January Newsletter 2024

Newsletter January 2024

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

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

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Brian’s View When we consider the ailments of aging we easily list off those

our families have faced and that we might ourselves experience: diabetes, say, or hip replacements or heart bypass surgery. We don’t usually consider Isolation and Loneliness as anything but a sad state of affairs. In my family, we would talk about how sad it was that Aunt Margaret lived alone and was lonely. And yet my eyes were just opened by new research presented by the Surgeon General in 2023 that isolation and loneliness are as bad for our health as diabetes, severe obesity or smoking. It’s not just a sad state of affairs … it’s a very serious threat to our health and longevity! Chances of dementia and related cognitive diseases go way up. The list of negative health impacts reads like a horror story of bad news.

For these and other compelling reasons, we are taking the unusual step of adopting an organizational theme for our 2024 year: Combating Isolation and Loneliness.

The Why of this is likely apparent to you. But What will this mean? What impacts will this have?

We believe our mission of improving the quality of life for people as they age is beautiful. We also believe this theme is one of the strong colors present in the rainbow of our mission. It’s a key element of who we are. We are going to focus on raising awareness and taking actions. I’ve already begun speaking with other nonprofits and hope to build community partnerships around this theme.

What can you do? For one, read the Surgeon General report that came out in 2023 titled Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation. It’s easy to find online and easy to read, while being highly informative. Also, think big but act locally. What can you do to stay active? Can you help your family or neighbors be more connected? Can you host a soup night for your friends? A game night? We all have a role to play and Senior Services is committed to helping.

We are dedicating this year to the effort, and you will see this reflected in our newsletters and programs. We know being alone doesn’t mean you are lonely, but far too many people, particularly seniors, feel lonely for a lack of meaningful connection with others. Consider joining our efforts to address this epidemic. Find out how you can help by contacting anyone on our staff.

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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Finding Community Social connection and engagement are important at any age, especially

as a person enters the senior population. Seniors are experiencing loneliness and isolation at an accelerated rate. Today, one in three seniors aged 60 and above live alone, and one in six report they spend most of their time alone. This can cause a worrisome list of health problems, both physical and mental. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Social isolation and loneliness are widespread, with some countries reporting that up to one in three older people feel lonely.”

A large body of research shows that social isolation and loneliness have a serious impact on older people’s physical and mental health, quality of life, and longevity.

The effect of social isolation and loneliness on mortality is comparable to that of other well-established risk factors such as smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.

Seniors are especially vulnerable to loneliness and/ or isolation for varied reasons; loss of a loved one, especially a spouse or partner, retirement, or physical location adding long distance from family, few or no remaining close connections, or worse, abandonment by family. The latest Surgeon General’s report in 2023 finds that stronger social ties give rise to longer, happier, and healthier lives.

Academia continues to reveal new data relating to loneliness and isolation and paths to reconnect and engage seniors. A special recommendation advises connecting with others through a Senior Center by participating in hobby groups, book clubs, artistic clubs, fun activities, special events, travel, volunteering and exercise, including dancing.

We have always known that music is a wonderful element to bring seniors together, but recently learned how impactful and relatable music from special times is, especially for seniors.

Continue on page 4

Marie Duval won “Best Gal Dancer” at the 50s Sock Hop.

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

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Finding Community Continued from page 3 Beyond improving our general well-being, music evokes memories - it takes us back in time. At the Lacey Senior Center, we decided to try and tap deeper into how we could engage seniors through music and began planning our first era-themed dance, The Sock Hop. Our secret sauce was focusing on musical decades or eras to which the increasing numbers of baby boomers would relate. The room was filled with people dancing in fifties attire and those who didn’t dance enjoyed the music and reminisced with others we engaged with each other and built connections.

Our 1960s Dance was an even bigger success with a veritable Linda Walker and Linda kaleidoscope of tie-dyed colored streamers, crazy lighting, bellMiles at the 60s Dance bottomed pants and peace signs. We hope to unite even more seniors for a nostalgic night of fun at our 1970s Boogie Down dance, open to anyone over 55 years young.

Music is magical, but there is something special when we are able to connect on a more personal level to the tunes that accompanied our youth. Nostalgic music taps into a part of our past, our history, our treasured memories. It revives a part of us that should be enjoyed and even celebrated. Our efforts to ease loneliness in seniors is only a note in a concert, but that’s okay, the joy on the faces of attendees will motivate many more 50s, 60s, and 70s dances and beyond to engage and build social connectedness. The plethora of activities and services at both the Lacey and Olympia Senior Centers exist to obliterate senior isolation and loneliness, providing wonderful and healthy options to our area seniors.

