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BELLAIRE - Some people in our county have made passion a contagious condition. The symptoms? Seemingly endless energy, a giving spirit, a positive attitude, conviction of the goodness in people, a heart of gold and the ability to infect others with the priority of their drive.

Carol Mitchell is such a person. The director of the Commission on Aging for Antrim County, registered nurse by trade and a self-made motivator, Mitchell leads a crusade of care for the senior citizens in our area. She has been on a mission to provide and expand support here since 1995.

At first glance, 1995 might not seem all that long ago. To Mitchell, the last 12 to 13 years have passed in a blink-of-the-eye blur. And the changes during Mitchell's tenure have been major.

The budget in 1995 was $235,000, now it is $1,300,000. The client base at that time was 98 people. It has expanded to between four and five hundred. Services in Ô95 included almost exclusively the provision of meals. Today a senior in Antrim County can receive practically any service - from delivered food to plumbing to equipment to tax preparation to health care to social activities to education opportunities and more.

By any account, these changes are nothing short of dramatic and a tribute to Director Mitchell, but she will have none of that. She attributed the successes that the Commission has experienced to those with whom she works.

"I am just the facilitator here. We have 27 dedicated employees along with a corps of volunteers who honestly care for the seniors in our county. We also have a board of directors that is compassionate and reasonable. Along with all that, when I came here there was an active base of senior support led by Ray Mills. We wouldn't have our current facility without them.Ó

Deflector of credit and compliment she may be, Mitchell cannot deny what is possibly the most astounding of data related to her directorship. Since 1995, she has not once come to the county for a millage increase. When asked how this could possibly be, Mitchell denies any magic. "We are one of the best counties to provide all services, and that is due to the generosity of many private contributors,"she said. "We also have made it a habit to only request what we really need. Our board and our supporters know this.Ó

According to their literature, the mission of the Commission on Aging is, "To improve the quality of life, and maintain the highest level of independence for those persons age 60 and over who reside in Antrim County."

The facts, figures and facilities are testimony to the ongoing accomplishment of that mission.

Mitchell has a new goal. "It is our challenge to continue to provide and expand services, to meet growth demands, while in the midst of this economic downturn,"she said.

That goal faces new pressures. Recent figures indicate that the senior population in Antrim County has increased 18 percent compared to state growth of 12 percent.

Carol cited other examples. "Our facility and kitchen are now over 10 years old and there are maintenance issues,"she said. "Our four trucks each log an average of 80 miles per day now, and we have a fifth truck coming in March (paid for mostly by donations), of course the gasoline prices and energy-related expenses of our facility have increased substantially. There are technology improvements to be made that will allow us to communicate with other agencies and even security expenses with which to contend. Food expenses have jumped dramatically as well.Ó

After more than 10 years, the time has come, in Mitchell's estimation, to ask the county for more support.

"We need extra money from those who can afford to donate, and I will be approaching our county commission for permission to request an increase in millage from the county.Ó

The Director is emphatic when she describes her attitude about this request. "I don't ever want to tell people what they should do,"Mitchell said. "This is a matter of people making their own decision about doing what they think they should do. Our residents must ask themselves if they feel this is something that should be supported so we can continue services. Service is where we are and service is where we will stay for our clients and their families.Ó

With the upcoming request Mitchell suggested people participate.

"It is time for residents to let commissioners know how they feel about this, because very soon they will have to make a decision about the request," she said.

Sitting in the Commission on Aging office, the niece of a former client couldn't help but chime in with her experience. She approached, having overheard much of the interview with Mitchell.

"I'm so sorry, but I couldn't help but overhear,"she said. "I just had to come over and say what a wonderful woman this is and how I just don't know how our family would have survived without the services you provided my aunt and uncle. Thank you very much."

The humble Antrim advocate for seniors could not deny the fruits of her labors at that moment.

The county is now charged with a responsibility framed in the niece's testimonial: "What would we do without these services?" And more, "What will we do to support them?Ó

The Commission on Aging can be reached by mail to 308 E. Cayuga in Bellaire 49615, by email at: accoa@freeway.net, by phone at: 231-533-8703 or fax to: 231-533-5310.

Jeff Kessler can be reached at perkins90@hotmail.com