http://blog.lib.umn.edu/umcweb/news/ The official news site of the University of Minnesota, Crookston. en Copyright 2013 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:25:44 -0600 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), part of the Minnesota Senior Corps, has worked to improve lives and strengthen communities through the skills and experience of men and women age 55 and above. In celebration of National Senior Corps Week, May 7-11, 2012, RSVP of the Red River Valley, sponsored by the University of Minnesota, Crookston, tallied the time donated by RSVP volunteers last year in the counties it serves.

Within the seven-county region last year, 728 volunteers were active, contributing a whopping 82,862 hours of service. In 2011 Polk County volunteers contributed 36,015 hours, Marshall County 12,471 hours, Norman County 9,543 hours, Kittson County 9,082 hours, Red Lake County 6,076 hours, Roseau County 7,452 hours and Pennington County 2,223 hours.

RSVP Director Jan Aamoth and Program Coordinator Tammy Sykes work with volunteers to match interests of volunteers with community needs. Aamoth states, "RSVP is changing as the Baby Boom generation retires and as community needs change. In the past year RSVP has added the Handyman and Groceries to Go Programs in several communities. These programs are focused on keeping people living independently in their own homes longer."

Another new priority area is placing volunteers in schools to assist with literacy programs. Sykes states, "RSVP recently piloted a Reading Buddies Program matching volunteers with early readers. Many of our volunteers really enjoy working with children and connecting the generations is a positive for the children and the volunteers."

In addition to RSVP, Senior Corps includes the Senior Companion Program as well as the Foster Grandparent Program. The three programs work together to meet community challenges. If you are interested in finding out what volunteer opportunities are available in your community contact the RSVP office at 218-281-8289.

The benefits of volunteering are many: People who volunteer live longer and healthier lives, experience less depression, and have lower incidence of heart disease. Communities become unified and strengthened and states and communities reap monetary benefits through donated time and service. To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu/rsvp.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 26 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and 36 concentrations, including 10 online degrees, in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of 1,600 undergraduates from 25 countries and 40 states, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree.  "Small Campus. Big Degree."  To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.

In the photo:
Front row, left to right: Marion Bjorgan, Red Lake Falls, Tammy Sykes, RSVP Program Coordinator, Glenice Johnson, Thief River Falls.
Back row left to right, Chuck Larson, Crookston, Donna Rae Heiraas, Twin Valley, Jan Aamoth, RSVP Director, Aase Hamnes, Stephen and Elden Johnson, Hallock. 

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/umcweb/news/2012/04/rsvp-volunteers-share-the-gift.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/umcweb/news/2012/04/rsvp-volunteers-share-the-gift.html Events RSVP Retired Seniors Volunteer Program RSVP Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:25:44 -0600 Program (RSVP). Along with Director Jan Aamoth, Sykes helps to manage the RSVP program in Polk, Red Lake, Kittson, Pennington, Norman, Marshall and Roseau Counties. Sykes began working as program coordinator on January 25, 2012. RSVP is housed in the Sargeant Student Center at the University of Minnesota, Crookston.

Aamoth is pleased to have Sykes working with her as part of RSVP of the Red River Valley. "Tammy will be an excellent addition to RSVP," says Aamoth. "She has worked for several years with the Lutheran Social Service Respite and Caregiver Support Program, and she is very knowledgeable about senior services. She has a real concern for making the communities in our region better for seniors."

The RSVP program strives to address critical community needs through innovative volunteer opportunities for persons ages 55 and over that enrich the lives of the volunteers and the communities they live in. RSVP has several new signature programs in many communities including Bone Builders Exercise classes, the Handyman and Groceries to Go Programs and Readers Theater.

If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about RSVP please contact the RSVP office at 218-281-8288.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 26 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and 36 concentrations, including 10 online degrees, in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of 1,600 undergraduates from 25 countries and 40 states, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree.  "Small Campus. Big Degree."  To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/umcweb/news/2012/02/tammy-sykes-hired-as-program-c.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/umcweb/news/2012/02/tammy-sykes-hired-as-program-c.html RSVP Staff RSVP Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:57:12 -0600 Jan Aamoth (at left) will officially take over as the new director of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of the Red River Valley on Thursday, January 12, 2012. After 20 years, Deanna Patenaude is stepping down as the organization's director. RSVP of the Red River Valley is housed in the Sargeant Student Center at the University of Minnesota, Crookston.

Patenaude knows RSVP is in good hands with Aamoth at the helm. "Jan has been the RSVP program coordinator for the past six years, so the transition into this position should go smoothly," Patenaude says. "I'm confident that Jan will do an excellent job."  