- Linda Miles, Virgil Clarkson Lacey Senior Center Volunteer

Let the learning begin!

Register for the winter quarter today! southsoundseniors.org • 222 Columbia St NW • Olympia, WA 98501 • 360.586.6181

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Celebrating Diversity Diversity runs deeper than skin; it embodies the rich differences in ethnicity, cultures, identities, experiences and so much more. Senior Services celebrates the beauty that each individual brings and shares in the honor of learning about people from all walks of life.

January 4: Mahayana (Buddhist New Year)

Lunch Special: Lucky 8 Stir Fry, Brown Rice, Broccoli Florets, Pineapple People celebrate Mahayana New Year around the world, and the actual date it is celebrated on can differ depending on the country. “Mahayana” comes from the Sanskrit words “maha” meaning large or great and “yana” meaning vehicle. Mahayana Buddhists believe that enlightenment can be attained throughout one’s lifetime, and the New Year is a time for introspection, recognizing one’s errors, and taking action to become a better version of oneself.

January 7: Orthodox Christmas

Christians who follow the Julian calendar celebrate Christmas in January. Traditionally, Orthodox Christmas “is a time of fasting, prayer, worship, sacraments, spiritual renewal and philanthropy,” according to saintandrewgoc.org (Saint Andrew Greek Orthodox Church in South Bend, Indiana).

Celebrations focus on the attending of church services and culminate in feasts with family.

January 13: Korean American Day

Korean American Day honors the contributions of the Korean American community to the United States and commemorates the arrival of the first Korean immigrants on January 13, 1903. In 2005, the U.S. Senate and House passed resolutions by unanimous consent expressing support for the goals and aspirations of Korean American Day, which is also celebrated by numerous states and municipalities.

January 15: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Centers Are Closed)

Lunch Special: Lucky “Fried” Chicken, Mac & Cheese, Steamed Carrots, Collard Greens, Peaches Martin Luther King Jr. Day is meant to honor the doctor’s great legacy. As the first modern private citizen to be honored with a federal holiday, one might not know that King entered college at the age of 15 and received his doctorate in systemic theology. This day focuses on the issue of civil rights, highlights the use of nonviolence to promote change, and calls people to action in the form of public service. For lunch, some of his favorite foods will be served in honor of MLK Day.

January 27: International Holocaust Remembrance Day

The United Nations General Assembly designated January 27—the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau—as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. On this annual day of commemoration, the UN urges every member state to honor the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and millions of other victims of Nazism and to develop educational programs to help prevent future genocides.

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

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Classes, Services & Activities OLYMPIA SENIOR CENTER Explore Olympia Walkabout

Thursday, January 11 at 10:00 am Our walking group heads up to the Eastside of Olympia this month! We will take a guided tour of the Olympia Armory Creative Campus and explore the surrounding neighborhood. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes. Caution is urged as many of the sidewalks prove uneven and may be hazardous.

Meet at the Olympia Senior Center at 10:00 am and we will head out to see more of our town!

Public Welcome

Lunch Bunch (formerly Dine Out) - For Olympia Senior Center

Friday, January 12: Applebee’s, 2500 Capital Mall Dr. SW, Olympia at 11:30 am Join us at Applebee’s for our first Lunch Bunch of the season! During the darker winter months, we’ll meet for lunch to avoid driving at night.

Everyone pays for their own meal, but the camaraderie is free! Your reservations for Dine Out must be made NO LATER than 2:00 pm the Monday of the week of Lunch Bunch. If we do not have your reservation by Monday at 2:00 the week of, we will not reserve you a spot.

Public Welcome

Senior Reads Book Club

Thursday, January 18 at 10:00 am Our book for January will be “Year of Wonders”

by Geraldine Brooks. Always an interesting discussion with varying viewpoints, join our book group for some fun!

Public Welcome

Intergenerational Game Night

Friday, January 19 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm Who’s ready for a new and exciting evening of games? Come and play updated versions of The Game of Life, Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit specially geared toward bridging the gap between elders and young folk! Light snacks will be provided, and you can bring the fun!

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

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Classes, Services & Activities VIRGIL CLARKSON LACEY SENIOR CENTER NEW! Table Massage

NEW TIME! Create a Death Journal

Senior Driving Workshop for Ages 55+

Free Notary Services

Fridays. By appointment only!

