Three Rivers Area Mentoring is busy preparing for the annual Stand for Children picnic. This event is always held on or near June 1 and the goal is to raise awareness in the community of the many needs of children. TRAM is asking for volunteers to help set up booths, to sign people in, to serve food, and to help with clean up. They are also looking for some low-cost entertainment that is family-friendly and appropriate for the outdoors venue. The event is held at Scidmore Park in Three Rivers on June 1, between 11 am and 3 pm, and all families are invited to come for fun and food. In case of rain, all activities will be moved to the Three Rivers Middle School. If you are interested in helping for that day, please call the TRAM office at 269-278-8726.
Senior citizens in St. Joseph County are provided a huge variety of options for learning new things and staying active and involved in the community thanks to the work of the St. Joseph County Commission on Aging. Many COA programs are available because of the willingness of volunteers to share their talents with others. Renee Gahan, COA Activities Coordinator, is currently looking for volunteers who are able to teach the following things: any kind of dance or dance exercise, musical instruments, or English and Spanish classes. She is also looking for someone who is able to lead a book club or a Ham Radio Club. The times and locations where any of these classes might be held is flexible and Renee is willing to work within the volunteer’s schedule. If you’d like to discuss how you can help the COA, call Renee or Jo Flanigan at 269-279-8083 or 800-641-9899.
The Commission on Aging will also have three openings on their board effective July 1. Because they try to keep the board balanced geographically, they are especially interested in individuals who live in Three Rivers or on the west side of the county. Because the board makes recommendations about COA services and funding, they would be very interested in having board members who have personal experiences with COA services, either as a recipient or the family member of a recipient. Applicants for COA Board positions must complete the Citizen’s Interest Form on the county’s website, http://www.stjosephcountymi.org/forms/citizeninterest.pdf.
Triple Ripple Community Garden has completed the first planting of 2013 and they now need volunteers who can help on a regular basis with weeding, watering, planting and harvesting. Volunteers do not need any special equipment or even any gardening experience. Families are especially encouraged to get involved so that children can gain a better understanding about where their food comes from. Plus, of course, it’s always more fun eating food that you grew yourself. Call World Fare at 269-273-1253 or complete the Community Interest Form at http://www.hussproject.com/programs/community-garden/citizen-interest if you are interested in helping at the garden.
The St. Joseph County Literacy Council has grown by leaps and bounds over the past few months. They are looking for a volunteer to do some grant writing for them so that they are financially able to continue to take on new students and provide support for the volunteer tutors. If you are able to help with this special need, please call Becky Lilly at 269-279-9581 or 269-858-9378.
Other programs in St. Joseph County that are looking for volunteers and would like to be included in this weekly column are encouraged to register with United Way. Contact Margaret Shultz, Volunteer Services Specialist, at 269-467-9099 or at volunteer.sjcuw@gmail.com.