Newsletter - June 2024

SNP Director Stephanie Penland and SNP Shelton Assistant Crystal Rodriguez share a laugh at our All Staff Retreat. See page 11 for the full story!

Senior Services for South Sound

Brian’s View

A Message From the Executive Director

How can Senior Services for South Sound best celebrate and welcome the full diversity of our community without inflaming divisions or violating our apolitical neutrality?

I’ve always liked the notion that businesses are more or less assemblages of people, so it’s up to the people in them to be ethical and compassionate. Yet while I’m happy to say that we have a remarkably principled staff, these questions of diversity present vexing problems.

Today our community readily acknowledges, without much controversy, certain historical injustices that some groups have faced. Hooray that we do. But in a recent conversation I had with my senior management team, we discussed how difficult it can be to celebrate diversity without stepping into a polarizing debate.

June is Pride Month, for example. As far as we’ve come as a nation with this community, we must acknowledge how, even here in South Sound, it remains a somewhat political statement for an organization like ours to celebrate Pride in big ways. Why? Should this tie our hands? If not, and we go boldly and stake our claim to what we may believe is the right thing to do, what does this say about our choices or ability to celebrate other groups? You see the challenge. To do nothing is wrong. To do everything is impossible in detail.

Even discussing this in a newsletter is a risky move. I know that. I’m not reaching out for advice; we do have many well-trained, experienced staff and community members who guide us on these topics. I’m writing about it because I hope people understand that it’s fundamentally difficult for organizations like ours to lead on being welcoming to all, without exacerbating or alienating one group to welcome another. We are in the web of larger societal conditions.

Again, how do we let everyone know they are welcome? It’s not as simple as calling upon integrity or bravery. It’s also not as simple as celebrating no one so everyone feels welcome. To deny the reality of historical persecution and suffering is perhaps among the worst of evil things people can do. We must therefore walk a treacherous path, with as much humanity, heart and mission focus as we can.

I find hope and guidance in poetry, as you may know. Jalaluddin Rumi has inspired people with his wisdom and poetry for more than 800 years… now that’s leaving a legacy! Through no doubt a tortured translation from his native Persian, Rumi is credited with the following verse. I believe it says much to guide us:

A night full of talking that hurts, my worst held-back secrets: Everything has to do with loving and not loving. This night will pass. Then we have work to do.

Brian Windrope

Celebrating Diversity

Embracing Differences and Celebrating Each Other

While we, Washingtonians, can’t help but feel a sense of pride in surviving our 10-false-springs-before-June weather, the long-awaited summer will finally be upon us and has so many of us jumping for joy. Precious are our summer days, no matter whether you’re Team Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter. Here at Senior Services, we are committed to celebrating the incredible things that make us unique.

June is LGBTQ+ Pride, Immigrant Heritage, Caribbean American Heritage and PTSD Awareness Month!

June 2: Native American Citizenship Day Also referred to as American Indian Citizenship Day, it commemorates the day in 1924 when US Congress passed legislation recognizing citizenship of Native Americans.

June 11: King Kamehameha A warrior and diplomat, one might have seen the popular statue standing tall across from Iolani Palace in downtown Honolulu, O’ahu. Credited with uniting the Hawaiian Islands, each year the islands celebrate the memory of King Kamehameha.

Lunch Special: Kalua Pork, Bok Choy, Rice, Fresh Fruit Salad, Haupia Dessert

June 19: Juneteenth Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, honors the day in 1865 when slaves in Texas and Louisiana heard they were free, 2 ½ yrs after end of Civil War.

June 21: National Indigenous Peoples Day Gives recognition to indigenous populations affected by colonization in Canada.

June 27: Helen Keller Day Celebrating the life and achievements of Helen Keller, a woman who overcame blindness and deafness.

June 27: National PTSD Awareness Day Part of the PTSD Awareness Month, this day helps to educate and help others about symptoms that can arise from the complex disorder.

June 28: Pride Day This day commemorates the Stonewall Riots and the decades of contributions made by the LGBTQ+ community to history, society and cultures worldwide. There are lots of ways to celebrate June 28th.

