Celebrating the life and laughter of Madeleine Wells, beloved member of the Senior Services for South Sound family. Read about Madeleine’s life and legacy on page 3.
Senior Services for South Sound
Brian’s View
A Message From the Executive Director
We’ve lost a dear friend in Madeleine Wells, who passed away July 10. She frequently visited the Olympia Center and was a delightful person in so many ways. Perhaps least remarkable among her many positive traits is that she had reached 102 years of age. We can’t help but hold centenarians in some awe, yet once you engaged with Madeleine you found the moment lit up with lighthearted tenderness. Her remarkable life resulted in her final years being, by all accounts, happy and loving. Please read more about her starting on the next page. We will miss her deeply and yet celebrate the time we had with her.
On another day that week, we had a young person come into our Olympia senior center in need of urgent help. Our staff understood that this person was in crisis and that they needed help. Although we are a senior-serving organization, there was no question of the right thing to do. Staff members sat them down, called the appropriate help, and remained with them supportively until help arrived. I’m so glad this person thought of us as a safe place to come.
I cannot begin to tell you all how deeply I appreciate being part of this organization. It’s a privilege to work with our crew of staff and volunteers who are so smart, heartfelt and empathetic. We talk about being humans first, and we mean it. I hear the global news as many of you do, and I believe in acting locally to make the world a better place. We do that here. We embrace our mission fully, and there are times when as with this young woman, the right thing to do is to be human and set aside our normal age restrictions and act with the compassion that makes life more humane.
As our organization battles Isolation and Loneliness across our community — and I hope you are spreading the word among your friends and family about the serious health impacts of these for people of all ages — I see how Senior Services is laser-focused on connecting seniors to each other. Our staff and volunteers are beautiful people who want nothing more than to help seniors thrive. Take a class, learn to dance, go on a trip, grab a lunch; enjoy these days of summer in all their heated glory! Celebrate yourself and sing yourself, as Walt Whitman said, and take a moment to engage more deeply with those around you.
Brian Windrope, Executive Director
Madeleine (left) around six-yearsold in 1927.
and
Remembering Madeleine Wells: A Legacy of Love and Laughter
Madeleine “Maddie” Wells, a beloved fixture of Senior Services for South Sound, sadly left us just days before her 103rd birthday.
For many at the Olympia Senior Center, Madeleine was a ray of light and someone everyone made a point of saying hello to. She was someone we could all look up to and continues to be a role model in many of our lives, even now that she’s gone.
Born at home in Montreal, Quebec, Canada on July 18, 1921, Madeleine passed away peacefully just one week away from her 103rd birthday. She grew up in Montreal and married John Brosseau in 1946. They had a daughter, Suzanne in 1950. The family moved from Canada to Portland, Oregon in 1963.
After her John passed in 1987, Madeleine eventually met her second husband Bill in 2004. They married ten years later in 1994. When Bill passed in 2009, Madeleine moved to Olympia to be closer to her beloved daughter.
An avid reader, cruise-goer and artist (watercolor painting, knitting and, of course, her impeccable fashion sense), Madeleine leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom and grace. Left to celebrate her memory are her daughter and son-in-law, four grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Continued on page 4
Madeleine (left), her mother and her daughter, Sue.
Madeleine
her husband, John, at their wedding in 1946.
Senior Services for South Sound
Madeleine and Candy Braillard at Madeleine’s birthday party last year.
Memories of Madeleine
By Candy Braillard
Madeleine Wells could best be described with the famous Shakespeare quote: “Though she be but little, she is fierce.”
She left in her wake many who will miss her bright and shiny personage. Staff here at Senior Services will always remember her sunny smile, her fortitude and the grace with which she always met people. Mike Gregory, especially, always relished the opportunity to have a conversation in French with her while they reminisced about their lovely memories of Montreal.
