Seniors in our Inclusion Program have been working on making beaded bracelets and, as always, finishing puzzles!
Senior Services for South Sound
Brian’s View
A Message From the Executive Director
Many families experience the challenge of knowing when and how to act when a loved one is in declining health. It’s a particularly American notion to value our independence highly. My own mother was adamant she would be buried in the backyard of her house, and I could not imagine a less attractive outcome. For better or worse, that didn’t happen, but the sentiment is common. Whether your loved one is struggling with loneliness, physical health concerns or the beginnings of cognitive illness, we wrestle with what to do and the many variables associated with our choices.
One variable that affects all of us is the economics of care. Washington State is the first in our nation to establish a public long-term insurance program that addresses the systemic problem of the costs of care. The controversial WA Cares Fund is designed to provide up to $36,500, with various conditions. While this is undoubtedly helpful, extended care can easily exceed this amount. Surveys show that the statewide average for assisted living facilities is about $6,000 a month, depending on the place and where you live. That’s $72,000 a year. How many of us have that much in savings to cover the costs for ourselves or loved ones?
Another factor, maybe even more difficult, is the social inhibition we have around talking to family about them needing help. Everything we see may tell us that they are too lonely, in declining health, or unable to remember why they are in the kitchen or how to get home. But how do we talk to them about it? Many people get angry if you suggest they need to change their habits or get help. And how physically or mentally declined do they need to be before we brave those conversations? I’ve faced this in my family. Maybe you have too. The good news is that we are not alone, and there is help.
We can get help from professionals in our community who assist with later life care counseling. There are knowledgeable and kind people who work with families to help them navigate these choices and conversations. There are also programs like our Care Connection that provide tailored in-home care for seniors who are not ready to leave their own residence. And for seniors with cognitive illness, we have Brighter Days, the only day program in Thurston or Mason Counties for loved ones and their caregivers. This unique program provides stimulating activities for our clients while their the caregivers get a much-needed break. For seniors simply looking for community or fun activities, our Lacey and Olympia senior centers are open for drop-in good times Monday through Friday!
Brian Windrope, Executive Director
Newsletter September 2024
Senior Academy
N st e n .
Greetings Everyone!
Candy Braillard here, your friendly Program Coordinator for the Olympia Senior Center. I encourage all of you to peruse this quarter’s Senior Academy offerings! Our instructors bring a wide range of talents, passion and knowledge to their offerings, and we are so fortunate to have them as our Senior Academy faculty!
Candy Braillard, Olympia Program Coordinator
Introduction to Astrology with Maia O’Brien
Thursdays, September 26 — October 17 | 2:00 to 4:00 pm
Members: $60 | Non-Members: $90
This class offers an introduction to the fascinating world of astrology. You will learn the basic building blocks of astrology including birth chart layout, signs, planets, houses and phases of the moon.
Creating a Legacy and Design for Living with Marty Worcester
Tuesdays and Thursdays, September 24 — October 24 | 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Olympia Senior Center | Members: $200 | Non-Members: $240
This class helps you consider your life through the lens of creating a legacy for those who live after you. It fosters an appreciation of what you have already left for others and helps you create a legacy design for the year ahead. It helps you answer such questions as: Does anything I think or do matter? Where am I amid these times of uncertainty in our nation and world? How can I respond to what might occur in the coming year?
What Did the Romans Ever Do for Us? A Journey Through the World of Ancient Italy with Tony Usibelli
Tuesdays, October 1 — November 5 | 10:00 am to 12:00 pm | Olympia Senior Center | Members: $120 | Non-Members: $150
This six-week class will explore Italy from roughly 1000 BC to 500 AD. It will look at questions such as: Who were the “mysterious” Etruscans and their necropoli, cities of the dead? Why did the Greeks “colonize” south Italy and Sicily? How did the city of Rome turn from a small settlement on the Tibur River to the ruler of the ancient world?
Mindfulness for Integration Part I: What About Me? with Margo Benedetto Thursdays, September 26 — November 14 | 10:00 am to 12:00 pm | Olympia Senior Center | Members: $160 | Non-Members: $190
All levels are welcome to join another invigorating workshop for the mind! In this three-part series we’ll dive into the study of our individual, social and “extrapersonal” integration systems and learn mindfulness skills to help us reach optimal wellness.
