Seniors go up, up and away

By SUSAN RIEMER
Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber Reporter
May 16, 2012 · 4:52 PM

Several Island seniors gathered at the Sportsmen’s Club early Monday morning to do something they had never done before: take a ride in a hot air balloon.

This opportunity came because one resident, Elaine Nelson, mentioned to Vashon Community Care (VCC) employee LoAnne Forschmiedt that one of her regrets was that she never had experienced such a ride.

More than a year ago, Forschmiedt set about trying to make that dream come true. She contacted the Jeremy Bloom Wish of a Lifetime Foundation, which helped make this day possible and arranged for Morning Star Balloons of Battle Ground, Wash., to come to the Island.

“I am so thrilled,” Forschmiedt said, taking in the early morning scene.

She was not alone. Five residents went for a ride in the tethered balloon, including Anne Kappelman. “Fun, fun, fun,” she enthused, “It was lots of fun.”

Ralph Eister, 92, recently took a photography class at VCC and had his camera in hand when he went up. Unfortunately, winds kept the balloon below tree line. “I wanted to get above the trees to take pictures,” he said.

Don Steele, 93 and known to many for his potted plants, said he came out of the desire to try it. “It was my first flight,” he said.

 

Contact Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber Reporter Susan Riemer at sriemer@vashonbeachcomber.com or 206-463-9195.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.

So keep your comments:

  • Civil
  • Smart
  • On-topic
  • Free of profanity

We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters. We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please refer to our Terms of Use for full detail on participating on our site.