The Driver – Volunteer Newsletter – October 2025

by | Nov 7, 2025 | Featured, In the News, Volunteer Newsletters

Volunteer Recruitment Efforts Update

Neighbor Ride has been actively working to recruit new volunteers throughout the month. Our outreach efforts included hosting informational tables at the Ellicott City Farmers Market, the Ellicott City Rotary Club Community Crab Feast, and hosting our own Neighbor Ride Walktober Event.

In addition, we’ve enhanced our online presence by adding a chatbot to the volunteer recruitment page on our website. This new feature is designed to answer questions from prospective volunteers in real-time and guide them toward signing up for an upcoming Orientation session.

The chart below highlights the various sources through which our new volunteers have learned about Neighbor Ride. This data helps us understand which outreach efforts are most effective. We are grateful to our current and retired volunteers whose referrals continue to play a vital role in helping us grow our team!

Spotted in the Neighborhood

We recently spotted and honored driver Mark Goldstein and driver Anne Berkowitz out and about providing rides.  Anne is shown below with client Kye Lee.

The Volunteer Bulletin

The weather cooperated and Andrew was manning the NR table at the NR Walktober event. He and our Strategic Development Director Andrea talked and walked with some community friends and two potential volunteers.

For the rest of the countywide Walktober events, go to: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/walktober

Reminder: The 17th is Magnet Day

Our data shows that the car magnets are a wonderful recruitment tool for Neighbor Ride. 

On the 17th of each month, we ask that all volunteers display their magnet on your car throughout the day. 

Welcome, New Volunteers!

Olivia Lawson
Janet Romsaas
Gary Romsaas
Brad Speierman
Mary Kelty
Diana Zilberman

Partner Events- Columbia Orchestra

A group of children and an adult walk toward a yellow school bus at a crosswalk on a sunny day.

November 1, 2025
10:30am & 1:00pm
Jim Rouse Theatre

Bring the whole family to our Young People’s Concert! The orchestra will take you on an adventure featuring the playful music of Bluey, everyone’s favorite blue heeler pup, along with the classic Peter and the Wolf by Sergei Prokofiev. Guided by Greg Jukes, these characters will come to life in front of your eyes!

Our Condolences

We are saddened by the passing of passengers:

John Sellner, Bertha Harris, Marsha Nemerov, and retired RC Bob Depp.

Our thoughts are with their families and friends at this time.

The Latest Stats Are In

Check our our latest stats from September. We appreciate our volunteers for helping us be out there on the roads each and every day for our clients!

  • Ride requests filled: 819
  • Rides cancelled for no driver: 73
  • Ride Unfilled rate: 7.0%
  • Clients served: 270
  • Different volunteers providing a ride: 179

Fuel Our Future: Ways to Give

Support Neighbor Ride through a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA. If you’re 70½ or older, a QCD lets you donate directly—tax-free—while satisfying your required minimum distribution. 

By giving through a QCD, you’re joining a growing community of generous supporters who are making a lasting impact. Together, we’re building a stronger future—one gift at a time. 

Vehicle donations graphic

We Need Your Help

20 Cars for 20 Years! We accept all vehicles of any age or condition. Anyone can donate, no matter what state you live in!

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Columbia Medical Practice logo
Edelman Financial Engines logo
Heritage Toyota Logo
Compass logo
BWFA logo
Apple Ford logo
TowerCares logo
Johns Hopkins Medical Center logo
MileOneCares logo
Community Foundation of Howard County logo
The Hutt Company logo
Lilian Bauder text