Her friends at the Olympia Senior Center have many, many stories about Madeleine, but when asked, their favorite seems to be the running joke of where Madeleine went for dinner the night before. Oddly, she never quite remembered the restaurant, but the food was always “DELICIOUS!” The ladies she met with on Fridays also recall how she was always, always, a fashion plate, always had a Thursday hairdressing appointment and she always had to have her chocolate. Sometimes, Madeleine would “forget” her exercise classes, which was surely a blessing to her friends in the lobby. Her “forgetfulness” for exercise class allowed them to exercise their friendship muscles.
You know the facts about Madeleine, but here’s the nuance: Madeleine, through hardship and good times, endured. She laughed all the time with a joyful, mischievous grin and she loved her family deeply. Madeleine opened her heart to many people and inspired even more. And as for me… for me, she was a living example of the kind of woman I hope to be someday.
We will miss you, dearest Madeleine. We will carry your bright spirit and lovely smile in our hearts for a very long while. A bientôt mon ami… reposez en paix.
With deep love, Candy B.
To honor her request to forego a funeral, a celebration of Madeleine’s life will be held at a later date.
Madeleine and friends at her 102nd birthday party last year at the Olympia Senior Center.
Volunteer Spotlight: Ray Pearson
By Scott Schoengarth
At a very young 81-years-old, Ray Pearson is an interesting individual. He’s a big, tall, strong, quiet, bearded gentleman who takes great pride in volunteering like his parents did when they were alive. Back in Central New York, his mom volunteered in the kitchen for a Meals on Wheels program, and Ray, who has lived at Jubilee in Lacey since 2018, does the same at the Virgil Clarkson Lacey Senior Center. He says he can see and feel his mother in the kitchen every Thursday, when he collects his meals to make deliveries.
Ray enjoys connecting with his clients each week, delivering prepared frozen meals and bread and milk to folks who often don’t get any other visitors. But it can be sad, too. Once he found a $100 bill taped to a front door. When he asked the client about it, she said she hoped someone else would see the money, knock on her door and ask about it. This would give her another person to talk to.
For Ray, the kitchen staffers are the real heroes, enthusiastic and dedicated as they prepare each individual package for delivery. He notes that they are so organized but get little recognition. They’ll also include things like fresh-grown vegetables, and they often include handmade cards made by volunteers at the Senior Center.
Besides driving for Meals on Wheels, Ray also volunteers with the Transportation Program that is run out of the downtown Olympia Senior Center. The program offers seniors aged 60 and above with free rides to medical appointments and essential errands. Ray has one client who he has driven to Clarus Eye Centre, the chiropractor, massage therapist, hairdresser, and audiology appointments.
Volunteering is incredibly rewarding for Ray. He feels he is doing something good by showing empathy for people his own age. He encourages others with the means and the time to consider volunteering with Senior Services. It’s also a great way to meet new people and to get involved in the community. It’s a way to give help, not get help.
Editor’s Note: 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.
Senior Services for South Sound
Celebrating Diversity
Senior Services Honors Senior Citizens and Their Quality of Life
Senior Services for South Sound lives and breathes for our seniors and August 21, Senior Citizen’s Day, is no different. Driven by our mission to improve the quality of life for people as they age, we offer more than a dozen programs and even more activities and special events to fit the needs of any senior’s lifestyle. As a not-for-profit organization, we appreciate all of our sponsors and donors who have believed in our shared mission and celebrate them and the positive impact of giving on National Nonprofit Day. Other notable days during the month of August include Be Kind to Humankind, National Black Business Month, and Women’s Equality Day.
August 9: International Day of the World’s Indigenous People celebrates the rich cultures, histories and contributions of indigenous peoples globally while promoting their rights and advocating for the preservation of their unique traditions and languages. This day also raises awareness of the challenges faced by indigenous communities, emphasizing the need for continued support and solidarity.
August 17: Marcus Garvey Day celebrates the birthday of Jamaican politician and civil rights activist and revered by Rastafarians. Garvey encouraged those of African descent to return to the land of their ancestors during and after slavery in North America, and while certain views of his were controversial to some, his key message was “Black is Beautiful.”
