The Bridge - December 2011 Edition

theBridge

NORTH WHIDBEY’S 50-PLUS CROWD

December 2011 | Vol. 3 | Issue 8

LIFE . HEALTH . HAPPINESS

VFW SENIORS CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON The VFW’s Annual Seniors Christmas Luncheon, is Wednesday, Dec 14, from 1 to 4 pm. All seniors are welcome.

Lunch, Santa Claus visit, and Christmas festivities are part of the fun. The VFW Post is located at 3037 Goldie Road in Oak Harbor. Please RSVP by calling 279-4580 by Friday, Dec. 9 for the food count. (Para-Transit will dropoff and pick-up for this event. Make reservations early.)

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS LIGHT TOUR Get ready to jingle your bells on our Annual Christmas Light Tour, Monday, Dec. 19 at 5 pm. Depart from the Center.

Cost is $6 per person and there are 20 seats available. No-host light dinner stop before the tour. Stop by the Senior Center to sign up.

CANADIAN TRAIN PRESENTATION Jay, group manager of Globus/Cosmos will give a presentation on the Canadian Train Odyssey scheduled for April 23 – May 3, 2012, on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 10 am at the Oak Harbor Senior Center.

Brochures are available at the Center.

This cross-country train adventure begins in Toronto, ends in Vancouver, and includes beautiful scenery and funfilled activities in some of Canada’s most popular cities. Any questions, please phone Pat at 279-4582 or stop by and see her. Deposits will be taken this day or sooner if planning on going with us. Only three people needed. RSVP by calling 279-4580.

Winter storm preparedness fair Who’s your “disaster buddy?”

I

t doesn’t happen too often, but harsh winter storms in the Pacific Northwest are a fact of life. Often these storms include high winds with downed power lines that have left us without electricity for anywhere from a few minutes to a few days. In addition, heavy snowfall is not unheard of on Whidbey Island with a record of almost 36 inches of the white stuff falling in less than 30 hours. Living on an island presents unique challenges especially to those living alone and/or dealing with health issues.

Do you have a Disaster Buddy? Someone to check on you when a disaster strikes? Lifelines and other features may not work due to power outages. Is someone aware of your special needs, such as life support equipment, which would make you a high priority for rescue efforts?

Join us Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 1-4:00 pm for our Winter Storm Preparedness Fair. Qualifi ed instructors in Public Disaster Education, the Red Cross and Oak Harbor Fire & Rescue will be on hand with discussions, displays and handouts to help you prepare for the Winter Storms. Learn about the Disaster Buddy program, register with the OH Fire & Rescue if you have special needs that will make you a priority to bring to an emergency shelter Learn how to register yourself on the Red Cross

VFW POST 7392 SUNDAY BREAKFAST Breakfast will be served at the VFW Post 7392, on Sunday, Dec. 18 from 10 am to 12 pm. The breakfast features pancakes, eggs, hash browns, breakfast meats, and biscuits-n-gravy. The cost is $6 for adults, $3 for seniors and children. All are invited. Breakfast proceeds benefit our local post, including veterans’ assistance and community service programs. The Whitehead-Muzzall Post is located at 3037 N. Goldie Road, Oak Harbor. For more information, contact the Post at 360-675-4048.

2012 Cruise Deals Join Roxann Dunn-Terry on a cruise in 2012! Special deals available on cruises to New England/Canada in October and Mississippi Paddlewheeler out of New Orleans for the holidays. Take advantage of the great deals with deposits made in December. Details are in the travel section.

Home Security

Give a gift to the Oak Harbor Senior Center while doing your holiday shopping by stopping at Applebee’s for lunch or dinner! Invite all of your friends & family to dine with us any time on Thursday, Dec. 8 and Applebee’s will donate 15% of the proceeds to the Oak Harbor Senior Center. (To-go and carside to-go orders will be applied!) Pick up your fl yer (Ticket) at the Oak Harbor Senior Center. You must have a ticket fl yer for the Senior Center to receive 15%. This offer is good only at the Applebee’s at 31810 State Route 20 in Oak Harbor. A fun, tasty way to raise funds and best of all no dishes to wash!

Laughter: The Shortest Distance Pg. 2

December Events Pg. 2

Classes Pg. 3 Health & Wellness Pg. 5

website as “Safe and Well”. After a disaster, letting your family and friends know that you are safe and well can bring your loved ones great peace of mind. This website is designed to help make that communication easier.

Assemble a one person 3-day kit. Cost is $9.00. Sign up with payment by December 5. There will be door prizes to compliment your Emergency Preparedness efforts. RSVP by calling the Center at 279-4583.

Emergency preparedness is an act of love. If you love no one, including yourself, you have no reason to prepare. However, with a little forethought and planning, you can give yourself a real sense of peace knowing that you have a plan in place. Be aware…

Be ready…and Prepare Because You Care.

