Volunteer of the Month
Archives

July 2019
Charles Roberts

Photo of Charles Roberts

This month we’d like to give thanks to a familiar face, but one you might not know of in relation to the Highland Senior Center. Charles Roberts is the former editor of the Highland Community News, where he was a big supporter of the Highland Senior Center and would often visit the center to cover our events and activities. However when he retired at the end of 2017, he continued to support our center, but in a different capacity. Before retiring, he asked Jeff, the Outreach Director if we could use some volunteers, as he did not want to become bored. Well, he asked the right person, as he was immediately made a Transportation Assistance Program (TAP) driver. He volunteers to drive just about every weekday, and sometimes on weekends as well. Yet his helping us out doesn’t stop there. He also helps out in our Food Program, three days a weeks. He sorts outs the food we bring in and then helps us to pass it out to our seniors. We would also like to thank his wife, Myrna, who gives him time off from his retirement Honey Do list to help us out.

Featured Class

Photography and Digital Imaging
Date: January 17, 2018
Time:
Length:
Cost: members
       non-members
Instructor: Ricardo Tomboc
Location:
Description: This month we’d like to flash a light on Photography & Digital Imaging. The class is taught by Ricardo Tomboc, a San Bernardino Police Department Forensics Specialist, who apart from taking pictures for a living and for fun. Each session is six weeks long, every Wednesday night from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. The class fee is $25 for seniors and non-seniors. The class is more for beginners as well as those who wish to hone their photography skills. Depending on the skills of the class, he will cover basic photographic principles and digital operations. If you don’t have a camera or are unsure which to buy, there will be some film SLR (single-lens reflex) cameras available as loaners, until you know what you are looking for. You will also learn the in’s and out’s of digital photography, but he can still do film photography as well. If you go old school, you will be responsible for the purchasing and developing of the film. Whatever camera you do decide to bring, make sure it has manual adjustments or is a SLR. So if you’d like to learn how to capture a moment in time forever, come by and register or call us at (909)862-8104 for more information. The class is scheduled to start up in early January, but the class needs 10 students to proceed. So if you would like to take the class please call us so we can let the instructor know.

Featured Activity

Friendly Visitor and Phone Pal
Time: Dailys
Cost: members
       non-members
Location:
Description: This month we'd like to shine the light on two programs that not only help out those who participate, but the people they help out as well: The Friendly Visitor, and Phone Pal programs. The Friendly Visitor Program is a free program designed for those who have trouble getting out of the house on their own, to make friends and maintain social interaction. We have volunteers who go and visit people in their own homes and let them know that someone does care about them. Sometimes the two will simply talk or play a game of cards. Other times they will go out to lunch or a movie. The level of interaction depends on them. Our Phone Pal Program is similar to the Friendly Visitor Program, but is more designed for those who don't want or need someone to come over to their house. They are happy with a simple phone call. Some enjoy long conversations, while others just want someone to check in on them once a week. This program has come in handy several times when a senior could not be contacted by phone. The Phone Pal volunteer either went over to the house or contacted us with their concern and we went over. On a few occasions we discover that the person had fallen and injured themselves, and had this program not been in place, might have died. If you would like to be a part in volunteering in these programs, or if you could benefit from any of these programs, or if you know of someone who could, please feel free to contact us at (909)862-8104 and ask for the Outreach Office.
Christmas Tree Donation
By: Mike Sylva
Christmas came a little early at the Highland Senior Center, as one of Santa’s helpers, Paul Marzullo, dropped off a pre-decorated Christmas tree for the seniors to enjoy. The gift is actually from Paul and the Marzullo family. The seven foot tall tree took Paul six hours to decorate before he loaded it on his sleigh and delivered it.

The Marzullos know the center well as Paul’s two aunts, Willie Williams and Catherine Madrial are members. Paul’s family also has known Executive Director Penny Lilburn for many years. The Highland Senior Center would like to thank Paul Marzullo and family for the gift. Now Santa has something to put the gifts under.