In 1998, Jim Bowman walked into the Mid County Senior Center having reached the age of 50. Through the years that have followed, he has devoted many hours and much of his energy and knowledge to this organization. In his first year, he was asked to run for first vice president to help in the negotiations to retain Mid County Senior Center’s ownership of its Bay Street location. Many members feel that they are still in ownership of their clubhouse and parking lot because of his efforts.
That same year, he brought back the very popular Ranch Breakfast and is still in charge of this function every month, serving from 150 to 250 customers of all ages thus bringing in revenue for the Center. Jim has reorganized this operation and built up a crew of faithful volunteers that make the event run smoothly.
He went on to serve as president in the years of 2001,2002, 2005 and 2010, keeping this complex organization in operation, and making improvements to the large building that houses it. Presidency of this organization is a large responsibility because the Mid County Senior Center is completely owned by its members and does not receive any government funding.
As chairman of the Building and Property Committee for thirteen years, he has brought about many large and small projects, including improving the kitchen through the acquisition of a grease trap, convection ovens, huge refrigerators and freezers. This brought the kitchen up to code so that meals could be prepared and served. He worked to enlarge the rest rooms and bring them into handicap compliance, improve the infrastructure of the vast garden area that is divided into individual spaces, resurface the parking lot, refinish the impressive dance floor, and is now involved in improvements to the Annex.
He can be seen in the kitchen and on the serving line of the Tuesday Night Live Dinners each week and has been known to prepare the meal. He has always been there for emergency repairs when needed. Working with the organization’s treasurer, Mary Reed, he has applied for government and local grants.
Jim’s previous experience as President of the Santa Cruz Horseman’s Association and the Junior Chamber of Commerce and as a Board Member of the Chamber of Commerce have proven to be valuable in planning fund raisers including an elaborate “Country Faire”, “Cruise Ship” and a gala evening of “The Roaring Twenties. He is making plans for a nostalgic event to be called “The Hollywood Canteen.”
Jim Bowman is strictly a local boy. He grew up in the country atmosphere of Soquel on the property that later became The Farm Restaurant and Antique Shop. He was a Real Estate Broker with his office, Western United Realtors, on 41st Avenue. He and his wife Vicki now live in Live Oak and are kept busy maintaining their business properties including the Car Wash next door to the Mid County Senior Center.