4 Ways Volunteering for St. Vincent Can Help You

Despite being founded nearly 200 years ago, the International Society of St. Vincent de Paul has remained one of the most well-known and respected religious volunteer organizations in the world. The group's volunteers include presidents, astronauts, rock stars and many others from all walks of life around the world. There are more reasons than one might think to dedicate time to such a cause.

Volunteering Benefits Your Health

Research conducted by the Corporation for National and Community Service highlights the positive effects of volunteering. Bottom line: Lending a helping hand can have a surprisingly profound positive influence on your health.

According to a recent and extensive collection of studies, those who volunteer have lower mortality rates (including incidences of heart disease), greater functional ability, and lower rates of depression than those who do not. Adults over 60 reap the benefits to an even greater degree than younger volunteers. Moreover, reports have also suggested that the earlier one starts volunteering, the better off one will be later in life. Plus, some studies have found that volunteers have longer than average life spans.

You'll Be Doing What Successful People Do

Volunteering is a lifestyle choice for many who find pleasure in helping others, and volunteering early in life can help shape your path later on. Take for example undergraduate medical student Carissa Puerzer, a volunteer for the St. Vincent de Paul Society. By volunteering, students like her can acquire useful experience that will help them in their chosen careers.  

It Looks Good

Citing a history of volunteer work can really help spice up a resume and give prospective employees something to allude to during an interview. For those who are still in school, many prestigious organizations and clubs, such as the National Honor Society, require certain amounts of volunteer work before allowing membership. A large, easily recognized organization such as St. Vincent de Paul is a safe choice for such endeavors, as the society has many outlets or events that are likely within driving distance.

It Feels Good

It almost goes without saying that volunteering for a good cause will make you feel great about yourself. It can be very gratifying to help those in need, and the personal approach of the St. Vincent de Paul Society means you can sometimes talk with and see the smiling faces of those you’re helping.

Learn More

The Society of St Vincent de Paul was founded in 1833 by Frederic Ozanam in honor of its namesake, a Catholic priest who dedicated his life to helping the needy in the 1500s and 1600s. To learn more or to begin volunteering, visit svdpusa.org.

Another Night of Trick or Treating and another Lost Cat sign in the neighborhood

I am not sure if the Spirit of Halloween evening calls to house cats everywhere but unfortunately its common to see lost cat signs after a night of trick or treating.  It saddens me to see and I can relate since my cat also exhibited a constant desire to escape every time the doorbell rang.   Closing her into one of the rooms of the house was the only way I could keep her out from underfoot.

My imagination wants to believe its the mystical call of all hallow's eve but in reality cats are smart and they sure do learn quickly that the sound of the bell and the laughter of small children soliciting for candy meant the way to freedom was wide open.  

I am keeping a bowl of food outside to hopefully lure a well loved pet in so I can get them back to ones who miss them dearly.  Hoping for a good luck and success in this.

From “The Hunger Games” to “The Fault in Our Stars”

As a dedicated reader, Carissa Puerzer enjoys popular fiction and classic literature in her spare time. Books offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore new worlds and examine personal beliefs from a fresh perspective. Two of Carissa’s recent literary favorites share a few common characteristics:

• A strong central female character
• Love and loss under difficult circumstances
• Finding a way to cope even when presented with unimaginable choices

The wildly popular “Hunger Games” trilogy by Suzanne Collins has attracted fans from around the world. Katniss Everdeen takes on the challenge of the Hunger Games with grace, self-deprecating wit and a strong sense of herself that persists throughout the entire story. Rather than allowing herself to be defined by the men in her life, Katniss lives her life on her own terms and creates her own destiny out of the wreckage of a crumbling civilization. In a similar way, Hazel Grace Lancaster faces her own fate while maintaining her sense of responsibility for her friends and her parents. As the heroine of “The Fault in Our Stars,” Hazel shares her love of literature and her emotional landscape with Augustus Waters and creates a believable friendship that doesn’t shrink from the hard choices ahead for both of them.