Let your stress melt away as Anita provides you a soothing massage that will leave you invigorated - treat yourself!

Members Only + $50 for 45 minutes

Thursday, January 18 at 11:30 am Come spend 80 minutes with Death Doula and Grief Coach Aypril Porter, creating your personal death journal.

Public Welcome

Monday, January 8 Feel safer on the road! Join Gerry Apple in this interactive workshop covering topics such as texting, driving in bad weather, handling emergencies, freeways, reference points, what to do in the case of a collision and more! After attending, you will receive a certificate that can apply a 5 to 10% discount on your auto insurance over a two-year period. Space is limited at 15 students per class, so reserve your spot today!

Public Welcome + Register in-person at the Virgil Clarkson Lacey Senior Center or call the center + $20 Per Student

Monday, January 22 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Bring you paperwork, photo ID, etc, to this free service provided by Blessings Mobile Notary Services.

Public Welcome

Dine Out - For Lacey Senior Center

TED Talks Plus with Jay Wallerstedt

Tuesday, January 9: 8318 Wuinault Dr. NE, Lacey at 5:00 pm Join the Virgil Clarkson Lacey Senior Center for an evening at Fortune Casino! 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

NEW! Senior Reads Book Club

Wednesday, January 17 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm Attention readers and audio book listeners!

Come join a member of the Timberland Library staff every month for a group discussion on what you’ve been reading and/or listening to.

Bring at least one title to talk about and leave with a list of new recommendations!

Public Welcome

NEW! Crime Victims Advocacy Network Presentation

Thursday, January 25 at 12:30 pm If you have been a victim of crime or know someone who has, this is the place to find out about the Crime Victim Advocacy Network CVAN of Thurston County.

Public Welcome Friday, January 26 at 12:30 pm “Insular/Isolated Groups: What Often Makes them Dangerous.” We’ll view three TED Talks Plus videos and discuss them as a group.

Public Welcome

NEW! 70s Boogie Down Dance

Friday, January 26 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm Oh the 70s! Holdovers from the rock-n-roll surge of the British Invasion, country line dancing and the lighted floors of disco halls, what could be better? Come join us for a trip down musical memory lane and boogie all night... well, afternoon. For those who wish to leave their dancing days in the past, there will be seats available. $5 cash at door.

Public Welcome

To view the Life Long Learning Catalog and to read more about these offerings as well as others, please visit southsoundseniors.org/activities southsoundseniors.org • 222 Columbia St NW • Olympia, WA 98501 • 360.586.6181

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SHIBA Whew! Our SHIBA Program made it through another season of Medicare’s

Open Enrollment that ended on December 7. Our trained volunteer staff is amazing and does an exceptional job of helping everyone who contacts our office with their questions or concerns about Medicare.

Did you know that if you missed your opportunity to change your Medicare Advantage plan in December, there is a second window to review your Advantage plan options? Here is a brief description of Medicare’s Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) is the time when you can switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another, or switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare with or without a Part D plan. The MA OEP occurs each year from January 1 through March 31, and changes take effect on the first of the month following the month you enroll. You can only make one change during the MA OEP. The Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) are here to help you understand your Medicare choices all year long and, as always, our trained volunteers can help you understand your options for 2024 whether you are new to Medicare or a current beneficiary. Please contact us at 360-586-6181 ext 134 and a volunteer advisor will return your call, usually within two business days, usually sooner. Our call volumes are high this time of year but we will get back to you if you leave a message on our phone line.

Monthly article of interest from Senior Medicare Patrol: Beware of Remote Patient Monitoring “The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) is alerting the public about a fraud scheme involving monthly billing for remote patient monitoring (RPM).

Legitimate RPM involves using medical devices such as scales, glucose monitors, blood pressure cuffs, cardiac rhythm devices, and other equipment to remotely monitor for anomalies in patients with chronic medical conditions. Unscrupulous companies are signing up Medicare enrollees for this service, regardless of medical necessity. Scammers may make contact over the phone or with internet or television ads.”

SHIBA presentations in December (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 January 3: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm January 16: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm January 18: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm January 24: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

New to Medicare Presentations: (In person, no registration necessary) Olympia Senior Center Wednesday, January 10: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Wednesday, January 17: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Mason County Senior Activity Center 190 Sentry Drive, Shelton Thursday, December 21: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Get Help Paying for Medicare (MIPPA) via Zoom December 14: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm southsoundseniors.org • 222 Columbia St NW • Olympia, WA 98501 • 360.586.6181

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Senior Academy Hurry, class is almost in session!

