/The%20Bridge%20Mar11

theBridge

NORTH WHIDBEY’S 50-PLUS CROWD

March 2011 | Vol. 2 | Issue 11

LIFE . HEALTH . HAPPINESS

Please join us on March 16 from 10:0011:00 am for an informative workshop

by Sande Crank-Mulkey, Regency on Whidbey. We’ll discuss helpful tips and questions to ask when selecting a facility for yourself or a loved one.

Gathering information is an important part in making this important decision.

Come and bring a friend!

COSTCO – MORE THAN BULK BUYING

The Burlington Costco will be here on Monday March 14 at 1:00 pm with Muffins, Fruit & Costco Information for all in attendance. You can get a new Costco Membership, Special Offer – Join Today and receive a Costco Cash Card.

Renew or upgrade your membership that day and get a free gift! Costco will have a Representative from the Pharmacy, Hearing Aid Department and possibly the Optical Department.

Looking forward to a special day. RSVP by calling the Center at 279-4580.

WHIDBEY GENERAL’S EDUCATION SERIES

WGH Bond Issue Presentation Join Whidbey General Hospital’s CEO Tom Tomasino, Monday, March 28 at 1:00 pm for a Public Meeting on the Bond Levy. The meeting will outline WGH’s strategic plan that calls for replacing the hospital’s 40 year old inpatient wing.

Come hear Mr. Tomasino present WGH’s near and long term goals to continue to provide quality care on Whidbey Island.

RSVP by calling the Center at 279-4580.

RETAIL SHOPPING: MONEY SAVING STRATEGIES

Join Amy Hannold, Wednesday, March 30 at 10:00 am at the Oak Harbor Senior Center for “Retail Shopping: Money Saving Strategies” workshop. This is the second in her Money Saving Life Simplifying Workshops. Tips on saving money at drugstores, retail businesses and elsewhere. Tools, “how-to’s” and everyday money-saving ideas will be shared. Workshop is free. RSVP by calling 279-4580.

THE FIVE WISHES PROGRAM

What would your wish be if something were to happen to you? Hospice of the ... More on Page 2

Building a better community W ant a better community? You can help. As you start looking around your house and garage getting ready for Spring Cleaning consider donating to Island Thrift. What better way to recycle usable but no longer needed items, and reduce the use of landfills? By donating to Island Thrift, you help the environment and your neighbors. Every year, proceeds from Island Thrift go to a variety of community projects in Island County. Organizations such as Lifeline Trust Fund, North Whidbey Help House, Opportunity Council, Meals On Wheels, Toddler Learning Center, Compass Health, Wildlife Care Center and many more. Since 1986, the Oak Harbor Senior Center has been a recipient of Island Thrift’s funding support. Thank-You Island Thrift for all you do to make this a better community. They welcome your donations of “gently used” items including books, music, toys, games, clothing, furniture, housewares, small appliances and more. Donation drop-off hours are MondaySaturday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Questions? Please call 675-1133.

Thank you Island Thrift for 25 years of support!

“Morning Out At The Movies” fundraiser

Help raise needed funds for the Oak Harbor Senior Center and enjoy a “Morning Out At The Movies” with friends at the same time. As we go to press in February, details are still being worked out for our date. We will know the exact date by March 1. Join us at Oak Harbor Cinemas for the soon to be released “Water For Elephants” starring Robert Pattison, Reese Witherspoon and Hal Halbrook. Based on the book by Sara Gruen. It’s the story of Jacob Jankowski who was tossed by fate onto a rickety train that was home to the “Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth.”

It was the early part of the great Depression, and for Jacob, now ninety, the circus world he remembers was both his salvation and a living hell. A veterinary student just shy of a degree, he was put in charge of caring for the circus menagerie. It was there that he met Marlena, the beautiful equestrian star married to August, the charismatic but twisted animal trainer. He met Rosie, an un-trainable elephant who was the great gray hope for this third-rate traveling show. The bond that grew among this unlikely trio was one of love and trust, and, ultimately, it was their only hope for survival. Tickets, available at the Oak Harbor Senior Center, are $15 and include the movie and your choice of a Kids Combo (small popcorn, 16 oz drink and candy) or small popcorn and 24 oz. drink. All ages welcome.

Tech talk computer classes

A four-part series of basic computer classes will be taught at the Oak Harbor Library, Mondays, beginning March 29 from 10:00 – 11:30 am. Computer Basics, Internet Basics, Email Basics, and Microsoft Word Basics will be taught. Class is limited to 12 students. Register by calling Roxann at the Oak Harbor Senior Center, 360-279-4583.

Got a tech question? 30 minute “Book a Librarian” sessions take place Mondays through Saturdays at 9:30 am at the library, by advanced registration (call, email or stop by the library to register). You will work one on one with a librarian on any technology need, such as email or downloading a book from the library’s website.

