In the August edition of "Shades of Gray,' a newsletter for seniors of the Pahrump Valley, published by the Senior Center, Jim Gronemann, president of the board wrote the following statement:

"Your center has received a letter from the State Division of Aging Services. In part, it said 'In this time of reduced funding which will impact services to clients, which of your programs could better survive a reduction?'

"Since we are a rural senior center all of our services including transportation are at bare bones already, which is what we told them, continued Gronemann in the newsletter.

"We are, with the help of others, going to increase our fundraising efforts."

Jason Mitchell, owner of Jason Mitchell Painting Inc., decided it was time to become involved. His father, an advocate for the senior center, suggested his son make donating a monthly responsibility.

In response, Jason added a $100 invoice payable to the senior center into his business bookkeeping system to be automatically paid with the rest of the bills.

"It's not even noticeable," said Mitchell of the expenditure. "What's a hundred dollars? ... It's my goal to get a minimum of 50 of us (business owners) to put in just $25 every month. We could make a huge difference. That adds up to $1.250 a month to help out our local senior center."

Gronemann agrees. "We just had to have a refrigeration problem fixed and did that only with help from locals," he said.

The funds would also be used for upgrades to plumbing in the building that is more than 15 years old, maintenance on three buses, two vans and a "Meals on Wheels" vehicle and entertainment for seniors.

"The funds would help with supplies for the activities here. We have a beading class and a craft class always in need of items for their projects, and the educational programs would make use of it as well," Gronemann said.

Mitchell's challenge to other businesses could be a big help.

"If the people believe in this concept, I would appreciate it if they'd get the word out and together we can make a difference," he said.

The Pahrump Nugget is already on the bandwagon. The hotel is under remodel, and all of the furnishings are being sold (to the employees only).

Lori Doller, Nugget spokesman, said all the monies raised through those sales is being donated to help the senior center.

For more information, call the Pahrump Valley Senior Center, 727-5008.