LinkAges Online: The Official Blog of Generations Incorporated

Service Nation!

2008-09-30T08:28:00.015-05:00

On Saturday, Service Nation kicked off their Movement with a Day of Action. Over 2700 service events were hosted around the country to urge individuals and communities to take action. More than 100 events took place in Massachusetts. At Generations Incorporated we hosted our own event: a Bookfolder Bonanza (above). Over 40 folks showed up to help us create the curriculum materials that we'll use in our new programs in Revere this fall.

The Day of Action follows the Service Nation Summit which took place in New York City on Sept 11th & 12th. At the Summit, both Presidential candidates, Senators McCain and Obama, pledged to make national service a priority in their administration. Also at the Summit, every time service was mentioned, folks over the age of 50 were included in the discussion. Experience Corps, our national partner, was specifically highlighted. This is a major change in the way service is seen around the country and I'm giving a cheer at my desk in appreciation.

About ServiceNation: The ServiceNation Movement is a national grassroots campaign that launched immediately following the ServiceNation Summit in New York City. It rallies the voices of ordinary Americans behind the idea that citizen service can strengthen our democracy, and help solve our most persistent social challenges and crises. These voices call upon the next President and Congress, leaders from all sectors of society, and fellow Americans to join to create a new era of service and civic engagement in America: an era in which by 2020, 100 million Americans will volunteer time in schools, workplaces, and faith-based and community institutions each and every year (up from 61 million today), and that increasing numbers of Americans annually will commit a year of their lives to national service.

Mr. and Mrs. Thompson

2008-09-08T13:56:00.004-05:00

Paul and Nancy Thompson are in their late 50's and have been married for 40 years. They were raised in the same neighborhood of Boston, attended the same schools, and went to the senior prom with each other. They chose to stay in Boston and raised their kids here. Both of them spent their lives teaching in the Boston Public Schools--Paul as a second grade teacher, Nancy as a high school foreign language teacher.

Both newly retired, who would blame them for taking a well deserved vacation, a hiatus away from the world of work? Instead, both will continue to work part time in their new "encore careers". They had a month off between retirement from the Boston Public Schools and their start date at Generations Incorporated, where they will each be responsible for the oversight of a "cluster" of schools which will host our intergenerational programs.

They are transferring a lifetime of important work to a new sector: helping other older adults, our Experience Corps members, to work as mentors with children. They have immediate credibility...a lifetime of experience in the schools, life-long commitment to Boston youth and Boston communities, and they themselves are of the same generation as the mentors they will oversee.

This is yet another important reminder that, especially in this very challenging economic environment, some of the greatest resources for under-resourced non-profits are at our finger tips. Take a look around and tap into the ever growing population of older adults as they begin to retire. Have fun, have time off, continue to contribute in new and meaningful ways.

Fun-draisers

2008-06-10T10:19:00.007-05:00

When most people think of 'development' and 'fundraising', fun is the last word they think of. But this spring we've taken the 'fun' in fundraising to heart.

In March we hosted our first bar night fundraiser, raising a Toast to Generations Incorporated at Kingston Station. In April, we led a Readathon at the Hale School in Roxbury where the top fundraiser won a bike (left). In May, we hosted an event at the Acton Discovery Museum where we got to play around while we spread the word about Generations Incorporated. And most recently, last week, we hosted our second bar fundraiser, Apres, at Solas Irish Pub (below).

In addition to being successful in the fundraising sense of the word, these events have been a lot of fun. A chance to have a couple of drinks, play a few games, or chat with coworkers, the folks who are coming are having a great time (including me!). So if you haven't been able to join us yet, keep your eyes peeled for our next FUNdraiser. It is sure to be a lot of fun. Oh, and don't forget to get your tickets for our Red Sox Raffle!

The Dumbest Generation?

2008-05-15T08:55:00.008-05:00

According to Mark Bauerlein's new book, today's generation of under 30 is the dumbest generation yet. They do not read, visit museums, or vote. They don't know about politics and they don't care. Instead they spend their time playing video games and posting on Myspace.

