THE BSAC CONNECTION

THE BSACCONNECTION

November 2021 Programs , Services , and Act iv i t ies

Here's What's New:

Whatcomcoa.org 315 Halleck Street (360) 733-4030

Honoring our Veterans (p.6)Stress Reduction Techniques (p.7)Holiday Paper Craft Project (p.7) Hearing Screenings (p.8)Mt. Baker Cohousing (p.10)Hand & foot Card Game (p.10)Meet our New Volunteer Coordinator, Tim (p.13)

BSAC's biggest fundraiser is right around the corner!Look for more info online and in print in the coming weeks.

Bellingham Senior Activity Center 2 www.whatcomcoa.org

WelcomeOur mission is to offer

a wide range of classes, activities and services for persons 50 years of age and over to encourage emotional, mental, and physical wellness for a

healthy, active, and inde-pendent lifestyle.

Director’s Greeting

BSAC will be closed on the following dates:Thursday, November 25thFriday, November 26thFriday, December 24thMonday, December 27th

Hello Friends & Members, The month of thanks is upon us. As I reflect on what I am thankful for many of you here at BSAC are on my mind. I want to especially recognize our dedicated volunteers who come each week and give so generously of their time and talent:• Thank you to our greeters who welcome folks as they come into

the center with a smile and a friendly hello: Thank you Pat, Cath-erine, Patti, Rhonda, Pauline, Ginger, Kathy, Ellen & Gillian

• Thank you to our front desk volunteers who are helpful, knowl-edgeable and keep us organized: Thank you Patty, David, Kris, Marlene, Jim, David, Cheryl, Laura & Lauren

• Thank you to our committee volunteers who work behind the scenes to make BSAC a great place for all of us: Thank you Bill, Joseph, Phil, Alice, Ellen, Phil, Donna, Patty, Patti, Jackie, Jim, Nancy, Jan, Marilyn & Virginia

• Thank you to our kitchen and food distribution volunteers who do the heavy lifting and are here no matter the weather making sure everyone receives their meals each week: Thank you Nancy, Gillian, Shirley, Penny, Thom, Arlane, Teresa, Kathleen, Sarah, Charlyn, Pauline, Kit, Martina, Sally, Bill, Martha, Virginia, Sue, Marcy, Michele, Martina, Henry, Kay, Nathan, Sacha & Susan

• Thank you to our Meals on Wheels drivers who do so much more than just deliver food: Thank you Brenda, Connie, Mary, Scott, Brian, Marijo, Gunther, Charlyn, Dennis, Mary Ann, Kenneth, Jon, Becki, Linda, Frank, Bill, Jackie, Mary, Rebecca, Dean, Valerie, Matt, John, Mary, John, Linda, Ken, Kiberlee & all of the substi-tute drivers too! Thank you Sasha, Susan, and Sarah for prepar-ing the delivery bags with client’s menu choices so they get the correct order each week.

• Thank you to our program and activity leaders who share their tal-ents and skills without ever asking for something in return: Thank you Scott, Mialee, Daniel, Dell, Marilyn, Marcia, Peggy, Mary, Harvey, Scott, Bill, Marie, Bob, Carol, Bonnie, Robert, Ruth, Jim, Cecily, Sandra, Diane, Lisa, Michelle, Elmarine, Alan, Joe, Nettie, Gary, David, Marilyn, Mike, Nancy, Virginia, Ann, Ron & LaVoun

BSAC is a wonderful place because of the people here. I am thankful for each of you that show up, participate, give, and have joined us in this special community. With a grateful heart, Molly

Bellingham Senior Activity Center 3www.whatcomcoa.org

D i s c o v e r C l a s s e s a n d A c t i v i t i e s

FitnessFitnessPaying for fitness classes: Punch cards can be purchased at the front desk and can be used for ANY BSAC fitness class. Classes are ongoing.

Punchcard of 11 classes: $45 for members. If you wish to pay for an individual class, the cost is $5.00.

