Covey, Hanson Honored by City Upon Their Retirement

Two longtime Riverside County employees were honored today for their service to the residents of Menifee through the Kay Ceniceros Senior Center and Lazy Creek Park and Recreation Center.

Leslie Covey, who served as director of the Ceniceros Center the last 14 years, and Sharon Hanson, for 25 years an employee and most recently director of the Lazy Creek Center, were honored upon their upcoming retirement. A reception was held in the Ceniceros Center, were friends and colleagues paid tribute to them. Each was also presented a certificate of appreciation from the Menifee City Council by Robert Lennox, director of community services.

Covey (above, with Lennox)) provided consistency for local seniors in the Ceniceros Center for years under various agencies, most recently Riverside County and Valley-Wide Recreation and Parks District.

"The center has undergone many changes during Leslie's time here," Lennox said, "but her commitment to the center has always been the same. She's had her hand in many activities that are here today and thriving. She's been the architect of many enrichment classes and has brought in outside agencies to provide services."

Hanson (right) has coordinated programs at the Lazy Creek Recreation Center. Under her leadership, a variety of classes were offered to children and adults. When Menifee schools were open year-round, Hanson developed a recreational program to assist in the care and education of children. She also conducted summer camps and many other activities.

"This is definitely a bittersweet day," said Hanson. "I love with all my heart what I do with Lazy Creek and the people of Menifee. It's more than a job and I'm privileged to have been able to do that."

The City of Menifee took control of Kay Ceniceros Center and the Lazy Creek Center a year ago and will assume full control from Valley-Wide Recreation and Parks District on July 1. A grand re-opening of the Ceniceros Center will take place Friday at 5 p.m. at 29995 Evans Road.