Volunteer coordinator loves the people

As volunteer coordinator for the Carson City Senior Citizens Center, Judy Kassemos is a busy woman.

Kassemos, 55, assigns duties to volunteers in the dining room, makes coffee, sets out toast, muffins, decorations on the dining tables and makes announcements to the seniors about daily activities, just to name a few.

"It's pretty much nonstop," Kassemos said. "But I love the people and love working here."

Kassemos began the job in January. After settling into her routine, Kassemos said, she also helps the kitchen staff if they are short personnel and will help the volunteers in the dining room if the volunteer numbers come up short.

"I try to call other volunteers in to help if we're short, but do end up covering if one can't come in."

Kassemos retired from the Nevada Division of Forestry, where she worked 17 years. Her last assignment was crew supervisor at the Stewart Camp.

"I see fires go now and I'm glad I'm not out there anymore," she said. "It's hot."

Kassemos moved to Carson City in 1986. She has one son, Ron, who is a deputy with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, and two grandsons, Gabriel, 5, and Joey, 4.

"I also have four sisters who live here. We keep each other pretty occupied with things to do."

When she's not with family, Kassemos said she likes to work on her home. Kassemos said she is also impressed with the amount of energy she sees in the seniors who visit the center.

"They have so much energy for their age. And tons of intelligence. They have a lot of experience and are nice and caring people.

"They are great people and are so helpful with me. If I need something they're right there to help me out.

"It's the people who keep me coming back. I just love the seniors and love working here."

• Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.