Giles Retired Senior Volunteer Program

Office Relocates to Narrows

2011-06-20T11:41:00.000-07:00

The Giles Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) office held an open house on June 7, 2011 for their new office location. Giles RSVP has moved to the Herbert C. Brown Office Building, located at 211 North Main Street Suite 106, Narrows, Virginia. Volunteers were treated to a tour of the building and refreshments of cold ice tea and homemade fudge brownies by Joan Peek and Ann Lawson. Volunteers received gift bags and a RSVP T-shirt and a Virginia Tech T-shirt.

Due to recent Federal budget reductions, the new RSVP office hours will be:
· Mondays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
· Tuesdays and Wednesdays 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Hours may vary according to program needs and special activities.
The new telephone number is 540-726-2507 and fax number is 540-726-7119. The Giles RSVP email address remains the same at: grsvp@nrcaa.org. New River Community Action Giles RSVP remains dedicated to providing Giles County with volunteer services.

"Seniors Helping Seniors"

2010-03-26T06:46:00.000-07:00

We just completed another project!! Through out the year Giles RSVP holds special projects to address the community needs within Giles County. Recently the Advisory Council members of Giles RSVP helped to complete the “Seniors helping Seniors” project that they started in January of 2010. Collaborating with RSVP Prince William, Virginia, Giles RSVP was able to reach out and assist isolated seniors who live in Giles County and are clients of the New River Valley Agency on Aging. Giles RSVP Advisory Council members at the March meeting sorted personal care products, socks, baskets and other donated items that was collected and received by the senior volunteers in Prince William. After the Giles Advisory Council sorted and assembled the gift baskets they were taken to the Giles Senior Center for the NRV Agency on Aging to distribute and deliver to senior shut-ins within Giles County who have been hit especially hard with the economic downturn. We had so much fun sorting the items and making each basket look extra nice for the senior who receives it.

2010 Book Fair with New River Valley Literacy Vol.

2010-03-03T08:00:00.001-08:00

Our volunteers helped at the New River Valley Literacy Volunteers book fair at the NRV Mall last week Thursday-Sunday. I have heard from 3 volunteers so far, I still do not know how many totaled helped. The three I spoke with had a great time and purchased some great books! Thanks volunteers for all you do!!

2010-02-08T12:23:00.000-08:00

Our Valentines for Vets Project has been cancelled for tomorrow. More snow in the forecast. We will try again next year.

Project and Program Pending Weather

2010-02-08T07:58:00.000-08:00

We may need to cancel our Valentines for Vets project and Tips for Surviving the Winter Months program that is scheduled for tomorrow February 9th at the Giles Senior Center. I will need to review the weather forecast and post this afternoon.

MLK Jr. Day Soup and Cracker Update

2010-02-08T06:25:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a great project!! Giles RSVP volunteers collected over 700 cans of soup and over 68 containers of crackers!! Working with the New River Valley Agency on Aging 37 senior Shut-In's received 24 cans of soup with 4 boxes of crackers each. I can't tell you how much we appreciate the Giles Community supporting this project. Thankfully we were able to get the donations to the Shut-In's before all the snow storms started. We first separated and bagged the donations to make it easier then took them to the Agency on Aging nutrition site for delivery. To help we had two of our RSVP volunteers deliver all over Giles County to the AOA clients who only receive frozen meals. It really was a relief to know that these elderly seniors who can not get out on their own and some who their families can not get to them for a day or two due to the snow had a easy to prepare nutritious bowl of soup.

Planning MLK Jr Day Project

2010-01-14T11:17:00.000-08:00

We started planning our MLK Jr. Day Project in December of 2009 with volunteers posting flyers and telling everyone they knew to get involved. The Giles RSVP Newsletter for January highlighted the project and encouraged our members to get involved. Emails were sent all over the county, press releases were sent to the local paper and psa announcements were sent to the local radio station. If you haven't heard we will be holding a Soup and Cracker Drive for local Giles senior citizens who are unable to leave their homes. With the help of the New River Valley Agency on Aging we plan to provide these individuals with a nutritional meal. The New River Valley Agency on Aging has already identified senior citizens in Giles with their “Meals on Wheels” and “Nutrition” programs. Already we have started receiving donation and phone calls pledging to help.

