CHANGING LIVES ONE RIDE AT A TIME

Thomas Grossi, Windsor

I am 75 years old and have been blind since birth and live at a retirement community in Windsor CT. For some of my transportation needs I utilize Greater Hartford Transit and the town of Windsor Dial-a-ride, but they do not offer 24 hour a day service. I also regularly use Nutmeg senior rides as they provide service 7 days a week 24 hours a day. To be eligible for their service you must be over the age of 50 or be visually impaired or blind. Their service is door to door and their drivers are friendly, kind and helpful and always pick me up on time. Nutmeg Senior Rides has taken me to my volunteer jobs at the library for the blind in rocky hill and CRIS radio in Windsor. They have also taken me to a low vision support group and Sacred Heart Church both located in Bloomfield. I most appreciated the time nutmeg provide me with transportation to the funeral mass of my best friend’s sister on a Saturday morning at 9 am in Granby CT. None of my family members or friends were available to take me. I have been utilizing Nutmeg since January 2009 and will continue to do so in the future. Because of their assistance I have increased my ability to travel independently.

Judy, South Windsor

When I got out of the hospital my doctor gave me a list of doctor appointments I had to go see. But I couldn’t drive my car and everybody I knew worked, so I could not get to my appointments. Someone at the hospital gave me a list of drivers that could take me. I called Nutmeg Senior Rides. They were my life saver. They took me to all my appointments on time and brought me straight home after. They are an excellent dependable service.

Paulette Dumais, the first Nutmeg rider

Why Nutmeg Senior Rides is so important to me! Nutmeg Senior Rides provides more than ‘transportation.’ A member who utilizes the service no longer feels ‘shut in’. With this independence, they contribute to society, their community, and their families. I strongly believe if a person’s outlook is at a high level, it affects your health! For whatever reason they chose to no longer drive, this option is there to participate in life’s every day scenarios. Every member has a story of our service, and keeping the cost down is so important. This program helps accomplish that. Society and communities benefit when seniors’ are able to share!

Walter Bednaz, Windsor Locks

Thank goodness for Margaret Hale and her Team at Nutmeg Senior Rides! In caring for our aging parents, Mom 91 and Dad 93, my sister and I have come to realize how much is lost when a loved-one is no longer able to drive. It’s far more than just an inconvenience. For our Dad, driving his car was a source of pride. When he lost that ability, his personal freedom, spontaneity, independence and sense of identity and well-being were significantly impacted. Thank goodness we found Nutmeg Senior Rides because they’ve played an invaluable part in filling that loss. The ride service they provide is truly life-saving and the care and quality with which they provide it, is nothing short of amazing! Over the last 2+ years, a Nutmeg driver has taken our Dad out for a ride every Wednesday… wherever he wants to go… and on Friday evenings… Dad and Mom enjoy a ride out to dinner, are escorted into their favorite restaurant and then safely driven home again. Margaret and her Team are responsive, flexible, and caring… and their rates are more than fair. My family and I are very grateful for Nutmeg’s commitment and service and expect their ride service to be an integral part of our parents lives as long as possible. Jacqueline & Diane

Debbie Schack, Enfield

Nutmeg Senior Rides has been an important part of my "support" team since I moved back to Connecticut 5 years ago. They have provided me with transportation to and from my life-saving dialysis treatments and that was whether I was in my wheelchair or using my walkers. At one point they had picked up a member of my family then went to my house to bring my wheelchair to me while I was in the hospital. Another time they picked up my dog and I to get to a Vet appointment. For errands, Doctor visits or Doggie "care" these kind, considerate and helpful people have been there when I needed them. With many thanks, Debbie Schack

Phyllis Small, West Hartford

Margaret and her staff at Nutmeg Senior Rides provided wonderful support to my brother for many years when he could no longer drive himself. They took him to his dialysis, medical appointments, and sometimes grocery shopping. They were punctual, warm, friendly, and supportive, and I could count on them to call me if my brother’s condition worsened. Their service relieved me as primary care giver of a great deal of stress, We could not have managed without them.