Seniors are being targeted in the recent home and automobile invasions on North Whidbey. On Friday, Dec. 9 at 1 pm representatives from the Oak Harbor Police Department will be at the Oak Harbor Senior Center to discuss tips and precautions you can take to protect yourself and your property.

APPLEBEE’S DINING OUT CHRISTMAS FUNDRAISER

INSIDE THIS EDITION

Don’t wait to prepare and be caught unable to get provisions.

2nd ANNUAL CHILDREN’S BOOK DRIVE “A book is a present, that you can open again and again.”

–Mary Englebreit. The Friends of The Library and The Oak Harbor Senior Center are sponsoring the 2nd Annual Children’s Holiday Book Drive. From now until Dec. 14 we will accept new and gently used books for children. Books do not necessarily need to be about the holidays. The books will be distributed to Hand-In-Hand Early Learning Center Head Start at the Clover Valley Elementary School. The goal is to give every child possible a book of their own, and encourage a love for reading. Books open doors to new worlds. Books may be dropped off at the Oak Harbor Senior Center.

Calendar Pg. 7 Travel Pg. 4 Interest & Support Groups Pg. 6

Menu Pg. 5 Yuletide Season Ways To Spread Joy Pg. 7

Page 2 | the hub

The Bridge | December 2011

Oh, Christmas Tree

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

BY ROXANN DUNN-TERRY I do love Christmas Trees. I love everything about them. I really love natural trees. I never thought I would be the owner of an artificial tree. But I am.

It wasn’t’ easy. It happened about seven years ago. There was such a good buy on one that after we bought one for the Senior Center, we got one just like it for the house. I have my reasons.

Growing up, I honestly thought it was a Christmas tradition to have “Dad’s Annual Christmas Tree Lights

Meltdown.” Didn’t every family? We kids would disappear until after he got the lines untangled, re-placed dead lights and got them hung on the tree and Mom quit whispering, “Now Chuck, the girls will hear you, Now Chuck.” We just giggled knowing that Grandad said worse and our Nana was always saying, “Now Frank, the girls are here, Now Frank.”

For years, I thought ‘Now’ was a term of endearment then later realized the girls vocabularies were about to increase. The worst year was when Mom decided to get a live tree. Nice thought but after the cat decided she had an indoor litter box in the front room, the tree got replaced.

It was not the smell of Christmas we wanted. We had two ‘Daddy Meltdowns’ that year and the cat was kept hid ‘til after New Year’s.

So, the first Christmas when soonto-be Mr. Volunteer was helping me decorate the tree in my small apartment, and I realized I didn’t have to disappear

or say “Now,” I knew he was a Christmas keeper. The first year we got a Charlie Brown tree in the middle of the night along side Ft. Nugent Road. One more year of living in Illinois almost made an artificial tree owner out of me. Those trees come from Wisconsin and believe me, they ain’t no Pacific Northwest evergreen. One year we went and got one at night. There had been a snowstorm the night before and the tree lot attendant gave one to us at a lower price because snow was covering it and we couldn’t see how big it really was. It was BIG. When we got it into the house Danny was thrilled and thought he could climb it. One year I took Danny and Beth to get a tree without Daddy. Big mistake. Mr. Volunteer never bonded with that tree.

The final straw that led to our current tree was the year before artificial tree came to live with us. Mr. Volunteer, me and Beth went to pick out Doug (we always named our Pacific Northwest

> DECEMBER EVENT SPOTLIGHT HOLIDAY WASTE DISPLAY

Did you know that Americans throw away 5 million EXTRA tons of garbage between Thanksgiving and New Years?

Put more meaning and less waste in your holiday. Maribeth Crandell, Environmental Educator for the City of Oak Harbor, will show how you can save money, natural resources and enjoy your holidays with Holiday Waste Prevention Tips in the display case at the Center.

OLD TIME FIDDLERS

Come fiddle around with the Old Time Fiddlers for some great music and fun Friday, Dec. 2 at 7 pm at the Oak Harbor Senior Center. Bring a plate of cookies if you like. Admission is by donation to the Old Time Fiddlers. Everyone’s welcome.

COUNTRY DANCE

A “Country Line Dance” will be held Friday, Dec. 9 from 7 - 10 pm, including a variety of workshops, at the Oak Harbor Senior Center. Admission is $5.00 per person – $9.00 per couple, $1.00 discount for Senior Center Members.

Open to the Public.

HOLIDAY CHOIR

The Student Choir from NWMS will perform a Holiday Concert at the Center on Monday, Dec. 12, at 12:15 pm after the Noon meal. Everyone is invited to join us for cookies and coffee.

