Seniors celebrate return, reopening of their West Richland center

By Kristina Lord kristina@tcjournal.biz

The buzz of cheerful chatter, funny one-liners and laughter filled the West Richland Senior Center on March 14.

It had been a long time since the modest building at 616 N. 60th Ave. overflowed with so many people.

The senior center shuttered at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic three years ago.

“It’s been a few years since I’ve seen this hall full,” noted West Richland police Chief Thomas Grego.

Since word got out about the reopening celebration, Bill Larsen’s email inbox has been full.

He is the West Richland Senior Association’s new president.

“There’s been an outpouring of interest about when and where and how to get involved,” he said.

More than 60 people attended the reopening celebration, which included lunch donated by Guardian Angels Homes.

The senior association’s new board gave speeches, introductions and history lessons. Elected officials celebrated their senior population, and fire and police personnel shared safety tips.

Larsen said he hopes seniors will be able to rekindle their friendships and make new ones.

It’s the reason Patty Hamilton, 67, showed up.

“I have nothing to fill my day up. I wanted to get in with the seniors and do what they do,” she said.

Debbie Schutz, 63, agreed: “I have nothing to do.”

The board encouraged anyone wanting to stay at the center after the luncheon to pull up a chair and help