Directors Letter
June 2020 – COVID update
So many questions and very few answers. We all want to know when we can reopen again but as Dr. Fauci says “The virus sets the time table.” So with that in mind, this is what we are tentatively thinking. In June, we hope to offer some limited one on one appointments for Reflexology, the Dental Clinic, Financial and Legal advice. Providers will have to wear masks & gloves and disinfect constantly. But we can do a slight re-start with this. (We miss you all so much!)
Later in the Summer, Bastyr is hoping to return with in-person appointments. They are currently doing phone appointments with supplements available at the Senior Center. When King County starts Phase 3 of
re-opening, we may see a start of some fitness classes (with X marks the spot for distancing participants 6 feet apart) and we may start some small classes where people can be distant like book club, brain fitness, etc. But
classes where you have to touch items, like Dominos or Scrabble, Wii Bowling may have to wait. It is going to be hard work to stay within the guidelines and we may need to do this for a while! Re-opening will be a very gradual process.
However, there’s lots of good stuff happening now virtually, so check out the newsletter for all the options. We will try to help you take advantage even if you don’t have internet or a computer. We can print out some things and help you access programs with your smart phone. So lots of options!
When the pandemic began, I was a bit panicked. Overnight, we lost revenue from fundraisers, programs, facility rentals and the thrift store. All of these are important revenue streams. But you amazed me and pitched in with
financial donations and with notes of encouragement. I am so grateful to live in a tight knit and supportive
community like the Snoqualmie Valley. I have been overwhelmed by your generosity and good will.
With the help of the cities of Carnation and Duvall, we got a grant of $25,000 from the Seattle Foundation. We also got grants from the city of Duvall, Safeway/Albertsons, Rotary Club of Duvall, Cambria Health and Aging & Disability Services. We got matching funds for GiveBIG from Michael and Gina (Cambio) Fisette Charitable Trust and Kimberly Smith of Weichert Realtors Pillar Northwest. Those matching funds took us to a record breaker of $15,000 for GiveBIG! Our community shows it cares in many big and small ways, including homemade cards and puzzles to insert into lunch meals.
The Plant sale had to be postponed but we were able to pre-sale hanging baskets and flower bouquets, so with the sponsorship by the Community Service Area Grant from King County and Scott Massey, we were still able to raise $6,000! So now we are planning the July 3 Spaghetti dinner and the July 4 Strawberry Shortcake to continue but with take-out food rather than sit down. Carnation cancelled the usual July 4 activities but our SVSC tradition will continue! We are also planning a virtual auction gala for October so stay tuned for more information about it in the months to come!
So now I am excited for the future and confident about us staying afloat financially during the pandemic even as we plan new ways to offer programs to you all. Thank you for your support and encouragement. We are here for you, so let us know if there is anything at all that you need!
Lisa Yeager, Director
Lisay@soundgenerations.org 425-333-4152
PS. If you need a mask, we have some donated here. Just ask!