SENIOR LUNCH OUT

Senior Night Out will celebrate the season with lunch at Café Bella, for fun, friendship and great food on Wednesday, Dec. 14. Meet at 11:00 am.

RSVP by calling the Center, 279-4580, Dec. 9. (Gratuities not included.)

HUMANA MEDICARE ADVANTAGE

A Humana Medicare health care specialist will be here on Monday, Dec. 5 from 1-3 pm, heading up community meetings. The representative will provide information on Humana Medicare Advantage plans available in Island County and answer any health care related questions. Information relating to the enrollment process will be available. RSVP by calling the Senior Center at 279-4580.

theBridge EDITOR | Roxann Dunn-Terry Oak Harbor Senior Center is located at 51 SE Jerome St. Oak Harbor, WA 98277 (Corner of Whidbey Avenue & Jerome Street)

Business Hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

360-279-4580 Send comments/suggestions to: rdunn-terry@oakharbor.org To advertise, call 360-675-6611.

BRAIN & BODY IN MOTION

Improve Memory, Coordination, Balance and Self-esteem through Movement in the Brain & Body Workshop on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 10:30 am – 1:30 pm. Miss Claudia will teach you basic and easy moves that helps the brain and the body work together for a whole benefit. Come ready to move, learn and enjoy with others, the amazing world of movement and body/brain connection awareness.

Come ready to move, wear comfortable clothes. Coffee, tea & light snacks will be provided. Workshop will be held at In Motion Co. located on 2800 NE Goldie Street #A-101. Cost is $12 for Senior Center & In Motion Co. members and $15 for others. RSVP by December 12 by calling 360-682-6237.

HOLIDAY REFLECTIONS

A Gift to Give Yourself It’s a perfect time for gathering to create SoulCollage® cards honoring our heartfelt holiday traditions (Hannukah, Christmas, Solstice, Kwanza). Have some fun identifying what comes up

trees Doug as in ‘Mr. Douglas Fir’). It was cold, sleeting, and we tromped over acres of tree farm ‘til we found Doug, cut him down, dragged him back up a hill, paid more than we wanted and then went to tie him on top of the car. Beth rolled down the back windows as asked by her father, she held Doug while her father wrapped rope around and around and around Doug so he wouldn’t blow off. Then when we went to get into the car, discovered that Mr. Volunteer had secured Doug and tied the doors shut….

It was a very cold ride home and I told Beth to put her hands over her ears.

The next year we got the artificial tree and I tell people it’s because the lights were already on. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. But I do love Christmas trees– Pacific Northwest Christmas trees.

for you in the holidays, and make cards commemorating your inner “Hostess with the Mostest,” your “Holiday Child” who loves surprises, your “Shopper Self” who goes overboard, or even your “Scrooge” self who grumbles, complains, and wishes it were all over. Perhaps it is a family memory or tradition that inspires your work or the idea of “Gratefulness” or “Lightbearer” or a “Divine Child.” All these ideas and more will translate into beautiful keepsakes and reminders. The workshop will be taught by Kathleen Flynn on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 10 am – Noon in the Arts & Crafts room.

No special tools or skills are required. All supplies and materials are provided. The cost is $20, plus $5 for supplies payable to the teacher. Intended for adults age 18 or older. Class size is limited, so please email or call to RSVP: flynnkl@earthlink. net or 360.682.6070 (voice/text).

Nurturing ourselves with an adventure in art that anyone can do is renewing and great fun. The holiday season is for children of all ages!

{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 on the last Wednesday of the month. 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 design/ layout/printing/distribution by the Whidbey News Times.

December 2011| The Bridge

games & classes | Page 3

learn&grow Fun Fitness

Wood Carving

are invited to join a continuing painting

A Fun Fitness program conducted by North End Fitness for members of the Oak Harbor Senior Center.

Tuesdays, 9 am with instructor Dick Weber. Classes are $5 a session and open to all levels of carving experience.

New students welcome.

class, Mondays, from 1-4 pm. Work

FALL SCHEDULE: Yoga – M & W, 8:30 am 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 have unlimited use of the North End Fitness Center and Excalibur Gym which is open 24 hours/day.

To register, call North End Fitness at 675-1111.

Line Dance Tuesdays, 1 pm with instructor Jean. $10 a month–Members. No partners needed.

Art with Anita Johnston

Backgammon Group Thursdays from 1 – 3 pm. Bring your Backgammon board.

$25 Jackpot Bingos Feeling Lucky? Harbor Tower Village Retirement Center will sponsor a $25 Jackpot Bingo game on Thursday, Dec 8 and Banner Bank on Dec. 22. Cards for the $25 Bingo game available at intermission for $1. Bingo is played Thursdays from 12:15 – 3:00 pm.

Ping Pong Wednesdays 1-3 pm and Saturdays 10 am-2 pm. Contact Eileen Billings, 678-1684.

