Island Times, June 2017

FORMERLY THE GUIDE AND SECOND WIND Volume 1 • Issue 2 • JUNE 2017

Oak Harbor Senior Center and Island Senior Resources collaborate for seniors on Whidbey Island Senior Resources, the Oak Harbor Senior Center and Whidbey Weekly have joined forces to bring you Island Times, a monthly newspaper with information, resources, programs, and “happenings” for seniors and adults with disabilities throughout Whidbey Island.

The two senior organizations are different but collaborate to meet your needs. We are here to help you thrive! The chart below will help you understand what each organization offers. Please call us for more information. To reach the Oak Harbor Senior Center, call 360-279-4580. To reach Island Senior Resources, call 360-321-1600 or 360-678-3373.

The mission of the Oak Harbor Senior Center is to provide a place where anyone over the age of 50 can find programs, activities and services which support a positive, healthy, and active lifestyle. The Oak Harbor Senior Center also collaborates with community organizations to provide additional services for the 50+ community.

The Center itself was built in 1986, on property owned by the City of Oak Harbor, with funding from a federal Community Development Block Grant. Island County and the City partnered for several years to provide funding for Center operations. Island County no longer gives direct financial support, and instead funds a few programs that are housed at the Oak Harbor Senior Center such as Nutrition and Information & Assistance services, which are administrated by Island Senior Resources. The Oak Harbor Senior Center is currently funded by the City of Oak Harbor, donations from community groups such as Island Thrift, and revenue generated at the Center from memberships, programs and passport processing.

Island Senior Resources provide resources, information, and social opportunities for seniors and adults with disabilities, their caregivers, family, and friends. Island Senior Resources is located at Bayview and offers some resources at the Oak Harbor Senior Center facility.

Senior Center BAYVIEW Nutrition: Meals on Wheels and Community Meal* at sites throughout Whidbey Island, liquid nutrition, and nutritional counseling

LOCAL & NATIONAL TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES Multiple day trips offered each month, as well as overnight trips and yearly international travel

Time Together Adult Day Services*

GROUPS Pickleball, Chess, Bunco, Ping Pong, Pool, Bridge, Pinochle, Knitting, Quilting, Lapidary, Art (mixed media, bring your own project)

Aging & Disability Resources* Family Caregiver Support* Free classes: Lunch & Learn, SHIBA (State Health Insurance Benefits Advisors) Social Security Basics, Legal consults Room Rentals

PROGRAMS & CLASSES Aging Mastery Program by the National Council on Aging Evidence based fitness programs for older adults (Enhanced Fitness)

Weekly Bingo

Lunch & Learn monthly discussion series

ISLAND-WIDE Medical Transportation

Clogging, Line Dancing, Yoga, Tai Chi, Creative Writing

Trips & Social events

COPES Case Management OTHER CamBey Low Income Housing - Coupeville

FACILITY RENTALS Rooms and gathering spaces available for personal and group rentals

Senior Thrift - Freeland, WA * Provided by Island Senior Resources at the Oak Harbor Senior Center

Island Senior Resources 14594 SR 525 Langley, WA 98260

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE LANGLEY, WA PERMIT NO. 50

2

Oak Harbor

Senior Center

June 2017

B

Annual membership with the Oak Harbor Senior Center is available for anyone 50+ years of age and is $40 a year. The dues benefit members and provide financial help to the Center. Membership includes discount prices on travel, classes and facility rentals.

For more information, or to sign up for membership, come by the center at 51 SE Jerome Street in Oak Harbor.

T h i p d V t C g t

V g c t h

Bring Retirement to Life!

O v C M h t T t s A d s r

At Harbor Tower Village, you will discover a warm and homelike atmosphere with traditional, old-fashioned hospitality. Call today to arrange for a personalized tour and enjoy lunch on us!

L R

100 E. Whidbey Ave | Oak Harbor | 360-675-2569 | www.villageconcepts.com

Planning ahead is simple. The benefits are immense.

Contact us today to get started with a free Personal Planning Guide.

BURLEY

FUNERAL CHAPEL

OAK HARBOR 360-675-3192 BurleyFuneralChapel.com

Oak Harbor Senior Center, 360-279-4580

M t

M i b s b h

VISSER

FUNERAL HOME

LANGLEY 360-221-6600 VisserFuneralHome.com

L P

Oak Harbor

7June 2017

Senior Center

3

Volunteers at the Oak Harbor Senior Center

Volunteer Recognition

By Liz Lange, Program Coordinator, Oak Harbor Senior Center

The Senior Center has three paid staff, however, there are many wonderful instructors and volunteers who keep programs and classes running and the doors open. As April 23-29 was National Volunteer Appreciation Week staff at the Oak Harbor Senior Center and the City Council made extra efforts to show gratitude for the 28 active volunteers at the center.

Volunteers answer phones, welcome guests, and sign people up for trips, classes and memberships as well as lead trips. It is our volunteers that provide the heart and energy of the center.

On Wednesday, April 26 Senior Center volunteers were invited to attend the City Council Workshop. At the workshop Mayor Pro-Tem Danny Paggao shared his appreciation for the time and dedication of the volunteers. Councilwoman Tara Hizon also spoke of her gratitude to the volunteers to their commitment to serving the community. Senior Center Administrator Mary Anderson then distributed certificates of appreciation, signed by City Administrator Doug Merriman, to each volunteer.

Longest Serving to Newest Recruits Marda & Sandra: Longevity & Dedication Marda Stictcher has been volunteering for about as long as the center has been open – thirty years! Marda says she continues to volunteer because “it’s better than staying home and doing housework.” How true that is! She admits

to having a shy personality, but enjoys serving at the Center to be around her friends and all the members.

After high school Marda joined the Air Force for four years, and went on to become the first woman to work for the FAA as an air traffic controller.

What brings Marda joy? “Seeing people smile” which truly sums up Marda’s caring nature.

Sandra Martenson has been volunteering at the Center since 1998. Every Friday she is here, and many other days, as one of our long standing travel escorts.

Sandra spearheads our theatre subscription groups for Everett and 5th Ave theatres. In addition to her long standing casino trips she will often be found gallivanting on trips like the crab lunch boat cruise.

Sandra attributes her continued service at the Center to all the wonderful people she gets to work, serve and travel alongside.

What brings Sandra joy in life: “Hitting the jackpot at a casino!”

Teri & Pam: Our Newest Recruits Although she has only been volunteering at the Center since July of 2016, Teri Hoskens has actively volunteered throughout her life when time permits.

Now that her grandson has started school she has found time to again serve in the community and chose to volunteer at the Center. She enjoys volunteering because it’s a great way to get to know people in the community and gives her a strong sense of purpose.

Pam Rhinehart’s daughter bought her a membership to the Center in April when Pam moved to town. Pam checked the box indicating she would be interested in volunteering, and now here she is, one month into her new life here in Oak Harbor and already serving the community! She, like Teri, knew that volunteering would be a great way to meet people.

Pam worked for twenty years with at risk youth and another ten years running a retirement home. We are fortunate to have her skills and abilities which will surely strengthen our community.

