The Bridge - Whidbey Bridge Feb 2016 Edition

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CLOGGING CLASS: For those who enjoy exercise that

challenges both physically and mentally, clogging may be the perfect combination of the two. It’s an activity that gets instructor Cyndy Jensen’s heart pumping and puts a smile across her face, she said ............... Page 3

FOR WHIDBEY ISLAND’S OVER-50 CROWD

FEBRUARY 2016

The changing face of ‘seniors’ page 2

Free

A Whidbey News Group publication

Page 2

THE BRIDGE

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Boomers don’t identify themselves as ‘senior’

By DAN RICHMAN

drichman@whidbeynewsgroup.com

It’s an old joke: “Who’s a senior? Someone much older than me.”

These days especially, few seem to own up to the term “senior.” Or even “older adult.”

And forget “elderly.”

People, especially baby boomers, are prickly about aging, said Mary Anderson, Oak Harbor’s senior services administrator. The problem is so acute, she said, that the city’s Senior Activity Center, which she runs, is considering changing its name after 30 years.

“We may go with ‘adult community center’ or ‘adult activity center,’ or even something with no reference at all to age, like ‘Oak Tree Center,’” Anderson said.

“This is happening all across the country.” Public discussions on renaming the activity center, and perhaps a contest, could start this spring, she said.

King County’s Senior Services organization on Jan. 1 changed its name radically, to Sound Generations. “We want to reach out to people who may benefit from our services but who might never consider themselves ‘seniors,’” the organization says on its website.

Really, not even the word “services” is safe, added Cheryn Weiser, executive director of Senior Services of Island County, a nonprofit, nongovernment organization that supplies some forms of assistance to Whidbey Island’s two senior centers, in Oak Harbor and Bayview. “Getting services” to some people sounds like they’re the objects of charity, Weiser said.

File photo

The new generation of senior citizens is more active and associates less with the generational identifier.

“After 44 years of operation, we are going to take our time and thoroughly think through the issues before we move to change our name,” she said.

“The name matters.”

Baby boomers — those born between roughly 1946 and 1964 — are the wealthiest, best-fed and fittest generation ever, and they think of themselves as

very different from other generations, according to a book

by Doug Owram, a Canadian historian and author. Because of a later decline in the birth rate, that generation is also very large.

Now baby boomers are aging, reaching ages of 51 to 70 this year. But please don’t remind them of that. Major organiza-

tions don’t. Elderhostel, the travel organization for older adults, emphasizes the name Road Scholar instead. AARP now goes by just its initials, avoiding any reference to age or even retirement.

Some sociologists have found that not just in America but in many cultures, nearly every stereotype associated with being elderly is negative: being forgetful, crotchety, unaware, inactive, dependent, physically unattractive and unable to perform everyday tasks. Few cultures associate aging with positive stereotypes such as wisdom, knowledge and respect.

Those attitudes pose challenges to serving the less young. Oak Harbor’s Anderson said she has to cater to two groups: the “older” old and the “younger” old. “Older” old adults retired at the typical retirement age, are more likely to be playing cards and taking trips to casinos, don’t know technology well and aren’t likely to have an email address, she said. “Younger” old adults work far longer, are very familiar with technology, are far more active and prefer intergenerational activities.

Many of the Senior Activity Center’s 800 active members are 70 or older, she said.

Programs for the older old are well established and well attended. It’s designing programs to attract the younger old — without reducing staff, budget or effort for the other programs — that requires imagination, she said.

“We might start a garden, where younger adults and kids can work together,” Anderson said. “Or cooking classes and tutoring programs, both

involving adults and younger people. We have clogging and line dancing. And instead of a group lunch with beef stroganoff, maybe we’d have a really important speaker and catered box lunches.”

A 10-session program called Aging Mastery, through the National Council on Aging, may attract younger adults because its emphasis on finances, fitness and relationships taps into boomers’ interest in lifelong learning, Anderson said.

Hours for the center will have to increase from their current 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., to accommodate people who are still working, she said.

Boomers’ drive to think young has positive effects, said Weiser. It promotes vigor and postpones dependency. But it has some drawbacks too.

