RSVP Newsletter
April 9, 2021
From Rosemarie’s desk … 

The joy of April

We all know that April showers bring May flowers, but April also brings us other joys in life as the trees begin to blossom and the temperatures continue to climb.

April 22 is observed as Earth Day. The very first Earth Day was started in 1970, when the birth of the modern environment movement made us all aware that we need to take care of our planet. Click here to learn some ways you can help protect the environment.

April 23 is recognized as National Picnic Day. Not quite a national holiday designated by congress, but a good excuse to get outdoors and enjoy a shared dish and informal entertainment. A picnic became fashionable in the early 19th century and still is popular today. Click here on ways to get outside, celebrate the day and soak up some spring sunshine.

April 24 is celebrated as Arbor Day. A day to raise awareness of the importance of trees and forests. Trees not only give us oxygen, store carbon, stabilize the soil and give life to the world's wildlife, they are essential for life. Click here to learn the best time to plant a tree.

There are 27 other reasons to celebrate each day in April. Click here to find out more real-life inspiration.
All the best,
Rosemarie
Here is a fun fact for your next dinner party. Did you know that the month of April, in its 30 days, is equal to 43,200 minutes? Feel free to use it and impress your friends!
Help seniors who want to remain in their own home
One of the primary focus areas of our RSVP program is reducing social isolation among older adults. We are thrilled that more and more older adults in the community are signing up for TeleMatch, our telephone outreach program designed to add a little extra socialization for older adults so they can remain healthy and happy in their own home or apartment. But that means we need more volunteers! All the current volunteers in the program are being matched, so we are looking for additional volunteers who enjoy chatting with older adults on the telephone.

Volunteers call their match twice a week and talk for at least 15 minutes. The goal is to keep older adults healthy, safe and happy in their own home for as long as they chose to live there. Studies show that lack of socialization is detrimental to health, both physically and emotionally.

If you have 30 minutes a week to spare, please consider this meaningful opportunity and boost the quality of life for older adults. Contact Jan at 920-832-9360 or rsvp@volunteerfoxcities.org.
Urgent need for help at vaccine clinic
Outagamie County Public Health reports an urgent need for volunteers to help in concierge and observation at the Fox Cities COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Two shifts are available: 8 a.m. to noon and noon to 4 p.m. Volunteer for the date and time that fits your schedule. The health department could really use your help tomorrow, Saturday, April 10, as well. To volunteer, contact Jan at 920-832-9360 or rsvp@volunteerfoxcities.org.
Fun, innovative class offers plethora of topics on aging
Join the Aging Mastery Program that covers a variety of topics to improve your well-being, add stability to your life and strengthen ties to your community. The class meets twice a week for 6 weeks. Unlike other programs you may have taken through the Aging & Disability Resource Center, this class features a guest expert from the community who comes to almost every class to address the topic of the day. If the topic is nutrition, a dietician will be available to answer all your questions. If the topic is financial planning, an attorney or someone else who specializes in that type of work will be available. Read more.
Webinar series features dementia care specialists
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services, in partnership with statewide dementia care specialists, will be hosting monthly webinars for people with dementia and their family caregivers. Each presentation will cover a different topic and include practical tools and resources for families. Read more.
6 ways to prevent falls
According to the National Council on Aging, every 11 seconds an older adult is seen in an emergency department for a fall-related injury. Don't contribute to these statistics! Many falls are preventable. Check out safety tips here.
Find out how 1 hr. can change a life

  • Outagamie County Volunteer Driver: This very flexible volunteer role makes sure every child can visit their parents by providing rides to Health & Human Services clients for parent/child visitations. Volunteers choose how often they want to drive, and which rides they want to provide, based on a list of options they receive. While most trips are local, some out-of-town destinations are optional. Mileage is reimbursed.
 
  • Supervised Visit program: Help families rebuild their relationship in a safe environment by supervising the visits of children in alternate care with their natural parent(s) at an agreed upon site (options include their home, the library or a park). Volunteers can choose their schedule and the assignments. Average time commitment is 1-2 hours a week. Once assigned a case, the schedule is generally consistent. First-time volunteers will shadow veteran volunteers until they feel comfortable with the role.
 
  • Guardianship Program: Some folks who live in their own home, group home or long-term care facility do not have family or friends willing to help them make important life decisions. That is why we are seeking court-appointed legal guardians – compassionate advocates who help make everyday living/health decisions for people who need them the most. Volunteers are not live-in or hands-on caregivers and do not provide financial assistance.
 
For more information on these opportunities,
contact Penny Jane at pennyjane.strauss@outagamie.org.  
GRAB N GO MEAL SERVICE

Outagamie County Nutrition Program offers APPLETON GRAB N GO Meals for pickup by Outagamie County residents age 60 and older, regardless of income, on Wednesdays.

A reminder that the GRAB N GO Meal Service in Appleton has relocated to the Thompson Center on Lourdes, 2331 E. Lourdes Dr, Appleton. 

Eligible residents must call in their weekly meal order to 920-209-4175 by noon the Monday prior to the Wednesday pickup. All Outagamie County residents age 60 years and older may receive this meal service. Residents who have not received a meal since April 29, 2020, must register. Download a form here.  

For more information and to view April's schedule, click here.
April birthdays!
Judith Calmes – 4/01
Vicky Verbael – 4/01
June Holmqvist – 4/03
Christina Wolslegel – 4/03
James Fritz – 4/05
Betty Lange – 4/07
Milton Staskal – 4/07
Toots Erdmann – 4/10
Gerald Anderson – 4/12
Donna Wittmann – 4/13
Bea Brown – 4/15
Sam Bass – 4/16
Jewell Breitengross – 4/16
Jim Breitengross – 4/17
Sue Schini – 4/18
Linda Loomis – 4/19
Connie Thorson – 4/21
James Davis – 4/23
Robert Heffron – 4/24
Nancy Umland – 4/27
Susan Locke – 4/29

Volunteer Fox Cities
2616 S.Oneida St. Suite 2
rsvp@volunteerfoxcities.org
Volunteerfoxcities.org

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