I am 59 years old and a proud member of the Baby Boomer generation. I rocked and rolled; marched in small towns and Washington DC for civil rights, womens' rights and human rights; opposed the Vietnam War; and served for two years in the Peace Corps. I am sure that my parents thought my generation was pretty dumb. They and their generation surely stood against everything my generation represented. It seems to me that the only persons who should judge a generation are the members of that generation itself. Maybe even the ones who birthed them. If we are the 30UGeners' (30 and under generation) parents and teachers, what does that say about us?

I am surrounded by members of this generation daily and thank goodness because if it wasn't for them, I would be really dumb. I am challenged and invigorated by this generation, they make me think and expect me to be a role model. I see compassionate, sharply intelliegent, and service-minded individuals every day here in Boston-- people of all ages and plenty of 30UGeners. Mark Bauerlein should take the time to visit any AmeriCorps program and observe what thousands of young adults are doing in this one sector alone. The Dumbest Generation? No. Are there dummies in the 30UGen? Of course. More than any other generation? I hope not, but who's counting?

Native Americans for centuries would make all major tribal decisions with consideration of how such a decision could affect the following seven generations. They knew each successive generation would lead the future. Imagine our world if today's leaders held that same practice. It is time that we look to the younger generations as individuals whom we can teach and mentor - and in the process, we'll learn a thing or two ourselves.

Part of the Solution

2008-05-06T14:54:00.001-05:00

When Peter Wieler, 63, retired from his career as a software engineer, he began searching for an opportunity give something back. As a result, he found a new friend, Ruben, now a 6^th grader in Roxbury. Peter has been mentoring Ruben for 3 years. He says that although he and Ruben come from very different backgrounds, Ruben has been remarkably tolerant of him and they have fun playing chess, shooting hoops or just chatting.

“At the end of last year, I asked him how the year had been for him.” Peter said. “Ruben gave a long pause and responded, ‘Well, I like hanging out with you, you’re funny, and you’re a good man.’”

“His perspective on the world is so much different than mine… and that has helped keep my mind open,” Peter said. “It’s wonderful because he doesn’t hesitate to tell me when he thinks I’m dressing funny or things like that.”

While Ruben still has some problems at school, Peter and Ruben’s relationship has certainly progressed and Peter has had a positive effect on Ruben’s attitude. “During a particularly tough day, Ruben looked right at me and said, ‘Mr. Peter, you’re not part of the problem, you’re part of the solution.’”

Thank you Volunteers!

2008-04-29T16:37:00.008-05:00

April is National Volunteer Month and this week specifically is National Volunteer Week. Today, President Bush spoke to all volunteers: "today we commemorate your work and the work of volunteers all across the country... I appreciate the lasting legacy that you've helped create in the hearts of our fellow citizens. I thank you for what you do."

At Generations Incorporated our success is possible only through the efforts of our many volunteers: 350 Experience Corps members, 20 AmeriCorps members, 11 AmeriCorps *VISTAs, and hundreds of one time volunteers who help us with various projects.

On behalf of all of us at Generations Incorporated - Thank You!

Johnny Pesky, Experience Corps Member?

2008-04-08T18:12:00.003-05:00

Today Fenway Park opened with the 2007 World Series championship ceremonies. What an amazing show.

As I watched Johnny Pesky come forward to receive his ring, a bell went off in my head. Why was Johnny Pesky the lone Red Sox legend to receive a ring with the team? Because Pesky is much more than ‘just’ a Red Sox legend.

At 88 years old, Johnny Pesky knows a bit about baseball. He played in the majors for ten years, seven and half of which were with the Sox. Ever since, he’s served the Red Sox in one way or another, as a commentator, coach, manager, and most recently dispensing advice in the dugout.

Apparently the Red Sox know a thing or two about intergenerational mentoring. Pesky has provided dugout counsel, sharing his long experience with active Red Sox players throughout the years.

Today he was rightly honored for that awesome commitment.

Good Luck, Tom...

2008-02-25T14:34:00.008-05:00

Whoever said “No employee is indispensable” hasn’t met Tom Hamel. After spending 7 years with the organization, first as a part time accounting manager and more recently as a senior level manager, Tom is leaving to take an exciting new position with another exceptional organization.

Tom will become Associate Director of Outdoor Explorations, a position that was created for him. Outdoor Explorations is a non-profit organization that makes the outdoors a welcoming place to people with disabilities through innovative programs that break down barriers preventing people from living life to the fullest.