Northwest Nations: The Nature of Who We Are with Ron Johnson Fridays from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm | January 19 - February 23 | Via Zoom Registration Fee: Members - $100; General Public - $150 Explore the rich tapestry of our Northwest Nations through a dynamic and thought-provoking journey that delves into the heart of their unique peoplehood, integral stories, and inherent relationships with Nature.

Macro Social Psychology: Persuasion, Intergroup Conflict, Crowds, Masses and Movements with Bruce Lerro Tuesdays from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm | January 9 - March 12 | Olympia | Registration Fee: Members - $120; General Public - $180 In this course we will study what happens between groups and social institutions as well as what works and what doesn’t work in public and mass persuasion situations.

Designed to Thrive: Mindful Tools for Winter Living with Margo Benedetto Thursdays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm | January 11 - February 29 | Olympia Registration Fee: Members - $100; General Public - $130 Each week we’ll study our brains, discuss our experiences and use guided, scientifically-based meditations to help with some of the biggest challenges of winter living, including eating and exercise habits, aches and pains, negative thinking and social isolation.

Energy and Climate Change: Understanding the Basics and Taking Action with Tony Usibelli Tuesdays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm | January 30 - March 5 | Olympia Registration Fee: Members - $100; General Public - $120 Through a combination of lectures, short readings, and group discussion this class examines the essential causes and results of climate change, the nature of our fossil-fuel energy system, and the exciting work underway to increase renewable energy supplies, improve efficiency, and mitigate climate impacts.

Late Life Design I: Plan Your Time for 2024 and Beyond with Marty Worcester At Lacey Senior Center: Tuesday, January 30 from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm At Olympia Senior Center: Wednesday January 31 from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm Registration Fee: Members - $40; General Public - $60 Create a design for living. Together you will learn how others spend time in late life, as you create our own unique design.

Late Life Design II: Fine Tune Your Late Life Plans with Marty Worcester Wednesdays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm | February 7 - 21 | Olympia Registration Fee: Members - $60; General Public - $90 Come together to update the designs you created in a prior Late Life Design class you took with Martha last year. In three sessions we will reset our sights on what we created in the past year.

New resources will be offered to fine-tune your plans.

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

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December Speaker Series Free and open to the public!

Joel Underwood with Humanities Washington: Woodie Guthrie in the PNW Wednesday, January 10 @ 10:00 am • Olympia Senior Center Historian, teacher, folksinger and actor Joel Underwood performs an hour that is part concert, part theatrical drama and part lecture. Sing along to “Roll on Columbia,” “Pastures of Plenty,” and of course, “This Land is Your Land,” and learn the—sometimes hilarious, sometimes tragic—stories behind the songs.

Michael Cade with Thurston Economic Development Council Wednesday, January 17 @ 10:00 am • Olympia How are the local and regional economies functioning? What are the emerging economic trends? Michael Cade will address these questions and the role of the Thurston Economic Development Council in working towards an economy that is vibrant, inclusive and provides employment and investment opportunities within our communities.

Rhema Neas-Gass from Puget Sound Estuarium: Marine Mammals of the Pacific Northwest Wednesday, January 24 @ 10:00 am • Olympia Senior Center The Puget Sound, where salt water from the Pacific Ocean mixes with fresh, nutrient-rich waters from local mountains and rivers, is home to some of Earth’s most beautiful and interesting creatures. This talk will explore the mammals that live in local marine habitats – their food sources, their struggles, current research and much more!

Sheila King from the Thurston County Crime Victims Advocacy Network Wednesday, January 31 @ 10:00 am • Olympia Senior Center Seniors are among the most vulnerable members of society when it comes to crime. Join Sheila King as she discusses ways to keep seniors safe. southsoundseniors.org • 222 Columbia St NW • Olympia, WA 98501 • 360.586.6181

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Trips & Tours TACOMA GLASS BLOWING STUDIO AND MUSEUM OF GLASS Friday, January 26 #42402 Whether you are a beginner or have attempted this artform before, a skilled instructor will walk you through the steps to create your very own piece of blown-glass art that will be yours to admire and share with your family and friends.

We will also be visiting the Tacoma Museum of Glass – a captivating institution that immerses visitors in the mesmerizing world of glass artistry.

Nestled in the heart of Tacoma, Washington, this museum offers a unique and enthralling experience, showcasing the brilliance and innovation of contemporary glass artists.