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Senior Services for South Sound
Your Life, Your Story with Pam Toal Wednesdays, September 25 — November 13 | 10:00 am to 12:00 pm | Olympia Senior Center | Members: $160 | NonMembers: $190
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. Only 9 spots available!
It’s Time to Write That Novel with Diane Chiddister
Mondays, October 7 — November 4 | 1:00 to 2:30 pm | Olympia Senior Center | Members: $75 | Non-Members: $105
This class aims to prepare you to write that long-delayed novel using the National Novel Writing Month strategy of writing fast and non-critically for 30 days, after which you have a first draft. But to be ready for fast writing, it’s critical to have a feeling for your characters, your story and your point of view, and that’s what this class is about: getting ready.
Exploring the Creative Arts Therapies with Maia O’Brien
Thursdays, October 10 — 31 | 1:00 to 2:30 pm | Olympia Senior Center | Members: $60 | Non-Members: $90
The Creative Arts Therapies use expressive art processes to enhance self-awareness and cultivate improved quality of life. Stress and trauma create tension in the body that can be released through healthy self-expression and communication. Developing a more creative life can help us connect with our inner source of health and well-being.
The Craft of Writing with Anne Hansen Wednesdays, September 25 — November 13 | 2:00 to 4:00 pm | Olympia Senior Center | Members: $160 | Non-Members: $190
When is the last time you played with Legos or fashioned something from Play-Doh? These exercises will help you generate new material and embed solid skills as you revise and polish. If you are beginning to write, or have logged hundreds of hours in the chair, this class on craft will strengthen your voice and your own personal flavor. Working in class and on assignments, you will write three to five finished pages per week. Gentle feedback for one another will be part of our work. The final class is a Celebration Supper.
Northwest Nations Unveiling Ancestral Wisdom and Modern American Challenges Fridays, October 4 — November 8 | 2:00 to 4:00 pm | ZOOM | Members: $120 | NonMembers: $150
Embark on a transformative six-week journey into the vibrant cultures and enduring legacy of North American Natives. This Northwest Nations course study delves into enriching stories, standing on the shoulders of ancestral wisdom, from their pre-colonial harmony with nature to the challenges faced in the modern world. Through storyworks and storytelling, we’ll examine the origins, nations, and traditions of the remarkable North American Peoples.
Newsletter September 2024
Divided We Stand: Eleven Regional Rivalries from Mountain People to the Swamps of Dixie with Bruce Lerro Tuesdays, September 24 — November 19 | 2:00 to 4:00 pm | Olympia Senior Center | Members: $180 | Non-Members: $210
Are we headed for a civil war? How likely are some states to actually secede? Is the United States too big a political unit to manage the differences between all the regions of the country? As we shall find out, the biggest differences between the regions in the United States have to do with the country, politics and class of the original settlers. How much might the climate and ecology of a region affect how that region feels about other regions? How might the major industries and occupations of a region affect how they perceive other regions?
Delicious Eating Made with Culinary Medicine with Mary Ellen Psaltis Tuesdays, November 19 — December 10 | 10:30 am to 12:00 pm | Olympia Senior Center | Members: $60 | Non-Members: $90
Culinary medicine aims to assist people reach positive medical decisions about eating high-quality meals and help prevent and/ or treat diseases and restore well-being. These sessions are designed to ramp up the nutritional values of your breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks. You will gain useful information so your choices at the grocery store are wiser and healthier. Eating with a budget and good taste in mind are both possible. Find out if you are eating adequate amounts of nutrients, both large and small. There will be recipes you can later make in the comfort of your own kitchen. Each class will focus on one of the four topics: breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.
Senior Services for South Sound
Celebrating Diversity
Senior Services Honors Senior Citizens and Their Quality of Life
Each month, Senior Services celebrates the unique differences within each of us that drives innovation, relationships, and learning. It is through a better understanding of one another that positive growth and support can be achieved.
September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness and Hispanic Heritage Month!
September 6 — 17: Ganesh Chaturthi is a 10-day Hindu holiday celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesh and is celebrated throughout the world including India, Nepal, Mauritius and South Africa.
