August 2023 Newsletter

Newsletter August 2023

Our mission is to improve the quality of life for people as they age.

In this issue: • Happy Birthday to Us! • Amazing Volunteers • Home Share’s Big News southsoundseniors.org • 222 Columbia St NW • Olympia, WA 98501 • 360.586.6181

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Brian’s View Fifty years!

No, we aren’t yet the age of the seniors we serve, but as we celebrate our founding in 1973 with several parties and festivities, it still resounds with meaning. We haven’t merely survived the whips and scorns of time but matured into a truly beautiful entity. I’ve always chuckled at the author Edward Abbey’s saying that “growth for the sake of growth is the ideology of the cancer cell.” He was deriding the way corporations place profits above human or environmental health.

There is some truth behind the hyperbole, and yet in the field of social services and serving seniors, growth is a necessity to meet the need.

The senior population in 1973 was a fraction of what it is today. I don’t have all the numbers in front of me, but a senior in 1973 may have been born in 1893! Seniors around us today were born around the edges of 1930-1963. The baby boom. Here in Olympia, we just celebrated the birthday of one of our favorite people, Madeleine, who turned 102! Let’s do the math…1921? Imagine her life. As part of our 50th celebrations, we’ve found flyers and brochures from those early days, and when I see some of the elderly folks we then served, I see my great-grandmother. Now, when I look around, I see myself!

Seniors are the fastest growing demographic in Thurston County, and it’s already far larger now than decades ago. So Senior Services for South Sound must grow, we must expand our existing programs like Meals on Wheels, but also originate new programs, because seniors today are not the seniors of yesterday. We have over 200 active volunteers today, and yet will that be enough in 2025?

No. We’ve seen the cost of living go up so very much. Can our payroll stay the same? No. Every single aspect of our organization must grow to help seniors today thrive.

Enjoy the Senior Services of today! Take a class, take a trip, get a tasty meal. Join me in gratitude for those that came before us, who laid the foundation of this organization. And join me in helping this organization grow by volunteering, donating and spreading the word. There are so many more seniors now to join in the fun!

Thank you to our Local Partners:

Brian Windrope Executive Director

southsoundseniors.org • 222 Columbia St NW • Olympia, WA 98501 • 360.586.6181

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Thanks for Celebrating with Us! It’s a common theme around our offices right now to catch someone saying “Did you see at the party,” or “Oh my gosh, how much fun did so-and-so have?” Still, weeks removed from the events, we can’t believe the infectious energy and pure joy you all brought.

Hundreds of people came out to celebrate our 50th birthday parties in both Lacey and Olympia over the last month. Hundreds. We’re honestly still in shock at the fantastic turnout.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. If it wasn’t for you, we’d never have made it this far.

Thank you all so much for coming out and celebrating this amazing milestone of ours. Thank you for making what we do worth it every day. Thank you for bringing us joy and laughter and reminding us that we can have fun, no matter what age we are. Here’s to another 50 years!

southsoundseniors.org • 222 Columbia St NW • Olympia, WA 98501 • 360.586.6181

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Volunteer Spotlight: Adele Meurs Did you know our volunteer, Adele Meurs, was born in the Netherlands?

You’ve probably met her when she checks you in for lunch at the Olympia Center on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, or when she first started out as the lady sitting in the hallway making sure everyone had their COVID-19 vaccination before entering the facility.

Remember those plastic wristbands? Odds are that Adele helped put that on your wrist many times!

But how did Adele end up here after a lifetime of travel? After her schooling was completed, Adele spent a year as an au pair for families in Paris and London where she learned both English and French because, as she points out, “no one speaks Dutch!”

From there, she was off to train as a nurse in a small hospital on one of the main canals in central Amsterdam. When all her schooling was done, she immigrated to Vancouver, British Columbia.

After a year, she and two other nurses spent nine months, trolling around the U.S. and Mexico.

