Volunteer Spotlight: Annie Lee & Patti Dee Capasso, Chehalem Senior Center
Annie Lee & Patti Dee Capasso, the Dynamic Duo
BY ISAAC ARTHUR
The proverbial good samaritan may have worked alone, but there’s no rule that says volunteering has to be a solitary endeavor. That’s something that Annie Lee and Patti Dee Capasso (known affectionately as “P.D.”) have discovered together. They started driving and delivering food for Meals-On-Wheels at Chehalem Senior Center in 2016, and have since been dubbed the “Dynamic Duo.”
Annie and P.D. worked for years as teachers at the same school in Beaverton, but it wasn’t until they both retired and moved to Newberg that their friendship really grew and strengthened. Annie was the first to join the team down at the senior center. She had witnessed firsthand the care of these volunteers when her father, who lived in Gresham before he passed, received meals himself.
“I remember how he had really enjoyed the Meals-On-Wheels people that stopped by, and I really liked how personable [they were]” she said, noting how they would let her know if he didn’t answer the door. “They were sort of eyes for the community.”
P.D. agreed. “[My] mom was at a facility in Newberg, so seeing her all the time, and people coming in and out, it just makes you realize how important that is—the connection.”
It wasn’t long before Annie had roped P.D. into volunteering also, and the two started making their Tuesday rounds, driving around Newberg, listening to Frank Sinatra, and getting to know their new community as they deliver meals.
“I really enjoy P.D., doing this together,” said Annie.
“Well, we’re really fortunate,” P.D. chimed in. “Sometimes you’re not able to make these kinds of great friendships later in life.”
Both of them emphasize the deep connections and valued friendships they’ve made, whether that’s the crew of volunteers they work alongside as they help package up food or the clients they’ve met along the route. They talk about the “little things” they like to do to brighten people’s day: small tasks that people might take for granted, bottles of water on a hot summer day, sneaking in a cake with a meal if they know someone’s birthday is coming up, or giving a flower to every house when the primroses are in bloom. It was exactly this kind of personal touch that first drew them to the Meals-On-Wheels program, and now they’re continuing the tradition.
“We don’t flinch at doing that,” said P.D. “Well, that’s in our DNA, because we cared for our parents as they became old, too. But it’s such a symbiotic relationship.”
They both acknowledge that folks considering this kind of volunteer work may feel awkward at first, or worried about going to strangers’ houses, but, they are just as adamant that, once you get to know people, it can be very rewarding.
“It’s a very positive, very inviting environment, and I feel we’re contributing to our community,” said Annie.
“And I think you don’t know your community until you drive all over your community. Like all things, everyone stays in their bubble, their neighborhood, their church, you know, the gym, and those are your people until you do something like this and you see a whole different view of all the people that live in your town. And I think that’s healthy; I think it’s important, and I think it’s everything,” said P.D.
If you are interested in joining any of these activities, finding out more about what the senior center has to offer, or would like to volunteer, please stop by call: (503) 538-1409.
