May is Older Americans Month. Volunteer your time and get involved!

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Around the nation, older adults make their marks every day as volunteers, employees, employers, parents, grandparents, mentors and advocates. They offer their time, talents and experience to the benefit of our communities.

This year’s theme, Make Your Mark, highlights older adults’ unique and lasting contributions to their communities – the way you do it is up to you. Whether it’s sharing a story with grandchildren, facilitating a class on your favorite subject or leaving a legacy of community action, you too can make your mark. In the spirit of this theme, here are a few ways to make your mark this May and all year long.

Volunteer your time: The Blaine Senior Center (BSC) offers many opportunities for older adults to share their expertise. We are always looking for speakers on various subjects, people to lead us on hikes or walks or instruct us in a yoga class. You can help a neighbor by prepping a meal, picking up groceries or giving them a ride. Or, take time to pass on your knowledge. Why not tutor a student who could use extra help in math, music or science?

Get involved in your community: Being engaged in your community offers opportunities like leadership, participation and advocacy. Being involved is key to aging. Consider taking a class or join the book club at the BSC. Have a green thumb? Small projects like planting flowers in your yard or cleaning up the community park have a big impact.
We’ve all been limited in our ability to get out and “make our mark” during the Covid-19 pandemic, but let’s not forget what an important role we have in our community and in the lives of our families and friends. We can still influence the world around us. A phone call, an email or a handwritten letter is a great way to continue to be influential. Go ahead, Make Your Mark!

Kathy Sitker is the director of the Blaine Senior Center.

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