The CRIS TimeBank program will offer a Lend-A-Hand Weekend to all seniors over the age of 55 in the greater Cazenovia area on May 21 and 22. Volunteer members are offering to provide a variety of services and household chores, similar to what TimeBank members do for each other in their TimeBank exchanges.

Whether it is running errands, cooking a meal, spring yard clean-up, organizing papers, garage and closet cleaning, minor household repairs, turning a mattress or any number of other chores on a to-do list, TimeBank members would like to help their neighbors, get to know them in the process and demonstrate how helpful the TimeBank program can be.

The greater Cazenovia TimeBank was started by Community Resources for Independent Seniors (CRIS) in 2014. Based on other TimeBanks across the country, its purpose is to build and strengthen communities through member-to-member exchanges of free services.

As an example, member A cooks a lasagna for member B and receives three hours of credit in return. Member B gets help from member C with yard work and gives up two hours to member C. Sometimes members will team up to complete a large project, such as organizing items for a garage sale. TimeBank members trade their skills, talents and energy, bypassing money as a measure of value. Whether one is a lawyer or a dog-walker, their time is equal.

In keeping with the mission of CRIS, the TimeBank is one way of meeting the needs of seniors as well as friends and neighbors of the larger community. It helps foster a broader sense of community among all area residents. Through TimeBank connections, new relationships are formed and real needs of community members are met.

The TimeBank is open to all adults over the age of 21 in the Cazenovia, Nelson and Fenner area. There is no membership fee (the TimeBank is completely free). The TimeBank maintains a pool of hours to be used by members who need assistance but are unable to earn hours due to illness or disability. Members can donate their earned hours to this pool.

Lend-A-Hand Weekend is open to all seniors. One does not have to be a TimeBank member to receive services during this event.

To sign up for Lend-A-Hand Weekend and request a service, call CRIS at 655-5743 and leave a name, contact information and specific request. One can also email the same information to [email protected]. Sign up will be taking place now through May 8.

For any questions, please contact TimeBank members Jon Davidson (655-3027) or Kathy Bice (655-8870).