One of the most difficult things for me to understand is why a valued city employee, Charleen Humphrey, with an excellent work history, can be scheduled for dismissal for cost considerations from the city budget. I've noted, over the years, a plethora of successfully staged senior events and activities from three very different senior centers in the east end of Ventura County. Thanks to intelligent cost control by city management, excellent pre-event planning by professional senior center leaders, successful fundraisers, dedicated county agencies, many free health screenings and materials are presented that can make a difference to seniors.

A wellspring of retired seniors and others donate their time freely and dependably, generating many thousands of hours that reduce the city's budget costs, and provide a haven of year-round pleasure for retired, but active, seniors.

For most of my 16 years writing for The Star, I've participated in the coverage of such events, publicity wise, at the Active Adult Center. I've often referred to the center as the pocket battleship of the senior fleet. This is a complimentary term in that I credit three women and their dedication for developing a strategy to draw in seniors from everywhere during their time at the senior center: Carol Ghens, Charleen Humphrey and now Peggy Rothschild.

The three women over the years have become the face of the Moorpark Senior Center. Humphrey, ambitious, but competent, draws against a work background of successful public relations, including a professional musical career, and has competently staged countless hours of entertainment events at the center.

A strong right arm for the current administration, Humphrey is a "can do" person. She has earned the gratitude and affection of seniors, local and in distant cities. All of us over the years have listened to leaders summarize the log of volunteer hours recorded, hours that have saved the city, and the center, thousands of dollars. Charleen Humphrey has worked her way through sickness and physical conditions, coming to work on crutches and canes to serve the seniors of our generation.

Charleen, always soft-spoken, brings a unique gift of talent to all of the Moorpark Center undertakings. She deals with the public in a manner designed not to offend, but rather to resolve issues. Humphrey has been with the center for 12 years, spinning her magic to bring a special charm to her assignments.

Timeliness and vitality, plus excellent health, make her a reliable source to count on when timing counts. She has booked entertainment and supported vocal groups on the piano.

Charleen has even showed up for work on days she was not scheduled to be there, and without pay, all in the name of teamwork or to put a special event over the top.

This gentle lady has proved to be invaluable in creating a support system for the Moorpark Active Adult Center. We all, most respectfully, request reconsideration of the decision to reduce paid staff as a money saver. Perhaps another look will reveal an overlooked cost factor while saving Charleen's job.

— Star columnist David Nankivell may be reached by e-mail at calendar@VenturaCountyStar.com.