Meals on Wheels is a life giver and a life saver!

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Peninsula Volunteers Blog Moving to New Website

Peninsula Volunteers has a newly re-designed website and our blog is going to become part of that site.
That means that we won't be updating this blog site any more. All the same material we would post here will appear on our main website from now on.

We will keep this blogspot open for some time to come, just to archive some of your favorite posts. So don't delete the link from your "bookmarks" and "favorites" just yet.

We hope you'll like our new format.

Thanks for reading and DO join us at www.penvol.org.

Monday, February 27, 2012

Accepting White Elephant Sale Goods Now

It's that time of year again to start thinking of drinking Irish Coffee as you wander the halls of Little House picking up those odds and ends you always wanted.

In fact, if you have merchandise to donate for the White Elephant Sale, we're accepting those now through March 8th at Little House between the hours of 10 AM to Noon and again from 2 to 4 PM, Tuesdays through Thursdays. (I'm sorry, but we cannot accept drop offs at any other times.)

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Mural Project - Call for Artists!

Little House is seeking a mural design for the interior of our Little House Cafe at 800 Middle Ave. in Menlo Park.

Theme: Two murals, one a Parisian cafe scene viewed from outside, showing diners enjoying food and beverages, camaraderie, and possibly looking from inside the cafe to the street outside, with Parisian views in the background. The second mural is an interior view closer of coffee being served.

Mural #1: Outdoor scene dimensions are 54" high by 137" wide.
Mural #2: A barista serving coffee; dimensions are 48" high by 58" wide.

Little House will supply the acrylic paints and gesso for painting the mural.

Since Little House serves a demographic that includes all ages, the style needs to be something that will appeal to a broad range of people. It doesn't need to be realistic, it can be somewhat abstracted or impressionistic, but it can't be cartoon-like or graffiti style.

PRIZE: The artist whose design is chosen will be included in the social media sites of Little House and Peninsula Volunteers, and will receive two free dinners at LuLu's Restaurant in Menlo Park.

Entry Deadline: March 22, 2012. Finalist will be asked to submit design in person.

NOTE: By submitting their artwork to the Little House Art Spaces, all artists agree to allow photographs to be taken of their art for educational, publicity and archival purposes by Peninsula Volunteers, Inc.

Entries may be sent to: cduhring@peninsulavolunteers.org.

Your entry must include the following: Name, Mailing Address, Phone, and Email (if you have one), plus your signature on this statement: "AGREEMENT: Your signature gives artist's consent to all conditions specified in the guidelines." Include the date you signed.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Meals on Wheels Receives Sequoia Hospital Grant

For the third year in a row, Peninsula Volunteers Meals on Wheels has received a $25,000 grant to participate in the Sequoia Hospital Homecoming Project (SHHP). The SHHP is a 5 agency collaborative that works toward supporting adults who have been recently discharged from the hospital to prevent their re-admission. Meals on Wheels, obviously, supplies the nutritional component and the daily safety check.

Last week the Dignity Health (formerly Catholic Healthcare West) region, from San Francisco down the Peninsula, awarded grants to a number of worthy agencies, all cooperating to improve community health.

Bart Charlow, PV Executive Director, Marie Violet, Director of Health & Wellness Center at Sequoia Hospital, and Marianne Mannia, former Rosener House Director and ubiquitous community volunteer.

The fun part for Peninsula Volunteers was that we got to spend some time with Marianne Mannia, who had been Director of our Rosener House program many years ago. She continues to volunteer for community health. And as you can see in the picture, she is the picture of health herself! What an advertisement for longevity through having a true purpose in life.



Our thanks to Sequoia Hospital and Dignity Health for supporting our program. 

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Subaru "Share the Love" for Meals on Wheels

Peninsula Volunteers “Meals on Wheels” Awarded $750 “Share The Love” Most Meals Grant
from Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) 
Subaru’s “Share The Love” Event helps deliver nutritious meals and compassion to San Mateo County’s elderly


Menlo Park, CA (February 15, 2012) – Peninsula Volunteers “Meals on Wheels” program is proud to announce it has been awarded a $750 grant from Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) in recognition of its participation in MOWAA’s “Share The Love” Most Meals Contest. As part of Subaru of America, Inc.’s “Share The Love” Event, Peninsula Volunteers “Meals on Wheels”  worked with Carlsen Subaru during the holiday season to deliver warm blankets to low-income homebound seniors and disabled adults who receive Meals on Wheels daily lunches.

“Carlsen Subaru’s Manager, Todd Parkinson, was literally a driver for blanket deliveries,” said Bart Charlow, Executive Director of Peninsula Volunteers, Inc.  “Subaru supplied the car and worked with us, County Supervisor Don Horsley and NBC Bay Area to bring the gift of warmth, live on TV, to some of our long time meals recipients. When people can put a face to the service, they truly understand that Meals on Wheels is a life giver and often even a life saver!”

