MERIDIAN — As the new year begins, I feel so blessed to have a job that I love going to every day.  

    Our RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program ) volunteers are such a warm and loving group of individuals and so giving of their time that I feel fortunate to have them as friends. We are actively recruiting as the need for volunteers in our community grows. If you think you would be interested in becoming a volunteer, please stop by our office or call to learn more about our program.

 

Volunteer of

the Month



    Mary Brown is our RSVP Volunteer of the Month for January. Mary has been a valued asset to our organization since November 2009, assisting the United Way of East Mississippi, Boy Scouts and at the RSVP office.

    Mary retired from The Meridian Star after working in their advertising department and as a proof reader. She is a life-time member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and a member of their Active Christian Enthusiastic Seniors (ACES) group.



Senior Driver

Safety Class

    

    On Jan. 31, RSVP will again be collaborating with AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) to offer the AARP Driver Safety Class to save individuals money on their auto insurance. Class is scheduled from noon-4:30 p.m. The cost is $14 ($12 for AARP members) for class materials and certification, payable on the day of the class in cash or by check to AARP. The instructor for this class will be Bob Glazer. Space is limited; call our office to reserve a seat.



Tax preparation

assistance



    Volunteers with the AARP Tax-Aide Assistance and Preparation Service and RSVP volunteers have their tax forms ready and computers turned on – all in preparation to begin e-filing 2012 returns.

    Beginning Feb. 5, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., AARP Tax-Aide volunteers will assist taxpayers with their 2012 tax returns at a new location, 721 Front St. Ext 760. Call the RSVP off to reserve a time. This service is not limited to residents of Lauderdale County.

    All tax preparation volunteers receive formal training each year and are re-certified to be Tax-Aide volunteers.

    

Other services



    RSVP is still offering free notary service to the community, including living wills and Power of Attorney. I encourage persons of any age to complete a legal living will and Power of Attorney. We have the forms and will notarize completed documents, and make copies for you while you wait. Please feel free to call our office and schedule an appointment for this service.   



Support

United Way



    As the holiday season comes to a close, many of us have donated to our favorite causes and helped children have a Christmas toy, helped feed the hungry, or any other need we all became so aware of.

    There still will be needs throughout the coming year, so if you are looking at your charitable donations for the up-coming year remember a local organization that funds many programs who assists with those needs on a year-round basis: The United Way. Their focus areas include education, health, and income, the three areas essential for a productive community. Please remember them during their campaign to help your community help itself.

    Our RSVP office is located at 721 Front St. Ext., Suite 760 (Acme Plaza). You may also call us at (601) 482-0512.



    • Diana S. Glover is director of RSVP of Meridian/Lauderdale County.