THE HUB DIRECTOR'S CORNER

On my mind and from the heart...

You can’t help but notice that Valentine’s Day is almost upon us. Walking in stores we are surrounded by red, pink and white hearts, flowers and tempting chocolate boxes. All of which are exclaiming endless, never-ending love.  If you are not in a relationship you must walk quickly past the trinkets and dodge the assaults of bouquets of helium filled love proclamations. It is a reminder of one of the things I just never got quite right.

In reflection of the many loves in my life, I must take responsibility for the choices I have made along the way. The man that I married when I was only 18 was kind, stable, gentle and a steady provider. To my young, reckless heart he was dull and I just could not see myself with a life, coming home to the same boring person each day. Now in my late forties I crave a steady person to spend the evenings with. If only I knew then what I know now….

My last relationship was the complete opposite, if he was fire then I was gasoline. I did not have to worry about coming home to the same person day in and day out because more often than not he never could find the way home. Did I try to fix him? Oh boy, I did. I was sure that his anger, hatred and meanness was just a symptom of something deeper, and that with enough of my love, care and patience, he could be fixed. By sheer will power, his mean words and selfishness would be magically transformed into a fairy tale ending if only I could be patient and wait it out. Well, two children and thirteen years later I finally realized that some things you can't change. I only fully realized this after spending years of sleepless nights of worry and days filled with self-loathing and despair for even hoping things would work.

There was also that marriage in between, the one that happened in Vegas and I wish would have stayed in Vegas. That union I try to block from my mind and rarely talk about it to anyone. As you can probably guess, it was not a lasting love story. Of course there are the ones who got away, the ones I was too scared to pursue and the, "I wonder if?" .... So knowing that I am not good at romantic love I have vowed to stay single and enjoy love through friendships, the love of my children and doing good in the world while I am alive.

So when it finally happened, it broke so many rules that I was totally unprepared for the outcome. I was introduced by a mutual friend. The moment our eyes met I knew that this time it was different. Here was the one who would love me forever, unconditionally and without fail. Loves to travel with me everywhere, sleeps in late whenever possible and cuddles me in just the right way. Looks forward to my every move with anxious anticipation and is always there to give me an encouraging kiss. Her breath and tiny tongue kisses are the highlight of my days.

Yes, I have fallen for a tiny puppy. Teeny Tiny, or TT as she is known around The HUB, has stolen my heart and the hearts of many of our friends, family and community members. She was rescued and in reality, she rescued me. She has given me love on days that I need it the most and solidified that, "Yes I can be alone!" without any Valentines Day fodder. Things will turn out alright and I don't need a ballon bouquet to tell me I am loved. Just one puppy kiss.

Wherever you find your love this Valentine's Day, whether it's in the traditional relationship or through the love of a hobby, joy of grand children, cooking, or even in the form of puppy love... enjoy. Life is short and love can be found in so many places and in so many ways if we are open to it.

Happy love month....



Beth Gizzi

Executive Director, The HUB

web site: HUBhappenings.org

email:     thehubcenterforseniors@gmail.com

phone:    (360) 275-0535, ext 2601

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Fitness Land

Join us January through February in playing Fitness Land at The HUB.

Play a free game with us while getting healthier! Prizes for the Grand winner and all who finish!! Do any Fitness activity at The HUB, home, or any other facility to move your game piece!

Rules: Plays very similar to Candy Land!

1- Be Honest

2- Start your magnet on the start up line, ask the front desk for a magnet if you don't have one.

3- Whenever you do a fitness class at The HUB, walk 10,000 steps, do a fitness activity at another organization you get a color card

4- When you get a card, WE will move your magnet to the next color spot of your card. Get a double color? Move to the second color space. More than 1 person CAN be on the same spot. Return your card to the Front Desk.

5- First person to cross the finish line wins the grand prize. Keep playing because all who finish will still get a prize!

Art Afternoon - first Saturday of every month. This is a free walk-in event, open to all ages, and all supplies included. We will be providing numerous recycled art supplies as well as paint, pencils, charcoal, pens, glues etc. Donations will be warmly welcomed.

Each month we will feature a new project or artist that will share their medium of art and most months there will be a hands on project to complete. Some of our featured artists and projects include drawing skills with Adam Smith owner of Blue Creations, black and white paper towel canvas paintings with Karna Peck, window painting by Joanne Tejeda, Recycled Art with the AmeriCorps from The Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group and many more.

