Mayor Visits Redmond Senior Center to Provide City Update, Honor Volunteers

Redmond Mayor John Marchione stopped by the  (RSC) on Friday morning to share information about the city's programs and policies, and recognize two senior center volunteers. The visit was part of the city's regular First Friday Coffee Chat series.

Marchione said the city staff is developing a 20-year plan for long-term maintenance and upgrades to the senior center and other community gathering spaces. Recreation opportunities offered at places like the senior center continue to be one of the city's most important assets, the mayor told the 30 or so residents who attended the discussion.

"We're really pleased with the success of our recreation programs," he said.

Marchione also addressed the need for the city to offer a variety of housing and transportation options to seniors and other residents. City officials are continuing to encourage the development of different types of housing—from single-family homes to condominiums and apartments to assisted living facilities, he said.

"Having housing (and) transportation choices make Redmond a place you can stay your whole life," he said.

, a senior center volunteer who serves on a transportation subcommittee through RSC, said he's been impressed with the steps Marchione has taken to reach out to older Redmond residents.

"I really think this is a good forum for him to come in and hear some of the things that are on the seniors' minds," Lester said of the coffee chat.

During the discussion, Lester advocated for the creation of downtown circulator bus that could transport seniors and other residents around the city's central areas—a proposal the senior center advisory committee developed more than a year ago.

Marchione said the idea for a circulator has also been supported by some local businesses. City staff will likely discuss the proposal this summer or fall in contingency with an update to Redmond's transportation master plan, he said.

Volunteers, local business honored

Marchione has designated May as Older Americans and Senior Recognition Month. On Friday, he also took the opportunity to honor Jim and Millie Robinson, two longtime senior center volunteers, and  assisted living facility for their contributions to the community.

The Robinsons both began volunteering at the senior center in the 1990s, with Millie working in the kitchen and Jim making wooden toys for the craft store and serving on the advisory committee and intergenerational committee.

Jim Robinson said the couple's involvement with the senior center has helped he and his wife stay active and social.

"I've made a lot of nice friends," he said.