Located at First Congregational Church of Bellingham, The Ground Floor opened in early 2019 as Bellingham community's first dedicated space for at-risk, runaway and homeless youth under the age of 24. At this new refuge, youth can connect with supportive adults, receive basic needs items such as food, clothing and gear for sleeping outside and connect with other resources that will help them end their experience of homelessness. This month you can help by contributing supplies to a collection bin in the Lobby or by giving a financial donation to the Front Desk. A supply list will be posted next to the bin.
Lisa Jones from NW Youth Services will be here Tuesday, November 5th at Town Hall to tell us more about The Ground Floor.
Let’s cultivate gratitude with this opportunity to open our hearts and contribute to the well-being of those in need.
At a Glance 10-11
Ted Talk 2 Dance Show 7 Supply Drive 1 Piano Recital 15 Balance Workshop 4 Galleria Opening 7 BCL Expansion 12 Taizé Prayer 15 Brainstorming 5 Discussion Groups 8 Veteran’s Day Bkfst 13 Thanksgiving 16 Keep your routines fresh and your motivation high as you maintain your all- important balance, core strength, heart health and flexibility. Don’t forget to exercise your brain!
10:15 & 2:00 (DR) Fridays, November 1st, 15th & 29th Coffee, cookies, & chit-chat. Invite your at 1:45 (3GL) neighbors or meet someone new! Join Colin to test your knowledge on trivia questions in any & all topics!
Mondays at 1:30 (3MC) A shared experience of fun, humor and community-building. (*class fee)
Saturdays at 1:00 (Apt. 127) If you enjoy singing, this is for you. Resident Vernon Greenstreet accompanies the group on his piano, Pinochle, Rummikub, Bridge, while you follow along in songbooks. Dominoes, Poker and Pool—We have many options for you to get involved in a little friendly competition! Check the calendar for organized times or talk to the Program Department if you’d like to Wednesdays, November 13th & get something going, or to find out more 27th at 2:00 (3MC) about current groups meeting to play. Choose a character and read scripts from classic plays. Everyone welcome!
Sunday, November 3rd at 1:30 (3MC) Last month, we learned about sleep and its correlation to healthy brain function that left us wanting to know more! Resident Nancy Hirsch will host a Ted Talk that expands on the topic. Neuroscience & psychology professor, Matt Walker, explains how sleep is your life-support system and Mother Nature’s best effort yet at immortality. In this deep dive into the science of slumber, Walker shares the wonderfully good things that happen when you get sleep, and the alarmingly bad things that happen to you when you don’t, both for your brain and body.
Need a fitness equipment introduction or refresher? Contact Jen from Programs Thursday, November 7th 1:00-4:00 for a brief how-to. She will help you (3PR) -sign up at the Front Desk decide which machine is best suited for Get your flu shot in-house this month at your fitness level and show you what you the Flu Shot Clinic brought to us by the need to know to get started. pharmacists at our neighborhood
Offering a low-impact workout, the RxMart Pharmacy. Please sign up at the NuStep cross trainers are easy to use. Front Desk, pick up an RxMart immunization form, and have us make a The treadmill keeps you walking copy of your insurance card. without having to go out in the rain.
The exercise bike is recommended for those with established balance and core strength.
Mon & Wed at 1:00 Tues & Thurs at Wed at 10:30 Wed at 11:00 9:30 & 10:30 Sat at 11:00 NEW TIME! Practiced seated, Find your balance. Strengthen and tone qigong is a simple Practice flowing Specially chosen arms and upper and gentle exercise movements seated exercises that boost body using hand that promotes in a chair, then better balance. Both weights. enhanced flow of standing with the on your feet and energy and chair’s support. seated in a chair. All circulation in the Emphasis is on abilities welcome. body. focused breathing.
Benefits: Benefits: Benefits: Benefits:
Reduced stress Improved range of Better balance Stronger arms motion Improved Increased strength Toned muscles respiration & Better balance Improved core circulation Improved mobility Increased strength stability in shoulder & elbow Better balance joints Keep your routines fresh and your motivation high as you maintain your all- important balance, core strength, heart health and flexibility. Don’t forget to exercise your brain!
Tuesday, November 12th at 11:15 (3MC) Nathan Matson has been leading African-style drum class here at The Willows for years. He will talk about the benefits of drumming, which include stress reduction, enhanced brain function, and a sense of joy & well-being. The Willows Intermediate drum class will perform a demonstration that will be sure to elevate the energy in the room. Listening, as well as playing, is a good community-builder. We hope to inspire you to sign up for a beginner class in January!