It was during this trip that she met her future husband, Dauph Daughenbaugh, who was on vacation from the University of Washington. She recalls that they were both hippies in Mexico when they met. The pair would later settle just south of Boston in Hingham, Massachusetts.

Adele has two sons: Adam, who still lives in Massachusetts, and Wesley, who has been living in Olympia for over 15 years. Unfortunately, Adele’s husband passed away when the boys were in their early teens.

As is the case with many others, the pandemic was tough on Adele, so in December 2020, she decided to move to Olympia to be closer to her son Wesley. When trying to make new friends here, she focused on two communities—the Olympia Senior Center and swing dancing.

With her new communities in place, Adele is now always taking classes at the Center and usually takes around two per semester. In addition to taking classes, Adele is also a certified Yoga instructor and attends swing dancing at the Eagles Club two to three times a week. She’s also recently gotten into Blues dancing.

Between all her activities, classes and travels, Adele still somehow finds time for volunteering which she says is a great option for the recently-retired. It’s not a full-time job, just a few hours or days a week doing something you like to do and maybe did earlier in your career.

-Scott Schoengarth

Scott Schoengarth is the coordinator for the Bus Buddy Program of Thurston County, a partnership between Intercity Transit, Catholic Community Services of Wester Washington, Volunteer Services and Washington State Department of Transportation. He can be reached at 360.688.8832.

southsoundseniors.org • 222 Columbia St NW • Olympia, WA 98501 • 360.586.6181

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Volunteer of the Quarter: Linda Moon The winner of Volunteer of the Second Quarter goes to the marvelous and dedicated Linda Moon (Trips & Tours, Budd Bay Bargains, events.)

One might think that having the name Linda leads to altruistic excellence, and right now that seems to be the case at our organization with Linda Roseberry, Walker, Miles and so on...

Linda has been volunteering with us since 2018 and has been nominated many times over the past year, it’s her time to shine!

Linda is a Trips and Tours Leader and also volunteers in Budd Bay Bargains. Not only has Linda been a devoted volunteer, stepping in wherever and whenever she’s needed, she has even opened up her home for a T&T party. Linda is exceptionally well organized, prompt, courteous, and above all dependable. For years she has quietly served with SSSS and our clients’ best interests at heart. She deserves all the kudos we have to give.

Thanks to last year’s Glamor photo shoot for the gala, you will find Linda’s portrait in the coffee bar at the Olympia Senior Center.

Senior Nutrition Program

2 - 4 hours weekly. A Food Handlers permit is required for most SNP volunteer positions.

Volunteers opportunities include meal prep, serving, lunchroom set up and break down, Meals on Wheels delivery and administrative support. Proof of insurance required for all Meals on Wheels drivers. Shelton, Lacey, Olympia, Tenino and Yelm.

Brighter Days

4 hours weekly, flexible schedule. These volunteers work closely with clients who have dementia related diseases by providing entertainment and assisting staff with enrichment activities while giving much needed respite to their caretakers. Must have a current TB test! CPR and Food Handlers may be required.

Tech Assistance

Help educate and or troubleshoot smartphone and laptop issues. Spend a couple hours a week helping assist seniors with basic smartphone functions, apps, security or password/ file management. Must have experience with iPhones, Androids and computer skills. Flexible schedule. All ages are encouraged to volunteer for this unique and much needed position. 2 - 3 hours weekly or bi/weekly.

Are you ready to get involved? Contact Theresa Ziniewicz, Volunteer Program Manager, at 360.586.6181 ext. 120. Or you can find volunteer applications at SouthSoundSeniors.org/Volunteer. You’ll be glad you did! southsoundseniors.org • 222 Columbia St NW • Olympia, WA 98501 • 360.586.6181

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Trips & Tours Yelm Jazz in the Park Trip Date: Tuesday, Saturday, August 5 Join us at Yelm City Park for a relaxing evening, taking in the breathtaking view of Mount Rainier while being serenaded by live jazz bands.

