theBridge
North Whidbey’s 50-Plus Crowd
life . health . happiness
‘Where in the World Would You Like to Go?’ is the question the Travel Committee always asks. Planning for next year, one of the destinations we’re looking at is Peru, Ecuador or the Galapagos Islands. If this is a destination you have on your bucket list, or just want to see, join Toren Forsberg, of Collette Vacations, on Wednesday, May 23 at 10 am. There are several options to consider. RSVP by calling the front desk at 279-4580.
DRIVER SAFETY CLASS
An AARP Driver Safety Class will be held at the Oak Harbor Senior Center, Saturday May 26 from 9 am–4 pm. Class will be taught by Karen Bishop. Cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for nonmembers. Bring a sack lunch. RSVP by calling the Oak Harbor Senior Center at 279-4580.
UNBELIEVABLE ADVENTURES LADY!
Ingeborg Johnston, Oak Harbor’s Unbelievable Adventures Lady, is working on plans for her next book, “Miracles of Touch– Now Needed More Than Ever”. The new book includes expansions of her “Unbelievable Adventures of a WWII German War Bride with Acts of Kindness in War and Peace” including her double life working both sides of the Berlin Wall. Meet Ingeborg at the Oak Harbor Senior Center on Wednesday, May 16 at 10 am and hear about her many adventures. As a German youth, her life dramatically changed because of WWII; she served as a teenage nurse in war-torn Berlin; carried out plans to escape with her mother to America, won the first Mrs. Philadelphia contest and survived Hurricane David aboard her sailboat. She writes about the generosity of strangers, the importance of “Acts of Kindness,” and the need to live every day to its fullest. Her new book continues her amazing story of survival, love, and American patriotism. She still walks regularly, and still works regular hours as president of an online professional teaching and credentialing service that maintains records for national and international professionals. RSVP by calling the Center at 279-4580. Space is limited.
You’re “Never Too Old To Play!” Older AMERICANS MONTH 2012
T
he theme for Older Americans Month 2012—Never Too Old to Play! —puts a spotlight on the role older adults have in sharing their experience, wisdom, and understanding, and passing on that knowledge to other generations. This year’s theme recognizes the value that older adults bring to their communities. As large numbers of babyboomers reach retirement age, they find meaningful opportunities to remain physically and socially active through their 80s and beyond. They account for an evergrowing percentage of participants in community service positions, faith-based organizations, online social networking as well as arts and recreational groups. Lifelong participation in social, creative, and physical activities has proven health benefits, including retaining mobility, muscle mass, and cognitive abilities. Older adults are not the only ones who benefit from
report that these relationships helped shape their values, goals, and life choices and gave them a sense of identity and roots. In addition to the services, support, and resources provided year-round, The Oak Harbor Senior Center offers many opportunities to play. Never Too Old To Play! is a great
reminder of the importance of play. “Play energizes us and enlivens us. It eases our burdens. It renews our natural sense of optimism and opens us up to new possibilities. Play keeps us fit physically and mentally.” - Stuart Brown, MD, contemporary American psychiatrist. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “It is a happy talent to know how to play.” “Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning.” - Diane Ackerman, contemporary American author. “The opposite of play is not work. It’s depression.” - Brian Sutton Smith, contemporary American folklorist. Bring a friend and join us at the Oak Harbor Senior Center for a “Play Date” and celebrate Older Americans Month 2012. There are many opportunities to play board games, paint, shoot pool, ping-pong. Bingo, exercise, Wii Bowling, wood carving, line dance, go out for lunch or dinner, travel with a group and much more. We invite you to join in the fun!
Especially For You! Raffle Our May raffle is for a $100 Gift Certificate from Tacoma Custom Jewelry. Owner-Creator Shelly Smith will design and create a beautiful piece of jewelry ‘Especially For You’ or for whoever you wish to gift it to. Tickets are $1 each and the drawing will be held Wednesday, May 30 at noon. You may see Smith’s designs at her website TacomaCustomJewelry.com. Proceeds benefit the Oak Harbor Senior Center and programs the center provides.
Inside this Edition Laughter: The Shortest Distance Pg. 2
their engagement in community life. Studies show their interactions with family, friends, and neighbors across generations enrich the lives of everyone involved. Young people who have significant relationships with a grandparent or elder
May Events Pg. 2
Classes Pg. 4
Photo by Roxann Dunn-Terry
GO TO PERU/ECUADOR/ GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
May 2012 | Vol. 4 | Issue 1
Congratulations to Nancy Simmons who won the Coffee Lover’s Basket! Nancy is pictured with the Center’s new machine.
Calendar Pg.5 Travel Pg. 6
Health Briefs & Wellness Info Pg. 3
Fun & Games Pg. 4
Menu Pg. 3 Interest groups Pg. 7