In the heart of Mount Vernon, a gathering of community members at a recent Skagit County government meeting brought to light the pressing concerns surrounding the future of the Mount Vernon Senior Center. As the meeting unfolded, voices echoed with a shared commitment to preserving this vital resource for seniors in the area.

Joan Peterson, a dedicated member of the Senior Center, opened the discussion with a creative proposal. She suggested seeking funding from external sources, such as Boeing or the Bill Gates Foundation, to alleviate the financial strain on the center. “Thinking outside of the box,” she urged, could lead to innovative solutions that might even allow donors to have their names associated with the building, fostering a sense of community ownership and pride.

Karen Hulbert, another attendee, highlighted the recent growth in the county, particularly in Anacortes, Cedro Woolley, and Burlington. She expressed hope that the increased revenue from this development could be earmarked to sustain essential programs at the Senior Center. Her remarks underscored the potential for local growth to directly benefit community services.

Jerry Douglas, also from the Senior Center, emphasized the importance of involving seniors in the decision-making process regarding the center's future. He urged the commissioners to consider forming a group of seniors to provide input on the building's replacement and overall direction. “We want to be involved in the solution,” he stated, reflecting the collective desire of seniors to play an active role in shaping their community.

The discussion also touched on the ownership of the Senior Center, clarifying that while the seniors have maintained the building for years, it is ultimately owned by the city of Mount Vernon. This point highlighted the necessity for collaboration between the city and the county as they navigate the future of the center.

As the meeting concluded, the commitment of the community members was palpable. Their voices, filled with passion and determination, painted a picture of a community ready to rally together to ensure that the Mount Vernon Senior Center remains a cornerstone for its seniors. The future may hold challenges, but with innovative thinking and collaborative efforts, there is hope for a brighter path ahead.