Save the Date Whidbey Island Genealogical Searchers (W.I.G.S.) Tuesday, June 13 • 1pm

What brings Pam joy: Socializing, family, and horses!

We have a diverse group of volunteers with varying professional and life backgrounds, who are united by their desire to serve, and the joy they find in doing it.

Our volunteers have found the key ingredient to having a fulfilling and joyful life.

To quote Albert Einstein “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” We appreciate the many volunteers who give their time to serve all the members of the Oak Harbor Senior Center. Next time you are in the Center, be sure to stop and thank the volunteer at the desk!

CELEBRATING DADS & GRANDDADS

(2720 Heller Road, Fire Station #25) Winona Laird will speak about Immigration, Emigration, Naturalization, and Passports relating to our genealogical research. All are welcome to attend.

Contact Ruth Hancock at 675-4086 for more information.

What brings Teri Joy in life? Spending time with her grandchildren

www.summerhill-assistedliving.com Left to Right: Marda, Sandra, Pam and Terri

165 SW 6th Ave • Oak Harbor

360-679-1400

Thank you for reading Island Times. Please support our advertisers.

Please recycle this publication when you are finished reading it.

Like us on:

Oak Harbor

4

Senior Center

June 2017

Give the Crossword Puzzle a Break and Dance: Social Dancing May Improve Integrity of Parts of the Brain in Older Adults According to a recent study1 deterioration of the cerebral white matter (WM) is one of the major neural mechanisms driving age-related decline in cognitive functions, such as the speed at which our brain processes information.

You have many opportunities to keep your brain healthy through social dancing at the Oak Harbor Senior Center (OHSC):

Let’s break this down. Our central nervous system (the brain) is made up of two types of tissue: gray matter and white matter (WM). The gray matter is mainly located on the surface of the brain and serves to process information. The white matter is buried in the inner layer of the brain’s cortex and can be looked at as the “subway of the brain” serving to connect gray matter areas and quickly carry nerve impulses, messages, between neurons. The result of gray matter & white matter is our ability to almost instantly see or hear something, process it, and respond. Gray & white matter work together to keep our brain and body functioning.

Clogging: Mondays 2-3pm ($35/month - $10 off for OHSC Members)

Past studies have demonstrated beneficial effects of greater cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity, cognitive training, social engagement, and nutrition on cognitive functioning and brain health in aging. This study collected diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from 174 older (age 60–79) adults to study the effects of 6-month long lifestyle interventions on WM integrity. Healthy but low-active participants were randomized into Dance, Walking, Walking + Nutrition, and Active Control (stretching and toning) intervention groups. Over the course of the study the findings showed the integrity of the WM declined over 6 months in all groups, but increased in the Dance group.

Line Dancing: Tuesdays 12-2pm & Fridays 1-2pm ($10 month/must be an OHSC Member) Patterned Ballroom Dancing: Wednesdays 3:30 – 5:00pm – no class the first week of each month ($7 per class - $2 off for OHSC Members) All levels welcome in each of the classes, so come try something new. Everyone age 50+ is invited to become a member of the Oak Harbor Senior Center and enjoy the discounted classes, travel and programs.

1 Citation: Burzynska AZ, Jiao Y, Knecht AM, Fanning J, Awick EA, Chen T, Gothe N, Voss MW, McAuley E and Kramer AF (2017) White Matter Integrity Declined Over 6-Months, but Dance Intervention Improved Integrity of the Fornix of Older Adults. Front. Aging Neurosci. 9:59. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00059 (https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2017.00059)

The study suggests that aging of the brain is detectable on the scale of 6-months, which highlights the urgency of finding effective interventions to slow down this process. While the magnitude of WM decline increased with age the decline in prefrontal WM was of lesser magnitude in older adults who spent less time sedentary and engaged more frequently in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

This means by combining physical, cognitive, and social engagement (dance) you may help maintain or improve the integrity of your WM which will keep your mind functioning longer! A more physically active lifestyle is associated with slower WM decline. The findings in this study emphasize the immediate importance of a physically active and socially engaging lifestyle among aging adults. What better way to achieve these results then the perfect trifecta (physical, cognitive and social engagement) found in social dancing such as line dancing, clogging and patterned ballroom dancing. These types of dancing get you moving (physical), require you to learn dance patterns and respond to the calls (cognitive), and are done with other people (social engagement).

“What Sets Us Apart”

• Local ownership • Experience in arranging services for veterans • Strong ties to the community • Chapel and reception facilities

allin Funeral Home & Cremation, LLC

• A familiar face during difficult times • Crematory on site

VOTED BEST FUNERAL HOME ON WHIDBEY ~ 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 1811 NE 16TH AVE • OAK HARBOR • 360-675-3447 • info@wallinfuneralhome.com

Seniors* Get 15% Off on the 15th of Each Month!

Freeland Hardware

1609 E. Main Street Freeland 360-331-6799 Monday–Saturday 8am-7pm Sunday 9am-6pm freelandacehardware.com

*Age 65 and over, just show your driver’s license at the cash register.

(Not vaild on Stihl or Honda Equipment, Stoves, Weber or sale items. Not vaild on prior sales)

•Independent Cottages

•Assisted Living •Memory Care

1040 SW Kimball Drive Oak Harbor 360-279-0933 www.regencywhidbey.com

Oak Harbor Senior Center, 360-279-4580

5

7June 2017

Getting Ready for International Travel?

What You Need to Know to Get a Passport

MEAL SITES & HOURS ISLAND SENIOR RESOURCES (BAYVIEW) 14594 SR 525, Langley, WA 98260 360-321-1600 • 360-678-3373 Meals served Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, 11:45 am

The Oak Harbor Senior Center is a Passport Acceptance Agency. Applications for passports are accepted by appointment only. Please call us at 360.279.4580 to schedule an appointment, or with any questions you may have. We are usually booked about a week or two out, so please plan ahead.

OAK HARBOR SENIOR CENTER

51 SE Jerome Street, Oak Harbor, WA 98277 360-279-0367 (kitchen) or 360-279-4580 (Center) Meals served Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 am

Passport appointments are available the following days and times:

CAMANO CENTER

606 Arrowhead Road, Camano Island, WA 98282 360-387-0222 Meals served Mon, Wed, Fri, noon

• Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays: 10am – 3pm • Wednesdays: 1:30 – 3pm For a NEW passport you will need the following:

CAMBEY APARTMENTS

on your own, but we are happy to take your photo!

• Certified Birth Certificate; or Certificate of Naturalization; or Previous Passport; or Consular report of birth abroad.

• Current Photo ID; current driver’s license, military ID or current government ID • Personal check, money order or certified check • You will need one passport photo, which can be taken care of at the Senior Center. The fee is $10.87 Things to know: • When processing children’s passports, both parents must be present and or certificate DS-3053 completed.

• We do not process passport renewals, as those can be done

50 North Main Street, Coupeville, WA 98239 360-321-1600 • 360-678-3373 Meals served Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, 11:45 am

• Applications for New Passports and Renewals can be obtain at the Senior Center.

