A Message From The Mullis Community Senior Center

The Popular Mullis Center Salad Bar – Peggy Sue McRae photo

The health and safety of our community is a shared responsibility and one that we take seriously. The San Juan County Health Department recommends that people at higher risk of severe illness should stay at home and away from large groups of people. People at higher risk include those:

• Over 60 years of age
• With underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease or diabetes
• With weakened immune systems

The Health Department also recommends the cancelation or postponement of non-essential large public gatherings.  The Senior Services Council of San Juan County and its three Senior Centers, San Juan County Health & Community Services and Whatcom Council on Aging take these recommendations seriously, and are adapting our services and programming as follows:

Senior Centers Closures & Cancellations
On Monday, March 16, San Juan, Lopez, and Orcas Senor Centerswill begin limiting or cancelling programs and activities until further notice.  Please contact each center or visit the Centers’ websites for specific details. While we have not been directed to close, we feel it is our responsibility to protect our at-risk population by limiting interaction at this time. 

Community Meals at the Mullis Center
On Monday, March 16 the regular community lunch program will close until further notice.  We are committed to ensuring seniors are able to access nutritious food during this very difficult time. Please see details below about Meals on Wheels if you need assistance with meals.

San Juan Island Meals on Wheels
There are currently no changes to the Meals on Wheels Program on San Juan Island.  Meals on Wheels will continue regular home delivery of meals to MOW clients as long as staffing and volunteer capacity allows. If you are age 60 or older, homebound, and in need of meals please call:

The Mullis Community Center (San Juan Island)     Debbie Haagensen, (360) 370-7526

San Juan Island Senior Transportation Program
All off-island trips for shopping and recreational events are cancelled until further notice. If you need assistance for anessentialoff-island medical appointment, please contact Senior Services at 360-378-2677; we will try to assist you but it will depend on availability of drivers.

Other Senior Services on San Juan Island Provided by the County
If you require additional senior services such as case management, assistance with accessing government programs or caregivers, assistance with shopping and getting medicines, to return or borrow medical equipment such as walkers or wheelchairs, etc. please contact Gail Leschine-Seitz (360-370-7528, [email protected]) or Debbie Haagensen (360-370-7526, [email protected]). We request that you call or email us as the Senior Services office will not always be open and we want to encourage social distancing.

 Mullis Center Sponsored Programs
On Monday, March 16 all Mullis Sponsored Social Programs, Groups and Clubs will discontinue meeting at the Center until further notice. This includes Monthly Pancake Breakfast, Book Club, Bingo, & Blood Pressure Clinic; Monday Bridge; Tuesday Gentle Yoga, Chair Yoga & Letter Writers; Wednesday Painting, Mahjong, Bridge, Balance & Quilters; and Thursday Chair Yoga.   

 Mullis Center Blood Drives, Foot Care, Tax Assistance
Clients/participants can expect to meet the above service providers at the Mullis Center unless otherwise notified.

SHIBA – Insurance Counseling on SJI
All appointments will be by phone for the foreseeable future.  To schedule an appointment call SHIBA volunteer Pat Van Skyhawk at 360-378-6248 or 206-930-0094. 

Community and Private Facility Use Agreements
Unless otherwise notified, the Mullis Center will honor facility use agreements already in place and will consider future Use/Rental Agreements on a case-by-case basis.  Please inquire at [email protected]. 

Future Communication
We will use our normal channels including email, phone message, Facebook and our websitesto provide updates on additional program changes and the ultimate restoration of services. We understand these changes have significant impact. Please know we are making these changes with everyone’s best interests at heart. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.

Helpful Resource Websites:

For San Juan County COVID-19 information, please refer to the County website:
https://www.sanjuanco.com/1668/2019-Novel-Coronavirus

San Juan County Senior Services
https://www.sanjuanco.com/429/Senior-Services

The Mullis Community Center (San Juan Island)
https://www.mulliscenter.org/

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