February 2011 | Coming of Age

Groove: He started with Meals on Wheels and soon began reading books to nursing home residents; he also reads newspapers aloud for recordings for the blind.

Advice: “Go out and make every day another opportunity to help those around you. Your rewards will be greater than the effort.”

On Tuesdays, Bill Kalahurka of Kansas City, Mo., delivers Meals on Wheels. Wednesday mornings, he reads books to nursing home residents. Thursdays, he reads newspapers aloud for recordings for the blind.

But if you ask Kalahurka, 60, why he volunteers three days a week, he doesn't go gooey about saving the world.

"I'm selfish," he says, "and I get something out of it." He enjoys socializing on his Meals on Wheels route. Reading aloud gives him practice for his part-time, paid work as a voice-over actor. And he just likes hearing "attaboys" from grateful neighbors.

Article by: Marsha Mercer | AARP Bulletin| 01.2011

To continue reading visit www.aarp.org

Bill Kalahurka is the Board of Director President for Shepherd’s Center Central.

New Coordinator for Coming of Age/RSVP Johnson County

Topics: Boomers, Nonprofits

Shepherd’s Center Central is pleased to announce that Susie Newman has been named Coordinator for Coming of Age/RSVP Johnson County. “This new initiative is an excellent opportunity for Shepherd’s Center to increase its reach and impact in Johnson County,” stated JoEllen Wurth, Executive Director. “For the past few weeks Susie has served as Interim Manager of Volunteers here at Shepherd’s Center Central. She brings excellent skills to her new role which begins immediately.”

The new office for Coming of Age/RSVP is located in the Carlsen Center of Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Boulevard, Box 10, Overland Park, Kansas 66210. JCCC is a Founding Partner of Coming of Age: Kansas City and has been a generous funder.

To learn more about how to become involved in your community visit www.comingofage.org/kansascity. To reach Susie Newman call 816-444-1121 x 109.

Shepherd's Center Central - Manager of Center Operations

Topics: Nonprofits

Shepherd’s Center Central is pleased to announce that Danielle Allen has been named to the position of Manager of Center Operations. “Danielle’s responsibilities will include management of human resources, support of the Center’s programs and staff and maintenance of the buildings and grounds. This will be enormous help so that much more of my time can be dedicated to development and fundraising activities,” stated JoEllen Wurth, Executive Director. “Danielle brings excellent skills to her new role which begins immediately.”

Shepherd's Center Central - Manager of Volunteers

Topics: Boomers, Nonprofits

Shepherd’s Center Central is pleased to announce that Deb Dickinson has been named to the position of Manager of Volunteers.

“Deb brings many years of experience to her new role which will be invaluable to Shepherd’s Center Central who relies heavily on volunteer leadership and participation in our many programs,” said JoEllen Wurth, Executive Director, “We are delighted to have her as a part of our team.”

“We welcome Deb and appreciate her assuming this key role at Shepher's Center Central.”

Statement by Patrick A. Corvington

For Immediate Release: January 19, 2011

Patrick A. Corvington, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, made the following statement on the passing of Sargent Shriver:

All of us in the world of national service and volunteering lost a guiding light with the passing of Robert Sargent "Sarge" Shriver.

Sarge was a tireless and determined builder of ways that people can improve the lives of their fellow citizens. He leaves a powerful legacy of innovative programs including Peace Corps, VISTA, Foster Grandparents, Head Start, Legal Services, Job Corps, and more. His initiatives during the 1960s helped shape an era and dared millions of young Americans to live out their ideals.

The national service programs of which we are stewards today directly evolved from Shriver’s vision and are continuing his legacy by engaging millions of Americans on their own path of service every year. We endeavor to maintain Sarge's spirit and dedication in our work, and are proud and grateful to have that opportunity.

The Fabulous 40's

Topics: 50+, Boomers, History, Inspiration

"The 1940s" for a trip down memory lane or a great history lesson on the first decade of boomer births, click here. The pictures advance automatically. Be sure and turn up the sound to catch all the great music too. The 1940s...

Have We Got an Opportunity for You!

SMP Volunteer Specialist with Missouri Senior Medicare Patrol

Categories: 50+, Community Service And Volunteering, Education, Health & Medicine, Health And Medicine, Seniors

Type: Unpaid

Become a Missouri SMP Volunteer Specialist and make a difference in your community. As a SMP Volunteer Specialist you will work in your community to help stop the over $60 billion dollars lost to Medicare fraud and abuse each year. Keeping your own flexible schedule, you can promote community awareness by providing information on the latest scams, educate seniors on how to protect themselves against fraud and abuse, and provide one-on-one counseling to individuals with questions or concerns about their Medicare Summary Notices.

SMP Volunteer Specialists represent Missouri SMP at health fairs and other events, pass out informational brochures and send public service announcements to local media. A two-day SMP Foundations training session is required to arm SMP Volunteer Specialists with the information and tools to carry out their mission to prevent, detect and report Medicare fraud and abuse in their area.

Contact Valery Johnson, Missouri SMP Volunteer Coordinator at 888-515-6565 or vjohnson@goaging.org. Visit the SMP website for more information http://www.smpresource.org

WE NEED MORE COMING OF AGE/RSVP VOLUNTEERS!

Categories: 50+, Community Service And Volunteering, Non-Profit, Not For Profit, Seniors

Type: Unpaid

The needs are great and there are many opportunities to serve. We invite you to join the new Coming of Age/RSVP Johnson County program. For an enrollment form or to inquire about this opportunity, please call Susie Newman at (816) 444-1121, ext 109. Our best source of new volunteers is you!

