Mullis Community Senior Center celebrates new beginnings
Published 1:30 am Friday, October 27, 2023
Decked out in fall decorations, the Mullis Community Senior Center opened its doors to the public Oct. 19, celebrating a new beginning.
“We are celebrating becoming our own non-profit organization, but we also really wanted community members to meet the board and see what the Senior Center is all about. And we wanted to hear from the community what they want. We want to expand some of our programs, but before we do, we want to make sure it reflects what they want,” said Anna Coffelt-Kuetzing, Manager of the Senior Center.
The event lasted from 4-6 p.m., during which time over 40 people made an appearance. Attendees were able to reflect on the history of the center, as well as learn about the nuts and bolts from informational graphics that detailed the variety of programs, and funding other other behind the scenes data.
As the organization transitioned into its own entity after being combined with the Orcas and Lopez senior centers, the board remained the same.
“It dropped off a couple The board consists of 12 now and it’s a good cross-section of community members,” Coffelt-Kuetzing said.
Board member Clayton Banry agreed, saying “We have a really good board.”
With Banry’s help, the center has expanded and dialed into the disabled community, which Banry explained, was why he wanted to join the board.
Banry also lost his brother just under a year ago, which made him realize the need for a grief support group. According to licensed therapist Bonnie Hendrickson, who was at the event, not only does the Senior Center not have one, but there are very few grief support options available on San Juan Island.
Another program they are looking to expand is fitness. Currently, the center partners with Island, and those events are incredibly popular.
Footcare is an essential service for seniors, and currently, the two footcare nurses who visit are consistently booked. Coffelt-Kuetzing hopes to add one more.
The daily lunch program is one of their cornerstones. After lunch, however, especially on Mondays and Wednesdays, things get a little crazy at the senior center.
Two ping-pong tables are set up, there are card games and a balance class all taking place.
“It gets loud in here on those days, it’s actually pretty funny,” Coffelt-Kuetzing laughed, adding, “We really want to hear from the community what they want. Grassroots programs are the ones that really take off.”
