Olympia Symphony Orchestra

The Olympia Symphony is a semi-professional orchestra based in Olympia, Washington, that serves the South Puget Sound region. Their mission is to provide the highest quality live music to enrich, educate, and entertain an expanding audience. The orchestra gave its first concert in 1947. Over time, the OSO has grown to become the premiere orchestra in the south Sound, acclaimed for its commitment to both community and artistic excellence.

Capitol Theater, Home of the Olympia Film Society

The Olympia Film Society presents music, art, and film in the historic Capitol Theater. This nonprofit organization was formed in 1980 and has a mission to show film, art, and music that engages the community, encourages volunteerism, and ensures the preservation of the Capitol Theater. The space was built in 1924 and has been used continuously as a theater since then.

Harlequin Productions

Started on a shoestring budget by a few friends, Harlequin Productions has now been producing live theater for more than 30 years with over 160 productions. Located in the heart of downtown Olympia on 4^th Street and within walking distance of Harbor Heights, Harlequin Productions recently announced their 2023 “Resilience” season. Tickets and details can be found here. For their holiday production of “A Christmas Carol,” find details here.

Washington Center for the Performing Arts

Since 1985, the Washington Center for the Performing Arts has hosted thousands of events and more than two million attendees. Standing on the same grounds as the former Liberty Theater, the center continues downtown Olympia’s art tradition in a modern facility. The center has become a gathering place for attendees from the surrounding counties, with a focus on diverse performances.

Percival Plinth Sculpture Project

Each year, the plinths at Percival Landing host a selection of loaned sculptures by local and regional artists. Applications for the new artwork open each fall, with a February deadline. Each year, 18 pieces are chosen from Washington and Oregon artists for a temporary display of up to one year on Percival Landing. The artists also receive a $1,000 honorarium for the loan of their work. To see the sculptures, simply walk across the street from Harbor Heights to the Percival Landing boardwalk.

Only a few Residences are Currently Available – Act Now!

Harbor Heights offers special discounts on select residences and leases. We have just a few remaining homes available and would love to schedule a tour for you to view them and secure your new spot for active 55+ living. Click here to schedule a tour.

833.464.5053

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Gold Mountain Golf Club

Gold Mountain Golf Club offers championship golf with both public tee times and memberships available. The course has garnered impressive awards and is well-known as one of the finest municipally-owned golf courses in the country. Gold Mountain been the site of the US Junior Amateur Championship and the 2015 NCAA Men’s Regional Championship. Beginner golfers to experts will find the course equally as enjoyable with varied terrain for play. Gold Mountain Golf Club is located just a short drive from Harbor Heights in nearby Bremerton.

McCormick Wood Golf Club

Harbor Heights residents can enjoy discounted play at McCormick Woods Golf Club, one of Washington’s premier public courses. At each of the course’s 18 holes, there are five tee placements, making the course accessible for players of all skill levels. McCormick is ideal to play in the spring as its serene location, built per Audubon Society guidelines, makes a tranquil setting for a day out with your Harbor Heights resident neighbors.

North Shore Golf Club

Located just a quick drive from Harbor Heights in historic northeast Tacoma, North Shore Golf Club is ideal for a springtime morning tee time. The course has been around for more than five decades and offers challenging play in a well-kept natural environment. In addition to the course, North Shore has a covered and open grass driving range facility, a chipping green, and two putting greens so you can perfect your put or swing before heading out for a day on the course.

Take a Tour and Learn More

Residents of Harbor Heights can find information on making reservations using their PERKS on the Harbor Heights website Resident Portal. If you’re not yet a resident of Harbor Heights and want to learn more about resident PERKS, active adult living, or “right-sizing” your life, contact us to learn more. Take a tour of our new apartment building in downtown Olympia and learn about how active 55+ living can benefit you. Click here to schedule a tour.

833.464.5053

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Walkable Neighborhood

Harbor Heights is located in the waterfront market district of downtown Olympia right across the street from the Percival Landing Boardwalk and just steps away from the Olympia Farmers Market. Harbor Heights boasts a 78 walk score, meaning most day-to-day errands can be accomplished on foot.  Walk to nearby restaurants, shops, museums, or grab a few items from the local grocery store while leaving your car parked in our secure parking garage. The market district is also considered to be a “biker’s paradise,” scoring 92 out of 100 for ease of biking. When not riding around downtown, store your bike in our garage bike racks or our bike storage room.

