Lauritzen: LARSO Has Much To Be Thankful For

Reverend Keith Lewis and Ken Hendricks at the memorial held in November at the Betty Ehart Senior Center to honor those lost since that day in March 2020 when the world changed for so many. Photo by Bernadette Lauritzen/LARSO

By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Executive Director
LARSO

The Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization (LARSO) had many things to be thankful for in November. We started off the month with a lovely memorial, to honor all of those lost to the senior center and its membership, since the day in March of 2020, when the world changed, for many.

The ceremony, was led by the Reverend Keith Lewis, of the United Church of Los Alamos, who provided inspirational words for those in attendance. There was live music from Ken Hendricks of Home Instead, playing old standards that warmed the heart and nourished the soul. Gillian Sutton provided fresh flowers to welcome visitors and Rivera Funeral Homes sent guests home with beautiful flower seed cards to plant when they are ready to welcome spring.

The highlight of the day was a long-lasting gift from the Finishing Touch. The item is a beautiful pantry, which adorns the entry way to the center. The pantry is named for Patsy Casias, one of Betty Ehart’s first seniors lost when the centers were closed during the pandemic by a state declaration. Casias and husband Dennis were long-time volunteers at the center and the gift of the pantry will continue to serve in her memory.

We were so delighted that the Finishing Touch was so thoughtful and generous with such a gorgeous donation. We acted as a pantry during the pandemic and now a small one will be on hand on a moment’s notice for whenever a senior is in need. The beautiful color and stunning counter top do so much for our décor and for our souls as well.

Another cabinet will be placed at the White Rock Senior Center to honor Lisa Givler, one of the first White Rock volunteers also lost during the pandemic. Givler and her dog Alex were the friendly faces that welcomed members. The pantry will be announced upon its arrival. Donations can be made to the senior services fund at LARSO.

The Finishing Touch gifted LARSO and the Betty Ehart Senior Center a pantry at the memorial, which now adorns the entry way to the senior center. Photo by Bernadette Lauritzen/LARSO

Fresh flowers provided at the memorial by Gillian Sutton to welcome visitors. Rivera Funeral Homes provided seed packets. Photo by Bernadette Lauritzen/LARSO

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