The Role of Fate

Fate plays a major role in the story arcs of Katniss and Hazel. Katniss’s sister, Primrose, is chosen to compete in the Hunger Games through random chance. Hazel’s cancer is also a symbol of fate: Her terminal illness informs and defines many of the choices available to her in the limited time she has. Both young women make strong efforts to change their fates:

• Katniss voluntarily takes the place of her sister and competes in the Hunger Games, setting in motion a series of actions that eventually threatens the fragile structure of her entire civilization.
• Hazel embarks upon a friendship and romantic relationship with Augustus despite her own terminal diagnosis. She also seeks interaction with her favorite author, Peter Van Houten, to achieve closure on the novel that spoke most strongly to her regarding her own situation and the likely repercussions of her eventual death.

These two heroines represent a type of bravery rarely seen in modern society. The willingness to take on the most serious challenges and the most threatening consequences unites Katniss and Hazel despite the significant differences in their backgrounds, personalities and the environments in which they live.

The “Hunger Games” trilogy takes place in a fantasy setting. By contrast, “The Fault in Our Stars” is sometimes uncomfortably real. However, both young women experience similar challenges and heartaches as they make their way to their ultimate destinations. For Katniss, the tragic losses experienced during her journey continue to haunt her throughout her life. Ironically, Hazel expresses a greater measure of hope in her concluding statements and provides a compelling counterpoint to the existential angst communicated by Katniss in the final chapter of “The Hunger Games.”

Succeeding in Retail Sales

The retail environment offers numerous employment opportunities for entry-level employees. Working your way up the corporate ladder, however, can be challenging. Aspiring managerial candidates must demonstrate a meticulous attention for even the most minute details to ensure that orders are placed and filled correctly. Acquiring knowledge of the products and services provided by your company can also demonstrate qualities necessary for upper management. Finally, strong communication skills can prove your value to your employer and pave the way for bigger and better things.

The Irreverent Appeal of Blink-182

As one of the most popular bands in the pop-punk fusion genre, Blink-182has millions of dedicated fans around the world. The band got its start in 1992 in the San Diego suburb of Poway in California and quickly gained popularity in the skate punk and pop-punk communities in that area. In 1995, Blink-182 released their first album. It was not until 1999, however, that the band achieved breakout success with the release of top hits "All the Small Things" and "What's My Age Again?" Today, the band continues to tour and to release albums for music lovers.

The History of Grunge

Grunge music remains popular nearly 30 years after it first emerged in the American music scene. Born in Seattle, grunge music is believed to have originated in the Seattle metropolitan area. The musical genre has its roots in the punk rock movement of the previous decade and the heavy metal and death metal rock produced in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Rather than dealing in the sarcasm and sharp beats created by Blondie and other seminal punk artists, however, grunge delved into the darkness and distortion most evident in the music of the Sex Pistols. Early standouts in the grunge genre included the U-Men, Soundgarden and the Melvins.

Grunge typically focused primarily on guitar-based riffs and drum work. The genre made limited use of keyboards and was characterized by dissonant chords, slower musical tempos and a pared-down musical style that was reflected in the no-frills performances presented by bands like Nirvana, Alice in Chains and Soundgarden. According to some experts, the fact that Seattle was so removed from the general U.S. music scene was a major contributing factor in the development of this unique musical style. Without the pressure to produce commercial content, grunge musicians were free to create new paradigms and new sounds in the Seattle area. When commercial success did arrive, the price was too high for some of these musical pioneers. One of the shining lights of the grunge movement, Kurt Cobain of Nirvana, took his own life at the height of his band’s greatest success.

Navigating the Critical First Month With Your Shelter Cat

According to major animal-welfare organizations, adopting a shelter cat saves two lives:

•           The life of the kitty you take home, and

•           The life of the kitty who takes the newly available slot in the shelter

If you have recently adopted a shelter cat, you can feel good about your decision. A few basic strategies can make the adoption process less stressful for you and your new pet. Here are some helpful hints for managing the first month with a new cat.

