arkston News Staff Writer
Seniors at the Independence Township Senior Center are looking forward to the future and have increased fund-raising efforts in an attempt to add extra amenities to the proposed new senior center.
Seniors are currently selling raffle tickets for the annual corn roast on Sept. 20, the first raffle the center has done in years. To run the event, the center had to apply for a raffle license from the Michigan Gaming Association.
‘This would be for extra things or things that wouldn’t fit in the budget,? Margaret Bartos, center director, said. ‘This is really an integral part of what the seniors do. We need to beef up our account.?
The center currently has a Senior Escrow Account, established more than 25 years ago, managed by the Senior Advisory Committee that helps fund new items to the center as well as some center expenses. The current balance on the account is about $4,000 to $5,000.
The money in the account is not counted toward the center’s overall budget and is completely funded by projects run by the seniors, such as recycled greeting cards and bake sales.
‘All expenses are approved by the committee. It’s a matter of practice, and I think that’s wise,? Bartos said.
Monies raised, such as the raffle money, will not go toward the actual construction of the building. It will remain strictly in existence for additional items to the center.
‘I’ve been working in this field for 25 years, so I know it takes a lot of money,? Bartos said.
Bartos attributed the interest in a new building to Independence Township Supervisor Dale Stuart.
‘His (Stuart) initiative encouraged the current interest in hoping we’ll get a new building,? Bartos said. ‘People are really pumped up about it.?
Plans were brought to the township board last spring for the proposed $1.4 million-center. The Clarkston Community School Board of Education was also approached at that time for the potential acquisition of 2.5 acres of land, located in between the township library and district administration building, for the 12,100-foot center.
According to Karen Foyteck, school board president, the issue has been turned back to the attention of the township.
‘In some respects, it is in our ballpark,? Dale Stuart, Independence Township Supervisor, said. ‘We’re trying to get some answers to questions raised.?
Stuart stated the center is currently in an evaluation phase. Township officials are investigating specific requests that have been made for the center, such as special water and sewer rates.
Another reason for the increased fund-raising is to assist in future grant requests. According to Bartos, grants become easier to receive when a group has already started their own fund-raising.
‘It’s much easier to get grant money that way,? Bartos said. ‘It’s much easier so that you don’t look like you’re standing there with your hands out.?
Bartos hopes the increase in fund-raising efforts will show the community that center patrons are willing to work hard for a new facility.
‘We need to get away from the stereotype of what a senior is,? Bartos said. ‘We want to show them that we are working for this.?
Even with new township leadership starting this fall, Bartos does not see building plans advancing any faster than they currently are.
‘We’re taking our time with the new administration,? Bartos said. ‘I think we’ll get a center one way or another. Why not start raising money for it??
Tickets for the corn roast raffle are available at the senior center. As of Sept. 3, 555 of the 6,000 printed tickets have been sold. For more information, call the center at (248) 625-8231.