1991. I was interviewing for the job of Senior Center Manager, The statement I remember most – “If you take the position – it’s such an exciting time! The current building isn’t really functional as a Senior Center – but we plan on having a new community center built in the next 3 years.”

My name is Jobyna Nickum, and I was the Senior Center Manager for 30 years. I am writing this letter in support of the upcoming bond issue.

I could talk about the flat tar roof that has consistently leaked since before I started working.

Or, I could mention the lack of parking or the location on Cole Street that has consistently gotten busier – adding to the entrance/exit problems.

The current center is not large enough to hold all the existing programs. We currently have to rent a building down the street to hold all of our fitness programs.

The bathrooms were brought “up to code” in 2010 (another grant). Even so, they don’t meet current needs.

The Senior Center has operated in the current building since 1984. Prior uses of the building included a garment factory, auto dealership and a hardware store.

Here are some of the reasons why a senior center is a valued asset to the city of Enumclaw:

Not only does America have a fast-growing senior population, but Enumclaw has a larger percentage of seniors than the national average. “Older adults are projected to outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history by 2034,” according to the Census Bureau.

“Today’s senior centers are reinventing themselves. Generation Xers are turning 60 in 2025.” National Council on Aging

Numerous research studies have shown that “Older adults who attend senior centers programs have lower levels of depression, stress and demonstrated health benefits.” National Council on Aging

The National institute on Aging has numerous studies showing that Social Isolation and loneliness is the equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes a day. “Seniors who are socially isolated/lonely are more likely to be admitted to nursing homes and use local emergency rooms” also that social isolation has been linked to higher rates of stroke, heart disease and other serious medical conditions. All of these negative impacts of being socially isolated impact our local healthcare and medical services.

We all love and value our Plateau. The one word to describe Enumclaw is “community.” Clarence Bagley writes in the “History of King County, Washington, Volume II” – “development of cooperatives are achievements for which our previous citizens may take credit….stating Enumclaw has the distinction of having more cooperatives than any other community in the Pacific Northwest. What if we demonstrated the same sense of commitment and community as our earliest settlers – establishing a Community Center for many generations to?

Why do we need to invest in a new Community Center for seniors and all age groups? Better question: why wouldn’t we?

Jobyna Nickum

Enumclaw