Members. RSVP by calling 279-4580.

Spanish For Seniors Conversational Spanish, Wednesdays

at 5:30 pm and Fridays at 9:30 am. To

1 pm, Beginners at 2 pm. Maximum ten students per class per session. Costs is $30 a month payable first day of class.

RSVP by calling 279-4580.

Tai Chi & Qigong Jill Reed teaches Tai Chi on Mondays register, call Jill at 675-1464.

Bingo!

your cribbage boards.

Thursdays, 12:15-3:30 pm. Packet $4.

Soft cards for special games 50 cents each.

Pinochle

Cribbage

All Games are held at Oak Harbor Senior Center unless otherwise specified.

Tuesdays, 5:30 pm. Fridays, 12:30 pm. Potluck lunch.

Trusted by the Whidbey Island Community for nearly 49 years.

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

Mondays, Tuesdays (No Wii the first Tuesday of the month) and Thursdays, 9:30 am. Enjoy fun and exercise with Wii Bowling. No special shoes required or heavy balls.

Tuesdays, 1 pm

$5 per session-Members / $10 Non-

Art with Dottie Sanders

Nintendo Wii Bowling

Chess Players

and combinations of media. Cost is

with Al Enriquez. Intermediate class at

Thursdays, 12:30 – 3:00 pm. Bring

Jim Haddon, Manager

Contact us today to learn more about our services.

TAMI HERMAN When you enter Harbor Tower Village, pause and listen for the sound of laughter, and you will probably find Tami Herman in our dining room. Tami always seems to have a bright smile on her face, and its is contagious! You just can’t talk to her without catching the feeling of happiness!

Tami and her family moved to Oak Harbor from the Bay area in 2003. She and her husband have 5 children, and as one can imagine, they manage to stay very busy. They are also very involved with their extended Church family. She seems to have an endless amount of energy. Tami’s new passion is going to the gym, and also taking Zumba classes. She worked at Applebee’s for five years before coming to Harbor Tower, where she made many friends and enjoyed spreading sunshine to the customers, and co-workers alike.

Recently, Tami has enrolled at Skagit Valley where she will beginning her prerequisits for the LPN program in the Winter quarter. This is a life long dream of hers, and she cannot believe that it is finally coming true.

The residents and staff at Harbor Tower look forward to the days that Tami is working, because she is always upbeat and they know she will be spreading smiles.

The first 10 people who visit Whidbey Coffee at Highway 20 next to Wendy’s in Oak Harbor, and mention Tami’s name will receive a free latte!

Party Bridge Wednesdays, 12: 30 pm. Must RSVP by 4 pm Monday afternoon.

Beginning Bridge Class Wednesdays, 1 pm Beginning Bridge is held at Oak Manor for people who have never played, have little experience or have been in a previous class. For more information, call Don at 679-8807.

By Ann Votava

watercolors, acrylics, pastels, collage

An Art Class for beginners and intermediate students, Mondays, from 9 am ‘til noon. Explore the FUN of painting with a variety of media including drawing with pencil & ink, and painting with various media--oil, watercolor, and/or acrylic. Cost per month is $35 Members/$45 Nonmembers. RSVP by calling 279-4580.

Painters from beginners to experts

games &fun

in any and all paint media from oils,

NEWS FROM THE TOWER

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Page 4 | travel & trips

The Bridge | December 2011

3 – Holiday Seattle Choice 5 – Skagit Casino 8 – Lights of Christmas at Warm Beach 12 – Skagit Casino-2 13 – Mystery Lunch 20 - Tulalip Casino 29 - Tulalip Casino - 2

Note: Two additional Casino Trips have been added this month.

CANADIAN TRAIN ODYSSEY April 23 – May 3, 2012 This cross-country train adventure across Canada begins in Toronto, ends in Vancouver, and includes beautiful scenery and fun-filled activities in some of Canada’s most popular cities. Any questions, please phone Pat Gardner at 279-4582. Brochures are available at the Travel Desk. For the best price and seating for air, deposits needed by December 7. Need three more people!

WINTER TRAVEL SIGN UP New Procedures!

The first day for Members of the Oak Harbor Senior Center to sign up for the Winter 2012 Trips will be Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012 from 8:30 am – 3 pm. Casino Sign Ups will be held in the Arts & Crafts Room, other trip sign ups will be held in the main lobby as usual. There will be no pre-sign up sheets passed out on the Casino bus. Everyone will sign up for the trips of their choice on Wednesday, January 11. First come, first serve. At the time of sign up, you may select your seat. There will be four casino trips in the months of January, February and March.

Travel Brochure will be mailed to current

For a complete description of all trips, see the Fall 2011 Travel Brochure or visit the center.

members of the Oak Harbor Senior Center in December. Membership should be current as December 5 to be on the mailing list.

