Connecting at the Senior Center September/October 2021 Digital Equity: “Wait… What’s That?” When the pandemic erupted, our society specific tools they need to achieve their goals. experienced a profound disconnection and Without appropriate devices, training and ongoing technology was used to bridge this “social support, free internet may provide no advantage. distance.” Organizations passed out electronic devices, governments funded low-cost internet The Senior Center’s Digital Equity program is set access and we learned how to Zoom and to “visit” up to address these inequities. If you’ve never our doctor using Telehealth. used a computer, tablet or smart phone before, our staff and volunteers can help. If you need to Despite everyone’s efforts, the pandemic only upgrade your device, we can offer insight into the heightened awareness that great inequalities options. If you need better internet connections, and inequities exist that prevent people from we can point you to inexpensive choices. If you accessing essential services through technology. need tech support or training, we’ll sit beside Equality results when everyone receives the same you with your device and guide you to your resources—like providing free high-speed internet technological destination. Our goal is to make access to all seniors. This is not necessarily sure all seniors in the community have the access equitable, however. Equity focuses on justice and skills to use technology to get the services and fairness to ensure that everyone, especially they need and stay connected to the people they underrepresented groups, are equipped with the love. Executive Director Bookkeeper Stop ‘N Shop Senior Center Amy Lee Derenthal Andrea Erickson Manager 4217 SW Oregon St Aylene Kandappu Seattle, WA 98116 Office Manager Social Workers Monday-Friday: Nicole Knowles Mo Fain, MSW Stop ‘N Shop 8:30am-4pm Toni Ameslav, MSW Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator Tessa Bowden Stop ‘N Shop Sara Hanson-Andreu Development & 4504 California Ave SW Communications Digital Equity Seattle, WA 98116 Program Coordinator Manager Coordinator Thursday-Tuesday: Nancy Cossette Nathan Box Martin Piccoli 11am-4pm Chef/Site Coordinator Outreach-Westside Francisco Briseño Friends Michele Fawcett-Long sc-ws.org • 206-932-4044 • [email protected] Greetings From the Executive Director So many of our programs and services have returned in person thanks to our wonderful staff and volunteer team at the Senior Center. 2021 Board of Directors We can’t wait to share with you what we have Karen Pfeiffer Bush, Scott Collins, planned for this fall. You’ll find a mix of familiar President ComForCare Home Care classes and activities, as well as some new S365 Consulting + Design programs we hope you’ll try. Gentle Yoga and Kristine Milkovich, Tai Chi are back with new instructors, and we’re Dennis Jackson, The Milkovich Team/John launching a Healing Touch service this month. Vice-President L. Scott You may want to test our Acting Class or join me Community Member for Walking Wednesdays here in the Junction Stephanie Bruno, neighborhood. And, we are hosting Game Day Sea to Peak Financial John Cluff, Treasurer every Friday—a chance to meet up with friends and Community Member Advisors play board games or cards. Dawn Schaper, Committee Chairs I’m excited to announce that monthly Birthday Secretary Lunches are back beginning in September, so mark Brookdale Admiral Karen Pfeiffer Bush, Heights Executive your calendar to join us. And, we’re introducing a new monthly evening event in October—Piano Board Members Dennis Jackson, Bar—featuring live piano music with Larry Knapp Equity and Inclusion and friends. Get ready for unforgettable nights of Ann-Marie Murray, ragtime, swing, blues and romantic ballads from the Independent Producer, John Cluff, Finance Great American Songbook. Coastal Insurance Alison Morton, We also invite you to join us for the Senior Center’s Benjamin Jury, Co-owner Fundraising Chair annual Fundraising Breakfast on Tuesday, Sept. 28. Duos Catering The event is back in person and features magician Carol McClure, Nash Fung. In addition to great entertainment and Richard Kromm, Welcome Ambassador a delicious breakfast, this is your chance to meet Road Winery Karen Pfeiffer Bush other community members who are dedicated to Carol McClure, Financial & Richard Kromm, improving the lives of seniors in West Seattle. You’ll Designs Inc. Governance Co-Chairs also have an opportunity to help us celebrate 50 years of services to the community and catch a Alison Morton, CFRE, John Cluff, Sound glimpse of things to come. Kindering Generations Advocacy I look forward to seeing you—either at the Senior Center, at our Fundraising Breakfast or out in the Board meetings are held the second Wednesday community. of each month at 5:30pm via Zoom. Stay safe, To get in touch with the board email: [email protected] Mission Statement Our mission is to provide a welcoming, inclusive Board meeting minutes are available for public