Snohomish Senior Center making progress

click to see photos

If you have driven by the library lately you may have seen a new building going up. Well, its the new Snohomish Senior Center and it is really starting to take shape. The property is located next to the old rail line and with all the talk by GNP Railway of having the train come into the city it may be just the thing for seniors to commute around the county. The beautiful new center will be able to accommodate many more seniors and their activities then the little old house on Cyprus.

The City of Snohomish has dedicated the property at 506 Fourth Street, near the Sno-Isle Library for the new Center and has budgeted $150,000 for frontage improvements to the property which includes bringing utilities to the property line, curbs, gutter, sidewalks and overlaying the street. Snohomish Seniors is dedicated to promoting the physical, emotional, intellectual and economic well-being of older adults through a variety of activities, services, opportunities for learning, participation, and socializing, both at the center and elsewhere. Senior Center Membership has increased 50% in 2002-2003 and another 40% in 2004. Today Snohomish Seniors is a vibrant organization with nearly 300 members offering 45 programs and services including meal programs, health and wellness, educational forums, outreach to shut-ins and social and recreational activities.

A 2002 Community Needs Assessment Survey noted that even more seniors would use the Center if there were more activity rooms, additional parking, improved ADA access, increased programs and professional staff. Looking ahead the projected increase in people 65 and over by 2015 is 17%. With growth projections, the increased interest in Center activities and the Survey results, the membership and Board of Directors committed to building a new 6,000 square foot Center in order to meet current and future needs of the senior population. Fund-raising was initiated and the Seniors have reached nearly 80 percent of their fund-raising goal for construction costs through foundations, government, individuals and businesses. The Seniors are continuing their fund-raising in order to complete the Capital Campaign. To be a part of this exciting project stop by the Center or contact their Executive Director, Karen Charnell, at 360-568-0934 or director.ssc@verizon.net. Cash and in-kind donations are welcomed.