Shows
Vibe SEO - o optymalizacji, AI i cyfrowym ogarnianiu świataVSP:008 – I hate SEO. AI kradnie ruch, LinkedIn wkurza, a Discover to nie SEOTen odcinek to nie jest klasyczne Vibe SEO. Nie ma checklist, nie ma planu, nie ma pozytywnego vibe’u. Jest za to szczerość, frustracja i rant o tym, co ostatnio dzieje się w SEO – a dzieje się sporo. AI Overviews zjadają kliknięcia, LinkedIn zamienia się w prompt-festiwal, a Discover w spam-machine na desktopie.Nagrywałem go z bolącym zębem, ale z potrzeby: żeby nie przerywać serii, ale też żeby pokazać, że nawet SEOwiec może mieć dość.To nie jest odcinek dla wszystkich. Jeśli szukasz uporządkowanej wiedzy – wróć za tydzień. Jeśli też czasem masz dość tej...
2025-05-2537 minVibe SEO - o optymalizacji, AI i cyfrowym ogarnianiu świataVSP:007 Vibe coding i flowgramming w SEO – Jak buduję narzędzia bez bycia programistąJak budować własne narzędzia SEO bez bycia programistą z zawodu?W tym odcinku opowiadam krok po kroku:00:00 – Wstęp: Budowanie narzędzi SEO bez bycia programistą01:47 – Część 1: Vibe Coding – Definicja, Filozofia i Narzędzia10:52 – Wyzwania Vibe Codingu: To nie magia11:39 – Flowgramming: Wizualne budowanie automatyzacji (N8N, Make)15:54 – Część 2: Case Study – Jak powstało narzędzie "Victor" (Vibe Coding w praktyce)17:22 – Klucz do sukcesu Victora: "Uber Prompt" i zasady projektowania28:09 – Część 3: Mój Tech Stack – Jak ogarniam technikę, nie będąc etatowym programistą34:35 – N8N w praktyce: Automatyzacja notatek głosowych do Notion i Google Drive37:17 – Jak zacząć własną przygodę z Vibe...
2025-05-1841 minVibe SEO - o optymalizacji, AI i cyfrowym ogarnianiu świataVSP: 006. Czy warto mieć agencję SEO w 2025? Plusy, minusy i alternatywyW tym odcinku podcastu Paweł Zinkiewicz omawia kluczowe aspekty prowadzenia agencji SEO, w tym wyzwania, zarobki, znaczenie zespołu oraz procesów, a także rolę sprzedaży w sukcesie agencji. Podkreśla, że prowadzenie agencji to nie tylko większe zarobki, ale także większa odpowiedzialność i stres. Zawiera praktyczne porady dla przyszłych właścicieli agencji. W rozmowie Paweł Zinkiewicz dzieli się swoimi doświadczeniami związanymi z prowadzeniem agencji SEO, omawiając frustracje związane z utratą klientów, ryzyko finansowe oraz wyzwania związane z małymi klientami...
2025-05-111h 02Vibe SEO - o optymalizacji, AI i cyfrowym ogarnianiu świataWywiad z Ejajem. Czy twoje SEO jeszcze jest twoje?W podcaście Paweł Zinkiewicz omawia złożoność SEO w kontekście AI i automatyzacji, podkreślając znaczenie emocji i relacji z klientem. Zwraca uwagę na pułapki automatyzacji oraz wyzwania związane z generowaniem treści, w tym ryzyko model collapse. Rozważa przyszłość SEO w erze agentów AI i ich wpływ na naszą ciekawość oraz interakcje z informacjami.SEO to nie tylko liczby, ale i emocje.Relacje z klientem są kluczowe w SEO.Automatyzacja wymaga refleksji i strategii.Generowanie treści musi być odpowiedzialne.Model collapse to realne zagrożenie w SEO.AI może...
2025-04-2717 minVibe SEO - o optymalizacji, AI i cyfrowym ogarnianiu świataSEO i ADHD: chaos, hiperfokus, a robotę trzeba dowieźćW odcinku podcastu Paweł Zinkiewicz dzieli się swoimi doświadczeniami związanymi z pracą w SEO i ADHD. Opowiada o zaletach i wyzwaniach, jakie niesie ze sobą ADHD w kontekście pracy, a także o technikach, które pomagają mu radzić sobie z trudnościami. Podkreśla znaczenie adaptacji i elastyczności w pracy oraz dzieli się swoimi przemyśleniami na temat prokrastynacji, paraliżu decyzyjnego i maskowania. Wskazuje również na rolę AI jako wsparcia w organizacji pracy.Takeaways:ADHD może być atutem w pracy SEO.Ciągła zmiana w SEO st...
2025-04-1426 min
Retire-To VolunteeringThat’s What Friends Are For—Tennessee Respite Coalition100 Jan Lockard—Tennessee Respite Coalition That’s What Friends Are For—Tennessee Respite Coalition What’s a friend? Someone with whom you can laugh, someone who helps you with little things and big things, someone who makes you feel special—that’s a friend! Jan Lockard is good at being that friend to two ladies, who happen to be in a nursing home. That’s her volunteer service as a Senior Companion with the Tennessee Respite Coalition. Jan has two “special ladies” she stays with for eight hours twice a week. They look forward to their d...
2018-12-2609 min
Retire-To VolunteeringBefore Stage 4—Mental Health America099 Tom Starling—Mental Health America Before Stage 4—Mental Health America “Before Stage 4!” Tom Starling, the chief executive of Mental Health America (MHA) of Middle Tennessee, explains his organization’s mantra: “People with something wrong with their body wouldn’t knowingly wait until the disease reached Stage 4 before seeking treatment. But when something is wrong mentally or emotionally, they suffer in silence.” Why? Because of the stigma that society attaches to mental illness. MHA is not a direct-client service provider for persons with mental illness. Rather, their role is to crack open the hard shell of the sti...
2018-12-1918 min
Retire-To VolunteeringGrow, Cook, Share—The Nashville Food Project098 Mariah Ragland—The Nashville Food Project Grow, Cook, Share—The Nashville Food Project Think about times you have been hungry. Have you ever missed multiple meals? Have you not known where your next meal was coming from? One in every seven people in Nashville experiences food insecurity every day. Nearly 1,000 volunteers every month have looked back on their own experiences of hunger—however brief or long—and decided that they don’t want their neighbors to go without. They put their love of food and their love of people to work at The Nashville Food Project (N...
2018-12-1215 min
Retire-To VolunteeringRestoring Smiles—Interfaith Dental Clinic097 Dr. Rhonda Switzer-Nadasdi—Interfaith Dental Clinic Restoring Smiles—Interfaith Dental Clinic Two dentists, members of West End United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tennessee, had a calling to use their professional skills to help the poor. They traveled to impoverished countries on mission trips to serve, but when they came home, they also saw the effects of poverty right around them. They came up with a proposal, took it to their church where they found a supportive community, and shortly, the Interfaith Dental Clinic opened. What began twenty-five years ago with two dental chairs and...
2018-12-0518 min
Retire-To VolunteeringA Win-Win-Win Opportunity—Tennessee Respite Coalition096 Jennifer AbernathyTennessee Respite Coalition A Win-Win-Win OpportunityTennessee Respite Coalition If you've ever flown, you've likely heard the airlines instruction that, in the case of an emergency and the oxygen mask drops, you are to put yours on before assisting someone else. For people whose natural inclination is to help others, the directive seems harsh, but its a lifesaver because unless you take care of yourself, you will soon run out of oxygen, which is crucial for you to function. Without it, you will not be able to help someone else in need. That...