Lunch Special: Tri-color Anti-Pasta Salad with Protein of Choice on Bed of Spinach, Mixed Summer Fruit Salad

Senior Services for South Sound

Finding Joy in Service

By Ana Wieman, Olympia Center Volunteer

As I reflect on how I got started volunteering at Senior Services for South Sound, I realize how fortunate I’ve been. I was somewhat hesitant to mention my wife when I started volunteering, but it turned out to be even easier than talking about being vegan. Not a single person I’ve encountered on either side of the reception counter has batted an eye when I mention my same-sex spouse, but when I talk about being vegan, that can bring up interesting questions. Go figure.

After retiring, my first goal was to get acquainted with my future, and what better way to do that than to volunteer with other seniors? Of course I didn’t realize what I was getting myself into! But I soon found a second home where I was more than welcomed; I was a regular part of the team.

Even though I only work one day each week, I find myself right at the heart of things by working at the reception desk in the Olympia Senior Center. It did take me a while to get into the swing of things, being the driven professional I (once) was. I thought my strengths were in helping to make the office run as efficiently, and thus effectively, as possible. While my supervisor, Office Coordinator Stephanie Elsass, was very supportive and patient with me, it slowly dawned on me that the value of my contribution lay elsewhere. I decided to imitate her and soon found myself really having fun talking to the friends who visit the center and the many staff who come to the office.

Nowadays I look forward with eagerness to my volunteer day because I know that I’ll leave confident that I’ve helped bring joy to others — and my spirits are lifted in the process. Thank you, Senior Services for South Sound, for giving me the opportunity to truly learn the value of being friendly and cheerful!

Ana volunteers one day a week at the reception desk at the Olympia Senior Center

Beverly (center) and students of her Enhancefitness® class at the Olympia Senior Center.

Juneteenth: Significance and Personal Reflections

By Beverly Farris, Enhancefitness® Instructor

Juneteenth, observed on June 19th, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the end of slavery. On this day in 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and declared the freedom of all enslaved people. This was over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Lincoln. The delay in Texas was due to its geographic isolation and economic interests that prolonged slavery.

For many African Americans, Juneteenth symbolizes freedom and is a day to celebrate their heritage and culture. My family’s history is deeply connected to this legacy. During the Great Migration (1915-1970), my parents moved from the South to Southern California, seeking better opportunities and escaping the Jim Crow South. They worked diligently to build a stable life, exemplified by purchasing a home in Monrovia, CA, in 1940.

Growing up, I heard about Juneteenth during family gatherings, particularly from those with roots in Texas. These events emphasized themes of freedom and community. However, the history behind Juneteenth was not widely taught or included in school curricula.

The recognition of Juneteenth as a national holiday is largely due to the efforts of activists like Ms. Opal Lee, known as the “grandmother of Juneteenth.” At 89, she began a walking campaign to symbolize the delayed liberation of enslaved people in Texas, leading to the establishment of Juneteenth as a federal holiday on June 19, 2021.

As an instructor for the Enhanced Fitness Class at the Olympia Senior Center, I have made efforts to educate my students about Juneteenth. Celebrating this day allows us to honor the resilience and contributions of African Americans and reflect on the ongoing fight for equality. Juneteenth is not just a day off but a reminder of our collective history and a commitment to a just future that unites us.

Centers and administrative offices will be closed Wednesday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth!

Roving Reporter

By Celia Orona, Virgil Clarkson Lacey Senior Center Volunteer

Connie’s life journeys began in Mt. Zion, Illinois where she grew up on a small truck farm. She, along with an older sister and brother, worked alongside their parents, harvesting crops such as corn, potatoes, and green beans. Connie also had a younger sister. In 1962, Connie embarked on her first journey when she moved to Minnesota. At age 19, she met her future husband at a dance. They had three children and moved frequently which was determined by his military assignments. ‘Home’ included such states as Tennessee, Virginia, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Hawaii, California, and finally, Washington.

Over time, she worked several jobs, and by 1995, she was in Washington working the front desk at Olympia West Retirement Inn. Three years later, she became the Activities Director. In the meantime, she had previously received two weeks of training in North Carolina as an auctioneer and used this skill to raise $18,000 for different organizations in Olympia.

