In the News
Senior Corps Week – May 6-10, 2013
Movie Monday (May 6th) – We enjoyed popcorn, ‘REAL’ Coca-Cola, fellowship, and the wonderful movie ‘UP’ when a feisty septuagenarian teams with a fearless wilderness ranger to do battle with a vicious band of beasts and villains in this computer-animated adventure. A short discussion about the importance of intergenerational relationships and mentoring opportunities followed.
Love Letters Luncheon (Tuesday, May 7th) – Twenty-one (21) RSVP volunteers gathered and created over eighty (80) positive and inspirational homemade cards for adults and children with life-threatening illnesses.
Walk and Wail on the Waterfront Wednesday (May 8th) – 1:00pm— Volunteering, physical exercise, fellowship, AND singing keep us healthy so in an effort to do all of these at once walking north to Detweiller Marina and back to the RiverPlex whilst singing.
Tag Along Thursday (May 9th) – 2:00pm— Elected officials from Peoria and Tazewell counties will ‘tag along’ with a RSVP volunteer to see how they give back to our communities through volunteering. Call RSVP for schedule of events.
Clean House (Friday May 10th) – 11:00am-2:00pm— Come join us for fun, sun (hopefully), gondolas, painting, staining, and (oh yeah, I almost forgot) CLEANNG! Spring is notorious for its’ inspirational force to clean and make fresh – a new beginnings if you will.
The first Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service - April 9, 2013 - Mayor Jim Ardis of Peoria visited Peoria Friendship House of Christian Service to highlight the impact of national service programs in Peoria and thank the individuals who serve. RSVP of Peoria and Tazewell Counties and The Foster Grandparent Program were there to be with Mayor Ardis to receive a proclamation. Pictured left: Jeff Turnbull – Director of RSVP, Stephanie Green – Foster Grandparent Program, Jamie Durdel – RSVP Advisory Board Member, and Mayor Jim Ardis. Mayors across the country held public events, engaged with national service members and volunteers, issued proclamations and used both traditional and social media to highlight the value of national service to the nation’s cities. The US Conference of Mayors, Cities of Service, and the National League of Cities partnered with the National Corporations for Service to begin this significant and well-deserved tradition.
Stuff A Bus Campaign – November -December 2012
- A partnership between CityLink, Kroger, and Peoria Friendship house to stuff enough groceries into their pantry to last the entire year. RSVP volunteers helped pick up the groceries once a week and deliver them to the CityLink bus barn. Pictured left and receiving Kroger gift cards in appreciation for their volunteer service, are David Gutschlag and Rob Elson. Other RSVP volunteers who are not shown but lent a hand are John and Pat Guilfoyle, Bill Purcell, and Mike Doyle.
May 7-11,2012 – Senior Corps Week
Senior Corps Week was May 7-11 when RSVP celebrated, recognized, and highlighted the extraordinary contributions that our volunteers make through service in Peoria and Tazewell communities each and every day. During this week various events were held as just a small way to say ‘thank you’ to our volunteers:
Monday-“Movie Monday”-The movie “Up” was watched on the projector at the RSVP office. Popcorn and refreshments were enjoyed while watching
the movie.
Tuesday-“Peoria Mayor Proclamation”-Peoria Mayor Ardis proclaimed Senior Corp week during evening council meeting. All volunteers were given bright blue t-shirts to wear. The shirts promoted RSVP, services promoted, and contact information. Prior to the council meeting, RSVP held a pizza party at the RSVP office. This was a great time interacting and meeting other volunteers and staff.
Wednesday-“Walking Wednesday”-Walk along the Peoria Riverfront took place and new volunteer opportunities were discussed.
Thursday-“Travel Thursday”-Volunteers that have traveled recently came to RSVP office to present information and pictures from trips. Begins at 2 p.m.
Friday-“Informational Open House at RSVP Office”- 11:30a.m.-2:00pm. Cook out and visiting took place in backyard of RSVP office with SHIP counselor available to answer questions about MediCare.
May 26,2011
Over 250 attendees this year!
Over 250 RSVP volunteers, station representatives, and guests attended this year’s annual volunteer recognition luncheon held at The Embassy Suites in East Peoria. Irving Children’s Choir entertained the guests with some familiar tunes and smiling faces. This year’s theme was ‘ ThanksFORgiving’ which will explain the turkey, mash potatoes, and green beens as the meal. Thank you to our first time sponsors – Advocates for Access, Riverview-A Senior Living Community, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois – InTouch HomeCare, Home Health Care Plus, and The Grand Victorian of Washington.
The Livengoods are always so pleasant.
April 13, 2011
At 3pm today Ashley Kinne, Peoria County Coordinator of RSVP, attended One.der’s PR campaign presentation on Bradley’s campus. The campaign is geared toward persons 55 years and older who are currently using or are interested in getting ‘connected’ to the internet and with smart phones. The campaign is call ‘Connect&Protect’ and has many elements to its’ education component including a workshop being held next week on Thursday at River West Public Library. To find out more information, click here. To read the online PJStar article, click here. RSVP is proud to be a partner of this important campaign.
April 6, 2011
Governor Pat Quinn and the Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service today presented 25 Illinoisans with the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award, including our very own RSVP volunteer, Dr. John Fendrich. The award recognizes volunteers who have made a difference in Illinois and highlights the importance of volunteerism and community service. The Governor and Serve Illinois Commission hosted a luncheon to honor the recipients at the Executive Mansion in Springfield.
“Every day in Illinois, thousands of volunteers donate their time and talents to help others and to build stronger communities,” said Governor Quinn. “We are recognizing these individuals for their initiative, creativity and energy that have made a positive change and have set an example for others to follow.”
Individual awards were presented in three categories: youth age 18 and under, adult age 19-54, and retiree/senior age 55 and older. Awards were presented in each of the Commission’s five service regions across the state (Northeast, Northwest, East Central, West Central and Southern Illinois). Additionally, National Service Awards were present regionally to one Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve Member.
The Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards focus on five areas: Economic Opportunity, Education, Environmental Conservation, Disaster Preparedness/Response, Health, and Veterans’ Affairs.
A panel of judges from across the state selected the award recipients. The picture above from L to R includes: Jill Heise, Chair of Serve Illinois Commission, Dr. John Fendrich, RSVP volunteer and award recipient, Ted Gibbs, Executive Director of Serve Illinois, and Ashley Kinne, Peoria County Coordinator for RSVP of Peoria and Tazewell Counties.
The Serve Illinois Commission is a 35-member, bi-partisan board appointed by the Governor and administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Its mission is to improve Illinois communities by enhancing traditional volunteer activities and supporting national service programs, including the Illinois AmeriCorps program.
“All citizens have an opportunity to recognize their ability and help strengthen their communities through voluntary service,” said Ted Gibbs, Executive Director of Serve Illinois. “Through Serve Illinois, we hope to expand volunteerism throughout rural, suburban and urban Illinois, and involve people of all backgrounds, cultures and ages.”
To learn more about the Serve Illinois Commission and volunteerism in Illinois, visit www.Serve.Illinois.gov.
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