At this time, virtual classes are free

Zumba Zumba Gold is for active older adults who are looking for a modi-fied Zumba® class that recreates the original moves at a lower-intensity. The design of the class introduces easy-to-follow chore-ography that focuses on balance, range of motion, and coordination. Tues & Thursdays 9:30–10:30amSaturdays (Virtual) 9:00-10:00am

Auditorium

YogaInstructor Mary Byrne has studied Iyengar, Kundalini, Ashtanga Vin-

yasa and other disciplines. Her style is a compilation of what is most meaningful and useful. Mon 10:30am (see pg. 13 for reg-istraion) Wed 10:00am-11:30am (Virtual)

Longevity StickLow-impact exercise us-ing a one-inch diameter dowel in a series of movements de-signed to improve balance, flex-ibility, and strength. Free for all.Tues & Thurs (Virtual) 11:00am - 12:00pm

Strength Training at HomeJoin Elaine for simple and adaptable exercises that you can do from home.

Mon & Wed (Virtual) 1:00-2:00pm

Flowing Water Qigong & Tai Chi Walking (on hold Nov & Dec)Regular practice of this easy 12 movement Qigong set leads to hap-pier, healthier joints by lubricating and loosening them with relaxing, flowing movements and imag-ery. We will also practice mindful Tai Chi walking which has been proven to be very effective for im-proving balance (inner as well as outer). No experience necessary!Wednesdays 1:30-2:30pm

5 Treasures of QiGongBeautiful and harmonizing prac-tice set that was created by the Na-tional QiGong Association as an introduction to the healing art of energy cultivation. The movements are simple and can be easily modi-fied to fit individual circumstances.First Saturday of each month 10:00-11:00am

EnhanceFitnessA lively and interactive hour-long class filled with variety that com-bines the three key components of fitness: strength training, flexibility, and cardiovascular conditioning.

Mon, Wed, Fri 9:30-10:30am

Open Gym Available during open hours for those who have completed the Strength Training 101 class (see below).

Strength Training 101 This one-on-one interactive class provides a comprehensive over-view of how to gain both muscular strength and muscular endurance, improve joint range of motion and avoid injury in both gaining fitness and in everyday function. Cost: $60 (BSAC member) for the 8-session class. To be placed on the waiting list, please complete and re-turn the Physician’s Clearance Form, available at the Front Desk. We will call you to register for the next class.

Current BSAC membership is required to participate in all classes and activities unless

otherwise noted.


Brainpower & so much More! Brainpower is a group of thought-ful, caring, dynamic people who love to be creative, introspective and engaged in fun experiences and assignments. More than a discus-sion group, this group aims for ca-maraderie through sharing memo-ries and mental challenges from the day in history. Newcomers are always welcomed with open arms.1st & 3rd Mondays 1:00 - 2:30pm

Room 1

Personal WritingShare your own unique story or writ-ings and come meet with us to hear our writings. No experience needed. We welcome all who wish to share.Tuesdays 1:00-2:30pm

Room 1

TED Talk DiscussionsWe invite you to join us to view and discuss selected TED Talks that will facilitate discourse on important subjects. Each viewing will feature a different topic from which two TED talks will be viewed and discussed.2nd & 4th Fridays 10:00a-12:00p

Room 16

1st & 3rd Fri. 10:00a - 12:00p(Virtual)

Civil Discussion that Crosses DividesJoin us for a weekly discussion group, hosted by BSAC members Mialee and Daniel. Join the conver-sation to listen and learn. Talk and be heard. The discussion will be fa-cilitated for lively participation and understanding between attendees.Fridays 1:00-2:30pm

Room 1

Spanish Conversation¿Hablas Español? Join us and prac-tice your Spanish skills! Express yourself and learn from other fel-low Spanish speakers at BSAC.Wednesdays 9:00am - 11:00am

(Virtual) Thursdays 11:00am - 12:00pm

Room 2

Watercolor PaintingClasses are currently full.Wednesdays 9:00am - 11:00pm& 1:00-3:00pm

