Submitted by Orcas Senior Center
Welcome Edy Hansen
When does an Australian Shepherd learn to close doors and turn on lights? When that canine buddy is part of Edy Hansen’s overachieving family!
The Orcas Senior Center welcomes its newest staff member, Edy Hansen, who has taken on the role of Activities and Administrative Coordinator. Many of you may know her as the spa manager of Rosario Resort and Spa, where she worked for the last five years. A former business owner and recent author of two children’s books, you may also know her as the single mother of three daughters, who all graduated from Orcas Island High School and subsequently from Western Washington University. Or perhaps you may know her as the daughter of Sue Lamb, a much admired and well-recognized local artist.
Edy brings many fresh ideas for new classes, activities, and field trips; as well as immense enthusiasm for her new role. When asked what interested in her applying for the position, she responded, “I’ve always been proud of our senior center, as I saw firsthand how much my Mom enjoys her time there and how much it means to her to be involved with the center.”
As for the aforementioned shepherd? Her name is Buuki, and she is smart enough to hide in the bathtub when it gets very windy outside. Edy speculates she must have experienced a Kansas tornado or two in a previous life!
Slow Yoga and Chair Yoga
Slow Yoga, offered on Thursdays, 9:15-10:15 a.m. at Orcas Senior Center, incorporates the use of props and supports to help gain access to postures safely and mindfully. It is ideal for those new to yoga or those seeking a slower more supported practice. Chair Yoga, offered on Thursdays from 10:30-11:30 a.m., is a gentle technique allowing seniors and persons with disabilities to practice balance poses without the risk of falling with the use of a chair as support.
An Orcas resident for over 30 years, Susie has been practicing yoga since 2009 and received her yoga teacher training from 8 Limbs Yoga in Seattle in 2016. Susie suggests a $15 donation ($12 for friends of OSC) per class, but nobody will be turned away for lack of funds. Contact Susie directly for participation and payment inquiries at 360-298-4484 or sissooz@yahoo.com.
Ukulele Kanikapila and Beginners’ Ukulele
Join the ukulele Kanikipila, Hawaiian for “play music,” on Mondays, 1-3 p.m. at Orcas Senior Center. The first half hour will be a lesson or two and then everyone will have the opportunity to play. Adults of all ages with all levels of ukulele expertise welcome to join in or sit and listen.
Don’t know how to play the ukulele but want to learn? Beginning Tuesday, March 7 at 11 a.m., join Kathy Collister in a weekly beginners’ ukulele class. Kathy will recommend resources to help get you started, and focus will be on learning introductory chords and strumming. No fee for the class, but you will need to provide your own ukulele. For all ukulele-related inquiries, including questions about borrowing a ukulele, please email Kathy at kcollister15@gmail. Beginners and adults of all ages are welcome!