Community Fitness Room

When you don’t want to venture out, get your workout completed indoors in our Fitness Room featuring cardio equipment, free weights, a state-of-the-art mirror fitness system, and more.  Like our other community common spaces such as the Maritime Bar and Movie Theater, our Fitness Room has free high-speed internet and cable television so you can stay entertained while you work out. As the community continues to grow, we look forward to providing opportunities for residents to take part in group fitness activities both in the Fitness Room and on our Sky Terrace.

Ageless Adventures at Nearby Outdoor Recreation Sites

Harbor Heights is conveniently located near some of the Pacific Northwest’s finest outdoor recreation sites like the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Crystal Mountain Resort, and Mount Rainier National Park. Opportunities to get fit via hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and more are just a short drive from the community. Residents can also take advantage of the community’s proximity to the waterfront by renting kayaks for springtime or summer paddling sessions.

Special Incentives for Top Floor Residences

Your 2022 fitness goals are in sight when you opt for active 55+ living. To kick off the new year, we are offering special incentives on our remaining top-floor residences! One and two-bedroom floorplans are available with some of the best waterfront, Mount Rainier, and city views in Olympia. For a limited time, get up to 2 months’ rent free with select residences and leases. Contact us now to schedule your appointment to visit Harbor Heights today. We invite out-of-state guests to inquire about our Discovery Package, which includes special rates for lodging and dining.

833.464.5053

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Olympia Farmers Market

The Olympia Farmers Market is one of the only vendor-owned and operated Farmers Markets in the state of Washington and offers guests more than 100 vendors to choose from. The market is truly local with vendors hailing from Thurston, Mason, Lewis, and Grays Harbor Counties. The Olympia Farmers Market is open year-round and is located just steps away from Harbor Heights at 700 Capitol Way N.

Host Seasonal Dinner Parties Using Local Farmers Market Food Prepared in Your Harbor Heights Gourmet Kitchen

Residences within Harbor Heights come equipped with gourmet kitchens featuring quartz countertops, GE stainless steel appliances, Moen faucets, dishwashers, and microwaves. These well-appointed and ample kitchen spaces make it easy to host seasonal dinner parties in your new Harbor Heights home. Get together with your Harbor Heights neighbors to host a “Friendsgiving” this fall using autumnal produce from the Olympia Farmers Market. Celebrate the New Year with a “Winter’s Bounty” themed dinner party featuring winter produce like kabocha squash, pomegranates, and fresh citrus fruits.

Easy Access to Area Attractions

Residents of Harbor Heights not only have the market located right outside their doorstep but also enjoy a prime location with quick and easy access to nearby necessities in addition to the property’s amazing on-site amenities. Harbor Heights is also conveniently located near parks, the state capitol building, cultural destinations, and area attractions and boasts a 78 walk score, making it one of the only 55+ communities in a 50-mile radius with such high walkability. When you need to venture further out, the property has easy access to freeways and public transportation.

Schedule a Tour of Our Luxury 55+ Rental Apartments

Be sure to check out the Olympia Farmers Market this autumn to enjoy the best of the fall harvest season. While you are there, schedule a tour of Harbor Heights to see what our community offers. Click here to schedule a tour.

833.464.5053

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A 55+ Approach

Harbor Heights is embracing a new 55+ demographic, active living for mature adults was always at the forefront of the project. With an exercise room, movie theater, game room, craft room, and Maritime Bar, residents could embrace an exciting lifestyle from within their building. “All these spaces are designed to encourage connection and activity while also being thoughtful of potential accessibility challenges” Alona states. These indoor shared spaces, along with the Sky Terrace’s fire pits and cabanas, offer multiple lounge seating options to accommodate flexibility for all ages while providing comfort, whether it’s lower lounge seating or higher “hip chairs.” Throughout these common areas, following ADA guidelines and wheelchair accessibility is of utmost importance.

Making A Quaint Space Feel Like Home

In smaller spaces, people tend to overdecorate. While we love to bring all our décor and seasonal flair out, it’s important to leave various areas open in an apartment. An open space allows you to create a focal point in the room. Leaving a few blank walls will give your eye visual rest and allow you to focus on important and meaningful feature elements within the space, so that the space is calming instead of cluttered. Life at Harbor Heights is all about “living simply with intention,” as Alona puts it. When moving into the new space, you will learn to get rid of belongings that don’t mean as much to you and letting go of extra clutter. Along with keeping your space streamlined, keeping your expensive bases a neutral color is a way to get longevity out of your pieces. Simply adding accent colors dependent on the season can completely transform a space without having to acquire new furniture.