As one of the five Subaru “Share The Love” Event charitable partners, MOWAA created the Most Meals Contest to foster partnerships between local Meals On Wheels programs and Subaru dealerships. MOWAA is awarding $150,000 in Most Meals grants to the 48 Meals On Wheels programs across the country that recruited dealership employees to volunteer, deliver meals in Subaru vehicles and engage community members in the fight to end senior hunger.

Most Meals grants awarded by MOWAA range from $250 to $35,000.  The nation’s economic downturn has made it more difficult to raise money to provide meals to the community’s homebound seniors.  Peninsula Volunteers “Meals on Wheels” will use the money to help fund the increasing cost of gasoline to deliver over 80,000 meals to 8 cities in San Mateo County each year.  

The Subaru “Share The Love” Event ran from November 19, 2011 to January 3, 2012.   Subaru is donating $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased during “Share The Love” to the customer's choice of one of five charities, including MOWAA. Over the past three years, proceeds from the Subaru “Share The Love” Event have provided funds to MOWAA to support its vision to end senior hunger by 2020. 

"We are honored to be part of ‘Share The Love’ again this year," said MOWAA President and CEO, Enid Borden.  "Subaru is a corporation with a conscience. They understand that providing nutritious meals to hungry and homebound seniors in need is a moral imperative."

About Peninsula Volunteers
Peninsula Volunteers, Inc. is a pioneer in senior services and was the first volunteer organization to receive a HUD grant to develop and build low-income senior housing in the United States.  For 64 years, Peninsula Volunteers, Inc., has created and provided high quality and nurturing programs for the aging in South San Mateo County, which have allowed seniors to pursue long, healthy and useful lives.  Each year, Peninsula Volunteers, Inc. delivers over $5 million in services, including over 150,000 hot meals to seniors and the homebound and senior centers, and touches over 4,500 households through its programs: Meals on Wheels; Little House, The Roslyn G. Morris Activity Center; Rosener House Adult Day Services; and Peninsula Volunteer Properties, Inc.  The latter provides 82% of the affordable senior housing in Menlo Park at Crane Place and Partridge/Kennedy Apartments. For more information, visit: www.peninsulavolunteers.org.

About Meals On Wheels Association of America
The Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) is the oldest and largest national organization in the United States representing those programs that provide meals to people in need.  MOWAA’s mission is to end senior hunger by 2020.  To obtain more information about MOWAA or to locate a local Meals On Wheels program, visit the MOWAA website at www.mowaa.org.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Treat Your Loved One to the Alzheimer's Cafe

If you've been feeling kind of isolated from friends and fun, since your loved one has been dealing with Alzheimer's or Mild Cognitive Impairment, then you can break out and start living gain! Come and socialize at our Alzheimer's Cafe on Tuesday, January 17th.

The Alzheimer's Café is a place and opportunity that brings together people living with dementia, their families, and their caregivers. It is a warm and inviting atmosphere that nurtures friendship and mutual support.


Based on the work of Dutch psychologists, the Café is a place where everyone can be themselves, share experiences, and learn from one another. There's no agenda, only the opportunity to socialize and enjoy a day out in a creative environment. Feel free to stop in, have coffee and pastries, and become part of this growing movement.
For information, call Julie Scales, Little House Program Manager at (650) 326-2025, ext. 229.

Days and Times: 3rd Tuesday of every month, 2 – 4 PM. Next event: Feb. 21, 2012
Location:   Little House Activity Center 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park, CA 94025
Cost:   FREE, donations gladly accepted.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Facebook Returns for Hands-On Training

 

Feb. 23rd - 3:30 PM

After a successful first meeting, experts from Facebook are coming back to Little House to teach smaller, more interactive classes. To provide individual attention, classes are limited in size and therefore pre-registration is required. 
FREE
The last time Facebook came to Little House we were completely full, with a waiting list. You would have thought that Facebook's 800 million regular users had arrived. 


Don't miss your opportunity! Reserve your space right away.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Authors Salon nearly sold out, so hurry!

Friends, our 21st Annual Authors Salon is nearly sold out. If you want tickets, please rush your order today!

Returning to a Peninsula location, the Sharon Heights Country Club, this year's line up of authors has some of the best-sellers you've been dying to hear live. Great lunch, great speakers, great company, so what are you waiting for?

By the way, we still have room for underwriters and sponsors.

For more information, call Cathy Duhring: 650-326-0665, ext. 238, or email: cduhring@peninsulavolunteers.org

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Last Chance to Sign Up for Facebook at Little House

Please make your reservation today if you want to join in the fun, because space is very limited!


Introduction to Facebook taught by Facebook staff
Thursday, January 26th, 3:30pm
Peninsula Volunteer's Little House
Activity Center
800 Middle Avenue, Menlo Park   

The presentation will be geared towards individuals who have limited experience with Facebook and are looking to advance their social media skills in the new year. All ages are welcome to attend. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own laptops to follow along with the presentation. Pre-registration is required by Monday, January 23rd. For more information and to pre-register, call 650.326.2025, ext. 222 or email knwachob@peninsulavolunteers.org. Click here  to view the full press release.