BROOKHAVEN

150 4th Street, Langley, WA 98260 360-321-1600 Meals served Mon, Wed, Fri, noon; Thurs, 5 pm

Passport & Processing Fees: A check or money order made out to the U.S. Dept. of State for the following (separate check or money order for each passport):

COUPEVILLE METHODIST CHURCH, FIRST UNITED 608 N Main St, Coupeville, WA 98239 360-678-4256 Meals served Wed, noon

• For children under 16 years of age - $80 • For children 16 and older - $110

HILLSIDE EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

• To expedite add an additional $60 and to overnight expedite is an additional $15.45

874 Plantation Drive, Greenbank, WA 98253 360-222-3211 Meals served Wed, Fri, 11:30 am

A check or cash can be accepted for the processing fee ($25) and photo ($10.87). Checks for the processing fee and photo to be made out to the City of Oak Harbor.

MENU - JUNE WEEK 1 Thurs

1

Chef’s Choice

Fri

2

Cheeseburger & Oven Fries

Mon

5

Chicken Tenders Basket

Tues

6

Italian Sausage w/Peppers

Wed

7

Four Cheese Ziti Bake w/Marinara

Thurs

8

Chef’s Choice

Fri

9

Swedish Meatballs

Mon

12

Turkey Rice Casserole

Tues

13

Salad Bar w/Fixings

Wed

14

Hot Turkey Sandwich w/Gravy

Thurs

15

Chef’s Choice

Fri

16

Pulled Chicken on Bun

Mon

19

Beef Satay w/Peanut Sauce

Tues

20

Nathan’s Hot Dog

Wed

21

Chef Salad w/Turkey, Ham, & Cheese

Thurs

22

Chef’s Choice

Fri

23

Turkey Pot Pie Bake

Mon

26

Cincinnati Chile

1690 Main Street Ste 103 360.331.8424

Tues

27

Best Rueben Sandwich

Wed

28

Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes

380 SE Barrington Drive 360.675.2235

Thurs

29

Chef’s Choice

Fri

30

Spinach Lasagna w/Marinara

WEEK 2

NOW IS THE TIME TO UPDATE YOUR LOOK

WEEK 3

WEEK 4

WEEK 5 Freeland

Oak Harbor

Thank you for reading Island Times. Please support our advertisers.

Please recycle this publication when you are finished reading it.

6

June 2017

SPRING TRAVEL LOG OAK HARBOR SENIOR CENTER For more information, call the Travel Desk, 360-279-4587

A DAY IN EDMONDS

Thursday, June 22 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM Member: $23 Non-Member: $33 Sign-Up Deadline: Friday, June 16 Let’s visit the walkable waterfront town of Edmonds! Accented by art, colorful hanging baskets and vintage street lamps, this pedestrian-friendly downtown is worth discovering. Stroll around the beautiful central fount, discover the many art galleries, cafes, wine bars, coffee shops, antique shops, and more. Enjoy the beachfront eateries or the many small cafes downtown. Lunch is on your own.

Bring a friend!

MUSEUM OF HISTORY & INDUSTRY (MOHAI)

Thursday, July 6, 2017 Member: $40 Non-Member: $55 Sign-up available for members starting June 13 (all others can sign up starting June 19) MOHAI is the largest private heritage organization in the State of Washington maintaining a collection of nearly 4 million artifacts, photographs, and archival materials that primarily focus on Seattle and the greater Puget Sound region. A portion of this collection (roughly 2% at any given time) is on display in the museum’s galleries at the historic Naval Reserve Armory in Lake Union Park. Highlights include Boeing’s first commercial plane, the 1919 Boeing B-1; the Petticoat Flag, an 1856 American Flag sewn by women during the Battle of Seattle; and the Rainier Brewing Company’s 12-foot tall neon “R” sign.

TWO NIGHTS IN OCEAN SHORES SOLD OUT July 12-14 Member: Single: $240 • Double: $175 Non-Member: Single: $280 • Double: $215

CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE PARK

Tuesday, June 27 7:30 AM – 5 PM Member: $85 Non-Member: $95 Sign-Up Deadline: Friday, June 23 In addition to the magnificent Capilano Suspension Bridge the park offers 7 suspended footbridges offering views 110 feet above the forest floor. The new Cliffwalk follows a granite precipice along Capilano River with a labyrinth-like series of cantilevered bridges, stairs and platforms and only 16 anchor points in the cliff supporting the structure! We will spend approx. 3.5 hours at the park exploring the bridges, exhibits and shops.

Pack a lunch to enjoy in the park, or eat at the café or grill house located in the park.

We will stop at the duty free shop before returning to the U.S. This trip requires appropriate border crossing identification such as a passport, passport card, or enhanced driver’s license.

SEATTLE CHOICE: PIKE PLACE MARKET-FRONT EXPANSION

Tuesday, July 18 8 AM –5:30 PM Member: $30 Non-Member: $40 Sign-Up Deadline: Wednesday, July 12 The New Market-Front Expansion of Pike Place Market opened on June 29, 2017.

Here is our opportunity to visit this new section. This project started in 2011 on the land near the waterfront of Pike Place Market. This piece of property was first developed in the 1920’s and, after a fire, was turned into a parking lot. Now it is the home of the $74 million expansion of the Market. It houses 30,000 square feet of open public space, including a plaza and viewing deck that captures the Olympics, Mount Rainier and Puget Sound.

Four new artisan vendors - Old Stove Brewing Co., Jarr & Co., Honest Biscuits and indi chocolate will produce, on-site, in 12,000 sq. ft. of production space. Old Stove Brewery will have a mobile canning line running. Come and join us for a new

adventure in Seattle. Two drop off sites are available: Pike’s Market and Westlake Shopping Center.

LAKE WHATCOM RAILROAD & LUNCH IN FAIRHAVEN

Thursday, August 3 8:30 AM – 5 PM Member: $60 Non-Member: $75 Sign-Up Deadline: Monday, July 31 All aboard for some fun? Join us as we make our way to the Lake Whatcom Railway in Wickersham, WA near Bellingham.

We will ride the authentic full size old Northern Pacific train for a 1 ½ hour ride traveling through a tunnel, along Mirror Lake, and out into the woods. We will stop at a meadow where we can choose to have lunch on our own in any of their great restaurants: Fairhaven Pizza Co, Colophone Café, Avenue Bread & Café, Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro, or Malllard Ice Cream & Café, just to name a few!

After lunch explore Fairhaven on your own or walk to the Bellingham Railroad Museum to see miniature model trains and learn more about the heritage, history, and operations of the railroad system. $5 entry fee for optional museum.

Trip includes ticket for the train and bus transportation. Lunch and optional museum on your own.

DIABLO LAKE BOAT TOUR AND LUNCH

Thursday, August 31 7:15 AM – 5:30 PM Member: $85 Non-Member: $95 Sign-Up Deadline: Monday, August 26 Join us on the Diablo Lake Boat Tour and Lunch. We will drive the beautiful North Cascade Highway to Newhalem. At 10:15 we will begin check in and board the new Alice Ross IV boat designed especially for tours. The cabin features a roof that is nearly all glass to allow for the best possible visibility. We will see wildlife habitat, snow-clad mountain peaks, islands, and waterfalls and listen to stories about the early explorers and settlers in the area.

