theBridge
North Whidbey’s 50-Plus Crowd
life . health . happiness
April 2013 | Vol. 4 | Issue 12
SPRING 2013 TRAVEL SIGN UP
Active Aging at North End Fitness Center
LEARN TO PLAY YOUR KEYBOARD
ince 1986, Life Long Learning and Active Aging have been vital to the mission of the Oak Harbor Senior Center in serving people 50 years of age and older in our community. We have been very fortunate and pleased to partner with North End Fitness Center (NEFC) since 2010 in providing a physical activity program for our members. NEFC is locally owned and operated and offers the ‘Silver n’ Fit’ exercise program. Owner Yvette Esparza, is a Nationally Certified Senior Fitness Trainer and a Family Nurse Practitioner. The other ‘Silver n’ Fit’ instructors, Trish Hall, Karey Bachmann, and Mary Chan have all been educated and certified in their respective fields of expertise. NEFC doesn’t hire just anyone that looks fit. They require instructors to have a deep knowledge of physiology and fitness, as well as a friendly and understanding demeanor. The staff and owners at North End Fitness want you to work out, feel good about your self and be healthy! The North End Fitness Center opened in 1995 on Fidolgo Street as an aerobics studio then moved to 7th Avenue. They opened in their new location on Goldie Road in 2011. NEFC is a 24-hour access gym with state of the art equipment. The staff and instructors are very knowledgeable, friendly and personal. You will not be lost in a crowd. They strive to know all their members. They care about your fitness needs and want to make it convenient, fun, and affordable. NEFC offers a great opportunity for members of the Oak Harbor Senior
Bring your electric piano or keyboard, the music rack and headphones or speaker and learn how to play the songs you love. You will read the melody line and learn how to play chords in the left hand. Add some special beats and sounds and you will be amazed at the music you can create. Enjoy that old keyboard that has been sitting around collecting dust and get into music the fun, easy way. Taught by veteran music teacher, Kathy Fleck. A special introduction presentation will be held Monday, April 15, at 1 pm. A class will be held every Wednesday beginning in May from 10:30–11:30 am. Only $30 a month. Music book is $10. RSVP by calling the Front Desk, 279-4580.
WASHINGTON STATE POET LAUREATE
Celebrate National Poetry Month with this unique opportunity to meet and hear poems from the 2012–2014 Washington State Poet Laureate, Kathleen Flenniken. Funded by the Friends of the Oak Harbor Library. As part of her effort to bring Poetry and Poets to all 39 counties before her two-year appointment ends in February 2014, Flenniken will appear at the Oak Harbor Library on Thursday, April 18 at 3 pm. This all ages event is supported by the Friends of the Oak Harbor Library. ... See Sidebar Briefs on Page 6
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Stayin’ fit, “Stayin’ Alive” During a recent CPR refresher class, for members of the Travel Committee, the instructor, EMT Robert Mays, encouraged the group to use the Bee Gee’s song, “Stayin’ Alive” in timing the compressions. As the Line Dancers were arriving for class, Robert told them, “You keep doing what you’re doing, line dancing, and chances are you won’t be needing my services. People who are active, have a lesser chance of heart attacks and falls.” Regular physical activity is essential for healthy aging. Adults aged 65 years and older gain substantial health benefits from regular physical activity, and these benefits continue to occur throughout their lives. Promoting physical activity for older adults is especially important because this population is the least physically active of any age group nation wide, according to the Department of Health & Human Services Physical Activity Guidelines. Aerobic physical activity should be spread throughout the week. ... See STAYIN ALIVE on Page 7
Inside this Edition Laughter: The Shortest Distance Pg. 2
April Events Pg. 2
Classes Pg. 7
Photos by Roxann Dunn-Terry
It’s time to escape the winter doldrums! The first day to sign up for Spring 2013 Travel will be Tuesday, April 9 from 8:30 am–3 pm. The Spring Travel Brochure will be mailed to current members of the Oak Harbor Senior Center. If you do not receive the brochure your membership has expired. People may pick up a brochure after April 3. Be among the first to know the new trips offered for spring and save on trip costs by renewing your membership. Remember, Out-ofTown Guests or under 50 will receive the Member price on trips.
Center Front – Instructors Yvette Esparza, Mary Chan and Trish Hall surrounded by members of the Yoga and Muscle Strengthening Classes.
Center, they have waived the $75 enrollment fee, but you must be a current member of the Oak Harbor Senior Center ($30 a year). With the Unlimited Senior Class Card - $16.41 (including tax) a month, you may take all four classes held at the Senor Center; for $21.74 (including tax) all classes at the Senior Center and Gentle Yoga held at NEFC. Other membership and enrollment fees apply for participating in the variety of classes and levels offered at NEFC. To register, call North End Fitness Center at 675-1111 and become part of a team that cares about health and fitness!
TECH TALK: BASIC COMPUTER CLASSES Sign up for the ever-popular basic computer class series at the Oak Harbor Library. No previous computer experience required. Classes are 10– 11:30 am. Preregister by calling Roxann at the Oak Harbor Senior Center at 360-279-4583. Class is limited to 12 people. Monday, April 15: Computer Basics; Monday, April 22: Internet Basics and Monday, April 29: Microsoft Word Basics. Got a tech question? 30 minute “Book a Librarian” sessions take place Mondays through Saturdays at 9:30 am at the library, by advanced registration (call, email or stop by the library to register). You will work one on one with a librarian on any technology need, such as email or downloading a book from the library’s website at www.sno-isle.org
Calendar Pg.5 Travel Pg. 4
Interest & Support Groups Pg. 3
Health Briefs & Wellness Info Pg. 6
Menu Pg. 6 Fun & Games Pg. 7