Director's Message – July 2026

Our new “Transportation Cam” allows members to monitor the front entrance from the comfort of the Social Hall, relieving congestion in the lobby.

H​appy 4th of July! How wonderful it is to celebrate our nation’s independence. Beyond the family picnics and fireworks, our freedom is something to truly cherish and protect. This year, I am especially grateful to spend the day with my family and treasure every moment. I have also been blessed with three new grandchildren: a recently adopted grandson, a premature but thriving baby boy who is coming home from the hospital as I write this, and a precious little granddaughter who will be making her debut any day now. I have so much to celebrate, and I hope you do as well. Take time to enjoy your family, friends, and neighbors, and make the most of this special day.

Since the 4th of July falls on a Saturday this year, the Center will be closed on Friday, July 3rd, and the Second Chance Thrift Store will be closed on Saturday. We will reopen on Monday and look forward to hearing your stories of how you celebrated. 

This past month has been a busy one as I prepared for our annual meeting. I am happy to report that it went very well. Members approved several updates to our bylaws and elected three new board members: Jeff Gomes as 1st Vice Chair, Marco Martinez as 2nd Vice Chair, and Keith Kirkpatrick as Director C. Our members-at-large, nominated for one year terms, include Steve Kaster (returning), Margie Vincent (returning), Nick Davis, and Mike Norton. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped ensure a successful election, and congratulations to our new board members. 

A key topic at the meeting was our expansion project. I am pleased to share that we have reached $445,000 in donations and grants. This progress strengthens our position as we pursue additional funding, and we remain hopeful that this will be the year the state of Washington awards the major grants we have been working toward.

We will continue to explore additional fundraising opportunities. Our recently concluded fundraiser was the New Era in Bloom Gala, which contributed nearly $16,000 to the building fund. All funds remain securely invested with D.A. Davidson. 

We have also introduced a new kiosk for member check-in. Please remember to scan your key tags each time you visit. With over 550 members now using key tags, we will soon have valuable data on daily attendance and program participation. We are also identifying individuals who use the facility but are not current members, and we are working to help them update or renew their memberships. This initiative is going very well, and we may soon add another kiosk at the back entrance to make access even easier. 

Another recent addition is what Russ has dubbed the “Transportation Cam,” a monitor showing the front entrance where rides arrive. With limited space near the reception desk and with upcoming construction, we encourage everyone to wait in the coffee bar or social hall and use the monitor to watch for their transportation. Making this change now will help ensure a smoother transition once construction begins. 
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Looking ahead, our Summer’s End Barbecue is coming up next month. Tickets are available at the reception desk for $15 and include a hamburger or hot dog, sides, drinks, and ice cream sundaes. We are finalizing entertainment plans, and there will be plenty of games to enjoy. Last year’s event was a full house, so be sure to get your tickets early! 

You may also notice new faces at the reception desk in the afternoons. Thanks to an increase in volunteers, we now have coverage from 2–4 p.m. most days. I want to reassure everyone that Barbara is not going anywhere—she will continue her regular shift from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. We are simply adding more joy! 

That is all for this month. I hope you have a safe, happy, and memorable holiday. 

~Lisa Blair, Executive Director