Happy New Year! Each year we enjoy the holiday season, frequently overindulging on food and drink, and then right around the corner we're hit with New Year's. For some, it's another day on the calendar; for others, it's a new beginning, a “reset button” you could say.

I think back to years past where New Year's was an excuse to party into the wee hours, and now I am lucky to keep my eyes open for the ball drop. What has stayed the same is the reflection on the year that just passed and the goals I set for myself for the forthcoming year. I don't necessarily have resolutions, but just a desire to be the best I can be every day and remind myself that I'm only human. I think that's the best we can ask of ourselves.

I think we've all heard that eating better, quitting smoking, getting more sleep, and getting more exercise are all proven to keep us healthier. I would like to add that taking care of ourselves isn't just about physical health, but mental & emotional health too. It could be as simple as setting a goal to smile at one stranger a day to feel connected, or to try to look at the positive in every situation. Connectedness and positivity are sometimes very hard to achieve, but the rewards are immeasurable.

Office for the Aging's mission to enable individuals to remain as independent as possible and to support well-being aligns with these goals. If you're looking to connect with individuals around you, you can volunteer with RSVP, or visit one of our congregate meal sites. If you are a caregiver who is struggling with the day to day stress or what's next, our Caregiver Resource Center and NY Connects programs are here to help.

If you're over 60, I strongly encourage you to register with our office, so when the time comes for you to need our help, you have one foot in the door. All the staff here are compassionate, well-informed and ready to help. Warmest wishes for a happy and healthy 2020!

RSVP Volunteer Medical Drivers Needed

The Retired Senior Volunteer Program is currently looking for volunteer medical transport drivers. Without transportation to medical appointments, many seniors in Sullivan County would not receive the medical attention they need to stay healthy. RSVP volunteer medical drivers transport Sullivan County seniors to medical appointments, enabling seniors to remain as independent as possible for as long as possible in our community.

Although we are especially in need of volunteer drivers, RSVP offers a full range of volunteer opportunities with over 40 local and national organizations. With RSVP, you choose how and where you want to serve. 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. In short, you find the opportunity that's right for you.

With RSVP, you'll receive training from the organization where you serve, mileage reimbursement and supplemental insurance while on duty.

And remember: When you volunteer, you're not just helping others—you're helping yourself. Volunteering leads to new discoveries and new friends.

If you are 55+ and reside in Sullivan County get involved, and join RSVP today! Call: Caryn Mathews, RSVP Project Director @807-0251.

OFA Clerical Front Desk Volunteer

We are looking to fill volunteer positions for: front desk for the Office for the Aging. It is stationed in the OFA office in Monticello Government Center. This is an important support position based on interacting with people on the telephone and in person. It is a fast paced office. Job duties include: handling incoming calls and routing them to the correct office staff, taking messages or have the ability to handle some of the calls.

This volunteer position also involves basic clerical duties such as:

• Answering telephones and taking messages

• Transferring phone calls

• Stuffing/ addressing envelopes

• Make copies

• stamping envelopes

• Assisting staff involving light clerical work.

It is important you are well organized and able to multi-task. As an OFA volunteer you will be expected to commit to a minimum number of shifts or hours per month as it is important that you can always be counted on to show up, or to let your RSVP supervisor know as soon as possible if you can't.

If you are interested in assisting our community seniors, please contact Caryn Mathews, RSVP Project Director at the RSVP office by calling 807-0251 or Elaine Finkle, RSVP Specialist at 807-0255. We look forward to hearing from you!

Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) Volunteer Program

We are looking for volunteer positions for: Front Desk at the Hospital, Office areas for filing, and ED for old fashion candy striper rounding.

If you are interested in assisting our community seniors, please contact Caryn Mathews, RSVP Project Director at the RSVP office by calling 807-0251 or Elaine Finkle, RSVP Specialist at 807-0255. We look forward to hearing from you!

For more information on programs and services available from the Sullivan County Office for the Aging call 845-807-0241.

Transportation Schedule for week of January 20 through January 24, 2020

For senior shopping bus transportation call 807-0241.

Monday: CLOSED - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday!

Tuesday: Fallsburg Bus- Woodridge, Mountaindale & South Fallsburg (This bus always shops in Monticello) Rockland Bus- Livingston Manor & Roscoe (This bus alternates weekly between Liberty and Monticello)

Wednesday: Liberty Bus - Liberty (This bus alternates weekly between Liberty and Monticello) Mamakating Bus - Summitville, Wurtsboro, Bloomingburg. (This bus always shops in Monticello) Thursday: Narrowsburg, Eldred, Barryville, Glen Spey, etc.* (This bus always shops in Monticello) *(and some surrounding areas, not all areas are included). Thompson Bus - All of Monticello and Mongaup Valley. (This bus always shops in Monticello)

Friday: Delaware Bus -Fremont, Callicoon, Hankins, Jeffersonville, etc.* (This bus always shops in Monticello) * (and some surrounding areas, not all areas are included). Liberty Village and Fallsburg Bus - Liberty Village Apts., Hurleyville, Loch Sheldrake, & Kiamesha Lake. (This bus always shops in Monticello)

Suggested Donation of $3.00 per round trip - Bus Donation. Seniors must call 24 hours in advance. Contact Office for the Aging at 845-807-0241. Medical Transportation, including wheelchair - For appointments please let the office know two weeks in advance. Suggested Donation of $10.00 per round trip for medical transportation. To make appointments call the Office for the Aging at 845-807-0241.

Senior Nutrition Sites Menu for week of January 20 through January 24, 2020

Monday, January 20, 2020

CLOSED - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday!

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Baked Ziti, Meat Balls (2), Tossed Salad, Italian Bread, Fresh Orange

K: Manicotti

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Hungarian Goulash, Egg Noodles, Brussels Sprouts, Whole Wheat Bread, Pineapple

K: Beef Goulash

Thursday, January 23, 2020

Sliced Turkey, Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Beets, Rye Bread, Apricots

K: Meatloaf

Friday, January 24, 2020

Cheeseburger, Pickles, Oven Roasted Potatoes, Peas, Hamburger Roll, Fig Newton

K: Baked Fish

Decaf Tea, Coffee, 2% and Skim Milk served at all meals.

Menu items - Subject to change