Senior Spotlight 2026

Born on July 26, 1953, in the snowy city of

Rochester, NY, Catie Kniess has spent a lifetime

collecting stories, adventures, hobbies, friends,

and more than a few colorful words along the

way. With hair as bright as her personality and a

heart as big as the forests outside her Oakhurst

window, Catie is one of those unforgettable

people who leaves a lasting impression

everywhere she goes.

Catie stayed in Rochester until her mid-twenties.

But life in New York took a dramatic turn

during the infamous “Blizzard of the Century” in

1977. Snow piled so high she couldn’t even get out of her driveway.

While many people were digging out, Catie was making a life-changing

decision. Trailways was offering a one-way bus ticket anywhere in the

United States for just $50, and Catie thought, “Why not California?”

Next thing you know, she was headed west to sunny San Jose on a 5-

day, 5-night adventure.

Before California came calling, Catie’s early life was already full of

entertaining twists. She had three brothers who were 15, 20, and 25

years older than she was, making her an aunt before she was even born!

In fact, because her mother didn’t realize she was pregnant and thought

she was simply sick, some family members jokingly referred to Catie as

“Mom’s ten-pound tumor.” One of her brothers stayed at home until

Catie was around five years old, but for the most part, she grew up as

an only child.

School wasn’t exactly Catie’s favorite thing, though she did attend all of

her schooling in the New York area, including general education courses

at a junior college. In high school she played the clarinet, but academics

never truly captured her attention. Real life, however, certainly did.

Long before she was old enough for an official paycheck, Catie babysat

for extra money. At 16, she landed a job at Woolworth’s, then moved

on to a BB gun factory where she operated a punch press — not

exactly glamorous work, but definitely memorable. After that, she

became a lens inspector for Bausch & Lomb, working with their famous

Ray-Ban sunglasses. She later spent years working overnight shifts at

an answering service in Rochester, and continued doing similar work

after moving to San Jose. Apparently, Catie had a talent for keeping

things running smoothly while the rest of the world slept.

Catie eventually returned to school in California, continuing classes while

building her new life. In 1982, she got married and soon found herself

entering the booming high-tech world at the now-defunct GE Calma

Company. She began in administration before moving into the technical

writing department, where she spent an impressive 25 years building a

successful career with several high-tech companies. When she was laid

off at age 50 from the high-tech world, she took the time to return to

school yet again and learn American Sign Language. She worked at the

California School for the Deaf in Fremont for a couple of years, until the

commute got overwhelming.

Family has always remained at

the center of Catie’s world. She

has two sons, now ages 35 and

40, along with three grand-

children. She’s also an honorary

grandma to eight teenagers,

thanks to her oldest son’s wonderfully large extended family. And then

there’s Bailey — her adorable six-year-old Maltipoo companion who

happily shares life with Catie in Oakhurst.

When Catie isn’t volunteering all over town, she’s usually busy creating

something. Her hobbies include card making, watercolor painting, jigsaw

puzzles, crossword puzzles, and experimenting with many vegetarian

recipes in the kitchen. She volunteers as secretary on the Sierra Senior

Society board, serves on the board for the Friends of the Oakhurst

Branch Library, is Marketing representative for the Sierra Lions Club, a

long-time volunteer with Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue, and

participates at Mountain Universalist Unitarians.

One of Catie’s most heartfelt projects is creating handmade cards for

shut-in seniors through a Facebook group called “From the Heart.” She

has sent thousands of cards over the past 10 years. Her compassion for

animals is equally impressive. As former budgie coordinator for the bird

rescue group, she once cared for 20 to 30 birds at a time and

estimates she has fostered more than 100 birds over the years. She’s

currently fostering one feathered little friend.

Catie says one of her favorite things about living in Oakhurst is the

beauty surrounding her and the friends she has been able to meet. She

loves being close to town and near the lake, but her absolute favorite

part is the peaceful view out her back window — nothing but trees and

nature, with no neighbors in sight.

Travel has also played a big

role in Catie’s colorful life.

She’s gone on knitting

cruises and rubber stamp

cruises while visiting places

like Russia, Finland, Swe-

den, Germany, Estonia,

England, and Alaska multiple times. While she hasn’t traveled recently,

she still dreams of someday seeing the Northern Lights from a glass ice

hotel room in Scandinavia.

And if you’ve ever met Catie, chances are you remember her hair. For

the past 20 years, she’s proudly rocked every imaginable color —

purple, blue, teal, pink, and often several colors at once. Catie says it

makes her happy, makes others smile, and starts conversations

wherever she goes. It’s become part of her signature style, right

alongside her wonderfully colorful vocabulary.