Friday, January 20, 2012

Peninsula Health Care District Awards Rosener House


On January 26th, the Peninsula Health Care District will hold a public ceremony to celebrate the new crop of organizations receiving grants from them. Peninsula Volunteers Rosener House Adult Day Services is proud to be among them!

Recognizing that 20% or more of Rosener House participants reside in the Peninsula Healthcare District, they decided to support our program for the very first time.

We will highlight one of our Rosener volunteers, Cathy Morgan, for her excellent contribution to making our program such a warm, friendly and stimulating place. Please join us!

And THANKS to the Peninsula Health Care District!

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Facebook Is Coming to Little House

If you want to know what all the fuss is about 
- or just to keep up with your friends and family - 
here's your chance!


Introduction to Facebook taught by Facebook staff
Thursday, January 26th, 3:30pm
Peninsula Volunteer's Little House
Activity Center
800 Middle Avenue, Menlo Park   

The presentation will be geared towards individuals who have limited experience with Facebook and are looking to advance their social media skills in the new year. All ages are welcome to attend. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own laptops to follow along with the presentation. Pre-registration is required by Monday, January 23rd. For more information and to pre-register, call 650.326.2025, ext. 222 or email knwachob@peninsulavolunteers.org. Click here  to view the full press release.

"Facebook 'Likes' Little House" 
Read the whole story in the Jan. 18th San Mateo Journal.

"Facebook Comes to Little House"
Read the story online at InMenlo.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Volunteers Needed in January

Have a Little Fun Volunteering at LITTLE HOUSE!
THE LITTLE SHOP   THURSDAYS 12-2pm   1-2 months
    ·        Customer Service and Cashier Skills
    ·        Other shifts available
    ·        Substitutes needed Mon.-Fri.
 FRONT DESK                FRIDAYS   8am-12:30pm        ongoing
·        Meet and greet members and guests
·        Training provided       
·        Trained subs needed on-call
  
Meals on  Wheels Volunteer Drivers
  •  9:30-11:30 Tuesdays and Fridays
  • Once a week or on-call availability preferred
  • Deliver hot meals and a smile to homebound
  • Regular Routes in Menlo Park area
  • Substitutes needed from Belmont to Menlo Park
  • Provide car, gas, proof of insurance, driver’s license
  • Authorize release for background and DMV check

To volunteer or for more information, please contact Mary Rached, Director of Community Volunteer Program
Ph: (650) 322-1029     email: mrached@peninsulavolunteers.org



Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Start Your New Year Right with Alzheimer's Cafe

:
If you've been feeling kind of isolated from friends and fun, since your loved one has been dealing with Alzheimer's or Mild Cognitive Impairment, then you can break out and start living gain! Come and socialize at our Alzheimer's Cafe on Tuesday, January 17th.

The Alzheimer's Café is a place and opportunity that brings together people living with dementia, their families, and their caregivers. It is a warm and inviting atmosphere that nurtures friendship and mutual support.


Based on the work of Dutch psychologists, the Café is a place where everyone can be themselves, share experiences, and learn from one another. There's no agenda, only the opportunity to socialize and enjoy a day out in a creative environment. Feel free to stop in, have coffee and pastries, and become part of this growing movement.
For information, call Julie Scales, Little House Program Manager at (650) 326-2025, ext. 229.
Days and Times: 3rd Tuesday of every month, 2 – 4 PM.
Location:   Little House Activity Center 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park, CA 94025
Cost:   FREE, donations gladly accepted.

Monday, January 9, 2012

You CAN Manage that Chronic Disease

Shakespeare phrased it as "...the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to."

Living longer is living better if we can find the ways to manage what ails us. By the time we're in our 40s we start feeling the pinch of time - not to mention all those accidents and illnesses we laughed off earlier. By our 50s and 60s we accumulate a few "passengers" that won't get off the bus.

So what! These days we can do more for ourselves by learning how to live with chronic diseases.

Little House has teamed with Sequoia Healthcare District to bring you just what you need:

Friday, January 6, 2012

Rosener House Needs YOU!

Rosener House needs volunteer activities assistants. 

  • Work with staff to provide music, art, meals and socializing to participants
  • 10:30 am -1:00 pm Weekdays
  • Performing/ musical talent, guitar, piano etc. helpful
  • Spanish speaking volunteers a plus
Rosener House volunteers have a ball! There's more creativity here in the daily activities than you can ever imagine. If you don't have talent, we can use your smile, because you have no idea how far a little personal contact goes!

Call Mary Rached at (650) 322-0129 for more information, or email her at this link.


Thursday, January 5, 2012

Yes, We're Still Online!

Our apologies if our website has been a bit behind these past couple of weeks. We are in the midst of a re-design of that site. We'll debut that soon.

In the meantime, for those of you interested in the January Little House Newsletter click this link.

For those interested in the February Meals on Wheels menu click this link.

Thanks for your patience and...

Happy New Year!!!!