Solvang Senior Center Announces More Contributions Toward New Building

of the new center, scheduled to begin by mid-2023.

“Our foundation donors have been reliable partners for the center for decades, providing annual operating grants for the center’s activities and programs,” Capital Campaign Co-Chair Linda Johansen said.

molished as construction begins. e City of Solvang has lent its support in various ways, including providing a “temporary home” for center activities at the American Legion Wing of the Veteran’s Memorial building during the construction period.

aging adults in the Valley during 2023.

Having started in 2018, the e orts to fund a new building for the Solvang Senior Center has received signi cant lead-level contributions from many individuals and local foundations over the past two years.

ose donors include Dr. Virgil Elings, the Ken and Lloyd Mills family and the Holzheu family, the Ann Jackson Family Foundation, the Hutton Parker Foundation, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation, the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation, Christian Science Society Solvang, the Elaine F. Stepanek Foundation, Glass House Brands, Rio Vista Chevrolet, the Viking Charities, Inc., and the Wood-Claeyssens Foundation. ey and others have signi cantly contributed to the construction

“ ey continue to recognize the critical importance of making an investment to meet the growing demand for programs that improve the lives of active aging adults in our Valley for decades to come.” e center began its Capital Campaign in 2018 with a kick-o donation of $50,000 from the Solvang Rotary Foundation. Montecito Bank and Trust matched that amount to become the campaign’s lead business sponsor. Since then, the center has raised more than $3.2 million towards the construction of the new building and to out t the new center with exible and state-ofthe-art equipment. e new multi-purpose community center will be erected on the same site as the current modular buildings, which will be de-

“With the city’s strong commitment, we can continue our activities and programs uninterrupted during construction, which is exactly what our members need,” said Executive Director Ellen Albertoni. “We are in the nal planning stages to make our move to the Legion Wing, and will announce the timing of our move in mid-spring.” e county’s support in granting a 50-year lease for $0 propelled the momentum toward the construction of a new center. Once the building permit is issued this spring, the county will give its nal approval and construction will begin. e Solvang Senior Center has set a goal for membership to grow to include all active

Although located in Solvang behind the Veteran’s Memorial Building, the center sits on land leased from Santa Barbara County.

“In coming months, additional community fundraising will be required to reach the necessary nancial funding to complete the construction and out t the building with the necessary equipment and furnishings for a state-of-the-art facility that our seniors deserve,” Johansen said.

Albertoni noted that, in addition, the building will be available for use by the community.

“Since announcing our membership campaign in December, we have 26 new members,” Albertoni said. “Whether purchasing your own membership or gifting one to a senior in need, we invite everyone to visit our website at www.solvangseniorcenter.org for details about programs, activities, membership, resources for seniors, and more information about the capital campaign.”

Valley residents interested in purchasing or gifting a membership can also call the Center at (805) 688-3793.

About Solvang Senior Center: e Solvang Senior Center, a 501(c)3 nonpro t organization, is the Santa Ynez Valley’s community hub for active aging adults 55 years and older. O ering programs and activities such as low-impact exercise classes, daily lunches, and monthly member dinners, the center provides local seniors with new opportunities for connection and vital resources for independent living. Members of the Solvang Senior Center keep their minds sharp, bodies healthy, and spirits soaring thanks to the center’s services. Incorporated in 1978, the Solvang Senior Center is supported via individual memberships, donations and grants from area foundations, businesses and government. You can nd the center at 1745 Mission Drive in Solvang, behind the Solvang Veterans Hall in the heart of town. For a list of services, events and more information visit www.solvangseniorcenter.org.