Jo Tansey

Home Why Volunteer? Where to Help When You Can Help Volunteers In Their Own Voice News and Announcements Events Calendar Contact Us State Homepage				The following is from the successful nomination letter RSVP & The Volunteer Center submitted to VolunteerNH! for the "Spirit of New Hampshire" award: I had met Jo and her late husband, Bill, at the Mascoma Senior Center several times, but it wasn't until Jo volunteered with our After School Program in Canaan, from 2000 - 2001, that we really got acquainted. Not only did Jo consistently encourage the student she was paired with during the school year, but her love of learning and children set the tone for the whole group of students and volunteers. Jo took initiative to organize special activities. "Grafting Apples" was one topic of discussion she accompanied with a demonstration of the technique. Another was "The Cane Project" which involved all the volunteers bringing in various canes and discussing how they were made, and the history behind the canes as well as stories about who used them. With the canes, Jo accomplished what she had hoped - - to not only provide an interesting learning opportunity for everyone, but to also debunk some stereotypes of "old people". During the After School Program, I learned that for more years than anyone could remember, Jo and Bill delivered meals to Canaan area residents who were homebound. While not unusual or heroic in itself, the fact is that the two were a committed team traveling miles of muddy and snowy back roads for many years. I find it touching and inspiring to know that a couple can enjoy incorporating volunteering into their shared time, their routines, and their civic involvement. Jo took service to the next level by asking and receiving permission to include her "After School" student in home delivered meals runs with Bill and her during school vacations! Just this year, Jo took on a new volunteer role by being trained as a co-leader the RSVP Bone Builders class at the Mascoma Area Senior Center. The group meets twice a week to do no-impact weight training exercises designed to increase bone density and improve balance. She also leads the discussion portion of the classes, using the curriculum to share information on fall prevention, diet suggestions for increasing calcium intake, updates on osteoporosis, etc. With the recent passing of her husband, Jo also finds that volunteering gives her something to focus on. "It's quiet at home. I need to keep busy." Jo has been keeping busy as an active RSVP volunteer for THIRTY years!
RSVP and The Volunteer Center Mailing address: 10 Campbell Street, Lebanon, NH 03766 Call toll-free: 1-877-711-7787