Just for Fun! August 19: National Potato Day Mashed, cut, or fried, this versatile food is sure to please just about anyone! Not to be mistaken as Iowa, it is Idaho that puts the “O” in Potato as they proudly recognize it as their state vegetable. Lunch Special: Crispy Chicken Breast and Swiss Burger with Summer Slaw, Potato Salad and Fresh Fruit
August 21: Senior Citizen’s Day This day recognizes the achievements of our seniors and gives an opportunity for appreciation. Lunch Special: Homemade Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Carrots & Peas, Applesauce, Dessert
August 26: Women’s Equality Day Commemorates Aug 26, 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment that gave women the right to vote.
August 29: Anniversary of the March on Washington On August 28, 1963, a crowd of 250,000 people from all different kinds of backgrounds came together to demand change through what organizers called a “comprehensive civil rights bill”.
August 30: Hungry Ghost Festival a Chinese holiday in which street, market and temple ceremonies honor dead ancestors and appease other spirits. Lunch Special: Chicken Noodle Stir Fry, Broccoli, Pineapple, Dessert
Above and Beyond Employee of the Quarter: Amy Lowe
By Senior Services for South Sound Staff
With great appreciation, this quarter’s Above & Beyond Employee is Senior Nutrition Program Olympia Site Manager Amy Lowe. Amy is the epitome of cooking with love — with each meal, not only does she pour care and heart into SNP meals at the Olympia Center, but she always finds time to do the things that truly matter, like listening to the special dietary needs or stories of our seniors. One of her nominators said “Amy is universally kind, meets our members where they are and takes extra care to ensure that everyone gets food. She has a heart of gold. Amy welcomes all new volunteers with a smile and a can-do attitude regardless of anyone’s limitations or experience. Her food is the bomb!” Congratulations Amy!
Other nominees for Employee of the Second Quarter were:
• Amber Kitchen, Tenino/Rochester Kitchen Assistant
• Bryan Hildebrand, Client Services Director
• Gailina Ivaneko, Fiscal Assistant
• Joson Cooluris, IT Specialist
• Kristy Wilkins, PALS Fund Manager
• Sean Clyburn, Lacey Kitchen Assistant
• Stephanie Elsass, Office Coordinator
• Tim Young, Olympia Kitchen Assistant
• Tobin Craig, Brighter Days Program Assistant
Senior Services for South Sound
OLYMPIA SENIOR CENTER
Explore Olympia Walkabout
Thursday, August 8 at 10:00 am
Join this fun and diverse walking group for a walk on August 8th at 10:00. Meet in the lobby of the Olympia Senior Center, wear weather appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes. We typically walk one to two miles, though sometimes a bit longer, and we often find ourselves on uneven ground, so please plan for safety accordingly. This month we will walk to a location to be determined! So if you are up for a mystery, come on down!
Public Welcome
Dine Out with the Olympia Senior Center
Thursday, August 8: Mercato Ristorante, 111 Market St NE, Olympia, 98501 at 5:00 pm
Dine Out isn’t just a meal, it’s our monthly ritual of camaraderie with friends old and new. Secure your spot by August 5. We close reservations Monday afternoon by 4:00 pm to show our appreciation and respect for the restaurants that host us. Everyone pays for their own meal.
Public Welcome
Senior Reads Book Club
Thursday, August 15 at 10:00 am
Come one, come all to discuss August’s book, Roctogenarians: Late in Life Debuts, Comebacks, and Triumphs by Mo Rocca. Our Book club discussions range far and wide and are always fun, always interesting, and everyone is made welcome! Senior Reads Book Club always meets on the third Thursday of the month.
Public Welcome
Death Cafe
Wednesday, August 14 at 2:00 pm
Join us for an interesting and always wideranging discussion at our monthly Death Cafe, hosted by Glenn Harper. All are welcome and are invited to share their stories. Death Cafe
happens on the second Wednesday of each month, at the Olympia Senior Center at 2:00 p.m. Join us for cake, tea and coffee, and companionship at this interesting event.
