Hug-A-Bears

Feeling a bit sad? How about a HUG? A Hug-a-Bear to share a bit of love today!

Making Hug-a-Bears began in 1992; my memory is unclear whether bears were being made by any group at that time. At first only the Emergency Room at the Bloomington Hospital received bears. I think they used around 40 a month at that time.

My association with RSVP began in 1992 and the Hug-a-Bear became a project of that organization. Georgia Schaich was the RSVP leader. The bear-makers were the only volunteers who were honored once a year with a very nice “thank you” party.

The first bears were not flat bears but were 3-D more like a real animal. But those were more difficult to make. I chose to make the two-sided bears. Other RSVP organizations around the state also made the bears. The pattern that I prefer came from a southern Indiana group. I did make one large Santa Bear for a raffle project for one organization.

RSVP collected fabric—sturdy cottons, denim, light weight upholstery, (gently used fabrics were acceptable) and fiberfill. One year Georgia applied for and received a grant to purchase fiberfill with the goal of 1,000 bears. Many people have donated supplies including one lady in New Jersey who shipped me several boxes of fabrics.

Foolish me, I decided to make 1,000 bears for Georgia but failed as I was only able to get 883 constructed. I believed since my small income was needed for mortgage payments and living expenses, I‘d give my time instead of money. Thus this became my ministry.

Stuffing a bear is not simple. After the bear is cut out, the seams are sewn, clipped then turned inside out. The fiberfill must be “fluffed”—pulled apart into small fluffs then tucked inside—first the ears, then the head, neck, each arm, the body and legs. The opening left for stuffing was sewn shut either by hand or machine. Many times the youth tried to stuff big hunks of the fiberfill into the head and body. Then the bear looks like it just swallowed a big watermelon with flat ears, arms and legs. Those were rejected and redone. The features are either embroidery thread or non-toxic fabric paint as these bears may go into a little mouth any time. They are machine washable and dryable and can be refreshed frequently. They are safe for babies as there is nothing that can be pulled off. The neck ribbons, if used, are sewn on with stitches attaching it firmly on the bear’s neck. The total time from fabric to a happy bear takes from 60-70 minutes. I like to make features similar to normal bear as possible.

One year, Georgia and I took fabric with shears to Meadowood for help in cutting and stuffing while I sewed them together with my sewing machine. The cutting was too difficult for the elderly ladies but that idea turned into bear-stuffing only. Then it was expanded to Bell Trace. In a brief time a contest developed between Meadowood and Bell Trace stuffers. One group tried to out-stuff the other. Each group would stuff at least 100 bears in an afternoon. It was fun with a lot of work. I’d come home completely exhausted. Redbud also helped stuff but that group was smaller. At that time my nickname was “The Bear Lady.”

Among other groups involved in stuffing bears have been Girl Scout Troops, a Boy Scout troop, 4-H Club members, Church Women United at their district meeting, some friends, the Waycross Youth campers, grade school children, Women’s Associations of two different churches, employees of Monroe Bank and one lady who made bears for her court ordered community service project. I was asked to bring the bear stuffing to Hospitality House—now Garden Villa, but it was too difficult for the residents there. Bear stuffing is a social activity which keeps everyone’s hands and minds involved.

Of all the help I’ve received from others over the years, I believe the most challenging was the lady who had court-ordered community service hours. She could not tolerate being around people and chose to make bears at home. She worked unsupervised. She completed the required hours by making the bears by hand after her machine broke. This took her several months.

In September, 2001, I was surprised by a phone call from a local newspaper reporter with the Herald Times. That reporter had heard of Hug-a-Bears and wanted to write a story. It was a story, indeed, that covered half of the page in the Neighbors section including by a lovely color picture. Wow! What an honor!

The story was also carried by the Rushville Republican in Rushville, Indiana. I had written a community news column for that newspaper. I had resided in Milroy, Indiana for over 30 years.

