Brains, yarn and a left hook for the nuns!
Sandi Loomis is an original resident at Lake Paran Village which was newly constructed in 2020. Five years later, her apartment still looks as new as if she just moved in last week, except everything is in its place, and her office, WiFi and computers are all up and running.
Back in the day, Sandi was busy working since a young age and then raising seven kids. She recalls enjoying camping all summer long on seasonal campsites as well as living life in a fifth-wheel until winter arrived when she rented apartments. She grew up in Bennington, attending Bennington Catholic with their graduating class of ’65. She appreciates the education she received and recalls fending off the nuns who tried to ‘unteach’ her to be left-handed, which did not work out well for the nuns. Sandi is adept at being left-handed!
Sandi is a lifelong learner and is incredibly computer savvy – to a point that even some millennials might envy. Her interest in computers and accounting dates all the way back to 1969 when she worked on primitive versions of spreadsheets while employed at EverReady Battery. Then came the AOL days of the 90’s, when she worked at the Vermont Veterans Home and also began teaching her grandkids how to make good use of computers beyond just gaming. Anyone who worked in accounting 20-30 years ago certainly appreciates the efficiencies brought about by having personal computers in the office and in homes. In 2022 Sandi diligently worked on some online courses and earned her degree in Tax Preparation, an accomplishment she proudly displays in her home office. As you might imagine, Sandi is frequently asked by friends and family to help them with their computer settings, and of course, their taxes!
At a slight 5’1” in stature, Sandi has always been challenged with tall kitchen cabinets that are far out of reach without a stepstool. With her accessible unit, the countertops are a bit lower, and even the top shelves are within reach, making her very happy! She also appreciates the dishwasher and washer and dryer hook-ups that make life much easier.
Sandi keeps herself wonderfully productive with her crafting which she enjoys immensely. She established her craft-corner in the living room, with her comfortable chair and her well-thought-out, self-engineered yarn distribution system, making it easy to work efficiently. Here Sandi creates some amazing crocheted items from lifelike potted plants to many decorative works of art, which she either gifts or uses to decorate her apartment!
In 2025, after Shires Housing joined forces with Cornerstone Housing Partners, Sandi answered the call and joined the Board of Directors to offer input from a resident’s perspective. She hit the ground running and is enjoying the challenge of learning the ropes of the role, and the importance and appreciation of her voice in the conversations. We all appreciate Sandi’s voice. Thank you, Sandi!