INSIDE THIS EDITION Laughter and Events Pg. 2

Photo by Roxann Dunn-Terry

SELECTING AN ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY

Health Briefs & Announcements Pg. 3

Classes Pg. 4 Jackpot Bingo Fun & Games Pg. 4

We Can See Clearly Now! Thanks to members of the African American History Month Committee Fleet Readiness Center at NAS Whidbey who washed windows at the Oak Harbor Senior Center.

Calendar Pg.5 Travel Pg. 6 Coming in April Pg. 4

Menu Pg. 3 Interest & Support groups Pg. 7

Page 2 | the hub

The Bridge | March 2011

Happy Place THE SHORTEST DISTANCE “Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.”

BY ROXANN DUNN-TERRY Everyone should have a Happy Place. I have a t-shirt with a drawing of a beach chair, umbrella, on a beach that says “My Happy Place”. Yes, that is one of my Happy Places – the Beach. I have another Happy Place.

My chair at home. A good book, cup of hot cocoa, blankie, and once again I’m in my Happy Place.

I have a new Happy Place. I told

my friend Jo-Anne a few months ago that the one thing I regret was not getting seat warmers in my new car.

To have them installed would have cost more than I was willing to pay.

Problem? I bought my car in July.

Who needs seat warmers in July? I just wasn’t thinking. Al least I had the good sense to make sure it had air conditioning for the road trip to Utah. Oh, how I envied my sister’s automatic seat warmers in her car.

Nothing like toasty buns. I love my car but it just doesn’t warm up until I’m nearly to work. On extra cold mornings Mr. Volunteer will start the car early but that’s not good for the enviroment. Another friend, who will remain annoynmous, suggested I get those little packaged hand warmers – stick them in my bra and that should keep me warm. That led to

Five Wishes Program

a discussion among a couple of the other volunteers of where else I could stick them. I found some “Hot Hands 2” at Walmart. Hm-m-m, Hot Hands, Toasty Buns, works for me. (Hopefully this hasn’t become R rated for you.)

Anyway, I opened my Christmas present from Jo-Anne and wow, there was the makings of my new Happy Place without resorting to Hot Hands.

A portable car seat cover that you plug into the lighter jack. Within seconds life is warm and cozy. I never want to get out of my car now. So far my boss hasn’t had to come out to the parking lot and ask if I plan on coming in to work. If you see me driving around town with a silly grin on my face, you’ll know why. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Or should I say, sitting on it.

> MARCH EVENT SPOTLIGHT BEGINNING COUNTRY DANCE CLASS

Charlie Moore – the “Dancin’ DJ” of DJs Unlimited will be offering a Beginning Country Dance class from 7:00 – 8:00 pm Tuesday evenings beginning on March 1, 2011 in the Senior Center Ballroom. Lessons are $5.00 each, if you bring a dance partner, the price is only $8.00 for the couple! But wait – there is more! If you are a Member of the Oak Harbor Senior Center, the price is $4.00 each or $6.00 for a member couple!! We will learn basic country dance steps such as the Waltz, 2-Step, Polka, East Coast Swing and several Line dances. For further information and to register for class, call Charlie at 360 969-1546 or email djsunlimited@whidbey.net.

COUNTRY DANCE

Each 2nd Friday evening each month, beginning with March 11, 2011, we will be holding a “Country Dance” from 7:00 – 10:00 pm, including a variety of workshops, in the Senior Center Ballroom. Admission is $5.00 per person – $9.00 per couple, $1.00 discount for Senior Center Members. Open to the Public.

SPRING TRAVEL SIGN UP

First day to sign up for Spring Travel will be Thursday, March 31 from 8:30 am – 3:00 pm. Trips for April, May and June will be featured. The Spring Travel Brochure will be mailed to current members. Others may pick up a copy after March 28.

MEMORY SCREENING

A memory screening will be conducted by Susan Walker, MA from Whidbey General Hospital on Tuesday, March 8 from

theBridge EDITOR | Roxann Dunn-Terry Reach The Bridge via mail at: 51 SE Jerome Street Oak Harbor, WA 98277 Business Hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Send comments/suggestions to rdunn-terry@oakharbor.org.

To advertise, call 360-675-6611.

12 – 2:00 pm. Screenings are free. To make an appointment, call the Center at 279-4580. Note: A memory screening is not used to diagnose any particular illness and does not replace consultation with a qualified physician or other healthcare professional.

FREE TAX HELP

AARP Tax Aides will help you file your taxes. No appointment or forms needed. Just bring your tax paperwork and let a trained tax volunteer help you file online. You will receive a printout for your records. Free Tax Help will be available at the Oak Harbor Library, Room 113. Tuesdays, February 1 through April 12, 1pm – 6pm. First come, first served.

SATURDAY MATINEE: “HOW TO COOK YOUR LIFE”

Enjoy this free PG-13 movie about life, love and cooking Saturday, March 5 at 2:00 pm at the Oak Harbor Library. Free popcorn provided by the Friends of the Oak Harbor Library.

