Saturday's with Dr. Roffman

Each Saturday, Dr. Joel Roffman, MD, a prominent Dallas cardiologist and author will share meaningful experiences he has had with patients who are dealing with a variety of physical and emotional issues. You will find the manner in which they deal with life’s problems to be practical, inspirational and uplifting.

A Show of Faith

Elaine was so happy – after a long illness, she was finally able to drive again. Her heart and other vital organs were now improved, and after a long illness, she was gaining mobility and strength. She was spiritually renewed as well, grateful for the ability to be able to get around by herself.

“What do you plan to do?” I asked. I thought Elaine would tell me that she would celebrate by taking a trip to see relatives, or more modestly, just going about town. “I’m going to start a transportation ministry in my church,” she replied. It seems that there are a number of people- the elderly, the infirm, etc. – who would like to attend church services and functions, but who have no means of transportation. Often, they are too embarrassed to ask for help, and their names come to be known only if a friend or relative mentions it.

Elaine was determined to seek these people out, seek out additional volunteers, and get to work putting these two groups together. Could there be a more worthwhile use of Elaine’s time and energy?

In Jeremiah (9:23-23) we read,
This is what the Lord says: Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom; Let not the strong man glory in his strength; Let not the wealthy man gory in his riches. But only in this should one glory: That he understands and knows me, That I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, For in these I delight.

Elaine understands that the choice is not between faith and deeds. For it is by our deeds that we express or faith.

If you have a comment or question about this blog entry, email Dr. Roffman at drroffman@cs4seniors.com.
Dr. Joel Roffman has spoken to many church, synagogue and support groups. His book, Coping with Adversity: Judaism’s response to illness and other life struggles is enjoyable, uplifting and informative. It is meant for people of all faiths and can be viewed at www.copingwithadversity.com. It is available at Barnes and Noble, Borders, and Amazon.com.

Make It Happen Mondays

All over the USA, Seniors are using their years of experience and knowledge in a servant leadership capacity in their communities. They are volunteering their services when needed. On Mondays we are looking forward to sharing the stories of some of these "make it happen" senior volunteers along with interesting volunteering opportunities.

Your Very Own Library

Terence Cook said, “The reflections and histories of men and women throughout the world are contained in books.... America's greatness is not only recorded in books, but it is also dependent upon each and every citizen being able to utilize public libraries.”


I have always loved my library wherever I have lived. Sure some are better and bigger than others, but fundamentally they are the same. A place where caring people in all levels of society can gather around books, periodicals and computers to learn about the past and present, or just to find a good read that will take you away from it all for a while.

There is always a children’s department, which was the first place we would head as my kids were growing up. And now my daughter takes my grandchildren to the library every couple of weeks.

Look at the list of volunteering opportunities that is on the Dallas Public Library website:

The Dallas Public Library needs volunteers for a variety of programs. Here's a sampling of the many opportunities available:

• After school homework tutor
• Assist with AuthorSpeak (in spring of each year)
• Assist with Book Repair
• Assist with Computer classes
• Assist with ESL classes
• Assist with Every Child Ready to Read – an early literacy program for parents of preschoolers
• Assist with International Book Fair (in fall of each year)
• Assist with Mayor’s Summer Reading Program Party
• Assist with Poetry Contest Party
• Assist with Tulisoma South Dallas Book Fair (in late summer each year)
• Assist with résumé building for customers
• Assisting with Exhibits and Displays
• Children's Assistant
• Data entry in Volunteer Office & Other Main Library Units
• Face painting for children’s events
• File / inventory maps, news articles, and other materials throughout library system
• Inventory medical collection
• Label microfilm
• Marketing Assistant
• Place sensitive materials in plastic covers
• Receptionist
• Recycle and pack boxes
• Shelve books and other materials
• Spanish-Language Translator
• Summer Reading Club Assistant
  

Lots of needs for caring volunteers on this list! Wherever you live, I’d be willing to bet your library could use a hand with their efforts!

Make It Happen Mondays

All over the USA, Seniors are using their years of experience and knowledge in a servant leadership capacity in their communities. They are volunteering their services when needed. On Mondays we are looking forward to sharing the stories of some of these "make it happen" senior volunteers along with interesting volunteering opportunities.