2018-11-2814 min
Retire-To VolunteeringCaring for Something Bigger—Hummingbirds at the Park095 Johnny Rose—Hummingbirds at the Park Caring for Something Bigger—Hummingbirds at the Park Johnny Rose has always loved nature. After moving to Nashville, he discovered the 3,100+ acres of the Warner Parks and spent many wonderful hours there walking with his dog or with friends. When he retired, he decided he would like to be part of something bigger than himself. Nature was the logical answer for him: “The parks have always given to me; I wanted to give back to them.” From the first day of volunteering there, he knew he had found the right pl...
2018-11-2118 min
Retire-To Volunteering094 Faye Maynard—Project Connect Nashville094 Faye Maynard—Project Connect Nashville Not to Fix, But to Love —Project Connect Nashville Founded in 2013, Project Connect Nashville (PCN) exists “to help disconnected and vulnerable men, women, and their families build relationships with others who will encourage and guide them, providing assistance when needed, educating and equipping them for the challenges each day brings, and celebrating every victory along the way.” In other words, to be with vulnerable people as friends, helping them GOSO (Get Out Stay Out) of poverty—not through fixing them, but by loving them. It was a friend who first...
2018-11-1413 min
Retire-To VolunteeringFighting for Those in Need—The Salvation Army093 Cathy Shull—Salvation Army Fighting for Those in Need—The Salvation Army Ask anyone about the Salvation Army and they'll very likely respond, "Oh yes, they're the ones who have the bell-ringing Santas with the big Red Kettles and the Angel Trees. They've been around forever!" The respondents are right, of course. The Salvation Army began in 1865 and has collected money Christmas after Christmas for people in need, including children and seniors who benefit from being chosen from the Angel Trees. But that's not all the Salvation Army does, Cathy Shull points out. A 30...
2018-11-0718 min
Retire-To VolunteeringOne-and-Done or Falling in Love—Warner Parks092 Paul Fowler—Friends of Warner Parks One-and-Done or Falling in Love—Friends of Warner Parks As urbanization grows, so does the longing for the counterbalance that being in nature supplies. Annually, nearly 1.5 million people in the Nashville area take advantage of their convenient access to 3,200 uncrowded acres in the Warner Parks to feed their soul. Percy Warner, Edwin Warner, and the neighboring new Birch Reserve invite people to immerse themselves in restorative "play"—alone or with friends and family—through 17 miles of hiking trails, easy access (closed to vehicle traffic) roadways for walking or bikin...
2018-10-3121 min
Retire-To VolunteeringRescuing Greyhounds From Misconceptions—Greyhound Pets of America091 Kathy Jackson—Greyhound Pets of America Rescuing Greyhounds From Misconceptions—Greyhound Pets of America As a U.S. mail carrier, Kathy Jackson also carried treats for the dogs on her routes. One of her very special "friends" was a former racing greyhound. When Kathy retired, she knew exactly what type of dog she wanted. She adopted Manny, a newly retired racer who won her heart. Kathy doesn't use the word "rescue" very often in her conversations about greyhound racing. Too many people have the misconception that the dogs are mistreated during their competitive phas...
2018-10-2418 min
Retire-To VolunteeringStill Going Strong—Thanks to Senior Ride Nashville090 Sue Baumgartner—Senior Ride Nashville Still Going Strong—Thanks to Senior Ride Nashville Ninety-three years old and still going strong—thanks to volunteers at Senior Ride Nashville! Three days a week this lady goes to the Y for exercise, and once a week she goes to her own volunteer commitment at St. Thomas Hospital. She doesn't let her age hold her back from what is important to her, but without Sue Baumgartner and the other volunteers at Senior Ride she would be homebound. Losing opportunities to take care of herself physically, to have social contact, and to...
2018-10-1714 min
Retire-To VolunteeringSecond Chance for a Better Life—Jubilee Jobs089 John Hisle—Jubilee Jobs Second Chance for a Better Life—Jubilee Jobs Nearly 40 years ago the Church of the Savior in Washington, D.C. stepped into the job market—not for themselves, but for others. A group of members realized their neighbors in a nearby low-income housing project were struggling to find work. So with the call to "love your neighbor" in their hearts, they began Jubilee Jobs, which has subsequently prepared and placed nearly 26,000 people in the workforce. Volunteers with the program begin helping applicants develop a resume´. Most have never done so, whi...
2018-10-1017 min
Retire-To VolunteeringThe Full Moon Pickin’ Party—A Natural for Volunteers088 Pat Dishman—Full Moon Pickin’ Party The Full Moon Pickin’ Party—A Natural for Volunteers Like many people whose professional life keeps them behind a desk, Pat Dishman longed to be outside. Unlike many people in that circumstance, Pat did something! Ten years before she retired, she began volunteering on weekends with Friends of Warner Parks. Only nine miles from downtown Nashville, the fields and forests of Percy and Edwin Warner Parks provide a nature experience in their 3,100 acres to a million people annually. In support of this 91-year-old treasure in the city and work...
2018-10-0319 min
Retire-To VolunteeringSpreading Love Through Action—Volunteer Overseas for Free087 Nelson Santos—Volunteer Overseas for Free Spreading Love Through Action—Volunteer Overseas for Free You care about others, and you are adventuresome. Volunteering overseas appeals to you, but not at the price quoted in the fancy brochures! You and Nelson Santos are kindred spirits. Fortunately, he's blazed a trail for you. With his help, you can volunteer overseas—for free. Nelson has only had to spend plane fare for the last several years to volunteer in amazing places: Alaska, helping with a donation drive for hospice; Nepal, building schools; Mexico and Thailand, working in dog...
2018-09-2616 min
Retire-To VolunteeringDisrupting the Disruptions—Monroe Harding Foster Care Services086 Amy Bond—Monroe Harding Foster Care Services Disrupting the Disruptions—Monroe Harding Foster Care Services Disrupted! Disruptive! Disruption. These three words are a concise description of the experiences of children who land in foster care. Something has torn apart their family. The trauma may come from within the family or from forces outside. The family is disrupted. In children, trauma frequently manifests itself in disruptive behavior. Losing their family and their sense of safety, security, and being loved shoves children into "survival mode," off balance and struggling desperately to regain their footing. Acting out...
2018-09-1921 min
Retire-To VolunteeringCitizenship Classes—No Trivial Matter!085 Don Schulze—Nations Ministry Center Citizenship Classes Citizenship Classes—No Trivial Matter! "I'm a lot of fun at parties," quips Don Schulze. "I know a bunch of 'trivia.'" Don also makes his classes lots of fun, but his class material is not trivial. As a volunteer for the Nations Ministry Center in Nashville, Tennessee, he teaches citizenship preparation to immigrants who want to make America their official country as well as their home. Most of Don's students are refugees. They've fled persecution, survived war, endured the hardships of overcrowded camps, and now have...
2018-09-1215 min
Retire-To VolunteeringFriends for Good—Siloam Family Health Center084 Katie Richards—Nashville Neighbors Friends for Good—Siloam Family Health Center Take a moment to appreciate your friends. You know you can count on them for a listening ear when you're trying to figure out things, for good information and advice when you need direction, for help when you're in a bind, and yes, even for fun. Research has documented the value of friendships, showing that they contribute to the health, wellbeing, and confidence of people. Siloam Family Health Center serves the under-served population of Nashville, especially newly arrived refugees. The 25+ year-old program incl...
2018-09-0518 min
Retire-To VolunteeringWild Praying Women Create The Next Door083 Kate McKinnie—The Next Door Wild Praying Women Create The Next Door They called themselves the Wild Praying Women! Concerned for the sufferings of people, they didn't know what to do, but pray. Funny thing about prayer—it often leads to action, which is what the Wild Praying Women found out. But now they had a clearer vision of where to concentrate their efforts, as well as their prayers: women and their families. The result is The Next Door, where 82 women at a time struggling with addiction (especially with opioids), mental illness, trauma, and...