The story in the Herald Times was picked up by a national women’s magazine, Women’s World. I had never dreamed such a humble little project could create so much attention.
I needed some recipients, but recipients of the bears are rarely known. However, in searching, I located four children who had received this little bit of cheer. A professional photographer came to photograph these four children (with parent’s permission) with over 200 bears that I had made. A story and the picture appeared in the April 2002 issue. What a surprise that was!

During the years that I’ve made these little bears, I’ve heard some interesting stories. One was about a little three-year old boy. He and his mother, a single parent, were involved in an auto accident. When his mama was taken for x-rays, he was terrified. An ER nurse calmed him with a nice large eyeless bear made in flannel. It became his comforter and companion. His mother said, “It saved his life.” Six years later he was still keeping that bear nearby even on vacations.

His mother related that she had no idea how the eyeless bear was supplied. His mother used a permanent marker to give the bear eyes. When I was working with a Girl Scout troop in Ellettsville, he heard about it and wanted to join in the stuffing. However, could not because of illness. He desired make a bear for another child. His mother requested that I ask his scout troop about stuffing bears so some other frightened little boy could enjoy the comfort of a nice “fluffy friend.” That troop of young teenage boys worked very hard during the 45 minutes they were allowed. Their dedication to the task impressed me and their Scout Master.

Another story that comes to mind is of a woman who lost her husband and mother within a few hours of each. She began crying uncontrollably over her losses, which was very understandable. Finally one of the nurses gave her a bear. She told me that she never let go of that bear for a week while she was in the hospital. However, when her daughter began helping get her things together to leave, her daughter tried to just toss that old bear. The lady told me, “I grabbed it and told my daughter that was a savior for her. It was not going to be thrown away.”

In the 20 years, I estimate that I have made over 10,000 bears. These little bits of me have gone to many children and adults. I’ve used them as get-well cards and even as reminder of their loved one after a death. A little embroidery on a satin bears soothes many hurts. Originally the satin bears (made from scraps from wedding and special occasion gowns I’d altered) were made for delivery to residents of the nursing homes in Bloomington, Ellettsville, Spencer, Gosport and a group home in Spencer on Christmas Day. This project was originated by a local counselor and continued for over five years until the counselor returned to his homeland, Israel. I tried to continue but found it too exhausting. However, the last year, a therapy dog joined us at Hospitality House. The dog’s master had arranged for the dog’s presence. That dog was a hit.

Besides the Bloomington Hospital Emergency Department and the nursing homes, these bears have gone to the City Police, the State Police, the children at Crestmont Housing (over 300 were delivered one year to this low-income area), Salvation Army Child Care, children at Middle Way House, and children at a Mission School in the Philippines. In the Philippines, the children earned points for accomplishments, then could “buy” a bear with their “points” as a reward. Currently I deliver the bears only to the Surgical Center on Tapp Road. They use over 40 bears a month for children aged six and under.

Hug-a-Bears have been a very popular with everyone. This has not been a just one person’s project, but has been a community project with many people assisting in different ways. Donations of fabrics and fiberfill the list goes on and on. My thanks go out to everyone who has helped in this ministry over the years.

I trust that other ladies will pick up on this valuable project when I am unable to continue. I have appreciated the ladies who have constructed bears, adding many more to my creations, and thus enabling bears to comfort more children and hurting people. We never know what love that little bit of fabric and fiberfill will carry. After all aren’t we commanded to minister to the “least of these?”

Ferne Stout October 2012.

P.S. Before moving to Bloomington, I made horses using unbleached cotton fibers that still had seeds in it. Those little animals had to be stuffed tight so they could stand on all four feet. Also, dolls for the Hospital Auxiliary at the Rush County Hospital, Rushville, Indiana. My 4-H Club girls loved “horse making,” too. I’ve also made numerous lap robes and crib quilts.

