Page 1 - Sentinel May 2018
P. 1
The Perry Park
Sentinel
MAY 2018
VOLUNTEER TO HELP A NEIGHBOR
The Neighbor Network is a non-profit organization which and when getting into town was easier may now need
supports senior citizens’ desires to remain independent as help because of age-related weaknesses, particularly vi-
long as possible. The director, Karie Erickson, lives in sion or coordination problems. But age shouldn’t mean
Perry Park and there are several volunteers in the area, but people who love living here can’t—if they have some
I recently became aware of a need for MORE volunteers, help. Some of us haven’t lived in a town in 40 years! We
particularly those willing to drive a local senior citizen don’t want to move!
into Castle Rock to the doctor or grocery shopping.
Years ago, I overheard a woman in tears at the local driv-
In recent months I’ve gotten “emergency” calls from the ers’ license site. She had just failed her vision test, but
office in Castle Rock. One of our neighbors wasn’t feel- she desperately needed to drive to get her husband to
ing well—she needed someone to help her get to town to the doctor. I didn’t help her then, but through Neigh-
a doctor. I had another commit- bor Network, people like her can
ment. That has happened several get help. Now, if you’re driving a
times. We need more backup. If bunch of kids around, obviously
there were more Neighbor Net- this would not be a good fit! But
work volunteers in the Larkspur if you’re in your mid-years and
area, it would help, particularly the kids have their own wheels, a
in emergencies. possibility?
It’s not an onerous “job.” Ex- I am a volunteer for purely selfish
cept in emergencies, no one will reasons—I’m paying it forward
call you. You make your own in advance because in not too
commitments to drive by check- many years I may not be able to
ing a “shopping list” of people drive because I am well into my
who have various appointments senior years. Or I may fall and
scheduled and need help getting break my right ankle tomorrow
there. Frequently the need is and need help on a temporary ba-
for only a one-way ride. Pick your own time and activ- sis. I’d like to be able to count on Neighbor Network
ity. There is no minimum amount of time required—give volunteers to get me to the grocery store until my cast
what time you can. Many of the Neighbor Network cli- came off!
ents live in Castle Rock, but increasingly we have seniors
in the Larkspur area who need help—thus the need for Think about it. Get on the list of resources. Go to https://
more Larkspur people who have done the training (easy-- www.dcneighbornetwork.org/. ~KDale
on the computer!) and are in the Neighbor Network.
Many people who moved here when they were younger