Meet Your Neighbor: Carol Hamer

___  

Energetic, helpful, and generous of spirit. That describes the kind of people we all like to be with, especially when it comes to working together toward a common goal. That is also a perfect description of our newest Board member, Carol Hamer. We were delighted when Carol responded to our search for someone to join us as a representative for her area of Southern Gables.  — Interview by Bruce McDonald.

Bruce: Carol, it’s so good to meet you. First off, how long have you lived here in Southern Gables, and what brought you here?  

Carol: We moved here in 2001, so that’s 24 years now. In a way it seems like just yesterday, but that’s a pretty long time. My late husband and I lived in a townhome very close to where I grew up, here in Lakewood. 

So you’re a Colorado girl, grew up in Lakewood? And how about your husband, was he from Colorado too?  No, he was from a military family and they lived all over the world. They were stationed in Colorado Springs and after he went to college they moved to Virginia but he liked Colorado. So you met in Springs, or here?  Neither. We met in college, in Kansas. But we both wanted to come to Colorado, so it was a natural choice. It was a small townhome though, and after seventeen years we decided we needed more room – seven children in a two-bedroom place is kind of a squeeze – that’s when we came here. It was perfect for raising our family. So, seven children!  I can see why a full-size house would be a better situation. Eight actually, after we moved. Our youngest was born here. It was a great place for all the kids. Friendly neighbors watching out for one another, safe places to play and other kids to play with… just perfect. 

I always ask what are some things you like about the neighborhood, and that’s a pretty good start: good neighbors. Yes, and our little circle here is so especially great. We’re involved in each other’s full lives. We play tennis at the same club, shovel the snow as a community project, have spontaneous block parties, and help one another in so many ways. Since I’m just recently widowed, when my next-door neighbor was blowing the leaves out of his gutters he came over and did mine. Then he gathered up all my leaves and took them with his over to the Lakewood Greenhouse for the City’s composting project. 

It’s always nice to have good people around when help is needed. Speaking of which, I’m told you’re a very active volunteer. I know being on the Neighborhood Association Board will become one of your favorites, but what are some of your other volunteer activities and interests?  With the good-sized family we had, I was always involved in the PTA at our children’s schools. Deeply involved. I’m on the Board of the Ballet Guild – which covers not just ballet but all kinds of dance as well – and I run the committee at St. Jude’s that provides food for funeral receptions. My biggest involvement is one I have a deep emotional commitment to, from having family members who struggle with diabetes. I am President of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. We raise money for the Barbara Davis Foundation, and it goes to patient support, awareness, and research. 

With all your volunteer work, do you have any time for hobbies and leisure activities?  Yes, of course! I love a good party, and I love the theater. I just learned Mah Jongg, and I’ve taken up knitting. My mom was a knitter, and she could do anything. I find it comforting. My free time isn’t all sedentary though. I’m planning to go skydiving, in the spring 

Well, I guess that’s better than “in the fall.” (badump-bump.)  Omigosh no, really? That sounds so great! Wow, it’s hard to top that, so I think we can wrap it up. I’d like to express my appreciation for the visit, and again for your volunteering to join the Association Board. In closing, do you have any words of wisdom we could pass along? 

It’s so important to be kind, and to live your life to the fullest. I don’t want to look back one day with a lot of “I wish I would haves.”  

Ahh… the skydiving. Good for you! Thanks for the visit, and good luck! 

Subscribe to get an email notice when our weekly articles are published.