40 Remembered: (The 40-Year History of the Beaver Dam Senior Center)

Contents

THE SOCIAL YEARS

1970-74

SPECIAL STORIES

FROM THE SOCIAL YEARS

AUDREY BENIKE

1970-1974

THE GROWING YEARS

1974-1980

HONORING ANN (ROGERS) PFEFFER

SPECIAL STORIES

THE GROWING YEARS

MIRIAM SIMMONS

1974-1976

THERESA BELLONE

1976-1982

THE DEDICATED YEARS

1981-1990

SPECIAL STORIES FROM

THE DEDICATED YEARS

ANN NEUMAIER

1983-1995

THE GIVING YEARS

1991-2003

MONETARY DONATIONS

$100-$4999

SPECIAL STORIES FROM

THE GIVING YEARS

JANA STEPHENS

1996-1999

AMY PALM

1999-2002

THE RECENT YEARS

2004-2010

SPECIAL STORIES FROM

THE RECENT YEARS

EVONNE KOEPPEN

2002—to present

APPENDIX A

Commission on Aging Members Senior Advisory Board

APPENDIX A

Commission on Aging Members/Senior Advisory Board

APPENDIX A

Standing Committees of the Steering Committee

APPENDIX B

Beaver Dam Senior Center Advisory Committee and Steering Committee Officers and Members

APPENDIX B

Beaver Dam Senior Center Advisory Committee and Steering Committee Officers and Members

APPENDIX B

Beaver Dam Senior Center Advisory Committee and Steering Committee Officers and Members

APPENDIX B

Beaver Dam Senior Center Advisory Committee and Steering Committee Officers and Members

APPENDIX B

Beaver Dam Senior Center Advisory Committee and Steering Committee Officers and Members

APPENDIX B

Beaver Dam Senior Center Advisory Committee and Steering Committee Officers and Members

APPENDIX B

Beaver Dam Senior Center Advisory Committee and Steering Committee Officers and Members

APPENDIX C

Roedl-Jacobs Lumber Yard

APPENDIX D

Fullerton Lumber Company

Journey of Time

Etched in this memoir are the footprints

of those who traveled before us.

History leaves its mark

as we look back at a journey of time.

Stories knit together for future generations

bequeathing a stamp of time.

Happy times, sad times, trips and celebrations

are registered in this anniversary book.

Enjoy the tales and fond memories

left for all to enjoy.

Elsie M. Schoeffel

TO THE READERS OF 40 REMEMBERED

It is with tremendous pride and respect that I put the words on these pages. The efforts of a multitude of individuals who cared only that the Senior Center existed can only be measured with profound respect. They, through hard work and perseverance kept the Center doors open and welcoming to the older adult population of Beaver Dam and the surrounding area.

Basically, the older adult members of this Senior Center built this Center from the ground up. There was little money at the beginning, so they used their own. There were no programs at the beginning, so they developed their own. They needed more room, so they formed committees and remodeled and kept remodeling for 40 years. They had no operating budget for programs or activities, so they started fundraisers (quilts and Quiet Books in the beginning) and volunteered their time to manage them and placed the monies earned in the Center’s own project account.

They developed a Greenhouse, a Woodshop, a Bluebird Restoration Project, the Christmas Cars, intergenerational programming, and developed ways to give monetary contributions to the community. The independence, the creativity, and the intelligence of this Senior Center community have created a multitude of new programs and opportunities for the Center membership and Beaver Dam community which for the most part was and is managed with volunteer time.

The people on these pages went about their work keeping their Center viable to the older adult. They accomplished this with a strong sense of character to accomplish their tasks without need for acclaim or recognition.

It is time to read of their accomplishments and give each the recognition they deserve for what they have done. Take time to read—take time to share their spirit—take time to be impressed.

Thank You Rebecca Schultz, Traci Gmeinder, and Patti Maleck for assisting with my many computer and software questions , for assisting in finding pictures, and for being so gracious with your time.

Thank you to those who verbally provided stories and historical background for the book.

Thank you, Evonne Koeppen, for providing a space for the Archives and a place for researching all those many documents located there. Thank you for writing the summary located at the end of the book. Mostly, thank you for providing the many opportunities that I have been able to experience as a member of the Beaver Dam Senior Center.