environment where people can enjoy warm viewing in our library. friendships, healthy activities, joyful expressions and meaningful engagement as they age. 2 Connecting at the Senior Center Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month The Senior Center is excited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by recognizing the rich histories, cultures and contributions of our community members whose ancestors came from Central America, South America, Spain, Mexico and the Caribbean. National Hispanic Heritage Month lasts from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, encompassing many key dates for Latin America. Sept. 15 marks the anniversary of indepen- dence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Hon- duras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico celebrates independence on Sept. 16 and Chile on Sept. 18. To wrap up the month, Día de la Raza, a celebration of native cultures, is on October 12. Latinx communities often celebrate this month with parades, public events and family gatherings. This year will bring a mix of virtual and in-person events, including a virtual festival at Seattle Center. You can learn more about how to participate at www. seattlecenter.com/events/featured-events/festal/ sea-mar-fiestas-patrias At the Senior Center, we’re thrilled to have the Sea Mar Community Health Centers group back in our building. This group of Latinx seniors visit the Senior Center every Tuesday for food and social time—and we love seeing them again in person. Commitment to Equity The Senior Center of West Seattle strives to be a safe place where everyone feels welcome. The Senior Center does not tolerate discrimination of any kind due to race, religion, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orienta- tion, language, class or socio-economic status. We acknowledge that systemic racism exists, and we are com- mitted to taking a stand against racism and intolerance. Connecting at the Senior Center 3 Programs: Health and Wellness About Our Health and Wellness Programs: The Senior Center supports our community’s physical, emotional and mental health. From fitness classes and foot care clinics to emotional support groups, we provide a holistic approach to keeping you healthy as you age. ENHANCE FITNESS IN PERSON: TAI CHI Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9-10am Thursdays (except Oct. 21 & 28), 10-11am Join the Senior Center’s fitness instructor for this Improve your balance and increase your energy, innovative class combining aerobics, strength, balance strength and coordination. Join instructor Richard and stretching three days per week. No experience Lazeres for a blend of exercises for health benefits, needed to join in the fun and stay active. longevity and fun. To register, call the Senior Center: 206-932-4044 x1. Enhance Fitness class is free to Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage members and some Silver and Fit providers. Check eligibility with your insurance FOOT CARE company. To register, call the Senior Center: Fridays, Oct. 1 and Oct. 15, 9am-4pm 206-932-4044 x1. Fee: $30 for members, $40 non-members Give your feet the attention they deserve with a foot care appointment with Nurse Keith Germain. To QIGONG register, call the Senior Center: 206-932-4044 x1. Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30am Join us for Qigong (pronounced chee gung), an effec- tive practice for improving your immune and respi- DENTAL HYGIENE ratory systems and overall health. Clases are offered Fridays, Oct. 22, Dec. 10, April 22, 9am-4pm in person and over Zoom. No special equipment, Fee: Low cost Get your pearly whites cleaned at the Senior Center clothing or experience is necessary. Pre-registration by Dental Hygienist Jan Loder-Gaidos, RDH. Pick up required for virtual class. Zoom replays available for application forms at the Senior Center and call Jan viewing later. To register and receive the Zoom link, Loder-Gaidos’ office at 206-498-4023 to set up an contact Terry Leers: 206-999-5381 or terryleers.sfq@ appointment. gmail.com. MOBILE BARBER WALKING WEDNESDAYS Thursdays, Sept. 30 and Oct 28, 10am-4pm Wednesdays, 9-9:30am Lace up your sneakers and join us for a walk in the Suggested donation: $10 Are you due for a trim or buzz? We now offer mobile Junction neighborhood. We’ll meet at the front door barber and hair cut services in partnership with Ola of the Senior Center and enjoy the social and physical Salon for our community. To book your appointment, benefits of getting our steps in every week. Walkers of call Ola Salon at 206-743-8938 and mention the all paces are welcome. Senior Center of West Seattle. GENTLE YOGA HEALING TOUCH Mondays, 9:30-10:30am Join certified yoga instructor Chris Tanaka (she/her) for Thursdays beginning Sept. 16, 9-10am Healing Touch is a compassionate energy therapy in chair and standing poses (no floor sitting) to improve which practitioners use their hands in a heart-centered breathing, flexibility, balance and mood.