The Volunteer Wire

MAS VOLUNTEERS I JUNE 2013

MAS Staff Honors Volunteers at April Event

On April 25, 2013, MAS staff members and volunteers worked diligently to organize an event celebrating volunteers for their dedication to serv-ing older adults in Missoula. With the help of Missoula Rotary Founda-tion and several other event sponsors, we were able to host a wonderful evening at the Missoula Winery. Guest included 127 volunteers repre-senting RSVP, Meals On Wheels, MAS Administration, Friendly Visi-tors, Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions, SMP and the MAS Re-source Center.

In addition, the guys from Burns Street Bistro prepared lovely intermez-zos of Italian meatballs and polenta. The MGM Trio and members of the Missoula Symphony Orchestra in the Glissoula Trio set the mood. We want to thank everyone who helped make this event possible including our sponsors, donors, and most of all, our volunteers.

Thank you for your dedication to Missoula Aging Services! We could not further our mission to better serve older adults and those who care for them in Missoula without your support. We hope to see you next year!

May-June 2013

Birthdays!

Happy Birthday to the fol-

lowing MAS volunteers: Joe A., Larry

A., Dennis B., Mary B., Mary Kay B.,

Marty B., Carnell, Nancy C., Elda C.,

Martha C., Jean C., Ruby D., Jane

E., Joan E., Phil F., Nancy F., Arla F.,

Carma G., Alan G., Gail G., Holly H.,

Judy H., Bob H., Sharon H., Georgia

H., Karl J., Diane K., Con K., Mary

Louise K., Bill L., Marla M., Katie M.,

Lee M., Doreen M., Ike M., Joseph

M., Rick N., Mary O., Dee O., Wally

P., Emily P., Barry R., Pat R., Sylvia

S., Ralph S., Marion S., Rellen S.,

Jessica S., Jim S., Burke T., Chue V.,

Will W., Shawna W.

Two New Ways to Volunteer with MAS! Looking for a new and exciting volunteer opportunity? MAS is in need of volunteers to help in the following roles:

Medicare Classroom Aide—Help us provide one-on-one as-sistance to Medicare beneficiar-ies during our monthly Intro to Medicare Classes!

SMP Community Liaison—Help educate Medicare benefi-ciaries about how to prevent Medicare fraud, waste and abuse.

Rural Drivers Needed for

Meals On Wheels

Do you have a little extra time to volunteer

this summer? Meals On Wheels is need of

drivers on Mondays, Wednesdays and

Fridays to help with our more rural routes.

Call 728-7682 for more information!

Upcoming Events

June 21

United Way Day of Action—Volunteers with different groups in Missoula will provide direct service to MAS clients with the help of MAS and Imag-ine Missoula!

June 14 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

June 18 Film produced by the Elder Jus-tice Now campaign free screen-ing and discussion at 3:00 p.m. at the Roxy Theatre, 718 S. Hig-gins.

Welcome New MAS Volunteers!!!

MAS is proud to announce the arrival of several new volunteers!

Meals On Wheels Route Drivers: Gary M., Jan P., Stefano V., Phil B., Carmen G.

SMP Outreach Specialist Annie M.

MOW Program Assistant Carmen G.

Development/Communications Intern Cami A.

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Jen G., Katie M.

Senior Corps Clerical Task Force Sharon S.

MAS VOLUNTEERS I MISSOULAAGINGSERVICES.ORG PHONE (406) 728-7682

Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Seeks Volunteer Educators in Missoula In May of this year KPAX reported that two Montana hospitals agreed to pay a $4 million settlement after allegations that physicians at the facili-ties were given incentive compensation for making large volume Medi-care referrals to the hospitals. Luckily, Montana is part of a national ef-fort to help prevent future instances of Medicare fraud, waste and abuse. MAS operates the statewide SMP program that engages a group of highly trained staff and volunteers who help Medicaid and Medicare beneficiar-ies prevent, detect and report healthcare fraud. SMP volunteers teach Medicare beneficiaries how to protect their personal information and identity as well as detect mistakes on their healthcare statements. They explain how to recognize scams, and how to report errors, fraud and abuse to the proper authorities.

Missoula’s SMP team is looking for new volunteers to help provide out-reach and education to seniors in Missoula about the benefits of prevent-ing Medicare fraud, waste and abuse in Montana. Volunteers do not need to have prior knowledge of Medicare before en-rolling. If you are looking to learn new skills, work with a great team of volunteers and protect the dignity and health of older adults, this is a great program to explore. For more information call Megan at 728-7682.

July 4 MAS will be closed in honor of Independence Day!