It’s a common theme around our offices right now to catch someone saying “Did you see at the party,” or “Oh my gosh, how much fun did so-and-so have?” Still, weeks removed from the events, we can’t believe the infectious energy and pure joy you all brought.
Hundreds of people came out to celebrate our 50th birthday parties in both Lacey and Olympia over the last month. Hundreds. We’re honestly still in shock at the fantastic turnout.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. If it wasn’t for you, we’d never have made it this far. Thank you all so much for coming out and celebrating this amazing milestone of ours. Thank you for making what we do worth it every day. Thank you for bringing us joy and laughter and reminding us that we can have fun, no matter what age we are. Here’s to another 50 years!
| |
Fifty Years!
No, we aren’t yet the age of the seniors we serve, but as we celebrate our founding in 1973 with several parties and festivities, it still resounds with meaning. We haven’t merely survived the whips and scorns of time, but matured into a truly beautiful entity. I’ve always chuckled at the author Edward Abbey’s saying that “growth for the sake of growth is the ideology of the cancer cell.” He was deriding the way corporations place profits above human or environmental health. There is some truth behind the hyperbole, and yet in the field of social services and serving seniors, growth is a necessity to meet the need. [read more]
| |
Did you know our volunteer, Adele Meurs, was born in the Netherlands?
You’ve probably met her when she checks you in for lunch at the Olympia Center on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, or when she first started out as the lady sitting in the hallway making sure everyone had their COVID-19 vaccination before entering the facility. Remember those plastic wristbands? Odds are that Adele helped put that on your wrist many times!
But how did Adele end up here after a lifetime of travel? After her schooling was completed, Adele spent a year as an au pair for families in Paris and London where she learned both English and French because, as she points out, “no one speaks Dutch!” [read more]
| |
Volunteers are a vital part of everything that Senior Services does. We literally could not provide our many programs and services without volunteer support. Perhaps more importantly, being a volunteer is a great way to stay active while doing something truly meaningful. Click here to find out more about volunteering with us! | |
Monthly Article of Interest: Callers May Trick You Into Answering the Phone
Bad actors may spoof the number that appears on your caller ID so that an incoming call seems to be from a government agency or a health provider that you already know and trust. They do this to entice you to answer. When you pick up, a scam caller usually starts chatting you up to engage you, asking you conversational questions to put you at ease. The caller is trying to get your personal information, such as your Medicare card number, your Social Security number, or other health insurance identification. Learn about precautions to take and tips to avoid spoofing scams. Click here to read more. [Read more from Senior Medicare Fraud]
| |
Yelm Jazz in the Park
Trip Date: Tuesday, Saturday, August 5
Join us at Yelm City Park for a relaxing evening, taking in the breathtaking view of Mount Rainier while being serenaded by live jazz bands.
$79 Members; $99 General Public
Includes: transportation, supper and concert.
Bus leaves Olympia at 2:45 PM, Lacey at 3:15 PM
Approximate return: 9:30 PM
Activity Level: Easy
| |
Cannabis Education Tour
Trip Date: Thursday, September 21
We’re headed to Lifted Cannabis in Tacoma for an educational tour of their warehouse where you will see firsthand the stages of growing and harvesting, as well as how the flowers are processed and packaged. You will even see how they make extracts.
$99 Members; $119 General Public
Includes: transportation, tour, lunch and snack.
Bus leaves Olympia at 8:15 AM, Lacey at 8:45 AM
Approximate return: 3:45 PM
Activity Level: Moderate
| |
Updated Membership Pricing for 2023
Seasonal: $20
Silver Single: $60 | Silver Couple: $100
Gold Single: $120 | Gold Couple: $200
Lifetime Single: $1,000 | Lifetime Couple: $1,800
| | | |
Speaker Series - Olympia Center
Most Wednesdays at 10:00 am
August 2 - Hannah Ljuggren and Lana Rae Jarvis: Join Hannah and Lana from the City of Olympia as they discuss the city’s ongoing Climate Change Risk and Vulnerability Assessment, as well what Olympia is doing to combat the effects of Climate Change.
August 9 - Dr. Gwen Grams and Madeline Burns: In this presentation, we review the scientific literature about ADC (after-death communication) and talk about a study currently underway at The University of Virginia Medical School and William and Mary School of Education.
August 16 - Truclusion: Join Dane Wolfrom, ACC and Yien Wang-Folino for a presentation on how to leverage a positive sense of belonging and the value of individual uniqueness together to enhance engagement and inclusion.
August 30 - Stephanie Elsass: Stephanie Elsass wants to discuss stuff with you! What stuff, might you wonder? All the material stuff folks accumulate, own, value and tend to, this is the stuff Stephanie will share her thoughts on.
|
Dine Out for Olympia Senior Center
Thursday, August 10 at 5:00 PM - Mercato, 111 Market St. NE, Olympia
Join the Olympia Senior Center for an evening at Mercato! Meet at the restaurant at 5:00, where we will dine with good food and better company! Everyone pays for their own meal. Please call TWO days ahead to reserve a spot.
|
Butterfly Mosaic-Making Workshop - Olympia Center
Monday, August 28 at 5:30 PM
This is an intergenerational workshop led by mosaic artist Jennifer Kuhn. There is a suggested donation of $10 paid to Jennifer the day of the workshop
Call 360.586.6181 to register. Limit 20 seniors.
| | |
Dine Out for Lacey Center
Tuesday, August 8 at 5:00 PM - Olive Garden, 2400 Capital Mall Drive SW, Olympia
Meet at the restaurant for good food and fun with friends!
|
Pet Support Club - Lacey Center
Tuesdays, August 8 and 22 at 1:00 PM
This club encourages seniors to adopt pets, support those who are fostering pets and help Joint Animal Services by collecting donations specifically on their “greatest needs” list. For seniors who love animals! Open to all.
|
1960s Rock & Roll Dance
Friday, August 11 at 5:00 PM
$5 per person. Come relive the 60s (in far-out, groovy threads, if you like) and rock out to the Beatles, Jefferson Airplane, The Rolling Stones, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Three Dog Night, & so many more! Admission includes door prizes, refreshments, an out-of-sight costume contest, as well as dance contests in a variety of categories. This is the hot ticket item this summer for those 55+, but our AC will keep everyone cool man. Remember our fabulous Soc-Hop in March? Well, our Soc Hop organizers are planning this epic Rock & Roll tribute to the Sixties, so you know you’re going to righteously dig it! Peace out man!
|
TED Talks Plus
Friday, August 25 at 12:30
Ancient Board Game Discoveries.
When we say ancient, we mean five millennia ancient. We’ll view three TED Talks Plus videos and discuss them as a group.
|
Death Cafés with Glenn Harper
Olympia Center: Wednesday, August 9 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Lacey Center: Thursday, August 24 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Come join us for a group-directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives or themes. This is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counseling session. Coffee or tea and cake provided!
| |
Doors open at 6:00 pm. Games start at 7:00 pm. Must be 21+. $25 cash at the door to play. Also available: food for purchase, 50/50 raffle, special game tickets and daubers. Enjoy a cash bar and costume contest! Cash only. | |
Join our mission to improve the
quality of life for people as they age.
| |
Thank you to our Local Partner: |
Thank you to our Business Sponsor: | | |
| | | |