Eileen McDowell, a listener

Eileen holds the title of Director of the Joseph Cipolla Paramus Senior Center at North 93 Farview Ave. and is a Certified Social Worker. She has been with the Borough of Paramus for 19 years starting out in Recreation for a couple of years and then got promoted to her next door neighbor, Janet Luckow?s Human Services. About 2 years later she was further promoted to her present position and location.

When asked about what she does, Eileen mentioned that her duties entail overseeing programs like the senior bus trips, Bocci, Computer classes (even though her office has a behemothic unit using outdated Windows 95), Line dancing, Bridge Club, Bingo, Crafts, Picture painting arts, Dances, Rap group, Summer picnics and BBQ?s, Senior parties, Cards and Pool. She also spends a lot of time listening to the members of the Senior Center who will tell her both sad and joyous stories. Seniors always have something to say!

There are three clubs that utilize the facilities, the Pioneers, # 1 Club and AARP. Each has about 100 members.? She estimates that there are about 25 seniors doing line dancing and about 55 for the Atlantic City bus trip

For the most part, Eileen depends upon volunteers to help her since the budget doesn?t call for many paid workers. She? praised them highly not only for their support, but the fact that their efforts help her to stretch her budget and do more for the members of the Center.

On the personal side, Eileen lived in town for 15 years and at present lives in the neighboring state of NY, just over the border. She has 3 grown offspring, 2 boys and 1 girl. When asked about grandchildren, she sadly commented that they weren?t cooperating!

Because the Center is undergoing renovations, her office is crammed with cookware and other Senior Center items. She hopes to reopen a refurbished building in January of 2006. Look for notification in www.ParamusPost.com?s Community Calendar. The Center celebrated 25 years on September 8th. Guess it needs renovating.

Looking at Eileen?s desk, one notices a sign up front that proclaims her right to a busy desk. She claims that she always can find? things on her desk although she does leave her keys in the door. When asked about her job, she strongly averred that she loved it and enjoys listening to the woes, problems and joys of the members.