2023 Year in Review: Blaine Senior Center

2023 has been a wonderful year for the Blaine Senior Center.

Membership and community programs have grown considerably as we have incorporated necessary changes to our philosophy, structure and programming. The renovation of our center has come by diversifying our programming, enhancing our efforts to include the community, and committing to making our center one of the nicest locations for seniors and the community at large in our county.

Additionally, we have embraced the credo of “kindness” as our number one rule. These changes were possible through significant hours of extra effort from our staff and volunteers.

Efforts this year include a substantial increase in membership, community programs and events. The focus has been to broaden our appeal to every generation of seniors (to include the silent generation, baby boomers and Generation X) through broader and more diverse programming and events. Focus on the community has opened the center to multiple partnerships with community organizations to include Wings Over Water, homeowner associations, CORE (Community Orchards for Resources and Education), and Blaine Arts Council.

We have become inclusive to the community by opening our arms to the Blaine schools, families, local organizations, nonprofits and more. We are not just for seniors but consider ourselves a “center for active living” for the community.

2024 will see us continue to integrate into the Blaine community with a focus on community programs and events such as art workshops, live music events and community meals. Our partnerships will continue to blossom as we look to establish ourselves as a core nonprofit organization in Blaine. Seniors will continue to see a broad range of classes and programs with emphasis this year on raising money for new gym equipment – all for the same $45 annual fee.

Many don’t realize we are a 501(c)(3) so we will continue to look for local businesses and organizations to get involved and partner with the center. There are so many great opportunities to support our center for active living through membership, volunteerism, donations or by sponsoring one of our great programs or events.

Pete Nelson is the executive director of the Blaine Senior Center.