Room 1 Open Art TimeBring your painting or proj-ect and work with others.Wednesdays 9:00am - 11:00am

Room 9

Portrait Drawing (on hold) Any experience welcome. Bring your own drawing materials. Par-ticipants share the cost of a model fee. Contact Eric at 733-4030 x1035 if you are interested in participat-ing. Once masks are no longer required, the group will resume.Thursdays 10:00am-12:00pm Room 1

Rug HookingLearn how to make beau-tiful hooked rugs/hang-ings. Materials not provided. Tuesdays 9:00am-3:00pm

Room 9

QuiltingBring your own materi-als and machine. Space is lim-ited, so check with group prior.Thursdays 12:15pm-4:00pm

Room 1

Woodcarving Join others with interest in wood-carving. Materials not provided.Thursdays 9:00-11:00am

Room 9

Knitting Group All levels, beginners to ad-vanced knitters are welcome. Some instruction is available

Wednesdays 1:00-3:00pmRoom 9

Bridge Party Bridge (Contract Bridge) for people with ba-sic knowledge of the game. Tuesdays 12:30-3:30pm

Room 16

CribbageGet together with other Crib-bage players to play games.Thursdays 1:00-3:00pm

Room 16

Mah Jongg A tile game similar to Rummy. Mondays 12:30-4:00pm Tuesdays (Beginners welcome!)

9:30am-12:30pmRoom 1

Artistic OpportunitiesArtistic Opportunities

Card GamesCard Games

Writing & DiscussionWriting & Discussion


Pinochle We welcome everyone who knows pinochle or wants to learn. We suggest that begin-ners learn about the game be-fore attending a regular activity.Fridays 12:45-3:00pm

Room 16

Tuesday DanceEnjoy dancing to the great tunes by Good Vibrations. Do-nations to the band accepted.Tuesdays 2:00-4:00pm

Auditorium

The Senior Singers (on hold)This group gives performances around the area. We sing for fun and for others. Newcomers welcome. Maggie Malone. (425) 747-8684.

Return date TBD

Rhythm Band (on hold)If you have an instrument stashed away, find it and come join us! Mary VanderVeen 647-5334.

Return date TBD

English Country DancingLearn the country dances of England, gentle dances to beau-tiful music. Everyone is wel-come and no partner is need-ed, For information contact(360) 715-1768Thursdays 2:30 - 4:30 pm

Auditorium

Senior SteppersWelcomes new tap dancers. Class-es are free. Michelle 927-1365

Mondays 1:30-3:30amThursdays 11:00am-1:00pm

Auditorium

Ping Pong Fun to play and gets you moving! Paddles and balls are available.M,T,Th,F 9:00am-10:30amTues & Thurs 1:30pm - 3:00pm

Coffee Bar

PoolPlease place a donation in the box to help with maintenance and upkeep of the tables and cue sticks. Thanks!Pool room is available during open hours

Ladies PoolLet’s chalk up the cue sticks and rack ‘em up for weekly Ladies Pool Group.Wednesdays 1:00pm-3:00pm

The Button WalkaboutsJoin us for a social, easy-paced walk. Please stay with a partner on desig-nated trails. Most walks contain dirt trails which are not conducive for portable walkers. $1.00 minimum gas donation. Need more informa-

tion? Call Scott (812) 371-6005.Tues & Thurs 9:30am - 11:00am

Meet in Coffee Bar or trailhead

Senior TrailblazersThe hikes range from 6-10 miles and are moderate to difficult. Car-pooling is used to share the ex-pense with the drivers. Contact: Alan Heezen (360) 738-9311.Visit geezerhiker.com/trailblazers/

Bocce Ball & Cornhole Available to checkout for use during open hours.

