The retiree
By Mikalee Dahle, Outpost contributor
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Yes, some actually want to live here |
"I had visited Reno several times with my husband before he passed away," she says. "We loved the area, we loved Paul Kennedy's Steak House in South Lake Tahoe, and we loved the seasons here. In Southern California, we got some spring, a heavy summer, and some fall...never winter. I'm not much of a fan of driving in the snow, but I wanted the chance to at least watch it fall occasionally."
Another benefit of the area: Her daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren had moved to Reno the previous year, also from Southern California.
"My daughter was tired of not letting her children play outdoors because of Third Stage Smog Alerts. All they could do was sit on the couch, staring at the thick brown air outside. So when Joey (her son-in-law) had an opportunity to transfer to Reno, he readily took it."
And in March 1980, Brown sold her mobile home, packed up her belongings and followed her family to Reno.
"I didn't do a lot of research before I moved here," Brown says. "I didn't really know what opportunities were available to retirees, but I knew that I loved the climate and the region. That was enough to convince me to move."
And when she got here, she quickly found a niche for herself. After living with her daughter for only a few months, she moved into a one-bedroom apartment in the southwest part of town.
"I found a lot of apartments that were reasonably priced and quite attractive," she says. "I didn't need much...just a place to put my belongings and call home. But I got much more than I bargained for. I've lived here ever since."
Brown seems quite at home in her simple yet painstakingly decorated apartment. A marble coffee table with gold-toned, bear-like claw feet rests in front of the sofa. The rich gold and crimson hues of the furniture provide a glimpse into the soul of this woman, a detail-oriented and sophisticated individual who enjoys class and elegance.
Shortly after she moved into her apartment, she became restless. "I knew that I was a retired woman, and I knew that I should be resting and enjoying life. But part of enjoying life for me is working,"
So she hit the pavement in search of an ideal job. "I began working at a local retail store, and my primary responsibilities included stocking and checking women in and out of the dressing rooms. This was perfect for me . . . I got to socialize and see the latest fashions, and I didn't have to exert much brain-power."
She credits the community for providing jobs for retirees. She says few jobs seem to exist for mature individuals in most areas of the country, but she had no problem finding one in Reno. This, she thinks, is a reflection of the importance the region places on its aging population.
"There are many resources available for retirees in Reno," she says. "I admit that I haven't taken advantage of many of them, but it's nice to know they're out there."
The retail store where Brown was working closed two years ago, and now she takes more time for herself. "My days are very full. I talk a lot with my family -- my son and his family also moved here after I did. I keep up with my favorite soap operas. I listen to my favorite talk shows at night, and I talk politics with my politically inclined grandson. I love my life here."
She also enjoys Reno because of the entertainment options -- something she finds particularly important when showing out-of-town guests around. "I enjoy showing visitors that Reno is more than casinos . . . though we inevitably stop there to play some quarters at the slots. But they always seem most impressed with the brilliant blue skies, the splendor of Lake Tahoe or the culture. There is a misconception that Reno is primarily a tourist escape and that nothing exists beyond downtown. I love to prove that wrong."
copyright 11/15/97 Nevada Outpost
http://www.jour.unr.edu/outpost
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