After the tour, we will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch consisting of soup, salad and a main course such as salmon or meatballs, and dessert. Price includes the boat tour, lunch and transportation.

EXTENDED TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES

HERITAGE OF AMERICA MAY 2018 Relive the birth of the United States during this 10 day trip from New York City to Washington D.C., with stays in Philadelphia, Charlottesville and Colonial Williamsburg. More information to come.

SPAIN’S CLASSICS OCTOBER 2018

Immerse yourself in a colorful pageant of art, history and culture on an 11-day experience in Madrid, Seville, Valencia and Barcelona. Informational presentation in February 2018.

ISLAND SENIOR RESOURCES For more information, call 360-321-1600 or 360-678-3373

PIKE STREET MARKET AND PIONEER SQUARE

Monday, June 5 Leave Bayview Hall at 7:30 am Leave Mukilteo at 8:30 am Arrive back at Mukilteo by 4:30 pm Member: $50 Non-member: $55

BILL AND MELINDA GATES FOUNDATION AND MOHAI

Friday, June 23 Leave Bayview Hall at 7:30 am Leave Mukilteo at 8:30 am Arrive back at Mukilteo by 4:30 pm Member: $66 Non-member: $71

NEW THIS SUMMER: MYSTERY ADVENTURES Join us for one, join in for all! These half day adventures will start Saturday morning and end with a boxed lunch (included). You will be given the general guidelines of what to bring, and a choice for lunch. The rest will be a surprise! More details on each adventure to come.

Mystery Adventure by Land Saturday, July 15 Member: $35 • Non-Member: $50 Mystery Adventure by Water Saturday, August 12 Member: $65 • Non-Member: $80 Mystery Adventure by Air Saturday, September 16 Member: $150 • Non-Member: $165

PACIFIC SCIENCE CENTER: TERRACOTTA WARRIORS EXHIBIT Tuesday, June 27 Leave Bayview Hall at 7:30 am Leave Mukilteo at 8:30 am Arrive back at Mukilteo by 4:30 pm Member: $81 Non-member: $86

Oak Harbor Senior Center, 360-279-4580 | Island Senior Resources, (360) 321-1600, (360) 678-3373

7

7June 2017

JUNE

OAK HARBOR SENIOR CENTER ACTIVITIES 360-279-4580 MONDAY 9 Quilting 9:30 EnhanceFitness 11:30 LUNCH 12 Bunco 12:30 Ping Pong

1 Art with Dottie 2 EnhanceFitness

2 Beg. Clogging

3 Adv. Beg. Clogging

5 Tai Chi

n

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

8:30 Yoga 9 Lapidary 11 Mexican Train 11 Reiki 11:30 Chess 12 Line Dance 12-4 SHIBA Counseling

1 Knitting Circle

1 MAC SIG (2nd. Tue.)

2 Vision Impaired Group (4th Tues)

3 Guitar Class 6 Pinochle

7 Stamp Club (2nd & 4th Tuesdays)

9 Lapidary 9:30 Enhance Fitness 11:30 LUNCH 12:30 Party Bridge 12:30 Ping Pong 2 EnhanceFitness

2 Caregiver Support (last Wednesday) 3:30 Ballroom (except 1st Wednesday)

4 Pickle Ball

THURSDAY 8:30 Yoga 9:30 Enhance Fitness 10 Creative Writing 12:30 Cribbage

1 Intro to Story Telling

1 SVC History Class

1 Reiki Treatments

2 Caregiver Support (3rd Thursday)

7 Wire Wrap

FRIDAY

SATURDAY 10 Pickleball (at the Christian School Gym)

9 Quilting

9 Tai Chi 11:30 LUNCH 12:30 Pinochle

1 Line Dance 2 EnhanceFitness

3 Guitar Class 6:30 Old Time Fiddlers (first Friday)

7 Country Dance (2nd Friday)

Ping Pong Billiards Pinochle

ISLAND SENIOR RESOURCES (BAYVIEW) ACTIVITIES 360-321-1600 or 360-678-3373 MONDAY 12:15 Reader’s Theater Rehearsal 1 Mahjong

3 Afternoon Tai Chi June 12 8:30 Distance Striders

TUESDAY

8:45 9 10 10:30 12:30 3:30 4:45

WEDNESDAY

Advanced Tai Chi Foot Clinic Beginning Tai Chi Tune In, Tone Up Lunch & Learn Parkinson’s sing-a-long Yoga for 50+

June 6 10 Alzheimer’s Support Group 12:15 Reader’s Theater Performance June 13 10 Parkinson’s Support Group

9 Beginning Line Dancing 10 Mexican Dominoes 10 Line Dancing 10 Quilters 6:30 Bingo – A chance to win $500!

THURSDAY 8:30 Men’s Bridge

9 Senior Striders 10 Crafting Connection 4:45 Yoga for 50+

6 Twilight Bridge

June 21

1 Social Security Basics

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

9 –4:30 SHIBA (State Health Insurance Benefits Advisors) 10:45 Fun Band Dancing

June 17

9 Pancake Breakfast 7 PM Not Your Grandma’s Bingo (doors open at 6)

June 9

1 Legal Information

June 23 1 Legal Information

June 28 11:30 Monthly Birthday Party and Blood Pressure check

Call Island Senior Resources for instructor contact numbers and information.

DATES AND TIMES OF ALL SCHEDULED EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. IT’S ALWAYS ADVISABLE TO CALL TO CONFIRM.

ResCare HomeCare

Helping You Stay At Home

Respect and Care at Home

• Trusted, experienced in-home care for all ages • Private Pay, VA, State Funded Care, DDD, Long Term Care Insurance • Personal care - help with daily living activities • Free, no obligation in-home assessment • Respite care - much-needed relief for the primary caregiver Serving South Whidbey Island ResCare Home Care, Freeland

Serving North Whidbey Island & Anacortes ResCare Home Care, Oak Harbor

360-331-7441

360-240-0044

YOUR EXCLUSIVE INVITATION TO CELEBR ATE BE T TER HEARING MONTH Participate in a 2-week trial† to explore revolutionary hearing technology.





hearing in loud situations?

up the TV or radio louder than before?

JUNE 5TH to 23 RD 2017 ONLY!

I F S O , W E C A N H E L P.

PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE

1. Free 75-minute hearing evaluation.

2. Free personalized audiogram review and one-on-one questions and answer sessionwith a licensed Hearing Care Professional.

3. For those who qualify††: 2-week trial† of our new rechargeable Phonak Audio B-R Hearing Aids!

4. Auditory Simulation at no cost. Hear the NOW CALL RVE difference this technology can make!

RESE ONLY 30 TEST UNITS AVAILABLE!



Do you often ask others to repeat themselves?

TO S! YOUR

C A L L N O W TO R E S E R V E YO U R S !