Tech HelpOne-on-one assistance with computers, tablets, and phones. Sign up at the front desk for a 30-minute appointment.Fridays 1:00-3:00pm

Music & DanceMusic & Dance

RecreationRecreation


MONDAY

9:00 Ping Pong 9:30 EnhanceFitness 10:30 Yoga - see pg. 13 for registration 12:30 Mah Jongg 12:45 Pinochle 1:00 BrainPower (1st & 3rd Mondays) 1:00 Strength Training (Virtual) 1:30 Senior Steppers

TUESDAY

8:15 Senior Trailblazers 9:00 Rug Hooking 9:00 Ping Pong 9:30 Button Walkabouts 9:30 Mah Jongg 9:30 Zumba11:00 Longevity Stick (Virtual)12:30 Bridge 1:00 Personal Writing 2:00 Ballroom Dance 1:30 Ping Pong

WEDNESDAY

9 - 3 Open Gym 9:00 Spanish Conversation (Virtual) 9:00 Open Art Time 9:00 Watercolor Painting (current class is full) 9:30 EnhanceFitness - see pg. 13 for registration10:00 Yoga (Virtual) 1:00 Ladies Pool Group 1:00 Strength Training (Virtual) 1:00 Watercolor Painting (current class is full) 1:00 Knitting Group 1:30 Tai Chi

THURSDAY

7:45 Senior Trailblazers 9:00 Woodcarvers 9:00 Ping Pong 9:30 Button Walkabout 9:30 Zumba11:00 Spanish Conversation11:00 Senior Steppers11:00 Longevity Stick (Virtual)12:15 Quilting Group 2:30 English Country Dance 1:00 Cribbage 1:30 Ping Pong

FRIDAY

9:00 Ping Pong 9:30 EnhanceFitness10:00 TED Talk Discussions (1st & 3rd Virtual, 2nd & 4th in-person)12:45 Pinochle 1:00 Tech Help 1:00 Civil Discussion that Crosses Divides (Nov. 19th & then the first Friday of each month starting in Dec.)

Honoring our Veterans

Each year on Veterans Day, we recognize our members and their families, volun-teers, and staff who have served. If you (or a family member) have served our country in the military, we would like to honor that service by collecting a photo and a statement about your service. These will be displayed in the BSAC lobby on Veteran’s Day and the remain-der of November.

Visit the BSAC to share a photo (we can make a copy of the photo to display) or email one to [email protected]. To go along with the photo, you are invited to write a response to a question, such as “What was the most important thing you learned from your experi-ence?” or “Why did you pick the service branch you joined?” or “What would you like people to remember on Veter-ans Day?”. Slips of paper with various questions like these will be included at the display so that you can write in an answer and post it with your photo.

Thank you to all members of our mili-tary in all branches, past and present, living and dead. With respect, honor and gratitude, thank you.

*Gym will be closed Mon & Fri from 12-1pm from Nov 15 - Dec 13 for a strength training class.


Kurt Aemmer PerformsKurt Aemmer is one of the most celebrated Blues singers to come out of Bellingham in decades, having garnered 7 Best Blues Award Nominations from the Washington Blues Society between 2003 - 2008. He has produced or co-produced 9 full CDs, and has a song-writer’s credit on a 10th. In recent years he has performed as a solo artist, accompanying his powerful baritone voice with acoustic guitar and harmonica; sing-ing Blues, Rock & Roll, Folk and Jazz covers and original composi-tions. His primary performing and songwriting influences include Muddy Waters, Delbert McClinton, Tony Joe White, James Taylor, and Bob Dylan.

2nd Wednesday of each month, from 12:30-1:30pm in the Coffee Bar. Next Date: November 10th.

Stress Reduction techniques 40 ways to take the Stress out of your life

November 17th at 1:00pm in Room 16

Unstress, Unwind, and Uncover Your Inner Silence with stress reduction techniques from Peggy Sullivan, retired mental health therapist and author of Blissfully Single, A Single’s Guide to Happiness and Twelve Secrets of Hap-pily Ever After Couples: A Love Prescription. Ms. Sullivan takes a holistic look at ways to live in a more relaxed state of mind in time for pre-holiday stress prevention.

