Who said Seattle is only a 20something paradise? The mayor's office, along with Seattle Parks and Recreation, is offering a variety of fun and healthy events for seniors including picnics, tours, games and lots of opportunity for excercise and friend-making.
Sound Steps is a volunteer-supported walking program being offered by the nonprofit Sound Steps organization in partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation's Senior Adult Programs. It's designed to get sedentary senior adults, ages 50 and up, moving and experiencing the health benefits of regular exercise.
This free, year-round program is designed to connect seniors with other walkers in their community, provide tools to measure baselines and progress, and encourage people to stay with it through volunteer walk leaders and regular check-ins.
For more information, contact Anna Allen at 684-4951 or send an email to sound.steps@seattle.gov.
Batter up!
For fans of the great American pasttime, seniors can watch the Mariners take on the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday, Aug. 17, for a reduced ticket price of $15. Who cares if the team's in last pace; there's still beer and peanuts! To register, please call Linda at 206-684-4951.
Splendor in the grass
An Old Timers' Picnic will be held at no charge - save a parking fee of $3.50 per car, $10 per bus - at the Woodland Park Zoo on Tuesday, Aug. 23, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This annual event, the 33rd of its kind, will feature lunch and entertainment, as well as a walk through the zoo. Groups are limited to 20 people maximum. Registration is required; call between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. There is no reserved seating. To register, call Linda at 684-4951.
A great tradition
The End of Summer Picnic/Potluck will be held Friday, Sept. 16, from noon to 2:30 p.m. Enjoy this free event and meet other seniors and senior adult staff for the city's annual old-fashioned fling. The picnic is at Lincoln Park, 8011 Fauntleroy Way S.W., Shelter #3. (Note that if the weather is bad the event is canceled.) Starting Aug. 15, please call 684-4951 to register.
High above the city
Senior Day at the Bank of America Center will be held Saturday, Sept. 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is another free event. Enjoy the view from the 76th floor while sipping complimentary refreshments. The Bank of America Center at 701 Fifth Ave.; there's free parking in the Bank of America garage. For information, call 684-4951.
Getting greened
On Monday, Aug. 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., seniors can tour the Miller Horticultural Library and the surrounding gardens, one of the first Seattle buildings to be considered "green." See the newest in environmentally sustainable building that uses recycled building materials, cisterns for water runoff, solar panels, efficient heating and other features that save energy and water, improve air quality and are good for the environment and for us as humans. Call Jayla McGill at 386-9106 to register. Fee is $4.50.
Gorge yourself
There will be a Columbia Gorge Exploration party on Wednesday, Aug. 3, 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. The cost is $45 (plus $8 and dinner). Head south to the majestic Multnomah Falls, a full scale replica of England's Stonehenge, the 1923 Maryhill Art Museum, and then lunch at the 1911 Edgefield Work Farm that was transformed into a unique European style village. Call Jayla McGill at 386-9106 to register.
A roof of one's own
A class on Understanding Seattle Housing Authority will be held Monday, Aug. 15, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) is a public corporation that provides affordable housing to nearly 24,000 people in the city of Seattle. Get a professional insider's view of eligibility requirements and how to apply. Participants are to meet in the Magnuson/Building 47, 7110 62nd Ave. N.E., in the Windermere Room. Call Jayla McGill at 386-9106 to register.
Try the elephant ears
Seniors can "Do the Puyallup!" on Monday, Sept. 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a nominal fee of $6 (plus $7 admission and spending money). Call Jayla McGill at 386-9106 to register, starting Aug. 19.
Going north
Port Townsend Victorians is the subject of a day expedition on Saturday, Sept. 17, 7:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost is $13. Participants are urged to "wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to climb stairs." Trip includes ferry fees. Call Jayla McGill at 386-9106 to register, starting Aug. 5.
'Ich bin ein Leavenworther'
The Autumn Leaf Festival in Leavenworth will take place Saturday, Sept. 24, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. for a cost of $30. There will be a parade through this reconstructed Bavarian Village on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains. Lunch is not included, so be prepared to fend for yourself. Call Jayla McGill at 386-9106 to register, starting Aug. 2.