Helen Zike: 100 Years Young and Still Volunteering by Ramon Tristani

One hundred years and counting! That’s how long Helen Zike has been serving family, friends, and especially those living in need. At the tender age of eleven, when her mother’s health faltered, she assumed responsibility for her three sisters, a role that she still takes seriously.  Age seems to be of no consequence to Helen.  Having been married for more than 60 years, Helen is now a widow but still lives independently – taking care of the day to day chores of a homemaker from paying the bills to keeping fit.

Helen is active as part of Area 10 Agency on Aging’s RSVP 55+ Volunteer Program, helping others by making articles destined for those in need. Helen leads neighbors and friends as part of the “Good Neighbor’s Club” in various projects, from making teddy bears to complex quilts.  Everything is hand-made and is donated to assist organizations like the Crisis Pregnancy Center in Bloomington. 

Helen has used her gift of long life to leave a lasting legacy of good and meaningful deeds. Her focus is not about what she has done to stay healthy over 100 years of life.  Her focus is on loving and giving. 

Looking at the quilts that she makes one can see the fine stitches, so fine that they seem machine-made.   But, they are not – Helen’s eyes are in excellent shape.  Likewise, her sense of humor holds steady and keeps people laughing.

What does Helen prescribe for dealing with “the blues”?   “Shake it and keep busy!” she says.  Helen has used this antidote successfully for over 100 years!

What does Helen look forward to? Health and time to keep doing the work she loves.

Our Volunteers: Pat and Ray Doyle by Ramon Tristani

Born and raised in Bloomington, Pat and Ray were destined to serve. As I was interviewing them at their home I was able to confirm what many of us suspect: that some people are born with a special gift that drives them to serve with joy, selflessness, and eagerness to make life better for others.

Pat and Ray have been married for 48 beautiful and productive years bearing two sons and five grandchildren that fill their lives with joy. For many years, in Bloomington and later in Terre Haute, Ray held jobs as a maintenance man while Pat worked in the Registrar’s Office of Indiana State University. It was there that Ray and Pat received the call to volunteer their time and life in service to others; not without going through a life changing experience. Sometimes, such an experience, called a crisis by some, is needed to release the gift that is in us. Ray’s health began to deteriorate. Heart problems and spinal stenosis that required surgery forced him to retire.

While experiencing the boredom that usually follows retirement, Ray received a word that would change his life forever. Why not volunteer his knowledge, experience and ultimately his life for the benefit of others? Both he and Pat grabbed the opportunity of a lifetime that would channel their energy and emotional resources towards fulfilling the needs of the many while generating an immense amount of satisfaction that would forever take away their feelings of uselessness.

So our friends joined Area 7 in Terre Haute and actively engaged in Habitat for Humanity, the Boy Scouts of America, CARE packages for the troops, making and delivering crochet blankets,  purchasing and delivering meals to the less fortunate and directly engaging the needs of the needy as requirements arose. After some time, the Doyle’s returned to Bloomington joining Area 10 and the RSVP program where they have continued exercising their ministry in favor of the less fortunate. In their home the walls are decorated with plaques awarded to them for exemplary service by many government and independent agencies all bearing witness to the extraordinary effort being made by this wonderful couple that were brave enough to listen and obey the call to volunteer.

I asked them about their hopes and dreams and what they would be looking forward to. Not to my surprise they said that they would like to be remembered for being good parents and good persons, people that did what they were meant to do. And what do they want from life? Their simple answer: health and time to continue doing what they are doing.

Thankful for the privilege of having been in their company, humbled by their example, and feeling their love and friendship, I bode them “Adios” (Goodbye) at the end of our meeting. Today, by inspiring me, they added another star to their crown.

Our Fourth Volunteer Spotlight

At the request of a fellow RSVP volunteer, our fourth spotlight highlights Stephen Main.  Steve is the team coordinator for the REPAIRS program, which is a volunteer home repair program for seniors through the Area 10 Agency on Aging.   He along with Bob Muldoon and approximately 10 volunteers are able to give their time to help seniors with minor home repair projects and handicap accessibility construction projects, such as wheelchair ramps and low-rise steps.  Steve and Bob were featured in an article in the Herald-Times in August 2011.

