Want help navigating next year’s tax season — without the stress?

Join us for an informative and friendly afternoon with Sue Curtis, long-time volunteer counselor with the AARP TaxAide Program. AARP TaxAide offers free, confidential tax preparation for people of all ages and income levels — and right here in Skagit County (Anacortes, Burlington, and Concrete).

Sue has 12 years of experience preparing taxes, 8 years as the Burlington site coordinator, and 5 years as the District Coordinator — she knows her stuff, and she loves helping people feel confident and prepared.

We’ll cover new changes that may affect your 2025 return — and you’ll have a chance to ask questions in a relaxed, friendly environment.

Light snacks and herbal tea will be served.
Come learn something useful — and leave feeling more prepared and empowered for tax time!

Join author A. Muia for a reading from her recently published novel, A Desert Between Two Seas, winner of the Flannery O’Connor Award for Short Fiction. Enjoy slides and tales of her research by Jeep, mule, and boots—in the desert ruins of the Spanish colonial missions of Baja California, Mexico.

Books available for purchase.

Helping Hands Food Bank — Making a Difference in Our Community

Join us for a meaningful Lunch & Learn highlighting the work of Helping Hands Food Bank — a local organization dedicated to making sure everyone in Skagit County has access to nutritious food and the support they need to thrive.

Helping Hands does more than stock shelves. Their staff works one-on-one with people facing challenges like housing instability, unemployment, or sudden financial strain — helping connect them to resources, partners, and practical support. Their mission is rooted in dignity, respect, and community care.

At this session, you’ll hear about:

• how Helping Hands serves neighbors right here in our region

• the partnerships that make their work possible

• how volunteers and donors make a real impact

• simple ways you can get involved or support the cause

Bring your lunch and join us for an inspiring conversation on community, compassion, and how small actions can help change lives for the better.

Herbal tea will be provided.

Lunch and Learn with Beth Baldour, PT, January 7, 2025, 12:30 – 1:30 pm in the Community Room, Doors open at 12:00 pm.

Learning how to keep your kidneys healthy takes practice, and it is one of the most important steps you can take as you age. Our kidneys are powerful yet delicate organs that filter waste, balance fluids, regulate blood pressure, and even help with bone health. As we grow older and encounter more illnesses and chronic conditions, our kidneys often bear the burden. Protecting them can make a big difference in maintaining overall well-being.

Topics discussed will include:
1) Know the Warning Signs. Early kidney disease can be silent, but subtle signs may appear: fatigue, swelling in the ankles or
feet, changes in urination, or difficulty concentrating.
2) Everyday Steps for Kidney Health. Support your kidneys through everyday choices.
3) Aging with Healthy Kidneys. As Active Older Adults, we may face additional medications or medical conditions that place stress on our kidneys. Small lifestyle changes and regular monitoring go a long way toward keeping your kidneys healthy.

Your kidneys are working for you every day—return the favor by taking steps to protect them.