As summer winds down, we’re excited to welcome several community groups back to Blakely Hall! If you’re looking for a new activity after dropping kids at school or want to meet more of your neighbors, consider joining a community group this fall.
In Issaquah Highlands, we offer an assortment of groups for all types of interests. Find a calendar of upcoming groups and events here. We are always looking to add new community groups. If you have an idea for a new group, email lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org with suggestions.
Figure Drawing Group
Mondays, 9:30 a.m.
Blakely Hall
Starting on Aug. 26, Figure Drawing Group is returning with weekly three-hour sessions at Blakely Hall. Please register in advance. The cost to pay our models is $15 per attendee.
The goal of the group is to bring together artists, regardless of experience, who share a love of drawing the human figure and enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded people in our community. Artists bring their own easels and other drawing aids. Some use charcoal, pencils, watercolors or a combination of media. Typically, we vary the length of poses to exercise our observation and drawing skills, frequently alternating short and long poses. The group is open to all— newcomers and old-timers alike.
Senior Social Group
Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Blakely Hall
Do you work from home? Do you want a little motivation to check items off your to-do list? Co-Working Group was designed for you!
Starting Aug. 27, grab your laptop and head over to Blakely Hall each Tuesday for free Wi-Fi as well as coffee and treats. Any adults looking for a place to get some work done while enjoying the co-work environment are welcome.
This weekly group is made possible by Highlands Fiber Network!
Senior Social Group
Tuesdays, 2 p.m.
Blakely Hall
Senior Social is returning on Tuesday, Aug. 27! Highlands Council formed Senior Social Group after numerous requests from neighbors to connect seniors in the community. The group meets at Blakely Hall for social time every Tuesday from 2–3:30 p.m. Coffee, tea and snacks are provided each week, courtesy of Sunrise Senior Living.
The group participates in a variety of activities, from bingo to philanthropic projects. Guest speakers are planned occasionally—one previous speaker covered the various ways to receive Medicare benefits. Neighbors are encouraged to visit, share stories and bond over common interests. If you have ideas for activities or speakers you want to see, email lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org with suggestions!
Yarns & Threads Group
Wednesdays, 10 a.m.
Blakely Hall
1st & 3rd (& 5th) Fridays, Blakely Hall
2nd & 4th Fridays, Online
After meeting at Kirk Park all summer, Yarns & Threads Group is back at Blakely Hall on Wednesdays, starting Aug. 28. Additionally, the group alternate between in-person and virtual meetings at the same time on Fridays. Following the pandemic, we kept our alternating virtual meetings on Fridays to cater to those in our group still hesitant to meet indoors.
Outside of our meetings, the group enjoys taking road trips together to different yarn stores in the Pacific Northwest. The group is open to all!
ADHD Caregiver Support Group
1st Thursdays, 10 a.m.
Blakely Hall
Returning on Thursday, Sept. 5, ADHD Caregiver Support Group provides a safe space to talk about the challenges and issues that come along with raising a child with ADHD. Parents and caregivers for kids of all ages are welcome to chat, share experiences, brainstorm ideas, share resources and advice, and get support.
The group often shares resources and topics on its Facebook group “ADHD Caregiver Support (Blakely Hall),” so feel free to join for more information.
Meditation Group
Fridays, 2 p.m.
Online
Back on Friday, Sept. 20, Meditation Group is designed to improve your physical and mental health. The act of meditating can give you a sense of calm, peace and balance that benefits both your emotional well-being and your overall health. You can also use it to relax and cope with stress by refocusing your attention on something calming. Meditation can help you learn to stay centered and keep inner peace.
Through this group, we hope neighbors can relax, reduce life and work stress through practice, and live a happy life. Meditation is a great exercise, like yoga, that can be beneficial to anyone. Register for the Zoom meeting at issaquahhighlands.com/events. The group is free to attend and open to all!
Yoga Group
Sundays, 7:30 a.m.
Blakely Hall
Back in early October—If you are curious about yoga and want to give it a try, Yoga Group provides a casual, comfortable environment for anyone interested in exploring a new way to stay healthy, both mentally and physically. The group will resume with meetings at Blakely Hall every Sunday at 7:30 a.m.
Yoga Group offers a healthy atmosphere for attendees to practice consistently to reduce stress, improve balance and flexibility, and relax the mind. Each week, the group follows yoga videos displayed on a big screen and explore a variety of styles such as Vinyasa, Hatha, Ashtanga, Yin, etc.
