NEK Council on Aging Honors Volunteers

Across the Northeast Kingdom, the volunteer team at the NEK Council on Aging, over 350 people, lead wellness programs, cook and deliver meals, help with errands and shopping, make phone calls to friends, care for family and friends, and so much more.

“Without the help of our volunteers, and the interest of others who wish to serve as volunteers, the vast network of our programs and services could never be maintained,” said Meg Burmeister, Executive Director of the NEK Council on Aging. “It is astonishing to witness such a high level of commitment from so many wonderful people. We are very grateful to everyone who dedicates their time and talents to our elder Vermonters.”

The Council utilizes the help of Karen Budde, RSVP Volunteer Coordinator who manages the multiple volunteer networks that extend across the NEK. RSVP is the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, one of the largest volunteer networks in the nation for people 55 and over where volunteers use life-learned skills and talents in a variety of activities to assist in their communities.

“When you are able to make a difference in the life of one person, it is worth it,” said Budde. “I am so grateful for our volunteers and the impact they have on our communities, they are wonderful.”

One such volunteer has seen her service journey change over time. Judy Daloz and a friend joined RSVP to assist at an area elementary school.

“They needed help to manage the flow of students through the lunch line,” said Daloz. “You just don’t realize that a dropped dish, or a forgotten utensil can create a traffic jam in the lunch line. Our assistance seemed a simple task but to the school staff, it was a critical service.”

The experience led Daloz to consider how she could use her interest in Tai Chi to help her community. “I have practiced Tai Chi for over 26 years and it never occurred to me that I could teach a class.” Last fall, she joined a Fall Prevention Tai Chi class with the NEK Council on Aging and she will be volunteering to teach this class starting in May.

Daloz had caught the volunteer bug. In addition to teaching the Tai Chi class, she has volunteered to manage a new home medicine management program at the Council. “As a retired registered nurse and one who cares about fall prevention, I am pleased that I can use my experience to help area elders manage their medications. Older adults take prescription medications more than any other demographic. Remembering to take medication in the first place can be a challenge, so if you’re taking multiple medications several times a day, it can be overwhelming.”

The home medicine program will assist area elders with medication management to prevent falls, monitor medication compatibility and storage, and the disposal of expired medications.

“Judy is a great example of the reward our volunteers receive for sharing their time and talents and the motivation it creates,” said Budde. “As Gandhi said, the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

If you have an interest in becoming an RSVP volunteer, contact Karen Budde at the NEK Council on Aging (802) 751-0431.