Director's Message
November - We need YOU!Last week over 300 people attended the first flu shot clinic of the year. It was incredibly heart warming to have so many people stop me to say how much they enjoy reading what I write in this column. Others talked about how much they enjoy coming in to the Suzanne Patterson Building, how it has changed over the years. Every week we have visitors who remark about how different it is from what they expected.
Clearly something good is happening. There is an incredible positive energy that vibrates around the center. Sometimes it is a dozen people vigorously playing table tennis or over a hundred intently playing bridge. Other times it is an animated lecture or discussion going on in one of the classrooms, or people pouring out of an over-filled computer lab. People stop in the office to suggest programs or offer to volunteer because they want to be a part of this positive community.
We have been just as busy at Spruce Circle with support and guidance services, although they are less visible to the public. There is more to this than simply the growing number of people who are becoming “older adults.” It is also an expanding awareness of PSRC and deepening respect for the professional services we offer. This has been a big year for PSRC. Among the highlights are a completed strategic plan, an updated 2011 Community Resource Directory, full replacement of computers and printers for staff and lab, a new computer program with help labs and several new classes, a technology committee working on plans and policies, and a new name, website and programs for Next Step: Engaged Retirement & Encore Careers. The statistics support this impression of increased activity: 1000 people attending classes and programs each week 430 applied for Evergreen Forum classes this Fall 125 people receiving support services each week 425+ volunteers helping to make it all happen These are all great indicators that PSRC is successfully connecting with people from age 55 to 105+ through a wide range of programs and services. At the heart of this success are the incredibly dedicated staff and board.
This would not and could not happen without you. You are the ones who offer and attend programs, who bring friends and welcome newcomers, who bake cookies for class, and so much more. Now as we near the end of the year, we want to remind you that we need YOU to keep this great organization going. As a non-profit organization, we rely on individual donor support for nearly 25% of our operating budget. In a challenging environment where municipal and grant support is shrinking, we want to keep our programs affordable for all. Please make PSRC one of the favorite charities that receive your support this year. You can make donations online, in person or by mail. For more information on how to give, visit www.princetonsenior.org or call 924-7108. Help PSRC continue to grow and be the best resource for people age 55+ in this diverse community who are making informed choices, leading healthy lives, and navigating life transitions. Thank you for all the ways you support PSRC.
Susan W. Hoskins LCSW
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Previous MessagesJune 2013 - Age Friendly Communities June 2013 - Age Friendly Communities May 2013 - Navigating a Changing HealthCare Landscape March 2013 - Navigating Life’s Transitions February 2013 - Partners in Caring Princeton January 2013 - Men as Caregivers December 2012 - The Safety Net October 2012 - Documenting Your History September 2012 - A Journey of Transformation July - August 2012 - Gratitude & Moving March 2012 - Patient-centered Care February 2012 - Can you Spare an Hour? January 2012 - Challenges & Opportunities December - Are you Prepared for Emergencies? October - Chocolate for Memory September- Looking Back and Looking Forward Lessons and Legacies, March 2011 Independent Living February 2011 Witness to my Life December 2010 Elections, benefits and open enrollment November 2010 Strategic Planning September 2010 Hiring Home Care December 2009 Annual Giving by Sharon Naeole November 2009 Flu Pandemic 2009 October 2009 Healthy Memory, Healthy Mind September 2009 A Personal Perspective on Caregiving July/August 2009 Wei Ji: Crisis, Danger and Opportunity April 2009 Write your own obituary March 2009 Hope and Vision in Challenging Times Medicare Changes 2008: Take A Look! December 2008 Scams, Frauds and Rip-offs November 2008 Engaged Retirement: Beyond Financial Planning October 2008 September 2008 Caregiver Dilemmas Finding Rhythm and Purpose July/August 2008 V + OA = ER (Volunteering + Older Americans=Engaged Retirement)May 2008 Have You Had the Talk Yet? March 2008 Get Moving with FitRhythms™! February 2008 What Are Social Services? November 2007 Plan for the Future September 2007 The Up-side of Aging Summer 2007 National Conference on Aging: Let's ReThink Aging April 2007 Season of Giving December 2006 April Hill McElroy October 2006 Civic Engagement September 2006 White House Conference on Aging May 2006 Are You Prepared? October 2005 Watch Your Language September 2005 The End of the Journey May 2005 New Dietary Guidelines February 2005 Civic Engagement with GrandPals October 2004 The Challenge of Giving Care May 2004 Seniors On The Move April 2004 Random Acts of Kindness December 2003 Civic Engagement November 2003 |