1.888.402.3807 | connecthearing.com/Invite

Freeland - 5570 Harbor Ave, Unit B Oak Harbor - 380 SE Midway Blvd

1.888.402.3807

Offer available from 6/05/17-06/23/17. †Certain types of hearing loss may require a hearing that S!modelhearing URaid is not appropriate for the Two Week Free Trial. See center for details. Lyric excluded.

YOComplimentary screening and consultation required. Some restrictions apply. ††For offer terms and conditions, please call or visit connecthearing.com/invite We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, United Healthcare, and other health plans. See center for details.

Thank you for reading Island Times. Please support our advertisers.

Please recycle this publication when you are finished reading it.

8

June 2017

Join us for LUNCH & LEARN

Donate $5 at Senior Thrift or Island Senior Resources (Bayview) and receive an “I support Meals on Wheels” button.

Presenters will offer information on key topics affecting the lives of seniors, their caregivers, families and friends.

ISLAND SENIOR RESOURCES (BAYVIEW) • TUESDAYS, 12:30 PM Lunch (optional) will be served 11:30 am – 12:30 pm (suggested donation $5) followed by a free presentation. See our menu section for what is being served for lunch. Come eat, socialize, and learn!

Date

Topic and Presenter

June 6

Stress Management Chasity Smith, Director of Aging & Disability Resources, Island Senior Resources

June 13

Chronic Disease Self-Management Debra Metz, Director of Nutrition Program, Island Senior Resources

June 20

Wills, Contracts, and Trusts Deborah Holbert, Whidbey Law Group

June 27

Changes in the Aging Eye Kate Fewel, Sight Connections

AT THE COUPEVILLE HUB • WEDNESDAYS, 1 PM All activities begin at 1 pm Wednesdays at the Coupeville United Methodist Church 608 N. Main Street. Lunch is served at noon. Contact Glenda Cantrell, 360-720-2955 or Glenda@islandseniorservices.org Date

Topic and Presenter

June 7

BINGO! Come play Bingo! Information and assistance will also be available 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.

June 14

Advanced HealthCare Directives Dr. Sanders, WhidbeyHealth Hospice Care, will speak about advanced health care directives, palliative care, and hospice care. Valuable information for us all!

June 21

Trash to Treasure: The Basics of Vermicomposting Kelsi Franzen, Whidbey Island Conservation District, will explain how worms can turn kitchen waste into high-quality compost for your garden, and how you can easily create your own vermicomposting system at home.

June 28

Musical Fun Heide Cope, will lead this sing along. Come join in the fun!

OAK HARBOR SENIOR CENTER • 11:30 AM

Your $5 will pay for one meal for a senior.

Special Events at Island Senior Resources (Bayview) 14594 SR 525, Langley, WA 98260

FATHER’S DAY PANCAKE BREAKFAST Saturday, June 17, from 9-11 am

at Island Senior Resources (Bayview) Let us do the cooking!

We’ll have pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage links, fresh fruit, coffee and tea, and fruit juice.

(Gluten free pancakes and sausage available).

Suggested donation $7/person except children under 5. We’ll have door prizes and a gift basket raffle. Baskets will include a Chocolate basket, Mariner’s basket, Big Breakfast Basket, and an Enjoy the Summer Basket!

Raffle tickets are $2.00 each. Hope to see you there! It’s always fun!

LEARN THE BASICS OF SOCIAL SECURITY Wednesday, June 21, 1 PM

at Island Senior Resources (Bayview) 14594 SR 525, Langley, WA 98260 • • • • •

How and when to apply for benefits Types of benefits you may qualify for Your social security rights Benefits based on earnings, spousal earnings (current and former) Survivor benefits for widow(er)s

This Island Senior Resources workshop will be presented by Annette Barca who has been conducting pre-retirement seminars for 15 years.

Free. No pre-registration required. For more information call 360-321-1600 ext 0

June Specials at Senior Thrift

Bring your lunch to this FREE program.

Date

Topic and Presenter

June 27

Common Eye Diseases: Diagnosis and Treatment Dr. Johnson, a Board Certified Ophthalmologist, will be talking about Common Eye Diseases, how they are diagnosed and what are some treatments. Dr. Johnson was introduced to Whidbey Island in early 2001 as a flight surgeon stationed at NASWI. After subsequent moves he retired from the Navy in 2009 and joined a thriving practice in New York.

He and his family were excited to return to Whidbey Island in 2011 when he took over for Dr. Lee. Dr. Johnson provides comprehensive eye care with two convenient locations – Oak Harbor and Freeland.

MEDICARE WORKSHOPS Will you be going on Medicare in the next 6 months and/or want to know more about Medicare? Attend a free seminar presented by SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefit Advisers) volunteers.

Free. No pre-registration required.

Oak Harbor Senior Center

Information will be provided about “basic” Medicare benefits as well as options for additional insurance(s). Medicare parts A and B will be discussed and also the differences between “Medigap” (supplemental) insurance and the various Advantage plans available on Whidbey Island. We will review benefits and rates.

Island Senior Resources (Bayview)

Information about prescription drug plans will be included. If you want help with your drug plan, bring a detailed list of your drugs.

F

SUPPORT MEALS ON WHEELS

51 SE Jerome St, Oak Harbor, WA 98277 For more information, call: (360) 279-4580 Tuesday June 6, 5 PM

5518 Woodard Avenue, Freeland WA 98249 • 360-331-5703 All Pink tags are 50% off and All Yellow tags are 25% off

Sunday, June 18 FATHER’S DAY

Your choice (1) item 50% off, (good on items valued at less than $150 unless otherwise posted).

DAILY SPECIALS WILL BE POSTED IN THE STORE!

Thursday, June 29 & Friday, June 30

All pink tagged clothing $1.00

NEW!

On Saturday and Sunday in June, July and August, you can have a table & 2 chairs (for $25 donation) in our parking lot where you can sell your own treasures. Make sure to stop by the store to sign up.

Friday July 7, 1 PM 14594 SR 525, Langley, WA 98260 For information call: 360-321-1600 ext 0 Monday July 10, 10 AM Counselors will be available to answer brief questions following the seminar.

Note: SHIBA volunteers work under the guidance of the Insurance Commissioner’s Office.

SENIOR THRIFT COUPON

Your Choice 25% off (1) item Women’s Clothing Cannot be used with any other discount.

Expiration: July 31, 2017

Oak Harbor Senior Center, 360-279-4580 | Island Senior Resources, (360) 321-1600, (360) 678-3373

7June 2017

9

The Tradename for Senior Services of Island County

From the Executive Director of ISR

lation grows on Whidbey Island, the need for volunteers, and for high levels of coordination and collaboration among nonprofits, is essential and growing.

By Cheryn Weiser, Executive Director, Island Senior Resources

Collaborating as a Community… for Our Community

Wendy Gilbert: President Cynthia Trowbridge: Vice President Tom Sommer: Treasurer Open: Secretary

A wonderful example of collaboration is the Caregiver Resource Fair on May 20th. Thirty-nine organizations/programs, including Island Senior Resources’ programs, and sponsor Whidbey Island/Heritage Bank worked together to create an event to respond to community members’ unique needs.

