"After months of planning, a week of partial closure, and a week of full closure, the Carl Gipson Center reopened on Saturday with brand new carpet and a rebuilt, modern membership desk. The new desk has a space for a wheelchair/walker friendly counter and a shorter overall barrier between our team and our members, as well as four new workstations for students, members or VOA staff who need a desk.
This has made a huge difference in the look and feel of the Center, and will help us serve our current members and appeal to new members, as well as make the Center a more attractive venue for partners and events.
Deserving special credit: Our Operations Director Gul Subaykan orchestrated the entire project, and our Facilities Coordinator Susie Devera moved more things over the past several weeks than most of us combined.
We also need to thank:
- City of Everett facilities leadership, including: Russell, Scott, Ben and their colleagues were extremely helpful.
- Doug Donnelly of Donnelly Vending, who volunteered with his own crew to move the exercise equipment and pool tables before the carpet team began.
- Everett Office Furniture: Nadlae & her team
- Carpet Liquidators’ team
- CGC/VOA volunteers and staff, including: Jim, Bryan, Pam, Debi, Zanna, Kerri, Lucia and Nick.
- Jessica Moore, VP of Development: for helping to steward the gift that funded this project.
And, of course, thanks to the generous member – who wishes to remain anonymous – who contributed over $47K to this huge project. She’s a blessing to our community.
If you haven’t already, come check it out! Just don’t spill anything…."
- Cory Armstrong-Hoss, Executive Director, Senior Services