Thank you, Ellie Schoeffel, for writing the beautiful poem located at the beginning of this book and for your encouraging words and friendship.

The content of the book came from the Archives of the Beaver Dam Senior Center which included Secretary’s minutes, Director’s summaries, Senior Center newsletters, photo albums, scrapbooks, and personal interviews. The book reflects the history I found there. It is my concern that some person or program or event was forgotten because it was not recorded in the Archives of the Beaver Dam Senior Center or was recorded incorrectly. It was not my intention to miss you or to misrepresent you. I would love to hear your story if it was forgotten.

It has been an incredible experience, and I am glad I took this journey.

Kay

AND SO WE STARTED . . .

How did it all get started—as an idea—as a thought—by a passionate group of individuals who cared about the senior population in Beaver Dam.

Organization for Senior Citizens

The Organization for Senior Citizens group started in the 1950s through the Beaver Dam Recreation Department. Very active with this group was Audrey Benike. Very little is known about the group in our history. However, mention is made of a part-time program for seniors at the City Recreation Department.

There were limited programs in the community for the aged. Most were located at churches and fraternal groups on a very limited basis. All were considered inadequate. However, the 1960 census showed that seniors comprised 28 percent of the population of Beaver Dam—with 1600 over the age of 65 and 2200 between the ages of 50 to 64. The 1970 census projected an even larger elderly population.

Beaver Dam Senior Citizens Organization

Our story begins with the Beaver Dam Senior Citizens Organization chaired by Audrey Benike. Recognizing the increasing senior population in Beaver Dam, this group advocated for enriching the lives of seniors with programs and activities to profit seniors in economic and social aspects of community life and to stimulate public awareness of the needs of the aged. Their first meeting was September 9, 1968, and they met on the first and third Mondays of the month. The group, under Audrey’s leadership, determined that the senior population would be best served by a Commission on Aging. They formulated a resolution to create a Commission on Aging and presented it to the Common Council in March of 1969. The Common Council approved the Resolution on March 12, 1969, which formally established the Commission on Aging as a public agency of the City of Beaver Dam.

Commission on Aging

The Commission’s had an eight-part mission: 1) to study the community life of seniors and recommend improvements; 2) to review city-sponsored programs/activities for seniors; 3) to propose and implement activities and programs for seniors; 4) to promote establishment of programs/activities for seniors with civic and fraternal organizations; 5) to gather and disseminate information on services and facilities available for seniors; 6) to conduct community programs to stimulate public awareness of the needs of seniors; 7) to report to the Common Council yearly about their progress; and 8) to coordinate senior programs with state and national program offerings to maximize effectiveness. O.A. Paciotti and Nancy Nashban served as co-Chairs of the Committee with six committee members: Reverend Elton Moore, Audrey Benike, F.M. Sheafor, Gertrude Deniger, Don Noltner, and former Mayor Clarence Arndt. All were appointed by Mayor Alvin Beers. Members Benike and Noltner were appointed for three-year terms, Moore and Deniger for two-year terms, and Arndt and Sheafor for one-year terms.

The Commission on Aging (front left to right) Co-chairman Nancy Nashban, Gertrude Deniger, Audrey Benike (standing left to right) former Mayor Clarence Arndt, F.M. Sheafor, Reverend Elton Moore, co-chairman O.A. Paciotti, Don Nolter (Photo Courtesy of Beaver Dam Daily Citizen)

The Commission members with invited guest, City Recreation Director, Bill Anderst, met for the first time in May 1969 at the Municipal Building. They met with a consultant from the Department of Health and Social Services to discuss elderly programs.

Community Meeting of Senior Citizens—1969

The Commission members purposely stimulated public awareness of the needs of the aged. Therefore, the members invited the senior citizens of the community (62 and older) to a community meeting at St. Peter’s School Auditorium on May 28, 1969. Over 70 senior citizens were in attendance.