JOIN ROXANN FOR THESE TWO ADVENTURES! EARLY DEPOSITS MEAN GREAT DEALS!

A BIG HALLOWEEN BASH TO CANADA WITH PRINCESS CRUISES ON THE CARIBBEAN PRINCESS 8 Days / 7 Nights ~ October 20, 2012 A fun Canada & New England cruise round trip from New York City. Ports of call include New York City, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Saint John, New Brunswick, Bar Harbor, Maine, Boston, Massachusetts and Newport, Rhode Island. Rates are per person, double occupancy, and include roundtrip airfare from Seattle, cruise, port charges, government fees, taxes, and transfers to/from ship. Also includes half day tour of Boston & half day tour of Salem, Massachusetts with visits to famous historic sites. Halloween Cocktail Party with Prizes for All! Rates start with an Inside Cabin $2,033, Outside Cabin $2,243, Balcony $2,513 and Mini Suite $2,813.

Photos by Roxann Dunn-Terry

December trips & beyond!

Members of the Oak Harbor Center Piecer’s Quilt Group receive Volunteer Award from Director Mike McIntyre at the 25th Anniversary Volunteer Celebration. Over 50 Volunteers attended the event held at Regency On Whidbey.

PASSPORT REQUIRED. An initial deposit of $420 per person double occupancy or $840 per person single occupancy is required to secure reservations and assign cabins. Final balance is due July 6, 2012. Contact Roxann at 360-279-4583. *If you book by December 19, 2011– Only $100 pp Deposit & Receive a coupon book worth up to $325 in onboard Savings!

OLD FASHIONED HOLIDAY WITH GREAT AMERICAN STEAMBOAT COMPANY ON THE AMERICAN QUEEN 7 Days / 6 Nights ~ December 8, 2012 Enjoy a Mark Twain adventure with a little ‘Rollin’ On The River’! Nowhere can you embrace this special time of year more uniquely than aboard an elegant steamboat, decked out from stem to stern in Victorian holiday finery. Spectacular bonfires along the levees light the way for Papa Noel. Ports of call include New Orleans, Vacherie (Oak Alley), St. Francisville, Natchez and Baton Rouge.

Rates start with an Inside Cabin $2,713 and

Just in time for your Holiday Gift List! The Basket of Lights Raffle.

A basket full of candles and decorations. Raffle tickets are $1.

All proceeds go towards replacing furniture at the Center. Drawing is December 21 at Noon.

Outside Cabins beginning at $3,213. Rates are per person, double occupancy, and include roundtrip airfare from Seattle, one-night luxury hotel stay with full American breakfast, and transfers to the ship before your voyage, cruise, complimentary bottled water and soft drinks onboard, complimentary wines and beers with dinner onboard, Captain’s champagne welcome reception and gala dinner, hot and cold canapÊs at cocktail hour every evening, meals on board, port charges, government fees, and taxes.

An initial deposit of $450 per person double occupancy or $900 per person single occupancy is required. Final balance is due August 9, 2012. Those who book early get the best prices, the best cabin locations, and their preferred dining times. For Reservations or more information please contact Roxann at 360-279-4583. *If you book by December 31, 2011 – All Regular Shore Tours are included!

Whidbey General Hospital Would Like To Thank The Whidbey Island Community For Over 40 Years Of Support Acute Medical Services for your in-hospital medical care needs

Whidbey General continually strives to ensure medical excellence in the services that Island residents need close to home.

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

Inpatient and Outpatient Surgery Services so your family can be close at hand All-Digital Diagnostic Imaging Center faster results to end the uncertainty

Photograph by Barbara Lyter / photo+graphics

Accredited Cancer Care Services and Diabetes Education 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.

December 2011| The Bridge

health & wellness | Page 5

health briefs & helpful info Senior Services of Island County Information and Assistance for Seniors: Job Bank, Free Notary Service and more. Call 675-0311.

HEALTH INFORMATION: Living with Grief Information and Support The Grief Support Group will meet Monday, Dec. 19 from 1-2:30 pm. Presentation on coping after a death. Find healing and hope, and learn about helpful resources. Open to adults who have experienced the death of someone significant.

Especially suitable for people who have recently had a loss. No charge. No pre-registration. For more information, please phone Hospice of the Northwest, 360814-5550.

Alzheimer’s Support Group – Meets the first Thursday of the month from 2:304:30 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 – Dec. 2 at Cherry Hill Club House, 547 NW 12th Loop, Oak Harbor. Group facilitator is Carolyn Hansen, 279-1785.

Foot Care Clinic - Appts. are available for Wednesday, Dec. 14.

To make an appointment, call the front desk at 279-4580. Foot Care Clinic is held at North Whidbey Caregivers’ Cove.

