2002 IN REVIEW
Blaine Senior Center

By Judy Vanbrocklin

The Blaine community/senior center is completing the year 2002 with increased membership, programs and activities. The new mature strength program has been a major cause of this increase.

The equipment came from a Boeing Employee Grant. This program was designed by Drs. Knutzen and Breo from Western Washington University and maintained by Whatcom County Parks. This is a ten week, two days a week for one hour class.

The purpose is to increase range of motion, flexibility and endurance. Regular strength training will control type two diabetes, prevent osteoporosis and build bone mass. We have had 240 people complete this class successfully and individuals from age 50 to 92.

Once the class has been completed successfully you can use the gym for the small membership fee of $15 per year. The night open gym requires a small quarterly supervisor fee.

It takes many volunteers and donations to fund the programs like the meals-on-wheels, pre-cook for the salad bar, and oh yes, the huge increase in liability insurance to run all of these great programs.

The Semiahmoo Women’s Club made a wonderful donation of $2,000, making it possible to keep our meals-on-wheels van on the road. Thanks to our great meals-on-wheels volunteers we do not have to pay a driver. Call the center at 332-8040 if you would like to drive one day a week.

The 2003 year will have some big challenges. The increased programs and participants bring an increased need for more volunteers. The community center is staffed with only one full time director, one three quarter time office manager, and a part-time programmer.

Volunteers make it possible to have all our great programs with their labor and monies they raise from fundraisers. These volunteer opportunities provide a great environment for building new friendships, and some have led to good old fashioned romances.

Volunteering does not require long arduous hours at a task you don’t like. We have a variety of opportunities and remember it is only our fundraising that makes it possible to have the great programs we offer at the center.
The city of Blaine is very generous with maintaining the building and providing two staff members. Whatcom County parks provides the director, building and equipment maintenance and supplies. The Council on Aging funds the nutrition program. It is not unreasonable to expect all of us to help share the expenses, by raising funds to run our programs.

Come on in and check out the new classes, and get involved!.