Local Museums

One of my most broadening and enjoyable experiences was becoming a docent at the Dallas Museum of Art. My time with them was brief because I went back to school to learn more about art history, learned how to use a computer for digital imaging instead, and then started teaching Photoshop to seniors! However, I wouldn't have wanted to miss this experience!

The DMA (http://www.dm-art.org/index.htm), like most large museums, has many ways to you can become involved and help out. As they say:

"Looking for a meaningful and rewarding way to make new friends and help the Museum at the same time? Become a Dallas Museum of Art volunteer!"

As with most volunteering opportunities, you do make interesting friends and learn a great deal as well!

Here are some of the options this particular museum has to offer:

The Visitor Services Desk

The Visitor Services Desk is the gateway to the Museum. Volunteers greet visitors, answer questions, give directions, and sell exhibition tickets. Opportunities also exist for those interested in assisting with membership sales.

Late Nights

The Dallas Museum of Art seeks volunteers with excellent people skills to assist with the award-winning Late Nights series. Late Nights occur the third Friday of each month from 6:00 p.m. to midnight and are free to the public with paid admission to the Museum. Visitors enjoy live music, tours of the collections, performances in the galleries, and more.

Go Van Gogh

Go van Gogh® brings art programs to Dallas-area elementary students. Programs consist of thirty-minute slide presentations followed by thirty-minute art activities.Training takes place every Friday in September (from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) and once a month from October to April.

Volunteers are asked to give programs two mornings a month during the school year. They travel by van with a Museum staff person to area schools. The Go van Gogh® program also participates in area festivals such as ArtFest, Cinco de Mayo, and Imagination Celebration. No training is required for these events and the time commitment depends on the particular festival.

Docent

This program involves a large time commitment. If you don't have that time you can volunteer for something less strenuous and check it out from that perspective.

The website says, "The desire to communicate the power of art to others is the main requirement to become a docent. After completing a yearlong training program consisting of lectures, gallery talks, and workshops led by Museum staff and outside experts, docents conduct weekly tours for groups of visitors ranging from elementary school students to international dignitaries. All Dallas Museum of Art docents may train and conduct tours of the Nasher Sculpture Center in addition to their commitment to the Dallas Museum of Art program. We are not currently accepting applications for the docent program. Information will be posted when recruitment for a new class begins."

Wherever you are you almost certainly have access to a museum, large or small, and most of them would just love to have your help and support!

When asked about volunteering, Jimmy Carter said, "Throughout my life, I've seen the difference that volunteering efforts can make in people's lives. I know the personal value of service as a local volunteer."

Make it Happen Mondays

All over the USA, Seniors are using their years of experience and knowledge in a servant leadership capacity in their communities. They are volunteering their services when needed. On Mondays we are looking forward to sharing the stories of some of these "make it happen" senior volunteers along with interesting volunteering opportunities.

How do I volunteer?

In the AARP Bulletin for July/August they have a brief section called In the Know-Ask the Experts. One of the questions this month was:

"I'm getting ready to retire. I would like to volunteer in my community but I don't know where to begin. Any ideas?"

The answer:

"You're in great company. A whooping 61 million people are currently volunteering around the country, according to government statistics. To begin you need to decide what interests you--working with children or with an animal welfare group or for a particular cause.

To find a volunteer opportunity near you, go to the government's website, http://www.serve.gov/, and plug in your ZIP code.

AARP also lists hundreds of volunteer jobs at www.aarp.org/makeadifference. The site matches individual interests with opportunities and enables volunteers to share their exeriences."

Another interesting site, http://www.volunteermatch.org/, says this about themselves:

"VolunteerMatch strengthens communities by making it easier for good people and good causes to connect."

And of course you can always search on Google. When I searched for Volunteer in Dallas Tx this is what appeared:

I love the idea of volunteering! With all we are blessed with in this great country of ours, it seems a shame when people are only willing to make an effort for others if they are paid.

Two of my favorite quotations about volunteers are from two exceptional people:

Winston Churchill said, "We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give."

And Margaret Mead said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."