START A WORM BIN

Would you like to have a volunteer waste reduction crew working for you 24/7? Oak Harbor’s Maribeth Crandall will teach you how to start a worm bin that will turn your rotten produce into “black gold” for your garden Saturday, March 12 at 2:00 pm. Some of these odor free containers can double as a garden bench, while saving money by reducing your garbage bill. Bring the grandkids to this free “hands-on” event.

WOMEN’S HISTORY IN OAK HARBOR

Local historian and author, Joanne Brown, presents this fasci-

from Page 1

Northwest and HomePlace are back to present Aging with Dignity’s “5 Wishes” Program at the Oak Harbor Senior Center, Wednesday, March 30 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. The Five Wishes program is an easy to use living will that talks about your personal, emotional and spiritual needs as well as your medical wishes. This is a simplified version for Advance Directives, which addresses personal end of life wishes. Jill Boudreau, Community Liaison for Hospice will present the program and provide the booklets and handouts. Wendy Sines, Community Relations Director of HomePlace will provide folders, pens, nametags and light refreshments. There is no charge for the program. Seating is limited to 20 people. RSVP by calling the Center at 279-4580.

nating look at women in Oak Harbor’s history Tuesday, March 15, 7:00 pm. Topics include the land claims that ultimately led to a lack of women in the northwest, along with the Mercer Expeditions and the Northwest’s “Mercer Girls.”

PIONEER WAY IMPROVEMENTS

Larry Cort presents the grand plan for Pioneer Way Improvements on Tuesday, March 8 at 5:30 pm at City Hall. He will discuss the distinction of being one of the first road projects in America to win the Greenroads Certification. Greenroads is a sustainability rating system for road design and development much like the Built Green and LEED certification for buildings.

SENIOR NIGHT OUT

Join Nina and the gang at Tokyo Stop, for an evening of food and friendship, on Wednesday, March 16. Meet at 5:00 pm.

RSVP by calling the Center, 279-4580, by March 11. (Gratuities not included.)

GROUP HEALTH MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN

A Group Health representative will be at the Center on Friday, March 18 at 2 pm, to present the Medicare Advantage plans/ products that Group Health has available beginning January 1, 2011. RSVP by calling the Center at 279-4580.

WHIDBEY GARDENING WORKSHOP

The Whidbey Gardening Workshop will be held at the Coupeville Middle and High School Saturday, March 19. Graham Kerr (the Galloping Gourmet) is the keynote speaker talking about his first year growing a kitchen garden. Presented by WSU Master Gardeners this annual event hosts dozens of classes, displays and vendors. Register online at www.island.wsu.edu or call 360-240-5527

{online at www.whidbeynewstimes.com} OAK HARBOR SENIOR SERVICES Mike McIntyre Senior Services Administrator Roxann Dunn-Terry Program Coordinator Pat Gardner Administrative Assistant Travel Desk — 279-4587

THE BRIDGE is a joint publication of Oak Harbor Senior Services and the Whidbey News-Times and is distributed to more than 7,000 North Whidbey homes monthly.

Printing any advertisement herein does not constitute an endorsement by the City of Oak Harbor Senior Services or its Senior Center. Opinions of columnists do not reflect the opinion of the City of Oak Harbor Senior Services or its Senior Center. Editorial content is compiled by the staff of the Oak Harbor Senior Center and Whidbey News Times.

March 2011 | The Bridge

health briefs & info A New Place– Flagship Adult Day Center

Now there are two adult day respite centers to serve the caregivers of North Whidbey Island! Flagship Adult Day Center is a program of North Whidbey Caregivers’ Cove.

Located in the Regency on Whidbey cottages, C101. For more information contact: Kristi Huffman 360279-4592. Email: caregiverscove@ oakharbor.org

N. Whidbey Caregivers’ Cove

North Whidbey Caregivers Cove, a non-profit group, offers a variety of support services including adult day services, care giving training/ courses, a caregiver resource library, support group opportunities and more. Caregivers Cove provides services for adults, 18 years and older, who have chronic conditions such as Alzheimer’s or related dementias, stroke, multiple sclerosis, are developmentally delayed or have other issues. The program emphasizes support of adult clients in need as well as their caregivers who are often tasked with 24/7 care responsibilities.

Caregivers’ Cove has just received an additional $5,000 grant for client scholarships, bringing the grand total to $15,000 to date. Think there’s no way you would qualify? Many have been pleasantly surprised to find out they do! They are offering one week of day respite at 50% off, no commitment required. The cost of services is income dependent, with rates determined on a “sliding scale” so as

to allow those with limited incomes.

Services are offered Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. For more information, call 279-4592. The goal is to keep folks Healthy, Happy and HOME!

“Living With Loss” Class

This six-week seminar, facilitated

by Dave Bieniek, Bereavement Coordinator for Home Health Care & Hospice of WGH will be held on Tuesdays, March 29 – April 26 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at Whidbey General Hospital. This is both an education and support class and is designed to help you work through the normal and needed process of grief following the death of a loved one. The class is free and pre-registration is required. Call 678-7656 x 4005 or 321-7656 x 4005 or register online at www.whidbeygen.org.

