Tell people you’re affiliated with the Land-of-Sky Re-gional Council (LOSRC), and you’re probably going to get some confused looks. Even though the Council was formed in 1966, many in our region are unfamiliar with our services.

Technically, LOSRC is a COG – or a Council on Governments. Ours brings together the leadership of the cities and towns in a four-county region – Madison, Buncombe, Henderson and Transylvania, and our services to those counties range from volunteer opportunities to affordable housing to clean energy. Our mission is to “work with lo-cal governments, the Region’s leadership, state and federal agencies, service providers, and volunteers to foster desirable social, economic, cultural and ecological conditions in Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania Counties."

More specifically, LOSRC is the sponsoring agency for the three programs affiliated with Senior Corps – RSVP, Senior Companions and the Foster Grandparent Program. LOSRC is also home to the Area Agency on Aging, where the older adults and their families can find information and advocacy about issues related to healthy aging and other services in the community.

Looking to start a recycling program in your community? Or do you need information about mass transit plans? LOSRC is the place to start for many of the issues affecting our counties and communities. Because Land-of-Sky is a government entity, our budget and other operating information is a matter of public record, and you can find out more by accessing our website at www.landofsky.org.

Sept-Oct 2009 Buncombe/Madison Co.

Get to Know Your Land-Of-Sky Regional Council

Joe has 18 yrs experience in local government, having served in city, county, and regional government man-agement since 1991. Joe was appointed to serve as Executive Director of LOSRC in January 2003. Before joining the LOSRC family he served as a Co. Manager for Mitchell County, Town Manager of Spruce Pine, and County Administrator for Chesterfield County, SC and most recently as Executive Director of Eastern Carolina Council of Governments. We sat down with Joe and ask him to share his thoughts on the Land-of-Sky Regional Council and RSVP; he had this to say.

“Land-of-Sky Regional Council offers a forum for local gov-ernment officials and community leaders to work together as a region to address challenges we face in WNC. What I like about LOSRC is that our organization has encouraged a spirit of regional cooperation that has remained true to our mission – to foster desirable social, economic, cultural, and ecological conditions in our four counties.”

“During this time of economic uncertainty, RSVP is assisting many non-profits by providing volunteers as an added re-source. We appreci-ate our RSVP volun-teers and their willing-ness to share their skills, talents, and ex-perience to meet a wide range of regional needs.”

Community leaders and officials like Joe recognizes the important role RSVP volunteers play in our region. Learn more about how important volunteers are to our region in our LOSRC annual report. Copies will be available on our website this October.

Meet our LOSRC Executive DirectorMeet our LOSRC Executive Director

Joe McKinneyJoe McKinney

Welcome to our special edition of your RSVP Newsletter. In celebrations of Land-of-Sky Regional’s Council Annual Celebration and Report we thought it fitting to bring to you a special edition, one that gave you a better understanding of RSVP and Land-of Sky Regional Council or as we call it LOSRC. Enjoy!

Notes form the Coordinators Desk Notes form the Coordinators Desk

This past year we have worked hard to break the image of RSVP as just another volunteer center. Each time a new volunteer comes through our doors we do our best to instill in them the understanding that when they join RSVP they join nearly 500,000 volunteers across the country who are tackling tough issues in their communities and that they are part of a larger movement; a movement for change! Here are some things to be proud of as an RSVP volunteer. • RSVP was established in 1971 and is part of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) un-

der the umbrella of Senior Corps. CNCS is working to foster a culture of citizenship, service, and responsibility in America. Also, part of this movement is the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Vista and Citizen Corps.

• Locally RSVP is sponsored by the Land-of-Sky Regional Council and has been connecting active adults with volunteer opportunities throughout Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania Counties for the past 20 years.

• RSVP volunteers are addressing the most critical needs in our community. Together with local leadership RSVP works to identify critical needs throughout our region. Currently RSVP works in 8 service categories; Community & Economic Development, Disaster Recovery & Relief, Education, Environment, Health & Nutri-tion, Housing, Human Needs and Public Safety.

