Page-14

Ed & Johanne's
Notes from the road

Page 14

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Washing pots, pans and dishes is an important part of the job. Other responsibilities are to vacuum, sweep, mop, clean tables and chairs, also driving participants to the doctors or shopping or some other errands.. Then on a rotating basis, to secure the building at night and to open in the morning and on weekends to account for all participants each morning and make sure they are OK. And, if there are enough volunteers some may be assigned to maintenance, mowing or painting or such.

   Volunteering is not all fun and play.
    Chopping, cutting, stirring, brewing, scrambling, etc.
     But, this picture really tells the story.

Our volunteer term was up as of the 1st of May. Before moving out of Care's Volunteer row I went in and asked if they wanted us to stay on as we still had doctor & dentist appointments. I was told no...so we moved over to the lot that our friend and fellow volunteer had just purchased.

   Of course, serving the meals is also an important part of volunteering.
     We, of course, enjoy talking with and listening to the stories that participants tell. About their lives before retirement and after. About their travels, the places they enjoyed or where they met some challenge.
     What is so amazing is the numbers that are in their 80's and 90's and still living active lives.
      Both the staff and the participants are grateful for the volunteers (which makes it all worthwhile) and they often tell you that.
       Johanne and I both really enjoyed volunteering last year and I think even more so this year. The refurbishing of the day room and of the management, has brightened the room but also the attitudes of all involved.

We spent a little more than a week there and it was like being on vacation. We relaxed, away from the highway noise and traffic. I got a lot of reading done
We also went to a wine tasting party at Dottie Piercy's home. She is a member of the board for Care. Quite a few of the participants attended as well us some volunteers, staff and park residents. Dottie has a beautiful home that was built by her late husband.

   We also went to Lemon Day an event at the Care Center. It was a fun time with games and treats
     This is a picture of Kitty about to toss the lemon into the basket.
      And our friend Blaine in a straw hat.