Alzheimer’s Support Group

Meets the first Thursday of the month from 2:30-4:430 pm at the Meeting House, just west of HomePlace Special Care Center, 171 SW 6th Ave., Oak Harbor. Call 360-279-2555.

Parkinson’s Support Group

March 4 at Cherry Hill Club House, 547 NW 12th Loop, Oak Harbor.

Group facilitator is Carolyn Hansen, 279-1785.

Foot Care Clinic

Appointments are available for Tuesday, March 8. To make an appointment, call the Front Desk at 279-4580. Foot Care Clinic is held at North Whidbey Caregivers Cove.

health & wellness | Page 3 Grief Support Group

The Grief Support Group will meet on the second and fourth Mondays of the month from 1:00 to 2:30 pm. Sponsored by Hospice of the Northwest. Call 360-814-5589 for more information.

Hearing Northwest

Free hearing tests and hearing aid repairs on Fridays, March 4 & 18, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. For appointments call the Center, 279-4580 or 1-800-770-8663.

Oak Harbor Hearing Aid Service

Free hearing tests and hearing aid repairs on Mondays, March 14 & 28 from 10:00 a.m. – Noon. For an appointment call the Center, 279-4580.

Vision Impaired Support Group

Tuesday, March 15 at 2:00 pm. For information, contact Paul Bovey at 679-8293.

SHIBA

Appointments are available on Wednesdays, from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm For appointments call the Center at 279-4580. SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors) Help Line is a FREE service of the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner, sponsored locally by Island Hospital. The volunteers are trained to inform people of their options regarding health insurance, Medicare (supplements, advantage plans or Part D) disability, individual, long term care, COBRA, VA. For assistance with claims or billing problems, please call the local SHIBA sponsors @ 360-675-2229 ext 1342, where someone will help you.

Announcements!

Whidbey Island Marathon

The Whidbey Island Marathon is fast approaching!

The City will waive entry fees– for all events– for those who agree to volunteer on either day. Plenty of spots available and it is lots of fun.

If you would like to register, get a form either off of the website, www.whidbeyislandmarathon.com [about half way down the registration page] or at City Hall, and fill it out.

Coupons For Our Community

Cut out Hunger on Whidbey Island. Your donation of coupon inserts will help food banks and families in our community. “Coupons For Our Community is sponsored by Albertsons of Oak Harbor, MoneyandTimeSimplified.com, Whidbey Island Food Banks and Whidbey Island Coupon Clubs.

Coupons being collected are: “SmartSource”, “RedPlum”, “Proctor & Gamble” and “General Mills” (found in weekend newspapers). To donate your coupon inserts bring them to Albertsons or the Oak Harbor Senior Center.

Magazine Donations

Magazine donations may be left on the table at the entrance to the Oak Harbor Senior Center. Please do not donate magazines older than three months.

Thank you!

WEEK 1 1 2 3 4

Three Bean Chili & Salad Barbeque Chicken Chef Salad w/Ham & Turkey New England Clam Chowder

7 8 9 10 11

Cranberry Meatballs Kielbasa & Kraut on Bun Vegetable Lasagna Tuna Salad on Croissant Chile Relleno Bake

14 15 16 17 18

Green Pepper Steak w/Tomatoes Salad Bar w/Variety St. Patrick's Day: Corned Beef & Cabbage Irish Stew & Soda Bread Fish Sandwich w/Lettuce

21 22 23 24 25

Chicken Cacciatore Beef & Barley Soup w/ Salad Turkey Tetrazzini Chicken Dijon w/Rice Pilaf Spinach Gorgonzola Ravioli

WEEK 2 Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri

WEEK 3 Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri

WEEK 4 Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri

WEEK 5 Mon Tues Weds Thurs

28 29 30 31

Macaroni & Cheese Primavera Italian Wedding Soup & Salad Oven 'Fried' Chicken Ranch Burger Dip w/Oven Fries

meal sites & hours Cam Bey Apartments 50 N. Main, Coupeville Mon.-Fri. at noon 360-678-4886

Oak Harbor Senior Center 51 SE Jerome St., Oak Harbor Mon., Wed., Fri. at 11:45 p.m.

360-279-4580

Stop by and learn about our

MENU — MARCH

Tues Wed Thurs Fri

Amenities

&Special Features

Come visit us at Maple Ridge and learn about our amenities and special features.

(360) 331-1303 retirementperfected.com

TM

For starters we have in-house physical therapy, long and short-term stays, 24 hour staff, transportation (including Oak Harbor, Coupeville, and Langley Doctors), fun activities, a great beauty/barber salon, an amazing dining program and pets are welcome.

Call us today to schedule your tour and see what we mean by Retirement Perfected.

1767 Alliance Ave Freeland, WA 98249

Page 4 | classes

The Bridge | March 2011

learn&grow Fun Fitness

A Fun Fitness program conducted by North End Fitness for people 50 years of age and older has two options: 1 - $15 a month for an Unlimited Senior Class Card. You may take all the classes you want at the Center.