• RSVP Volunteers are making an impact. The time and projects that RSVP volunteers and our partnering agen-cies are involved in are documented and reported annually to Congress. Your accomplishments are an indica-tion to our national and locally elected officials the extent to which older Americans are making a difference in our community and shines a spotlight on local needs.

As you can see, we are not just a volunteer center for older adults– We are a movement for change!

Your RSVP Volunteer Benefits Your RSVP Volunteer Benefits

RSVP RSVP -- The Volunteer Center The Volunteer Center

for People age 55+ for People age 55+

RSVP not only helps you find a meaningful volunteer placement, we also make it our goal to keep you healthy, active and involved in our community. We ac-complish this through Volunteer Perks. We want to en-sure that all RSVP volunteers are up-to-date on their benefits as an RSVP volunteer at the Land-of-Sky Re-gional Council.

Volunteer Recognition: RSVP recognizes the contri-bution of its members through a fun and social volun-teer recognition party annually.

Theatre Tickets: If you have served 25 hrs in the past quarter you are eligible to request a free theatre ticket. Guests will be put on the waiting list until one week prior to the performance. We currently have tickets at the following Theatres: Asheville Community Theatre, Brevard Little Theatre, and Flat Rock Playhouse. For more information contact our Program Assistant Brenda at 251-6622 ext 132.

Free Supplemental Insurance: A FREE supplemental insurance policy covers all registered RSVP volunteers while they are volunteering or traveling to and from their volunteer positions. The insurance includes: Accident Insurance, Personal Liability Insurance, Excess Auto-mobile Liability Insurance, Accidental Death and Dis-memberment Coverage.

Local Government Federal Credit Union Member-ship: RSVP volunteers are eligible to join the Local Government Federal Credit Union. You will need to pre-sent a letter from our offices before you proceed to join the credit union.

Workshops and Service Learning Opportunities: RSVP offers educational opportunities throughout the year. Topics range from environmental to topics on health and wellness. Upcoming events are listed in the RSVP newsletter and webpage.

While it’s no surprise that RSVP volun-teers are making a difference to the people in their communities, sometimes it’s sur-prising to see that impact in terms of num-bers. Below is a summary of each county, showing the number of volunteers, the hours they give and the financial impact of their service for Land-of-Sky’s fiscal year 2008-2009: *Financial Value is based on the volunteer labor rate of $20.25 per hour, which is figured by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

It doesn’t take long to realize there is something different about Jim Phelps. Quiet and soft-spoken, he’s a man who stands on principle and believes strongly in the role of volunteerism in the community.

“I enjoy doing things that serve others,” he said. “There is so much that can be done by volunteering to help others. I just love being involved.”

It’s apparent that his love of helping others has been a life-long commit-ment. He attended East Carolina University, which by his account has a motto of service to others, and he has been an active member of the Lions Club, which also has a mission of service to the community. In ad-dition to serving on the Senior Volunteer Services Advisory Council, he also chairs the Henderson County Zoning Board of Adjustment and is a

member of the Solid Waste Advi-sory Committee.

Jim and Fran, his bride of almost 50 years, have been members of the Henderson Co. community for years. They knew they wanted to retire to this part of the state because of its natural beauty and the availability of services like quality health care. As the couple was settling in, Jim read an article about Land-of-Sky Regional Council and wanted to learn more about the RSVP. It didn’t take him long to find several organiza-tions where he could be involved.

He began his volunteer work in Henderson Co. with the VIP (Volunteers in Partnership) program with the Sheriff’s Department. He also worked with low-income clients doing free-tax returns, and became

involved with CERT (Certified Emergency Response Training). Then, when an opening came available on the VSAC, he couldn’t say no.