2018-08-2917 min
Retire-To Volunteering082 George Bone—Memphis Catholic High School082 George Bone—Memphis Catholic High School Building for the Future—Memphis Catholic High School After more than 20 years of volunteering, George Bone was no stranger to the rewards of giving back. But one reward was a big surprise to him. His alma mater, Memphis Catholic High School, wanted to honor him not only for his academic and athletic accomplishments while he was a student but also for the ways he had lived out the potential shown during those years in his work life and on behalf of his community as a volunteer. At the...
2018-08-2218 min
Retire-To VolunteeringNever Ever Dull—DC Safe081 Mita Felman—DC Safe Never Ever Dull—DC Safe When Mita Felman retired from her career in public health administration and counseling, she didn't leave behind her compassion—nor her sense of adventure nor her willingness to take a risk. She brought all of that to her volunteer job with DC Safe, which takes her into areas of her city deemed unsafe and into circumstances no one wants to be a part of. As Mita says, the job has "never ever been dull"! Responding to a domestic abuse call dressed in everyday, "normal" clothe...
2018-08-1514 min
Retire-To VolunteeringHuge Challenges/Great Opportunities—Nations Ministry Center080 Chris Lovingood—Nations Ministry Center Huge Challenges/Great Opportunities—Nations Ministry Center They have fled persecution, violence, war, hunger, life in makeshift and overcrowded camps. As refugees coming to America, they have been given a chance for a new life. But now they face a new set of ordeals having to navigate the complexities of daily life in a new culture and do so with minimal language skills. Resettlement agencies assist newly arrived refugees for three to four months with many of their firsts, including obtaining housing, registering the children for school, getting the required heal...
2018-08-0822 min
Retire-To VolunteeringPreparing Better Grown Ups—Through Scouting079 Bill Martin—Scouting Preparing Better Grown Ups—Through Scouting Laid off and laid up—two unexpected setbacks in life forced Bill Martin onto a different course, one that 18 years later he is still happily following as a volunteer in Scouting. His wife had been helping with their young sons' first two years in the program, but without a job, Bill suddenly had time and took his turn in leadership. Shortly after, he broke his leg in a biking accident. Always a hands-on doer, Bill could have simply quit, but he found himself enjoying Scouting, so he lea...
2018-08-0120 min
Retire-To VolunteeringAway From It All—Penuel Ridge Retreat Center078 Laura Valentine—Penuel Ridge Away From It All—Penuel Ridge Retreat Center Helicopters, sirens, traffic, deadlines, quotas, to-do lists, demanding devices—noise, noise, noise, pressure, pressure, pressure—the hallmarks of everyday life! Where is the escape, the safe space away from it all, a place to simply to be, to renew, to reconnect? Laura Valentine knows. Laura is the executive director of Penuel Ridge, a small retreat center not far from bustling Nashville, yet nestled in 135 acres of quiet, where individuals and small groups (of no more than 18) can find themselves. Open 365 days a year...
2018-07-2518 min
Retire-To VolunteeringScoring a Strike—Special Olympics Coaching077 Wayne Schmidt—Special Olympics Coach Scoring a Strike—Special Olympics Looking for a way to connect with his son who was learning disabled, Wayne Schmidt remembered the fun he had bowling when he was growing up. He began teaching his son the sport. Soon the son was playing better than the father—and others were noticing. "Who's his coach?" they would ask. With his answer Wayne's life scored a strike! Soon he was coaching Special Olympic athletes in bowling for his community. As his teaching skill developed and the program grew to more than 6...
2018-07-1815 min
Retire-To VolunteeringFrom One to 1,000—Volunteers Make Music Happen076 Jennifer Crews—Desert Sounds Volunteers and Music—Making a Difference for Students A 14 year old voluntarily helping a friend has inspired a movement that now reaches nearly 600 students each year and is growing. Jeremy and his friend played in the high school band until the friend’s parents divorced and he no longer had a trumpet to play. In their school district, funds were tight and consequently parents had to provide most of the instruments. Jeremy convinced his friend to switch to a clarinet, which the school did have, but neither the school nor the friend...
2018-07-1111 min
Retire-To VolunteeringFrom Surviving to Thriving—Mary Parrish Center075 Mary Katherine Rand—The Mary Parrish Center From Surviving to Thriving—The Mary Parrish Center When women and their children arrive at the Mary Parrish Center, they are survivors. Pummeled repeatedly by domestic violence and sexual abuse, wounded emotionally and physically, they have nevertheless found a place of shelter and hope. They have escaped. The beater has been beaten. But now what? How do these women and their children move from merely surviving to truly thriving? They do so with the help of the Mary Parrish Center and its many volunteers. Loca...
2018-07-0412 min
Retire-To VolunteeringNever Resting, Always Ready—The Red Cross075 Lee Johnson—The American Red Cross Never Resting, Always Ready—The Red Cross When the weather forecast shows the beginning of a hurricane, the whole nation waits. Except the Red Cross. Everyone there is in high gear, preparing. Shelters to line up, food to arrange for, supplies to transport. Relief teams, mental health workers, technology whizzes—volunteers are readying to go, to be the first on the scene—and the last to leave. Lee Johnson, who retired from his role as general manager of a large regional transit district, leads the Disaster Assessment Team, fi...
2018-06-2717 min
Retire-To VolunteeringNo One Dies Alone, Thanks to Volunteers—Be Your Haven073 Michelle Colee–Be Your Haven No One Dies Alone, Thanks to Volunteers—Be Your Haven The diagnosis is terminal. Efforts switch from cure to comfort. It's time for hospice care. Often in the initial conversations with hospice staff, new patients will express their fears. Not wanting to die alone is a one of their biggest concerns. Be Your Haven, a hospice-care provider in 18 counties of Florida, has set up a program as part of their services called, No One Dies Alone, to provide volunteers to be with patients 24/7 during their last five to ten...
2018-06-2016 min
Retire-To VolunteeringDigging Into the Past, Creating the Future—Minnesota Landscape Arboretum072 Bruce Kerber—Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Digging Into the Past, Creating the Future—Minnesota Landscape Arboretum After 38 years of helping people grow through his career as a clinical social worker, Bruce Kerber wanted something different in retirement. He found his niche by looking to his past. Bruce remembered playing on his Uncle Tony's farm as a child. During his college years Bruce had worked for his dad in the family's nursery business. He also did some research projects as part of his university curriculum. Throughout his professional life, Bruce enjoyed his own gardens and espe...
2018-06-1313 min
Retire-To VolunteeringNot Just Another Mouth to Feed—People and Pets Together071 Kim Carrier—People and Pets Together Not Just Another Mouth to Feed—People and Pets Together Have you ever been sick or emotionally down and had your pet climb up next to you, loving you completely and easing your distress? Kim Carrier attributes that unconditional love from her two dogs with helping her heal. They were her "saving grace" in very difficult time. Kim also recognized that others were not so fortunate. Job loss and medical crises, especially, can so easily push a family to the brink financially. In desperate times too many peop...
2018-06-0612 min
Retire-To VolunteeringWarm Hearts, WARM Shelters—Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry070 Sara Everett-Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry, Inc. (WARM) Warm Hearts, WARM Shelters—Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry When the hurricane blew out, the men from a local church rushed in to begin rebuilding, focusing on the storm-damaged homes of the community's low-income neighbors. But what they discovered changed their mission. The need for repairs had existed well before the storm, but the occupants did not have the resources to be able to make their homes safer for their day-to-day lives. And so began the Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry. For more than 20 years now WARM has be...
