Outgoing Director Connie Baker was guest of honor at a reception held during the afternoon of August 30 in the dining room of the Niobrara Senior Center.   Connie’s husband, Dick Baker, daughter Toni and her husband Kurt Gaukel, daughters Taten and Taylor, Neal and Elly Wurdeman and Lainey were present to add their love and support along with many, many other friends.  Connie’s dedication and hard work have created a facility that enjoys a top reputation in the State of Wyoming for all the services it offers, especially the wonderful meals enjoyed five days a week serving close to one hundred each weekday.  

The room was decorated with festive fall colors with a coordinating bouquet on each table.  Floral arrangements graced the table that held a sign-in book.  Board of Directors President Jim Kremers presented Connie with a corsage.  Two members of the Board of Directors, Virginia Pullen and Loretta Miller served cake, a German Chocolate and a zucchini pineapple cake, baked by the Senior Center cooks and decorated by Board member Joyce Hammer.  Many of the guests tried a small piece of both with no regrets.  Soft music was provided by Rose Kremers for the occasion.  The room was filled for two hours with friends and neighbors, happily visiting with each other, who have enjoyed the benefits of the Center for themselves and sometimes family members.  

A memory board pointed out trivia about the early beginnings of the Senior Center and those who helped get it “off the ground.”  It was begun in 1974 according to a history book compiled several years ago.  Grants, donations and volunteers have been very important from the beginning and continue to be so.  Volunteers deliver the Meals on Wheels, man the reception desk, help with activities, and find many ways to augment the outreach that means so much to the people of Niobrara County, all under Connie Baker’s supervision for the past 37 years.