Cheers, to the volunteers

“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” —Desmond Tutu

In honor of National Volunteer Week, April 20–26, Ardenwoods recognizes two outstanding residents who have devoted much time and skill to helping others.

First is Dick Jedwill, a former AARP Tax-Aide volunteer. Dick volunteered with AARP for 25 years, helping countless Michigan and North Carolina residents prepare their taxes at no expense. 

“This was an activity that allowed me to utilize my interest and skill in math, analytics, and logic to give back to the community,” said Dick.

Since 1968, AARP’s Tax-Aide program has assisted approximately 80 million taxpayers with tax filing. The program is designed for taxpayers over 50 with low to moderate incomes. 

Dick was introduced to the Tax-Aide opportunity while living in Michigan when a friend recruited him. Years later, Dick relocated to Asheville but continued his volunteerism in the Tax-Aide program. 

Each December and January, Dick was required to attain a re-certification from the Internal Revenue Service and spend hours completing practice tax returns. Talk about commitment! 

In the United States, nearly 3,600 satellite locations are available for those in need of Tax-Aide services. These locations are set up at banks, community centers, malls, and libraries every February through April. In the Asheville area, Dick volunteered at Pack Memorial Library and other Tax-Aide locations in Black Mountain and Weaverville. With the help of his Tax-Aide coordinator, Dick was even able to set up shop at Ardenwoods, helping his neighbors file their taxes. 

“It is through volunteering that communities come together,” said Dick. 

In his free time, Dick enjoys being outdoors, especially hiking. So, naturally, he even volunteers to lead his Ardenwoods neighbors on hikes to local points of interest.

Next, meet Dona Marie Nelson. Dona offers complimentary mending services to Ardenwoods residents.

On the first Monday of each month, January through March and October through November, “Mending Mondays” commences. On Mending Mondays, residents give Dona clothing or household items that need mending. She can sew buttons, stitch holes, re-align zippers, and hem pants and skirts. She has even helped residents fix sofa covers!

Dona is quite the master of mending, who started sewing at age 11. 

“I made many of my clothes back then,” said Dona. “It was what most people did.”

She often receives anywhere from one to seven items each month — so she can get quite busy.

In her free time, during months when Mending Mondays is not in full swing, Dona spends her time gardening, which she also learned to do as a young girl.

We salute Dick and Dona who cultivate a spirit of volunteerism at Ardenwoods. Their efforts — and those of our many other resident volunteers — help our community thrive.

‍