Hello, friends and welcome to Encore in October. This month always signals the beginning of Fall and visions of pumpkins—fake ones in Florida, or you have moldy mush within days—Halloween, fall décor, corn mazes, apple season, and hopefully cooler weather.
October is also the perfect time to seriously consider volunteering for important positions in Encore for 2023. Research has shown that while over 90% of us want to volunteer, only 1 out of 4 Americans actually do. Research also shows that volunteers report elevated mood and less depression, it makes them happy; and they feel useful. Then why do so few volunteer?
There are three top reasons folks don’t volunteer:
- I don’t have enough time! In Encore many of our volunteer positions, such as Event Coordinator, are a two-person job, so if you are traveling or under the weather, your partner can take up the slack, and you can divide up the responsibilities.
- I don’t have enough information. Ask members who currently have the job how much time it takes, how they carry out the responsibilities, etc. Honestly, just ask and many of us will tell you. You can also find job responsibilities on the website.
- No one asked me to! When filling these positions, we do ask, but we may not be asking the right people, and there are folks out there who would do the jobs if asked. Please, please just throw your name in the ring, even if you are just mildly interested!
~Information from the Stanford Center on Longevity
October Luncheon
Our October luncheon will be held on October 20 at the Forest Country Club and is limited to 100 attendees. Get your payment in early! Steve Sarkozy, Estero Village Manager and husband of our member, Carol Sarkozy, will be our speaker updating us on current and future Village activities. We will also have the election of officers for 2023 at this meeting.
Fashion Show and Raffle
November will be our Fashion Show and Raffle for our scholarship fund. Please consider creating a gift basket or donating restaurant cards. See more information about these items in the newsletter.
Annual Holiday Party
There is information on our Annual Holiday Party in the newsletter also. Don’t miss the announcement. Be advised: There will only be tables of 8, so there is a good chance you may sit with new friends!
See you at the luncheon and some of the activities in October.
Enjoy everything pumpkin, too. I know I will!
Many thanks to the talented James Matiya for providing our banner photos!
