|
Volunteer Central
August 2021
| |
|
The summer is here, and Cape Cod & the Islands are packed to the brim with people. We are all excited that pandemic restrictions have been lifted by Governor Baker, and we all want to get back to the way life was pre-pandemic.
There have been lots of news reports discussing the mistreatment of local business staff. I think this is a great time to reflect on the damage the pandemic has already caused, not only to our country but globally. Then remember that businesses are just starting to reopen and re-establish their routines. Restaurants haven't had a summer rush since 2019 (two years ago). We all need to take the time to acclimate ourselves to our new reality.
Let's take a moment to slow down, breathe, and reintroduce ourselves to society.
Let's take a moment to be understanding and kind to one another.
| |
Welcome Emerald Hollow Therapeutic Riding Center! | |
|
We are now partnered with Emerald Hollow Therapeutic Riding Center (EHTRC) in Brewster, whose mission is to enrich the lives of children and adults with special needs on Cape Cod by providing individualized Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies.
Volunteering at EHTRC gives you an opportunity to be outdoors, to provide joy and challenges to people with disabilities, to meet other volunteers, and to work as a team. EHTRC riders in turn provide smiles, camaraderie, enthusiasm, and pride in the progress of their skill.
EHTRC's volunteers generously give their time and their heart to support EHTRC's students and horses. Volunteers groom, tack, lead horses and assist with property maintenance and barn chores around the farm. They encourage riders and ensure students have fun and safe experiences at EHTRC.
| |
Get updates on volunteer opportunities, public outreach, and more! | | |
Osteoporosis Prevention Class Update | |
|
The Osteoporosis Prevention Exercise Classes are moving forward! The classes are structured to help individuals with osteoporosis, or who are at risk for osteoporosis, maintain strength, flexibility and function. The classes are led by trained AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers. Interested participants are asked to complete a Medical Release Form, which includes a signature from their physician.
To date, the following classes have been scheduled:
-
Barnstable Adult Community Center, 825 Falmouth Rd, Hyannis - Classes on Monday, Wednesday, & Friday at 8:30am
-
First United Methodist Church, 569 Main St, Chatham - Classes on Tuesday and Thursday at 8:30am
-
Sandwich Council on Aging, 270 Quaker Meeting House Rd, East Sandwich - Classes on Tuesday and Thursday at 9am. Only open to Sandwich residents.
-
St. Anthony's Church, 167 E. Falmouth Highway, East Falmouth - Classes on Wednesday at 8:30am
Also, you can now view our newly created recording to watch our Osteoporosis Prevention Exercise Class from home in a couple of ways:
- YouTube - click the button below.
- The recording can also be viewed on channel 99 on the local community cable programs in Harwich, Chatham, Dennis, Barnstable and Yarmouth, and on channel 13 in Sandwich every Wednesday at 10am. If they are able to program it for other times throughout the week you can look it up by clicking the button below.
Thank you very much to our volunteer Class Leader, John Makilya, from Barnstable and the Cape Media Center!
We are also planning to expand our classes to new locations and hope to schedule certification training for Class Leaders and Substitute Leaders soon. Please let Pat Switchenko know if you are interested in becoming a Class Leader.
| |
 |
Cyanobacteria Blooms
What are cyanobacteria? They are a diverse group of compounds, both from the chemical and the toxicological points of view, which live in the water. In terms of their toxicological target, cyanobacterial toxins are hepatotoxins, neurotoxins, cytotoxins, dermatotoxins and irritant toxins (Wiegand & Pflugmacher, 2005). Cyanobacteria can sometimes cause harm to people, animals, and the environment. You may have known or heard about these microorganisms as blue-green algae, and they are simple organisms. They grow/bloom rapidly and out of control in bodies of water that are warm, slow-moving, and full of nutrients. Blooms can occur in fresh water, marine (salt) water, and brackish (a mixture of fresh and salt) water around the world. Blooms can look like foam, scum, mats, or paint on the surface of the water. A bloom can change the color of the water to green, blue, brown, red, or another color.
The symptoms from drinking water with cyanobacterial toxins, or eating contaminated fish or shellfish include: headaches, nausea, fever, sore throat, dizziness, stomach cramps, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, muscle aches, mouth ulcers and blistering of the lips. Also, skin rashes and irritation of the ears and eyes can occur to individuals that swim, wade, or play in or near contaminated water. Not all algae and cyanobacteria produce toxins, and not all blooms are harmful, but if you see a bloom, stay out of the water and keep your pets out of the water. You cannot tell if a bloom is harmful by looking at it, so it is best to use caution and stay away.
For more detailed information regarding cyanobacteria blooms throughout Barnstable County, and to check the Association to Preserve Cape Cod Cyanobacteria Monitoring Map, click the button.
| | |
|
Get back to volunteering with these opportunities!
Click the photo to see them.
| |
|
9/11: A Day of Remembrance | We are looking for volunteers to help with the drive-thru food donation events in honor of 9/11. All drive-thru events are 10am -12pm. Must be able to lift/carry up to 10lbs. A table, canopy, and chairs will be provided. Please bring your own water and/or snacks. | | |
The Long Term Care Ombudsman program seeks 15 new volunteers to be trained and certified as advocates for Nursing Home and Rest Home Residents on Cape Cod and the Islands. Ombudsman Volunteers help ensure quality of life and care through weekly unannounced visits to facilities where they observe conditions and address resident complaints with appropriate staff. Current placement opportunities available: Nantucket, Buzzards Bay, Falmouth, Sandwich, Mashpee, Hyannis, Harwich, Dennis, Brewster, Chatham. If interested in this meaningful opportunity and to join our team, please Contact Julianna Santiago at 508-394-4630 x501 or julianna.santiago@escci.org. | | |
|
Your Hours of Service Matter!
In order to properly report the impact of your service in our community, we need your monthly timesheets. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP is a federal grant-based program that requires RSVP staff to track the number of hours AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers have served. Please take the time to fill out your monthly timesheet and submit to RSVP staff.
All timesheets are due by the 10th of the following month. For instance, your July timesheet will be due August 10.
Note: For those collecting mileage reimbursement, it is very important to have your timesheets in on time. Now that we are no longer in a state of emergency, we will only be accepting current mileage reports. For instance, the next mileage reimbursement will be in September, so we will only be able to reimburse for July and August mileage.
Thank you for your understanding and your dedicated service.
| | | | | |
