Building Maintenance

Be part of a team helping with the overall maintenance and upkeep of Pier 55. Projects may involve inside or outside work. Handy men and women are encouraged to call Kim at 651-327-2255.

Meals on Wheels

Seminary Home’s Meals on Wheels program is looking for volunteers to pick up meals in Red Wing and deliver to clients in the area. Meals are delivered daily, Monday through Friday between 11:30 and 12:30 pm. This rewarding volunteer opportunity is a great way to help your neighbors. Contact Sarah Peters: 651-327-2090.

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Member Sends Thanks for Technology Help

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A thank you letter from a member who used the free Monday technology support with Tom and Judy Walsh.
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I want to say thank you for the technology support you offer! To say the least, it is crazy making, to not be able to navigate a phone or computer when it is such a huge part of our daily lives. I came needing help with a new phone and had been at an impasse for many weeks. Your kindness, patience and skill level were very welcoming and very needed. With some practice, I may be successful with the beginning basics on my phone! Thank you for making yourselves available and sharing your skill set with those of us in need.
Blessings,
Member RWAS

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Student Sparked Medical Equipment Lending Service

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To paraphrase anthropologist Margaret Mead, Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, dedicated people can change the world. One of Red Wing Area Seniors (RWAS) most successful programs that’s changed the world of hundreds of local people was the result of cooperation of several people, including physical therapists (PT), RWAS staff, and countless volunteers. Patti Svien, a PT doing graduate study, came up with the idea as a class project. She saw first-hand the need for an equipment loan program for her patients. She and her study partner researched a similar service in Rochester. They not only identified cost savings for individuals and a way to reuse expensive equipment rather dumping it in landfills or storage, but also a group to facilitate distribution. While the class project didn’t demand project implementation, Patti and the PT department at then-Fairview Hospital asked RWAS to bring her ideas to reality.

RWAS and Robin Kaizer publicized the need for equipment donations, had the space to store it, and the knowledge to keep it sanitary and in good shape. RWAS moved the service when it relocated from the Red Wing Professional and Community Center to its new Pier 55 home at Pottery Place Annex. In the last two years alone RWAS has loaned equipment to more than 300 people. In return, users’ donations have earned RWAS much needed income, said Executive Director Kim Wojcik, while saving clients a lot of money. They can borrow equipment when they need it -- rather than buy it new.

Clients have found the service invaluable. Teri said, “I found it more than helpful, and a generous gift to me and the community. I liked the donation aspect of the program. We have a wonderful senior center here.” Linda appreciated the ease of getting the equipment and not having to buy or store something she needed for a short time. “Wonderful,” was a word she used.

- By a member in the RWAS Writer’s Workshop