Submitted by the Orcas Senior Center.
Create comfort with fidget quilts
Join Brenda Bacon at Orcas Senior Center for a creative Fidget Quilt workshop on Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 1-4 p.m. This hands-on session is 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. Donations of materials are appreciated to help support the project.
No registration required. Questions? Contact Bacon at 704-957-0683 or baconbc@outlook.com.
Move with Ease: Gentle Feldenkrais classes with Andrea Preiss — Back Tuesday, Feb. 10!
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. Learn more about her work at www.sound-movement.org.
Grannie’s Attic: A treasure hunt awaits
Mark your calendar for the exciting return of Grannie’s Attic at Orcas Senior Center on Saturday, April 18! This community-favorite event is better than ever, featuring artisan booths alongside household items, vintage finds, tools, collectibles and more.
Reserve your booth: Rent a table to showcase your items! The price of renting a table is $25, and each seller can reserve up to two 6-foot tables (allocated on a first-come, first-served basis).
Donate and volunteer: Have new or gently used items to donate? We welcome donations (no furniture or clothing). Volunteers are also needed for setup, event-day tasks and cleanup.
Get involved today: Reserve your table or sign up to help by contacting Edy Hansen at 206-413-6167 or edy@orcasseniors.org. Don’t miss this chance to join a vibrant community event!
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. While Frank suggests a $15 donation per class, 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.
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 classes 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!
Medicare’s preventive benefits: Why they matter
Taking care of your health before problems arise is essential — and Medicare helps make that possible. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers many preventive services to detect conditions early. Medicare Part B also includes an annual wellness visit and a yearly appointment to review your health and create a personalized prevention plan.
Many preventive services are available at no cost, meaning no deductibles, copayments or coinsurance. These benefits offer:
Early detection — Catch conditions when they’re easier to treat.
Cost savings — Preventing or managing issues early reduces overall expenses.
Improved quality of life — Staying healthy supports well-being as you age.
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.
