalists: L to R: Ruth Hood and Jean Spotts (finalist) from Meals on Wheels, Family Services of Montgomery County; Nancy Mandato and Robert McShea (winner) from the Literacy Council of Norristown and Gary Scott (finalist) and Aaron Shoestak from Project Hearth, Family Services.

 
We congratulate and thank all of our volunteers for an amazing and eventful year! 


If you would like to add a volunteer activity, such as Help on Call to assist local seniors with driving or shopping, please contact us.  
 

DELCHESCOVolCelebSAVE THE DATE  


 
Delaware & Chester County
Volunteer Celebration Event
 



Tuesday, July 11, 2017
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Wesley Enhanced Living - Main Line
100 Halcyon Drive, Media

We'll meet in the Auditorium for the awards ceremony; afterwards, 
we'll all enjoy lunch together!

Please let us know if you can make it. 
Contact Mo Ganey: moganey@rsvpmc.org or (610) 834-1040, ext. 30.

 

We are very grateful to Wesley Enhanced Living  
for their Sponsorship of our Luncheon
 
RSVPHiring
     
RSVP is Hiring

Volunteer Executive Consultants 
Program Manager
20 hours per week out of King of Prussia, PA





Elementary Literacy Program Coordinator
26 hours per week out of King of Prussia, PA


FarewellJanisRuth
Farewell Janis Glusman

For 31 years Janis has been an innovator at RSVP. She began our Adult Literacy program in 1986 and the ground-breaking Family Literacy program in the early 90's. Her imagination and dedication in involving teen and disadvantaged parents in their children's development to encourage a love of reading brought recognition from the Points of Light Foundation. Janis co-founded the Montgomery County Literacy Network and authored the PROUD Diary, published for national distribution by Laubach Literacy (now Proliteracy). Over the years, she has been incredibly resourceful in obtaining new gift books for thousands of Head Start children and has happily delivered them along with reading tips for parents, now translated into several languages.  Janis will be missed greatly and remembered and treasured.


     
     

 
 

Good Luck Ruth Cella

 
We will miss your dedication to the VEC program and to the many clients VEC has assisted over the years. Your enthusiasm, your humor and your expertise have been amazing.     
 
 
PartnerAgencySpotlight
Partner Agency Spotlight
Meet Senior Community Services 
 
In Delaware County, Senior Community Services (SCS) promotes independent and meaningful living for older adults through direct services and programs in the home and community.  This year, SCS is celebrating 40 years of serving local residents. Thanks to their dedicated staff and volunteers, SCS services and programs reach 1,700+ older adults.

One hundred SCS members are also RSVP volunteers. They help in the four SCS senior centers: Friendship Circle, Schoolhouse, Good Neighbor and Chester. In this past year, these centers welcomed more than 7,000 visitors.

Volunteers prepared and delivered more than 144,000 meals to 400+ homebound consumers.  APPRISE volunteers counseled 830 clients during Medicare's Open Enrollment. Volunteers also provided handyman services and transportation through the Aging at Home Program. The entertainment group Guys 'N Gals are always a big hit with their spirited singing!

Volunteers also support our troops by collecting coupons which are sent overseas and used in commissaries.  To date, $177,600 worth of savings have been donated to the Troopons program.

We are proud to have SCS as our partner!  Visit www.scsdelco.org to learn more. 

 
Volunteers at Schoolhouse Senior Center gather to clip coupons for the Troopons program.


 ExploreAWorld
Explore a World of Opportunities
 
 
Whether you are brand new to volunteering or already a veteran volunteer we would love to see you at one of our sessions. Share your experiences and find out more about areas of great need in your community. 
 
Friendly presentations provide an overview of RSVP, outline various programs and provide an opportunity to discuss assignments.  Bring a friend along and enjoy light refreshments - you never know what you might find! 

 
Bala Cynwyd June 1, August 3 - from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm - Library, 131 Old Lancaster Rd.  

Blue Bell/Wissahickon -    June 14, August 2, September 6 - from 1:00 to 2:30 pm - WVPL Library, 650 W. Skippack Pike
 
Now in Chester County!  
Exton   June 15  - from noon to 2:00 pm - Exton Chamber of Commerce (in Exton Mall), 185 Exton Square Mall

Kennett Square -   June 22, additional dates announced shortly - from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm - The Market at Liberty Place, 148 W. State Street

King of Prussia  - June 8 - from 10:00 am to noon, July 31 from 1:30 to 3:00 pm, September 19 - from 10:00 am to noon - RSVP Office, 901 E. 8th Avenue, Suite 200
 
Kulpsville/Lansdale - June 13 - from 2:00 to 4:00 pm , additional dates announced shortly - North Penn United Way, 1715 Sumneytown Pike, Suite 203

Media - June 19 - from 1:00 to 2:30 pm - Municipal Center, 301 N. Jackson St. Parlor Room 

Pennsburg - June 27 - from noon to 2:00 pm, July 27 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, September 28 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm - Upper Perkiomen Valley YMCA, 1399 Quakertown Rd.