This interactive presentation provides an opportunity to share stress reduction techniques and learn and prac-tice some new ones. You’ll learn how to manage your environment to live more peacefully regardless of world chaos, pandemics, or family conflict. You’ll be ready to create a peaceful island of serenity.

Holiday Paper Craft ProjectJoin us on Monday November 15 from 10am to 12 pm or Wednesday November 17 from 1 pm to 3 pm to craft these delightful candy cane door hangers. The candy cane forms are wrapped in holiday ribbon and you will also learn how to make “perfect” large bows. This is a su-per easy craft and the class is free with all supplies included. Each class is limited to six crafters, so call us or sign up at the front desk.

The finished product. Size is approx. 2 ft tall. Looks great

hanging on a front door!


Ladies Pool GroupLet’s chalk up the cue sticks and rack ‘em up for a weekly Ladies Pool Group. Join us for some friendly competi-tion and social interaction. Expeience in playing pool not required, new players welcome!

Wednesdays, 1:00-3:00pm

Healthy Hearing means Healthier AgingLearn about hearing loss and how to identify and treat it.Many older adults have some level of hearing loss. Accord-ing to the National Institute on Aging, approximately one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss, and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hear-ing. Hearing loss can make it harder to stay connected, as us with hearing loss may find it hard to have conversations with friends and family, which can lead to less interaction with people. According to The New York Times, hearing loss is the largest modifiable risk factor for developing dementia, exceeding that of smoking, high blood pressure, and lack of exercise and social isolation.New information comes out regularly regarding hearing, speech processing, and hearing aid technology. Come to this presentation from Ann Plotnic, Hearing Instrument Specialist, to learn about hearing loss and current hearing aids. Following the presentation, Ann and her collegue will provide hearing screenings and an optional video-otoscope viewing (see what your ear canal looks like on the laptop monitor!).

Thursday, November 18th

Presentation at 10:00am. Hearing Screenings begin at 11:00am. The hearing screenings will be scheduled 10-minutes apart, and space is limited, so please sign up ahead of time at the front desk or call 733-4030 to reserve a screening time.


Civil Discussion that Crosses DividesJoin us for a monthly discussion group, hosted by BSAC members Mialee and Daniel. Join the conversation to listen and learn. Talk and be heard. The discussion will be facilitated for lively participa-tion and understanding between attendees.

Friday, Nov 19th, 1:00-2:30pm

In the US, winner-take-all voting has created A LOT of political polarization. Could ranked choice voting help our political scene become less polarized? Could it help to increase voter turnout? Come to this meeting to learn more about ranked choice voting, participate in an activity that demonstrates this method, and par-take in discussion.

Please register for this meeting. Visit the front desk, call us at 733-4030 or email [email protected].

Is there an issue or problem - personal or global - that is not being solved to your satisfaction? Have an idea for a topic of future discussion? Bring your ideas to the group. We’ll exercise our peace muscles and identify new approaches that can improve the situation. (This will likely involve crossing divides!) Leave with new insights and inspiration to be more intentionally peaceful in how we go about things.

Starting in December, this group will meet on the First Friday of each month at 1:00pm.

TED Talk DiscussionsWe invite you to join us to view and discuss selected TED Talks that will facilitate discourse on important subjects. Each viewing will fea-ture a different topic from which two TED talks will be viewed and discussed. 1st & 3rd Fridays, meeting virtual via Zoom2nd & 4th Fridays, at BSAC, Room 16

Sci-Fi's influence on our vision of the future - Friday, Nov. 5, 10am (virtual)• Planet City - a sci-fi vision of an astonishing regenerative future• A sci-fi vision of life in 2041

Gaining perspective and connection through art - Friday, Nov. 12, 10am, at BSAC• The art of paying attention• How drawing can set you free

Cooperatives and their potential as a sustainable bussiness model - Friday, Nov. 19, 10am (virtual)• The case for co-ops, the invisible giant of the economy• How platform co-ops democratize work

Friday, Nov. 26 - No meeting. Happy Thanksgiving Holiday.