Catie also happens to be a huge science fiction fan. When asked whether

she’d rather ride a dinosaur through its natural habitat or travel

through space with aliens, she didn’t hesitate for a second: aliens,

absolutely. A lifelong fan of Star Trek and science fiction, Catie says

exploring space alongside extraterrestrials sounds like the ultimate

adventure.

Whether she’s fostering birds, volunteering in the community, solving

crossword puzzles, cruising across oceans, or showing off brilliantly

colored hair, Catie proves that life is best lived with creativity, kindness,

humor, and just a little bit of sass. Around Oakhurst, people may know

Catie for many things — her volunteer work, her artistic hobbies, her

love of sci-fi, or Bailey trotting faithfully beside her — but most of all,

they know her as someone who brings color into every room she enters.

Next time you see her give her a wave hello and count on her to bring a

smile to your day.

Born on April 18 in Los Angeles, Livia Wyant’s story is one of warmth,

flexibility, and a deep appreciation for life’s simple, meaningful

moments. Raised in Diamond Bar, California, she spent her formative

years surrounded by family,

friendship, and memories that

would create her gentle,

thoughtful spirit.

Some of Livia’s most cherished

childhood moments unfolded

along the coast in Dana Point.

As a young teen, she would join

her family for beach picnics filled

with laughter and her mother’s

amazing prepared meals. They often sat together in gazebos near the

shore, watching boats drift peacefully across the harbor. On especially

lucky occasions, Livia was allowed to bring a friend along, and they

would wander down to the harbor for ice cream and small adventures

that felt like magic at the time.

Her school years reflected both the era and her individuality. From

Kindergarten through sixth grade was elementary school, then onto a

traditional junior high, and eventually Walnut High School near

Diamond Bar, Livia carved her own path. She enjoyed drama class and

performing in plays, embracing creativity in a time defined by bell-

bottoms, hip-huggers, and towering (the higher the better) platform

shoes. She remembers the quirky realities of the time too, like the

designated smoking section on campus which she and other non-

smokers carefully avoided.

Never one for cliques, Livia stayed true to herself, maintaining a close-

knit group of friends she still treasures today. After high school, she

attended junior college, studying business and going on to work in

clerical and administrative roles. Though she once dreamed of becoming

a veterinarian, her love for animals ultimately guided her in a different

direction, one that allowed her to care deeply without the emotional

toll of veterinary surgery. Her compassion for animals has remained a

defining part of who she is.

In 1994, Livia’s life took a beautiful turn when she met her husband,

Dale, through a Penny Saver ad. Their first date, a blind date at the

Hungry Hunter, turned into a four-hour conversation. Just four months

later, they were married. Decades later, their bond remains strong.

While they didn’t have children together, Livia embraced Dale’s nine-

year-old daughter as her own, forming a close and lasting relationship.

The couple spent their first ten years in Oxnard and a couple other

locations before eventually settling in Oakhurst, where they purchased a

home in 2015 and moved full-time in 2020. That same year marked

Livia’s retirement after 17 years as an administrative assistant in

special education at a high school, a role she deeply valued. She still

fondly remembers “her kids” and misses the daily connections she built

with them.

In retirement, Livia has embraced a life rich in creativity and

connection. She paints in watercolor and acrylics, crochets, reads, and

crafts everything from wreaths to handmade cards and is willing to try

anything else that grabs her attention and looks like it would be fun to

try. She finds joy in nature, especially listening to birds and continues to

feel a deep pull toward the ocean, her favorite place in the world.

Her days are filled with meaningful activities: volunteering at the local

senior center (where she also served on the board for 2 years),

participating in a book club, and enjoying lively ladies’ game nights. She

treasures time with friends, whether meeting locally or traveling to visit

them in places like Grover Beach and Fillmore.

Travel has been another thread woven throughout her life. Livia and

Dale share a love for train journeys, having explored scenic routes in

Colorado, experienced the wine train in Napa, and taken memorable

rides through the Redwoods to Santa Cruz, as well as excursions in

Alaska. One of her most beloved destinations is Vancouver, which she

describes as breathtakingly beautiful. Still on her list are dreams of

traveling across Canada, visiting Europe–especially Austria at Christmas

time, Switzerland, Germany, and France–as well as experiencing the

wildlife of the Galápagos Islands up close, as the animals there are not

afraid of humans.

