THE HUB DIRECTOR'S CORNER
On My Mind and From the Heart
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I first met Norma when I was a volunteer at The HUB. She was on the Board of Directors and we struck up a fast friendship. You could chalk that up to the fact that we were both ENFP’s (ENFP is an acronym that stands for Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Perceiving personality).
Norma also had a love of food and a sweet tooth that to which I could very much relate. Norma had much more self-control and was thin despite her great love of food. Over one of our very first lunches, followed by carrot cake which we split, I shared with her that I was in need of finding a home to live in.
I had two very small children and found myself in the place of starting over on very short notice. Without ever looking down her nose at me or asking why at my age I had no money saved to get in to a home with my young children, or really even ask why at all, Norma looked at me and said, "You know, I may be able to help you with that".
True to her word two days later she called and asked me if I had found a place to live? I told her no but I was down to seeking even just a few days of housing in my current situation. Norma asked me to meet her down at Belfair State Park at the coffee stand on Saturday.
Saturday morning, Norma introduced me to one of her friends who was at the end of her life. She had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and had packed up her life and cleared her days ahead to spend time with a friend at their home in another city. She looked forward to enjoying the last of her precious days. The friend said to me, “Norma told me all about you and here is my home and here are the keys. Stay as long as you need. I only ask that if you get a chance in your life, you pay it forward to someone else and that you take good care of your children” .
I was in SHOCK--I had only just met this person five minutes ago.
To say it was a life changing moment, seriously understates what impact this had on family's life. It erased the stress and worry that had I had been carrying around on my back like a ton of bricks, provided safety and shelter for my children and myself and gave me a new perspective on life and death and all that transpires in-between.
That was the kind of person Norma was--she never looked to judge but to help and she surrounded herself with people who did the same. My hope is that I will spend the rest of my life looking for opportunities to pay it forward and to repay the kindness that has been generously given to me.
Norma passed away in July. One of her favorite sayings was, "Love thy Neighbor--NO EXCEPTIONS!" She truly lived that way and I wonder how the world would look if we all lived in the same way?
This Directors Corner is dedicated to Norma Carol Bayes 1943-2022
Beth Gizzi,
Executive Director
web site: HUBhappenings.org
email: thehubcenterforseniors@gmail.com
phone: (360) 275-0535, ext 2601
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The HUB Center for Seniors
Our mission is to support independent living for seniors and people with disabilities, serving the greater North Mason area.
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Hi. My name is Donna Giles. I have been affiliated with the HUB for 7 1/2 years.
We relocated here from Illinois and I had heard of the Senior Center and I thought I would apply to be a volunteer. It was the best decision I made. This was the most welcoming group and I instantly felt a family vibe.
I am a person that likes to learn everything I can to better help in any situation. So I was thrilled learning all of the different volunteer option. I quickly became one of the of the front desk people and enjoyed it so much. I loved meeting each of the members and other people coming in to participate in the various events. I am a hugger, so I freely dished out hugs to those that needed or wanted them as much as I did.
I took my little grandson to several events and very quickly realized that the seniors loved the young energy. Kellen, in turn, loved them.
There is always something going on at the HUB. About five years ago I attended the Line Dancing class. I went up to the Instructor and said I would like to take some lessons. I said I would do it from the back or side of the room to not get in the way. Pam looked at me and a few seconds later said okay. The first lesson was the Electric Slide. I could do all steps okay but, you see I’m a power chair user and could not figure out how to make it slide.
I also recall heading out to the dance floor and just shook everything I had, having a really great time. Looking around, there I was with just a handful of people and everyone else just watching. Embarrassed, I quickly left the floor worried I might have offended people. A few weeks later, while attending the live music and dancing, some of the crowd started asking if I was going to dance. Yes! If it was okay with them and it was. I went out to dance and the floor was full. Oh happy times!!
COVID19 has been so devastating to so many families, businesses, and communities. I’m thankful to see The HUB doing all they can.
The HUB is a blessing for our community. The HUB stands for Hospitality/Unity/Belonging. I’m very thankful for being a member and part of this family that I love so much.
Thank you to my HUB family.
Donna Giles
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Dude, join us at The HUB on Friday, September 16, at 6:30 pm for Hippie Family Bingo.
Don't bogart all of the fun--bring your neighbors, friends and family and head to The HUB for some fun, snacks, and prizes. Dress in the Hippie theme and be entered in a drawing for a fun prize. It would be a bummer if you missed out.
Bring your bread--admission is $7 and includes a BINGO pack that plays all 8 games. Or reserve a private table for $50 that comes with 6 BINGO packs.
Purchase tickets HERE online, or in person Monday-Friday at The HUB or at the door. Limited seating recommended to buy a tickets in advance. Food and drinks available for purchase on site. Come win some awesome prizes for those of all ages.
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2022 HUB OPEN HOUSE & WELLNESS FAIR
Join us for the Wellness Fair on Saturday, September 24, from 9:00 am to 12 pm at The HUB. We have brought together a collection of experts and resources to improve your life, for those 40 and over. Come indulge in a Free pancake breakfast for those 60+, minimal charge for those not yet 60.
