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These weekly emails highlight upcoming programs & events, news & updates, as well as links to our virtual programs. For a complete listing of all of our on-going, in-person classes and activities, please take a look at the monthly bulletin. Paper copies of the monthly bulletin are available at the Center.
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You recently received a donation request from BSAC. Your donation makes a difference in the programs, activities and facility here at BSAC. Please donate today by mail, in person or on our website https://whatcomcoa.org/donate/
Thank you for supporting active aging in Bellingham!
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Civil Discussion that Crosses Divides
All points of view welcome! Come to listen and learn. Talk and be heard.
Conversation is where many ideas take shape. And sometimes where they get blocked. In conversations with people who hold opposing views, being able to cross divides empowers you both. The art of crossing divides enables you to take your opponent’s side and find that it agrees with yours.
Come engage in productive conversation. Join us for a discussion, hosted by BSAC members Mialee and Daniel. The discussion will be facilitated for lively participation and understanding between attendees.
Friday, June 2, 1:00-2:30pm, Room 1:
You have to draw the line somewhere. In order to affect the kind of life we'd like, we need to ... cooperate? Unite with people of like mind? This article, "Secession movements in the PNW aren't new. But lately, eastern Oregon is feeling Idaho-curious" by Libby Denkmann and Noel Gasca aired on KUOW radio discusses a solution to political tension. What do you think? Let's discuss.
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Strength Training Refresher Course
June 8, 12, 15, 11:00am-12:00pm
Does your technique need a little fine tuning? Are you unfamiliar with some of the equipment? Have you been away from your routine and need a quick review to get you going again?
This Refresher Class open to anyone who has completed Strength Training Classes at BSAC, Blaine, Ferndale or Lynden Centers or WWU.
Show, teach, do - Strength Training refresher (no cardio machines)
session 1- Show. Learn proper technique for using the equipment.
session 2- Students practice.
session 3- Teach/questions/practice
Limited space available. Please sign up at the front desk. $30+tax.
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Chair Yoga
*New weekly class starting June 13th.
Chair Yoga is a form of yoga practiced sitting on a chair, or standing using a chair for support. The poses are often adaptations of postures in modern yoga. This class is great for those who are unable to get up and down from the floor and for those rehabbing from an injury. Instructed by Everitt Allen.
About Everitt: "It was a chiropractor that first referred me to yoga for problem with my shoulder. I was surprised at how the small efforts had such a profound healing effect. I felt great relief from the stretching, and calm from matching movement to breath. These are elements that I bring into my classes still. I continue to take trainings with master teachers, refining my teaching and personal yoga practice."
Tuesdays, 8:30 - 9:30am. No charge (must have current BSAC membership)
Space is limited, registration required. Register at the front desk or online.
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Better Bones & Balance Workshop
Better Bones & Balance is a program designed to gradually improve balance and strength to avoid falls and maintain independence. A study at Oregon State University showed that participants who wore weighted vests during the key exercises reduce the rate of hip bone loss and reduced their fall risk.
This workshop targets strength and balance, which has an immediate impact on reducing your risk of a fall. Learn the 5 key components of Oregon State University’s Better Bones and Balance program.
Wednesday, June 7th, 10:30am – Noon at BSAC.
$12 per participant. Register at the YMCA by calling (360) 733-8630. Questions? Contact Tammy Bennett, (360) 255-0490, tbennett@whatcomymca.org
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BSAC is Now Open Saturdays from 9am to 12pm!
Members only, must have BSAC keytag.
We will be open for you to enjoy the library, gym, table tennis room, pool room, and socializing with friends.
BSAC Will Be Closed Saturday, May 27th & Monday, May 29th- Memorial Day Weekend
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Weekly Social Hour
Are you looking for an opportunity to get out and meet others for friendly conversation? Join other BSAC members at these gatherings to meet new friends, spark up conversations and enjoy some food and beverages. Hosted by member, Tom Horton.
Wednesdays at 4:00pm at the following locations:
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May 31st at Menace Brewing - 2529 Meridian Street
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June 7th at Port Fairhaven Fish & Chips - (ferry terminal) 355 Harris Ave.
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Try BSAC classes on your own schedule with YouTube
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BSAC's FREE Virtual Programs
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1:00pm Strength Training for Balance with Elaine Cress, PhD.
Balance is the gateway to fitness, for without balance our ability to perform aerobic exercise through biking or walking/running are severely limited if not totally curtailed. So too, balance is the gateway to performing everyday functional tasks.
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Meeting ID: 826 3775 7379
Passcode: connect!
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If you have already registered this button will take you to the meeting.
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Tuesdays:
11:00am, Longevity Stick, hosted by Bonnie, Kathy
The “Longevity Stick” regime incorporates a series of 12 movements designed to improve balance, flexibility, strength, mental focus, breathing capacity, and vitality. This activity is a low-impact exercise done while standing, using a long, one-inch diameter dowel (or stick), that reduces the risk of injury while improving circulation and balance.
Need a stick? Have questions? Contact Bonnie at 360-303-7924.
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Meeting ID: 966 2431 8896
Password: connect!
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Wednesdays:
9:00am-11:00am Spanish Conversation Group
Hablas Espanol? Join us and practice your Spanish skills! Express yourself and learn from other fellow Spanish speakers at BSAC.
