LIFE, HEALTH & HAPPINESS FOR NORTH WHIDBEY’S 50-PLUS CROWD VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 7 • December 2014
End of Year Thoughts
OHSAC Foundation
By Barb Spence
Established in 1995, the Oak Harbor Senior Center Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization that gives aid and assistance to the Oak Harbor Senior Activity Center as well as programs and services benefiting local older adults. It is administered by a Board of Trustees, which currently has the following members:
The last week of the year is the time when the reality of the present year meets the promise of the next. Depending on our point of view, the end of the year can be bittersweet or it can be very exciting. Thinking about what’s to come is exciting, but looking back over the events of the past year can be incredibly rewarding. It’s the time for the memories we have created, the time for recollection, remembering and introspection. It is also the perfect time to examine just what a great job we have done in taking ourselves too seriously over the past year. I think that many of us get in our own way sometimes by taking ourselves too seriously. We are then unable to be open to advice, to differing perspectives, or opposing opinions. If we really are not a leading expert on a particular matter, perhaps we should be open to advice from those who are. Shouldn’t we be willing to listen to, acknowledge, and respect others’ opinions and perspectives? How else do we grow? It can be challenging to be passionate about something without taking it so seriously that we turn into crazy people with fangs and claws. I have a tendency to take myself a bit too seriously at times, especially when I get stressed, irritated, or scared. I’ve noticed that sometimes these feelings not only make me less effective in dealing with a difficult situation, they can make things worse. I also find that in these moments of taking myself too seriously, it’s easy for me to become self-important and to think that the weight of the world is on my shoulders…as if I am the only one out there who can carry all that weight… as if you don’t have any idea how important I think I am. HAH! It’s so much better to seek the humor and silver lining
WHIDBEY’S HOPE FOR CHRISTMAS By Barb Spence
Oak Harbor Senior Activity Center is joining the larger community in the spirit of Christmas to sponsor and support children who may be going without a Christmas this year. In the past, Whidbey’s Hope for Christmas was coordinated by the Soroptimist OH Tree of Hope. This year DSHS has taken on the program. The Senior Activity Center will be putting up a Christmas Tree in the days after the Thanksgiving Holiday. We would like to invite you and your friends to bring mittens, stuffed animals, winter hats, or toys to the Center and place them under the Christmas Tree. On December 15, DSHS
By Barb Spence
in everything. It makes all of the ups and downs in life a lot easier. Laughter is good. It changes perspective and our moods. It relaxes us and boosts our entire systems including our hearts.
President: Al Koetje Treasurer: Mike Rodgers
There is another way to keep from taking ourselves too seriously. We are all in this life together. If we do a better job of sticking together through thick and thin; of honoring and respecting the journey we are on; paying attention to the sheer joy in the people around us; being loyal to one another…smiles and laughter follow and life can then be quite beautiful. With that said, here is a story to share with you.
Secretary: Anita Anderson-Johnson
A flock of wild geese had settled to rest on a pond. One of the flock had been captured by a gardener, who had clipped its wings before releasing it. When the geese started to resume their flight, this one tried frantically, but vainly, to lift itself into the air. The others, observing his struggles, flew about in obvious efforts to encourage him; but it was no use.
Caregiver program support
Thereupon, the entire flock settled back on the pond and waited, even though the urge to go on was strong within them. For several days they waited until the damaged feathers had grown sufficiently to permit the goose to fly. Meanwhile, the unethical gardener, having been converted by the ethical geese, gladly watched them as they finally rose together and all resumed their long flight. Story by Albert Schweitzer.
will come by and pick up the gifts to be distributed to over 1,000 kids in our area who would be so happy to receive a gift. Spread a little extra cheer this year!
Dues Changes
• OHSAC Dues are going up to $40 a year January 1, 2015. • 2014 dues will remain at $30 a year through December 31, 2014. • After January 1, 2015, ALL dues, whether new or past due renewals will be $40. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to talk to Barb Spence.
VOLUNTEER Attorneys’ LEGAL INFORMATION CLINIC We are very excited to announce the quarterly return of the Volunteer Attorneys’ Legal Information Clinic. If you are in need of
legal advice, come in and sign up for one of 4 slots that are available December 12, from 1–4pm. All information is at the Reception Desk at the Oak Harbor Senior Activity Center. If you have any questions, please call the Reception Desk at 2794580.
Social Security: Your Questions Answered By Barb Spence
On January 22, from 4–5pm, at the Oak Harbor Senior Activity Center, Scott Dudley of Edward Jones is sponsoring a presentation called: Social Security-Your Questions Answered. You are invited to join the presentation where the following discussion will take place: • How does Social Security fit into my retirement income plan? S.S. continued on page 2
Members: Nora O’Connell-Balda, Mike Mila, Pat Gardner
Examples of Foundation projects over just the past few years include
Senior Center building enhancements (carpets/flooring, painting) Hosting weekly senior bingo Senior support program funding
The Foundation funding is achieved through periodic raffles, memorial tree donations, individual donor contributions and fundraising events. For more information regarding how you might become involved and/or contribute, please contact Mike McIntyre at (360) 279-4580 for more information.
INSIDE THIS EDITION Guest Spot........ Pg. 2 Library Events.... Pg. 3 Menu................ Pg. 3 Volunteer Showcase......... Pg. 4 Sudoku Puzzle... Pg. 4 Calendar.......... Pg. 5 Travel............... Pg. 6 Crossword Puzzle............... Pg. 6 Activities & Events........... Pg. 7