The details are on January 18, members of our Giles RSVP Advisory Council will receive donations of canned soup and one pound boxes of crackers at the Pearisburg Community Center on Wenonah Avenue classroom #2. Enter the door on the ball field side of the Center. To help with this project we ask that you ask five of your friends, family and church members to help us. If only 25 volunteers collected 4 cans of soup and 2 boxes of crackers each, we could provide 100 elderly with a nutritious meal to get them through the coldest part of the year.

The donations need to be taken directly to:
Pearisburg Community Center,
Wenonah Ave. Pearisburg, VA .
January 18th from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. in the evening.

Thank you for your continued support in helping our community.

“Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

December and November - Volunteer and Program Highlights

2010-01-14T11:12:00.000-08:00

By Proclamation, November 2009 was declared Giles Retired Senior Volunteer Program Month by the Giles County Board of Supervisors, recognizing the GRSVP volunteers serve with dedication, commitment and passion. Assisting many individuals, non-profit organizations, faith based organizations and their community.

Giles RSVP Annual volunteer appreciation banquet was held press release with photos and article ½ page. Carilion Health Education Nurse spoke about the importance of seasonal influenza vaccination and the new H1N1 virus and vaccination. Captain Joe Shanks with the Giles Sheriffs Office was also present and spoke about senior fraud and how to prevent scams and crime by participating with Giles TRIAD/SALT.

We had one new volunteer to begin her volunteer assignment at the Giles Free Clinic.

In December volunteers assisted New River Community Action Giles Area Office with moving boxes and truckloads of donated canned food from a local elementary school. The school children had held a food drive in December to help families who needed food boxes. Volunteers after moving the food sorted and organized it for distribution. Volunteer's also helped with efforts to serve less fortunate at Christmas at various volunteer partners of Giles RSVP.

Economic challenges in our community are growing with the need for food and energy bills for those who have been unemployed in 2009.

October 2009 - volunteer highlights

2010-01-14T11:03:00.000-08:00

The reality store workshop for Narrows and Giles high schools was conducted this month. An estimated 6 RSVP volunteers participated in helping to teach 215 young adults the economic responsibility of being an independent adult. Volunteers gave their entire day to stand and talk to young people about life decisions.
We had 1 volunteer who is a baby boomer, began serving at the Giles Head Start Centers as a parent support group leader. This volunteer is a retired clinical counselor. Providing parenting skills and support to low income parents of head start children. So far 4 parents are participating. It is a real challenge to find volunteers who wish to work with children and parents. Our program is very fortunate!
RSVP volunteers assisted with the TRIAD senior fun day with the Giles Sheriffs Office in October. Volunteers helped other elderly seniors fix plates of food, handing them information about senior safety and prevention and assisting them in games. 22 Giles Seniors attended.
One baby boomer volunteered called other volunteers and coordinated one work day each week at the Rich Creek Public Library. Labeling 2075 books, numbering, gluing card holders into each book.

RSVP Volunteers go to the Western Regional TRIAD Conference

2009-09-22T12:55:00.000-07:00

On September 15th the Giles RSVP volunteers attended the Western Regional TRIAD Conference on Crime Prevention for Senior Citizens. Triad is a three pronged approach between law enforcement, senior citizens, and service providers to address crime prevention for seniors. The goal of TRIAD is to reduce the fear of crime and victimization among older Americans, increase awareness of scams and frauds targeting older citizens, strengthen communication between the law enforcement and senior communities, and educate older Americans on local and state resources that are available in their community. Today, Virginia has a total of 226 cities, counties, and towns with signed TRIAD agreements. Virginia TRIAD has also been recognized by the National Association of TRIADs, Inc. as having the highest number of active local groups nationwide and is the only state in the nation with a statewide coordinated office a the Executive Level of government.

Pictured Left to Right: Carol Adkins, Martha Sadler, Dan Level, Ann Lawson, and Pat Dennis

Left to Right: Captain Joe Shanks with the Giles Sheriffs Office, Pat Dennis, Martha Sadler, Ann Lawson, Carol Adkins.

This year the Western Regional TRIAD conference was held during the Roanoke Boomer and Senior Expo at the Roanoke Civic Center. Carol Adkins, Pat Dennis, Ann Lawson, Dan Level, and Martha Sadler attended. These individuals are all members of Giles RSVP and not currently active with TRIAD but wanted to learn more about the program and participate in the event. Giles TRIAD/SALT meets monthly on the third Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. at the Giles Senior Center unless a special TRIAD activity is planned.

