(Woo Chan Joo/Daily Herald) Al and Arlene Grossman of Buffalo Grove sit in a classroom at Edgar Allan Poe Elementary School.

For some people, retirement signifies time to take up golf or fishing, or that there is finally an opportunity to travel, or to read all those books that have been gathering dust on the bookshelves waiting for that "someday" to come when there would be time to finally do some serious reading. Arlene and Al Grossman decided to go back to school after they retired, not as students, but as volunteers who spend time with the children and assist the staff members. Both members of this husband and wife team are active volunteers at Poe School in Arlington Heights. Al compared the satisfaction that he receives from his volunteer work as being akin to a "runner's high," and said that he finds it very enjoyable and rewarding to work with children. Arlene said, "I like kids, and when I retired I knew I wanted to do something with kids. I feel that by helping the children we are doing something worthwhile. We are looking forward to going back to Poe in the fall." When the Grossmans began volunteering at Poe, for three years they each mentored an ' eight-year-old boy. They spent time with the boys, reading, talking, and playing games. When these students moved on to middle school, AI began reading to two fourth and fifth grade classes at Poe, and for the past five years he has also been reading to fourth and fifth graders at Tripp School every week.

Barb King, school secretary at Poe, describes the Grossmans as being, "absolutely dynamite." King said, "They volunteer for the entire school year; they are patient, constantly on time, and they do whatever is needed. Every two weeks for the past two years they have worked as a team to put together the "Friday Flyer" which is a school announcement sheet." To show their appreciation, Poe staff members honored Arlene and AI recently at an award ceremony, where they were presented with a gift certificate and a beautiful card in recognition of their many hours of dedicated service to students and staff.

Before retirement, Al worked as a salesman, and Arlene was employed as a secretary. Currently, Al enjoys spending time at the health club, reading, watching TV, and keeping up to date on current events. When Arlene retired about seven years ago she decided to devote part of her spare time to reading, sewing, gardening, and going to the gym. They both enjoy spending t~me with their family which includes two daughters and two granddaughters. The Grossmans have been married for 50 years, and have been residents of Arlington Heights for nine years. They are members of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).

There is a great need for volunteers to work in local schools as mentors, to help with homework assignments, helping with before and after school programs, to read to the children, assist the staff, and many other rewarding tasks. To find out how you can become involved in helping to shape the future of a child, or how you can share your time and talents in some other type of challenging volunteer work, call The Volunteer Center (all ages) at 847-228-1320. The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program places people 55 years of age or better, and they can be reached at 847-228-1006. More information can also be obtained by visiting their website at www.volunteerinfo.net.

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