Spotlight

Anniversaries

Socially Speaking

Out & About

At a Glance

Lifelong Learning

Community

Connections

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April 2016 WWW.THEWILLOWSBELLINGHAM.COM

Let’s make treasure out of trash! At this interactive workshop you will create a work of art out of recycled materials under the guidance of local teaching artist,

Christian Anne Smith. The supplies will come from the Allied Arts Reuse Thrift Store where used products and

materials are donated so they can be re-used to make arts and explore creatively. Christian’s art degree is in mixed

media and she has several “junk art” workshops under her belt where she’s taught her students to make puppets out of

recycled items. Anyone is welcome to join this workshop, whether you

think you’ve got an artistic bone or not! Our masterpieces will be displayed in the Willows Galleria. The gallery opening on Earth Day, April 22nd, will rival openings

downtown with wine and small snacks served. Sign up to join the workshop and create something beautiful!

From The Manager WWW.THEWILLOWSBELLINGHAM.COM

Celebrating Spring One of the first signs of spring is the annual return of the s w e e t R u f o u s H u m m i n g b i r d s . Although I now have “hummers” all year around my feeders, the species that we see through the

winter are usually the Anna Hummingbirds. The Rufous’ show up in March. The males are cinnamon in color on their backs and have white, black and iridescent orange-red throats. They are loud: buzzing when they fly and chirping as they go about defending their territory around the feeders. These tiny creatures, less than 3 inches long, travel all the way to Mexico each winter, and then come home for the summer where they mate, nest and hatch their babies. They beat their wings 52 to 62 times per second in order to hover, and have an amazing ability to slow their metabolism at night to conserve energy. Watching them makes me think about what it must be like to undertake a 3000 mile migration each spring and fall with all the odds that are stacked against them. Sometimes we find ourselves not taking the first step of what might be a difficult journey, just because it seems hard. When we accomplish something easy, it never feels as good as doing something difficult. What I have noticed is that part of the process is breaking down the overwhelming large goal into smaller increments so that we can feel our successes along the way. So, if for

instance, you want to be able to climb on and off our bus and enjoy all those trips coming up, get together with Jen in our Program Department and set some movement goals. Plan to walk a certain distance each day, or to attend a fitness class each time it meets. Doing something until it becomes routine is the key to long lasting success. Each time you make an effort, that is a success, and it’s important to celebrate each time you do something bringing you closer to your goal. The days are longer, the temperature is warming and it is the time of year that life is renewing itself, hopefully we can take a cue and renew ourselves as well. Start on that journey that you’ve been putting off, reward yourself along the way, and celebrate your success!

~Viki

Spotlight WWW.THEWILLOWSBELLINGHAM.COM

E = Easy Trip

W= Walking

U= Uneven Ground or pathway

S= Standing

Str= Stairs

F= Free time

WW= Walkers Welcome

(see front of calendar insert for location

abbreviations)

LifeMinded™ Perfect 10— Beth Sizer 10 years

Ginny Connelly 6 years Florence Monson 5 years Bonnie Ledray 5 years Jeanne Burt 3 years Virginia Stevenson 2 years Virginia Roberts 1 year Barb Benning 1 year

Spring is here and if you’re a gardener, you are no doubt ready to get your hands in the

dirt! Many of you use the space on your patios and decks for creative and bright

planters while others crave a bit more space for planting and make use of our raised

garden beds on the West end of the building. If you’ve planted in the raised

beds in the past or would like to try it out this year, please come to the Willows

Gardeners Meeting where we will fairly distribute the plots and get you growing!

Though we already encourage recycling here at The Willows, there is still more that we can do to keep specific items from cluttering up

landfills. The Sanitary Service Company (SSC), located here in Bellingham, hosts a

drop-off site for such items including: plastic bread bags, deli containers, aerosol cans, plastic garden pots, small electronics, and

more. In addition, other businesses collect items that contain toxic materials such as

unused medications, lightbulbs and batteries.

With organization and cooperation, we at The Willows can make a difference by

collecting these items for recycling and safe disposal. If you are interested in learning

more or participating on a Recycling Committee, please attend this informational

meeting!

Socially Speaking WWW.THEWILLOWSBELLINGHAM.COM Socially Speaking

Egypt - The Gift of the Nile The first thing you need to know about Egypt: no Nile, no Egypt. The Nile is a very long, very powerful, very important river. The Greek writer Herdotus called Egypt “the Gift of the Nile,” and so it was. About five percent of Egypt is habitable. Without the Nile, there would be only barren desert.

