Executive Director's Message - October 2025

A number of volunteers braved the smoky, hot weather to staff a booth representing the Senior Center at the Chelan County Fair in September.

G​​reetings, everyone! I hope October is treating you well. I can hardly believe it is officially fall. I know we all tend to grumble about the heat and dry weather during the summer, but I’m just not sure I’m ready for what is coming in the next three months. We will all probably grumble about the cold and snow until spring and summer roll around again. I am working on trying to be joyful in the moment, regardless of what is happening around me. I know it is a goal I will always be striving for and I encourage you to do the same.

Lisa Blair
Executive Director

Building Expansion Project - I want to get right to the point with our Building Expansion Project. Financially, we have met the original goal we set for the first $400,000. This is in no small part due to our committed and generous membership. We are now actively seeking financial contributions from our local businesses and individual community donors. Be watching for some exciting things coming up in the near future.

While donations to the Senior Center are consistent with previous years, a sizable portion is now directed toward the building fund. Unfortunately, this has led to a slowdown in contributions to our operating fund. Having successfully reached our first goal of $400,000, I kindly ask that anyone planning to donate over the next three to six months consider directing their support to our operating expenses. While we rely heavily on our Second Chance Thrift Shop sales and local grants to cover basic costs, additional funding is essential to bridge the financial gap and keep our doors open. No matter the size of the donation or which fund you donate to, it is always met with sincere gratitude.

Big Giving Week - Our next major event is approaching fast and it is time for a bit more explanation. Over the past few months, I have mentioned our Big Giving Week and now I am excited to share the details. The goal of Big Giving Week is to encourage significant one-time local donations. Starting on October 13, we will hold a daily drawing for a package curated by our team from local donors. These drawings will continue through October 18, culminating in the Homecoming Dance. For each donation a ticket will be entered into a drawing for a corresponding prize package, with larger donations earning tickets for more valuable packages. The aim is to inspire bigger contributions in exchange for increasingly attractive reward.

The Homecoming Dance will be held on October 18 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. There will be dancing and socializing and light hors d'oeuvres. Tickets are $15 and are available at the reception desk. Don’t miss this chance to dress up and kick up your heels a little bit while having some good old-fashioned fun.

Annual Volunteer Recognition - Everyone knows how much I love and appreciate our volunteers. We would not be who we are without them. To honor these precious people we will hold our annual Volunteer Appreciation Event, sponsored by the Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council and AmeriCorps and hosted by the Wenatchee Valley Senior Activity Center. The event will be on October 23 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. There will be refreshments and desserts, door prizes, and raffle gifts and certificates. This event is intended for volunteers and an RSVP is requested at 509-662-6156, ext. 254, or [email protected]. Please plan to join us!

CPR Class – The Wenatchee Valley Senior Activity Center will be hosting a CPR instructional course on October 20 at 2:15 p.m. in the Social Hall. Captain Dustin Armitage with the Wenatchee Valley Fire Department will be teaching. This will be a very full class, so sign-up is mandatory. Preference will be made to class instructors and current employees. The cost for the instructor is $15, and if you need an official American Red Cross CPR Certification card, it is an additional $15. Please sign up with Lydia, our Program Director, or Barbara at the front desk. Pre-payment with cash or check is required with your class reservation.

Holiday Gift Fair – It wouldn’t be fall if we didn’t have our annual Holiday Gift Fair. The two seem to go hand-in-hand and this year is no exception. The date for this year’s event is Saturday, November 8 from 9 to 3 p.m. and I guarantee you will not want to miss it. There is so much to see and it is the perfect opportunity to round out your Christmas shopping or maybe pop a goody or two in your bag for yourself. If you are interested in renting a booth to sell your own wares, the on-line registration has opened up and can be accessed via our website. The booth space sells out quickly so don’t delay.

The day of the Holiday Gift Fair is also the kick-off of the annual Second Chance Thrift Shop Christmas Cottage. The crowds will be large and the treasures will be plenty. Make sure this is on your calendar so you don’t miss it.

In preparation for opening day of the Second Chance Thrift Shop Christmas Cottage, Suite B will be closed starting October 20 and continue through November 10. All classes held in Suite B will need to verify with Lydia, our Program Director, regarding location and/or status of the class if you haven’t heard from her prior to this date.

Our Senior Center continues to thrive and our membership grows every month. We are welcoming approximately 30 new members each month. I want to encourage everyone to greet our new members with warmth and encouragement. They are in a new place and unsure of our operations. I want everyone to feel welcome, whether they have been a member for 10 days or 10 years. And if you are that new member I’m referring to, don’t forget to join me for New Member Orientation from 10 to 11 a.m. on the second Friday of every month in Suite B.

Well, that about sums up another month. Enjoy your pumpkin spice lattes or whatever your fall drink of choice is and certainly don’t forget that Daylight Saving Time ends November 2 at 2 a.m. Happy fall, everyone!
 
~ Lisa

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