Carillon Cares

After Joyce Parkins joined the group of volunteers from Carillon, which included Judy Wido and myself, I started thinking about whether I could ask others. I contacted the CAMA office, who agreed to send something out via an email blast if I would draft it. That email blast went out - minus the YH4L logo - on October 16th. Within a couple of hours, I was receiving phone calls from Carillon women who were interested in learning more and possibly volunteering. I think they really liked that I offered to drive them to training and the screenings.

So, on Wednesday, October 18th, I drove 4 others (Joanne Carrara, Glynis Weigel, Ellie Barich and Jaki McGrath) to training and then instructed them on how to provide an ECG. On our way home, we decided to wear blue shirts for the next day's screening to stand out from the school volunteers who wear white, the technicians that wear red, and the team leaders who wear white lab coats. The idea of "Carillon Cares" was born. Other Carilloners expressed interest and another group will be trained on October 25th. Carillon Cares is growing.

During the screening on October 19th, I stayed with the Carillon folks rather than work as a technician. I'm glad I did because I think it is part of building community that I was hoping for. Another joy was that I was trusted with 3 special needs student, one who was scared to the point of crying, that we were going to hurt him. I learned new levels of compassionate speak in working with him. My heart is full.

On Sunday, October 22nd, I posted a sign on the clubhouse bulletin board and got another call within a few hours. This is exciting to see such generosity of spirit within this nice community.