The Centralia Foundation celebrated its successes of the past and looked towards the future at a dinner over the weekend.
The foundation’s recently hired Operational Manager Jake Junahauel told those in attendance his goal has been to instill in all employees that their jobs start with serving guests. And he says the number of guests is higher than most would think.
“350,000 people this year alone. It may sound like a big number, but I promise you, that is conservative,” Junahauel said. “Between the Rec Center, Rotary Park, Foundation Park, and the Carillon, 350,000 is very conservative.”
Junahauel noted all of the achievements would not be possible without the work of board members.
Recently elected Chair Dave Agee introduced past and present board members and thanked them all noting everyone on the board is a ‘working member’.
Dan Ramey reported work will begin shortly on the installation of 800 solar panels at the rear of the Centralia Recreation Center.
“They will produce about 67 to 70 percent of our power per year, and we’ve signed a contract with a company to build them for a little over 2.5 million dollars,” Ramey said. “By looking at some grants and some reimbursements and some credits that they’ve got out… we’re anticipating getting 100 percent of our money back.”
Ramey says without taking action, increased electric rates were going to double to a half million dollars, taking money away from recreational opportunities. He also reported the Foundation is working with the city and railroad to add an ADA accessible ramp.
It was also reported the newly expanded and landscaped Carillon Park is now open with a further expansion on the way to include the area where the former Lee’s Drug Store building was torn down. John Perrine said they are moving closer to their dream of having the park cover the complete block around the Carillon Bell Tower.
An update was also given on the scholarships provided by the foundation. After starting with one scholarship 34 years ago, it has grown tremendously according to current Scholarship Chair Jim Rueter.
“Today we have 19 scholarships. Last year we had 97 applicants. We handed out $226,150 dollars. The total for the last six years was $1,257,900. It was people like you that made this very, very special,” Rueter said. “I don’t know of any other town that has this. The feedback I’ve gotten from students that have no biological father or mother… Some of these kids had tears in their eyes when they opened up their checks.”
Rueter says the application process can be completed online and is very simple.
The foundation board also honored its longtime Executive Secretary Nina Buchele on her upcoming retirement. She has been with the foundation since its start in 1966.
