RSVP is looking for a few great mentors

RSVP’s Protégé Mentoring Program is in need of volunteers interested in mentoring a local student who has been identified by school counselors as a child who would benefit from a consistent and reliable adult in their lives.

Adult mentors befriend students who often deal with difficult circumstances in their lives. Mentors become a role model, offer guidance and advice as well as providing a friendly, consistent and reliable voice in the lives of their students.

Mentors, especially ethnically diverse men, are desperately needed in the North Penn and Norristown areas. “Several students in these school districts have been identified as having the potential to greatly benefit from a mentoring relationship but we don’t have enough mentors” reports Ruth Saks, RSVP Protégé mentoring program coordinator.

Since the RSVP mentoring program began more than 20 years ago, hundreds of youth have participated. Today, the program includes more than 40 youth, ranging in age from 7 to 21 or older. These long-term friendships provide youth with a stable and caring role model. The pair may spend time discussing relevant issues or creating memories and fun times through attending sporting and cultural events, working together on a school project or boning up before a test, and discovering a new fun hobby to build the bond of friendship between the pair as well as build the self esteem of students.

Saks feels “It’s always exciting to watch the relationship develop between the mentor and student. I often see the student’s view of the world and themselves broaden and improve. These pairs influence each other in very positive ways.”

The relationships have a profound impact on the mentor and the child and often last many years. One youth said “My mentor has helped me to become a man and influenced me to go to college.” Another states “If I was worried, I’d ask my mentor because he always knows how to comfort me.” One parent gratefully acknowledges “Thank you for giving me back my daughter.” Mentors too have been impacted as one states “My youth now confides in me and trusts my advice. She has enriched my life in so many ways.”

RSVP is a multiservice nonprofit organization responding to community needs through volunteerism. RSVP’s Volunteer Impact Programs focus on the needs of vulnerable populations (such as disadvantaged preschool children, at-risk youth, the elderly, those with low literacy skills and veterans) and by providing support to regional nonprofit organizations. RSVP is always recruiting additional volunteers to participate in outreach programs that serve our greater community. RSVP is now serving Montgomery, Chester and Delaware counties as well as educationally disadvantaged children, youth and veterans in Philadelphia. To learn more please visit www.rsvpmc.org, email: volunteer123@rsvpmc.org or call (610) 834-1040, ext. 123. – Tina M. Weaver Communications Manager, RSVP

Churches announce dates for bazaars

St. Patrick Church, 714 DeKalb St., Norristown, will hold its annual event Friday, November 17th from 5 pm to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, November 18th from 10 am to 8 pm. The bazaar will once again feature Attic Treasure; Children and Teen Booth; Tombla; Craft Booth; Jewelry Rooth; Spirit Wheel; Christmas wreaths on sale; and baked goods; candy; and of course a visit from Santa.

St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, 40 Spring Mount Road, Schwenksville, will host its Annual Christmas Craft Show & Bazaar on Friday, November 17th from 5pm to 9pm and Saturday, November 18th from 9 am to 3 pm. Over 50 area vendors will showcase their authentic, handmade items. Come and enjoy lunch or dinner in our cafe, have your picture taken with Santa in his workshop, take a chance on our raffle baskets and enjoy homemade goodies from our baked goods table.

Parade grand marshall nominations accepted

The Montgomery County St. Patrick’s Parade committee had its first meeting to set plans for the 2018 Conshohocken St. Patrick’s Parade. The parade committee is made up of Ancient Order of Hibernians, Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and Social members who support the AOH Notre Dame Division, which is located in Swedesburg, Upper Merion Township.

The parade date is March 10, 2018 in Conshohocken, with the start time of 2 pm at 11th and Fayette streets. Rain date will be March 24th. Along with the parade other events have been scheduled -- the Grand Marshal’s Ball will take place at the Elmwood Zoo Banquet Hall on March 3rd, and the Irish Coffee contest will take place at the AOH Hall on March 8th.

The Grand Marshal selections are now being accepted. All letters must be sent to the St. Patrick’s Parade Committee at the following address:

Attn. Grand Marshal Nominations, 719 Pershing Street, Bridgeport Pa. 19405

All letters must be received by Monday, December 11th. The announcement will take place at the AOH Appreciation night on December 16th. To be nominated for Grand Marshal, you must be a resident of Montgomery County, be Irish by birth or descent, and be a person who has been a substantial contributor to the community. No nominations will be accepted after December 11th.