2 hours Ago
With leadership responsibilities for two not-for-profit organizations in my thirties, and three more in my later years, my work, job successes, and life were all enriched by senior citizens who were on a mission to pay it forward. Some were volunteers, some were on government work programs, and others were friends just looking for a way to fill their days. Regardless, without them, our successes, accomplishments, and accolades would have been far more modest.
One had worked in a factory and had his job eliminated by the new owners. Before coming to work for us, he told me he answered a random advertisement and was employed as a groundskeeper at the mansion in Ohio owned by Larry Flynt, the founder of Hustler magazine. He never elaborated about it to any of us, but he did say he didn’t discuss that job with his wife and family at home either.
He was amazing at his work and a perfectionist. Plus, he worked until whatever he was building, fixing, or replacing was picture-perfect. To say he was fantastic would have been a gross understatement.
Another, Dorothy, was a retired elementary school teacher and former Women’s Army Corp volunteer during World War II. She had a take-no-prisoners type personality. She could outwork anyone decades younger than her, and because of her directness, she served as my Luca Brazzi, the strongarm in the movie “The Godfather.
” Once she told me that she had not gotten married because “she never wanted to dance backwards.” The third was a retired meteorologist who, as part of his former duties, had seeded clouds to produce rain during periods of extended droughts. He was incredibly dedicated, organized, efficient, trustworthy, and competent.
His secret to longevity was a daily nap, but not on company time. Walt was his name and efficiency was his game. He managed an entire distribution route for us, and while he worked there, we never had even one complaint.
And who could ever forget the retired pharmacist? He was another Walt. He would show up periodically, and ask, “What do you need?” Interestingly, I casually mentioned that the roof of the large house we were inhabiting was leaking. He said, “Get in my car.
” Walt took me from building supply company to building supply company across the entire county and convinced each owner or manager to donate two bundles of black shingles to us. Then he coerced a local contractor to put them on the roof at no cost to the organization. One volunteer very efficiently ran an entire organization of her peers.
She was totally connected to the community and could tell us where all the political landmines were buried. She was also great at getting donations. Our oldest worker had overseen public relations for a large nonprofit organization in New York City.
She could amass the media for a press conference as if they were going to cover a moon landing. Louise knew how to get it done. She ended up having a stroke at my desk one day when I told her an old flame of hers had passed away.
So, technically, I guess I might have contributed to her demise, but up until that day, she was irreplaceable. They were all well into their 60s or 70s when they came to work for us, and their work ethic, their knowledge, drive, and capabilities were immeasurable. Where am I going with this? Do not forget us oldies.
We know lots and lots of good things that might help your organization move forward, and typically we are happy just to find something to do during the daylight hours. Not only that, if you are really nice to us, we might remember you in our will. But never ever make us angry.
As the saying goes, fool around and find out because we are well past working on our resumes. Nick Jacobs is a Windber resident..