Public Welcome
Tech Help
We have Tech Help available to help you navigate the digital world!
Rich: Every 3rd Thursday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Melinda: Mondays from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
Adam: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Public Welcome
Newsletter August 2024
LACEY SENIOR CENTER
Dementia Caregiver Support Group
Monday, August 5 and Friday, August 9 from 12:00 to 1:30 pm
This support group, facilitated by Jennifer Watson, MSW, lifts up Caregivers of those who have all forms of dementia, providing the type of support these unsung heroes need and deserve. Due to a scheduling conflict, this month’s second meeting will be held on August 9!
Public Welcome
NEW! Northwest Justice Project Presentation
Thursday, August 8 at 12:30 pm
Attorney Jonathon Fork will be presenting information about FREE legal help for seniors to include power of attorney, living wills, guardianships and alternatives, plus much more.
Public Welcome
Senior Driving Workshop for Ages 55+
Monday, August 12 from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm
Get your hot lunch here between 11:45 and 12:15. Join Gerry Apple in this interactive workshop covering topics such as texting, driving in bad weather, handling emergencies, freeways, reference points, and more. After attending, you may qualify for a 5 - 10% discount on your auto insurance over two years.
Public Welcome + Register in-person at the Virgil Clarkson Lacey Senior Center or call the center + $20 Per Student
Dine Out with the Lacey Senior Center
Tuesday, August 13: 23 Kitchens, 2440 Martin Rd NE, Lacey at 5:00 pm
Join the Virgil Clarkson Lacey Senior Center for an evening at 23 Kitchens! Meet at the restaurant at 5:00 pm where we will dine with good food and better company! Everyone pays for their own meal.
Public Welcome
TED Talks Plus with Jay Wallerstedt
Friday, August 23 at 12:30 pm
Artists & Writers: Intro to AI (Artificial Intelligence)! We’ll view three TED Talks Plus videos and discuss them as a group.
Public Welcome
NEW! What Will YOUR LEGACY Be?
Thursday, August 29 at 12:30 pm
What if you died today – or a year from now? What would your legacy be? During this time, we will consider these two questions together. You’ll discover what you are glad you’ve already been and done in your life. You will also decide what steps you wish to take in the coming year. Plan what you still may want to create. No registration required and open to all. Presenter Martha (Marty) Worcester is a Consultant for Aging with a rich background in Growth and Development in the decades of life after age 65.
Public Welcome
Senior Services for South Sound
Speaker Series
Most Wednesdays at 10:00 am | Olympia Senior Center
Taylor Meadows: Are You Smarter Than a 4th Grader?
Wednesday, August 7
Have you ever wondered whether you are smarter than a 4th grader? Have you been curious about what is expected of elementary school aged children? Well then, this is the speaker series for you! Come experience the type of questions and tasks that 4th grade students are expected to perform, and feel free to ask your burning elementary school related questions!
Meet the Senior Academy Faculty!
Wednesday, August 14
Come and meet our amazing and talented Academy Faculty and hear about the offerings of the Fall quarter. What will pique your interest this quarter?
Meet them again on August 15 at the Lacey Senior Center at 12:30!
Gery Gerst: The Supreme Court
Wednesday, August 21
Join us for an enlightening talk with Gery Gerst as he explores the intricacies of the Federal Court system. He’ll touch on topics like the Founders’ assumptions, road to an appointment, why justices serve life terms, their roles in the checks and balances systems and guard rails put in place. Gery will also explore rulings of important hot-topic areas of women’s rights, guns, religion, regulatory agencies and executive guard rails.
Marty Worcester: What Will Your Legacy Be?
Wednesday, August 28
What if I died today – or a year from now?
During this time, we will consider these two questions together. You’ll discover what you are glad you’ve already been and done in your life. You will also decide what steps you wish to take in the coming year. Practical guidance will be offered to help you structure the process of: what can you do on your own to get your affairs and belongings in order; when it will help to involve others; and resources you will need along the way. Increase your awareness of the legacy you have already created. Plan what you still may want to create.
