Orcas Senior Center Welcomes New Coordinator, Looks to the Future

by Lin McNulty

Marla Y. Johns, M.S., BSW, Orcas Senior Services Coordinator

Fresh from the desert of Reno, NV, Marla Johns joins the staff at Orcas Senior Center as the Senior Services Coordinator.

Johns and their two children (Trent, 15, and Alyssa, 11) joined her husband, Steve, on Orcas Island in June where he had accepted a job as our new Deputy Sheriff.

Her previous position in Reno as an administrator of an assisted living center had already pointed her toward her passion of working with seniors. One of her first actions was to contact the Senior Center to volunteer her services. When the position became vacant, she was pleased to accept the position of Senior Services Coordinator previously held by Linda Trethaway, effective Sept. 17.

Although island living is a giant step away from living in Reno, Johns is impressed not only with the physical beauty of Orcas, but also with the warm, welcoming community she finds here. She says she is rapidly adjusting to the culture shock.

Johns’ goals include making the Senior Center a vibrant, active, happening place for seniors with always something going on. She hopes to partner with other organizations in the community, including the schools, to remind us all of the value of our senior citizens.

Membership in the Senior Center is $15/year and includes a monthly newsletter, Senior Signal, discounts at local businesses, and passes to the local gym. The Senior Center is county-funded, as well as being a non-profit corporation. The Senior Center currently serves nearly 500 members, including serving approximately 80-100 meals per week.

Johns loves to have fun at work, and her bright, welcoming smile warmly indicates this. Upcoming in the immediate future is a visit from the mammogram van on October 1-3 (make an appointment by calling the Senior Center at 376-2677) and flu shots on October 19.

But stay tuned, she says, for fun events as well, such as a Big Band Dinner/Dance and Halloween treats from the Senior Van in Eastsound.

For more information on programs and services for Seniors, please call 376-2677 or visit orcasseniors.org. They offer shopping trips to the mainland, home-delivered meals, a singing group, exercise opportunities, and help with case management.