Oak Harbor Hearing Aid Service - Free hearing tests and hearing aid repairs on Monday, Dec. 12 from 1-3 pm. For an appointment call the Center, 279-4580.

Vision Impaired Support Group- Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 2 pm.

For more information, contact Paul Bovey at 679-8293.

SHIBA Appointments are available on Wednesdays, from 9-11:30 am. For appointments call the Senior 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 @ 360-6752229 ext. 1342, and you will be directed to someone to help you.

Living With Loss Facilitated by Dave Bieniek, BCC Bereavement Coordinator for Home Health Care & Hospice of WGH. This seminar is designed to help you work through the normal and needed process of grief that follows the death of a loved one.

Our journey of grief is a time when we face and learn from our feelings, move from a relationship of presence with our loved one to one of memory, pause to look at who we are and how we will redefine our future.

We are not alone in our grief. For many of us it is strengthening and comforting to gather with others who know the depth and “work� of grief. Together, with the use of videos and group discussion, we explore ways of coping with life’s changes, ways to remember our loved one, and ways that lead us toward growth and healing. Jan. 3– Feb. 7, 2012 (Every Tuesday afternoon 1:30-3:30 pm for 6 weeks) at Whidbey General Hospital Conference Room B. There is no cost for this seminar. To register: Call Whidbey General Hospital at 678-7656 ext 4005 or 321-7656 ext 4005 or register online at www. whidbeygen.org.

MENU — DECEMBER WEEK 1 Thurs Fri

1 2

Mikey's Ground Beef Stew Four Cheese Ziti Bake

5 6 7 8 9

Cranberry Meatballs African Peanut Soup Turkey Souffle Sweet & Sour Pork Chicken w/Sour Cream Sauce

12 13 14 15 16

Sloppy Joes on Whole Wheat Bun Salad Bar w/Herb Croutons Mixed Mushroom Strata Creamy Broccoli Soup Meatloaf w/Tomato Topping

19 20 21 22 23

Baked Teriyaki Chicken Rueben Sandwich Holiday Meal: Ham & Sweet Potatoes Minestrone Soup & Salad Manicotti w/Marinara

26 27 28 29 30

Holiday: Meal Sites Closed Tuna Salad on Croissant Turkey Tetrazzini Chef's Choice Pot Roast w/Red Potatoes

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 Fri

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 a.m.

360-279-4580

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Page 6 | groups & support

The Bridge | December 2011

Thinking of others in the yuletide season The tree is decorated; the lights are on as we welcome the Holiday Spirit. There are several opportunities in these economical times to think of those less fortunate and to give.

These projects may be small and simple but through small acts of kindness great things happen.

Mitten Tree For the twenty-second year, the Oak Harbor Senior Center will sponsor the Mitten Tree. It’s time to knit, crochet, or buy mittens, gloves, scarfs, and baby booties to decorate the tree. Donations go to the Head Start/ECAP Programs that serve 3-5 year old children that come from low-income families. Infant items are donated to the Crisis Pregnancy Center.

December interest groups> Project Linus

MAC Computer Seminar Monthly seminar scheduled Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 1:00 pm.

with a donation to the

“The best kind of sleep under heaven above, is under a blanket handmade with love�. Project Linus has several kits (quilts or afghans) for volunteer “Blanketeers� to create into blankets for children. For more information contact Lisa Anderson at 360-320-4634.

Soroptimist International

New England Group

of Oak Harbor’s Tree of

Will meet Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 11:30 am at the Whidbey Country Club. Call Evelyn at 675-5106. Will recess for January.

Tree of Hope Make a child’s Christmas a little brighter

Hope. A jar will be at the front desk your donations.

You may also donate a new stuffed teddy bear or toys by December 10.

Holiday Meal A special Holiday Meal

Help House

will be served Wednesday,

Donations for Help House’s Christmas Baskets can be dropped off at the Center.

Senior Center. Sliced Ham,

Dec. 21 at the Oak Harbor sweet potatoes and all the goodies. Please be seated by 11:30 am. Suggested donation of $3. Please RSVP by December 16.

Enjoy Your Lifestyle

W.I.G.S. Whidbey Island Genealogical Searchers meet h at 2720 Heller Rd., at the fire station just north of Crosby Rd. Next meeting is Tuesday, Dec. 13, at 1 pm. Our annual Christmas “Show and Tell� and Christmas party. We all bring something good to eat (finger food) and something you want to share with the group. Please call or email and let me know if you have something to share. (Anything from heirlooms, successful [or not] research, family stories, meeting relatives, etc.) You get between 3 and 5 minutes to present your info. There will be information for all levels of searchers, as well as refreshments and raffles. All are welcome. For more information contact Ruth Hancock 675 -4086, randr.hancock@ frontier.com; Gordon Garnhart 360-2408875, garnhart@whidbey.net; or Betty Leitch 675-3722, bibele@comcast.net.

