The Bridge - December 2011 Edition

It doesn’t happen too often, but harsh winter storms in the Pacifi c Northwest are a fact of life. Often these storms include high winds

with downed power lines that have left us without electricity for anywhere from a few minutes to a few days. In addition, heavy snowfall is not unheard of on Whidbey Island with a record of almost 36 inches of the white stuff falling in less than 30 hours. Living on an island presents unique challenges especially to those living alone and/or dealing with health issues.

Do you have a Disaster Buddy? Someone to check on you when a disaster strikes? Lifelines and other features may not work due to power outages. Is someone aware of your special needs, such as life support equipment, which would make you a high priority for rescue efforts?

Join us Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 1-4:00 pm for our Winter Storm Preparedness Fair. Qualifi ed instructors in Public Disaster Education, the Red Cross and Oak Harbor Fire & Rescue will be on hand with discussions, displays and handouts to help you prepare for the Winter Storms. Learn about the Disaster Buddy program, register with the OH Fire & Rescue if you have special needs that will make you a priority to bring to an emergency shelter

Learn how to register yourself on the Red Cross

website as “Safe and Well”. After a disaster, letting your family and friends know that you are safe and well can bring your loved ones great peace of mind. This website is designed to help make that communication easier.

Assemble a one person 3-day kit. Cost is $9.00. Sign up with payment by December 5. There will be door prizes to compliment your Emergency Preparedness efforts. RSVP by calling the Center at 279-4583.

Emergency preparedness is an act of love. If you love no one, including yourself, you have no reason to prepare. However, with a little forethought and planning, you can give yourself a real sense of peace knowing that you have a plan in place. Be aware… Be ready…and Prepare Because You Care.

Laughter: The Shortest Distance

Pg. 2

DecemberEventsPg. 2

Health &Wellness

Pg. 5

Interest & SupportGroupsPg. 6

Yuletide SeasonWays To Spread Joy

Pg. 7

Winter storm preparedness fairtheBridge

LIFE . HEALTH . HAPPINESS

NORTH WHIDBEY’S 50-PLUS CROWD

Don’t wait to prepare and be caught unable to get provisions.

December 2011 | Vol. 3 | Issue 8

APPLEBEE’S DINING OUT CHRISTMAS FUNDRAISER

Give a gift to the Oak Harbor Senior Center while doing your holiday shopping by stopping at Applebee’s for lunch or dinner! Invite all of your friends & family to dine with us any time on Thursday, Dec. 8 and Applebee’s will donate 15% of the proceeds to the Oak Harbor Senior Center. (To-go and carside to-go orders will be applied!) Pick up your fl yer (Ticket) at the Oak Harbor Senior Center. You must have a ticket fl yer for the Senior Center to receive 15%. This offer is good only at the Applebee’s at 31810 State Route 20 in Oak Harbor. A fun, tasty way to raise funds and best of all no dishes to wash!

Who’s your “disaster buddy?”

INSIDE THIS EDITION Classes Pg. 3 Calendar Pg. 7 Travel Pg. 4 Menu Pg. 5

VFW SENIORS CHRISTMAS LUNCHEONThe VFW’s Annual Seniors Christmas Luncheon, is Wednesday, Dec 14, from 1 to 4 pm. All seniors are welcome. Lunch, Santa Claus visit, and Christmas festivities are part of the fun. The VFW Post is located at 3037 Goldie Road in Oak Harbor. Please RSVP by calling 279-4580 by Friday, Dec. 9 for the food count. (Para-Transit will drop-off and pick-up for this event. Make reservations early.)ANNUAL CHRISTMAS LIGHT TOURGet ready to jingle your bells on our Annual Christmas Light Tour, Monday, Dec. 19 at 5 pm. Depart from the Center. Cost is $6 per person and there are 20 seats available. No-host light dinner stop before the tour. Stop by the Senior Center to sign up.CANADIAN TRAIN PRESENTATIONJay, group manager of Globus/Cosmos will give a presentation on the Canadian Train Odyssey scheduled for April 23 – May 3, 2012, on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 10 am at the Oak Harbor Senior Center. Brochures are available at the Center. This cross-country train adventure begins in Toronto, ends in Vancouver, and includes beautiful scenery and fun-filled activities in some of Canada’s most popular cities. Any questions, please phone Pat at 279-4582 or stop by and see her. Deposits will be taken this day or sooner if planning on going with us. Only three people needed. RSVP by calling 279-4580. VFW POST 7392 SUNDAY BREAKFASTBreakfast will be served at the VFW Post 7392, on Sunday, Dec. 18 from 10 am to 12 pm. The breakfast features pancakes, eggs, hash browns, breakfast meats, and biscuits-n-gravy. The cost is $6 for adults, $3 for seniors and children. All are invited. Breakfast proceeds benefit our local post, including veterans’ assistance and community service programs. The Whitehead-Muzzall Post is located at 3037 N. Goldie Road, Oak Harbor. For more information, contact the Post at 360-675-4048.2012 Cruise DealsJoin Roxann Dunn-Terry on a cruise in 2012! Special deals available on cruises to New England/Canada in October and Mississippi Paddlewheeler out of New Orleans for the holidays. Take advantage of the great deals with deposits made in December. Details are in the travel section.