Filling Spaces Without Clutter

To fill those empty spaces in your new home, creating rhythm and variation in scale are what will make the area feel balanced. Going back to ancient times, the partition of three has always been a rule in design. A large, medium, and small piece will work together better than three large pieces. For example, first setting down a tall vase, then setting a medium sized art sculpture next to it, and then a smaller book. “This concept is present in forms in nature and beautiful architecture and is scientifically proven to be the most aesthetically pleasing arrangement. The most famous architects in history use these guiding principles to create harmony and proportions within their designs. Every design I create, weather tabletop arrangements or a floor plan for a large-scale building, uses these guiding principles as a driving force,” Alona elaborates. By adopting this mindset, your home will feel balanced and look organized. And using something meaningful like a picture or family heirloom to fill the space, will always make it feel homier than with meaningless décor. If an object does not bring you joy, let it go and leave space for items that bring those happy memories.

Transitioning into the Fall Season

As the leaves change color and the skies turn gray, it’s time to turn our homes into cozy abodes. Take cues from nature within your decorating, using the inspiration from the robust colors on the trees and spices in cooking to guide you in your home. Have fun with accent pieces like throw pillows, large textured blankets like a cable knit throw or fur. Then, add in some scented candles to make your space fit the season. You could even head to the Olympia Farmers Market to find fresh produce, pumpkins, and gourds to fill your counterspace with the ultimate autumn vibe.

Crafting Your Space

While it can be difficult to right-size, the apartments at Harbor Heights are designed with active living top of mind. With the inspiration of Alona’s design tips, and the efforts put into making Harbor Heights a unique space for all, it’s time to start your creative journey with decorating your apartment. Bringing in the stunning Olympic views, seasonal touches, and the ancient design practices, your new space will soon turn into a cozy abode that truly feels like home.

Visit pernuladesign.com or check Alona out on Instagram @pernuladesign to view more of her work!

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The American Psychological Association's Stress in America survey states nearly 40 percent of those aged 35-54 report extreme levels of stress (compared to 29 percent of 18-34 year olds and 25 percent of those older than 55). This stress takes a toll on personal relationships as well as a person's well-being as they struggle to take better care of themselves.

The stress of the sandwich is both emotional and financial. According to the New York Times article in 2020: The Sandwich Generation Pays a Price, if you think you’ll become your parents’ caretaker in the future, experts suggest that you start talking to them about their financial situation now because it may take years for them to be willing to accept your help.

The following includes several tips for those considered a part of the Sandwich Generation:

1. Assist parents in downsizing and organizing their home to keep things simple and organized.

   1. If time and finances allow, consider storage solutions and options when moving into a smaller space

   2. Hire a home organizer to declutter

2. Develop a long-term care solution that reduces your stress

   1. Consider a 55+ active community that will keep social activities and sets the stage for building a longer-term community of friends

   2. Take time out for yourself to recharge and keep self-care a top priority

3. Stay active and share the load

   1. When possible, find pockets of time to take a walk, listen to music while exercising and get outdoors to refresh your body and mind.

   2. Reach out to family, friends and neighbors who are willing to help and can offer you breaks in caregiving responsibilities

4. Actively integrate multi-gen relationship-building activities. For example, your teenager can check in on their grandparents, help run errands or schedule fun family game nights including other friends, family to the mix to increase social interaction and some serious memory making opportunities like:

   1. Creating a family tree album with fun family stories and unique facts about family member personalities, complete with photos

   2. Q&A with grandma and grandpa to capture keep insights on their past and family history

   3. Create a family cookbook of special recipes and even cook them together for the larger family to enjoy.

The main key for generation “Sand” is to have hope and stay positive during the challenging times of caregiving. This season only lasts for a time and there are so many rewarding experiences that will come to you in this process. Having a support network will help in navigating and knowing others in your peer group that are also in the same situation is an important factor and can ultimately build stronger communities.

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At Harbor Heights, we often describe ourselves as “active 55+” but what does that really mean? Quite simply, we’re not going to lose it, we are going to use it! Staying active should always be a priority – especially when you cross the proverbial threshold of over 50 years old (See what we did there? Vs. using the words aging, retirement or baby boomers). Regular exercise slows the aging process, works out the mind and body, relieves stress, and keeps the immune system in tip-top shape. According to Dr. David B. Agus, the author of The End of Illness, he states that in addition to wearing comfortable shoes and eating lunch at the same time every day, activity with our body, and consistently moving it, are keys to living a longer life. The book offers simple and inexpensive advice as well as fascinating research about reducing inflammation in the body and taking a proactive approach to staying healthy. If you read to keep your brain active, you may also want to explore these other titles on building more active bodies.

