Are you a Mayo Clinic employee, family member, volunteer or patient? Are you interested in praying for the Mayo community? A group of believers gathers the first Monday of each month at Calvary Episcopal Church to pray for the Mayo community. They meet from 12:10 p.m.-12:30 p.m. If you would like to participate in the gatherings, or to receive the occasional reminder e-mail to pray for the Mayo community, please contact Susan Hansen at Hansen.Susan@mayo.edu and she will add you to the distribution list.

Caring for an elderly parent can be very demanding and overwhelming. We at Elder Network want to help you. We offer free respite care for short periods of time, to relieve the caregiver to take care of themselves while confidently leaving their loved one. The Caregiver Respite Program is professionals and volunteers working together to provide education, support groups, information and referral services. Galations 6:2 says, “Bear ye one another’s burdens…” Allow Elder Network to help you carry your burdens. Call us today to receive respite care, 285-5272.

You can take your used inkjet and toner cartridges to the Rochester Public Library for recycling. If you’re going into the library, you can deposit your empty cartridges in the plastic bin just to the right of the main doors on the first floor. If you would rather drive up, you can take them to the drive up areas behind the library (on 1st Avenue SE) and drop them in the clear plastic bin to the left of the bookmobile garage door (next to the blue bin for Friends bookstore donations).

Have you ever considered being a blood donor? Thought it would involve too much time and effort? Thought you would never need the benefits the program offers? Think again. Bethany has been in partnership with Mayo Clinic’s Blood Donor program for many years. Many of our members have been recipients of a unit of blood for a variety of reasons. The program is quick and easy. There is a brochure on the table under the mission bulletin board with all the details. Pick up one and consider becoming a part of this worthwhile program for yourself, your family, your church and others who need blood replacement.

Bethesda Upscale Resale, located at 1550 3rd Avenue SE, is in critical need of regular volunteers to help out in all aspects of store operation. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and to make a difference. All funds raised go to Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, a ministry that serves the physical and spiritual needs of people with developmental disabilities. For more information, please call Marni Kramer at 1-800-783-8926.

The Senior Net Computer Lab is a learning center located in the Rochester Senior Center on 121 North Broadway. You may contact the Program Director at 424-6407 for more information on the Center and the lab.

The Ronald McDonald House provides a home-away-from-home and gives support to families seeking medical care for their children in our community. They are looking for individuals, friends, or couples interested in volunteering at the House. Right now, opportunities for new volunteers are on weekends. Volunteers are asked to make a one-year commitment to the RMH. Shifts are three hours in length and we ask for a commitment of two shifts per month Please contact Sue Weber at 252-2161 if you would like more information or stop by the House for an application.

The Minnesota Dept. of Human Services, Telephone Equipment Distribution Program, provides specialized telephone equipment free of charge for eligible Minnesotans who are hard of hearing, have difficulty with their speech and/or have a physical disability. Call 1-800-657-3663 or online www.tedprogram.org.

Next Chapter Ministries(old name-Rochester Network for Re-Entry) Next Chapter Ministries is an organization that seeks to build lasting relationships with people in our community who have been impacted by crime, restoring them to God, family, and community. Included in this ministry are: Jail Ministry: Staff and volunteers visit men and women in jail to build relationships and share the good news of God’s love through Bible Studies. The Discipleship Homes (men) and The Fellowship Home (women): The Discipleship and Fellowship Homes are meeting places and residences for men and women who have been in jail or prison. The mission of these homes is to assist, develop, and train individuals so that their lives become living testimonies to the ways of the Lord. The Lighthouse: Through juvenile detention center Bible Studies, mentoring, small groups, and social activities. The Lighthouse seeks to build relationships with youth (ages 12-18) from crime prone families and situations, pointing them towards a relationship with God. The Locker Room For Life: An outreach to children that come from crime-prone families and situations, The Locker Room For Life is a learning center that teaches children about the love of Christ and His transforming power. Bible lessons, crafts, games, and activities are offered.

For more information on Next Chapter Ministries, or to get involved, contact our offices at (507) 529-5799 or visit www.nextchapterrochester.org.

Child Care Resource and Referral is reaching out to people who are caring for the children of a family member, friend, or neighbor. Caring for a child is a big job and we would like to offer support, assistance and resources that can make the job easier and give the parents peace of mind! For more information, contact Sheila Peloquin at 287-2020, ext. 157.

Whether you need help installing a grab bar in your shower, changing that hard to get light bulb, or maintaining your yard, help is available for persons 60 and over. Services are provided on a contribution basis, which in turn ensures the program’s future availability. If you or someone you know could benefit from this service, call the Home Services Coordinator at 287-2010.

Exercise, sing, dance, learn and socialize! Celebrate life at the Rochester Senior Center, located at 121 North Broadway, where they provide a number of programs and services to keep you active, healthy and independent. Sign up for computer classes where you can learn the basics or more advance skills, Discover a new hobby like woodcarving or scrapbooking. For a complete listing of activities or more information, please visit their website at www.rochesterseniorcenter.org or call 287-1404. Age well to live well.

The Macular Degeneration Support Group meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 10:45 a.m. This program varies between guest speakers, product information, round table discussion, and support. Ed Letcher from State Services for the Blind will be the guest speaker on September 11.

The Health and Nutrition Group meets the last Wednesday of each month at 2:00 p.m. This group is led by Jacalyn See from the Mayo Clinic, providing group topics and leadership. You may call 287-1404 for more information about groups.

Castle Café: Looking for something new to try for lunch during the week? Stop by Castle Café, located on the first floor of the Senior Center to try the Soup/Sandwich/Salad Bar. A different sandwich and soup are offered each day. The café is open Mondays from 11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m. and Tuesdays through Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. No reservations needed. Prices range from 25 cents/oz. of salad to $4.00 for a soup and sandwich combo.

The Restoration Center, 322 1st Avenue SW, is a place for you and your family to share, to heal, to rest, to love each other and to sit by the fire and warm your heart. It is open from 12:00 -10:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 12-4:30 p.m.

By calling one statewide number, 1-866-333-2466, those needing information and referrals can get connected to community services and supports for people with disabilities, chronic illness, families, friends and service providers. No question is too big or small

What if you had a medical appointment but no transportation? This is a dilemma that many area senior citizens face. The Senior Assistance Transportation Program provides transportation to and from medical appointments for area senior citizens. Family Service is in urgent need of volunteer drivers. Volunteers are needed on an on-call basis, as rides are scheduled around client appointments. Volunteer drivers must have a reliable vehicle and a valid drivers’ license; volunteers are reimbursed mileage. If you are interested in helping area senior citizens, please call 287-2010.

Are you struggling to pay for your prescription medications? Catholic Charities was awarded a grant through United Way of Olmsted County to assist individuals in obtaining free or discounted prescription medications through our MediAppS program. If you would like more information, contact Bridget Berkland at 287-2047.

Meals on Wheels of Rochester has a need for additional volunteer drivers. Whether you are available once a week or once a month, we could use your help! Individuals, groups, families, retired persons or employees who are available to volunteer over their lunch hour are encouraged to call! Routes are available 7 days a week and can be assigned to meet your schedule/availability. Please call Family Services at 287-2010 if you have an hour to serve.