February Calendar

Personal Safety Nets Four-Week Workshop

Wednesdays, February 3–February 24, 2016, 2:30–4:00 p.m.
Wallingford Community Senior Center
4649 Sunnyside Ave. N, Suite 140, Seattle

This four-week workshop with Denise McGuire, MSW, and Nikki D’Onofrio, MSW Intern, will help you prepare for that inevitable time in the future when you need support. Don’t wait until after you need it! At the end, you’ll have a personal binder with your documentation, resources, preferences, and support system all in one place and a plan of action—for yourself or someone you care for. Series price: $8 members/$10 public. If the cost is a hardship for you, please email Nikki. No one will be turned away for inability to pay. The workshop is limited to eight participants, and advance registration is required. A waitlist will be collected for future workshop dates. For more information and to register, contact Nikki at 206-461-7825 or ndonofrio@wallingfordseniors.org.

National Wear Red Day

Friday, February 5

National Wear Red Day is Friday, February 5, 2016. Why? Because heart disease and stroke are the cause of one in three deaths among women every year. Taking part in this special recognition day helps raise awareness. The American Heart Association highlights heart disease among women at www.goredforwomen.org.

Early Stage Memory Loss Forum for Professionals

Friday, February 5, 2016, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Tukwila Community Center
12424 42nd Avenue South, Tukwila

This year’s forum focuses on “Respecting Both Voices: Support for the Caregiver and Care Receiver,” featuring Carol Whitlatch, PhD, Center for Research and Education, Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging, Cleveland. For more information, visit www.alz.org/alzwa.

Classic Movies with Scarecrow Video

Wednesday, February 10, 2016, 4:30–7:00 p.m.
Wallingford Community Senior Center
4649 Sunnyside Ave. N, Suite 140, Seattle

Scarecrow Video, a local nonprofit film organization, brings a monthly classic film series to WCSC. Each screening is followed by a discussion led by one of their resident film experts. On February 10, watch “Roman Holiday” (1953). Popcorn and drinks provided! Free—donations appreciated. Advance registration also appreciated—call 206-461-7825. See also March 9 (below).

Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day

Friday, February 12, 2016 (all day)
State Capitol Campus
Olympia

Register now to participate in the Alzheimer’s Association Washington State Chapter Advocacy Day. Participate in the launch of the just-completed Washington State Plan to Address Alzheimer’s. For more information, contact Peter Newbould (pnewbould@alz.org or 206-529-3867) or visit www.alz.org/alzwa.

ADS Advisory Council: Responding to the Needs of LGBT Elders

Friday, February 12, 2016, 12:00–2:00 p.m.
Seattle Municipal Tower, Room 4060
700 5th Avenue, Seattle

The Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging & Disability Services (ADS) invites you to attend a special presentation on issues faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults. Guest speaker Karen Fredriksen-Goldsen, PhD, University of Washington School of Social Work, was principal investigator of Caring and Aging with Pride over Time, the first national federally funded longitudinal project on LGBT older adults and their caregivers. Sign-in starts at 11:30 a.m. For Google Map directions, plus parking options, visit https://goo.gl/7TYGHi. For more information, contact ADS planner Gigi Meinig (gigi.meinig@seattle.gov or 206-684-0652).

Are you Asleep Yet? What You Should Know About Anesthesia

Tuesday, February 16, 2016, 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Wallingford Community Senior Center
4649 Sunnyside Ave. N, Suite 140, Seattle

Has a friend of a family member ever said, “I woke up during my surgery”? At this presentation, Susan Chatlos-Susor, RN, CNOR, will discuss and explain the different kinds of anesthesia available, the characteristics of each, and why one may be recommended over another. Come be enlightened and reduce potential anxiety in case you ever need to have surgery in the future. Free. Advance registration appreciated—call 206-461-7825.

A Taste of Retirement

Wednesday, February 17, 2016, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Rainier Beach Community Center
8825 Rainier Ave. South, Seattle

Learn about retirement options for people age 50 and better in Renton and southeast and central Seattle. Educational sessions include Medicare and Medicaid; downsizing your home; healthcare options; and housing resources. Refreshments served. Register now at 206-684-7474. For more information, contact Angela at Angelap.smith@seattle.gov or 206-684-7484.