Boomers are much less willing to volunteer in general, which hurts volunteer-dependent organizations like senior centers and affiliated organizations such as thrift stores. And when they do volunteer, they tend to strictly prefer doing things that reflect their skills and inclinations, not just whatever needs doing, she said.

As boomers reluctantly age, they may come to view senior centers — however they are named — as a welcome source of help, both women said. For all of us, Medicare kicks in at 65 and Social Security at for those born before 1955. Our parents may sicken and require more care than we know how to provide. Making a will and even decisions about end-of-life care may not seem so foreign.

If and when the boomers are ready, the centers will be there, they said.

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Wednesday, January 27, 2016

THE BRIDGE

Page 3

Cloggers enjoy physically, mentally challenging exercise

By EVAN THOMPSON

ethompson@whidbeynewsgroup.com

For those who enjoy exercise that challenges both physically and mentally, clogging may be the perfect combination of the two.

It’s an activity that gets instructor Cyndy Jensen’s heart pumping and puts a smile across her face, she said.

Senior citizens can participate in beginning clogging classes every Thursday between 3-4 p.m. at the South Whidbey Bayview Senior Center.

Classes cost $40 to $50 per month. Those who are still on the fence are welcome to observe at no charge.

Participants learn basic steps such as the doublestep, rock-step, stomp double, and double basic in the beginning class.

The music, which includes popular country songs such as “Lover Lover” by Jerrod Niemann, helps keep the atmosphere fun

and lively.

But Jensen said that you can clog to just about anything, from Michael Jackson to War, and that all it needs is a good downbeat. Barbara Banfield of Langley has clogged since the 1990s. She also

tap danced when she was younger, but it’s the drumheavy music that is playing during clogging that she enjoys most.

“It’s just a really fun form of dance,” Banfield said. “If you like percussive dance, it’s just really fun. You really get the rhythm and you hear and you feel it.

It’s just a really satisfying way to play with the music and your body at the same time. It’s enjoyable.”

If she had to persuade someone on the fence about coming to participate, Jensen said she would first ask if that person likes to dance and music to move to. If they do, it’s really a no-brainer.

The benefits go beyond just having a good time.

“It’s so good for the heart, but it’s also good for the brain,” Jensen said. “You’ve got to learn the moves and put it all together.”

“You really do have to come and try it,” she

added.

Jensen said that introductory classes often begin with two simple moves: double step and rock step. The double step includes tapping the toe and heel to the ground in a fluid motion, while

Photo by Evan Thompson

Above: Instructor Cyndy Jensen leads the beginning clogging class on Jan. 14 at the Bayview Senior Center. Attending the class were, from left to right, Amy McCaffrey, Barbara Banfield, Nancy Jablinski, Jennifer Lind (in the very back), and Bonnie Noble.

Below: Jensen said during the class that even if she had a bad day, she’; clog and be as happy as ever. Jensen leads the beginning clogging class on Thursdays from 3-4 p.m.

the rock step requires the clogger’s feet to lift in alternating succession.

“There’s a lot of steps,

you don’t start with all the hoo-hah,” Jensen said.

“You try to get the basics down and after that, you just want to learn some more. It’s not for everybody, but it is for me.”

Banfield said that within a few lessons, an inexpe-

rienced clogger can start finding their groove on the floor and keep up with the more seasoned dancers.

Coupeville resident Nancy Jablinski and Jennifer Lind of Greenbank were newcomers to clogging at a recent class on Jan. 14.

While Jablinski and Lind were slightly slower to catch on to the plethora of steps than the rest of the five-person class, they still enjoyed themselves throughly.

“It’s a good workout,” Lind said.

Jablinski said the atmosphere was friendly and that they weren’t treated any different because of their inexperience in the dance.

“I really liked it,” Jablinski said.

Amy McCaffrey of Santa Rosa, Calif., was recently visiting her mother in Clinton when she heard about the class. McCaffrey said she often clogs while back home in California.

“It’s just really fun if you

like music and you want to move around have a good time,” she said.

No partners are needed in the dance and clogging taps aren’t required, though they do help as a reference point when learning steps. Men and

women of all ages are welcome to attend.

