Two Ocean Pines women made the dreams of a pair of local seniors come true last Wednesday, thanks to the Twilight Wish Foundation.
Eighty-year-old Lester Mason is pictured during a ride with Ocean CIty Cruzers Club President Ronnie Young in a 1929 Ford Roadster.
Photo courtesy Ocean Pines Association
Two Ocean Pines women made the dreams of two local seniors come true last Wednesday, thanks to the Twilight Wish Foundation.
Lester Mason, 80, and Chauncey Corbin, 70, have each been clients of the Worcester County Developmental Center for several decades. The center, in Newark has helped local people with intellectual disabilities find meaningful employment, gain independence, and increase their self-worth since 1973.
Mason, a WCDC resident for more than 30 years, can often be seen carrying a picture book of his favorite cars. Corbin, a resident at the center since 1999, also loves cars, but was never able to get his driver’s license because of an intellectual disability.
Both enjoy the Cruisin’ Ocean City event where they can interact with classic cars, especially the hot rods.
Last Wednesday, Worcester County Twilight Wish Foundation Chapter Director Carolyn Dryzga and volunteer Barb Peletier introduced Mason and Corbin to Ocean City Cruzers Club President Ronnie Young – and his 1929 Ford Roadster.
Worcester County Development Center clients Chauncey Corbin, second from left, and Lester Mason, right, are pictured with Twilight Wish Foundation representatives Barb Peletier and Carolyn Dryzga.
Photo courtesy Ocean Pines Association
Mason took a 10-minute ride in the classic hot rod and posed for pictures next to it. Corbin was a little shy, but still enjoyed touching the car and meeting Young.
Several clients posed for pictures with the car, and Mason and Corbin each received t-shirts, and certificates that read, “For Maintaining an Inspiring and Uplifting Spirit and Dedication to Others. Know that others remember and care”
The Roadster itself has quite the history, built by Young and his father and brother more than 70 years ago.
“It was built from scratch,” Young said. “My brother bought it in 1953, and when he went in the Marines my dad started on it with me, and it eventually moved on to me and I’ve kept it ever since,” he said.
Young said building the car was a labor of love, and seeing it bring joy to others so many years later is deeply gratifying.
“It’s terrific. I’m glad I could do this for somebody,” he said. “I’m really glad I could help somebody out and help them make a wish come true.”
Dryzga started the Worcester County chapter of the Twilight Foundation in March. The chapter worked with WCDC to grant a client’s wish to meet Minnie Mouse in July, and in August helped a 95-year-old veteran dine at Harrison’s Harbor Watch and watch boats from the White Marlin Open come in.
Peletier, a prolific local volunteer who was given the Sam Wilkinson Volunteer Award from Ocean Pines earlier this month, said she was eager to help this new cause.
“Carolyn told me about it, and I said, ‘I’m in!’” she said. “It’s been great so far. Everyone we approach has been so generous with their time.”
Both were familiar with WCDC because of their prior volunteer experience.
“We’ve been going to nursing homes and visiting the Developmental Center, and just asked people to keep their ears open if they had anyone with a wish,” Peletier said.
“We both feel that, if we can make somebody happy, it’s a wonderful thing that we’ve discovered, and it’s great that we can share this together,” Dryzga said.
Dryzga said the Worcester Twilight Wish chapter is currently a two-person operation, but they will start to seek additional volunteers next year.
The Twilight Wish Foundation is a national nonprofit “whose mission is to honor and enrich the lives of seniors through intergenerational wish granting celebrations.” Since 2003, the nonprofit has granted more than 6,100 wishes throughout the United States.
For more information on local opportunities through the Twilight Wish Foundation, contact Dryzga at twfworcoa@gmail.com or call 302-889-0040 or 215-519-3670.
More information on the organization is available online.