2 - $25 a month, you receive the Senior Class Card and unlimited use of the North End Fitness Center and Excalibur Gym which is open 24 hrs.

Winter Schedule:

Yoga – M & W, 8:30 am (Note Earlier time) Chair Conditioning – (Seated Aerobics) M & W, 9:30 am Aerobics – T & TH, 9:00 am Zumba Gold – F, 11:15 am (held at North End Fitness Center) For the $15 Unlimited Senior Class Card you may take all four of these classes. For $25, take all these classes and work out at the gym.

For more information and to register, call North End Fitness at 675-1111.

The Joy of Painting Mondays, 9 am. SherylAnn Woodward, certified Landscape and Floral teacher,

Coming in April...

teaches the Joy of Painting—The Bob Ross method of oil painting. Class is $30 for six weeks payable to teacher at the first class.

Watercolor Class Mondays, 1-4:00 pm Joan Brosnahan, instructor, Cost is $5/class payable to teacher.

Wood Carving Tuesdays 9:00 am with instructor Dick Weber. Classes are $5.00 a session and open to all levels of carving experience. New students welcome.

Line Dance Tuesdays, 1:00 pm with instructor Jerry Scheppers. $10.00 a month-Members. No partners needed.

Tai Chi & Qigong Jill Reed teaches Tai Chi on Mondays at 5:30 pm and Fridays at 9:30 am. To register, call Jill at 675-1464.

Spanish For Seniors Wednesdays at 1:00 pm with Al Enriquez.

Beginning level conversational Spanish.

Maximum ten students. Costs: $30 a month payable first day of class. RSVP by calling 279-4580.

Home Safety & Firearms Familiarization Is your home safe? Presentation will cover the importance of having a plan. Basic ďŹ rearms safety will be covered. There will be an opportunity to dispose of any old ammunition you’ve not been able to get rid of. Monday, April 4 at 1:00 pm. RSVP by calling the Center at 279-4580.

Car Care For Women & Men Secure Enough To Ask

Male or female, whether you have been driving for 50 years, this seminar is invaluable. This IS NOT a how-to-doit class! It is about MAKING INFORMED DECISIONS in all aspects of car ownership so you don’t get ripped off.

After the presentation there will be a FREE Automotive Expo. There will be booths, displays and representatives from all area’s of auto ownership to answer your questions.

The seminar is Saturday, April 9 from 9 am to noon and seating is limited. RSVP by calling the Center at 279-4580.

games &fun

$25 Jackpot & Birthday Bingo

Feel Lucky? Harbor Tower Village Retirement Center will sponsor a $25 Jackpot Bingo game on Thursday, February 10 and Banner Bank sponsors on February 24. Cards for the $25 Bingo game available at intermission for $1. Bingo is played Thursdays from 12:15 – 3:00 pm.

Whidbey General Hospital Would Like To Thank The Whidbey Island Community For Over 40 Years Of Support Whidbey General continually strives to ensure medical excellence in the services that Island residents need close to home.

Acute Medical Services for your in-hospital medical care needs Inpatient and Outpatient Surgery Services so your family can be close at hand All-Digital Diagnostic Imaging Center faster results to end the uncertainty

Neighbors taking care of neighbors, the best kind of healthcare there is.

We Are One Team With One Purpose, Caring For You! PHYSICIAN REFERRAL SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE

Accredited Cancer Care Services you don’t have to go off-island Whidbey Family Birthplace close, safe, and satisfying birth experience

101 N. Main St., Coupeville, WA 98239 XXX XIJECFZHFO PSH r

24/7 Emergency Dept & EMS (Ambulance) for that unexpected Medical crisis And much, much more... if you haven’t looked at us lately, take another look.

March 2011 | The Bridge sunday

monday

For details about items listed below or a comprehensive list of events, visit the Oak Harbor Senior Center at 51 SE Jerome Street or call 360-279-4580.

6

13

20

27

7

8:30 – Yoga 9:30- Conditioning 9 – Oil Painting LUNCH 1 – Watercolor Painting 5 – Tai Chi

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8:30 – Yoga 9:30- Conditioning 9 – Oil Painting 10 – Hearing Tests LUNCH 1 – Watercolor Painting 1 – COSTCO Presentation 1 – Grief Support Group 5 – Tai Chi

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8:30 – Yoga 9:30- Conditioning 9 – Oil Painting 10 – Hearing Tests LUNCH 1 – Watercolor Painting 5 – Tai Chi

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8:30 – Yoga 9:30- Conditioning 9 – Oil Painting LUNCH 1 – Watercolor Painting 1 – WGH Presentation Bond Levy 1 – Grief Support Group 5 – Tai Chi

calendar | Page 5 tuesday

wednesday

thursday

friday

saturday

19 - Aerobic Exercises 2

39 - Aerobic Exercises 4 9 – Hearing Tests

5 10-12:30 – Pinochle,

89 - Aerobic Exercises 9

10 11 9 - Aerobic Exercises

1210-12:30 – Pinochle,

16 8:30 – Yoga 15 9 - Aerobic Exercises

17

19 10-12:30 – Ping Pong,

9 – Lapidary 9-12 – Wood Carving 10 – Travel Committee 1 – Chess 1 – Line Dance 7 – Country Dance

