| With so many recreation activities and options available throughout our plentiful county, there is no reason for anyone to become a couch potato at any age. In addition to recreation opportunities open to all ages, individuals aged 55 and over have some specifically geared towards them. What is available for this group? Where can more information be found? How about transportation?
For those wanting recreation with a mild workout, try partaking in a range of adventures from bird watching to ballroom dancing to visiting the casinos. The Kitsap Audubon Society (a local chapter of the National Audubon Society) is a wonderful group geared toward sharing this hobby with all interested, regardless of age. Birders from all walks of life come together for the specific purpose of sharing their love of birds. Jaunts usually last from a couple of hours to most of the day, depending on the activity of location. Visit their website at http://www.avisys.net/kingfisher.htm.
Wilderness outings can also be enjoyed through the Peninsula Wilderness Club. With activities ranging from beach walks, nature walks to kayaking, there is sure to be something of interest. This group has a large membership made up of like-minded individuals who want to share their love of the outdoors. All skill levels are welcome. In addition, they have monthly potlucks, which are a great way to meet the people involved in this group (and also enjoy scrumptious homemade food). Visit them through their website at http://www.kendaco.telebyte.com/~bcripe/ or call Ron Croft, President, at (360) 779-6250.
For those who enjoy gambling, one can always visit the various casinos and try their luck. In addition to slot machines and other gaming devices, relax and enjoy a dinner/ or other meal while there. Aside from the casinos, bingo events are located throughout the county, with a center being found in Gorst on Hwy 3. Plus, most senior centers and recreation halls have regular card games going on. Pinnacle, bridge, and hearts are very popular. Or...start up a game of poker with stakes and watch the eyes twinkle! Just don’t forget your visor.
Another fun way to socialize and use one’s muscles is found in bowling. Either join a men or women’s bowling association or go with some friends to enjoy a meal, socialize, and bowl. Alleys can be found in Silverdale at All Star Lanes, (360) 692-5760, Port Orchard at Hi-Joy Bowl (360) 876-8111, and Bremerton at Bay Bowl (360) 377-2103.
If dancing is your cup of tea, learn square dancing and partake every Thursday beginning at the Kitsap Square Dance Center in Gorst. At only $3 per lesson, it is a wonderful way to meet others, and expand your dancing abilities. Contact them at (360) 377-9494 or (360) 895-0303 for more info. Check The Sun for other square dance listings.
Not into square dancing? There is always ballroom dancing, ballet, belly dancing, and tap dancing. Something for everyone — even clogging and line dancing are offered through Kitsap Parks and Recreation. In fact, the Port Orchard Line Dancers meet (and dance) the first and third Friday nights of each month at Givens from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at a cost of $1.50.
Senior centers throughout the county offer an array of recreational activities. For instance, the Bremerton Senior Center has about 37 different programs ranging from aerobics, yoga, tai chi, cards, scrabble, stretching, etc. Contact them at (360) 478-5357. Senior centers are a great way for individuals to socialize, build skills, and remain active.
Classes ranging from computer learning to crafts are offered at various Parks and Recreation centers throughout the community year-round. Learn a new hobby, skill, socialize, travel, or enhance a current skill - all for your enjoyment and enrichment. Reach Kitsap County Parks & Recreation at (360) 337-5743, Poulsbo Parks & Recreation at (360) 779-9898 — to name but two.
Another excellent way to stay active is to simply walk. An annual event presented for seniors is presented by Hospice of Kitsap County through the “Senior Stride,” a fund raising event whereby walkers walk inside Kitsap Mall on Feb. 23 from 8:45 to 9:30 a.m.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. there will be a senior health and service fair featuring local merchants involved in investments, healthcare, various repairs, and other services meant to assist seniors. In conjunction with this will be the Lions International offering an information day featuring an 18-wheeler diagnostic van providing vision, hearing, blood pressure, and diabetes testing. The contact person for the ‘Senior Stride’ is Christy Cathcart who can be reached at (360) 415-6935. For the Lions Club event, it is Dick Risley at (360) 779-3684. There are still volunteer positions available for this fund-raising walk.
For a more solitary walk, enjoy strolling the trails in our many local parks. With so many to choose from, there is bound to be one to your liking. Enjoy the outdoors, in all its peacefulness and solitude to energize your soul and state of mind.
Speaking of physical recreation, health clubs and spas throughout our region offer many classes, most with discounts for seniors. Check with your nearest club to see what activities they offer. Also, some schools open their pool to the public so others can enjoy swimming and get a workout. Call the school you are interested in to obtain more information.
If transportation is of concern, the Kitsap Transit Access provides curb-to-curb service with a two-day advance reservation request. They can be reached at (360) 479-7272. Their line for car pool/ride share info is (800) 501-RIDE. Or...call Paratransit at (360) 377-7007. They offer assistance for Medicaid recipients as well as customized trips and excursions. There are volunteers throughout the community available to transport seniors as needed. Contact Kitsap Community Resources at (360) 377-0053.
There also is carpooling available through various interfaith groups and senior companion programs. The Lutheran Social Services at (360) 377-5511 can provide more resources in this area. Also, various assisted living facilities offer transportation to outside group outings. Contact the activities director. Of course, there are always taxicabs available to transport you to your venture. Let your fingers do the walking and visit the yellow pages for these numbers.
There is such a diverse multitude of recreational activities available throughout this beautiful county of ours, this article could only touch on but a few. Get out and enjoy!
(Editor’s Note: Marie E. Buckner is a freelance writer. Contact her at (360) 613-1085.). | 
