Getting a foundation on its feet isn’t easy and officials of the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center wanted the person who did the heavy lifting to know they appreciated her.

Patti Rasmussen (above, in white scarf), the outgoing president of the SCV Senior Center Foundation, was feted by her peers for a presidency filled with the basics – getting a tax ID number, recruiting new trustees and dealing with the IRS to get the group off to a good start.

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“Patti had three things going for her,” said Kathy Crone, the foundation’s executive director. “The strength to keep going, passion and vision. Starting a foundation during a recession is a little more than scary.”

Rasmussen was given a collection of certificates from governmental agencies that deal daily with the center and its support, but the item that elicited the most comment was a framed collection of pictures of her in action at various events.

“Establishing a foundation wasn’t easy, but we have to build a new Senior Center for all those Baby Boomers who are coming up,” she said, referring to one of the forces that drives her. Suffice to say that she is among that hallowed group.

Incoming president Myles McNamara said that he’s got his work cut out for him, leading a capital campaign to build the new center to serve the growing number of clients needing the center’s services.

“Santa Clarita is one of the most senior-friendly communities in America,” he said. “There’s a reason for that.”

McNamara was sworn in as the Foundation’s new president, along with 1st Vice President John Oakes, 2^nd Vice President Alethia Calagias, Secretary Jill Bondy and Treasurer Rose Chegwin. Two new trustees to the foundation were welcomed: Chris Fall and Gerri McCorkle. Inducting the board was Santa Clarita Mayor Marsha Mclean.

Additional honors went to Six Flags Friends for their support of the Center’s events, which includes hosting a 5K run for nearly 20 years; Kellar-Davis Realtors for purchasing a new van for the Center’s Supportive Service department and all six high school ASBs for their volunteerism.

Crone couldn’t heap enough praise on the high school students, who have become an integral part of both the Center’s daily operations and special events.

“These are the kids who are going to be taking care of us,” she said. “I’m not scared, I’m proud.”

Earlier in the month, the other nonprofit that helps administer the center’s programs – the Committee On Aging – honored some of their program volunteers and board members.

The new executive board of the Committee On Aging includes President Don Kimball, Vice President Maria Gutzeit and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Pollard. The COA gave special recognition to Cecil Bernstein as their Volunteer of the Year and honored four of their Home Delivered Meal volunteers: Cathie Rydall, Stephen W. Conwell, Jackie Cortes and Stephen Ayers.