The Water
Washington State has approved Woodmen Hall’s proposal to use the existing well, which has plenty of water.
Steps toward completion include putting a casing around the well; underground electrical; replace well house with larger building for garden storage; put up protective barrier 50 feet around the well (no car parking).
Lopez Senior Services is proceeding so that the closure of the building will be minimized. The priority has been, and continue to be, to maintain the integrity of this historical building while meeting state and county requirements.
Lopez Island Senior Services Advisory Committee (LISSAC) has approved funding for: stage extension; ramp hand rails; door from foyer to upstairs; mop sink; hole in building (done!); door to new under stairs storage; main hall cleanup/painting.
At the July meeting the LISSAC approved funding for completion of the kitchen with the exception of items associated with the stove, which will be approved just before occupancy.
Kitchen
Plumbing; wall mounted storage shelves; stainless steel work counters/shelves; built-in sinks; center work area; electrical work/lighting; painting.
Lopez Senior Services occupancy is tentatively set for January 2009.
Calling all ages! All kinds of community help is needed to finish the above general and kitchen projects as well as get the senior services moved into Woodmen Hall and into operation and get the building open and available for use by the community.
Help can be for a specific project, a day’s work, and/or a donation. Call the Lopez Senior Center at 468-2421 to volunteer.
The following projects are done or close to completion:
• The Foyer! Now with two bathrooms (one handicapped accessible), a pine-wrapped ceiling, new fixtures and flooring.
• Third bathroom (handicapped accessible) near kitchen.
• Roof repaired.
• Old Annex has been completely remodeled for use by the seniors for offices and a pantry. (Kitchen, see above.)
• Deck and handicapped ramps.
• Painting of main room.
There will be ongoing work that needs to be done after occupancy, as funds and volunteers are available, including (but not limited to): upgraded electrical in main building; stage; plumbing; insulation; lowered ceiling; grounds.
By vote of the Lopez Senior Advisory Committee, Woodmen Hall use has been limited to activities that were being carried on when construction started. This includes exercise, Tai Chi, bridge, bingo, The Friends of Woodmen Hall happenings, and the Sunday church service. For some time the seniors have approved additional events on an individual basis. At this stage of construction, no new activities are being scheduled. When the water is back on and building permit requirements are met, Woodmen Hall will be available for senior and community use.
Operating procedures, rental costs and activity usage criteria will be published in the near future.
The Senior Advisory Committee meets the first Monday of the month, currently downstairs at the Firehall in the Village at 10 a.m. All are welcome.
The Friends of Woodmen Hall have been fund-raising primarily for construction costs (over $50,000 to date). They will continue to support the construction and future needs of the building for the use of the community. Their next fund-raiser is the Harvest Fest on October 11 at Woodmen Hall from 11-3. Vendors should call Virginia at 468-2738 (inside spaces 8’, outside 10’). To become a member call Connie of the Friends at 468-3275.
Their regular board meeting is the second Monday of the Month at 10:30 a.m. at Woodmen Hall.
