LARSO Executive Director Bernadette Lauritzenm left, and Case Worker Anne Cover dress as Rosie the Riveter recently to give a lunch time boost to staff and members. Photo by Chad Lauritzen

By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Executive Director
LARSO

I started my new role one year ago today, May 1, 2019, with the Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization (LARSO). I sat at Pauline Powell Schneider’s desk, who led the senior centers for almost 18 years. She left a phone message waiting on the phone for my first day.

Former Executive Director Linda Boncella trained me and I have been able to lean on her throughout the year, when I forgot something I was sure she taught me.

She comes back to visit from time to time and yes, we asked her to stay. I started by folding newsletters with an elite team. I have missed their kindness and stories the last two months. I served lunch in the kitchen to greet seniors, later did the same in White Rock. One day I was told a member would be 99 the next day. I ran home and baked cookies, each with a 99. A senior said, “You know everyone will expect that now?” I said, “If a member turns 99, I’ll bake every one of them cookies.”

We lost a member who had served his country. Some turned out to salute a friend, a fellow soldier and a neighbor. We also saw a community come together to create a memorial service and honor a hero.

Then we had the Festival of Trees, many holiday lunches and a busy holiday season, networking with Home Instead, to collect gifts for those who needed some extra love. We ended the year with a great New Year’s Eve party and looked forward to 2020.

We raised awareness, attended the Legislative session and were ready to educate about the importance of doing your Census! We had great plans to celebrate Pi Day and then the world changed on a Sunday morning in March.

Now, we have drive thru meal service down to a science, are making huge leaps with Home Delivered Meals, and shop like nobody’s business.

The Board of Director’s had their first online board meeting, compliments of zoom. We’ve never worked harder, but if my first year comes to an end on this note, hopefully it only gets easier from here.

Every morning and afternoon, I sing in the car, Barbershop music from Straight No Chaser to be honest. Our success at LARSO takes a team and I liken us to a Barbershop Chorus. Many voices all lend their skills to get the job done. I’m just the lucky one that gets to hold the pitch pipe. If we’re lucky, we’ll celebrate the Betty Ehart Center birthday June 12 and be joined by some of the Lads of Enchantment … fingers crossed.

My thanks to all of the Donation Angels that have made the last seven weeks a whole lot easier. Many of you I don’t know and many I may never meet. You have provided my Love Warriors the ability to bring calm, compassion and kindness to many. We’re here to shop and provide food for those 60 and over, just give us a call anytime, 662.8920.