Mt. Baker CohousingMt. Baker Cohousing is a newly forming non-profit group with the goal of designing and de-veloping a cohousing community in Northwest Washington. The group is in the early stages of organizational development, an opportune time for new members to join. MBC’s goal is a very civil and vibrant, member-owned, residential neighborhood, based on the Co-housing Model developed in Denmark and transplanted into North America over the past 40 years.Mt. Baker Cohousing invites you to attend a meeting at BSAC to learn more about cohousing and how you can become involved in helping to establish a cohousing community in our area.

Monday, November 15th from 12:00-1:00pm in the Auditroium.

What is Cohousing? The answer can be found in these books available from the public libraries: Cohousing, a Contemporary Approach to Housing Handbook by Kate McCamant & Charles Durrett, Senior Cohousing Handbook by Charles Durrett, and The Cohousing Handbook by Chris & Kelly Scott-Hanson.According to Durrett: “…Cohousing is a re-creation of earlier times when community participation was viewed as an essential part of social, mental, and physical health…Cohousers seem to be consistently upbeat with love and support for and from their community family…Residents in cohousing enjoy the benefits of cooperation…”

Learn to Play the Card Game, Hand & FootHand and Foot card game, also know as Headers & footers, is a game related to Canasta and Rummy. In Hand and Foot, players are dealt two sets of cards: the hand, which is played with first, and the foot, which is played after. The objective is to get rid of all your cards by forming them into books.

BSAC member, Charlene Mills will be leading instruction on how to play the game. If there is interest in the game, we will make it a weekly activity.

Thursday, November 11th at 1:00pm. Space is limited, please sign up at the desk or call 733-4030.

Pumped Bellingham: November 15th in the BSAC Parking Lot from 12-2pmPumped Bellingham is a zero-waste inspired mobile shop offering everyday house-hold essentials that help you find the balance between sustainability and affordabili-ty. Pumped Bellingham sells household and self-care products in a refillable format. Bring your own container, take one from us on deposit, or buy a bottle for your product. Everything is sold by the ounce or by the each so you can buy as much or as little as you like.


Wonders of WhatcomJoin us on the third Friday of each month at 10:30am for “Wonders of Whatcom” featuring slide show presentations on topics of art, culture, and nature in Whatcom County and beyond.

Fantastic Fungi!

Marilyn displays stunning and marvelous photo-graphs of those magnificent mushrooms: the edible to the deadly.

Friday, November 19th at 10:30am in Room 16

Book BuzzBSAC’s book discussion group. “Bee” a part of the discussion of:

News of the World, By Paulette Jiles

It is 1870 and Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd travels through northern Texas, giving live readings to pay-ing audiences hungry for news of the world. An el-derly widower who has lived through three wars and fought in two of them, the captain enjoys his rootless, solitary existence.

Buzz on in, Mon. Nov. 15th at 10:30am in Rm. 1

Some questions to ponder about the book: Why did Captain feel responsible for the girl? Why did she trust him? How did each of them understand the concept of honor? Why was she terrified of the army? Why did Captain think she would be better off with her aunt & uncle?

Gift ShopThe gift shop will be open on Tuesdays from 11:30am to 1:30pm. If you are interested in volunteering or selling your wares/crafts in the shop please stop by the gift shop to speak with LaVoun.

BSAC Classes offered on-line with ZoomLinks to our virtual programs on Zoom are included in the weekly email from BSAC. Sign-up for our mailing list at whatcomcoa.org

Housing Lab from Opportunity Council- Tenent-focused resources - Eviction prevention- Roomate Cafe - Housing searchFor individuals and families experiencing difficul-ty finding safe, affordable housing, Opportunity Council may be able to help.Housing Lab will be setup to help at the BSAC on Nov. 8th from 1:00 - 3:00pm

M O N D A Y T U E S D A Y

W E D N E S D A Y

T H U R S D A Y F R I D A Y

BSAC WEEKLY VIRTUAL PROGRAMSSCHEDULE

Staying Connected and Active

Yoga

10:00am

Mary Byrne hasstudied Iyengar,Kundalini ,Ashtanga, Vinyasaand otherdiscipl ines. Herstyle is acompilat ion ofwhat is mostmeaningful anduseful .

Longevity Stick

11:00am

Join Bonnie for al ive LongevityStick exercise

Longevity Stick

11:00am

Join Bonnie for al ive LongevityStick exercise

TED TalkDiscussion

10:00am

Join Mari lyn todiscuss the weeklyTED Talk. Links tothe talks are inthe weekly Enews.

1st & 3rd Fri . ofeach month isonl ine, and 2nd &4th Fri of themonth is at BSAC

S A T U R D A YSpanishConversation

9:00am

Hablas Espanol?Join us andpractice yourSpanish ski l ls !

StrengthTraining

1:00pm

Join Elaine forsimple andadaptableexercises you cando from home.

Strength Training

1:00pm

(See Mon. fordescription)

Zumba Gold

9:00am

Zumba Gold is foractive olderadults who arelooking for amodif ied Zumbaclass thatrecreates theoriginal moves ata lower intensity.

Card Games are back at BSAC!Bridge For people with basic knowledge of the game. Tuesdays, 12:30-3:00pm, Room 16

Cribbage Get together with other Cribbage players to play games.Thursdays, 1:00-3:00pm, Room 16

PinochleWe suggest that beginners learn about the game be-fore attending a regular activity.Fridays, 12:45-3:00pm, Room 16

Hand & FootSee page 10 for info.

The Earthstar fungus. This interesting fungus is also known as barometer earthstar because it reacts to the level of humidity in the air.


Senior Community MealsWednesdays, pick up time 11:30am-12:00pm

Each Wednesday the Bellingham Meals on Wheels cooks will provide 1 fresh meal and 6 frozen meals for pick-up. These meals are available by donation for anyone in the community who is 60 or older. Vegetarian meals now available! Let us know if you would like this option when you drive or walk up.This meal pickup will continue each Wednesday until the congregate meals return.

November Fresh Meal Menu (each week a fresh meal will be included with 6 frozen meals):

Nov. 3rd: Chinese BBQ Pork, Fried Rice, Snap Peas, Asian Sesame Slaw, Apple SlicesNov. 10th: Veterans Day Lunch: Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Nantucket Veggies, Green Salad, Peach CrispNov. 17th: Baked Salmon, Wild Rice Pilaf, Baby Carrots, Mixed Greens SaladNov. 24th: Turkey Dinner, Green Bean Casserole, Mashed Potaotes, Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce, Pumkin Pie

Cranberry TalesBy Carol Simmer, RDN

Meals on Wheels and More!Cranberries are one of the most unique fruits in the world and one of only three fruits native to North America. The fruit has been called many names in-cluding, “sassamanesh” “ibimi,” and “atoqua” by native peoples. However, it was the early German and Dutch settlers who called it “crane berry” because the flower of the fruit resembled the head of a crane. This evolved into “cranberry”!The cranberry grows in the wild on long-running vines in sandy bogs and marshes. Originally picked by hand, it wasn’t until the 1800s that cranberries were grown on a large scale when a more efficient method of dry harvesting was used. Later the dry harvesting was changed to a wet harvesting method. By flooding the bog where they grew, the cranberry’s natural buoyancy allows the berries to float to the surface where they can be collected.Native Americans knew the nutrient and antioxidant-packed cranberry as a “superfruit” long before today. As early as 1550 they ate cranberries fresh, ground, or mashed with cornmeal and baked into bread. They also mixed berries with wild game and melted fat to form pemmican, a survival ration for the winter months. Maple sugar or honey was used to sweeten the berry’s tart flavor. Cranberries were carried by American whalers and mariners to prevent scurvy (vitamin C deficiency) and American Indians brewed cranberry poultices to draw poison from arrow wounds. Cranberry was also used in a tea to calm nerves and the brilliant juice was used as a dye. Studies have shown that due to their high antioxidant content, cranberries may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects and may also help lower blood pressure, improve cardiovascular and gut health, improve eyesight, and help with urinary track health. While cranberries are safe to consume for most people, they are high in vitamin K and can interfere with the blood thinner, Warfarin.Personally, my family loves my cranberry relish. I make it this time of year when cranberries are plentiful and when tradition demands it at my holiday meals, especially with turkey! It is very simple and very healthy, using only cranberries ground with whole, seeded oranges, and sweetened with honey (or sugar or artificial sweet-ener). I also add a few toasted chopped pecans! However, my son prefers homemade cranberry sauce made by simmering whole cranberries with a small amount of water until the berries burst. Then stir the hot cranberries with a sweetener of your choice. Year-round we enjoy dried cranberries as a snack and in almost everything baked! I hope you can find more ways to use this beautiful, tasty, and healthy native fruit!