This is the 6th year of this annual event. We’ll start with an early supper at La Gitana, while our staff set up a shade tent and seating for our group — bring a folding chair if you have one!

After supper we’ll drop you at the park to be transported to a vacation state of mind, complete with a cooler of drinks and a beer and wine garden! $79 Members; $99 General Public Includes: transportation, supper and concert.

Bus leaves Olympia at 2:45 PM, Lacey at 3:15 PM Approximate return: 9:30 PM Activity Level: Easy Cannabis Education Tour Trip Date: Thursday, September 21 We’re headed to Lifted Cannabis in Tacoma for an educational tour of their warehouse where you will see first hand the stages of growing and harvesting, as well as how the flowers are processed and packaged. You will even see how they make extracts.

After our tour we will visit a retail store so you can purchase items to bring home: everything from topical ointments and traditional “flowers” to yummy edibles and treats. The trip also includes lunch at Katie Downs Waterfront Tavern. Bring your curiosity and questions! (Walkers ok with approval.) $99 Members; $119 General Public Includes: transportation, tour, lunch and snack.

Bus leaves Olympia at 8:15 AM, Lacey at 8:45 AM Approximate return: 3:45 PM Activity Level: Moderate Call our Trips & Tours office for more information: 360-586-6181 ext. 126 or visit us online at southsoundseniors.org/upcoming-trips-tours

Office Hours: M-F 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Olympia Senior Center 222 Columbia St NW, Olympia

southsoundseniors.org • 222 Columbia St NW • Olympia, WA 98501 • 360.586.6181

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SHIBA Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) are here to help with your Medicare questions. SHIBA provides free, unbiased information about Medicare. SHIBA is part of the Office of the Insurance Commissioner’s consumer protection services. Please contact us if you have questions about Medicare at Senior Services: 360-586-6181 ext 134. A trained volunteer advisor will return your call within two working days.

Monthly Article of Interest: Callers May Trick You Into Answering the Phone Bad actors may spoof the number that appears on your caller ID so that an incoming call seems to be from a government agency or a health provider that you already know and trust. They do this to entice you to answer. When you pick up, a scam caller usually starts chatting you up to engage you, asking you conversational questions to put you at ease. The caller is trying to get your personal information, such as your Medicare card number, your Social Security number, or other health insurance identification. Learn about precautions to take and tips to avoid spoofing scams. Click here to read more.

Get Help Paying for Medicare, Tribal Edition Translated guides: Get Help Paying for Medicare Tagalog Japanese Traditional Chinese SHIBA presentations in July New to Medicare via Zoom August 2: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm August 15: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm August 17: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm August 23: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Senior Medicare Patrol-Prevent Fraud via Zoom August 3: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Get Help Paying for Medicare (MIPPA) via Zoom August 10: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Want to talk to someone directly? Here are some in-person options, no registration is necessary!

Olympia Senior Center Wednesday, August 9: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Wednesday, August 16: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Mason County Senior Activity Center Thursday, August 17: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

southsoundseniors.org • 222 Columbia St NW • Olympia, WA 98501 • 360.586.6181

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Classes, Services & Activities To view the Life Long Learning Catalog and to read more about these offerings as well as others, please visit southsoundseniors.org/activities

UPDATED MEMBERSHIP PRICING FOR 2023 Seasonal: $20 Silver Single: $60 | Silver Couple: $100 Gold Single: $120 | Gold Couple: $200 Lifetime Single: $1,000 | Lifetime Couple: $1,800

OLYMPIA SENIOR CENTER LGBTQ Lunch Bunch

Tuesday, August 8 at 11:45 am Join the Sound Alliance of Older LGBTQ (formerly known as SAGE Olympia) for lunch!

