CLEARLAKE — Perley Bouscaren”s dream to fly like an eagle will come true today when she takes a jump from a perfectly good airplane. Bouscaren”s dream is being realized as part of Orchard Park Assisted Living and Memory Care Community”s “Dream Day” program.
Bouscaren will be treated to a tandem jump from 13,000 feet with a certified instructor. Clearlake Police Lt. Mike Hermann, who has generously agreed to pay for Bouscaren”s chance to skydive, will be making the jump with her.
“When Mike heard about our Dream Day program and Perley”s dream to skydive, he called me that very day,” Jane McKnight, Orchard Park community relations coordinator, said. “We own a debt of gratitude to all the people who participate in our Dream Days, especially the chief (Allan McClain) and Mike.”
Bouscaren, who is 83-years-old, heard the news that her dream was about to come true on Monday while surrounded by her family and friends. She was a bit disbelieving at first. “I think they are pulling a fast one on me,” she said in reaction to the news.
Lt. Hermann was present for the announcement and offered Bouscaren some insight into what she has in store. “It”s something you”re not going to be able to explain until you do it,” Lt. Hermann told her. “Even then you won”t be able to really explain the experience.”
Lt. Hermann assured Bouscaren that senior-aged skydivers are not a rare thing. He said that there is a group called SOS, which stands for Skydivers Over Sixty. Another group, called the JOEs, recognizes Jumpers Over Eighty. When Bouscaren makes her jump, Lt. Hermann said she will automatically become a JOE.
The jump will take place at the Parachute Center in Lodi. According to Lt. Hermann, the center is the home drop zone for numerous world record holders. “There is a lot of knowledge and experience there,” he said. “It”s a community of skydivers.”
Bouscaren has reportedly received clearance from her doctor and the Parachute Center has made the proper preparations to accommodate her needs. She was headed for Lodi early this morning with the jump planned for this afternoon. A bus full of Orchard Park residents are making the trip as well to watch as Bouscaren”s dream comes true.
Orchard Park”s Dream Day program initiated a couple of months ago when residents were asked in a survey: “If money, health and time were not factors, what would you like to do with the rest of your life?”
The first dreams to be realized took three wishful residents on airplane rides with Solo Flight School in Lakeport. Bill Lingafelter”s dream to revisit his career in law enforcement was also realized recently with a day spent at the Clearlake Police Department.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