The main goal of this event is to provide a safe, warm, happy, well-stocked place for people of all ages to be creative and spend time with others.

Made possible by Kitsap Bank.

Join us for some jolly family fun at The HUB on Friday, February 17 at 6:30 pm for Pajama Family Bingo!

Bring your neighbors, friends and family and head to The HUB for some fun, snacks, and prizes. Wear your pajamas and be entered in a drawing for a fun prize. 

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.

The HUB and The HUB Shop will be selling hearts again this year. Come support us as a local non-profit supporting seniors and people with disabilities. Hearts are on sale through February and are available for $1 or $5 and will be hung in our windows.

All donations go towards keeping low cost classes and events, free medical lending library, helping us pay our bills to stay open, and helping our seniors as much as we are able. Your support means the world to us and helps us stay in business to keep helping others.

Dust off your blue jeans and add some sparkle. Mark your calendar for the party of the year. Join us on Saturday, June 24 for Black Tie and Blue Jeans: A Party With A Purpose, our major fundraising event of the year.

We are happily accepting auction donations. If you have something fab to donate, contact Tracy Quigley, Outreach Coordinator, at partywithapurposehub@gmail.com

or call her at (360) 801-9085

Tickets available for purchase HERE.

The HUB Shop

Join us for Wacky Wednesday at The HUB Shop. Every Wednesday in February come into the HUB Shop and celebrate Wacky Wednesday with us. With every purchase you get to spin the Wacky Wheel of Savings for a chance to win an extra discount on your purchase or a breakfast themed prize.

The HUB Shop February Sales

First Friday and Saturday of every month- $7 Bag Sale. All regularly priced clothing and shoes that you can fit in a bag just $7.

3rd Thursday of every month- Buy One Get One FREE Clothing and Shoes. Pay for the higher priced item second one is FREE. This month sale is on 2/16/23.

Saturday February 11th Valentines Day Sale- Buy One Get One FREE Jewelry and Accessories Includes all jewelry ,watches, belts, gloves, hats and scarves. Pay for the higher priced item the second one is FREE.

Monday February 20th Presidents Day Sale-50% Off EVERYTHING.

The HUB Shop Hours



Monday-Saturday 9:30-5:30 pm

Donation Dock Open Monday-Saturday 9:30-5:30 pm

People age 55 or better get a 10% discount everyday

MONDAY LIVE MUSIC

Live music with Blue Suede Shoes every Monday, 10 am - Noon, $2 members, $5 for non-members. Bring a snack to share and dust off your dancing shoes. Coffee and water provided.

TUESDAY LIVE MUSIC

Live music with The Stragglers every Tuesday, 10 am - Noon, $2 members, $5 for non-members. .

THE MEMOIR WRITING CLUB

Every Monday, 1-2 pm. $5 for non-members, $2 for members.

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. $5 for non-members and $2 for 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. $5 for non-members, $3 for members

ZUMBA GOLD

Every Tuesday and Thursday at 8:30-9:15 am. $6 for non-members and $4 for members. All skill levels welcome. Perfect for active older adults. Class focuses on all elements of fitness: Cardiovascular, muscular conditioning, flexibility, and balance.

DANCE FITNESS

Every Wednesday at 8:30 am. $5 for non-members, $3 for members. Come have fun dancing and getting fit together.

ORIGAMI CLASS

January 12th at 10:30 am. Members: $2 and non-members $4. Come learn how to make a German Star out of paper.

CARD MAKING

Usually the first Thursday of the month. Watch our calendar as it sometimes changes. All supplies included. $5 for non-members and $2 for members.

P.A.C.K.

P.A.C.K. aka People for Animal Care & Kindness is a non profit organization that meets in The HUB parking lot once a month on the 3rd Wednesday to pass out pet food and supplies to those in need.

NORTH SHORE DINNER CHURCH

Attend the North Shore Dinner Church services at The HUB every Sunday at 5 pm. Free Community Dinner served at 5pm.

HUB OPERATIONS

Operating Hours

Monday - Thursday, 10 am - 4 pm,

We are now closed on Fridays except for special events. The HUB Shop can help with other needs like Medical Lending and other Neighbors Helping Neighbors services on Fridays.

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 or more details.

The HUB

P.O. Box 2697

Belfair, WA 98528

(360) 275-0535|

theHUBcenterforseniors@gmail.com

www.HUBhappenings.org