Director's Message – May 2026

Special thanks to the Apple Blossom Royalty for having lunch with us on Tuesday, April 21! These wonderful young ladies do a fantastic job representing the Wenatchee Valley during the festival and beyond. From left to right: Princess Kaylee Pearsons, Queen Brielle Precht & Princess Parker Averi.

​by Lisa Blair, Executive Director

Spring is off to a great start, and here at the Center it feels a bit like the quiet hum of a beehive. From the outside, everything may seem calm, but inside we are buzzing with activity. The last of the Gala decorations have been taken down (much to the disappointment of many members), the Second Chance Thrift Shop is packed with new additions, activities are at — or even beyond — capacity, and spring cleaning is well underway throughout the building.

Our outdoor spaces have not been overlooked. Thanks to the Chelan/Douglas Community Action Council, a team of 13 volunteers joined us to complete their Earth Day project. They weeded and pruned all our planting beds, removed dead plants for recycling, raked up leaves, and cleared away windblown debris. The day began on a questionable note, as we were still feeling the effects of a recent wind and rainstorm that swept through the valley. At 9 a.m., we were bundled up in rain jackets and gloves — but by 9:20, the rain had stopped and the jackets came off. The temperature turned out to be perfect for outdoor work, with just enough cloud cover to keep things comfortable.
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It is the generosity and spirit of people like these volunteers that keep us going and reinforce our mission of giving and caring for others. I would also like to recognize the wonderful group of members who showed up to help keep our Center looking its best. The work was hard, but there were no complaints, just smiles and the start of new friendships.

Earth Day Cleanup

On another note, a small group of members recently received key tags to test our new member kiosk, and everything is running smoothly. With that success, we will begin issuing cards to all members immediately. If you have not yet received yours, please see Russ or me so we can get you set up. The system is simple to use and will become a required part of entry within the next month.

For those who volunteer, please be sure to let us know so we can adjust your account accordingly. You will also be able to log your volunteer hours directly at the kiosk, making the process easier for everyone.

As a reminder, our annual meeting and election is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17 at 1 p.m. 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. Our June newsletter will feature a photo and short biography of the board applicants and the positions for which they are running. Some applicants are currently serving on the board and running for a new position, and other applicants will be running as new board members. We will also be voting on a few minor changes to our by-laws, so we must have a physical quorum of four percent of our membership, which is approximately 80 members. This means that although we appreciate the absentee ballots of those not able to attend the meeting, it will be especially important this year that anyone able to physically attend the meeting do so.

Thank you for being engaged members and doing what you can to support the Center. Each one of you is deeply appreciated.

Enjoy the beauty of spring and stop by my office or seek me out to say hello as I buzz around the Center. I like being connected with each of you.

~Lisa