February 2015

Virginia "Pinky" Graban
Ms. Virginia Graban, fondly known as “Pinky” has volunteered at the Kenneth C. Aitken Senior Center for over 22 years; and recently celebrated the anniversary of her 21st birthday at the Senior Center.  Virginia began volunteering with the Senior Center Band “Tony’s Cronies” in 1993, and most recently, she lead the “Four Happy Notes” Band.  The seniors have enjoyed dancing to their wonderful music for many years.  Additionally, she has lent her time and talents to the Senior Sing Along Chorus and was their piano accompanist for their class for some time and performed at the Senior Center and many other community functions.

Virginia Graban

Virginia has a background in education and worked for the Oakland Public School District for over 38 years as a kindergarten teacher.  In turn, she wrote 2 children’s books that were featured on a segment of the Tonight Show with Jay Leno twice!  All profits of her book sales go to children’s charities.

The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District has been very fortunate to enjoy the many talents of Virgina Graban.  She brings a wonderful vitality to the senior center because she works hard, loves what she does and does it well.  She may be small in stature, but her personality is big and she has the ability to bring all different types of people together to share the love of music.

Ms. Graban received her certificate earlier today at the Kenneth C. Aitken Senior Center, presented by President Hodges.  She will be eligible for the Volunteer of the Year Award for 2015.