Plymouth Meeting - July 10 - from 9:30 to 11:00 am - Whole Foods, 500 W. Germantown Pike, Community Room

Pottstown -   June 20 - from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm - Pottstown Hospital, 1600 E. High Street.

Souderton - July 17 - from 1:00 to 2:30 pm - Generations of Indian Valley, 259 N. Second St.

Willow Grove - June 29, July 25, August 22, September 26 - from 9:30 to 11:00 am, Giant Supermarket, 315 York Road, 2nd floor 
Please let us know that you're coming
so that we can plan for your visit
 
Call Marguerite Cunning, Volunteer Coordinator (610) 834-1040, ext. 123 
   
Walk-Ins Always Welcome
There's never an obligation to enroll as a volunteer
.
Limited supply of gifts available at each session to thank you for attending!  Aren't you curious?   
 
 
WhereVolsNeeded
Where Volunteers are Needed Most 
Just 15 Minutes WILL Change the World 
 
 
 
There are many important volunteer opportunities
 in Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.
 
_________________________________________________________________________________ 
 
Opportunities, Right in Your Backyard! 



Chester County:
  • Meals-on-Wheels drivers and food pantry support
  • STEM and other career exploration presenters
  • Virtual math tutors (great for corporate employees - just one hour from your desk)
  • Marketing, planning and other management skills needed to assist nonprofits
  • Visit with lonely Veterans
  • Consignment store support staff
  • Reading coaches needed to motivate elementary school students
     
Delaware County:
  • Food pantry and Meals-on-Wheels support
  • Drivers, escorts and friendly visitors for seniors
  • Virtual math tutors
  • Adult literacy volunteers
  • Nature center support
  • Thrift shop staff
  • Mentors for teen mothers and women in transition
  • Marketing, planning and other management skills needed to assist nonprofits
  • Reading coaches needed for elementary school students
     
Montgomery County:
  • Virtual math tutors
  • Thrift shop support
  • Adult literacy volunteers
  • Disaster preparedness presenters
  • Hospice support
  • Home-bound senior assistance - drivers, shoppers, visitors, etc.
  • Mentors
  • Sort donations to organize personal and household essentials
  • Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen support and meal delivery drivers

Philadelphia County:
  • Read to preschool children
  • STEM and other career exploration presenters
  • Handyman
  • Virtual math tutors
   
         Make a Difference!
  
  To learn how, contact Marguerite Cunning 610-834-1040, ext. 123
WeAreGrateful
We are very grateful 

   Diamond Level Sponsor and Partner 




and our new Platinum Level Sponsor and Partner
 

 
Recent check presentation: Shown L to R: Tim Smith, Lisa Borek, Michele Moll - RSVP Executive Director, Lori Santerian, Larry Worsham, Ian Matlack, Neal Koplin


If you would like to explore the benefits of becoming a corporate partner, please contact
click here To view RSVP's Corporate Sponsorship package.  

 


Additional Benefits to Businesses:
RSVP is a certified Educational Improvement Organization, providing innovative educational programming for public schools.  Through Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) businesses in the state can receive up to a 90% tax credit by partnering with RSVP. To learn more visit the EITC site or contact Tony Giunta. 
UpcmingWorkshops
Upcoming Workshops
  Important Workshops for Nonprofits

 2017 VEC Workshop Series:  
   
 
Getting to 501c3 Status 
September 12

Facebook: How to do it for YOUR Nonprofit 
October 17

Financial Management for Nonprofits 
November 14

    
All workshops will be held at RSVP, 901 East 8th Avenue, Suite 200, King of Prussia. 


 

Each workshop opens at 9:30 for coffee and networking, sessions begin at 10:00 am to noon.   

 

Workshops are free for current or past clients; $20 for non-clients.  For information contact vecinformation@rsvpmc.org  

       $ New VEC logo
   VEC Volunteers now Providing Off-Site Consulting 

VEC volunteers are providing free consulting sessions for area nonprofits at the Regional Foundation Center at the Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street.  To register, contact erefrfc@freelibrary.org
  
Check back - additional dates and topics coming soon



MoreTrainingEvents
More Training and Events
 
Training:  
 
ABC Workshops for America Reads Volunteers 
This national initiative helps all children read on grade level by 4th grade. We prepare reading coaches to help students in elementary schools read with more confidence and enthusiasm.

A -  America Reads
B -  Basic Training
C -  Coaches Collaboration

Tuesday, August 15 in King of Prussia (901 E. 8th Ave., Suite 200)  
Thursday, August 24 in Media (Municipal Center, 301 N. Jackson St, Parlor Rm)  
Thursday, September 14 in King of Prussia (901 E. 8th Ave. Suite 200)

Please join us at one of the upcoming workshops and learn how you can become an elementary school reading coach with an experienced team.  If you are already a volunteer in this program please join us, we'd love to hear your story. To register, contact Sandie Rollins sandrar@rsvpmc.org . bring a friend!

