La Conner Senior Center Zooms right along during virus shutdown

The coronavirus outbreak hasn’t slowed things down for the La Conner Senior Center.

Those who take part in the center’s wide range of activities haven’t missed a step despite a statewide ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order mandated to curb further spread of COVID-19.

That thanks to the Zoom video conferencing platform.

The technology, which is fast becoming a feature of daily life, makes it possible for seniors to connect with classes – from composition to exercise – that they would normally attend at Maple Hall.

“While there has certainly been a steep learning curve for everyone involved in learning the Zoom video conferencing system,” La Conner Senior Center Director Margaret Hillard told the Weekly News, “it has also, in my view, brought out the qualities that I have always found to be true of La Conner seniors – namely adaptability, resilience and positivity.”

Some seniors, like Brad and Barb Bradford, of La Conner, had a head start getting acquainted with Zoom.

The Bradfords, former longtime Shelter Bay residents before moving to town last fall, logged on here for a recent family virtual birthday party on the East Coast.

“I’m glad,” Brad Bradford said, “that we had a bit of an introduction (to Zoom) before the senior center went on-line.”

Hillard has worked one-on-one with those who, unlike the Bradfords, haven’t used Zoom.

“The progress has been steady,” Hillard said, “and difficulties have been minimized.”

The advantages continue to make themselves readily apparent, she said.

“This technology holds so much potential to bring seniors together who, even before COVID-19, were separated by geography,” said Hillard. “I’m envisioning all the senior centers in Skagit County joining their activity offerings together to enhance frequency and variety.”

No matter how good the technology, however, it can’t fully substitute for meeting together at Maple Hall for favorite classes and pastimes.

“What is missed most?” Hillard asked rhetorically. “All of us together. The sounds of laughter and conversation that echo through Maple Hall. Shaking hands. Giving and receiving hugs. But we’ll be back.

Guaranteed.”

In the meantime, La Conner seniors will continue to Zoom their way through center programs.

Brad Bradford said the writing course taught by La Conner author Claire Swedberg is an absolute must for him, sparking inspiration to put on paper many of the chief milestones in his life.

Both Bradfords sing the praises of Hillard.

“She’s the one who gets things up and running,” said Brad Bradford, “and it’s running well.”

Hillard said there were six hours of senior center programming available a week ago Tuesday on Zoom. That lineup featured three fitness classes, a luncheon social, and non-fiction creative writing class.

Total attendance was around 45 people, said Hillard. She said between 70-75 seniors usually attend Tuesday sessions.

But without Zoom no one would be able to take senior center classes during the virus shutdown.

“It’s been amazing,” Barb Bradford said of transitioning to technology, “but we really do miss everybody.”