PRESS RELEASE

September 12, 2013

To: Our Town, Silverton Appeal, Salem Statesman-Journal

From: Silverton Senior Center, 115 Westfield St., Silverton, 503-873-0159

Silverton Senior Center and the City of Silverton are announcing that recently changed federal and state rules allow the center to permit people under age 60 to attend fund-raising events located there. Up to now, the rules of the block grant used for the building’s construction specified members, guests and others from the community had to be age 60 or more to use the building. This was to be in effect until the five-year continued use period had ended. The new center opened in 2010 but did not pass construction inspection until 2011; however, in 2015 the City of Silverton, which aids its support with a $50,000 yearly stipend, will have completed its obligation and the center will be on its own. The City’s financial assistance ends in 2015, but the over-60 age restriction will not end until 2017.

City Manager Bob Willoughby announced that a new two-part test will be applied to the age-related issue at the center:  people under 60 can attend an event at the center if 1) the people participating in the event are primarily seniors (over 60) and 2) the proceeds from the event go primarily to the center. Both the federal agency, HUD, and the state agency, IFA, that manage federal block grants, will permit fundraising events  that meet this two-part test. 

Under the former age rules, a July a pancake breakfast fundraiser was advertised for senior center members and members of the public age 60+. Even with the age restriction, the breakfast attracted nearly 100 people and was considered successful. “It was the first fundraiser we’ve held at the center,” said Alan Mickelson, president of the SSC board of directors.  “The new ruling will make it easier in the future to raise money.  This is very good news for our center.” 

“I’m excited to have the rules softened,” said Dodie Brockamp, executive director at SSC. “With the change, our own members may feel more welcome and bring other people from within the community who can share in the center’s support at these kinds of fund-raising events.” 

Questions have arisen regarding rental of the center as well. Michelle Bilberry of IFA said the building cannot be rented to groups or individuals under age 60 and must meet the two-part test. A wedding or anniversary party for seniors qualifies, but a scout group cannot have meetings there, nor can a day-care be located in the building. “We’re going to have to evaluate each event or fundraiser based on this two-part test on a case-by-case basis,” Willoughby said.”