COVID-19

Commemorating Benito Barron

Posted on by Emily Billow
Benito Smiling
Benito smiling along brick wall.

On Friday, November 27th we lost a precious soul and dear participant to our program. Benito was a regular participant of Lake City Seniors for years and was an instrumental figure in the Latinx group.  He participated in various classes such as Bingo and Momentia events, volunteered his time to drive other participants to the Center, and was always giving out hugs and love to friends. He will be greatly missed by all and we were lucky to have him in our lives. Included are words from our staff.

Benito, thank you for having been here with us, sharing yourself with us. You left memories and laughter in our hearts. You will always be present and we will never forget a phrase that is so very yours, ” The sun is within you”. Rest in peace!!! -Martha

Benito as Santa with Vedrana and Akira.
Benito as Santa with Vedrana and Akira.

Benito was the type of person who consistently reminded me of why I do the work that I do. His effervescent personality and big heart brought joy into my life, and into the lives of others. Benito will be greatly missed by all of those who knew him, but will live on through our memories of him. He brought the feeling of community to our center and our lives. Rest in power, our dear friend. –Vedrana

We lost one of the good ones. I remember the day he first walked into our senior center.  He was angry and upset about something and he sought some relief. He always said he was lucky to find our program, but I often wonder if we were lucky he found us. He was both complex and simple, which is why he was so compassionate. He could talk with anyone and always offered a smile or support. After talking with Benito, I always had a smile on my face. He was open about his early struggles with addiction and how he overcame them to find peace and happiness.  This difficult journey served him well in his later years as he provided so boundless empathy, wisdom and support to others who were suffering. Rest in power Benito. – Akira

 

Benito’s hugs could make the most stressful days lighter and his smile was infectious. I always looked forward to seeing him, having a chat and listening to his wisdom; he had so much of it to share. He will be remembered for his kindness, laughter, and the light he carried inside of him. Thank you for showing it to us. –Emily

SeaMar Group Photo
A group photo of our SeaMar group with Benito.

Benito always had something to give:  Christmas chocolate, tamales, a box of zucchinis from the trunk of his car, a hug. He had a radiant personality that was sorely needed in an all too cloudy world. He’ll be deeply missed by anyone and everyone who had the chance to know him. –Darcy

 

Benito, you brightened up our lives with you light, you playfulness, and always, you kindness. I learned so much about generosity of spirit from you. Thank you for all the time and energy you shared with us. You are deeply missed. –Claudine

We Have Temporarily Moved!

Posted on by Emily Billow

Thanksgiving Lunch with turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, Green bean casserole, and Pumpkin bars in a box.
Thanksgiving lunch with turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, and Pumpkin bars in a to-go box.

Lake City Seniors has temporarily moved to Lamb of God Church- 12509 27th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98125. The first day at this new location was Monday November 2nd. The Church is a block away from the Lake City Community Center, right across the street from Albert Davis Park. The building and property is a better option for our program moving into the winter months. We are planning on being at this location at least through the winter. Lunch will be served at the same time from 12:30-1:30pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. We hope to see you there!

North Seattle COVID-19 Update 6/18/20

Posted on by Emily Billow
To-go Lunch in June 2020
To-go lunch for Lake City Seniors Meal Program.

June 17th, 2020

Governor Inslee has created a “Safe Start Plan” with 4 phases. As of June 16th, King County is in Phase 1.5 and has applied for the 2nd phase. Phase 1.5 allows for hair salons, restaurant, and retail shops to open at limited capacity. To find more information, please go to https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/safe-start.aspx.  Lake City Seniors will continue to update you as the phases progress for King County. Phase 1.5 does not affect our services and we will continue to operate as we have been.

During this time, essential programs will continue—more information about services below. We are still practicing social distancing measures, using gloves, wearing masks and will continue to follow these guidelines. King County has issued directives to wear facial coverings at any indoor or outdoor public space where you may be within 6 feet of someone who does not live with you. Please wear a facial covering if you are picking up your lunch at the Lake City Community Center. We will provide one if you do not have one.

Lake City Seniors shares your concerns about the rapidly evolving and expanding global novel coronavirus (COVID-19). At this time, there are no cases of COVID-19 at Lake City Seniors, nor any staff with symptoms. Thank you for all those who have reached out- we love to hear from you via phone call and email. We will be updating you as we know more information.

