“No One Walks Through Life Alone” – Susan Boele

By Jim Coppinger, Milestone Senior Services Volunteer

Susan Boele (Bow-lee) was born and raised in Chicago. There, she entered the work world as an executive secretary with the Illinois Central Railroad and honed professional and organization skills that would propel her for years to come.

She moved to Lansing to work as the personal secretary for Harold Gross, founder and owner of the family-owned radio and television stations—WJIM. Mr. Gross Mr. Gross was a strong personality and could be difficult but Sue and Mr. Gross got along very well.

Susan relocated to Three Rivers with her two young children and husband. Not knowing what job opportunities she might have in that small community, Sue found a position with Armstrong International, Inc., a manufacturing company specializing in steam management systems. Armstrong International, too, is a family-owned company and treats its employees like family. Susan began her career in the corporate office but moved up administratively to positions in the marketing, legal, and purchasing departments. She retired after thirty-four years with Armstrong.

Susan’s volunteer involvement began many years ago. She made sure she was involved in her daughter’s and son’s schools, their sports, and club activities. Sue is grateful for Armstrong’s supportive approach with employees which allowed time for such involvements.

Susan is both a longtime avid fitness walker and reader. As for walking, she walks for exercise and clearing her mind. As an avid reader, she always has multiple books she is reading. She is an active book club member with both the Portage Senior Center and Portage Public Library and a volunteer at the Portage Senior Center.

Susan thought her love of reading would be an ideal fit as a volunteer reading to children or helping people learn to read. She called Milestone and there were several such positions. However, for reading programs, they were all for scheduled assignments—e.g. every Tuesday at 2:00 pm. Since

Susan frequently travels to see her children and their families, that kind of schedule and rigid time commitment wouldn’t work.

But all was not lost; Susan loves to drive and is great at navigating. She discovered there is a need for people to take clients to doctor and dentist appointments, grocery stores, or to pick up medication, etc. She was delighted to discover such volunteer work came with great flexibility. So, Susan is now a volunteer driver. Each week she looks at the schedule of needed trips and signs up for those that fit into her schedule and within her geographic area—a winwin for all involved.

Susan says people shouldn’t be afraid they won’t be able to volunteer because of a busy calendar; there is plenty of opportunity to give as much or little time as one can spare. She adds, “No one walks through life alone—we all have something to share with others.”

Milestone Senior Services (previously known as Senior Services of Southwest Michigan) is an AmeriCorps Seniors grantee. AmeriCorps Seniors empowers people age 55 and older to serve their communities. RSVP helps people find a volunteer opportunity that fits their passion. There are currently opportunities in Kalamazoo County and a few in Calhoun County. Volunteers are needed with Meals on Wheels, Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes, Telephone Reassurance for Seniors, Milestone Home Repair, and more. Regular, flexible schedules available. Contact RSVP at 269-382-0515 or apply to volunteer at www.milestoneseniorservices.org.