An hour spent on a downtown Bothell street provided a lifetime of insight into how much seniors enjoy their lives.
There was singing, dancing, accordion and guitar playing, tai chi and plenty of talk about why the Greater Bothell Chamber of Commerce and city of Bothell presented their second Senior Citizens’ Day on Tuesday.
“We want to let people know what we’re up to … and we’re up to a lot,” said Bothell’s Rebecca Young, who sang with the Northshore Senior Center Variety Band in the morning and afternoon. Young wouldn’t give her exact age, but noted that she’s in her 80s, with a wink and a smile.
Over at the Northshore Senior Center booth, one of many set up on one block of 101st Avenue Northeast, Pat Smith, 80, added about the day: “It’s just wonderful. You look out at everyone and it feels great.”
Some seniors were doing the band thing, others were lounging around and there were two women strolling along the street proudly decked out in their biking outfits. They probably came straight off the Burke Gilman Trail — and they were most likely headed back out there afterward.
Sue Monwai, 78, embodied the strong senior spirit like no other as she sang one song then changed outfits to perform a Hawaiian wedding dance.
She said having enthusiasm and a good attitude is what it’s all about when one gets older.
Chateau Retirement Communities Marketing and Activities Director Rebecca Ricards added that the day is set aside for celebrating seniors and all they’ve accomplished. And, of course, they continue to make an impact each day.
As accordion player Sid Schaudies, 64, did his thing and Monwai sang, tai-chi instructor Deborah Magallanes appeared as if from out of nowhere and joined Monwai for a quick dance.
“One of the first things I noticed today is that senior doesn’t mean, ‘old and worn out,’” she said. “Senior means ‘vital and excited about life.’”
Schaudies, who also plays harmonica, wasn’t about to rest on his laurels after playing some impressive tunes during the band’s early set. He was already looking forward to the afternoon concert.
“I’ll be better later,” he said with a laugh.
And the day after, and the day after that.
