by Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer & Community Outreach Manager
Ed Vrieland has been a Meals on Wheels driver for Senior Services Trailside since 2018. He has accumulated over 230 hours! He has been chosen as our Volunteer of the Month for November. Ed reports that he had friends that were Meals on Wheels volunteers. Ed explained, “Volunteering for Meals on Wheels sounded like a good thing to do, it appealed to me.” Ed was first put on a Sanford route. He reports that happened just once but then he was put on the Greenhill apartment route and have been delivering there ever since. Elizabeth Baldwin, Nutrition Systems Coordinator speaks very highly of Ed. “He is a very kind-spirited and dedicated volunteer. He goes above and beyond to ensure Meals on Wheels recipients receive their meals. Broken down elevators or missing carts are no match for Ed!” Ed enjoys getting to know the Meals on Wheels clients he delivers to. Ed declared, “I’m not a big talker but I still have gotten to know some of the people well.” Michele Burkett, Food Services Coordinator states, “Ed is a great man! His wife has also been willing to help deliver the route when needed.”
Ed has been married to his wife, Eleanor for 59 years. They moved to Midland in 1963. The same year Senior Services started. They have 3 children, 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Ed went to Northwestern for Chemistry. He was a Research Chemist with Dow for 31 years. Ed enjoys traveling to see his family. He has volunteered for the Midland Reformed Church and has done mission trips to Kenya and Ecuador. Ed also enjoys the Midland Symphony.
Meals on Wheels helps older adults live healthier and more nourished lives in their own homes. As a Meals on Wheels client, not only will you receive well-balanced, delicious meals delivered to your home, but the friendly volunteer, like Ed who delivers them will know you are doing okay. Whether you need meals just while you’re recovering from an illness or injury, or will need Meals on Wheels on a long term basis, call (989) 633-3700. A Care Coordinator determines Meals on Wheels eligibility through an assessment with the older adult. The Care Coordinator maintains on-going follow up with the older adult and a reassessment of eligibility is necessary every 6 months. How would Ed encourage others to volunteer for Senior Services? “Volunteering is a wonderful thing to do. It gives you a purpose and breaks up your day. The clients are always appreciative.”
Thank you, Ed, for your 4 years of service to the older adults of Midland County and congratulations on being chosen as Volunteer of the Month!
We Need Volunteers!
Senior Services is in great need of Friendly Visitors and Shopping volunteers. Case Managers request volunteer visitors or shoppers for older adults who may be isolated, homebound, or unable to drive. Visits are tailored to their needs, interests and availability of the volunteer. Usually one to two hours per week is anticipated, and mileage is reimbursed. This is a great opportunity for working people.
We are also in need of Meals on Wheels drivers, Team Handyman, Transportation drivers, and Activity & Dining Centers/Seasons Entertainers (Do you play an instrument? Magic? Puppets?).If you choose to volunteer with us, you will be embarking on a rewarding adventure that will have a huge impact on the older adults of Midland County! And you will join one of the finest groups of people we know – our experienced, trusted and valued volunteers!
Visit us at SeniorServicesMidland.org/volunteer to fill out a contact form or call Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer and Community Outreach Manager, at 989-633-3741.