9 – Lapidary 9-12 – Wood Carving 9:30 – Foot Clinic 10 – Nintendo Wii Bowling 12 – 2- Memory Screen 1 – MAC Seminar 1 – Chess 1 – Line Dance 7 – Stamp Club 7 – Country Dance

9 – Lapidary 9-12 – Wood Carving 10 - Nintendo Wii Bowling 1 – Chess 1 – Line Dance 2 – Vision Support Group 7 – Country Dance

22

9 - Aerobic Exercises 9 – Lapidary 9-12 – Wood Carving 10 – Nintendo Wii Bowling 1 – Alaska Cruise Presentation 1 – Chess 1 – Line Dance 7 – Stamp Club 7 – Country Dance

8:30 – Yoga 9:30- Conditioning 9 – Lapidary 9 – SHIBA LUNCH 12:30 – Party Bridge 12:30 – Ping Pong 1 – Spanish For Seniors 1 – Beginning Bridge 3 - Hula 7 – Gem Club

9 – Lapidary 9 – SHIBA LUNCH 12:30 – Party Bridge 12:30 – Ping Pong 1 -Spanish For Seniors 1 – Beginning Bridge 3 - Hula

9:30- Conditioning 9 – Lapidary; SHIBA 10 – Selecting Assisted Living LUNCH 12:30 – Party Bridge 12:30 – Ping Pong 1 – Spanish For Seniors 1 – Beginning Bridge 3 - Hula 5 – Senior Night Out!

23

8:30 – Yoga 9:30- Conditioning 9 – Lapidary 9 – SHIBA LUNCH 12:30 – Party Bridge 12:30 – Ping Pong 1 – Spanish For Seniors 1 – Beginning Bridge 3 - Hula

30 8:30 – Yoga 29 9 - Aerobic Exercises 9 – Lapidary 9-12 – Wood Carving 10 – Nintendo Wii Bowling 1 – Chess 1 – Line Dance 3 – SVC-Swing Dance 7 – Stamp Club 7 – Country Dance

9:30- Conditioning 9 – Lapidary; SHIBA 9:30 – Money Saving Tips LUNCH 12:30 – Party Bridge 12:30 – Ping Pong 1 – Spanish For Seniors 1 – Beginning Bridge 3 - Hula 6 – “5 Wishes” Program The Bridge comes out

Whidbeyreads Grand Finale hosted by the Sno-Isle Libraries

Meet Erica Bauermeister, author of “The School of Essential Ingredients” on Wednesday, March 9 at 7:00 pm Have you read The School of Essential Ingredients, the book that everyone on Whidbey Island is discussing? Now is your chance to meet the author!

Erica will speak about writing and the relationships that have inspired

10 –Creative Writing 10 – Nintendo Wii Bowling 12:15 – 3:30 –Bingo 12:30 – Cribbage 1 – SVC History Class 4 – Band Practice 7 – Wire Wrap

10 –Creative Writing 10 – Nintendo Wii Bowling 12:15-3:30 –Jack Pot Bingo-Harbor Tower Village 12:30 – Cribbage 1 – SVC History Class 4 – Band Practice 7 – Wire Wrap

HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!

9 - Aerobic Exercises 10 – Nintendo Wii Bowling 10 –Creative Writing 12:15 – 3:30 –Bingo 12:30 – Cribbage 1 – SVC History Class 4 – Band Practice 7 – Wire Wrap

9- Quilting 9:30 – Tai Chi LUNCH 12:30 – Pinochle 6:30 – Old Time Fiddlers

9- Quilting 9:30 – Tai Chi LUNCH 12:30 – Pinochle 7 – Country Western Dance

189 – Hearing Tests

9- Quilting 9:30 – Tai Chi LUNCH 12:30 – Pinochle 2 – Group Health Medicare Presentation

25 24 9 - Aerobic Exercises 10 – Nintendo Wii Bowling 10 –Creative Writing 12:15 – 3:30 –Jack Pot Bingo-Banner Bank 12:30 – Cribbage 1 – SVC History Class 4 – Band Practice 7 – Wire Wrap

31 9 - Aerobic Exercises 10 – Nintendo Wii Bowling 10 –Creative Writing 12:30 – Cribbage 1 – SVC History Class 4 – Band Practice 7 – Wire Wrap

9- Quilting 9:30 – Tai Chi LUNCH 12:30 – Pinochle

Ping Pong, Pool

Ping Pong, Pool

Pool, Pinochle

26

10-12:30 – Ping Pong, Pool, Pinochle

MARCH

her work. Book sales and signing available at event.

