Meet the new Senior Center ASSISTANT PROGRAM DIRECTOR

By Celeste Edenloff Alexandria Echo Press

For the last 17 years, Becky Christenson of Alexandria has worked with and served the senior population.

“From being a retail customer service manager to membership coordinator for a senior wellness center, I am passionate about serving others,” she said.

As of June 1, Christenson began a new role that will also serve the senior population. She is the program/administrative assistant at the Alexandria Senior Center.

“Having lived here most of my life, my connection to the Alexandria lakes area is strong,” she said. “Over the next 25 years, 30% of the population in Douglas County will be aged 65 or better, so it is a rewarding time to be working in this area and I am excited to be a member of a team doing work that is important to our seniors.”

She said she is still getting acquainted with the daily operations and membership of the Senior Center, but said she is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and hopes people will stop in and say hello.

Christenson and her husband, Dana, have been married for 30 years and have two adult children. During the summer months, you will find the couple walking and biking on the Central Lakes Trail as well as seeking out outdoor music venues. Find out more about Christenson in the following Q and A:

Q: What are you most excited about in your new role?

A: The opportunity to continue to work with the vibrant senior population in our community. My previous roles have allowed me to meet and serve many of the kindest and most gracious seniors in our area. I was so fortunate to build many relationships and I am anxious to do the same at the Senior Center. Seniors have a wealth of wisdom and stories to share, and I look forward to that every day.

The Alexandria Senior Center has a strong leader in Shelli-Kae Foster, which makes it very exciting for me to come on board. I cannot say enough about the work that she and the amazing volunteer staff have done to bring the Senior Center back after some tough recent years. The hours put in by volunteers in a week is nothing short of remarkable.

And their talents are matched by their dedication to making the Senior Center a welcoming and inviting place for all. My immediate goals are to greet all of our members by their first name as well as to keep our programming relevant to the health, safety and social needs of our members.

Q: What types of programs will you be working on for the Senior Center?

A: We have a full schedule of daily activities that take place at the Senior Center. I will work to maintain the popular programs already in place and be a resource for new ideas. I want our membership to feel comfortable bringing their ideas to me as well. Our mission at the Alexandria Senior Center is to provide the best programming for our members through nutritional, informational, educational, and social events, so that will continue to be my focus.

Q: What else should people know about you or the programming at the Senior Center?

A: The Alexandria Senior Center is a busy place. We offer a nice variety of daily card game groups and billiards, yoga/dance classes, educa- tional speakers, and monthly Birthday Club celebrations to name just a few. Our membership is open to community members aged 50 or better, and membership allows participation in our programs/ activities at a reduced fee. We are a 503c nonprofit organization, so our funding is derived largely from our membership dues and program fees.

If you are interested in membership or just want to check out the facility, stop by at 414 Hawthorne Street in Alexandria between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. You may reach out to us by phone as well at 320-762-2087. We look forward to seeing you at the Alexandria Senior Center!

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