Young old alike to be big users

Center will seek to provide services to all members of the public. But by its design, the center's biggest users will be senior citizens and children. The old senior center will close and all the senior activities move to the new center. The Boys and Girls Club of Anaheim, YMCA, the Anaheim Boxing Club and many of the city's youth sports programs will use the new gymnasium and fitness facilities. A group of children standing outside the gymnasium snacked on free cookies as the discussed the new building. They came in a bus as a group but would come back if they go the opportunity. All five had their faces painted with rainbows, aliens and other designs and said they were enjoying the grand opening celebrations. "I've been to the YMCA once or twice," said Kimber Espen, 14. "I would come again if I could get a ride." She thinks that other youngsters would use the facilities at the new center, like the homework room, if they can get a ride. "It gives (kids) something to do to stay out of trouble," she said. Her brother Matthew Espen, 11, was involved with the YMCA and karate and looks forward to come to activities at the new center. Christa Costa, 13, said she also wanted to be involved. Like Espen, she feels her involvement in the center will depend on how often she can find someone to drive her there. "I signed up for karate and roller hockey," said Jordan Webb, 11. His mom volunteers for the city and often comes to the center. Echoing Kimber's thought's, Webb thinks the center will be good for children. "If there's no community center, kids just hang around and tag stuff," he said. He likes the idea of a homework center with new computers. His younger brother, Jonathan Webb, 9, also is involved in roller hockey. In the assembly room, stragglers from the pancake breakfast discussed the new amenities for the senior center lone Ketterer hadn't seen all the new rooms in the center, but said the building looks great. She is involved in the Dapper Tappers and is excited about the new performing arts room. Evelyn Hickens, Dapper Tapper director, said the rooms ar e beautiful. Chris Jarvi, community services director, expects work to be finished and the center to be fully operational in about three weeks. A representative of state Sen. Rob Hurtt, R-Garden Grove, presented a certificate of recognition. One hundred members of the Loara High School Band played the national anthem. Members of the Anaheim Police Department color guard presented the flags. The Rev. Jimmy Gaston of the State College Church of Christ gave the invocation. Daly called the center a milestone for Anaheim. "This is the first city gymnasium," he said. "The senior center has the most attractive fireplace in Orange County. Thank you for all your ideas and suggestions as we put this package together. (We should) enjoy this building and keep it active, full of kids, full of seniors." After the ceremonies, the public toured the building with members of the council and other city officials. Children clustered around the Disney characters. Though some younger children screamed in terror when the characters tried to talk to them, many older youngsters followed the characters throughout the rooms. In a tour of the gymnasium, Daly shot the first ceremonial basket on the court with a group of children. Activities and demonstrations continued throughout the day. In the lobby of the senior center, a senior choral group performed a selection of standards. Dance troupes, from ballet to the Dapper Tappers to line dancing, preformed in the assembly and arts rooms. Families attended a screening of "Angels in the Outfield" in the evening. Vendors and city organizations set up booths on a closed-off Philadelphia Street to sell T-shirts, provide safety information and hand out refreshments such as cookies, hot dogs and drinks. According to Janis Heckel, coordinator for the grand-opening events, local businesses and residents donated between $8,000 and $10,000 in cash, services and products for the week-long -festivities. On Youth Day Sunday, 748 people attempted to set the Guinness Book of World Records mark for the world's longest bunny hop dance line, complete with bunny ears. The longest bunny hop line will be a new category if it is accepted. The Police Department filmed the line, which looped around the center, from a department helicopter as proof of its size. Arts and Culture Day 3 to 7 p.m. Activities include demonstrations and displays by the Anaheim Art Association, Anaheim Ballet, Ana Modjeska Players, National Council of Negro Women, National League of American Pen Women, the Searchers Gem and Mineral Society and Summer Art Reach. Sampling of food from local restaurants and live music featured from 5 to 7 p.m. The Anaheim Arts Council will meet at 6 p.m. The city gave out health information and held a Heart Smart food contest to pick the best tasting healthy food from local restaurants. Subway's veggie delight won first place for taste and nutrition. The senior center showcased the activities and services it will provide on Senior Citizens Day on Tuesday. Members of the Memory Melodears, Dapper Tappers, the Intervals and the Bell Choir performed in a talent show. The center hosted an ice cream social, pinochle tournaments in the game room and a ballroom dance in the new assembly room.