October Newsletter 2023

Newsletter

October 2023

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

Lifehas so many stages, if we live long enough to see them. Just today, I will go home to a truly empty nest, with one son off to college and the other off to work in France after graduating from college. I’m experiencing waves of sadness and joy, sadness and joy, sadness and joy. It’s an emotional swing that many parents experience, and all of us experience at some times in life.

At big moments like these it is easy to reflect on the way our lives play out in a series of episodes. It’s a truism that there are times in life when all your friends are dating, or getting married, or having kids or losing their parents. Shakespeare wrote about the seven stages of men 500 years ago, and the idea goes back far further. Becoming empty nesters is just one among many notable transitions. I write about this personal moment because it reflects my own transition toward having more in common with my senior friends. Kids move away and, sometimes, move back!

Here at Senior Services for South Sound, we embrace the seemingly infinite paths to becoming a senior. We honor the milestones and major events that come with attaining our 60s and beyond. If it can be done, someone has done it and lived to be 70! We have seniors in our programs who have traveled wildly different paths from one another. Fantastic, I say!

Whether we choose to have kids, pursue golf, become a knitter, or listen to the Grateful Dead all day, it really doesn’t matter one little bit except insofar as how it makes us interesting and kind and of benefit to the community. Do we add a spark? Do we lend a hand? It can be argued that all experiences should serve to generate compassion. Since we all suffer, the learning potential is to have great empathy for our fellow humans.

As it pours rain outside my office window, I greet you with a big hearty “How are ya?” and a hot cup of tea, and hope you enjoy this October newsletter. I hope you all relish the colors of Fall and the coming holiday season. Come join Senior Services for South Sound for fun, food and fellowship!

Brian Windrope Executive Director

Volunteer Spotlight: Kitty Eventyr

Kitty Eventyr is a perfect example of someone who just wants to help out wherever she can.

Most of the folks I interview are recently retired seniors who want to keep busy, but Kitty is young, quite young. Volunteering now for five years, she was just 14 when she started–young enough Kitty’s parents had to volunteer with her! Now though she’s manning the coffee bar on her own most Fridays and loving it.

Kitty says volunteering at the coffee bar is the perfect fit for her as she get to meet so many people, a good number of whom just want someone to talk to. A people person at heart, she adds that since she loves to talk anyway, her volunteer position has played into her skillset perfectly.

When she’s not volunteering, Kitty can be found catsitting or attending local Punk Rock shows around Olympia. (P.S. If you have a cat that needs watching, come in and talk to her. I mean, who better to watch a cat than a Kitty?)

-Scott Schoengarth

Kitty Fun Fact: Her parents picked their last name when they got married. Kitty says she found out its Norwegian and means fairytale adventure!

Scott 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.

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.

Transportation

Provide seniors with rides to medical appointments, important Senior Services programs, and other essential errands. Drivers in Thurston and Mason Counties needed.

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.

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!

Volunteer Spotlight: V.O.I.C.E

In September we were happy to welcome participants of V.O.I.C.E. into our volunteer family.

“The acronym stands for awesome,” Tia, who accompanied the first wave of volunteers to the Olympia Center laughed.

The program — which actually stands for the Vocational Opportunities for Independent Community Employment program offered through North Thurston Public Schools — exists for high school graduates who have developmental disabilities, and teaches them how to work at a job site.

“A lot of them don’t have those skills yet,” said Tia. By sending participants to volunteer positions like ours, they’re not only building healthy work habits but are also getting actual on-thejob experience that will help them when the time comes for them to apply for jobs.

This school year, Senior Services for South Sound will welcome a few “waves” of VOICE participants who will stay with us for a few weeks and then rotate out. Each wave of participants will “graduate” from volunteering with us with a certificate, some Senior Services for South Sound swag and, hopefully, fond memories.

Delami, Karyn, Alex O., Tyler and Brynner helped out by preparing Meals on Wheels for transport.

Bridging Generations

Embracing the beauty of change, Metamorphosis — an Intergenerational Community Project — reflects the strength found in celebrating diversities of all walks of life.

Seniors from our centers and youngsters, including the local Black Hills’ U-9 girls soccer team, gathered for one evening in September at the Olympia Senior Center and put their creative minds to work hand-crafting each of the stunning mosaic butterflies. Though those created that evening aren’t the only butterflies to grace the mural, the experience we had here at the center was nothing short of a heartwarming experience, showing that art truly does bridge the distance between not only

generations, but culture, socio-economics and beyond.

