By By MARCIA STEFFENS / Dowagiac Daily News
CASSOPOLIS – In times of unexpected tragedy it is rewarding to see a community gather around and support a family whose lives have been changed by disease, accident or financial disaster.
When Jeff Baker, 40, of Cassopolis fell from a roof, he learned just how supportive the Cassopolis/Vandalia community could be.
This Saturday, Nov. 11, a chili supper and bake sale will continue the show of support Baker has experienced since his Aug. 8 fall.
The event will be at the United Presbyterian Church, 209 E. State St. in Cassopolis, from 4 to 7 p.m.
A donation of $5 for adults and $4 for those age 12 and under is requested.
The menu will include all the chili you can eat, salad, homemade bread and a beverage. Hot dogs will also be available. Call (269) 445-2664 for tickets.
Baker slid from the peak of the roof of the Ed Lowe Foundation's Geneva Schoolhouse on Decatur Road, and fell more than 16 feet to the ground.
He shattered his left heel and his left elbow, which affected the radial nerve in his arm, he said. It was severely bruised and the injuries restricts his movement and numbed areas.
"I can't lift my fingers or wrist," he said.
The doctors did detect a low reading, when checking his nerves and expect healing could take eight months to a year, he said.
The community support has overwhelmed the remodeling contractor. He admits it is easier to give than receive.
He is awed by the "unbelievable support of friends and people I worked for, and acquaintances. I never expected anything like this," he added. "My camping group helped out tremendously."
When he first arrived home from the hospital, it was "meals upon meals" brought in from friends.
Baker, who moved to Cassopolis when he was seven, has a step-daughter, Jessica, who attends Lake Michigan College, a son, 12, Taylor and a daughter, Victoria, "Tori," who is 10. They both attend school in Cassopolis.
His wife, Tracy cleans houses.
"It's the simple things in life, taking a shower, walking, driving …," he finds hard now. And for someone who says, "I hardly ever sat down," sitting around now isn't any fun.