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Spanish Conversation
Meeting ID: 895 8308 2317
Passcode: connect!
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1:00pm Strength Training for Balance with Elaine Cress, PhD.
Balance is the gateway to fitness, for without balance our ability to perform aerobic exercise through biking or walking/running are severely limited if not totally curtailed. So too, balance is the gateway to performing everyday functional tasks.
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Meeting ID: 826 3775 7379
Passcode: connect!
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2:30pm Weekly Discussion Group
This is an opportunity to socialize and discuss with your peers without the need to gather in-person. Everyone is invited to join, and we hope those who are unable or unwilling to attend in-person programs will benefit from this fellowship. Hosted by BSAC member, Richard Lewis.
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Meeting ID: 884 6007 2529
Passcode: connect!
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Thursdays:
10:30am, Writers Group
To share wit, wisdom, and our words. Anything you want to write about and read to the group in 4-7 minutes or so. Essay, poetry, humor, memoir, book review, anecdote, or whatever thoughts you have put to words. Friendly association, discussion of ideas, and fun is what we’re all about! This group also meets at this time in-person at BSAC.
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Meeting ID: 879 9511 9939
Password: connect!
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11:00am, Longevity Stick, hosted by Bonnie, Robert & Ruth
The “Longevity Stick” regime incorporates a series of 12 movements designed to improve balance, flexibility, strength, mental focus, breathing capacity, and vitality. This activity is a low-impact exercise done while standing, using a long, one-inch diameter dowel (or stick), that reduces the risk of injury while improving circulation and balance.
Need a stick? Contact Bonnie at 360-303-7924
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Meeting ID: 926 4901 8991
Password: connect!
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Fridays:
1:00pm, TED Talks Discussion
We invite you to join us to view and discuss selected TED Talks that will facilitate discourse on important subjects. They serve as a great jumping-off point for discussion and sharing of ideas, and we welcome suggestions for topics to explore together. Join us!
Each viewing will feature a different topic from which two TED talks will be viewed and discussed. Second & Fourth Fridays of each month, 1-3pm at BSAC and on Zoom. You can choose to attend in-person or on Zoom for each meeting.
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Meeting ID: 983 5299 9312
Password: connect!
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Saturdays:
9:00 - 10:00am, Zumba Gold with Mikari
Zumba Gold is for active older adults who are looking for a modified Zumba class that recreates the original moves at a lower intensity. The design of the class introduces easy-to-follow choreography that focuses on balance, range of motion, and coordination.
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Meeting ID: 996 3183 5583
Password: connect!
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Sundays:
11:00am, Longevity Stick, hosted by Bonnie, Kathy, Judy & Ruth
The “Longevity Stick” regime incorporates a series of 12 movements designed to improve balance, flexibility, strength, mental focus, breathing capacity, and vitality. This activity is a low-impact exercise done while standing, using a long, one-inch diameter dowel (or stick), that reduces the risk of injury while improving circulation and balance.
Need a stick? Contact Bonnie at 360-303-7924
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Meeting ID: 843 0716 8702
Password: connect!
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Looking for more help with Zoom, your cell phone or laptop? BSAC Tech Help Volunteers are ready to help get you started. Simply reply to this email and we will help you one-on-one support.
For some virtual programs, it is best to have a camera and microphone so you can be seen and heard for discussion and questions. Most laptops, smartphones, and tablets have them built-in. You can also participate without a camera or mic, which will work for the exercise programs.
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Community Events & Resources
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City of Bellingham Bicycle Master Plan Update Survey
We want to hear about your experience and ideas for continuing to improve biking for everyone in Bellingham, please take the survey below and add to the web map your ideas. We also want to know about areas that are challenging to navigate for kids, older adults and persons with disabilities.
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The Whatcom Youth Pride Parade will be marching by the Bellingham Senior Activity Center. Come and support our LGBTQIA+ Youth by cheering them on during the parade.
The parade organizers, Whatcom Youth Pride Parade,want to make sure the sidelines are packed with supportive community members to cheer on the youth so they can see just how much Whatcom county supports our to LGBTQIA+ youth! Learn more about the Whatcom Youth Pride Festival & Parade at https://www.whatcomyouthpride.com/
Supportive signs, inclusive flags, etc. are welcome and encouraged. BSAC will provide handheld rainbow flags for the first 50 attendees.
Please note that the main parking lot at BSAC will not be accessible after 9:45am so come early and socialize in the library or plan to park in the small NE lot.
Meet at 10:30am in front of BSAC. Questions? Contact Teddi at 733-4030 x1024.
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Applications for Senior Farmers Market Benefits Cards are Now Available to Seniors in Whatcom and San Juan Counties
Funded by the USDA and WA State, the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides lower income seniors with an electronic benefits card that can be used to purchase $80 in fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, and fresh-cut herbs at approved farmers markets and farm stores throughout Washington State. The electronic benefits card will replace the old paper coupons/vouchers.
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Senior Community Meals are back in-person at BSAC five days a week, Monday through Friday, served from 11:30am to 12:30pm. A different meal will be served each day and there will also be a vegetarian option. Meals are also available to-go if you prefer.
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Bellingham Senior Activity Center is a program of Whatcom Council on Aging whatcomcoa.org
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