Steve was born in Shelbyville and grew up in Indianapolis.  One of four children, he was influenced early by his mother’s love of music.  She played piano, and all of his siblings played an instrument as well.  His background in music influenced him to become a music teacher.  He taught in Lafayette, Martinsville, and Carmel, and he retired at the age of 55 after having taught for 30 years.  In that time, Steve and his wife had two children who now reside in Bloomington and Indianapolis.  Steve is also grandfather to four who are each musically inclined in their own right.  After retiring, Steve moved to northern Monroe County.  Since 1998, he has played cello with the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra.

And, although he loves music, his passion lies in woodworking and building trades.  He enjoys building and making furniture.  After working with Habitat for Humanity and setting up the organization in Morgan County, Steve now coordinates the REPAIRS program.  Once a week, he is able to go out into the community and help seniors with small jobs – minor plumbing, minor electrical, building steps or a ramp – and allow them the freedom and safety to remain in their homes.

Steve loves working with the people who request his help.  He says that the seniors are very appreciative of his team’s work, and that the same clients tend to call over and over again.  Steve sees that as a compliment for a job well done and the trust they have in his work.  Many seniors are nervous to call repair agencies or contractors and having strangers in their house and not know who to trust.  The REPAIRS team helps alleviate those concerns.

Steve lives by the following mantra taken from John F. Kennedy, “To those whom much is given, much is expected.”  He feels as though he has been blessed in his life, and he feels he must now give back to those in need.  In my short talk with Steve, I feel as though he is sincere in his actions and words.  He has clearly made an impact on those around him, and RSVP is lucky to call him a friend.

Older Americans Month

Please read this press release honoring Volunteers 55+

http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/newsroom/releases_detail.asp?tbl_pr_id=2096

 

From Our Director……..

May is Older Americans Month.  This past week, May 7^th-11^th, was designated Senior Corps Week, a time of national recognition for the contributions and achievements of older volunteers within the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Foster Grandparents, and Senior Companions programs.  This year’s Older Americans’ theme – Never Too Old To Play – spotlights the important role older adults play in sharing our communities’ history through their experience, wisdom, and understanding, and passing on that knowledge to other generations.

Lifelong participation in social, cultural, creative, and physical activities has proven health benefits.  Studies show that interactions across generations enrich the lives of everyone involved.  Young people who have significant relationships with a grandparent or elder report that these relationships helped shape their values, goals, and life choices and given them a sense of identity and roots.

We as a nation have many reasons to show appreciation for the value that older adults continue to bring to our communities.  Thanks to all of you, and special thanks to the over 450 RSVP volunteers for your passionate service that impacts the daily needs in our communities.    In the past year, RSVP volunteers have contributed over 63,000 hours of service to non-profits in our community, addressing issues such as hunger, homelessness, human rights, aging, education, health and wellness, justice and mediation, illiteracy, arts and culture, animal welfare, disaster recovery and relief, allowing the elderly and disabled to live independently, unemployment, environment, domestic violence, and many, many more.

Without these volunteers, so much good would be left undone!  Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!

Rebecca Nunley, Director

RSVP of Monroe and Owen Counties

Our Third Volunteer Spotlight

It has been two months since I have been able to post a blog due to personal life issues, but I am happy to publish a new spotlight on another wonderful RSVP volunteer.

Our third volunteer spotlight highlights Veronica Lenard.   I met Veronica earlier this week, and she is one of the most active 80-year old women I have ever known.  I hope to be half as active as she is when I am 80.

Veronica was born and raised in Budapest, Hungary, and shortly before her 18^th birthday she left home – moving to Austria and Canada before finding a home here in the United States.  After marrying her husband, who is a scholar, she moved around the United States before making their permanent home here in Bloomington.

