Throughout the past 12 years I have written this column each month to tell you what's going on at the McKinleyville Senior Center. Because I am retiring at the end of December, I am remembering all the columns and wondering how I wrote so much - and if I achieved what I wanted.

I wanted to share with you the things we were doing and the activities, programs and events we offer our seniors. I've written about things I thought were important for all seniors everywhere, such as the Homeowners and Renters tax rebate programs and ways for seniors to save money.

I've given you our thoughts on things pertaining to seniors, like casinos, puppies and crafts. I have also written about McKinleyville and what a neat place it is to live. All in all, over the years, I hope you've enjoyed learning about our center and our wonderful community.

As I write this last column, I look back at my years as director and think of all the things we have achieved for the McKinleyville Senior Center. We were granted a 501(c)3 designation by the Internal Revenue Service which made us an official nonprofit. We started an endowment fund through the Humboldt Area Foundation to insure future financial stability.

We have initiated many new programs, activities and services for our seniors. Folks in McKinleyville don't like to drive to Eureka, so we have tried to make resources available to seniors here. But the best thing we've seen over the years is the increase in seniors who are using our center. We see new faces every day, and that's what is the most important.

Regrets, yes. We didn't get our extension to the senior center that we need so badly. Time, money and politics got in the way. Maybe someday. There are still many programs out there to help seniors that haven't been tapped yet, but that's for our new director, Danna Bates, to aim for.

There are still many seniors in McKinleyville who don't use our services or even know that that we exist, and our new director is aware of this. All senior center directors know that many people don't use their centers.

So as a new director takes over and guides our center to greater things, I thank Barbara Clark for the opportunity to get our information out to Senior News readers and wish you all the best.