In the spirit of patriotism and remembrance Giles RSVP members serve their community on September 11th!

2009-09-22T12:31:00.000-07:00

In honor of the men, women and children and all rescue service personnel and volunteers that lost their lives on September 11th 8 years ago the volunteers of the Giles Retired Senior Volunteer Program came together to hold a special day of service and remembrance project at the Giles Christian Mission.

Fourteen volunteer members of Giles RSVP provided a total of over 42 hours sorting, folding, organizing shoes, painting walls, staining racks, and changing over the inventory from summer to fall and winter. Those that participated were Barbara Bailey, Janice Cochran, Charlotte Hazelwood, Ann Lawson, Pat Laughlin, Sue Meredith, Joan Peek, JR Peek, Karen Pluth, Charlotte Sartin, Darlene Stafford, Lois Tabor, Marcia Zanetich and Peter Zanetich.

The Giles County Christian Mission in 2008 provided 479 families with 7,982 items and 106 family food boxes all given at no charge. From January to June of 2009 they assisted 1998 clients with free clothing, food boxes and items to help with basic needs. In addition they provided 15 families, a total of 76 people, 53 of those were children with healthy lunches during the month of June to help families while school was not in session.

Volunteers enjoyed a delicious lunch provided by the Mission to show their appreciation of this fabulous team effort! The day passed quickly with laughter and team work and the spirit of patriotism. We thank these and other members of Giles RSVP who served at various work sites during the day in helping your community and showing your patriotic spirit and observance.

Contact Chris to become a member of Giles RSVP and enjoy helping in the Giles communities.

Back to School Book Bag and Supply Project

2009-08-21T07:57:00.000-07:00

Our RSVP Members will be helping to organize and sort donations received by NRCA for book bags and supplies on Wednesday August 26 in the NRCA Giles Area Office.

How can you take away some of the dread, fear and possible humiliation that a child may feel if they were to go to school without a book bag or school supplies? Donate a few note books, pencils, or rulers. I was in Dollar General last week and they have book bags for $7.00. It is estimated that a book bag with basic supplies cost around $25.00. If your budget will not allow you to donate items then help spread the word about the drive; talk with your family, friends, pastor or Sunday School, co-workers or neighbors.

NRCA has a list of children who will not have what they need to start school if we can't help.

We held a recruitment/Cultrual Heritage event on June 26th

2009-07-01T08:30:00.000-07:00

Giles RSVP members and guests boarded the Giles County bus at the Giles Senior Center and traveled to Fairlawn, VA to the River and Company Restaurant. The group was seated on the patio that overlooked the New River for an enjoyable lunch. Volunteers discussed their volunteer work, travel and the reasons they love Virginia. After lunch they viewed from the upper level, the microbrewery that the restaurant is known for. The group returned to the bus and traveled to The Ingles Farm in Radford, VA their main destination. Upon arriving they were greeted by hosts Malcolm Whittaker and John Jeffries dressed in period costumes. Giles RSVP was treated with a private tour of the two story log cabin and farm as well as special presentations explaining how flax was grown, harvested, milled and used to make linen. Mr. Whittaker recounted how farmers served in the militia and displayed many of the items they carried with them. As a surprise to all when it came to the explaining musket ball making one volunteer shared that she had made musket balls from lead in the 1950's as a child. Apparently her older brother had a musket gun that used the lead musket balls. Interesting facts was retold and enjoyed by all. Mr. Jeffries family owns the Ingles Farm and is a descendant of the famous settler Mary Draper Ingles. Mr. Jeffres is in the process of bringing it to full operation as it was in the 18th century. Several events are held at the Ingles farm, their web site is http://www.inglesferry.com/ for more details and dates. This was a great opportunity to reward and encourage new and existing volunteers to be involved with the Giles RSVP Program. To learn more please call Chris Blankenship at 921-2037.

Another fundraising Effort

2009-06-01T12:22:00.000-07:00

On June 19th Giles RSVP will hold a Brown Bean Dinner at the Pearisburgt Festival Around Town at 6:00 p.m.

Please plan to attend and bring your friends and family to the Festival and buy a bean dinner. 100% of the proceeds will go to help our program. The dinner will include bowl of beans, corn bread, desert, coffee or water.

Volunteers are needed to donate items for the sale, example: Large institutional size can of Bush Pinto Beans, Corn Bread Muffins, chopped onions, relish, and cake or brownies. Please contact Chris if you plan to donate food or to help at the sale. Set up for sale begins at 4:00 p.m. if you would like to help.