Admission is free, but seating is limited. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Funded by Friends of the Library, Humanities Washington, Best Western Harbor Plaza, and Oak Harbor WalMart.Watch for information about “A Taste of Whidbey Reads” programs, food related movie showings, and community book discussions that will take place in upcoming months. The Whidbey Reads program is in its ninth year.

Page 6 | travel

NEWS FROM THE TOWER

By Ann Votava

The Bridge | March 2011

march trips For a complete description of all trips, see the Winter 2010-11 Travel Brochure.

3 – Sewing & Stitching Expo 4 – NW Women’s Show 8 – Shop til You Drop 12 – Seattle Dog Show/Pike Place Market 15 – Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts 19 – Circque Du Soleil – Quidam 20 – Camelot –McIntyre Hall 23 – Mystery Lunch 26 – Blow Your Own Glass 29 – Skagit Valley Casino

Leonila “Lanie� Peoples Food From The Heart Meet Lanie Peoples, Dining and Dietary Director at Harbor Tower Village. Lanie moved to the United States in 1996.

She lived in New York City, New York for eight years until she meet her husband Lionel Peoples Senior. She then moved to Oak Harbor, Washington.

Lanie joined Harbor Tower Village as a dietary assistant in February of 2008. She was promoted to substitute cook in early 2009 and to the permanent cook in late 2009. Lanie’s compassion and endless hard work earned her the position of Dining and Dietary Director in September of 2010. A position she takes very seriously.

Lanie feels her life at Harbor Tower is a part of her ministry in service to others. She strives very hard to meet the individual likes and dislikes of all the residents at Harbor Tower Village. She always has a smile on her face-even when trying to satisfy the most delicate palates.

Lanie enjoys preparing authentic Filipino food as a treat for residents and staff.

She is 100% committed to the service of the residents at Harbor Tower Village. We are proud to have Lanie on our staff.

Harbor Tower Village 100 East Whidbey Ave. Oak Harbor, WA 98277 360-675-2569 -PAID ADVERTISEMENT-

NORTH TO ALASKA! Join Helen Bates Tuesday, March 22 at 1:00 pm for information on our, 7 Day Alaska Cruise, aboard Holland America’s Ms. Oosterdam, roundtrip from Seattle. Trip is scheduled for September 18, 2011. Cruise Glacier Bay National Park, visit Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Victoria. Rates include Roundtrip Transfers from Oak Harbor to Seattle Cruise Ship Terminal, Cabin accommodations, All meals in the Main Dining Room,

PASSPORT APPOINTMENTS

As of June 1, 2009 the U.S. government’s new rules take effect requiring WHTI (the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative) compliant documents for most U.S. citizens entering/re-entering the United States by land or sea (air travel requires a U.S. Passport book). You can apply for a passport book at: Oak Harbor Senior Center (51 SE Jerome) Passport Appointments 10 a.m.-3 p.m. MondayFriday. For more information, and/ or to make a passport application appointment, call 360-279-4580. For more information regarding WHTI & passports visit www.travel.state.gov.

Buffets and Room Service, All Port and Government taxes of $356.19.

Passports required. $350 per person deposit is due at time of booking.

Your deposit is refundable until the final payment date of 6/5/11. For more information, RSVP to Helen at 675-4201.

BRANSON MUSICAL HOLIDAY With Collette Vacations November 10 - 14, 2011 Cost: $1,759 Double; $2,059 Single; $1,729 Triple. 5 Days, 5 Meals – 3 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners included.

Stop by for a brochure on Branson trip. Includes Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $60 per person, Hotel Transfers, Round Trip Air from Seattle.

If we have 10 or more, roundtrip transportation between Oak Harbor and SeaTac included. Deposit of $310

by July 10. Limit 20 seats. For more information call Pat at 279-4582.

CAMELOT

Trusted by the Whidbey Island Community for nearly 49 years.

Linda Haddon,

Sande Mulkey sharing tips on packing during Travelpaloosa.

Providing burial and cremation choices that are affordable for every family!

Advance Planning Director

Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Serving Families Since 1962. www.BurleyFuneralChapel.com

OAK HARBOR r

McIntyre Hall - Mt. Vernon Sunday, March 20, 2011 Cost: $45 -Members/$75 -Non-Members Depart: 1:00 pm Return: 7-7:30 pm.

Experience “one brief shining moment� that was Camelot. This beautiful production will have Lyric Light Opera’s “Broadway quality� trade-marks-Bountiful drama, lush score, elegant costumes, grand sets, professional actors, heartwarming ensemble, live orchestra, and uplifting message! No-host meal afterwards. Ticket & Transportation.

18 Seats.

BILLIE ELLIOT THE MUSICAL at the Paramount, Seattle Saturday, April 2, 2011 Cost: $90 Members/$120 non-members Departure: 11am/Return: 6:30 – 7:00 pm This musical is the joyous celebration of one boy’s journey to make his dreams come true. Set in a small town, the story follows Billy as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, discovering a surprising passion that inspires his family and his whole community.

