November 2015 Volume 42 No. 11
MISSION: To create opportunities that allow older residents of Douglas County to remain independent and active in their homes and communities. VISIT US AT WWW.DGCOSENIORSERVICES.ORG
NEW DIRECTOR TAKES THE HELM AT DCSS
INSIDE Leisure and Learning Catalog ������ PG 6 Band Schedule �����������������������������PG 11 Calendar�������������������������������������� PG 12
Legalese ��������������������������������������� PG 13
LawrenceArts Center “A KANSAS NUTCRACKER”
Preview Stop by the Lawrence Senior Center on Sunday, November 22 at 1:30 p.m. to see the “battle scene” from the Lawrence Arts Center production of “A Kansas Nutcracker.” The troupe has been holding rehearsals at the Senior Center on Saturdays in preparation for their performances at the Lawrence Arts Center this holiday season. The preview will be from 1:40 to 2 p.m.
ATTENTION ALL SENIORS! In case of bad weather please listen to KLWN 1320 AM radio for closing of senior center, meals and activities. Information will also be available on TV station KMBC Channel 9 and cable Channel 6.
Douglas County Senior Services has a new Executive Director. Gary Nelson officially started the job in September and spent the first weeks learning how the agency operates, and getting to know its staff, partners, and participants. New to Lawrence, Nelson is a native Kansan, born and raised in Lindsborg, a rural farming community in central Kansas with a strong Swedish heritage. There he received a good education with a strong emphasis on the fine arts, especially music. Aside from a stint in the U.S. Army and a few years in Colorado, Kansas has been New DCSS Executive Director Gary Nelson. home for Gary and his wife Karen, to whom he has been married 35 years. They have two daughters, two sons-inlaw, and a granddaughter. “We are happy to be living in Lawrence and had planned to do so for the past few years,” Nelson reports. Nelson recently retired from a career in education. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education and went on to teach various science classes, including Biology, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Chemistry, and Physics. “I wanted to help my students understand how amazing the concept of life is, the complexity, similarities and differences among all life forms,” he said. Going on to earn a Master’s Degree in Education Administration, Nelson worked through various positions, finishing his career at the district level as superintendent of schools. He truly enjoyed working in the educational environment and has many fond memories of students, staff and parents. Nelson’s extensive experience working with people from all walks of life, and his strong desire to continue serving his community led him to apply for the job at DCSS. He said, “I am glad that I have been given the opportunity to be Executive Director of Douglas County Senior Services. I look forward to working with our Board and all of our staff to continue to move forward in our service to Douglas County senior citizens.”