RSVP Reflections

Retired & Senior Volunteer April 2024

Meet Beth, new director of RSVP!

My name is Beth Montour. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been in the human services field providing a helping hand in a wide variety of roles for over the last 25 years. My professional experience has ranged from individual and family counseling, volunteer coordination, to fundraising positions for nonprofit organizations. I am married with three children and just recently became a grandmother. I enjoy spending quality time with my family which includes my dog, “Kevin,” a large vizsla who truly believes he is a lap dog. I love a good live band and listening to country music, but I have to say I am partial to classic rock, especially “The Eagles.” My passion lies in getting to know others’ interests and talents. I believe this is key in building strong, meaningful relationships with others and within our community.

Visit spring VolunteerFEST VolunteerFEST will be held from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30, at the Bordini Center on the Fox Valley Technical College campus in Appleton (5 N. Systems Dr., Appleton).

Drop in anytime during this free, family-friendly event and stop by the RSVP table! Connect with 50 nonprofit organizations across the Fox Cities. Learn how you can get connected and give back in our community.

ForeverWell offers spring activities

ForeverWell is a great opportunity to get active, pursue your health and wellness goals and meet new people. Choose from classes, day trips and a host of activities. You may be eligible for a free Y membership through your insurance benefits. Bring your insurance information to any YMCA location and staff at the front desk will inquire for you. Check out the program guide for April and May here. Day trip information.

Hearing loss conference set for April

The Hearing Loss of America Fox Valley Chapter invites the community to register for an educational conference on April 26 & 27, at the J. D. Bordini Center, 5 N. Systems Dr. Appleton. For details, follow this link.

Does your food affect your mood?

Many of us have gone on a diet to improve our body weight, cholesterol or blood sugar. While physical health is the primary reason people choose a new diet, the idea that altering your diet can affect your mood is gaining steam among medical professionals.

In fact, recent studies show that the brain and the gut are linked. Not only do your intestines digest your food but they are also lined with neurons that release important “mood hormones.” Perhaps the most notable of these mood hormones is serotonin. Serotonin creates a calming effect, inhibits pain and decreases depression.

Good food, good mood . . .

How does this all work? Can you actually improve the way you feel emotionally by making strategic choices at the grocery store or in front of your refrigerator?

The answer is a surprising ‘yes.’ By eating foods that promote the growth of “good bacteria” in your intestines, you increase the production of good chemicals like serotonin.

The inverse is also true. Eating a diet high in sugar and processed food causes inflammation in your gut which blocks this neurological growth.

So, what foods are “good mood foods?” A good rule to follow is to eat the rainbow. Not literally of course, but consider selecting fruits and vegetables that are brightly colored – like the colors of the rainbow.

What to know about identity theft

Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information, Social Security number, credit card number, or other identifying details, for financial gain or fraudulent activities. This can include opening credit accounts, making purchases, accessing bank accounts, filing fraudulent tax returns, or committing other crimes under the victim's name. Identity theft can have serious consequences for the victim, including financial losses, damage to credit scores, and difficulties in resolving fraudulent activity. 

How to protect yourself from identity theft: 

• Protect documents that have personal information. Keep personal documents in a safe place and shred any documents that reveal your personal information before you throw them away. 
• Don’t share your Social Security number with someone who contacts you unexpectedly. Scammers will say they’re from the Social Security Administration, the IRS, a bank, or another organization you know to steal your information.  
• Protect your information online and on your phone. Use passwords that are hard to guess and add multi-factor authentication, like a code you get by text message, for accounts that offer it. 
• Review your bills. Look for charges for things you didn’t buy, or an unexpected bill. It could be a sign of identity theft. 

If you suspect identity theft, report it to the Federal Trade Commission. 

The Federal Trade Commission provides resources and materials in multiple languages to educate people of diverse backgrounds on how to avoid fraud and scams. Report scams here.

For more information, visit the FTC website here.

You may be eligible for a free YMCA membership through your Medicare insurance benefits? Bring your insurance information to any YMCA location and staff at the front desk will inquire for you.

Volunteer Opportunities

Riverview Gardens: Is seeking planting partners for the 2024 harvest, assisting with planting, harvesting, weeding and watering vegetables and flowers. Flexible schedule, Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Ideal for ongoing projects or regular volunteering. Must maintain records, adhere to organic practices and work collaboratively. Tasks include bending, lifting (up to 35 lbs.) and using hand tools. Attend brief Thursday orientations at 1 p.m. Contact Stacey at swest@riverviewgardens.org for details.

Appleton Police Department: Is seeking VIPS (Volunteer in Police Service). VIPS help promote relationships between Appleton Police Department and the community. Your skills and interests will be matched to meet various needs including clerical support, data entry, research, serving food at annual events and helping at events with McGruff. Volunteers must be 18+. A criminal background check must be completed. Contact Nicky at nichole.rowan@appleton.org or 920-832-5512.

Linwood Community, A Ministry of Fox Valley Lutheran Homes: Is looking for a Canva Expert to assist them in learning and using Canva at their Appleton office. Volunteers will collaborate with staff to create projects during available times: Tuesdays, 12-4 p.m. and Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Contact Sue at edasst.fvlhomes@gmail.com or 920-734-7225 for more information or to volunteer.

Outagamie County Nutrition Program: Is seeking short-term volunteers to fill in at the Thompson Center on Lourdes, Hortonville and Seymour meal sites primarily on Tuesdays by aiding with meal preparation, serving, interacting with older adults and tidying up. Shift times vary, but generally fall between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. For details, contact Kelsey at Kelsey.Larson@outagamie.org or call 920-832-2113.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley: Is seeking volunteer assistants at various elementary school sites to help run successful programming. Various programming activities are implemented each day, such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) activities, art projects, fundamentals of sports and teamwork and recreational games. The goal is to teach life skills, good character and citizenship, all while having fun! Shifts: 3:30-6 p.m. Contact Merriam at mmistlebauer@bgclubfoxvalley.org.  

Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity ReStore: Is seeking volunteer office assistants at its store in Appleton to help keep the store organized with friendly, fast and accurate service. Responsibilities include greeting and interacting with customers and volunteers, answering phones, filing paperwork and assisting with data entry and cleaning as needed. Contact Amy at 920-544-7856 or AmyC@foxcitieshabitat.org. 

Happy birthday to volunteers celebrating in April!