MEET ANN DRUM, A VILLAGE VOLUNTEER
By Alex Stavitsky-Zeineddin
The Village at Kentlands and Lakelands is run by volunteers and we are in need of your help to develop activities, communicate, and serve those 55 and over in our community. We decided to highlight some of our core group so that you can put a face and name to this dedicated group of Village volunteers, especially during COVID, when most of us feel isolated, perhaps alone, and maybe looking for something to feel more connected to our community.
Meet Ann Drum who moved into the Kentlands with her daughter in 1995 and has decided to stay put in her home after retiring. Ann moved here from North Potomac because she loved “the community village feel in the neighborhood.” Ann has had a rich career in maternal and child health and is retired from the United States Public Health Service. Her experience in this field lead her to be involved in the Village concept since its inception.
“When I joined the Village effort, I was recently retired from the government and working only partially as a consultant and doing clinical volunteer work at Walter Reed Hospital. I had more time to volunteer, so working with the Village in my own community was very appealing at this time in my life,” said Ann.
Ann has served on the Village steering committee and has been instrumental not only in developing the volunteer services programs to assist people aging in place but also in planning and hosting events for other volunteers and members of the Village. “I have especially enjoyed assisting in planning and hosting events--everything from finding presenters, cooking, decorating, clean up, etc. It is a joy to meet our Village people and see the appreciation of our citizens enjoying the various music, social, educational, game activities and food we are able to share,” said Ann.
Ann has also helped the Village members in the community, people who rely on Village volunteers helping them go on walks or “shopping for those who can no longer shop for groceries or essentials for themselves, and recently with the Covid-19 virus--routine social check-in phone calls to remind others they are not alone.”
The Village at Kentlands and Lakelands is looking for volunteers to serve on different committees including communications, activities planning, fundraising, or simply helping members who may want to walk, talk or get support during these difficult times. Please visit www.villagekentlandslakelands.orgto check out our different committees or to see the activities we are planning to create support for our community.
“It is both personally rewarding and also a great way to meet others in the community,” says Ann. “Through the Village I have met so many people-- both volunteers and members-- who have enriched my life, and many have become close friends. I think one gets so much from volunteering, far more than you give--- the reward of helping others, learning new skills, meeting other neighbors, working as a team, a strong sense of community and FUN!”