Entering the Kalispell Senior Center, there’s no doubt who runs the joint.

Welcome to the Pennes’ world.

Jean and Russ Penne have each volunteered at the center for 16 years, following long and adventurous lives.

The Pennes (“spelled like the pasta, sounds like the coin”) are each vital parts of making the center run smoothly.

Jean, who turned 79 in July, is the site manager. She runs the meal programs, does the bookkeeping and keeps people in line.

Khit Harding, the senior center director, calls the kitchen downstairs “Jean’s Cafe.” 

“She’s the boss lady,” Russ said. “I just bring her to work and then stay all day.”

Russ is the resident handyman, who is spearheading the daunting task of getting the house next door, which the senior center leases from the county, back to livable conditions. He turned 81 just last week.

Together, they are the most recognizable faces of the senior center, and they strive to keep it in shape. In fact, that was how the Pennes got their start volunteering at the center.

“I saw they had an exercise class, and I and a gal friend decided to go,” Jean said. “They eventually needed somebody as a leader and I thought, ‘I can do that.’”

She and Russ have been at the senior center since then, only taking breaks for excursions to Las Vegas. A friend allowed them to tow their trailer to his backyard, and they would enjoy the winter in Nevada.

But these are no snowbirds, and the Pennes now live in Kalispell year-round. Jean was born in the Flathead, and followed her father around Montana until they eventually landed in Minot, N.D.

Jean and Russ met in high school in Minot and quickly fell for each another. Russ joined the Navy, but the two got married at Polson Christian Church between his various deployments.

Russ became a jack-of-all-trades, working as a mail carrier in Cut Bank, for Mayflower shipping, and other jobs as they came along. Russ, laid low by a leg injury, took it easy for a time.

But there’s no sleep for these two, as they recently invited friends and family to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary in the Kalispell Senior Center’s basement. 

More than 100 people attended, including 21 family members and several of Jean’s high school friends — one of whom was in the Pennes’ wedding party.

“We thought we wouldn’t have enough food, but we have plenty” left over, Russ said. “So the people coming for meals are going to get a little extra something.”

Part of their volunteerism comes from their love of the people of Kalispell, and part of it is how wonderful they think the senior center is.

“We would like the people to get to know this place better than they do,” Jean said. “I’d like the community to pay more attention to us and to support us.”

One way that can happen is to help Russ clean the house next door. Volunteers are always welcome and encouraged.

Interested people can call 257-1598 to find more information about volunteering.

As for the Pennes, they show no signs of stopping anytime soon. Even a nasty fall that broke some of Russ’ ribs couldn’t keep him from working.

“I just have to stay out of the sun,” he said with a smile.

Reporter Ryan Murray may be reached at 758-4436 or by email at rmurray@dailyinterlake.com.