Director's Message - March 2026

Nancy Barrett has begun helping us part time at the reception desk and other administrative tasks. Please welcome her the next time you see her!

March at the Center
In like a lion, out like a lamb.

March has arrived in all its blustery beauty — wind, rain (and a little snow), flowers and eternal sunshine. Spring is officially here (almost), and I am so excited. This is no doubt my favorite time of year. Everything seems to be waking up around us; the trees show signs of life again, the snow crocuses are popping their little heads out of the ground, the birds are making noise again, and the world around us seems to be full of hope and promise. This time of year also means it’s time for me to pull out the rake and garden gloves and spruce up the outside of the Center. It’s work, but the kind I don’t mind at all. After a long winter, it feels good to be outside again — as long as I can dodge the occasional walnut-throwing crow!

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A New Era in Bloom
Our long-awaited New Era in Bloom Gala is just around the corner. If you haven’t purchased tickets but would still like to attend, please check with our Program Director, Lydia, to see what seating may be available. While general seating sold out in early February, a few sponsored tables may still have open spots. The evening will feature a gourmet dinner, live entertainment from Felix and Fingers, and the excitement of a silent auction. This event marks an important moment for the Center in two ways:

First, we are stepping into a new era — celebrating our name change, growing membership, and the energy of new beginnings. Second, all proceeds from the gala will go directly toward our Building Fund to support our expansion efforts.
I hope you will join us on March 14 for what promises to be a meaningful and memorable evening.

Building Expansion Update
We are pleased to share that we are just below the $450,000 mark in our expansion campaign and moving steadily closer to our goal. Our objective remains to raise $1,000,000 within our local community. The Building Committee continues to meet several times each month to discuss progress,  develop new ideas, and connect with individuals and organizations throughout the valley. We have recently submitted another grant application to the state and are hopeful for positive news soon. We will continue to move forward with determination and patience, confident that we will see the fruits of our efforts.
   
Supporting Our Mission
An important part of sustaining the Center is continually pursuing funding to keep our doors open to everyone. Renting our facility during closed hours or when rooms are available has long been part of that effort. As our valley grows, demand for this service has increased. February, March, and April have been especially busy this year, with weekends fully booked and many weeknights reserved as well. We appreciate your patience as we accommodate these groups while maintaining our regular schedules. This added effort strengthens our relationship with the broader community and supports the long-term health of the Center.

Travel Opportunity: Morocco
You’ll find more details about our travel program in the latter pages of this newsletter. However, I want to personally encourage anyone interested in our upcoming trip to Morocco to contact Lydia soon. We are just two or three travelers short of confirming this exciting adventure. The journey includes visits to Marrakesh, vibrant spice markets, the iconic city of Casablanca, and many other beautiful destinations. Morocco is a welcoming and safe place to travel, located just across the Mediterranean from southern Europe. Whether you travel with a friend, partner, relative, or on your own, this promises to be a memorable experience.

Welcoming Nancy
Last month, I introduced Nancy Barrett, and she has officially begun her new position with us. You may see her at the reception desk when Barbara is out or in the front office working on projects that have been waiting patiently for attention. She will also assist Lydia and me as needs arise. Although she is part-time, we expect to keep her busy. Please stop by and help us warmly welcome her to our Foothills family.

Membership Check-In System
Our membership check-in station is now fully operational. By the time you receive this newsletter, you will likely have already been introduced to the system. This tool will help us track membership participation, record volunteer hours, and evaluate which programs are most utilized — and which may benefit from refreshment or improvement. It is not designed to track individuals throughout the building, but rather to give us valuable information about how our services are being used. We understand there may be questions as everyone becomes comfortable with the system, and we are here to help. With your cooperation, this will be a beneficial addition to the Center. Remember — when you check in, we all win.

As we close another busy month, I feel grateful to be part of this wonderful community. Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm.

Happy spring!

~ Lisa