Moving to a community that is considered mature, 55+ and even ultra-wise is just the beginning to increase activity levels and even exercise. There are plenty of ways to stay active right here at Harbor Heights and around Olympia. See below for a few of our favorite ideas!

• Bocce ball! Ever played? It’s easy and fun. You can find bocce ball sets online just about anywhere. Get together a group of people, find a grassy area and it’s game on! You can even set up a round robin tournament to really get people into the competition.
• Gardening, though not exactly high-intensity cardio, is a great activity that gets you up and out into the sunshine. Our community has a gardening club, you can reach out to our concierge desk for more information.
• Dreaming of Wimbledon?  Tennis is a great workout for all ages. It’s a total body exercise and also strengthens the legs and arms. Grab a friend or three (for a doubles match) and get a rally started. Just have fun volleying the ball back and forth across the net or get more competitive and start a league of your own! Woodruff Park Tennis Court and Volleyball Court is located at 1500 Harrison Ave NW, Olympia, WA 98502 and the courts there are rarely used.
• Swimming, like tennis, is an all-body workout for people of any age. It’s a very low impact sport, so you won’t be feeling the aches in your bones and the strains in your joints. It’s also a very cathartic exercise and can really help you to stave off stress. Do some laps, grab a kickboard and do some kicking, grab some fins to really propel yourself through the water, do some water aerobics with friends in the shallow end, etc. Even just walking back and forth from wall to wall in the shallow end is a great exercise for your legs with very little negative impact on the joints. Check out these local watering holes.
• Volunteering—staying active doesn’t necessarily have to mean that you are working out your muscles and sweating up a storm every day. But if you want to, our fitness center located on the 3rd floor is ready and waiting! If it becomes too crowded or you want something less intensive, staying active can be as simple as getting on your feet and volunteering a few times a week.  You may consider helping out in the local library or local homeless shelter. What about organizing a talent night where residents can perform and even invite family members to come show off their talents? That planning and preparation will certainly get you up and active!
• Go for a walk or a jog. Most 55-plus communities offer golf, walking trails or some sort of local paths. We have Percival landing and lots of options for walking paths or jaunts in running shoes along the water. Consider finding a walking buddy and set a time two or three days a week (or as often as you want!) to meet up at a designated area and do some power walking! It’s a great exercise, a great time for catching up, and a great way to meet others. Plus, we are about to be a part of a fun run and walk. The Hawks Prairie Community Association which encompasses both Edgewater and Jubilee will be putting on a Fun Run/Walk on Saturday September 4th starting at 9:00 a.m.

No matter what it is you’re doing – swimming laps, volunteer activities, shuffleboard, croquet, corn hole – what matters is the fact that you’re getting and staying active. We welcome you to get your steps in and come tour Harbor Heights to see what our community offers for staying active at all ages. Click here to schedule a tour.

The post Use it or lose it: Staying Active at 55+ appeared first on Harbor Heights Blog.

If you are a part of the greatest generation or are 55+ and now are experiencing the joy of grandkids or perhaps still enjoying a productive career, now is a good time to consider your next steps. Chances are, your living situation of 20 years ago isn’t the right fit for your lifestyle today. You may have lived in a suburban environment, are planning on selling your home, or just want something new! The idea that people need to move to small, cramped homes and “downsize” is quickly being replaced with the philosophy of “rightsizing,” which is finding the right size of home for your needs.

Downsizing has one definition: to move to a smaller space because of life changes or requirements. While this may be the right move for some people, downsizing starts with one goal in mind and doesn’t consider the unique needs of the individual.

Rightsizing is updating your living space based on your current life needs. Between the many careers, hobbies, family, and activity changes that we experience today, it makes sense to find the right home for you. You can choose between a larger or smaller home, a different floor plan, different amenities, and more. Rightsizing provides the opportunity to find a new community and align your lifestyle with your living space.

Rightsizing simply means shifting your surroundings to suit your needs and facilitate a simpler lifestyle. Want a place you can lock, leave and travel? Want to say goodbye to a space that requires a lot of yard maintenance? Time to focus on the benefits of an adjusted perspective, rather than on getting rid of things. This mindset opens up more possibilities and will increase your quality of life.

This process starts with a few quick and easy assessments that lead to action.

