About Us

Mission, Vision, Core Values | History | Meet Our Team

Mission—Our Reason for Being

The mission of UKCSC is to enhance the well-being of older adults through a range of programs and services that enrich their physical, mental, social, and economic quality of life.

Vision—Our Aspiration

Our vision is to be the go-to gathering place where adults come to connect, support one another, and thrive by participating in meaningful programming and diverse activities.

Core Values—Our Ideals that Guide Us

♥ Kindness: Foster a sense of friendliness and caring
♥ Connection: Foster a sense of team and community
♥ Contribution: Foster a sense of participation and fulfillment
♥ Preservation: Foster a sense of stability, sustainability and endurance

Brief History and Key Milestones

The Upper Kittitas County Senior Center Building located in Cle Elum, WA

In 1972 older adults in the region formed an AARP chapter and came together for social, educational, and support activities. For 20 years, they met in various locations. In 1991 Upper Kittitas County Senior Center (UKCSC) incorporated as a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit. With a vision of having their own space, dedicated volunteers organized fundraisers, and rallied community support.

UKCSC leadership and the City of Cle Elum, with the support of Mayor Berndt, agreed to a Property Use Agreement for two acres of Centennial Park. UKCSC relied mostly on donated funds, materials, and volunteer labor to complete the 10,000 square foot Centennial Center in 2002.

Today, volunteers remain the heart of the Center. Programs and services are offered to those from a 250-square-mile area from Snoqualmie Pass to Elk Heights. UKCSC collaborates with community organizations, engages in local celebrations, and designs programming focused on meeting the community’s needs.

UKCSC – Community and Fun

Bingo! Mondays 11:30-3:00 Join Us!

1991

Incorporated

as a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit
2000

Land Use Agreement

with the City of Cle Elum
2002

Build

and move in
2009

Building Burned

and the community rallied in support
2010

New Building

Move in (again)!
2015

Public Services Agreement

with Kittitas County
2015

LP Gas

Backup Generator
2018

Installation

of solar and showers
2020-2022

Reduced Services

due to Covid-19
2023

Transition

back to formal governance

Introduction to Key Team Members and Leadership

Executive Committee

Patty Nelson
Board President
Patty joined the Center in 2013 as a volunteer server and bartender after retiring from Quality at Boeing and the Federal Way School District. She joined the Board in 2017, became President of the Board in 2023 and leads the Center with a warm heart. Patty loves spending time with her grandchildren and chickens.

Linda Libby
Board Vice President
Linda has enjoyed the Senior Center since 2008. She has worked the Sunshine desk, serving in the Cafe and helping with events. Linda views the Center as a great way to help with a purpose and to meet new wonderful people. Linda is currently Vice President on the board.

Ida Knutson
Board Treasurer
Ida was elected as Treasurer in 2025. She has 40+ years in banking and lending and 30 years volunteering in the community including serving on the South Cle Elum town council and with Phoenix Development Group. She recently returned to Cle Elum because of the people here. The majority want what’s best for the community and are there for others. You can’t find this in large cities.

Linda Childs
Board Secretary
Linda joined the Center in 2015 She began volunteering after retiring from the Upper Kittitas County District Court. She joined the Board in 2023. She enjoys antique car shows, spending time with her grandchildren, quilting, reading and playing bingo.
Board of Directors

In alphabetical order

Bob McGinnBoard Member
Bob holds an MBA from WSU and after retiring as an Executive from U.S. West, he moved to Cle Elum. He has been active in the community and has served on several Boards before joining the Center in 2024. His interests include skiing, golf, woodworking and gardening.

Cathie Moore
Board Member
Cathie had a career in nursing for 40 years, in hospitals, at a nursing home and clinic. She also taught nursing assistants at an academy. Cathie joined the Center years ago. She started volunteering at front desk and became a Board member in 2023. She helps with events and chairs the Thanksgiving luncheon. Her hobbies are farming, gardening, crocheting and sewing.

Judy Dunn
Board Member
Judy began volunteering and joined the board in 2024, initially assisting at the Sunshine Desk and contributing to the Center’s newsletter. She now leads the newsletter Editorial Team, using Canva to create and enhance our communications. With a career in the technology industry, Judy concentrated on account management and oversaw sales and marketing programs. Outside of volunteering, she enjoys hiking, golf, and exploring new travel destinations.

Kathy Cox
Board Member

Linda Bullock
Board Member

Michael Carlucci
Board Member

Nancy Loder

Board Member

Nancy has been an active volunteer since 2016 serving on the board of directors, serving at the bar and in the diner, working in the kitchen, coordinating, calling and cashiering BINGO, and chairing the Community Giving Committee. I am also a licensed bartender for the center. Nancy retired from 24 years at Sundstrand where they make “the black boxes” in airplanes. She loves sewing and crafting gift baskets.

Tiffany Christman
Board Member
Tiffany joined the board of directors in 2025. Much of her professional career has been in data analytics. She enjoys connecting with others and making a positive impact wherever she can. Tiffany loves spending time gardening, camping, kayaking and exploring with her husband and their border collies.
Executive Director

Lori Nevin Executive Director

Lori joined the Center in 2023. She holds her Project Management Certification from PMI, and a BS in Business Management. She has worked in marketing, public relations, aerospace and technology. She is a lifelong equestrian, and loves to swim, sew travel, and read.
Staff

Ross Romano
Chef, Kitchen and Food Safety Manager
Ross has over 30 years of culinary experience. That, combined with a lifetime of friends and family in Upper County he is devoted to giving everyone a memorable experience in Goldie’s Diner. He oversees all Food Service operations and coordinates with the volunteer team of food workers.

Sabrina Risher, Program Coordinator: Sabrina joined the center in 2025. In the years leading up to her “dream job” at UKCSC, she worked in Human Resources, construction, led a non-profit that focused on protecting children, and homeschooled her children. She enjoys horseback riding, hiking, snowmobiling, yoga, glamping, high school sports, serving youth in our community, and adventures with her husband and three daughters.

Shannon O’Neill, Custodian: After serving as a custodian for the Cle Elum Roslyn School District and many private households, she now carries out those responsibilities for UKC Senior Center. Shannon loves being part of the Center and enjoys the exercise activities. She loves being outdoors.

Wayne Tenney, Bookkeeper: Wayne is currently working on his bachelor’s degree in accounting. He enjoys volunteering with the youth of our community. He joined the Center with his husband in 2024. He has 3 Boston terriers, 3 cats and 15 chickens.