Director's Message - January 2024

by Dave Tosch, WVSAC Executive Director

2023 is quickly coming to a close and we have been busy!

​Over the past several months, we have been presenting our building expansion plan to our membership and answering their questions. We must raise and/or identify $4 million in order to get the project underway. To meet this goal, we are launching a local fundraising campaign, led by board member Erin Cass, which will help us raise the matching funds necessary to qualify for state, federal and private/corporate grants. Our goal for local funding is $400,000 which we believe will meet the matching requirements. Simply stated, for every $1 we raise locally, we will achieve $10 when accounting for the matching funds from the outside sources listed above.
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​It’s now time to take our first big step. On Saturday evening, Feb. 10, we will host a fundraising campaign kickoff with a special crab feed and auction. The theme for the event is “Raising Booty for the Build,” including a gathering of Caribbean Pirates. Because our goal is to raise a significant amount of money and get off to a great start, we will be selling tickets for $120 (per person) and asking for table sponsorships throughout the community. Obviously this is a significant undertaking and something we have never before attempted. Please keep in mind that our ultimate goal is to have additional space to provide more activities for seniors residing in the Greater Wenatchee Valley. More details on the event will be available in the coming weeks.

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We invite our membership to become involved in the process of our building expansion project. Please contact a staff member or call (509) 662-7036 for more information about specific building and financial details, to volunteer to help with fundraising activities, serve on our Building Committee or to donate to help us raise the matching funds we need to qualify for grants.

A great time was had by all when we hosted our first talent show on Dec. 2. The local entertainment was outstanding, the food wonderful and we had a great turnout. Everyone enjoyed themselves and we were able to generate some funds for the senior center. A special shout-out to Jaylah Young, currently reigning as Miss Greater Wenatchee Valley, who performed magnificently as our master of ceremonies for the evening. Lisa Blair, our program director, gets most of the credit for coordinating the event. We might have to do this again!

Are you looking for a place to celebrate New Year’s Eve (on New York time)?

​Join us on Sunday, Dec. 31 for our New Year's Eve party and dance to the music of Double Deal. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dancing begins at 6. Tickets are $10 and we are asking everybody to bring hors d’oeuvres and snacks. Champagne and sparkling cider will be served at 8:30 p.m.

Annual Volunteer Christmas Party

We hosted our annual Volunteer Christmas Party at Class with a Glass on Dec. 16. Although there was no painting that evening, owner/instructor Nancy Barrett was a great hostess and provided some excellent hors d’oeuvres along with lots of Christmas cheer. She even managed to arrange a visit by Santa Claus. We had great attendance and no one left empty-handed. This is one way we can thank our volunteers for all they do as they are instrumental to the success of our organization.

Herky Balcom Celebrates 100th Birthday

We celebrated Herky Balcom’s 100th birthday during a recent lunchtime. Up until a few years ago, Herky was a fixture at lunchtime and helped out as a volunteer wrapping silverware. Her sense of humor and positive outlook on life is contagious and always welcome. We are grateful we could have a special day for her. 

Catholic Charities To Sponsor Lunch

Leah Dillman, elder services coordinator with Catholic Charities, and Ben Shuts, a licensed clinical social worker, will be in the Social Hall at lunchtime on Jan. 31, from 11am to 1pm, to address several topics related to issues of loneliness and isolation and how they affect mental and physical health of seniors. Leah manages the Senior Companion Program which focuses on providing assistance and companionship to older adults who have difficulty with daily living tasks, such a shopping or paying bills. AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers keep seniors independent longer and provide respite to family caregivers. Please consider coming to lunch that day and learn more about these important programs. The lunch will be paid for by Catholic Charities that day so yes, it is free to everyone that makes a reservation for Jan. 31. To learn more about the AmeriCorps Seniors Program, visit americorps.gov/serve/americorps-seniors.

WSU Master Gardeners

WSU Master Gardeners Andy Kahn and Al Murphy are taking the first step to improve our landscaping. Much of our greenery is now 30 years old, overgrown and in many cases a fire hazard. We look forward to new plantings in the spring and a longterm partnership with the Chelan-Douglas Master Gardener Program led by Coordinator Marco Martinez.

Happy New Year to All!