Paul Douglas Keeps Our Seniors Safe

Today, I had the privilege to meet Paul Douglas at his impressive weather studio based in the Twin Cities. Paul is a valued vendor at Ebenezer Minneapolis Campus. Easy to talk to, down to earth and knowledgeable about everything weather, he was an enchanting tour guide for me as I took in all the sights and sounds of digital weather. 

He graciously accepted the invitation as guest speaker for the Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon I am hosting in April. My role as Director of Volunteers gives me the honor of organizing the event that recognizes these valued volunteers. The Volunteer event is just one small way of doing this. This year the theme for the luncheon is "Volunteers Plant Seeds of Kindness."

The mission of Ebenezer is to help older adults and others, make their lives more independent, healthful, meaningful and secure. Volunteers are the cornerstone of Ebenezers' mission. We know that without these compassionate, dedicated individuals, Ebenezer could not do the quality work we pride ourselves in. Last year our volunteers brought in over 29,000 hours of volunteer service.

Paul, a senior meteorologist and founder of Media Logic Group, stated that he has been interested and passionate about weather and weather patterns, since he was fourteen years old. He and a team of meteorologists provide 24/7 weather service at his new National Weather Channel. This important venue, provides weather services for media at Broadcast Weather and high tech alerting and briefing services through Alerts Broadcaster. Paul Travels around the Midwest speaking about the weather and his innovative ways of understanding weather patterns in these current times. Paul's  weather prowess is here to serve all businesses, no matter what business it is you're involved in. For Ebenezer, his important work in weather is a natural, practical and safe choice for our senior housing.

Among his many accolades, too many to name here, he is also the public face of the important SAVE, suicide Awareness, Voices of Education, based in Bloomington. Thank you Paul for the great work your doing personally, locally, nationally, and for helping our senior community at Ebenezer.

I eagerly look forward to April 25th in our united effort to recognize our amazing resident and community volunteers.

Laura Rogers Arne, M.A.
Director of Volunteers
Ebenezer Minneapolis Campus

Presidential Address

Google image

Laughing, witty, kind was he
Sit down dinner, stern security

Political gathering, posh country club
Lafayette Bay, the rich mans'  hub

flashing bulbs, rushing anchors
Enter stage left,  lady waiter                 

How do you do Mr. President?
Hand extended for a kiss
Naught one eye stare would be missed

Questions darting to and fro
Staff & media glued, in toe

Stretching ears far and wide
Pining for a story, to be inside

 I  bid you and your fine lady adieu
It's been my honor to speak and get to know you

Black ruffled apron, white pressed blouse
Steps back into reality's house

"Runner needed, Laura please?"
Need more meat, some mousse and cheese!

Top O' The Mornin'

Top O' The Mornin' 

May the Green Rivers of Ale

Flow Forth And Please Thee

Cinquaine Prose

                              Purple Rain

Purple

Iris Crying

Nature Dripping Rain Tears, 

Unveiling it's beauty for all
Healing

Jamey is a miracle

Today my sister Linda, my daughter Ellie and I,went to visit Jamey after her serious car accident. It happened back in January of 2013. Jamey sustained very serious internal injuries and was taken to the hospital.

She had several surgeries during her hospital stay and is a miracle and inspiration to us all. Jamey is currently recuperating at home in Minnesota with her family. She is astounding us all. She has so many friends and family praying for her perfect health and healing. Team Jamey turned into Jamey Nation because of the incredible outpouring of love from so many.

Seeing her today and witnessing how far she has come since that tragic accident in January is life changing. Her motivation, determination and strong spirit prevailed and brought her back to us sooner than anyone could have imagined.

Jamey, We love you so much and are so proud of your speedy recovery.  It was a love fest of stories shared today as we visited you and saw what you are made of. You go "Redneck Girl". You are so loved.

Here is a big Hell YEAH- FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS

God Bless
Rogers/Arne Clan

Rally at the Capitol

What a productive day at the capitol. The non-profit organization called MAVA (Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration) organized volunteers and volunteer professionals for a day at the capitol. We as professional volunteer managers, rallied for the field of volunteerism and volunteers. My motto as a Volunteer Manager is,"Volunteers Make the World Go Round."  I am proud to work as the Director of Volunteer Services at Ebenezer Minneapolis Campus, part of Fairview Hospitals.

 Many of us met with our state senators in our district for a one on one meeting post rally. I was honored to have met with Terri Bonoff of district 44. My sister and I both attended this very personal meeting. What a down to earth, kind, warm human being she was. I must admit, even as an extrovert, I felt butterflies when we entered her office. She made us feel very welcome.

The independent sector puts a quantifiable number to the value of the hours these dedicated unpaid staff are worth. This helps corporations and non-profits measure the undeniable power they have on our communities. In 2011, it was reported a volunteer's time is worth $21.79 per hour. Up 43% from 2010, this gives you a good idea of the need and contributions that our volunteer staff have on our society as a whole.

Washington, DC released a new report stating that even in a time of prolonged economic distress, volunteering has remained a steady constant, demonstrating that our future sees the impact of giving back. As a part of this report, the John Hopkins University conducted a survey about the impact of the a sample of over 1400 nonprofit organizations. 80% of the organizations had reported a high degree of economic stress with more than 1/3rd, saying it was severe or very severe.

In the wake of these hard economic struggles, staff relied more on volunteer workers to help their organization stay afloat. The study showed that between 2008 and 2009, more than a third of nonprofit organizations increased the number of volunteers they brought on.

Minnesota is one of the top volunteer states, at the rate of  38% with Minneapolis/St. Paul ranked number one among large cities. This is exciting news because it says our boomers believe in giving back and it's a  part of who they are.

Let's keep our political leaders in the know about the importance of volunteerism and the profound effect it has on our world.

Winter Storm

Today there is a winter storm in my home state~ I can take it as I am a true midwesterner!!! Hunkering down with hot foods and blankets.