Andrea Doland

The Roanoke AARP VA Leadership Team often works closely in collaboration with the Local Office on Aging. In June, the LOA had “Let’s Do Lunch”, its annual fundraising event. Tickets sold covered the cost of the lunch and also funded two Meals on Wheels for needy seniors. This year there was an all time high of customers who dined on site at North Roanoke Baptist Church. Entertainment was provided by Jane Powell, a gifted singer and local celebrity. A total of 3080 tickets were sold this year and while the net profit from lunch sales, donations and raffle sales is still undetermined, it is estimated that the final number will be in excess of $75,000.00. AARP members who helped with the event included Sylvia Journiette, Joyce Williams, Judy Dickerson, Mary Terry and Priscilla Casey. Others, not pictured, who helped on the day of the event included Russell Schiavone and Barry Weston. Still others helped with the thousands of boxes assembled and packing the lunches in the days before the event. For more information about the LOA and “Let’s do Lunch” click here.

Are you age 55 or older and need help in finding employment? AARP Foundation’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) helps older jobseekers develop skills that will make them more effective.

AARP Foundation has a new program in Richmond, VA for jobseekers age 50 or older. BACK TO WORK 50+ focuses on providing jobseekers with the skills they need to compete with confidence for full-time, in-demand jobs. Workshop participants can also apply for a free coaching program offering a variety of benefits including job search guidance, employer connections, computer skills training and more. Since 2013, thousands of people who have received coaching through BACK TO WORK 50+ have found employment.

Join this FREE event on July 12, 2018, from 8:30am to 3:00pm, at First Baptist Church on Monument Avenue for a day filled with resources on how to be a savvy and safe senior, living independently. Participants will meet with local officials, learn from experts, attend workshops, visit sponsor and vendor tables, and network with others from across the region and the Commonwealth. They can bring up to 3 bags of documents for shredding to the Robinson Street Parking Lot before you take our shuttle to check in for Senior Safety Day. This is a conference for seniors on safety. First Baptist Church opens at 8:30am.

Inova Mount Vernon Hospital is recruiting Lobby Services Volunteers. Responsibilities for this position include greeting the visitor and guest coming into the hospital, answering any questions they may have and escorting them to their destinations within the hospital if necessary. This position makes the volunteer the first person someone sees when entering the hospital. The volunteer must be attentive, helpful and pleasant at all times. Volunteers work flexible hours between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Monday through Sunday.

AARP members across Virginia join together in local communities through independently incorporated chapters. These chapters offer informational programs, advocacy and service opportunities. You can join an AARP Chapter to meet new people, give back, and have fun. Chapter activities can include meals, cultural outings and trips, and for many, community service is a major priority. Click here to find a chapter near you!

Mother Nature was good to this AARP volunteer team on their first annual "Day of Service" at the Paul Stefan Foundation on Wednesday, May 30, 2018. It was a memorable day. Many thanks to Joan Albertella, Barb Ehlen, Judy Eiben, Gail Stoner, Bill Ruark and especially Mr. Reliable John Trach, who devoted two of his days to this project. The team did a masterful job of pulling weeds, planting flowers, tomato plants and cleaning up the area.

The Roanoke Community Ambassador Leadership Team met on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at the Local Office on Aging. The group shared personal experiences such as a planned mission trip, recent certification in Career Facilitation, experiences volunteering in helping with SOL school testing supervision, as well as facilitating and participating in a 6 weeks Chronic Disease Self-management Workshop.