2018-05-3012 min
Retire-To Volunteering069 Jeff Hoffman – Project Transformation069 Jeff Hoffman Project Transformation Catching the Enthusiasm—Project Transformation After three summers of listening to his wife's and his children's enthusiasm for their experiences in Project Transformation (PT), Jeff Hoffman took the plunge. He'd been reluctant because he knew his work schedule at the time would not allow him to make a regular or extensive time commitment, but with PT he found no pressure—just a welcoming of whatever he was able to share with the program. Project Transformations mission is summed up in three C's: To engage college-age young adults in purposeful mini...
2018-05-2312 min
Retire-To VolunteeringA Little Kindness Makes a Big Difference—Children’s Kindness Network068 Ted Dreier Childrens Kindness Network A Little Kindness Makes a Big Difference Want to make the world a better place? Start little. But with a big idea. Start with little children. Help them learn the big value of kindness. Start with a little cowor a big one! Moozie, to be exact. When Moozie speaks, children listen—and learn. The big talking cow (robotic or a costumed human) may visit a daycare, preschool, kindergarten, or first or second grade class to give a special Moozie introduction to kindness (with the help of a volunteer st...
2018-05-1613 min
Retire-To VolunteeringTaking the Lead So Others Succeed—Special Olympics067 Gail Atkinson—Special Olympics Lead Volunteer Taking the Lead So Others Succeed—Special Olympics With more than 27,000 volunteers in Florida's Special Olympics program, someone has to take the lead! Gail Atkinson began like so many other volunteers—helping out a day here and a day there through the service opportunities sponsored by her place of employment. That was 15 years ago. She got hooked! Now retired, Gail has stepped up her involvement to include making sure other volunteers experience not only the joy of seeing the athletes beam with pride but also feeling that they t...
2018-05-0913 min
Retire-To VolunteeringThe Red Cross—On the Job Every Eight Minutes!066 Linda Stalters – American Red Cross The Red Cross—On the Job Every Eight Minutes! I was bringing my stepmother home from the baptism of her great grandson. We rounded the corner to see 12 fire trucks and three ambulances blocking traffic. Her high-rise senior apartment building was billowing smoke from the fourth floor–her floor, her apartment! First responders gently led her to another truckthe Red Cross truck. There wonderful volunteers comforted her in her confusion and provided her aid for her immediate needs from having her life so completely disrupted. As her family member, I too wa...
2018-05-0215 min
Retire-To VolunteeringKids in Hospitals, Music, the Real Deal—The Ukulele Kids Club065 Bob Tigert—Ukulele Kids Club Kids in Hospitals, Music, the Real Deal—What’s Not to Like? Bob Tigert just "sorta fell into" his volunteer position on the board of the Ukulele Kids Club. "When they asked me, I had never heard of it. 'What is that?' I had to ask." A ukulele (and guitar and bass) player, Bob quickly decided the organization was the "real deal"—grassroots, amazingly noble, and very effective in the execution of its mission, which is two-fold: To bring music into the lives of hurting children To support the work...
2018-04-2517 min
Retire-To VolunteeringMusic From a Dark Past, Hope for Today and Tomorrow—Violins of Hope065B Sheri Kimble—Violins of Hope Music From a Dark Past—Hope for Today and Tomorrow The lilt of beautiful music stirs hope in the hearts of listeners. But like any great gift it can be perverted for evil. The Violins of Hope experience tells the story and brings it full circle through the darkest of times and circumstances to hope again. Sheri Kimble, a volunteer docent, explains: During the Nazi years, many Jewish and other musicians were forced to play their music at first for the entertainment of the Nazi officials, but then...
2018-04-2419 min
Retire-To VolunteeringLeader Dogs for the Blind—Raising Puppies and Opening Doors!064 John and Elaine Berkheiser—Leader Dogs for the Blind Raising Puppies and Opening Doors! If you love dogs, you'll find kindred spirits in John and Elaine Berkheiser, who raise puppies (28 so far)—and give them away! The puppies ultimately go to work, serving persons who are blind, visually impaired, or blind-deaf. How can the Berkheisers give them away? Each puppy accompanies them wherever they go—to stores, through parking lots, in cars, on busses, in hotels. Raising these puppies is a 24/7 job! Elaine admits that giving the dog up after their year together breaks...
2018-04-1817 min
Retire-To VolunteeringThe Minnesota Landscape Arboretum—Sampling the Fruits of Volunteering063 Kim Carrier—Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Sampling the Fruits of Volunteering With more than 900 volunteers each year, Volunteer Coordinator Kim Carrier knows something about what keeps volunteers coming and coming back to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum: "Enjoying the beauty of nature is its own lure. Even if they are not working in the garden, driving through the gate evokes an emotional and spiritual response. It's in our DNA to connect with nature and to support places like this." The Arboretum has many opportunities for volunteers to connect and support. With 1,200 acres, multiple specialized trial an...
2018-04-1115 min
Retire-To VolunteeringMusic & Memory—Bringing Back What Was “Lost”062 Anne Huffman—Music & Memory Bringing Back What Was “Lost” A hospice volunteer, Anne Huffman, was keeping vigil at the bedside of a dying woman. Seeing the Bible at the patient's bedside, Anne began reading it aloud and then singing "Amazing Grace" softly. The woman, who previously had been non-communicative, responded. The patient died later that night, but a spark was born that day in Anne. The spark was fanned when, in a subsequent training offered by the TLC program of hospice, Anne viewed the DVD, Alive Inside, and saw that her experience was not an...
2018-04-0416 min
Retire-To Volunteering061 Ed VanVorhees—The Bootstraps Foundation061 Ed VanVorhees—The Bootstraps Foundation The Bootstraps Foundation—Providing a Hand Up "Pull yourself up by your bootstraps" is a part of the American ethos. The culture celebrates people who have become great successes, overcoming major obstacles through their own heroic efforts. Such a man was Bootstraps founder, Ray Danner, a successful restaurant-chain developer and owner, who came out of hardship, began working at age 10, and as a young man purchased his first business for $600. Many businesses and many dollars (both earned and given away philanthropically) later, he was inducted into the Horatio Alger Society. Toda...
2018-03-2813 min
Retire-To VolunteeringThe Humane Society—Providing Second Chances for Animals and Other Cast-offs060 Barbara Bruce—Humane Society Providing Second Chances for Animals and Other Cast-offs The dog was horribly unlucky—a hit-and-run driver sped away leaving him with a crushed leg! The dog was also wonderfully lucky—the life-threatening collision occurred in sight of an employee at the Second Chance Store. He scooped up the injured animal, took him to the vet (his leg had to be amputated), and then brought him back to the store, his new home. Named Tap-Tap, the lucky dog is now the store's mascot and loved by volunteers and customers alike. Barbar...
2018-03-2111 min
Retire-To VolunteeringSchizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America (SARDAA)—Changing Perceptions to Bring Hope, Treatment, and Opportunity059 Linda Stalters—Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America (SARDAA) Changing Perceptions—Key to Hope, Treatment, and Opportunity "We can't be everywhere, yet people with the diagnosis are everywhere!" Nearly nine million Americans suffer from schizophrenia and other illnesses involving psychoses. Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America (SARDAA) is the "we" working to make a difference in the lives of those diagnosed and their families. Linda Stalters, a retired Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Psychotherapist, began the organization in 2008. SARDAA promotes hope, treatment, and recovery through support programs, education, collaboration, and advocacy. Their visi...
2018-03-1419 min
Retire-To VolunteeringGeneral Federation of Women’s Clubs—Power to the Nth Degree058 Liz Martin—General Federation of Women’s Clubs Changing the Power of One to Power to the Nth Degree Liz Martin believes in the power of people—especially women—joining together to make a difference in their community. But she’s also discovered how one person, using her specific skills, can make that power even greater. When Liz joined the Brentwood/Franklin Woman's Service Club she found much more than she expected. As a part of the international General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), her local club is one of the nearly 3,000 (combined mem...
