Sandi Page, LLS student, volunteer, member of the LLS Jupiter Marketing Committee, and guest blogger
There are several ingredients that make up the recipe for a happy retirement. Good health, a comfortable financial situation and a strong social network are three of the more obvious ones. Studies over the years have shown that those who are the most content in their retirement years also have a sense of purpose in life and many are finding that purpose in volunteering.
In talking with fellow LLS students, I found that volunteering is important to a sizable number of them and local organizations such as the Jupiter Medical Center, Hospice, the Maltz Theatre, animal rescue groups, churches and synagogues are among the lucky recipients of their talents, time and energy. One of their favorite places to volunteer, however, is right here at our Lifelong Learning Society where volunteering opportunities abound that may also suit you, your interests and your schedule. There is the always popular Class Greeter program which attracts over 100 volunteers each year. An orientation meeting is held annually to train and update both old and new greeters alike. LLS thanks these greeters each spring with a much anticipated and well-attended Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. LLS Advisory Boards are often looking for new members to add their life’s experience to the task of creating a better learning center for all. An S.O.S. via email is often sent out before the beginning of each semester asking for volunteers to stamp class catalogs and tickets and to stuff envelopes. Our annual Lunafest film festival, which raises money for breast cancer research and FAU scholarships, always needs volunteers for various responsibilities.
Gene and Tom Monahan taken by LLS staff at the FAU LLS Volunteer Appreciation Dinner in 2015
My conversations with LLS students yielded some interesting reasons as to why they so generously give their time. One gentleman shyly confided that he loves the pats on the back that he gets from volunteering. A very thoughtful response came from one of our most photogenic greeter couples, Gene and Tom Monahan. They have been attending classes and volunteering as LLS class greeters since 2003. They volunteer because, as they say, “We love education, being with smart people and hearing the wonderful lectures. It gives us an opportunity to grow intellectually. As we don’t play golf or bridge, volunteering at LLS gives us a structure to our week that we need.” Gene and Tom have greeted both as a couple and individually, usually volunteering for at least one class and some one-time events each semester. Gene generally volunteers for more classes than Tom while Tom has taken over 130 classes at LLS. They enjoy meeting other volunteers and becoming friendly with them and also enjoy feeling that they are a part of the LLS experience.
René Friedman, LLS Jupiter Founder
Whatever the reasons behind our students’ desire to volunteer, LLS appreciates their efforts. As René Friedman, Founder of LLS and all-around femme extraordinaire told me, “Without volunteers, I could not have had the help needed all these years to devote my energy to growing and developing this wonderful program. I thank you all.”
For further information about volunteering at LLS, please contact Wendi Geller, Class Coordinator, at (561)799-8814 or e-mail her at wgeller@fau.edu.
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