“We joke around a lot here,” he said. “It lifts the spirits.” The volunteers say there is a high turnover of volunteers because of burnout. When asked why he stays, Bergman said he enjoys what he is doing. He enjoys helping people. “It is a challenge not to burn out,” he said. “I try to keep a positive attitude. “Or it might just confer that I really am a clown,” he said with a smile. He notes he was saddened when two dams were breached in May 2020, flooding Midland and Gladwin counties. But was thankful he could help people when they came anything and everything because they lost all they had. The retired industrial electrician is also musically inclined, his daughter and McKenna say he can play most instruments, organ, guitar and piano.
Saturday, December 4 8 am-5 pm
“I play the radio,” Bergman pipes.
Helping Hands Mission Director Becky Cook said Berman is “very dedicated” to the mission. “I can call on him for anything and he’s there,” she said. “He’s the longest volunteer we’ve had.” She also said he is quite a card and often has other volunteers and shoppers laughing. Bergman loves it. “I didn’t expect to be so filled with joy volunteering,” he said.
Member Presale Friday, December 3 6-9 pm
FREssEion!
Guess Who?
Admi
I am an actress born in
Pennsylvania on December 3, 1985. I modeled in print ads before pursuing a career in acting. I made
Photography • Carvings • Pottery • Sculpture • Paintings Woodworking • Baskets and More!
my debut in a film opposite Lindsay Lohan in a cult favorite classic about school cliques. I also starred in three
Sponsored by:
popular film musicals. Answer: Amanda Seyfried
He admits he found a higher purpose through working at the mission. Bergman said he could be sitting around, but he chooses something more rewarding. He was an avid volunteer with his church before coming to the mission. He used to go on mission trips. Now he splits his time between the Helping Hands Mission and his church.
400 S Badour Rd, Midland • 989.631.0830
www.chippewanaturecenter.org I
November 2021 | Senior Scope 11
