Celebrating 100 Years with Gladys Laney of Newhall

by Travis Gill

Sitting at her usual desk space in an office with several other volunteers within the SCV Senior Center is Gladys Laney, of Newhall. A retired secretary, she’s been a volunteer at the SCV Senior Center since 1987. She also just celebrated her 100th Birthday with her fellow staff and Center guests.
When we met she was sitting quietly engrossed in the daily newspaper crossword puzzle. It seemed that everyone at the Center knew who Gladys was and had nothing but wonderful things to say about her. For over 23 years Gladys has dedicated her time and services not only to The Senior Center but also to its visitors and her neighbors within the community. Robin Clough, Director of Volunteers and Recreation says, “She’s always been something of an inspiration here. She exudes so much class and elegance that she really adds extra sunshine here. Nothing slows her down.”
Gladys was born July 16, 1910 right on the very same property where the SCV Senior Center currently resides. Gladys has watched the city of Santa Clarita evolve over the years so much in fact that when asked further she said, “I’ll put it to you this way: I’ve been here from the horse and carriage days to the dawn of the internet craze.”
Gladys serves in many capacities at the Senior Center including scrapbooking all the events and news publications involving the center but most notably is her daily “Telephone Reassurances”. Gladys makes routine telephone calls to seniors in the community who can’t make it over to the center in order to regularly check in on them and make sure they’re doing well and have someone to talk to. Robin says, “There are so many people who are depending on her every day and it’s so touching to see how committed she is.”
Gladys credits her mother and father with her own volunteer duties. Her father volunteered to serve in the United States Army during World War One and her mother was a Red Cross Volunteer and volunteered in or was involved with every social club in the city. Gladys says, “I’ve been here my whole life. I love this city very much and have many fond memories here. I just feel it’s my duty to help my neighbors and community in any way I can.”
When not working hard at the Center, Gladys enjoys her favorite hobby, reading and collecting books. Looking back on her life in Santa Clarita Gladys says, “I enjoy this place. I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else and I wouldn’t change anything even if I could. I honestly have no regrets.”
Gladys Laney is a wonderful and remarkable woman. Her dedication to her community and to the needs of others is truly awe-inspiring. It was a great honor to be able to meet and talk with her. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors. Here’s to another 100 amazing years…