Coupeville resident Bonnie Noble said she’s been attending the classes since September.

“I just love it,” Noble said. “I mean, I wait for it every week.”

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WHIDBEY

BRIDGE

WHIDBEY BRIDGE STAFF Executive Editor & Publisher............................KEVEN R. GRAVES Associate Publisher.................................... KIMBERLLY WINJUM Editor.................................................................MEGAN HANSEN Staff Reporters......................DAN RICHMAN, EVAN THOMPSON Admin Coordinator/Production Manager...... HEATHER SCHMIDT

Assistant Advertising Manager.......................... TERI MENDIOLA Advertising Sales......................... PHIL DUBOIS, NORA DURAND Creative Artists..............MICHELLE WOLFENSPARGER, REBECCA COLLINS, JEN MILLER, CAITLIN FROST Circulation Manager........................................ DIANE SMOTHERS

WHIDBEY BRIDGE IS FREE OF CHARGE. COPIES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE OAK HARBOR SENIOR CENTER, SENIOR SERVICES OF ISLAND COUNTY AND NUMEROUS LOCATIONS ACROSS WHIDBEY ISLAND PO Box 1200 | 107 S Main St, Suite E101, Coupeville, WA 98239 360-675-6611 | Fax 360-679-2695 Copyright © 2015, Sound Publishing

READER INFORMATION: ADMINISTRATIVE: The Bridge is a monthly publication of Sound Publishing, and is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, the National Newspaper Association and Suburban Newspapers of America. Advertising rates are available at the Whidbey News Group office. While The Bridge endeavors to accept only reliable advertisements, it shall not be responsible to the public for advertisements nor are the views expressed in those advertisements necessarily those of The Bridge. The right to decline or discontinue any ad without explanation is reserved. DEADLINES: Display Ads – Contact the office for deadlines.

Page 4

THE BRIDGE

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Include long-term care in your retirement plan

File photo

The availability of traditional pensions has plummeted, wage stagnation has dampened how much middle-income savers can set aside, and the level at which Social Security can be a substantial source of future retirement income is in flux.

The changing retirement landscape Previous generations of Americans were able to retire with confidence, knowing that they could count on a steady stream of income from what is often referred to as the “three-legged stool” of company pensions, Social Security and personal savings.

Today, for most workers, the retirement landscape is different: the availability of traditional pensions has plummeted, wage stagnation has dampened how much middle-income savers can set aside, and the level at which Social Security can

be a substantial source of future retirement income is in flux.

And now experts are warning that many insurance products that replicate the “paycheck for life” provided by traditional pensions are becoming at risk in this new world.

Especially threatened, say retirement specialists, are annuities, which have traditionally offered guaranteed lifetime income no matter what happens in the markets.

“For millions of Americans with moderate incomes, such guarantees are increasingly necessary

Market swings making you uneasy? Let’s talk.

to help them prepare for a financially stable retirement that could span several decades,” says Helene Rayder, vice president at Lincoln Financial Group.

However, some retirement insurance experts are concerned that new regulations proposed by the U.S. Department of Labor intended to improve customer value by eliminating conflicts of interest between advisors and their clients, could hurt consumers instead.

Rayder says the rules could potentially: n Make it economically unviable for commissionbased financial advisors to serve average consumers, forcing individuals to work with more costly pay-based advisors. This will limit the financial advice many middle-class savers rely on today. n Reduce the choice of retirement products savers have in planning, potentially eliminating middle-class

savers from choosing commission-based accounts. n Deter financial planners from offering annuities, and as a result savers will pay more and get less over the long term. n Cost families billions more instead of helping them save. A recent report published by Economists Incorporated says the cost could be as much as $80 billion nationwide.

To learn more, visit Lincoln Financial Group’s page www.

MyRetirementChoice.org, which provides information about the rule.

“While well-intended, the rule’s one-size-fitsall approach will negatively impact middle-class savers,” says Rayder.

“Americans can get involved by encouraging the DOL to change its rule, and ask their congressional representatives to make the same request of the administration.”

