A new program by the Central Vermont Council on Aging aims to connect volunteers with seniors and adults with mobility issues this summer to build friendships and help with yard work. In Randolph, a pair of volunteers have been working together for the past few months. Ingrid Peake, 95, still goes outside every day to tend to her garden, which takes up the majority of her yard, and this summer, Lewis Warlick is helping out. Warlick has no shortage of work, as Peake needs help with heavy labor like cutting down trees, pulling weeds and repairing fences. A total of 12 matching programs will be run this summer, using grants from the Hunger Mountain Cooperative and the Vermont Community Foundation. “The idea was that we could pair seniors who have difficulty getting out and about, or who have mobility issues or need assistance, with gardeners who can help them,” says Nancy Murray, volunteer coordinator for the Central Vermont Council on Aging. During their time together, Peake said she really appreciates having someone to help her with tasks she can no longer physically do herself. “I've learned so much from him,” Peake said. “He digs the garden, he puts up the fence, he drives the stakes, and he digs.” Though Warlick is a volunteer, she said she's also gained something from the program. New friendships have been formed. “I enjoy seeing her, I enjoy seeing her,” Warlick said. “I grow mostly vegetables and fruit, anything that's edible, so I've learned a lot about flowers and vegetables.” Learn more about the program run by the Central Vermont Council on Aging here.
Randolph, Vermont —
A new program by the Central Vermont Council on Aging aims to connect volunteers with seniors and adults with mobility challenges this summer to build friendships and help with yard work.
In Randolph, one pair has been working together for the past few months.
At 95 years old, Ingrid Peake still gets outside every day to tend to the garden at her home, which takes up the majority of her yard and which Lewis Warwick is helping to tend this summer.
Warwick has no shortage of work, as the Peak needs help with heavy lifting like cutting trees, pulling weeds and repairing fences.
A total of 12 matches were played during this summer's program, funded by grants from Hunger Mountain Co-op and the Vermont Community Foundation.
“The idea was to pair seniors who have trouble getting out, who have mobility issues or need assistance, with gardeners who can help them,” said Nancy Murray, volunteer coordinator for the Central Vermont Council on Aging.
During their time together, Peake said she's really grateful to have someone to help her with tasks she can no longer physically do on her own.
“I learned a lot from him,” Peake said. “He digs the garden, puts up the fence, puts in the stakes, then digs again.”
Although Warrick is a volunteer, she says she has also made new friendships from her work.
“I enjoy spending time with her and I enjoy seeing her,” Warlick said. “I mostly grow vegetables and fruit and anything edible, so I've learned a lot about flowers and everything in between.”
More information about programs run by the Central Vermont Council on Aging can be found here.
