McConnell Center News: Ageless Dreamer foundation looks forward to 2008

Posted: January 16, 2008

Copyright permission: Fosters Daily Democrat

By JOANNE DODGE

Ageless Dreamer Foundation

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Ageless Dreamer Foundation wishes area residents a Happy New Year. The organization has had a wonderful two years helping to make many seniors' dreams come true.

Lura Johnson, born in 1906, always dreamed of riding on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

With her centennial birthday just around the corner, Johnson's daughter Ellie approached the Ageless Dreamer Foundation, which was ale to make this dream a reality.

Johnson had such a grand time she asked to do it again for her 101st birthday.

Another group of seniors traveled in a limo to the Verizon Center to enjoy the Lawrence Welk Family Show.

The trip included a pre-event meet and greet luncheon and photo-op with "Guy and Ralna" and front row seats to watch the show.

Alice and Winthrop Loring had been married for 69 years and were living at Riverside Rest home where they could receive the care they needed.

The Ageless Dreamer Foundation heard the couple was dreaming about one last visit to their old homestead in North Berwick, Maine.

On a sunny day, a 1936 Packard drove them to their favorite spot down by the river where they enjoyed a day out complete with a picnic lunch.

In May, Grace Noel celebrated her 100th birthday with several of her friends by visiting the Grand Finale miniature donkey farm in Barrington.

Vera Smith, 89, a resident of the Dearborn House in Hampton, had a dream to see the Isles of Shoals and on a sunny Thursday afternoon, this past July she did just that with three friends.

Ashton Welch, 89, of Franklin, is a World War II veteran and a retired commercial pilot who has not flown since the 1960s and has wanted to return to the skies ever since.

"All I want to do is fly," he said. "I haven't been up for so long." Kenn Ortman of Rochester and Welch did just that last fall and according to Welch his feet have not touched the ground since.

Frank Crider, born in 1924, suffered a stroke four years ago while visiting New Hampshire and can do little physically without assistance.

He dreamed of attending his 55th homecoming reunion at the National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, Ill., where he trained to become a chiropractor.

Through the generosity of Southwest Airlines, Double Tree Hotels, National University, Lombard Rotary and Kiwanis members and Hoya Lift Company, Crider and his two aides flew to attend the homecoming activities where he was honored by the attendees.

Another Ageless Dreamer always wanted to take a ride on the MV Mount Washington and had that dream fulfilled in October of this past year, enjoying a sun filled trip on the blue water with the trees in full fall color and a view of a snow capped Mt. Washington in the distance.

The Agless Dreamer Foundation asks the public to read more about these dreams, download a dream request, make a financial or in-kind donation or make arrangements to volunteer.

There are many ways to help make dreams come true: working with digital photos, using PowerPoint skills, playing cribbage, and operating audio and film equipment are just some of the "jobs" available to volunteers.

Also needed are those who enjoy writing, possess database skills or just want to help out when the foundation fulfills dreams.

There are opportunities for everyone. Visit www.agelessdreamer.org or call 953-0006 for more information.

Just listen and talk with seniors about their lives and ask what it is they have always wanted to do.

As Walt Disney said, "A dream is a wish your heart makes." The Ageless Dreamer Foundation will continue working to make seniors' dreams and wishes come true in 2008.

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