The old saying “use it or lose it” never rings truer than as we age.
The holiday season annually ends with New Year’s resolutions, which are intended to address our past transgressions but are really a reaction to a six-week over-indulgence in food and drink and an under-indulgence in healthy habits. When we are also in the double jeopardy of short days and cold, rainy weather, it makes the idea of outdoor activity even less appealing.
Fear not! You are not alone and we have some great information to help you keep those good intentions moving forward into the future. Senior programming at the Blaine Community Center/Senior Center is a great place to meet folks from 50 to 100.
Start your day with a hot cup of coffee, some mindful meditation and then move onto some exercise. You can find a complete fitness workout in the gym along with weights and benches, if machines aren’t your expertise. Or try a host of group classes from chair yoga to line dancing and Tai Chi to dumbbells to help you to get started slowly (or fast if you prefer). Meet a friend and take a walk indoors – where it is dry – on one of our great treadmills.
How about a delicious, well-rounded lunch? As long as you’re already at the center, it’s an easy way to get your big meal of the day and catch up with friends. Monday through Friday, the Whatcom County Council on Aging provides the center with lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The cost for those over 60 is $6 by donation (though we encourage those who can pay to do so), and the cost for folks under 60 is $10. It’s a great meal that often comes with live entertainment, including Friday Fun Bingo.
As we think about New Year’s resolutions, let’s remember they should be about more than just diet and exercise. Educational enrichment activities and social connections are also very important.
Research indicates that a well-rounded life with plenty of learning as well as regular socializing with friends helps the reduce the risk of developing dementia. Join folks for a memoir class, take a painting class, learn to play Bridge or enjoy other card games, dominoes or puzzles regularly set up around the room. Have you always wanted to learn to play pool? Maybe you are already a shark … Thursdays are a big day for our crafty, knitting and crochet members. Refresh your skills or start learning with lots of folks willing to teach. While you are visiting on Thursday, you can get your blood pressure checked with the North Whatcom Fire and Rescue.
I can tell that by now, you are really excited to find out where and how you can find all of these great activities, especially since it is raining outside. Come and check out the center at 764 H Street during Senior programming hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
There is plenty of parking, and it’s filled with your new friends. All listed activities and more are available with the purchase of an annual senior pass for just $45. Passes can be purchased in the office of the center from Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2.
And, in case you were curious about the results from the Blaine Senior Center nonprofit board election on December 15, our incoming board members are Kelle Rankin-Sunter, board president; Donna Rayburn, vice president; Sue Cushman, treasurer; Glenn Briskin, secretary (acting); Debra Brown, executive board member at-large; Sieneke Stevenson, Gabriel Komjathy, Conrad Leer, Heino Sunter, Maureen Call and Sarah Cutler.
The membership voted ‘no’ on the proposed ballot measure that would have authorized the transfer of funds to Whatcom Community Foundation for management. The incoming board is energized to move the nonprofit forward and administer the funds to serve the community for many years to come.
We invite you to join us for our next open board meeting 12:30-1:30 p.m. Monday, January 12 at the Blaine Community Center/Senior Center. We are looking forward to your ideas for senior members of our community. If you can’t make a meeting, please feel free to write to the board at bbbseniors@yahoo.com. You can also sign up to receive our information via email using the link.
Kelle Rankin-Sunter is president of Blaine Senior Center nonprofit.