(StatePoint)

When many people consider their retirement, they dream about the vacations they’ll take and the time they will have to relax. And while many savvy consumers are planning for their retirement financially, experts say that not enough people consider the potential expense of long-term care.

In fact, only one in five future retirees has discussed long-term care expenses with a financial advisor, based on research conducted

by Lincoln Financial Group (the marketing name for Lincoln National Corp. and its affiliates) and Hanover Research in October 2014. According to the “Managing Long-Term Care Risks” research, advisors believe potential long-term care expenses are a significant risk to clients’ wealth and retirement goals.

Indeed, according to the Long Term Care Group “2014 Long-Term Cost of Care Survey,” a private room in a skilled nursing home averages $97,611 per year, with costs rising to $147,982 in certain areas of the country. It has been estimated that 70 percent of people age 65 and older will need some form of long-term care.

“It is more critical than ever that Americans understand the need to properly prepare for possible long-term care events in the future, especially as the popu-

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lation ages. Planning ahead for long-term care expenses not only helps protect a retiree’s finances, but it can also helps protect the entire family from having to make hard choices during an emotional and difficult time,” says Andrew Bucklee, head of Insurance Solutions Distribution at the Lincoln Financial Group.

It’s important to get a better understanding of the long-term care landscape, the cost of care, and the solutions available to address longterm care expenses.

While it can be challenging and uncomfortable to have these conversations, Bucklee encourages everyone to take the following steps. n Plan ahead with an advisor to help protect your family and your wealth from potential long-term care expenses. n Consider all options, including hybrid solutions to help address long-term care expenses with greater financial flexibility. n Stretch your postretirement dollar by downsizing your residence, if possible. n Inflation can be a major source of trouble for retirees because it drives down the real value of savings and reduces purchasing power — an effect that’s exacerbated by higher rates of inflation in such categories as health care, a high-spend area for retirees. Seek out retirement products that help mitigate the effects of inflation.

Free retirement saving tips and tools can be found at beachieflifeofficer.com Don’t let a long retirement catch you off guard. Through a combination of careful planning, a willingness to receive financial guidance, and some creative approaches to saving, you can help ensure a comfortable retirement.

(StatePoint)

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

THE BRIDGE

9 tips for aging well Although you can’t stop time, the right type and amount of physical activity can help stave off many age-related health problems.

More than half (59 percent) of Americans expect to still be living at home independently at the age of 80, according to a recent survey by the American Physical Therapy Association.

However, the same study showed that at least half of the same population recognizes they will see a decline in strength and flexibility as they age.

Movement experts such as physical therapists can help aging individuals overcome pain, gain and maintain movement, and preserve independence — often helping to avoid the need for surgery or longterm use of prescription drugs.

These nine tips, provided by the experts at the American Physical Therapy Association, are keys to helping you age well: 1. Chronic pain doesn’t have to be the boss of you. Each year 116 million Americans experience chronic pain from arthritis or other conditions. Proper exercise, mobility, and pain management techniques can ease pain, improving your overall quality of life.

2. You can get better

South Whidbey 360-321-1600 Central Whidbey 360-678-4886

Photo provided

Physical activity is a key way in helping people age well.

and stronger at any age.

Research shows that an appropriate exercise program can improve your muscle strength and flexibility as you age.

Progressive resistance training, where muscles are exercised against resistance that gets more difficult as strength improves, has been shown to help prevent frailty.

3. You may not need surgery or drugs for your low back pain. Low back pain is often over-treated with surgery and drugs despite a wealth of scientific evidence demonstrating that physical therapy can be an effective alternative with less risk.

4. You can lower your risk of diabetes with exercise. One in four Americans over the age of 60 has diabetes. Obesity and physical inactivity can put you at risk for this disease, but a regular, appropriate physical activity routine is one of the best ways to prevent and manage type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

5. Exercise can help you avoid falls and keep your independence. More than half of adults over 65 report problems with movement, including walking a quarter mile, stooping, and standing. Exercise can improve

movement and balance and reduce your risk of falls.