Events:
 
Delco America Writes Pen Pal Party
June 9, 2017
Delco Pen Pals will meet each other this June at Media Elementary. About 40 RSVP volunteers and their 4th grade pen pals have been corresponding since October and are looking forward to this time together to eat snacks and participate in some fun, get to know you, activates. The volunteers and students will also have free time to connect on a more personal level. Everyone involved looks forward to this special event.




Montco Pen Pal Pizza Party for SEI Employees
June 6,2017
SEI partners with two, third grade classes at Marshall Street Elementary School. Students and their pen pals have been corresponding since October.  The culminating event is a Pizza Party held at the school at which the SEI Pen Pals have the opportunity to sit with the student with whom they have been communicating.  Everyone eats pizza and brownies, and the pen pals have the opportunity to speak in person.  SEI has provided a new book (recommended by the teachers) for each child, for the past three years. The SEI pen pals give them to the kids at the party.  

RunWild
Be sure to SAVE the DATE for our upcoming
Run Wild 5K
1 Mile Safari Walk 
  at the Elmwood Park Zoo on
 
Sunday, October 15, 2017
Check our website for details 




Click to Register

If you would like to volunteer at the race, please contact moganey@rsvpmc.org



 
If you're a runner, register for this fun event and support a great cause. 
Please help support our corporate partner SEI.
Register for their 10th Annual



SEI Rush Hour Run!
Thursday, June 8 at 6:30 pm
1 Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, PA

 
 
SEI's Rush Hour Run raises funds for local charities. This exciting and popular run draws 500 runners from our area who support local nonprofits and enjoy the lively after-party on SEI's beautiful campus.

This year, SEI Cares has selected RSVP as one of two local beneficiaries of race day proceeds. 
 
 
See you there! 
 
 
ImproveYourCommunity

How Do You Improve Your Community?



AmazonSmile
Do You Shop on Amazon?



When you do, here's a simple way to help RSVP programs:
 
By shopping through Smile.Amazon.com (simply designate RSVP of Montgomery County as your charity of choice,) a portion of your sales are donated to us.
Thank you!
 
      
APPRISE
APPRISE / MEDICARE News

SCAM Report:
Medicare and Social Security beneficiaries across the country report receiving calls from scam operators (frequently with foreign accents), who claim to represent Medicare, Social Security or an insurance company. These callers claim that new Medicare, Social Security, supplemental insurance benefits cards are being issued or that the beneficiary's file must be updated. The scam artist asks the citizen to verify or provide their personal banking information, which is used to commit theft.
 
 
If you receive a call asking for your banking or other financial information, hang up immediately!

Remember:
  • The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Social Security Administration will NOT call you to update your information or give you a new card.
  • If someone calls and asks for your personal information do NOT provide it
  • If calls persist, you may contact your phone company about features that would allow you to be selective in the calls you receive.

     
    Wherever you are with your Medicare coverage -- whether you've been a beneficiary for many years -- or you are 65 and just about to enroll in Medicare for the first time, our counselors can help you be selective and informed about your coverage

 

Call 610-834-1040 x20 and talk with an APPRISE Volunteer Counselor.
 
 

memorialcelebrations

Memorials and Celebrations
We Are Grateful For Your Thoughtfulness  
 
In Memory of:
Melly Durkin from Robert Leib
Andrea Broad from Robert Leib
Goldie Schwartz from Ivy Sherman Chernoff
Goldie Schwartz from Edith Nelson
Michael Brody from Noah Borenstein
Robert Sykes from RSVP Staff and Board 


 
In Celebration/Honor of: 
Our Amazing Volunteers from RSVP Board and Staff
 
   
 
Offering a simple way to honor someone who is deceased 
 or to celebrate a special occasion or gesture. To make a donation in memory or celebration of someone special click here

CommunityHappenings
Community Happenings & Resources

Blood Donors Needed

Carol Axelrod Memorial Blood Drive
Wednesday, July 12
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 
The Reserve at Gwynedd - Clubhouse
301 Primrose Drive, Lansdale
or 
October 9 and 10 
7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Lankenau Medical Center
100 E. Lancaster Avenue, Wynwood 

To Register visit www.chablooddrive.org
 
 
 
Are You Getting Enough Sleep?


www.tuck.com offers resources and advice to catch your zzz's

RSVP - Responding to Community Needs Through Volunteerism!
Now Serving Montgomery, Delaware and Chester Counties and educationally disadvantaged children, youth and veterans in Philadelphia

610-834-1040
  PLEASE SUPPORT THE GROWING NEEDS IN OUR COMMUNITY