The Hebrews - Small States and Big Ideas After the Egyptians and Hittites exhausted themselves, and before other large, powerful states emerged, there was a brief period of importance for some small states and peoples. What the Phoenicians did, in particular, was this: they planted trading colonies all over the Mediterranean. They began doing this probably about 900 B.C., and they created, in the process, one of the first great commercial empires that the world had ever seen.

Whether you’re brand new to The Willows or you’ve lived here for years, chances are there are some folks that you’ve yet to rub elbows with. At this mixer, you’ll have the chance to get to know your neighbors. We’ll mix you up, add drinks, and stir!

We're raising our girls to be perfect, and we're raising our boys to be brave, says Reshma Saujani, the founder of Girls Who Code. Saujani has taken up the charge to socialize young girls to take risks and learn to program — two skills they need to move society forward. To truly innovate, we cannot leave behind half of our population. An informal discussion will follow this short video presentation.

What would we do without our resident volunteers? Much of what we accomplish is thanks to a large group of very generous folks who donate their time and energy to help us make The Willows special. This is our chance to give back to all of our volunteers with a special treat and a very warm “Thank you.” Volunteers, look for your invite under your door!

American Winter follows the personal stories of eight families struggling in the wake of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, the Great Recession that began in 2007. The film challenges stereotypes about the people that turn to social services for help. After we watch the documentary, we’ll have an informal discussion while enjoying a bowl of soup from the Willows kitchen. Soup is available to the first 16 that sign-up, though everyone is welcome to watch the film!

Q u e s t i o n s ? C o m m e n t s ? Concerns? This is a great time to meet with Viki, The Willows Manager, to talk about what is important to you. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and have a baked treat in a casual atmosphere.

To make sure we’re meeting your needs, we’d love to hear your feedback about your dining experiences. This is your chance to share your thoughts with Food Service Manager, Jen Rein.

Out & About WWW.THEWILLOWSBELLINGHAM.COM

The Whatcom County Democratic Women’s Club mission is to educate, energize and elect. The group has been sponsoring candidate forums since 2006. At this forum you will have the unique opportunity to find out first-hand what candidate priorities are and tell them, face-to-face, what is important to you. During the brunch, candidates will mingle with attendees and then join a panel to present their reasons for running. Attendees will be able to chat directly with candidates and ask questions both during the panel presentations and in individual conversations. Tickets, which include the fee for brunch, are $25. Please contact resident Anne Richardson to purchase tickets and for more information. 1-360-595-4485. E,F,WW

Calling all foodies! For this month’s Gourmet Wannabes meeting we’re going on a field trip to Drizzle to sample an array of premium infused olive oils and vinegars. Their delectable offerings are perfect for sauces, salad dressings, sautes, marinades and dipping. In addition to the oils and vinegars, fresh spice and herb seasoning blends and other local goodies are also available. After we’ve browsed, we will head downstairs to Colophon Café for a before-dinner dessert! They are famous for their peanut butter pie… Yum! E,Str,F,WW

Traditional breakfast fare, plus gourmet egg sandwiches, omelets, eggs benedict & baked

goods. Entrees average $8-$12

Special selection 4-course early dinner includes Hearthfire flatbread paired with an appetizer,

your choice of salad or soup, entree and dessert. $21.95 for the special dinner

It’s tulip season again! We are so fortunate to live near the Skagit Valley which comes alive each spring with brilliant color. Acres of daffodils, tulips, irises, and lilies entice a visit from us time and time again. We will

begin our adventure this year with an indoor picnic lunch at the Burlington Lutheran

Church where we will be joined by a group from our sister community in Issaquah! The

larger group will then convoy to the Roozengaarde Display Garden and Gift

Shop. Finally, we will part ways and take a meandering drive through the tulip fields on

our way home. The trip fee includes your admission to Roozengaarde, but don’t forget

to bring spending money! E,W,U,F,WW

At a Glance WWW.THEWILLOWSBELLINGHAM.COM

Bunko, Mexican Canasta,

Pinochle, Scrabble, Bridge, Mahjongg and Pool—We have

many options for you to get involved in a little friendly

competition! Check the calendar for organized times or talk to the Program Dept. if you’d like to get something going, or to find out

more about current groups already meeting to play.

Sunshine Committee—Brighten the lives of others through a card, visit or kind word. Talk to the front desk to get involved.

Gift Boutique—re-stocking merchandise and working short shifts in the shop. Talk with Sierra or Ginny Connelly for more info.

Willows Ambassadors—Help welcome new people to The Willows. Help with showing your apartment and other ways to promote The Willows. Talk with Viki or Patrick to get involved.

