Pinedale seniors said goodbye

to Beth Allen with root beer floats at Rendezvous

Pointe during an Aug. 28 celebration

that wrapped up her 12 years there as the activity

director. Through her years there, Allen

has made quite the impact. The going-away

party was packed with many of the seniors she

has worked with over the years.

When asked, Allen said the thing she’ll

miss the most is talking to the seniors who

come to Rendezvous Pointe to have fun and

see friends.

Alongside her is Allen’s husband Jim, who

is retiring as well. While he did not work at the

senior center, he would come in costumed as

fun characters to give the seniors a laugh once

and a while.

“They will miss him as much as they’ll

miss me,” Allen said.

Several seniors had kind things to say about

Allen before her departure.

Allen Barron stated she would be very

missed – “I’d go into her office every day and

just talk with her.”

When asked what she’ll miss the most, Allen’s

longtime friend Sandy VanValkenburg

said, “The friendship. Someone to talk to.

She’s very personable.”

Phyllis Staidl stated her favorite times were

when they’d take their two- to three-day trips

around Wyoming. She said Allen was great at

planning the trips.

“It was something we probably wouldn’t

do otherwise,” Staidl said.

Rollie Myers, though, said he did not feel

good about Allen’s leaving at all.

“Those are some big shoes to fill,” he said.

“Her programs were wonderful.”

Now retired, the Allens plan to move into

their camper and travel to Oregon.

“I don’t think I’ll be able to do that when

I’m 80,” Allen said, “I’ve got to do it now!”

Although they are leaving Sublette County,

Allen promised they will come back for visits.