Connections associate Dave Colton has been volunteering and
working with the senior living community at Juniper Village at Brookline for as
long as anyone can recall. Colton gives 100% of himself each and every day at
JVB, but perhaps one of the very best things that he shares is his love of
model trains. Collecting train tracks, structures and figures for more than 60
years, he says that it was his parents, grandparents, and some aunts and uncles
who inspired his hobby. “I started getting pieces when I was around 10,” he
shared, noting that some of his collection dates back to around 1900.
For years, Dave and his wife Dottie (also a valued JVB
volunteer) opened the doors of their State College home to neighbors and
friends, including past Brookline residents whom Dave would bring to the house
himself. When some folks mentioned that bending down to see the trains was hard
on their backs, Colton had a special elevated platform built for easier viewing
of the display. For the past four years, he has been showing his magical
holiday village in the Willows Dining Room for residents, guests and associates
to enjoy. “I love it and the people love it!” Colton said. “I get more and more
request to run the trains. I have a resident bringing her grandchildren over today
at 4:30.” And with that, he was gone… off to deliver packages to Willows
residents and spread more holiday cheer. The next time you’re at Juniper
Village in December, be sure and stop by to see this enchanted exhibit; Dave
will be happy to show you around!
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