Managed Caring

When Vic Vishon began attending the Fitzgerald Senior Day Support Center six months ago, his eyes immediately locked on 82-year-old Lucille Stouffer.

“I was hooked, and what a hook,” he said of his new sweetheart. “She changed my whole life. What a wonderful day it was.”

On Tuesday afternoon, the 83-year-old Thousand Oaks resident said he had even more to be thankful for. When not exchanging kisses, Vishon and Stouffer dined on roast beef and mashed potatoes served by Hyatt Westlake Plaza managers. The volunteers served the holiday lunch, which included carrot cake for dessert, and sang Christmas songs to 40 seniors at the center.

As part of a continuing program for managers, Hyatt employees devote at least two days each year to community service projects. This was the seventh year a holiday lunch had been prepared by Hyatt for the seniors at the Fitzgerald center.

“We get to feel good. That’s really the whole idea,” said General Manager David Lewin, who donned a Santa hat for the occasion. “For our managers it’s a way to allow them to go out and do something good for the community, but--more importantly--they can feel good about themselves.”

Vishon was among those grateful for the meal.

“It’s good. I’ve never had better,” he said of the lunch. “It’s been a long time since I had a party and meal like this.”

The Fitzgerald center, operated by Conejo Valley Senior Concerns, a nonprofit advocacy association, provides daily support for seniors with special needs, including those with physical handicaps and Alzheimer’s disease. The center opened nine years ago and is undergoing an expansion to accommodate 70 people by 2002.

Seniors receive a daily lunch, but the holiday meal, prepared by Hyatt executive chef Bruce Jones, was an added plus, said Lynn Engelbert, Senior Concerns’ executive director.

“We’ve been talking about this for weeks,” she said. “It’s a much appreciated outreach for us.”

Like Lewin, several other Hyatt volunteers dressed in Christmas colors. And a number of seniors got into the act also. Jim McMillan of Thousand Oaks wore a green shirt and a red hat that read “I believe in Santa Claus.”

“You can’t beat this place for Christmas dinner,” said McMillan, 70. “They do a beautiful job of serving.”