A new leader has taken the helm of La Jolla’s Riford Center and she’s about to steer the recreational facility in a whole new direction. Dona Aumann, who recently replaced interim director Ron Jones after he stepped down from the position in April, has already initiated an agenda of plans and activities that she hopes will attract the active and young at heart. Adding to the extensive renovations and new activities that the center has facilitated during the last two years — including cooking classes and Jazzercise — Aumann has big plans that include aesthetic revitalization and program enrichment. “We want this to be the number one place to serve the adult community in La Jolla,” Aumann said. “We want people to see this as their sanctuary, as a place to stretch their bodies and minds.” With experience extending from a real estate broker in Honolulu to an American Express travel director, Aumann’s career is as extensive as her list of fresh ideas for the Riford Center. She moved to La Jolla from Connecticut in 1996 to pursue a career in travel and selected the community because of its “outstanding schools and wealth of opportunities,” she said. A triathlete and a playwright, Aumann has competed in several local races and is an active member of the La Jolla Sports Club. She also enjoys teaching Spin classes, reading, cooking gourmet cuisine and walking her chocolate Labrador, Dese, by the beach. “The 50 today is the 30 of yesterday,” Aumann said. “The Riford Center is a place for active, energetic, lively people.” The center welcomes suggestions for new events and continues to offer old favorites, including bridge. “We have an incredible bridge program,” Aumann said. “That’s the whole reason the center started 35 years ago.” Upcoming events include a cosmetics class, a lecture on regional earthquakes and a trip to Barona Casino. Members and the public alike can also participate in yoga, tai chi, dance lessons, book clubs, language and art classes, computer and investment courses, educational lectures, bridge, game nights, theater productions and art shows, day trip excursions, singles parties and more. Located near Windansea Beach, the Riford Center offers resources for adult learning, fitness and socializing. Amenities include a recently-renovated, commercial-size, state-of-the-art kitchen, a large gathering room and several smaller meeting rooms, a fully equipped computer lab with Internet connection and a courtyard garden. The Riford Center is open Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with additional hours for specific events and programs. Annual membership is $100 and can be purchased online at www.therifordcenter.org or at the facility, 6811 La Jolla Blvd. Sustaining memberships are $250 per year and include a $150 tax-deductible donation. Call (858) 459-0831 for more information.
