Veterans Center Celebrates Season
Nov 04, 2021 12:00AM ● By By Elise Spleiss
Citrus Heights Community Veteran's Center members Michelle Grant (left), Vince Robles (back) and Jean Rounsavell celebrated their Fall Festival fundraiser on October 30. Photo by Elise Spleiss
CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - When the Citrus Heights Community Veteran’s Center puts on an event, they pull out all the stops. Located at the old Sylvan Schoolhouse at 6921 Sylvan Road, “Jean’s Team” once again transformed the yard of the old schoolhouse into a fall festival wonderland on October 30.
Jean Rounsavell, owner of the center and her team didn’t skip a beat after being rained out the prior Saturday. Mother Nature scheduled her bomb cyclone rain event on the same day as the Center had scheduled their festival. Nature won but the team quickly regrouped and came back even stronger with a fun event to help raise funds for everyday expenses to keep the doors of the Center open for its veterans.
Volunteers brought in hay bales, hundreds of bright fall leaves and even a bounce house. Games, crafts, face painting and, of course, food was enjoyed by visitors. The all-retired veterans country band, Free Range, entertained with real old-time country tunes. Six high school students from the Mesa Verde High glee club helped to keep things running smoothly.
Since the passing of Jean’s husband Jim in March, the priority has been to maintain and improve the property for the enjoyment of the veterans for many years to come. A major renovation is being planned for the inside of the 159-year-old structure. Several contractors working with the Center are making generous donations of in-kind time and services.
The Center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a hot lunch for the veterans served every Tuesday and Thursday at 11 a.m.
Jim Rounsavell’s Celebration of Life was held at the Center on July 17. His legacy will continue in this Center. Mayor Steve Miller gave a good perspective on the age of the old schoolhouse. He noted that Abraham Lincoln was president at the time, and the United States was in a civil war. Showing how important it is to preserve these walls, he ended with these words, “If these walls could talk, they would say, ‘thank you Jim for mending us, and creating a welcoming place for our veterans and our community’. Jim has joined a long, esteemed and notable line of city pioneers, and while he will be missed by all, his impact on our community will be eternal.”
For information on the center and to volunteer 916-806-4852