Catch Marty again at the Lacey Senior Center on Thursday, August 29 at 12:30 pm!
Newsletter August 2024
Open Volunteer Positions:
Brighter Days: Located at our Lacey Senior Center, volunteers work closely with clients who have dementia related diseases providing entertainment and assisting staff with enrichment activities. Must have a current TB test! CPR and Food Handlers may be required.
Inclusion: A fun way to spend a few hours helping seniors with disabilities with activities, arts and crafts and Bingo!
Well Check Phone Call Volunteers: Our new Well Check Program is a great way to volunteer from home. Launching in August, you’ll make weekly calls to seniors experiencing loneliness and isolation just to check in and say hi! Computer Skills required.
Tumwater Kitchen Assistant: 2 - 3 hours assisting with lunch service. Food Handler’s permit required.
Tumwater Lunch Check-in Attendant: Checking in guests for our weekly congregate lunches. 1 hour weekly, computer experience needed.
Belfair Kitchen Assistant: 4 hours weekly, flexible scheduling. Food Handler’s permit required for food prep. Thursdays breakfast 7 -10 am and Fridays Lunch 9 am -1 pm.
Belfair Check-in Attendant: Checking in guests for our weekly congregate lunches. 1 hour weekly, computer experience needed. Thursdays 9:15 - 9:45 am, Fridays 11:45 am12:15 pm
Olympia and Lacey Kitchen Assistant: 4 hours weekly, flexible scheduling. Food Handler’s permit required for food prep.
Olympia Lunch Check-in Attendant: Checking in guests for our weekly congregate lunches. 1 hour weekly, computer experience needed.
Senior Services for South Sound
never before on this 2.5-hour walk through meadow, wetland, forest, and riparian habitats in search of the season’s bountiful wild edible and medicinal plants, mushrooms, and lichen.
Our knowledgeable guide, Herpetologist and Professional Forager, Jerry Novak, will teach us identification, uses, benefits, and preparation tips on the wonderful gifts nature provides that we often walk past every day. Bring a harvesting basket and clippers if you wish to harvest something to bring home! A delicious tea or other wild edible dish will be prepared for you with what we find along the way! After a lovely ramble through the woods, we’ll head over to Hoodsport for a hearty lunch together at the local favorite, The Tides Family Restaurant.
Price: $169 Members | $189 General Public
Included: Transportation, meal, guided tour, snack
Departs: Lacey 8:00 am | Olympia 8:30 am
Approximate Return: 4:00 pm
Activity Level:
Trips & Tours Hours M/W/F 10:30 am3:00 pm
360.586.6181 ext. 126 southsoundseniors.org/trips-tours
Dear Hyacinth,
Newsletter August 2024
Summer’s in full swing but I haven’t made any vacation plans. Do you have any recommendations? I’m not interested in cruises and I don’t have a huge budget. But I want to get away!
- Feeling Restless
Dear Restless,
By Hyacinth Ribble, Advice Guru
Now here’s a question near and dear to my heart! I am a BIG believer in vacations. Back when I was a working stiff, I’d take as much vacation time as possible — even if it meant sneaking out of the office with a “Back in 5 minutes” sign on my door. Funny how easily five minutes can become two weeks without anyone noticing!
When it comes to vacation on the cheap and easy, I’m a fan of a day at the beach. No planning needed! Just throw a towel and a book in the passenger seat, grab your divining rod, and follow it to the water. Some of my fondest memories are lying on the sand, doing absolutely nothing for a day. No hotel bills, no cruise ship viruses and no pat downs from TSA.
I’d also be remiss if I didn’t mention the Trips & Tours program. Taking an overnight or day trip with other seniors is a great way to have a summer getaway and meet new people, some of whom might become dear friends. So...quit feeling restless, get off the couch, and head out on an adventure!
