by Lynnette Wood

President, Orcas Senior Center Board

At 3:10 p.m. on Oct. 3, it became official: the Orcas Senior Center nonprofit now holds 100% ownership of the senior center building at 62 Henry Road. This marks the fulfillment of a dream for the original investors who, 25 years ago (in 1999-2000) found they needed the County’s help to fund completion of the building mid-construction. In return, the County has utilized the space to provide services to Orcas residents for the past quarter-century.

Language in the building agreement included a provision for the nonprofit to purchase the County’s 49% interest at any time. Now, after all this time and with tremendous recent community support, the nonprofit was finally in a position to do just that. Sadly, many of the original founders are no longer with us. I have spoken with some of their sons and daughters — now old enough to enjoy Senior Lunch — who fondly remember that time and express pride in their parents’ vision.

We have been grateful for the County’s support during recent transition, and for the years of collaboration which we’ve enjoyed. We anticipate this partnership will continue, fully recognizing the importance of continuing County services on Orcas Island. We have invited County staff to lease and occupy portions of the building until such time as they can find alternate space.

Meanwhile, we will soon begin planning for renovations to allow us to expand services to seniors and to the community as a whole. You can join us in realizing this new phase by donating to our Orcas Senior Center Building Purchase & Renovation Fund at https://oicf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=3186. With the building purchase now complete, all donations to this fund will be directed toward renovation. Thank you, Orcas Island, for your ongoing support!