RSVP, one of the largest volunteer efforts in the nation, connects volunteers age 55 and over with service opportunities in their communities that match their skills and availability. From building houses to immunizing children, from enhancing the capacity of non-profit organizations to improving and protecting the environment, RSVP volunteers put their unique talents to work to make a difference. The organization's mission is to offer maximum flexibility and choice to its volunteers as it matches the personal interests and skills of older Americans with opportunities to serve their communities. To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu/rsvp.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 26 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and 36 concentrations, including 10 online degrees, in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of 1,600 undergraduates from 25 countries and 40 states, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree.  "Small Campus. Big Degree."  To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/umcweb/news/2012/01/jan-aamoth-named-new-director.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/umcweb/news/2012/01/jan-aamoth-named-new-director.html Awards and recognition RSVP Staff RSVP Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:14:17 -0600
Honorees who will be in attendance include Dennis Magsam, audiovisual operations manager in Media Services, 43 years of service; John Rodseth, senior office assistant in the Business Department, 37 years of service; Sonia Spaeth, assistant professor in Liberal Arts and Education Department, 36 years of service; Jacquie Normandin, administrative aide in Human Resources, 26 years of service; Bob Nelson, registrar and director of Institutional Research, 24 years of service; and Karen Murphy, executive operations/student services specialist in the Business Department, 24 years of service.

Other individuals retiring who are unable to attend the reception but are recognized for their years of dedication include Trish Ramstad, executive administrative specialist in Liberal Arts and Education Department, 45 years of service; Arlene Tahran, executive administrative specialist in Business Department, 42 years of service; Cleon Melsa, assistant professor in the Math, Science, and Technology Department, 38 years of service; and Deanna Patenaude, community program specialist in Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), 20 years of service.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 26 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and 36 concentrations, including 10 online degrees, in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of 1,600 undergraduates from 25 countries and 40 states, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree.  "Small Campus. Big Degree."  To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/umcweb/news/2012/01/retirement-reception-to-honor.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/umcweb/news/2012/01/retirement-reception-to-honor.html Agriculture and Natural Resources Department Awards and recognition Business Department Center for Adult Learning Faculty Liberal Arts and Education Math, Science & Technology Deparment RSVP Staff reception recognition retirement Tue, 03 Jan 2012 08:46:11 -0600
Through the RSVP Handyman Program, trained volunteers will provide minor home repairs and safety modifications as well as providing safety assessments and educational material on falls and fire prevention in the home. The volunteers provide their labor free of charge, and the client pays for needed materials. The RSVP Groceries to Go Program will provide trained volunteers to shop for and deliver groceries for clients who  are no longer able to shop on their own.

Deanna Patenaude, Director of RSVP "We are excited to bring these two programs to our area and hope that their success will garner interest in other communities in the seven county region."

With RSVP, you choose the amount of time you want to give. And you choose whether you want to draw on your skills or develop new ones. When you volunteer, you're not just helping others-you're helping yourself. Volunteering leads to new discoveries and new friends. Plus, studies show that volunteering helps you live longer and promote a positive outlook on life.

In addition, with RSVP you'll receive pre-service orientation, training from the organization where you serve, and supplemental insurance while on duty. If you are interested in making a difference in your community by volunteering, contact RSVP at 281-8288 or e-mail dpatenau@umn.edu.
 
This project is made possible in part, under the Federal Older American's Act through a grant with the Land of the Dancing Sky AAA under an Area Plan approved by the Minnesota Board on Aging. RSVP engages adults 55 and older in volunteer service to meet community needs, and to provide a high quality experience that will enrich the lives of volunteers.

RSVP connects volunteers age 55 and over with service opportunities in their communities that match their skills and availability. From building houses to immunizing children, from enhancing the capacity of non-profit organizations to improving and protecting the environment, RSVP volunteers put their unique talents to work to make a difference. To learn more about RSVP, visit www.umcrookston.edu/rsvp. 

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 29 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and more than 40 concentrations, including several online degrees, in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of about 1,400 undergraduates from more than 25 countries and 40 states, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree.  "Small Campus. Big Degree."  To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.
 ]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/umcweb/news/2011/01/rsvp-of-the-red-river-valley-a.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/umcweb/news/2011/01/rsvp-of-the-red-river-valley-a.html RSVP grants Tue, 11 Jan 2011 09:10:06 -0600
"As Boomers move towards the traditional retirement years and the next chapter of their life, they will emerge as a unique cohort placing unprecedented demands on the volunteer sector.  With existing infrastructure and capacity, organizations are simply not geared for properly serving the upcoming wave of Boomer volunteers.  The disparity between these dynamic younger older adults and the inadequate landscape of volunteer opportunities will only grow as the Boomers age; without serious action, organizations may not be able to capitalize on the potential of this critical resource." (from "Reinventing Aging Baby Boomers and Civic Engagement" Harvard School of Public Health-MetLife Foundation Initiative on Retirement and Civic Engagement.)

The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of the Red River Valley; Bremer Bank, Grand Forks-Crookston-Warren and the Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration (MAVA) have joined forces to offer an intensive, full day workshop on the skills and techniques to effectively engage Boomers as volunteers.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
University of Minnesota Crookston
Bede Ballroom A & B, Sargent Student Center
Crookston, Minn.
Registration information: www.mavanetwork.org
Cost for the full day workshop is $45 for MAVA members and $58 for general public
Scholarships are available

"Participants will leave the workshop with an action plan to make their organization 'Boomer ready,'" according to MAVA Project Manager Mary Quirk. "The workshop covers how to tap the driving motivation of Boomers to have impact, how to design volunteer positions that will appeal to their interest in taking charge of projects, how work within their busy lives and new volunteer recruitment methods. The upcoming Generations Y and X share the Boomers' motivation to have impact  Getting ready for the Boomers will also prepare organizations for the future generations of volunteers."

