Volunteer Appreciation at Heather Heights of Pittsford

By Leo Calabrese, Recreation Director

Time is a precious commodity. We never seem to have enough time to do the all the things we need to do, let alone all the things we want to do. That is why a community such as Heather Heights cherishes the people that volunteer their precious time in order help in our community. In November, we will hold a "Volunteer Appreciation Harvest" event to honor those who have chosen Heather Heights as a place to sow the seeds of volunteerism, so that we might reap the harvest of their efforts.

Our volunteers come from many different backgrounds. They can be college or high school students who need to perform some community hours in order to graduate, older people looking to fill some lonely hours, or folks from a local church or synagogue who wish to worship with others who share their faith. It really doesn't matter what the motivation is: volunteering one's time in the service of others is a highly commendable and unselfish act.

In the hectic world in which we live, finding volunteers is not an easy task. Our community is competing with many other organizations for a very small pool of people willing to volunteer their time. Forming relationships with area schools, churches, synagogues, senior centers, and community organizations is essential in recruiting volunteers.

BOCES has always been a valuable source for student volunteerism. Formed by New York State in 1948, the Boards of Cooperative Educational Services has a well-established history of offering programs to meet various needs of general, special, talented and at-risk students.

Simon Chui, one of our most distinguished volunteers is a student at our local Monroe County BOCES #1 district. Simon is a very nice young man, a talented piano player, and autistic. Accompanied by his Para-professional, Jane Countryman, Simon comes to Heather Heights every Thursday and Friday to entertain the residents by playing the grand piano. Folks enjoy listening to Simon play while they eat lunch and the smile on Simon's face shows that he enjoys our residents' warm applause. This not only helps Simon, but also benefits our residents in ways that transcend music. Volunteerism creates symbiotic relationships where both parties give and receive benefits that go beyond any specific activity. Ask any volunteer and chances are that they'll say that they get back much more than they give. At the very least, Heather Heights volunteers always receive our gratitude, respect, and recognition for the gift of that most valuable of commodities: time.  

Why volunteer at Heather Heights?

• Heather Heights is a great place to develop and refine your public speaking or performance skills. Our residents love to hear musical recitals, listen to presentations on interesting subjects, and watch dance recitals. You are guaranteed to have an appreciative audience!
• You can get a new perspective on Rochester history and learn things that you won't find in any history book. Our residents love to give history lessons!
• Colleges love to see community service activities on applications.
• If you are thinking of a career in health care, you can learn about the field from real professionals.
• You will make new friends and have an opportunity to share your favorite interests with wonderful people.
• You will brighten the lives of our residents and they will love you for it!

Call our Recreation Department to apply! 585.264.1600

Volunteers 16 years of age or younger must be accompanied by a parent or group leader.