Central Area Senior Center Update

Director Dian Ferguson updated the members on the pursuit of buying the building from the city. The Mayor’s Office is supportive and wants a low income housing component for seniors. The recent grant application for a feasibility study will determine whether this is even possible on the site.

The Memory Lane documentary film in the works has attracted about 50 persons who have lived in the area for many years; the film covers the period from 1920-1945. Dr. Perkins (our grant writer) is researching this period. Dr. Quintard Taylor, historian, will speak at the Center on June 29 as will UW historian Connie Soo.

The big event for the summer is the annual SeaFair Patio Party on August 2 and this year it will be a fundraiser. There will be a band, catered food, raffles, and kids activities: magician and clown. The cost for adults is $50. Kids under 12 will pay $1 per year of age and those 13-18 years old pay $20. Table reservations are $500. Tables on the patio are by reservation only.

Police Chief Kathleen O’Toole will speak at the Center on July 23 at 10 AM.

The popular SPA day will be repeated on Sunday, July 26 from 3-6pm. There is a charge of $10 for each service (pedicure, facial, etc.)

Maintenance issues: A local designer is taking on the project of updating the hallway, entry and dining room. September 26-October 4 has been set aside for the work.

The Children’s summer program that was previously scheduled has been cancelled as the funding for the program was cut.

The Center wants to use the lower level for classes and is looking at building an outside ramp to reach this level on the northeast side of the building. The elevator is a lost cause; it has surpassed its usual life expectancy and the city will not fund a new elevator.

In July there will be class for a maximum of 4 or 5 which will focus on researching one’s ancestry. This is a 4 week class. Call the Center for more information: 206 726-4926.

Senior Trips

A trip to Diablo Lake and Ross Dam is planned for July 27. One will learn about the history of the dam and participate in a boat tour on the lake from 11 to 2:30pm. An organic lunch is served. The cost for the tour is $38 and there is a maximum of 40 folks. As the lake is close to 3 hours from Seattle, there will be a van charge of $10 per person. Van leaves the Center at 8:30 and returns at 5pm.

The Center has tickets for the Chihuly Glass museum at Seattle Center.

Watch for new classes coming in the Fall:

• An 8 week mixed media art class which will focus on collage and print making. Begins in September on Mondays from 1:30-3:30. Maximum: 15 people.

• The popular A Matter of Balance class starts again in September on Fridays 10-12. This exercise program has a focus on preventing falls. Maximum: 18.

• Tai Chi: Monday 10:30-11:30

~Diane Snell