Serving our Seniors Magazine January - March 2025

Meet Mark Pifer. He recently retired in November 2024. He and his wife, Cathy, won’t be jetting off to live in a warm weather state during the winter. Instead, they are opting to stay in Sandusky. This is great news for the community. Why? Because Mark is volunteering for Serving Our Seniors as a driver, taking older adults to health care appointments, which are located out of town. Most often in the Cleveland and Toledo area. Mark has a helping personality. He also does mission work in underdeveloped countries. He learned about driving for the Out of Town Transportation Program while talking to his neighbor, Don Sharrah. Don is also a volunteer driver for Serving Our Seniors. Thank you, Don! Prior to retiring, Mark drove some trips when he was able. He said he enjoys the conversations he gets to have with the passengers, all of whom are able to walk and get into and out of the car without assistance. He also appreciates selecting what days he chooses to volunteer. Only when one no longer drives, or can no longer drive to unfamiliar locations, does a person realize the importance of having volunteers who will drive others to their out of town health care appointments. Between Oct. 1, 2023 and Sept. 30, 2024, volunteers drove 241 trips, gave 793 hours and traveled 19,030 caring miles. Can you volunteer 1 day per month, (no less than 12 days per year) to drive someone who needs to get to a health care appointment? You pick the day. No weekends, no holidays. For more information, call Serving Our Seniors (419-624-1856) and ask for Brenda. Out of Town Transportation Program: It Really Makes A Difference In The Lives Of Others I have a fear of driving on the highways and I absolutely have no sense of direction, either. I have made a joke of this most of my life, but it is a real thing. You have been the nicest and most wonderful people that care. We have had some great conversation on the way and back home. I asked God to bless you for your services and that you continue to serve Erie County because I don’t know what I would do without you. My closest family is 2 hours or more away and your service has meant so much to me. God bless you all. Sincerely, “V” Milan (69 years old) ******** I am so thankful for the out of town transportation team. Every member that drove me to my appointments were friendly and professional. They made me feel like I was being driven by a family member. Thank you SOS. I use the initials SOS because that is how I found Serving Our Seniors transportation program. I am a kidney transplant recipient and have appointments out of town several times per month. I would have missed a very important appointment. I sent out an SOS and Serving Our Seniors answered. Thank you – “J” Sandusky (66 years old) ***** I am a 92 year old, widow who has not been able to drive for the last several years. Your service to the community has been a blessing. The drivers have always been pleasant, courteous and on time. With much gratitude, “B” (Perkins Twp) ****** I know how valuable it is to have the Out of Town Transportation Program. I know this valuable service would not be possible if it wasn’t for all the volunteers who drive. I am so very appreciative of each and every volunteer who offers their time to drive us old people to and from our doctor appointments. Sincerely, “J” Vermilion (86 years old) Samples Of Gratitude Mark Pifer Don Sharrah 11