Happy 37th Birthday Grand Terrace!

For many Dec. 9 was just another Wednesday, but for Grand Terrace, it was the 37th annual celebration of the community's cityhood. The celebration, organized by the Grand Terrace Historical and Cultural Activities Committee, took place in the community room of Grand Terrace City Hall. Every year the city celebrates by honoring a Grand Terrace group or club that has played an instrumental role in the progression of the community; this year that group was the senior citizens of Grand Terrace. Throughout the night, senior community volunteers were honored for the selfless work they do for the betterment of the community. Local leaders, community members, and volunteers spent the night reminiscing on the progress made over the past 37 years while highlighting the positive impact made by the senior citizens of the community including those at the Senior Center, the Grand Terrace Historical and Cultural Activities Committee, and those within the Blue Mountain Senior Villas. Councilmember Bill Hussey said, "Grand Terrace is moving in a positive direction.. I really appreciate all of the volunteers that put forth the effort." Councilmember Doug Wilson, who served as chairman of the Planning Commission between 2003 and 2007, shared the story behind the construction of Blue Mountain Senior Villas in depth, including the ups and the downs. Although there were some unexpected delays in the construction of the Blue Mountain Senior Villas, in August of 2007 the project was approved and nearly two years later, in July 2009, the center was 'open for business'. He added, "I feel especially blessed being in the comfort of so many nice people who nurture each other and continue to work for the betterment of all." Mayor Pro Tem Sylvia Robles said, "It was really nice to hear JoAnn talk about all of the senior services throughout Grand Terrace." Many Grand Terrace volunteers were also honored for their dedication to the community; among them, JoAnn Johnson. Johnson was recognized for her outstanding service and commitment to the senior center. After retiring from teaching in 1986, she joined the Grand Terrace Senior Center. Serving a total of 26 years as a volunteer, not mentioning the 9 years she served as president of the senior center, Johnson helped create and develop the first Grand Terrace referral office, which helps make recommendations for reporting adult abuse. Johnson was involved with the construction of the community's first senior center in 1988, which was a 12x60 4 wide modular unit with two offices and two bathrooms. In 2006 the Grand Terrace seniors held their first event on July 29 in a temporary facility, where they would remain until the Grand Terrace Senior Center was build, in conjunction with the Blue Mountain Senior Villas. Today the Grand Terrace Senior Center is a thriving location with many resources and programs available to residents of the Blue Mountain Senior Villas and the Grand Terrace seniors at large. Grand Terrace resident and Senior Center board member Yolanda Venegas shared information on the various classes available to local seniors, ages 50 and older, at the Center.