McConnell Center news: Ageless Dreamer Foundation seeks dreamers

Posted: May 1, 2008

By Doug Dede

Dover City Councilor

Article Date: Sunday, April 27, 2008

Copywrite permission: Fosters Daily Democrat

Courtesy photo Arthur Doucette gets the dinner of his dreams.

Recently, Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman starred in a new movie about two older men who decide to do the things they've always wanted to do before they 'kick the bucket.'

Morgan had Jack, and locally in the McConnell Center, we have the Ageless Dreamer Foundation.

Since 2006, this small but growing non-profit has been facilitating dreams for folks over the age of 70.

The Ageless Dreamer Foundation helps Dreamers to do something they've never done or something they've not done for a very long time and wish to do once more.

Laurie Widmark, the Founder, got part of her inspiration from author Elizabeth Coatsworth, who lived from 1893 to 1886. Coatsworth, a New England author, wrote "When I Dream I am Ageless," and a paraphrased version of this quote serves as the foundation's mantra.

The book takes the reader from the very young individual who once was to the older individual who now is. It's an account of things that happened, and each is written in the perspective of the age that the writer was when the episode occurred. Truly a wonderful read.

As a senior myself, I can remember with clarity things that were episodes in my past, some of which will never be repeated. Reading this, pause for a moment and recall the most important or compelling episodes in your life.

Is there something that you wish you could do again? Is there something you once had a chance to do, but didn't?

The Ageless Dreamer Foundation receives dream requests from individuals, family members, caregivers, friends and casual acquaintances, and often these folks experience as much joy as the Dreamers do when the dream unfolds.

On their website, www.agelessdreamer.org, you will see stories of the completed dreams, an application to submit a dream request, listing and bios of the fine folks who serve on the Board of Directors and ways to volunteer or support the foundation financially.

News articles include stories about Dreamers who wanted to fly again in a small plane, ride on a motorcycle, visit a treasured location again, see a loved one or just enjoy something from their childhood, like the request from a 96 year old Dreamer who dreamed of "a salt cod-fish cake dinner," like his mother used to make.

The foundation relies on collaborations to make the dreams come true. Recently, Middleton Lumber stepped up to provide the lumber for the students at the Dover High School & Regional Career Technical Center, who are donating their labor to build a rather intricate handicapped ramp at a Dreamers home. This will allow a special couple to continue to live independently in their home.

This all started with the action of an astute visiting nurse from Wentworth Homecare & Hospice taking the initiative to contact the Ageless Dreamer Foundation.

So think about your loved ones and ask them: " Do you have a dream?"

No Dreamers to ask, but you want to support this organization?

Think about joining me in making a financial donation to this wonderful group or pick up the phone and call them at 603-953-0006 and offer your services, products or volunteer time.

To paraphrase from the foundations brochure: "Your involvement will help make dreams come true, bring bright smiles, help create fond memories. It will bring a smile to your own face and a renewed spring in your step."

Doug Dede supports the Ageless Dreamer Foundation as a volunteer and financial donor and currently represents Ward 2 on the Dover City Council.