Mullis Center Update – April 2020 Responding to the COVID-19 Needs on San Juan Island

What We’re Doing While the Doors are Closed:
As you know, the Mullis Center is closed for regular services during this time of social distancing and stay-at-home directives, but staff and volunteers are still facilitating essential senior services such as foot care, general client assistance, case management and the production, coordination and delivery of Meals on Wheels.

See below for a full run-down on what all we’re doing how to find more information –

Increased Need for Senior Meals:
Meals on Wheels and More is our nutrition program that provides community and delivered meals to seniors on a donation basis. During this time of social distancing our Community Meals have been discontinued and the demand for Delivered Meals has more than doubled, but due to financial hardships, donations are significantly down.  As a result, the Senior Nutrition Program partners (Whatcom Council on Aging, San Juan County, and the Senior Centers on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan) have been working hard and creatively to facilitate increased meal production and delivery and secure additional funding for this essential program.  In the coming, days, weeks, and months we’ll be sharing ways in which you can help to support this program.

Local Fundraiser to Support Senior Nutrition:
Many thanks to Jennifer Rigg, local artist and business owner, who has organized an island-grown fundraiser that benefits SJI seniors, by way of supporting the local Senior Nutrition Program (Meals on Wheels and More). Jenn has designed a situationally and geographically specific VIRUS t-shirt which can be purchased online at https://loea.shop/separatetogether, where you can choose from four t-shirt styles and select between a San Juan Island or classic 4-Island image. 80% of the t-shirt sale proceeds will go to support the local Nutrition Program and the remaining 20% will be earmarked for essential household goods to be delivered to island seniors in need. Please share this fundraiser information with your socially-distanced circle of friends and family and please consider purchasing a t-shirt or two or three to help the cause.  For updated information on this fundraiser and other Mullis Center issues, visit the Mullis Center website at https://www.mulliscenter.org/.  You can also support Lopez and Orcas Senior programs by choosing those island specific designs. Thank you for your support!

Connect Virtually
While regular senior programs and activities are no longer being held at the Center, some groups and activities have decided to begin meeting virtually (see specifics below). If you’d like to join one of the existing groups already meeting virtually or would like to explore the option of having your group meet virtually, in order to resume your activity or just enjoy each other’s company, please contact us at [email protected] or 360-370-7520. We’d be happy to help set-up a virtual option for you.   

• Chair Yoga – Zoom Class Tuesdays from 1 – 1:45  
  This new version of our very popular class is full of joy and is easy to follow.  “Stretch it or fuse it!” Our body is meant to be mobile and active, but with the current stay-at-home policy in place, many people are feeling more stiff and blue due to the lack of movement. So, join our new “virtual” class and be guided through many fun sequences that will help you to gain mobility and vitality in your body. There will also be breathing exercises that help you to de-stress and stay calm. The benefit is instant – you will learn ways to re-invigorate your body and bring it back to a state of ease and comfort.  For information on how to join, contact Anna at [email protected] or 360-370-7520.
• Mullis Book Club – Now meeting via Zoom
  For information on how to join, contact Anna at [email protected] or 360-370-7520.

Other Mullis Center Announcements

• Foot Care Appointments:
  This essential service will continue to be provided at the Mullis Center on Tuesdays, unless notified otherwise.  Please contact us at [email protected] or 360-378-2677 to arrange an appointment. 
• Tax Assistance: 
  As you probably know, the IRS filing deadline has been extended to July 31, however if you’re expecting a refund, you may want to file earlier.  In light of the extended deadline, Jim (our amazing tax guru volunteer) will continue providing tax assistance through mid-June. Please contact Jim directly at 360-376-2488 or [email protected] to arrange for assistance.
• King’s Receipts: 
  We’re still collecting Kings Receipts via mail at Mullis Center, PO Box 684, FH  98250. Kings generously donates a percentage of the receipts we collect back to the Mullis Center.  The more receipts we collect the more Kings donates. 
• Free Carbon Monoxide Detectors: 
  If you need a FREE carbon monoxide detector please contact Anna (360-370-7520, [email protected]) so we can figure out the best way to get one to you.  These essential home safety devices have been made available to all Island residents by sponsors Tammy and Ed Ashcraft, San Juan Island EMT Association, San Juan Island EMS, Browne Lumber, First Alert, and hundreds of individuals that donated through the Ashcraft Family GoFundMe campaign in memory of Kelli Ashcraft.  
• Fish for Teeth:
  The Mullis Center has been asked to hold the date for the next Dental Clinic, scheduled for May 15-16, with the understanding that it very likely may be rescheduled for later in the year.  
• May 6 Pancake Breakfast – Cancelled
  Please reach out with any questions, concerns, or requests. We are here to serve you.

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