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Dolores Doesn’t Drip and Drive and Neither Should You

Don't Drip and Drive free auto leaks worksohp logo and photo of participant Dolores Maria Rossman

Dolores Maria Rossman is an active Aging Network advocate. Having served as a full-time caregiver for her husband, she enjoys sharing information about local resources so that others may live their best lives—at any age. Dolores is a member of the Age Friendly Coalition for Seattle and King County and the Northwest Universal Design Council, a Seattle International Film Festival volunteer, a bicycle enthusiast, a swimmer, and so much more.

So, it was not a surprise to see Dolores post on social media a rave review of a free Don’t Drip & Drive auto leaks workshop, which she attended after reading a post from Age Friendly Seattle.

For a person who didn’t know zilch about car maintenance, I do now! … I learned a lot. Also, received a free bag of car care tools! Thanks, Age Friendly Seattle for informing me about this great event with Dr. Drip. P.S. Did you know 7 million quarts of motor oil are released into Puget Sound each year?”

The Don’t Drip & Drive workshop that Dolores attended was hosted by Seattle Public Utilities at South Seattle College. There’s no cost to attend the workshop, which has a $125 value. Dolores commented that the workshop was priceless, not only for her but for our environment.

A two-hour workshop is scheduled on one Saturday each month through 2019. The workshops are open to everyone in the Puget Sound region, of any age.

Workshop leaders are certified automotive instructors. They explain basic automotive systems, maintenance, and the impacts of oil leaks. Each class participant has the option to stay up to two hours longer to have their vehicle inspected by the class instructor.

So … what’s the catch? Only that space is limited to 15 people and you need to register to attend in advance. Classes fill quickly.

At South Seattle College, remaining 2019 class dates (all Saturdays) are August 24, September 28, October 19, November 16, and December 7. Classes start at 9 a.m. Counting the inspection, some people may end up staying until 1 p.m. but many will be done in time for lunch.

To register, visit fixcarleaks.org/workshop-events. Scroll down to the list of locations and click on South Seattle College—Seattle, then click on the date on which you hope to attend, and finally, the word REGISTER.

Free Auto Leaks Workshop poster lists dates and contact info. Call Carlton Stinson, Seattle Public Utilities, at 206-684-7624.Don’t Drip and Drive is a regional campaign funded by the Washington State Department of Ecology and contributing partner repair shops. The campaign is supported by local jurisdictions, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations that work together to protect Puget Sound. Don’t Drip & Drive makes it easy to take your vehicle to a participating repair shop for a visual leak inspection, helps you save money on vehicle maintenance and replacement, and most importantly, helps protect the Puget Sound watershed for future generations.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities involvement, contact Carlton Stinson at 206-684-7624.

Can’t attend a workshop?

Don’t Drip & Drive partners with the Automotive Services Association, AAA, and EnviroStars to offer free leak inspections and discounts on leak repairs. Participating repair shops offer a free visual leak inspection and a free estimate for repairs, if needed. Find participating shops here.

For information about what you can expect from your mechanic, visit fixcarleaks.org/dr-drips-tips.


Contributor Irene Stewart manages communications for Aging and Disability Services, the Area Agency on Aging for Seattle-King County, including Age Friendly Seattle. Irene edits this newsletter on behalf of the Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging & Disability Services. She counts Dolores Maria Rossman among the many wonderful friends she has made through Aging Network advocacy.

This article originally appeared in the August 2019 issue of AgeWise King County