Dining Room Support-- Help with folding napkins, decorating the Dining Room, and other projects. See Jen Rein for details.

Bible Study Thursdays at 10:30 (3MC or 1FWL) Dr. Rod Johnson leads this non-denominational group through scripture study and prayer. Everyone is welcome.

Catholic Eucharist Service Fridays at 11:00 (3MC) Prayer and communion led by a lay person from Assumption Catholic Church

*Sunday Church Transportation: 8:45— St. Paul’s Episcopal & CTK 9:15 -- Unity Church 9:25 --Birchwood Presbyterian Bus 9:45— First Congregational 10:00— Assumption Catholic, Garden Street Methodist 10:30 —Trinity Lutheran (*please sign up in sign up book)

Noonday Prayer Saturday, April 9th at 11:00 (1FEL) Short non-denominational service combining prayer, Scripture readings, & reflection.

*Awakening Your Creativity Mondays at 1:30 (3MC) A shared experience of fun, humor and community-building through spontaneity (*class fee).

Knitters & What-Knot 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month at 3:00 (3GL) Knit, sew, crochet, quilt and help spur on each other’s projects.

Seniors Acting Up! Play Reading Once this month on Wednesday, April 6th at 2:00 (3MC).

Open Watercolor Studio Time Thursdays, April 7th & 21st. Time to work on your watercolor skill alongside other artists.

B.Y.O.B. Fridays at 3:00 (3GL) Bring your favorite beverage and a snack to share with new and old friends

Coffee Time Daily at 7:15 (men), 10:15 and 2:00 (DR) Coffee, cookies & chit-chat

Men’s Breakfast Friday, April 29th at 8:30 All men are welcome to sign up and join us for a casual breakfast out on the town!

Tuesday Night BBC Series: Monarch of the Glen @ 7:00 (3MC) We’ll continue this popular BBC series, watching two new episodes every Tuesday night.

Friday Night Movie @ 7:00 (3MC) Check your calendar for movie listings. Recommendations welcome!

T.E.D. Talks - Sunday, April 10th at 1:30 (3MC) A lively discussion in response to a video segment inspired by current events, scientific advancement and education.

Soup & Cinema—once a month at 11:15 (3MC) Watch a documentary film and engage in facilitated group discussion over a bowl of soup.

At a Glance WWW.THEWILLOWSBELLINGHAM.COM

Safeway Every other Monday

10:30

Located in Sunset Square. Extensive selection and helpful staff.

Haggen Every other Monday

10:30 (location alternates)

Barkley Village: -WECU -Wells Fargo Bank -Chase Bank -Washington Federal Bank

Fred Meyer On Lakeway Every other

Thursday or Friday

-Chase Bank -Vehicle Licensing

Trader Joe’s/Public Library

Every other Thursday at 1:30

Unique groceries, many organic food products and extensive wine and beer selection

Sunset Square Once a month as

scheduled

-Walgreens -Kmart -Lowe’s -JoAnn Fabrics -Rite Aid -Skagit Bank -Sally Beauty Supply -Tuesday Morning -Post Office -Goodwill -Liquor Store -Safeway

Bellis Fair Mall/Walmart

& Cordata

Once a month as scheduled

-Target -Macy’s -JC Penney -Bed Bath & Beyond -Kohl’s -Food Co-op -Petsmart -Costco -Bank of America -Walmart -TJ Maxx -WECU

Personalized Transportation Wednesday, April 13th from 10:00 to

2:00

Just like Medical Transportation, you can now sign up for a trip on our shuttle to the store of your choice! The bus will leave The Willows every 60 minutes, sign up with Jen or Sierra to get on board.

-North-bound in the AM -South-bound in the PM

Town Hall Tuesdays at 11:00

(3MC)

These meetings are an opportunity to come together

weekly as a community to discuss future programs, hear

updates from various staff members, brainstorm ideas or

even hear from a guest speaker! Everyone is encouraged to come.

*Pet Claw Clipping Sunday, April 24th from

1:00-2:00 (your apt.)

Jenna from Forever Friends will return this month to clip your

pet’s claws. Simply sign up if you would like her to attend to your

pet and she will come to your apartment between 1:00 and 2:00. The cost is $10 per pet.

Complimentary Welcome Lunch

Thursday, April 28th at 12:00 (DR)

Come to the Dining Room for a complimentary spaghetti lunch.

We will be introducing our newest residents and giving you a

chance to meet your new neighbors!

