Step up for seniors
BILL BULEY | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 12 years, 7 months AGO
<p>John Corcoran, left, and Jerry Boggs, Elderhelp of North Idaho executive director, present a Volunteer of the Year award to Sally Richards.</p>
Bill Buley covers the city of Coeur d'Alene for the Coeur d’Alene Press. He has worked here since January 2020, after spending seven years on Kauai as editor-in-chief of The Garden Island newspaper. He enjoys running. | August 18, 2012 9:00 PM
COEUR d'ALENE - Sally Richards appreciated it, but she really didn't want the plaque handed to her Thursday.
She didn't need any fanfare for being Volunteer of the Year for Elderhelp of North Idaho.
"I don't do it for any kind of recognition," she said. "The thanks is what I get from when I give."
But Jerry Boggs and John Corcoran insisted.
Richards, both said, deserved a little applause after six years of being on Elderhelp's board, after six years of helping hundreds of seniors, after six years of caring and just being there.
"There's nobody like her on the board of directors," said Corcoran, Elderhelp board member. "She was the driving force behind a lot of projects for seniors."
Richards and husband Rick are leaving Coeur d'Alene.
In her time here, Richards was a leading advocate for seniors. She either did the work herself, or organized it.
When a Post Falls woman needed a new roof, Richards led the charge that got it done.
When another senior had checks stolen, suffered financial problems and almost lost his home, it was Richards who got involved and set things straight.
If it was a need for furniture, cleaning, raking lawns, shoveling snow from walkways, painting a home or a ride to the doctor, Richards was there.
She has raised money for Elderhelp too, making gift baskets, calling for auction item donations or rounding up golfers.
She has become friends with many seniors, checking on them and making sure they were looked after.
"Lots of seniors need help," she said. "We're only hitting the tip of the iceberg."
Despite the time commitment to Elderhelp, Richards never considered stepping back. There were seniors who relied on the nonprofit for food, for firewood, for a friendly face.
"I believe in it, I stayed with it," she said.
Richards, who has a background in social work and has been involved with the Alzheimer's Association, was a 12-year caregiver for her mother when she was battling dementia. It was that experience that furthered her resolve to be there for seniors, whenever, wherever, she could.
"I felt like I needed do something to honor her," she said.
Boggs, Elderhelp's executive director, praised Richards' spirit and dedication and said she'll be difficult to replace.
Eldership has five board members. It would like eight.
"We need somebody to come in with the willingness and heart like Sally to do this," Boggs said.
If you need help
n Elderhelp of North Idaho is looking for seniors who need free help winterizing their home. This could be caulking, placing plastic over windows and wrapping pipes. It is also looking for a senior who needs a free wheelchair lift installed in their home. Applicants must meet criteria on residency, age and income. Info: 661-8870
MORE IMPORTED STORIES
ARTICLES BY BILL BULEY
Zone change will help Kootenai Health provide more day care for employees
Commission unanimously approves request for commercial designation of three Emma Avenue parcels
The zone change from R-12 to C-17L nvolves three parcels, about one acre, at 417, 421 and 503 W. Emma Avenue, which is surrounded by a mix of housing types and commercial properties. According to a city staff report, in 2015 Parkwood Business Properties, in partnership with Kootenai Health, acquired the former church building at 521 W. Emma Ave and remodeled it into a daycare facility.
Ask and you shall receive — speed limit signs
City responds to resident's request to slow speeders
Korver, who recently took his concerns tot he City Council about speeding drivers on the street, was pleased the city responded with a pair of 25-signs between Harrison and Locust avenues, as well as a pedestrian sign.
Coeur d'Alene man fights rare form of cancer
Nick Sawyers diagnosed with rate peripheral nerve sheath tumor
The Post Falls High School graduate later had back pain, went to doctors found the cancer had metastasized and was growing near his spine. A few weeks ago, he was flown to Baltimore and underway surgery to remove a large mass.