Director's Message - April 2026

S​pring is finally here! I know we didn’t have much of a winter, but it still does my heart good to see the forsythia, willow trees, and tulips and daffodils put on a colorful display for all of us. The parking lot has been swept clean and the air conditioning switches on more often than not during the day at the Center. I hope everyone is feeling as optimistic about the next few months as I am.

Lisa Blair, Executive Director

On the agenda for ushering in spring this year is the Chelan/Douglas Community Action Council with their Earth Day service project. They have generously volunteered to spend April 22 cleaning up our planting beds around the Center. A large crew of volunteers will descend on our property and revitalize our outdoor space in less than a day. I am so grateful for organizations like the Chelan/Douglas Community Action Council who, although they are a non-profit organization like us, still give generously when they identify a need. Please join us on April 22 at 9:00am if you’d like to help out. Gardening tools will be provided.

Sprucing up our exterior isn’t the only project on the books. With a little work, the left wall in the entrance of the Center now displays your active Board Members. Each member is identified with their name and the role they have on the Board. Please take a moment to stop at the wall and see the people that work behind the scenes to give you this wonderful place called Foothills Community Center. If you see them wandering the halls, please tell them thank you for all the work they do for us.

A New Era in Bloom, the gala event intending to re-introduce your Center as a growing and evolving community, was a smashing success. The gala was sold out a month before the event, and everyone had a wonderful time. There was a little anxiety regarding Felix and Fingers (the dueling piano entertainment) and the crazy late-winter snowstorm that closed the passes until the morning they were due to arrive, but they made it safely, and what a show they put on. People were dancing into the night, and the music was a throwback to please all generations. Many attendees dressed in Regency Era costume, and if they didn’t, they certainly had on their finest apparel. The social hall was decorated to the nines, and the food was outstanding. Many thanks are due to Wenatchee Memory Care and Chef William for a meal that won’t be soon forgotten. The silent auction added the icing on the cake to the evening, and many people went home with treasures from their winning bids. We had so many donors and sponsors for this event, and the evening was a beautiful display of the community around us and the support and belief they have in us. Thank you to everyone who played a part in this spectacular event.

The New Era in Bloom Gala was a shot in the arm for our Building Expansion project, and I should have a financial update for everyone for the May newsletter. We continue to push on, and I promise we will not stop until the last nail is in place in our new building.
More space for activities is not the only thing on our agenda. The interior of the building we currently inhabit needs updating, and some things cannot wait until we have all our funding in place for the addition. The reception desk is showing its age, and it is past time to replace the aging relic. Not only is it dangerous for those who use it, but it is unwelcoming for anyone entering our doors. A plan is being created for this update, and construction should begin soon. Please be patient as the construction crews work on this project. Updates will be available as progress happens, and all those involved will work to redirect traffic safely through that area.

It is nearing that time of year again, and our annual meeting and election is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17 at 1:00pm in the Social Hall. Our Nominating Committee will accept applications for board membership through Friday, May 8. This year, we are accepting nominations for three board positions expiring at the end of June. The 1st Vice Chair and 2nd Vice Chair and Director “C” positions will be voted on. If you are interested in serving in one of these positions, please pick up an application packet at the reception desk. This packet will include the requirements for a valid applicant.

Once again, it’s time to vote for the “World’s Best Thrift Store.” This will be our ninth year of competing and thanks to you, we have won each year! It’s a terrific way to promote our Second Chance Thrift Shop and we obviously want to extend our winning track record. Nominations are in and voting begins April 16 at 11am and ends April 26 at 11:59pm. You can vote once per day online at f-cc.link/worldsbest.

It is no secret that we do have the best thrift store so we should take credit for it. Please vote!

As I close, I want to encourage everyone to see the beauty of all that is around you and hug your family and friends tightly the next time you see them.

~ Lisa

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