Coming up at Orcas Senior Center

||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER |||

Join the Needlework Circle at the Orcas Senior Center

Join our weekly gathering for knitters, crocheters, embroiderers, and all needleworkers at the Orcas Senior Center, every Friday at 2 p.m.

Come hang out—no project required! Whether you haven’t knitted in years, want to learn to crochet, or just want to relax and chat, we have a wonderful selection of donated yarn, needles, books, and plenty of friendly advice. All ages are welcome, so join us!

https://www.orcasseniors.org/calendar-of-events/

Experience the Joy of Middle Eastern Dance at Orcas Senior Center

Join Middle Eastern dance classes with Robyn W. Gordon on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. at Orcas Senior Center. Open to all ages and skill levels, these lessons are designed to suit individual paces, with foundational moves practiced continuously to build confidence. Newcomers are welcome at any time.

Robyn trained for a decade under a Turkish master dancer and has performed widely at festivals, colleges, and events. Now on Orcas Island, she’s eager to share her passion for this vibrant and joyful art form.

Classes are $15 per session, or $12 for Orcas Senior Center members. Financial assistance is available—no one will be turned away.

For more information, contact Robyn at robynwgordon@gmail.com or text 801-735-6658. Discover the rhythm, fitness, and joy of Middle Eastern dance. All are welcome!

https://www.orcasseniors.org/calendar-of-events/

Fall Prevention Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance® Class at Orcas Senior Center

Join Karol Wilson, DPT, for a three month fall prevention Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance® class at Orcas Senior Center. Karol, a Doctor of Physical Therapy with 30 years of experience, is excited to introduce this evidence-based program, developed by the Oregon Research Institute. Tai Ji Quan is scientifically proven to enhance physical and mental health, manage chronic conditions, improve neurological function, and reduce fall risk. The class is tailored for ambulatory individuals with minimal reliance on mobility aids.

Classes are on Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. and free of charge.

Participants are advised to wear supportive shoes. For more information, visit www.tjqmbb.org or contact Karol at 206-755-0752 or karol.wilson@live.com.

https://www.orcasseniors.org/calendar-of-events/

Explore Evening Vinyasa Yoga at Orcas Senior Center with Karol Wilson

Discover the enriching benefits of Vinyasa yoga with Karol Wilson, DPT, a seasoned physical therapist with 30 years of experience. Held Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. at the Orcas Senior Center, these sessions focus on restoring and enhancing strength, function, flexibility, and balance.

Karol, a recent addition to the Orcas community, emphasizes a welcoming environment where practitioners of all ages can participate. Modifications are available for those with acute or chronic injuries, ensuring a safe and inclusive experience for everyone. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable, loose clothing and bring their own yoga mat and blocks.

The class fee is $15 per session, with a discounted rate of $12 for Orcas Senior Center members. A 10-class pack is available for $100, offering savings for regular attendees. For inquiries, please reach out to Karol Wilson at Karol.wilson@live.com.

https://www.orcasseniors.org/calendar-of-events/

Exploring Grief Through Poetry: A Special Gathering with Nancy Reas

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, January 29 at 1 p.m. at Orcas Senior Center for a heartfelt gathering exploring the journey through grief.

Nancy and Fred Reas moved to Orcas Island in 2011, having spent 25 years visiting Nancy’s father, Bill Urschel here on Orcas. After Fred passed away in 2016 from Alzheimer’s, Nancy found solace in writing poetry. Her deeply personal reflections evolved into Greeting Grief, a collection of poems spanning six years, which she self-published at the encouragement of friends who believed her work could help others.

During this special event, Nancy will read selections from her book and invite attendees to engage in an interactive experience. Participants are welcome to share their own writings about grief or try their hand at expressing their feelings through poetry—even if they’ve never written a poem before.

This gathering offers a supportive space for reflection, connection, and healing. We hope you’ll join us.

https://www.orcasseniors.org/calendar-of-events/