Lieburn had pivotal role in opening senior center

The namesake of the Howard Lieburn Senior Center, 6230 Garwood Ave., was not a local celebrity or well-known politician.

"The beauty with the center is ... it is named after a person who really cared about his community," said Sue Brna, daughter of Howard Lieburn.

Lieburn, who was a Las Vegas resident for nine years, spent his time in the valley transforming his community in numerous ways. His community activism, Brna said, began with the creation of a Neighborhood Watch program.

Lieburn also served as a school crossing guard and Little League coach.

His most influential community work, however, was as president of the Charleston Heights Neighborhood Preservation Association. Brna said that in this role, Lieburn enforced codes in a rapidly growing area and worked to open a senior center in Charleston Heights.

"When you're older, you become so lonely and isolated," Brna said. "The elderly people in our neighborhood protect our neighborhood and bring this energy level we need in our community. My dad recognized this and wanted to keep it in his community."

Juanita Clark, the current president of the Charleston Heights Neighborhood Preservation Association, served with Lieburn on the board responsible for bringing a senior center to the area. Clark said Lieburn was an influential leader in the planning stages of the project.

"Howard was the most solid and most valid member in the area who lived there and who would use a senior center," Clark said. "He was the senior (on the board). He was the go-to person, and his idea was usually the most innovative and creative one."

The center opened in 2003, five years after Lieburn's death. Though the community activist was unable to see the center's completion, Clark said Lieburn's vision for the building is present.

"When I go there, I see people from other areas that have senior centers," Clark said. "I think what draws them (to the Howard Lieburn Senior Center) is the personal touch. There's an energy there, and if Mr. Lieburn was still around, I know he'd be open to that."

Brna said she is pleased with how the center is used, especially because it bears her father's name.

"To me, it is so exciting to see the neighborhood people take (the center) over as their own," Brna said. "I hope (the city) keeps up these centers. The services they provide are going to be helpful to all of us."

The Howard Lieburn Senior Center offers aerobics and dance classes, holiday programs, tax preparation services and more. Clark said the building and services were established with Lieburn's ideas in mind.

"(Lieburn) wanted seniors to have a second area of town -- and a central one -- where they could go and take these classes," Clark said. "He was willing to speak out and let (the board) know what was needed, and (members) listened."

Brna's hope is for residents not only to take advantage of the Howard Lieburn Senior Center but to recognize that its namesake could identify with fellow residents.

"I think the center being named after an ordinary citizen speaks volumes," Brna said. "He volunteered his time, and he was out (in the neighborhood), trying to make a difference. I think it encourages and shows people ... they can make a difference."

Contact Paradise/Downtown View reporter Lisa Carter at lcarter@viewnews.com or 383-0492.