Wednesday, November 13th at 10:30 (3FC) Jen became a certified Better Bones & Balance leader in September and now it’s time to share what she learned! There are 5 simple moves, when done weekly, help maintain & build bone strength and help prevent falls. Learn what these moves are and how to perform them correctly. Most of the moves are performed in our existing Better Balance class, but now learn some of the science behind them. Space in the Fitness Center is limited, so please sign up in the book to attend.
Tuesdays November 5th & 12th at 2:15 (3FC) *Two Sessions: $10 Let’s do this! Last month, Christine introduced us to some fun disco moves and we had a blast! We worked our balance, our cardio & lifted our spirits. You can even dance in a chair, so nothing can get in the way of finding your groove.
Saturday, November 30th at 3:00 (3FC) A “Willows branded” cornhole game was handmade and donated for our new patio, but now that the weather is blustery these days, why not play indoors? We’ll play by the rules or make up our own, but either way it’ll be fun! Please sign up in the book to play! Saturday, November 23rd at 1:00 (3GL & 3TB) Let’s turn trash into treasure! Bring what Tuesday, November 5th at 3:30 you would normally recycle or throw (3MC) away to make ornaments & garland for What would you like see & do at The the 3rd Floor Games Lounge Christmas Willows in the months to come? Join the tree. We’ll provide the string, glue, & Programs team for an informal glitter and you provide the creativity. brainstorming session for upcoming programs both in-house and out.
Fridays, November 8th & 22nd at Wednesday, 1:30 (3MC) November 27th at Writing your story, whether fiction or 3:00 (3MC) non, gets your brain firing and is just Enjoy a cocktail (non- plain fun. Our writers go from alcoholic if you remembrance to fantasy, from poetry to choose) & light nibbles while playing a drama, from imaginative to factual. variety of brain games. Sign up in the Everyone is welcome to join in on this book to drink, think, socialize, and informal group! improve your mind!
By Appointment (your apt.) Learn how to use your smartphone, iPad, computer, or other device. Sign up for a 25 minute one-on-one meeting with Colin from Programs. Whether you have questions or just want to learn the capabilities of your device, Colin will help you gain knowledge at a pace that works for you. Sign up in the book and list a brief explanation of what you’re hoping to learn. Colin will contact you to schedule an appointment. Monday, November 11th at 5:15 (3MC) *By Reservation Only - sign up in the book Don your Seahawks gear to enjoy a tailgate dinner in front of the Media Center big screen! Watch the Seahawks take on the 49ers while enjoying dinner. There is no additional fee for this dinner, though it 11/3 Seahawks vs. Buccaneers does count as a meal. Seating for this event is limited, so sign up in the book to secure your seat and select 11/24 Seahawks vs. your dinner choices ahead of time. Eagles
Saturday, November 9th at 9:20 *Tickets: $23.10 (pay at the door) Watch the famous opera Madama Butterfly filmed live from the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. Cio-Cio San, a geisha known as Madame Butterfly, dreams of her future. On a hill overlooking the harbor, a wedding is about to take place between Lieutenant Pinkerton, a U.S. Naval officer, and Butterfly, with whom he has contracted a Japanese marriage.
Wednesday, November 20th at 12:30 *Ticket Fee: $6 (pay at the door) The Pickford Film Center is Bellingham’s leading venue for independent film with a special deal just for us. On this day, Willows movie- goers will choose from one or more films at a discounted price of $6 per person. Stay tuned to learn what films will be showing and sign up in the book to join! E,W Sunday, November 10th at 2:00 (DR) Ready to awaken your holiday spirit? Orcheo, a fusion of the words orchestra & choreography, is the young adult dance company of local Bellingham studio Dance for Joy. They will be showcasing their elite dance talent with the emphasis of bringing holiday cheer to us in the art form of dance, a Christmas gift. We’re bringing the stage to you, enjoy the show!
Saturday, November 16th at 3:30 (2FG) Join new resident Betty Edwards, who will greet you in an authentic Scandinavian costume at the opening of this colorful exhibit. Rosemaling is a traditional Norwegian decorative folk art painted on wood using primary and secondary colors. It incorporates floral designs, scroll work, lining and geometric elements usually in flowing patterns. Betty has spent 35 years learning, teaching and promoting this beautiful art style through classes, events and exhibits around the Pacific Northwest. Come witness this elegant and engaging artwork!