Senior Coffee Hour with Catherine Lester

Thursday, February 18, 2016, 10:00–11:00 a.m.
The Central Building, 1st Floor Conference Room
810 3rd Avenue, Seattle

The Seattle Mayor’s Office for Senior Citizens invites you to participation in a conversation with Seattle Human Services Department director Catherine Lester. Ms. Lester oversees $89 million in annual investments in agencies that meet the basic needs of families and individuals with low incomes, children, domestic violence and sexual assault victims, homeless people, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. She has been the architect and driver of the Department’s effort to make contracting decisions based on data and results. For more information, e-mail seniors@seattle.gov or call 206-684-0500.

Storytelling Workshop

Thursday, February 18, 2016, 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Wallingford Community Senior Center
4649 Sunnyside Avenue North, Suite 140, Seattle

Find your voice in telling stories! Irish storyteller and Silver Kite instructor Maxine Lennon will help you use your imagination to create your personal story, which can be a story from your life or something you find inspiring. Storytelling materials and pointers provided. $5 members/$7 public. Advance registration appreciated—call 206-461-7825.

Pancake Breakfast with Heart

Sunday, February 21, 2016, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 noon
Wallingford Community Senior Center
4649 Sunnyside Ave. N, Suite 140, Seattle

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a hot, freshly prepared breakfast at the Wallingford Community Senior Center. Heart-themed pancakes, French toast, ham, vegetarian sausage, beverages, and more! $5 adult/$3 kids. Drop-ins welcome. Call 206-461-7825 for more information.

Qigong: Exercises for Breath, Body & Balance

Tuesday, February 23, 2016, 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Wallingford Community Senior Center
4649 Sunnyside Ave. N, Suite 140, Seattle

Qigong is an “energy exercise” that connects the mind and body to promote healing. Learn to use your breath in a simple practice to help circulate your body’s energy and connect with others with Health Coach Hansie Wong. You will leave this workshop feeling both energized and relaxed! Please wear comfortable, loose clothing. Suggested donation: $3 member/$5 public. Advance registration appreciated—call 206-461-7825.

United Way Free Tax Prep

Wednesdays, February 24 & March 9, 2016, 10:00 a.m.– 2:00 p.m.
Wallingford Community Senior Center
4649 Sunnyside Ave. N, Suite 140, Seattle

Tax season is here! The Wallingford Community Senior Center is partnering with United Way of King County to provide free tax preparation for those who make less than $62K. See related article in this issue. Advance registration required—call 206-461-7825.

Washington State Senior Lobby Day

Thursday, February 25, 2016 (all day)
United Churches
110 11th Ave. SE, Olympia

Join with other senior advocates at United Churches, near the state capitol campus, and then visit members of the Washington State Legislature in their offices. More information is posted on the Washington Senior Lobby website. For more information, contact Karen Bowen (360-754-0207 or info@waseniorlobby.org).

Make the Most of Your Clinic Visit

Thursday, February 25, 2016, 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Wallingford Community Senior Center
4649 Sunnyside Ave. N, Suite 140, Seattle

Make your next doctor’s visit a success with this workshop with Natasha Edman, Health Resource Specialist, Neighborcare Health. Learn how to prepare for your appointment, navigate a clinic, and build a strong relationship with your healthcare provider. Free. Advance registration appreciated—call 206-461-7825.

Snohomish County Dementia Family Caregiver Conference

Saturday, February 27, 2016
Stillaguamish Senior Center
18308 Smokey Point Blvd, Arlington

Pre-registration is required. For more information, visit www.alz.org/alzwa/in_my_community_101006.asp.

Classic Movies with Scarecrow Video

Wednesday, March 9, 2016, 4:30–7:00 p.m.
Wallingford Community Senior Center
4649 Sunnyside Ave. N, Suite 140, Seattle

Scarecrow Video, a local nonprofit film organization, brings a monthly classic film series to WCSC. Each screening is followed by a discussion led by one of their resident film experts. On March 9, watch “You Can’t Take It With You” (1938). Popcorn and drinks provided! Free—donations appreciated. Advance registration also appreciated—call 206-461-7825.

Discovery 2016: Alzheimer’s Regional Conference

Friday, April 15, 2016, 8:30 a.m.–3:45 p.m.
Washington State Convention Center
800 Convention Place, Seattle

Save the date for Discovery 2016, with keynote speaker Gary Small, MD (“Brain Aging and Cognitive Decline: What Clinicians and Caregivers Need to Know”) and 15 workshops, including Alzheimer’s research, communication strategies, design for aging, stages of dementia, strategies for improving memory and brain health, Lewy body dementia, LGBTQ community dementia challenges, and other topics related to human behaviors and emerging therapies. For more information, click here.