Greetings:
Well, it has finally happened! The year 2025 is over and 2026 is now open to us to seek new challenges.
Before 2025 fades from our memory, I would like to point out that it was a good year for the Center. Despite suffering some problems, we accomplished many things; The most significant accomplishments are as follows; Added three new kitchen volunteers, Shauna has managed the kitchen budget well, controlling our food expenses and making improvements in cooking methods.
We installed new floor coverings in the Bitterroot Room and upgraded the fixtures in the women’s restroom; Fixed a major drainage problem in the parking lot, resealed and re-painted parking lines; Installed a push button door operator for the southwest entrance, installed a filtered line and a new coffee pot; replaced a worn out steamtable; upgraded business computers and acquired state of the art software to reduce costs; participated in the Farmer’s Market; re-established our Bingo fundraiser each month; supported several fundraisers like Cake auctions, room rentals for Bridge training, Flea markets, A 50th wedding anniversary party, several business events for local businesses and even a celebration of life; our floors have received their annual reconditioning treatment; we requested and received over $8,500 dollars from local philanthropic companies.
All of these and several other items were accomplished by a very small group of dedicated volunteers. I mean a really small group of dedicated volunteers. That group of movers and shakers numbers about 10 people; there are others of course working on individual activities as well. However, just imagine what we could have accomplished with just 3 or 4 more volunteers!
Too everyone who worked to support the operation of the Senior Center during the year. I extend my sincerest and personal “Thank You”.
Even though we’ve had significant accomplishments during the year, we also missed a couple of points. We could not fill open Board of Director positions or add additional volunteers to share the workload. We also haven’t been able to create clear and concise plans for upcoming events and fund raising. These items will not go away. Managing our future and keeping the center open, requires a lot of attention to the issues mentioned above, plus others that pop up and a strong income stream.
The newly elected BOD will need your help to address finances, staffing, and the economic uncertainties that we all know are coming.
The new year of 2026 could be our best year ever, if we all work to make it so!
Respectfully yours,
Joseph Bruno, President
PS......... Don’t forget to attend the election It’s your responsibility as a “member.” To paraphrase a quote from a past president----” Ask not what the Center will do for you, but rather what you can do for the Center? We are an all-volunteer non- profit company named “Hamilton Senior Center Inc.”
Election: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 10 AM