Cats Are Territorial

Setting up a small area to acclimate your cat to his or her new surroundings can provide an added sense of security during the first few days. Allowing the cat to own a room within the house can boost confidence and reduce stress for both you and your new pet. Your cat will typically let you know when it's time to open up doors and present further opportunities for exploration in the new environment.

Bathroom Privacy Is Important

Most cats prefer privacy when attending to their bodily functions. Placing the litter box in a quiet and secluded area of the room can encourage your new pet to use it with confidence. Be sure to keep the litter box clean and to refresh it as necessary to ensure the cat is comfortable using the box. Studies have shown that fine-grained clumping litters are preferred by most cats due to the reduced odor and added comfort. Consider switching to one of these types of litter if your cat has issues using the box during his or her first weeks in your home. Otherwise, avoid switching litter brands. Even minor changes in the environment can cause added stress for your shelter kitty.

Time to Dine

Keeping food and water close together and far from the litter box will provide added incentive for cats to eat and drink as necessary. Many cat experts recommend playing with cats prior to feeding them and offering food only twice per day. This strategy more closely resembles the natural habits of cats in the wild:

•           Hunting early in the morning and late in the evening

•           Consuming the prey

•           Sleeping for long stretches after eating

For active cats, engaging in play immediately before feeding can expend excess energy and can reduce unwanted behaviors when you are away during the day. Setting up a schedule for feeding and sticking to it can provide structure for cats new to your home and can ensure a better rapport between owners and their pets.

While some cats may be eager to play from their first day in a new environment, others may be shy or withdrawn until they become comfortable and familiar in your home. Let your cat take the lead in play. By offering a variety of toys without pushing the cat to interact with them, you can identify the most preferred items and can build a healthy and affectionate relationship with your new pet.

Biography: Carissa Puerzer

One motivation for Carissa Puerzer in choosing her academic path was the current and projected shortages of physicians in the United States, especially in remote rural areas and economically depressed urban communities. Physician assistants can provide many of the same basic services offered by physicians and can supplement health care in these areas. By opting to pursue this career, Puerzer will be able to put her skills to good use in the medical field and will be able to help others who might not otherwise have access to viable health options in their immediate area.

Puerzer has had an interest in health and fitness from an early age. During her high school years at De Pere High School in De Pere, Wisconsin, Puerzer participated in track and field events and specialized in hurdles, achieving a considerable degree of success in the sport. She also volunteered at the Aurora BayCare Medical Center and provided valuable support for the health care providers at this facility. By taking advantage of this opportunity, Puerzer was able to acquire first-hand experience in the medical field. This further reinforced her decision to pursue a career devoted to helping patients obtain the best possible medical care possible in the healthcare environment.

Puerzer is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in biology in Wisconsin. This will provide an excellent foundation for her future academic studies in the acclaimed physician assistant training program at this institution. The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health recruits students for this program each year and seeks out qualified students to take on an intensive on-campus training course or a three-year distance learning option. In both cases, students who complete these programs will be well qualified for a position as a physician assistant in major medical facilities or in rural and urban healthcare environments.

Although her studies keep her pretty busy, Puerzer manages to find time to relax and listen to her favorite bands. She is a talented amateur photographer and has a portfolio that includes thousands of pictures. Advanced photo-editing programs allow Puerzer to create minor masterpieces and to capture stunning images of sports events, campus activities and portraits of her friends and family. She continues to run to stay fit and to maintain peak health and physical condition. Puerzer’s commitment to helping others has also led her to volunteer with the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul and to support the organization’s fundraising efforts nationally and in the local community.

As a physician assistant, Carissa Puerzer will be able to provide improved access to health care for patients in remote or underserved areas in the United States or throughout the world. By putting her talents to good use on behalf of those most in need, Puerzer can give back to her community and can offer added hope for patients and their families.