The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens welcomed 25 older adults from the low-income senior residence of Pablo Towers and Pablo Hamlet in Jacksonville Beach on Aug. 11.
Most of these seniors were not able to drive, but Dial-a-Ride, the main transportation program of Beaches Council on Aging was able to take them to the Cummer with three of their vans. Many of them were regular riders with Dial-a-Ride.
The seniors were treated to a tour of the Museum and were able to view the latest exhibition called “Fabric of a Nation: American Quilt Stories from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.”
For these older adults, this experience brought back many memories from their past of quilts they had made or that were produced by someone in their family.
For many, it was their first visit to the Cummer Museum, and due to the rain, there was not much time spent in the garden, but there was plenty to see inside.
“I cannot tell you how grateful these folks were. Almost all of them came up to me at some point during the afternoon to say, ‘thank you’ and how much the experience had touched them,” said Lori Anderson, executive director of Beaches Council on Aging. “We hope to do this again.”
Due to the success of the partnership with Dial-a-Ride, the Cummer hopes to continue moving forward and helping to bring the world of arts to local senior citizens.
“We are thrilled to partner with Dial-a-Ride to bring older community members to the museum.” said Kim Kuta Dring, director of learning and engagement at the museum. “Seeing the joy and excitement on the seniors' faces as they explored the museum and engaged with the art was truly inspiring. It's a reminder of the importance of making art accessible to everyone,"
Beaches Council on Aging is the nonprofit agency that has been operating the free transportation service for seniors and disabled adults for 49 years in Jacksonville Beach. Dial-a-Ride operates Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with limited service on Saturdays and currently four vans with three able to accommodate wheelchairs.
To qualify for the service provided by Dial-a-Ride, riders must be 62 years of age or older, unable to drive and live from Mayport south to Ponte Vedra Beach and across the intracoastal to Cypress Village.
However, they do also accommodate many dialysis patients and adults over 18 years old who are permanently or temporarily disabled.
The process for reserving a Dial-a-Ride appointment is simple and only requires one phone call, a few days prior to the ride.
No person who qualifies is turned away and only a $5 donation is suggested.
To schedule Dial-a-Ride, call 904-246-1477 Ext. 1.