“Volunteer Services has helped me learn a lot about the different counties,” he said. “I enjoy learning about the different aspects of volunteering and the difference the volunteers are making in the lives of so many peo-ple.”

Jim also wants to help spread the word about the LOSRC so other people can find their own place of service.

Jim will rotate off of the VSAC in December, but he’s already thinking about his future and how he would like to serve next.

Measuring RSVP’s ImpactMeasuring RSVP’s Impact

County # of RSVP Volunteers

Total Vol Hours

Financial Value*

Buncombe 226 22,295 $451,474

Henderson 199 27,473 $556,328

Madison 24 1,434 $29,038

Transylvania 101 10,319 $208,959

Totals 550 61,521 $1,245,799

Meet our Senior Volunteer Advisory CouncilMeet our Senior Volunteer Advisory Council——Vice ChairVice Chair

Jim Phelps Jim Phelps for People age 55+ for People age 55+

The Senior Volunteer Advisory Council helps in the plans and poli-cies for the RSVP, Foster Grandpar-ent and Senior Companion Pro-

grams. Members are nominated by local government and accepted by the Executive Committee of the Land-of-Sky Regional Council.

For more information contact LeeAnne Tucker, Senior Volunteer Services Director a 251-6622 ext 122.

The ARC of Buncombe County provides advocacy, education, programs, and family support to individuals with developmental / intellectual disabilities. Administra-tive Volunteers are needed to provide receptionist sup-port, bulk mailings, answering phones. Times: Mon- Fri 3-4hrs shifts. Greatest need Tuesday afternoons.

Mars Hill Visitors Center Visitor Center volunteers will work two, three, or four hour shifts between 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM. Volunteers can work one regular shift or several shifts weekly.

The Strengthening Families Program (Asheville) provides supportive programs to families of children at high risk of drug and alcohol abuse. Data Entry Volun-teers are needed to transfer report data into an Access database. Volunteers don’t need knowledge of Access

to perform their duties but do need basic computer skills and typ-ing. Time 1-2 hrs/week.

Western Alliance Centers for Independent Living provid-ing services by and for persons with all types of disabilities. We work with individuals to help them meet their independent living goals! -Office assistant to answer phones Mondays 10-12. -Data Entry Person: Hrs. are very flexible, detail oriented. -Handyman serv ices - An occas iona l need -Basic Computer Skills Trainer Volunteer should have knowl-edge of basic computer skills, Internet Explorer & Outlook Ex-press. -Computer Skills Trainer- This is a free thinking position as every month we offer a No Pal Left behind Class that teaches a computer skill- The volunteer can bring their ideas! We are in need of instructors for future classes. The classes would be taught on the second Tuesday of every month from 10am-12 noon.

Mountain BizWork provides training, coaching, and lending services to start-up and existing businesses in the 20 western-most counties of NC. Receptionist Needed to sustain an office environment of hospitality and support the overall operations of Mountain BizWorks.

Advantage West Economic Development Group serves 23 western counties in NC through a diverse array of programs. Volunteer Administrative Support Volunteer Needed to serve as primary receptionist to handle all incoming calls and provide necessary assistance to all staff. Position requires excellent phone and people skills. Duties include: computer skills, web-based researching, filing, photocopying, and set-up and break-down of meetings held at AdvantageWest. Time Shifts Available: 9-1 pm or 1-5 pm Mon-Fri.

Call-A-Ride: Council on Aging of Buncombe County Do you like to drive? Do you love people? Then the Call-A-Ride program is for you! Volunteers are needed to transport older adults who can no longer drive and cannot use public transportation, to medical and other necessary appointments. This is the program with the most critical, ongoing need. Geographical volunteers are most needed to service the communities of Black Mountain and Leicester.

Academic Coaches Needed: The Asheville City Schools Foundation (ACSF). Academic coaches provide mentoring & academic support to students in an after-school setting focusing on middle school students. Volun-teers assist students in meeting their goals and learning to advocate for themselves. Times: 1/hr/week for the school year. We also match volunteers with students 2nd-12th gr. during the school day for 1hr/wk. as well.