Just a ferry ride away
"Bainbridge Naturally" will happen Wednesday, Aug. 10, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Cost is $17. This event includes a tour of the Little and Lewis Gardens, known for their combination of art and garden. Dress for weather and wear walking shoes, and lunch on your own in Winslow. Ferry and tours included. Register starting July 19 by calling 233-7138.
Watching the water (supply)
An educational class, "Personal Drought Garden," is taking place Thursday, Aug. 11, 12 to 1:30 p.m. for the negligible cost of $7. Join the King County Master Gardener and learn all about finding and minding drought-tolerant pots at Bitter Lake Community Center, 13525 Linden Ave. N. Call 233-7138 to register.
What's a wicket?
Let the games begin - the Croquet Classic Frolic occurs Friday, Aug. 26, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Entry fee is $7. Enjoy a lunch afterwards at Bitter Lake Field, 13035 Linden Ave. N. Register early at 233-7138 by Aug. 19 (let Parks know if you have an extra croquet set available).
Southern comforts
On Wednesday, August 31, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., seniors can learn about "100 years of Point Defiance" with a trip back in time during a tour of Fort Nisqually. Cost is $8 (plus on your own tour for $5). Learn the history of the Hudson's Bay Company, tour the Lumber Jack and visit the area's gorgeous gardens. Bring a sack lunch, and the city will spring for lemonade and treats. Register starting July 26 by calling 233-7138.
Moving with grace
An Alexander Technique Class is being offered Thursday, Sept. 15, 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. What is is, you ask? The Alexander Technique Class is taught to actors, musicians and people who get tense. You learn to move easily without working harder than needed. This is the how-you-do what you want to do in movement. Register ahead of time for this class by calling 233-7138.
Through a glass, lightly
A Pratt Workshop on Fused Glass will get underway Monday, Aug. 1, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for the one-time cost of $35. In this four-hour workshop, seniros will learn to cut, grind, assemble and fire glass to create coasters or tiles. Held at Pratt Fine Arts Center, 1902 S. Main. Register early with Cheryl Brown, 233-7255.
Mmmm hmmm, ribs!
A Garfield Community BBQ gets cookin' Wednesday, Aug. 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Only $3. Garfield Community Center, 2323 E. Cherry St. Register at 233-7255.
Arts & crafts
At the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge will be the Port Gamble Arts & Crafts show on Friday, July 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It's $15 to get in to see 120 booths representing artisans from all over the Northwest situated along the bluffs of Gable Bay and inside some of the historic homes in the historic mill town. Lunch and attraction fees not included; ferry price included. Register by calling Tim Pretare at 684-4240.
To market, to market
The Olympia Farmers' Market & Capitol Tour will be Friday, Aug. 5, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., for the nice price of $6.50. Participants can enjoy a guided tout of the Sate Capitol, which houses the Washington State Legislature and the offices of the governor, secretary of state and treasurer. Call 684-4240 to register.
Devil of a good time
The Skagit Tour/Diablo Lake Adventure takes place Friday, Aug. 19, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. for $8.50 (plus $20 for tour and optional $10 for cold chicken lunch). Seniors can cruise the glacier-fed waters and high narrow canyons of Diablo Lake and glimpse the abundant wildlife that inhabit the area on the 50 foot Alice Ross III while learning about the natural history, geology and ecology of this pristine environment. Bring a sack lunch or order a cold chicken lunch upon registration. Registration starts Aug. 8 by calling Tim Pretare at 684-4240.
Northwest in a nutshell
The Cedar River Watershed/Rattlesnake Lake tour will be Friday, Aug. 26, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $7. This site is considered a microcosm of Northwest cultural history, with documented human activity dating back at 9,000 years. Register with Tim Pretare at 684-4240.
It's your retirement money
It's Vegas in the Great Northwest, so roll the die and blow a kiss to Lady Luck, and then blow your winnings on stuff. Seniors can take a daytrip to Tulalip Casino/New Outlet Stores on Friday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the prime rib-erific price of $6.50. Register starting Sept. 6 by calling Tim Pretare at 684-4240.
Quilting, crafts and more
A Drop-In Crafts class will be ongoing on Thursdays, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Jefferson Community Center, 3801 Beacon Ave. S. Call Angela P. Smith at 684-7484 to register or to make inquiries.
More arts & crafts
Then there's Lap Quilting on Fridays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., same place, same phone number to register.
