Summer 2003

Letter in Around the Meadows
   The healthy, thriving community of Carolina Meadows extends well beyond its campus limits. We interpret our mission broadly and take pride in being a good neighbor, in contributing to the community in which we live and work, and enhancing "our neighborhood."

   Some of our efforts may surprise you. Sure, we provide housing for residents, but in this issue you'll learn how we also helped provide housing for a Pittsboro family in need by being the first CCRC in North Carolina to fully fund and construct a home for Habitat for Humanity.

   And, yes, we provide activities and programs for our residents, but did you know that we also built and maintain a soccer field dedicated to the children of Chatham County? It currently serves over 1,000 soccer playing youth each season, and lacrosse is soon to come.

   Did you know that we provide a summer camp for child clients of the Orange-Person-Chatham Mental Health Association? Camp Meadowwood, as it is known, has residents, staff, and children working, playing, and learning side by side and using amenities such as Carolina Meadows' pool, golf course, croquet court, and fishing pond.

   We have our own play readers group that produces wonderful theatrical productions in our auditorium, but did you know that we fully sponsored a recent play at the Temple Theater in Sanford and donated all the proceeds to four Chatham County service organizations - the Chatham County Arts Council, Chatham OutReach Alliance, Chatham County Together, and Family Violence and Rape Crisis Services?

   And while our residents volunteer in many capacities on campus, we sponsor an annual volunteer fair that seeks to match Chatham County non-profit agencies with interested residents. This annual event was recognized with a NCANPHA award and continues to grow each year.

   When you think about Carolina Meadows, remember we're not only striving to create a better community for our residents but also a better community for all of us to live in, work in, and enjoy every day.

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Volunteer opportunities abound at Carolina Meadows
   Whether you're volunteering for the first time or continuing a lifetime of community service, Carolina Meadows is the perfect place to contribute to the world around you. Residents here are building houses through Habitat for Humanity, blazing trails in community outreach, assisting their neighbors in the Health Center and reaching out to those in local hospitals and hospice programs. Whatever your talents, interests, goals or time, there are programs here that could use your volunteer spirit. And as with most things in life, the benefits flow as much to the giver as to the receiver.

   "I've found through eighty years of life that the best way to get through life is to get out and help someone else," says resident Ellie Moore, an NCANPHA award-winner for volunteer of the year. "There is always someone that needs a helping hand."

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Building a dream: Residents fully fund Habitat house
   It takes a lot of work to build a dream, especially when that dream is a house.

   At Carolina Meadows, through six months of planning, publicity and old-fashioned community spirit, enough money was raised - $50,375 to be exact - to completely fund a home built by Habitat for Humanity. This is the first time such a goal has been reached by a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in North Carolina.

   "I think it speaks very highly of the people here," says Bert Mohart, resident and co-chair of the Habitat for Humanity committee. "This gives them an opportunity to give back to the community."

   Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to building homes for families in need of quality affordable housing. The home funded by Carolina Meadows is the 39th built by the agency in Chatham County.

   Habitat is a popular organization among residents of Carolina Meadows, who often donate their time and household goods to the local Home Store, which itself raises enough money annually to fund the construction of two homes.

   "Carolina Meadows has become a big source of donations to Habitat," says resident Vickie Badrow, CO-chair of the committee, who has volunteered with the Home Store for over 10 years. In addition to resident contributions, Carolina Meadows, Inc. also supports Habitat by donating appliances and cabinets when villas are renovated.

   It was this generous spirit that prompted Vickie to consider the possibility that Carolina Meadows could fund its own Habitat house. She also saw that neighboring communities were funding homes. "We thought that if they can do it, we can do it," she says.

   The fundraising process was intensive, reaching out to residents and staff through letters, articles in the newsletter, and announcements on the campus television channel. Also effective was an eye-catching poster that depicted the house's floor plan and detailed how much of the 1,000-square-foot home had been paid for at each stage of the fundraising.

   The task itself was daunting, given the shaky economy and the fact that Carolina Meadows and its residents already support many community projects. But Bert and Vickie pressed forward, convinced that their community could fill this important need in their county.

   "I've always wanted to do it," Vickie says of the effort.

   "It's something Carolina Meadows can be proud of doing," Bert says, "providing affordable housing for people who need it. I've been involved in building houses through churches for other counties, then I wanted to work in Chatham County because that's where I live."

   In the end, Carolina Meadows not only met its goal but exceeded it, delivering a check to Habitat for Humanity made possible by 222 donations by residents, staff and Carolina Meadows Inc. The community's involvement hasn't ended with the fundraising. Residents not only attended the home site dedication ceremony but are also active in the construction itself. Volunteers participated in a planned construction day and painting day, and are welcome to help on a more frequent basis. Bert visits the site weekly to help with tasks such as putting up siding and installing baseboard molding. "Whatever has to be done, we do," he says.

   Both Bert and Vickie say that this effort by Carolina Meadows has strengthened their community. "This has given the community a warmer feeling," Bert says of the project. "People want updates on the house and are already interested in doing it again next year." It has also piqued the interest of other retirement communities, who have looked to Bert and Vickie for guidance on undertaking their own Habitat for Humanity fund drive.

   "People credit me and Vickie, but credit goes to Carolina Meadows, to people who gave," Bert says. "They came forward and made it happen."

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Take your talents to town with community outreach
   Whether you're new to the area or have called Chatham County home for years, being part of the volunteer community outside the Carolina Meadows campus is something enjoyed by many residents.

   "Volunteering is becoming part of the community rather than giving to the community," says resident Helaine Plaut, member and past chair of the Community Outreach Volunteers Committee (COVC).

   Nowhere is that more evident than in the committee's annual Volunteers Fair. Now in its fourth year, the fair attracts over 20 nonprofit county agencies for a morning of meeting and greeting both new volunteers and old friends. The fair attracts a wide spectrum of community groups: from family and children's services to health, social, educational and arts agencies, there is something for every interest. The fair, which is held in the Carolina Meadows auditorium, began as an opportunity for residents to become educated about the services and volunteer needs of area agencies but has since blossomed into something more.

   "Now the major emphasis is being placed on strengthening ties with agencies who have expressed interest in volunteers at Carolina Meadows," says resident Joan Blewett, current chair of the committee. "You can see how the links are being made. At first people were signing up for what they were interested in, and now it's more like people are greeting those they already know at the agencies."

   "It's evolved the way I hoped it would," Helaine says. "The fair is not a one-time thing. Its purpose is to strengthen grass-root ties with agencies."

   "The agencies all agree that the opportunity to reach out with the residents and with each other is very important," Joan notes. "It's one of the great benefits of the fair."

   Residents also reap the fair's rewards, whether as one of the 50 resident volunteers who organize the event or one of the 150 who attend it along with staff members and neighbors from nearby communities.

   "This event gives residents an opportunity to learn about the needs of families who live in Chatham County, to become aware of their community. For many people, that spurs them into action," says Angel Dennison, staff liaison for the committee.

   The fair itself serves as a vehicle for the work the COVC does year-round, Angel points out. The committee is instrumental in a variety of projects, including organizing a summer day camp on campus as well as facilitating volunteer training sessions for agencies, organizing campus-wide food drives, and serving as a clearinghouse for resident ideas. The committee, comprised of 10 residents, is continually pursuing ways to reach out in its community to help those beyond the campus grounds.

   "In this committee," Angel says of the COVC, which won a Community Service Award from NCANPHA in 2001, "they literally mean that the work will never be finished. Even though we've accomplished an incredible amount with the fairs, there's still so much they want to do and are motivated to do. There are so many stones we haven't turned over yet to do outreach in Chatham County."

   "The most important word in our name is outreach," Joan says. "I've been thinking of a logo for the committee, and I like the idea of hands clasping together, signifying the community and Carolina Meadows working together."

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The Health Center: Neighbors helping neighbors
   The Health Center is a hub of volunteer activity, whether you're a Carolina Meadows resident, a local tot or a student from one of the several nearby universities.

   Forget what you know about nursing homes: the Health Center at Carolina Meadows is a breed all its own, thanks in large part to its volunteers. In fact, the day the Center opened, there was a volunteer program in place with more volunteers signed up than there were residents.

   Whether part of Community Life Enrichment Options (CLEO) or the Health Center Auxiliary Volunteers-–which last year logged the hours equivalent to almost two full-time professional staff members–resident volunteers from the Independent Living section of campus not only help where they're needed, but have a good time doing it.

   "It's a joy," says resident Jean Waldner of her volunteer work at the Health Center. "It's a happy place with lots going on."

   With all the activity, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities. "You do different things as you're needed," says resident Ellie Moore. "There is a wonderful variety of things to do as a volunteer."

   "We try to match the talents of the volunteers to the needs of the Health Center residents," says resident Don Hamm, coordinator of the Health Center Auxiliary Volunteers since 1992.

   So if you've got a knack for calling bingo games or working on crossword puzzles, as Ellie does, you may find yourself enjoying those activities with Center residents. Other options include playing dominos or bridge or reading aloud from the newspaper. If you prefer working behind the scenes, Don can sign you up to recycle magazines or post activity schedules. But perhaps the most popular volunteer activity is a one-on-one visit.

   "There are so many wonderful people here at the Health Center," Ellie says. "It's always amazing to get to know people who've had such rich, full lives, and are willing to share their experiences."

   Volunteer Coordinator Beverly Miller agrees. "I feel like we just have this treasure trove here of personal experience and history," she says. "I would like nothing better than to spend my day, every day, just talking to the residents and tapping into that."

   Though she does spend time with the residents, the majority of Beverly's time is devoted to implementing volunteer programs at the Center. She oversees CLEO, which incorporates animals such as dogs, cats, birds and fish, along with plants and children, into the Health Center environment. Resident and staff volunteers are responsible for the upkeep of the pets and plants, while Beverly organizes visits from area toddler groups. She also supervises other volunteers who come to the Health Center from the community, such as college and high school students and even local artists who share their craft and creativity with residents.

   "For many there's a sense that what they're doing makes a difference, and that's meaningful in both directions," Beverly says of the volunteers. "For everyone it's a real learning experience."

   As resident volunteers help their neighbors in the Health Center, they are also building a bridge of care and concern between all sections of the Carolina Meadows campus. "The volunteers help make a continuity bridge between the different areas of Carolina Meadows," says Beverly. "It keeps the Health Center residents connected to the larger population at Carolina Meadows."

   Or as Don says, "If you get involved with this program, it's a really good way to become part of the community."

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In times of need: Volunteers reach out to hospital and hospice patients
   For residents of Carolina Meadows who possess a yen for volunteering and hands-on compassion for their fellow man, the local hospital and hospice provide many opportunities for community service.

   According to resident Earl Weaver, who volunteers in the UNC Hospitals Office of Volunteer Services, there are about 40 different service areas for volunteers to choose from. Carolina Meadows residents can be found volunteering in areas including pediatric cuddling, patient education, and serving as a liaison for families in the emergency or surgical waiting rooms. Volunteers also work as patient translators as well as operate the library cart, work in the gift shop, and play the organ for church services.

   "You can be of some assistance both to those working in the hospital and to the people coming in," says resident Bert Morhart, who volunteers in the surgical waiting room. "I like meeting people from different walks of life, and I like helping them."

   Volunteers for UNC Hospice are also dedicated to helping people, focusing on both caregivers and patients. Though volunteers are trained and part of a medical care team, their duties are not technical, consisting mostly of keeping the patient company while caregivers run errands or rest. As a volunteer you are a jack of all trades, according to resident Des Reilly, often reading, playing games or just talking with the patient.

   "I didn't think I'd be good at it," Des says, "because I'm a writer and not much of a talker. But I got something out of it and so did they. I got a lot out of the experience."

   Des says that most people just want someone to listen and share in their memories, and that he enjoys the discussions he's had as a volunteer, whatever the topic at hand. Volunteers are also involved as community ambassadors for hospice, educating others about its philosophy, as well as helping with fundraisers, recruiting additional volunteers and other activities in the organization.

   "I like the sense of satisfaction of helping people," Des says of his role as a volunteer.

   "It's a very rewarding experience," Earl says of his work at the hospital. "You can come home at night and feel you've done good for someone else."

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Leading by example: Board president honored
   When it comes to volunteerism at Carolina Meadows, the spirit extends beyond residents and staff and into the board members. Take Jean Holcomb, board president for the past two years and board member for the past eight. Recently honored by local radio station WCHL as one of the 50 people who helped shape Chapel Hill, Jean has spent a lifetime giving back to her community.

   "That's just the way I am," Jean says. "I don't think I've ever not been a volunteer in the last 45 years."

   Jean's volunteer activity has followed the interests of her life: as a mother she served as a Girl Scout leader for 16 years; as a concerned citizen she was a founding board member of the Preservation Society of Chapel Hill. As a businesswoman, she was the first woman Rotarian in Chapel Hill and the first woman president of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce. She's also had the honor of being named Chapel Hill Mother of the Year.

   As board president of Carolina Meadows, Jean sees her involvement as a two-way street. "It's a wonderful, invigorating place to be," she says of Carolina Meadows. "It makes one feel good. How can you not want to serve in a situation that makes you feel good? It's a very humbling experience to feel that amongst so many, you are able to make a contribution."

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