Save the Date for These Upcoming Events

Aging and the Spirit: What Can the Friendship of a Pastor, a Rabbi and a Sheikh Teach Us about Interfaith Dialogue?

Thursday, April 22
Skyline at First Hill, 725 Ninth Ave, Seattle
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Rabbi Ted Falcon, Pastor Don Mackenzie and Sheikh Jamal Rahman present an interfaith event, sponsored by the Northwest Center for Creative Aging

Too often religion seems to fuel more hatred than love, more conflict than collaboration. For three unique friends—a rabbi, a pastor and a sheikh ("interfaith amigos," as they have called themselves on their Interfaith Talk Radio show)—their relationship goes to the heart of interfaith understanding and embodies a revolutionary spirit of healing.

Part of the Conversations on Aging series by the Northwest Center for Creative Aging, this session hopes to inspire participants to take dialogue beyond the creeds of each faith tradition to the shared values of love, compassion and peace that lead us to healing.

For more information, email info@nwcreativeaging.org or visit Aging & the Spirit. (See the May 2010 issue of Seniors Digest to learn more about this inspiring event!) 

Northeast Seattle Village Movement (NEST)

Tuesday, April 6
Northeast Seattle Library, 6801 35th Ave NE
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

A new grassroots organization called North East Seattle Together or NEST is dedicated to ensuring that as we grow older, we can continue to live in our own home, in the neighborhood we love. This innovative, new approach to aging in place is inspiring neighbors to organize, incorporate, and take charge. These "virtual villages" build community and help reduce social isolation and are modeled after Beacon Hill Village in Boston.  Attend this informational meeting to find out more, or visit the NEST website.

Coffee Hour with Seattle Council Member Mike O'Brien

Thursday, April 15
Mayor's Office for Senior Citizens
Central Building, 810 3rd Avenue (downtown Seattle between Columbia & Marion)
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

The Mayor's Office for Senior Citizens Coffee Hour series brings older adults and City decision makers closer together to discuss issues of mutual concern. Call 206-684-0500 for more information.

Senior Farmer's Market Senior Nutrition Program – 2010 Application Period

April 15 - May 28

The Senior Farmer's Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides a check for eligible seniors to use at seasonal Farmers Markets throughout King County. Applications for the 2010 season will be available online the morning of April 15, and will be available in nine languages. Eligible applicants must be:

• 60 years old or older (or 55+ for Native Americans), AND
• Low-income (below 185% of Federal Poverty Level) 

Because of the limited number available, checks are distributed by a random selection process among the total applications received. Completed applications will be accepted via mail through May 28, 2010.

2010 Spring Senior Adult Resource, Health and Fitness Fair

Friday, April 16
Northgate Community Center, 10515 15th Ave NE 
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

A special event for adults 50 and older, promoting benefits of health and wellness, social, recreational and volunteer opportunities. Parking is limited, and a shuttle will be available from the lower Northgate parking lot at the corner of 5th Avenue NE and NE 110th Street. For more information, contact Cheryl Brown at (206) 386-4283.

Caresharing: A Forum for Caregivers of Older Adults

Saturday, April 24
Carnation Bible Church, 32615 NE 45th St., Carnation 
12:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Caresharing is a forum offering inspiration and resources for caregivers of older adults. This half-day forum, organized by Valley providers, features:

• Keynote speaker Marty Richards, MSW, LICSW
• Opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences with other caregivers
• Panel offering resources and ideas
• Resource displays featuring local service providers

The event is free; however, donations will be accepted to support Sno-Valley Adult Day Health. Healthy snacks will be provided. To register, call (425) 333-4152 or e-mail info@snovalleycaregivers.org. For more information, visit www.snovalleycaregivers.org.

Inspire Positive Aging Awards

Nomination deadline: April 30, 2010

Every year Senior Services presents the Inspire Positive Aging Award to a deserving elder from King County. Nominees are individuals whose lives exemplify positive aging: community involvement, relationships, healthy living, endurance, and balance. The winner receives airline tickets and a one-year membership to a Senior Center, and the nominator receives a $50 gift certificate from Barnes & Noble. Application forms and more information are available online.

Challenges in Caregiving: Giving Care Taking Care

Monday, June 7
Tukwila Community Center
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Learn practical caregiving skills and strategies at this annual Caregiver Conference. Choose from many helpful workshops based on your needs as a caregiver. The conference is intended for family caregivers and the community caregivers who support them, including:

• Family caregivers (spouses, adult children, parents of adults with disabilities, or other relatives)
• Home care workers, adult family home and assisted living staff
• Adult day services or assisted living staff
• Social service or mental health professionals who work with family caregivers

Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Click here to learn more; call today to receive a full brochure and registration form: 1-800-422-3263 or (360) 725-2544.