Ad asking for senior citizen participation appeared in the Beaver Dam Daily Citizen in May 1969 (Photo Courtesy of Beaver Dam Daily Citizen

A survey provided to the senior community asked for their needs in recreation, social activities, part-time limited employment, and volunteer projects. Survey results of the 84 people who completed the survey are as follows:

• Largest percentage of the senior population live alone

• 60 persons wanted a multi-purpose community center

• 49 persons wanted expansion of arts and crafts

• 49 persons wanted informational programs on medical, social security, finance, and legal

• 42 persons wanted volunteer services for transportation and a telephone reassurance program for communication with those who were homebound

• 42 persons wanted establishment of preretirement programs

• 32 persons wanted education classes

• 28 persons wanted home-delivered meals

Title III of the Older Americans Act of 1965

Armed with the information from the senior community, the Commission needed money to put programs for the senior community into operation. Therefore, the Commission applied to Title III for a grant to cover the cost of program implementation. Supporting documentation was required form the City of Beaver Dam—Parks and Recreation Committee.

The Commission could expect federal funds to provide for 75 percent of the project’s costs in the first year, to provide 60 percent of the project’s costs in the second year, and to provide 50 percent of the project’s costs in the third year, if approved. After the third year, the project had to be funded through community support.

The Commission received money from Title III in April 1970. The total grant money received was to be divided over a three-year period. We were one of four Wisconsin cities to receive federal monies. The first year, the Commission had $8,000 from federal monies that was matched with $7,000 from the City. The Common Council expressed their willingness to make sufficient matching funds available for the last two years of the project. In total, the Commission received $67,207. Betty Maier became the project director.

And So Began the Search for a Building

Exploration of available sites for a multi-purpose community center for senior citizens had begun earlier by the Commission. The building they chose would have to have the capability to educate senior citizens, have the capability to provide a social setting, and to have the capability to provide recreational activities for the aged.

The Building is Found

The Commission on Aging made a recommendation to the Common Council to utilize the Roedl-Jacobs Lumber Yard located at 114 East Third Street as the location for the multi-purpose community center for the senior population of Beaver Dam. The building dimensions were 50 x 50 (2,500 square feet) with four anterooms (12 x 12 each), two lavatories, and two entrances/exits on 2-1/2 acres of land.

The Building is Approved

A Common Council Resolution dated March 2, 1970, unanimously approved, establishing the agreement to lease the Roedl-Jacobs Lumber Yard as the senior citizen service center. The lease was for three years at a rental cost of $250 a month. The building was renamed the Beaver Dam Senior Citizens Center.

Opening Day

On May 4, 1970, the Beaver Dam Senior Center officially opened.

Any person aged 55 or over, retired, and a resident of the City of Beaver Dam or immediate surrounding rural area was eligible to participate in the services of the Center. All persons regardless of race, economic status, or religious affiliation were to have equal access to the Center. There were no membership dues, entrance fees, or payments for services assessed. The Center was open six days a week:

• Monday 9 to 5;

• Tuesday through Friday 10 to 5;

• Sunday 1 to 5.

The First Senior Center Director

Audrey Benike was hired by the Commission on Aging as the first full-time Senior Center Director. The Senior Center Director was responsible for the direction of the Center’s operation and for hiring personnel and coordinating volunteers. Mrs. Benike was also in charge of program creation, program coordination, and all activities.

Volunteers handled the administrative procedures: typing, answering telephone, and duplicating and also took charge of the Center in Mrs. Benike’s absence.

Senior Citizen’s Advisory Board—1970

Around this time, an advisory board consisting of senior citizens was formed to assist the Commission. They were elected by their peers. The members were: Mrs. Adela Neuman, Mrs. Alfred Backhaus, Mrs. Elsie Dinkel, Mrs. Emma Kenitzer, Mrs. Ella Zimmer, and Gilbert Schindel.

The Lease is Up

In June of 1972, the Park and Recreation Department of the City was enthusiastic about the present location of the Beaver Dam Senior Center for use by the senior population.

The Roedl-Jacobs property was put up for sale in April of 1972. The lease on the building was to expire in March of 1973. What to do?

Benefactor to the Rescue—November 6, 1972

Mrs. Ann (Rogers) Pffeffer donated $50,000 to be used toward the purchase of the Roedl-Jacobs property at 114 East Third Street specifically to be used as the Beaver Dam Senior Citizens Center. She stipulated that the Center be used for educational, cultural, and recreational purposes only.

