OUR RESIDENTS DORIS AND ARTHUR SHIRLEY LaJUANNA AND SAM CAROL

For these long-time Bow Lake residents, retiring from the workplace means more time to connect with those in need – and each other. Arthur, a Marine who served at Iwo Jima, and Doris, a veteran airline employee, enjoy their time together now volunteering for the local community — and helping out within our gates, as well. Living at Bow Lake is a perfect fit for them.

“It’s safe and quiet…and the staff here does a great job. Everyone who comes to see us comments on how pretty and clean it is.”

From traveling to help an ailing family member to delivering Meals on Wheels, to helping out at Bow Lake’s monthly pancake breakfasts, Art and Doris are there when you need them. And Doris says they get as much out of it as anyone else. “We really enjoy doing the monthly breakfasts here. It gives us a chance to see people we haven’t seen in a while.”

Volunteering at the airport USO office is something else the couple feels especially committed to. Doris has been helping out there for 16 years; Art, almost as long. Their duties range from creating a relaxing atmosphere for active duty soldiers and their families – to making sandwiches for hungry travelers. Sandwiches, which apparently, have developed quite a reputation over the years.

Art explains, “People will come back years later, and say, “you got any more of those good tuna fish sandwiches?”

“I don’t know what it is,” says Doris, “We just add pickle relish and mayonnaise.”
Over the years, the couple has made thousands of their famous tuna fish sandwiches – all with the same loving care, no doubt. So maybe that’s the secret ingredient? “Maybe that’s it – plus we don’t make them skimpy!” laughs Doris.

If you’d like to catch Doris and Art in action, drop by the USO office. But set your alarm; their shift starts at 4am. And that’s the way they like it – with plenty of time left to enjoy their day.