"There is always someone who could use a hello or a helping hand. I see two or three people every morning when I go in to town to pick up my paper that just need to know that someone cares," says RSVP volunteer Fred Doubleday. Together, he and his wife, Pat, serve the community through the Edwin Thompson Senior Center in Woodstock, Vermont.

Fred and Pat Doubleday have lived in Woodstock all of their married lives, raising six children there. Though he is retired from the taxi business he owned for 50 years, Fred keeps active in the Rotary, and as Justice of the Peace. He’s done 1,104 weddings! "Have book, will travel," he laughs. Community service is nothing new to this man who was town clerk for 30 years, and in the fire department for 50! Pat, a registered nurse, retired from Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, and recently, as an interpreter at the Woodstock Historical Society. She has also performed with their church’s bell choir for over 14 years.

Together, they’re a team. "If I can’t deliver the meals, then Pat does it." Sure enough, if the golfing is good, Pat’s driving! Fred explains they deliver in Plymouth, Pomfret, and Quechee. The driving covers 45 miles round trip. They agree, "We really enjoy delivering meals because we get to talk to everyone and they get a good meal."

The Doubledays also drive people to and from medical appointments. Fred has taken a man with eye problems a few times. "I will take him for surgery at the end of the month."

Pat also waitresses every Monday at the Center, where they have been very involved over the years. "I didn’t have much training, but I know now!" she laughs. Fred adds, "I was on the Board when they were looking for a center. When this place was founded, I made a motion to name it after Mr. Thompson. He was a very good man and did a lot for the community. I thought he should be recognized for that."

"I will volunteer and keep doing these things as long as I can," says Fred. "Maybe someone will see me and say, ‘I could do that,’ and start volunteering."