September 15 — 19: National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week is a week-long celebration of vital role HBCUs play in molding Black leaders, encouraging high-school aged youth to enroll into HBCUs, providing scholarship dollars for matriculation, and sustaining a pipeline for employment from undergrad to corporate America.
September 16 — 18: Chuseok or Hangawi is South Korea’s Harvest Moon Festival or Korean Thanksgiving Day, the name means Autumn Eve.
September 26: European Day of Languages is jointly organized by the Council of Europe and the European Commission. This day raises awareness of Europe’s wide variety of languages, promotes cultural heritage and linguistic diversity, and encourages learning, translation and interpretation of languages.
September 27: Native American Day is celebrated across the US on different dates, the holiday rejoices the history, heritage and culture of tribes and focuses on the enriching contributions and knowledge of Native Americans.
September 28: Lula Fest is celebrated as a fusion of Hispanic and Latinx heritage and cultures, Lula Fest will take place in Isthmus Park on Saturday, September 28th from 3-9 PM for families and community in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. While this event is sponsored by the City of Olympia, our very own SNP kitchens will be celebrating on September 23. Please join us for this special lunch! Lunch Special: Tortilla Espanola, Grilled Vegetables, Salsa, Mango & Blueberries
Get Ready to Support Seniors and Their Pets During PALS Week!
Mark your calendars! From September 9 to 15, we’re highlighting our PALS Fund, and we need your help! The PALS Fund is 100% powered by your donations and helps low-income seniors pay for vital veterinary care for their beloved pets. From routine checkups to lifesaving emergency procedures, PALS is there for seniors when they need it most—but we can’t do it without you!
Last year, because of our amazing supporters, we paid $79,877 in vet bills to help 208 seniors and 231 pets at 41 veterinary clinics! This year, we’re setting our sights even higher, aiming to support more seniors and their pets through every bark, purr and tail wag.
Your donation—big or small—makes a massive difference. It’s more than just a gift; it’s peace of mind for seniors who can’t afford the rising costs of pet care. So let’s make PALS Week unforgettable! Donate online, or check out other ways to give below.
Together, let’s make sure no senior has to choose between caring for themselves and caring for their furry best friends. Thank you for being part of this incredible community!
Senior Services for South Sound
OLYMPIA SENIOR CENTER
Low Vision Support Group
Wednesday, September 4 at 10:00 am
Back for Fall!
Marty Worcester will resume her fabulous Low Vision Support Group beginning in September! Discussion topics include low-vision services, new products, local community resources and letting go of fear and embracing life with confidence.
Public Welcome
Explore Olympia Walkabout Thursday, September 12 at 10:00 am
Join as we explore Mission Creek Park on the East side of Olymoia. We will park near the San Francisco Street Bakery and walk the short trail at Mission Creek Park, then perhaps stop at the bakery for a post-walk treat. Wear sturdy walking shoes, and weather appropriate clothing. Please be aware that some of the sidewalks are uneven and can be trip hazards. Meet in the Olympia Senior Center lobby at 10:00 and we will carpool up to the East side.
Public Welcome
Senior Reads Book Club
Thursday, September 19 at 10:00 am
We will be reading Having Our Say by the Delaney Sisters, with Amy Hill Hearth. A delightful fun read, and our group discussions range far and wide. Join us!
Public Welcome
Dine Out with the Olympia Senior Center Thursday, September 12: Uptown Grill, 514 Capitol Way S, 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 September 9. 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
A Celebration of Life for Madeleine Wells Friday, September 13 at 1:30 pm
Respectfully join us for a joyful and poignant Celebration of Life for our dear Madeleine Wells. The event will take place in the lobby of the Olympia Senior Center. Come and share your stories, or simply listen and pay your respects.
Public Welcome
Newsletter September 2024
LACEY SENIOR CENTER
Mothers with Estranged Adult Children Support Group
Tuesdays at 10:00 am
Mothers of estranged children (over 21) are encouraged to meet here to get support.
Public Welcome
Tech Help with Jeff & Marianne
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 to 11:00 am
We have Tech Help available to help you navigate the digital world! Marianne is available for two appointment slots from 10:00 to 11: 00 am so make yours in advance. She will take drop-ins from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. No appointment is needed to get help from Jeff.
