Thirty dozen roses were delivered to the Great Bend Senior Center on Friday — a surprise for Site Manager Rozena Tomlin on her birthday. It was also her 30th anniversary of working at the center.
The Rev. Dick Ogle, who organized the surprise, figured that 360 roses could also represent the number of individuals who visit the Senior Center over the course of a year, although the number could be as high as 500. “I went with the conservative number,” he said.
On an average day, 60 people show up for lunch. Often that is followed by a program, which was the case on Friday. Ed Habash, a Physicians Assistant who works at St. Rose Health Center, shared information on prostate cancer.
Tomlin had already received flowers and a balloon from friends, family and staff at the Senior Center when Ogle wheeled in a cart with the 360 roses and led the crowd in choruses of “Happy Birthday” and “Happy Anniversary.”
On Dec. 15, 2017, the Senior Center celebrated the 30th anniversary of its opening at 2005 Kansas Ave. Tomlin started working there a few weeks after it opened.
“I was hired as a dispatcher,” she said. Eventually, she became the site manager.
The center still takes calls for transportation that is available from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Information is available by calling 620-792-3859. And it is a gathering place for socializing and other events.

Valentine Party set
The Great Bend Recreation Commission and Great Bend Senior Center will co-sponsor the “Valentine Party” on Tuesday, Feb. 6 from 1-2 p.m. at the Senior Center.
The crowning of a King and Queen will occur at noon before lunch and a party will follow with entertainment at 1 p.m. from Great Bend Middle School's Music in Motion and Women in Harmony students under the direction of Max Chamberlain.