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ENCorps eNews- Nov/Dec 2019

In this issue:
Re-framing Aging Workshops
Volunteer Spotlight
Volunteer Opportunities
Re-framing Aging Workshops
Earlier in November, the Lifelong Communities Fellows Program with the support of Tri-State Learning Collaborative on Aging, presented two workshops on the topic of re-framing aging developed from the Frameworks Institute trainings. The first workshop covered negative stereotypes of older adults and how to support more positive images of aging by re-framing it with different values, such as justice and ingenuity. The metaphor of "building momentum" was used to describe the life experience, knowledge, and skills that an individual accumulates over the course of their life and the value of sharing those accomplishments with younger generations. The second workshop went into more depth about using language to re-frame aging- replacing crisis/fatalistic language with inclusive language that promotes shared values. The importance of using three main points to develop a compelling story was discussed, and checking for the 5 C's when writing- clear, concise, credible, compelling, and consistent, and examples were given and examined to determine if they met the criteria. The webinar ended with a discussion on creating positive stories on frailty in older adults, focusing on one's capabilities rather than their limitations.

For those interested, the recordings of the two recent webinars are available to watch online for free:

Re-framing Aging Webinar 1 http://bit.ly/LLF_Re-Frame1


Re-framing Aging Webinar 2 http://bit.ly/LLF_Re-Frame2


Additional materials about re-framing aging: http://bit.ly/LLF-Re-Frame
Volunteer Spotlight: Al Cressey 

 

This month, we are highlighting the work of Lifelong Communities Fellow (LCF) Al Cressy from Topsham. Al worked for The MITRE Corp as a systems engineer for over 30 years. After that time, he and his wife ran a bed and breakfast in Bethel, where they lived for 20 years. While living in Bethel, Al was active as a volunteer.  He served as President of the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Town’s Planning Board for 10 years, President of the Bethel Historical Society in addition to volunteering for local church committees and non-profit groups.
 

Al co-founded the Bethel Region Age-Friendly Community Initiative (AFCI) in 2015.   Among the projects supported by the AFCI are The Handy Neighbor Program, which has high school students performing outdoor tasks for adults 69 and over; the Neighbor-to-Neighbor Volunteer Driver Program, which gives free rides for residents 60 and over for both medical and non-medical purposes; and Exercise for Seniors, which offers free Tai Chi classes and walking groups.
 

Earlier this year Al became the LC Fellow in support of Vinalhaven’s community initiative that is focused on the island’s homecare project for older adults. Al is currently working with the Islands Community Medical Center and other stakeholders to assess resident needs and to establish a program that will offer a variety of home services such as home health, home repairs, and driving services. 

 

When not serving as a volunteer, Al enjoys hiking with his wife Jackie in places like Switzerland and the White Mountains, cross-country skiing/snowshoeing, traveling, gardening, reading, and spending time with their four grandchildren.

Thank you, Al, for all your hard work and dedication to the community! We hope to hear more about all the great work you are doing with Vinalhaven’s homecare community project!

 

The Lifelong Communities Fellows, an eight-month long pilot program, was developed in partnership with the Maine Community Foundation, with the guidance and expertise from AARP and the Tri-State Learning Collaborative on Aging.

For more information:

Age-Friendly Bethel: http://www.agefriendlybethel.org/

 

Islands Community Medical Services: http://www.icmsvh.org/



If you would like your work to be featured in this newsletter, please contact Carli Hutchison at carli.hutchison@maine.edu.

Volunteer Opportunities 

Senior Companion Volunteer (10 Maine Counties: Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Hancock, Washington, Waldo, Franklin, Oxford, Kennebec, Androscoggin)
When: Ongoing
Provide Companionship or Respite

The UMaine Center on Aging Senior Companion Program is a volunteer program for adults 55 and older who are interested in helping homebound or isolated adults maximize, maintain or regain their independence. Senior Companions serve 10 or more hours per week providing friendly visits and help with everyday activities. Volunteers participate in preservice orientation and monthly trainings. Income-eligible volunteers receive a tax-free hourly stipend and mileage reimbursement to and from the volunteer site. If you are age 55 years or older and interested in helping area seniors maintain their independence and age in place, contact us today at: Don Lynch at 207.262.7927 or via email at:  donald.r.lynch@maine.edu or visit our website at: https://mainecenteronaging.umaine.edu/service/senior-companion-program/

Volunteer Tai Chi Instructor (Dover/Foxcroft)
UMaine Center on Aging RSVP

The UMaine Center on Aging Senior Corps RSVP is looking for a volunteer Tai Chi instructor in the Dover/Foxcroft area. The Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention program is a free class offered to participants twice a week for a minimum of 8 weeks. This program is an evidence-based exercise regimen from the Tai Chi for Health Institute that is designed to increase the health and comfort of those living with arthritis and to improve one's balance to protect against falls and fractures. Must be 55+ to apply. Training will be held in spring 2020. All the training you need to become an instructor will be provided.
 
For more information, please contact Paula Burnett at 207.262.7926 or at paula.burnett@maine.edu

Maine Senior Games: Project Assistant
When: Ongoing
Southern Maine Agency on Aging

The Southern Maine Agency on Aging is looking for a project assistant to help 8-10 hours per week with the Maine Senior Games event. Most responsibilities for this position take place Monday-Friday. Some volunteer activities include recruiting volunteers for events, training volunteers with MSG manager, loading/unloading van for events, and submitting information about events to media outlets. The volunteer project assistant should be self-directed, organized, basic computer skills, and able to lift 15-20 lbs.

For more information: http://volunteer.unitedwaygp.org/need/detail/?need_id=419239
or contact Judie O'Malley at volunteer@smaaa.org or 1-207-396-6595


Meals on Wheels: Referral Intakes Volunteer (Scarborough)
When: Ongoing
Southern Maine Agency on Aging

The Southern Maine Agency on Aging is looking for a volunteer to assist the Meals on Wheels program by answering intake calls and processing referrals. Volunteer should have good oral and written communication skills, be comfortable speaking with clients over the phone, and have basic computer literacy. Volunteers must be 21+.

For more information: http://volunteer.unitedwaygp.org/need/detail/?need_id=467376
or contact Judie O'Malley at volunteer@smaaa.org or 1-207-396-6595




Do you know of a volunteer opportunity that you would like to circulate to your fellow ENCorps members? If so, e-mail the volunteer opportunity including a description of the volunteer job and a point of contact to info@encoreleaders.org and we will get it into the next newsletter.


MEMBER HOURS

ENCorps members have volunteered 94,910 hours to date! Keep up the great work!

Why Report Hours?
The purpose of ENCorps is to support your efforts to improve your community with training and networking opportunities. Much of our programming - the Summit and training events - is free or low cost for ENCorps Volunteers. Help us share the ENCorps story with others! By reporting your volunteer work each month, we are able to give examples of ENCorps' impact in the community. It's also a great way for us to acknowledge your good work! Please help us by reporting your hours by the 15th of the following month (ex. for January hours, please report by February 15). 

Report Volunteer Hours HERE
Encore Leadership Corps
207-262-7928
info@encoreleaders.org
www.encoreleaders.org

ENCorps is a program of the University of Maine Center on Aging in partnership with the Maine Community Foundation and with the cooperation of local, state, and national organizations. Funding in support of ENCorps has been provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Aging Initiative, The Atlantic Philanthropies, The Maine Community Foundation, Jane's Trust, Margaret E. Burnham Charitable Trust, Davis Conservation Foundation, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation. 
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University of Maine Center on Aging · 25 Texas Ave · Camden Hall · Bangor, ME 04401 · USA