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South Whidbey @ Home

Call 360-331-1971
www.swathome.org or
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FALL 2016 NEWSLETTER

Call manager's report

Our first member service request: Volunteers Dianne Schwehr & Vicki Shininger take a break while doing yardwork for member Julie Jaulus.

At first we were terrified by the sophisticated software package the board chose to run SW@Home--and terrified isn’t too strong a word. But the nine call managers and one sub currently staffing the office are all brave and competent women (and one man). We still make mistakes—"sophisticated" means complicated—but our members and volunteers have been very patient as we move along the learning curve.

We opened for business July 5^th, and by the end of August we had entered information on 64 full members, 51 Supporting Members, and 121 volunteers. We fielded more than 40 requests for volunteer services and 6 requests for business referrals. Our volunteers have done minor home repairs, taken away recycling, done yard work, made social visits, straightened out computer and cell phone issues, assembled furniture from Ikea, organized files, and provided rides. We’ve sent out invitations to two great member social events, and answered a ton of questions.

Best of all, we've enjoyed our work, and especially enjoy being on the receiving end of so many positive comments and so much good will.

What do our members and volunteers say about SW@Home?

“When I signed up as a Full Member, I had no idea that surgery was in my near future. But now I’m so grateful that I did, and I can already feel the network of support. I actually feel myself taking a deep sigh of relief knowing I’m a member”—Gaynelle Westergard, member and volunteer.

“I want to be part of the solution before I’m part of the problem.”—Margaret Bendet, volunteer

“My driver was so nice, and since we’re both old-timers here, we had a lot to talk about.”—June Farrington, member

“I love this job. I meet all these interesting people I never knew before.”—Virginia Lindsey, volunteer Ambassador

Gaynelle Westergard, volunteer and member

Summer programs were a success

July event was a slam tilt

Our program committee got off to a great start in July with our first event, held at the pinball arcade attached to the Sundance Bakery in Langley.

Around 30 members ate delicious munchies and gabbed like old friends. Quite a few were brave enough to see how their old pinball skills had held up over the years. At least one person thought she was better than ever, and we have to admit she was pretty darn good.

Members achieved serenity in August

South Whidbey Community Park provided a lovely setting in August when members enjoyed a lesson in qi gong from instructor Lynne Donnelly (demonstrating tai chi with board member Allan Ament, above) and a great potluck centered on pork and chicken sliders from Useless Bay Coffee & Cantina.

Upcoming events

Birding in Deer Lagoon

SW@Home members are invited to a special excursion to Deer Lagoon, guided by Kim Shepard, a member of the Audubon Society. The walk on the dike will take about an hour, then you will gather at the Clover Patch for coffee and more birding conversation. If you are a Full Member and need a ride, contact the Call Managers at 360-331-1971.

• When: Thursday, September 22, 2016 9:30am – 11:30am
• Where: At the south end of Deer Lagoon Road, which is Access Point 1 on this map. There is limited parking in the neighborhood, so if you can carpool, please meet in the Goose parking lot near the Clover Patch at 9:10am. We will leave at 9:15 to get to the dike.
• What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes and binoculars, if you have them.
• Difficulty level: Easy- moderate. The excursion involves walking about a mile round trip on flat ground. Not wheelchair accessible.

Questions? Contact Kate Poss at poss@whidbey.com

Monthly board game get-togethers

On the first Friday of every month, join other members for an afternoon of light-hearted games in the back room of the Commons Coffee House in Langley.

• When: From 1- 3pm on Oct 7, Nov 4, Dec 1
• Where: The South Whidbey Commons, 124 2nd St in Langley, back room.

Want to join us as a member or volunteer?

Applications for full or supporting memberships can be found at our website, and the annual fee can be paid online by credit card or by check, in person or by mail (PO Box 557, Langley WA). Volunteer applications can be downloaded from our website and returned by mail or in person.

You’ll find lots of information at www.swathome.org and on our Facebook Page. You can also call us at 331-1971or drop by our office at 1635 Main Street in Freeland.