Tom has been such a major contributor to our success, creating strong systems and partnerships, taking on more and more responsibility each year. We have worked side by side for 6 years (yes, he's been here longer than me!) and it has been an honor to do so.

While we are losing a very talented staff member, Tom’s friendship is permanent, and that is most meaningful to me. We are very excited for him and wish him the very best...

Good luck Tom, but not goodbye. You know we'll still be calling you!

2008-02-07T12:13:00.000-05:00

As we ponder expansion, I've been visiting new elementary schools on a regular basis. This morning I entered a large chaotic school and was immediately lost. A first grader, I think, was in the hall and I asked if he could show me where the Principal’s office was.

He nodded his head yes, not looking at me but at the floor.

I asked his name, “Eddie” he told me. We walked down a long hall together, very slowly.

“Are you in trouble?” he asked. He knew exactly where to lead me.

National Mentoring Month

2008-01-25T10:13:00.000-05:00

Today, to celebrate National Mentoring Month, our mentors, along with AmeriCorps members and staff, got up and started dancing with local author Irene Smalls.

Smalls gave an exhilarating and interactive performance that wove together stories about her own experiences with her mentor, her children and black history. A former Miss Black New York State, Smalls is the author of 12 children’s books, including Don’t Say Ain’t, My Pop Pop and Me, and others that we use in our programs.

The morning proved to be a huge success, and most importantly gave us a special chance to thank our Experience Corps members for the important work they do as mentors.

National Mentoring Month marked its seventh year in 2008. Through various celebrations and activities, organizations across the country celebrated the success of mentoring, spreading the word to recruit more mentors and promote growth of mentoring programs nationwide.

This year at Generations Incorporated, 350 older adults will serve as academic mentors to approximately 2,500 Boston youth.

"You Will Still Need Me But What Will You Call Me When I'm 64?*

2007-10-24T11:46:00.001-05:00

I am a 58 year old baby boomer, and am quite comfortable with that moniker. I have a gazillion peers, and we are very special. "Yes, in fact, the world does evolve around us."

My colleague, born just a few years ahead of the b-gen, is an active senior. She chooses to work part time. "Now that I've retired, I can work for the fun of it."

Another 65+ associate teaches at a local university. She enjoys this special time of life. "Geezerhood is mighty under-rated!" she announced recently.

My neighbor is 53. She is a skilled ICU nurse and wants to pick up an extra shift now and then. So I helped her with her resume. "Erase all those graduation dates," I advised. She is a mature worker and afraid of age discrimination.

My brother retired five years ago when he was 59. He spends lots of time fishing. I call him a retiree, but he calls me jealous "It's tough having all this free time on my hands."

By contrast, my oldest sister will soon turn 70, and still works full time. She's an older adult with an attitude. "I'd like to kill my brother." Hey, Pat, I'm with you.

Seriously, the nation must take a hard look at our workplace practices and retirement policies. Current and future generations may well work productively until age 70, 80, even 90.

We can't all go fishing when we turn 65. And frankly the US would be hard pressed if we did.

*Title borrowed from the song: When I'm 64: The Beatles

Non-Profits: Tapping into the Boomer Generation

2007-09-18T10:25:00.000-05:00

My father never retired--he worked until he died at the young age of 73. Dad didn't know how he would fill idle time, so he kept working because it was all he knew.

If Dad were around today, I would reach out to him to manage volunteers at Generations Incorporated. He was a great "people person", with solid management skills and tremendous pride in his work. He owned a successful grocery store in our town, and he inspired and motivated his employees to get results every day.

Cash-strapped non-profit organizations could truly benefit by tapping into the growing numbers of retired and semi-retired persons who live in our communities. They can serve as volunteers to provide direct services and they can also serve in leadership capacities. Those who provide service can be most effective when they are well-supported, have clear expectations, good coordination, and feel appreciated. Often a busy organization doesn't have the staff capacity to provide this kind of support. What a great job for a volunteer!

Those who serve in leadership capacities (such as fundraising, marketing, management of volunteers, etc.) will need training in order to transfer the competencies that they have used in previous work. The potential return on investment for this kind of training could be huge.