Visit SoundAllianceOfOlderLGBTQ.org for more information, or email Info@ SoundAllianceOfOlderLGBTQ.org

Explore Olympia Walkabout

Thursday, August 10 at 10:00 am This month we’ll further explore the downtown Olympia area! Please meet us in the lobby of the Olympia Senior Center by 10:00 am at the latest. Wear sturdy walking shoes, bring a water bottle if you like and weather-appropriate clothing and sun protection! We look forward to walking and talking with you!

Dine Out - For Olympia Senior Center

Thursday, August 10 at Mercato, 111 Market St. NE, Olympia - 5:00 pm Join the Olympia Senior Center for an evening at Mercato! Meet at the restaurant at 5:00, where we will dine with good food and better company! Everyone pays for their own meal.

Please call TWO days ahead to reserve a spot.

Summer Script Reading and Discussion with Reader’s Theater Unlimited

2nd and 4th Mondays and every Tuesday from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Reader’s Theater Unlimited welcomes seasoned actors, directors, playwrights and whoever wants to learn about Reader’s Theater. Our special summer readings will run through August 29. Please drop in for one, or come for all script reading and discussion sessions!

Death Café with Glenn Harper

Wednesday, August 9 at 2:00 pm Come join us for a group directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives or themes.

This is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counseling session. Coffee or tea and cake provided!

AARP Driving Class

Wednesday, August 16 from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm There are still a few spots left for the August AARP driving class! Please call 360-586-6181 to reserve a spot!

Senior Reads Book Club

Thursday, August 17 at 10:00 am For the month of August, the book club will read Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus.

Join us as we discuss this laugh-out-loud New York Times Bestseller among other important topics!

Be sure to bring suggestions for our next book.

Butterfly Mosaic-Making Workshop

Monday, August 28 at 5:30 pm This is an intergenerational workshop led by mosaic artist Jennifer Kuhn. There is a suggested donation of $10 paid to Jennifer the day of the workshop Call 360.586.6181 to register. Limit 20 seniors.

southsoundseniors.org • 222 Columbia St NW • Olympia, WA 98501 • 360.586.6181

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Classes, Services & Activities VIRGIL CLARKSON LACEY SENIOR CENTER Brain Injury Alliance of WA

Wednesday, August 1 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm We will be meeting in one of the pavilions at Woodland Creek Community Park.

Dine Out

Tuesday, August 8 at Olive Garden, 2400 Capital Mall Drive SW, Olympia Meet at the restaurant for good food and fun with friends!

Pet Support Club

Tuesdays, August 8 and 22 at 1:00 pm This club encourages seniors to adopt pets, support those who are fostering pets and help Joint Animal Services by collecting donations specifically on their “greatest needs” list. For seniors who love animals! Open to all.

NEW! 1960s Rock & Roll Dance

Friday, August 11 and 25 at 5:00 pm $5 per person. Come relive the 60s (in far-out, groovy threads, if you like) and rock out to the Beatles, Jefferson Airplane, The Rolling Stones, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Three Dog Night, & so many more! Admission includes door prizes, refreshments, an out-of-sight costume contest, as well as dance contests in a variety of categories. This is the hot ticket item this summer for those 55+, but our AC will keep everyone cool man. Remember our fabulous Soc-Hop in March? Well, our Soc Hop organizers are planning this epic Rock & Roll tribute to the Sixties, so you know you’re going to righteously dig it! Peace out man!

Senior Driving Workshop

Thursday, August 24 and Friday August 25 from 8:30 am - 12:00 pm Feel safer on the road! Join instructor Gerry Apple in this interactive workshop covering topics such as texting, driving in bad weather, handling emergencies, freeways, reference points, what to do in case of a collision, and more. After attending, you will receive a certificate that will apply a 5 - 10% discount on your auto insurance over a two-year period.

Cost: $20. Maximum number of students is 15. Sign up at the Virgil Clarkson Lacey Senior Center.

TED Talk Plus

Friday, August 25 at 12:30 PM Ancient Board Game Discoveries.

