Sagebrush Senior Center's president, board changing

DESERT AIRE — The president and board of directors of the Sagebrush Senior Center will change this month, but the center that serves all of South County will remain strong, says outgoing three-year President Kathy Meredith.

“I’ve served six years on the board, and my time has come to an end,” Meredith said last week. “A new president will be selected by a new board.”

Meredith has been president for three years. She served as secretary two years and as vice president for one year.

Most of the members of Sagebrush live in Desert Aire, and there are a few in Mattawa. But the center was organized to serve all of South County, providing activities for those 50 and above.

A source of pride for the members is that the center is completely self-funded. It receives no grant money. The main sources of revenue are weekly bingo and a golf tournament/auction in summer.

Bingo is held on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. and is open to the public. The annual auction/golf tournament, usually held the end of July, includes live and silent auctions and raffles.

Since the senior center is the largest venue of its type in the area, the building is rented to outside groups for many events. That’s another source of support.

The Sagebrush Senior Center hosts the Firemen’s Ball, the Citizen’s Patrol Spaghetti Dinner, Lion’s Club Crab Feed, some church events, meetings and memorial services.

“Activities are varied and range from cards to exercise,” Meredith said.

A free exercise program, done with videos, is held on Tuesday and Thursday at 9 a.m. Zumba is a fee class held on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Marta Tridle is the instructor.

Pinochle, Poker, Po-Ke-No, Mahjong, & Bunco are held at the center. There is also quilting and crafting, and the center hosts Cozy Comforts of South Grant County.

The Cozy Comforts group makes blankets that are donated to agencies, such as police and fire, that deal with at-risk children.

“Our quilters make a beautiful quilt every other year that we raffle off,” Meredith said.

One activity that’s a hit is breakfast on the first and third Thursdays of the month. The cost is only $5.”

“The menus vary but are always filling and wonderful,” Meredith said. “Our monthly potluck is hosted by our members and is for our members and guests.”

The Sagebrush seniors mix business and pleasure in November. The board members host the annual Thanksgiving dinner on the same day of the board election

“We provide turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy and ask members to bring sides, salads and desserts to complement our feast,” Meredith said.

Sometimes the day includes entertainment. The Boy Scouts have done an honor court, the marimba band from the elementary school in Mattawa has performed, Roxie Phillips has led the singing of Christmas music, and Jan Hansen has entertained with the hula.

“It is mainly our time to socialize and enjoy the wonderful community of friends here in Desert Aire,” Meredith said.

For people who prefer a slower pace, the center has a great paperback library. People just take what they want and bring it back when they finish.

“We take only paperbacks due to our limited space, but we have a great selection,” Meredith said.

The center also has quite a bit of check-out medical equipment. Wheelchairs, walkers, canes, bath chairs, etc. are available for short-term loan.

Then there are the “winter games.” They include darts, Wii bowling, cribbage tournament, pool and other events. It is a fun time to help pass the winter. It usually goes for about four weeks in January or February

Not all of the activities are enjoyed at the center. The organization arranges a variety of outside activities such as group outings.

“We have taken the Columbia River steamboat cruise the last two years during April,” Meredith said. “This last year we went up to Ice Harbor Dam and through the locks. We had a great turnout of 32 people.”

A group of 23 went to Hood River in October and took the Mt. Hood Mystery Dinner Train. The food was delicious and the mystery fun to guess. The group stayed the night in Hood River, and a few golfed the next day.

“We usually arrange trips to Legends Casino in Toppenish during the year, Meredith said. “They are so generous in sending a shuttle for us, and we usually like to go on Thursday to take advantage of the Seafood Buffet.”

Sagebrush members have also gone to Leavenworth for the Christmas tree lighting. They will be going to the Masquers Theater in Soap Lake this November for Sweeney Todd with a nice dinner out.

“The Sagebrush Senior Center is definitely the hub of activities for the senior population in the area, Meredith said. “We invite anyone over 50 to join us. Dues are just $15 per person per year.”