… it’s okay to be a senior. Yes, growing old is not for sissies, but it does have its perks. Here are a few of the local senior savings and salutes I have discovered:
1. Safeway, on State Street in Marysville, provides the elegance of high tea every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Exceptional plated desserts and coffee are served by solicitous waitresses.
2. Also on every Tuesday: Allen Creek IGA at 64th and 67th in Marysville provides free coffee and pastries all day.
3. Fred Meyer at 9925 State Street offers substantial savings to seniors on the first Tuesday of each month. Get a 10 percent discount on all house brands in the grocery store, and 10 percent in the nutrition department, home goods and apparel.
4. Dine out at Denny’s “Island Crossing” (I-5 at Exit 208) on Monday and Wednesdays from 4-10 p.m. “Buy one, get one free,” from the senior menu. Elder statesmen (and women) who belong to AARP also get $1 coffee any time, and a 20 percent reduction in their whole check after 4 p.m. any day.
5. Arlington’s Ace Hardware and Lumber on Olympic Avenue really values its senior customers. They even have an elevator to the second floor. In addition to a free advice and referral service, they give seniors a special day — the first Wednesday of each month — to receive a 20 percent discount on all non-sale hardware store items. When I was there, I saw the manager refuse payment for a minor repair on a silver-haired woman’s vacuum cleaner.
6. Just north and across the street from Ace is Arlington’s Bluebird Café. It’s known as the local hangout, the juke joint of the over-60 crowd, and provides coffee at 75 cents a cup, with unlimited refills. “Oh, yeah, we love ‘em,” the counter waitress told me.
This is just a local smattering of good stuff available only to those of us whose years are advancing. Ask your favorite places what goodies they offer to seniors. Remind these listed folks that you’re a senior citizen, and don’t be afraid to ask what caveats apply: one coupon or discount per visit is a given, clearance items are usually exempt, and some senior age limits will vary.
7. Burke Museum of Natural History on the University of Washington Campus (home of Kennewick Man, although they do not display him,) discounts its $10 admission to $8 for seniors any day. On the first Thursday of each month they remain open until 8 p.m., and admission is free. And Tulalip’s Hibulb Museum celebrates its first anniversary with no admission fees on Aug. 17, 18 and 19.
Okay, you caught me. The Burke First Thursday Free Day is a no-charge for everyone, regardless of age, as is the Hibulb’s anniversary bash. I just didn’t want to go back and change the title of the column. Have a sublime rest of the summer.
J. R. Nakken is a local author. Her books are in stock at Tulalip Hotel and Casino Gift Shops, Rainbow’s End in Everett, or at Amazon and Barnes & Noble on the Web.
