Submitted by the Orcas Island Senior Cemter.
Bringing mammograms to you
You don’t need to travel off-island for a mammogram. Assured Imaging is bringing mobile mammography to Orcas Senior Center, offering quick, convenient screenings right in our community. Whether it’s your first mammogram or part of your regular care, this is an easy way to stay on top of your health.
Mobile mammography uses state-of-the-art digital imaging in a comfortable, private setting. The entire process takes about 15 minutes and is conducted by experienced, certified technicians. Screening days are Sept. 22-24, at Orcas Senior Center. Don’t miss this chance to prioritize your well-being with minimal disruption to your day. Visit www.assuredimaging.com/orcas or call Assured Imaging directly at 888-233-6121 to book your appointment. No referral needed. All major insurance plans are accepted.
Help with Medicare costs
Are you on Medicare and struggling to afford care? You may qualify for financial assistance through one or more of the following programs: Medicaid (Apple Health), the Medicare Savings Program or the Low-Income Subsidy (Extra Help). If your monthly income is below $1,976 for an individual ($2,664 for a couple) — and even higher if you’re still working — you could be eligible. These programs may help pay your Part B premium, reduce prescription costs, eliminate late enrollment penalties and cover deductibles and copays.
Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors, or 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 — in person, by phone or on Zoom.
Fidget quilts
Join Brenda Bacon at Orcas Senior Center for a creative fidget quilt workshop on Wednesday, Aug. 20, Sept. 17 and Oct. 15, from 1-4 p.m. These hands-on sessions are designed to guide participants in crafting small, tactile quilts that offer comfort and engagement for individuals living with dementia.
Fidget quilts feature interactive elements such as zippers, Velcro, buttons, ribbons and textured fabrics — designed to keep hands busy and minds soothed. Bacon will provide sewing machines, basic materials and step-by-step guidance. Sample quilts and handouts will also be available to spark ideas and creativity.
Whether you’re new to sewing or an experienced quilter, all are welcome. Come to one or attend all three sessions. Donations of materials are appreciated to help support the project.
No registration required. Questions? Contact Bacon at 704-957-0683 or baconbc@outlook.com.
Art with Carla
Unleash your creativity at Art with Carla Fridays, 1-3 p.m., at Orcas Senior Center. Led by experienced artist Carla Stanley, this lighthearted class focuses on the creative process with a strong belief in your artistic potential, regardless of skill level. Stanley’s lifelong passion for drawing, backed by an Associate of Arts degree in Visual Communications from The Art Institute of Seattle, makes her the perfect guide for a fun and inclusive artistic journey.
The class is $10 to attend. Contact Stanley at 360-317-5652 or onlyonorcas@gmail.com to secure your spot.
Gentle Feldenkrais classes with Andrea Preiss
Discover the power of mindful movement with Andrea Preiss, an experienced physical therapist, Feldenkrais practitioner and therapeutic eurythmist. Join her for a gentle, seated movement class every Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Orcas Senior Center. These sessions blend Feldenkrais and eurythmy techniques to support mobility, balance, stability and even vision — ideal for all fitness levels. Please wear comfortable clothing and non-slip shoes. Each class is $15. Preiss has nearly 40 years of experience and received her certification in Germany in 1982.
Questions? Contact Preiss at sound-movement@hotmail.com or 206-383-7705. Peer Grief Support Group
Join us for a supportive, non-judgmental space to process grief and mourning with the Drop-In Peer Grief Support Group on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. at Orcas Senior Center. This group is designed to help normalize your feelings, facilitate healing and provide understanding. We offer a safe space to explore your thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment.
For questions, contact George Eberle at 360-298-2829, or John Ehrmantraut at casadonjuan12@gmail.com or 760-325-0677. We look forward to supporting you.
Island Hearing
Stacie Nordrum, Au.D., CCC-A, from Island Hearing Healthcare, provides hearing care at Orcas Senior Center every first Thursday of the month. To secure your slot, it is advisable to schedule your appointment well in advance, as availability fills up rapidly. The range of services offered encompasses hearing assessments, personalized consultations, hearing aid programming and various other hearing aid services. Additionally, complimentary cleaning and checks for hearing aids, along with general consultations, are available. For appointment scheduling and any inquiries, reach out to Nordrum directly at 360-378-2330 or islandhearing@gmail.com. Discover more about Island Hearing Healthcare by visiting www.islandhearing.net.
Watercolor painting
Dive into the soothing and expressive world of watercolor painting with instructor Robbie Walker! This beginner-friendly class meets on Mondays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and resumes Sept. 8 after a summer break.
Participants are kindly requested to contribute a nominal fee of $10 per session. Please bring your own basic supplies.
