|
Volunteers give,
but most get plenty in return
BY HELEN TRABERT SPECIAL TO THE KENOSHA NEWS
Helen Trabert is the accompanist for the RSVP Master Chorus. She lives in Kenosha.
I am a newcomer to Kenosha. My husband and I moved here in September 2002. We enjoy the neighborhood on the south side of town and somewhat near the lake. Our neighborhood is an ethnic mixture (sort of a “Heinz 57”) — an all-American neighborhood.
In 2003 I became a volunteer with RSVP (Kenosha Area Family and Aging Services, Inc.). I began to notice all the services that are provided in Kenosha and the county by volunteers. I am especially impressed by the beautiful parks and decorative gardens in Kenosha. I have been told that these beautiful floral displays are all done by volunteers. The beautiful Durkee Mansion and the Anderson Art Museum have provided hours of pleasure and enjoyment and volunteers spend their time staffing these places. Other activities I see that these active seniors are involved in include volunteering at the hospitals, as drivers for KAFASI, even working as volunteers for the DOT. The opportunities seem to be limitless. It costs nothing to join RSVP and find some activity that interests you, giving you a sense of purpose and of filling a need.
In 2003 I became involved with the RSVP Master Chorus — a wonderful, enthusiastic group of seniors who love to sing. I am amazed at the amount of volunteer activities these active seniors are doing. I have observed the community and those who stay home and keep to themselves. The activists are the happy people. Volunteering keeps them smiling and enjoying life. Yes, sometimes they have to take “time out” for a hip surgery or a knee replacement or helping other family members with physical problems. But — look out! Here they come bouncing back as soon as they are able, smiling, happy, singing and spreading their sunshine and joy to those in the community who may feel that they are the “forgotten ones.”
One of the happiest volunteers I know has racked up more than 5,000 volunteer hours since she was widowed about eight years ago. She has given her time and her heart to Alzheimer’s day care. She has had opportunities to turn this into a paying job that would then put her into the office routine. She refused because she loves working as an aide to the participants. Recently this happy lady has been on the “disabled” list herself, so her volunteer activities have been curtailed, but the spirit of giving of herself is still alive and well, and she does far more than she is really able to do.
I have heard more than one widow declare that volunteering saved her life. My hat is off and my greatest appreciation goes to the wonderful senior volunteers of Kenosha and Kenosha County. If you want to “have joy up to the maximum and bring gloom down to the minimum,” just hop on over to the RSVP office at 7730 Sheridan Road and talk to Darleen. She’s a darling and will help you find the niche you are needing to bring a sense of fulfillment into your life.
I have often heard that retired men only live a few years after retirement because they no longer feel useful and needed. Well, here’s your chance, be adventuresome and try something new. You will love being involved. Who knows? You may find the secret to the “fountain of youth,” or at least enjoy your life while you are living it, instead of sitting down and waiting to “graduate.” All seniors graduate, you know, but meanwhile, let’s keep learning, growing and contributing to our community. Even the Bible teaches that it is more blessed to give than to receive. The giver is the blessed person. Why don’t you try it? You might like it.
If you are a senior citizen who needs to work and earn money, there are many opportunities available. I have noticed that Wal-Mart hires seniors to be greeters at the door. Also, there are opportunities for giving out samples at the supermarkets. I met a vivacious senior lady who was assisting the insurance representative for Humana at his booth in Wal-Mart. She gave me an 800 number to call for giving samples at the supermarkets. If you are willing and able there are opportunities out there for getting you out of the house, being with people and perhaps earning some money.
Also, there is the Senior Center with all sorts of activities available. I have not joined yet, but any day now.
My Turn appears on the Commentary page on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Send comments to the writers in care of the Kenosha News 5800 Seventh Ave. Kenosha WI 53141 or send e•mail to myturn@kenoshanews.com.
|
