Burlington Senior Center

06/03/2026

🚲 “World Bicycle Day or the BSC Pedal Parade”

The morning of June 3rd -- World Bicycle Day (WBD for short) -- started innocently enough. Marla, a new Burlington Senior Center volunteer with an over-flowing abundance of enthusiasm, thought the seniors should celebrate the day with a “simple little bike parade” just for fun. That was her first mistake.

By 9:00 a.m., the parking lot looked like someone had shaken a Walmart Supercenter and dumped out every wheeled object ever invented.

Leo arrived first and pulled a folding bicycle out of his camper van he claimed was “aerodynamic,” though it squeaked like a mouse with stage fright. Nora rolled up on a three wheeled recumbent bike, reclining so low she looked like she was commuting from ground level. Then came Clyde, proudly pedaling a tandem bicycle—alone. When asked where the second rider was, he said, “I’m manifesting one.”

But the real showstopper was Tilly, who zoomed in on a bright yellow delivery bike with a giant front basket. Inside the basket sat her Chihuahua, Priscilla, wearing goggles and a tiny orange reflective vest. “Emotional support copilot,” she announced.

Marla tried to organize everyone into a neat parade line, but that lasted about four seconds. Leo’s folding bike kept collapsing. Nora’s recumbent was so low that Clyde kept losing sight of her and shouting, “Man down!” And Tilly’s dog barked every time someone rang a bike bell, which caused more bell ringing, which caused more barking, which caused more bell ringing.

Eventually, they set off—if you can call it that. The “parade” moved at three different speeds: slow, slower, and “Is Clyde actually going backwards?”

Halfway around the block, Clyde finally found a tandem partner: a confused mailman named Jeff who got caught at the wrong place at the wrong time. He rode along anyway because his feet hurt, Jeff was a good sport, and also because Clyde refused to stop pedaling long enough to let him off until they got back to the BSC.

Marla declared senior center's first annual WBD event a “rousing success,” mostly because no one had tipped over, they all made it around the block, and Priscilla had only barked 47 times.

Tilly raised her water bottle and said, “Next year, let’s do a Tour de Burlington—same chaos, longer route.” Everyone cheered, except Jeff, who quietly asked if someone could help him get off the tandem. He had mail to deliver.

Wednesday, June 3, 2026:
9:00 GUMBA Cards
10:00 Tai Chi Class
10:30 Meditation Class
11:30 Lunch: Chicken Fried Steak served with Mashed Potatoes & Gravy and Apple Crisp
12:30 Pinochle
1:00 Ukulele Class

Reminder: Tomorrow, June 4th, is the free Narcan Training class at 10:30. Please sign up at the BSC front desk if you'd like to attend.

06/02/2026

🌿 Weak Ties — A Burlington Senior Center Story

On Tuesday morning, the Burlington Senior Center lobby was unusually lively — not because anything special was happening, but because three people who barely knew each other all arrived early and immediately pretended they weren’t lost. You could call them “weak ties” … people you know but not very well. Mere acquaintances.

First was Evelyn, who had come for Quilt and Craft but couldn’t remember if it was in the Community Room or “that room behind the dining room with the plant that looks like it’s giving up.”

Next was Gordon, who wandered in half asleep looking for today’s live music (he never missed a Ward McCary session), but somehow ended up in the wrong room holding a meditation cushion.

And finally, Lila, who had no idea what she wanted to do that day — mostly she just liked the BSC’s delicious coffee. Cheaper than Starbuck’s and served with a side of good conversation.

They’d seen each other around the BSC, of course. Nodded politely in the hallway once or twice. And exchanged the classic senior center greeting: “Is this where the thing is?” But they had never actually talked. That changed when all three reached for the same chair.

“Go ahead,” Evelyn said. “No, you,” Gordon insisted. “I’m flexible,” Lila added, “emotionally, not physically.” They all laughed — the kind of laugh that only happens when strangers realize they’re on the same wavelength and soon were chatting.

Evelyn mentioned she used to design greeting cards. Gordon casually revealed he built birdhouses as a hobby. Lila admitted she’d been designing an online storefront on Etsy that she thought looked pretty good, but she had “the confidence of a turnip” about what to sell.

Within minutes, they were brainstorming like they’d known each other for years. “What if we combine our skills?” Evelyn said. “Birdhouses with inspirational messages,” Gordon suggested. “And I can sell them online,” Lila added. “Or… attempt to. With your help.” They all paused. Had they just… formed a business?

