West End seniors have been busy volunteering this year. Volunteers were at the Lutsen 99er, at the Tofte Trek making breakfast pizzas, and at the Tofte 4th of July showcased their many talents. Organizing, community building, and fundraising skills helped Birch Grove Foundation survive one of the busiest two weeks of the year! Birch Grove Foundation’s 30th Anniversary Community Celebration on Aug 15, 3-8 p.m. is another opportunity to serve and have fun.
One of the number one benefits of volunteering is that it connects you to other people. Volunteering has a direct positive impact to your physical, mental, and emotional health. Birch Grove Foundation is an Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency partner of Senior Corps – Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). Helping volunteers find jobs that they find rewarding is very important.
We have made it easier for volunteers to find their perfect match by offering 12 volunteer job descriptions for our site: community concierge, administrative project assistant, outreach assistant, program developer, instructor, event assistant, library & W.E. trade assistant, W.E. pizza party assistant, senior nutrition assistant, senior program assistant, Birch Grove trail assistant, and outdoor grounds assistant are available offering flexible hours and a way to use a variety of skills. A volunteer hour is worth $22.50 to nonprofits, according to the federal rate and our volunteers have contributed over $22K in value to our organization this year!
Community volunteers manned the Birch Grove wood-fired pizza oven at the Tofte Trek on the 4th of July.
Our programs are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10:30 a.m. Fitness; Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. lunch and 5-8 p.m. Hearth Oven Pizza Party Night (RSVP by Tuesday at 663- 7977 to ensure we have enough food); Thursday, 2-5 Pickle Ball; and Friday, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., 55+ Farm2Table CSA Shopping.
Our community, recreation, and senior center services are available Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Wednesday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. With over $70K in grant funding for programs and services, I am sure there is something for you to enjoy at our center! We hope you will join us by attending or volunteering today. Call Caroline at 218-663-7977 for more information.
Elizabeth Peterson checks out the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) offerings at Birch Grove.
Cook County has a vibrant and active community of elders. Each week we will offer Senior News to highlight our senior citizens. This week’s submission is about the Birch Grove Community Center in Tofte courtesy of Caroline Wood.
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