On November 1, an agreement went into place that reinvests new energy into the Sumner Senior Center. On October 24, 2012, the City Council voted to enter into an agreement with Stafford Suites for increased service at the Sumner Senior Center. With this new agreement, the City of Sumner will continue to own and maintain the center while Stafford Suites will provide daily operations.
"This is a way for us to reinvest in the Senior Center for many years to come, and I'm very excited about that," said Sumner Mayor Dave Enslow. Like every department in the City, the Senior Center had experienced budget cuts over the past six years. Popular programs such as senior trips had to be suspended. When the City's senior center coordinator decided to retire earlier this fall, the City assessed the best way to move the Center forward.
"We always ask what will give us the same or better service for the same or less money. In this case, the cost is about the same to the City, but Stafford Suites gives us more service than we could afford alone," said City Administrator John Galle. "That's a win for our seniors and our community."
Through Stafford Suites, Melissa Holt is the program director. She has already brought back some popular programs as well as some new ones, including a Family Potluck on November 16, a Thanksgiving Feast on November 20 and a trip to the Festival of Trees on November 29.
"This does not turn the Sumner Senior Center into an annex of Stafford Suites," said Tina Pries, Executive Director. "We are excited to serve two different audiences however each would like to be served by us." Other new or returning programs being discussed are introducing chair yoga, reinvigorating the Senior Center's advisory board and exploring a stronger partnership between the center and the local schools.
"I am very excited to begin my work at the Sumner Senior Center. We will be offering many new programs and activities for the seniors of Sumner," said Holt.
The Sumner Senior Center is located at 15506 62nd Street Court East and is open Monday - Friday, 10 am - 4 pm. More information about upcoming events and activities can be found here.