Fundraising for RSVP

2009-06-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

Just letting you know that GRSVP members are placing and taking orders for Avon. The local rep. for Avon is giving us 50% of the proceeds! With Father's Day coming up there are many gifts for that special Dad. Summer sun screen, Skin-so-Soft, perfume, cosmetics and so much more. RSVP members who participate will receive a free hand cream plus their name will go into the drawing for a beautiful gift box of Avon items. Books are available in the Giles RSVP office. Place an order by June 12th, pick up your order on June 19th all at the RSVP office. Every order will help RSVP!

Recap of the last 6 months

2009-05-27T11:21:00.000-07:00

Wow has it been 6 months! Each week I plan to update our blog to let you know how our volunteers are doing and the projects they are working on and how they are making an impact in the Giles Communities. Unfortunately this gets put on the bottom of the list as a priority. With volunteer hours to key in, data to compile and reports to send to New River Community Action and the State Corporation for National and Community Service, not to mention planning our volunteer activities, events and press releases time runs out before I know it. Don't fear our RSVP volunteers have been working very hard!

The recap of the past six months:
December found RSVP volunteers working with 3 Volunteers helping NRCA assistance services sort, organized toys and clothing to fill Angel Tree lists for children who are in economically challenged homes. Two GRSVP volunteers continued to assist with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for abused and neglected children in Giles County. As CASA volunteers they advocate for safe, permanent homes and serve as the eyes and ears for the judge on behalf of a child in need. They served 125 hours in December making it the second highest hours received at a worksite. The highest hours received was at the Carilion Giles Memorial Hospital - GRSVP baby boomer volunteer and President of the Hospital Auxiliary lead volunteers in the love light tree ceremony for families to remember loved ones who were patients of the hospital. Giles RSVP entered a Christmas tree in the first “Christmas Tree Contest” sponsored by the Pearisburg Bicentennial Committee. By having a Christmas tree on display it helped to bring awareness to the Giles Retired Senior Volunteer Program. The entry had a sign indicating it was by GRSVP and celebrating the season of giving back. A stead stream of Pearisburg residence visited the display and a special Town Council session recognized each tree entered and the winners of their category. A press release was also published in the Virginian Leader. There was no fee to enter and the event received great publicity and public relations. Giles RSVP’s tree won the category for “1800’s Christmas Tree” a $25.00 check was awarded to the program. Fifteen Giles RSVP volunteers stood in the cold, rain and wind to ring the donation bell for the Salvation Army in Giles County during the month of December. According to the salvation army donations received are used to help those in economic need through their office in Christiansburg.
January 2009 - The Giles RSVP’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day Project “Warm Winter Coat Drive’” was a success! 68 coats were donated by RSVP members and the community to the Giles Christian Mission. Giles RSVP Volunteer Ann Lawson, called all RSVP volunteers to notify them of the” Warm Winter Coat Drive’ and asked them to ask others to donate coats. This volunteer sent emails, made phone calls to friends, neighbors, community leaders and RSVP members. GRSVP coordinated and marketed an educational session that was conducted by Senior Navigator at the Giles Senior Center, six RSVP volunteers attended. All seniors in Giles were welcome to attend. Senior Navigator is a web site that has useful information and links to find information that seniors and care givers are likely to seek.
February -Partnering with the Giles County Wellness and Senior Center a fun afternoon for volunteers was provided to encourage peer/social interaction and wellness through utilizing the counties Wii game system to offer a bowling tournament for seniors. Giles RSVP Volunteer Jerry Eaton assists the Eastern Elementary/Middle school each Friday to make popcorn and sell to the students. Jerry also volunteer’s with the American Cancer Society in coordinating the “Road to Recovery” volunteer drivers in Giles and surrounding counties. This program helps individuals get to their cancer treatments and medical appointments. He also volunteers with Giles TRIAD/SALT, NRCA, and CHIP.
March - Giles RSVP Advisory Council held March meeting, new members are Stephanie Spencer, Volunteer Coordinator with Carilion Giles Memorial Hospital and Douglas Whittaker, Giles RSVP member. The Council reviewed the by-laws and made recommendations. The Council also decided to relinquish the Senior Lifestyle Expo due to lack of community participation and return on investment. Giles County Senior Programs have requested to hold the event in the future. In obtaining community support the Council has decided to hold a bean supper on Friday May 19th at the Pearisburg Festival Around Town and another bean supper in the fall, date to be determined. Ann Lawson called and emailed RSVP volunteers to attend the Giles RSVP sponsored Computer class for Giles County Seniors. Mrs. Lawson assists the Virginia Tech Computer Science students during the class working with the other seniors to explain basic computer applications. The spring class began March. Giles RSVP Director coordinated and collaboration efforts with the Giles Sheriff’s Office and the Giles Senior Center to hold the Giles TRIAD/SALT presentation of “Keeping Senior Safe” the Giles County Sheriff’s Office did a wonderful presentation about local scams and fraud that seniors need to look out for. Giles RSVP volunteers and staff called RSVP members, emailed members of the community, put up fliers about the forum to attract seniors to attend. Twenty one attended.
April -Partnering with the Town of Rich Creek Public Library , 6 RSVP volunteers served 24 hours in helping the Library to get up and running after a major renovation. RSVP volunteers organized labeled and moved books to shelves. Sandra Spangler assisted the First Christian Church with preparing the summer camp grounds for the many different camps that are held for special needs children during the summer. Sandra served 60 hours painting, cleaning, repairing furniture, grounds keeping. In celebrating volunteers for National Volunteer Week (April 19 to April 25) RSVP volunteers were invited to attend the Giles RSVP Appreciation Tea at the Historic Andrew Johnston House. Guest speaker Malcolm Whittaker dressed in period 1800 costume entertained and educated the volunteers about the history of tea in the America’s. Sassafras tea was served in the dinning room where each volunteer received a lapel pin and choose a gift of their choice out of the gift bag.
May - Giles RSVP Director was welcomed by the Rich Creek Lions Club and the Triangle Ruitan Club to talk about and provide information on what the Retired Senior Volunteer Program does to help communities and how seniors can become involved. RSVP Volunteers assisted the Giles Historical Society with the Living History Days that was celebrated. Marcia and Pete Zanetich attended the Pembroke Emergency Preparedness Fair to demonstrate how to develop a home emergency kit. They also handed out checklists and planning forms for individuals and families to take home and start their own kit.