2018-03-0717 min
Retire-To VolunteeringThe Minnesota Landscape Arboretum—Feeding Body and Soul057 Fern Albertson—The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum—Feeding Body and Soul Do you have an interest in plants, gardening, bees, butterflies, children, sharing your knowledge, working with like-minded people, having a meaningful and rewarding volunteer opportunity? Check any of the above, and this interview is for you! Fern Albertson volunteers with The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, where she has found all of those interests fulfilled and her soul fed. Have you eaten a Honey Crisp apple lately? Or perhaps you’ve tried the new First Kiss apple. Both of these, along with 2...
2018-02-2815 min
Retire-To VolunteeringSpecial Olympics—Smiles for Everyone056 Marci McAdams—Special Olympics Special Olympics—Smiles for Everyone “I get to see their smiling faces—that’s my reward!” Marci McAdams enthusiastically declares with a big smile on her own face. One of her volunteer jobs for Special Olympics in Florida is to hand out the rewards to the participants. Those smiles keep her coming back and taking on more as a volunteer. She handles much of the administrative work that keeps the program running smoothly; and she also trains new coaches, who are also volunteers. When she runs a training session, she invites at least one...
2018-02-2113 min
Retire-To VolunteeringTouched by War, Receiving Comfort and Healing055 Barbara Winkler—Quilts of Valor Touched by War, Receiving Comfort and Healing Barbara Winkler is not alone in her desire to honor, thank, and comfort men and women who have experienced the horrors of war on behalf of our nation. Nationwide, in 47 states and the District of Columbia, are multiple small chapters of quilters creating beautiful and practical Quilts of Valor and presenting them to veterans and active service members. In Barbara’s chapter alone, the group has made 4,375 since Barbara created her first quilt! Last year they made 651! Many chapters gather and bene...
2018-02-1411 min
Retire-To VolunteeringVolunteering on Behalf of Those With Depression or Bipolar Disease054 Daisy Jabas—Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance—Providing Hope and How-To Daisy Jabas, Registered Nurse, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, and State Director for Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Tennessee, surprises people—not with her credentials but with a statistic: Mental illness is more prevalent than cancer, lung disease, and heart disease combined! Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance provides through their support groups a safe environment for individuals and for their families to share their stories and learn skills from the lived experience of others, as well as from m...
2018-02-0716 min
Retire-To VolunteeringSixty-Eight Hours of Hunger—What Too Many School Children Face Each Weekend68 Hours of Hunger—What Too Many School Children Face Each Weekend Ending childhood hunger in America one school at a time What kind of person would you be if week after week you were without adequate food for 68 hours? Executive director and founder of the non-profit End 68 Hours of Hunger, Claire Bloom tells us how you can join the fight to end the hunger too many school children face for the 68 hours between the free lunch on Friday and breakfast on Monday at school. Students are provided with 3 dinners, 2 breakfasts, and 2 lunches each weekend. Listen to...
2018-01-3117 min
Retire-To VolunteeringWith a Little “Help” from Her Friend Hershey Crys Zinkiewicz Turned From Rider to Writer052 Crys Zinkiewicz–Hershey, Here! at Saddle Up! From Rider to Writer—With a Little “Help” Passionate about horses, Crys Zinkiewicz found a great place to volunteer and then she discovered Hershey! Hershey is a go-to horse at Saddle Up!, a therapeutic riding center for children with disabilities. Known for his versatility and willingness, Hershey is also famous for his funny “smile” after a peppermint treat. Now he’s even more famous as an ambassador for Saddle Up!, thanks to Crys. The two of them are Pony Pals, but they’ve also “collaborated” to write a book about S...
2018-01-2418 min
Retire-To VolunteeringJulie Kramer Tells How Volunteers Teach More Than 1,700 Adults to Read and Succeed Yearly051 Julie Kramer–Adult Literacy Council Volunteers Teach More Than 1,700 Adults to Read and Succeed Yearly Julie Kramer is high on the Nashville Adult Literacy Council (NALC) for its two main goals: Teaching American adults to read and teaching English skills to adult immigrants. Working with classes and through mentoring, nearly 600 volunteers teach more than 1,700 adults each year to read and succeed. Isolated by the need for a new language, immigrants can turn to NALC for assistance. Becoming more proficient enables newcomers to gain access to the larger community by being able to...
2018-01-1719 min
Retire-To VolunteeringBetti Lose Tells How St. Luke’s Community House Helps Low-Income Families with Tax Prep Through VITA050 Betti Lose–VITA Tax Prep Joyfully Serving the Community—St. Luke’s Community House Community volunteer, Betti Lose, enjoys a variety of opportunities at St. Luke’s Community House to help the many people served by that organization. In the course of a few weeks, she might do administrative tasks, schedule free Volunteer Income Tax Preparation (VITA) sessions, assist a senior citizen playing bingo, or shelve books in the large and inviting preschool library. St. Luke’s mission is both to help low-income families, seniors, and individuals in West Nashville achieve their potential and to pre...
2018-01-1011 min
Retire-To VolunteeringThanks to Habitat for Humanity Bill Farris Has Gone From Banker to Builder049 Bill Farris–Habitat for Humanity From Banker to Builder—Thanks to Habitat for Humanity Bill Farris is always learning. Each time he volunteers with Habitat for Humanity he learns something—how to swing a hammer, use a saw safely, measure accurately…and it’s fun. He describes a day with Habitat as seeing “ants on crackers”…in other words, a swarm of folks helping to create a home! A retired banker, Bill now thinks of himself as a builder. “Don’t think you can build a house? Join a Habitat group and see what you can accompl...
2018-01-0309 min
Retire-To VolunteeringThrough Tennessee Donor Services Sherri Settles Improves Lives by Connecting People For Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation048 Sherri Settles–Tennessee Donor Services Improving Lives by Connecting People—Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Everyone has an opportunity to leave a legacy as a registered organ and tissue donor. As a donor, you can save and improve lives of individuals in need of a lifesaving transplant and those whose lives are impacted by tissue donation. Or you can volunteer as an ambassador, telling your story to community groups of how giving or receiving an organ or tissue donation has had an impact on you and your family. Or you can help get the word...
2017-12-2712 min
Retire-To VolunteeringTo Ron Schlagheck Meals on Wheels is More Than Just a Meal047 Ron Schlagheck—Meals on Wheels Meals on Wheels—More Than Just a Meal For Ron Schlagheck and his wife, the invitation to drive for Meals on Wheels came from their church. Volunteers at various churches often take turns preparing the meals. Other volunteers deliver them. The recipients are usually homebound and are unable to purchase or prepare their own meals due to health and/or physical limitations. These individuals not only enjoy the hot nutritional meals, but also the visits from volunteers who care about them and make sure that they are doing well...
2017-12-2013 min
Retire-To VolunteeringTiffany Cloud Details the Alzheimer’s Association Mission and Volunteer Activities046 Tiffany Cloud—Alzheimer’s Association Alzheimer’s Outreach—More Awareness Needed Tiffany Cloud-Mann, Vice President of Programs & Outreach for the Mid-South Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, helps work on the global, national, and local levels to enhance care and support for all those affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The Mid South Chapter offers several educational programs for community members and families facing Alzheimer's. Locally, volunteers assist with health fairs and in the office preparing mailings and answering inquiries. Other volunteers use their expertise as speakers on behalf of the Associat...
2017-12-1316 min
Retire-To VolunteeringSusan Brown Supports The Little Pantry With a Big Heart045 Susan Brown—The Little Pantry That Could Serving Those in Need—The Little Pantry With a Big Heart After teaching elementary school for 37 years, Susan Brown found another way to make a connection with others: serving neighbors who are in need through The Little Pantry That Could. After a “100-Year” flood in Nashville in 2010, Stacy Cowney realized that access to healthy food wasn’t a widely available resource. She committed to changing that, and The Little Pantry That Could, which she directs, was born. Giving food provisions like fresh fruits and vegetables, and a variety...
