Post Messenger Recorder -

When Barb Schwoerer's dad taught her to drive back in the day, he planted a love for driving that has lasted to this day. Schwoerer began volunteering at the Sugar River Senior Center delivering meals to area seniors right after she retired in 2011 and it wasn't long before staff asked her if she would drive people. "Sure, I would love to do that," Schwoerer replied, and she hasn't looked back since.

There is no substitute for personal experience to help prioritize the importance of things: After two knee replacement surgeries, she was forced to rely on a daughter for rides to therapy appointments, and it made an impression on her about how important transportation is to maintaining your health. She thought, boy this could be a job! And shortly after that she made it her volunteer job, much to the benefit of others who need to get to their appointments too.

"I'm a people person," Schwoerer said. "I love to talk with people and they need some conversation and a ride, so it works out well and is a pleasure for us both. It gives them security, knowing that a group of volunteers, provide the rides, not strangers. I really enjoy it, it's a gift of service to a good program. I wish more people with vehicles could do it. They would find they have plenty of time to do other stuff."

Schwoerer's husband Fred is usually her co-pilot when delivering meals or driving passengers. After 63 years of marriage, the two of them have travelled down many roads together – 42 years of farming, raising five children, and welcoming 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. After their kids were grown, Barb found work outside the home putting in four years at Rogan's and 20 years at Professional Pest Control before her 2011 retirement. Now she is enjoying time in the home they built after they sold the farm, games of computer solitaire, reading, time with family at outdoor gatherings, and companionable rides with her lucky passengers!

Celebrate RSVP of Dane County's 50th Anniversary by joining RSVP volunteers in the Belleville area working to make their community a better place. More adults 55 and over are needed to meet the increasing demand for volunteers to help people of all ages. RSVP volunteers serve in a wide variety of assignments, including providing rides and delivering meals to help seniors and veterans remain independent. Drivers are offered reimbursement at 58.5 cents/mile and provided with additional liability insurance. RSVP provides PPE supplies. Drivers and passengers must be fully vaccinated. The service operates weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call Margie at RSVP, (608) 663-7536, to volunteer.