By the time the Lemon Pepper Fish was served they had:
• Accidentally created a micro enterprise
• Designed a logo on a napkin
• Recruited two curious onlookers
• And received three pre-orders from people who overheard them and said, “I’d buy that.”

All because three acquaintances — weak ties — happened to sit near each other and start talking. Later, as they walked to their actual classes (which were, predictably, in three different rooms), Lila said: “You know, I almost stayed home today.” Evelyn nodded. “Me too.” Gordon shrugged. “But this was better than going to the dentist.” They laughed again.

And just like that, the Burlington Senior Center had a brand-new trio — not quite best friends, not quite strangers, but something wonderfully in between. Weak ties — the people we know just a little — can spark new ideas, fresh perspectives, and creative collaborations.

Sometimes all it takes is sitting down, saying hello, or admitting you have no idea where your class is. Because staying curious, connected, and open to small conversations can turn an ordinary Tuesday at the Burlington Senior Center into the start of something meaningful.

Tuesday, June 2, 2026:
8:30 Foot Care
9:30 Quilts of Valor
10:00 Quilt and Craft
10:30 Ward McCary Live Music
11:30 Lunch: Lemon Pepper Fish served with Rice Pilaf and Pineapple Chunks
1:00 BINGO
1:00 Haircuts by Shellie

06/01/2026

🌞 Confidence: The Art of Being Enough
— A Burlington Senior Center Story

On Monday morning, the Burlington Senior Center lobby smelled like fresh coffee, optimism, and just a hint of Bengay.

June 1st had arrived, and with it, a brand-new week full of possibility — at least according to the Art Hallway display case, which now featured a giant poster reading: “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter."

The first to arrive was Opal, age 74, who had recently decided she was done apologizing for things that weren’t her fault — like the weather, other people’s moods, and the global supply chain. She marched in wearing a T shirt that said: “I’m Not Difficult. I’m Selectively Enthusiastic.”

Behind her came Lenny, who had spent the morning giving himself a pep talk in the mirror. “You are a confident man,” he told his reflection. “You are capable.” “You are… wearing two different shoes.” He shrugged. “Confidence first. Matching footwear later.”

Then came Tilly, who had recently decided to challenge her old money beliefs. “I used to think spending money on myself was selfish,” she said, plopping her purse on the table. “But then I realized: I’m the only one who knows what snacks I like.”

The group decided on this morning’s discussion: Small Mindset Shifts. Senior Center Coordinator Jackie smiled at them. “Today let's talk about the surprising power of everyday connections. How the little things — a conversation, a compliment, a moment of courage — can shift your whole day.”

Opal raised her hand. “I had a moment of courage this morning. I told my neighbor I didn’t want her zucchini.” The room gasped. “That’s huge,” Laney said. “Setting boundaries builds confidence.”

Lenny nodded. “I set a boundary too. I told my cat he can’t wake me up before 6 a.m.” “How’d that go?” Tilly asked. “He ignored me completely. But I felt empowered.”

Jackie continued. “After 60, growth doesn’t stop. It just becomes more intentional.” Opal leaned back. “Exactly. I’m too old to be insecure. If I don’t know something, I’ll ask. If I want something, I’ll say so. If I like myself, that’s enough.”

Tilly grinned. “I like myself more now than I did at 40 after my divorce. And I’ve stopped worrying about being WITH someone. I’m enough.”

“Same,” Lenny said. “Back then I thought confidence meant impressing people. Now it means not caring if they’re impressed.” The group murmured in agreement.

Just then, Lenny’s mismatched shoes caught Opal’s eye. “Lenny,” she said gently, “your shoes don’t match.” He looked down, then shrugged. “I know. But I’m choosing to believe it’s a fashion statement.”

Opal raised her coffee cup. “To confidence and self-esteem — and to wearing whatever makes you feel like the main character in your life's story.” The group lifted their cups with a cheer.

And just like that, confidence improved — and our small but mighty group of BSC seniors were determined to start the week with more courage, more connection, and a whole lot less hesitation.

Because sometimes self-esteem isn’t about big breakthroughs. Sometimes it’s about saying no to zucchini, yes to yourself, and walking boldly into the Burlington Senior Center wearing two different shoes… on purpose.

