Letter to the Editor: H.E. Gritman Senior Center not going anywhere

Dear Ritzville Community,

First of all, we want to dispel rumors pertaining to the closing of the H.E. Gritman Senior Center. We have no plans to close the Senior Center. We believe it is too important, not only to our seniors, but to our community as well.

The Senior Center is also a Community Center. It is not just a place for those over the age of 55; we have had activities for all ages. Although the focus of our center is to provide healthy lunches three times a week mainly for seniors, anyone is welcome to join us for meals.

We have speakers share information on topics such as health and nutrition, protecting seniors from fraud, and Medicare. We have offered activities such as ceramics, handcrafts designing rubber-stamped cards and scrapbooking. We also had a time for board games and bingo.

The Senior Center has also hosted other activities such as “Shop With A Cop” and the Chamber Halloween Activity for kids. We also have a community pancake breakfast monthly, which has served as many as 75 people. The Center is also available to rent for different activities.

The H.E. Gritman Senior Center is an important part of the Ritzville community and as a part of the community we are asking for some assistance:

-Being a member of the H.E. Gritman Senior Center costs little—$15 per year. The only requirement is to attend the annual meeting in January.

-We need board members to help give new ideas and vitality to the Center.

-We need participation! Coming for lunch, joining in activities help to keep the Center active.

-As with most nonprofit organizations, donations and grants keep us open. Adams County and the City of Ritzville have been generous with their help, but we still need the help of the community.

The support the folks of Ritzville have given to the H.E. Gritman Senior Center is very much appreciated. With your continued help, we are confident that the Center will continue to be a welcoming gathering place for all, no matter what age.

Sincerely,

H.E. Gritman Senior Center Board