Volunteers are, and always have been, the lifeblood of The Otis Health Care Center - without these caring, giving people who donate their time and energy, this wouldn't be the vibrant healthcare hub of the community that it is today. Whether it's office clerking, reading to residents, gardening, driving, greeting, organizing, selling, answering phones, cutting food, or assisting at events, volunteers give so much to Grace Cottage and those we serve.

COURIERS: Audrey Pogonowski is seeking someone to share the responsibility of coordinating this volunteer position with her. This person would help schedule daily courier runs; no driving is required for the co-coordinator, and it's a job that can be done out of the home, requiring telephone calls. Couriers are also needed - this job entails driving to and from Brattleboro sometime after noontime, and this commitment can be made just once a year, once a week, or anything in between. Personal errands can be combined with this round trip to Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Call 365-4700 for more information.

FRONT DESK VOLUNTEERS: Needed, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily, to answer phones and greet people coming into the hospital. Judy Ferenbach and Barbara Barber are the volunteers who coordinate this position. The switchboard is right at the center of the action, at the nurses' station in the hospital, and there's rarely a dull moment. Call 365-4707.

Valley Health Council Director Elaine Scott is the Otis Health Care Center's Volunteer Coordinator, and she is responsible for finding volunteers for all positions with the exception of couriers and front desk volunteers. For more information on any of the following positions, or for a complete list, call 365-7140 ext. 118. There is a broad range of volunteer opportunities available, including those that are regularly or flexibly scheduled, and volunteers can even sign up on a "call me when you need me" basis:

VALLEY HEALTH COUNCIL THRIFT SHOP: Mon., Wed., Fri. or Sat., mornings (10 a.m. - 1 p.m.) or afternoons
(1 p.m. to 4 p.m.). Even just once a month would be a help! The position requires sorting and displaying items, and assisting customers.

MEALS ON WHEELS DRIVERS: Mon., Wed. or Fri., around noon. Depending on the town, about one hour is what it takes to pick up and deliver meals to hungry housebound individuals. There is flexibility in this position as well.

REHABILITATION DEPARTMENT: Answer phones, take messages, file, copy, help physical, occupational and speech therapists schedule appointments on any weekday afternoon, 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.

STRATTON HOUSE NURSING HOME: Any evening, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Help is needed to help pass out dinner trays.