OnOn--Going OpportunitiesGoing Opportunities

RRRR SVP offers short and onSVP offers short and onSVP offers short and onSVP offers short and on----going vol-going vol-going vol-going vol-unteer opportunities for volunteers unteer opportunities for volunteers unteer opportunities for volunteers unteer opportunities for volunteers

55+. There are opportunities for even the 55+. There are opportunities for even the 55+. There are opportunities for even the 55+. There are opportunities for even the busiest person. For a complete listing of our busiest person. For a complete listing of our busiest person. For a complete listing of our busiest person. For a complete listing of our opportunities please call our office or go to opportunities please call our office or go to opportunities please call our office or go to opportunities please call our office or go to your website. your website. your website. your website.

What a great way to be welcomed to Bele Chere by the smil-ing faces of RSVP & Senior Companion Volunteers Rick Wal-lace and LTOP (Leadership Training for Older Persons) Graduate Vicki. Rick is a Senior Companion with Hospice and volunteers with RSVP in his spare time. Rick shared his musical talents with the kids at Bele Chere this year and also helped out at the Information Booth with LTOP graduate Vicki. Vicki is too young just yet to be an RSVP– but we have her in training!

Short Term OpportunitiesShort Term Opportunities

WNC Alliance Friday & Saturday August 21-23: SEE Expo Over 20 volunteers needed to help promote WNCA at the 9th Annual Southern Energy and Environment Expo, at the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher. Ad-mission is free on the day you volunteer with us! Volunteers needed to man tables and enthusiastic promoters of livable communities and the natural envi-ronment to volunteer for us at the Southern Energy and Environment Expo.

Asheville Green Works Every Tuesday at Luncheon Time in September Volunteer to create a healthy body and a healthy envi-ronment at the same time with this community project. Litter cleanups are a workout with heavy bags and dis-tances walked, and the impact you make as you go benefits the environment and community. Cleanup supplies will be provided. Wear comfortable clothing and closed toed shoes. Different locations cleaned each time, but always meet downtown at Pritchard Park.

Riverside Drive Bike Lane Clean Up Saturday September 12th 8:30- 12:30 Join Asheville GreenWorks and Blue Ridge Cycling Club to clean Riverside Drive as part of the Adopt-a-Street program. Volunteers are needed to help with litter cleanup & maintenance of the bike lane. Projects will include sweeping, shoveling, clipping & picking up trash & de-bris to keep the bike lane and street-side safe, clean, and beautiful. Please bring any supplies that may be helpful, including clippers, brooms, and gloves. Wear closed toed shoes, long sleeves, and pants for safety. Other supplies, including safety vests, gloves, trash and recycling bags, and litter pickers will be supplied by Asheville GreenWorks.

The ARC of Buncombe County Special Events The ARC of Buncombe County assist special-needs individuals with developmental/intellectual disabilities reach their highest level of functioning and achieve the best quality of life by providing advocacy, medical and dental needs, social events, school support and aug-mented case management. Special Events Volunteer Volunteers are needed to support the staff with admin-istrative function, set up and take down, and during the event. Upcoming Events include • Sept 24/09 Starry, Starry Night • Sept 26/09 Family Fun Day • Oct 26/09 Halloween Party

Hands on Asheville-Buncombe Hands On Asheville- Buncombe offers RSVP volun-teers in Buncombe County more “Done in a Day” op-portunities to volunteer. This is in addition to our cur-rent short-term opportunities offered through RSVP and is suited for volunteers that do not have the ability to take on the commitment of an on-going volunteer opportunity. How do I get started? Follow the link to a customized page for RSVP Volunteers at (http://tinyurl.com/rsvp-hands-on) – or call the RSVP office so we can walk you through it.

