Los Alamos Reporter

LARSO’s Sarah Chandler Is Moving On

LAVAVolsSarah Chandler, front row, second from right, is leaving the LARSO RSVP program is pictured with a group of volunteers. Photo by Bernadette Lauritzen/LARSO

S&ESarah Chandler, seen here with LARSO volunteer Ed Lang, is moving on to accept a position at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Photo by Bernadette Lauritzen/LARSO

BY BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
LARSO Executive Director

Kind, beautiful, compassionate and dedicated are just a few words used to describe Los Alamos Volunteer Association’s, Sarah Chandler. Chandler has been the backbone of the RSVP program and will soon leave LARSO, the non-profit that runs the two local senior centers.

“Sarah will now be an asset to the Los Alamos National Laboratory and while our hearts are heavy about her departure, we are thrilled for the Chandler family,” said Bernadette Lauritzen, LARSO Director. “Sarah has been instrumental in this crazy transition to the new world.”

Chandler has overseen many COVID transitions for when the organization and other volunteer services are allowed to resume. She has assisted the work with two local blood drives during the pandemic, and just being a ray of sunshine in daily life. While an annual volunteer recognition usually takes place during this time of year, plans are underway for a special, if different, celebration in the future. Sarah is described as one of those types of people that makes great things happen with nothing more than a smile and a telephone, and she firmly believes that volunteering is essential.

“Many of my volunteers would tell you that volunteering is a greater blessing to them than to those they serve,” said Chandler. “It gives them a sense of purpose, provides opportunity to connect with others, and fills what could otherwise be lonely days late in life, but the truth is that the experience, wisdom and energy with which they serve is a true asset to whatever organization they support.”

Chandler’s last day will be at the Betty Ehart Senior Center, Thursday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. You are invited to reserve a drive thru lunch by calling (505) 662-8920 by 10 a.m. The suggested donation is just $5. You can also just drive thru and share your love and kind words during that time. While no hugs will be permitted, the staff welcomes you to share your words in a card and will accept them on her behalf at either location.