STARS IN THE SKY VALLEY: Senior center director retiring after decade of advocacy

Marc Avni will be leaving behind some big shoes to fill. After serving as executive director of the East County Senior Center for the past decade, Marc is retiring as of April 29.

Marc's interest in the senior community and issues around aging go back to the time he spent working on a kibbutz in Israel. The friends he made there were the original settlers of the region that had brought the desert to life. In their 80s, Marc enjoyed listening to the stories of their challenges and successes. Although he had studied sociology at Penn State University, these early influences changed his life focus.

Upon returning to the U.S. and settling in Seattle, Marc worked in manufacturing and shipping logistics, but always felt the pull to work with seniors. He acquired a certificate in aging studies at the University of Washington and began a career as a coordinator for the King County Retired & Senior Volunteer Program and later as a home care agency director.

Marc started as executive director for East County Senior Center in 2006 and began building a legacy of innovative services for seniors.

The list of Marc's accomplishments is long and incorporates his desire to create a warm, caring atmosphere where people of any age can feel like a part of a family. When asked what he is most proud of, Marc talked about coordinating with the city of Monroe and United Way to acquire funding for the mobility bus, which he calls the "life line.GÇ¥ This service provides access for seniors to shop at local stores, attend medical appointments and gives rides to and from the senior center. The bus gave close to 3,000 rides last year, which is a 44-percent increase over 2014.

Marc also succeeded in giving the senior center building a new look by securing the donation of time from members of Cascade Church, the Amesbury Painting and Preferred Painting companies, and materials from Home Depot to refurbish the facility both inside and out.

Marc is especially proud of the 2010 Emergency Preparedness Project, in which he brought together students from Monroe High School and seniors from the center to prepare 100 three-day emergency kits for the food bank.

Their efforts won an award from the National Council of Aging. Marc was invited to Washington, D.C., to receive the award on behalf of the ESCS at the National Council on Aging's annual conference. Following this, he was invited to speak at a five-state FEMA conference on youth and emergency preparedness.

When asked how Marc sees the role of senior centers in a community, this energetic and innovative director said the model is changing. What was once a place that provided lunch, a few activities and community feel will be called upon to respond to the next generation of seniors seeking a greater range of services. The "boomersGÇ¥ want more active programs, exercise classes, travel options and resources. The facilities will also need to expand to meet the broader interests and greater mobility of future members.

This topic relates to one of the aspects that Marc finds most challenging ' fundraising. In order to provide the range of services and continue to grow with the community and the needs of an increasing elderly population, greater financial support is essential.

The ESCS staff invests a significant amount of time in fundraising activities throughout the year, coordinating with other agencies and writing grants. The biggest demand is preparing for and facilitating the upcoming dinner and auction to be held April 9 at the Echo Falls Golf Course. This event secures a large portion of the yearly budget.

Member donations are also an important source of financial support. Marc cites his appreciation for local elder care attorney Melinda Grout for helping to establish the Legacy Society, an interest-bearing account that accepts funds willed to the center by its members.

When asked what Marc would like to say that would increase community awareness, he emphasized that older adults are a vital segment of our community and they have a lot to offer.

As life expectancy is growing and people are retiring earlier, senior centers are situated to provide guidance in teaching the skills of how to live successful fulfilling lives on a limited income. Marc feels there needs to be a new definition of successful aging. He feels "ECSC is an award-winning leader in shaping the next generation of seniors.GÇ¥-á -á -á

Marc has much to be proud of as he looks back on the past 10 years. He smiles when relating his gratification at being able to help members and families with elder care issues, researching resources and counseling. He views himself as sort of an elder care social worker in his outreach activities, visiting folks in hospitals, hospice and their homes. One of his fondest memories is of the day he was invited to listen to the ECSC Village Voices sing "Sun Rise, Sun SetGÇ¥ in honor of his son's marriage.

Being a role model for his children is one of Marc's pleasures, as well as interacting with the cadre of volunteers and diligent board members, without whom there would be no senior center.

Marc admits the hardest part of his job has been to say goodbye to those elders that pass on. He feels deeply for all the members and hopes his efforts and the presence of the ECSC has been a positive experience in their lives.

Saying goodbye to ECSC will be a challenge for Marc as well, but he has much going on. He is forming a consulting practice on senior living, is an avid golfer and would like to work in some capacity in the wine industry, as it is one of his passions along with classical music.

Marc wanted to share his heart-felt appreciation to the Sky Valley community, the center staff, board of directors and members, his wife, Robin, and three children for their support of him and the ECSC.

He does indeed leave behind some big shoes, and he is especially proud of his mentorship of Jacob McGee, who will be the next executive director. Marc is confident Jacob is the person for the job of taking ECSC into the future.

Marc's words to the wise; "Life is an adventure where there is always something new to learn and experience.GÇ¥

Tickets for the April 9 ECSC fundraising dinner and auction are now available. Call 360-794-6359 or stop by the center. Auction items are also being accepted.