Sno-Valley Senior Center celebrates 50th anniversary and more

This is an exciting time for the Sno-Valley Senior Center as they come to the 50th anniversary of the center and the 100th year of the building.

The month of celebration began on Sept. 29 with the building anniversary open house. The building has housed many different uses from a skating rink to a hardware store to a furniture store to a dance facility (with one of the largest pipe organs in the area) to now being the home of so many activities for the community.

There were displays showing the various uses and a sample of some furniture once made there and the remodel that was done to make it into the center, and then again being remodeled to enlarge the space capacity by creating an expanded second floor. In talking with some of the long-timers, they told about how the building had been changed to allow the huge pipe organ to fit and no longer have to be on a trailer and moved from place to place. There were large smiles as they recalled fun dances there.

There was a celebration attended by nearly 100 people. The celebration included many displays, several speakers, lots of conversations, and two huge cakes. First the chair of the board John Moore gave some fun remarks as he spoke about all the activities — and that we should dance like we are in our 20s as we are just getting better with age. Then Carnation Mayor Jim Ribail spoke about how this facility supports the entire Snoqualmie Valley and is one of the heartbeats of the Valley. It is a place to gather, a transportation hub, filled with art, exercise, games, friends and services.

Marge Qualls, who is the historian, talked about the displays and that the building was constructed in 1925. Many different organizations met there.

In 1970, the community formed a hobby club that outgrew meeting in homes. In 1975, they formed the Sno-Valley Seniors group, which met in various buildings. In 1992, they took a mortgage to purchase the building for approximately $100,000. They obtained grants and worked on many fundraising projects. They also purchased the parking lot and the old house next door, which is where the new senior housing apartments are located. In 2000, King County provided a $57,000 grant to pay off the mortgage.

Kira Avery, executive director of the senior center, talked about the current uses and the activities for the more than 100 people who come each day. She shared that there are 1,400 people who attend programs and 10,000 lunches that are provided and 2,000 Meals on Wheels as some of the many activities. To do all this, there are hundreds of volunteers of all ages. She introduced the staff and the board, held the raffle and thanked everyone for coming.

Avery talked about this being a place to listen, to be ready to serve and to celebrate life together. She said this is a “place where neighbors become friends and every generation is welcome. Together, we’ve shared meals, stories, and countless moments of joy.” She then dedicated the building to the next 50 years of friendship, connection, and community.

In order to continue to celebrate together the past, present, and future of the Sno-Valley Senior Center, there are two important events coming up.

Timeless Treasures Gala and Auction will be held Oct. 11 at The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge.

Then the annual Fall Dinner and Pie Auction will be held Nov. 22 with two seatings (4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.). In addition to a delicious dinner, there will be the famous pie auction highlighting the fabulous baking by the senior center members. If you’re interested in volunteering for this event, or would like to bake and bring a pie, email kiraa@soundgenerations.org or call 425-333-4152 ext. 1.