 

Lake City Seniors team,

Vedrana, Akira, and Emily

 

North Seattle COVID-19 Update 5/14/2020

Posted on by Emily Billow
to-go lunch for April
Lunch deliveries for April

Lake City Seniors update

Governor Inslee extended the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order through May 31st
and has issued a Safe Start Plan with 4 phases. As of May 5th Phase 1 has started
and permitted activities include: drive-in spiritual services with one household
per vehicle, auto/RV/Boat/ORV sales, retail open for curb-side pick-up orders
only, car washes, landscaping, some pet services (not including grooming), and
essential travel and limited non-essential travel. Lake City Seniors will continue
to update you as the phases progress.
Phase 1 does not affect our services and we will continue to operate as we have
been. We are committed to following all guidelines and instructions issued by the
government and will prioritize the health and safety of all participants.
During this time, the Lake City Seniors meal program will continue to serve lunch
with the help of HIP. We will continue to offer to-go lunches from 12:30-1:30pm
in the parking lot of the Lake City Community Center and to deliver meals with
Hyde Shuttle until further notice. We are still practicing social distancing
measures, using gloves, wearing masks and will continue to follow these
guidelines.
We are offering Chair Yoga and Tai Chi on Zoom during this time. If you would
like a reassurance call from Akira or Emily, please let us know by calling 206-268-
6740. We are also offering virtual Bingo and Connection Time and would love to
have you join.
Lake City Seniors shares your concerns about the rapidly evolving and expanding
global novel coronavirus (COVID-19). At this time, there are no cases of COVID19 at Lake City Seniors, nor any staff with symptoms. Thank you for all those who
have reached out- we love to hear from you via phone call and email. We will be
updating as we know more information.

The Lake City Seniors Team, 
Vedrana, Akira, and Emily

Lake City Seniors will continue to be closed, except for essential programs listed below- at least through May 31st.

Lake City Seniors ESSENTIAL PROGRAM UPDATE

  • Community Dining – To-go lunches in the Lake City Community Parking Lot
    are available from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
  • Hyde shuttle may be able to help with Lunch deliveries; call 206-707-1865.
  • Our Social Worker is continuing outreach and will be available as needed.
  • Staff will be making reassurance calls for any participants who would like
    one. To sign-up, please call 206-707-1865.
  • Weekly on Thursdays from 10:00-11:00 Connection Time, call 206-307-0855
    to join! Call in if you have any questions, concerns, ideas, or just want to chat.
  •  We are offering Zoom fitness classes including Chair Yoga and Tai Chi.
  •  Weekly on Wednesdays starting at 1:30pm-Bingo with prizes, call 206-307-
    0855 to join!
  • Follow us on Facebook to get more up to date information at
    https://www.facebook.com/LakeCitySeniors/

Please call Lake City Seniors at 206-268-6740 if you have questions about these
services or know of an older adult in need of a meal or outreach.

North Seattle COVID-19 Update 4/21/2020

Posted on by Emily Billow
A to-go lunch from the month of March.
A to-go lunch from the month of March.

Lake City Seniors’ update

April 15th, 2020

The Governor of the State of Washington issued a “Stay at Home” order until May 4th. This means staying indoors as much as possible and only leaving for essential purposes like grocery shopping, doctors’ appointments, and a walk around the block. The Lake City Seniors meal program is deemed an essential resource and will be continuing to serve lunch with the help of Hunger Intervention Program.
During lunch preparation and distribution, we take precautions like using cleaning supplies, gloves, only doing to go meals and staying 6 feet away from each other at all times. We are continuing to deliver meals to those who are preferring to stay indoors. We are working with community organizations and are offering Chair Yoga and Tai Chi on Zoom during this time. If you would like a reassurance call from Akira or Emily, please let us know by calling 206-268-6740. We are also starting Phone Bingo and would love to have you join. Lake City Seniors shares your concerns about the rapidly evolving and expanding global novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). At this time, there are no cases of COVID-19 at Lake City Seniors, nor any staff with symptoms. We are committed to serving older adults in our community especially through these trying times. Thank you for all those who have reached out, we love to hear from you via phone call and email.

The Lake City Seniors Team

Vedrana, Akira, and Emily

Emily calling numbers from the community center over the telephone.
Emily calling a Bingo Game from the community center over the telephone.

Lake City Seniors ESSENTIAL PROGRAM UPDATE. We will continue to be closed-except for essential programs listed below- at least through May 4th.

  • Community Dining – To-go lunches in the Lake City Community Parking Lot are available from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • Hyde shuttle may be able to help with Lunch deliveries; call 206-707-1865.
  • Our Social Worker is continuing outreach and will be available as needed.
  •  Staff will be making reassurance calls for any participants who would like one. To sign-up, please call 206-707-1865.
  • We are offering Zoom fitness classes including Chair Yoga and Tai Chi.
  • Weekly over the phone Bingo with prizes!
  • Follow us on Facebook to get more up to date information at https://www.facebook.com/LakeCitySeniors/

Please call Lake City Seniors at 206-268-6740 if you have questions about these services or know of an older adult in need of a meal or outreach.