2017-12-0614 min
Retire-To VolunteeringThrough Habitat for Humanity Monk Baird Brings People Together to Build Homes, Communities, and Hope044 Monk Baird—Habitat for Humanity Bringing People Together—To Build Homes, Communities, and Hope From wife, mother, and homemaker to Habitat insulation specialist, Monk Baird leaves no stone unturned or any grass growing under her feet! A true Nashville community volunteer, she has an impact far and wide, making a difference by delivering Meals on Wheels, preparing and serving meals for Loaves and Fishes, and insulating and building homes for Habitat for Humanity in greater Nashville as well as on the Gulf Coast after a hurricane and in Ireland and Hawaii. Asked how many houses she...
2017-11-2913 min
Retire-To VolunteeringBeth Howard's Volunteer Story Through The Café at Thistle Farms043 Beth Howard–The Café at Thistle Farms The Café at Thistle Farms—Home to Anyone Who Walks Through Their Doors Growing up in a conservative household in the Bible belt, Beth Howard learned very early in life that any honest job is one of which to be proud. After meeting friends for coffee numerous times at The Café at Thistle Farms, Beth felt called to volunteer in The Café helping in countless ways. It wasn’t long before she knew she was in the right place—giving back to others by waiting on tables, taking out the garb...
2017-11-2214 min
Retire-To VolunteeringThrough Bible Study, Bill Miller Offers Prisoners a New Way of Life042 Bill Miller—Bible Study in Prison Offering Prisoners a New Way of Life In a maximum security prison, Bill Miller, a retired pastor, invites inmates to discover new life through their weekly study of the Bible and other related materials*. As inmates and volunteer alike read, reflect, discuss commentary, and then share how God is speaking to them through the study that particular week, they develop respect for one another, even when they disagree, and find a community of caring. Bill notes those who attend these studies at Riverbend, the prison, are just like every ot...
2017-11-1512 min
Retire-To VolunteeringBrandi Ghergia Sees Amazing Results with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program041 Brandi Ghergia—Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)—Amazing Results As the senior manager of the Nashville Alliance for Financial Independence at United Way of Metropolitan Nashville, Brandi Ghergia manages four financial stability programs—Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), the Nashville Financial Empowerment Center, Bank On Music City, and the Nashville Alliance for Financial Independence. The VITA program, with the help of over 260 dedicated volunteers, produced over 15,000 income tax returns in a 30-county area in 2016, resulting in nearly $24 million in tax refunds in Middle Tennessee. The impact VITA is making...
2017-11-0811 min
Retire-To VolunteeringJo-Ann Heidenreich Shares her Love of History and Art as a Parthenon Docent040 Jo-Ann Heidenreich—Parthenon Docent Parthenon Docent Program—Sharing a Love of History and Art “You don’t need to know anything ahead of time to volunteer “—these are the words of Jo-Ann Heidenreich, a current volunteer for Nashville’s Parthenon Docent Program. Her love of art and Greek mythology is a perfect match for the opportunity to serve as an ambassador, promoting awareness and providing education about the Parthenon. Jo-Ann’s work as a teacher and administrator for Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools for thirty years and as an educational consultant in more than twelve states, i...
2017-11-0115 min
Retire-To VolunteeringScott Steedley Works With Nature for Good at the International Center for Sustainability039 Scott Steedley—International Center for Sustainability Working With Nature for Good! More people are becoming aware of the need for re-engaging with the earth in ways that are sustainable. But what to do about the issue? Scott Steedly, the founder of the International Center for Sustainability, has concrete—no, make that, “cob and bottle”— ideas! The Center willingly customizes volunteer opportunities in numerous projects, including ecotourism, agro-tourism, educational programs, litter control, re/up-cycling, watershed re-nourishment, food-source and rainwater harvesting, wastewater management, beautification, team-building, animal husbandry, wildlife protection, resource preservation, appropriate technology models, events, and natura...
2017-10-2516 min
Retire-To VolunteeringAs A School Volunteer Judy Davis Helps Children Succeed in School—and Life!038 Judy Davis—School Volunteer Helping Children Succeed in School—and Life! With a passion for helping children learn and excel, Judy Davis volunteered with one of Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools. Assigned to a first grade class, she spent a full year one day a week, working one on one with every student. She assisted both those who were advanced and those who struggled with learning. Judy enjoys children and recognizes that this special attention makes a difference in their lives. She encourages others to visit or call individual schools and ask about volunteer oppo...
2017-10-1810 min
Retire-To VolunteeringBetti Lose and the Christmas Adoption Program at St. Luke's Community House037 Betti Lose–Christmas Adoption Joyfully Serving the Community–St. Lukes Community House During Christmas Community volunteer Betti Lose goes above and beyond in everything she does, including assisting at St. Lukes Community House where she received the Joe Sowell Legacy Volunteer Award, their highest recognition given to people who give their time, talent, and heart to help those in need. Betti enjoys the variety of opportunities at St. Lukes to help the many people served by that organization, and especially the annual Christmas Adopt-a-Family program. During the Christmas season, volunteer donors can...
2017-10-1111 min
Retire-To VolunteeringCecelia Schlagheck Leads the Way and Finds the Means036 Cecelia Schlagheck–Leading the Way, Finding the Means If a group needs it done, Cecilia can do it! Starting with the T-shirt sales at the elementary school and on through running the Halloween bazaars of the older students, Cecilia, then a stay-at-home mom, saw firsthand the need not just for fundraising but specifically for someone to take a leadership role assisting others on ways and means committees. Since then, Cecelia has had a steady stream of helping create successful events, both working with students and with other adults: As a teacher she became th...
2017-10-0409 min
Retire-To VolunteeringKathy Hannen Explains How the State Health Insurance-Assistance Program Helps Medicare Recipients035 Kathy Hannen–State Health Insurance-Assistance Program (SHIP) A SHIP to Help You Navigate Medicare—for Free! Kathy Hannen is a volunteer for the State Health Insurance-Assistance Program (SHIP), which is a free health-benefits counseling service for Medicare beneficiaries and their families or caregivers. SHIP’s mission is to educate, advocate, counsel, and empower people to make informed healthcare benefit decisions. SHIP is an independent program funded by federal agencies and is not affiliated with the insurance industry. If you are on Medicare, check the back of your Medicare book for your state’s contact...
2017-09-2713 min
Retire-To VolunteeringSam Bowman Tells How the Brethren Volunteer Service Works034 Sam Bowman—Brethren Volunteer Service Brethren Volunteer Service—For Those Wanting a Life Adventure Brethren Volunteer Service places volunteers in a six-month, one-, or two-year assignment in the United States and around the world, focusing on peace, justice, service to those in need, and care for creation. This Church of the Brethren ministry, which has been active since 1948, is open to all persons regardless of their faith tradition and even to those who claim no religious tradition. The program served as a model for the development of the Peace Corps. Older adults are especially welcome.
2017-09-2019 min
Retire-To VolunteeringKay Gray Shares How Volunteers Help the Homeless Through Room In The Inn033 Kay Gray–Room in the Inn There is Room in the Inn! Room in the Inn (RITI) was formed when four congregations started working together in 1986 to shelter homeless people during the coldest months. Now nearly 190 congregations in Middle Tennessee provide safe haven overnight to nearly 1,400 men and women November through March. The rest of the year the organization offers emergency services, transitional support, and long-term solutions to help these people rebuild their lives. West End United Methodist Church in Nashville is one of the participating congregations. Kay Gray and her husband, Buddy De...
