(360) 425 volunteer - lower columbia cap · monthly newsletter rsvp volunteer center lower columbia...
TRANSCRIPT
ISSUE YEAR VOLUME
“MEDICARE INFORMATION &
CAROLYN’S CORNER…..3 & 4
GETTING TO KNOW RSVP
STATIONS AND VOLUNTEERS
OF THE MONTH …….…2 & 3
WHY ARE YOU AN RSVP
VOLUNTEER? ................ …1
Volunteer Focus A B I MO N THL Y NEW SLETT ER F RO M L OW ER COLU MB IA C AP ’S
RSVP VOL UN TEER CE N TE R TO OU R ME MBE RS A ND S TA TI ONS
The RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program)
engages and encourages people 55 years of age and
older to meet community needs through volunteer
opportunities that enrich the lives of both the volunteers
and those they serve.
Why Are You an RSVP
Volunteer?
As a volunteer, you might be asked, “Why are you an RSVP Volunteer?” Here are some reasons!
Benefits for Your Community Help frail, at-risk,
disadvantaged, homeless and/or hungry populations
Build stronger communities Make your community safer,
cleaner, and more unified Support local non-profit
organizations Personal Benefits Greater connection with
community An opportunity to use your
current skills and learn new ones
Improved physical health from
being actively engaged in positive acts of care and assistance
Gain new friends Practical Benefits Volunteer hours counted
towards national volunteerism efforts
Membership with national volunteer organization
Free supplemental insurance Invitation to annual
recognition event Monthly newsletter
RSVP Volunteer Center Lower Columbia CAP 1526 Commerce Ave. Longview, WA 98632 (360) 425-3430 x 288
October 2013
September: Volunteer of the Month Mary Nelson, Senior Community Meals
Described by husband Myron as
“the wind beneath my wings,”
Mary Nelson has actively served as
an RSVP volunteer for 12 years.
Originally from Wisconsin, Mary
worked as an x-ray technician be-
fore marrying her high school
sweetheart, Myron. In 1986, they
moved from California to Castle
Rock, “We visited Mt. St. Helens
every summer and thought this area
was beautiful. As we slowly built
our retirement home over those
summers, we became close with
our neighbors. In fact, when we
finally moved into our house in
‘86, it felt like we were coming home.”
Mary is an avid gardener and maintains a 3 acre yard.
She is especially fond of their “friendship grove” that
contains over 100 trees planned in honor of each person
who has visited their home.
Mary volunteers three days a week at
Castle Rock Senior Center. Some of
her volunteer activities include:
assisting with AARP Driving classes,
acting hostess for bingo, serving CAP
Senior Community Meals on
Wednesdays and Fridays, and serving
her famous cinnamon rolls as a
Monday morning hostess.
When asked about volunteering,
Mary said, “I love the social aspect.
After being here so many years, these
people have become some of my best
friends.”
Thank you for being an RSVP volunteer, Mary!
October: Volunteer of the Month John Person, Catholic Community Services
“If you find something enjoyable, do it.” That’s John Person’s motto and
he’s stuck with it.
For the past 13 years, John has been driving low income seniors and Medi-
caid patients to doctor’s appointments and other errands as a volunteer driver
for Catholic Community Services. John volunteers an average of 66 hours
each month. John became an RSVP volunteer about two years ago after
seeing a presentation by Anita Hopkins, former RSVP program manager.
Raised in Naselle, John moved to Longview after getting a job at Reynolds
Metals. He worked there from 1968 until the business closed in 2001. John
shared, “Volunteering made a big difference in my life. I wasn’t very happy
when I retired, but volunteering gave me a chance to meet nice people.”
John’s favorite pastimes include spending time with his wife Lani, putting
together puzzles, collecting antique trucks and tractors, and visiting with
family.
Thank you for being an RSVP volunteer, John!
Find out what’s happening with other volunteers by liking our Facebook page. Search for “RSVP Volunteer Center for Cowlitz-Wahkiakum.”
AN RSVP STATION
SINCE 2011!
Kelso-Longview Train Depot use to be an undesirable
place to visit. When Amtrak and Greyhound left, there
was no one to care for the facility. In 2009, a group of
concerned citizens formed a volunteer organization to
keep the building open and tourist friendly.
Almost five years later, the depot is still serviced by vol-
unteers. Depot volunteers assist about 2000 passengers a
month with issues such as entering the correct train car
to updating them on late arrivals or departures. RSVP
volunteer, Val Malella said, "I enjoy the variety of chal-
lenges presented through volunteering at the depot. Each
day is a new adventure."
