The Kirkland Senior Council needs volunteers

I never thought I’d have time to volunteer for much of anything. I’ve always been a workaholic, working 24/7 in real estate, but three years ago one of my past clients approached me to join The Kirkland Senior Council, a group I’d never heard of. Having been actively involved on the front lines with my own senior parents, joining the council was appealing. It had been difficult to navigate “the system” on behalf of my elderly parents and I wanted to do something to help improve what so many of us boomers are going through. It felt as if we boomers were all hacking our way through the same medicare/seniors forest, but having to create our own paths. The Council seemed like a good fit for me to start my volunteer “career,” and, hopefully, to make a difference.

By Debra Sinick • October 13, 2008 11:10 pm

“A Dose of Realty” columnist

I never thought I’d have time to volunteer for much of anything. I’ve always been a workaholic, working 24/7 in real estate, but three years ago one of my past clients approached me to join The Kirkland Senior Council, a group I’d never heard of. Having been actively involved on the front lines with my own senior parents, joining the council was appealing. It had been difficult to navigate “the system” on behalf of my elderly parents and I wanted to do something to help improve what so many of us boomers are going through. It felt as if we boomers were all hacking our way through the same medicare/seniors forest, but having to create our own paths. The Council seemed like a good fit for me to start my volunteer “career,” and, hopefully, to make a difference.

The Senior Council advocates for seniors in Kirkland, creating programs and developing liaisons with other organizations to improve the quality of life for Kirkland seniors. Over the past three years, the group has held a Baby Boomer and Beyond Fair, created award-winning videos seen on Kirkland TV about elder abuse, pedestrian safety, and universal design.

My proudest accomplishment, as a member of the Council, has been The Vial of Life program, a partnership with Medic One, Bartell Drugs and Bellevue’s Network on Aging to develop an emergency information program for first responders. The vials, which I wrote about in a previous issue, contain medical/emergency information and are stored in a home owner’s refrigerator. The information can be easily accessed in an emergency. The vials are available to many seniors at fire houses in Kirkland, The Peter Kirk Community Center, and on Nov. 1 at The Evergreen Hospital Disaster Preparedness Fair.

It’s time for me to step down to focus on my one remaining senior, my Dad, who has some serious health issues. Being a member of the council has opened my eyes to new people, experiences, and accomplishments. It’s been a terrific way to get more involved in the community and has started me on a path leading to all sorts of organizations and events in the community.

The Senior Council has opened its recruitment period for next year. If you go online to www.ci.kirkland.wa.us, you’ll find an application under volunteer opportunities or through the Kirkland Senior Council page. The Council meets at The Peter Kirk Community Center the second Tuesday of every month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Usually about 6-12 hours per month is dedicated to projects and you don’t have to be a senior to volunteer!