Carmen Ellison honored at retirement reception

Carmen Ellison took over as the administrator for the Rock Port Senior Center in May of 2006 and has held the position for 18 years. Carmen was a big advocate for the seniors in and around the Rock Port and Atchison County area, where she worked to ensure they had a nutritious meal, both at the center and in their homes. Carmen worked hard over the years raising money to keep the equipment at the center up-to-date and running smoothly. A retirement reception was held Wednesday, May 29, to honor Carmen for her 18 years of service to the senior center. She will be greatly missed and we wish her all the best in her retirement.

In the first week of May, handicapped accessible automatic doors were installed at the Rock Port Senior Center. This project was made possible with funding appropriated by the Missouri General Assembly from the Senior Services Growth Development Fund. The funding is overseen and disbursed by Young at Heart Resources, the Northwest Missouri Area Agency on Aging. The agency has also approved a grant for replacement of floors in the dining room and kitchen areas. This project is forecast for late summer.

The American Legion donated a replacement flag, and with the help of the City of Rock Port and local citizens, the flag was flying high in time for Memorial Day weekend.

The Rock Port Senior Center wished Carmen Ellison well for her retirement with a party in the last week of May. Carmen was greeted and enjoyed the company of clients, friends, and board members, past and present. The celebration was a big hit.

Maria Reed, administrator, said “We appreciate all of the donations we receive for memorials in honor of those who frequented and cherished the Rock Port Senior Center. We would also like to thank all that donate and dine here on a regular basis. It is our pleasure to serve you! We are always looking for volunteers to help deliver to our homebound clients.”

An added bonus is that volunteer hours are reimbursed by the state to the center. This helps feed the senior citizens in Rock Port. Not only are you taking a hot meal to someone who may not otherwise get one that day, you are also helping fund that meal.

If you are interested in volunteering, contact Maria at the center, 660-744-5812, for more information.