Mary Jean and Andy at our Volunteer Appreciation Event in 2022!
                                         

Aging Resources wouldn't operate without our incredible volunteers.  We want to thank our many volunteers who donate their time and talent to supporting our older Douglas County residents by volunteering with ARDC.  This month's featured volunteers are the dynamic duo Mary Jean and Andy.  They've been volunteering with ARDC for several years and help support our older adults through transportation, companionship, and help at home.  Get to know Mary Jean and Andy below!

How long have you been volunteering with Aging Resources of Douglas County?

Mary Jean - I started volunteering in 2018 as a driver and have also done light housekeeping and been a companion for a few ARDC clients. 

​Andy - I began volunteering as a driver in 2019. 

 What brought you to Aging Resources of Douglas County?

Mary Jean - I’ve always had an interest in helping older adults and when Andy & I retired together in 2018 I finally had the time to look for opportunities. I saw a notice in the Parker Chronicle newspaper about providing transportation to seniors in Douglas County through Neighbor Network (ARDC) and thought it would be great fit. I was right.

Andy - After hearing Mary Jean’s stories about the interesting people she met through Aging Resources I decided I’d like to give it a try myself. 

What’s a memorable story from your time volunteering with us?

Mary Jean - : I was a volunteer companion for a lovely, feisty woman for about 8 months before she passed away last year. We would often go out to eat and one day she decided she’d like a cocktail and ordered a Rob Roy, which I was unfamiliar with (it’s made with scotch, sweet vermouth, and bitters). Apparently, our waiter also knew nothing about this drink because he brought her a Roy Rogers, which is a kid’s drink made with Coke and Grenadine. Not the same thing! She looked at that drink and asked him what the heck THAT was, and then proceeded to school him on how to prepare her drink. She knew what she wanted and was never afraid to speak up. 

Andy - I was doing regular drives for a couple in their 90’s who lamented they no longer went out to eat after they gave up their car. After I dropped them off at their doctor’s appointment, I went across the street to Five Guys and bought them burgers and a massive order of French Fries and put them in the back of my truck so they wouldn’t smell them. When I dropped them off at home I said, “By the way, I bought you lunch” and I gave them the bag of burgers and fries. And oh boy, were they happy!

What do you love about helping the older community?

Mary Jean - I am continually inspired by the tenacity of the seniors I’ve met, and I love getting to know them and hearing their life stories. They are kind and gracious and so appreciative of the help.

Andy - They have great stories and I love hearing them!

What advice would you share with someone who is thinking about volunteering with Aging Resources?

Mary Jean - Do it! Aging Resources makes it so easy for volunteers, whether you want to volunteer a little or a lot, keep a regular schedule, or not, the opportunities are numerous and flexible. Even if you have only an hour a week, or a couple of hours a month, that can make a big difference in someone’s life. And you meet fascinating people. 

Andy - If you were unable to drive, you’d be so thankful for volunteers helping you. 

What are some of your hobbies?

Mary Jean - I enjoy reading, love to do 5K races and sprint triathlons, and learned to play Pickleball last year. We have two Golden Retrievers, Jake and Bella, and spend a lot of time with them. 

Andy -  In the summer I love to row and am usually on a lake or reservoir 4-5 times a week. In the past year I’ve become obsessed with Pickleball. ​

What is something on your bucket list?

Mary Jean - I’d love to do a river cruise in Europe.

Andy - I’d love to rent a house on a lake for a month and row every day. If there were a Pickleball court close by, so much the better.

What is a fun fact about you?

Mary Jean - Before there was online dating, there were “In Search Of” ads in local papers. In 1989 I placed an ad in Up The Creek newspaper, a local Denver paper (now defunct). Andy wrote a letter in response to my ad, mailed it to a PO Box, I called him, we met in February 1989, and we’ve been together ever since. 


Thank you Mary Jean and Andy for volunteering with Aging Resources and helping to make a difference in the lives of our older friends!