Sunday, November 17th at 1:45 (lecture & concert) or 2:30 (concert only) We will make two trips. *Call 360.734.6080 for tickets Join BSO for an afternoon of melody and triumph as the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra performs works by Borodin, Beethoven, and Saint-Saëns! The orchestra will be joined by Israeli-American cellist Amit Peled for Camille Saint- Saëns’ Cello Concerto No. 1, Peled’s performance will be followed by Alexander Borodin’s rich and energetic Symphony No. 2 and Beethoven’s famous Egmont Overture. If you would like to attend the pre-concert lecture, board the bus at 1:45. If you would like to attend the concert only, board the bus at 2:30. Please sign up in the book for transportation. E, WW Saturdays, November 9th & 30th at 2:00 (3MC) The Seven Years’ War in Indian Country
In the 7th chapter of this ongoing series of lectures, we’ll discuss what the Seven Years’ War (also known as the French and Indian War) looked like from the perspective of the Native People of the era. We will learn how the tribal nations, largely in the Northeast and Ohio Country, deployed both time-tested and innovative strategies to survive between European would-be empires.
The American Revolution Through Native Eyes While most of us learned about the American Revolution in school, we often forget that there are other perspectives on this often mythologized event in U.S. History. During this lecture, we’ll discuss how Native people experienced the war in at least three different ways; as allies, as participants in their own civil wars, and as neutral parties. Join us!
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Thursday, November 7th at 7:00: The Long Goodbye: The Kara Tippetts Story Wednesday, November 13th at 7:00: An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving Join Overnight Team member Laura Carney for another series of inspirational/ Christian-based films in the Media Center. A brief discussion will follow each film for those who wish to share thoughts about their themes & topics.
Tuesday, November 19th at 2:15 (3MC) Inspired by last month’s Book Club book Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates, join in a discussion led by resident Brenda Brooks about white privilege issues that affect us all. Can we learn from a position of understanding terms? What can we do once we understand?
Tuesday, November 26th at 2:15 (3MC) Academy of Lifelong Learning (A.L.L.) presenter Chaz Nelson will discuss Mandate of Heaven, a sacred mandate given by the Jade Emperor (God) to the the Son of Heaven (Emperor of China), to order the affairs of mankind. Learn how the Mandate is related to Mau, famine, heroic & un-heroic rebellion, corruption, dragons, cloud pillars, ancient & modern sacred vessels, the blood line of Confucius, the central bank of China, the Cultural Revolution, the Olympics, Xi Jinping, Carrie Lam (Hong Kong), and a bit more besides. Embrace the community. Build meaningful new relationships and nurture longstanding ones. We offer group discussions and other structured support for residents seeking camaraderie and connection.
Fridays at 3:00 (3GL) A popular way to wind down the week & catch up with friends & neighbors. Bring your favorite beverage and a snack to share. Enjoy an additional appetizer sent up from the Willows kitchen weekly.
Tuesday, November 19th at 7:00 (2FL) Cheers & a warm welcome to those who have moved to The Willows since July! Watch for an invitation under your door to sip wine (or non-alcoholic cider) & socialize with fellow new residents. We’re looking forward to getting to know you better!
Friday, November 1st at 9:00 Going 20 years strong, Diamond Jim’s offers all the classic breakfast favorites plus a variety of eggs benedict & scrambles, pancakes, French toast and more. Entrees average $10. Sign up in the book to join. E, WW
Wednesday, November 20th at 4:30 We’re heading to Northside Restaurant for Steak Night featuring a 7 oz. sirloin, baked potato & green salad for $14. Prime rib is their most popular specialty entrée with the petite cut starting at $23. Not in the mood for steak? There are a variety of seafood & poultry entrees to choose from as well. Sign up in the book to join. E, WW
Friday, November 22nd at 8:30 Hey guys! Let’s get together for some great food and laughs at the Men’s Breakfast! They offer a casual and friendly environment where they provide quality food and beverages at affordable prices. Entrees average around $12. Sign up in the book to join. E, WW Every other Monday at 10:30 (sign up) Monday, November 18th at 2:00 Located in Sunset Square. Extensive (sign up) selection and helpful staff. Safeway Post Office
Rite Aid Walgreens Every other Monday at 10:30 Beauty Supply Lowe’s (location alternates) (sign up) Xfinity (Comcast) WECU Tuesday Morning Banner Bank Over 80 years as the leading Northwest Goodwill Washington grocery store chain. JoAnn Fabrics Popular Personalized Transportation destinations include…
Every other Thursday at 2:00 The Dollar Tree (sign up) Various banks One-stop shop with groceries, pharmacy, Walgreens/Rite-Aid clothing, home décor, & more. Bellis Fair Mall Thrift Stores Varies. See Calendar for dates. And much more. Just ask! (sign up) Ask Programs or Front Desk which
Trader Joe’s has unique groceries & an trips are Northbound or extensive wine/beer selection. Southbound. See times below:
Every Tuesday & Thursday from 8:45 to 3:30
Morning appointments NORTH BOUND Afternoon appointments SOUTH BOUND
Sign up at the Front Desk for a trip on our shuttle to your medical appointments. Please call the Front Desk at least 24 hours in advance to arrange your ride.
