Spring gets my blood pumping, as if from a torpor. This is some ineffable truth of my life, that the sight and smells of spring quite literally do something wonderful to my blood, body, mind and spirit. It’s not about whether it is my favorite season, it’s about how it impacts me. I know I’m not alone in this feeling.
On my way into work here at the Olympia Center, I walk by some flowering currants the City has planted at Percival Landing. They are among the first plants to leaf out and bloom in the later winter months. The smell — oh, the smell of those leaves! It’s an earthy combination of vigor and hope. Hummingbirds love to visit them for early season nectar. As I invariably bend down to smell their leaves, I feel kindred with my feathered friends and all life, for that matter.
Henry David Thoreau said, “While I enjoy the friendship of the seasons I trust that nothing can make life a burden to me.” In this way, all seasons are there to be embraced. But with good reason, spring resonates with hope, growth, rebirth and all the associated phrasings of new. And as one who values reinvention, novelty and variety, I think of spring as my soulmate among all the seasons.
I’ll leave you with hope that this Spring brings some growth and vitality to your own life, and with vigor I send wishes that you stay or get connected with friends. We are not alone. Truly, we need not be alone. May the singing birds not be a burden to you, the pollen not cause too much sneezing, the riot of green not bring you sadness. Instead may this season lift you up and, at least in symbol, encourage new heights. As Robert Frost said so well in the first stanza of his poem “A Prayer in Spring”:
Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers to-day; And give us not to think so far away As the uncertain harvest; keep us here All simply in the springing of the year.
Brian Windrope Executive Director
Thank you to our Local Partners:
Trips & Tours
MUSEUM OF FLIGHT
Wednesday, March 6
#42405
Embark on a captivating journey through aviation history at the Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington. Nestled in the heart of the Emerald City, this extraordinary museum offers a unique and enriching experience for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Delve into the world of flight as you explore an impressive collection of historic aircraft, spacecraft, and exhibits that showcase the evolution of aviation technology. From the Wright brothers’ pioneering aircraft to modern-day space exploration, the Museum of Flight promises a fascinating adventure filled with nostalgia, knowledge, and a profound appreciation for the wonders of the skies. Join us for a day of exploration, discovery, and shared memories at this renowned museum dedicated to celebrating the incredible achievements of humanity in the realm of aviation.
This is a docent-led tour. Lunch is on your own at the on-site restaurant, Wing’s Café.
$84 Members; $104 General Public
Includes transportation, snacks, and admission to the museum. Lunch is on your own at Wing’s Café within the museum
Departs: Olympia at 8:30 am, Lacey at 9:00 am
Approximate return: 4:00 pm
Easy. Minimal walking, primarily flat surfaces, walkers ok.
IMAGINE MONET: THE IMMERSIVE EXHIBITION AT THE TACOMA ART MUSEUM
Thursday, March 14
#42404
“Imagine Monet” is a celebration of the renowned French artist Claude Monet, a pioneer of the Impressionist movement. This exhibit promises to transport you into Monet’s vibrant and dreamlike world, where nature comes to life through his masterful brushstrokes. From iconic water lilies to charming landscapes, you will have the opportunity to witness the evolution of Monet’s artistry and gain a deeper understanding of his impact on the art world.
Imagine Monet is the exhibition produced and created by the French directors Annabelle Mauger and Julien Baron, the world’s first directors of a digital immersive exhibition. Imagine Monet starts with the famous painting Impression, Soleil Levant (1872) and closes with the renowned Water Lilies series (1914-1926). This experience features over 200 well-known masterpieces by Claude Monet.
Before this immersive experience, we will enjoy brunch at Le Sel Bistro in Tacoma.
$129 Members; $149 General Public
Includes transportation, snacks, brunch, and admission
Departs: Olympia at 9:45 am; Lacey at 10:15 am Approximate return: 4:00 pm
ACTIVITY LEVELS
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.
