WASI continues to work toward financial stability and solvency

To the editor:

In reference to the Spectrum piece written by Mary Hall published in the Frontiersman on Feb. 4, the Wasilla Area Seniors Inc. (WASI) board of directors would like to respond.

As explained by Service Corps of Retired Executives, the roles and responsibilities of a non-profit organization board of directors is to select the executive director and charge him/her with the responsibility for managing the organization. This includes, but is not limited to, personnel and staffing decisions. The board oversees the performance of the executive director and performs the function of making policy decisions that are then implemented by the executive director.

The WASI board of directors hires only the executive director. The executive director’s responsibility is to manage all staff issues. The board supports the current executive director, Sondra Kaplan, who was hired in January 2009 at a time when the center was in extreme financial difficulty. Due to the hard work by both the board of directors and management over the last two years, WASI is meeting its current financial obligations and is continuing to work toward financial stability and solvency. WASI continued to provide basic needs and services to the senior population within the Mat-Su community during this time period.

The policy of WASI is to protect each member’s confidential and personal information. Board members can be reached at wasibod@gmail.com. A board officer monitors this e-mail address.

A breach of confidentiality relating to personnel issues can result in costly court judgments against an organization. WASI is committed to protecting the privacy of the organization’s employees. In accordance with best practices cited by the Society of Human Resource Managers, WASI board of directors, management and staff will not comment on any personnel issues.

The reorganization process of the WASI Fitness Center took just two short weeks. As promised to the members on Jan. 13, the Club50 Fitness facility was reopened Feb. 1 for “open fitness.”

WASI would like to say a big thank you to all the people who volunteer at the center on a regular basis. Ruth Tinsley is an outstanding example, as she donates many hours a week to help with the nutrition program. We welcome all volunteers who would give of their time, talent and energy.

The Wasilla Area Seniors Inc. board of directors would like to extend an invitation to the Mat-Su community to visit the center at 1301 Century Circle in Wasilla. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with lunch served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Please come by and visit our wonderful facility.

Mary Sears

President of the Wasilla Area Seniors Inc. board of directors

Wasilla