TEARS OF JOY
Friends step up for senior
Everyone who knows Rose Black says she is the sweetest person you will ever meet. But life lately has not been sweet to her in return.
Two weeks before Christmas, someone stole the 78-year-old’s car from the handicapped parking spot outside the East Windsor apartment building where she lives. It was found with a busted ignition and Black had not even paid off the repair bill when her car was stolen again.
The cost of repairs the second time around was more than the car was worth, her insurance company said. The company wrote it off, giving the fixed-income senior just $404 toward a replacement.
“She doesn’t deserve this,” said friend Kay Meagher, who met Black about 15 years ago through the local Elvis Presley fan club Meagher leads. “Everyone loves Rose, so we’re trying to help get her a reliable car again.”
Elvis tribute artists have been allowing Meagher to put out donation jars at concerts. Meagher also reached out to members through the fan club’s Facebook page. To date, Meagher has collected $600.
Black, who uses a walker to get around, was driving a 1996 Dodge Neon. She had had the car for 13 years and, with regular maintenance, it always started and had never left her stranded, Black said. “I loved that car. It was my baby.”
She bought it when she was still employed as an administrative assistant at Citizen Advocacy. The woman who spent her career helping seniors and people with disabilities said she feels “funny” accepting help herself.
She was moved to tears Thursday when she learned about the fundraising campaign on her behalf.
“I don’t like feeling sorry for myself,” she said as she sat with Meagher in the common room of her apartment building. “I don’t like asking for help.”
The first time Black’s car was stolen, on Dec. 11, it was found the next day parked outside an apartment building on Garden Court.
Her mechanic repaired the $470 indamageandlethertakethecar before her bill was paid. Instead of gifts at Christmas, friends and family gave Black cash. She put it all toward her beloved Neon.
Then on Jan. 13, she got a call from a Windsor police officer telling her the car had been found in the 3700 block of Lauzon Road. She hadn’t been driving it, but had started the car and let it run just the day before. She didn’t even know it was missing.
This time the damage was more extensive. She had to put in an insurance claim.
Black said she didn’t drive often, but liked being able go to the bank or grocery store without bothering family and friends. For the past month, she has been using HandiTransit, or, on short notice for doctor’s appointments, cabs that have cost her $20 a trip.
Meagher said the thief has stolen more than a car. He or she has stolen Black’s independence.
The fact the car was taken from a handicapped parking spot makes it a particularly despicable crime, she said.
“If that thief only knew the stress this is causing her,” Meagher said.
For now, the local “Elvis family ” is trying to help, Meagher said, consoling her friend. “If Elvis was alive, he’d be buying you a car.”