The following article appeared in the Nov. 2003 issue of Snohomish County Seniors, a Supplement to the TRIBUNE by Mach Publishing of Snohomish, WA. Permission to include this and the former article about Snohomish Senior Center plans gotten from Becky Reed, editor. ( Subject: Snohomish Cemetery FYI) The article is by Christine Ermey, Staff Writer for Snoh. Co. Seniors and the TRIBUNE quoted in full as follows: Snohomish Senior Center, city unveil plans for new center By Christine Ermey, Staff Writer Snohomish senior citizens gathered at the Snohomish Senior Center Oct. 16 (12 Noon-CC) to get a peek at what may be to come. Architects Grace Kim and Elizabeth Thompson of Place Architects, LLC, were on hand to describe the concept drawings they have developed with the help of Snohomish Senior Center members and the city of Snohomish. City Treasurer Brad Nelson was also on hand at the meeting. "This is part our process, to come before the membership ... for you to hear first hand from the architects about what ther design looks like," he said. Nelson explained that the total budget for the new senior center is about $1 million, of which $650,000 is earmarked for the new building. The remainder will be used for furnishing the new center, which will include a new restaurant-style kitchen. Nelson added that moving forward with the new senior center project will depend on receipt of a Community Development Block grant from Snohomish County. Thompson explained some of the amenities that the new senior center will have. It will be located on the site of the current senior center, (Snohomish Cemetery - CC) and will retain the trees qat the exterior of the property and its proximity to the river. "The adjacency to the river is a special part of this site," she said. She added that plans include an outdoor bqarbecue and deck.(sic.) Thompsonalso said the plans for the new site include 37 parking spaces, some of which are reserved for handicapped drivers. Kim explained more about the structural aspects of the planned facility. "We wanted to keep the struture very simple," she said. She displayed a shematic drawing that she said looked somewhat like a barn with a large roof, which provides warmth. She said she plans a large sunny area at the entry of the building where patrons can wait for buses or sit outside to enjoy the weather. The building designs include plans for three large rooms, Kim said, which will accommodate many different activities. "You told us you needed classroom space and a multi[purpose space," she said. "We have big and small scale spaces." Kim said the rooms in the design are large enough to accommodate dances, or exercise classes and will be adjacent to a new restaurant-style kitchen. Senior Center member Bob Knight said, "The size of the kitchen is necessary to get a nutrition program here." Senior Center President Bill Huested said the idea of the new senior center has been in the works for more than a year. "We could do so much more with more space," he said. This article is accompanied by PLACE architects has the caption: The conceptual drawing for a new Snohomish Senior Center shows improved parking and more space; funding will depend on a Community Development Block Grant for the county's Planning and Development Services. End of article from November 2003 Seniors quoted in full. * * * The site is located at Second Street and Cypress Avenue, ingress and egress on 2nd St on the extreme easterly side of the City of Snohomish - the road and bridge that crosses the Pilchuck River, and site of Snohomish Cemetery on which the new Senior Center would be built. An explanation as to how the City of Snohomish or the Senior Center, or other responsible entity will handle the existing burials and remains has not been apparent in writing. Both Caucasian and Indian burials are known to have taken place at this site, and not all were exhumed. How will this be handled, legally? When, if at all, will Snohomish Cemetery be decertified as a cemetery so that it is no longer a cemetery? Why is it called Snohomish Cemetery? The County Accessor's Office at the Court House in Everett has that designation. I have seen the old large Plat or Plot chart titled Snohomish Cemetery in the large Script-like print of those early times when embelish was the popular print trend. I am very much for a senior center, and one of adequate size and facilities - Marysville, Monroe, Everett has excellent centers, but on top of an existing, historical cemetery site? Neglect, defacing, vandalizing, desecrating a cemetery is for not, and is inexcusable! Carroll in Snohomish * * * 30 * * *