Imagine the value added to communities if the non-profit sector taps into this generation. Our plan for expansion over the next four years will rely on our ability to attract this talent. It is key to our sustainability.

Thanks for a great year!

2007-06-20T10:56:00.000-05:00

As the school year comes to a close, we at Generations Incorporated look back at a year of wonderful accomplishments. The final numbers are in!

315 Experience Corps Volunteers
5,025 Students
55,000 Hours

That quantifiable data is a testament to the quality caliber of our volunteers and the dedication they put forth. It has been a fun year, a challenging year, a year of new relationships and old friends. In 2007, our 315 Experience Corps members provided more than 55,000 hours of weekly academic mentoring to 2,290 children and one time community service to 2,735 children. That's quite an accomplishment.

Last Thursday we celebrated these accomplishments at the State Room overlooking the Boston skyline. AmeriCorps members, Experience Corps volunteers and staff all sat back to enjoy the view as well as a delicious lunch. Keynote speakers included Charles Desmond of AARP Massachusetts and Ron Bell of the Office of the Public Liaison.

[Ron Bell & Mary Gunn]

[Experience Corps Volunteers and AmeriCorps Members from the Hurley]

Now we move into summer planning stages for the next school year's programming. We're still driving towards our goal of digging deeper into schools-- serving at least 50% of each school's population-- as well as engaging older adults in other facets of Generations Incorporated. It will be a busy summer. We'll be in touch as things develop!

15 Years of Inspiration!

2007-04-12T11:16:00.000-05:00

On April 11 we celebrated our fifteenth anniversary with some of our dearest friends. In attendance were several founding board members, Leadership Circle members, and Peri Smilow, the first Executive Director from our Magic Me days. The evening recognized our new Honorary Commitee members, who over the course of our 15 years have invested in our organization in many significant ways. They are pictured at right: Tom Martinson, Peri Smilow, Tom Barrette, and Melora and Andrew Balson.

It was a truly fun evening to come together and reflect on our mission of uniting older adults and youth in service to strengthen individuals and communities. John Gomperts, CEO of Civic Ventures and the national Experience Corps Program cited the the strong leadership role of Generations Incorporated in the national network. Peri told of the beginnings of Magic Me, using a dramtical story-telling format that drove home the power and importance of intergenerational relationships. A moving and funny 10 minute video followed, produced by Vista Volunteer Kate Avery, and in children's book fashion, told the Generations Incorporated story from Magic Me to Generations Incorporated, to Boston's Experience Corps Program.

Thank you to all who helped make Wednesday so memorable!

A Five Year Old Boy in the Principal's Office

2007-03-26T15:05:00.000-05:00

Some images this year while traveling from school to school:

A five year old boy in the Principal's office at 9:00 AM, recites his promises not to kick, bite, or hit anyone today. He is so happy to be sitting in the Principal's lap that he will promise her anything.

An eight year old boy in another Principal's office, with a high fever, waiting to go home. But he begs to stay because today is the day his mentor comes to see him.

A second grade girl reading aloud from the book, she pronounces porcupine correctly on the first try. She and her mentor giggle together at the animal's picture.

An older adult coaches a child through a difficult reading session. The child struggles, not so much because the book is too hard, but because today his life seems hard. They play a rousing game of Connect 4 instead.

If you have the time and are ready to share your experience, we have a child for you.

From Grad School to Kindergarten

2007-03-08T16:51:00.000-05:00

I know, I know. Most people finish Kindergarten before going to grad school. But I needed a catchy line. Please read on.

A sad truth in urban America, including Boston, is that the "achievement gap" exists even before the first day of school for far too many children. There are many reasons for this, most related directly or indirectly to economics.

In Boston, the recently formed Zero to Five Coalition is developing strategies to prepare all young children for school. It is an ambitious plan, led by Mayor Menino, and involving all sectors of our City. Its premise is that all children are born ready to learn and need a nurturing supportive environment to do so, starting with the family and extending into every layer of community. We want to eliminate the achievement gap in Boston before kids enter school, by preparing them be ready for school when they reach Kindergarten.

Generations Incorporated will help. With a grant from an anonymous foundation we are developing a project that will place trained Experience Corps members, all volunteers, in Kindergarten classrooms in our partner schools. Imagine the increased learning that can happen with another caring adult present.

