Chris and Kim Capaul share how they
navigate a good retirement despite COVID-19
NANCY DASHWOOD
Staff Writer
Chris and Kim Capaul have called Mayer home
since 1993. The pair know a thing or two about the
area. Chris grew up in the Carver/Belle Plaine area,
Kim was raised in the Watertown/Delano area.
Chris worked as a Carver County Deputy Sheriff
for more than 30 years. He “retired” in 2005, but
worked at Bob’s Repair in Mayer until March 2018.
Kim was the Laboratory Supervisor at Lakeview
Clinic for more than 30 years, before retiring in Au-
gust 2018.
It’s obvious these folks have seen a lot of Minne-
sota winter weather. So, it’s not too shocking to learn
they bought a residence in Florida seven years ago,
in anticipation of their retirement.
Chris and Kim finally got to spend their first win-
ter in Florida last year, and officially became resi-
dents at that time.
This winter was their second living in the Florida
sunshine. They enjoy that, but being close to family
is even better.
“Florida works for us as we have a daughter in
Texas and a son in Orlando,” Chris said. “We spend
a week in the fall and spring at our daughter’s in
Texas. Our son is only an hour and 10 minutes from
our place in Florida.”
In the very early spring, the couple made it back to
Minnesota prior to the stay-at-home order from the
state because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the time, they intended to prepare for an auc-
tion, sell their home here, and downsize to a town-
house or condo. At this time, all of that is on hold,
due to the pandemic.
Prior to COVID-19, they enjoyed Friday night
gatherings with friends, golfing, movies, and visiting
friends and relatives.
For now, they understand the importance of sit-
ting tight and waiting until being out and about is
safe again.
“Unfortunately it may be a long drawn pandem-
ic,” Chris said. “Too many people are not taking it
seriously.”
“Hopefully, all will turn out well, and life will get
back to normal,” Kim said.
Regardless of how long it takes for COVID-19 to
clear, the Capauls highly recommend retired life.
“Nice weather year round is great,” Chris said.
“Retire as soon as you are able.”
Chris and Kim Capaul of Mayer have recently retired,
and are learning how to navigate that status during the
pandemic of COVID-19.
PHOTO COURTESY THE CAPAUL FAMILY
Trailblazer delivering meals
to those in need
WRIGHT COUNTY
With many Wright County residents forced
to stay at home and many others struggling
to make ends meet, Trailblazer Transit has
stepped up its efforts to help alleviate some of
that burden.
Wright County Commissioner Darek Vetsch,
who sits on the Trailblazer Joint Powers Board,
said that with ridership down due to the stay-
at-home order associated with the COVID-19
pandemic, the transit system has evolved into
finding other ways of serving the residents of
Wright, Sibley, and McLeod counties.
Recently, Trailblazer announced it would
provide rides outside its service area to vet-
erans needing to get care at VA hospitals and
care clinics in the Twin Cities metro area, St.
Cloud, and Mankato.
Another service being provided is delivering
meals to those in need.
“Trailblazer Transit delivered 1,070 meals
April 8, to residents of Wright County,” Vetsch
said. “This service was coordinated through
Wright County Public Health and Wright
County Community Action.”
With the demand getting greater for assis-
tance, Trailblazer plans to use its fleet in this
capacity until the worst of COVID-19 has
passed. Trailblazer is still operating on its full
schedule, which is available at https://www.
trailblazertransit.com.
Vetsch said that at times of trouble, people
need to come together to assist those in the
greatest need and that it’s heartwarming to see
the outpouring of collaboration from different
entities with similar goals working together for
the public good.
“It is great to see our public transit service
being utilized in this capacity,” Vetsch said.
“When ridership is down, we are finding cre-
ative and helpful ways to improve quality of
life during a challenging time, by delivering
meals to those in need.”
Senior Connections HJ.COM
Senior
Connections May/June 2020
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