GRSVP Kicking Off the Season of Giving Back

2008-11-24T07:34:00.000-08:00

Helping the community during Thanksgiving kicks off the season of giving back for RSVP volunteers. Cold and rain on November 24, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. did not prevent the volunteer efforts of RSVP volunteers to come out to the New River Community Action food site. They helped to organize and put together Thanksgiving food boxes for 30 local Giles County families who can use extra help during this economic challenged season. To qualify for assistance a family or individual must meet New River Community Actions income guidelines. To find out more about New River Community Action please follow this web address www.swva.net/nrca.

2008 Volunteer of the Year Announced at the Annual Recognition Banquet

2008-11-20T09:46:00.000-08:00

The Giles RSVP Volunteer of the Year for 2008 was awarded to Joan Peek. Recognized for her hours served and the work she has done this past year in recruiting 14 new RSVP volunteers to the program, Joan serves with the Giles Chamber Of Commerce, Giles Arts Council, Giles Historical Society, The Reality Store for Giles High School Seniors, Giles RSVP office by helping with volunteer recruitment, newsletter mailing, RSVP office assistance, making phone calls of reminders to RSVP members, serving the elderly, sick and shut-in’s, Giles Rotary Club, the SHARE program, coordinating and organizing the RSVP volunteer float for the Pearisburg Bicentennial Parade. She always jumps in and helps when there is a need with a bright smile and tons of enthusiasm. Joan cares about the needs of others in her community and has taken action to fill those needs. Recently she was quoted “On days when I am not volunteering and just watching TV, I wonder what I could be doing, I could do so much more.” By being a member of Giles RSVP she is helping the program stay in Giles County, helping others, and a true inspiration to all that know her.

“Getting Things Done” was the theme of the 2008 RSVP Appreciation Banquet on Thursday November 13, 2008. RSVP volunteer members who served 50 hours or more during the past year, and supervisor’s at worksite’s receiving RSVP hours, were invited to attend the Annual RSVP Appreciation Banquet held at Friends and Family Restaurant. Mr. and Mrs. Bud and Nancy Dowdy entertained everyone with beautiful music before, and during the meal. Eight beautiful fall wreaths were given away to members as door prizes as was a commemorative ornament from the Giles Chamber of Commerce, a Pearisburg Bicentennial limited edition t-shirt, two units from SHARE at $24.00 each, 4 SHARE commemorative cookbooks, $25 gift certificate from Wal-Mart were all given out to members. Each volunteer received a pocket day planner with the motto “RSVP, Getting Things Done” printed on the front, and a Giles RSVP appreciation certificate.

