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Page A-10 Shelton-Mason County Journal Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020
Shelton
By Gordon Weeks
gordon@masoncounty.com
The bingo light at The Pavilion in
Shelton has been extinguished for
eight months, save for two weeks in
July when the coronavirus wasn’t rag-
mg.
But the pandemic is spreading in
Mason County. That means the Ma-
son County Senior Activities Associa-
tion (MCSAA) can’t host weddings or
prams or bingo/karaoke gatherings in-
side the spacious Pavilion at the end of
the dead-end road behind Gillis Auto
Center.
The group doesn’t receive govern-
ment money. Along with membership
fees, the nonprofit group’s only income
these days comes from sales at its
Nifty Thrifty shop at 826 West Rail—
road Ave. in downtown Shelton. With
the governor’s newest gathering re-
strictions, the Nifty Thrifty is limited
to people inside the building, in-
cluding employees.
“We had talked about trying to
bring smaller groups back (to the cen-
ter), but that put a stop to that,” said
Patty Vernie, the group’s executive di-
rector.
Vernie said the nonprofit group
needs donations to stay financially
afloat. Without an infusion of money,
the center might close for good, she
said.
“People are sending in checks, but
it’s not enough to keep us going if this
lasts another 12 months,” Vernie said.
“Our members are loyal to the cen—
ter,” said Clay Long, the president of
the group’s board of directors. “But
those members cannot fulfill our obli—
gations alone.”
Donations can be mailed to the MC—
SAA at 190 W. Sentry Drive, Shelton,
HEALTHCARE
ShelIon’s Premier
Nursing Facility
We specialize in short-term rehab,
long-termcare and respite care.
We're here to help.
All COVID-i9 Protocols in Place
Em nits?»
l53 Johns Court, Shelton, WA 98584 / (360) 427-2575
Fax (360) 427-2563 / http://wwsheltonheulthandrehub.com/
From left, Mason County Senior Activities Association Executive Director
Patty Vernie, longtime member Billie
Long, and board president Clay Long are trying to keep the nonprofit
organization financially afloat. Journal photo
by Gordon Weeks
98584. The group also has a GoFund-
Me account on its Facebook page.
, These days, the Pavilion’s vast
dance floor is dark and empty
“It’s very depressing, is what it
is,” Vernie said. “There’s no laughing
or talking and getting coffee; there’s
no one playing the piano. It’s just a
shame.”
Billie Long has been a member for
more than 20 years and is a member of
the line dancing groups; The members
continue to dance together — from
their homes — via Zoom. _
“It’s exercise It’s a nice break
from watching the COVID news on
TV,” she said.
She added, “I miss the people, my
hot lunch, all the activities. It’s a spe-
cial part of my day in here, having a
hot lunch, talking to my friends, lis-
tening to the guy playing the piano.”
Members are exchanging “buddy
calls” to connect with isolated seniors.
Books are available to grab outside at
the covered bus stop.
The Meals on Wheels program
continues to lease the kitchen at the
center. The volunteers produce 1,500
to 2,000 meals a week to be delivered
to homebound seniors, but no longer
serve meals to seniors inside the build-
mg.
Kitten Rescue of Mason County
Right now we have young and adult cats available for adoption.
Indoor only and a warm lap to sit on are ours and the kitties
request.
Healthy and well adjusted, our kitties want their own home and
family to love. For more information please go to our website
kittenresq.net or call us at (360)— 427-3167.
.Fuwg Friar/vols. Lookin for a. Home
Sponsored by:
We have created a
low-stress, healthy
environment
‘ with soft lighting,
music, a regular
exercise program,
and frequent,
individualized
attention. We treat
every pet with
affection, respect,
and kindness.
(360) 426-3052
270 SE Spring Place
Shelton, Washington 98584
E-mail: sylvan@hctc.com