Lunch on your own at Happy Teriyaki. $215/Members; $225 General Public Includes transportation, snacks, admission to both the Glass Blowing Studio and the Museum of Glass Bus leaves Olympia at 9:30 AM, Lacey at 10:00 AM Approximate return: 6:30 pm

ACTIVITY LEVELS Easy. Minimal walking, primarily flat surfaces, walkers ok.

Moderate. Walking short distances.

Extended standing. Possibly uneven surfaces or a few stairs. No wheelchairs, walkers with approval.

More Difficult. Walking tours. Hikes up to 2 miles. Uneven surfaces. Possibly one or more flights of stairs. No wheelchairs or walkers.

NW FLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL Thursday, February 15 #42403 Just when it feels like winter will never end, the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival is here to herald the start of spring and the end of winter doldrums. This year we’re avoiding the huge morning crowds, so sleep in and enjoy the show at your own pace in the afternoon. Located at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle, there’s a full acre of show gardens brimming with ideas that will inspire your garden projects.

We will start our adventure with breakfast at the Pancake Chef, and then on to the show were you can buy new plants or unique handcrafted wares, savor delicious specialty foods, or find that special piece of art to grace your garden. Enjoy a meal on your own, and if you like as you stroll through the exhibits, enjoy a glass of regional wine or craft beer. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting to dig in the dirt, there is something for everyone. $132 Members; $152 General Public Includes transportation, breakfast, snacks, and admission Bus leaves Olympia at 10:00 am; Lacey at 10:30 am Approximate return: 8:00 pm Keep your eye out for trip announcements on Facebook, by subscribing to our Trips & Tours newsletter and signage at our centers.

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

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

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Thank you visiting volunteers!

We are so fortunate to have organizations in our community that value volunteering.

Each month it seems that we have a new volunteer partner and December was no exception to that with three different organizations that came to help out!

New to our program, FastCor came to help the Senior Nutrition Program prepare meals for our Meals on Wheels recipients. Each week we make and deliver hundreds of meals to homebound seniors and while the work is necessary and rewarding, the task can be daunting at times. FastCor set up in one of the auxiliary rooms next to the kitchen and worked like a well-oiled production line.

SNP could not believe how quickly they were getting the job done, told the volunteers so and received laughter.

“Well,” one of them said with a smile. “Fast is in our name.”

Another daunting task comes in the form of our holiday meals. Another rewarding event, a lot goes into it. Especially when you add table service to the mix. WSECU and Target are always reliable for extra help during these times.

“They’re lifesavers,” the Lacey kitchen staff said of the Target volunteers.

The amazing thing about all of these volunteers is that they come and do the job, but they do it with a smile. We are so thankful for the community’s support and look forward to having them back again and again!

Inclement Weather Policy

If the Olympia School District is closed due to inclement weather, or Administrative Offices and the Olympia Senior Center are closed. If North Thurston Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather, the Lacey Senior Center is closed.

When the schools are on winter break, please check our website or call our office for the most up to date information. Stay warm and safe!

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

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Volunteer Spotlight: Brenda Gorzelsky When I walked into the Virgil Clarkson Lacey Senior Center, I

was overwhelmed and amazed at the number of people in the building! It was packed. Every corner, table and chair was taken and yet there was no special event that day, it was just another typical day at the Lacey Senior Center.

When I found Brenda Gorzelsky, we had to sequester ourselves in a small room just so could talk, it was that crowded! Over our hour-long conversation, I learned so much about this wonderful volunteer.

Brenda was born and raised in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Like many other seniors, in 2016 she and her husband moved to Thurston County to be closer to their three children. Their oldest daughter is the library director at St. Martin’s University in Lacey, her middle daughter lives and works on Bainbridge Island and their son is a Microsoft Programmer living in Bellevue. There are no grandkids yet, just lots of dogs and kitties!

In 2018 her husband died of a heart condition brought on by exposure to Agent Orange in the Vietnam War. I shared that my older brother Richard had also died just three weeks before from kidney disease brought on by the same exposure to Agent Orange back in 1966. We had a lot to talk and reminisce about.

Brenda spent most of her 45-year working career as a Medical Laboratory Technologist in blood bank and transfusion services where she prepared blood for transfusion to patients. She retired for good in February of 2020, just as the pandemic was getting underway. After retirement, she then decided to volunteer Lacey Senior Center.

At first, Brenda spent her time in the kitchen helping to prep Meals on Wheels, packing over 1,000 meals a week. She even volunteered as a MOW driver, delivering meals to homebound seniors, something she still does on occasion. Today, you can find Brenda at the Community Dining registration table where she collects payments and registers 60 to 70 people a day, upwards of 180 on special occasions.