THUNDERBIRDS HOCKEY: SEATTLE THUNDERBIRDS VS PORTLAND WINTERHAWKS
Sunday, March 24
#42406
Join us as we venture into the world of ice hockey in Kent, to catch the regional rivalry of Seattle vs. Portland. The Seattle Thunderbirds are a major junior ice hockey team and are part of the U.S. Division of the Western Conference in the Western Hockey League.
If you have never been to a live hockey game, you are in for an unmatched experience. You can really feel the excitement in the air with the cacophony of the sounds of skates, sticks, pucks, and cheers! The atmosphere at ShoWare is electric and consistently draws some of the highest attendance numbers in the Western Hockey League.
$132 Members; $152 General Public
Includes transportation, snacks, and a ticket to the game.
Departs: Olympia at 2:30 pm, Lacey at 3:00 pm
Approximate return: 9:00 pm
Call:
360.586.6181 ext. 126
Visit: southsoundseniors.org/trips-tours
Or stop in: Olympia Senior Center
222 Columbia St NW, Olympia M-F 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
SHIBA
Happy Spring! Every month our SHIBA program (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors ) trained volunteers are available to help you understand the Medicare program.
Did you know that if you missed your opportunity to change your Medicare Advantage plan by December 7, 2023 there is a second window to review your advantage plan options?
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.
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 March
(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
Wednesday, March 6: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Tuesday, March 12: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Thursday, March 21: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Wednesday, March 27: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Get Help Paying for Medicare (MIPPA) via Zoom
March 14: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
New to Medicare Presentations:
(In person, no registration necessary)
Olympia Senior Center
Wednesday, March 13: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
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:
Potential Hospice Fraud Link:
“Hospice is an important benefit for the Medicare population. Hospice fraud threatens this benefit for all beneficiaries. Scammers are getting beneficiaries to agree to hospice care even though they do not qualify for the benefit. Hospice fraud occurs when Medicare Part A is falsely billed for any level of hospice care or service.”
Shelton Grand Opening
On February 14, a day symbolic of love and connection, we officially inaugurated our new Community Dining service at the Shelton United Methodist. We’re so excited to begin sharing in the joys of community dining on weekdays from 11:45 am to 12:15 pm that we’ve been missing for the last three years.
As we talked about in our last newsletter, the journey to establish this new dining site has been one of collaboration and perseverance. Following our exit from the Mason County Senior Center in September 2020, our quest for a new location commenced. It was through the generous partnership of the Shelton United Methodist Church that our vision found a new home. From there, the meticulous groundwork ensued — from the installation of brand-new appliances to the task of assembling a team of dedicated staff members who share our unwavering commitment to serving seniors with compassion and dignity, Senior Nutrition Program director Stephanie Penland, the SNP crew and Shelton United Methodist Church affiliates worked tirelessly to bring the Shelton site to fruition.
Heartfelt speeches were given by Stephanie, Senior Services for South Sound executive director Brian Windrope, Shelton UMC board of trustees chair Beth Johnston, Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Deidre Peterson and church pastors. Their commitment to the mission of not just Senior Services, but the greater community was almost tangible through the smiles and laughter from those assembled.
Those in attendance raised a toast to officially open the long-awaited Shelton site.
As we gather to celebrate this remarkable achievement, we recognize not only the physical space we have created but the intangible bonds of camaraderie and care that will flourish within it. Our hearts overflow with gratitude for the opportunity to extend our warmth and hospitality to all who walk through our doors.
Thank you to everyone that made this special day and incredible site possible! Please join us as we embark on this new chapter, united in our commitment to nourish both body and soul, and to share the boundless love that emanates from the simple act of sharing a meal together.
Senior Academy
Northwest Nations: Uncolonizing Our Shared Story with Ron Johnson
Fridays from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm | April 5 thorugh May 10 | Via Zoom
Registration Fee: Members - $100; General Public - $150
Embark on a transformative journey through storytelling and reflection, exploring the enduring impacts of colonization on our contemporary world. Designed using a “storywork” approach, this course will work to foster mutual understanding, empathy, and collective action.