Monday, June 1, 2026:
9:00 GUMBA Cards
9:00 Weight Loss Class
10:00 — 10:30 Live Music from the Mount Baker Middle School Band and Mariachi
10:00 Board Meeting
10:00 Chair Yoga
11:30 Lunch: Spaghetti & Meatballs served with Garlic Bread

05/29/2026

🌱 The Legacy Committee — A Burlington Senior Center Story

The trouble started when Bernice Larkin, age 78, walked into the Burlington Senior Center clutching a notebook labeled “My Legacy Plan (Draft #47).” She looked stressed enough to need both a chair and a cup of coffee.

“I tried to buy myself a new recliner yesterday,” she announced to the Friday lunch crowd, “but then I thought, should I be saving this money for my children instead? And suddenly I was sitting in the store wiping tears with a microfiber sample.”

The room nodded in sympathy. Everyone had been there. Eddie Morales, who wore suspenders decorated with tiny trout, patted her shoulder. “Bernice, your kids are grown. They have jobs. One of them owns a boat. You’re allowed to sit in a comfortable chair.”
“But good parents leave something behind,” Bernice insisted.
“Sure,” Eddie said. “But they don’t have to leave behind a bad back.”

That’s when Millie Cho, the unofficial philosopher of the group, stood up and declared, “Alright, everyone. Emergency meeting. We are forming the BSC Legacy Committee.” They gathered around the table—Millie, Bernice, Eddie, Louise, Gordon, and Tina, who had only come for lunch but stayed for the drama.

Millie cleared her throat. “Legacy isn’t just about money. It’s the example you set. The memories you make. The stress you DON'T dump on your kids later. And frankly, it’s also whether you enjoy your life enough that they don’t worry about you.”

Gordon raised his hand. “I’d like to leave my children a legacy of not arguing at Thanksgiving. I’m starting this year by refusing to discuss anything more controversial than mashed potatoes.”

Louise chimed in. “I’m leaving my grandkids the legacy of knowing you don’t have to wear makeup to be beautiful. I stopped last year. My daughter still hasn’t recovered.”

Tina added, “I’m leaving my family the legacy of adventure. I booked a cruise. Alone. I told my son, and he said, ‘Mom, is this a cry for help?’ I said, ‘Yes. Help me pack.’”

Bernice listened, her shoulders slowly relaxing. Millie leaned toward her. “You know what your kids really want? A mom who’s happy. A mom who laughs. A mom who buys the recliner she wants so she’s not cranky on the phone.”

Eddie nodded. “And if you really want to leave them something meaningful, leave them stories. Leave them good memories. Leave them a version of you who lived fully, not fearfully.”

Bernice took a deep breath. “So… I can buy the recliner?”
“Buy the recliner,” the group said in unison.
“And maybe,” Millie added, “leave your kids a note that says, ‘Your inheritance is in the form of a well-rested mother.’”

They all laughed, and the tension melted like butter on warm toast. By the end of the meeting, the BSC Legacy Committee had drafted its official motto: “Live well now. Leave love later.”

And Bernice? She marched straight out the door, got in her car, and drove back to the furniture store—ready to sit in every recliner until she found the one that felt like a hug. Because sometimes the best legacy isn’t what you leave behind. It’s the life you leave in front of you.

Friday, May 29, 2026:
9:00 Acupuncture
10:00 ZUMBA Gold
10:30 Powerful Tools for Caregivers Class
11:30 Lunch: Paella served with Rice and Luscious Lemon Birthday Cake
12:15 Party Bridge

05/28/2026

Wonderful things are happening in June at the Burlington Senior Center! Join us...

05/28/2026

🎭 The Third Act: Now Starring… You!

At 10:30 on Thursday morning, the lobby of the Burlington Senior Center was buzzing — partly because Marcia Kester was warming up her guitar, and partly because everyone seemed to have woken up with the same realization: The Third Act of Life had officially begun, and nobody was interested in playing it quietly.

Marlene strutted in first, wearing sunglasses so large they could double as satellite dishes. “I’ve decided,” she announced, “that in my Third Act, I will no longer pretend to like decaf.” She held up her full-strength coffee like a trophy. Harold clapped. “Bold choice. Inspiring.”

Across the room, Ethel was stretching before the music started. “In my 20s, I exercised to look good,” she said. “Now I exercise so I can get out of a chair without making sound effects.” She bent down, touched her toes, and added, “Also so I can keep beating you all at Hand and Foot.”

