Volunteer Connection Newsletter

 

TRU Volunteer Connection Zoom Meeting Schedule and Opportunities

11/11  Special Event: We Honor Veterans Program: Documentary -  Return to Nam 7:00pm It is never too late to say thank you and take a wrong and make it right. Please join us for this powerful documentary on love and healing for the men and women who served in Vietnam. This is an informational and insightful documentary, followed by a discussion with a few veterans that were in the film. Go to www.trucare.org/returntonam to sign up today!!!

11/13  VC Zoom Meeting: Veteran Program - Qualified Listeners 12:15-1:45pm - Greg Goettsch will share his personal story of being a Vietnam Veteran and how he started his program.

11/13 TRU Wellness Committee Presents: COMEDY SHOW 7:30pm - Vinnie Montez. As a 20 plus year veteran of law enforcement, his experiences as a cop and his Mexican heritage are the foundation for his comedy: you just can’t make some of this stuff up. Vinnie got into comedy in 2007 as a means of addressing the stress and trauma of dealing with horrible situations. His first comedy special debut was on Dry Bar Comedy, released in 2019, Vinnie Montez: Armed & Hilarious. With a focus on telling funny stories about being a police officer and promoting better mental health for the men and women in blue, he is a favorite at events around the nation.

11/20  VC Zoom Meeting: Veteran Program - Pending

11/27  Zoom Meeting: Cancelled – Happy Thanksgiving Holiday

12/2 1-2:30: The Conversation Project: New Volunteer Training. We are looking for volunteers! If you are interested in becoming a trained Conversation Coach for The Conversation Project in Boulder County, please join us for our last 2020 session. You will learn about the history of The Conversation Project, advance directive basics, and how to help people have these vital conversations with those that matter most. AmandaMeier@trucare.org

12/2    TRUvie Movie: Coco

If you have not seen it, it is a classic. Its simple themes of family, music, life and death, especially in these troubling times, are more than enough to make it a force for good in the world.  Miguel and his family are at odds over his love of music. There is a hard, fast rule that music in any capacity isn’t allowed and there is no discussion or real explanation. After a large argument, Miguel runs off, only to end up in the Land of the Dead, where he meets his ancestors and his adventure begins.  The truly touching thing about “Coco” is that it accepts death as part of life. In a country that regularly aims to make us forget about such things, simply acknowledging it brings a beauty of its own.

12/4    VC Zoom Meeting: Book Club - Final Gifts by Maggie Callanan and Patricia Kelley "For everyone who has been or ever will be close to someone who is dying, this book is aimed at helping them to understand not only what the experience of death is like, but also how to interpret the symbolic messages by which the dying attempt to communicate their needs to us. ... Google Books

Additional Book Club Option: The Five Invitations by Frank Ostaseksi

12/9 1-2:30: The Conversation Project: New Volunteer Training. We are looking for volunteers! If you are interested in becoming a trained Conversation Coach for The Conversation Project in Boulder County, please join us for our last 2020 session. You will learn about the history of The Conversation Project, advance directive basics, and how to help people have these vital conversations with those that matter most. AmandaMeier@trucare.org

12/11 VC Zoom Meeting: Movie - The Farewell

The family of the elderly Nai Nai (Zhao Shuzhen) learn that she is dying and has about three months to live. They decide not to tell her, instead using a family wedding as a chance to make their goodbyes without her knowing. The situation affects her granddaughter, Billi (Awkwafina) the most, who has come over from America for the wedding and is in turmoil about whether Nai Nai should be told the truth. The film finds its soul in how the family carries their grief, and the toll it takes on them. Almost oblivious to it all is Nai Nai, brought to life with such wonderful zest and attitude by Shuzhen. Her marrying of genuine affection and unbridled sass provides some welcome comedic relief.

More than a story of cultural differences, The Farewell is a look at honesty and openness. There are moments where Billi speaks English and immediately excludes many of her relatives from the conversation. This startling disconnect characterizes Billi’s family dynamics, and Nai Nai is often the one keeping them together.

12/18 Volunteer Holiday Celebration

12/25  NO Meeting Today - Merry Christmas!!!