Community plays an important role in cultivating an active and vibrant nonprofit network of organizations that address a wide range of needs and interests on Whidbey Island.

Whether it is through volunteer efforts by individuals, like coaching youth soccer or making deliveries for Meals on Wheels, or policy level guidance by boards and councils, the nonprofit community relies on our Whidbey community to accomplish their missions.

There are nearly 800 private nonprofit organizations serving the communities of Island County, according to the Island County Economic Development Council. These include water and homeowner associations and organizations dedicated to the environment, recreation, arts, health care and human services.

In the human and health service arena, organizations coordinate assistance for individual clients, share information, and forge collaborative programs and projects that benefit Island residents and maximize scarce resources. As the senior popu-

Christina Baldwin Leo Baldwin Vickie Hagley Julie Joselyn Tia Reese Christine Schacker Bill Wells

Island Times also represents a stunning example of building collaboration across private and public nonprofit lines initiated by the private sector. Having a shared vehicle for communication involving the Oak Harbor Senior Center, Island Senior Resources (Senior Services of Island County) and the Whidbey Weekly is a first. We are charting new collaborative territory with this monthly publication.

Executive Director: Cheryn Weiser Please contact us if you are interested in applying to join the Board.

Whether you are new to Whidbey Island or a long-time resident, our sense of community is enhanced through volunteering and the dedication of nonprofit organizations to respond to needs and interests in the spirit of collaboration.

Come join us!

Lilia Becomes a Citizen!

“There is such diversity in the United States, so many different cultures, and such rich history here.” Becoming a citizen is a goal she worked very hard to achieve. She achieves her goals in small steps, but is steadfast, believing that each of us can accomplish great things if we choose to.

We are grateful that Lilia is an employee of Island Senior Resources in the Nutrition Program. She has many responsibilities and does them all with grace.

She coordinates the Meals on Wheels delivery volunteers, and is the dining

By Debbie Metz, Nutrition Program Director, Island Senior Resources with Robin Bush, Island Senior Resources

ISLAND SENIOR RESOURCES BOARD OF DIRECTORS

drivers said, “Lilia is always joyful, good-natured, never gets upset and always says, “thank you,” even when someone is having a hard day!”

Lilia is thankful for all of her family and friends who supported her in becoming a citizen and for everyone along the way in everyday life.

OUR LOCATIONS Island Senior Resources (Bayview) 14594 SR 525, Langley, WA 98260

Oak Harbor Senior Center

(in collaboration with Oak Harbor Senior Center)

51 SE Jerome St, Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Camano Center

(in collaboration with Camano Center)

606 Arrowhead Rd, Camano Island, WA 98282

Lilia’s next goal is to get her driver’s license. She got a permit recently and her son, Rudy, and friend Marilyn, are teaching her to drive! Good Luck Lilia, we have faith in you!

CamBey Apartments

50 N Main St, Coupeville, WA 98239

Senior Thrift

5518 Woodard Ave, Freeland, WA 98249

For more information call: (360) 321-1600 or (360) 678-3373

Compare Our CD Rates Bank-issued, FDIC-insured

Lilia Escojido, the Monday/Wednesday/ Friday meal site manager at the Oak Harbor Senior Center recently became a US citizen! Congratulations Lilia!

Lilia was born in central Mexico, the seventh of 11 children. She has lived in Oak Harbor since 2001. Lilia loves her large, close family and the people of Mexico, but her goal to become an American citizen has been a priority.

“I’m very happy with my life and very thankful for all things I have and all things I don’t have too!”

Lilia Escojido room manager, making sure those meals are hot and tasty! She does a wonderful job and is a delight to work with!

For all departments and all staff call 360-321-1600 or 360-678-3373 Nutrition/Meals on Wheels In Home Care Case Management Family Caregiver Support Time Together Adult Day CamBey Apartments

6-month

1-year

0.90 % 1.00 % 1.25 APY*

Minimum deposit $1000

Minimum deposit $1000

APY*

Minimum deposit $1000

% APY*

* Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 05/04/2017. CDs offered by Edward Jones are bankissued and FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (principal and interest accrued but not yet paid) per depositor, per insured depository institution, for each account ownership category. Please visit www.fdic.gov or contact your financial advisor for additional information. Subject to availability and price change. CD values are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of CDs can decrease. If CDs are sold prior to maturity, the investor can lose principal value. FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value. Early withdrawal may not be permitted. Yields quoted are net of all commissions. CDs require the distribution of interest and do not allow interest to compound. CDs offered through Edward Jones are issued by banks and thrifts nationwide. All CDs sold by Edward Jones are registered with the Depository Trust Corp. (DTC).

Call or visit your local financial advisor today.

One of the Meals on Wheels volunteer

HOW TO REACH ISLAND SENIOR RESOURCES Aging & Disability Resources

3-month

Medical Transportation/ Volunteer Services SHIBA Senior Thrift 360-331-5701

Welcome to CamBey!

• 50 pet-friendly* apartment homes for low income seniors Call and disabled adults 360-321-1600 or • Secured entry 360-678-3373 • Congregate lunch four days to schedule your per week personal tour *some restrictions apply • Indoor mailboxes • On-site laundry facilities • Across from WhidbeyHealth Medical Center and on the bus line

CLINTON

OAK HARBOR

Kevin B Lungren

Gene Kelly Barner

6315 Storkson Road Suite 102 360-341-4556

144 N E Ernst St Suite C 360-675-8239

COUPEVILLE

630 Southeast Midway Blvd 360-679-2558

Chris Renfro 107 S Main Street Suite A101a 360-678-6580

Eric L Schelling

Gregory A Smith, AAMS® 275 SE Cabot Dr A7 360-679-2304

FREELAND Melissa S Cates, AAMS® 1688 Main St Suite 100 360-331-4450

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

Thank you for reading Island Times. Please support our advertisers.

Please recycle this publication when you are finished reading it.

10

June 2017

The Tradename for Senior Services of Island County

Home is Where the Heart is! Senior Farmer’s Market Produce C

By Mel Watson, Director, Time Together Adult Day Services, Island Senior Resources

Have you ever stood in a crowd of people and felt like they were family?

It’s the kind of feeling you might get in a church, temple, concert, or other unifying group activity.

This happened for me at Walmart in Oak Harbor!

About a month ago one of our kind volunteers, Jill Brown, and I set up a table at the front door of Walmart in Oak Harbor to share information and raise funds for our two Time Together Adult Day Programs & Meals on Wheels.

We never anticipated the abundant kindness people expressed for these programs.

I’m often inspired at the depth of interconnectedness that flows beneath the surface of our everyday lives. For those of us who are still able to move about freely, and make sense of our environment, these experiences of feeling connected and part of a family or community are happening all the time. We don’t even think about it. We take it for

granted. But for some folks who have cognitive or physical challenges this feeling can slowly vanish, as if the world is dissolving slowly in all directions.