2017-09-1317 min
Retire-To VolunteeringCrys Zinkiewicz Talks About Volunteering with Saddle Up!032 Crys Zinkiewicz – Saddle Up! Horsing Around–Good for Kids and Volunteers “Mom, go ride your horse—you’ll be a nicer person!” For years, family members knew the value of horseback riding for Crys Zinkiewicz. Being outside, with her horse, riding with friends, having fun—all added up to a calmer, stronger, happier Mom. When she retired, Crys followed her passion for horses to Saddle Up!, a therapeutic riding center for children with disabilities. “I didn’t know much about kids with special needs,” she admits, “but I knew I could clean stalls if nothing else. Howev...
2017-09-0623 min
Retire-To VolunteeringPaulette Broadbent Sews American Girl Doll Outfits to Benefit Charity031 Paulette Broadbent–Sewing American Girl Doll Outfits American Dolls–Recipients of One-of-a-Kind Handmade Outfits Paulette Broadbent isn’t your average seamstress. She has been sewing since she was twelve years old. Her grandmother and mother knew this seemingly “lost art” might be a worthy hobby for a young girl. It wasn’t long before Paulette was using her babysitting money to buy patterns and material to create clothes for herself as well as Raggedy Ann dolls and robes for her family! Paulette’s passion for creating led her to sew her wedding dress and years late...
2017-08-3012 min
Retire-To VolunteeringEverett Davis Volunteers as a Bookkeeper and with Morgan Scott030 Everett Davis–Bookkeeping & Morgan Scott Two Different Ways of “Doing Good for Someone Else” In Everett Davis’s own words, he gravitates to “doing good for someone else.” Retiring after a career in a bank’s accounting department, Everett found that his expertise in the world of finance (his “head” knowledge) led him not only to volunteer to help his local church with its general ledger but also to assist the broader world of Christian churches. When the international organization, World Convention, needed a financial person, Everett was asked to share his time and talents. World Convention w...
2017-08-2310 min
Retire-To VolunteeringAnna Kapoor Volunteers as a Nurse with the Volunteers in Mission Program029 Anna Kapoor—Volunteers in Mission Volunteers in Mission-Making a Difference Domestically and Internationally Anna Kapoor is making a difference wherever she goes. Professionally she has served as a registered nurse in oncology, and now as a retiree she volunteers with the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (VIM). Having been part of 18 mission trips, she currently arranges specific trips, especially for the Mexico Medical Mission. She knows from her own participation that volunteers of all kinds are needed, not only medical but also those in a helping capacity. Anna promises that no previous experience is necessary—just...
2017-08-1612 min
Retire-To VolunteeringBob Lewis Volunteers on the Council on Aging of Middle Tennessee Board028 Bob Lewis—Council on Aging Middle Tennessee Council on Aging Bob Lewis’s education in management plus his career experiences in large corporations, including Xerox and Northern Telecom, prepared him well for his volunteering in retirement. Having moved to Nashville, he soon discovered this was the place to put down roots and work on behalf of the community. For many years now, Bob has volunteered for Middle Tennessee’s Council on the Aging. He volunteered in several different programs and found a special match for his managerial and strategic planning skills as he served...
2017-08-0915 min
Retire-To VolunteeringBetti Lose Introduces Volunteering at St. Luke’s Community House027 Betti Lose—Food Programs Joyfully Serving the Community—St. Luke’s Community House Community volunteer Betti Lose goes above and beyond in everything she does. St. Luke’s Community House presented her the Joe Sowell Legacy Volunteer Award, the agency’s highest volunteer award, which is given annually to a volunteer who gives of herself or himself, champions St. Luke’s to others, and sets a great example of servant leadership. Sounds like Betti Lose, for sure. Betti enjoys the variety of opportunities at St. Luke’s, helping the many people served by that organizat...
2017-08-0213 min
Retire-To VolunteeringKim Kline Coordinates Volunteer Activities at Saddle Up!026 Kim Kline–Saddle Up! Volunteering with Horses As the Volunteer Services Director since 2007, Kim Kline has been helping nearly 500 people a year provide various riding programs to over 145 children and youth per week. Kim says, “Saddle Up! could not do what it does without lots of volunteers.” Each of those riders need from one to three volunteers every time they are at Saddle Up! Saddle Up!’s mission is to provide children and youth with disabilities the opportunity to grow and develop through therapeutic, educational, and recreational activities with horses. Founded in 1990 and incorpor...
2017-07-2621 min
Retire-To VolunteeringJacquie Sojourner's Interest in History Has Take Shape by Archiving Church Records025 Jacquie Sojourner–Archiving Church Archive and History—A Unique Passion Fulfilled Jacquie Sojourner, a graduate of Drew University’s college and graduate school, has a passion for history. Fulfilling that, she is in charge of West End United Methodist Church’s Archives and History Committee. She and other volunteers on the committee collect, preserve, and display materials of the church and beyond, including Vanderbilt University and the Tennessee Conference of The United Methodist Church. Keeping these records provides others with a window into the past, which can light the future. The resources include not only...
2017-07-1919 min
Retire-To Volunteering024 Bob Day–Parthenon Docent024 Bob Day–Parthenon Docent Serving as an Ambassador—Educating Visitors As one of Nashville’s ambassadors, Bob Day loves his “work.” His volunteer job takes him and his wife to the museum as docents. Having participated in the docent program training, the two of them now serve as ambassadors promoting awareness and providing education about the Parthenon, Nashville’s full-scale replica of the ancient Greek temple. The couple have been so inspired about what they have learned that they have traveled to Greece and Italy to see firsthand places and objects de art previously they only enjoyed...
2017-07-1216 min
Retire-To Volunteering023 Karen Stevens–Fundraising Events023 Karen Stevens–Fundraising Events Event Coordinator—aka Fundraising Extraordinaire and Community Volunteer Not everyone enjoys coordinating events, but Karen Stevens does. From an early age organizing a party seemed to be in her DNA. Her earliest memory, around the age of six, was creating her mother’s birthday party at one of her mother’s friend’s home and wrapping presents (which she found in her mother’s vanity drawer) as birthday gifts. On another occasion, realizing her younger sister didn’t have an “appropriate” birthday cake, she created a drum cake for her party. Who would have eve...
2017-07-0517 min
Retire-To Volunteering022 Chuck Jaeger—Docent with Nashville Symphony022 Chuck Jaeger—Docent with Nashville Symphony Introducing Guests to the Schermerhorn Center Since 2009 Chuck Yaeger has volunteered as a docent at the Nashville Symphony’s home, the Schermerhorn Center. He is quick to say that he and other docents are introducing guests to the building! Whether a passionate symphony lover or simply a curious tourist, visitors love hearing about the history of the building and its creation. Docents are asked to keep their tour to an hour although it could easily last three, given the volume of questions from the enthusiastic guests. The Nash...
2017-06-2816 min
Retire-To Volunteering021 Courtney Sobieralski—Thistle Farms and the Café021 Courtney Sobieralski—Thistle Farms and the Café Thistle Stop Café—Built By and For the Community Courtney Sobieralski, Director of the Thistle Stop Café, enjoys talking about this extraordinary café staffed by the women of Thistle Farms, as well as volunteers from the Nashville area. Anyone who walks through the doors for a bite of nourishment, a cup of tea or coffee, or simply a brief respite, discovers a home. The Thistle Farms community witnesses to the truth that in the end, love is more powerful than all other forces, especially those that drive women to the s...
2017-06-2113 min
Retire-To Volunteering020 Bill Farris—Comforting the Littlest020 Bill Farris—Comforting the Littlest Children’s Hospital Needs Grandfathers to “Read” Bill Farris is no stranger to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee. In fact seven years ago he was a regular visitor to see his grandson. It was then Bill began his “reading.” Today he continues comforting children in the neo-natal intensive care unit of the same hospital by holding, rocking, reading, telling stories of his youth, and humming (no singing—just humming) to babies—a blessing to him, as well. Bill feels this volunteer activity is his way of help...