When we say ancient, we mean five millennia ancient. We’ll view three TED Talks Plus videos and discuss them as a group.

LGBTQ Lunch Bunch

Tuesday, August 8 at 11:45 am Join the Sound Alliance of Older LGBTQ (formerly known as SAGE Olympia) for lunch!

Visit SoundAllianceOfOlderLGBTQ.org for more information, or email Info@SoundAllianceOfOlderLGBTQ.org

Death Café with Glenn Harper

Thursday, August 24 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Come join us for a group directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives or themes.

This is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counseling session. Coffee or tea and cake provided! southsoundseniors.org • 222 Columbia St NW • Olympia, WA 98501 • 360.586.6181

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Speaker Series 10:00 am on most Wednesdays at the Olympia Senior Center.

August 2: Hannah Ljunggren and Lana Rae Jarvis Join Hannah and Lana from the City of Olympia as they discuss the city’s ongoing Climate Change Risk and Vulnerability Assessment, as well what Olympia is doing to combat the effects of Climate Change.

August 9: Dr. Gwen Grams & Madeline Burns—What Happens When We Die? What happens when we die? Can we come back to visit loved ones? You’d be surprised how many people say, “Yes! I’ve been visited!”

In this presentation, we review the scientific literature about ADC (after-death communication) and talk about a study currently underway at The University of Virginia Medical School and William and Mary School of Education. The study examines the therapeutic benefits of ADCs and their positive impact on bereavement. We’ll follow the presentation with a question and answer session. But, we promise we will have more questions than answers!

August 16: Truclusion with Dane Wolfrom, ACC and Yien Wang-Folino When leveraged together, a positive sense of belonging and value of individual uniqueness enhance engagement and inclusion—but how do we leverage them together in a group environment? We will explore why it is important to value each person in a group setting and offer some inclusive approaches to accomplishing it.

August 30: Stephanie Elsass—Speaking of “Stuff...”

Stephanie Elsass wants to discuss stuff with you! What stuff, might you wonder? All the material stuff folks accumulate, own, value and tend to, this is the stuff Stephanie will share her thoughts on.

Having over 25 years of professional “stuff” organizational experience, Stephanie has helped individuals and organizations with downsizing, organizing, categorizing and prioritizing.

During this Speaker Series presentation, Stephanie will share stories, insights, bad jokes and tips she’s learned over the years.

southsoundseniors.org • 222 Columbia St NW • Olympia, WA 98501 • 360.586.6181

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Employee of the Quarter: Janis Rich Let’s hear it for our Second Quarter Above and Beyond Employee, Janis Rich!

Helping our seniors navigate the often daunting maze of Medicare, Janis is a voice of knowledge, comfort and dedication when it comes to managing our SHIBA program. She and her team of volunteers are critical to our mission.

Navigating Medicare is not as easy as you might think, but Janis and her team of dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to smooth out the bumps in the road. She genuinely cares about the people she works with and goes above and beyond each and every day.

Join us in congratulating Janis, who will now be considered for Volunteer of the Year!

Congratulations to all other nominees this quarter: Theresa Ziniewicz, Volunteer Manager Bryan Hildebrand, Client Services Director AJ Titley, Marketing Coordinator Stephanie Elsass, Office Coordinator Judy Midgorden, Kitchen Assistant

southsoundseniors.org • 222 Columbia St NW • Olympia, WA 98501 • 360.586.6181

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southsoundseniors.org • 222 Columbia St NW • Olympia, WA 98501 • 360.586.6181

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Happy Retirement!

In July we had to say goodbye to two amazing employees, Lillian Barber and Rich Pallechio who have both decided to embark on the amazing journey that is retirement.

Though we’re sad we won’t see them everyday, boy do they deserve the break!

