Support for levy lift | Letter
Published 2:55 pm Wednesday, October 8, 2014
This year’s November ballot will have numerous measures to vote on. One of them is the renewal of the Levy Lid Lift, which includes several social programs, one of them being senior services. When the levy was passed in 2009, it funded primarily Social Services personnel necessary to the ongoing operation of the senior centers in the county. The renewal vote will include $30,000 for nutrition for the three senior centers. Up to now, the lunches are funded by Whatcom County. The cost of the lunches increases, the funding does not increase, and donations for the lunches are not keeping up with the costs. Last year alone there was a deficit of over $32,000 for the three San Juan County senior centers. The $30,000 earmarked for lunch programs will offset the deficit and will help realize a plan that the Orcas Operations Committee has held for some time, as may the other two centers as well, to increase the lunch programs at the senior center from two to three days per week. This inclusion of $30,000 is the first time that San Juan County participates in the lunch programs in its jurisdiction. San Juan, Whatcom, Island and Skagit counties are part of the Northwest Regional Council, which serves as the conduit for federal funding of Senior Nutrition programs in this part of Washington.
Nutrition, or lack thereof, is a growing problem in the senior community. There will be folks who come to lunch who are not getting a balanced, well-prepared meal at any other time per week. Additionally, at lunchtime, seniors can enjoy each other’s company, and visit with old friends only at those get-togethers.
As chairperson for the Orcas Operations Committee, I urge voters to vote for the renewal of the Levy Lid Lift on Nov. 4 for the good of the community.
Magdalena Verhasselt