Friends stop calling. People stop talking to you when you go out. Family talk about you and not to you. One caregiver said to me recently, “I have found that friends and other family members hate to see him in his state of confusion and therefore do not come visit him.” At the core of what we do at Time Together is to see people, and support them to be able to continue to have meaningful experiences.

Recently, one of our participants completed a painting of a spring flower.

This is something she would be unable to do on her own, but because we focused on what she could do, she was able to experience the joy of creating something beautiful. Placing the outlined drawing of the flower in front of her, with a palette of colors and a paint brush and water bowl, I dipped the

HOME continued on page 12

BEST TIRE VALUE PROMISE® CLINTON 360.341.3313 OAK HARBOR 360.679.1535

Vouchers Arriving in June!

Bayview Mon-Fri • 10-2 CamBey Apartments Mon-Thurs •10-12 and 1-3 Oak Harbor Senior Center Resources Office Mon, Wed, Fri • 9-11

By Debbie Metz, ISR Nutrition Program Director

The Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) benefits both lowincome seniors and our local farmers; everyone involved has been absolutely delighted with the outcomes! Local farmers sell more produce and seniors, who otherwise couldn’t afford it, are able to purchase healthful, organic, fresh fruits and vegetables. SFMNP began in 2001 and has been very successful each year.

If you are 60 years old or older, and your income is at or below $1,859/month (for one person), or at or below $2,504/ month (for two), you are eligible for the program. Each person will receive $40 worth of vouchers to take to participating markets to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables.

W s w t “

“

“ s t

“ m

Distribution Locations and Times for Voucher Sign-Up (bring identification)

Your Friend is My Guest

Kennel, Walk, Feed, Play, Snuggle Home Visits, Cleaning, Other Services Serving Whidbey for 16 Years

Mary Jo Koenemann 360-321-5565 nicelydonehome@whidbey.com

Would you like to be more involved in your community and help others?

We need volunteers to assist with: • • • • •

Fundraising events Thrift Store Medical Transportation Administrative/outreach tasks Time Together Adult Day Services

Do you have a hearing loss? It may be affecting your quality of life Dr. Kristine Jarrell can help you rediscover the pleasures of hearing and improve your life.

Call today for a FREE hearing screening!

360-678-1423

107 S. Main St. A102 • Coupeville, WA 98239 Locally Owned & Operated

www.CoupevilleHearing.com © 2017 Starkey. All Rights Reserved. 4/17 53053-17

Voted Whidbey Island’s most trusted Audiologist four years in a row!

W m a c o

O p t Participating Markets y o Coupeville Farmers Market l 788 NW Alexander s (behind Sno-Isle Library) Saturdays, 10-2 open now to October u c Bayview Farmers Market b Bayview Corner, t Hwy 525 and Bayview Rd a Saturdays, 10-2 open now to October w South Whidbey Tilth Market t Hwy 525 and Thompson Rd t Sunday 11-2 open now to October S Oak Harbor Farmers Market h Hwy 20 just north of NE 4th Ave. l (in field next to Visitor’s Center) f Thursday 4-7 open now to September h b Look for the sign at right: a g c f

Vouchers will be ready for pick up starting Monday, June 12th at distribution locations and times listed below. There is a limited supply and vouchers are first come first served. If you live in Central or South Whidbey and have questions, please call, 360-321-1600 or 360-678-3373 ext. 0. If you live in Oak Harbor and have questions, please call Monique Olivera at 360-675-0311.

Vouchers are valid through October.

NICELY DONE HOME & PET SERVICES

B

DR. KRISTINE JARRELL Board-Certified Audiologist

Island Senior Resources, (360) 321-1600, (360) 678-3373

C m fi a a a m

I t i p a i u b

7June 2017

11

The Tradename for Senior Services of Island County

Cultivating Community

By Christina Baldwin, Island Senior Resources Board Member

Welcome back to Island Times! Each month Island Senior Resources will share an article with you about cultivating community on Whidbey Island. Join us on this journey.

On the rock, we are all aging together in place—whether as a six-year old proudly turning seven, a graduating teen, a young family living here for employment or deployment, or folks retiring to enjoy life on island-time. In each of our life stages we count on community to notice us, help us find our right places, and care about our well-being. And, as we become embedded in community, we turn around and find, notice, and care about others. As we begin this series, we decided to start off with some definitions of community that we can consider together and refer to over time.

Since our grandson was six years old, we have brought him up from his Los Angeles apartment life to our Whidbey home for two weeks of Spring break. We douse him in beach and forest rambles, play baseball in our dead-end gravel lane, and plant spring peas and spinach. As he grows, we find island things to meet his changing interests. In return, he gives us fresh eyes on our lives.

We were walking through the grocery store and the usual routine of shopping while meeting friends and acquaintances. After we checked out, he asked, “Are you guys famous or something?”

“No. Why?” “Because everybody talks to you. They’re so friendly. It makes me want to hug them, even though I don’t know them.”

“Ahh,” I told him, “that’s Whidbey community.”

Community is belonging in place. We move around our communities with confident familiarity. We know how to get in and out of the places— churches, shops and restaurants, theaters, senior centers, and roads that change names every few miles. We recognize landmarks.

I remember explaining this familiarity to my grandson the first time he visited in winter when the days are short. We picked him and his mother up at the airport, drove through big city lights, the interstate, and Mukilteo. Then we drove up the hill beyond Clinton. The little city boy grew quiet. “Wow, it’s really, really

dark here, Nina,” he whispered, “Can you find your way home?”

“I know where we are, even in the dark,” I told him. “This dip in the road goes alongside a pasture and forest. Soon there will be a stoplight. If we turned here, all the schools would line up along one side or another, but we are heading past the cranberry bog, see those bushes in the water in the moonlight?” And so, I directed him, teaching him what was familiar to me, and asking what was familiar to him in his neighborhood.

Community is social space. We recognize people—not that we know everyone by name, but people in our communities don’t appear and disappear without our noticing. We greet newcomers and introduce ourselves. We inquire after one another’s welfare.

For a number of years, while their children were all in elementary school, three fathers met at the entrance to our neighborhood, coffee mugs in hand, waiting with their kids for the school bus. This was their only connection, yet 20 minutes at a time they constructed their friendship.

We create social connections—the Fisherman’s’ Club, the Rod and Gun Club, the Rotary Club, the golfing group, the quilting circle, the birders and beachwatchers. Community is where we knit the threads of our lives together.

Community is shared stories. Story is the essence of community making. Story is how we break free of assumptions or stereotypes and become real people to one another. Here’s a community story: Once, just after an escalation of military action, several South Whidbey grandmother types were in the checkout line at the North Whidbey Walmart, talking about politics, wondering how it would all end when one of them was tapped on the shoulder. She turned around to see a young man, in civvies, but military cut and demeanor. In a broad southern drawl, he told them, “I joined up to get out of Arkansas and see the world. I’m seeing more of it than I figured, and I’m just plain scared out there sometimes.

Remember me when you’re talking—the navy, the army, it’s just full of young men and women trying to better ourselves.”

The women engulfed him in a group hug

COMMUNITY continued on page 12

The Home You Want the Care You Deserve At Maple Ridge, our philosophy is to offer exceptional care while providing choice, independence, fun and laughter.