Animals hold a sacred place in Livia’s heart. Whether it's dogs, cats,

elephants, whales, or the birds she listens to each day, her love knows

no bounds. Living in Oakhurst, she feels especially lucky to watch deer

wander through her yard—a quiet reminder of the beauty surrounding

her. One of her most meaningful symbols is the elephant tattoo on her

forearm. Representing herself and her parents—her “Three

Musketeers”—it honors their shared love of elephants and keeps their

memory close since their passing.

Through every chapter of her life, Livia has remained grounded in love,

authenticity, and gratitude. When asked what advice she would leave

behind, her words are simple yet powerful: “Be true to yourself, always

do what makes you happy, and don’t wait to live your life.”

It’s a philosophy she doesn’t just speak, but lives every single day. So

when you see Livia, feel free to wave a hand “hello” and you’ll be sure

to be met with a wave back and her warm smile in return.

Born February 25, 1967, in Norco, Shannon

Brimage has spent a lifetime proving that

creativity, community, and family can all go

hand in hand. Whether she’s redesigning a

local senior center, painting intricate nail art,

sewing handmade creations, or cheering on

her grandchildren, Shannon has become one

of those unforgettable personalities whose

energy seems impossible to slow down.

Shannon’s story began in Southern California before her family

relocated to Yuma when she was just 3 years old. She lived there until

age 10 before returning to her hometown of Norco, where she attended

junior high and later Norco Senior High School. After graduation,

Shannon explored a variety of college classes, including art and interior

design...subjects that would later become a lifelong passion reflected in

nearly every project she touched.

Even as a teenager, Shannon’s adventurous spirit was already shining

through. At just 15 years old, she worked as a trail guide leading horse

trail rides “mostly for fun,” a fitting job for someone raised around

horses and outdoor life. She later worked at Miller’s Outpost during high

school for about a year before briefly joining Toys ‘R’ Us.

Life eventually took Shannon to San Luis

Obispo, where she worked as a cashier at an

auto shop — and where fate introduced her

to her future husband, Donnie. The two

married in 1988 and settled in Atascadero,

where Shannon worked various jobs before

becoming a mother. Today, Shannon is the

proud mom of two daughters and one son

and an even prouder grandmother to seven

granddaughters and one grandson, ranging in

age from 2 to 14 years old. Ask Shannon what matters most, and

family will always top the list.

In 2003, Shannon moved to Oakhurst, where her love for design and

creativity found a perfect fit at Carolyn’s Carpet. Retail and interior

design remained favorite fields for Shannon, but her creative interests

stretched far beyond flooring and décor. “She’s either tried it or she

will,” friends often joke when describing Shannon’s endless list of

hobbies. From sewing and paper crafts to woodworking, watercolor

painting, acrylics, and countless artistic ventures, Shannon thrives on

learning new skills and diving into fresh creative projects. That same

curiosity would later lead her to yet another unexpected career path.

During the COVID era, Shannon earned her nail technician license and

launched her business, Shannon B Nails, where she has worked since

2020. Known for detailed nail art and her eagerness to master new

techniques, Shannon says one of her favorite things is continuing to

learn and grow creatively through her work.

But Shannon’s impact reaches far beyond business. For years, she has

devoted herself to volunteer work and community service throughout

the mountain area. Deeply civic-minded, Shannon served on multiple

horse-related boards, including paint horse organizations and

coordinating committees throughout California. She handled point-

keeping duties at large horse shows and even showed Appaloosas herself.

Locally, Shannon became heavily involved with the senior community,

volunteering at the senior center first as a board member and later

serving three years as President. What started as teaching painting and

craft classes soon turned into something much larger.

Shannon saw potential where others saw an aging building. She

envisioned a more welcoming, vibrant community space and then

helped make it happen. The painted walls, murals, updated décor, and

inviting atmosphere many visitors now admire at the Sierra Senior

Center were all part of Shannon’s vision to modernize the facility and

create a place people genuinely wanted to gather. Her vision of the

“park” is coming to life with the help of the community and current

board. “She made it feel alive,” one community member shared.

“Without her ideas, it probably would have stayed plain and outdated.”

Shannon also volunteered with Fresno Flats Historical Park, helping

with events and cleanup efforts while continuing to support community

activities whenever possible.

Outside of work and volunteering, Shannon enjoys spending time with

friends, beach walks, scenic drives through the mountains, karaoke

nights, and especially time with her grandchildren. Though she says she

doesn’t travel as often as she would like, she loves road trips and has

explored much of California. One of her favorite travel memories was a

two-week adventure to Oklahoma for her daughter’s graduation, with

stops through Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park,

Utah, and Colorado along the way. She once loved whitewater rafting

but has since traded rapids for more relaxed mountain day trips.

