EWC Opening Celebration & Ribbon Joining – recap and Campaign Update
What a day! On Thursday May 12th more than 500 people braved the weather and came out to help celebrate the official opening and “Ribbon Joining”. Thanks to all who made it happen and to those who attended.
My Edmonds News did a nice job of capturing the excitement from the day: https://myedmondsnews.com/2022/05/edmonds-waterfront-centers-long-delayed-gala-opening-hits-a-high-note/
The morning began with memorable native songs and blessing from Ty Juvinel and Josh Fryberg from the Tulalip Tribes. Ty is the carver who is carving a fifteen-foot welcoming figure for outside the EWC. Ty gifted a beautiful paddle to the EWC.
The flag was raised for the first time with a color guard under the command of Commander Carl Kurfess. Bagpipe music was provided by Patrick Downing. As people moved into the banquet room they were treated to the rousing sound of the Edmonds / Woodway Jazz Band.
Speakers included EWC CEO Daniel Johnson, Mayor Mike Nelson, capital campaign co-chair Gary Haakenson, Board Chair Julaine Fleetwood, and wonderful keynote address by Rick Steves.
One highlight of the morning was the first ever “Ribbon Joining”. Three ribbons from the back of the banquet room representing (1) the countless people who helped get us to this point, (2) the people present and witness to the opening milestone and (3) the future – the potential of the EWC to transform lives – wove over the heads of the seated participants then tied together. The Ribbon Joining symbolized how the past, present and future are all connected, underscoring the EWC’s principal objective to create social connections.
Daniel announced an anonymous gift of $100,000 and with a gift received on 6/17/22 of $250,000, that brings the amount left to raise for the capital campaign down to $460,440! Just prior to lunch, guests were asked to consider making a gift to support vital programs, the Senior Lunch program or help us finish the capital campaign. Generous gifts continue to come in. If you would like to make a contribution, just click on the DONATE button.
Gifts of $500 or more for the capital campaign will be included on the donor wall in the entry of the EWC.
The day of celebration culminated with a free community dance with music provided by the Blue Wave Band: https://animoto.com/play/N2KH0Ib18IydWtYFoTyPfQ
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Watch the 2021 Year in Review Video (below) – Thank you for helping make 2021 such a spectacular year!
Where Community dines together, regardless of ability to pay.
And those who can, pay it forward.
COVID Policy Effective March 12th
In response to Governor Inslee’s announcement that statewide mask orders will be ending for most indoor settings March 12th, masks will be optional at the EWC effective on that date. The Governor’s announcement also states that masks will still be required in health care settings. As a result, masks will be required for providers and recipients of EWC health & wellness services. Proof of vaccines will no longer be required for program participants.
Masks will be optional while in the EWC
Exceptions
Proof of Vaccine will no longer be required
Exceptions
We appreciate your patience. This has been difficult for all of us who are anxious to get back to normal. With safety of our staff, members, and visitors as our top priority this policy may change based on guidance from the Governor’s office, CDC, or Snohomish Health District in response to the course of COVID infections or new variants.
Daniel Johnson, CEO Julaine Fleetwood, EWC Board Chair
Become a new member or renew your membership.
Programs are available via Zoom and in person on a limited basis.
The Edmonds Senior Center makes the health and safety of its members and participants a priority.
Open Monday through Saturday from 10:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. (closed Sunday).
On Friday, January 22nd the Edmonds Waterfront Center hosted a COVID vaccine pilot. 100 vaccines were distributed to members in the first ever in-person event at the Waterfront Center.
Our Seniors need your help. Donate to the Helping Hands Fund.
The Edmonds Senior Center has embarked on a journey to replace our failing building. The new Waterfront Center will offer the same dynamic programs that our members love most as well as expanded intergenerational opportunities and City Parks classes and activities – all under one roof!
Sponsor a solar panel for $1000. Solar panel donars will be recognized on the “Solar Champions” plaque in the new Waterfront Center. Donate online or by mailing a check made payable to: Edmonds Senior Center PO Box 717 Edmonds, WA 98020
Safety of our staff and visitors is our top priority. Based on CDC and Snohomish County Health Department guidelines we are currently requiring that masks be worn in the building regardless of vaccination status.
We received our certificate of occupancy in mid-January 2021. The building opened to the public on July 6th with health & wellness offerings, lunch service and select in-person classes. Subject to the course of COVID, the rest of the programs are returning subject distancing and available space.
The building is owned by the Edmonds Senior Center. The City owns the land. In the partnership, the Senior Center will offer programs focused on seniors from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. The City Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department will offer programs from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday. On Friday evenings and weekends the Waterfront Center will be used as a rental venue. All rental revenue will be used to support programs at the Edmonds Waterfront Center.
All furniture has been moved in and installed. Staff are working from their new offices at the Edmonds Waterfront Center while following COVID-19 safety protocols.
On April 22nd we hosted a virtual opening and panel discussion for the new building. Click on the video link at the top of this page to view it. The official ribbon cutting has been postponed and we will send more information out when we have a set date.
Membership is not required to visit or participate in programs at the Waterfront Center, but after you hear about the benefits of membership you will want to join. Anyone can join.
Yes, guided tours are offered at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesdays. You can sign up by calling 425.774.5555 ext 120 or register online