Events at Orcas Senior Center

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Submitted by the Orcas Senior Center.

New monthly card game – Karma

Starting Thursday, March 13, recent Orcas Senior Center members Mark Ferrari and his mom, Jackie Ferrari, will host a new monthly card game at the center. Karma is a fun, fast-paced and easy-to-learn game that always brings surprises — no two games end the same way!

Ferrari insists that anyone can learn to play in mere minutes, including those with cognitive challenges, who are welcome to bring a friend or caregiver to team up with. He’ll also be happy to offer pointers and coaching as needed.

Join the fun on the second Thursday of each month at 2 p.m. Cards, simple instructions and “expert coaching” will be provided free of charge.

For more information, contact Ferrari at mawkyman@gmail.com. Hope to see you there!

Inspirational Aging: A peer support group

Join a welcoming group of peers for open, honest conversations about the journey of aging. Inspirational Aging meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 11 a.m. at Orcas Senior Center starting March 13.

Together, we will navigate the complexities of growing older by sharing experiences, offering support and finding inspiration along the way. Expect meaningful discussions, mutual encouragement and plenty of laughter.

For more information, contact Edy Hansen at edy@orcasseniors.org or 206-413-6167.

Getting ready for Medicare

Is 2025 your year for joining Medicare? Medicare enrollment is not automatic for most people, so you’ll probably need to enroll with Social Security. Then you’ll have to decide what type of Medicare coverage you want. To make an informed decision about your coverage choices, you’ll need to understand a lot of new information.

Trained Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors program volunteers are here to make the transition easier for you. Join us for a free Welcome to Medicare presentation at Orcas Senior Center on Thursday, March 13 at 11 a.m. Learn how Medicare works, what your coverage options are and when you must act to avoid penalties. To participate by Zoom, email shibasjco@yahoo.com.

SHIBA, sponsored by Orcas Senior Center, is a free, unbiased and confidential informational service offered through the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Contact the Orcas Island SHIBA office at 360-376-5892 to schedule a counseling session.

Chair Yoga: Enhancing balance and well-being for seniors and individuals with disabilities

Join us for Chair Yoga, a soothing practice tailored for seniors and those with disabilities, held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10-10:45 a.m. This gentle technique incorporates the use of a chair for support, enabling participants to explore balance poses without the concern of falling.

Susie Frank, an Orcas resident of over 30 years, brings her expertise, having practiced yoga since 2009 and completed her yoga teacher training at 8 Limbs Yoga in Seattle in 2016. While Frank suggests a $15 donation per class ($12 for OSC members), no one will be turned away due to financial constraints. For inquiries, reach out to Frank directly at 360-298-4484 or sissooz@yahoo.com.

Mindful Tranquility with Julia Summers: Weekly meditation sessions

Julia Summers leads a weekly meditation group at Orcas Senior Center Tuesdays at 1 p.m. Regardless of prior experience, Summers extends a warm invitation to all, emphasizing inclusivity by operating the sessions on a donation basis. With open hearts, she embraces everyone, cultivating a community dedicated to the profound journey of self-discovery and tranquility.

Summers’ own transformative journey began amidst the nomadic families of Nepal, where she discovered profound solace in spirituality, choosing inner richness over material pursuits. Imbibing the teachings of Buddhism and seeking wisdom from spiritual mentors, Summers later shared her expertise at the Spirit Rock Meditation Center. In 2013, fueled by a passion to spread the transformative power of mindfulness, she founded Spirit House, a haven for spiritual retreats.

For more information contact Summers at spirithouseojai@gmail.com. All are welcome!

Ukulele Kanikipila: Join the musical fun

Experience the joy of making music at Ukulele Kanikipila, Hawaiian for “play music,” Mondays from 1-3 p.m. at Orcas Senior Center. This gathering is open to everyone with an interest in playing music for two hours each week.

If you’re a player looking to dive into the world of ukulele playing, join Kathy Collister’s twice-weekly ukulele class on Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon. If you are a true beginner Collister has an 11 a.m. class on Thursdays that will get you up to speed in no time!

Collister, an experienced instructor, will guide you through the basics of introductory chords and strumming techniques. The class is free of charge, but make sure to bring your own ukulele. For inquiries about the ukulele sessions, including information on borrowing a ukulele, feel free to reach out to Collister at kcollister15@gmail.com.

Beginners and adults of all ages are welcome to join the musical journey!