When she’s not volunteering with Senior Services for South Sound, Brenda is working to earn her certification as a WSU Extension Master Gardener Program. After completing a special project, she will be officially certified and able to volunteer with a local organization that maintains three gardens to grow produce for local food banks.

Brenda says that she isn’t slowing down “to grow old.”

-Scott Schoengarth

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.

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

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Volunteer Opportunities Olympia Opportunities:

Lacey Opportunities:

Retail: (Budd Bay Bargains) 3.5 hrs weekly Thursday afternoon is open! Customer Service, Merchandising, sorting donations.

Reception: 4 hrs weekly admin and computer skills needed. Fridays

Receptionists: 4 hours weekly phone etiquette and computer skills needed.

Coffee Bar: 3 open positions 3 hours weekly Fridays, Tuesdays and Thursday open Food Handlers needed. This is a very social position, making coffee/tea for our guests and member in the lobby.

Senior Nutrition Program: 3-4 hrs weekly, help our Kitchen team create delicious meals for our Weekly Congregate lunches and Meals on Wheels. Food Handlers required.

Lunch Check In: Ensure all seniors that come for lunch are checked in. 1 hr weekly. Computer skills needed. (Excel, Google Docs) Lobby Ambassadors: Greeter position to welcome all that enter our center and share needed resources to those who inquire 2-3 hours weekly.

Lobby Ambassadors: Greeter position to welcome all that enter our center and share needed resources to those who inquire 2-3 hours weekly.

Mason County Opportunities: Transportation Drivers: Take seniors to doctors appointments or esstional errands. Flexible on call schedule based on availability Senior Nutrition Program: 3-4 hrs weekly, help our Kitchen team create delicious meals for our Weekly Congregate lunches and Meals on Wheels. Food Handlers required.

Lunch Check In: Ensure all seniors that come for lunch are checked in. 1 hr weekly. Computer skills needed. (Excel, Google Docs)

Ready to start volunteering? Contact Theresa Ziniewicz at 360.586.6181 ext. 120 or go to southsoundseniors.org/volunteer to fill out an application! Meet other volunteers and get a feel for positions you may be interested in by visiting us at the Olympia and Lacey senior centers.

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

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Employee Spotlight

Sharon Pileggi

Judy Midgorden

Our employees are like a family.

So when employees we’ve spent years cultivating relationships with move on from our organization, we notice. We celebrate them, their accomplishments and their tireless dedication, but we do it with bittersweet smiles.

Last month, we had to say goodbye twice, both times to stellar fixtures of the Senior Nutrition Program.

Sharon Pileggi was with us for exactly two years and one week when she retired just after the holiday meal in Lacey. She initially volunteered with us as a Meals on Wheels driver before moving to a career in healthcare.

She then returned as a kitchen assistant/ dishwasher in the Virgil Clarkson Lacey Senior Center kitchen.

“I have made some nice friends here, they’re the highlight of my day,” Sharon said.

Sharon and her husband will be moving to Tacoma where she plans to “just rest for a little while.”

At the Olympia Senior Center kitchen, we bid goodbye—twice!—to Judy Midgorden who had been with us as an employee for almost four years.

David Pizzimenti

Judy originally came to us as a volunteer with WSECU where she had been working.

She liked us so much, that she came in about once a month to volunteer outside of work.

When she retired from the credit union, there just happened to be a kitchen assistant/ dishwasher job available and so she applied.

Judy said she’s going to miss everybody here in Olympia, but as she’s embarking on a new journey as a “full-time grandma” we have high hopes that we’ll see her often. In fact, she’s already been sighted in our lobby along with her granddaughter.

In contrast to the goodbyes, we welcomed a new employee into the mix last month, David Pizzimenti. David is our new Transportation Program Manager and comes to us with a wealth of non-profit knowledge.

When he and his wife moved here after she got a job with the state, David said he was looking for a way to join and help in the community.

When we appeared in his job search, he said it was perfect because “non-profit communities are always close-knit.”

Being close-knit wasn’t the only thing that drew David to us though, he said he’s excited to make a direct impact on seniors in our community. “The most rewarding thing is working in places like this … having actual tools to help people.”

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

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Upcoming Bingos

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.

Thank you Hanson Subaru!

Hanson Subaru dropped by with a surprise donation for us just before the holidays!

We are so thankful to have them as a business sponsor and for their incredible generosity year after year.

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

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