Lack of funds, participation cited

BREWSTER – The Senior Center located at 109 S. Bridge Street, that serves senior citizens in the communities of Pateros, Brewster, and Bridgeport, is facing the real prospect that the facility may soon be forced to close its doors.

Dwindling participation, declining membership, and operating costs are the three principal factors combining to put a squeeze on an institution that has been part of the Brewster downtown landscape since the 1970s.

Sources at the Center report that as of this writing the facility is operating with a temporary president after its most recent president relocated to Montana following some health issues.  The club secretary is recuperating from a broken bone, and the treasurer, who lives in Wenatchee, travels to Brewster a couple times a month to pay the bills.

And paying the bills is getting harder as costs increase and membership stalls. The Center boasts a membership of 50-55 paid members and with annual dues maintained at a modest $10, that’s just $550 yearly to apply toward utilities (water, sewer, power), telephone, insurance, maintenance, and add-ons.

It has not been a lack of effort on the part of the officers to gin up some activity at the Center. During the past two years that the Quad has followed developments there, a variety of new activities were introduced.

Clam Chowder Fridays were on the menu last winter but after about six weeks, participation barely paid for the meal ingredients.

Trick or treat night and a pumpkin carving contest with chili and cornbread for the parents drew some attention and a Christmas family tree for a family in need recommended by the school was a worthy community project. Projects for Independence Day and Mother’s Day were other ideas that organizers tried.

A Chelan donor gave the Center a flat screen T.V. that was used for the Wii game system but interest in that waned after some initial activity.

The Center is now open three days a week when Okanogan County Nutrition and Transportation (OCTN) provides a hot meal at noon on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The suggested donation for those over age 60 is $4. For those 60 and under the cost is $8.50. All diners are welcome. OCTN pays the Center $306 a month for rental space and to serve the meals.

Donations and drop-in are always welcome at the Brewster Senior Center, but the organization is going to need real help to remain afloat.