After retiring from a 32-year marketing career in the insurance industry, Joe Majsak was looking forward to spending more time with his wife, being more active at his church, and having time to explore his hobbies, which included belonging to the Westchester Beemers Motorcycle Club and serving as a licensed official for USA Cycling and USA Triathlon.
He was also looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity. As chief marketing officer for General Star and a senior leader in his industry’s trade association, Joe put in long hours and frequently traveled across the country. “Working in business was about a means to an end. I was ready to put all that away and stop being so competitive. I was ready for something more purposeful,” he says.
That’s when he heard about TRA (then known as WestFair Rides). A fellow member of his church mentioned the organization, an aging-in-place referral source and provider of volunteer rides to medical appointments. TRA helps to meet the needs of older adults and adults with disabilities, Joe learned. “I heard the words ‘flexible,’ and ‘rewarding,’ which fit with what I was seeking,” he said.
“I joined for flexibility, I stayed for the relationships”
Joe’s father sold plumbing supplies from the trunk of his car throughout the northeast. One of Joe’s favorite trips was driving across country on a motorcycle in 50 hours. “We are a family that likes to drive,” he says, “so I knew I’d like the volunteer work, even on a basic level.” What he also appreciated was having a flexible schedule of his choosing, after many years of a busy career. “The autonomy was very important to me.”
Now, four years later, he says he has continued his work with TRA because of the kind people he has met and the rewarding relationships he has developed.
There’s Matthew Gunther, for example. After signing up to drive Matthew to his infusion therapy appointment at White Plains Hospital, Joe became his regular volunteer driver. The appointments were close to the White Plains Y. After dropping Matthew off, Joe went to the Y for his work out, then he’d head back to the hospital to keep Matthew company while he finished his session. “I’d sit in the treatment area with him and we would banter back and forth. Matthew’s energy was sapped but he was quite lively; he got a smile out of everyone. Our comedy routine would make the nurses laugh.”
The two would often stop for tea on the way home and talk some more. Sadly, Matthew passed away during his treatment. Joe recalls his funeral, noting how he had not anticipated becoming so attached or so moved. Now he drives Matthew’s wife, Willie Mae, to her doctor’s appointments. “Being able to help his family has meant a lot to me,” says Joe.
Then there’s Mrs. Duffy. After driving her to a half a dozen dental appointments — with her son, a dentist of whom she was very proud — Joe commented that her trees needed some pruning. When she said she couldn’t afford an arborist, he volunteered. That sort of extra effort isn’t required of volunteers, but it was certainly appreciated by Mrs. Duffy. “A former boss taught me that — look for the ways we can exceed expectations. A cup of tea. A trimmed tree. I love surprising people.”
A diverse volunteer network
Relationships with his fellow volunteers have also been an important part of Joe’s experience as a TRA volunteer. Coffees, movie nights and beer-and-wings nights gave him and his peers a chance to talk about their experiences and to share tips and resources with each other. He found them so enjoyable he offered to host a barbecue for all of the organization’s volunteers in his own backyard.
“We have a real connection to each other: the riders and drivers, and the drivers to each other. We’re a kind group, and a diverse group with different backgrounds and interests. But we’re all comfortable talking. We enjoy people, and we all are compassionate. Those things, we have in common.”
Joe says he plans to continue driving for as long as he is able to. He would recommend volunteering with TRA to anyone. “If you have some time and want to spread some kindness, this is the perfect opportunity.”
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