Longtime Senior Center receptionist to retire

The only possible way to describe a normal day for Dee Johnson, receptionist at the Carson City Senior Citizens Center, is busy and informative.

"It's the information desk, really," Johnson said.

Johnson has been the center's receptionist since 1997. She has answered questions and pointed people in the right direction on everything from taxes, housing, Medicare part D, and programs offered by the center.

"So much information I can't think of them all."

With all the inbound and outbound information, Johnson seized an opportunity to build a binder to keep it all in. Then, kept a file in the center's computer.

"We then make changes to the information as needed," she said.

Marvin Richardville, who works in the finance office at the center, said he's going to miss Johnson a lot.

"She's just one in a hundred," Richardville said. "She's got a great attitude, and that's very helpful.

"She's helpful to the seniors, and she always goes the extra mile for the help. Sometimes, I think she takes on too much. But she's a well-deserving woman."

Johnson, 59, and her husband, Ed, moved to Carson City from Wisconsin. They have been married 13 years. The two were attending a Christmas craft fair at the center when Dee noticed a sign for receptionist wanted. She was interviewed and hired the same day.

The changes Johnson has seen over the years at the center have been good ones, such as the addition of more than 14,000 square feet.

"Now we have some breathing room," Johnson said. "Some of the seniors walk the building for exercise."

A dessert reception for Johnson will be from 2-4 p.m. Friday at the center, 911 Beverly Drive.

"I'm punching out at 2 p.m.," she said. "I've tried to do the best I can, and I hope I have.

"I'll try not to cry too much, but I know I will.

"I'm sure there will be days I miss it - I've always liked my job. And there will be days when I come back to visit. But I need a break.

"A lot of the people here have touched my life," Johnson said.

"Like when we had our accident. We got cards and banners, delivered almost every day with our Meals on Wheels. They're a great bunch of people."

Dee and Ed plan to visit Southern Nevada in a few weeks, then go see the Grand Canyon for the first time.

"I hear it's beautiful," she said.

• Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.

Say

goodbye

WHO: Dee Johnson, receptionist

WHAT: Retirement party, with desserts

WHEN: 2-4 p.m. Friday

WHERE: Carson City Senior Citizens Center, 911 Beverly Drive

CALL: 883-0703