The travels continued, including a drive back to Illinois. Driving a 30-foot truck with her belongings, she returned to care for her mother. Sadly, her mother died of cancer in April 1993, and eventually, Connie returned to Washington. But in 2016, life took yet another turn that brought about her retirement. Her son, Vogue H, sustained a brain injury and Connie became his full-time caregiver. Connie and her son ended up living in Washington state. A fortuitous recommendation brought Connie and her son to Lacey and the Brighter Days program which he attends to this day. Because she has been a volunteer her entire life (with 20,000 hours to her credit), it was a natural step for her to volunteer at our Senior Center where she helps with set up; clean up and sometimes, crafts.

Connie has been a farmer’s daughter, a military wife, a mother, and a grandmother; she has traveled thousands of miles to help others. Humming the tune, Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver. We hope this is her forever home.

Editor’s Note: We’re delighted to be able to interview and spotlight members of our Senior Services community! We all know everyone has a story to tell, so let’s celebrate you, our diversity and learn some interesting facts along the way!

Connie at her parents’ strawberry farm, age 10.

Senior Services for South Sound

OLYMPIA

CENTER LACEY

Explore Olympia Walkabout Thursday, June 13 at 10:00 am

In June our walking group will further explore the East side of Olympia, with a planned stop at the Armory Creative Campus, and to experience the lovely tree lined streets of the neighborhood. We will likely be walking over uneven ground and cracked sidewalks, so please plan accordingly for this hilly walk. Wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes. Meet at the Olympia Senior Center at 10:00, and we will see you there!!

Public Welcome

Dine Out with the Olympia Senior Center

Thursday, June 13: Row, 208 State Ave, Olympia at 5:00 pm

Join the crew from the Olympia Senior Center for June’s Dine Out evening! you MUST call the Olympia Center to save your spot by Monday, June 10. We close reservations in advance 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, June 20 at 10:00 am

Join our lively and engaging book club at the Olympia Senior Center! This month, we’re diving into Snow Falling On Cedars by David Guterson. Whether you’re an avid reader or just looking for some thoughtful conversation, our book club is the perfect place to connect and share your love of literature. All are welcome –come join the fun!

Public Welcome

CENTER

Mindful Meditation

Mondays from 3:00 to 4:00 pm

This mindfulness meditation class hosted by Katrin Gillespie, PhD, is a simple way to reduce stress and improve alertness. Learn how to be more present, aware, and non-judgmental in your daily life.

Free • Public Welcome

Tech Help with Jeff, Marianne or Rich

• Jeff: Tuesdays from 10:00 to 12:00 pm (Drop-ins welcome)

• Marianne: Thursdays from 10:00 to 11:00 am By Appointment Only (Drop-ins welcome from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm)

• Rich: Thursday, June 6 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (Drop-ins welcome)

Need tech support? Don’t let those digital dilemmas hold you back—swing by and let our experienced volunteers untangle the tech for you!

Free • Public Welcome

Conversaciones en Español

Tuesdays from 2:00 to 3:00 pm

¡Hola amigos! Ready to spice up your language skills? Whether you’re a fluent speaker or just starting out, everyone’s welcome—even if you don’t know a single word! This isn’t a language class—it’s a vibrant opportunity to immerse yourself in Spanish conversation. Don’t miss out!

Free • Public Welcome

Heart Sparkle Players & The Thunders

Thursday, June 6 at 12:30 pm

Join the Heartsparkle Players and the Thunders with guest singer, Meg Turk for an afternoon of Playback Theatre. You tell real moments from your life and they play it back using music, movement, and dialogue. This is their premier performance here and you’ll be delighted by this talented troupe!

Free • Public Welcome

Newsletter June 2024

LACEY CENTER

The Brain-Stem and Neurodegeneration

Friday, June 7 at 12:30 pm

Join Dr. Ryan Sweet for a look at brain stem health and what we can do to be aware if things aren’t ideal in this critical area of our bodies, as well as possible ways to optimize it.