While no two butterflies are the same, Metamorphosis is a perfect metaphor for the added richness diversity brings to a community.

Come see the in the alley across from Pizza Time and McCoy’s Tavern close to 425 4th Ave. E., Olympia. The finishing touches will include the addition of a plaque and a dedication during the weekend of Arts Walk, October 6 - 7, 2023. What does it say to you? Visit jennifer@ jkmosaic.com or artswalkoly.com for more information.

Holiday Card Contest

Trips & Tours

KUBOTA GARDEN

Trip Date: Tuesday, October 24

Kubota Garden’s 20-acres in the Rainier Beach neighborhood of Seattle blends traditional Japanese garden design with native northwest plantings.

A public park since 1987, it was started in 1927 by Fujitaro Kubota, a Japanese emigrant. At age 28, Kubota arrived in Seattle and labored on the railroad, then at a sawmill in the logging town of Selleck, WA (now Black Diamond) before founding Kubota Gardening Company. He was a visionary—he could imagine things in the future and knew how plants look in different seasons. He would always have a focal tree, and all the rest are filler. He used to say, “it’s like a beauty pageant—if there’s one really pretty girl and the rest are kind of plain, then she’s going to really stand out.”

With autumn maples splashing against a backdrop of bridges and waterfalls, you’ll want to have your camera on hand. We’ll start with lunch at Mizuki Buffet, an Asian-American smorgasbord with 40 types of sushi and sashimi, plus teriyaki, BBQ ribs and more.

$105 Members; $125 General Public

Includes transportation, admission, meal and snack. Bus leaves Olympia at 10:15 AM; Lacey at 10:45 AM

Approximate return: 6:00 PM

Activity Level: Moderate

Call our Trips & Tours office for more information: 360-586-6181 ext. 126 or visit us online at southsoundseniors.org/trips-tours

Office Hours: M-F 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Olympia Senior Center 222 Columbia St NW, Olympia

Travelers Tea

2:30 PM

Friday, November 17

Virgil Clarkson Lacey Senior Center

Enjoy

Open to the public! Doors open at 6:00 pm. Must be 21+. $25 cash at the door to play. Also available: snack bar, 50/50 raffle, special game tickets & daubers. Enjoy a cash bar and costume contest! CASH ONLY.

Speaker Series

Dance As You Are Party!

Thursday, October 5 from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm

Come on down and dance with us! Partners are not necessary, but good manners are!

This is a new event that will be held on the first Thursday of every month.

Open to the Public

Explore Olympia Walkabout

Thursday, October 12 at 10:00 am

This month we will take a walk around Tumwater Falls. Wear sturdy walking shoes, weather appropriate clothing and meet us at the Olympia Senior Center at 10:00 where we will carpool to the falls. Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Open to the Public

Dine Out - For Olympia Senior Center

Thursday, October 12 at Valentina’s (formerly Koko’s) at 325 4th Ave E - 5:00 pm

Join the Olympia Senior Center for an evening at Valentina’s! Meet at the restaurant at 5:00, where we will dine with good food and better company! Everyone pays for their own meal. Your reservations for Dine Out must be made

NO LATER than 2:00 pm the Monday of the week of Dine Out. If we do not have your reservation by Monday at 2:00 the week of, we will not reserve you a spot.

Open to the Public

Senior Reads Book Club

Thursday, October 19 at 10:00 am

For October the Book Club will be reading Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman, which is a prequel to Practical Magic. All are welcome to join our lively discussions! Be sure to bring suggestions for our next book.

Open to the Public

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

OLYMPIA SENIOR CENTER

Dance Socials

Classes, Services & Activities

VIRGIL CLARKSON LACEY SENIOR CENTER

Every Tuesday from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm This exceptionally popular weekly event is back at VCLSC! Come and dance and/or listen to Swing Stuff, a live 2.5 piece band, who know how to get your feet moving. No partner necessary! Coffee, punch and snacks provided. Members: $7; General Public: $10

Dine Out - For Lacey Senior Center

Tuesday, October 10 at Well 80 at 414 4 Ave E.5:00 pm

Join the Virgil Clarkson Lacey Senior Center for an evening at Well 80! Meet at the restaurant at 5:00, where we will dine with good food and better company! Everyone pays for their own meal.