6. Your bones want you to exercise. Osteoporosis, or weak bones, affects more than half of Americans over the age of 54. Exercises that keep you on your feet, like walking, jogging or dancing, and exercises using resistance such as weight lifting, can improve bone strength or reduce bone loss.

7. Your heart wants you to exercise. Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. One of the top ways of preventing it and other cardiovascular diseases is exercise.

Research shows that if you already have heart disease, appropriate exercise can improve your health.

8. Your brain wants you to exercise. People who are physically active, even later in life, are less likely to develop memory problems or Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that affects more than 40 percent of people over the age of 85.

9. You don’t have to live with bladder leakage. More than 13 million women and men in the United States have bladder leakage. A physical therapist can help you avoid spending years relying on pads or rushing to the bathroom.

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Get the most out of Medicare If you’re 65 or older, chances are you know how important Medicare is to your health, wellness and budget.

While the Medicare annual election period from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 is generally the only time you can make changes to coverage, the off-season is a good time to make the most of your current benefits and better understand what you might need in the future.

No matter what our age, the old adage “good health is priceless” remains true.

As we grow older, staying well both physically and financially requires a Medicare plan that supports your individual goals.

According to a survey by Cigna, a leading health service company and Medicare insurance provider, health, well-being and financial security are strongly linked together in the minds of Americans. That’s why it’s crucial Medicare consumers consider their health and budget needs as they evaluate health care options before choosing a Medicare

plan.

To help you understand your current plan and, ultimately, choose your next one so you can get the most from it, consider these five tips: 1. Make a list of your priorities and use it to compare plans. Focusing on prevention? Keeping out-ofpocket costs low? Staying active? Take time to evaluate plan options according to the health and financial goals you value most.

2. Be sure your plan offers comprehensive preventive care benefits and use them. Many health plans offer preventive health benefits at little or no cost. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 100,000 lives could be saved each year if everyone received the recommended preventive care.

3. Know your network.

Many plans offer choices with a network of doctors.

Choosing primary care doctors and specialists in network can provide better communication and care coordination, and keep your

Page 5

out-of-pocket costs down.

4. Get rewarded for staying active. Keeping fit is essential to healthy aging.

Original Medicare doesn’t cover gym memberships or fitness programs, but some Medicare Advantage plans offer such benefits as part of their coverage. Many are free and some reward you for staying active.

5. Use free resources.

CMS’ Plan Finder helps you compare costs, covered medications and other items. Many insurance plans offer free seminars with no obligation to sign up. You can also check health plans websites or call their customer service number for more information.

Local and state agencies on aging also connect older adults and caregivers with community resources. Your plan may offer newsletters with helpful information about your benefits.

With a little research, you can be sure your Medicare health plan works for you all through the year.

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Page 6

THE BRIDGE

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

SOUTH WHIDBEY SENIOR CENTER February 2016 Classes/Clubs:

CLASSES Tai Chi 3-4 p.m., Mondays on Feb. 1, 8, 22, 29 Advanced: 8:45-9:45 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23 Beginning: 10-11 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23

Beginning Conversational Spanish 2:30-4 p.m., Monday, Feb. 22, 29 and March 7, 14, 21, 28

Learn to Play the Recorder

Line Dancing

Beginning: 9-10 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24 Improver/ Intermediate: 10-11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24

Beginning Clogging 3-4 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25

Painting with Deon Matzen 1-4 p.m., Wednesday, Feb 3, 10, 17, 24 6:30-9 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25 1-4 p.m., Friday, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26

10-11 a.m., Monday, Feb. 1, 8, 22, 29

Photoshop for Beginners

Tune In- Tone Up

10 a.m.-Noon, Friday, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26 and March 4

10:30-11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23

CLUBS

Colored Pencil Boot Camp 6:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 9, 16, 23

Yoga for 50+

4:45-6 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23 4:45-6 p.m., Friday, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26

Bridge 9 a.m.-Noon, Mondays in the Alder Room

Mahjong

6-10 p.m., Mondays in the Alder Room

Senior Striders 9-11 a.m., Tuesdays, meet in Center lobby

Cribbage 1:30-4 p.m., Tuesdays in the Dining Room

Crazy Quilters 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Wednesdays in the Alder Room

