Volunteers sought for Cruise by seniors homes on Aug. 7

Last year, the Cruise Cochrane attracted over 200 vehicles in its drive-by of the four major seniors' homes.

It was far more than the 30 to 40 vehicles expected, and they made it work with the help of three volunteers.

Organizer Jim Messner says they don't want to be caught off guard when they do the tour again on Aug. 7. They're seeking at least 20 more volunteers to help direct vehicles around town, especially the many expected from out-of-town.

They will be driving by the Big Hill Lodge, Bethany Cochrane, Grand Avenue Village, and Points West Living.

"We'll be cruising the four seniors' lodges in town just to remind the seniors that we still care, and show them some love, and hopefully cheer them up a bit, and to show the staff that we care there, too. So many of them worked tirelessly through that whole thing, and they need to know we support them."

He says it's hard to say how many will participate because many decide at the last minute.

"As a result of that, we need a lot more volunteers because we were caught way off guard last year."

Messner says volunteers should dress for the weather, wear a hat, and bring along some water. Safety vests will be provided.

A volunteers' meeting is being held at 11 a.m. on the day of the event at Cochrane GM, 2 Westside Drive. The vehicles will start to assemble there around noon and hit the road shortly after 1 p.m.

The event will strictly focus on driving by the seniors' lodges and wrap up around 3 p.m. Last year, they continued the cruise out-of-town.

To volunteer, drop an email to CruiseCochrane@gmail.com. Plenty more details are available on their website here. 

Messner says the public is welcome to come to look at the Cochranes on display at this event and others held through the summer. The cruises start in May and continue into August, each with its own theme.