The interactive skill building workshop is the product of the a full year of work by a MAVA Task Force compiling results of recent research and practical tips from Minnesota leaders of volunteers.  The MAVA initiative on building capacity of organizations to engage Boomers is funded through support of the Otto Bremer Foundation.


For more information contact MAVA at 651-255-0469 or  office@mavanetwork.org or visit the website at www.mavanetwork.org.

RSVP, which is sponsored by the U of M, Crookston, engages persons 55 and older in volunteer service to meet critical community needs; and to provide a high quality experience that will enrich the lives of volunteers.

The Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration (MAVA), has more than 800 members across the state of Minnesota.  Founded as a 501(c)3 in 2001, it is an alliance of individuals and networks dedicated to providing support and resources to those who lead volunteers. MAVA (www.mavanetwork.org) unites administrators of structured volunteer programs and informal volunteer initiatives, as well as those who have an interest in promoting volunteerism across the state.  MAVA members represent all sectors of society including faith communities, health care, social service, education, government, grassroots organizations and more.  

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 29 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and more than 40 concentrations, including several online degrees, in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates from more than 25 countries and 40 states, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree.  "Small Campus. Big Degree."  To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/umcweb/news/2010/09/crookston-area-prepares-to-mor.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/umcweb/news/2010/09/crookston-area-prepares-to-mor.html Events RSVP Mon, 13 Sep 2010 13:36:35 -0600
RSVP Bone Builders is an exercise initiative that focuses on enhancing physical and mental well-being and the prevention and reversal of osteoporosis.  RSVP has twenty-five classes and over 375 participants throughout seven counties in Northwest Minnesota including Polk, Norman, Kittson, Marshall, Roseau, Pennington and Red Lake.  Classes are led by trained RSVP volunteer instructors and class participants have experienced great benefits due to their increase in physical activity.

Deanna Patenaude, RSVP Director, commented that "the continued success and sustainability is dependent upon the RSVP volunteers who have been trained as Bone Builders trainers."   Polk County Statewide Health Improvement (SHIP) Coordinator, Sarah Reese shared that "it is exciting to be expanding the current training efforts of RSVP. Bone Builders is free for all participants and provides a great resource for physical activity to our aging population of Northwest Minnesota. I have talked to many Bone Builder's participants and they have nothing but great things to say about it."

The Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) strives to help Minnesotans lead longer, healthier lives by preventing the chronic disease risk factors of tobacco use and exposure, poor nutrition and physical inactivity. SHIP seeks to create sustainable, systemic changes in schools, worksites, communities and health care organizations that make it easier for Minnesotans to incorporate healthy behaviors into their daily lives.

For more information about SHIP contact Sarah Reese at sreese@pcphealth.org or 218-281-3385 or about Bone Builders contact Deanna Patenaude at 218-281-8288.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 bachelor's degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture and natural resources; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree.  "Small Campus. Big Degree."  To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/umcweb/news/2010/06/statewide-health-improvement-p.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/umcweb/news/2010/06/statewide-health-improvement-p.html RSVP grants Fri, 04 Jun 2010 11:15:23 -0600
RSVP Bone Builders is an osteoporosis prevention/reversal exercise program that uses ankle and hand weights to build bone density. Benefits of the class may include increased bone density, lower blood pressure, increased energy, an increased sense of well being, and improved balance.

The Mayo Clinic reports that 40,000 deaths each year are associated with osteoporosis-many of these resulting from complications following hip and other bone fractures. In fact, there are 1.5 million fractures per year due to osteoporosis, costing an estimated $18 million in hospital and nursing home services. One-half of All American women and one-fourth of men over the age of 50 will have an osteoporosis fracture in their remaining lifetime.

In addition to four Bone Builders classes in Polk County, RSVP sponsored fourteen additional classes throughout northwest Minnesota through an Otto Bremer Foundation grant. Other contributors to the program were Crookston and Thief River Falls United Way, Polk County and the East Grand Forks Senior Center.
 
The LifeCare Health Care Fund received grant proposal requests for $17,112 from very worthy projects and awarded three grants for a total of $2,081.

For more information on RSVP Bone Builders, contact Director of RSVP Deanna Patenaude at 218-281-8288.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 applied-science undergraduate degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; math, science and technology; and natural resources. To learn more, visit www.UMCrookston.edu.
 ]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/umcweb/news/2009/11/lifecare-healthcare-fund-in-ro.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/umcweb/news/2009/11/lifecare-healthcare-fund-in-ro.html Awards and recognition RSVP grants bonebuilders grants RSVP Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:55:20 -0600