Mexican Train Dominoes 10-11:30 a.m., Wednesdays in the Dining Room

Bingo 6:30-9:30 p.m., Wednesdays in the Dining and Fireside Rooms

Bridge South Whidbey Men’s Bridge: 8:30-11:30 a.m., Thursdays in the Fireside Room Twilight Bridge: 6:309:30 p.m., Thursdays in the Evergreen Room

1-3 p.m., Mondays in the Dining Room

Crafting Connection

Chess & Go

10 a.m.-Noon, Thursdays in the Alder Room

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Independent Agent/Broker

February events and trips at South Whidbey Senior Center:

EVENTS

TRIPS WEDNESDAY, FEB. 3 8 a.m.-5 p.m. “LeMay’s Car Museum,” Tacoma.

TUESDAY, FEB. 2 2-4:30 p.m. “Buddies for Buddies” Café with Talia Marcus

TUESDAYS, FEB. 2, 9, 16, 23 2:30-4:30 p.m. “The Art of Mini Memoir”

by Margaret Bendet

TUESDAY, FEB. 9 3-4:30 p.m. “Fall Prevention & Body Mechanics” by Wendy Gilbert, PT

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 10 1:30-3:00 p.m. “Simple Wills” by Ken O’Mhuan, JD

THURSDAYS, FEB. 11, 18, 25 4-5:30 p.m. “Basics of Buying & Selling on eBay” by Andrew Horwitz

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 17

SUNDAY, FEB. 7 11 a.m.-6 p.m. “My Fair Lady,” Everett Village Theatre, Register ASAP!

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 17 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. “Northwest Flower & Garden Show” Seattle

TUESDAY, FEB. 23 10 a.m.-4 p.m. “History of Western Civilization in a Pizza,” Coupeville

SATURDAY, MARCH 5 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (bus transportation only) “Whidbey Gardening Workshop” at Oak Harbor High School (Pre-register thru WSU Master Gardeners) South Whidbey Senior Activity Center is located at 14594 State Highway 525, Langley, WA 98260. Call 360-321-1600 for more information.

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Learn more about gardening on Whidbey Saturday, March 5 when the center takes a trip to the Whidbey Gardening Workshop at Oak Harbor High School.

1:30-3 p.m. “A Look at Eye Diseases” by Dr. Robert Johnson

J. Johnson Insurance, llc Jim Johnson

Photo provided

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Wednesday, January 27, 2016

THE BRIDGE

Page 7

OAK HARBOR SENIOR CENTER

Come enjoy the great activities offered at Oak Harbor Center

Events planned FRIDAY, FEB. 5

SOUNDS OF THE CENTER

10 a.m. to 4 p.m., AARP Tax Aide

By MARY ANDERSON

Enter the Oak Harbor Senior Center and you may see groups of members exercising, playing pool, or eating lunch together. You may pick up a new book or peruse the travel brochure. You might even peek into the art class to see what they are up to.

There is a lot to see and do. But, if you want to experience the best of what the Center has to offer, I urge you to come and listen.

Listen to the music being played on the vintage piano; perhaps a bit of classical or a ragtime song learned by a boy years ago. Next, the fitness instructor inspiring her class to the beat of Michael Jackson. And the response of her students; some groaning for sure, but also laughter and sounds of accomplishment.

Throughout the Center you hear the voices of people greeting each other, asking about their weekend, grandkids, pets and a host of other interests. They compare travel stories. They ask for and offer advice. At lunch there is cheering and clapping for announcements and ‘happy birthdays’, followed by the blast of the horn that signals “let’s eat.”

Then the ping pong players move in, setting up two or three tables at a time. They are noisy, high energy, rambunctious, and wonderful, as the players lament their lost shots and cheer for their great rallies. Tomorrow at this time the sounds of ping pong will be replaced with country tunes, shuffling feet, and even a bit of whooping as the line dancers take their place.

And then, there is the peaceful flow of the Tai Chi group, with their gentle music, soft movements and rhythmic breathing. The smallest of sounds, filling the greatest of space.