Laurel Woods. Volunteer your extra home grown veggies to low-income seniors. Laurel Woods in South Asheville would love to be able to offer fresh vegetable this summer to it residents whenever possible. To do-nate please contact Carolynn at (828)274-7778

RSVP Station HighlightRSVP Station Highlight

Mars Hill Visitors Center Mars Hill Visitors Center

Back-to-School means a busy time for schools as well as an increased need for volunteers. Each new school year, RSVP gears up to recruit mentors and tutors. This year RSVP is struggling to meet the increasing need for these types of volunteer opportunities. RSVP currently has 5 wonderful and com-mitted school tutors and 4 literacy tutors and 1 mentor - we need to see these

numbers increase. Below is a list of our current opportunities to be a tutor or mentor in your community. Please help us spread the word by sharing with friends and families these great opportunities to serve your community.

The Asheville City Schools Foun-dation (ACSF). Academic Coaches Needed to provide men-toring & academic support to stu-dents in an after-school setting fo-cusing on middle gr. students. Vol-unteers assist students in meeting their goals and learning to advocate for themselves. Times: 1/hr/week for the school year. We also match volunteers with students 2nd-12th gr. during the school day for 1hr/wk. as well.

Tutors are also needed for Madi-son County Schools, Weaverville Primary, Mills River Elementary

and Fletcher Elementary.

Boys & Girls Club –Power Hours Volunteers (Asheville)- Volunteers are needed to assist children with their homework. Children in grades age K-3 gather from 3:30-4:30 to do their homework and children in grades 4-6 gather from 4:30-5:30 to do their homework. 1hr/wk Mon-Thurs.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentors and Matches Volunteer (Buncombe/Henderson) Volun-teers help to give children the indi-vidual attention they need to be suc-

cessful students and people. Volun-teers meet 1hr/wk at the child’s school or after-school site.

Literacy Tutors: RSVP has literacy volunteer opportunities through Lit-eracy Councils of Buncombe Co. and Blue Ridge Literacy Council in Henderson Co. & International Link in Asheville. Literacy tutors provide tutoring in basic reading and writing skills and/or English as a second language (ESL). Volunteers work one-on-one or with small groups for 2hrs/week at a mutually convenient time and place.

Back to School Campaign Back to School Campaign

Just 10 minutes up the road from Weaverville is the Norman Rockwell town of Mars Hills in Madison County. For those of us who live in Buncombe Co. we often overlook the great communities in Madison Co. Whether its arts and crafts that interest you, outdoor sports, agri-tourism complete with u-pick

and teaching farms, or you're simply looking for a place to completely get away from it all, Madison County has it all. The center of this activity is the Mars Hills Visitor’s Center and its great volunteers. We sat down with one such volunteer, Lorri Helms.

Lorri is a local farmer and fiber artist from Mars Hill. For 8 years she has been volunteering with the Visitor’s Center during her down times from the farm. She told us that “Living on a farm can get isolating at times and the Visitor’s Center gives me the community interaction that I need. Lila Nikla, our Volunteer Coordi-nator at the Center really treats the volunteer right and ensures that we are con-tributing and enjoying ourselves.” Currently, Lorri is keeping the Visitor’s Center’s website up-to-date in-between answering phones and assisting walk-ins. We ask her what she likes best about the Visitor’s Center and she had this to say. “The Visitor Center is the center of activity here in Mars Hills. There are lots of interest-ing visitors and characters to get to know- I love it!”

Lila & Lorri

Do you live in our around Mars Hill and want to share your love of the re-gion with others, than vol-unteering with the Madi-son County Visitor's Cen-ter is for you. Visitor Cen-ter volunteers can work two, three, or four hour shifts between 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM. Volunteers can work one regular shift or several shifts weekly. Duties include assisting walk-on guest, answering phones, giving out information, stocking brochures.

