Those of us who are older remember that certain national events have the power to traumatize us as a nation. For a very few of our volunteers World War I, “the war to end all wars”, was a defining time. Those who suffered through the Depression and World War II know how each of these periods shaped their lives, as did those for whom Korea and Viet Nam were their first wars. All of these past struggles had such a serious impact on America because life was disjointed for so long. Although the wars were fought overseas, many who were left at home found it difficult just to provide for the day-to-day needs of their families. The world and America seemed very different after these traumatic events. But the country adjusted to the new reality and moved on.

However, for short term or single day events, September 11th may top the list. It had the surprise of Pearl Harbor, the gloom of a President’s assassination and the intense threat of national catastrophe of the Cuban Missile Crisis. But layered on 9/11 was the palpable dread of more attacks to come and the horror of knowing that thousands of innocent people had been killed on our own shores in a few hours.

Last month we printed part of President Bush’s speech and a call for September 11th Volunteers. This month I would like to make a suggestion as to how you might be able to help our younger people deal with this tragedy. Talk to them. Talk about the past national traumas that you have experienced and how they have affected you. Of course, you don’t need to give them the horrible details of combat action, but share your feelings. How you felt when the event first happened and how long it took you to cope with the dread of going to war, the “making do” with food shortages, etc. The longer we live, the more perspective we have on life’s events. Relating this perspective is the gift we can give to those younger than us. When our youth hear mutterings that, “America isn’t safe any more,” it’s nice to have grandpa or great grandmother around to counter-balance the fear. Your presence gives living witness to the fact that survival is possible and life can be good again.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

THE SCIENCE SPECTRUM, 2579 South Loop 289, is looking for enthusiastic volunteers for two areas:
Public Science Demonstrators with some science, laboratory and/or teaching experience who would perform experiments, work with animals, and be able to interpret science in a fun and meaningful way. Volunteers should be comfortable speaking in front of large groups of children and adults.
Exhibit Docents/Monitors would not need to have a scientific background, but would be interested in learning about science and enjoy working with school-aged children and the public. This position would require the volunteer to answer questions regarding exhibits and enforce museum policies.
Volunteers in both areas will usually be needed for 2-4 hours shifts between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tues. – Sun. Applicants for both positions will need to have good mobility, be able to stand for up to 30 minutes, and lift objects up to 20 pounds. 
Sounds like both jobs would be great opportunities to put both brain and body to good use!

A BLIND TEXAS TECH GRADUATE STUDENT would very much appreciate a volunteer who would read history books into a tape recorder for him. The tapes could be delivered to your home or picked up at the TTU Library. You may tape in the comfort of your home at your leisure. This might be an interesting way to provide a great service for a deserving student and learn something new at the same time yourself. 

CARILLON HOUSE (the long-term care center part of Carillon Senior Living Campus) needs someone to simply sew buttons on the clean clothes of their residents. So often the buttons are lost in the laundry and their owners cannot sew them back on themselves. Would you have good eyesight and a few minutes a month to provide a little “closure” for these folks?

HOW do I join RSVP?
Becoming a member of RSVP is simple as long as you are at least 55 and have some time to volunteer. Just call the office at 742-2423 and chat with Ronda Casey or Bonne Phillips about your interests. If you are not certain what you would like to do, we can mention several current volunteer opportunities and send you a list of the sort of jobs which RSVP members are presently doing to whet your appetite. If you have a special skill or talent that you would like to utilize, we will search to find just the right job for you. Just mail in the enrollment form (requires Adobe Reader) and we will call you!