Volunteer of the Month
Archives

October 2021
Don Harper

Photo of Don Harper

This month we’d like to shine the light on Don Harper is one of our longtime Transportation Assistance Program (TAP) drivers. Don has been a member for about 7 ½ years, and has been driving for 5 ½ years. During that time he has become one of our go-to drivers driving multiple times a week, and sometimes several trips in one day. He first heard about the center from his mother-in-law, who is a Wii Bowler. She got him a membership and he came and joined the Wii Bowling league. He then remembered then Outreach Director, Holly Andrade, talking about TAP and how they needed drivers. He gave it a test drive, enjoyed it and has been doing it ever since. He loves driving, and loves the people. He thinks of this as his job, but a job he enjoys. The clients love him too and has clients who ask for him. Originally from Fort Worth, TX, his mom brought him out here when he was two. He inched his way over from Blythe, to Beaumont, to Highland. We are thankful that his travels brought him closer to us. Thanks Don for driving that extra mile for us!

Featured Class

Watercolor
Date: September 14, 2021
Time: 9:00 - 11:00 AM
Length: 8 weeks
Cost: $8 members
      $8 non-members
Instructor: Avon Hall
Location: Game Room
Description: Not only is this one of our oldest classes, but is also one of the oldest art forms going back to paleolithic times. Watercolor is a painting method in which the paints are made of pigments suspended in a water-based solution. Watercolor refers to both the medium and the resulting artwork. Working with watercolors is difficult because with paint, it stays put. However, with watercolor, the paper and absorption changes the outline and appearance as it dries. Additionally, you have to be careful as colors can run into each other as they are absorbed, changing the shape and color of objects. If you mess up with paint you can paint over or scrape off the paint but in watercolor you might be able to partially correct a mistake by re-wetting and blotting making errors costly. To help you with this is Avon Hall, our Watercolor instructor. While Avon has no formal instruction as an art teacher, but does have lots of experience in art. While in the Air Force, and stationed in France 50 years ago, he took some art classes in oil painting and drawing. He did not take up watercolor until eight years ago, when he heard that we had a class and he was curious about it. Avon has won several prizes for his art, and has even sold some.

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.
Lost Pet Scam Targeting Seniors
By:
According to a report given to us from the City of Highland, scam artists are now preying on seniors who have lost a pet. The scam artist’s goal is to con you out of your money. This scam most often happens when a scam artist sees the ad or flyer that you have posted for your lost pet and: Uses the description from your ad to convince you that he/she has your pet and then demands a reward to return your pet. Claims to be a truck driver who found your injured pet while driving in your area.

The scam artist then asks that you wire money or provide your credit card information to pay for the veterinarian bill before your pet can be returned. Offers to return your pet for a reward, when it was the scam artist who stole your pet! Seniors are being tricked by scam artists pretending to have their pets!

The following tips are recommended: License your pet properly; senior discounts may be available. Consider micro-chipping your pet; senior discounts may be available. Attach a tag with your telephone number to your pet’s collar. Keep your pet in the house, in your fenced yard, or on a leash at all times. If your pet becomes lost: Contact your local animal shelter and give them a description of your pet. Ask your neighbors to be on the lookout for your pet. Create a lost pet ad or flyer; use a different telephone number than the one on your pet’s tag. Avoid putting a full description of your pet in the ad or flyer. Ask callers for details about your pet that you did not include in the ad or flyer. Ask for the name, address, and telephone number of the veterinarian where the caller claims to have taken your pet. Verify the veterinarian exists and then contact the vet directly. Finally, NEVER send money or provide credit card information to someone you do not know!

If you think you may be a victim of a scam, contact San Bernardino County Adult Protective Services (APS) at 877-565-2020, or your local police department.