Senior celebration: 30 year anniversary

More than 20 walkers turned out for the early morning walk-a-thon to commemorate the first fundraising walk-a-thon that took place 30 years ago. The 75 degree weather made it a perfect day for the participants in the event.

"The fundraiser kicked off the center's 30 year anniversary celebration and produced around $1,000 for the building fund," Esther Hildebrand, co-director of the event said.

Among the walkers were four members of the Sertoma Club, including their president, Richard Cooper. All walkers received a T-shirt with "30 Year Anniversary" printed on the front.

The celebration continued with games on the grass directed by senior center activities director, Linda Kyriakopoulos. About 15 observers and 20 participants took part in the competition which included toss the bean bags, ring the post, and the water balloon toss.

The top male winner of every game was Chuck Robertson who gladly accepted a special T-shirt and other awards. Top female winner was Edith Tilden whose score of 1,500 in the bean bag toss beat Robertson's score of 1,000.

Much to the delight of all, Donna Bournazian, senior center staff member, became drenched with water from being chased by two grandchildren who successfully hit her with water balloons. Grandma was a good sport.

Noontime brought many seniors who came for the free barbecue hot dogs and hamburgers served in the dining room which was cleared for dancing to the music of Don and Nadine.

"This is our favorite group to perform for because the seniors know the words to the old favorites of the '50s and '60s which is a good part of our repertoire," Don Klestinski said. "This is our part-time occupation. The rest of the week, I am a psychologist for the gifted children in Carson and Nadine works for the state. We love to perform for dances. It's very relaxing,"

The celebration continued with the introduction of special guests and visitors by Paul Lockwood, president of Young At Heart Senior Citizens Club and organizer of the anniversary celebration.

Attending the function and being honored were Mary Lee Smith, first YAH President in 1972 and Sybil Dunagan, also one of the first members of YAH. Both ladies viewed their pictures and read The Record-Courier articles in the first YAH historian book which was on display in the lobby.

"Thirty years ago I was a young woman, not even a senior citizen," said Smith, whose husband was a TWA pilot back then.

Also receiving recognition were Douglas County Commissioners Nancy McDermid, Dave Brady and Kelly Kite with his wife Kathy; Douglas County Manager Dan Holler and his wife Claudia.

"We are very appreciative of the support we receive from these fine community leaders," Lockwood said.

The 30-year anniversary celebration ended with a dance that night to the music of Don and Nadine.

"All in all, the anniversary was a huge success. We thank everyone who participated and helped to make it a very successful one." said Lockwood. "Especially the staff, the senior volunteers and all the participants. Those who did not attend missed a fantastic time."

The Douglas County Senior Center got its early beginnings when seven members of the Carson Valley Soroptimist Club began an idea for a senior center when they organized the Young At Heart Senior Citizen's Club in 1972.

The second president, Hap Haight, turned YAH into a powerful community force and was responsible for getting the help of local businesses, town officials, churches and clubs to work toward the construction of a senior center building.

A ribbon cutting ceremony took place in 1977 when the building was competed.

Hap Haight gave the following people credit for the construction: Harold Prara, Ignacio Campos, Casper Skarston, Herman Wilcks, Jim Rhodes, Harry Deems, Harry Dering, Carroll Simmons, Wendell Wadsouth, Carlton Osgood, George Evermann, Bill Carlson, Bob Carr, Chuck Preston, Les Weber and Glenn Knight. Additions workers who are still in business in the county included Dan Hickey, Bob Harker, Jim Vasey, Carl and Rocky Falcke, Dick McGah, Tom Kawcak, Owen Hearold and others too numerous to mention.

Recognition also goes to service clubs; Rotary Club, Lion's Club, Soroptomist, Beta Sigma Phi as well as suppliers of materials; Bing Materials, Copeland Lumber, Hintze Electric, Carson Building Supply, Wayne's Glass, Carson Masonry Supply, Echo Supply, B&K Paint, Coast to Coast Hardware, TV Land, Al's Plumbing, Lawrence Jacobsen and Keene-Riese Supply Co. of Oakland, Calif.

"Hap Haight is deceased now, however, he was a fine leader and achieved many successful goals for the Douglas County Senior Center," Mary Lee Smith said at Saturday's event.