Senior center open Tuesdays

After a 16-month absence, the Senior Center at La Conner’s Maple Hall reopened in early July. Although indoor fitness programming is still not allowed, favorite and familiar activities are back on the schedule.

Every Tuesday folks pursue a variety of interests including woodcarving, non-fiction creative writing, a ‘quasi philosophical’ discussion forum, a knitting and crafting group, as well as games including Scrabble, canasta and mahjongg. Participants range in age from 45 to 99.

Yet for many attendees, the activities are only part of the appeal. The opportunity to mingle regularly in person has proven a welcome balm to the sting of extended social isolation imposed by the pandemic. Marilyn Johnson, one of the founders of the ‘Stitchers ’n Crafters’ group, emphasizes, “I waited so long for the Senior Center to reopen and it is such a relief to see people again.”

She is echoed by mahjongg enthusiast Jean Collins who states, “I had not realized how much I missed all of these people in my life until the Senior Center opened again.”

Longtime attendee Joanna May sums up her experience, “I know that every Tuesday I can come to Maple Hall and feel connected.”

A full schedule of activities is available at the Town of La Conner website. Contact [email protected] or 360-855-5440.

Hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m.