NEWSLETTER March 2026

Hello everyone! Spring is almost here! Daylight Savings time begins this

Sunday and our days will be longer, hopefully sunnier with only a bit of rain

only between 2 and 4 am. I can dream right? We have a lot to look forward

to this year so let’s get right to it!

First, we have implemented our FMSC Patron Program. If you haven’t

heard of this yet, let me explain. Your board has not been able to come up

with and stick to an annual budget for several years and for several

reasons. Mostly because our membership numbers fluctuate with the ebb

and flow of the local and national economy as well as other factors that

members may have arise. So, we thought if we could get a few to commit

to a one-time or yearly tax deductible donation it would be easier to not

only form a budget, but to also stick to it.

Secondly, and perhaps most disappointing, is the failure of the bond and

the city’s decision to try again in the future. However, they determined that

the Senior Center and the Library will be dropped from consideration for

funds. Each was slated to get 4.5 million dollars for some much needed

general building maintenance and other items determined to be necessary.

So let me tell you where we stand as of this writing. The Friends received

an unexpected and generous anonymous donation of just under $36K. The

person has put no strings on the money and we are free to do what we

wish with it. They have not decided as yet as to whether or not they wish to

be considered a patron under the program. We also received two $1000

commitments, one for $300 and two for $250. So the ball is rolling and we

appreciate it so much! There are brochures at the Friends Kiosk at the

Center if you wish to know more about it and it also explains how you can

go about donating if you are interested.

Where will the money go? Good question. So far we have made a

commitment to the Center to replace all the dining room and classroom

chairs. This will amount to somewhere between 8 and 12 thousand dollars.

Some of the other items discussed between myself and Erin are new blinds

for the lobby windows, new card tables, a new poker table, possible

remodel of the coat closet, etc. So if you have any ideas for items you

would like to have, we are always willing to listen.

Also keep in mind that the Friends are here to help you personally if you

are in need. Quite a while back we had a Friends in Need program that

didn’t see much activity so we ended it. If you could use some help

financially with paying for food, utilities, gas etc. you can fill out a city form

for financial aid and submit it to the Friends. Your information will remain

confidential. We can’t promise we can always help but we will do our best

to help you get over a financial bump in the road so to speak.

Also keep in mind that we already have established what is called a

scholarship fund with the Center to help pay for things such as a class you

might wish to take thru Parks and Rec or perhaps a day trip or any of the

Friends or Center events. We hate to see anyone left out of a program

because of financial hardship. Just check with staff at the desk.

The Friends will also be participating in the Summer of Fun events again

this year. We plan on sponsoring the Puzzle Palooza, the ice cream social

and snack bags at one of the concerts in the park. We haven’t met with

Katie and Erin yet about details but there may be even more on tap!

Ok, that’s it for now. Everyone stay safe, be happy and well and despite

what might be happening in our small portion of the planet, keep your chin

up and try and stay positive! Take care!

Karen