By Rhonda Costa-Landers
Appeal Staff Writer
Lyon County Human Services has announced an opportunity for community participation in changing the names of the senior centers in Fernley, Dayton and Silver Springs.
People of all ages are invited to submit their ideas in an effort to reflect the changing lifestyles of mature Americans.
Historically, senior centers have served the purpose of providing a hot nutritious meal and to offer activities to senior centers. Today, senior centers are not just a place to eat, but are also places where educational and social opportunities are offered.
A variety of activities including cooking, journaling and writing, book clubs, computer classes, informational seminars, hiking and walking clubs, cycling, jewelry making, and volunteer opportunities are also available. Senior centers have evolved into a place where adults can go to become engaged, empowered and connected; an opportunity to always learn something new.
"In just a few years, baby boomers are expected to be a growing segment of the senior centers' clientele," said Sarah Brower, senior services program manager.
"In today's world, the word 'senior' is viewed as a word that many are unwilling to identify with. We would like to join in the trend to reflect the active lifestyles of today's seniors by renaming the centers."
Written ideas should be submitted to individual centers by July 31. Contacts are:
• Donna English, Dayton Senior Center, 320 Old Dayton Valley Road, Dayton, NV 89403; 246-6210.
• Debby Stevens, Fernley Senior Center, 1170 West Newlands Drive, Fernley, NV 89408; 575-3370.
• Rod Sanchez, Silver Springs Senior Center, 2495 Fort Churchill St., Silver Springs, NV 89429; 577-5014.
All entries will be considered by a panel of judges and the winners will be notified by the senior center managers. An appreciation ceremony will take place in honor of the winners and a plaque with the winning name on it will be presented. The plaque will hang in a place of honor inside the senior center of each community.
• Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.