News from the senior center

Mammogram Van Coming to Orcas Senior Center

Assured Imaging will be at Orcas Senior Center again this year with their Mammogram Van on Sept. 20, 21, and 22. A third day was added due to such a successful turnout of 94 patients last year.

Although one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, nearly all breast cancer is treated successfully if detected early. Assured Imaging offers a relaxed atmosphere with a friendly, professional, all-female clinical staff.

All major insurance is accepted, and no referral is necessary. Call (888) 233-6121 to schedule your appointment or go to orcasseniors.org for a link.

Orcas District Committee Election Results

Thanks to everyone who participated in the recent Orcas District Committee election. We received 77 valid ballots, and the results are in! Tom Eversole, Diane Craig, Elsie Pamuk, Greg Raffelson, Darcey Miller, Allan Rosato, and Jennifer Hairston all received sufficient votes to allow them to continue to serve on the committee. They join longstanding members Maggie Kaplan, Jerry Todd, and Lynnette Wood who, together with staff, work with organizational partners to manage the programs and facilities of the Orcas Senior Center.

There is room for more! Our bylaws allow for up to 15 committee members. So, if you are interested in joining a highly relevant and engaged group of dedicated individuals who are committed to increasing and improving services to seniors and persons with disabilities on Orcas Island, then please consider joining us. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Lena Kassa at Lena@orcasseniors.org or (360) 919-9312.

Orcas Senior Center Set to Reopen

Who would have guessed when we closed our doors last March due to COVID-19 safety concerns, they would still be closed 17 months later. Not us, that’s for sure! During this long period, our community has sheltered in place, social distanced, and masked up. As a result, we are the only county in the State which has had no recorded deaths from COVID-19. Now, with many already fully vaccinated and more becoming vaccinated every day, it is finally time for us to fling open our doors and resume in-person activities.

On Monday, August 2, our doors will once again be open to the public. The building has been deep-cleaned and hand sanitizers will be readily available throughout the building. Over the coming months, we will gradually re-introduce in-person classes and activities.

Senior lunches will resume with one day a week to start and then gradually introducing two and then three meals a week. The first day we will begin Senior Lunch will be Monday, September 13. Meanwhile, Meals on Wheels deliveries will continue as they always have. If you interested in receiving home-delivered meals, please contact Jami Mitchell at 360-376-7926 or jamim@sanjuanco.com.

We still need drivers, both for Meals on Wheels deliveries and for medical transportation, as well as lunchroom help. If you are interested in volunteering for any of these opportunities, please contact Jami or Lena Kassa at Lena@orcasseniors.org or 360-919-9312.

OSC policies and programs will be subject to change depending on requirements and recommendations from government agencies. In addition, Washington State law requires unvaccinated people continue to wear a mask when in public spaces.

Meanwhile, keep your eye on our website orcasseniors.org for the latest updates on programs and activities. Then, starting August, please come in and meet our new staff in-person and say hello to friends you haven’t seen in a while. Welcome back, everyone!