​Ellie Graham Claus is involved in an exciting volunteer program, Barnstable BN2N. Associated with the Village to Village national network, BN2N (Neighbor to Neighbor) brings together older residents who are living safely and independently in their own homes and need some additional support with a network of volunteers who are looking for ways to assist neighbors.

To be eligible for assistance, applicants must be over 60 and living in their own home, condo or apartment. The annual fee for a single person is $225, $375 for a couple. This entitles the resident up to 12 service requests a month, each service to last for no more than 2 hours. Services range from watering the house plants to grocery shopping (the service most requested) to transportation to doctors' appointments to computer help.

An all volunteer program, BN2N is supported by the annual fees and by donations. Ellie, who is now secretary of the Barnstable program, would be happy to talk with anyone about this exciting service.


Ellie Graham Claus's Pet Project---NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR
Sylvia Johnson Lucas is involved in the Catalyst Giving Circle, a group of people who are interested in philanthropy and who want to make a difference in the New Britain, CT area. They learn about challenges facing the community and jointly determine grants to nonprofit organizations tackling those issues.



Participants are asked for a first time donation of $150 and then contribute $250 annually. Committees within the Giving Circle identify two or three issues in the community where help is needed. Then appropriate charitable organizations are asked to outline how they would address the issue and estimate the associated cost.

  All members of the Catalyst Giving Circle meet 3 times a year. At the first meeting they learn about the issues under discussion. At the second meeting the charitable organizations present their plans and at the third meeting the membership selects the organization which is awarded $15,000. This is seed money, used to start a program, with the expectation that the program will become self sustaining.

  Recent grants have been awarded to Community Gardens, to Arts and Cultural Organizations and to Services for Children and Young Adults with Autism.
Sylvia Johnson Lucas's Pet Project--- The Catalyst Giving Circle
Joan (Willie) Willenbrok Leonard's Pet Project-"Knitting Knockers"
My latest volunteer effort is “Knitting Knockers” for ladies who have had mastectomies. This project originated in Bellingham, WA and a good friend here in Naples, who has had this surgery, told me about it. I use soft cotton yarn, small round needles, knit sizes A,B,C,D,DD/E.

When stuffed they fit inside a bra. They are lighter and cooler than “store bought” and of course of no cost to the recipients which is a real gift for many women who are greatly appreciative. I take them back to the knitting shop, and they send them to the organization to be stuffed and distributed. It always feels good to do something for others as all Mount Holyoke women know.

If you would like to participate by knitting or by helping finance the huge postage expenses for this this worthy cause the address is:

Knitted Knockers
1405 Fraser St.
F103
Bellingham, WA 98229