Joslyn Center kicks off season with Moon Over Casa de Coalson cocktail party

Desert Sun staff
·2 min read

The Joslyn Center kicked off the 2022-23 season in lunar style Nov. 7 with a cocktail reception dubbed Moon Over Casa de Coalson. The event was held at the stunning Rancho Mirage home of Marty and Diane Coalson.

Guests mingled under the beautiful night sky as they sipped cocktails and enjoyed passed hors d'oeuvres of seafood salad, macaroni and cheese, crab cakes and pizza.

"I can tell you from personal experience that the last few years of dealing with COVID have been probably one of the most stressful times of my nonprofit career of more than 20 years and probably in The Joslyn Center's history," Executive Director Jack Newby told the crowd of supporters during a brief program. "And we are right now coming out of it, and we have some exciting news: Our wellness center is now offering classes and programs with bilingual counselors, so we're offering it in both Spanish and English throughout the Coachella Valley in various locations."

Newby also mentioned that the nonprofit was back to its pre-COVID membership and was currently offering more than 85 classes and activities per week.

Hosts Diane and Marty Coalson join Beverly (Joslyn board president) and John Fitzgerald at The Joslyn Center cocktail reception Moon Over Casa de Coalson on Nov. 7, 2022.
Hosts Diane and Marty Coalson join Beverly (Joslyn board president) and John Fitzgerald at The Joslyn Center cocktail reception Moon Over Casa de Coalson on Nov. 7, 2022.

After announcing that The Joslyn Center was adding solar to its facility, he invited donor Patty Newman to take the mic. On behalf of the Coachella Valley Wellness Foundation, of which she is board chair, Newman announced a $5,000 donation to help cover the costs. "Solar on, everybody," she said to great applause.

Special thanks for the event went to presenting sponsor Margo Handelsman and Barry Kaufman, the Coalsons, Beverly (Joslyn Center board president) and John Fitzgerald, The Joslyn Strummers and Lulu California Bistro.

In attendance were Palm Desert Mayor Jan Harnik; Rancho Mirage Council Member Ted Weill; Rancho Mirage Council Member Steve Downs his his wife, Geri; Rancho Mirage Mayor Pro Tem Richard Kite and his wife, Becky; Melissa Morgan.

Also present were Kay Hanson; Annette Van Dyck; Steve Riegler and Lori Oshins of Hot Purple Energy; Coachella Valley Wellness Foundation's Steve Lind and Tom Tokheim with wife Nancy; Cheryl Scarlett, Jewish Family Service of the Desert; Geoff Corbin and Vic Ide of the Cathedral City Senior Center; Janice Isner; Lynne Castoldi and Michelle Marie Yount and Richard Greenthal.

The Joslyn Center board of directors was represented by Barbara Rogers, who was accompanied by Gary Geske; Mike Monachino, who attended with Barbara Foster; and Ann Simley, while the organization's staff in attendance included Newby, Greg Murphy, Tomm Belanich and Judy Sterling.

Melissa Morgan, Greg Murphy and Jan Harnik share a moment at The Joslyn Center's cocktail reception Moon Over Casa de Coalson on Nov. 7, 2022.
Melissa Morgan, Greg Murphy and Jan Harnik share a moment at The Joslyn Center's cocktail reception Moon Over Casa de Coalson on Nov. 7, 2022.

The Joslyn Center has been an essential part of the local community since 1981. As a nonprofit organization, Joslyn provides programs, services and activities for older adults in the Cove Communities of Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells and throughout the Coachella Valley.

The Joslyn Center is located at 73-750 Catalina Way in Palm Desert. For more information or to make a donation, call (760) 340-3220 or visit joslyncenter.org.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Joslyn Center hosts cocktail party in Rancho Mirage