Grumpy Gus shuffled in next, muttering, “My energy used to be renewable. Now it’s on a budget. And I’m already overdrawn.” But he took a seat front and center anyway — because even Gus knew Marcia’s live music is always worth spending a little energy on.

When the music started, something magical happened: Everyone forgot about age, aches, and whatever they’d misplaced that morning (glasses, keys, purpose in life — the usual). They tapped their feet, swayed in their chairs, and sang along like they were headlining their own reunion tour.

By 11:30, half the group drifted to Bridge, the other half to sample the vegetable lasagna, and a few brave souls attempted both. “Multitasking is a young person’s game,” Harold warned. “Not if you’re motivated by garlic bread,” Marlene replied, already dealing the cards.

At 12:15, the Hand and Foot players gathered, and Ethel declared, “In my Third Act, I no longer care if people think I’m competitive.” “We never thought you weren’t,” Gus grumbled. “That’s the spirit,” she said, patting him on the shoulder.

By 12:30, Dee Doyle’s acrylic art class crowd settled in, brushes ready. Dee asked everyone to paint “a symbol of who you are in this stage of life.” Marlene painted a phoenix wearing lipstick. Harold painted a toolbox with a single item inside: a pillow (must be naptime). Ethel painted a pair of bright red sneakers sprinting toward a buffet table. Gus painted… a potato. When Dee gently asked what it represented, he shrugged. “I’m finally comfortable being myself. And sometimes, "myself" is a potato.”

The room erupted in laughter — the warm, knowing kind that comes from people who’ve lived enough life to appreciate the absurdity of it.

And that’s when it hit everyone: The Third Act isn’t about reinventing your life. It’s about release. Releasing the need to impress. Releasing the pressure to perform. Releasing the idea that happiness belongs to anyone but you. It’s about spending your energy wisely, moving your body because it feels good, and staying connected so loneliness doesn’t stand a chance.

It’s about showing up — to live music, to card games, to lasagna, to art class, to connection with each other. And at the Burlington Senior Center, it’s about laughing your way through every scene. Because in this Third Act, everyone is finally playing the role they were born for: Themselves. Fully. Joyfully. Unapologetically.

Thursday, May 28, 2026:
10:30 Marcia Kester Live Music
11:30 Bridge
11:30 Lunch: Vegetable Lasagna served with Quinoa and Garlic Bread
12:15 Hand and Foot
12:30 Acrylic art class with Dee Doyle

05/27/2026

🎯 The 75% Perfect Wednesday — A Burlington Senior Center Story

By 9:00 a.m., the GUMBA card players were already deep into their usual debate about rules, strategy, and whether Harold’s “creative shuffling technique” should be legal. “It’s not cheating,” Harold insisted. “It’s improvisation.” Marge raised an eyebrow. “Improvisation is for jazz musicians, not card tables.”

At 10:00, the Tai Chi class floated into the room like a group of determined but slightly confused cranes. Half the class moved left, half moved right, and one person rotated in a slow circle because she forgot which way Jim, the instructor, pointed. “Perfect,” Jim said cheerfully. “Well… perfect enough.”

By 10:30, Meditation Class was underway, though the serenity was interrupted every few minutes by someone’s stomach growling in anticipation of biscuits and gravy. “Just observe the sound and refocus,” Thais whispered. “I’m observing that I’m starving,” Gus whispered back.

At 11:30, lunch was ready: Biscuits and Gravy, Sausage Links, Hashbrowns, and Goofy Bars. The kitchen crew proudly announced, “Everything turned out 75% perfect today, except the Goofy Bars. We ran out of chocolate chips.” “No problem,” said Ethel. “Around 75%’s my personal best too.”

At 1:00, the Ukulele class tuned up—or tried to. Some strings were sharp, some flat, and one uke made a noise that sounded like a confused duck. “Remember,” the ukulele teacher said, “we’re aiming for progress, not perfection.” Gus muttered, “Good, because whatever that sound was, perfection is safe.” Everyone chuckled.

Eventually, the confused-duck noises were replaced by slightly more confident confused-duck noises. “See?” the instructor said proudly. “Improvement!”

By 12:30, the Pinochle players settled in, only mildly annoyed that the ukuleles were still audible through two walls and a hallway.

By 1:30, the Caregiver Support group gathered, and today’s topic was perfectionism. Marge opened with a quote from psychologist Harriet Braiker: “Striving for excellence motivates you; striving for perfection is demoralizing.” Everyone nodded. Everyone felt that.

