theBridge
North Whidbey’s 50-Plus Crowd
January 2013 | Vol. 4 | Issue 9
life . health . happiness
Helping Hands, a ministry through Grace Community Church, is a member of the Inter-Faith Coalition of Whidbey Island. They have been serving the community since 1992. Toiletry/hygiene items are distributed free of charge to needy individuals and families. These items are donated by church and community members. Assistance is given on a one time visit per month. The modular at Grace Community Church is closing operations at the end of January. Starting Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013, Helping Hands will be going mobile with a small trailer, donated by Christ The King Church, Oak Harbor. Locations and operational times for the mobile are: Wednesday 10 am – 12 noon, Oak Harbor Senior Center (51 Jerome St, Oak Harbor, Bus route #9 and 1 – 3 pm at “The Garage of Blessings”, at 640 Industrial Avenue, #B, Oak Harbor (off of Goldie) Bus route 4 or 411.
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION SEMINAR
Jerome Rosen, M.Ed., LMFT, will present a free interactive seminar, “The Ten Habits of Highly Effective Communicators: Skills you can use to strengthen relationships.” You will develop skills and knowledge to be an effective communicator. The seminar is Wednesday, Jan. 30 at 1 pm at the Oak Harbor Senior Center. Jerome has over thirty years of experience as a child, couple and family therapist. For more information about Jerome’s background go to www.jeromerosen. com. Seminar is free. RSVP by calling 279-4580.
BUILDING SUCCESS IN RELATIONSHIPS
A series of three workshops, led by Jerome Rosen, M.Ed., LMFT, is designed for those who have participated in the Love Later in Life and Communication seminars, and others who want to strengthen their relationships, You will further develop and refine skills to help you make good decisions in choosing and strengthening relationships, Workshops will be at the Oak Harbor Senior Center, Wednesdays, February 6,13, and 20 from 1-2:30 pm. The fee is $10 per workshop or $25 for all three. RSVP by calling 279-4580. ... continued on Page 4
New Year’s Resolution – Volunteer! Opportunities to serve your community Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays and for drivers to deliver meals to home bound seniors. For more information and to sign up for the days you would be available, call Barbara at 279-0367.
Volunteer Opportunities Available at Whidbey General Hospital Are you looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity? Since 1970 Whidbey General Hospital has been committed to improving the health and well being of the Whidbey Island community through local, highquality and compassionate health care services. Volunteers from our community have been an essential part of our hospital from the start. Our Volunteer Program is dedicated to promoting service to patients, staff and guests. Over 100 dedicated volunteers donate over 17,000 hours annually. Becoming involved with our program can be a meaningful and enjoyable way to offer a valuable gift to our community. Our current openings include: Front Desk Reception: Greeting, escorting and directing patients and guests at our Front Desk Reception area, assisting with admitting appointments and providing refreshments to patients, family members and guests. Gift Shop: Gift Shop volunteers staff the shop, participate in purchasing, pricing and merchandise display
Volunteer Drivers as well as inventory and direct sales to customers. No prior retail experience is needed Clerical Support: Various departments in the hospital and clinics are in need of volunteers to assist with on-going projects. If you have as little as 4 hours of month available and would like to be part of our program, please contact Nancy Bailey, Manager of Volunteer Services at 678-7656 ext. 3246 or 321-7656 ext. 3246 or email bailen@whidbeygen.org. Application packets are also available at the front desk at the hospital.
Meals On Wheels Volunteers The Meals On Wheels program at the Oak Harbor Senior Center is in desperate need of volunteers to help serve meals for a couple of hours on
Volunteer Services, a Program of Senior Services Of Island County of Island County has a need for volunteer drivers to transport seniors and disabled to medical appointments. Volunteers use their own cars, but are reimbursed for fuel, and can state their preferences for remaining on Island, or traveling off Island and times they are available. There is a background, driving record and fingerprints check required. If interested, or if you have a need for transportation, please call Pat Weekley at 360-678-4886 ext. 21.
WAIF – Thrift Store and Animal Shelters The Whidbey Animals’ Improvement Foundation (WAIF) is a nonprofit organization formed in 1990 in an effort to help Whidbey Island’s homeless companion animals. WAIF is dedicated to provide food, shelter, ... continued on Page 4
School levy presentation The current school levy for the Oak Harbor Schools will expire at the end of 2013. The campaign to pass a replacement levy has started. Dr. Lance Gibbon, assistant superintendent of Oak Harbor School District, will make a special presentation to the seniors at the Oak Harbor Senior Center on Tuesday, Jan. 15 at 2 pm and again on Wednesday, Jan. 16 at 6 pm about the proposed replacement levy. The presentation will focus on school levy benefits and costs. Dr. Gibbon will explain how four years of state and federal budget cuts have impacted students, including the loss of 10 percent of their teachers, and show how the levy offsets some of those losses. The presentation will also include costs, impacts on property taxes, and an explanation of the Island County senior exemption program. This will be an opportunity to hear the facts and ask questions. Election is Feb. 12 with ballots available starting Jan. 22. RSVP by calling the Front Desk at 279-4580.
Inside this Edition
Events Pg. 2
Menu Pg. 6
Photo provided by Joe Hunt, OHSD
HELPING HANDS
The proposed school levy pays for all textbooks and all computers, as well as extending the middle school and elementary learning time by 30 minutes every day for reading and math.
Calendar Pg. 5
Travel Pg. 7