2011 Arthritis Walk - Kansas City, MO

Categories: 50+, Charitable, Community Service And Volunteering, Fundraising, Health, Health & Medicine, Health And Medicine

Type: Unpaid

Join in on the 2011 Arthritis Walk^®!

Sunday, May 22, 2011 at Zona Rosa Shopping Center, from 8am to 10am

The Arthritis Walk® is the signature fundraiser for the Arthritis Foundation. It's not just an event, it's a celebration of year-round movement to help prevent and treat arthritis.

Every year we get together to celebrate movement and make a positive impact on the lives of people living with arthritis by raising funds for arthritis research, education and life improvement programs in 250 communities across the country.

Our rallying cry, Let's Move Together® encourages people to get up and get moving. When you join us at the Arthritis Walk®, you're not moving alone-you are becoming part of a community looking to achieve better health and change lives at the same time. We hope to see you there!

For more information about the Kansas City Arthritis Walk or to register, please visit the website http://afwalkkc.kintera.org or contact Annie Noonen at anoonen@arthritis.org or 913-262-2233, ext. 110.

Did You Know?...about the many Volunteer Opportunities at Shepherd's Center Central

Categories: 50+, Charitable, Community Service And Volunteering, Non-Profit, Not For Profit, Social Services

Type: Unpaid

Shepherd’s Center Central offers free Medicare Counseling. Counselors provide information and assistance to individuals and families relating to Medicare and other insurance issues. Contact David Hooper at 816-444-1121 ext 104 or e-mail dhooper@sccentral.org to schedule an appointment. THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR THIS SERVICE.
Shepherd’s Center Central also provides companionship and outreach programs to those 60+ living in Johnson County. The Grocery Shopper program provides volunteer assistance to individuals who are unable to shop by themselves. The Friendly Visitor program provides volunteer companions to adults living in their home or an assisted living facility. Call Deb Dickinson at 816-444-1121 ext 105 for information.
Hunger is a significant issue facing lower income families in Johnson County. Coming of Age/RSVP volunteers provide support to food distribution sites. Volunteers are needed to unload deliveries, stock shelves, assist with clerical duties and serve clients. Call Susie Newman 816-444-1121 ext 109 to learn how you can help.
Tutoring and mentoring students in Johnson County schools is an ever growing need. If you would like to help make a difference in the life of a child, please call Susie Newman at 816-444-1121 ext 109.

Make-a-Difference Calendar

Thursday, February 17

LOVE THAT WAR: Actors Theatre teams with UMKC, World War I Museum for classic British musical

7:30 pm at

National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial

100 West 26th Street, Kansas City, MO 64108

Sometimes the best way to deal with the horrors of war is to break into song. Yes war is ghastly, but it is also rife with absurdities that often cry out for satire, and for the lighter touch that a song can bring. Oh, What a Lovely War! – whose very title cues us into its sardonic tone – was one of the first documentary-style musicals, and it has remained fresh because of its skillful combination of history, black comedy, tragedy and a deeply human element. “If you tell a story of great importance through music and through comedy it doesn’t mean that you value it less,” says University of Missouri-Kansas City Professor of Theatre Arts Barry Kyle, who directs the upcoming local production of the British World War I classic.

“The theater doesn’t tell its best stories only through tragedy: Shakespeare is a very good example of that.” (Barry should know: He’s one of the world’s most prominent and sought-after Shakespearean directors.) The production is a collaboration of the Kansas City Actors Theater with the UMKC Theatre Department and the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial, and it features prominent actors John Rensenhouse and Phil Fiorini along with a number of UMKC graduate students – among them Kat Endsley, who is in her third year pursuing an M.F.A. in acting. It will be performed at the Museum’s J.C. Nichols Auditorium from February the 11^th through the 27^th.

To read full article, click here.

For tickets to “Oh, What a Lovely War!” go to www.kcactors.org or call 816-235-6222. Previews run from February the 11^th through the 16^th, and the regular run from February the 17^th through the 27^th.

Article by: Paul Horsley, performing arts editor / The Independent / Kansas City's Journal of Society / Established 1899 / www.kcindependent.com

Sunday, March 13

Circles: Floral Applique in the Round

2:00 pm at Lakeview Village Activity Center 9100 Park Street Lenexa, Kansas

Join us Sunday, March 13, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. to hear local author Bea Oglesby as she discusses her latest of nine books, Circles: Floral Applique in the Round. Her lecture is called, "It's Never Too Late." No matter your age or circumstances, it proves that whatever your goals, they can be met and accomplished. Books will be available for purchase. Refreshments provided. No Registration is necessary. Library programs are open to the public and free of charge.

This Week's Medicare Tip

Medicare Counseling

Topics: Boomers, Healthcare, Medicare

As the Boomers start turning 65 the number of individuals seeking Medicare counseling is increasing. This is evident here at Shepherd’s Center Central where the number of individuals served through our Medicare Counseling program doubled to 700 this last year. Our Medicare Program serves a wide variety of individuals of different ages, races and income levels. A third of the individuals served are under the age of 65 and receiving Medicare due to a disability and 20% are caregivers who are assisting a loved one who receives Medicare.

Anyone with questions regarding Medicare and insurance can use this service at no charge. The most common questions asked of our staff and trained volunteers are about Medicare, prescription drug coverage and medical insurance. Our staff and volunteers take the time to listen and provide you with current and accurate information. This may require several phone calls or office visits. So, no matter your age, race or income, Medicare Counseling is available through Shepherd’s Center Central. Let us help answer your questions and ease your stress.

For more information, contact David Hooper at (816) 444-1121 ext. 104 or dhooper@sccentral.org. Continue Reading

Coming of Age: Kansas City