Beautiful, happy sounds. Please, do come and enjoy them with me. n Mary Anderson is director of the Oak Harbor Senior Center, which is located at 51 S.E. Jerome St., Oak Harbor.

SATURDAY, FEB. 6 10 a.m., Wine and Chocolate

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 10 Photo by Dan Richman

Bingo is held at noon every Thursday during the month of February at the Oak Harbor Senior Center.

Activities every day of the week MONDAYS 9 a.m., Quilting Class 9:30 a.m., Muscle Conditioning 9:30 a.m., Wii Bowling 11:30 a.m., LUNCH 12:30 p.m., Ping Pong 1 p.m., Art with Dottie 5 p.m., Tai Chi

TUESDAYS 9:30 a.m., Cardio Fitness 9 a.m., Lapidary 11 a.m., Mexican Train 11:30 a.m., Chess 12 p.m., Line Dance 12-4 p.m., SHIBA Counseling 1 p.m., Knitting Circle 1 p.m., MAC SIG class (2nd Tues) 2 p.m., Vision Impaired Support Group (4th Tues) 6 p.m., Pinochle 7 p.m., Stamp Club (2nd & 4th Tuesdays)

WEDNESDAYS 9 a.m., Lapidary

9:30 a.m., Muscle Conditioning 10 a.m., Mah jongg 11:30 a.m., LUNCH 12:30 p.m., Party Bridge 12:30 p.m., Ping Pong

THURSDAY 9 a.m., Lapidary 9:30 a.m., Aerobics 10 a.m., Wii Bowling 10 a.m., Creative Writing 12 p.m., Bingo 12:30 p.m., Cribbage 1 p.m., SVC History Class 7 p.m., Wire Wrap

5:30 p.m., Pickleball Interest Group Meeting

THURSDAY, FEB. 11 2 p.m., Book signing with Gail Rognan

FRIDAY, FEB. 12 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., AARP Tax Aide

SATURDAY, FEB. 13 9 a.m., Gem Show 3:20 p.m., Magic of Motown

MONDAY, FEB. 16 5 p.m., Advisory Board Meeting

FRIDAY, FEB. 19 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., AARP Tax Aide

FRIDAYS 9 a.m., Quilting 9 a.m., Tai Chi 11:30 a.m., LUNCH 12:30 p.m., Pinochle 1 p.m., Line Dance 6:30 p.m., Old Time Fiddlers (first Friday) 7 p.m., Country Dance (2nd Friday)

SATURDAY, FEB. 20 9 a.m., Sparks Museum

FRIDAY, FEB. 26 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., AARP Tax Aide

Hearing Loss May Be Affecting Your Quality Of Life GET A 3-WEEK HEARING AID TRIAL* Your hearing loss may seem insignificant now but studies have linked untreated hearing loss to real-world consequences1: • Reduced alertness and increased risk to personal safety • Greater risk of developing dementia • Avoidance or withdrawal from social situations

(360) 678-1423

www.CoupevilleHearing.com *Per Doctor’s suggestion. **See store for details. . © 2016 Starkey. All Rights Reserved. 1/16 42327-16

Contact us today to schedule your FREE Hearing Screening

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• Fatigue, tension, stress and depression WH I

107 S. Main Street A102 Coupeville, WA 98239

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DR. KRISTINE JARRELL Board Certified Audiologist

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Wednesday, January 27, 2016

COUPEVILLE HUB

11:30-1:30 p.m., Information & Assistance representatives available 1 p.m., Bingo

THURSDAY, FEB. 4 1 p.m., Falls and Injury Prevention, SAIL Exercise Class, Led by Mary Waters.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 10

THURSDAY, MARCH 3 1 p.m., Falls and Injury Prevention, SAIL Exercise Class, Led by Mary Waters.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9 1 p.m., Skin screening with Dr. Reese Bliek from Family Dermatology. Come to this informative discussion and receive a free skin screening voucher for an appointment at the Family Dermatology office.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16

1 p.m., Composting with Whidbey Island Conservation District. Learn how composting improves the health of your soil and plants, while reducing the volume of trash to throw out.