Monday, November 11th from 2:00-4:00 SOUTH BOUND Wednesday, November 13th 10:00-12:00 NORTH BOUND
Just like Medical Transportation, you can sign up for a trip on our shuttle to the location of your choice! Sign up at the Front Desk. Tuesday, November 19th at 3:15 (3MC) Tuesday, November 26th from Here’s your opportunity to engage with 11:15-12:15 & 3:15-4:15 (3rd Floor our culinary team. Hear what’s new on Bistro) the horizon and share what you’d like to Find out more about next month’s events see! and sign up for trips, classes, fitness and more! Make a one-on-one appointment with Jen, Colin & Heather - our friendly Programs staff - and we’ll be able to answer questions and help you decide which offerings are best suited to your lifestyle. Sign up for your 5-minute time slot in the sign-up book on the day that the newsletters are delivered.
Maggie Weisberg 10 years E = Easy Trip Lorraine Stevens 6 years W = Walking Millie Myhre 5 years U = Uneven Ground or Pathway Bev Smith 5 years S = Standing Paul & Sophie Mueller 2 years Str = Stairs Gisela Max 1 year F = Free Time WW = Walkers Welcome
Jacob Garza 1 year
Manager: Viki Overnight Teams: Jim & Laura, Mike & [email protected] Carol Assistant Manager: Leslie Programs/LifeMinded Coaches: Jen, [email protected] Colin, Heather Sales & Marketing Director: Patrick [email protected] Front Desk: gillian, Shea, Molly H, Housekeeping Team: Jeanine, Sheri, Akela Bupar, Nancy, Ashley Relocation Coordinator: Molly D Maintenance Team: Tim, John, Bekk, Food Service Manager: Jim Neville DR & Catering Manager: Derek Maintain your talents. Sharpen your skills. Stay productive. Continue to put your abilities to work through volunteering, mentoring, networking and more. Whatever your life’s work, it need not end with retirement.
Brighten the day of others with a card, Help with folding napkins and other visit, or kind word. Talk to the Front projects every Monday and Wednesday Desk to get involved. Volunteers are at 1:30. Meet in the Dining Room. needed at this time!
Do your part to help keep The Willows Help stock merchandise and work short “green!” Help monitor the Refuse rooms shifts in the shop. Talk to Jen for more throughout the building to ensure information. recycling items are sorted correctly and educate your peers about proper recycling. Contact Jen in Programs to Patrick can use your help by get involved. volunteering to show your apartment, meet prospective residents, or hosting someone who is trying out The Willows. Contact Patrick for more information.
Thursday, November 21st at 11:15 (3GL) Questions? Comments? Concerns? Meet with our manager, Viki, and voice what is important to you.
Friday, November 8th at 10:30 Plans for a $1.6 million project to re-model the interior of the main floor of the Bellingham Central Library are underway. The public is invited to this information session that will outline the overview of the project plans completed by that time and a tour of the public areas expected to be affected. Plans include public spaces with a more open concept, incorporating new, more efficient book-handling technologies, and adding public restrooms. The design phase is underway through Fall 2019, with construction budgeted and scheduled for 2020. E, WW Monday, November 11th at 9:30 (DR) Please join us for a special complimentary breakfast prepared with deepest gratitude for all those who served our country with honor, courage and sacrifice. During breakfast, engage in conversation about memories & stories you may have in honor of all our veterans. Please join us as we give thanks to these brave men and women. This breakfast is complimentary for all residents. There will be no lunch service in the Dining Room. You may order a box lunch by dinnertime on Sunday November 10th at the Front Desk.
