The Ukelele Group performs at Betty Ehart Senior Center Friday as LARSO kicked off its 25th anniversary. Photo Courtesy LARSO
White Rock Senior Center member Don Gerheart with a beaded print donated by Florence Riebe. Photo by Gabe Vigil
Member of the White Rock Senior Center gather for lunch Friday. Photo by Gabe Vigil
BY BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Executive Director
LARSO
The 25th anniversary festivities have begun. The Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization (LARSO) accepted a proclamation Tuesday night from the Los Alamos County Council that recognizes and celebrates LARSO’s 25 years of service to the senior centers and to the community.
The staff kicked off the celebration with a FREE meal that took place on Friday with 150 meals served between both centers and additional meals for Home Delivered, often called Meals on Wheels seniors. The inside dining celebrated with prizes and live music from the Ukulele group at the Los Alamos center.
The plan is to provide one FREE meal every month between January and May when they will again celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Betty Ehart (pronounced E-Heart) Senior Center building on May 1. There are rumors that the state may put an end to the drive thru dining in the future but they wanted everyone to enjoy the birthday.
In February the centers will host their next FREE meal for members over 60 on Valentine’s Day, with chicken cordon bleu. Membership is free for those over 60 and you can join in person or by phone. Reservations for the meal will begin at 8 a.m. Feb. 1.
There are plans to hold a variety of new events and current events will continue each month. “Jack Clifford’s Tall Tales” is on the books for February and a blood drive to be hosted in the senior center for Mar. 3. The fun in April includes a live jazz concert on April 28 and a talent show for all ages is planned for April 29.
The non-profit is excited to launch a logo contest for LARSO and the senior centers. The design must feature a tree and be able to be used for items ranging from business cards and stationery to t-shirts and more. The contest is also for all ages and has a grand prize of $250 with additional prizes. Designs are due by Feb. 28 and must be submitted by email to Director@losalamosseniorcenter.com or brought in a sealed envelope to the Betty Ehart Senior Center at 1101 Bathtub Row.
All meals will again be prepared at the White Rock Senior Center starting Feb. 1 as the Betty Ehart Center begins a three-month renovation period. Meals at the Los Alamos site will be served in the drive thru but members are also welcome to walk up and/or take their meals indoors.