Aging Successfully: Sequim’s outreach during the pandemic

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, October 28, 2020

I want to publicly thank all of the businesses and organizations which were willing to grant me an interview for this extended column. While I cannot list each one by name, they know who they are — and I trust they know how appreciative we are. Sequim is blessed with some wonderful people.

Here are a few more organizations I interviewed.

Sequim Community Church (360-683-4149)

Many church members volunteered to help wherever needed, and at one point had more volunteers than what was actually required. A few of the many areas where members of Sequim Community Church reached out were (and are) volunteers making thousands of masks and then gave them to the county to distribute, with the Sequim Food Bank, on-line support groups, and helping tutor citizens who sought to learn more technology skills.

Trinity United Methodist Church (360-683-5367)

The church offered parking lot services on Sunday mornings and gave money to Sequim Food Bank. The staff provided space for others in the community as needed such as a drop off point for supplies and a place to sew more masks.

While the main focus of these three columns has been on local organizations and businesses, I wish to acknowledge two larger groups:

Kitsap Bank (360-683-5599)

This bank’s corporate office has gone above and beyond the call of duty to work with both employees and clients. Management has been most accommodating for employees who have children at home and those with medical concerns. On a few occasions management even provide lunch for staff.

In addition Kitsap Bank, like other banks, created a safe method for those who need inside banking assistance. The company is working with the Small Business Association (SBA) to provide affordable loans for local businesses.

Soroptimist Medical Loan Closet (360-504-0231)

This organization lends various types of medical equipment to those in need, without charge. Examples are walkers, wheelchairs, bath bench; canes, crutches and knee scooters. During the pandemic, The Closet has implemented safe distancing practices such as masks, and requesting clients wait in their cars. The organization also greatly enhanced the sanitizing procedures for the equipment. Since re-opening in June, The Closet has seen a significant increase in requests. Some weeks they receive as many as 50 phone calls.

Open contest for ‘Aging Successfully’

It is time for another contest and I am allowing a longer time frame for people to respond. I am writing a booklet titled “101 Suggestions for Aging Successfully.” Every reader who sends me a suggestion which I can use in the booklet will have their name in the book with their suggestion. The first 25 people to send me a suggestion I can include will receive a free copy of the book.

It is my goal to have the booklet published by the end of January 2021. The deadline for sending in suggestions is Nov. 30. There is a limit of three suggestions per submission.

Email and send us your suggestion for the booklet, and tell us of other businesses or organizations which is making life easier for all of us. The email address is information@crystallinn.com and I personally respond to every email.

Crystal Linn is a multi-published author and an award-winning poet. When not writing, or teaching workshops, Crystal enjoys reading a good mystery, hiking, and sailing with friends and family. See crystallinn.com.