SeniorCare Inc. and RSVP of the North Shore would like seniors to be aware of a new initiative called the "Summer of Service."

During the summer, SeniorCare and RSVP will make announcements about our own efforts during the Summer of Service, and we encourage seniors who would like to participate in volunteering to contact RSVP at any time.

Congressman John Tierney has penned the following letter to our seniors to make them aware of this effort and to engage them in volunteer service, as well as other groups of people, to help address community needs, and ensure that no group is left out:

"Community service has been a boon to the senior community for years, providing opportunities for retirees to help their communities. That's why I'm excited to tell you about the 'Summer of Service,' an initiative that will hopefully expand the size and impact of volunteerism in Massachusetts and across the nation.

"As part of the White House's United We Serve initiative that was launched this summer, the Summer of Service focuses on four areas of interest: Clean, sustainable energy and environmentalism; education and mentoring for children; providing health care to those most in need; and community renewal, to revitalize old neighborhoods and breathe new life into them.

"This multi-pronged approach to community service ensures that no group is left behind, and volunteers looking for a specific volunteering opportunity of interest to them can easily find one in their neighborhood.

"I salute Americans who have the courage and the responsibility to become volunteers in their communities, working to improve the quality of life for friends and neighbors. To this end, I am proud to have supported the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act (HR 1388).

"This act, which President Obama signed into law in April, greatly expands the AmeriCorps service program first established by President Clinton in 1993, as well as other initiatives. We in Congress hope that this law will encourage more people to get involved in serving their communities. One of the projects funded by the act is the Senior Corps, a program specifically for seniors who remain active in their communities and want to serve. In our own community we have a SeniorCorps organization called RSVP. RSVP, a volunteer network for those over 55, connects willing senior volunteers with the projects they enjoy, from home building to fund-raising. Over 400 area volunteers are engaged with this group and should be commended!

"We will be engaging with existing councils on aging, the RSVP in our area, and other senior-serving organizations as well as student groups representing the 10 area universities, members of the public and local officials in understanding and supporting their Summer of Service activities across the district throughout the summer and hope that you do as well.

"I urge all interested seniors to visit www.nationalservice.gov to learn more about the Summer of Service, or www.serve.gov to find a project in our area that is right for you. Your help could make all the difference in the world, both in the lives you touch and in your own and as always, if you have any further questions regarding these matters I encourage you to contact me or Cheryl Gresek, my constituent service representative, at 978-531-1669."

SeniorCare Inc. proudly sponsors the RSVP program in our area. RSVP of the North Shore serves Beverly, Danvers, Essex, Gloucester, Hamilton, Ipswich, Manchester, Marblehead, Peabody, Rockport, Salem, Topsfield and Wenham.

Reach RSVP by calling 978-281-1750, or toll free 1-866-927-1050. To see a list of volunteer opportunities, go to http://www.seniorcareinc.org/ and click on the "Volunteer" button on the home page.

Anne Springer is the public relations director of SeniorCare Inc., your local Area Agency on Aging. To reach SeniorCare, call 978-281-1750.