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An update from the Director

+ Update from the director

September 2021 update from the Director

The Central’s Annual Seafair Patio Party and our official Grand Re-Opening following a year of uncertainty and change owing to COVID-19 was a success! We were grateful to see 120 persons come out to celebrate with us and to donate while having fun.

There were no Hydro Races this year. Neither were the Blue Angels flying overhead making noise while an audience delighted in their maneuvers like years past. Nonetheless, it was a good time. People gathered and ate great food by those specializing in a variety of dishes. Walter Washington provided smoked brisket with collard greens and smoked turkey, Rev. Doakes Louisiana BBQ delighted us with smoked chicken and his special vinegar BBQ based sauce. Ezell’s prepared macaroni and cheese with hot yeast rolls that were delicious. Chef Anthony of The Central tore up the potato salad, handled the plating of food to pass on to the volunteer servers and Seneeka Colly’s Red Velvet cake was moist and oh so good. People didn’t know which dessert to select Red Velvet Cake or Star Sweetz’s Peach Cobbler.

We appreciated the many contributions helping to underwrite the cost of the event. This enabled us to net $4,300.00 at our Grand Re-Opening. The contributions came at a good time. We officially became the owners of the building and property on December 15, 2020. Slowly we are hoping to make upgrades to the building and property prior to launching a community engaged planning process for major renovations to the building and property.


Within the next two – three years our aim is to remodel the parking lot, retrofit the building, install a new HVAC system, and acquire a generator.


Throughout 2020 and 2021, Central Area Senior Center was able to adapt our programming and activities to better serve seniors during a challenging year. We shifted our Community Dining lunch program to a take-out and delivery program serving between 40-120 meals daily depending on the menu selection that is offered.


By October 1, 2021, we are preparing to reintroduce congregate meals during the lunch hour and phase out meal delivery to those who can come into the building and enjoy congregate dining.


Presently we are creating a new website with some new features that will showcase our work and highlight old and new programs and activities. We are excited to be partnering with the Elite Collective for the new design. The website should be completed by the beginning of October.


We look forward to introducing Live Music once again on the 3rd Fridays of each month at our Green Dolphin Lounge, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. We have already booked some great entertainment. I anticipate that reservations will fill up quickly. Featured entertainment already booked

include:
               CT Thompson, September 17th

               Mercedes Nicole doing a Tribute to Shirley Horn, November 19th, and

               Eugenie Jones and her Trio performs at the Holiday Gala on December 11th.


We are proud to bring these delightful performers to The Central. Make your reservation by calling us at 206-726-4926.


CASC looks forward to our continuation of providing valuable services and programming to seniors and the community now and in the future while offering a safe place to make connections in 2021 and beyond.


Thank-you to everyone partnering with us in this effort. If you are able, please drop in to visit with us next time you are in the area. We would love to share the Green Dolphin Lounge experience with you and/or lunch in Cafe Central.


At The Central, there is always plenty of good food, great entertainment and many programs and activities to choose from. Hope to see you soon!


Regards,

Dian Ferguson

Executive Director