“The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.” — Barack Obama
I’ve had the privilege to meet quite a few ambitious senior citizens recently who have filled my world with hope.
In Newton, I went to DMACC to write a story on the Jasper County Retired and Seniors Volunteer Program (which can be found on page one of today’s Progress Health section).
After meeting with the RSVP director and assistant director, I was invited to join the volunteers in lunch. Volunteers Susie Huetter, Larry Pauley, Kerry Balbiani, Bill Harrison, Bob Steingreaber and Terry Townsend were there, and we all sat around a table where we had the tremendous opportunity to visit.
Bill stood out to as a quiet leader. I admired his hard work and willingness to help locals.
He is a retired engineer who has lived in Newton since 1947. He has been doing taxes for 13 years and said he enjoys volunteering because he gets to work with different people he wouldn’t see otherwise. He likes to help out within the community.
I went back to take photos in the afternoon and was able to visit more with the volunteers especially Bob who was very kind, helpful and generous.
Almost all the volunteers help with other programs such as transportation, hospice and elderly nutrition or serve on local boards.
In Des Moines, I went to the semi-annual Planned Parenthood Book Sale earlier this month at the Iowa State Fairgrounds where I met a helpful woman greeting guests at an entry table.
After checking out, I found myself back at the table as I waited for my party and we spoke again.
Louise Moon her name tag read. Moon volunteered at the book sale for the last 50 years. Amazed, I asked her why she did it. She wanted to help and support the organization that share her same beliefs, she said. She enjoyed meeting many people who share her same beliefs and felt the event was serendipitous.
Louise stood out as a passionate yet approachable. I admired her honesty and self awareness.
I found out Louise shared her passion and commitment with other organizations in Des Moines. She was a long time Des Moines Water Works board members, and they named the L.P. Moon Storage and Pumping Station in her name in 1996. She currently serves on the Central Iowa Regional Drinking Water Commission as Windsor Heights representative.
Louise also has made an impact with her the Iowa League of Women Voters and the Iowa Freedom of Information Council. She attended the councils first organizational meeting Oct. 21, 1976 and is a signer on its articles.
There’s a social element to senior volunteer and an important sense of relevance too.
These men and women who volunteer have a great deal of knowledge, experience and overall expertise. They are a well of a resource.
From witnessing their dedication to service and compassion for others, I am inspired to do more work now and in the future. To all those who donate their time, thank you for your leadership.
Contact Kate Malott at
kmalott@newtondailynews.com