Special guest entertainers the Wilderness Road Chorus, Sweet Adelines’ provided lively songs in 4 part harmony. They addressed how important community service is and how RSVP volunteers are providing services that are needed in helping address the needs of Giles County. They commended the volunteers for their hard work and dedication to others.

Also receiving recognition was RSVP members Lou Gurney and Dan Level, both served outstanding hours in 2008. Mr. Lou served with the Giles Historical Society, Holy Family Catholic Church, coordinating group travel and volunteer activities at three nursing homes, adult day care, and the SHARE Warehouse as well as planning and leading other volunteers in teaching craft classes to residents of nursing homes, the adult day care and the Giles Senior Center. Mr. Level served hours mobilizing other volunteers in addition to serving with AARP as Chapter President 445 Giles and the VA Delegate to AARP National Convention, Giles Chamber of Commerce –Board Secretary, American Legion-Oratorical Scholarship Program, coordinating blood drives and volunteer activities for The American Red Cross at Pearisburg and Narrows locations, Giles Historical Society, NRV Agency on Aging Advisory Board, Board Member of the Giles County Housing and Development, Pearisburg High School Alumni Assoc. Committee Chair, and the Pearisburg Olde Towne Association President.
Karen Pluth another valued RSVP member was recognized for the many hours she dedicated several months prior to the Giles RSVP Boomer and Senior Lifestyle Expo in making contact with vendors and contributors. The efforts and hard work she contributed the week before preparing for the event and her welcoming smile at the registration table throughout and the extended hours after the Expo.

Members of the Giles RSVP Advisory Council were recognized for their hard work this past year and introduced. Sally Grogan, Giles RSVP Advisory President, Panzie Whittaker, Giles RSVP Advisory Vice President. Members: Irene Hodge, Caroleen Clowers, Les Sears, Helen Gillespie, Dianne Rader, and Pete Zanitich. Each council member received a special gift thanking them for their dedication to the Council and the Giles RSVP Program. The Giles RSVP Advisory Council meets every other month to discuss needs in the community that the RSVP Program can assist with. They come together to discuss how RSVP in Giles can make an impact to increase awareness and provide assistance where needed. Some of the projects they spearheaded in 2008 – Martin Luther King Jr. day project to reflect on character building past and future with Narrows Elementary School, the 2008 Child and Adult Coat drive for the Giles Christian Mission, Cultural Heritage – participation in the Pearisburg Bicentennial Parade, the Back to School book bag and supply drive and the annual Giles RSVP Boomer and Senior Lifestyle Expo.

The Giles RSVP Program is a Program of the National Corporation of Community Service and Senior Corp. We encourage individuals 55 and better to become involved in community service for their community. Many individuals who are 55 and better are already providing volunteer hours to their community. To continue the success of the RSVP program we need these individuals as new members who are actively volunteering. By joining as a member you will be helping other seniors who may not be as active have the opportunity to participate in special events, participate with a volunteer group, give encouragement for someone who may need to stay active, and provide secondary volunteer insurance benefits for all RSVP members. The RSVP Program provides events and assistance to senior citizens and other non-profit organizations.

Some of the events sponsored by the Giles RSVP Program are the community disaster awareness presentations, the Giles Senior Lifestyle Expo, senior environmental field trips, health and other senior special interest presentations. An upcoming event that the Giles RSVP will hold will be the winter coat drive this coming January. We ask that if you have good condition, clean winter coats in adult and children’s sizes please take them in January, to the Giles Christian Mission in Pearisburg and tell them that they are for the RSVP Coat drive. This helps us serve those who are in need in Giles County. If you are 55 and better and would like to become a member please contact Chris Blankenship at 921-2037 or grsvp@nrcaa.org we are “Getting Things Done” in Giles County.

RSVP Computer Class wrap up for 08 Fall semester session

2008-11-17T10:52:00.000-08:00

Our computer class that we sponsor twice a year wrapped up the fall session last Wednesday November 12th. The classes were held at the Giles Technical Center with Jonathan Rexrode the lead instructor. Jonathan is with the Virginia Tech students Community Service Squared civic group. Jonathan with his helpers Morgan Harris and Mitchell Buyck taught Giles County Seniors the basic applications of navigating the Internet and working with digital cameras.