At home, Shannon enjoys binge-watching shows like Falling Skies and

still considers The Rocky Horror Picture Show her all-time favorite

movie; one she has seen “too many times to count” and will happily go

watch anytime it appears at a local theater.

When asked about the best birthday present she ever received, her

answer comes instantly: her granddaughter being born just two days

before her birthday. “That was the best gift I could’ve ever asked for.”

And if Shannon ever hits the lottery? Her dream is simple: a family

compound with room for all her children, grandchildren, animals,

gardening, and plenty of space for everyone to gather together. “But

first,” she says, “I’d make sure all my family was taken care of.”

For someone who has spent her life taking care of others, creating

beauty wherever she goes, and building stronger community

connections, that answer seems perfectly fitting.

As Shannon continues building her business, supporting her community

and creating lasting memories with family and friends, one thing is

clear; her story is far from finished. Shannon has spent a lifetime

turning creativity into connection. With her bubbly attitude, she leaves a

little color everywhere she goes. If you are fortunate enough to see her

out and about in town be sure to say a friendly hello.

Judy Smith was born on November 12, 1942, in Hanford, California,

continuing a family legacy rooted deeply

in the same town where both of her

parents were also born. Not long after,

her life shifted to Oakhurst, a place that

would shape her spirit, her resilience,

and her lifelong connection to the land.

In 1946, when Judy moved here,

Oakhurst had a population of just 200

people. Her driveway sat near what is

now known as the Hangman Tree, and

the land along what later became Road

426, the local high school, and surrounding housing developments once

served as pasture for her family’s 17 horses.

Judy’s childhood was actually kind of interesting. One of her most

cherished memories is riding across the Sierras on horseback at just

three years old. Her grandmother regularly took Judy and other

children on pack trips that lasted anywhere from two weeks to an

entire month, experiences that instilled independence, confidence, and a

lifelong love of horses. That love never faded. When asked about her

spirit animal, Judy didn’t hesitate: a horse. Not only because of her love

for them but also due to them being strong, loyal, and free just like the

life she’s lived.

Her education reflected both simplicity and perseverance. Judy

attended Echo Valley Elementary School from first through seventh

grade, a tiny schoolhouse with eight grades, six students total, and just

one teacher. For eighth grade, she lived with her grandparents so she

could attend Armona Union Academy in Madera. High school brought

an even greater test of endurance, a 135-mile round-trip daily bus

ride to Sierra High School near Tollhouse. The long commute had a good

side; it excused her from several household chores, including milking the

cows.

Judy’s work life was defined by grit, versatility, and trailblazing

determination. She held a wide range of jobs including being a

bartender, a truck driver, a cattle ranch worker, and graveyard-shift

employee at a truck stop. Her favorite job was working at the cattle

ranch, where she could board her horse for free, combining work with

what she loved most. Her most historic role, however, came during her

26-year career with the post office. Judy became the first female

regular mail carrier in the San Joaquin Central Valley. At a time when

women’s uniforms didn’t exist, she wore men’s clothing and carried mail

entirely on foot, walking four to five miles daily and one route that

stretched to an astonishing eleven miles a day.

Alongside work, Judy pursued a variety of interests. As a young woman,

she collected stamps, so successfully that she eventually owned all of the

stamps everyone wanted and sold the collection for what was likely a

substantial sum or a “pretty penny.” She rode horses for many years

and though she no longer rides, she says she would happily climb back

into the saddle given the chance. Today her hobbies include playing

bingo (never more than four cards, preferably three) and camping in

the Tamarack Creek area of the Sierra Nevada mountains, where she

can enjoy a shallow swimming hole that is safe for her grandchildren to

play in. Fishing has also been a constant joy, from streams to lakes,

especially Tamarack Creek before fire changed the landscape.

Judy’s sense of adventure carried her far beyond California. She has

traveled to Mexico, Canada, and all 50 U.S. states. She has driven to

every one of them except Hawaii of course. Alaska stood out to her for

its rich World War II history, but Judy’s favorite destination remains

Baltimore, where her daughter and her two grandchildren ages 12 and

18 reside. Judy plans to return to Maryland again in May, doing some

fishing while she is there as she still holds a valid Maryland fishing

license. After leaving Maryland she will be driving through Boston and

Tacoma visiting friends before coming home.