Open to the Public

NEW! Death Journaling

Thursday, October 19 from 10:00 to 11:30 am Come spend 90 minutes with Death Doula and Grief Coach Aypril Porter, creating your personal death journal. A death journal is a notebook that you will use to record your thoughts, wishes, memories, and more. You can use it to explore your thoughts on end-of-life topics and what kind of funeral or memorial service you’d hope for so your loved ones can understand and fulfill your wishes. Please bring a notebook to work on. We’ll have pens, markers, paints, and inspiration for things to write about or consider as we spend time together discussing and sharing thoughts, ideas, and memories and creating. Feel free to bring any magazines, articles, pictures, or other mementos you’d like to include.

Join us and members from North Thurston Kiwanis on October 5 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Painting supplies and pumpkins will be provided. If you would like to donate Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head parts they’d be appreciated! Most of the finished pumpkins will be used to decorate the center for the fall season.

Open to the Public

Tech Help with Rich

Thursday, October 5 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

If you have questions, issues or need troubleshooting with any of the following portable devices: smartphones, laptops, tablets, iPads or readers. Please bring your device and drop-in for Rich’s assistance. Open to the Public. Drop-ins welcome.

Open to Public

Finding Joy in Both Giving and Receiving Roles in Late Life with Marty Worcester

Thursday, October 19 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm This presentation explores how we give and receive care to find balance and bring joy to those we touch as we age. We share experiences of giving and receiving with spouses, parents, friends and within groups. Come and discover new ways to prepare and connect with those you care about during the upcoming holiday season. Marty is a consultant for Aging with Late Life Design, as well as a volunteer.

October Speaker Series

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

Donna Feddern from Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging

Wednesday, October 4 @ 10:00 am • Olympia Senior Center

Donna Feddern, Community Supports Director at Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging, will be talking about the services and supports the agency provides to help older adults and adults with disabilities stay in their homes.

Amy Geier and Cella Hyde from Concern for Animals

Wednesday, October 11 @ 10:00 am • Olympia Senior Center

Concern for Animals (CFA) has been providing for the people and pets of Thurston, Mason, Lewis and now Grays Harbor counties for over 40 years! We have helped keep people and pets together through programs that serve seniors, veterans, survivors of domestic violence and members of our shared community who are struggling to make ends meet. From our Medical Program to our weekly Pet Food Bank, our efforts help over 1,000 animals annually.

Kyle Kisebach and Others from the FamilySearch Center

Wednesday, October 18 @ 10:00 am

Olympia Senior Center

Come meet staff and volunteers from the Olympia FamilySearch Center to learn about the services offered for genealogical research, right here in Olympia, WA!

Randi Miller from Hummingbird Studios

Wednesday, October 25 @ 10:00 am

Olympia Senior Center

Join us as we learn about Kokua, and the wonderful art studio Hummingbird. There will be art supplies available for creating during the talk!

Employee Spotlights

Emily Lopez, our new Home Share assistant, is a recent PNW transplant all the way from St. Louis, Missouri!

“I spent far too long in the corporate world,” she says about her transition to a social services position. “I decided to turn my passion for people into my new career. What could be more rewarding at the end of the day than knowing you’ve made a difference in the world around you?”

Home Share certainly is a program where her compassion and eagerness to help will make all the difference. Her bubbly personality has already infected many of us on staff and she’s always proving to be the sunshine in the office with her infectious laugh and appreciation for novelty items like the tiny finger hands that are straight out of a Saturday Night Live sketch she pulled out on her first day with us.

“I’m thrilled to have found such an open and friendly environment here at Senior Services for South Sound,” says Emily. “If you see me around, feel free to say hello!”

In her spare time, Emily says she enjoys DIY crafting, painting, gardening and learning about her natural surroundings.

Welcome aboard, Emily!

Shelby “Shel” Barber

recently retired as our Transportation Manager. His hard work, great kindness, and sense of fun will be missed!

Shel joined Senior Services in December of 2021 and oversaw a remarkable expansion of the Transportation program, from 50,000 volunteer miles in 2021 to over 90,000 in 2022 and on track to exceed 120,000 in 2023. Shel expanded the program into Mason County, and recruited and trained volunteers there. He also hired the excellent Mike Ziegler as the first Transportation assistant; Mike continues Shel’s beautiful work today.

