Senior Connection: Older Americans Month recognizes, celebrates contributions

Since 1963, the month of May has been designated Older Americans Month, a time set aside to recognize and appreciate the value of older people in our communities. This year’s theme, Unleash the Power of Age, is an appropriate way to characterize the contributions that many older people make as they teach others the skills they’ve refined over the years, support those in need or engage in civic matters.

There are now more Americans age 65 and older than at any other time in U.S. history, and most of the contributions they make are voluntary. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2012 volunteer rate for older adults was 26.5 percent, which represents a massive contribution to our social well-being.

The Broome County Office for Aging provides support, opportunities and recognition for older people in order to maximize their ability to make these valuable contributions. In an effort to help elders remain independent in their homes as long as possible, they provide educational services and programs that enhance the quality of life for many of Broome County’s elders.

The gifts that older people make to their families and communities are priceless, but all too often they are overlooked. The Broome County Office for Aging has recognized Barbara Bagan and Marta Alomar as volunteers who are Unleashing the Power of Age in their communities.

After completing a 42-year career, Barbara began looking for volunteer opportunities. She volunteered as a driver for Meals on Wheels in the Conklin area for 12 years and has also volunteered with the Office for Aging HEAP office for more than 10 years. Literacy Volunteers and Broome County Council of Churches have also benefited from her talents as a volunteer. Barbara says volunteering gives her an awareness of what is going on in the community and she appreciates that connection. “Doing something for others is the greatest reward,” she says.

Marta is a foster grandparent who has fun at the Broome County YMCA Y’s Kids Child Care Center where she has volunteered for 5 years. She says, “I love playing with the kids and reading books to them.” Her volunteer work there is greatly appreciated. Tammy Donnelly, assistant director of Child Care at the Y, says, “I don’t know what we would do without her. She is patient, helpful and good with any age.”

As you look ahead to the coming year, think about ways you can recognize elders like these and make additional efforts to Unleash the Power of Age in your community. It’s a “win-win” proposition because when we create opportunities for elders to share their many talents and engage in service to others we also help them stay positive, active, and vibrant.

Written by
Rhoda Meador

Gloria, Thank You for Your Dedication to Volunteering

Gloria J Bevilacqua, 83, went to be with the Lord Saturday, November 27, 2010 at Wilson Memorial Regional Medical Center. She was predeacesed by her parents, Stanley and Eleanor Mietus; brother, Richard Mietus and a grandson, Paul Monticello. She is survived by her husband, Samuel; children, Lonie (Harry) Hutchison, Victor, MT, Susan (Bruce) Fahrenz, Kirkwood, NY, Kerri (Robert) Kika, Binghamton, Carol (Sebastian) Monticello, Endicott, Gary Bevilacqua, Endicott, Donna (Bill) Weber, Endicott, Lori (Larry) Dixon, Yulee, FL; 14 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren; sister, Dolly (Orlando) Ciotoli, Endicott; several nieces and nephews. She was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Endicott, and involved with its Chow Pantry for many years. She was an avid doll collector, doll maker, teddy bear collector and flower gardener. She loved spending time at family gatherings. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother.
Funeral services will be held Friday at 10:30AM from St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 200 Jefferson Ave, Endicott. The Very Rev. John Martinichio will officiate. Burial will be in Vestal Hills Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the Coleman and Daniels Funeral Home Inc, 300 East Main St., Endicott, Thursday from 4-6PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions my be made in her memory to the Chow Pantry, c/o of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 200 Jefferson Ave., Endicott, NY 13760.

Published in Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin from November 30 to December 2, 2010 Email

Obituary for CHOW Volunteer

Louella (Locke) Lisi


Louella (Lou) or Mena to her friends, was welcomed into Heaven by God and her late husband, Felice (Pause) Lisi on Thursday, October 7, 2010.

Her parents also predeceased her. Mena is survived by her three children, Michael and Corene Lisi, Michelle and Tim McHale, Mario and Tonia Lisi; sister, Shirley Stevens; brother, Welly (Linda) Locke; grandchildren, that she was so very fond of that she never stopped shopping for, Michaela (John Clark), Frank McHale, Matia and Anthony Lisi; Mena insisted on spoiling and returning to their own parents as any good grandma would do, step-grandchildren, Tammy (Archie) Brace; Carrie Hagi; Stacie (Chrys) Wade; step-great grandchildren, Nicole, Gabriel, Elias, Keara, Tyler, and Christian, all who were very special and held a place in her heart; brother-in-law, Frank (Carol) Lisi, Jr.; numerous nieces and nephews. Even though we could not list them all, she never stopped talking about you, and she loved to talk, but you all left a place in her heart.

She retired from the City of Binghamton School District and was actively involved volunteering for CHOW and found great joy in knitting mittens for local schools and was known as the "Mitten Lady." Mena would also like to recognize some special people who might not have known how much they meant to her, Wes Smith and Mike Dorak. You are additional brothers to her children.

Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at 11:00 AM from the James V. DeMarco & Son Funeral Home, 737 Chenango Street, Port Dickinson, NY followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to call at the DeMarco & Son Funeral Home Monday, October 11th from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Tuesday, October 12th from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider bringing your food donations or memorial contributions payable to CHOW at the time of service. All donations will be given directly to the Conklin Avenue First Baptist Church CHOW pantry where Mena volunteered.

"Mena and Pause" are now together. Rest knowing that your work here is done and we will finish what you started.

Volunteer Quote

"While volunteering at The Council, I was looking for steady employment.  When I received the good news that I was hired, a staff emember of the Churches graciously gave me a voucher to the Catholic Charities so I would have appropriate work clothing.  I thank the Broome County Council of Churches for the experience that I needed to get a steady position, and I also Thank the Lord."

Henrika Podolak, a former general volunteer for the front office

Volunteer Quote

"Having experienced the Conklin flood of 2006 and been blessed by various food banks in the area at that time, I feel a closer kinship with the people who come to the CHOW pantry."

A CHOW Pantry Volunteer

Volunteer Quote

"I am very new to BC3 as a volunteer and have found staff members on every level to be extrememly warm, friendly, accepting & sharing, thereby helping to make my experience both enjoyable & rewarding."

Shea Szachara, Administrative Volunteer for the Front Office

Volunteer Quote

"I have worked on the last 2 "Ramp It Up" projects with adults & youth from my church.  I enjoyed seeing the residents of the homes watch their new ramps being built."

Ramp It Up Youth Volunteer

Volunteer Quote

"I forgot a pick-up, but caught up with the client at her MD apt. to take her home.  Her attitude - one of forgiveness and grace - made me have a glimpse of true kindness and forgiveness."

A Faith in Action and CHOW Volunteer for the Council

Volunteer Quote

"The work of BCCC (& in particular FIA) is most worth and I'm glad of the opportunity to contribute."

Gail Reeder, Faith in Action Volunteer

Volunteer Quote

"My family has greatly benefitted from the interaction we have had with the Faith In Action clients. Strong friendships have been formed that have lasted longer than the initial volunteer experience."

A Faith in Action Volunteer

Volunteer Quote

"The most memorable experience was with an inmate who served out his sentence, read to his kid every week and came to me as he was leaving with tears in his eyes said, "This was the only positive thing that I counted on each week.  Pray for me to never return."

Jail Ministry Literacy Volunteer

Volunteer Quote

"In providing food for those in need, I find the majority of those who receive are careful, unselfish and grateful.  There are those who are 1st time customers who are even apologetic! This is heart rending."

CHOW Pantry Volunteer

Volunteer Quote

"I have found that the inmates at this jail are individuals in a precarious situation. They no longer control their own lives and futures. Many have found a new or deeper trust in God. They are truly human, truly vulnerable, and truly "held in the palms of His hand...""

Jail Ministry Volunteer

Volunteer Quote

When asked "Are your skills currently being utilized?"

"I am doing what I can for those in need and feel that God is happy with my efforts.  He will present more opportunities to me as I am able to do them."

Jail Ministry Volunteer

Volunteer Quote

"Find it has been rewarding. When the person you call tells you how much better they feel after you have talked to them, it makes you feel like you have helped someone."

Yvonne Frey, Faith in Action Volunteer

Volunteer Quote

"In transporting for a medical appointment I recently was invited to this "seniors" garden. It was a well tended and flourishing garden. Flourishing enormously! A impressive garden especially for a couple that has seen their 60th anniversary together! I was provided a quart jar of seeds they had dried. I hope the seeds they loving provided me will have the stories to tell that this couple's seeds have shared."

Dee, A Faith in Action Volunteer

Volunteer Quote

" A wonderful place to help out.  The people there always have a smile of their face."

An Administrative Volunteer for the Front Office of the Council

Volunteer Quote

" A few weeks ago I drove a lady to a doctor; at the end she game me $10.  I told her it was not necessary.  We agreed to donate the money to Faith in Action.  This lady was donating from very limited means."

A Faith in Action Volunteer

Volunteer Quote

"I have met many very nice people over the years of transporting people to Dr. appts, groceries, shopping trips, etc... and am planning to continue as long as I am needed."

Betty Rogers, Faith in Action Volunteers

Volunteer Quote

When asked please give an example of how your skills are being used:

"Am able to relate to inmates in that I am from the "wrong side of tracks", yet put self thu two colleges."

Bill Mahoney, Jail Ministry Volunteer