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

Providing Quality Memory Care for Whidbey Island Since 1999

171 SW 6th Ave, Oak Harbor, WA Friday, December 16, 2010 5:30 PM

$"3& r r /& SE 4USFFU r $PVQFWJMMF

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

Contact Lee Dougherty, 675-9674.

Lapidary Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 9 am.

Whidbey Island Gem Club Will meet Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 7 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, 6799397

Wire Wrap Thursdays at 7 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.

Quilting Group Friday mornings, 9 am.

Widows and Widowers of Whidbey Island Fun supportive people with common interests. Monthly dinner at NAS Whidbey Chief Petty Officer’s Club the second Friday of the month at 5 pm.

Every Sunday, Call Phyllis Hofkamp, 6753628 for breakfast location and call Roz Davis, 675-3171 for dinner location.

North Whidbey Coupon Club

Please Join Us For Christmas Dinner

t '6/ '*--&% "$5*7*5*&4 t #&"65: 4"-0/ t &9&3$*4& 130(3". t 53"7&- "306/% $061&7*--& i1FPQMF $BSJOH "CPVU 1FPQMFw t 3&)"#*-*5"5*0/ 4&37*$&4

for

Cost: $7.00 Proceeds go to North Whidbey Help House Please bring a non-perishable food item with you to dinner RSVP at 360-279-2555

By December 13th “http://www.homeplaceoakharbor.com�

t 4 8 UI "WF hpoakharbormktg@frontiermgmt.com www.homeplaceoakharbor.com

North Whidbey Coupon Club meets Tuesday evenings, Dec. 13 & 27, 6:30 – 8:00 pm and Fridays Dec. 2, 9, & 16, 9:30-11:30 am and Saturday, Dec. 10, 9:30 – 11:30 am at the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce building. Its “open house� style: guests are welcome to come by anytime between those hours, bring their coffee and get some great $saving info. The clubs are free, open to anyone in the community interested in saving money on groceries and everyday items.

Coupons for Our Community is in need of coupon inserts. Please donate yours at Albertsons, the Oak Harbor Senior Center, or start a collection box of your own at your church, social club, neighbors, etc. For more information call Amy at 360-675-2338.

Do 1 Nice Thing Ideas for December 1 - Smile at Someone (You might be the only bright thing they see today) 2 - HELP HOUSE always needs tuna, macaroni and cheese, and pork and beans. (Drop off at the senior center) 3 - Thank members of our local police and fire department by taking some “goodies� to them.

4- Many thanks to all the super nice people who supported the “send a Christmas card� to wounded marines!

December 2011| The Bridge sunday

monday

calendar | Page 7

tuesday

December Calendar 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.

5

4

8:30 – Yoga 9 – Anita’s Painting Class 9:30- Conditioning 9:30 – Nintendo Wii Bowling LUNCH 1 – Dottie’s Painting Class 1 – Humana Medicare Meeting 5 – Tai Chi

wednesday

9 – Lapidary 9 - Aerobic Exercises 9-12 – Wood Carving 10 – Travel Committee 1 – Japanese Women Group 1 – Chess 1 – Line Dance 6 - Pinochle

friday

saturday

1

2

3

8:30 – Yoga 8 7 9 – Lapidary; SHIBA

9

10

The new ventilation system in the OHSC was installed in early November.

The center is a lot warmer now, just in time for Winter weather.

6

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

9- Quilting 9:30 – Tai Chi LUNCH 12:30 – Pinochle 7 – Old Time Fiddlers

APPLEBEES CHRISTMAS QUILT RAFFLE DRAWING 9:30- Conditioning FUNDRAISER ALL DAY! 9- Quilting 10 – Canadian Train 9 - Aerobic Exercises 9:30 – Tai Chi Presentation 9:30 – Nintendo Wii LUNCH LUNCH Bowling 12:30 – Pinochle 12:30 – Party Bridge 10 –Creative Writing 1 – Home Security 1 – Beginning Bridge 12:15–3:30 –Jack Pot 7 – Country Western 1 - Intermediate Spanish Bingo - Harbor Tower Village Line Dance 1- 4 – Winter Storms 12:30 – Cribbage Preparedness Fair 1-3 – Backgammon NO – Ping Pong 1 – SVC History Class 2 - Beginning Spanish 7 – Wire Wrap 7 – Gem Club

10-12:30 – Ping Pong, Pool, Pinochle 2 – Saturday Matinee “The Wizard of Oz” at Oak Harbor Library

10-12:30 –-Ping Pong, Pool, Pinochle

10-Noon – HOLIDAY REFLECTIONS CLASS

11

12

13

14 8:30 – Yoga

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24 Christmas Eve

25

Merry Christmas!

