Credit: Mary Jenkins
Longtime Pine Plains resident Diana Moore was worried. She was facing the temporary loss of her driver’s license on June 5, which might prevent the arthritic 85-year-old from getting around to do the things she loved: sorting and distributing clothing at Willow Roots, going to the pharmacy and to the bank, and eating at her beloved Rosey’s and talking with owner/manager Jamie Gerber. “Jamie is the kindest person I know, who remembers everyone’s name,” Moore said. “[They] even told me I’m nice.”
Gerber came to Pine Plains three years ago and opened Rosey’s in October, 2021. “It’s so important for us to understand our neighbors,” said Gerber, 33, who uses they/them pronouns. “To be aware if they’re having good or bad days, and to offer help if someone needs it.” Gerber is especially concerned about Pine Plains seniors: “It has to be challenging for them to get access to the services they need. We’ll be old one day and may need help, too.”
The restaurateur learned about Moore’s fears in late May while they chatted over her typical lunch of soup and coffee. It occurred to Gerber that because Moore lives only a few blocks from the places she frequents, a mobility scooter would be the perfect solution. She loved the idea but dismissed it because the vehicle was too expensive.
Undeterred, Gerber searched Facebook Marketplace, found a widower selling his late wife’s scooter and drove to Philmont. They test-drove it, made the purchase—for a sum Gerber would rather not disclose—and trucked the 200-pound vehicle back to Pine Plains.
The Friday of Memorial Day weekend, Moore got a call from Gerber asking if she was coming for lunch. “Jamie said, ‘I have something for you,’” Moore recalled. “I was intrigued!”
After her customary meal Gerber walked her outside, accompanied by chef Brit Ko, who served as videographer. The surprise was parked in front of the restaurant. Moore said she was “completely taken off-guard. I was overwhelmed! The mobility scooter will keep me from being dependent on others for rides. It’s a game-changer.”
“We’re a small community here; we need each other,” Gerber said. “I’d like to cultivate the spirit of generosity to carry within me, whether it’s something small like remembering someone’s name, or big like getting a friend in need a mobility scooter.”
Gerber delivered not only the gift to Moore’s shed but also the promise of a driving lesson: “I may have to ride my bike alongside Diana at first.”
Check out the video here.