Valley Forum: Your driver awaits at Vintage House

For most people, going to the store, post office or bank is as easy as jumping in a car. But for many seniors that’s impossible due to declining health and the effects of aging. Losing the ability to drive can lead to social isolation and loneliness in older adults.

The Vintage House senior transportation program, Local Independent Mobility Options, or LIMO, not only fulfills a practical need for transportation, but also decreases the social isolation that some seniors may experience. LIMO makes a significant difference in the quality of life of seniors who can no longer drive.

Five years ago, Paula Wolfert and John Mickelwright didn’t know each other. Today they are friends and see each other about once a week, courtesy of the Vintage House LIMO service.

Paula Wolfert, author of nine cookbooks and the winner of the James Beard Award for culinary writing, has lived in Sonoma for 20 years. John Mickelwright has lived off and on in Sonoma, but made it his permanent residence only last year. John has been a LIMO driver for eight years, while Paula, who has never driven in her life, has been a rider for five.

“When I first picked Paula up for a ride, I didn’t know who she was,” says John. “When I dropped her off at her house, she autographed her latest cookbook for me. Later, when friends saw the signed book, they were excited and asked where I got it. It was only then that I realized that I was driving a renowned cookbook author.”

Because of eye problems, Paula has never driven. Someone told her about the LIMO program. She says that signing up was easy (first-time riders meet with a coordinator, either at the rider’s home or at Vintage House) and that the program has really helped her.

“The drivers are doing something wonderful for me,” she says. “Sonoma is a wonderful town, and the drivers are so giving and so nice.” Paula typically uses the service once or twice a week.

John, a graphic designer by trade, did some volunteering at Vintage House on other projects. “I wanted to be involved in the community and give something back,” he says. John discovered that the LIMO program was available and in need of drivers. The drivers are screened through the DMV, fingerprinted, provide insurance documentation, and go through an orientation.

John adds, “I especially wanted to do something through Vintage House. They do so much good in the community. I’ve met many wonderful people and have heard many touching stories from people who share their lives with me.” John usually drives one day a week, but will pick up extra rides if needed.

As far as how the program has helped, Paula concludes that it is “amazing.” John urges others to become a driver. “Get out in the world and meet interesting people. You’ll be doing them a favor.”

Vintage House’s LIMO program provides free door-to-door rides for non-medical activities to Sonoma Valley seniors age 60 or older. One does not need to be a Vintage House member to take advantage of the program. This program is made possible due to a group of dedicated volunteer drivers and through grant funding from the Area Agency on Aging and local fundraising. In support of LIMO, Vintage House is organizing Sip, Savor and Celebrate, a garden party. The event includes wine, nibbles, raffle prizes, and music by Sonoma Soul featuring vocalist Jami Jamison. It takes place Wednesday, May 2 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Sunrise Villa Sonoma, 91 Napa Road. Tickets are $25 - $30 and are available at vintagehouse.org.

For more information on becoming a LIMO driver or rider, call Vintage House at 996-0311 or visit them at vintagehouse.org.

George Bereschik is a Vintage House member and volunteer.