Taking over a program that has been directed by the same person for over twenty years can seem like big shoes to fill, butTrish Kleine is ready to jump in feet first. Kleine is Milliken's new Senior Program Coordinator and is confident she can have a positive effect on the community. Lois Onorato directed the senior program for over twenty years before deciding to retire in August of 2008. Following Onorato's retirement, Denise Amour, who was Onorato’s assistant worked as interim Coordinator for six months. The program has been recently assisted by Town of Milliken Administrative Assistant, Sherri Kidd.
Kleine was selected to take the position of Senior Coordinator in late February of 2009, and said “the staff has been a great help” in assisting her to transition into the program.Trish Kleine grew up in Slater, Missouri. She and her husband, Stuart Hutchison moved toLouisville, Colorado in 1996 to relocate his architectural firm.
In 2000, Kleine and Hutchison moved to Johnstown where they have resided for the past nine years. Hutchison owns Stuart Hutchison Architects and in addition was last year’s President of Milliken and Johnstown’s Chamber of Commerce. Prior to becoming Milliken's new Senior Coordinator, Kleine helped with her husband’s business and worked as a Weight-Watchers leader for local communities. If Kleine can find the time, she will continue to substitute for occasional meetings.
Kleine spent several years as a seasonal naturalist and historic interpreter for the Department of Natural Resources/Division of State Parks in Missouri. “I enjoyed doing educational programs and interactive hikes for many different groups as well as developing and coordinating volunteer groups for the state parks,” Kleine said.
Upon moving to Louisville, Kleine worked as a volunteer for Boulder Mountain Parks where she led hikes, developed and wrote a newsletter for their volunteer program. In the 1980s Kleine worked as an administrator in several Midwestlong-term health care facilities where she became accustomed to working with the elderly. “It was very rewarding,” she said.
The doors to the senior center are open every day and activities are available for Milliken seniors and any other interested senior citizens from neighboring communities. Although Onorato retired, she still frequently visits the SeniorCenter and helps out with many community activities. "Lois has been amazing,” Kleine said. “She is always in and out and helping with various projects. Denise Armour (Onorato’s assistant) also left very nice records and files and Sherri Kidd, Milliken’s Administrative Assistant has provided superb guidance,” making Kleine’s transition to another job much easier.
Kleine’s tasks include directing the Weld County Nutrition Meal days on Mondays and Fridays along with planning other activities and classes to help keep seniors in the community active and involved. “Working here has been great,” Kleine said. “There is a lot to learn but the volunteers who help with activities have been wonderful and the seniors that come here are such an active group. They are all fun to work with.”