How a Lumber Yard Became a Senior Center

Resolution 176

The Common Council by Resolution 176 agreed that the City of Beaver Dam would offer to purchase the Roedl-Jacobs property as a permanent facility for the senior citizens. The purchase price was not to exceed $90,000 on a 10-year land contract. Mrs.Ann (Rogers) Pfeffer’s terms were 10 percent down and 10 percent per year ($5,000 per year) until the balance was paid. The resolution was passed unanimously by the Common Council.

Resolution 195—December 18, 1972

The City of Beaver Dam authorized funds to purchase the Roedl-Jacobs property for $85,000 to be used as the Beaver Dam Senior Citizens Center. Mrs.Ann (Rogers) Pfeffer’s donation of $50,000 served as the initial funding. The remaining balance of $35,000 was borrowed from Marine Bank in Beaver Dam for five years at a rate not to exceed 4-1/2 percent interest. The Resolution passed unanimously by the Common Council.

Official Closing for the Property—1973

The City of Beaver Dam took title to the property at 114 East Third at an official closing at the Municipal Building. This assured that the property would remain as the Beaver Dam Senior Citizens Center.

Taking title: (seated from left to right): City Attorney David Schacht; Mayor Alvin Beers who hands the check to Edward M. Jacobs representing the owners of the property; and Frank Woodworth, attorney for the sellers. Standing is John Kemnitz, realtor who handled the sale.

City of Beaver Dam Establishes Jurisdiction of the Beaver Dam Senior Center

The Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Beaver Dam established jurisdiction of the Beaver Dam Senior Center in April 1973. In that capacity, the Department authorized the budget for the Center, served as a resource for the development of programs, policies, and procedures, and provided maintenance services and other services as directed. The Center Director, Commission on Aging, and Senior Citizen Advisory Board would continue.

In mid-April, a document called Guidelines and Policy for the Senior Citizens Center was approved by the Parks and Recreation Department.

THE SOCIAL YEARS

1970-74

Forty years ago in 1970, Senior Centers were established as a place for seniors to meet socially and participate in a variety of social activities. The term used was drop-in center where senior citizens could drop by when downtown to rest, meet friends and visit, play games, or watch television.

When our Center opened on May 4, 1970, there was no operating budget. Any improvements had to be requested from the Commission on Aging or the City of Beaver Dam. Activities were financed by the participants through their own individual donations or from donations from business and fraternal groups in the community.

Benefit Basketball Game—April 28, 1970

A special basketball game between the Marquette Warriors college team (NIT champions) and the Miller Skelly Service city team (City Champions) was held on April 28, 1970. Joe Helfert served as honorary coach for the Marquette Warrior team; Art Lueck served as honorary coach for the Miller Skelly team. Miller Skelly team members were: Charlie McDonald, Floyd Henschel, Fred Miller, Jon Mark Schoon, Karl Nienhuis, Dave Neuberger, Con Yagodinski, and Don Klagge. The teams played two halves. At halftime, there was a free throw competition and the Beaver High School band played.

All proceeds from the game were given to the Beaver Dam Senior Center. Tickets were $1 apiece and three business owners competed to have the most sales.

Top Ticket Sellers for Beaver Bowl: Bud Jarogoske of Bud’s Cozy Counter; Chuck Cook of Charlie Browns; and John Stavropolus of Chili Johns. (Photo Courtesy of Beaver Dam Daily Citizen)

Our history does not say who won the game. John Oathout from the American National Bank and Treasurer of the project presented O.A. Paciotti with a check for $2910.51. Mr. Paciotti, president of the Commission on Aging, said the money would be used for special needs at the Center.

What the Center Looked Like in 1970

There was one large room with a large oversized counter. Audrey remembers there was a high stool behind the counter that was broken. Four small rooms were on the left and right of the main room. One room to the right had a sink so it was used as the kitchen. Two other rooms to the right were a tiny room for files and a bathroom. One room to the left appeared to house the lumber company’s office. The back room was a large empty space which probably had been for lumber yard storage. There were multiple levels and there were large windows.

Through donations, the large room eventually included a Library, piano, television, easy chairs, card tables and chairs. A utility room housed the duplicating machine and typewriter. The Director used one of the small rooms as an office.