“Retirement is a wonderful place to be,” he said. “I wish I had found it earlier.”
What are some of the things keeping him busy?
Carl, who is 66, is currently leading the charity campaign known as “Carl’s Coats for Kids.”
“When Sharon Howard, who is Channel 2’s executive director of community relations, came to me 26 years ago and asked me to put my name and my support on this project, I didn’t hesitate to say ‘yes,’ ” Carl said. “Even though I am in retirement, I promised the station I would continue to promote the project, which provides warm coats for needy children around the Miami Valley.”
He added, “Sharon does a lot of the planning, and I get to promote the project and visit the sites where people are dropping off coats. It is a way of giving back to the community that just makes you feel good inside.”
Carl’s campaign is running now until Oct. 31. Those who have any washable coats that could be used are asked to donate them at drop-off locations in area Handyman Ace Hardware stores, Jeff Schmitt Auto locations or at the Channel 2 studios, 4595 S. Dixie Highway, (Robert Phillips Avenue) in Moraine.
The Cintas Corp. will launder the donated coats at no charge, and the Goodwill-Easter Seals organization will then distribute them.
“This year we were really in need of coats for infants and toddlers,” Carl said. “In 2008 we were pleased when over 8,000 coats were donated, making our campaign in collecting coats the top in the nation. We would like to pass that mark in 2009.
In addition to his work with the coat campaign, Carl is a celebrity volunteer for Hospice of Dayton, and will help prepare for the annual Hospice Walk on Nov. 1 on the Hospice campus, 324 Wilmington Ave.
Carl has a small group of friends and neighbors that he meets with at area restaurants for breakfast and conversation one day a week. “It gives us an opportunity to visit, and stay in touch,” he said.
This past week, Carl has spent some of his retirement time driving his wife, Bernie, to and from doctor’s offices.
“Bernie is still teaching at Kettering Middle School, and she took a fall in the hallway recently,” he said. “She has had surgery, but is coming along just fine.”
Carl also is taking some classes in the Life Long Learning program at the University of Dayton. “About 2,000 students over 60 years old signed up for the various classes,” he said. “The tuition is $80 a semester, and you pick the classes you want to attend. There are no tests and no credits. You are not graded. You just learn.”
Currently Carl is taking a class on 20th century music, the history of beach music and a class on World War II history. In the next session, he plans to sign up for a class on the interesting history of downtown Dayton in the early days.
Carl added, “I found it to be true (that) when you retire, a whole new world opens up for you, and there are always positive ways to spend your time.”
Dale Huffman wants your suggestions and story ideas. He’d like to share a story about you, your family, or a friend. This column is for you. Send e-mail to dhuffman@DaytonDailyNews.com or write to Dale at 1611 S. Main St. Dayton, OH 45409. Fax: (937) 225-2489. Phone: (937) 225-2272.
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