Patriots Colony Update Winter 2003

“We stay active all day long. It’s important to stay busy and interested because your health is vastly improved with this approach,” said Lois White, a resident of Patriots Colony apartments since the community opened its doors in 1997. Lois volunteers in Patriots Colony’s health care facilities. Her husband Don works in the Handicraft Shop where he volunteers his time helping residents fix things or building small useful items.

The Whites spend their time volunteering within and outside the community. Lois knits caps for the Williamsburg Community Hospital nursery and Don has a regular route with Meals on Wheels. Don was raised on a farm, so when a rural route opened, he took it. “Nobody else wanted it,” he said, “but I look forward to driving out there because I enjoy the change in the seasons.”

At the Handicraft Shop, which Don and 20 other residents run, Don performs a variety of services for residents for only $5 per hour. He fixes pieces of furniture, hangs pictures, and repairs lamps. “We specialize in little odd jobs that people don’t have anyone to do. They appreciate it when we do it for them,” remarked Don, who said money collected is used for materials. “We also do some work for

Patriots Colony as gratis,” said Don. He’s built storage boxes and a step for physical therapy, among other things.

Lois stays active by working in the Convalescent Center and assisted living area of Patriots Colony. “A couple times per week I assist the beauticians by transporting patients and assisting with perms. On those days I work 8-10 hours,” said Lois. She also accompanies residents outdoors when the weather is nice, runs errands, and gives manicures. Once a week she delivers mail to residents. Lois said her volunteer work requires her to walk between 6-8 miles per day.

Don and Lois use the fitness room regularly to stay in shape. The work both do requires some flexibility and physical endurance. Of course, husband and wife also enjoy the satisfaction of helping others in their daily lives, a major motivating factor for serving and improving their community.