The Depot has 16 active
RSVP volunteers. Karen
Bergquist said," Volunteers
are recognized by receiving
service pins. Each volunteer
receives a green vest embroi-
dered with the volunteer's
name after so many hours of
volunteering.
Kelso-Longview Train Depot is a registered 501 (c) (3)
with a mission to assist travelers and to be courteous
ambassadors for the communities. For more infor-
mation about volunteering at the depot, contact Val (425
-0177) or Karen (636-2152).
Kelso/Longview Train Depot is looking for:
Volunteers 21+
who can problem solve, multi-task, computer and telephone literate, courteous and friendly attitude to work with public, keep station clean
Left to right: Karen & Val
Getting to Know RSVP Stations: Kelso/Longview Train Depot
* Article source: medicare.gov
1. Your Medicare coverage is protected. Medicare isn’t part of the Health Insurance Market-
place established by ACA, so you don’t have to replace your Medicare coverage with Mar-
ketplace coverage. No matter how you get Medicare, whether through Original Medicare or
a Medicare Advantage Plan, you’ll still have the same benefits and security you have now.
2. You get more preventative services, for less. Medicare now covers certain preventative
services, like mammograms or colonoscopies without charging you for the Part B coinsur-
ance or deductible. You also can get a free yearly “Wellness” visit.
3. You can save money on brand-name drugs. If you’re in the donut hole, you’ll also get a
50% discount when buying Part D-covered brand-name prescription drugs. The discount is
applied automatically at the count of your pharmacy—you don’t have to do anything to get
it. The donut hole will be closed completely by 2020.
4. Your doctor gets more support. With new initiatives to support care coordination, your
doctor may get additional resources to make sure that your treatments are consistent.
5. The ACA ensures the protection of Medicare for years to come. The life of the Medi-
care Trust fund will be extended to at least 2029—a 12-year extension due to reductions in
waste, fraud and abuse, and Medicare costs, which will provide you with future savings on
your premiums and coinsurance.
Five Things to Know About the Affordable Care Act and Medicare To learn more
about Medicare
and the ACA, go
to medicare.gov
or call SHIBA:
(360) 425-3430
x 304.
Hi again! Where did this summer go? I’m really enjoying the many colors and
changes in the weather. The office has been abuzz with many of you coming in to
turn in hours. I hope you are all enjoying this new newsletter and the special
recognition of our wonderful volunteers.
DID YOU KNOW ….
We hear each day of the many scams against our vulnerable population. The most
recent one is a phone scam where seniors are being told they need a new Medicare
card and the scammers are requesting their personal information. It is important
to note: Medicare and Medicaid will never contact you by phone. Also, do not
ever allow anyone into your home under these pretenses. Medicare and Medicaid
don’t make home visits.
DID YOU KNOW ….
Your local fire department has free services for the
elderly and disabled. After speaking with the fire
department, I encourage you to contact them for
information on what they have to offer. The local
fire department’s number is 442-5503.
Please drop by when turning in your timesheets so
Sarah and I will have an opportunity to meet and
chat with you!
Carolyn
RSVP/SHIBA Program Assistant
(360) 425-3430 x 212
Carolyn’s Corner
Enrollment in Medicare’s prescription drug program (Part D) starts
Tuesday, Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7. If you’re Medicare-eligible and
want to enroll in Part D or change your current plan, beat the last minute
rush by enrolling early.
The Washington State Office of Insurance
Commissioner’s Statewide Health Insurance
Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) can answer
questions about Medicare Part D and
provide help on other parts of Medicare as
well as other health care topics. Call to schedule your free, confidential appointment today! (360) 425-3430 x 304 Lower Columbia CAP 1526 Commerce Ave. Longview, WA 98632
Medicare Open Enrollment
SHIBA Help-Line is a free, unbiased and confidential counseling service spon-sored by the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Our trained volunteers help consumers of all ages understand their health care rights and options. SHIBA advisors can help you: find health care coverage options, compare health insurance plans and prices, understand government health programs, report health care fraud and abuse. Call today: (360) 425-3430 X 304
Do you have unwanted material or yarn? RSVP knitters & quilters would appreci-ate your donations as they make blankets and hats for people in need! You may drop off yarn or material at the CAP office.
RSVP Notice
We encourage you to distribute Volunteer Focus to your volunteers! You can email it, print it and distribute through the mail or at meetings, and/or post it in a location where your volunteers can access it. We want every volun-teer to feel connected to and part of RSVP.