Lillian has been with the organization since 2016, starting with the Brighter Days Program before becoming our Inclusion Program Coordinator. She not only brought joy to many, she’s responsible for not one, but TWO of our current employees joining the fold, her husband Shel (Transportation Manager) and Bryan Hildebrand (Client Services Director). Lillian has always been creative in the activities she created and a fierce advocate for those in the Inclusion Program.

Rich has also been a beloved member of our team and made technological magic happen daily. We would truly have been lost many times over the last 5 and 1/2 years he has been our IT Specialist. Without Rich, we would most likely all be using passwords like 12345, not be worried about someone selling our personal information on the Dark Web and not know nearly as much about space!

We wish them all the luck in the next phase of their lives! But don’t worry, we’re not really saying goodbye, just see you later! Both Lillian and Rich have agreed to come back as volunteers

Welcome New Employees!

With Lillian and Rich retiring, we needed employees who could not only do the job well but measure up to the massive shoes left behind. Enter our brand-new teammates Sue Gallaghar and Triston Bartlett!

Sue is a familiar face, first as our Resource Specialist Manager and then as a volunteer. She just can’t seem to shake us!

Sue has already hosted her first morning Bingo after which she said “I didn’t mess up too badly so they told me I could stay!”

Triston, on the other hand, is brand new to our organization. A tech aficionado, he has already hit the ground running meeting everyone and asking questions about our computers and systems that go over most of our heads.

We’re so excited to welcome both Sue and Triston aboard! southsoundseniors.org • 222 Columbia St NW • Olympia, WA 98501 • 360.586.6181

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Home Share Big news for our Home Share Program!

In late June, we received word that the Home Share Program had received two big grants from the City of Lacey and the Regional Housing Council totaling $126,000!

While receiving grants is always a big deal in our book, these grants are extra special as they are the first that will see the program outside of our two-year pilot period.

Tired of living alone?

“This means that Home Share is able to continue operating as a fully-functional and mature program,” says Rebecca Hutchinson, Home Share Program Manager.

A unique program, Home Share matches people looking for housing with those who have room to spare. Each match is facilitated by Rebecca and the Home Share team and is made with longevity in mind.

Home share made eight connections in 2022—that’s 16 individuals that can now say they have safe and affordable housing, can age in place and live full lives.

“For me, working with the Home Share Program means that I get the opportunity and privilege to continue to meet and get to know the seniors of our community that need assistance in finding or maintaining their housing,” Rebecca said. “It means that the seniors that access our services can continue to live as independently as possible and, hopefully, create relationships that enrich their lives.”

Have extra space, or want to reduce your cost of living? Home Share connects people seeking safe and affordable housing with people who have space in their home. Home providers may ask for rent, help with household tasks or transportation. Anyone 18 years or older may apply!

Visit us at: southsoundseniors.org/homeshare Or call: 360.586.6181 ext. 111

Rebecca also said that she hopes with the growth of Home Share, we can continue to “address this terrible housing crisis on an individual level and make a positive impact in Thurston County.”

Congratulations Home Share!

southsoundseniors.org • 222 Columbia St NW • Olympia, WA 98501 • 360.586.6181

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Bonne Fête, Madeleine!

Last month in the Olympia Senior Center we celebrated our 50th birthday. Small potatoes! We also celebrated the 102nd birthday of one of our favorite regulars, Madeleine Wells.

You’ll often find Madeleine sitting in our lobby with friends as they play cards.

Warm-hearted and a delightful conversationalist, Madeleine is Madeleine celebrated her 102 birthday with us at the Olympia Center on July 19. originally from Montreal, and she enjoys speaking French when she gets the opportunity.

We were thrilled to be able to wish her Bonne fête (that’s happy birthday in Canadian French) and share some birthday cake with her.

southsoundseniors.org • 222 Columbia St NW • Olympia, WA 98501 • 360.586.6181

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UPCOMING BINGOS!

southsoundseniors.org • 222 Columbia St NW • Olympia, WA 98501 • 360.586.6181

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