The Beat Goes On
Ramona Senior Center Serves Another Generation of Older Adults

Pat Wilson showing the Ramona Senior Center scrapbook. Photo by Jim Evans

By Jim Evans

For more than 32 years, the Ramona Senior Center has served older adults in the community - and beyond.

"It has already served two generations, and now it is serving a third," said Pat Wilson, following a celebration of the center's birthday luncheon on May 19.

The center was founded on May 19,1974, by a group of forward-thinking seniors who had heard of the "Older Americans Act Nutrition Program" and started their own organization. Wilson's parents, Jess and Margaret Martin, were among the early members who frequented the center and joined other seniors at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church social hall until the current building opened in September 1981. Wilson has been an active volunteer and mainstay at the center for more than 20 years.

Her husband, Don Wilson, served as director of the center from the early '80s until his retirement in 1994. During his tenure, the center expanded its services as far east as Borrego Springs and Jacumba, south to Tecate, west to Lakeside, and north to Warner Springs.

Ramona Senior Center Director Ray Cardona, left, and Board President Jan Norton, right, receives a check for $9,500 from Arnie Frye, Century 21, San Vicente. Photo by Darrel Kinney

"He started the Homebound Program in Ramona (delivering meals to seniors and the disabled in the community who are homebound), and we served all of this out of two kitchens in Campo and Ramona," she said.

Don Wilson has continued to be involved in the center since his retirement and currently serves on the board of directors.

What makes the Ramona Senior Center so special?

"It's all about the people," Pat Wilson said. "Seniors need a reason to get up and out of the house. They need a place where they are not just 'grandma and grandpa,' a place where they are needed and can be with their peers.

"A few weeks ago, a man and his wife came up to me and said that they had been to senior centers all over the U.S. and that ours was the best one they had ever visited. It's not just the food - which is terrific - the bingo, the travel trips, the annual St. Patty's Day dinners, the rodeo parades and everything else. It's the people and the warm, welcoming environment."

Ramona Senior Center also is one of more than 260 volunteer worksites in San Diego County for the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) - the largest senior volunteer organization in the country with more than 2,500 volunteers countywide - and provides dozens of volunteer opportunities for adults 55 and over. Now under the leadership of director Ray Cardona, the Ramona Senior Center welcomes older adults who would like to participate in the fellowship and camaraderie and/or volunteer their time to help others.