Free • Public Welcome

Senior Driving Workshop for Ages 55+

Monday, June 10 from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm

After attending, you will receive a certificate that may 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

Dine Out with the Lacey Senior Center

Tuesday, June 11: Olive Garden, 2400 Capital Mall Drive SW at 5:00 pm

Join the Virgil Clarkson Lacey Senior Center for an evening at Olive Garden! 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! Seniors Against Scammers

Thursday, June 20 from 2:00 to 3:30 pm

For anyone who has been scammed. Explores the emotional impacts of being scammed and what you can do to stop blaming yourself. It includes ID, financial, and romance scams, shame, anger at self and scammers, anxiety and fear, grief, depression, relationships, selfcare and healing. A great resource for those who have been in these situations - let’s move from scammed to superpowered!

Free • Public Welcome

TED Talks Plus with Jay Wallerstedt Friday, June 28 at 12:30 pm

Could an Orca Give a TED Talk? We’ll view three TED Talks Plus videos and discuss them as a group.

Public Welcome

Senior Services for South Sound

Speaker Series

Olympia Senior Center • Most Wednesdays • 10:00 am

Free and open to the public!

Maureen Wells: Unforgettable Art

Wednesday, June 5 @ 10:00 am • Olympia Senior Center

Come and join Maureen Wells once again as she discusses art related to summertime and weddings!

Claudine Reynolds: Port Blakely Tree Farms on Forestry and Conservation in the PNW

Wednesday, June 12 @ 10:00 am • Olympia

In this presentation, Claudine will talk about the conservation benefits of working forests in the Pacific Northwest. Forestry is a vibrant industry, providing many benefits to the local community and our environment. Participants will learn how forests are managed to provide sustainable, naturally sourced building products, and how they function to keep our air clean, protect our water, and provide habitat for fish and wildlife.

June 19: No Speaker. Centers are closed for Juneteenth.

Katie Zeitler: Dementia Friends, U.W.

Wednesday, June 26 @ 10:00 am • Olympia Senior Center

Dementia Friends is a global movement that is changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. Come join us for a 60-minute information session where we’ll share information about the following: What is dementia and the most common type, five key messages, communication tips and strategies, ways to take action and resources and support. Anyone can become a Dementia Friend!

Uniting for a Purpose: How Our Retreat Reinforced Our Mission and Joy

By Senior Services for South Sound Staff

Did you know that we have around 50 employees spread across two centers and six community dining sites? It’s not often that we can all come together, but when we do? Well, let’s just say that our cheeks are still hurting.

Most of you noticed that we were closed last month. Many of you were probably startled! Did you forget a holiday? Was something wrong? We explained our disrupted schedule as a “staff training day” and while that’s true, internally we called it a retreat. Now, retreat is sort of a misleading term. It can mean anything from relaxation to fleeing from the enemy in terror. Our fearless leader, Brian Windrope, brought up the strange use of the word in the first ten minutes of the day and while we didn’t go so far as to completely flip the script and call it an advance, we did all decide that we don’t care for the term. Maybe we’ll come up with something by next year.

All that to say, we arrived bleary-eyed at the Lacey campus of South Puget Sound Community College and left awake, alert and laughing hysterically. Our coach for the day was named Kevin, a charismatic man who somehow blended learning with fun. He was like that childhood teacher you thought was just joking around with you but you realize years later was actually imparting brilliant life lessons. Through activities (including a game of tag and what has now become known as the helium stick) we came together as a group. We reacquainted ourselves with one another. We refocused on our mission.

We learned a great deal about ourselves, and how to better serve you. At times it seemed unconventional — we began the day sculpting with Play-Doh! — but in the words of our Volunteer Manager, Theresa Ziniewicz, “We learned a lot and we laughed a lot.”

Continued on page 12

Kevin explains the x,y axis of emotions.

“Helium Stick” exercise.

Senior Services for South Sound

Perhaps one of the biggest lessons we didn’t so much as learn, but were reminded of, is that we’re all here for the same purpose: to be the light and to make a difference in our community. Every single one of us who works here (from dishwashing to number crunching) enters into the organization with our mission in mind. We do this work because we’re passionate about it. We’re passionate about you and we’re passionate about bringing joy.