Into the ice
On Tuesday, August 2, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., folks can take an easy one-hour hike to get to the the Ice Caves of the small town Granite Falls. Cost is $10. Call Angela P. Smith at 684-7484 to register or to make inquiries.
Dogs are good for you
At Purdy Women's Prison, seniors can discover the therapeutic power of pets with the program Prison Pet Partners, taking place Tuesday, Aug. 9, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $7. Registration requires that participants provide social Security number, birth date and full name for a background check. Call Angela P. Smith at 684-7484 to register or to make inquiries.
Checking out real estate
A southeast Senior Apartment Tour is taking place Wednesday, Aug.10, 10:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the cost of $4.50. The tour starts at Rainier Court, 3700 Rainier Ave. S., and will finish with Providence Gamelin House. Lunch is included. Call Angela P. Smith at 684-7484 to register or to make inquiries.
They plump when you cook 'em
David Jensen, manager of Seattle Parks' Senior Adult Programs, returns with his favorite outdoor recipes at Just Grill It! on Monday, Aug. 15, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Jefferson Community Center, 3801 Beacon Ave. S. Cost is $7; call Angela P. Smith at 684-7484 to register or to make inquiries.
A leap of faith
Oh, boy! For brave seniors there will be a Mystery Trip on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. How much, you ask? $5.50. Feel, touch, smell and maybe even taste something new. Lunch on your own. Starting Aug. 1, call 684-7484 to register or to make inquiries.
Keep clam!
A Twilight Catch will take place Tuesday, Aug. 30, 3 to 7 p.m. for $4.50. Stroll the Ballard Locks and see salmon in the late afternoon, then go on to Ivar's Salmon House for their Twilight Catch: starter, entrée and dessert for one price, plus senior discount on all menu items. Starting Aug. 15, call Angela P. Smith at 684-7484 to register or to make inquiries.
Smelling the flowers
A trip to the Washington Park Arboretum will get underway Wednesday, Aug 31, at 10:30 a.m. and running until 1:30 p.m. Only $3.50 to take part. Call 684-7484 to register or to make inquiries.
Follow your nose
There will be a trip to the Fragrance Garden on Thursday, Aug. 11, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fee is $5 ($2 donation). The Ethel Dupar Fragrance Garden, created in 1973 by Ethel L. Dupar and the Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind, has a wide range of scented plants; Helen Weber, a master gardener and expert in fragrance gardens, will lead the tour. Call Mary Dalzell at 684-7422 to register.
Shop 'til you drop
A trip to the Saturday Market and Mall in Marysville takes place Saturday, Aug. 20, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., for $6. The Marysville Farmers' Market will be the first stop, then onto the Tulalip Casino or the new outlet mall next to the casino. Register starting Aug. 2 by calling Mary Dalzell at 684-7422.
Hep, man, hep
Be-bop-a-loo, baby! Seniors can swing into Jazz Alley on Thursday, Aug. 25, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for only $3.50. Price includes a tour of the club and a free lunch compliments of the Pacific Jazz Institute at Dimitriou's at Jazz Alley. Register starting Aug. 9 by calling Mary Dalzell at 684-7422.
A rose is a rose is a rose
A Poetry Reading is happening Wednesday, Aug. 31, at 11:15 a.m., at Alki Community Center, 5817 S.W. Stevens St. Register by calling Mary Dalzell at 684-7422.
Who woulda thunk it?
Centralia's Classic Comeback is the theme of a daytrip on Thursday, Sept. 1, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $10. Register starting Aug. 16 by calling Mary Dalzell at 684-7422.
Listen to the past
Holocaust survivor Peter Metzelaar will give a presentation on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Alki Community Center, 5817 S.W. Stevens St. Metzelaar was born in Holland and survived the Holocaust as a child, and seniors can experience his story about how he hid from the Nazis during World War II; he and his mother were the only members of his family to survive. Register at 684-7422.
Stretch, breathe and hold
You're never too old to learn Tai Chi, which will be proven on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 11:15 a.m. at Alki Community Center, 5817 S.W. Stevens St. The instructor will emphasize stretching, breathing and holding various body positions. Register by calling Mary Dalzell at 684-7422.
For further details or more information on this and upcoming city-sponsored activities, visit www.cityofseattle.net/parks.[[In-content Ad]]
