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DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Spring has come, finally. I hope those who have yearned for
an old-fashioned Winter are now satisfied. Spring is one of my favorite
times of the year. It brings a sense of renewal and change that seems
evident every day.
Our work at RSVP mirrors that change in seasons as grants
get renewed, United Way applications get completed, our Town funding
efforts are brought to a close and our work with the Vermont legislature
winds down. All those efforts provide the seeds that allow our staff to
grow the social capital that is so important for our community
non-profits to succeed.
We have all heard the not-so-positive economic news. Higher
prices are affecting us all, so I want to thank those who have provided
support to RSVP. We are very grateful.
This time of year also brings one of my favorite events, The
Governor’s Service Awards. The event is sponsored by the Vermont
Commission on National and Community Service and features some of the
great public servants in this state. This year, this project was
fortunate to have seven members receive recognition. They are RSVP
members Colleen Easterbrook, Olive Franzi, Lorraine and Erwin Sargent,
Mark Schroeder, and SCP members Geraldine Rielly and Joe Sanders. An
abbreviated account of their accomplishments appears in this issue, as
well as some neat pictures. We are all proud you were selected.
Please read the small article about the RSVP Excess
Liability Insurance. It’s a great benefit, if one needs it and has the
occasion to use it.
Speaking of insurance, it was with great sadness that we
learned of the sudden death of Senior Companion Florence Peck as a
result of an automobile accident. Florence was a very caring individual
who gave much to the program.
We also mourn the passing of our long-serving Advisory
Council and Council on Aging Board Member Catherine Grace at the very
healthy age of 98. Catherine’s last name was very appropriate. As a very
strong Catholic, she certainly was ‘full of Grace’. Her life as an
educator left a lasting impression on many, as was her ability to not
ever say anything bad or negative about anyone or anything. Is that the
secret to a long life? Who knows.
I also want to mention the sudden passing of the first Director of RSVP
in this area, Pearl Somaini Dayer. Pearl, who came from modest roots,
became a huge advocate for the graying or maturing community, becoming
the head of the then Office on Aging and, later, a staffer on aging
issues for Senator Patrick Leahy. She had retired to Maine, and was
living there when she passed away.
I mention these folks because of the impact they have had on
my life and career. One of the great things about my job is that I get
to meet many great people. The sad part is that I experience the passing
of some of those great community servants.
With that, thank you for your service to others, and
willingness to help others. Don’t worry about the end of the world
because it’s already morning in Australia.
J. Guy Isabelle, Director
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