Luverne Senior Citizens President George Bonnema embraced his leader position Feb. 5 when he spoke to county commissioners about changing the image of retired residents.
Bonnema, the former flower shop owner, and Senior Citizens Vice President Renee Reu outlined the history and future plans to rebrand the organization and remodel a facility to meet current needs of seniors and the Rock County community.
Bonnema asked commissioners to commit $150,000 to the estimated $2 million project.
“We see potential in what we can do here,” Bonnema said. “A lot of things I can’t do without a new building.”
Almost 20 percent — nearly 1,900 people — of the county’s 9,490 population are 65 and older, according to 2017 census figures. Currently, 60 of those are members of the Luverne Senior Citizens.
Bonnema’s leadership group and building committee are exploring various funding options for a multi-function facility.
The facility will replace the former Lincoln Hotel currently used for office and meeting space and remodel the current attached senior dining hall with updated kitchen and cold storage areas.
“The term ‘senior citizens’ is outdated and doesn’t appeal to anyone under (age) 90,” Bonnema said.
“A new building will give us a new image. A new name will give us a new image in the community. We are trying to get that out there.”
The commissioners referred Bonnema’s request to their finance committee to bring a funding recommendation back to the board.
Bonnema is planning to unveil building plans for the new senior center on April 1 during a dessert theater fundraiser in Grand Prairie Events.
At least 60 percent of the funding for the project is expected to be in place by late summer with design plans finalized this fall.
Construction is planned for 2020.