Senior center to expand

POST FALLS - The Post Falls Senior Center is in expansion mode to accommodate the growth in demand for services.

The center is planning an estimated $300,000 expansion, which includes extending the front entry 18 feet with a covered area and adding to the north side with a computer resource room and activities area.

"We're out of space," said Alison McArthur, the center's executive director. "Seniors find Post Falls an attractive place to live, and they're also looking for activities."

McArthur said the plan is to break ground on the expansion in July and have it finished in October. An architect has been assigned to the project and a contractor will be chosen in April or May.

To fund the project, the center is planning its Gold Rush fundraiser from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at the Greyhound Park and Event Center. Money raised will be matched by an anonymous local donor.

There will be a silent auction, dinner, dancing and raffles for vacation packages.

Tickets are $25 per person, and are available at the senior center, chamber of commerce and Washington Trust Bank.

The music, provided by the Rhythm Dawgs, is being underwritten by Knudtsen Chevrolet. The food will be catered by Garden Plaza of Post Falls.

The goal is to raise between $150,000 and $200,000, McArthur said.

Room sponsors for 10 areas of the center, ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, are being sought.

The center is also applying for a $150,000 Idaho Community Development Block Grant that's awarded to two senior centers in the state each year. A public hearing on the grant will be held on March 3 before the Post Falls City Council. A decision on the grant will be made in April or May.

The middle section of the senior center was built in 1978, the back section 1993 and the Dougall Room in 1996.

The center is seeking letters of support for the expansion in its application for the grant.