Here's the Grad School part. Wheelock College, a national leader in early education, will teach a specially designed graduate course in Early Childhood Education for our Experience Corps members. They will attend Friday and Saturday classes in April and May, and with additional training by the public schools, will be ready to go to Kindergarten in the fall.

They will then serve in Kindergarten classrooms helping children with literacy skills, specifically oral language, as well as play and social skills. They will help reach out to and support parents, so that parents can learn to be "first teachers" for their children.

We are grateful to our partners in this project, including the BPS Early Childhood Department, Wheelock College, and our donors. This is one example of the impact that we as older adults can make in our community, and our deep desire to do so.

It important to act now, there is a lot of work to be done. If you would like to support this effort, please contact me.

Looking for a Few Good Boomers

2007-02-28T09:43:00.000-05:00

Are you retired or semi-retired? Do you still want to work but not full time? How about a job that is meaningful, flexible, and surrounded by good people? Can you motivate people to get results? Read on!

How about a 15- hour work week with paid time off? And while good pay is involved, this is not a job intended to pay all of your bills. Think about becoming involved with an organization that has very high standards and is nationally recognized as a leader in many ways.

Who are we? We are a dozen or so paid staff (smart, fun, helpful, hard-working, multi-generational). We are 300 older adults who serve as volunteer tutors and 25 full time AmeriCorps members dedicating a year of service to Boston. We are part of a wonderful national network called Experience Corps. And did I mention the 3400 Boston children and their families who benefit from our many literacy programs? We are Generations Incorporated, Boston's host to Experience Corps.

What's the job? We call it Part-Time Program Manager. You'll oversee operations at two of our service sites (either a school or an after school program).

Our's is a fast-paced learning environment. We work together in mutual respect as a team. And we are looking for 3 good boomers.

Interested? Email Helen Garretson, Director of Programs: hgarretson@generationsinc.org or call her at 617-399-4660. Visit our website to learn more: http://www.generationsinc.org/.

Get Your Feet Wet...With Experience Corps!

2007-02-22T14:48:00.001-05:00

It’s not every day that a literacy volunteer takes their teaching to the swimming pool. But that is exactly what Experience Corps volunteer Sheldon Appel did with his student this winter. Eric, a student at the Blackstone Elementary School, was reluctant to go swimming with his class. But when Eric confided in his Reading Coach that he was nervous about the water, Sheldon told him that he would be happy to help teach him how to swim. After obtaining permission from Eric’s parents, teachers, and the school administration, Sheldon arranged their first swim meet. Eric met “Mr. Shelly” at the pool, and Sheldon showed him the basics of kicking, stroke technique, and how to do laps! Now Sheldon says, Eric has made great progress, “I helped him, [and now] he’s swimming.”

I'm continually amazed at the depth of relationships our volunteers build with their students. By spending just a few hours a week reading together, these students are able to relate to these retirees in ways most wouldn't even consider. And visa versa. That's one of the things I love most about GI-- we're learning from each other. Constantly.

Staying Sharp

2007-02-07T14:59:00.000-05:00

An interesting free event this weekend in Newton:

Staying Sharp-- current advances in brain research
Saturday, February 10, 2007
10am-noon
Sponsored by AARP/NRTA and the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives

Marriot Boston Newton
2345 Commonwealth Avenue
Newton, MA 02466

What caught my eye were the topics:

Brain fitness and how to keep sharp
Memory loss: what's normal and what's not
Coping with depression and mood disorders
Successful longevity and the brain

A few very practical concerns we may face as we get older. Hope to see you there!

For more information, please call 1-877-926-8300 or visit the website http://www.aarp.org/health/brain/program/staying_sharp_understanding__maintaining_your_brai.html

Experience Corps Members Travel to Nation's Capital

2007-02-01T16:11:00.000-05:00

This coming weekend five of our Experience Corps members will travel to Washington D.C. to participate in the second annual Learning & Leadership Exchange. They will join 20 other Experience Corps members from around the country to discuss and develop leadership activities back in their home cities. While most Experience Corps volunteers are engaged as tutors in elementary schools, there are many other ways for them to lead. Last year's group came back with an extensive plan to reach out to parents and families.