Tuesday, April 26th from 9:00-5:00 (3GL)

This is your chance to find out more about next month’s events, and be the first to sign up for trips, classes, fitness and more! Make a one-on-one appointment with Sierra & Jen, our friendly Programs staff, and we’ll be able to answer questions and help you decide which offerings are best suited to your lifestyle. Sign up for your 5-minute time slot in the sign-up book on the day that the newsletters are delivered.

Lifelong Learning WWW.THEWILLOWSBELLINGHAM.COM

Our favorite percussion instructor, Nathan Matson, returns to The Willows this month for an intermediate drum workshop open to all of his previous students. For those of you who’ve worked with Nathan before, here is your chance to expand upon what you’ve learned before and try out some more complicated rhythms! As always, Nathan will instruct his pupils with patience and encouragement. Let’s jam!

As the flowers outside are blooming, we’re inspired to get our hands on some clay and make something beautiful! Resident and longtime ceramic artist, Pat Walker, will lead this pottery workshop and encourage your creativity all the way. Whether you’d like to try making a vase to display springtime buds or maybe something a little simpler, this class is for everyone. During our first meeting, we will build our masterpieces from scratch using clay, then they will be fired and ready to glaze in time for the second class. Give it a try, you’ll be surprised how simple it is to make something fantastic!

At The Willows, we strive to meet your wellness needs. Come ponder with Sierra and Jen on the topic of Environmental Wellness, which involves taking responsibility for the quality of our air, water and land around us. We’ll consider the environmental programs and activities that we presently have and also entertain your ideas for future programs. We want your feedback so we can help you to continue being a responsible earth steward!

Community Connections WWW.THEWILLOWSBELLINGHAM.COM

Monday night open Irish & folk jam sessions now gather at The Honey Moon. Wet your whistle with a glass of mead (honey wine) or hard cider while listening to an informal jam session of talented local musicians. In addition to drinks, Honey Moon also offers a rotating selection of made-to-order appetizers and small plates, house-made soups and salads, as well as a few decadent desserts. This monthly gathering is open to the public but feels like a private concert just for us. Come check it out! E,WW

Western Washington University’s finest musicians will perform their award-winning musical pieces at this free concert. The show will feature two pianists, a percussionist, a violinist, and a saxophonist. E,WW

The Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring sustainable wild salmon runs in Whatcom County. Our Nooksack River Basin is home to all five species of Pacific Salmon: chinook, chum, coho, pink, and sockeye salmon. Come to the presentation by the NSEA Restoration Coordinator, Ben Saari, to learn what this organization does to protect salmon. Ben will also explain how you can get involved and what Willows volunteers will be doing at the NSEA Work P a r t y o n Saturday, April 16th!

The United Nations Climate Change Conference, which took place last November and December, culminated with an historic agreement. For the first time, 195 countries agreed to adopt a u n i v e r s a l c l i m a t e c h a n g e agreement acknowledging the threat to humankind and recognizing the importance of conservation. We are pleased to welcome local lawyer and former State Senate candidate, Seth Fleetwood, for our April Current Events meeting to share his experiences and first hand account of being in Paris during the Climate Change Conference. Seth will describe the hopeful energy and enthusiasm, he observed, to finally face up to the immense challenge of curbing green house gas pollution. He will discuss some of the steps being taken to address this problem. Engage in an open dialogue following Seth’s presentation.

Check the listing below for a complete list of the concerts here at The Willows for the

month of April.

To Your Health WWW.THEWILLOWSBELLINGHAM.COM

It’s not too late to give Water Aerobics a try! This low-impact, cardio exercise is good for all abilities and fitness levels. Plus, the kind folks at the Bellingham Athletic Club are still offering a special discounted rate for Willows residents! Simply sign up if you’d like to join and be sure to bring $5.00 with you.

Bellingham’s Hearing, Speech & Deafness Center (HSDC) is a local resource hub for clients who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have communication disorders. They work with individuals to ensure that hearing and speech difficulties do not impact one’s ability to communicate or reach life goals. The HSDC Program Coordinator, Joel Bergsbaken, will return to The Willows this month to give us more information about the center and to teach us about the complex issue of hearing loss. Joel wil l also provide t e c h n i q u e s t o b e t t e r communicate with folks who have hearing loss as well as introducing some cutting edge hearing assistance devices.

Our goal is to make sure that you are able to maintain your independence for as long as p o s s i b l e h e r e a t T h e Willows. Help from Right At Home is available for as little as 15 minutes at a time. At this informative presentation, Melinda will outline their services and be available for q u e s t i o n s a f t e r h e r presentation.