Visionary Adult Development: The Psychological Evolution of Extraordinary People with Bruce Lerro
Tuesdays from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm | April 16 through June 18 | Olympia |
Registration Fee: Members - $120; General Public - $160
We will consider three other dimensions of adult experience which are often not covered in traditional models of individual development. The first is the impact of world history on the constraints and possibilities of individual evolution. We will consider the individual as a microslice of world history in the making. The second is the extent to which socio-economic class both impedes and promotes individual development. Lastly is to understand the dynamics of that the fifth stage of cognitive development can transform how extraordinary adults live. An added bonus to this is that you can incorporate the six stages of Kegan’s model of individual development as a way to make sense of your own psychological development in new ways.
It’s Enough Just to Put Something Down: Using Mindfulness for Dopamine Detox and Finding Reward with Margo Benedetto
Thursdays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm | April 4 through May 9 | 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.
Introduction to Astrology with Maia O’Brien
Thursdays from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | April 4 through May 2 | Olympia
Registration Fee: Members - $60; General Public - $90
Join Maia O’Brien as she offers as introduction to the fascinating world of astrology. The basic foundations of astrology will be presented including planets, signs, houses and planetary cycles. We will explore the many ways astrology is reflected in our own lives and the lives of those around us. It can give us a broader perspective on world events as well. Join us for lively and enlightening conversations about the beautiful, ancient, mystical art and science of astrology!
Senior Academy
It’s All Greek to Me: An Introduction to Ancient Greek History, Society, and Archaeology with Tony Usibelli
Tuesdays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm | April 9 through May 14 | Olympia
Registration Fee: Members - $120; General Public - $160
This six-week class examines the eastern Mediterranean world of the Bronze Age Minoans and Myceneans, Archaic and Classical Greece, and the Hellenistic societies emerging from Alexander the Great’s conquests. We will explore archaeological remains, selections from ancient literature and philosophy, and modern scholarship all within the context of social, political, and cultural history. As part of the class, we will try to better understand the contradictory elements of Greek democracy and philosophy juxtaposed with elements of xenophobia, misogyny, slave-holding, and violent conflict.
Your Life, Your Story with Pam Toal
Wednesdays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm | April 3 through May 22 | Olympia
Registration Fee: Members - $100; General Public - $120
Have you ever wanted to write your memoir or leave a legacy for your loved ones? This is your chance. This eight-week course includes activities and resources to help you write, share and preserve your life stories. Each week you’ll receive prompting questions to write two pages at home on a particular theme of your life history. You’ll bring your writing to class the following week to share with fellow storytellers and receive encouraging feedback. Sharing life stories is an ideal way to find new meaning in life and put past events into perspective. No writing experience is necessary, just an openness to appreciate and share the unique life that is yours.
Late Life Design II: On-Going-Fine-Tuning of Your Late Life Plans
(Virgil Clarkson Lacey Senior Center) with Marty Worcester
Tuesday, April 2 | 10:00 am to 12:00 pm | Lacey
Registration Fee: Members - $40; General Public - $60
Open only to those who have taken a Late Life Design class from Marty in the past or by instructor permission. In a two-hour class, you will review your past plans, joys, and challenges and work together on what you yet wish to do and be. New and updated resources are provided to keep you learning and growing!
On the Shoulders of Giants with John Rapano
Thursdays, April 11 through May 9 | 1:00 to 2:30 pm | Olympia
Registration Fee: Members - $100; General Public - $120 Baby boomers are replacing their parents’ generation as our culture’s elders and impacting our society in unique ways. The parents of the boomers, “The Greatest Generation” wanted to put the trauma of the Depression and World War II behind them. After the war was a period of unprecedented prosperity and technological innovation. This generation challenged racism, sexism and ageism–reinventing our concept of elderhood. During this period in the study of human development such as Erikson, Kubler-Ross, Flynn, and Friedan taught us for the first time that human development extended into late life. Standing on the shoulders of these giants, today’s elders can go even further along the path to a meaningful old age and pass on this legacy to future generations. Understanding this legacy will impact how elders can be better informed in making decisions for their family members, themselves, and their communities, impacting healthcare, government, and organizations locally and globally in a meaningful way.
