MILESTONE

March 27, 2007

BY DIMITRA LAVRAKAS

Frontiersman

WASILLA - Close to 75 people waited in anticipation at the Wasilla Senior Center Sunday as two girls guarded the doors.

&#8220Here they come, here they come,” Carlene Sanders' two granddaughters, turned and shouted to the crowd.

Sanders walked up the ramp as she frequently does, because she volunteers a lot of time to the center.

Her face was placid at first, then it dawned on her what was happening. She started to cry when she saw the number of people who turned out to honor her on her 90th birthday.

Another unexpected surprise was all the family members who had come from all corners of the country for her birthday.

Sanders had been tricked because she thought it was the traditional family dinner at a local Chinese restaurant, and she was duped by a stop at the center.

&#8220It was a complete surprise,” Sanders said. &#8220I was supposed to be eating at the Peking.”

But even the restaurant owner was sitting at a nearby table.

&#8220I've never seen my mother so emotional,” said oldest daughter Linda Morey, who came up from Arizona.

Morey helped organize the celebration, along with other family members, all of whom said the process was smooth and congenial. They imported one family member, Ryan Humbree, from Idaho to cook.

After greeting and hugging all the people in the room, Sanders sat to watch a slide show of her life.

&#8220Oh, look at that,” she oohed. &#8220So many years ago.”

With her late husband, James C. Sanders, the couple were one of the first to build in Settlers Bay in 1975. Since then, Sanders has made a reputation in the Valley - one marked by good deeds, compassion and heart.

A member of the Eastern Star, she's held many offices through the years and is a lifetime member.

She used to organize gleaning forays onto truck farms for vegetables that were then distributed to senior shut-ins. Afterward, she would organize and cook for a picnic for the farm workers.

Sanders has raised thousands of dollars for the senior center through the Miles for Meals Run/Walk, and still goes out to drum up prizes for the event. Her pledge numbers are always among the top. She walks, too.

At the center, she arranges table sales for the annual holiday bazaars, works the Bingo table every week, sells souvenirs at Iditarod headquarters, and works one of the booths at the Alaska State Fair Horse Show.

How does she still do it all?

&#8220Take care of yourself, stay active, keep your mind working,” she said. &#8220Don't drink, and don't take drugs.

&#8220Stay away from it!”

Gov. Sarah Palin sent a congratulatory letter that reads:

&#8220Todd and I send you our best wishes as you celebrate your 90th birthday. You are a true Alaskan and we are proud to have you as a pioneer of our state. Your contributions to the state of Alaska will always be appreciated and remembered.”

Contact Dimitra Lavrakas at 352-2269 or valleylife@frontiersman.com