By Peggy Sue McRae

Journal contributor

Looking for something to do? Whether you’d like to get some senior friendly exercise, take part in a friendly, sociable creative venture, or drop by for a tasty, nutritious and affordable lunch, the Mullis Center offers a wide variety of programs and activities.

Two well-loved ongoing activities are the painting and quilting groups. Both meet on Wednesdays, painters at 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. and quilters at 3-4:30 p.m. before and after lunch.

Painters led by Mary Ray bring their own supplies, treats to share, and the coffee drinkers bring coffee. While it is not a class, the painters encourage each other. There is no charge but there is a contribution can for donations for use of the craft room. About every six weeks, new paintings from the group are hung in the main hallway of the center. Said Janet Dann, “Painting Group is much loved and is a supportive and whimsical community of seniors looking for a good time.”

The Wild Rose Quilters & Stitchers ask for a $1 donation and welcome both quilters and anyone doing handwork. “It’s great to get encouragement or suggestions from our friends,” says Krispi Staude of the group. Krispi also recommends the Rainshadow Quilting Arts Guild.

For physical fitness, critical for seniors, Balance class with Suzie LaFever is held on Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m., Martial Arts & Movement featuring traditional Karate katas with Sensei SoRelle is at 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Mondays, Volunteer based and sponsored by the Family Resource Center the Latinx community offers Zumba at 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, and Ping Pong is available Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Through the Mullis Center Katerina Wen offers Chair Yoga and Balance and Stretch live streamed online. Chair yoga is at 9:30-10:10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Balance and Stretch is at 9:30-10:10 a.m. on Thursdays. These classes are also available as on-demand videos to use at home on your own schedule. Says Katerina, “You will be encouraged as you become proactive and embrace this wonderful opportunity to regain mobility and vitality.”

Drop in social time on Mondays from 1 – 3 p.m. will find folks playing cards or the domino game Mexican Train. Reliable sources tell me, “Both groups seem to laugh a lot.” There is interest is starting a Pinochle game (players wanted!) and Bingo happens once a month after lunch, this month on Monday, March 18.

The Mullis Center book club meets on zoom the second Monday of each month at 1:15 p.m. and is facilitated by San Juan Island Library. We just read Euphoria by Lily King. I’m looking forward to a lively discussion.

For more details regarding these programs please contact Anna at the Mullis Center 360-370-4015 or info@mulliscenter.org. The Mullis Center newsletter with a full monthly calendar of events and activities and the community lunch menu is available online at www.mulliscenter.org or pick up a print copy at the Mullis Cener.