Young at Heart

By Kathy Sitker, Blaine Senior Center director

The New Year has arrived.

I look at my hands and realize how much they look like my mother’s, and her mother’s. My body might be changing, but I still feel as though I’m age 20 or 30. Here at the Blaine Senior Center, we are all still

“Young at Heart.”

When my father was starting to decline in health, the doctor told us that he needed to be around others because he was hearing and vision-impaired. That is something I will always remember and that is what I tell new members of the center. The Blaine Senior Center is a great place to meet others who are young at heart, especially through our weekly activities.

On Monday, start your day with Tai Chi. Originally developed for self-defense, Tai Chi has evolved into a graceful form of exercise that’s now used for stress reduction and a variety of other health conditions. Often described as meditation in motion, Tai Chi promotes serenity through gentle, flowing movements. On Monday, you can also play a game of pinochle or, on the third Monday of the month, view a movie matinee. This month in honor of MLK Day, we will show Selma.

Tuesdays are busy at the Blaine Senior Center. We have a morning stretch class, a Healthy Weight Support Group and a Memory Loss Support Group. Join our resident expert in the genealogy class or join others as they find their creative side with others in the painting group or playing the ukulele with BUG (the Blaine Ukulele Group) as they practice, play and visit.

Wednesdays are Bunco days and, as it turns out, a great day for presentations. This month we have Mark Peterson from Sustainable Connections sharing what it means to be part of the Toward Zero Waste campaign.

Earlier in the month we had Dr. Steve Morris share his stories of travel with the High Lamas including this personal visit with his His Holiness the Dalia Lama. We also have a great book club with the help of Debby Farmer from the Blaine Library.

Thursdays begin with our stretching class and are followed by our crafting group. Don’t forget that North Whatcom Fire Rescue comes and does blood pressure checks. And yes, we have mahjong.

On Fridays, we have bible study for those interested. Don’t forget about the ever popular Friday bingo!

And then round out your week with Saturday. Relax, enjoy and participate if you want with our Senior Jam Session! Special Saturday events can include Big Bucks Bingo or our pancake breakfast.Something is always happening that can help keep you

young at heart.

Whether you come to shoot pool or play cards or stretch or use the gym, the center is a place to empower and engage and enrich your life. Our annual membership is $45.

The Blaine Senior Center is located at 763 G Street and is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. Learn more by visiting blaineseniorcenter.com.