Tracey from Hearing Northwest Foot Care with Crissy will be stopping by every few Crissy Impero, RN, has over 12 years of experi- months to provide complimentary ence providing foot care. She visits The Willows hearing tests, hearing aid repair and twice a month to deliver on-site care for your otoscopic exams of your ear canal. feet, including trimming toenails, and reducing Sign up for an appointment in the book. corns, callouses and thick nails. Sign up for an appointment in the book. Pet Claw Clipping Right at Home offers
Every 6 weeks on a Saturday, Technician Jenna personal in-home assistance Jenkins visits your apartment to trim your dog to help you maintain your or cat’s nails. $10 per pet. Sign up for your 5 independence. Special minute appointment in the book. pricing arrangement for Willows residents. Call (360) 392-3934 or inquire at the Front Desk.
Massage Therapy The Willows Salon
With Diane Weber, LMP Tuesday: 9:00-4:00 Thursdays from 10:00 to 2:00 Wednesday: 9:30-4:00 $10 per 15 minutes. Schedule your appointment Thursday: 9:00-4:00 in the sign up book. Gift Certificates now Friday: 9:00-1:00 available for purchase at the Front Desk! (360) 756-0989 for appt. Whether it’s daily reflection, a weekly gathering, or lively discussion, a key to living LifeMinded is feeding the soul. Life is a journey, so join in!
Sign up ahead of time in the Sign-Up Wednesday, November 6th at 2:00 Book to ride our free bus to local (1FWL) churches. Pastor Kathy Hartgraves and friends of
9:00 - Assumption Catholic Garden Street United Methodist Church meet at The Willows monthly for a 9:30– First Congregational, Garden St. moment of worship, communion and Methodist fellowship. Kathy warmly welcome 10:00 - St. Paul’s Episcopal, First residents from any denomination. This Baptist, Unitarian Fellowship meeting time recurs every month on the 10:30 - Trinity Lutheran first Wednesday of the month. For more
information, contact the church office at (360) 733-7440. Wednesdays at 10:30 (1FWL) Rod Johnson leads non-denominational scripture study and prayer. Saturday, November 9th at 10:30 (3MC) This short, non-denominational service Fridays at 11:00 (3MC) combines communion, prayer, scripture Prayer and communion led by a lay readings, and reflection. Reverend person from Assumption Catholic Marsha Vollkommer of St. Paul’s Church. Episcopal Church leads this monthly gathering that all are welcome to attend.
Friday, 11/2 at 7:00 (3CL) Wednesday, November 6th at Four girls, ranging from age of 6 to 13, 10:00 are already winning coveted awards. Be Gustavo Camacho on horn, Greg Cox on prepared to be wowed by their flair on trombone, and Carla Rutschman on tuba the piano! will combine brass and rhythm in a program of unique works to get your toes tapping, from Cuba to Germany. Get
Thursday, 11/14 at 7:00 (3CL) ready to get your groove on! SD S ! Sign up in Enjoy a wide repertoire of Irish , the book for transportation. E, WW Scottish, & Scandinavian jigs, reels, waltzes and more!
Wednesday, 11/20 at 2:15 (3CL) Enjoy voices in harmony by this all- Sunday, November 3rd at 7:00 women barbershop chorus! (3CL) Donations accepted. Join resident piano and organ player, Vernon Greenstreet, to sing along to a collection of beloved hymns.
Monday, November 4th at 7:00 (3MC) Sunday, November 17th at 7:00 Enjoy a selection of classical music with (3MC) captivating on-screen visuals to Led by former resident, Anne entertain more than just your ears. Led Richardson, this Hymn Sing features a by former resident Anne Richardson. variety of hymns with lyrics and accompanying images projected on the big screen.
Thursday, November 21st at 7:00 Sunday, November 24th at 4:45 (3MC) Taizé worship centers on singing, prayer, Gather together to sing-along to songs readings and silence. Simple songs are related to home featuring Bless this sung in a repetitive manner to create a House, This Ole House, Fiddler on the deep, meditative mood. Sign up in the Roof and more! book for transportation. E, WW Thursday, November 28th at 9:00 (3MC) If you’re a morning person and love this famous New York City parade, we invite you to join us in the Media Center for coffee and baked goods to watch together!
Thursday, November 28th from 1:00 to 4:00 (DR) Roast turkey, glazed ham & vegetable frittata with all the traditional sides, wine or sparkling cider and a variety of desserts! Guests are welcome. Watch for a flyer under your door. Please make your reservations at the Front Desk by Sunday, November 17th. (Guests are $18).
Thursday, November 28th all day (2SL) Almost as essential as turkey and mashed potatoes in some households, we’ll have the football games on throughout the day. The Bears take on the Lions at 9:30, the Bills play the Cowboys at 1:30, and the Falcons go up against the Saints at 5:20.