Veronica is a Clinical Social Worker by calling, and at the age of 73 opened her own small private practice.  A majority of her clientele has come from Employment Assistance Programs via local companies.  For 3-6 sessions, she helps every day people work through momentary life issues.

Her joy of working with people lead her to volunteer through RSVP.    Her first assignment was to work with the Job Link program at the Shalom Center.  After a year with them she moved on to working with young families in the community and then on to aiding a low-vision group.  For 2 years, she worked with a small group of families in the Grandparents as Parents program.  Their familial situation was as the name implies, but unfortunately, the group didn’t grow as hoped.

For the past 4 years, Veronica has donated her spare time to Volunteers in Medicine.  She works 2 shifts a month totaling 6 hours.  This opportunity allows her to use both the social and clinical aspects of her profession in helping the Bloomington community.

Veronica is always on the go, and even after a medical scare this winter, she is still donating her time and talent to those around her.  She is an inspiring woman who I hope challenges you to keep moving and keep giving.  RSVP is lucky to have her talents and passion.

Here is a nice picture of Veronica that her husband was kind enough to send me.

Our Second Volunteer Spotlight

Our second volunteer spotlight focuses on Alice Oestreich.  Alice was gracious enough to invite me to see her in action at the Monroe County Girl Scout Square Dance this past Saturday at the Monroe County Fairgrounds.  It was a wonderful event that allowed fathers and daughters involved in Girl Scouts to have a night to cut loose and enjoy time together.

But, first, let’s focus on our volunteer.  Alice was born and raised in Bloomfield, IN.  As one of 10 children, Alice joined Girl Scouts at a young age, and it allowed her to “be her own person.”  She moved to Bloomington to attend college and became part of the campus Girl Scout program.  In addition, once she began teaching school, she started a Girl Scout troop at her school.  One of the biggest influences on her life was June Bogard.  June has since passed away, but Alice remembers her as a wonderful mentor who was always there to make sure Alice could participate in Girl Scout activities.

Alice retired in June 2004 and began volunteering right away.  At the request of Christine McKenna, she joined RSVP in 2006.  She has not slowed down one bit during retirement.  Her current volunteering activities include:

1. Volunteering at Global Gifts – a fair trade store in downtown Bloomington
2. Volunteering at the Buskirk Chumley Theater as an usher
3. Chairperson for the Commission on Aging
4. Steering committee member for Creative Aging Festival
5. Advisor for the IU Campus Girl Scouts
6. Organizer of several events for Monroe County Girl Scouts
7. Editor of weekly e-newsletter for Monroe County Girl Scout volunteers

As mentioned, Girl Scouts has been a huge part of Alice’s life.  She enjoys meeting the young girls and seeing the difference Girl Scouts can make in their lives as they grow up.  The square dance this past weekend will create memories for these young girls that will last a lifetime.  In addition, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, the Girls Scouts worked very hard on a community service project.  In honor of Girl Scouts turning 100 years old on March 12, nearly 500 Girl Scouts and volunteers worked to create tied-fleece blankets for babies (124), catnip sock toys (188), dog chew toys (563) and decorated lunch bags for the Area 10 Agency on Aging Senior Nutrition Program (510).

Personally, I had a wonderful time meeting Alice and seeing the energy and passion she has for volunteering and Girl Scouts.  Seeing the impact of her hard work on young girls inspires me to do the same.  RSVP is lucky to have such a committed and dedicated woman in Alice.

Veterans History Project

There are wonderful articles this week in The Herald Times and The Ellettsville Journal regarding the Area 10 Agency on Aging’s Veterans History Project ceremony that took place Monday, January 23 at the Endwright Center.  This event was held to encourage veterans to preserve their stories through oral histories.  The Owen Valley High School Junior ROTC presented a flag to surviving members of Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Fritsche’s family.  Ryan was killed in July 2007 in Afghanistan.  Ryan’s family was able to tell their story, and it and so many others will be recorded for future generations to understand the perils of war.  Below are some pictures taken by Rebecca Nunley of this wonderful event.