Judy’s memories of Oakhurst remain vivid: a three-unit motel, a gas

station, and a single building that served as a post office, bar, and

grocery store. She recalls a restaurant called the French Poodle that

was nicknamed the “Dirty Dog” by locals and a meadow at the corner

of Highways 49 and 41 filled with Buttercups and Palomino horses. She

also remembers the power of nature firsthand. Judy was working at the

pack station during the Harlow Fire of 1961. She and other workers

raced home through Central Camp and arrived just in time to watch

Deadwood burn in just three and a half seconds. The fire, driven by

fierce winds, burned 20,000 acres in a single day. Judy took a moment

to remember some good friends that unfortunately perished that day,

friends who were loved dearly and will never be forgotten. (May the

Kipps forever rest in peace.)

Judy’s curiosity extended into higher education as well. She attended

Reedley College where she earned a degree in Commercial Arts and a

minor in Biological Science. At one point, she considered a career

performing autopsies, an interest that sparked while volunteering briefly

with the Madera County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team on

horseback, where she assisted in what some times led to body recoveries.

Her personal life included a short first marriage to a man she met while

working at a bank in Madera, and later a marriage to her retired

military husband who has since passed.

Through every chapter: work, travel, hardship, and joy, Judy Smith has

lived with resilience, independence, and quiet strength. Her life tells the

story of a woman shaped by horses, hard work, and open roads, who

made history simply by showing up every day and doing what needed

to be done. Hats off to Judy!

 If you grew up anywhere near Redondo Beach in the 1940s, chances are you saw a determined little girl zipping around the dirt roads on her bike, sprinting across a dusty baseball field, or lugging a cello around. That little girl might have been Karen Gregerson- born in Santa Monica in 1941 and raised just a few sandy steps from the beach with her younger sister, where childhood came with sunshine, scraped knees, and plenty of places to explore. 

By the time Karen graduated High School in 1958, she had already packed her resume with accomplishments: active in the Girls Athletic Association (GAA), playing multiple sports, and performing in the school band as a cellist, because why choose between sports and music when you can do both? She started her higher education at El Camino College in Torrance before heading inland to the University of Redlands, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. 

Her first real job after several small ones was at a plating company office, where she not only learned the ropes of the office life but also met Rodger- the man who would later become her husband. After just a year of knowing each other they married in 1963 and went on to enjoy 52 years together before his passing in 2016. Together they raised two sons, Mark and Doug, who are now 56 and 51 years old. 

Professionally, Karen made her mark at Hughes Aircraft Company in Los Angeles. She began as a secretary, moved up to executive secretary, then transitioned into computer programming. Over her 33 year career, she become an IT manager supervising a team of 90 employees. She retired in 1996, satisfied and probably a little amazed at how far she had come from those early dirt road bike rides. Family life grew right along with her career. Karen now celebrates 5 grand-kids, two step grand-kids, a two-year-old great granddaughter, and looks forward to welcoming a great-grandson in February! Karen’s adventures didn’t end at retirement. She and Rodger traveled the country in their motor home, venturing from Canada all the way across the U.S. Much to Karen’s disappointment, a planned stop in New Orleans was canceled due to Hurricane Katrina but they made up for it with cruises to Alaska, Mexico, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Panama Canal and Canada. Her biggest and most memorable trip was a once in a lifetime journey to China with the local Chamber of Commerce group. 

Closer to home, Karen has dedicated herself to community service. She has served on the Sierra Senior Society board for 15 years, including 13 years as treasurer. She currently chairs the board and says it has been her pleasure to serve and looks forward to doing so for many more years. One of Karen’s greatest personal achievements was losing a total of 152 pounds through TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly). She continues to be an active member of KOPS (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly), proving that dedication isn’t something she left behind at Hughes. Oh, did I mention she is currently the Treasurer of this organization as well? 

These days, Karen enjoys quieter but equally satisfying hobbies including but not limited to working on jigsaw puzzles, watching Golden State Warriors games, relaxing on her deck with a glass of wine, playing computer solitaire and sampling and impressive mix of TV shows. Speaking of the Warriors, she does have one item left on her bucket list that she would like to check off - attending a game at their new arena, with her sons joining her for the fun, their treat of course. 

After a life filled with family, career milestones, travel adventures, community service and more accomplishments than most people fit in to lifetimes, one thing is certain: Karen Gregerson knows how to make every chapter count and does so with heart, humor, and just the right amount of competitive spirit. Hats off to Karen for a life well played.