Leavenworth Senior Center rebrands to welcome more generations

LEAVENWORTH —The Leavenworth Senior Center is turning a new page as it rebrands into River Valley Commons, an age-inclusive community center.

Under this new chapter, the organization hopes to continue providing senior-focused support, programs and activities, while also expanding offerings for adults of all ages.

According to President Tammy Hayrynen, conversations about a rebrand began when the Leavenworth Senior Center started to see participation numbers dwindle as long-time members aged out. 

“My goal was to find younger senior adults to join and to kind of pick up where they have left off,” said Hayrynen. “And to continue to keep this community open for seniors and adults.”

The organization said it chose the name River Valley Commons to reflect the beauty of the area while establishing an inclusive gathering place. While the nonprofit offers memberships for ages 50 and over, adults of all ages are invited to be involved at River Valley Commons. Hayrynen hopes that a wide age range of participants will foster connections across generations.

“I would like to see a collaboration of the generations meeting to help one another because that's the way things were done,” said Hayrynen. “Really, a couple generations ago, people lived together, people worked together, and helped each other out. And I think that that's something that we should never grow out of.”

As the center rebrands, Hayrynen hopes that River Valley Commons will attract more ages, foster connection, and preserve an asset that is vital to the senior community.

“We still need to have socialization. We still need to have people getting together and being interactive with one another. It's important for humans to get together and to have a community they can rely on…So they know that they can call us if they have a concern, if they need help, or if they want to be involved,” said Hayrynen.

Programs and activities, often run by volunteers, are slowly increasing. Currently, River Valley Commons is offering weekly classes such as meditation and movement for beginners, Tai Chi, standing and chair yoga, art and dance, as well as weekly games, a monthly film night, and community support groups. The Senior Lunch service is also continuing, which offers a nutritionally balanced meal and socializing every Wednesday.

“I think it's really important to let the senior community know that we are not completely changing. We are still here, first and foremost, to support senior activities and senior lifestyles,” said Hayrynen.

The new change will carry on a legacy that predates the senior center. The building itself has a deep history as one of the oldest buildings in Leavenworth. According to River Valley Commons, it was constructed in 1914 to house the Zarthan Masonic Lodge, a chapter of the International Brotherhood of Masons during the town’s timber and railroad era. The building was sold to the Leavenworth Seniors Council in 1994. While the Senior Center operated downstairs, the Zarthan chapter continued to meet on the second floor.

Today, the Zarthan chapter has a handful of members who meet occasionally in the building’s ornate second-floor annex, which has preserved the Masonic Club’s history and heritage through decor, portraits and photographs, according to River Valley Commons. Steve Alford, a chapter member of nearly 50 years, has also been a dedicated volunteer of the Senior Center. 

“We want to increase publicity for the new center for the updated center, and we need as many people to know about it as possible,” said Alford. “So we're creating new projects, new activities, and trying to create more interest. You know, this place is underutilized, so we're trying to create more events to increase its use.”

Schedules, lunch menus, current classes and programs, and volunteer opportunities can be found on the new website: www.rivervalleycommons.net. The center can also be reached at 509-548-6666 and found on Facebook. The organization is seeking more ideas for activities and volunteers to lead them.

“I hope that we can get some interesting and exciting things happening that will spark an interest and get some attention,” said Hayrynen.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media