Ann Lawson a RSVP volunteer also helped senior students navigate keeping the class on schedule. We plan to partner with the VT students and the Giles Technical Center again in Spring 09 to offer computer instruction again to all Giles senior citizens. Eight seniors benefited during this session. We hope to see these numbers grow each semester session.

Expo a Wonderful Success

2008-10-28T17:53:00.000-07:00

I would like to thank all the volunteers who helped the night before to set up for the Expo and before, during and after the Event. Without the hard work and planning of the volunteers this event would not be possible. Thanks to the County of Giles, and the Town of Pearisburg their staff was fantastic to help loan/move tables, loan chairs, help with set and clean up. I also want to thank everyone who participated as a vendor, special speaker/presenter, musical/dance entertainers, and the massage therapist who provided free massages. Thanks to Giles County TRIAD for sponsoring the Mobile Shred-A-Thon at the event! All the door prizes donated were great! Thanks to everyone for making this years Expo a wonderful success!

Planning for next years event has already begun. If you would like to serve on the planning committee please notify me and we will discuss the possibilities. I also welcome suggestions in helping to make next years event even better.

Busy Autumn Days

2008-10-21T07:20:00.000-07:00

Sally Grogan packing a bag!

Autumn is one of the busiest times of the year for Giles RSVP or at least right now I believe it to be. The first of September we held our 2nd Annual Book Bag and Supply Drive. Our goal this year was to provide 20 school children with a new book bag filled with the basic school supplies before they started school. Our drive was a success, needless to say we met our goal! This was the first year we partnered with Magic Mart and held the drive on a Saturday morning in front of their store. Our Advisory Council President Sally Grogan, took this project under her wing. She received donations from the VFW Auxiliary, the American Legion and other private individuals. She also headed up the supply drive held at Magic Mart. Recruiting organizations and individuals to contribute to this worthy project we met our goal thanks to Sally’s determination. We estimated that each bag filled with supplies was worth $25.00 thus assisting Giles families with an estimated total of 500.00 support in going back to school.

With the Book Bag and Supply Project a success we moved on to our next event, the Giles RSVP Boomer and Senior Lifestyle Expo to be held on October 24th, just 4 days from now. The Giles RSVP Advisory Council serves as the event committee, each member takes on a responsibility related to the success of the event. This event contributes to the education, information and socialization for all seniors in Giles County. A full day of live music, entertainment, special presentations, 31 vendor information tables, exercise and dance participation/instruction, and a fashion show. This year for the first time at the Expo will be a Flu Clinic sponsored by the NRV Free Clinic and a Mobile Shred-A-Thon sponsored by Giles TRIAD! The mobile shredder has drawn much excitement! Seniors will be able to bring those sensitive documents that they need to dispose of to the Expo and actually watch them after they dump them in the shredder on a video monitor being torn, chopped, shredded and annihilated by the machine. All free for seniors! In addition for only $3.50 a lunch will be sold by RSVP volunteers to help with costs related to the Expo. This year Volunteers will serve brown beans, corn bread muffins, onions/relish, a slice of pumpkin bread, and either a can of soda or cup of coffee. We welcome all seniors to come out and enjoy a fun day with Giles RSVP!

The annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet will be on Thursday, November 13, 2008! At this time I am busy working on making sure our invitations are mailed to all the volunteers who have served 50 hours this past year. I am assuring that each will have a certificate and gift. Making sure that the decorations, program, food and entertainment are all lined up. Organizing the recognition gifts for our GRSVP Advisory Council and with much deliberating I will be deciding who will receive the honorable volunteer of the year award! Stay tuned to hear who receives this honor!

Up and Running

2008-09-02T13:55:00.000-07:00

Hey,

We are up and running! I am Chris Blankenship, Giles RSVP Director, I co-direct the Floyd/Giles RSVP Program for New River Community Action. I have wanted to set up some type of site for Giles RSVP for a long time. I was torn between a website, my-space or a blog. After attending the Corporation for National & Community Service, National Conference on Volunteering and Service in Atlanta this past June I knew I had to do a blog! While at the conference I attended a workshop that talked about the social networking capabilities and I was hooked! I hope you can be patient with me as I try to adjust to this type of networking.