December 5, 2014 – Las Cruces, NM - On this edition of PUENTES, Emily Guerra bridges the community with City of Las Cruces Community & Cultural Services Director, David Dollahon. The Community & Cultural Services Department of the City of Las Cruces assists in many areas of civic life with programs such as: the Thomas Branigan Library programs and services; the Las Cruces Museum System programs and exhibits; the Las Cruces Convention and Visitors Bureau – local events information; and the Senior Programs meals and support services for seniors. On this interview we focus on senior programs, services and volunteer opportunities. Each program publishes its own newsletter: The Messenger – the newsletter of City of Las Cruces Senior Programs; The Senior Sentinel - information about Senior Nutrition; and Volunteer Connection – the monthly e-newsletter of The Network Volunteer Center.
The Munson Senior Center in Las Cruces is the only accredited Senior Center in New Mexico. The building was first built in 1976 with a few additions/enclosures made over the years. The center was closed in August of this year for construction, and recently re-opened with updates to the HVAC and roofing system (new roof) and a multi-purpose room. The Munson Center is the flagship senior center of Las Cruces with four other centers: Eastside Community Center; Henry Benavidez Community Center; Sage Café on the East Mesa; and Frank O’Brien Papen Center Dining Room in Mesilla Park. For more information visit the City of Las Cruces website at – www.las-cruces.org/Seniors; and on Facebook – City of Las Cruces-Senior Programs.