1 p.m., Local Foods on Whidbey presented by the Whidbey Island Conservation District. Whidbey Island farmers grow an abundance of food for local consumers. Join us for tips on how to find local produce and how to use this fresh local bounty in your diet.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 17

THURSDAY, MARCH 17

1 p.m., Attorney Margaret Delp will discuss probate, estate planning and how to avoid fraud. Great way to get free questions answered!

THURSDAY, FEB. 18 1 p.m., Falls and Injury prevention, SAIL Exercise Class, led by Mary Waters.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 24 1 p.m., D&A, violins played by Dustin and Avery. The boys are back to sooth us with their violins. Don’t miss these two young men and their extraordinary musical talent.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2

1 p.m., Falls and Injury Prevention, SAIL Exercise Class, Led by Mary Waters.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23 1p.m., Island Eye Care with Dr. Rob Johnson will continue to discuss the newest and latest eye procedures, including no eye drop cataract surgery.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 30 1 p.m., Dr. Hassapis with Whidbey General Hospital General Surgery Clinic will discuss procedures with an emphasis on colonoscopies and prevention of certain cancers.

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“local people serving local people”

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Celebrating 75 years of serving Skagit and Island Counties OAK HARBOR

ESCROW DEPT. 360-679-5055 TITLE DEPT. 360-675-2246 • Toll Free 800-829-5263 PATTY FAKKEMA, ISLAND OPERATIONS MGR 1080 NE 7th Avenue, Oak Harbor

FREELAND

SENIOR SERVICES FEBRUARY MENU MONDAY, FEB. 1

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 10

Homemade Clam Chowder

Chicken Alfredo

TUESDAY, FEB. 2

THURSDAY, FEB. 11

Best Reuben Sandwich

Chef’s Choice

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 3

FRIDAY, FEB. 19 Spaghetti & Meatballs

MONDAY, FEB. 22 Bean and Cheese Burritos

FRIDAY, FEB. 12

TUESDAY, FEB. 23

Frito Pie w/Ground Beef

Cincinnati Chili w/ Ground Beef

Grilled Cheese & Tomato Bisque Soup

THURSDAY, FEB. 4

MONDAY, FEB. 15

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 24

Chef’s Choice

Meal Sites Closed

Kielbasa w/Zucchini w/ White Sauce

FRIDAY, FEB. 5

TUESDAY, FEB. 16

Zucchini Parmesan w/ Chicken

Pesto Mushroom Pizza

MONDAY, FEB. 8

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 17

THURSDAY, FEB. 25 Chef’s Choice

FRIDAY, FEB. 26

Tuna Casserole Bake

Open Faced Turkey Sandwich

TUESDAY, FEB. 9

THURSDAY, FEB. 18

MONDAY, FEB. 29

Chicken Salad Sandwich

Chef’s Choice

Meatloaf w/Tomato Topping

Fish & Chips

PACKING AROUND TOO MUCH FURNITURE? Donate it to us and help families in need!

FREE PICK UP! YOUR DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE 360-675-8733 Support Habitat For Humanity With Your Gently Used Appliances & Furniture

Sunday

11am - 4pm

Mon-Sat

10am - 5pm st Furnitur Be e EW EY N S GR DB

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www.LTCO.com

Senior services offers several weekly meal sites across Whidbey Island including the Oak Harbor Senior Center, the Coupeville HUB on Wednesdays and the South Whidbey Senior Center. The nonprofit organizations also offer a Meals on Wheels program.

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ESCROW DEPT. 360-331-4838 • Fax: 360-331-4837 CHRISTA CANELL, BRANCH MANAGER/LPO Christa@Ltco.com 5595 Harbor Avenue, Ste. C, Freeland

File photo

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WEDNESDAY, FEB. 3

11:30-1:30 p.m., Information & Assistance representatives available 1 p.m., Bingo

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All activities begin at 1 p.m. at the Coupeville United Methodist Church on Main Street. Lunch is served every Wednesday at noon. Contact Glenda Cantrell, 360-720-2955 or Glenda@ islandseniorservices.org

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290 SE PIONEER WAY • OAK HARBOR

www.habitatfurnitureandmore.info • store@islandcountyhabitat.com