Executive Director's Message — January 2026

​Christmas and New Year Reflections – As we leave the bustle and excitement of Christmas and 2025 behind, I’m excitedly looking ahead to all the possibilities a new year brings. This past year seems to have flown by in a whirlwind, and while it was filled with many good things, I’m hoping 2026 brings a slightly slower, steadier pace for all of us.

Name Change – Although our name change has been in the works for quite some time, the past month has felt like a flurry of details all coming together at once. Along with new signage and updated printed materials, there’s still a great deal of behind-the-scenes work happening to ensure a smooth and complete transition.

You may have already noticed our new phone greeting, and this month’s newsletter probably looks a bit different from the last one. However, there are still many organizations, business partners, and government agencies that need to be notified of our new name. While it can feel like a daunting task, I’m confident it won’t be long before Foothills Community Center rolls off our tongues as if it had always been our name.

The positive feedback we’ve received from our members and the community has been incredibly encouraging, and it reassures me that we made the right decision.
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Gala and Building Expansion Campaign – Coming up in the not-so-distant future is the Foothills Community Center Gala, A New Era in Bloom, on Saturday, March 14. This promises to be a truly one-of-a-kind evening, featuring dueling pianos, a delicious five-course meal, and a dessert dash. A silent auction will run throughout the evening, with all funds raised benefiting our Building Expansion Project.

The campaign continues to move forward successfully, with meetings held twice a month to keep us on track. Thanks to some recent and incredibly generous donations from within our membership and our local community, we have now raised over $424,000. I also had the pleasure of speaking with Washington State Senator Keith Goehner and Washington State Representative Brian Burnett recently, both of whom were very supportive of our project, along with State Representative Mike Steele. Knowing we have support within our local government is very encouraging, and I’m confident this project will be a success. Be sure to watch for some exciting updates as we move closer to our goal.

Building Plans and Office Updates – A key part of the Building Campaign is developing a detailed building plan so we can establish accurate costs and create a solid budget. Lydia will be dedicating the next few weeks to draft plans for our new building. To allow her uninterrupted time to focus, her door will be closed, and she will not be available during this period.

Please don’t worry, the rest of the front office staff will be happy to assist you with any needs you may have. If you’re planning a trip, feel free to see me. I can help book your adventure and answer any questions along the way. This interruption will be brief, though you can expect similar periods over the next six months as drafting and design continue.

New Membership System – Another exciting change coming in the new year is the introduction of a key fob system for our members. This will allow you to check in, sign up and pay for lunches, pay yearly dues, and access many other tools designed to enhance your experience at Foothills Community Center.

Staff training will take place during the first week of January, and once we’re comfortable with the system, we’ll begin guiding members through how to use it. This new program will help us track volunteer hours, member usage and popular programs, as well as better plan for the future needs of the Center. We believe this will be a positive step forward for everyone.

Important Reminders – Please note that Foothills Community Center will be closed for Martin Luther King Day on January 19th. The January board meeting has been rescheduled for January 26th at 1 p.m. in Suite B.

As winter is well underway, icy conditions can develop quickly. While we do our best to keep the parking lot clear and apply deicer as needed, we appreciate your help in keeping everyone safe. If you notice any areas that may need attention, please let a staff member know right away.

In Closing – I wish you all a wonderful New Year. Please remember that each and every one of you is important to me, and I truly appreciate your continued support. Thank you for being a member of Foothills Community Center!

~ Lisa