Shel is originally from Prattville, Alabama He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music from the University of West Alabama. Shel joined Senior Services after he retired from the US Army after more than 20 years of service as an Army musician, reaching the rank of First Sergeant.

Shel joined his wife, our former Inclusion Coordinator Lillian Barber, in retirement. Lillian served on staff at Senior Services since February 2016, soon after the Barber family arrived in Washington along with their two daughters Melissa and Caty. Lillian retired in July of this year.

Shel and Lillian look forward to many adventures in retirement. They enjoy camping and spending time together – including as volunteers for Senior Services as a driver (Shel), Inclusion volunteer (Lillian), and in support of our monthly Bingo events (both). What a team!

Happy autumn everyone,

Remember, Medicare’s Open Enrollment season starts October 15 and ends December 7! Have questions? Let our trained SHIBA volunteers help you understand your options for 2024.

We have volunteers available for phone consultations Monday through Friday. If you leave a message at 360-586-6181 ext 134, a trained volunteer will contact you within two business days and usually the same day.

Monthly article of interest: Don’t pay for COVID tests you didn’t order!

“Unordered COVID-19 tests – and bills – are arriving on doorsteps around the country. After May 11, when the COVID-19 health emergency officially ended, Medicare and other health insurance plans stopped paying for many at-home over-the-counter COVID-19 tests. Once Medicare denies payment, companies could come back with a bill in your name.” -From the National Senior Medicare Patrol.

SHIBA presentations in October

(For presentations via Zoom, please register with our office at 360.586.6181 ext. 134 or email jrich@southsoundseniors.org)

New to Medicare via Zoom

October 4: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

October 17: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

October 19: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

October 25: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Senior Medicare Patrol-Prevent Fraud via Zoom

October 5: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Get Help Paying for Medicare (MIPPA) via Zoom

October 25: 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, October 11: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Wednesday, October 18: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Mason County Senior Activity Center (190 Sentry Drive, Shelton)

Thursday, October 19: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Open Enrollment Information Event: North Mason Timberland Library (23081 St Rt 3, Belfair)

Tuesday, October 24: 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Belonging

and inclusivity are key goals of being diverse, and one way we are growing is by integrating ethnic twists into senior-friendly congregate meals. At both the Olympia and Senior centers, we celebrated Rosh Hashanah by serving Matzoh Ball Soup while learning a little bit about Rosh Hashanah.

A couple of upcoming celebrations you might want to learn more about are as follows – stay tuned for more scheduled congregate meals in honor of upcoming ethnic celebrations.

Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu celebration of the god, Ganesh, where people all over the world honor him. In Hindu culture, Ganesh bestows blessings upon those who celebrate him and this focused celebration begins in September typically lasting for 10 days. Traditional foods include palak paneer, chana dal, basmati rice, Naan, and fruit.

Chuseok

A 3-day celebration, Chuseok also known as Hangawi, is an important Korean holiday most similar to the American Thanksgiving. Families gather to give thanks to their ancestors through food, entertainment, and music. Traditional foods include namul, songpyeon and japchae.

Hindu Altar. Hindu families traditionally build an altar that contains each god and goddess they puja (or worship). During a celebration, they would then build a second temporary altar to that specific god or goddess.

Credit: Tiffany Keeth

Ganesh Chaturthi Altar. Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu celebration honoring the god, Ganesh. Hindu families traditionally build an additional altar within their homes in honor of the current god or goddess. During this time, gifts and items to be blessed are left before the altar while people puja. Puja encompasses prayer, rituals, and songs.

Credit: Tiffany Keeth

Do you remember?

As part of our 50th anniversary year, we’ve got a special challenge for you.

The year is 1973, when Senior Services first started. Where were you? Do you remember the president, how much minimum wage was or the price of gas? What about the first Billboard hit or the cost of a first-class stamp?

Put your memory to the test with our official quiz! Answers will be posted every Friday on our Facebook page and in the next newsletter.

1. What tennis player famously beat Bob Riggs at the Houston Astrodome?

Ilie Nastase

John Newcombe

Billie Jean King

2. Which car company was the first to install airbags in vehicles?

Oldsmobile

Ford

Chevrolet

3. Which architectural marvel opened in 1973?

Sears Tower

The World Trade Centers (Twin Towers)

Sydney Opera House

4. What was the number one song on October 31st, 1973?

Rocky Mountain High

Midnight Train to Georgia

The Monster Mash September answers: