We would like to express our appreciation for some very special members of our community and their wonderful efforts to comfort those in need during this recent winter storm.  When seniors at Rainier View in Black Diamond lost power on Friday, January 20, Keith and Judy Watson and Howard and Dorothy Botts from the Board of Directors at the Black Diamond Community Center moved to open the center as a 24-hour warming shelter, Friday and Saturday.

Vice-President Keith Watson contacted the local office of the American Red Cross to access cots and blankets in our mass-disaster storage shed. He also called to find out if any seniors had special medical needs. As the roads and sidewalks were very dangerous, due to snow and ice, two Black Diamond Police Department officers went door to door to escort seniors to the Community Center, where the heat was already on and we could warm up. One of our senior neighbors said, “I’d never thought I’d ever have to ride in the back of a police car!” Along with the Watsons and the Botts, several volunteers came in to help, Vern and Betty Gibson, Doug Ernst, John Hundley and staff member Leslie Johnson.

All together they provided wonderful hot meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Jim Hutchinson from Puget Sound Energy stopped by several times to provide information on the effects of the storm and progress being made getting the power restored. The time spent together was very enjoyable, socializing, staying warm, eating well, playing card games and watching videos. Without the help, I don’t think my husband would have made it through the storm with the house being so cold. The food was delicious and there was plenty to go around. It was so comfortable, we were willing to stay an extra day!

We are very fortunate to live in Black Diamond, with so many caring people to help us out. Thank you so much, each and every one of you. We wouldn’t have made it without you.

Edmond and Catherine Dussert and seniors at Rainier View in Black Diamond