Celebrate diversity on Women’s Equality Day Page 2
How you can help www.homage.org
by volunteering with VOL. 45 NO. 7 | AUGUST 2018
Homage Page 2
The benefits of grassroots advocacy Page 2
This Homage hero has made a huge difference for 27 years Page 3
How seniors can fight identity theft Page 4
You must stay hydrated to beat the heat Page 5
Perspectives on the Past: The past and future are bright at the Everett YMCA Page 6
Boosting participation in senior fitness classes Page 8
Travels with Kathy: Carnival Cruise Line’s glitzy new surprises Page 9
Learn about programs and services by visiting www.homage.org.
Dedicated to helping others Nearly 30 years after founding the Filipino group at Homage, Consuelo Lewis remains a leader with a compassionate heart. By Rachel McKee Special to The Herald When Consuelo Lewis walks into the boisterous Multicultural Center of Homage Senior Services in Lynnwood, her brown eyes crinkle with her ready smile, complementing the jovial atmosphere. Lewis has been an integral part of Homage Senior Services, founding the Filipino group at Homage in 1991. The group has given dozens of people a place to find friendships and remember their native culture. Dedicated to education, advocacy and helping others, Lewis has been a leader with a compassionate heart. The 76-year-old received two master’s degrees in the Philippines, one for supervision in administration and the other for supervision in education. Lewis was a teacher for 16 years before she moved to the United States in 1983 with her husband. In her new home, she began working at Everett Community College as a program manager in the Diversity and Equity Department. Living in Granite Falls, she felt a bit isolated. “It was scary and uncomfortable for me as a Filipino woman,” she said. “People would stare at me and approach me to ask if I spoke English.” She did. She believes she was “the first Asian in Granite Falls.” Lewis remembered a man working at the market in Granite Falls who assumed she did not speak English, gesticulating with his hands to try to talk to her. He was shocked when she spoke English. She
Consuelo Lewis has been volunteering for 27 years with Filipino seniors in Snohomish County. (Andy Bronson / The Herald) remembered him saying, “Oh my gosh, you are the first Asian here!” Lewis did not retreat after encounters like this. Instead she gained respect by “being very visible in the community, organizing different groups, and volunteering in various agencies,” she said. She helped students overcome language and cultural differences during her time as an adviser at Everett Community College. She raised awareness and spoke about domestic violence in Snohomish County. “As Asian women, they always look at us as being humble and shy, but I always tell (Asian women) to be very careful with what they say, but to speak their mind,” Lewis said. Throughout her career and advocacy, she has seen women become more assertive, visible and active in the community. There are more women in politics, leading government agencies and working trade jobs. Lewis established the Filipino American Association of North Puget Sound in 1986. Members told her about their parents and how some were homebound and lonely. In correspondence with
Michael T. Manley, administrator of Snohomish County Division of Aging, she stressed the need for a group for seniors of Filipino descent. During the infancy of The Filipino Group of Homage, when Lewis hosted meetings at her home, there were nine members. Now the group has more than 50 people who meet at Homage’s Center for Healthy Living in Lynnwood. Due to Lewis’ initiative, the Filipino group at Homage Senior Services has been active for 27 years. It offers a meal plan for meal program for Filipino seniors who live in Snohomish County; for $3, members can eat a catered lunch from 10 a.m. to noon every Friday. Homage also provides weekly meals for Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese older adults at the Center for Healthy Living. Seniors also can join activities such as exercise, dancing, karaoke and listening to guest speakers. Everyone is invited to participate in the Filipino group, not just people of Filipino heritage. Lewis said her favorite part of the program is the people and seeing them have fun. Her eyes
Filipino seniors in Snohomish County When: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Fridays Location: The Center of Healthy Living Homage Senior Services, 5026 196th St. SW, Lynnwood Cost: Free to people age 60 and over, with a suggested donation of $3. People age 59 and younger must pay $6. More information: Contact Shannon Serier, sserier@homage.org, 425290-1268
shine and she reflects on the laughter and joy this program brings to the members. “They have that feeling of home here. They forget whatever sickness they have,” she said. Lewis moved to north Everett after her husband died. She enjoys spending time with her neighbors and the community she adores. Her advice for women today is, “Don’t just dream. Work, work, and work on your goals.” Fortunately for the members at the Filipino group at Homage, Lewis dreamed of a place where everyone felt included and worked to make it happen.
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Quality Senior Living Community
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• Close to shopping • Affordable rent includes utilities • On Metro bus route • Restaurant on-site – open to the public • Must be 62 or older; income limits apply
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