Then Ethel said, “Honestly, if I can do three things well in a day—just three—I consider myself operating at 75%, and that’s basically Olympic-level at my age.” The room murmured in agreement.

Harold raised his hand. “Today I shuffled cards, ate lunch, and played ukulele. None of it was perfect, but all of it was fun. That’s at least 60%.” “Sixty-five,” corrected Marge. “Sixty-eight,” said Ethel. “Seventy-five,” said the group in unison, because they were feeling generous.

And that was the moment everyone realized: Perfection is overrated. But showing up, laughing, wobbling through Tai Chi, eating good food, and making questionable ukulele noises together? That’s the good stuff.

Somewhere between 60% and 75%… life at the Burlington Senior Center is absolutely perfect.

Wednesday, May 27, 2026:
9:00 GUMBA Cards
10:00 Tai Chi Class
10:30 Meditation
11:30 Lunch: Biscuits and Gravy served with Sausage Links Hashbrowns and Goofy Bars
12:00 Beginner Ukulele – NOTE: Last class for the summer. A new beginner ukelele class will be starting in the fall.
12:30 Pinochle
1:00 Ukulele Class
1:30 Caregiver Support

05/26/2026

The Fabulous Financial Freedom Flock

At the Burlington Senior Center, the Tuesday morning coffee crowd was buzzing—not about bingo, not about bunions, but about money.

It all started when Mildred marched in waving a stack of papers like she was storming Wall Street. “I just saved $42 by switching my car insurance,” she announced. “That’s two lunches, one pedicure, or three emergency chocolate runs. Financial freedom, baby!”

The room erupted. Suddenly everyone had a story. Harold confessed he’d finally canceled the streaming service he didn’t know he had. (“I thought ‘Flix Flax+’ was a vitamin.”) Dorothy proudly declared she’d started selling her crocheted cat hats on Etsy. (“The cats hate them, but the internet loves them.”)

Lois said she’d decided to box up her mom’s vintage designer clothes and consign them on ThredUp or The RealReal. “It’s time to let go,” she said with a small, slightly sad smile.

Even quiet, gentle Earl chimed in. “I refinanced my lawn mowing deal with my grandson. I told him I’m on a fixed income, so he’s gotta mow for hugs and his grandma’s leftover apple pie.” The group nodded. That was solid negotiating.

Then came the moment that changed everything. Millie leaned in and whispered, “You know… we could make this a thing. A club. A movement. A revolution.” And so was born the Financial Freedom Flock, complete with a hand drawn logo of a fat wad of saved dollars sprouting wings.

Every Tuesday, the Flock met to share tiny financial victories:
• Finding a coupon for something they actually needed
• Calling a company and asking, politely but firmly, for a better deal or lower payments
• Learning how to check their bank accounts on their phones without accidentally ordering a pallet of All-Natural Sensitive Stomach dry dog food
• Trading tips on downsizing, decluttering, and letting go of “stuff” that no longer sparked joy—just dust

And the best part? They realized financial freedom wasn’t about becoming wealthy overnight. It was about feeling lighter, less stressed, and more in control of the life they wanted now.

One morning, as the group wrapped up, Earl stood and read a little rhyme he’d scribbled on the back of a grocery receipt: “Trust in your journey, each twist and each turn – For wisdom is something you live and you earn.”

Everyone clapped. Lois dabbed her eyes. Harold pretended he had allergies. Because in that moment, they all felt it: They weren’t just improving their finances—they were improving their confidence, their choices, and their joy.

Tuesday, May 26, 2026:
8:30 Foot Care
9:30 Quilts of Valor
10:00 Quilt and Craft
11:30 Lunch: Salisbury Steak served with Mashed Potatoes and Pears
1:00 BINGO
1:00 Haircuts by Shellie

05/25/2026

Here's something fun to do this summer if you're interested in the history of the old Northern State Hospital.

And just like that...it's time to mark your calendars for our Summer Series of TOPICS @ THE SCHOOL!
This series focuses on Northern State Hospital!

05/25/2026

Today, Monday, May 25th, the Burlington Senior Center will be closed in honor of Memorial Day.

This is a day for all of us to pause, reflect, and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. We hold deep gratitude for their sacrifice, and we hope our members and community take a quiet moment to honor them in their own way. We look forward to welcoming everyone back at our usual time tomorrow.