By Marcia Rudoff

Senior Outlook column

Spring has not exactly been busting out all over—it’s been more like dropping in for a day or two here and there, but perhaps we can hope for a bit more consistency from summer. I’m hoping it will arrive on time in June, spend a week or so working the kinks out after its long winter’s nap, then shine down upon us full strength for a few months before autumn feels the need to make an appearance.

In the meantime, we should be getting ready, too. Limbering up for some fun in the sun can include cutting down on the frequent lifting of knife and fork (my favorite gloomy weather exercise) and replacing it with gardening, spring cleaning or walking. Gardening can be a problem for apartment dwellers like me and spring cleaning just isn’t much fun. So my personal preference is walking.

Walking has many health benefits: It gets you out in the fresh air; improves bone density; is great for the cardio-pulmonary system and requires no special outfit or equipment (except for good walking shoes) or gym membership.

And walking can add to the greater good. You can walk for all manner of worthy causes. Walk to alleviate hunger, cure MS or this month, sign up to walk in the American Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life” event on Bainbridge Island the weekend of June 18-19.

The great thing about a relay is that you can pick when and how long you want to walk before handing the job over to another team member. If you are over 50, you’re eligible to join the Seniors Against Cancer team, sponsored by the Bainbridge Island Senior Community Center. Walk a bit, relax a bit, enjoy the music and snacks, and know you’re doing something good for the world and yourself (remember all those health benefits you get from walking).

All of us know someone cancer has attacked and the Relay is a great way to fight back. You can celebrate or remember your special one while helping to assure more celebrations of victory over the disease.

For more information on how to get involved in the event, call the Senior Center at 842-1616 or Seniors Against Cancer co-captain Judi May at 842-4977.

Moving ahead from June to July, what could be more fun than taking part in the 4th of July parade? The Bainbridge Island Senior Community Center will be walking as part of One Call for All, the premier fund-raiser for non-profit organizations on Bainbridge Island and a major supporter of BISCC. If you’re a member, walk with us.

July 4th is a perfect day for leisurely walking, too. Come stroll among the many booths in and around Waterfront Park. Stop by the Senior Center’s booth, sit and visit with our volunteers. Learn about the proposed remodel of the Senior Center and its designation as a warming center during power outages and other emergencies. Ask about the Chocolate Festival BISCC is planning for next year.

If you are new to the Island,  have recently reached the glorious age of 50, or just feel it’s time to join the fun, you can learn all about the activities available at BISCC and sign up at the booth to be a Senior Center member. Whatever your interests—social, educational, physical exercise or just plain fun—you’re bound to find a senior center class, team, game, trip, or volunteer opportunity that interests you.

If you’re a member and already know a lot about BISCC and its programs, then sign up at the Senior Center for a shift in the booth. Meet new people, greet old friends, share your knowledge. It’s fun!

Marcia Rudoff writes a monthly column for the Bainbridge Island Senior Community Center.