Spring is finally here … thankfully! During this season of renewal, there are so many things to think about that we can be thankful for here at Shipley Center. Here are just a few:

1 – Our Membership has remained steady, between 1750 and 1800 member, thanks to your membership and your faithful annual renewal. I thank you for promptly replying when we send out the annual reminders! Please invite a friend to come with you to an activity, or to take a tour and join! There is a $10 discount for two members living at the same address, so get that spouse, partner, parent, son or daughter, or anyone who lives with you to sign up!

2 – Birthday Cards (about 150 each month) go out to every one of you and many say they appreciate being thought of. One man told us that his hand-addressed birthday card from Shipley Center was the only card he received last year. Thank you to our birthday card crew, Brenda, Emily and Theresa! Thanks also to those of you who donate unused birthday cards and blank cards that a birthday message can be written on. (Some people tell us they have drawers of unused cards at home!) So far, we have not had to buy any cards … keep them coming! We also accept books, sheets, or rolls of stamps, and monetary donations for postage. They help to keep this worthy project going that brings a ray of sunshine into our members lives.

3 – The Restaurant, The Café at Shipley Center, continues to be a convenient place to enjoy a delicious meal. Your patronage keeps your Café open and thriving, and helps to keep the prices very affordable. Plan a regular time each month or each week to “eat out” at your Center’s Café! You can even phone in or stop by to order “a meal to go”. Be sure to check our Kurt’s “Soup of the Day”, “the real deal” – not from a can – and his “Daily Special” – delicious!

4 – Foot Care. People walk out of Shipley Center on “cloud nine” after being pampered by our foot care professionals, Donna and Rhonda. Recently, new appointment slots were added to serve even more members per week. Take a look at your toe nails right now and decide if you should call the front desk, grab an appointment, and treat yourself!

5 – New Activities abound, and our schedule is full, emphasizing how great it will be to get our Health & Wellness Annex up and running across the street! Surveying, engineering and architecture work is now in progress so we can get our full permit application packet ready to submit for City of Sequim approval as soon as possible. Then, we will announce a groundbreaking ceremony and get going on building! Donations are still needed for this project, so keep that in mind. As we build, you will receive updates. There are so many fun activities going on here at Shipley Center, that we don’t know where to put them all. More space will be very welcome!

6 – Our Wonderful Volunteers make so many good things happen. From the front desk to the café, to the exercise floor, to the classrooms and board room, you will find good-hearted, dedicated, generous people who arr donating their time and talent. We could NOT do it without volunteers! Join me in sincerely thanking the next volunteer you see making things happen at your Center!

7 – Donations. And last but not least, please keep us in mind when you plan your charitable giving for the year and do your estate planning. Donations for operating needs are always needed and greatly appreciated. Some given when they pay their dues and some give monthly via automatic payment from checking, savings, or a credit card. Contact me about joining the MGM, or Members Giving Monthly team!

Your faithful support is appreciated,

– Michael