2017-06-1405 min
Retire-To Volunteering019 Fern Richie–Respite for Dementia Caregivers019 Fern Richie–Respite for Dementia Caregivers Sunny Day Club—A Volunteer’s Perspective Fern Richie, a Sunny Day Club volunteer buddy, enthusiastically looks forward to Mondays at West End United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tennessee. The club provides a special place for older adults, especially those who are experiencing memory loss, to enjoy caring companionship and mental stimulation. Being able to bring a loved one to the Sunny Day Club also gives caregivers a period of respite, enabling them to care for their own needs. Fern and other volunteers willingly give their time and love and ar...
2017-06-0712 min
Retire-To Volunteering018 Margaret Smith—Volunteering with Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary018 Margaret Smith—Volunteering with Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary—Spreading an Appreciation and Enjoyment of Nature Since childhood Margaret Smith has cherished nature. Her maternal grandmother lived on the Cumberland River bluffs and introduced her to the world of nature through flowers and animals and the habitat they need to live. Discussions and breakfasts on the bluffs with her grandmother proved to be the instrumental in Margaret’s love of nature. After college Margaret taught elementary school, later married, had two children and went to graduate school in 1980. She gradua...
2017-05-3116 min
Retire-To Volunteering017 Jean Gauld-Jaeger—Volunteering as a Plein Air Artist017 Jean Gauld-Jaeger—Volunteering as a Plein Air Artist Plein Air Painters—Dedicated to Conservation and Preservation After twenty-five years as Director of the Office of Patient Affairs at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Jean Gauld-Jaeger retired and pursued her interest in fine art. Ever the student, she has studied painting with well-respected portrait artists Michael Shane Neal, Roger Brown, Jason Saunders, Dawn Whitelaw and many others. But she is also a respected teacher, instructing others individually and through group painting classes and workshops in both her studio and other locations. As a volunteer in The...
2017-05-2418 min
Retire-To Volunteering016 Taylor Davenport—Volunteering with Project Transformation016 Taylor Davenport—Volunteering with Project Transformation Purposeful Ministry—Project Transformation As a year-round Fellow with Project Transformation Tennessee, Taylor Davenport has been inspired by the many volunteers (homework helpers, encouragers, and mentors) in the program. Project Transformation’s mission is three-fold: To engage young adults, like Taylor, in purposeful ministry and leadership, to support underserved children and families, and to connect churches to communities in need. As one of the young adult interns, Taylor works with volunteers to provide authentic, hands-on, high-quality programs for children and youth both during the summer and the school year. ...
2017-05-1714 min
Retire-To Volunteering015 Lori Bumgarner—Volunteering with Senior Olympics015 Lori Bumgarner—Volunteering with Senior Olympics Senior Olympics—Lifetime of Sports Lori Bumgarner is the owner of paNASH, a passion and career coaching service. Certified both as life coach and a transformational coach, she works with people going through life and career transitions, helping them discover and pursue their passions. Author of the Amazon #1 bestselling book, Advance Your Image, Lori has been featured in The Wall Street Journal’s blog. She is also a regular contributor to The Daily Positive and Arianna Huffington’s Thrive Global. Finding her niche as a voluntee...
2017-05-1014 min
Retire-To Volunteering014 Grace Smith–Volunteering with Middle Tennessee Council on Aging014 Grace Smith–Volunteering with Middle Tennessee Council on Aging The Council on Aging of Middle Tennessee—Trusted Leader and Catalyst A long-time volunteer of the Council on Aging (COA), as Executive Director Grace Smith brings more than two decades of experience in senior advocacy. A licensed master social worker and a program manager for the Meharry Consortium Geriatric Education Center, she also sat on the board of the National Association for Geriatric Education and led the Mental Health Association’s geriatric outreach and caregiver support programs. She put that experience to work again as a volunt...
2017-05-0318 min
Retire-To Volunteering013 Shara Parker—Sunny Day Club, a Respite for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers013 Shara Parker—Sunny Day Club, a Respite for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers Sunny Day Club—A Co-founder’s Perspective From her own 13-year experience with her husband’s dementia, Shara Parker co-founded the Sunny Day Club at West End United Methodist Church in Nashville, TN. Sunny Day Club members get a social outing, physical and mental exercise, and acceptance, as well as new friends. Their caregivers have a breather, a known block of time that they can count on to do whatever they need just to keep the household going—running errands, grocery shop...
2017-04-2613 min
Retire-To Volunteering012 Wesley Paine–Volunteering at the Parthenon012 Wesley Paine–Volunteering at the Parthenon Being a Docent at the Athens of the South’s Parthenon Wesley Paine is Director of the Parthenon in Nashville, TN, the world’s only full-sized replica of the ancient Greek temple. An accomplished actress, as well as museum director, Wesley brings dynamic communication skills and a wealth of knowledge to the role of docent, whether it is at the feet of the forty-two foot Athena in the Parthenon or in a lecture hall or clubroom. As a speaker and cultural interpreter for nearly forty years, she has been fuelin...
2017-04-1915 min
Retire-To Volunteering011 Ann Harris—Family Reconciliation Center’s Participatory Defense Program011 Ann Harris—Family Reconciliation Center’s Participatory Defense Program Making a Difference in our Community Ann Harris brings a strong background from working as Director of the House of Mercy, a residential program for women in recovery and their young children, to her current volunteer role at the Family Reconciliation Center, where she has reconnected with her passion to be part of community programs to improve the lives of families, women, children and youth. Learning about the world of the court system in Middle Tennessee, Ann is involved in working with families, professionals, and...
2017-04-1215 min
Retire-To Volunteering010 Ed Cole–Senior Ride NashvilleSenior Ride Nashville Host: Ed Zinkiewicz Interview with Ed Cole There to Help When You Don't Have Keys With a background in city planning focusing on transit matters, Ed Cole knows Nashvilles transportation issues firsthand. He also volunteers now as a board member of the Council on Aging of Middle Tennessee and chair of the Senior Transportation Leadership Coalition, spearheading a new program to provide volunteer drivers for older adults. The primary goal of Senior Ride Nashville is to harness the energy, vitality, and volunteer spirit of our community to meet th...
2017-04-0518 min
Retire-To Volunteering007 Ed Zinkiewicz - Music in Nursing HomesYou know Ed Zinkiewicz! The host of this podcast series on volunteering, he practices what he preaches. On most Sunday afternoons, he’s at a nursing home—spooning the residents! They love it—so does he! Ed has sung and played spoons with a bluegrass band for more than 35 years. For the past 6 years, the group has been taking their gospel sing-alongs to a very appreciative audience. Watching residents who can no longer talk easily sing makes it easy for him to keep volunteering week after week. “I see their joy, and I have found joy too!” says Ed. Ed r...
2017-03-1512 min
Retire-To Volunteering005 Everett Davis Coaches Blind GolfersVolunteering to play golf is the ideal retirement activity for Everett With the “eyes” of Everett Davis, David Meador (blind since 19 years of age) has not only played golf, but also won major national championships! Everett, an avid golfer, enjoys both the game and helping those who share his passion but who can’t see the ball. Understandably, a limited-sight player requires help driving on the course and being directed to the tee, not to mention assistance lining up for a putt or approach shot. Having a sighted volunteer keeps the blind player in the game!
2017-03-0114 min
Retire-To Volunteering001 Why a Podcast on VolunteeringHost Ed Zinkiewicz uncovers engaging—sometimes surprising, but never dull— volunteer opportunities available to retirees. Interviewing volunteers and volunteer coordinators each week, Ed highlights the meaningful contributions volunteers make and also the rewards volunteers receive. Imagining a retirement that matters starts here. Sign up for my free, weekly newsletter at retire-to.com and get listings of coming episodes.
2017-02-1505 min