Get to know some of your HUB's instructors and the top local providers for seniors. We have gathered together everything you need to know about aging and how to live a healthier and happier life.
Besides many resources, there will be raffle giveaways, refreshments and a drawing for a Life Alert system. Come get on a list for gutter cleaning and winterization thanks to the North Mason Bulldogs Football Team. We will also have sign up sheets and vouchers for free firewood thanks to Beavers Firewood. Winter will be easier this year after visiting the Wellness Fair and Open House at The HUB.
Resources:
ARC, Janine Hawthorne,
SHIBA
LMTAA
Peninsula Community Health, Sliding scale dental and health services
Consejo Counseling
The Humane Society
North Mason Regional Fire Authority
AARP
Crossroads Housing
T.O.P.S
Beavers Firewood seniors can sign up to receive FREE firewood
Primerica
NAMI Thurston/Mason
Turning Pointe
The HUB, medical lending library, membership, Commodities Program, and Information about the Blanket A Senior With Love.
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It's time to update your Fall wardrobe. Visit The HUB Shop and get great deals on name brand shoes and bags. Spin the Whacky Wheel each day to win even bigger discounts.There will be Raffle Baskets & Giveaways
September 14-17
At The HUB Shop
Your purchases at The HUB Shop help us to further our mission, "To support independent living for seniors and people with disabilities."
The HUB provides meals, housing assistance, recreation, education, entertainment, workshops and more, all to help seniors in our community.
Shop local, shop thrift.
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This year's HUB Zombie Apocalypse is looking for creative writers. The winning entry must be between 500 and 1,000 words. Must use The HUB as the location and include both a mad scientist and spiders.
There will be two categories--Under 19, and 19+. The winner of each category will receive a gift basket full of Halloween goodies, valued at $200. The grand prize winner's story will be read aloud via the FM station playing during the Apocalypse.
Entries are due no later than 5:00 pm on October 5th, either by dropping it off at The HUB, or emailed to
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE HUB? |
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MONDAY LIVE MUSIC & SALAD BAR
Live music with Blue Suede Shoes every Monday, 10 am - Noon, $1 members, $3 for non-members. Lunch will be the Salad Bar at Noon. Large salad is $5 and small salad is $3. Bring a snack to share and dust off your dancing shoes. Coffee and water provided.
TUESDAY LIVE MUSIC & SALAD BAR
Live music with The Stragglers every Tuesday, 10 am - Noon, $1 members, $3 for non-members. Lunch will be the Salad Bar at Noon. Large salad is $5 and small salad is $3.
ZUMBA
Will meet every Wednesday at 8:30 am. The cost per session is $3 for members; $5 for non-members.
THE MEMOIR WRITING CLUB
Every Monday, 1-2 pm.
NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS
In person meeting, Tuesdays, 7-8 pm
AMERICAN LEGION POST 200
Third Thursday 6 pm. Contact info: Post Commander Roy Harrington, 206-817-8815, rcfh55@yahoo.com.
OLYMPIC PENINSULA TREASURE HUNTERS
Meets the first Sunday of the month 1-4 pm.
MAHJONG
Every Tuesday at 1:00 pm. $1 for non members and free for 2021 members. All skill levels welcome--we will teach you how to play.
TAI CHI
Wednesday at 10:30-11:45 am. Perfect class to join if you are looking to improve you balance. Great for beginners. The last 15 minutes will be more a more advanced session.
NORTH SHORE DINNER CHURCH
Attend the North Shore Dinner Church services at The HUB every Sunday at 5pm. Free Community Dinner served at 5pm.
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HUB OPERATIONS
Operating Hours
Monday - Thursday, 10 am - 4 pm, Fridays 10 am - 2 pm.
The HUB Center is open for walk in services. These include the medical lending library, food commodities, in kind donations of clothing and household goods, book lending library, free food pantry on-site at The HUB.
The HUB is available for rental. We would love to host your next birthday, anniversary, work party or fundraiser. The HUB has a large commercial kitchen that is available to rent for small businesses as well as for parties. Let us make your next party a hassle free event. Call us or walk in for rates. Members receive deep discounts.
Classes and activities are updated throughout the month. Please check our social media and website for more details.
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Come check out the new lower prices at The HUB Shop thrift store. All of our prices have dropped, including $3 for adult clothing and children’s clothing prices even lower.
New extended hours both at the store and at the donations dock. The store is now open Monday through Saturday, 9:30-530 except on Wednesday when we are open until 6:30pm. Wednesdays are now Wacky Wednesdays with deals so good you will need an extra hour to shop. Come spin the Wacky Wednesday Wheel of Savings for your discount at the register. The loading dock is now open Monday-Saturday 9:30-5:30 pm.
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The HUB
P.O. Box 2697
Belfair, WA 98528
(360) 275-0535|
theHUBcenterforseniors@gmail.com
www.HUBhappenings.org
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