Center Closed

8:30 – Yoga 9 – Anita’s Painting Class 9:30- Conditioning 9:30 – Nintendo Wii Bowling LUNCH 12:15 – Christmas Choir Program 1 – Dottie’s Painting Class 1-3 – Hearing Tests 5 – Tai Chi

8:30 – Yoga 9 – Anita’s Painting Class 9:30- Conditioning 9:30 – Nintendo Wii Bowling LUNCH 1 – Dottie’s Painting Class 1 – Grief Support Group 5 – Tai Chi 5 – Christmas Light Tour

26 Center Closed For Holiday

9 – Lapidary 9 - Aerobic Exercises 9-12 – Wood Carving 9:30 - Nintendo Wii Bowling 1 – Chess 1 – Line Dance 1 – Mac Seminar 6 – Pinochle 7 – Stamp Club

9 – Lapidary 9 - Aerobic Exercises 9-12 – Wood Carving 9:30 – Nintendo Wii Bowling 1 – Chess 1 – Line Dance 2 – Vision Support Group 6 – Pinochle

27

9 – Lapidary 9 - Aerobic Exercises 9-12 – Wood Carving 9:30 – Nintendo Wii Bowling 1 – Line Dancing 6 – Pinochle 7 – Stamp Club

9 – Lapidary; SHIBA 9:30- Conditioning 9:30–3 – Foot Clinic (Day Break Bldg.)

11 – Senior Lunch Out !

12:30 – Party Bridge 12:30 – Ping Pong 1 – VFW Christmas Dinner 1 - Intermediate Spanish 1 – Beginning Bridge 2 – Beginning Spanish

8:30 – Yoga 9 – Lapidary 9 – SHIBA 9:30- Conditioning LUNCH 12:30 – Party Bridge 12:30 – Ping Pong 1 - Intermediate Spanish 1 – Beginning Bridge 2 – Beginning Spanish

28

8:30 – Yoga 9 – Lapidary 9 – SHIBA 9:30- Conditioning LUNCH 12:30 – Party Bridge 12:30 – Ping Pong 1 - Intermediate Spanish 1 – Beginning Bridge 2 – Beginning Spanish

9 - Aerobic Exercises 9:30 – Nintendo Wii Bowling 10 –Creative Writing 12:30 – Cribbage 1-3 – Backgammon 7 – Wire Wrap

9 - Aerobic Exercises 9:30 – Nintendo Wii Bowling 10 –Creative Writing 12:15 – 3:30 –Jack Pot Bingo - Banner Bank 12:30 – Cribbage 1-3 – Backgammon 7 – Wire Wrap

29

9 - Aerobic Exercises 9:30 – Nintendo Wii Bowling 10 –Creative Writing 12:30 – Cribbage 1-3 – Backgammon 7 – Wire Wrap

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

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

10-12:30 – Ping Pong, Pool, Pinochle

Center Closed

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

31 New Year’s Eve! Happy New Year 2012!

Center Closed

The Bridge comes out

DECEMBER EVENTS at the Oak Harbor Library The library is located at 1000 SE Regatta Dr. For more information, please call 360-675-5115, or visit www. sno-isle.org. Oak Harbor Library opens at 9 am Monday through Friday, 10 am on Saturday, and 1 pm on Sunday.

Book a librarian for free one-on-one help with any computer, technology or online question.

CHILDREN’S AREA ARTWORK: GRAND OPENING AND RIBBON CUTTING CELEBRATION Join the celebration and meet Celia Marie Baker, creator of the Oak Harbor Library children’s area entranceway artwork on Friday, Dec. 2, from 4:30 to 6 pm. Funded by the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation.

TEEN ART SHOW OPENING RECEPTION Thursday, Dec. 8, at 7:00 pm. All ages are welcome to enjoy the artistic skills of Oak Harbor teens in a gallery setting. Wildcat Catering provides the refreshments for this gala event, which is funded by the Friends of the Oak Harbor Library. Vote for your favorites in the

People’s Choice Awards. The art show continues on Friday, December 9 and Saturday, December 10 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm– drop in any time.

HOLIDAY CELEBRATION AND GIFT BOOK GALA Thursday, Dec. 15, at 3:00 pm. All are welcome as the Friends of the Oak Harbor Library celebrate the holidays with a silent auction and gift book gala. Come hear about this year’s most compelling gift books for all ages.

Pressed for time? Pick up a copy of our top-pick booklist before you go shopping. Give the gift of reading to your friends and family! Refreshments provided by the Friends of the Oak Harbor Library.

This holiday season, may you receive great joy from the simplest of things.

Happy Holidays from your friends at

Making Life A Little Easier MEMBER FDIC