Make a Check-List
The first is to start dreaming about your next chapter of life. Think about the things you enjoy doing and start putting together a wish list for your new place. This will give you more structure when it comes to exploring your options. Have items you want to save, but not sure where they will go in a new space? Consider storage solutions that will free your mind. A great resource is the book: https://www.amazon.com/Rightsize-Right-Now-Declutter-Stress-Free/dp/0738218014

Expand Your Options
Cities across the country, from New York to Portland from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, are realizing the importance of providing first-class, luxury living spaces that catch a buyers’ eye. For example, Harbor Heights features a full cinema room with luxury seating and sound system, an outdoor sky terrace with views for miles in all directions, a fitness center and a maritime bar. Start exploring the options in your city and beyond to really get a feel for what you want and where you’re willing to call home. It may make sense to trade a hot summer for a more temperate one or escape the cold to somewhere warmer.

Make a move.
Though it can feel like a big step, letting go of a living situation that no longer serves you to embrace something completely new is rewarding. Saying goodbye to a beloved home with great memories is never easy. There are ways to ease into a transition like this vs. having it feel like a band-aid has been stripped away. Once you find the perfect place, take action in securing the spot so you don’t miss your opportunity. Making the leap toward rightsizing won’t be a move you’ll regret.

Making the decision to update your living spaces based on your current lifestyle is exciting! Instead of limiting yourself by simply looking for a home that’s smaller, take the time to think about what you want. This could mean maintaining the size of your home but moving into a home half the size of your current one, in a better, more walkable and friendly neighborhood. It could even mean getting a bigger home that suits your needs. Whatever rightsizing means for you, making the transition will help align your desires with your surroundings and have you breathing a sigh of relief when you step foot in your new home.

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Why 55+ vs. Assisted Living?

As people are living longer, they are looking for a higher quality of life as they age. While most assisted living can offer the care that many seniors do need, Harbor Heights is looking to create an environment for those 55+ looking for that next step in life that is still independent and active. Living in this community provides older adults a second chance to live life to the fullest through developing new relationships, trying out new hobbies, and having the freedom to travel without worrying about a large home to take care of. The Columbia Hospitality team at Harbor Heights aims to build relationships with the residents, where helpful team members are just a phone call away. With a la carte pricing for maintenance and housekeeping services, residents can choose how much help they need while staying financially conscious.

Just as Camron and Jeremiah were concerned about their parents’ future, Harbor Heights offers a space that will be a relief for adult children worried about their aging parents. Not only is there less hassle with apartment living, but the Columbia Hospitality team at Harbor Heights will also work with each family to ensure that their new space feels like home. Not only do the units allow you to curate your own style, but they’ll provide a place where families will want to visit and spend time together.
 

Staying Active in Olympia

Harbor Heights’ location lends itself to a lifestyle that is active, engaging, and even adventurous for those who seek it. With a quick trip down the elevator, residents find themselves in the heart of downtown and the harbor front, with art walks, elevated dining, unique shopping, and the bounty of the local region at The Olympia Farmers Market. For those that are no longer driving or just looking to live a simpler lifestyle without a car, Harbor Heights provides easy access to anything one may need. The prime location in the heart of Market District allows residents to continue to check items off their bucket list, with opportunities to take classes in sailing, kayaking, and other water activities right on the boardwalk.

With a more manageable residence, this rightsizing move is perfect for those looking to have the flexibility to travel. Or, for those looking to start a new life in Olympia, Harbor Heights provides the space for communal activity. The expansive rooftop patio with stunning 180-degree water views is the ideal backdrop to reflect on the day, enjoy friendships, soak up another sunset, and make plans for tomorrow. The private outdoor space offers lounge and grilling areas, tranquil gardens, and fire bowls for gathering. There is also plenty of room to take Rover for a stroll or a spot to try some morning Tai Chi. However, if you’re looking to live your life, there are options for all.
 

Young at Heart

A life at Harbor Heights is one that doesn’t have to slow down because of your age. With the option to continue your crafts in your home or explore the local scene, these beautiful waterfront residences are the perfect next step for anyone 55 and up.

Harbor Heights provides the opportunity to:

• Create your own space with help from the attentive team whenever needed
• Ease the stress of adult children wondering what’s next for their aging parents
• Continue living an active style in the pedestrian-friendly, marina-side Market District of Olympia
• Connect with the community through resident activities, communal areas, and new relationships.

The Harbor Heights Columbia Hospitality team functions as your concierge and engages daily with residents. Harbor Heights’ vision offers community and looks to give them a new life full of excitement, family, and adventure.

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