A fresh coat for Diamond Point woman’s home

Published 3:57 pm Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Pamela LaLonde, 66, of Diamond Point, felt blessed with 50 extra hands through Paint the Town.

The service, benefiting senior citizens and/or disabled adults who own homes in Clallam County, sent 25 volunteers on Saturday, Sept. 25, to LaLonde’s house.

They painted her home and landscaped the yard.

"I felt like I had a whole band of angels doing the work," LaLonde said. "Their efforts exceeded my expectations. It is wonderful to know there are people willing to help others in need of assistance."

Volunteers came from Sound Community Bank in Sequim, headed by Michele Sorrentino, Sequim branch manager, and Deon Kapetan, peninsula lending manager; North Olympic AmeriCorps, God’s Widow Helpers and Sequim Costco.

Dan Perry, a longtime Sequim volunteer and commercial painter, led the team.

"We had a really wonderful experience," Kapetan said. "The bonding that occurred with our Sound Community Bank teammates was extraordinary and we appreciated the opportunity to serve with other community volunteers."

Pat Downie, Paint the Town organizer, said the project was a huge success.

"By my estimation, it was a quintessential Paint the Town project including several community organizations," Downie said.

LaLonde said the project looks marvelous.

"They did as much as I could have done in two years – without anything growing back, of course," she said. "These people are all so wonderful. Everybody was just really nice."

Downie said volunteers would return to touch up the paint in the near future.

Paint the Town has served Clallam County for 22 years.

Its mission is to assist homeowners in maintaining their homes and properties and for them to remain as independent and safe in their homes for as long as possible.

For more information, call Downie at 457-1792.