By Peggy Sue McRae
Journal contributor
When days get shorter, darker, wetter and colder, we hardy winter islanders rely on and enjoy the company and talents of each other. Besides regular ongoing activities, the Mullis Center offers special opportunities this November and December to come together and enjoy the warmth, sparkle and usefulness of these seasonal offerings.
Alchemy Arts workshops: Free attendance in Alchemy Arts workshops is made possible by co-sponsorship of the Mullis Center and Alchemy Arts Center and is a benefit of membership to the Mullis Center. To register, contact Anna atinfo@mulliscenter.org or 360-370-4015.
Expressive Watercolor: Let creativity flow through painting with abstract and expressive watercolor techniques. This class, presented by Alchemy Art Center, is taught by Casey Reagan and will be held at the Mullis Center on Friday, Nov. 7, 10-11:30 a.m. The class is free to Mullis Center members. Enrollment is limited to 10 students.
Holiday stamps: Learn the basics of relief printing. Carve small stamps to use on holiday cards, letters to loved ones or whatever you desire. This class, presented by Alchemy Art Center, is taught by Katey Rissi and will be held at the Mullis Center on Friday, Dec 5, 10-11:30 a.m. Registration is required.
Holiday Artisans Market: Don’t miss this opportunity to shop locally for unique, one-of-a-kind gifts made by local artists. This festive holiday shopping event kicks off the season on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Nov. 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Nature walk: Weather permitting, Land Bank staff member Tanja Williamson will lead a nature walk at Beaverton Marsh Preserve on Monday, Nov 24. A great walk for most levels, but could be muddy. The walking group will leave from the Mullis Center at 1 p.m. Dress for the weather, and bring water and snacks. Registration is required, so contact Anna at info@mulliscenter.org or 360-370-4015.
Crime and Fraud Prevention: Join Sheriff Eric Peter for a presentation on identity theft and crime prevention. Peter will discuss crimes affecting seniors, crime prevention strategies and answer your questions in a Q&A session.
Estate planning: Safe Harbor Legal Solutions with attorney Phillip George will present a free seminar on estate and retirement planning. Held on Nov. 3, at 1 p.m., this talk is free and open to all. See how the right plan can help you to protect your funds and reduce the burden on your family.
Medicare open enrollment: Get free, unbiased one-on-one help with your Medicare questions from trained Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors, or SHIBA. Presented on Nov. 17, at 1 p.m. at the Mullis Center, SHIBA can help you review Medicare plans, compare your options and decide if you need to make changes for 2026.
Island Neighbors Program with Q&A: For seniors living at home, the Island Neighbors Program through the Joyce L. Sobel Family Resource Center is a helpful resource to know about. Taking place at the Mullis Center on Wed, Nov. 12, and Monday, Nov 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and at the Family Resource Center on Saturday, Nov. 22, and Saturday, Dec 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Island Neighbors volunteers can help with errands, shopping, walks and outings, plus occasional assistance with home safety and repairs. Whether you are interested in volunteering or if you would like to know more about available assistance, Sarah Bohl, coordinator for Island Neighbors, can answer your questions on Dec 1, at 1 p.m. at the Mullis Center.