Public Welcome
Senior Driving Workshop for Ages 55+
Monday, September 9 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, September 10: Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill, 1675 Marine Dr NE, Olympia, 98501 at 5:00 pm
Join the Virgil Clarkson Lacey Senior Center for an evening at Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill! 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
Identity Theft/Cyper Safety Workshop by KeyBank & Thurston Chamber
Tuesday, September 17 at 12:30 pm
In this workshop, you will learn how to identify the signs of ID theft/fraud, examine the different types, identify strategies to protect yourself, and learn safe some habits to protect your data. Don’t be a victim!
Public Welcome
Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance™
Returning last week of September!
Mondays — Beginning: 2:30 to 3:30 pm
Advanced: 3:30 to 4:30 pm
Thursdays — Beginning: 10:30 to 11:30 am
Advanced: 3:00 to 4:00 pm
This is a research-based balance training regimen designed for older adults and people with balance disorders. The program aims to improve strength, balance, mobility and daily functioning, and aims to help prevent falls. Enrollment in class after the first month is at the discretion of the instructor.
Members Only + Quarterly Registration
Boomers on the Loose in Puget Sound!
Thursday, September 26 at 12:30 pm
For most of us, social activities bring joy and meaning into our lives and make us physically and mentally healthier. On the flip side, research shows that social isolation and loneliness make us less healthy, and more susceptible to depression, anxiety, and diseases like dementia. According to Lacey retiree Jan Farr, author of Boomers on the Loose® South Sound, there are plenty of places to make new social connections and engage in enjoyable activities. And plenty of services that help them do that - in South Puget Sound style. Don’t miss this exceptional presentation!
Public Welcome
New!
Senior Services for South Sound
Speaker Series
Most Wednesdays at 10:00 am | Olympia Senior Center
Claudine Reynolds: Port Blakely Tree Farms on Forestry and Conservation in the PNW
Wednesday, September 4
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.
Fabulous Financial Fraud Facts with WAFD Bank
Wednesday, September 11
Join us for this fun and educational play date with WAFD Bank. The caring team from WAFD will be sharing tips on keeping your personal/financial information safe while having fun with games and prizes!
John Halliday with Humanities Washington: What is a Chief? How Native Values Can Teach Resilience
Wednesday, September 18
At the age of 55, John Halliday became legally blind. As a Muckleshoot Tribal member of Duwamish ancestry, Halliday says his Native American world view, cultural traditions, and values, which have sustained Native tribes throughout history, long before colonization, have helped him overcome the challenges associated with losing his sight.
Maureen Wells with Unforgettable Art
Wednesday, September 25
Come and share this unique experience with Maureen Wells and her fabulous collection of Fall themed art.
Newsletter September 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 September
(For presentations via Zoom, please register with our office at 360.586.6181 ext. 134)
Monthly Article of Interest:
Inspector General’s Office Warns: Hybrid Scams on the Rise
Office of the Inspector General, Social Security Administration
Scammers introduce SSA “long-con” scams through seemingly common problems.
Scammers are compounding tactics by using fake Amazon or PayPal tech support emails and text messages to get you to connect with an imposter Social Security Administration (SSA) employee who will try to convince you that your Social Security number (SSN) or record is compromised.
The email or text message claims that something is wrong with your Amazon or PayPal account and while trying to fix the alleged issue, the scammer instead states that in searching your computer they found other problems, mainly with your SSN. They then offer to assist by transferring you to someone pretending to be with SSA.
An Evening in
Fall
Gala
Saturday, October 26
Olympia Senior Center
5 pm
Join us for our biggest fundraising event of the year!
This year we’re taking you out to An Evening in Tuscany where we’ll celebrate the spirit of togetherness and community.
Your support can make a world of difference—whether it’s purchasing a ticket to enjoy an unforgettable evening, volunteering to help make the event a success, or donating high-quality auction items (minimum value of $200) and wine (minimum value of $20). Every contribution helps us continue our vital programs for seniors in our community.
Be part of this special night and help us make a lasting impact!
