Senior Daze

by Katie Bourg

About Katie: Having arrived in time for the Great (?) Depression, WWII, and all other 20th century problems, I am endowed with long and varied memories. Writing classes have long been my home away from home. Other people's stories are fascinating, and sharing is growth at its best. Hope you seniors will join me with your stories. Try it. You'll like it.

We are almost to the end of January, and I still have Christmas decorations to put away. Somehow the few weeks after the holidays seem to always slow me down. Whatever I planned to do seldom gets done.

The recent weather didn't help any. The last time my car left the driveway was the Saturday before the big snow. People who know me will find that hard to believe. So do I.

I get most of my exercise pushing a grocery cart up and down the aisles of local stores. The carts are a good height and keep me upright, so I can walk longer. The merchants don't seem to mind, and an old back injury makes walking difficult without the support. I usually find something I must have, even if I didn't plan on any purchases. And it keeps me limber.

Shopping has always been one of my favorite things to do. I still miss the old Woolworth of my youth. There were so many things to look at. There is just no substitute for what was. But I'm better off without the banana splits dispensed at the lunch counter. Remember those glass boat dishes they were served in? Yummmm!

In another week or so, the Stilly Singers will be visiting local senior homes again. It is a pleasant form of volunteering and much appreciated. Bethany at Providence Pacific campus surprised us before Christmas with some cute Christmas cups full of goodies, to tell us so. It was a nice gesture and we enjoyed it. We miss Dorothy Herival, our long time pianist, and will never forget her generous contribution. She made us sound so good. We need another like her, if anyone out there is interested. We'd be very grateful, and it is a fun group to play with. Dick Dale leads us; you can reach him through the Stillaguamish Senior Center.

Volunteer groups are a large part of the scene in Snohomish County. Some of them have been around for a long time. One of the oldest was started by a delightful woman named Ada Haag. She was first talked into becoming an activity director at Bethany, a rather new idea at the time. She wasn't sure she would be good at this, but took a few classes and found her niche. Almost at once she decided music was a good way to get things going. She gathered together residents who sang or played instruments, then led them down the halls to spread the joy. That was the beginning of the Singing Strings, which is now in its 46th year. Ada was 49 years old at the time. At 95 she is now in residence at Bethany, and still sings with us. She used to play her ukulele, but no so much any more. Hard on her fingers now.

Ada didn't stop at singing. She planned other activities through the years, including ceramics and some woodworking and a carnival. She organized an aluminum can drive and raised funds for a bus, and planned trips to keep seniors active and interested. Went to churches and other organizations to speak for the elderly. Had residents mimeograph a newsletter, and sent it to anyone she could interest in helping. Once started, Ada never quit being an advocate for those she sought to help.

She took a trip to Hawaii, where she broke her ankle. She came home in a wheelchair. She lost her husband shortly after. But she never stopped, claiming the wheelchair put her on the same level with her charges and made her more effective.

Ada's efforts became well known. The City of Everett honored her contributions, proclaiming April 30, 2004, to be Ada Haag Day.

Some Thursday, come to the 5th floor at Bethany Pacific at 2 p.m. You'll find Ada, still singing.