On the eve of their departure, we caught up with a few of our leaders:

Q. Why do you want to participate in this conference?
A. Boston schools need help. I want to learn how to better serve the children I tutor. --Virginia
I hope to learn something I can use in my tutoring. One good idea can increase your effectiveness. It's good to go beyond ourselves-- we may be doing something good, but maybe it could be done better. --Dan

Q. What are you most looking forward to doing while in Washington D.C.?
A. I'm looking forward to spending time with my Boston peers and chatting with Experience corps members from other cities to gain new ideas, new perspectives. --Dan
I want to learn more about childhood education. That's the main reason I applied for this opportunity. --Manny

Q. What do you hope to contribute?
A. I hope to bring the knowledge I've gained from the children here in Boston, to pass that on. --Manny
Experience. --Virginia

I bet they are also looking forward to visiting some of our nation's treasures in DC and having some fun!

Last year's leaders happened upon Sen. John Kerry on the way to the cafeteria! (L-R: Shelia Randolph, Ricki Henderson, John Kerry, Amy Burns, Yvonne Franck, Mary McDonald)

Thank You, Mary the Fourth

2007-01-25T15:40:00.000-05:00

Today is Thank Your Mentor Day!

Please remember to thank those who influenced you, gave you encouragement and guidance. I would like to pay tribute to mine.

My first boss here in Boston taught me that service is not something done to others, but instead a mutual partnership. (I didn't quite know what she meant then, but I do now). She told me that humor and humility would get me places. I learned some pretty great lessons from her. Even now, 30 years later, I depend on her as my teacher. And friend. Thanks, Sandy.

Mary the Fourth is my 80-year old aunt (we come from a long line of Marys). She has been a constant and important presence in my life. We are both stubborn as rocks and she says that is a good thing. She has been friend, driving instructor (after I fired my father), role model, and to this day, confidante. She still encourages me in every pursuit. And she taught me the most important lesson of my life: do not give up. Thank you, Mary the Fourth!

300 Experience Corps members from this organization are busy at this very moment mentoring hundreds of children in Boston. They have more wisdom, compassion, and talent than I can write about in this post. They are an inspiration, every one. Thank you all.

I can't believe you called me an Old Blogger

2007-01-03T16:26:00.000-05:00

At Generations Incorporated, we respectfully refer to those of us over the age of 55 as "older adults". Imagine my surprise when I had to click "old blogger" to write this post!

What a joy it was on December 15 to attend a special "Siamese Sam" event at the Orchard Gardens Pilot School in Roxbury. Siamese Sam and the Things He Will Eat is a marvelous children's story about an adventurous, real-life siamese cat (Sam) who wanders about eating all sorts of different foods.

The author of this wonderful children's story, our very own board member Rich Trombetta, and his student illustrators celebrated the recent publication of the book with a huge book give-away at the school. Rich's talented illustrators are 3rd and 5th grade students at the school, and they were honored with a breakfast reception and many words of praise and congratulations for this major event. Afterwards, Rich and the illustrators autographed copies of the books for many of the students.

Our intention is to make sure each of the 3000 children in our 18 other partner sites eventually gets a copy. Proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit the literacy programs of Generations Incorporated. If you know of anyone interested in sponsoring the book give-away, please have them contact me, the Old Blogger.

Who says older adults don’t know anything about blogs?

2006-12-13T15:21:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the blogsite of Generations Incorporated. We are a leading intergenerational literacy organization in Boston, MA, mobilizing older adults (ages 55+) to serve as mentors and literacy tutors to children who are struggling to read at grade level.

For 15 years we have united older adults and youth in service to strengthen individuals and communities. This year marks our first venture into blogging, and we hope that it becomes a space for connecting older adults with mentoring resources, providing insight into our literacy and mentoring programs, and giving a better look at what’s going on in each of our 19 partner schools and after-school sites.

--

"Blog" is derived from the ancient "web log" meaning an online journal. According to Wikipedia, the blogging phenomena began slowly in 1991 and in the late nineties rapidly gained in popularity: the blogging site, Xanga, launched in 1996, had only 100 diaries by 1997, but over 20 million as of December 2005. Well, sign me up! Because who says older adults don't know anything about blogging?