A big musical with an even bigger heart, BILLY ELLIOT will enchant the dreamer in all of us. Based on the international smash-hit film, BILLY ELLIOT is brought to life by a phenomenal cast of 45 and a Tony Award-winning creative team – along with music legend Elton John, who wrote the score. No host dinner.

Includes ticket & transportation.

20 tickets.

March 2011 | The Bridge

>march interest groups New England Group Will meet Monday, March 14, at 11:30 am at Applebee’s Restaurant. Call Evelyn at 6755106.

W.I.G.S. Whidbey Island Genealogical Searchers meet the second Tuesday of the month at 2720 Heller Rd., at the fire station just north of Crosby Rd. Next meeting is March 8, at 1:00 pm. Our program is “What’s Available At Sno-Isle Library� with Terri Beck who is the rep for Sno-Isle Public Libraries. She will explain our resources and access in the library system. . Bring your questions. There will be information for all levels of searchers, as well as refreshments and door prizes. All are welcome. For more information contact Ruth Hancock, 675 4086 (may not be here in Feb.) randr.hancock@verizon.net , Gordon Garnhart garnhart@whidbey.net 360 240 8875 or Betty Leitch 675-3722 bibele@comcast.net

MAC Computer Seminar Next seminar is Tuesday, March 8 at 1:00 pm, with instructor Tom Johnson. Q & A period and “What’s New?� Cost is $1. New attendees RSVP at front desk with your computer info. Check here for more info: http:// www.whidbey.com/wimug

Whidbey Island Stamp Club Meets the second and fourth Tuesdays at 7:00 pm. New members welcome. Free evaluations on stamp collections provided.

Contact Lee Dougherty, 675-9674.

Do 1 Nice Thing Ideas for March

Lapidary Tues. and Weds. mornings at 9:00 am.

Whidbey Island Gem Club Will meet Wednesday, March 2 at 7:00 pm.

There will be a general meeting of the membership. Interested and potential members, ages 8 to 100+ are invited to attend. Contact Chip Batcheller, 679-9397

Wire Wrap Thursdays at 7:00 pm. New people welcome. Create unique jewelry. A cab and the wire needed for your first project will be provided. May purchase cabs and wire for future projects. Contact Dick James, 675-9396.

life matters | Page 7 where the tools and efficient techniques to saving money is offered the last Saturday of each month at the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce at 10 AM. Class fee is just $5 and includes your printed “Get Started Guide� and more. For more information: Amy at 360-675-2338.

Secrets of Coffee, With Honeymoon Bay Celebrate St. Paddy’s on Thursday, March 17 by 3:00 pm by learning the history and subtleties of coffee, as revealed by a local expert, Mike from Honeymoon Bay Cafe.

Another “Essential Ingredient� in the Whidbey Reads lineup of events. Funded and hosted by the Friends of the Oak Harbor Library.

Book Group: “Monsters of

Quilting Group Widows and Widowers of Whidbey Island

North Whidbey Coupon Club Has moved! They now meet every Friday and the second Saturday of each month at the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce office, at 9:30 am. The club is free, open to current couponers and those new to coupons. “Intro to Valuable Couponing,�

Join Oak Harbor’s Highly Evolved Literary League, at the Oak Harbor Library on Thursday, March 17 at 6:00 pm. Books available at the library. . All are welcome.

Mystery Book Lovers Choose any title by author Nancy Pickard and share your love of mysteries. Join the discussion on Thursday, March 31 at 3:00 pm. Books available at the library. Funded by the Friends of the Oak Harbor Library.

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Friday mornings, 9:00 am.

Fun supportive people with common interests. Monthly dinner at NAS Whidbey Chief Petty Officer’s Club the second Friday of the month at 5:00 pm. Every Sunday, Call Phyllis Hofkamp, 675-3628 for breakfast location and call Roz Davis, 675-3171 for dinner location.

Templeton�

We make a difference by listening to you.

Peter Keating, Au. D. Doctor of Audiology

FREELAND (360) 331-1415 1690 E. Layton, Suite A

OAK HARBOR (360) 279-1229 380 SE Midway Blvd

I only want the best for Mom... and I’ve found it at

1. Cook a meal for a friend recuperating from an illness, or who just needs some love.

2. Help “cut out� hunger on Whidbey Island by bringing your coupon inserts to the senior center and participating in “Coupons for our Community�. Bring your canned goods, tuna, macaroni and cheese, pork and beans, or peanut butter to the senior center for Help House.

Providing Quality Memory Care for Whidbey Island Since 1999

5-Wishes Program (Co-sponsored by Hospice of the NW)

Wednesday, March 30th 6-8 pm, Oak Harbor Senior Center Class size limited to first 20 to pre-register

3. Packing party for local soldiers on deployment, March 29, 10 a.m. Letters, coffee, and baby wipes are the most requested items. Call Helen at 679-9139 for more ideas of what to bring for the boxes.

4. W.A.I.F. thrift store on Midway can always use donations.

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Never Underestimate The Power Of A Smile.