For those who happened to see a busload of Macarena-dancing senior citizens passing through Parma, please don't be alarmed - it was just Karen Strauss and her friends.

The energetic Strauss will be retiring from the Hilton-Parma Recreation Department after nearly 29 years of service programming adult and youth activities and directing the senior citizen program.

"Basically I want to take some time for me," said Strauss, explaining that during her tenure she had never taken more than a week-long vacation at a time until this past year. Strauss said she was also looking forward to spending more time with her husband, Dan, who is a special education teacher at John Marshall High School.

"I have a list a mile long of what I want to do," said Strauss.

While she admits to eagerly awaiting her February 1 retirement date, Strauss knows walking away will not be easy. Remember what it was like when you told your parents that you were moving out of the house for good? Now imagine having 50 parents, she said.

"My family has become their family," said Strauss of the senior group to which she has devoted so much of her time. "I know that they are happy for me, but they're definitely not happy to see me go."

Why would they be?

Under Strauss, the program has grown tremendously from a group that used to meet independently to play Bingo and euchre, to a five-day-a-week program that provides socialization opportunities, trips and a nutrition program. Local seniors can enjoy physical fitness classes, all sorts of card games, line dancing, computer classes, miniature golf tournaments, and all sorts of adventures.

For nearly three decades, Strauss has been the driving force behind the growth of this program, and as her time as director begins to wind down, it seems as though she is still picking up the pace.

Strauss frantically talks about everything that still needs to be done before she leaves and wonder out loud how she will be able to turn her responsibilities over to the next person. In truth, she won't because the town will actually be replacing Strauss with two people. One will b e a full-time senior citizen program coordinator and one will be responsible for programming the adult and youth events.

This move excites Strauss as she continues to advocate for increased outreach to local seniors and increased program offerings. Strauss insists that the senior program is vital to the well being of many local citizens.

"It gives them purpose to their life," said Strauss. "Their kids are gone and their friends are dying."

Berna Prehn teaches lines dancing and is known for her involvement with the Parma Steppers, a senior citizen dance troupe. Prehn said Strauss is responsible for giving many of the area's seniors a sense of belonging.

"She listens a lot, which is important to those seniors," said Prehn. "Nobody listens to seniors. I don't know what they will do without her."

Strauss said she hopes that the new director will be able to bring in even more seniors to take advantage of the services offers. Currently, the program located in Hilton's Community Center building, usually has about 50 seniors attend the lunches held three days a week.

Strauss said her appreciation for senior citizens began at an early age as she and her parents lived with her grandparents until she was in fifth-grade. Strauss said growing up with her grandma and grandpa was a real treat. "We had fun," said Strauss. "Some people never have fun with their grandparents." Strauss recalls having fun out in the fields, and even just some painting projects with her grandparents that humorously went awry.

She can still remember some of the stories that her grandfather used to entertain her with. "They were probably all made up, but I thought they were funny," said Strauss.

Strauss said she has also learned a great deal about her senior friends through her work.

• Seniors are extremely community-minded, and strive to be aware of all local news.
• Seniors are caring about the world and patriotic, as many are veterans.
• Seniors are self-sufficient and sharp in their thinking.
• Seniors have some fascinating tales to tell.

Another thing she has witnessed first-hand is their good sense of humor. Strauss decided that the group's long bus trip needed to be spiced up with a little music and sit down dancing. She has introduced many hits, including the Macarena, and has incorporated many interesting props. "I just figured that they must be tired of just sitting," said Strauss with a laugh.

Bev Higinson and her husband, Art, have been participating in senior activities for about seven years. In that time she has gone on her fair share of bus trips with Strauss. "I wasn't particularly surprised when she did it for the first time," said Higinson. "We've come to know her as very outgoing."

Higinson said her enthusiasm has been a great asset to the Hilton-Parma seniors. "As far as I'm concerned," said Higinson, "She's the best thing that ever happened to a senior center."

Participants in the senior center program sponsored by the Town of Parma gather around Karen Strauss (she's standing on tip toe). Strauss has served the community and area senior citizens for 29 years. Photograph for Westside News Inc. by Walter Horylev.