Oklahoma State University Emeriti Association and Stillwater Public Library will offer a program for retirees on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 1:30 p.m. about helping in the community.  The class, “Volunteering Opportunities in Stillwater,” will be presented by Sheri Carter, Executive Director of the Stillwater United Way, and is part of “Making the Most of Retirement,” a monthly series that takes place at the library.

Volunteer opportunities can be found throughout town, but the Stillwater United Way has set up a system to refer volunteers to agencies that need help.

“The Stillwater Volunteer Center housed at the Stillwater United Way office can help community members make significant changes in our community,” said Carter.  “We ask potential volunteers to complete an application process, and then we match their interests, time, and talents to an existing need in the community.”

Carter will explain how to register through the referral system, and then will describe the numerous opportunities available in organizations throughout the community.  Local organizations like the Stillwater Medical Center, Tiny Paws Kitten Rescue and public schools register their volunteer needs through the United Way system. 

Carter, who has been in her position since October 2008, is also an avid volunteer.  Carter helps at the First United Methodist Church, the Human Energy Linking Program in Stillwater, Leadership Stillwater Alumni Association, and serves on the advisory board for the Stillwater CARES, Inc. organization.  She is also an ambassador for the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and serves as chair of the Payne County Emergency Food and Shelter Program advisory board.

The presentation is designed to give retirees the information and resources necessary to find a fulfilling position that makes a difference in their own lives as well as in the community.

“Making the Most of Retirement” meets the third Wednesday of each month.  All retirees are invited to attend the free programs, and no registration is required.  Upcoming programs include:

Oct. 16 - Nutritional and Dietary Issues Relating to High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol
Nov. 20 - Stillwater’s Primrose Retirement Community
Dec. 18 - Factors to Evaluate in Determining Whether to Purchase a Stock
Jan. 15 - Financial Planning for Successful Aging

Retirees interested in learning more about the programs should visit http://retiredinstillwater.wordpress.com or contact the library at 405-372-3633 x106 or askalibrarian@stillwater.org.