Julie Ellis Marks 10-Year Anniversary at Hollin Hall Senior Center

Julie Ellis swaggered out as Gunsmoke’s Marshall Matt Dillon, decked out in a cowboy hat, boots, jeans, vest and badge, and rolling out her lines in the caring lawman’s low, husky voice, bringing high drama to last year’s volunteer appreciation lunch at the . 

Whether she’s portraying a cruiseship sailor in a skit she’s created or savoring gourmet food in a fine restaurant with 15 seniors, Ellis finds fun in her job as director of the Hollin Hall Senior Center for Creative Retirement. Last month marked her 10^th year in the post.

“Older people have fun. They have a good attitude about life,” she said in a recent interview. “They are, as Tom Brokaw calls them, ‘the greatest generation,’” she said.  “They’ve been through a lot.”

After graduating from American University, Ellis wanted to work with “the little ones” in day care in their formative years, but about 15 years ago, she moved to the other end of the age spectrum.  Ellis worked at Paul Spring Retirement Community and came to Hollin Hall from the Aarondale Retirement Community in Annandale. 

On most days, around 165 people come and go at the center. With two full-time and three part-time employees, it averages 13 programs a day, from model railroading to drama, from computer help to pinochle.  There are potluck lunches, holiday celebrations, shopping trips and cultural excursions. 

“Julie consistently makes wonderful things happen in this center. She knows the membership so well and just how to bring out the best in each individual,” said Ann Connell, president of the Advisory Council.  Ellis’s management style does not tie her to a desk or computer.  She is often out and about in the building, participating side-by-side with participants in programs.  

Center members applaud Ellis’s responsiveness to requests for programs, whether it be harmonica lessons or trips to the mall.  Ellis credits participants and volunteers with much of the programming.  People bring her ideas and she facilitates, she insists.  Stan Wielga, for example, started Chinese history lectures that became popular. 

The center is a “home away from home,” many participants tell her.  Going to the center helps to “keep their brains active and keeps them well.” It “gives many people a purpose,” and is far better than sitting at home watching television all day, Ellis said.

Bea Shenkenberg of the Wellington community said, “Julie knows almost everyone's name.  She is a good listener and is easy to talk to.  She has a fabulous sense of humor and is funny and entertaining."  Shenkenberg attends the exercise classes.

Ellis’s colleague Elaine Throm, assistant director, said: “She has brought her own brand of excitement to Hollin Hall.  Her creativity, commitment to the seniors and her leadership are unequaled in the field.  She has worked tirelessly to bring new programs and resources to the senior community.  Her community outreach skills are second to none.”

Ellis is married to Keith Ellis, an engineer at the Paul Spring Retirement Community, and lives in Mount Vernon’s Sherwood Forest community.  They have two grown daughters.  She grew up in Jericho, New York.

“She’s awesome,” said jazzercise instructor Mindy LaBruno.  “The center couldn’t run without her.”

No one disagrees.  They’re eagerly awaiting her next original skit and performance at this year’s volunteer lunch on April 29.  Maybe she’ll be Miss Kitty?

Editor's Note:  "Gunsmoke" was a radio and television Western series, featuring James Arness as Marshall Dillon in the fictional town of Dodge City, Kansas.  Miss Kitty, played by Amanda Blake for 19 years, was a saloon keeper and Dillon’s steady girlfriend.  The television version ran from 1955 to 1975 and ranked first in popularity among television viewers from 1957 to 1961.