We offer a full range of services designed to support your lifestyle.

Visit today and discover Retirement Perfected .

TM

Putting heart into quality service Proudly serving the community of Whidbey Island and beyond for 9 years with integrity & compassion.

A licensed funeral director since 1972, owner Paul Kuzina is also an advanced planning specialist, skilled in assisting families in preplanning.

1767 Alliance Avenue Freeland, WA 98249

(360) 331-1303 746 NE Midway Blvd • Oak Harbor • (360) 675-5777 info@whidbeymemorial.com • www.whidbeymemorial.com

BonaventureSenior.com Assisted Living © 2017 All rights reserved, Bonaventure Senior Living.

Thank you for reading Island Times. Please support our advertisers.

Please recycle this publication when you are finished reading it.

12

June 2017

The Tradename for Senior Services of Island County

HOME continued from page 10

COMMUNITY continued from page 11

brush in a color and showed her by touching the brush on a petal. “Can I ask you a favor?” I asked. “Sure,” she said. “Will you do this for me?’

I asked respectfully and she said, “Oh certainly.” Then, I placed the brush in her hand and she began to paint the petal that I was pointing at. Each time she finished a petal, I refilled the brush and gave it back to her and pointed to another petal.

“Would you do this one now?”

Sometimes she would stop and say, “No, I think we need to do this one next,” and she would choose another petal to paint. This continued for over half an hour. After a while, she remembered how to dip the brush in the paint herself, and continue the painting. Once the painting was finished, she commented on how beautiful it looked and asked, “May I give this to my husband?”

and have been telling others about that moment ever since. The story has led to church groups and senior programs that support Navy families, and retired vets and share a sense of resilience. Changing hearts and minds means knowing the real people who live alongside one another.

What a gift it is to be a part of wonderful and kind family of folks who see the world of opportunity that awaits when we move beyond the surface. Time Together has received passionate support from people like Sande Mulkey from Regency, Karen Cowgill from Home Place, Carolyn Hansen from the Parkinson’s support group and Mary Anderson, Director of the Oak Harbor Senior Center, and countless others. No wonder Oak Harbor now, feels just like home.

Community is created by people making choices of welcome and belonging.

When I arrived on Whidbey twentythree years ago, there was a community already in place. I knew about Whidbey because two cousins lived in Langley.

My partner and I had been looking for just the right place to relocate in midlife, finish raising children, and launch a small, educational company. We looked at Vashon, Bainbridge, Port Townsend, but crossing the ferry and driving the island—like many before and after us— something about here felt like home.

When we arrived at my cousins’ and began talking of our plans, they got on the phone to friends and within an hour there was a spontaneous picnic happening in their backyard, folks willing to drop everything and come on over, meet us, and share what they knew about schools, the Whidbey Institute, church options, small business support, how to get to the airport, etc.

Community is a shared responsibility that we participate in and leave as a legacy. Community needs to be cultivated so that it survives along with us, and thrives beyond us. Though I was only in my mid-forties when I arrived, and not yet thinking about aging in place, what was then Senior Services

of Island County, now newly renamed Island Senior Resources, was already serving folks a generation ahead of me and preparing for the day when I would look up and need supportive resources as I retired, claimed Medicare, and supported my father’s move across country to make his community here. There was a moment about ten years ago, I remember coming out of the bank and turning toward the shopping center in Freeland, when I suddenly became hyper-aware of all the grey-haired people around me. I had the realization, “Wow, we’re all going to be old together!”

I began looking differently at the island, seeking to make contributions to sustaining community. What could I do to

support those younger and older than me? How we, in the middle years, support the generations ahead of us and behind us define who we are. Cultivation means to plant something, to nurture its growth, and to harvest a bounty while leaving seeds for regeneration.

Cultivating community is not always easy, but it is always worth it! Community creates the safety net that holds our lives in place. It is a mutual exchange that benefits everyone—like getting a hug; one must give one at the same time. Together we can grow and age and make every age a celebration of our community and the “island times” we share.

WEB RESOURCES TO INFORM & INSPIRE… When you have a few quiet moments, visit www.senior-resources.org/ inspire. There, you will find web links to resources that will provide information and shine a light of inspiration that will help you navigate today and tomorrow. Each month we will add new resources, so keep checking back.

This month you will find: • A list of farmer’s markets, farm stands, and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA’s) on Whidbey Island • Ten reasons to support Farmer’s Markets • Farmers markets are an important part of the community for economic, social and environmental vitality

6-week series of classes for caregivers Are you caring for a loved one?

Caring for those with a chronic condition can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining.

Join us for Powerful Tools for Caregivers, an educational program designed to help you care for yourself while caring for a parent, spouse, or friend, who lives at home, in an assisted living facility, or across the country.

Learn valuable skills to help you: • Reduce personal stress • Change negative self-talk • Communicate your needs • Deal with challenging situations

Rosario Skin Clinic

• Make tough decisions • Set goals and problem-solve

Your Dermatology Specialists • Board Certified

• Medical

• Mohs Surgery

• Surgical

Tuesdays July 25 – August 29 1 PM – 4 PM Facilitated by Family Caregiver Support Specialists Chasity Smith and Beth Rahi

• Cosmetic

Island Senior Resources (Bayview) 14594 SR 525, Langley, WA 98260

(360) 336-3026 AMBER FOWLER, MD

LAURIE JACOBSON, MD

RANDY BANKS, PA-C

CaSONDRA WEBB, PA-C

Our nursing home will take care of you or your aging loved one. We support active community involvement and strive to foster a family atmosphere. Whether you require skilled nursing care or rehab care, we cater to your needs with highly skilled nursing and therapy staff that help you get back on your feet. We are dedicated to serving the residents of Whidbey Island and the surrounding communities.

LYNDSEY SWITZER, PA-C

5 NE 4th Street • Suite B • Coupeville 3110 Commercial Ave • Suite 105 • Anacortes 1600 Continental Place • Suite 101 • Mt. Vernon 3614 Meridian Street • Suite 200 • Bellingham

www.RosarioSkinClinic.com

311 NE 3rd St Coupeville, WA 98239 360-678-2273 360-321-6660 Fax: 360-678-8715 careage2@whidbey.net

Call Chasity Smith, 360-321-1600 for information/registration. Class size is limited. Pre-registration is required.

Class is Free. Workbooks may be borrowed or purchased ($20).

Combine & Save.

I can help you save time & money.

One agent for all your insurance needs saves time. And Allstate’s multi-policy discounts are an easy way to save money. For affordable protection for your home, car, boat and more, call me first.

MATTHEW IVERSON 360-675-5978 466 NE Midway Blvd, Oak Harbor, WA 98277 mattiverson1@allstate.com

Insurance and discounts subject to terms, conditions and availability. Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Co., Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Co., Allstate Indemnity Co., Allstate Insurance Co., 2775 Sanders Rd., Northbrook, IL 60062 Northbrook, IL. © 2016 Allstate Insurance Co.

Island Senior Resources, (360) 321-1600, (360) 678-3373