Some say ‘all good things come to an end,’ but those milestones are worth noting when they go by.
“We are blessed to have had so many years of service and dedication from Gene Moon, our very first volunteer driver for the Hyde Shuttle in Des Moines, especially since Gene has decided to retire this month,” said Brady Wright, Community Outreach Director for Senior Services. “It’s not often that we can celebrate a first, but Gene was not only the first volunteer driver for the Des Moines/ Normandy Park Hyde Shuttle, he was the first volunteer driver in the entire system.”
Brady adds:
Gene’s friendly face and gentlemanly manner has been an anchor for riders in our community for almost fifteen years! For some time now, his regular Wednesday afternoon van has been filled with folks who really look forward to seeing his smiling face, rain or shine. Gene is known for making sure that every rider gets the best experience, always stepping out to greet folks and offer an arm or handshake. He is one of the best standard-bearers of our service and to say that he will be missed is a huge understatement.
Gene has plenty to keep him busy. He has many hobbies, including hot rod cars, and you can see that he spends as much care on them as he does on each and every rider! Gene and his wife, Kaylene, will have plenty to do with their time and we know we’ll see them at the Activity Center quite often. At an Appreciation Lunch in October, the Center was filled with Gene’s friends and co-workers and he was given the Shining Star award by Cindy Zwart, the director of the Transportation Department of Senior Services!
With Gene taking it easy, we now have a terrific opportunity for the next superstar volunteer to step up. Driving for the Hyde Shuttle is a great way to give back to the community and help your friends and neighbors get to and from the places they want to go! As Gene can tell you, it’s only a few hours a week, and all the training is provided. No special license is needed and all you have to do is call Brady Wright at the Activity Center to apply at 206-878-2066. You can email direct to [email protected] if you have any questions. We currently need at least two drivers, but more would help this wonderful service to expand even more!
