Stay fit and friendly - stay involved

    Statistics prove that socializing and giving to others has a positive impact on your life and longevity.  It could make a tremendous difference in the well being of a neighbor or visitor too.  This column provides information on volunteer opportunities in our area, most require no special skills.  To submit information for your non-profit group, contact Mary Wiley, Bedford Community Health Foundation, at 586-5292 or info@healthybedford.org.

    Give someone a great first impression of Bedford and its residents.  The Bedford Area Welcome Center would like to add to its volunteer pool.  Basic computer skills are desired as well as a willingness to work the cash register.  Volunteers work in pairs or with a staff member.    The Welcome Center is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.  Contact Rob Jarvis at 587-5681, ext. 5684.  Any group or club that is interested in a 20-to-30 minute program on tourism and its importance to our area is urged to contact Rob.

    You are cordially invited to discover our shop... the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop, that is.  We are an all-volunteer run “upscale” boutique of all-donated items located in The Plaza, 400 Scruggs Road, Moneta, VA 24121 (next to Dairy Queen).  Our hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Volunteers can choose hours and days that suit them, plus they’ll receive orientation and hands-on supervised training.  Volunteers start with confidence and stay because they enjoy it.  All monies made go directly to the American Cancer Society to support research and local programs such as Reach to Recovery, Man to Man and Road to Recovery.  Please call Debbi Thomas shop at (540) 721-0050 for more information and stop by soon!

    The Bedford Humane Society has recently purchased a property on which to build their new animal shelter.  Volunteers and materials are needed to make repairs on the existing house, which will be used for temporary offices.   The Society needs volunteers with roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating, landscaping and carpentry skills.  For more information please visit their Web site at www.bedfordhumanesociety.petfinder.com or call 540-586-6100.

    A scheduled trip for dialysis, an examination by a doctor, or tests run at the hospital can be challenges for any of us.  Add to that, the complication of not having a way to get to the necessary location.  Bedford Ride turns volunteers 25-years-of age or older into “guardian angels” by providing transportation to non-emergency medical appointments.  Times and locations vary so there’s something to fit your schedule. Vehicles, insurance and gas are provided.  Volunteers must have clean driving records, be able to pass criminal background

checks, and drug screenings.  Bedford Ride operates Monday through Friday,

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.   Contact Linda Brake at 587-3315 or by email at bedfordride@verizon.net. 

    Be part of health care that does care in a role that’s fun and rewarding.  As part of its patient-focused approach, Bedford Memorial Hospital seeks volunteers willing to become part of the Hospital’s patient care team.  Volunteers will be matched with programs suited to their interests, skills and availability.  Interested persons will be given a hospital tour and an opportunity to see volunteers in action.  Contact Barbara Hurt at 587-3317 or bshurt@carilion.com.   

    Bedford Christian Ministries is in need of volunteer receptionists, assistant receptionists, financial aid counselors, and food pantry, clothing closet and household helpers.  The need is greater than ever.  Come by and let us show you how you can help your neighbor.  Computer skills required for receptionists and financial aid counselors.  Open Monday, Tuesday and Friday, 9:30 a.m. to noon.  Financial aid consultation is available on Tuesday and Friday only.  Contact Nancy Burnette at 586-9597.  

    Have fun in the sun and help others too!  The Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce needs volunteers for the Aug. 22 Beach Bash “Sip-n-Shag” event at the Parkway Marina in Huddleston.  Volunteer opportunities include set-up, admissions, parking, and vendor support.  All volunteers who work a minimum of two hours receive free admission to the event!  Volunteers must be 18-years-or-older and must be 21-or-older to participate in the event.  To sign up or for more information call the chamber office at 586-9401 or send email to kgraham@bedfordareachamber.com. 

    See life from a new perspective, volunteer with Bedford Parish Nurse Ministry.  The organization provides professional nurse counsel and other services to those whose needs are not being met by other healthcare providers.  Volunteers are needed to make home visits as well as to make trips to the Post Office and grocery stores.  Volunteers are also being sought to be trained as counselors for a Medicare Clinic running from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31 at Main Street United Methodist Church.  To sign up or for more information, call Pam Willoughby at 875-8655.