Doing more for Dayton seniors

Denise Earp has a lot of ideas in her head, it's now about putting them into action at the Dayton Senior Center.

"I want so much more here," Earp said. "I want more to happen all the time."

Earp, 41, has been hired as the new director at the center. She comes with a bachelor's degree in business management and a master's degree in administration.

"I have a long history of working with seniors and the disabled. I know there is so much more out there for seniors, it makes me happy to be here for them.

"When I saw the ad I just had to apply."

Lyon County Health and Human Services is in the process of changing the center's name and have asked the community to offer suggestions.

"Baby Boomers don't consider themselves seniors, but we don't want to get away from what we use this place for."

Earp said some retirees are busy, and some aren't. If they're not, she needs them as volunteers at the center.

She could use help in the kitchen, dining room and on committees.

"Most seniors have the energy, they just need to put that energy into something to do," she said. "We have programs going at the center, I just want more."

Earp said the idea is to open the center more to public groups, as to become somewhat of a community center.

"I may run myself ragged with everything I'd like to do, but it's all for fun."

The center has a Thrift Store, delivers Meals on Wheels to the homebound in the area, hosts pool tournaments, cards, bridge, games, puzzles, hosts a quilting group, and an art class on Fridays.

"Ideas I have are to help the people make friends and mix intergenerationally," Earp said. "I'd like to have a sock hop, host a drive-in theater, disco. We can be a place for more groups to meet and interact."

Earp is married to Joe Guerrero, and has two children, son Trace, 19, and daughter Jade, 6.

"Having this job has meant so much to me," she said. "It's pie in the sky. I enjoy the people and I enjoy the center."

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