A flood of water damage

POST FALLS - It may be early March before the Post Falls Senior Center can re-open its doors due to water damage.

A busted pipe that flooded much of the center last week prompted leaders to originally estimate the closure would be two to four weeks.

"Right now, it's estimated that it'll be early March," said Alison McArthur, who has been the center's director for almost a month. "There's that much damage."

The estimated damage is between $60,000 and $90,000. A bid is expected to be awarded next week. A contractor would likely begin work during the last week of the month.

All of the flooring, Sheetrock and insulation in both the Finley Room (the main dining hall) and the Dougall Room, used for bingo and classes, had to be taken out.

"The building has been cleared so that all the moisture is out of here," McArthur said.

Insurance is expected to cover about 75 percent of the bill, so fundraising will be needed to cover the remaining expense.

All of the programs and meetings normally held at the center have been moved to alternative sites, including Garden Plaza, the American Legion and City Hall. Meals are being cooked and served at Garden Plaza, while bingo is being held at the Legion.

"The community has been so generous with wanting to help," said Jackie McAvoy, board president. "It makes me proud to be a Post Falls resident."

McArthur said $850 in donations have arrived from the community as a result of the incident. Those wanting to make tax-deductible money donations can send them to the center at P.O. Box 418, Post Falls, ID 83877 or drop them off at the center, 1215 E. Third Ave., Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A spaghetti dinner and dance fundraiser will be held on Feb. 13 at the Post Falls American Legion at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 each and will be on sale starting next week at the senior center, Washington Trust Bank and the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce. There will also be raffles and games.

McArthur said materials such as lumber and Sheetrock can also be donated for the project.

McAvoy said the busted pipe was no one's fault.

"It was an act of God," she said. "If there was any fault, it was due to the age of the building."

McAvoy said the board has been wanting to offer more programs to younger seniors and she believes there may be a silver lining now that the water has cleared.

"We've been laughing about bringing the center into the 21st century, and that's what we're going to do," she said, referring to the new construction. "We've said that we have an opportunity to make our center the best in Kootenai County and, heck, it can be the best in the state of Idaho."

McAvoy said the board is bantering some changes with the construction, including widening the opening between the two rooms so it can be converted into one big room for larger gatherings.

McAvoy praised McArthur for doing a great job during the trying time, especially since she just came on board.

"She has a lot of connections in the community with who to call," McAvoy said. "She's accepted the role of what needed to be done."

Seniors, even if they normally attend the regular lunches, are encouraged to call the center the day before or the morning of a meal so a head count can be taken.

Information: 773-9582