Seniors are being targeted in the recent home and automobile invasions on North Whidbey. On Friday, Dec. 9 at 1 pm representatives from the Oak Harbor Police Department will be at the Oak Harbor Senior Center to discuss tips and precautions you can take to protect yourself and your property.

HomeSecurity

2nd ANNUAL CHILDREN’S BOOK DRIVE“A book is a present, that you can open again and again.”

–Mary Englebreit. The Friends of The Library and The Oak Harbor Senior Center are sponsoring the 2nd Annual Children’s Holiday Book Drive. From now until Dec. 14 we will accept new and gently used books for children. Books do not necessarily need to be about the holidays. The books will be distributed to Hand-In-Hand Early Learning Center Head Start at the Clover Valley Elementary School. The goal is to give every child possible a book of their own, and encourage a love for reading. Books open doors to new worlds. Books may be dropped off at the Oak Harbor Senior Center.

The Bridge | December 2011Page 2 | the hub

> DECEMBER EVENT SPOTLIGHT

I do love Christmas Trees. I love everything about them. I really love natural trees. I never thought I would be the owner of an artifi cial tree. But I am. It wasn’t’ easy. It happened about seven years ago. There was such a good buy on one that after we bought one for the Senior Center, we got one just like it for the house. I have my reasons.

Growing up, I honestly thought it was a Christmas tradition to have “Dad’s Annual Christmas Tree Lights

Meltdown.” Didn’t every family? We kids would disappear until after he got the lines untangled, re-placed dead lights and got them hung on the tree and Mom quit whispering, “Now Chuck, the girls will hear you, Now Chuck.” We just giggled knowing that Grandad said worse and our Nana was always saying, “Now Frank, the girls are here, Now Frank.” For years, I thought ‘Now’ was a term of endearment then later realized the girls vocabularies were about to increase. The worst year was when Mom decided to get a live tree. Nice thought but after the cat decided she had an indoor litter box in the front room, the tree got replaced. It was not the smell of Christmas we wanted. We had two ‘Daddy Meltdowns’ that year and the cat was kept hid ‘til after New Year’s.

So, the fi rst Christmas when soon-to-be Mr. Volunteer was helping me decorate the tree in my small apartment, and I realized I didn’t have to disappear

or say “Now,” I knew he was a Christmas keeper. The fi rst year we got a Charlie Brown tree in the middle of the night along side Ft. Nugent Road. One more year of living in Illinois almost made an artifi cial tree owner out of me. Those trees come from Wisconsin and believe me, they ain’t no Pacifi c Northwest evergreen. One year we went and got one at night. There had been a snowstorm the night before and the tree lot attendant gave one to us at a lower price because snow was covering it and we couldn’t see how big it really was. It was BIG. When we got it into the house Danny was thrilled and thought he could climb it. One year I took Danny and Beth to get a tree without Daddy. Big mistake. Mr. Volunteer never bonded with that tree. The fi nal straw that led to our current tree was the year before artifi cial tree came to live with us. Mr. Volunteer, me and Beth went to pick out Doug (we always named our Pacifi c Northwest

trees Doug as in ‘Mr. Douglas Fir’). It was cold, sleeting, and we tromped over acres of tree farm ‘til we found Doug, cut him down, dragged him back up a hill, paid more than we wanted and then went to tie him on top of the car. Beth rolled down the back windows as asked by her father, she held Doug while her father wrapped rope around and around and around Doug so he wouldn’t blow off. Then when we went to get into the car, discovered that Mr. Volunteer had secured Doug and tied the doors shut….It was a very cold ride home and I told Beth to put her hands over her ears.

The next year we got the artifi cial tree and I tell people it’s because the lights were already on. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. But I do love Christmas trees– Pacifi c Northwest Christmas trees.

THE SHORTESTDISTANCE

“Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.”

BY ROXANN DUNN-TERRY

Oh, Christmas Tree

theBridge {online at www.whidbeynewstimes.com}THE BRIDGE is a joint publication of Oak Harbor Senior

Services and the Whidbey News-Times and is distributed to more

than 7,000 North Whidbey homes monthly on the last Wednesday of

the month. Printing any advertisement herein does not constitute an

endorsement by the City of Oak Harbor Senior Services or its Senior

Center. Opinions of columnists do not refl ect the opinion of the City

of Oak Harbor Senior Services or its Senior Center. Editorial content

is compiled by the staff of the Oak Harbor Senior Center and design/

layout/printing/distribution by the Whidbey News Times.

OAK HARBOR SENIOR SERVICES Mike McIntyreSenior Services Administrator

Roxann Dunn-TerryProgram Coordinator

Pat GardnerAdministrative Assistant

Travel Desk — 279-4587

EDITOR | Roxann Dunn-Terry

Oak Harbor Senior Center is located at

51 SE Jerome St. Oak Harbor, WA 98277(Corner of Whidbey Avenue & Jerome Street)Business Hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

360-279-4580Send comments/suggestions to:

[email protected]

To advertise, call 360-675-6611.

HOLIDAY WASTE DISPLAYDid you know that Americans throw

away 5 million EXTRA tons of garbage between Thanksgiving and New Years? Put more meaning and less waste in your holiday. Maribeth Crandell, Environmental Educator for the City of Oak Harbor, will show how you can save money, natural resources and enjoy your holidays with Holiday Waste Prevention Tips in the display case at the Center.

OLD TIME FIDDLERSCome fiddle around with the Old Time

Fiddlers for some great music and fun Friday, Dec. 2 at 7 pm at the Oak Harbor Senior Center. Bring a plate of cookies if you like. Admission is by donation to the Old Time Fiddlers. Everyone’s welcome.

COUNTRY DANCE A “Country Line Dance” will be held

Friday, Dec. 9 from 7 - 10 pm, including a variety of workshops, at the Oak Harbor Senior Center. Admission is $5.00 per person – $9.00 per couple, $1.00 discount for Senior Center Members. Open to the Public.

HOLIDAY CHOIRThe Student Choir from NWMS will

perform a Holiday Concert at the Center on Monday, Dec. 12, at 12:15 pm after the Noon meal. Everyone is invited to join us for cookies and coffee.

SENIOR LUNCH OUTSenior Night Out will celebrate the

season with lunch at Café Bella, for fun, friendship and great food on Wednesday, Dec. 14. Meet at 11:00 am. RSVP by calling the Center, 279-4580, Dec. 9. (Gratuities not included.)

HUMANA MEDICARE ADVANTAGE

A Humana Medicare health care specialist will be here on Monday, Dec. 5 from 1-3 pm, heading up community meetings. The representative will provide information on Humana Medicare Advantage plans available in Island County and answer any health care related questions. Information relating to the enrollment process will be available. RSVP by calling the Senior Center at 279-4580.

BRAIN & BODY IN MOTIONImprove Memory, Coordination,

Balance and Self-esteem through Movement in the Brain & Body Workshop on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 10:30 am – 1:30 pm. Miss Claudia will teach you basic and easy moves that helps the brain and the body work together for a whole benefit. Come ready to move, learn and enjoy with others, the amazing world of movement and body/brain connection awareness. Come ready to move, wear comfortable clothes. Coffee, tea & light snacks will be provided. Workshop will be held at In Motion Co. located on 2800 NE Goldie Street #A-101. Cost is $12 for Senior Center & In Motion Co. members and $15 for others. RSVP by December 12 by calling 360-682-6237.

HOLIDAY REFLECTIONSA Gift to Give YourselfIt’s a perfect time for gathering to

create SoulCollage® cards honoring our heartfelt holiday traditions (Hannukah, Christmas, Solstice, Kwanza). Have some fun identifying what comes up

for you in the holidays, and make cards commemorating your inner “Hostess with the Mostest,” your “Holiday Child” who loves surprises, your “Shopper Self” who goes overboard, or even your “Scrooge” self who grumbles, complains, and wishes it were all over. Perhaps it is a family memory or tradition that inspires your work or the idea of “Gratefulness” or “Lightbearer” or a “Divine Child.” All these ideas and more will translate into beautiful keepsakes and reminders. The workshop will be taught by Kathleen Flynn on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 10 am – Noon in the Arts & Crafts room. No special tools or skills are required. All supplies and materials are provided. The cost is $20, plus $5 for supplies payable to the teacher. Intended for adults age 18 or older. Class size is limited, so please email or call to RSVP: [email protected] or 360.682.6070 (voice/text). Nurturing ourselves with an adventure in art that anyone can do is renewing and great fun. The holiday season is for children of all ages!

games &fun

December 2011| The Bridge games & classes | Page 3

Fun Fitness A Fun Fitness program conducted by

North End Fitness for members of the Oak Harbor Senior Center.

FALL SCHEDULE:Yoga – M & W, 8:30 amChair Conditioning (Seated Aerobics) -M & W, 9:30 amAerobics – T & TH, 9:00 amZumba Gold – F, 11:15 am(held at North End Fitness Center)

For the $15 Unlimited Senior Class Card you may take all four of these classes.

For $25, take all these classes and have unlimited use of the North End Fitness Center and Excalibur Gym which is open24 hours/day.To register, call North End Fitness at 675-1111.

Wood Carving Tuesdays, 9 am with instructor Dick

Weber. Classes are $5 a session and open to all levels of carving experience. New students welcome.

Line DanceTuesdays, 1 pm with instructor Jean.

$10 a month–Members. No partners needed.

Art with Anita JohnstonAn Art Class for beginners and

intermediate students, Mondays, from 9 am ‘til noon. Explore the FUN of painting with a variety of media including drawing with pencil & ink, and painting with various media--oil, watercolor, and/or acrylic. Cost per month is $35 Members/$45 Non-members. RSVP by calling 279-4580.

Art with Dottie SandersPainters from beginners to experts

are invited to join a continuing painting

class, Mondays, from 1-4 pm. Work

in any and all paint media from oils,

watercolors, acrylics, pastels, collage

and combinations of media. Cost is

$5 per session-Members / $10 Non-

Members. RSVP by calling 279-4580.

Spanish For Seniors Conversational Spanish, Wednesdays

with Al Enriquez. Intermediate class at

1 pm, Beginners at 2 pm. Maximum ten

students per class per session. Costs is

$30 a month payable first day of class.

RSVP by calling 279-4580.

Tai Chi & QigongJill Reed teaches Tai Chi on Mondays

at 5:30 pm and Fridays at 9:30 am. To

register, call Jill at 675-1464.

Backgammon GroupThursdays from 1 – 3 pm. Bring your Backgammon board.

$25 Jackpot BingosFeeling Lucky? Harbor Tower Village Retirement Center will sponsor a $25 Jackpot Bingo game on Thursday, Dec 8 and Banner Bank on Dec. 22. Cards for the $25 Bingo game available at intermission for $1. Bingo is played Thursdays from 12:15 – 3:00 pm.

Nintendo Wii BowlingMondays, Tuesdays (No Wii the first Tuesday of the month) and Thursdays, 9:30 am. Enjoy fun and exercise with Wii Bowling. No special shoes required or heavy balls.

Chess PlayersTuesdays, 1 pm

Ping PongWednesdays 1-3 pm and Saturdays 10 am-2 pm. Contact Eileen Billings, 678-1684.

Party BridgeWednesdays, 12: 30 pm. Must RSVP by 4 pm Monday afternoon.

Beginning Bridge ClassWednesdays, 1 pm Beginning Bridge is held at Oak Manor for people who have never played, have little experience or have been in a previous class. For more information, call Don at 679-8807.

games &fun

NEWS FROM THE TOWER

By Ann Votava

TAMI HERMANWhen you enter Harbor Tower

Village, pause and listen for the sound of laughter, and you will probably fi nd Tami Herman in our dining room. Tami always seems to have a bright smile on her face, and its is contagious! You just can’t talk to her without catching the feeling of happiness!

Tami and her family moved to Oak Harbor from the Bay area in 2003. She and her husband have 5 children, and as one can imagine, they manage to stay very busy. They are also very involved with their extended Church family. She seems to have an endless amount of energy. Tami’s new passion is going to the gym, and also taking Zumba classes. She worked at Applebee’s for fi ve years before coming to Harbor Tower, where she made many friends and enjoyed spreading sunshine to the customers, and co-workers alike.

Recently, Tami has enrolled at Skagit Valley where she will beginning her prerequisits for the LPN program in the Winter quarter. This is a life long dream of hers, and she cannot believe that it is fi nally coming true.

The residents and staff at Harbor Tower look forward to the days that Tami is working, because she is always upbeat and they know she will be spreading smiles.

The fi rst 10 people who visit Whidbey Coffee at Highway 20 next to Wendy’s in Oak Harbor, and mention Tami’s name will receive a free latte!

Harbor Tower Village100 East Whidbey AveOak Harbor WA 98277

360-675-2569-PAID ADVERTISEMENT-

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Trusted by the Whidbey Island Community for nearly 49 years.

Providing burial and cremation choices that are

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family!

www.BurleyFuneralChapel.com OAK HARBOR

Serving Families Since 1962.

Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Bingo!Thursdays, 12:15-3:30 pm. Packet $4. Soft cards for special games 50 cents each.

CribbageThursdays, 12:30 – 3:00 pm. Bring

your cribbage boards.

PinochleTuesdays, 5:30 pm. Fridays, 12:30 pm. Potluck lunch.All Games are held at Oak Harbor Senior Center unless otherwise specified.

learn&grow

The Bridge | December 2011Page 4 | travel & trips

Whidbey General continually strives to

ensure medical excellence in the services that

Island residents need close to home.

Neighbors taking care of neighbors, the best kind of

healthcare there is.

We Are One Team With One Purpose, Caring For You!

PHYSICIAN REFERRAL

SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE

Whidbey General Hospital Would Like To Thank The Whidbey Island Community For Over 40 Years Of Support

Acute Medical Services for your in-hospital medical care needs

Inpatient and Outpatient Surgery Services

so your family can be close at hand

All-Digital Diagnostic Imaging Center

faster results to end the uncertainty

Accredited Cancer Care Servicesand Diabetes Education

you don’t have to go off-island

Whidbey Family Birthplaceclose, safe, and satisfying birth experience

24/7 Emergency Dept & EMS (Ambulance)

for that unexpected Medical crisis

And much, much more...if you haven’t looked at us lately,

take another look.

101 N. Main St., Coupeville, WA 98239

Photograph by Barbara Lyter / photo+graphics

December trips & beyond!For a complete

description of all trips, see the Fall 2011

Travel Brochure orvisit the center.

Members of the Oak Harbor Center Piecer’s Quilt Group receive Volunteer Award from Director Mike McIntyre at the 25th Anniversary Volunteer Celebration. Over 50 Volunteers attended the event held at Regency On Whidbey.

Just in time for your Holiday Gift List! The Basket of Lights Raffle. A basket full of candles and decorations. Raffle tickets are $1. All proceeds go towards replacing furniture at the Center. Drawing is December 21 at Noon.

Phot

os by

Rox

ann D

unn-

Terry

3 – Holiday Seattle Choice5 – Skagit Casino 8 – Lights of Christmas at Warm Beach12 – Skagit Casino-213 – Mystery Lunch20 - Tulalip Casino 29 - Tulalip Casino - 2

Note: Two additional Casino Trips have been added this month.

CANADIAN TRAIN ODYSSEYApril 23 – May 3, 2012This cross-country train adventure

across Canada begins in Toronto, ends in Vancouver, and includes beautiful scenery and fun-filled activities in some of Canada’s most popular cities. Any questions, please phone Pat Gardner at 279-4582. Brochures are available at the Travel Desk. For the best price and seating for air, deposits needed by December 7. Need three more people!

WINTER TRAVEL SIGN UPNew Procedures!The first day for Members of the Oak

Harbor Senior Center to sign up for the Winter 2012 Trips will be Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012 from 8:30 am – 3 pm. Casino Sign Ups will be held in the Arts & Crafts Room, other trip sign ups will be held in the main lobby as usual. There will be no pre-sign up sheets passed out on the Casino bus. Everyone will sign up for the trips of their choice on Wednesday, January 11. First come, first serve. At the time of sign up, you may select your seat. There will be four casino trips in the months of January, February and March. Travel Brochure will be mailed to current

members of the Oak Harbor Senior Center in December. Membership should be current as December 5 to be on the mailing list.

JOIN ROXANN FOR THESE TWO ADVENTURES!EARLY DEPOSITS MEAN GREAT DEALS!

A BIG HALLOWEEN BASH TO CANADAWITH PRINCESS CRUISES ON THE CARIBBEAN PRINCESS

8 Days / 7 Nights ~ October 20, 2012A fun Canada & New England cruise

round trip from New York City. Ports of call include New York City, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Saint John, New Brunswick, Bar Harbor, Maine, Boston, Massachusetts and Newport, Rhode Island. Rates are per person, double occupancy, and include roundtrip airfare from Seattle, cruise, port charges, government fees, taxes, and transfers to/from ship. Also includes half day tour of Boston & half day tour of Salem, Massachusetts with visits to famous historic sites. Halloween Cocktail Party with Prizes for All! Rates start with an Inside Cabin $2,033, Outside Cabin $2,243, Balcony $2,513 and Mini Suite $2,813.

PASSPORT REQUIRED. An initial deposit of $420 per person double occupancy or $840 per person single occupancy is required to secure reservations and assign cabins. Final balance is due July 6, 2012. Contact Roxann at 360-279-4583.

*If you book by December 19, 2011– Only $100 pp Deposit & Receive a coupon book worth up to $325 in onboard Savings!

OLD FASHIONED HOLIDAYWITH GREAT AMERICAN STEAMBOAT COMPANY ON THE AMERICAN QUEEN

7 Days / 6 Nights ~ December 8, 2012Enjoy a Mark Twain adventure with a

little ‘Rollin’ On The River’! Nowhere can you embrace this special time of year more uniquely than aboard an elegant steamboat, decked out from stem to stern in Victorian holiday finery. Spectacular bonfires along the levees light the way for Papa Noel. Ports of call include New Orleans, Vacherie (Oak Alley), St. Francisville, Natchez and Baton Rouge.

Rates start with an Inside Cabin $2,713 and

Outside Cabins beginning at $3,213. Rates are per person, double occupancy, and include roundtrip airfare from Seattle, one-night luxury hotel stay with full American breakfast, and transfers to the ship before your voyage, cruise, complimentary bottled water and soft drinks onboard, complimentary wines and beers with dinner onboard, Captain’s champagne welcome reception and gala dinner, hot and cold canapés at cocktail hour every evening, meals on board, port charges, government fees, and taxes.

An initial deposit of $450 per person double occupancy or $900 per person single occupancy is required. Final balance is due August 9, 2012. Those who book early get the best prices, the best cabin locations, and their preferred dining times. For Reservations or more information please contact Roxann at 360-279-4583.

*If you book by December 31, 2011 – All Regular Shore Tours are included!

December 2011| The Bridge health & wellness | Page 5

Senior Services of Island County

Information and Assistance for Seniors: Job Bank, Free Notary Service and more. Call 675-0311.

HEALTH INFORMATION:Living with Grief -

Information and SupportThe Grief Support Group will

meet Monday, Dec. 19 from 1-2:30 pm. Presentation on coping after a death. Find healing and hope, and learn about helpful resources. Open to adults who have experienced the death of someone significant. Especially suitable for people who have recently had a loss. No charge. No pre-registration. For more information, please phone Hospice of the Northwest, 360-814-5550.

Alzheimer’s Support Group – Meets the first Thursday of the month from 2:30-4:30 pm at the Meeting House, just west of HomePlace Special Care Center, 171 SW 6th Ave., Oak Harbor. Call 360-279-2555.

Parkinson’s Support Group – Dec. 2 at Cherry Hill Club House, 547 NW 12th Loop, Oak Harbor. Group facilitator is Carolyn Hansen, 279-1785.

Foot Care Clinic - Appts. are available for Wednesday, Dec. 14. To make an appointment, call the front desk at 279-4580. Foot Care Clinic is held at North Whidbey Caregivers’ Cove.

Oak Harbor Hearing Aid Service - Free hearing tests and hearing aid repairs on Monday, Dec. 12 from 1-3 pm. For an appointment call the Center, 279-4580.

Vision Impaired Support Group- Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 2 pm. For more information, contact Paul Bovey at 679-8293.

SHIBAAppointments are available

on Wednesdays, from 9-11:30 am. For appointments call the Senior Center at 279-4580. SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors) Help Line is a FREE service of the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner, sponsored locally by Island Hospital. The volunteers are trained to inform people of their options regarding health insurance, Medicare (supplements, advantage plans or Part D) disability, individual, long term care, COBRA, VA. For assistance with claims or billing problems, please call the

local SHIBA sponsors @ 360-675-2229 ext. 1342, and you will be directed to someone to help you.

Living With LossFacilitated by Dave Bieniek,

BCC Bereavement Coordinator for Home Health Care & Hospice of WGH.

This seminar is designed to help you work through the normal and needed process of grief that follows the death of a loved one. Our journey of grief is a time when we face and learn from our feelings, move from a relationship of presence with our loved one to one of memory, pause to look at who we are and how we will redefine our future.

We are not alone in our grief. For many of us it is strengthening and comforting to gather with others who know the depth and “work” of grief. Together, with the use of videos and group discussion, we explore ways of coping with life’s changes, ways to remember our loved one, and ways that lead us toward growth and healing. Jan. 3– Feb. 7, 2012 (Every Tuesday afternoon 1:30-3:30 pm for 6 weeks) at Whidbey General Hospital Conference Room B. There is no cost for this seminar. To register: Call Whidbey General Hospital at 678-7656 ext 4005 or 321-7656 ext 4005 or register online at www.whidbeygen.org.

health briefs & helpful info MENU — DECEMBERWEEK 1Thurs 1 Mikey's Ground Beef StewFri 2 Four Cheese Ziti BakeWEEK 2Mon 5 Cranberry MeatballsTues 6 African Peanut SoupWed 7 Turkey SouffleThurs 8 Sweet & Sour PorkFri 9 Chicken w/Sour Cream SauceWEEK 3Mon 12 Sloppy Joes on Whole Wheat BunTues 13 Salad Bar w/Herb CroutonsWed 14 Mixed Mushroom StrataThurs 15 Creamy Broccoli SoupFri 16 Meatloaf w/Tomato ToppingWEEK 4Mon 19 Baked Teriyaki ChickenTues 20 Rueben SandwichWed 21 Holiday Meal: Ham & Sweet PotatoesThurs 22 Minestrone Soup & SaladFri 23 Manicotti w/MarinaraWEEK 5Mon 26 Holiday: Meal Sites ClosedTues 27 Tuna Salad on CroissantWeds 28 Turkey TetrazziniThurs 29 Chef's ChoiceFri 30 Pot Roast w/Red Potatoes

Cam Bey Apartments50 N. Main, CoupevilleMon.-Fri. at noon360-678-4886

Oak Harbor Senior Center51 SE Jerome St., Oak HarborMon., Wed., Fri. at 11:45 a.m.360-279-4580

meal sites & hours

Call Us At 360.675.9088

Estate Planning & Probate

Wills Trusts

Other Areas of ConcentrationFamily Law

Personal Injury

Real Estate & Business

Criminal Defense

Trustworthy advocates...don’t leave your family or business

affairs up to chance.

JACOB COHEN MARK D. THEUNE

KENNETH A. MANNI NATHAN M. MANNI

LAW OFFICES OF

COHEN, MANNI, THEUNE & MANNI LLPS e r v i n g I s l a n d C o u n t y S i n c e 1 9 7 3

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4-day Special Event December 5th - December 8thFree Consultation | Free Listening Demonstration

OAK HARBOR FREELAND

The Bridge | December 2011Page 6 | groups & support

Enjoy Your Lifestyle

Project Linus“The best kind of sleep under heaven

above, is under a blanket handmade with love”. Project Linus has several kits (quilts or afghans) for volunteer “Blanketeers” to create into blankets for children. For more information contact Lisa Anderson at 360-320-4634.

New England GroupWill meet Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 11:30 am

at the Whidbey Country Club. Call Evelyn at 675-5106. Will recess for January.

W.I.G.S. Whidbey Island Genealogical Searchers

meet h at 2720 Heller Rd., at the fire station just north of Crosby Rd. Next meeting is Tuesday, Dec. 13, at 1 pm. Our annual Christmas “Show and Tell” and Christmas party. We all bring something good to eat (finger food) and something you want to share with the group. Please call or email and let me know if you have something to share. (Anything from heirlooms, successful [or not] research, family stories, meeting relatives, etc.) You get between 3 and 5 minutes to present your info. There will be information for all levels of searchers, as well as refreshments and raffles. All are welcome. For more information contact Ruth Hancock 675 -4086, [email protected]; Gordon Garnhart 360-240-8875, [email protected]; or Betty Leitch 675-3722, [email protected].

MAC Computer SeminarMonthly seminar scheduled for

Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 1:00 pm.

Whidbey Island Stamp ClubMeets the second and fourth Tuesdays

at 7 pm. New members welcome. Free evaluations on stamp collections provided. Contact Lee Dougherty, 675-9674.

LapidaryTuesday and Wednesday mornings at 9 am.

Whidbey Island Gem ClubWill meet Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 7 pm.

There will be a general meeting of the membership. Interested and potential members, ages 8 to 100+ are invited to attend. Contact Chip Batcheller, 679-9397

Wire WrapThursdays at 7 pm. New people

welcome. Create unique jewelry. A cab and the wire needed for your first project will be provided. May purchase cabs and wire for future projects. Contact Dick James, 675-9396.

Quilting GroupFriday mornings, 9 am.

Widows and Widowers of Whidbey Island

Fun supportive people with common interests. Monthly dinner at NAS Whidbey Chief Petty Officer’s Club the second Friday of the month at 5 pm. Every Sunday, Call Phyllis Hofkamp, 675-3628 for breakfast location and call Roz Davis, 675-3171 for dinner location.

North Whidbey Coupon ClubNorth Whidbey Coupon Club meets

Tuesday evenings, Dec. 13 & 27, 6:30 – 8:00 pm and Fridays Dec. 2, 9, & 16, 9:30-11:30 am and Saturday, Dec. 10, 9:30 – 11:30 am at the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce building. Its “open house” style: guests are welcome to come by anytime between those hours, bring their coffee and get some great $saving info. The clubs are free, open to anyone in the community interested in saving money on groceries and everyday items. Coupons for Our Community is in need of coupon inserts. Please donate yours at Albertsons, the Oak Harbor Senior Center, or start a collection box of your own at your church, social club, neighbors, etc. For more information call Amy at 360-675-2338.

December interest groups>

I only want the best for Mom... and I’ve found it at

Please Join Us ForChristmas Dinner

Providing Quality Memory Care for Whidbey Island Since 1999

[email protected] www.homeplaceoakharbor.com

171 SW 6th Ave, Oak Harbor, WAFriday, December 16, 2010

5:30 PM

Cost: $7.00Proceeds go to

North Whidbey Help House

Please bring a non-perishable food item with you to dinner

RSVP at 360-279-2555By December 13th

“http://www.homeplaceoakharbor.com”

Do 1 Nice Thing Ideas for December

1 - Smile at Someone (You might be the only bright thing they see today)

2 - HELP HOUSE always needs tuna, macaroni and cheese, and pork and beans. (Drop off at the senior center)

3 - Thank members of our local police and fire department by taking some “goodies” to them.

4- Many thanks to all the super nice people who supported the “send a Christmas card” to wounded marines!

The tree is decorated; the lights are on as we welcome the Holiday Spirit. There are several opportunities in these economical times to think of those less fortunate and to give. These projects may be small and simple but through small acts of kindness great things happen.

Mitten TreeFor the twenty-second

year, the Oak Harbor Senior Center will sponsor the Mitten Tree. It’s time to knit, crochet, or buy mittens, gloves, scarfs, and baby booties to decorate the tree. Donations go to the Head Start/ECAP Programs that serve 3-5 year old children that come from low-income families. Infant items are

donated to the Crisis Pregnancy

Center.

Help HouseDonations

for Help House’s

Christmas Baskets can be dropped off at

the Center.

Tree of HopeMake a child’s

Christmas a little brighter

with a donation to the

Soroptimist International

of Oak Harbor’s Tree of

Hope. A jar will be at the

front desk your donations.

You may also donate a

new stuffed teddy bear or

toys by December 10.

Holiday MealA special Holiday Meal

will be served Wednesday,

Dec. 21 at the Oak Harbor

Senior Center. Sliced Ham,

sweet potatoes and all the

goodies. Please be seated

by 11:30 am. Suggested

donation of $3. Please

RSVP by December 16.

Thinking of others in the yuletide season

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Eve Center Closed

The library is located at 1000 SE Regatta Dr. For more information, please call 360-675-5115, or visit www.sno-isle.org. Oak Harbor Library opens at 9 am Monday through Friday, 10 am on Saturday, and 1 pm on Sunday. Book a librarian for free one-on-one help with any computer, technology or online question.

CHILDREN’S AREA ARTWORK: GRAND OPENING AND RIBBON CUTTING CELEBRATION

Join the celebration and meet Celia Marie Baker, creator of the Oak Harbor Library children’s area entranceway artwork on Friday, Dec. 2, from 4:30 to6 pm. Funded by the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation.

TEEN ART SHOW OPENING RECEPTIONThursday, Dec. 8, at 7:00 pm. All ages are welcome to

enjoy the artistic skills of Oak Harbor teens in a gallery setting. Wildcat Catering provides the refreshments for this gala event, which is funded by the Friends of the Oak Harbor Library. Vote for your favorites in the

People’s Choice Awards. The art show continues on Friday, December 9 and Saturday, December 10 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm– drop in any time.

HOLIDAY CELEBRATION AND GIFT BOOK GALA Thursday, Dec. 15, at 3:00 pm. All are welcome as the

Friends of the Oak Harbor Library celebrate the holidays with a silent auction and gift book gala. Come hear about this year’s most compelling gift books for all ages. Pressed for time? Pick up a copy of our top-pick booklist before you go shopping. Give the gift of reading to your friends and family! Refreshments provided by the Friends of the Oak Harbor Library.

DECEMBER EVENTSat the Oak Harbor Library

9 - Aerobic Exercises9:30 – Nintendo Wii

Bowling10 –Creative Writing

12:30 – Cribbage1-3 – Backgammon

7 – Wire Wrap

9- Quilting9:30 – Tai Chi

LUNCH12:30 – PinochleChristmas Party

8:30 – Yoga9 – Anita’s Painting Class

9:30- Conditioning9:30 – Nintendo Wii

BowlingLUNCH

12:15 – Christmas Choir Program

1 – Dottie’s Painting Class1-3 – Hearing Tests

5 – Tai Chi

9 – Lapidary9 - Aerobic Exercises9-12 – Wood Carving9:30 - Nintendo Wii

Bowling1 – Chess

1 – Line Dance1 – Mac Seminar

6 – Pinochle7 – Stamp Club

10-12:30 – Ping Pong, Pool, Pinochle

9 – Lapidary9 - Aerobic Exercises9-12 – Wood Carving9:30 – Nintendo Wii

Bowling1 – Chess

1 – Line Dance2 – Vision Support

Group6 – Pinochle

8:30 – Yoga9 – Lapidary

9 – SHIBA9:30- Conditioning

LUNCH12:30 – Party Bridge

12:30 – Ping Pong1 - Intermediate Spanish

1 – Beginning Bridge2 – Beginning Spanish


Bowling10 –Creative Writing12:15 – 3:30 –Jack Pot

Bingo - Banner Bank12:30 – Cribbage

1-3 – Backgammon7 – Wire Wrap


LUNCH12:30 – Pinochle


9:30- Conditioning9:30 – Nintendo Wii

BowlingLUNCH

1 – Dottie’s Painting Class1 – Grief Support Group

5 – Tai Chi5 – Christmas Light Tour

New Year’s Eve!

Happy NewYear 2012!

Center Closed

10-12:30 –-Ping Pong, Pool, Pinochle

10-Noon – HOLIDAYREFLECTIONS CLASS

8:30 – Yoga9 – Lapidary; SHIBA9:30- Conditioning

10 – Canadian TrainPresentation


1 – Beginning Bridge1 - Intermediate Spanish

1- 4 – Winter Storms Preparedness Fair

NO – Ping Pong2 - Beginning Spanish

7 – Gem Club


9:30- Conditioning9:30 – Nintendo

Wii BowlingLUNCH

1 – Dottie’s Painting Class1 – Humana Medicare

Meeting5 – Tai Chi

9 – Lapidary9 - Aerobic Exercises9-12 – Wood Carving

10 – Travel Committee 1 – Japanese Women

Group1 – Chess

1 – Line Dance6 - Pinochle

APPLEBEES CHRISTMAS FUNDRAISER ALL DAY!


Bowling10 –Creative Writing 12:15–3:30 –Jack Pot

Bingo - Harbor Tower Village12:30 – Cribbage

1-3 – Backgammon1 – SVC History Class

7 – Wire Wrap

For details about items listed below or a comprehensive list of events, visit the Oak Harbor Senior Center at

51 SE Jerome Street or call 360-279-4580.

10-12:30 – Ping Pong, Pool, Pinochle 2 – Saturday

Matinee“The Wizard of Oz”at Oak Harbor Library



7 – Old Time Fiddlers



12:15–3:30 –Bingo12:30 – Cribbage

1-3 – Backgammon1 – SVC History Class

7 – Wire Wrap

December Calendar The new ventilation system in the OHSC was installedin earlyNovember.The centeris a lotwarmernow,just intime forWinterweather.

8:30 – Yoga9 – Lapidary; SHIBA9:30- Conditioning

9:30–3 – Foot Clinic (Day Break Bldg.)

11 – Senior Lunch Out !12:30 – Party Bridge

12:30 – Ping Pong1 – VFW Christmas Dinner1 - Intermediate Spanish


9 – Lapidary9 - Aerobic Exercises9-12 – Wood Carving

9:30 – NintendoWii Bowling

1 – Line Dancing6 – Pinochle

7 – Stamp Club

8:30 – Yoga9 – Lapidary

9 – SHIBA9:30- Conditioning


12:30 – Ping Pong1 - Intermediate Spanish


The Bridge comes out

MerryChristmas!

Center Closed

Center ClosedFor Holiday



12:30 – Cribbage1-3 – Backgammon

7 – Wire Wrap



QUILT RAFFLE DRAWING9- Quilting

9:30 – Tai ChiLUNCH

12:30 – Pinochle1 – Home Security

7 – Country WesternLine Dance

This holiday season, may you receive great joy from the

simplest of things.

Happy Holidays from your friends at

Making Life A Little EasierMEMBER FDIC

Documents

The Bridge - December 2011 Edition