 

Stories of Service: Preserving Veterans’ Oral Histories

Are you interested in honoring and preserving the stories of our local veterans?  Please join Area 10 Agency on Aging as we collect stories for veterans, their families, and future generations in a project called: Stories of Service: Preserving Veterans’ Oral Histories. We will be kicking off this project with an honorary ceremony on Monday, January 23^rd from 1:00 to 2:30pm at the Endwright Center in Ellettsville.  This ceremony will include presentations by veterans’ groups and will inform the community about how to participate in the ‘Stories of Service’ project.   After the ceremony, we will schedule and record stories from veterans throughout the spring and summer.  Copies will be given to the veteran, kept for community records, and some will be sent to the Library of Congress for national preservation.  We are currently in need of volunteers to help set up for the ceremony and volunteers to help by bringing cookies and drinks for ceremony participants.  We are also looking for veterans groups who would like to have representatives join us at the ceremony, and for veterans who would like to sign up to record their story.  Please call Rebecca Nunley at 812-876-3383 extension 523 if you (or someone you know) are interested in participating or volunteering.

Our First Volunteer Spotlight

Let me introduce Helen Kane & Marianne (Mitch) Aurich!  What wonderful and amazing women!  I was so honored to meet Helen and Mitch the week before Christmas, and I am very excited to have them be the first featured volunteers on our blog!

Helen and Mitch are loving partners of 23 years!  Helen was originally from California, and Mitch was originally from New Jersey.  They met in “beautiful downtown Vera Cruz, Indiana”, as they say, after living parallel lives all across the United States.  And fate brought them together in a small town outside Ft. Wayne!

But what brought them to Bloomington?  Mitch came to IU-Bloomington on a business trip and fell in love with this beautiful area.  After working and living in Bluffton, Indiana for almost two years, they decided they needed a change.  Within a few weeks of that decision, both women had job interviews, job offers, and moved to Greene County.  A couple of years in, they found and bought their unique dream home, a foam dome, in the woods near Brown County, where they are living happily ever after.

In the early 90s, they opened their store, Gypsy Sisters, which sold new and used home décor and furniture.  The store was housed in the building currently occupied by Café D’jango, then moved to the new Allen Building. After 3 years in business, they had to close when Helen became seriously ill.  Mitch began driving school busses, becoming the MCCSC Special Needs Bus Trainer.

Both women eventually went back to their social work roots via their jobs and volunteering.  At the start of 2006 Mitch learned that she had a brain tumor.  She went through a life-threatening surgery to remove it, luckily benign.  Unfortunately she was laid off of work shortly afterward.

About two years ago, Mitch began working with RSVP.  She began visiting St Charles School to help with our The World Needs Me program, as well as with Betty Jane who was suffering from COPD.  Mitch provided companionship, ran errands and went on small adventures with Betty Jane.  They quickly became a Mutual Admiration Society.  Recently however, a family emergency called Mitch back to New Jersey.  Helen, who had been working with Hospice for years, checked in on Betty Jane, and soon formed a friendship of her own.  Betty Jane requested that RSVP have both Mitch and Helen visit her.  Unfortunately before Mitch could get back, Betty Jane’s condition worsened, and she passed away at home, as she had wished.  Helen helped clear out her apartment and arranged a memorial service with tea and cookies, Betty Jane’s favorite fare for all her guests.

Helen and Mitch also volunteer with Circles of Monroe County.  Circles is a way for people to build relationships across class and race lines to end poverty in their families and communities.  Helen and Mitch serves as “allies” for those who go through the program.

Unfortunately, this is just scratching the surface of Helen and Mitch’s story.  We met for a little over an hour, and I feel as though we could have talked all day.  These women are absolutely amazing.  They have devoted their lives to helping others while struggling through life’s speed bumps along the way.  RSVP is honored to have friends such as Helen and Mitch.