Open the (bus) door to independent travel

Brian Burton, travel trainer for Via, is peppered with questions as he and eight “trainees” walk from the Longmont Senior Center  to the nearby RTD bus station for a learn-as-you-go experience on a cloudy Wednesday morning. While clearly ready for an adventure, most of these seniors have not ridden the bus in recent years and want to know how it all works.

They are participating in one of Via’s Seniors on the Move classes, half-day outings designed to be both fun and educational. Typically offered by Via in collaboration with a local senior center, the free classes provide an overview of the public transportation system through an actual ride on the bus with an instructor to answer questions along the way.

This group is headed to the Boulder RTD transit station for a tour, since it’s a central transfer point in the local transit system, and then a walk to Pearl Street Mall for coffee or tea before heading back to Longmont on the bus.

Patricia Bergstrom, a transit veteran who doesn’t have a car and uses the local Longmont bus frequently, wants to expand her travel options. She’s thinking about a trip from Longmont to Flatirons Mall.

“There’s always more to learn about using the bus, and this seemed like a good way to do it,” she said.

Leah Wilson and Elaine Nave are newbies to the bus. They still drive locally but like the idea of being able to go to Denver or Fort Collins without worrying about traffic. They’re thinking about the future and learning to use the bus fits their independent lifestyle.

Via has upcoming Seniors on the Move classes scheduled at the Boulder, Erie and Lafayette Senior Centers. Learn more.

See Facebook photo album of class.

MaryRose keeps on going and going

MaryRose B., age 90

Desperation brought MaryRose to Via, but the ease of using the transportation service has kept her on the bus for the last five years.

Having moved to Colorado from Southern California to be closer to her daughter, MaryRose was not prepared to ride the bus when it became apparent that driving was no longer a safe option. While she did attempt a few bus trips, she never felt comfortable or confident while riding. And relying on her family stressed her daughter’s schedule and their relationship.

Via changed MaryRose’s outlook. “I like Via because it’s easy to schedule a trip, and the drivers are so helpful and kind. I can tell they enjoy what they are doing, and that makes the trips enjoyable for me,” she said.

Today MaryRose is as active and independent as she ever was when driving. She plays bridge weekly at the East Boulder Recreation Center, does her grocery shopping, goes to doctor’s appointments and attends activities at the Boulder West Senior Center. She doesn’t plan on slowing down as long as Via can keep up with her schedule!

Eat. Drink. Give.

On Tuesday, May 14, Via is partnering with Harold’s Restaurant and Lounge in Longmont to receive a portion of the day’s sales. Owned by Susan Pratt, the Pratt family and James Unger, Harold’s offers fine family dining made with locally-sourced ingredients. The Pratt family has a long history of supporting nonprofit organizations and continues that support through the monthly nonprofit day at Harold’s.

Harold’s recently received a three-star review from the Daily Camera’s dining critic, who had this to say about the restaurant: “With moderately priced, locally sourced and thoughtfully prepared entrees, Harold’s is certainly contributing positively to the Longmont culinary landscape with quality, integrity and, well, just some damn good food.”

Join Via at Harold’s from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14 to enjoy lunch, happy hour or dinner and contribute to a great cause – us!

Via invites participation in service advisory committee

Via is recruiting members for its Longmont Service Advisory Committee (SAC). The first meeting is scheduled 1:30-3 p.m., Thursday, April 25 at the Longmont Senior Center, 910 Longs Peak Ave.

The purpose of the SAC is to provide an opportunity for community members, professional supporting staff, clients and potential clients to identify and discuss mobility needs and barriers in their community. In addition, Via’s staff will provide updates relating to schedules, routes and other service or policy changes.

Nicole Cavalino, director of customer and community services, said of the advisory group: “We hope to use these meetings to get feedback from individuals with different perspectives on our service – from a client or a client’s family member or from an organization whose clients use our service – because diverse viewpoints will help us better meet the mobility needs of each community.”

Individuals who are interested in joining the Longmont Service Advisory Committee should attend the first meeting to learn more and fill out an application for membership. For questions in advance of the meeting, please contact Barb Borg, 303-447-2848 x1047 or bborg@viacolorado.org.

Learn to Use Public Transportation with Seniors on the Move

Get on the bus and …go! Don’t always want to drive your own car? Find out how easy it is to use RTD, the local public bus system, and give yourself more transportation options. Join Via for a fun and educational ride on RTD. Coupons provided for the bus ride. Susan Unger, Via’s travel instructor, will provide an overview of the local public transportation system and answer your questions. Learn as you go.

Cost:Free, but please register in advance. If you have questions about the classes, please contact Susan by calling 303-447-2848, X1048 or sunger@viacolorado.org.

April 24, 10:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Lafayette Senior Center to Denver with lunch at the Cheesecake Factory, call 303-665-9052, X3 to register.

May 8, 8:30 a.m. to Noon         
Longmont Senior Center to Boulder with coffee on the Pearl Street Mall, call 303-651-8578 to register.

June 26, 8:30 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.
Erie Senior Center to Nederland with lunch and a ride on the Carousel of Happiness, call 303-926-2795 to register.

July 26, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
West Boulder Senior Center to Nederland with lunch and a ride on the Carousel of Happiness, call 303-441-4437 to register.

August 12, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
West Boulder Senior Center to E-Town, HOP to 29^th Street for lunch followed by an E-Town tour, call 303-441-4437 to register.

August 14, 10:20 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
Louisville Senior Center to Boulder with lunch and a tour of the RTD bus station, call 303-335-4914 to register.