Silver Horizons New Mexico, Inc.

Eliseo (Cass) Casillas

Eliseo (Cass) Casillas was totally surprised by the phone call informing him that he had been selected for induction into the Senior Hall of Fame. Those who are acquainted with Cass, however, know that there is no one more deserving. For over 30 years, Cass, even while a member of the media and communications department at UNM, generously shared his expertise with countless worthy causes and non-profit organizations.

Originally from Puerto Rico, the Enchanted Island, it was fortuitous for the Land of Enchantment that Cass and his wife Mary chose to live their adult lives here. As a volunteer with the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce he traveled the world, especially to Spain, Mexico and Brazil, to promote commerce and convention between

those countries and Albuquerque. Cass has also been committed to preserving the Spanish language and culture in New Mexico never turning down a speaking engagement or activity with young people. Throughout all he has also been dedicated to his church, the First Baptist Church of West Albuquerque.

When asked about the most exciting experience of his life he answered, “I was selected by the US Air Force to serve in South America to advise the Chilean Air Force from 1967 to 1971.  My family went with me, and we were exposed to the culture of the Chilean people and traveled throughout the country extensively. I was in a semi-diplomatic position with all the advantages and, while there, had the opportunity to record agricultural radio programs for Chilean farmers because of my broadcast experience. It was all just wonderful.”

Cass’s personal wisdom: “Serving and helping people has been the guiding force in my life. I have always found it very rewarding because when you help others you help yourself.” At 80 years of age, his civic work continues. His contributions could fill volumes.

Patrcia and Frank Jerabek

Patricia and Frank Jerabek, nominated by Virginia Perkins Grant a fellow member with Pat of the Diversity Leadership Council, share a commitment to promoting social justice. Since moving to New Mexico from Massachusetts 16 years ago, they have served a variety of organizations and causes.

Frank became interested in the power and importance of public relations in promoting causes and improving communication while still living in Massachusetts. He has provided such services to his church and more recently to the African American Performing Arts Center. He considers his public relations work promoting the annual Martin Luther King Commemorative Breakfast, sponsored by the Grant Chapel for the past 15 years, among the most significant things he has accomplished in his life.

Both Pat and Frank are concerned about the importance of financial literacy in helping people get ahead. For Frank this concern involves helping people during tax season. He volunteers as an AARP tax consultant in several Bernalillo and Sandoval County locations, including four Native American Pueblos. Pat, as an economist, has been instrumental in developing financial literacy educational programs. However, Pat’s most treasured public service has been the time she spent with the Diversity Leadership Council, working with government, business, education and community organizations.

Although much of their community work is done separately, together they are members of the Grant Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, the oldest black church in New Mexico, the proud parents of two adult sons and proud Godparents to three young people whom they met through their church.

Among the most exciting things Frank has ever experienced was witnessing the birth of his second son and realizing his responsibility to contribute to a world in which his children and those of others could grow and thrive. Patricia has been most inspired by seeing the positive change in people she has taught, worked with, and/or cared for throughout her professional and personal work. As she says, “Giving, sharing and service enriches life.”

Allene & Walter Kleweno

Allene and Walter Kleweno, according to their nominator Abigail Eaton of the NM Museum of Natural History Foundation, “have contributed countless hours as volunteers in Albuquerque and the state.” Further, to quote Nancy Johnson of the Albuquerque Community Foundation in her letter of support, “The Klewenos are active community participants. They not only financially support the causes they care about, they are everywhere, actively participating in and enjoying the good work of the nonprofit organizations they support.”

 A retired geologist, Walter’s interests have included the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and the Rio Grande Nature Center. Allene has served on the Breast Cancer Core Team of the American Cancer Society, and with the Nancy Floyd Hayworth Foundation, she utilized her skill and knowledge as a

librarian to promote breast cancer awareness. As chair of the Library Project Committee, she worked selflessly to place books and materials on breast cancer in libraries throughout the state including the tribal libraries and the three State Library Bookmobiles that travel to the most rural areas of New Mexico.

Both the Klewenos have served as president of the Exxon Mobil Retiree Club. Together they have supported the Albuquerque Community Foundation, New Mexico Symphony Orchestra, Opera Southwest, and received the Best Friends Award from Friends of the UNM Art Museum. They are true patrons of the arts attending 60 -70 performing arts events annually.

For Allene and Walter their most exciting life experience was a trip to China in 1985 before the transformation. Among Allene’s most important life achievements was receiving her Masters degree at the University of Denver in her 30s, which led to the career she has loved, working in the city’s Public Libraries.

Through the Klewenos’ giving and involvement they have demonstrated a passion for their community and the organizations and institutions that enrich our lives.

Julia Y. Seligman

Julia Y. Seligman says she is “very pleased” and “just delighted” to have been chosen for induction into the Senior Hall of Fame! In his nomination, Mr. Chuck Lanier, said this about Julia’s worthiness as an inductee: “For more than 60 years Julia has made outstanding contributions to our city and state through her unselfish and results-oriented community service.”

Julia beat the odds when she met her husband Milton Seligman and three days later married him. "My mother met him and said 'don't lose him'." The rest is history. He took her out of New York City and brought her to New Mexico where she flourished having a family and a passion to be involved in the community and work with talented and fantastic people who inspired her to give of her time and her own talent.

Her interests and commitments have been far-ranging and include serving by appointment of the State Supreme Court on the Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission, many years of dedication to the founding and operations of the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, the Wheels Transportation Museum, the Rotary Club of Albuquerque, the Gutierrez-Hubbell House Restoration, the Jewish Community Center Board, League of Women Voters, Casa Angelica, the Assistance League, the Arts Alliance, the Salvation Army, All Faiths Receiving Home, National Council of Jewish Women, and the Albuquerque Little Theatre, to name a few.

Julia followed her parents’ example in her dedication to community service. “Following your heart and following your mind and contributing to your community are most important to me.” Her community and business activities did not keep her from giving proper time and attention to raising four children who have also achieved their own successes in community life. Julia still volunteers as a docent at the Albuquerque Museum. She says it keeps her out of trouble!

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