Register online for Yoga (Mondays) and EnhanceFitness (Wednesdays), To register for an activity, you must be a current 2021 Bellingham Senior Activity Center Member. Reservations must be made in advance online www.myactivecenter.com or by phone 360-733-4030. Schedul-ing online is preferred. Registration for Yoga and EnhanceFitness will be available each month for the following month on the 25th. A tutorial on how to set-up your www.myactivecenter.com account can be found here https://www.mytutorial-center.com/myactivecenter Please note you will need your BSAC Keytag, the phone number we have on file for you and an email address. You will be asked to create a new password for this account. Class reservations that are no shows or not cancelled 24 hours in advance will be charged to a punch card if a card is on file.

The Whatcom County Health Department has partnered with Signature Health Care to offer homebound residents COVID-19 vaccines, including booster doses. Only 10-12 appointments are available each month, so the Health Depart-ment will be screening requests to identify people who are typically unable to leave their homes due to medical and/or psychiatric conditions.

You can request an appointment yourself, or you can be referred by a care-giver, family member, or medical or social service organization. Appoint-ments can be requested in any of these ways:

• Call the Health Department at (360) 778-6075• Email [email protected]

• Fill out an online form: https://redcap.link/WA_HomeBasedVax

A Message from our new Volunteer Coordinator, Tim Van Beek!Howdy! My name is Tim Van Beek and I am thrilled to be joining the amazing team at Whatcom Council on Aging as the Volunteer Coordinator. I was raised in Whatcom County, moved away for a few years, and gladly returned in November of 2020. Previously I worked at Washington Trails Association for over 15 years. It was there that I became aware of what Volunteers can accomplish. I have a sister, nieces and nephews in the area. Also local, are my Grand Niece Callie and Grand Nephews Zach, Alex and Lukas, with whom I greatly enjoy spending time with, ideally in the great outdoors. Besides spending time with family, I enjoy hiking, bike riding, gardening and volunteer-ing in our community.I am super excited to meet members of the WCOA community. If you are at the BSAC, swing on by and say hello.

Bellingham Senior Activity Center

315 Halleck StreetBellingham, WA 98225

Return service requested

Bellingham Senior Activity Center & Whatcom Council on Aging

Phone: (360) 733-4030 Fax: (360) 647-7952 Web: whatcomcoa.org

Hours: Mon - Fri from 9:00am to 3:00pm

BSAC Front Desk Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ext: 1015BSAC Director, Molly Simon . . . . . . . . . . . . . ext: 1020BSAC Prog. Coordinator, Eric Pierson . . . . . ext: 1035BSAC Prog. Concierge, Kay & Teresa . . . . . . ext: 1016WCOA Nutrition (Meals on Wheels & More) ext: 1030WCOA Executive Director, Chris Orr . . . . . . . ext: 1026 WCOA Volunteer Coordinator, Tim Van Beek . x:1024Bellingham at Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ext: 2602

THE BSAC CONNECTION

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Transcript of THE BSAC CONNECTION