SA (9/26) - Carolina Mountain Land Conser-vancy- The Ninth Annual Conservation Celebra-tion will be held at Taylor Ranch. There will be a silent auction, ranch tours, live jazz and a film about the saving of World’s Edge (a 1,600 acre tract in Hickory Nut Gorge). $75. For Info: 697-5777.

TR(9/24)The ARC of Buncombe Co– Starry, Starry Night. This is the ARC biggest event of the year. The cost is $250 which will admit up to two people and includes dinner, drinks and a chance to win the car or its cash value and other prizes. In keeping with the Starry, Starry Night theme, guests are encouraged to come dressed as a fa-mous person (movie star, baseball player, political figure etc.). For Info: call The ARC at 253-1255. Funds raised will go to support programming and advocacy for individuals with developmental dis-abilities.

You’re InvitedYou’re Invited

Wellness Expo

Free Community Event hosted by Land-of-Sky Regional Council

And The Hearing Center

Tuesday, September 15 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Enjoy No Cost Health Screenings

Hearing Screenings * Blood Pressure

*Vision * Ask a Nurse Much More...

Bring your walking shoes, a picnic lunch

and stay the afternoon to enjoy the beautiful grounds and walking trails at

the Arboretum

For more information call Brenda at 828.251.7448

Free Free

AARP Car Fit Program @ AARP Car Fit Program @

Wellness ExpoWellness Expo Do you know the minimum distance you should have between your chest and the steering wheel of your car? Do you know the best way to adjust your mirrors to reduce your blind spots? If you

answered "no" to any of these questions, then Car Fit is the program for you.

Trained volunteers take a Car Fit participant through a 12-point checklist de-signed to help older driv-ers find their best fit in their vehicle.

To schedule your 20 minute Car Fit appoint-ment call Patti Cameron in the RSVP office at 828-251-6622 or 1-800-727-0557 or patti@landofsky.org.

Station’s Benefit & Gala Station’s Benefit & Gala

PRSRT-STD US Postage

PAID Asheville, NC

Permit no. 367

RSVP is a program of the Land-of-sky Regional Council.

339 New Leicester Hwy, Suite 140, Asheville, NC 28806

(828)-251-6622 1-800-727-0557

RSVP Coordinators

Buncombe & Madison Patti Cameron ext 126 Patti@landofsky.org

Henderson & Transylvania Vicki Jennings, Ext. 130 Vicki@landofsky.org

————————

Volunteer Services Program Assistant

Brenda DeLaCruz ext. 132 Brenda@landofsky.org

(Call Brenda for theatre tickets)

http://sites.google.com/site/rsvpserniorcorp/Home

or

www.landofsky.org

Retired & Senior Volunteer Program

Enriching Lives, Meeting Community Needs

Return Service Requested

Active Aging Week Sept 21Active Aging Week Sept 21--2727

For our Nov.-Dec. issues, we would like to feature some of the favorite holiday memories of our RSVP volunteers about how you have served others and your community throughout the years.

Did you spend a great Thanksgiving serving at a homeless shelter? Or have you spent the last 10 years collecting toys for needy children? We want to hear your favorite stories of how you have served others during the holidays.

Stories can either be sent by mail or email, and please limit them to 100 words. We’ll print as many as we can in our upcoming holiday issue. The deadline for submissions is October 10.

Mail your stories to: RSVP Holiday Stories, c/o Land-of-Sky Regional Council, 339 New Leicester Hwy. Suite 140. Asheville, NC 28806

Or, email them to rsvp@landofsky.org. All submissions be-come the property of LOSRC. So start writing! We want to hear from you!

We need your holiday stories!We need your holiday stories!

Special Thanks to our

Active Aging Week was initiated by the International Council of Active Aging to promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle on a national scale. All events are FREE open to the public Active Aging Week Kick-Off Events in Buncombe, Madison, Henderson and Transylvania Counties September 21, 2009 For more information contact Rebecca at 828-251-7438 for a complete schedule of programs in Buncombe, Madi-son, Henderson and Transylvania Counties.