Everyday Heroes
by Arlene Jensen

Carol Pavlovich & brother, James Gascoigne

When Carol Pavlovich retired, she knew exactly what she wanted to do with her spare time -- deliver Meals on Wheels to elderly and disabled persons.

Pavlovich says she knew Kenosha Area Family and Aging Services, Inc. (KAFASI) was in need of drivers for the program, but while she was working at Chrysler Motors, she couldn't commit to the volunteer program.

"I just love helping elderly people. It's something I've always wanted to do," says Carol. "So right after I retired, I signed on. That was June, 2001 and I couldn't be happier."

When she decided to take a weekly route, (and more than her share of substitute driving) Carol knew right where to go for a helper she could count on. She called her brother, James Gascoigne, also a Chrysler retiree. She convinced him to join her in the meal delivery program.

The sister and brother team works well. Pavlovich says Gascoigne is strong and able to tote the containers of food. Gascoigne says his sister is good at finding addresses.

Barbara Lassen, coordinator of the Meals on Wheels program, is thrilled to have the two on her list of volunteers.

"They go way above and beyond the call of duty," Lassen says. "This week they are working three routes! I wish I could ‘clone’ them. I tell Carol often that her halo is glowing right through the telephone receiver. They are both angels!"

But Pavlovich and Gascoigne play down the extent of their volunteering, knowing that most people haven't that much free time.

To potential drivers, Pavlovich stresses that for most volunteers "all it takes is one hour out of your day, and someday you'll appreciate somebody bringing you a hot meal!"

Carol Pavlovich, 64, and James Gascoigne, 66, are lifelong Kenosha residents. Their parents, William and Marie Gascoigne are deceased, as is Carol's late husband, Jim. She has two surviving children, Tammy Gehrke and Jim Pavlovich, Jr.

Her brother, James and his wife, Karen, have three children, Danny, Connie and Scottie.

James is touched by the grateful responses from the 12 people on their regular Meals on Wheels route.

"They love to talk, tell about their childhoods, the work they did, their families. Many say how lonely they are."

"When it comes right down to it, I think the regular visits might be more important to them than the food."

Pavlovich agrees.

"You wouldn't believe the hugs and kisses you get in this job. We are so blessed."

“For many of the Meals on Wheels recipients, the volunteer that delivers their meal will be the only person they will have contact with that entire day,” added Lassen. “Our volunteers do a fabulous job, not only delivering the hot, nutritious meal but also conversing with the client. They are the extra pair of eyes and ears ensuring the well being of our clients.”

Carol volunteers in other ways too. A few years ago, during the holiday season, she rented a school bus and took nursing home residents on a special tour of some of the local neighborhoods with the most colorful Christmas decorations and lighting. Along the way, Carol and her children led the group singing Christmas carols.

"It was a wonderful time," she recalls. "It helped teach my kids to love and respect older people."

The Meals on Wheels program is open to residents of Kenosha County. Anyone wanting to sign up for Meals on Wheels, and potential drivers who would like more information about how to volunteer, contact Dana Tehako-Esser, Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 262-658-3508, extension 120 or by email at volunteer@kafasi.org .