Join Jen and Sierra for a “spa” experience! We’ll transform the Media Center into a relaxing hide-away where you’ll choose and apply a facial treatment to cleanse, clarify and hydrate your skin. Relax and enjoy refreshments and camaraderie with the ladies. Please bring a small mirror if you have one. Space is limited, so please sign-up in the book.

Meet with Jen from our Program Department for a 15-m i n u t e , o n e - o n - o n e appointment to set your goals to maintain or grow your fitness level.

The poles are easy to use and a great workout for the whole

body. We’d love to see them put to use! Ask Jen or Sierra in the Program Department and we will be happy to find a time to

give you some instruction!

Springtime calls and we want to go outside! Come along on our Spring Park Walks to enjoy the

season. Bring along a pair of walking poles to explore or sit on a bench and enjoy a quiet

moment. We’ll see you outside!

Flat, packed gravel trails inside park. Sidewalk around

perimeter. Lots of mature trees and interesting home

architecture.

Flat, paved trails along beaches & shore of Bellingham Bay.

Mix of gravel & paved trails around grassy fields & dog park.

Spotlight WWW.THEWILLOWSBELLINGHAM.COM

Tracey from Hearing Northwest is here

the 2nd and 4th Mondays of every

month. She provides complimentary

hearing tests, hearing aid repair & oto-

scopic exams of your ear canal. Sign up

for an appointment in the signup book.

Massage Therapy

With Diane Weber, LMP

Wednesdays & Thursdays as scheduled $10 per 15 minutes. Schedule your appointment in the

signup book. Gift Certificates now available for purchase at the front desk!

In-House Banking (752-8282) Available every other Tuesday in the

Fireside Lounge from 10:00-11:00

The Willows Salon (756-0989 for appointments)

Hours: Monday: 9:30-3:00 (Linda) Tuesday: 9:00-4:00 (Lori) (hair & manicures)

Wednesday: 9:30-4:00 (Diane) Thursday: 9:00-4:00 (Diane & Lori)

Friday: 9:00-4:00 (Linda) Pedicures by David at DJ Nail Salon: call (360)527-9596

Practiced seated, or standing, qigong is a simple & gentle exercise that promotes enhanced flow of energy and circulation in the body. Benefits include: Reduced stress Improved

respiration Increased circulation

Find your balance. P r a c t i c e f l o w i n g movements seated in a chair, then standing with the chair’s support. Emphasis is on focused breathing. Benefits include: Improved range of

motion Improved balance Increased strength Improved mobility

A variety of seated and standing exercises intended to keep you fit and functioning in everyday life. All exercises are intended to work your strength, coordination & balance.

Benefits include: Increased stamina Improved strength Improved balance Improved cardio Increased energy

These Stretch and Strength sessions come from the Stronger S e n i o r s W o r k o u t Program by Anne Pringle. Chair exercises to enhance everyday life. Safe and practical for all levels.

Benefits include: Increased stamina Increased flexibility

and mobility Improved balance

April 2016 WWW.THEWILLOWSBELLINGHAM.COM

Spring has sprung upon us early again this year, let’s celebrate its arrival with our annual Tulip Brunch! Invite your friends

and family to enjoy a delicious menu and musical entertainment throughout the afternoon.

Please make reservations for yourself and guests by Sunday, April 10th.

The following local talent will entertain you and your guests.

Head to the Fireside Lounge to enjoy the music!

Bud Granger - 12:00-1:00 Bob’s Your Uncle - 1:15-2:15

Honeybees - 2:30-3:30

Relay For Life is just around the corner and we’re ready to continue fundraising for this annual

American Cancer Society event. Our team, the Willows Warriors, will collect donations at our

upcoming Silent Auction and Flea Market. The Silent Auction, featuring donated goods and services, will be in the Lobby from Tuesday, April 12th through

the 19th. All items to be auctioned should be submitted before April 10th.

Our Flea Market, which we’re trying for the first time this year, will feature useful used items donated for

sale. The Market will be open from April 12th through the 19th in our 2nd Floor Galleria. You may

donate items to be sold to the Front Desk the weekend before the event. The Galleria door will be

locked overnight and we will need volunteers to staff the Flea Market during the day. Please sign up for a time slot in the book if you would like to volunteer.

Join in for NSEA’s annual native plant potting party! See their new property, use the new

Open Air Potting Shed being built right now and help prepare and organize native trees and shrubs for future salmon restoration projects!

Willows volunteers will be provided with a planting station including a table and chairs to

make the work accessible to more folks!

Come to Ben Saari’s presentation in the 3rd Floor Media Center on Tuesday, April 12th

at 11:15 to learn the specifics of what volunteers will be doing.