Editor,
In Mark Eastburn’s recent Letter to the Editor he wrote a proper descriptive of ECHO Village. I would like to add a personal note.
Back during the initial phase of construction, a call went out for local citizens to apply for positions of “residential managers” whose tasks, as permanent residents, would be to assist with the day-to-day activities in the Village.
My wife and I filled out an application and, after being interviewed, became part of the project. A friend said, “You aren’t poor, you aren’t recovering drug addicts, what are you doing there?”
What we do here is pay rent and utilities and offer our help where needed. For example, we have provided transportation for residents to and from the Village. I personally am currently tutoring two children who live in the Village to improve their reading skills. We have both participated in finishing construction of the houses, worked in the greenhouse, etc.
For my wife and me this is an exciting adventure and an opportunity to be active participants in a meaningful endeavor during our declining years.
Bill Westerman