Have a question for Hyacinth? Email it to marketing@southsoundseniors.org or write to her c/o Senior Services at South Sound, 222 Columbia St NW, Olympia, WA 98501
Senior Services for South Sound
Diana leads Zumba classes at our Lacey center, as well as several places in the community!
Lacey Roving Reporter
By Celia Orona, Virgil Clarkson Lacey Senior Center Volunteer
Born and raised in the Philippines, Diana Yu describes her childhood as being “pretty typical.”
With two and a half years of college under her belt, Diana came to the U.S. at age 19, at which point she finished her studies and received her degree from the University of Michigan. It was Seattle and medical school that drew her to the West. Her area of specialty was in Public Health, and she served Thurston, Lewis, and Mason counties for approximately 33 years before she retired in 2019.
She was pivotal in forming the Thurston County Medical Reserve Corps. The organization, comprised of medical and nonmedical volunteers and jumps in to assist in situations like the pandemic. She said, “You never really retire from public health. I still spread the message.”
Today she’s known at the senior center for her Zumba classes. In 2012, she had an epiphany: “The realization hit me. Zumba is my happy hour, my therapy; my ‘wake up with a purpose’. I love the laughter, the smiles, the joy.” She continued to describe what the dance does for her: “It feeds my soul and I can be healthy. It is my fountain of youth.”
Olympia
Olympia Roving Reporter
By Senior Services for South Sound Staff
More often than not, you’ll find Andrew Love shooting pool up on the second floor of the Olympia Center. He brings his own cue and is always happy to compete with other folks, though he frequently plays solo.
“It’s hard to find a game anymore,” he said with disappointment. “Nobody plays.” So if you’re looking for a competitive billiards game, Andrew might just be your guy!
A regular visitor to the Olympia Senior Center, Andrew is originally from Tacoma, having lived in our capitol city for about 20 years. Before retirement, he worked in road construction.
“Erosion control. Did a lot of shotcrete, where you build cement walls with a hose that pumps concrete. Pretty rough stuff,” he noted.
When asked what he enjoys at our center besides pool, Andrew chuckled with an impish gleam in his eye. “Conversing and causing trouble.” He appreciates the good lunches he gets here, and getting to spend time around his peer group. “I don’t feel as in tune with younger people,” he said. “I can converse with them and get along with them, but there’s a big disconnect there.”
Besides coming to the center, Andrew keeps his body and mind fit by going to the gym three times a week and participating in group meditation.
Andrew at the
Senior Center.
Newsletter August 2024
About SHIBA
Every month our SHIBA program (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors ) trained volunteers are available to help you understand the Medicare program.
If you are new to Medicare or have been on Medicare for some time, feel free to contact us at our message line at 360.586.6181 ext. 134 and a volunteer advisor will return your call, usually within two business days, or sooner.
SHIBA presentations in August
(For presentations via Zoom, please register with our office at 360.586.6181 ext. 134)
• August 7: Mason County New to Medicare via Zoom at 11:00 am
• August 8: MIPPA Medicare Cost Savings Webinar via Zoom at 1:00 pm
• August 14: Olympia Senior Center Welcome to Medicare. In person at the Olympia Senior Center at 11:00 am
• August 15: Welcome to Medicare via Zoom at 10:00 am
• August 15: Shelton Medicare 101. In person at the Mason County Senior Activities Center at 11:00 am
• August 20: New to Medicare via Zoom at 1:00 pm
• August 28: Welcome to Medicare via Zoom at 6:30 pm
Monthly Article of Interest:
What’s Extra Help?
Extra Help is a Medicare program to help people with limited income and resources pay Medicare drug coverage (Part D) premiums, deductibles, coinsurance and other costs. Some people qualify for Extra Help automatically, and other people have to apply.
Extra Help, if you automatically qualify and how to apply if you don’t! Find out more about
If you don’t automatically get Extra Help, you can apply for it. You can also contact your local Washington State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get free help applying (see below) or contact the Senior Services SHIBA program at 360.586.6181, ext. 134.
Thank you to our Local Partners:
