Showing posts with label senior citizens. Show all posts
Showing posts with label senior citizens. Show all posts

Wisdom Cafe: Join with others in Talking About What Scares Us

Saturday, August 20, 2016

Wisdom Cafe: Talking About What Scares Us
Sunday, August 28, 2pm - 3:30pm
Shoreline Library, 345 NE 175th St, Shoreline 98155
Large Meeting Room

Come share your wisdom! These cafés provide an opportunity to converse and connect with others in discussions of universal topics such as gratitude, death, happiness and what gives life meaning.

Come for one session or more in a facilitated small group conversation.

Registration requested

What’s on YOUR mind? Join in lively conversations about topics that matter with free programs at KCLS libraries.

Many of us have fears of Old Age and find it hard to talk about. Bringing our fears out of the dark could change how we see them. Let’s shed some light on our fears together. Join us for a discussion.

Wisdom Cafes invite groups of older adults to engage in intentional dialogues led by trained facilitators.

Participants engage with others, are motivated to try new things, and are inspired by sharing life experiences.


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Aging in Place with Northwest Neighbors Network

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

AARP states that 9 out of 10 people wish to stay at home as they age.

Our community of neighbors is in the process of forming the Northwest Neighbors Network to utilize and provide local support services and resources which will assist aging residents to age in the comfort of their own homes.

Join Gail Schwarz for a presentation and discussion to learn more about the organization.

Fee $2.00 for members, $4.00 non-members. (Fees support operations of the Senior Center.)

July 19, 10:30am to 11:30am
Aging in Place with Northwest Neighbors Network
18560 1st Ave NE, Suite 1, Shoreline, WA 98155
206-365-1536



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AAA Driver Improvement course for those over 55

Thursday, June 30, 2016

The AAA Driver Improvement Program is offering its refresher course on defensive driving skills.
The course gives practical guidance for traffic accident prevention and enhances driver safety and confidence. Course completion qualifies drivers 55 years of age and over for automobile insurance premium discounts.

AAA Driver Improvement Program, operated by American Driving Services, Thursday, July 21, 2016, 9:00am - 4:00pm, Anderson Plaza, 17201 15th Ave NE, Shoreline 98155.

The cost of $18.00 per person includes complimentary lunch.

Pre-registration is required. Call 206-243-3564.



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Insurance Commissioner speaks to consumers in Shoreline about Medicare

Friday, June 24, 2016

Commissioner Kreidler and Judy Ellis,
SHIBA volunteer with Sound Generations in Shoreline
Photo courtesy OIC
By Kara Klotz

Attendees to a Medicare birthday event on Saturday morning got to hear Insurance Commissioner Kreidler talk about why Medicare is important and what SHIBA does for Washington consumers.

SHIBA stands for Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors. It’s a statewide network of nearly 400 highly trained volunteers who have been helping seniors and others understand their health insurance options for more than 35 years in Washington state.

Washington was the first state in the nation to establish a SHIBA program, before the federal government offered assistance in reaching out the consumers who are or are about to be enrolled in Medicare.

Medicare provides health coverage for nearly 45 million Americans who are age 65 and older, and for 7 million younger adults with permanent disabilities. Medicare has been in existence for 51 years, which really isn’t that long ago.

Attendees at the Medicare birthday event on June 18 in Shoreline
Photo courtesy OIC

Commissioner Kreidler recalled for the attendees a time before Medicare existed when his grandmother had to move in with his parents because she was ill and didn’t have health coverage. Her medical bills prohibited her from living on her own. If Medicare had existed, it would have provided a lifeline for her to have access to the health care she needed.

SHIBA offers free, unbiased assistance with health care choices, including Medicare, to more than 100,000 Washington residents each year. You can find more SHIBA events around the state here.



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Lake Forest Park resident Barbara Johnson recognized with Positive Aging award

Monday, June 20, 2016

Barbara Johnson
Sound Generations, formerly Senior Services, granted 2016 Inspire Positive Aging Awards to five people in King County, out of 44 nominations.

 Lake Forest Park resident Barbara Johnson was recognized in the category of Lifelong Learning.

In June 2016, Sound Generations – a nonprofit serving 83,000 seniors and adults with disabilities throughout King County – recognized five people for its 2016 Inspire Positive Aging Awards.

The award was created in 2006 to recognize older adults in King County whose lives inspire us about how to age with grace, enthusiasm, creativity, hope and energy.

Lake Forest Park resident Barbara “BJ” Johnson (95) was granted the Inspire Positive Aging Award in the category of Lifelong Learning.

Barbara is the most senior of the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center’s Hula group: the Kupunas. A Kupuna, a Hawaiian word, “is an honored elder who has acquired enough life experience to become a family and community leader”.

Barbara joined the group when she was 87 and celebrated her 95th birthday this year. She practices every week and performs with the group at least two times a year. Her infectious smile and positive attitude is an inspiration for all 15 members, and mesmerizes audience members with her grace.

Despite two hip surgeries and surviving lung cancer (although she never smoked), Barb loves to dance. When she was in her 80s, her daughters gave her tap shoes and a tap platform. Little did they know that she would tap dance for hours at a time. She then joined the Kupuna Hula group at the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center.

Her nominator said, “It is a joy to watch Barb dance. Her love of Hula and the delight she has in life shines through. She is such an inspiration to all of the Kupunas: we aspire to dance like her until we are 95+ years old and to enjoy every facet of life like Barb. She is truly the most beautiful and inspirational senior one could ever meet!”

Other award recipients included Geraldine Allsopp for Health and Wellness, Fai Coffin for Advocacy and Activism, Richard Body for Community Service, and Dr. Dominick Minotti for Intergenerational Impact.

Sound Generations, formerly Senior Services, is the most comprehensive non-profit agency serving older adults and their loved ones in Washington State.



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Let SHIBA help you understand Medicare at workshop June 18

Monday, June 13, 2016

Turning 65? Navigating Medicare options can be a bewildering maze. Every insurance provider in the state will be sending packets of shiny sales brochures.

The challenge is to buy the right amount of coverage for your health and budget. Insurance reps will tell you about the options within their product but may not be able to help you compare products and choose appropriate options.

The online Medicare.gov site is good information but like many bureaucratic websites, it can be difficult to find specifically what you need to know.

Knowing this, the State Insurance Commissioners office has assembled a group of retired insurance professionals who will help you through the maze.

Saturday, June 18, 10am – 12:30pm
Shoreline Conference Center
north end of complex
18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline 98155

SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefit Advisors) hold regular sessions at local libraries.

On Saturday they will stage a complete workshop, covering Medicare A, B, C and D. They will help you understand your Medicare benefits and options, and tell you where to find help paying for Medicare if you qualify.

Tell them you are planning to attend:


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Turning 65? Let volunteers from the Insurance Commissioner's office teach you how to navigate Medicare

Thursday, June 2, 2016


We heard you’re turning age 65 soon! Let us help you navigate Medicare
Join us for a FREE, UNBIASED “Welcome to Medicare” class! 

We’ll cover:
  • Medicare A, B, C and D
  • Help you understand your Medicare benefits and options
  • Help paying for Medicare if you qualify

Saturday, June 18, 10am – 12:30pm
Shoreline Conference Center
18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline 98155

Register:
The class is taught by SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefit Advisors) volunteers through the Office of the Insurance Commissioner.



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Senior Resource Fair in Bothell

Northshore Senior Center
Senior Resource Fair will be held at Northshore Senior Center, 10201 East Riverside Dr, Bothell on Friday, June 17 from 10am-2pm.

Free admission to event, which will have over 50 vendors representing both King and Snohomish Counties.

Sample of vendors includes Care Partners, Elder Move Alliance, Alzheimer’s Association, Chateau, Washelli, Community Transit, Shelf Genie, Fairwinds Brittany Park in Woodinville and many more.

Ten breakout sessions are scheduled between 10am-2pm with topics including Healthy Habits for your Brain and Body, Untangling the Senior Housing Maze, and Fraud Prevention.

Free chair massages.

Care Clinic from Rite Aid will be doing glucose checks (no fasting needed) and providing pneumococcal vaccinations covered by Medicare Part B.

Community Dining Option with a fee is available but reservations need to be made by calling the Front Desk at 425-487-2441. Car pooling is encouraged.

Gift Shop and Coffee Bar will be open. For more information call 425-487-2441 or view the website.

Driving directions 
SR-522 (Lake City Way, through Kenmore, turns into Bothell Way)
In Bothell, at 98th AVe NE, get into the right-most of the two left lanes and turn left at the traffic signal onto Bothell Way NE. Turn right immediately onto Main St. At the second 4-way stop in downtown Bothell, turn right onto 102nd Ave N.E. Travel south over the Sammamish River to E. Riverside Drive. Continue through the intersection and immediately turn left into the parking lot. The Senior Center is at the intersection of 102nd and Riverside.



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Speaker: crime prevention tips for modern senior citizens

Tuesday, March 8, 2016



Merle Carner, a 40 year Seattle Police veteran, will speak at the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center on Tuesday, March 15, 10:30 - 11:30am on Crime Prevention Tips for Senior Citizens.

The Senior Center is located at the south end of the Shoreline Center, 18560 1st Ave NE.



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Volunteer drivers needed to help local seniors remain healthy and independent, one mile at a time

Saturday, January 30, 2016

Volunteer drivers give Lavonne Raven
her independence back
92-year-old Lavonne Raven can attest to the value of the Volunteer Transportation program, which matches local seniors with caring volunteer drivers to take them to their medical appointments.

Like many others who are no longer able to drive themselves, she relies on Volunteer Transportation to access important medical care.

Lavonne was never a homebody, so she was devastated when her family took her keys away two years ago. She no longer had the freedom to come and go as she pleased, and she had a long list of recurring appointments.

She struggled with getting to her oncologist, urologist, orthopedic specialist, vascular surgeon, chiropractor, physical therapist, audiologist and eye doctor. She felt like she’d lost her independence.

It was then that Lavonne discovered the Volunteer Transportation program, which quickly became a huge part of her life. She continues to use the service multiple times per week. 
“I truly do not know what I’d do without the program. It is just so wonderful. Each driver is marvelous, and each ride is like a day out for me!” she says.

Lavonne is just one of the program’s 2,000+ clients, and each senior has a unique story what the Volunteer Transportation service means to him/her. But one common theme is the same in all client narratives: Volunteer drivers ensure that they have the good health and high spirits they need to keep “on the road” to improved quality of life.

More volunteer drivers are needed throughout King County! Use your own car and choose the times, days and areas in which you wish to drive. Call 206-748-7588, email or visit the webpage to find out more. Go the “extra mile” for local seniors!



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Power of One chosen as Best Volunteer Program of the Year

Saturday, November 28, 2015

Mr. T volunteering at Echo Lake Elementary
Photo by Martha Nichols
Power of One Volunteers has been chosen as Best Volunteer Program of the Year by the North Urban Human Services Alliance.

The award will be presented at NUHSA's Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, December 8. 5:30-7:00pm at Shoreline City Hall.

The Power of One Volunteer program works to match people from the community with volunteer opportunities in Shoreline Public Schools. Power of One Volunteers bring their time, talents and expertise to classrooms from preschool to high school.

Ways to volunteer include:

  • One-on-One Tutoring or Mentoring
  • Leading Small Groups
  • Helping with Classroom Lessons and Projects
  • Providing Support in Libraries
  • Tutoring with After-school Programs




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CANCELLED: Crime prevention tips for modern senior citizens

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Update 11-11-15: The speaker is unavailable and the session has been cancelled.

November 17 at the Senior Center, from 10:30 to 11:30am, Myrle Carner will talk about how to reduce the opportunities for criminals to prey on Senior Citizens.

The Senior Center is located in the southernmost building of Shoreline Center, 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline 98155.






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Silver Alerts begin in Washington

Friday, September 18, 2015

Law enforcement agencies in Washington began using a new notification to alert the public of missing persons who fit the criteria for a “Silver Alert”.

September 10 the first “Silver Alert” was issued for Bryant Merrick after a report was taken by Issaquah Police Department. The alert went out at 9:30am, and was posted on DOT digital billboards in three counties. Mr. Merrick was located by the Seattle Police Department Friday morning and is safe.

A Silver Alert will be activated when a missing person 60 years of age or older, suffering from a form of dementia, is not able to return to safety without assistance.

When vehicle information is associated with the Silver Alert the Department of Transportation highway signs and highway advisory radio messages will provide a brief description of the vehicle and license plate number.

For more information on how to subscribe to Silver Alerts please go to the Washington State Patrol website

Silver Alerts join AMBER Alerts, Endangered Missing Person Advisories and Blue Alerts to assist law enforcement in getting information out to the public quickly about those most serious missing person cases and in the case of Blue Alerts, suspects in the murder or assault of a police officer.

For more information contact WSP’s AMBER Alert Coordinator Carri Gordon at 360-704-2404.


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The Power of One - orientation Tuesday

Monday, August 31, 2015


What can one hour do?

You might be surprised by the impact of what you can do in one hour once a week. Maybe it’s helping young students learn to read or playing math games with them, or perhaps it’s as simple as making copies for busy teachers.

For anyone with at least an hour to give on a regular basis, the Power of One Volunteer program wants you. We match people from the community with volunteer opportunities in Shoreline Public Schools.

As a Power of One volunteer, you support academic success, help with the development of social skills, and motivate students to become life long learners. Power of One volunteer Peg Kelley says, “I learn something new every day I come into this building … there are parts for everyone.”

Teachers appreciate the time and efforts our volunteers put in. First grade teacher Martha Nichols sees the value of community volunteers. Students get to know grown-ups, other than their teachers and parents, who care about them and their education. Research shows the more caring adults children have in their lives, the more success they have in life.  

Mr. T at Echo Lake
Photo by Martha Nichols

Who makes a good Power of One Volunteer? Someone who enjoys working with children in a school setting, is willing and able to take direction from teachers or staff, is reliable and able to commit to a regular schedule, and has a positive attitude. Our volunteers include former teachers, college students, grandparents; family friends, and neighbors who like to connect with kids and want to support education.

Benefits of joining Power of One include access to free training and resources, a school district badge, and support from volunteer coordinator Karen Kessinger, who will help you connect to the classroom / teacher / school that best fits your interests, schedule. and availability.

Becoming a Power of One Volunteer is easy—interested people simply need to fill out an application, attend an orientation and undergo a Washington State Patrol background check. More information is available online. To apply to the program, contact Karen Kessinger, 206-365-1169.  

Learn more at our fall orientation on Tuesday, September 1, 10:00am -12:00pm at the Shoreline-LFP Senior Center, 18560 1st Ave NE #1, Shoreline 98155. 

Begun in 1996, The Power of One Community Volunteer Program is a partnership of the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center and the Shoreline school district and supported by The Shoreline Public Schools Foundation. During the 2014-15 school year, a core of about 50 Power of One Volunteers put in nearly 3,500 hours of time at Shoreline schools and programs.

The purpose of the Power of One Community Volunteer Program is to assist the Shoreline Schools to achieve excellent education for all students. We believe as caring adults we can assist all students to become successful learners.



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New Senior Housing Community in North Seattle

Friday, August 7, 2015

Zenith Capital and Village Concepts announced they are planning to build a new 100 unit assisted living and memory care community for seniors in north Seattle.

The Linden Village Assisted Living Community (Linden Village) will be newly constructed at 13524 Linden Avenue North in north Seattle’s Bitter Lake neighborhood. 

For neighbors and others interested in learning more about the project there will be an open house and short presentation on August 12th at 6:30 at the Bitter Lake Community Center, 13035 Linden Ave N. The developer (Zenith), operator (Village Concepts) and architect (Innova) will be on hand to answer any questions about the project. Refreshments will be served.

Seattle is a dynamic city with a rapidly growing population. When most people think of Seattle’s rapid growth there are visions of young high-tech employees moving downtown. While that is one aspect of Seattle’s growth another mirrors the continued growth of the nation’s senior population. Over 10,000 baby boomers are retiring daily and there is an increasing need for assisted living and memory care facilities in the Seattle area.

Linden Village will offer 79 units of assisted living housing in studios, one and two bedroom configurations. There will also be 21 spaces available in the memory care wing. Such amenities as a rooftop deck, entertainment center, medication management and full meal plans will be available for residents. 

Federal Way headquartered Village Concepts - a pioneer in building and operating senior housing communities - will operate Linden Village. Seattle-based Zenith Capital is overseeing development and financing for Linden Village.



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Seniors: learn to avoid falls at workshops Aug 12 or Aug 26

Sunday, August 2, 2015

Falls are Serious for Seniors: Learn Ways to Avoid Them!

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death or loss of independence among older adults.

The good news is that falling is not an inevitable part of the aging process. Learn how to start being active again. Anybody can benefit from this class especially seniors. You will learn what the next steps are in starting an exercise program that works for you.

Family members of seniors are welcome and encouraged to attend. It’s important for the children of seniors to know what can be done and what is safe exercise for their parents.

As staff and instructors, we see the difference a regular, safe exercise program can make in a person. It is really quite amazing. 

Wednesday, August 12th or 26th from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. Please pre-register at the Reception desk or call 206 365-1536. No fee.

Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center, 18560 1st Ave NE, Suite 1, Shoreline 98155, 206-365-1536




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Unkink your brain with summer classes at Shoreline Community College

Monday, June 15, 2015

Plus 50 courses offered at Shoreline Community College are aimed for the older generation and customized for anyone looking to update their basic computer and electronics skills.

This Summer features 12 courses in all, including an author’s workshop, faster and more accurate keyboarding, and getting the basics for Internet use and emailing. Courses average less than $35 tuition! Take a look at our schedule below and call 206-533-6706 to enroll.

Complete Summer Courses Average Less Than $35 Tuition!

Business
  • Create a Profitable Pet Sitting Business
  • NEW! Launch Lab: Business Model Canvas™
  • NEW! Author’s Launch Lab
Computer and Electronics
  • Quick Keyboarding with Keytimer™
  • Getting Started with Computers
  • Email: Outlook Basics
  • Create a Website for Fun, Profit & Business!
  • QuickBooks: A Serious Introduction for General Use & Payroll
  • Word 2013 Essentials
  • Excel 2013 Essentials
  • How to Use Your Smartphone
Life Enrichment
  • NEW! Do Burning Man Like a Boss! 
Contact
Ron Carnell • email • 206.533.6706
(A real person answers the phone, or calls you back, and signs you up in 3 minutes.)



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Information meetings set up to learn more about Villages


Dori Gillam from Senior Services reports that the response about the Village that is being planned for Shoreline-Lake Forest Park-North Seattle "has been wonderful!" A Village is a way for older adults to stay in their homes as they age; for people to volunteer to provide services for those older adults, and for local vendors to serve their communities! 

They have set up some information sessions so you can learn more. Choose the session that works best for you. There, you’ll find out the basics about a Village, and get your questions answered about what’s happening here in Shoreline-LFP.

There is no need to RSVP, just show up!  The flyer has all of the information.  If you have questions, contact Dori Gillam  206-268-6737.



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Shoreline Village: A plan for aging in your home, Part Four

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Dancing at a NEST Village event
{This is the last of a four-part series about the Village that is being planned for Shoreline.}

The Village is a membership-based organization with paid staff who act as a personal, central resource to coordinate access to services for you. The services will help you stay in your home as you age and could be provided by trained neighborhood volunteers, or you might be referred to screened vendors for more complex needs and services. Many Villages also offer social and activity groups.

A Village for Shoreline: Part Four

dorig@seniorservices.org

How Does a Village Get Started?

If you care about your neighborhood, you can start a village. Here are the steps. Where do your skills and passions fit in?Form a planning committee of other people interested in starting a Village. The members need organizational development skills, which means a broad set of skills: meeting facilitation, budgeting and financial management, research, marketing, grant writing, community organizing, public speaking and promotion or salesmanship skills.
  • Decide on governance structure: independent non-profit, fiscal sponsorship through an existing non-profit or program of the non-profit.
  • Decide on name and geographical area.
  • Membership Dues - develop a structure for dues and membership policies
  • Develop a Budget – in addition to membership dues, include corporate sponsorships, foundation grants and major donors
  • Raise a modest amount of money to hire someone who can start the process of recruiting members and working with the planning group to launch the village. Or find a volunteer with the skills and the time who can commit to about 15 hours per week for a year or more.
On average it takes about two years to launch a Village. This may seem like a long time, but if you want the Village to be owned by the community, you need this much time to develop it. Senior Services will be there to provide the support and guidance and supplement skills needed to create the village.


People in Shoreline have already had a couple of meetings to work on this. To join them, please contact Joanne Donohue at Senior Services joanned@seniorservices.org, 206-727-6206

See previous articles in this series


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Shoreline Village: A plan for aging in your home, Part Three

Sunday, June 7, 2015


Photo courtesy Senior Services


This is the third of a four-part series about the Village that is being planned for Shoreline, Lake Forest Park and North Seattle

The Village is a membership-based organization with paid staff who act as a personal, central resource to coordinate access to services for you. The services will help you stay in your home as you age and could be provided by trained neighborhood volunteers, or you might be referred to screened vendors for more complex needs and services. Many Villages also offer social and activity groups.

A Village for Shoreline:  Part Three


How Does a Village Work?

A Village is a collaborative effort between community members in the form of: Volunteers, screened Vendors and the Members themselves. Each of these parties can give something and receive something. All of the residents value community and intergenerational relationships. 

NEST Village in Seattle describes it like this:

“With one phone call, Members access benefits:
  • Family members feel less stressed and isolated. 
  • Neighbors of all ages become more deeply engaged in their communities. 
  • Neighborhoods feel safer and more friendly. 
  • Businesses see more customers and become more closely linked with their neighborhood. 
  • Village Members receive dignified assistance when and if they want it, connections with their community, and can stay in the houses and neighborhoods they love. 
The Village:
  • matches members with volunteers to assist with daily tasks like transportation, household tasks, and staying physically active.
  • organizes events and activities for learning and fun
  • maintains a list of pre-screened professionals and discounts at local businesses”
Villages work because they make it easier for people to connect in the ways that they want to. Whether for social activities or a hand around the house, Villages connect neighbors.

What Kind of Volunteering Could I Participate In?

Key players in all villages are the volunteers. Volunteers have the chance to provide the extra helping hand and neighborly support that makes it easier and safer for neighbors to stay in their homes as they age. Volunteers can
  • Provide transportation to doctor’s visits, grocery stores, haircuts and other errands 
  • Assist with computer and internet use 
  • Help in the garden 
  • Facilitate a member group 
  • Climb a ladder 
  • Work in the office 
  • Take a walk 
  • Extend a friendly visit 
  • Plan events 
Volunteers have the freedom and flexibility to say yes or no to any volunteering opportunity. Depending on your interests and availability, volunteering can be something you do regularly each week or one time.

What About Professional Services?

Many Villages also screen local professionals and businesses (via background and reference checks) so their services can be offered through the Village. These might include plumbers, electricians, painters, auto mechanics, etc. This is an excellent benefit to local businesses. The idea is that when a member calls the village for a referral, one of the previously screened vendors can be contacted. This saves the member the job of researching professionals and relying on sketchy information. Many times, the vendors even offer a discount to members. 

So, to make a village work, everyone can participate regardless of age. You could be a member, a volunteer, or a local business.

Curious? To find out a bit more, including when the next meeting is, please contact Joanne Donohue at Senior Services, 206-727-6206

See other articles in this series



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