Happy New Year! I hope you have had Happy Holidays and are looking forward to a fun and exciting year.
As we reflect on the past year and look forward to 2026, I’m encouraged to be sharing with you some of our accomplishments from the past year, and goals for the coming year.
- We currently have 506 members at the Sno-Valley Senior Center, almost 10% more than at this time last year.
- We saw over 26,300 instances of participation at the center, meaning 110 people per day are coming through our doors.
- We served over 10,500 made-in-house meals, averaging more than 44 meals per day.
- We delivered 2,293 frozen Meals on Wheels, helping local, homebound seniors and their families receive regular deliveries of nutritious food.
- 216 individual volunteers have given over 11,800 hours of their time.
- 1,419 individuals came through the Sno-Valley Senior Center for services or to participate in programs.
As we look ahead to 2026, our contract is almost finalized to modernize or replace our elevator thanks to the King County Community Development Block Grant. We are excited for this project, but also know that it will mean a lot of construction and possible center closures throughout the year. Thanks to a grant from the Boeing Employees Community Fund, we are also updating our kitchen to start the year!
The 2026 Board Ballot and nominated Board Member bios are included in this newsletter. Please return those ballots before our Annual Member meeting!
I hope you’ll join us for that meeting on Wednesday, January 28 at 12:30pm. At this meeting you’ll get to discuss with Board Members your priorities and questions for the Sno-Valley Senior Center, learn about the goals for 2026 and how we ended 2025. Be sure to sign-up for lunch at least a day in advance at 425-333-4152.
Please Note: Due to changes under Washington State’s ESSB (Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill) 5814, certain programs are now considered “live presentations” and are subject to state sales tax. Sno-Valley Senior Center has been subsidizing this sales tax since October 1, 2025, however starting January 1, 2026, you will notice that most paid classes offered will be charged an 8.8% sales tax, and this will also include things like our membership and hall rentals. One way you can support us in this change is to pay at the front desk with a card or check, or bring exact change.
We remain committed to keeping our programs accessible and appreciate your understanding as we implement this change. We will also continue to advocate with our representatives to exempt non-profits from this bill.
Don’t forget! There is still time to make a tax-deductible donation to the senior center! We know that there are a lot of options when it comes to your year-end giving. By sending in your donation today, you’re connecting community members from across our wonderful valley to friendships, programs, and support they need to age well. You can also use the link to donate:
https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/gp_Riw?vid=1noku6
As a reminder, our Board of Directors meets every other month, and the meetings are open to the public. Our next meeting is Monday, January 5 at 5:30pm in the Senior Center Great Room.
As always, if you have questions or concerns, please contact me at kiraa@soundgenerations.org or 425-333-4152.
Kira Avery, Executive Director