Orcas Senior Center events

Submitted by the Orcas Senior Center.

Fraud Prevention: How to spot and stay safe from scams

In today’s digital age, scams, and fraud, are more prevalent than ever. Protecting yourself and your loved ones from these threats requires knowledge and vigilance. Fortunately, the Orcas Senior Center and the Federal Trade Commission are here to help.

Join Jennifer Tourjé, assistant director of the FTC’s Northwest Region, for an informative in-person discussion on Wednesday, May 14, at 1 p.m. Tourjé, a former state and federal prosecutor and an Orcas resident, will share essential tips on spotting, reporting and avoiding scams.

For more information, contact Tourjé at jtourje@ftc.gov. Additionally, visit www.consumer.ftc.gov for free consumer education resources and expert insights on fraud prevention. Stay informed, stay safe!

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.

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.

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 on 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 twice weekly for 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!