Thank you for being the light in our lives!

This month we are thrilled to introduce a new regular feature. Our brand new advice columnist, Hyacinth Ribble, will be here each month to answer your burning questions!

Dear Hyacinth,

By Hyacinth Ribble, Advice Guru

I’m a 68-year-old woman who finally retired last year. For the last five years that I worked, I couldn’t wait to be done! I dreamed of not having to set an alarm clock, not having to go to the office. I was so looking forward to retiring. But now, it hasn’t gone as I’d dreamed. I sleep in, I feel lethargic, and I spend most days just puttering around doing nothing. Is there something wrong with me? How can I make my retirement years more satisfying?

- Regretful Retiree

Dear Regretful,

Doll, I think you need an adventure! After all, these are your Golden Years. I have just the thing to make you feel so alive. RAPPEL OFF A BUILDING! Yep, this summer you can meet new friends, help raise funds for essential services to fellow seniors, and begin your REAL retirement journey. Turn to page 6 for more details.

You see, we really don’t really know what to expect from retirement when we get to that hard stop. However, after every hard stop, there’s a new beginning! Life can be very satisfying among new friends and a chance to learn more about those things you didn’t have time for in your work life. Join the local Senior Center and explore classes, meet interesting people, go on trips, and find out that you might have new purpose in these late years!

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

Nacho and his owner, Gary are staples at both of our centers. PALS was able to help Nacho get an appointment just last week!

PALS Update

By Senior Services for South Sound Staff

The PALS Fund helps low-income seniors pay veterinary bills for their beloved animal friends. From preventative care to emergency procedures, the fund provides much-needed support for seniors who simply cannot afford the rising cost of vet care. In 2023, thanks to the support of 245 individual donors, The PALS Fund helped more seniors than ever before! In all, we paid out $79,110 to 41 vets to assist 208 seniors with care for 231 pets.

So far this year, we have already assisted 113 seniors in Thurston and Mason Counties with more than $25,000 in vet bills. With your support, more than 300 lowincome seniors could take care of their pets in 2024!

107 generous donors have contributed $44,873 to The PALS Fund this year, and we are incredibly appreciative of the support for this important program. We are almost 60% of the way to our annual goal of $80,000.

If you have already made a gift to The PALS Fund this year, we are truly grateful. If not, there’s still time! Make your gift online at www.southsoundseniors.org/pals or mail your check, made out to Senior Services for South Sound, to: The PALS Fund, Senior Services for South Sound, 222 Columbia St NW, Olympia, WA 98501.

Newsletter June 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.

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 Kim McKenna, OIC:

SHIBA presentations in June (For presentations via Zoom, please register with our office at 360.586.6181 ext. 134)

New to Medicare via Zoom

• June 5: 11 am to 1 pm - Mason County New to Medicare

• June 18: 1 pm to 3 pm - New to Medicare

• June 20: 11 am to 2 pm - Welcome to Medicare

• June 26: 6:30 pm to 8 pm - Welcome to Medicare

In-Person New to Medicare Presentations: (No registration, walk-ins welcome)

Here at OIC we have had more calls coming in lately of beneficiaries reporting that they are receiving unwanted calls from unknown callers or entities and sometimes the callers have some of their personal information like date of birth, address, Medicare insurance enrollment choices, etc. Sometimes the callers say they are from Medicare or Social Security or even their doctor’s office and in fact they are able to “disguise” the caller ID to say this. Often the caller has just enough information to convince the beneficiary that it is a legitimate agency even though it is not. The beneficiary is asked to provide more personal info, like Medicare ID, for the caller to verify additional benefits they are eligible for, or a new Medicare card (Medicare is not sending new cards). Unfortunately, some beneficiaries do in fact give out more personal information that is then used to charge unwanted or unrequested supplies and services to Medicare or other financial and health care institutions.

Welcome to Medicare

Olympia Senior Center

June 12: 11 am to 1 pm 222 Columbia St, Olympia

Medicare 101 - Shelton

June 20: 11 am to 12:30 pm Mason County Senior Activities Center 190 Sentry Drive, Shelton WA

Thank you to our Local Partners: