Newsletter

Febuary, 2012

We Love Our Volunteers!

Everyone knows that the Jenks Center runs on the energy of its volunteers. Look for the action, look for the activities – volunteers are there, lending their ideas and their support – making things happen! What things do you enjoy at the Jenks? Chances are – a volunteer started the program – and is keeping it going. (Maybe you are that volunteer?)

So what better time to tell our volunteers we love them than on Valentine’s Day? Come to the Pond Room on February 16 at 1:00p.m. for refreshments, fun, and appreciation. Of course, most of the planning will be done by volunteers – so everyone can appreciate each other.

At this time we would like to grow our volunteer force. How? – by having each volunteer bring a friend – and possibly a potential volunteer! Or maybe the friend will be a participant – we still need lots of those.

There will be entertainment – presented by volunteers. By popular demand there will be a repeat performance of the play presented last year, “The Committee,” - with a mystery cast – of volunteers! There will be a question and answer session about volunteering-questions you might never have considered – Don’t miss it!

So mark your calendar for February 16, a post- Valentine’s Day celebration of volunteerism!

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Did you know that the Jenks Center is unique among senior centers in the whole northeast as an independent, not-for profit organization? Virtually all other senior centers are agencies of the local town government. As such, these other organizations are restricted in what they can offer to their constituents. In contrast, the Jenks offers over 100 programs and events for socializing, exercise, health, travel and education. Such offerings, however, carry with them costs that the minimal charges for events cannot possibly cover.

And so, each year the Jenks turns to the public seeking support to help make certain the Jenks Center can continue to offer its broad spectrum of programs. The Treasurer reminds us that it costs over $35,000 each month to operate the Jenks Center, and a large portion of those funds needs to come from contributions from people in Winchester who recognize the important role Jenks plays in the community life of this town.

• All Winchester residents 55 or over are automatically members of the Winchester Seniors Association (WSA).
• Membership dues are not required.
• WSA offers over 100 programs and events for socializing, exercise, health, travel and education.
• The modest event fees cover less than 50% of the actual costs.
• Monthly deficits average $6500, which must be made up from our institutional funds and donations.
• 100% of your donation goes directly to running the center.
• Everyone says, “Meet me at the Jenks”. We hope you will!