Marchane Hunt became the new director of the Kemmerer Senior Center in late September. Hunt says she is excited to bring her energy and knowledge to her new position.

There's a new face at the Kemmerer Senior Center. Marchane Hunt became the new director of the senior center on Sept. 24.

When I walk into the center to speak with Hunt, she's playing a game of Wii bowling with senior center regular Ralph Rasmussen.

“I love being around these seniors,” Hunt said. “They're happy every day. I want them to have fun and enjoy this part of their lives. It's their senior center, so we want them to be happy and comfortable.”

Although she has only been at the senior center for a few weeks, Hunt already has a gift on her desk from the other employees for Boss's Day.

Hunt was born and raised in Colorado Springs, Colo.

“We've been in Wyoming for nearly 22 years,” Hunt said.

The new director said her family has owned a cabin on Commissary Ridge since 2006, and she is excited to now live here full-time. Hunt discussed her motivation for joining the Senior Center staff.

“My mom has dementia, and since I couldn't really help her the way I wanted, I decided to get involved and help with seniors,” Hunt said. 

The Kemmerer Senior Center, which is located at 105 J.C. Penney Drive — next to the J.C. Penney homestead — offers several resources for seniors in the community, and Hunt said she is ready to help residents take advantage of those resources.

“We offer nutritional meals. We also have exercises to work on balance and recover from and prevent falls,” Hunt said. “I think one of the essential things we offer here is companionship. The more I study it, the more I realize how important socialization is for seniors.”

When she's not at the senior center, Hunt likes a variety of outdoor activities.

“I like to fish and hike,” Hunt said. “I like exploring the wilderness with my dog, snowmobiling, riding four-wheelers — really anything outdoors.”

Hunt has three children and several grandchildren. She also has a sister and a niece and nephew here in Kemmerer.

Hunt said she likes the Kemmerer area because of the wildlife and the peacefullness that accompanies a smaller population.

“The people of Kemmerer are so generous and helpful with the senior center,” Hunt said. “I think that in a big town, you sometimes lose that compassion.”

Hunt discussed what she would tell individuals in the community who don't participate in activities at the senior center because they think they're not old enough.

“You're never too young to enjoy the knowledge you can gain from other people,” Hunt said. “It's like a family here at the senior center. Plus, after age 60, you can get reduced meals, so think of that as a benefit.”

Hunt worked with the government of Sweetwater County for seven years, so she says she is familiar with grant writing, a necessary skill for operating the Senior Center.

“One of the things I'm working on is writing grants for a new senior center,” Hunt said. “I'm eager to use my energy, knowlege and my connections to help us move forward.”

“One of my goals is to provide more activities to help with injury recovery,” Hunt continued.

Hunt discussed how the community could get involved to help with the senior center.

“We're going to have a cake walk, so people can bake cakes for that,” Hunt said. “We can also always use donations for our crafts. People can help by offering suggestions in our suggestion box and getting involved with the seniors.” 

Hunt and Rasmussen resume their bowling game as I leave — a prime example of the companionship Hunt says she wants to offer through the senior center.

For more information about the Kemmerer Senior Center, call 877-3806 or visit the center in downtown Kemmerer.