Rise in Demand for Rotary's Senior Project

A senior aid project spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Rohnert Park-Cotati has seen a tremendous increase in need since its — just three local seniors called for help in the first month. 

But, on Saturday, 20 homes were slated for projects, made possible by the 50 volunteers who showed up in the early morning hours at 49er Pet on Southwest Boulevard.

"There's definitely a need out there," said Paula Reinhold, a Rotarian who started the project, called "Rotary's Helping Hands."

Some houses need major work: Saturday a project in A Section required more than half of the volunteers thorughout the day, for a massive yard overhaul of debris and weeds. But most projects are simple — changing a light, fixing a leaky pipe, installing a new window screen.

Reinhold said there's no project too big or small. If a project needs more help than Rotary can give, they'll refer them to other services.

"It's about their health and safety," she said. "We pay attention to other needs, like mental health and what's in their fridge, and we'll get them additional services if needed."

And some volunteers are there to socialize with seniors.

"We want to be aware of what their conditions are," Reinhold added.

For Kent Baker, 76, who lives on Walnut Circle in C Section, the timing couldn't have been better.

The holidays coming, and it's getting really cold, he said outside his mobile home on a recent day.

Baker has sought Rotary's services every month since September, when the initiative began. Volunteers, like rotarian Ron Henderson, have fixed his thermostat, repaired his shower piping and Saturday, even came out to hang an American flag.

"They have helped me so much," said Baker, who has skin cancer and has undergone years of treatment for other sicknesses. "I used to wake up in the middle of the night freezing, and I could never get sleep. Now, I've slept every night since they came and fixed the thermostat. And it's nice to be able to take a shower."

Though the projects are small, Baker said it's improved his quality of life.

"I could never have afforded to pay someone to do those things for me — I don't know what I would've done," he said. "I'm really spoiled now."

Editor's note: Are you a senior who needs help, or do you know a local resident who needs a "handyman?" Teams are out volunteering on the third Saturday of each month, from approximately 10:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rotary can be reached at 707-765-4898. Written request can be sent to P.O. Box 1564, Rohnert Park, Calif. 94927.