HISTORY

The Oroville Senior Center was incorporated as a 501 (c)3 Charitable Organization on December 9, 1969, in the State of Washington. The articles of incorporation were signed by the Officers at the time: Harry Sherling – President, Will Fassett – Vice President, Mary Valentine – Secretary, and Edward Ryan – Treasurer. Additionally noted were the Directors at the time: I.J. Doerr (1 Year term), Molly McDonough (2 Year term) and Emma Armstrong (3 Year term).

The articles of incorporation were amended in November 1978, November 1997 and bylaws written in 2008 and amended in 2015.

Oroville Senior Citizens held their first meeting April 8th, 1969, in the recreation room of the Catholic Church.

When it was decided that the seniors needed their own building, in 1971 they were able to acquire a lot and purchase the old P.U.D. building (a small wooden structure) for $800.

About 1973 an addition of 12’x48’ was added to the North side of the present building, increasing the size of the building by about a third, but even so the group was still growing and the need to expand was evident.

In 1976 a $30,000 long-term low interest loan was negotiated with the F.H.A. and the present meeting room in the rear of the building was added.

 Note: Oroville was the first town in Okanogan County to have a Senior Citizens Organization.

The Center is funded wholly by donations, user fees and fundraising activities. Membership fees for seniors (50 & over) are $10 per year. It is critical that fundraising continues to keep the door to the center open. Generous donations over the years have paid for building improvements and special expenses in addition to general operating expenses.

Okanogan County Transportation & Nutrition provides the Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday meals and hires the cooks, bus drivers and Site Director. They pay a monthly rent to the Senior Center for the use of the dining room & kitchen.

Now servicing over 100 members and community seniors for regularly scheduled activities and lunch service 4 days a week, the center is an active part of the Oroville community.