Above Home Health Mason Health
Sponsored by:
Volly Unteer: A Person Who Likes to Help
By Scott Schoengarth
This month I interviewed Volly – they’ve been volunteering at our Centers for years now! I was amazed at all the time they spent in the beginning trying to find the exact volunteer job at the Olympia and Lacey Senior Centers. Some people just take the first job that is offered, but not Volly. They wanted to know and understand each position, and then select.
So they met on a Tuesday morning with Volunteer Manager Theresa Ziniewicz to discuss their options. They discussed their hobbies, background and what drove them to want to volunteer in the first place. Theresa listened and found many options based on their experience and skillset. Here are some of the positions they considered.
Retail: Just 3.5 hours per week, providing customer service, merchandising, and sorting donations. Sounded good, but Volly was hoping for a little more excitement, so on to the next option!
Reception: This one had possibilities. They had some background working with the public and with their strong computer and customer
service skills. Welcoming guests, signing up new members and telling folks about the array of activities and services our centers offer sounded like their cup of tea. This was maybe!
Coffee Bar: Knowing this would require a Food Handlers Permit, Volly, attained one quite easily online! What they like most about helping with the coffee bar is that it was a completely social experience. Making coffee and tea for folks in the lobby while serving delicious baked goods and snacks.
Senior Nutrition Program: Great program, helping folks in the kitchen prepare delicious meals for Meals on Wheels and Community Dining. However, Volly was looking for a position where they would have more contact with the public, so they kept looking.
Lunch Check-in: Just one hour a week! Simply greet and check-in guests arriving for lunch. Even use some of their computer skills. This one was a possibility!
Lobby Ambassador: Now this one could be it. Just 2-3 hours a week Volly would welcome all who enter the Centers and share needed resources to those who inquire. Getting closer!
Well-Check: Be willing to make phone calls to lonely seniors on a daily/weekly basis for a check-in to see how they are doing and if they need any services offered by the Senior Center. They liked this one – really made use of their phone skills honed over the years in their career.
Brighter Days: Located at our Lacey center, for four hours weekly assisting the Program Manager with activities for guests with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. A negative TB test is required. Nice program, but still not right for them.
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Senior Services for South Sound
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Inclusion Program: Located at both of our centers this interesting position helps with inclusion activities and DAYTIME BINGO! That seemed like fun, and only 3-4 hours per week. This one had some real merit.
Mason County: Living in Thurston County, Volly was impressed by how far the organization reaches. In addition to the Olympia based transportation program Mason County is in need of more Transportation Drivers. No longer driving, Volly noticed that they do congregate lunches and deliver Meals on Wheels from Shelton to Belfair and if they still were driving they knew they could help with lunch check-in’s.
With all of these volunteer opportunities to avail themselves of, Volly has decided to take on multiple positions: Being a Lobby Ambassador on one day and working at the Coffee Bar on a different day. They also joined the Well-Check team! These three volunteer positions have been keeping them quite busy and they love every minute of it and they know they have the support and appreciation of their direct supervisors.
Maybe one of these opportunities appeals to you? Fill out an online application online or just call for an appointment to chat with Theresa to see if it’s a good fit for you. 360.586.6181 ext. 120. You can also email her at theresaz@southsoundseniors.org. You’ll be glad you did! Each job gives you something valuable to do, and in each case you are helping fellow seniors and building a stronger community. What could be better! And while you’re there, be sure to say hello to Volly!
And if you already are volunteering, you may be getting a call to be interviewed by me in the future. We would love to talk with more of you like we did with Volly!
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.
AUTUMN FLOWER SHOW & NATURE WALK
Thursday, October 10
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of plants and flowers with a delightful day trip to the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory in Tacoma! Sunflowers, chrysanthemums, ornamental peppers, and coleus will star in this year’s Autumn Flower Show.
After plenty of time browsing the curated flower show, we’ll head outside for a self guided tour of the Champion Trees of Wright Park. We’ll round out our afternoon with lunch together.
This adventure is perfect for nature enthusiasts, gardening aficionados, and anyone looking to spend a peaceful day surrounded by the wonders of the botanical world.
Price: $89 Members | $109 General Public
Included: Transportation, tours, lunch, snack
Departs: Olympia 9:00 am | Lacey 9:30 am
Approximate Return: 3:30 pm
Activity Level:
Thank you to our Local Partners:
