Northwest Prime Time January 2019

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Best Retirement Islands ...page 2

Northwest

Prime Time

CELEBRATING LIFE AFTER 50 IN THE PUGET SOUND REGION SINCE 1986

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VOL. 19 NO. 1 JANUARY 2019

Sy Rosen is Coming to Town! L ongtime Northwest Prime Time readers are likely familiar with our “Funny Side of Life” columnist, Sy Rosen, who’s been writing his column for over 14 years.

Sy is unique social worker, Wanda in many ways, and Echevarria. Wanda not only because went on to get her he is the only nonPhD and become a local writer with an psychologist. We’ve ongoing column been married for forty(he was so darn five years and she funny; how could occasionally makes we resist?). He also me call her doctor – has the distinction of especially when we are being part of a Grand having an argument Prize offering. (it gives her quite an Over the past edge). several months, Back in the many groups from 1970s, Wanda and I around the region spent Saturday nights In March, Sy Rosen is offering the Seattle-area premiere of his award-winning short film to the winners of the 'Age-Friendly Discussion Groups' drawing have participated watching The Bob in an “Age-Friendly Newhart Show, All in in several festivals around the country Discussion Groups” the Family, The Mary Tyler in Hollywood (where, he claims, the project that we’ve Moore Show and MASH – young would eat the old if they weren’t and in Europe,” reports Sy. “It is a story Sy with the frequent subjects of his about my mom and my somewhat published in the it was a great line-up and afraid of gaining weight). He is now in columns: his wife Wanda and their pre-production on two more short films, clumsy attempts to help her ward off paper. The project granddaughters Sienna and Summer a cheap date. the dreaded Alzheimer’s disease. The ran April through When I was 26 years both related to growing older. “One of story is full of love and humor and I December, and each month a Starbucks old, I started writing speculation scripts. the shorts is actually based on another am very happy and proud of the way it article that appeared in Northwest Prime gift card was awarded to one of the On my third try I sold a script to The turned out.” Time,” says Sy. groups (drawn at random). Bob Newhart Show. I actually snuck The cast includes television legends Sy now spends most of his time But the Grand Prize, drawn last onto the studio lot, pretended I was a Rhea Perlman (Cheers) and Barbara “writing, telling jokes to my two month, includes having Sy present delivery guy, plopped the script on the Bain (Mission Impossible), Robert granddaughters and trying to convince the Seattle-area premiere of his awardproducer’s desk and ran out of there. winning short film, The Matchmaker, for Luckily somebody read it. They bought my wife, the esteemed Dr. Rosen, that I Romanus (Fast Times at Ridgemont High), and the wonderful Byrna Weiss. am funny.” the winning local group. More about the script and eventually hired me as a “The main character is based on that at the end of the article. staff writer. my mom, Flora Rosen, and a friendship Here is some background about Sy Wanda and I moved to Los The Matchmaker she had with Sarah, another Rosen, in his own words: Angeles. It was very resident at the retirement home “I was brought up in Brooklyn and exciting. The cast where they both lived,” explains my relatives were, to say the least, a members of Bob Sy. “Of course, I took some little eccentric. I remember everybody Newhart, Suzanne liberties, but it is basically a true had to look like somebody else. My Pleshette, Bill Daily, story and the actors and director Aunt Gussie thought she looked Peter Bonerz, Marcia really brought it to life. like Veronica Lake – to increase the Wallace and Jack Riley “My mom passed away a few resemblance she always wore her hair were just great. Don years ago over one eye, which caused her to Rickles, who was a good and it’s a bump into a lot of furniture. Someone friend of Bob’s, would bittersweet once told my Uncle Harold that he often stop by and, of experience looked like Clark Gable, and he used course, he took every for me every opportunity to remind people of opportunity to make fun ‘The Matchmaker’ is the retelling of a true story watching this. For example, if my aunt asked him of me, the kid. I would give by Sy Rosen. It stars Robert Romanus, Rhea Perlman, Byrna Weiss and Barbara Bain. the film. if he wanted more potatoes, his reply anything to be “The Kid” Years ago, one of Sy’s Northwest I hope it is a tribute to her and her was always, “Frankly my dear, I don’t again. Prime Time columns was called The friendship with Sarah. I tried to portray give a damn.” Through the years I have also Matchmaker (reprinted on page 10). It is all the characters with dignity…the Family gatherings were filled with written for Rhoda, Taxi, MASH, about Sy being terrified that his mother only person who is slightly crazy in the laughter, tears, lots of food (which my Maude, The Wonder Years, Sanford, won’t find the important mental film is the son, Sam (who, of course, is Aunt Esther always complained about) Northern Exposure and Frasier. I have based on me). and heated arguments about politics, produced The Jeffersons, Sister/Sister and stimulation she needs and so he sets out to find her the ‘Perfect Best Friend’ Sy Rosen will present the space travel and about who was funnier, The Wonder Years.” within her new retirement community. Seattle-area premiere of his film, The Milton Berle or Bob Hope. In more recent years, several of Sy turned that true story into a short Matchmaker, in March to the winning I graduated from college in 1969 Sy’s plays have been produced and film. group, “Tea Time at Two” at Leisure and went to work as a social worker he’s written countless articles about “The Matchmaker has been playing Estates of Renton. v where I met and married a fellow the joys and horrors of getting older


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This article is sponsored by LeMay - America’s Car Museum

Bullitt Mustang on Display in Tacoma One of the most iconic movie cars of all time, a 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390 Fastback – the Bullitt Mustang – is on display at America’s Car Museum (ACM) in Tacoma through April 25. The Ford Mustang, piloted by legendary actor The Bullitt Mustang, courtesy Historic Vehicle Association and motorsports enthusiast Steve McQueen during the 1968 film “It’s humbling to share the long Bullitt, left a lasting impact on and storied history of this Mustang movies and pop culture since its with ACM guests. The story of this release. In Bullitt, McQueen played vehicle is as unique as the car itself,” the title character, a police detective added Madeira. “We’d like to thank trying to bust a mob ring. Sean and the HVA for giving us the The movie’s 9-minute and opportunity to celebrate the history 42-second chase scene took a of one of film’s most influential cars.” grueling four weeks to film. It was The Bullitt Mustang, still rocking revolutionary for its time and put the its original paint and remaining largely audience inside the vehicle while unmodified, was showcased at the driving up to 110mph on the streets 2018 North American International of San Francisco. The chase scene Auto Show nearly half a century was completely authentic, carefully after the movie premiered. It became designed by McQueen and stuntman the 21st vehicle inducted into the Bill Hickman. It featured real speeds, Historic Vehicle Association’s (HVA) real streets and real crashes. National Historic Vehicle Register. “It’s not every day that we get the The car is so culturally significant that chance to showcase a vehicle that has its history and photographs will be made such a lasting impact on the archived in the Library of Congress way cars are presented on film,” said for future generations. A short video David Madeira, vice-chair of America’s about the car can be viewed at Automotive Trust. youtu.be/P91RFt9CpMc.v Two Mustang GT 390s were LeMay – America’s Car Museum (ACM) modified for the making of Bullitt. is an international destination for families After the movie, one of the cars was and auto enthusiasts to celebrate America’s purchased to become the daily driver love affair with the automobile and learn for the Kiernan family of Tennessee how it shaped our society. The museum is – but was eventually stored in their garage for years before being resurrected located at 2702 East D Street in Tacoma. For more information, call 253-779-8490 by Sean Kiernan. The second car is in or visit americascarmuseum.org. Mexico, though it is in pieces.

January 2019

World’s Best Islands for Retirement According to InternationalLiving. com, you don’t have to be a millionaire to enjoy the romance of island living in retirement. A report from the organization listed 10 islands across the globe known for their value, friendliness and warmth – and which also provide the infrastructure for the comforts of home. #1 Malta – At only 122 square miles, the tiny island nation of Malta has something for everyone—from ancient walled cities and coastal trails to countryside farmhouses and charming restaurants. Home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the islands—with over 155 miles of coastline—benefit from warm weather year-round. A large English-speaking population—a legacy of British colonization—makes it easy for new arrivals from the U.S. to fit in. Valletta, Malta’s capital city has rolling hills reminiscent of San Francisco. Couples can live comfortably on $2,600 per month. #2 Mallorca, Spain – Mallorca is the largest of the islands off the coast of Spain’s Iberian Peninsula. It includes hilltop castles in the mountainous countryside as well as Roman ruins. The whole coastline of this 1,405-square-mile island is ringed with marinas, harbors and protected coves. It’s the perfect place to weigh anchor in the western Mediterranean—and the year-round mild climate is attractive to everyone. Here, a couple can live well from $2,500 a month, depending on lifestyle.

#3 Penang, Malaysia – The island of Penang, off the coast of Malaysia, has been a favorite among expats for decades. A couple can live well on a monthly budget of between $1,500 and $2,500 a month. It’s a luxury life on an affordable budget with all the comforts and conveniences of home. Known as a foodie haven, Penang’s largest city, George Town, is home to eclectic architecture and a vibrant art scene. Penang has a largely English-speaking populace. #4 Ambergris Caye, Belize – Belize’s largest island, Ambergris Caye, is a center for ocean sports during the day and for socializing at night. Ambergris and the small nearby islands are not overly developed. San Pedro is the major population hub on Ambergris. Moving to Belize is easy. It’s the only country in Central America with English as its main language. The U.S. dollar is accepted, credit cards are widely used and well-known U.S. brands are available. A couple can enjoy a comfortable retirement on Ambergris Caye, including rent, for between $2,700 and $2,900 per month. #5 Roatan, Honduras – The most populated of the Bay Islands, Roatán, is 35 miles from the northern coast of Honduras. Although, Honduras is Spanish-speaking, Roatán is largely English-speaking. A mountainous interior covered with jungle gives way to whitesand beaches and rocky coves. The Mesoamerican Reef just offshore continued on page 14

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January 2019

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Volunteer Spotlight

Volume 19 Number 1 Northwest Prime Time is published 10 times per year and is owned and operated by Northwest Prime Time, Inc. Monthly Circulation: 50,000 Subscriptions: $20 per year. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 13647 Seattle, Washington 98198 (206) 824-8600 Fax (206) 824-8606 www.northwestprimetime.com Publishers: Michelle Roedell and Chris Mitchell Operations/Advertising Manager: Chris Mitchell Editor: Michelle Roedell Production Manager: Jason Reynolds Production Coordinator: Rachel Binford Associate Editor: Suzanne G. Beyer Copyeditor: Diann MacRae Administration: Barbara Davidson, Clarence Roedell, Doris Roedell, Gail Roedell Printing: Rotary Offset Press Northwest Prime Time welcomes letters and comments. Please send to: editor@northwestprimetime.com or P.O. Box 13647 Seattle, Washington 98198 Northwest Prime Time, published 10 times per year, is for vital men and women over 50 who are curious, passionate, and engaged with the world they live in; who know that these years are the prime time of their lives.

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Heartwarming New Year By the time you read this, RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program) of King County will have distributed 2,300 beautifully handmade hats, scarves, mittens,

The Art of Alzheimer’s The Art of Alzheimer’s presents The Artist Within January 8 through March 5 at Seattle City Hall. It is free to the public. The exhibit features 49 artworks created by seven artists who are living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias; these surprising, delightful and inspiring works of art reveal seven distinct views of the world plus more about the artists as creative persons and valuable members of our community. They illuminate a simple truth—while access to language may falter, the imagination can soar. Exhibition organizer and Art of Alzheimer’s founder, Marilyn Raichle, explains her personal connection. “I was raised in the shadow of Alzheimer’s with nearly everyone on my father’s side and many on mother’s developing the disease. We were taught that when Alzheimer’s arrived, it was like a death—actually worse than death. Our parents warned us, ‘Don’t sacrifice your

sweaters, blankets and other knitted undertaking with many moving and crocheted items to families and parts and we could not accomplish it individuals experiencing homelessness without the devotion and love that our or at risk across King County. This volunteers put into it each step of the is due to the efforts of over 50 senior way. They deserve the spotlight and volunteers who have donated their we thank them from the bottom of our time and talent hearts. last year to this RSVP invites you to become meaningful project part of this heart- and body-warming by crafting the items, endeavor as a knitter, crocheter or as well as assisting in handcrafter, or as a behind-the-scenes the sorting, inventory, helper with sorting and labeling. Make labeling and a difference this new year by contacting distribution process. rsvp@solid-ground.org or calling 206It is a substantial 694-6786 for more information. v lives for us. When same—delight, surprise our time comes, just and gratitude. People walk away.’ And I wanted to experience a believed it…then, at story about Alzheimer’s the age of 89, Mom with hope and joy. She began to paint. She believes this exhibition hadn’t painted since sparks a new perspective grade school, yet these Painting by Jane Kippenhan, on what it means to created at Elderwise paintings astonished us live with dementia. all—witty, inventive, always interesting Admission is free Monday through and sometimes simply remarkable. And Friday from 7am to 6pm at Seattle City quickly I understood. She may have Hall, 600 Fourth Avenue. v had a short-term memory of ten seconds, but she Theodore Kusakovich in front of the Royal Serbian Bookstore in was still here—loving, Seattle in 1914. Born in Vranje, creative and joyful. She Serbia on February 15th, 1884, taught me the first lesson Kusakovich immigrated to of a caregiver—to let go Seattle around 1903. Sometime between 1910 and 1914, of the woman who used Theodore opened a bookstore to be and embrace the and cigar shop called the Royal remarkable woman who Serbian Authorized Book Store. was with me now.” Kusakovich officially became a United States naturalized citizen in 1940. Marilyn began to Courtesy of the University of Washington Libraries, share her mother’s art Special Collections, submitted by Nicolette Bromberg, with others and the Special Collections Visual Materials Curator reaction was always the


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Life Perspectives

Aging Better Authors Dr. Karen K. Brees and Dr Linda K. Stroh compiled a resource designed for those facing the physical and emotional challenges of growing older. Their book, Getting Real About Getting Older, asks the question: “What has the experience of getting older felt like for you?” Full of advice and stories from a wide variety of older people, the project is meant to help people take control of their concerns about aging. How did the book come about? “I had done some editing work with Linda Stroh,” says Karen Brees of Poulsbo, “and we got to talking via email about what kind of a book we could possibly write together. One thing we had in common was that we were getting older and there didn’t seem to be a whole lot out there written about this stage of life. We decided that this would be an interesting topic to tackle.” Their book seeks to provide insight into living fully in your sixties, seventies, eighties and beyond. Brees and Stroh asked nearly one thousand older people about the challenges and joys of growing older and compiled their collective wisdom into the book. Among others, the topics include: changing self-identities; friendships and romantic relationships; health, fitness and selfimage; loss; relationships with adult children, grandchildren and siblings. Asking other older adults about the aging process was an empowering process for Brees. “I feel affirmed. I believe that life is a journey. If our journey should turn

out to be a long one, we shall grow old. HOW we grow old, HOW we negotiate these latter years we have been given speaks to our faith in ourselves, those we hold dear, and what we believe comes after this stop on our celestial journey. Wonder. Faith. Expectations. Aging is not the end of life. It is simply the continuation of life. “I am really, really glad to still be above ground and kicking,” adds Brees. “Just like many of our respondents, life has thrown me some curve balls that just about dislocated my shoulder trying to catch. I am a 14-year cancer survivor, and every day is a blessing. Cancer changes you, if you are willing to accept the challenges it brings. I no longer take anything for granted. I am no longer an aggressive driver. If someone wants to pass me, fine. I have time. My priorities have changed. I want to live my life the best I can, do the best I can, avoid conflict and be forgiving for those who haven’t gotten to my place in life.” Brees was struck by the openness of those that participated in the interviews: “Their willingness to share life experiences without holding back…we learned so much about our respondents. This book is not just an anecdotal reference book about aging. It encompasses the life stories and experiences of many hundreds of older folks.” She was also struck by the suddenness of the realization of becoming older – “That was definitely a common theme. We live our lives day-to-day and, at some point, the realization hits that we have become ‘old,’ ” reflects Brees. “How this happened, what it means, what the future holds – these became the impetus for our quest to understand what we are going through.” One of Brees’ philosophies of life is, “As you age, keep growing and keep taking on new challenges.” After retiring from teaching, she took her own advice and is currently an academic editor and writer, and coauthor of six books in the medical and general interest fields. v

January 2019

Re-Imagining Retirement ...by Sharon Rolph

What is possible in retirement? What isn’t? The limitations of your health will impact what’s possible. With that in mind, your current self-care impacts your possibility now and into the future. The initiative you take for your physical activity is one of the choices you make daily for “what is possible” in the future. The limitations of your finances will impact Sharon Rolph what isn’t possible. However, with applying some sparks of creativity, you could be very pleasantly surprised. For example, Joyce Major, a North Seattle College continuing education instructor, was able to take a year to travel the world. She worked on 11 community service projects in 10 countries. “I took the TransSiberian Express, lived in different cultures and got exactly what I had bargained for—change! My spirit is refreshed, my creativity has returned and the layers that were clouding my vision have been blown away from a year spent volunteering around the world.” But I feel that limitations even more greatly impacting your possibilities are your positive or negative beliefs. Beliefs might be the invisible forces holding us back. (Is the cup half full or half empty?) They tip the scale ever so slightly, + or –, many times a day. If you are negative, you will be looking for the ways things won’t work out or why it’ll be too hard to figure it out. If you are positive, you’ll have the courage to wonder, what if it could work out? You’d be curious, you’d ask questions—even dream a little. That’s one of the keys to a good retirement, having something to look forward to! Studies find that the limitations in your curiosity and desire to learn can impact the possible number of years you live. Currently, my learning process is focused on creating a retirement internet radio talk show. I was inspired by Bill Walsh who, in an AARP article told of his amateur chef’s curiosity to turn simple ingredients into amazing taste sensations. The curiosity turned into a belated birthday present to himself. He took a week of reasonably-priced cooking classes in Paris. What a great example of what is possible! The Linked Learning approach has found students are willing to work harder and dream bigger if their education is relevant to them. What would your bigger dream be? This week when I asked my MeetUp group “What do you most love to do? —something you never get bored or tired of doing— learning was an undercurrent in more than half their answers. We learn while traveling. We learn when we are fully engaged in anything, whatever it might be. We learn when we meet new people. And, I’m delighted, when each week, we learn from each other in our discussion! v Sharon Rolph conducts “Connecting with Purpose in Retirement” and other workshops. For information about her workshops and radio talk show, call 425877-6655 or visit EffortlessVitality.org.

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Olympia Bound: 2019 Legislative Session …by Cathy MacCaul, Advocacy Director, AARP Washington

While some of us are still putting away holiday decorations, our elected representatives and a myriad of advocates – including Cathy MacCaul AARP – are preparing for January 14, when the 105-day state legislative session begins. This year, we have our sights focused on providing relief for vulnerable homeowners, consumer protection and helping Washingtonians better prepare for their future long-term care and retirement security needs. Long-term Care Trust Act (LTCTA) Most people will need long term care during their lives. In fact, 70% of Washingtonians 65 and older will require some type of assistance to live independently. However, very few of us are prepared to meet our long-term care needs. The median retirement savings for people over 65 is just $148,000 while the lifetime cost of care averages $260,000. Long-term care insurance can provide families some financial relief, yet 90% of adults are uninsured as plans are expensive and increasingly limited. The LTCTA would create a public long-term care program, providing Washingtonians with flexible and meaningful benefits, ensuring families can choose the care settings and services that best meet their loved one’s needs. Based on a modest payroll premium of .58% per $100 earned, vested and eligible individuals would receive a benefit of more than $36,000. AARP is pleased with recent improvements made to the legislation and will work to ensure the measure continues to focus on providing access to a wide

array of care settings and choices for families in need. We are also steadfastly dedicated to making sure the LTCTA honors the important role family caregivers play in caring for their loved ones. Your help is needed to move this legislation forward. AARP has launched a petition-writing campaign to urge support from our elected officials. You can learn more about the petition at www. aarp.org/prepare4care. Retirement Marketplace and Auto IRA In 2015, AARP worked to pass legislation creating the Retirement Marketplace at www.retirementmarketplace. com. The program is intended to help approximately 2 million Washingtonians who do not have access to retirement savings plans through the workplace. Participating in the current model is voluntary for businesses and individuals and is a good first step to help workers plan for the future. In 2019, AARP will advocate for an Auto-IRA enrollment provision which will require employers to offer retirement savings to their employees. Employers will be able to opt-out if they currently offer a retirement savings program. Employees will be automatically enrolled in a retirement savings plan and can opt-out at any time. Studies show employees are 15 times more likely to save when they can do so at work and 20 times more likely to save if their workplace plan is automatic. Senior Property Tax Exemption While some news outlets have reported a cool-down of the real estate market in western Washington, homeowners across the state are still experiencing sticker shock when it comes to paying property taxes. Seniors on fixed incomes are struggling

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to pay these rising costs making it nearly impossible to stay in their communities. A Senior Property Tax Exemption program exists but is underutilized because most applicants exceed the statewide maximum of $40,000 in household income to qualify. AARP, working with the Washington Association of County Officials and the King County Assessor’s Office, is leading a legislative effort to change the income qualifications. Instead of an across-the-board amount of $40,000, maximum household income will be tied to the median income within each county. In addition to the issues

mentioned above, we are also supporting other legislative goals including an effort by Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson to better protect consumers from data breaches, and work by the Washington Hospital Association to improve options for patients as they are discharged from hospitals. AARP Washington continues to advocate for our members, Washington’s 50+ and their families to help you live your best life. Our efforts are strengthened by the voice of our members and our state’s older adults. Together we make a difference. Find out more about AARP’s work in Olympia at www.aarp.org/wa v

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Keep Exercising! A Minor Senior Miracle …by Joseph T. DiBene

I’m not an expert about what qualifies as a miracle, even a minor one. But here is my story. Five years ago, I was crossing the Joseph T. DiBene street in Port Townsend when my foot caught on the edge of the curb and I fell. It happened so fast I didn’t have time to put my hands out to break my fall and my head hit the pavement hard. I was stunned and lay there until two men ran over and picked me up. It took a few minutes to gather my wits and twenty or so more to feel good enough to drive. Two weeks went by and one morning I knew something was wrong. I could barely walk and had limited vision on my left side. Somehow, I got into my car (not a good idea!); on my way to the doctor I ran into a boulder that nearly demolished the left side of my car. (Thank goodness it was not a pedestrian.) I made it to the doctor’s office, but by this time all I could do was take tiny steps. The doctor took one look at me and sent me to have an MRI. The diagnosis was subdural hematoma – bleeding of the brain – and it had reached a near-fatal condition. Thirty minutes later I was in a helicopter on my way to a Seattle hospital where the doctors drilled three holes in my head and drained the blood that was trapped in my skull. The pressure on my brain had partially paralyzed the left side of my body. When I recovered, I had no idea how to use my legs. It took two months in

January 2019

Health Matters

Medical Minutes ...by John Schieszer

Pulsed Radiofrequency to Relieve Back Pain and Sciatica A minimally invasive procedure in which pulses of energy from a probe are John Schieszer applied directly to nerve roots near the spine is safe and effective for people with acute lower back pain that has not responded to conservative treatment, according to a new study presented at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). Lumbar disk herniation is a common, often debilitating, condition that affects the disks that act as cushions between the vertebrae of the lower spine. Herniation occurs where the jelly-like material in the center of the disk bulges through a tear in the disk’s tough exterior layer and puts pressure on the roots of the nerves. Herniated disks are often the source of sciatica, or pain that radiates downward from the lower back into the leg. Conservative treatment options for herniated disks range from overthe-counter pain medications to injections of corticosteroids directly into the affected area of the spine. Those who don’t respond may require surgery. In some cases, the entire disk must be removed and the vertebra fused together for stability. An alternative technique, CT-guided pulsed radiofrequency applies energy through an electrode under CT guidance to the portion of the nerve responsible for sending pain signals. “Pulsed radiofrequency creates a nerve modulation, significantly continued on page 14 reducing inflammation and its

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associated symptoms,” said study senior author Dr. Alessandro Napoli, who is a professor of interventional radiology at Sapienza University of Rome in Italy. A one-year outcomes study demonstrated that CT-guided pulsed radiofrequency was superior to the injection-only strategy. Patients who received it saw greater overall improvement in pain and disability scores during the first year. Relief of leg pain was faster in patients assigned to pulsed radiofrequency, and they also reported a faster rate of perceived recovery. The probability of perceived recovery after one year of follow-up was 95% in the pulsed radiofrequency group compared with 61% in the injection only group. Combating Memory Loss with a Healthful Diet Eating leafy greens, dark orange vegetables, red vegetables, berries and drinking orange juice may be associated with a lower risk of memory loss over time, according to a new study out of Harvard. Researchers looked at 27,842 men with an average age of 51 who were all health professionals and found that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help prevent memory loss. Participants filled out questionnaires about how many servings of fruits, vegetables and other foods they had each day at the beginning of the study and then every four years for 20 years. A serving of fruit is considered one cup of fruit or ½ cup of fruit juice. A serving of vegetables is considered one cup of raw vegetables or two cups of leafy greens. “One of the most important factors in this study is that we were able to research and track such a large group of men over a 20-year period of

time, allowing for very telling results,” said study author Changzheng Yuan, who is with Harvard in Boston. “Our studies provide further evidence dietary choices can be important to maintain your brain health.” The study showed that men who consumed the most vegetables were 34% less likely to develop poor thinking skills than the men who consumed the least amount of vegetables. Drinking orange juice was also shown to be beneficial. Adding More Cranberries to Your Diet Adding cranberries to your diet on a regular basis may not only help with memory but also lower your risk for infections. For centuries, cranberries have had a reputation for boosting health, dating back to Native-Americans who used them to treat urinary tract infections as well as wounds and other ailments. In more recent years, the fruit has been found to have other potential health benefits, according to Amy Howell, who is a research scientist at Rutgers University. Howell said a specific compound in cranberries called proanthocyanidins (PACs) helps to prevent bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract, so they can’t multiply and cause infection. This discovery by Howell and Nick Vorsa, which was published in 1998 in The New England Journal of Medicine, has led to further studies that suggest consuming cranberries regularly can help prevent certain bacterial infections. “Often, urinary tract infections recur, requiring patients to take daily doses of antibiotics to keep infections at bay. Prolonged antibiotic use has resulted in bacterial resistance problems and left researchers searching for alternatives,” said Howell. “The compounds in cranberries may contribute to inhibiting the bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall without actually killing them, so they prevent infections without contributing to bacterial resistance problems.” continued on page 14

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Naturally Healthy

The Complaint Department …by Carrie Luger Slayback

“Do you see ‘Complaint Department’ written across my forehead?” I asked my husband as I hung up from my niece’s call. She was in pain as usual, bloated, cramping and working in a very small space. “Co-workers can hear every bathroom noise!” my niece had wailed. Paul and I agreed she was a hypochondriac but still, from 2000 miles across country, I tried very hard to figure out where she could find a private bathroom. Then my niece’s health complaints stopped. She eliminated gluten. Whoops, our hypochondriac cured herself. Her turnaround made me confront my own judgmental nature and I started reading about gluten. I found that there are two medical conditions associated with gluten-intolerance. First, celiac disease is an established diagnosis with identifiable genetic markers. According to the Mayo Clinic, celiac decease is an immune reaction to eating foods containing wheat, barley and rye gluten. Gluten triggers an immune response in the small intestine that produces inflammation with potential to damage the lining of the small intestine and preventing absorption of some nutrients, such as fat, calcium, iron and folate. A WebMD article says that, left untreated, complications such as iron deficiency, osteoporosis and lymphomas of the small intestine can occur. Testing for nutritional deficiencies through blood tests, stool samples or endoscopy can diagnose celiac disease. The second group of people reporting reactions to eating gluten have lately been labeled as “gluten sensitive.” Gluten sensitivity is a condition that doctors once dismissed but now recognize as legitimate. Since it is important to separate those with celiac disease from those with gluten sensitivity, in a WebMD article, Dr. Guandalini warns against starting a gluten-free diet without being tested for celiac disease. Going glutenfree can eradicate the antibodies found in the tests, thus delaying diagnosis of celiac disease and treatment of its dangerous complications. Research journalist Kenneth Chang says gluten sensitivity is “less a diagnosis than a description — someone who does not have celiac disease but whose health improves on a gluten free diet, worsening again if gluten is eaten.” Celiac disease and the new diagnosis of gluten sensitivity are on the rise, according to Dr. Guandalini, who spent the last 40 years studying glutenrelated diseases. Estimated to affect 1% of the population, a 1.5 billion dollar industry fills grocery shelves with products

labeled “gluten-free.” Besides cautioning people against self-diagnosis, health professionals agree that going gluten free is not a healthier option for most of the population who can digest gluten. Writing for the ScientificAmerican.com, Rachel Rettner quotes Katherine Tallmadge a dietitian, who says, “whole grains which contain gluten are a good sources of fiber, vitamins and minerals.” Fiber is an essential element of a healthy diet. Gluten-free packaged products often

have less fiber and fewer nutrients. The best solution for those with reactions to gluten, Rettner says skipping packaged foods, eating fruits, vegetables, fiber and small amounts of lean protein equals a healthy gluten-free diet. I shared my research with my niece. She’s ignoring it. First, her insurance does not cover gluten testing and second, she feels so much better, she will never return to wheat. In the meantime, I send her garbanzo-flour raspberry muffins, which everybody likes. v Carrie Luger Slayback an award-winning teacher and champion marathoner, shares personal experience and careful research. Contact her at carriemisc@icloud.com.

Garbonzo-Flour Raspberry Muffinst 1/2 cup quinoa flour 1/3 cup coconut sugar 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup margarine (or butter type spread) 1 egg (or 2 egg whites) 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 cup canned chickpeas (cooked) NOTE – chickpeas are also called garbanzo beans 1/4 cup almond milk (or milk of choice) 1/2 cup frozen blueberries

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375F 2. Puree chickpeas in food processor until smooth. Add in the rest of the wet ingredients and process again until well-combined. 3. Combine all dry ingredients into a bowl and mix 4. Stir wet mixture into dry 5. Prepare your frozen blueberries by rinsing them in cool water for 10-20 seconds until water is no longer rinsing with much color. Gently toss blueberries in a few sprinkles of cornstarch (you may not see it but trust it’s sticking). This prevents the berries from “bleeding” into the rest of the muffin. 6. Gently fold blueberries into mixture. Line a muffin tray with baking liners and pour batter into each cup. 7. Bake at 375F for 5 minutes and then without opening oven door, turn oven down to 325F. Bake for 25 more minutes or so until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes Recipe is courtesy of Yummly.com

Senior Fitness Tip

Getting Started ...by Mark Bryant

Happy New year! Are you thinking about joining a gym? Getting healthy and fit seems to be the thing for people as we approach another Mark Bryant year, which is good. I’ll help you get started. Make realistic goals, something that you can easily accomplish. Start out by exercising twice a week for thirty minutes. If thirty minutes is too much, then do 10 or 15 minutes to start. Pick a day and time in the morning to exercise and try to keep the same schedule. By keeping the same schedule, exercise becomes a habit. Develop a habit first, and then focus on a specific routine later. Always warm up before you start exercising and cool down after you finish exercising. If it’s your first time, I recommend that you hire a certified personal trainer or go to a gym with instruction to help get you started. It doesn’t matter if you’re exercising indoors or out, just make sure you consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program. v Mark Bryant is a Certified Senior Fitness Instructor offering senior fitness classes at Columbia City Fitness and Southeast Seattle Senior Center. Mark also hosts the radio show, “Fitness Corner” – www. rainieravenueradio.world.


8

Northwest Prime Time www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com

January 2019

This Month’s Retirement L

10

131 43 71 17 (Ind) (Ind) (Ind) (Ind)

X

X

20

X

X

Starting at $8,000

yes

yes

yes

X

532

20

Starting at $3,500

5

$72k-$1,228,000 525

4

Call for information: 206-364-1300

n/a

Keystone 20

X

PORT X none TOWNSEND none

$1,870 - $5,240/month

5

From the high $4,100’s

16

From the low $2,500’s

16

N/A

From the high $2,400’s

16

X

X

X

X

79

X

X

X

X

X

N/A

X

X

80

X

X

X

X

X

N/A

X

X

118

X

X

X

X

X

X X X CLALLAM

130

62

37

31

X

X

Community Fee: One Month’s Rent

$3500 - $7000 for IL; $7500 - $11,000 for memory care

15

X

66

X

X

Community Fee: 19 One Month’s Rent

$6,250-$8,500

15

X101

5. Island House

X

6. Mountlake Terrace Plaza 7. Northgate Plaza

101

20

116

Sta

Ad location (page number)

43

Pets

42

Dining/meals

40

COUPEVILLE Cost Range

X

X

9. Quail Park Memory Care Residences of West Seattle

102

Entrance Fee

Sequim104

4. Foundation House at Northgate

8. Quail Park of Lynnwood

X

2-Bedroom+

X

3. Foss Home & Village

1-Bedroom

34

Studios

131

Skilled Nursing

X

Total Units

2. Bayview Retirement Community

X

including: Lynnwood, Mercer Island, Mountlake Terrace, Seattle, Shoreline

Memory Care

1. Aegis of Shoreline

Assisted

Community Name

Independent

S E AT T L E A R E A A N D P O I N T S N O R T H

ISLAND

525

Clinton

104

1. Aegis of Shoreline: 14900 1st Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155 • 206-367-6700 • www.aegisliving.com/aegis-living-of-shoreline 2. Bayview Retirement Community: 11 West Aloha St. Seattle, WA 98119 • 206-284-7330 • www.bayviewseattle.org 98133 • 206-364-1300 3. Foss Home & Village: 13023 Greenwood Ave. N, Seattle, WA Quilcene • www.fosscare.org 4. Foundation House at Northgate: 11301 3rd Ave. NE Seattle, WA 98125 • 206-361-2758 • www.FoundationHouseNG.com 5. Island House: 7810 SE 30th Street, Mercer Island, WA 98040 • 206-238-0015 • www.mbkseniorliving.com JEFFERSON 6. Mountlake Terrace Plaza: 23303 58th Ave West, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043 • 425-654-0565 • www.mbkseniorliving.com 7. Northgate Plaza: 11030 Fifth Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98125 • 206-701-6573 • www.mbkseniorliving.com 3 8. Quail Park of Lynnwood: 4015 164th St SW Lynnwood, WA 98087 • 425-689-5672 • www.quailparkoflynnwood.com Silverdale 101 9. Quail Park Memory Care Residences of West Seattle: 4515 41st Ave SW Seattle, WA 98116 • 206-455-8842 • www.qpmcwestseattle.com

Senior Services Get a Boost expanded to include The funding dedicated Puget to serving the needs Sound of the growing older region’s adult population. population 119 The voters continues strongly approved to grow Hoodsport the new levy, and at record the first funds for healthy aging have speed, and that includes a rising been allocated to senior centers senior population. By 2040, more across the region. than a quarter of our population will 101 “The people of King County be over the age of 65, and many will 106 and trusted us to invest in programs have health and housing needs. services that will improve the quality King County has a powerful of life for seniors, and that is exactly tool to increase the wellbeing and what we are doing,” said King County stability of our local seniors. Executive Dow Constantine. “Senior Critical funding to support MASON more than connect senior services is available, thanks to centers do 3 people King County’s Veterans, Seniors and with resources – they keep people Human Services Levy (VSHSL). 102 connected to one another.” More than $3.5 million in The purpose of the original levy funding – from Shoreline to Tukwila, – first introduced in 2005 and Vashon, Issaquah and beyond – has renewed in 2012 – was to connectSHELTON been allocated to 38 organizations servicemembers, veterans and in King County as a first step toward vulnerable populations to programs enhancing senior resources. Many of and services to help them live the senior healthy, productive and meaningful 101 centers applied for funding to make accessibility improvements, lives. In 2017, the levy was 108

KITSAP

Port Gamble 104

3

8

524

Kingston

Edmonds

Lynnwo 104

307 1

Poulsbo 3

4 99

308 305 303

Bainbridge Island

2

SEATTLE

519 like non-slip floors, grab bars and 310 Bremerton automatic doors. The Auburn Senior 304 9 Activity Center, for example, will 99 PORT ORCHARD install a new hearing loop system and Fauntleroy 166 purchase lift chairs. 3 Southworth 16 Many centers requested 509 Vashon Hts. funding for community outreach 160 programs, mental health support and Belfair computer programs and training. For example, the 300 Northshore Senior Center will increase their evening staff support, 509 SPUR 1 update their website and make 302 facility upgrades. Several 302 agencies Purdy will improve access to services for non- or limited-English speaking 16 seniors and their caregivers to build community connections and reduce isolation. Gig Harbor 509 9 This is only the first round of Federal Way 16 funding. A new request to allocate 11 $9 million to expand programs and 163 services for local seniors and their Tacoma caregivers is in progress. Additional funding will support the urgent need 705 16 for housing support. As housing costs continue to escalate across the 167 county, levy funds will be devoted to creating affordable housing and Puyallu providing housing repair services to Lakewood

continued on page 9

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January 2019

www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com 9

Living Community Advertisers

X

X

104

12. Parkside Retirement Community 9 5

0

94

0

13. Stafford Suites - Sumner

72 72 Granite

0

14. Wesley Bradley Park

131

50

92 352

75

127

32

Falls

16. Wesley Lea Hill 529

EASTSIDE Everett

72

X

526

X

X

X

3

X

$2,500 for Ind. & Assisted Living

Call 253-853-3354 for current rates

10

0

94

89

5

0

3/day

yes

none

$2,295- $3,145

4

0

72

27

39

6

3

X

$600

$2,650+

n/a

17

198

7

119

72

X

X

Fully Refundable

Call 253-466-2720 for current rates

3

60

28

515

X

X

X

X

X

Fully Refundable

Call 206-824-5000 for current rates

3

32

16

175

X

X

X

X

Fully Refundable

Call 253-876-6000 for current rates

3

144

X

X

X

X

N/A

From the low $5,100’s

16

91

X

X

X

X

N/A

From $3,200’s

16

524 including: Bellevue, Woodinville

X 2

X

X

Snohomish

99

525

96 9 527

4

ood

405

524

522

6 18

Bothell

104

522

Woodinville

523 7

Kirkland

Redmond

908

513 405

520

202

17

520

5Bellevue 90

10. Boulevard Park Place Active Retirement Community: 2805 S. 125th St., Burien WA 98168 Sultan • 206-243-0300 • www.boulevardparkplace.com 2 11. Harbor Place at Cottesmore: 1016 29th St NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335 • 253-853-3354 Monroe • HarborPlaceRetirement.com 12. Parkside Retirement Community: 2902 I Street NE, Auburn, WA 98002 • 253-939-1332 • www.parksideretirement.com 13. Stafford Suites - Sumner: 15519 62nd St. Ct. E. Sumner, WA 98390 • 253-862-1818 • www.staffordcare.com/sumner 14. Wesley Bradley Park: 707 39th Ave SE, Puyallup, WA 98374 • 253-466-2720 Duvall • bradleypark.wesleychoice.org 203 Des Moines: 816 S 216th St, Des Moines, WA 98198 • 206-824-5000 15. Wesley • desmoines.wesleychoice.org 16. Wesley Lea Hill: 32049 109th Place SE, Auburn, WA 98092 • 253-876-6000 • leahill.wesleychoice.org Carnation 17. The Bellettini: 1115 108th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004 • 425-223-3326 • www.mbkseniorliving.com 18. The Creekside: 18200 Woodinville-Snohomish Rd NE, Woodinville, WA 98072 • 425-409-3750 • www.mbkseniorliving.com Fall City

Senior Services Get a Boost

90

...continued from page 8 Issaquah 202

9 599

900 900

518

Renton

169

99 515

181

Kent

18 516

5

12

99

16

Auburn 18

up

14

164

167

13

Sumner

keep seniors in their homes. “Our local seniors built the citiesNorth and the Bendto live communities we have today and deserve securely in those communities in retirement,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “Funding from this levy 18 will help us to significantly increase health We do the work helping you sort through all the "stuff" of life and housing that is tucked away and never stability for enjoyed or used anymore. Maple Valley local seniors.” Soon your load will be lighter! More You'll feel the freedom of KING information downsizing what you own so it no longer owns you! can be found We will help you recognize what by visiting 169 "things" bring you joy and what kingcounty. "things" you are done with! gov and Call us for a free searching for consultation on the Veterans, organizing, selling or Seniors giving away what & Human you are done with. Enumclaw Services Levy, or call Contact me by email: homes@loriwright.net 206-263or phone: (206)799-0318 Lori Wright 9105. 410

CLUTTER FREE!

167

161

11

2

Mukilteo 5 18. The Creekside

15

$1,595 - $2,400

102

SNOHOMISH

17. The Bellettini

10

Cost Range

Pets

54

Dining/meals

Studios

Total Units

Memory Care

126

Entrance Fee

Ad location (page number)

531Place at Cottesmore 11. Harbor

530

2-Bedroom+

X

including: Auburn, Burien, Des Moines, Gig Harbor, Puyallup, Sumner

1-Bedroom

10. Boulevard Park Place Active Retirement Community Arlington

528 Marysville 15. Wesley Des Moines

5

Skilled Nursing

Community Name

530

Assisted

anwood

Independent

SOUTH KING AND PIERCE COUNTIES

Buckley

165

F.Y.I. Reasonable Accommodation or Modification for Housing The Fair Housing Center of Washington is a nonprofit agency dedicated to providing fair housing education, outreach and enforcement services to the residents of Washington. One of the many areas the organization works with is “reasonable accommodation or modification.” Are you disabled and need your housing provider to change or waive a policy or allow you to change the structure of your home in order to have equal access and enjoyment? While there is no guarantee that reasonable accommodations will be granted, the Fair Housing Center of Washington may be able to help. They can provide step-by-step guidelines on how to submit the request. They can sometimes also step in and file a formal request on your behalf or file a fair housing complaint. Some examples of reasonable accommodations: a) “I am disabled and rely on my SSDI payments to cover rent. My SSDI payments are paid on the 3rd of each month. Therefore, I am requesting a reasonable accommodation to allow my rent to be paid by the 4th of each month without accruing a late fee.” b) “I am asking for a reasonable accommodation to waive the weight limit for my dog, who is required for my disability. I have included the letter written by my doctor which verifies I am disabled and require a companion dog because of my disability.” c) “I use a wheelchair and am requesting permission to build a ramp out my back door so I can access my backyard.” For more information about the Fair Housing Center of Washington, call 253-274-9523 or visit https://fhcwashington.org.


10

Northwest Prime Time www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com

The ongoing life-affirming adventures of Rose and Dawn

The Funny Side of Life

The Matchmaker As a follow-up to our cover feature, here is the article (originally published in Northwest Prime Time years ago) that was the inspiration for Sy Rosen’s short film, “The Matchmaker,” which is now touring the film festival circuit and will premiere in the Seattle-area in March …by Sy Rosen

My mom is in a retirement community – about half the residents are “independent” and the other half are “assisted.” My mother is very Sy Rosen proud that she’s in the independent section and makes sure she mentions it in every conversation: “I’ll have a bowl of soup and speaking of soup did I mention that I was in independent living.” Being a great liberal (I would have gone to Woodstock if I hadn’t been doing a term paper), I told my mom there wasn’t a big difference between the assisted residents and the independents. Usually, the assisted residents just needed a little more help getting around. Happy in my open-minded position, I went to visit my mom one day and found her eating lunch with Sarah, an assisted living resident. Sarah was cheerful and funny, but by the fourth time she asked, “You’re her son?” I realized she may have a mild form of dementia. The thing is, my mom really liked her and it shouldn’t have bothered me, but unfortunately it did. I know Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia aren’t catching – I’m not a total idiot (just 95% idiot). However, I remembered reading an article on how to ward off Alzheimer’s or at least slow it down. I know there have been no definitive studies, but it said to eat fish, leafy vegetables and fruit, exercise and have mental stimulation. I imagined my mom eating salmon, spinach and an apple while playing pingpong and having an intellectual conversation. It was the mental stimulation part I was worried about. I didn’t think my mom would get it from Sarah, and so I went about finding someone that my mother could talk to about important things like

“Have it all, all in one day.”

January 2019

politics, literature and whether George Clooney’s marriage will last. I was kind of like an eHarmony anti-Alzheimer’s matchmaker. I was relentless in my search and I finally spotted Irene. Irene is an 84-year-old woman who is bright, personable and watches MSNBC. It was a match made in Rachel Maddow heaven. And so every time I visited my mom, I went about steering her towards Irene. I would suggest that we all have lunch together or maybe go for a walk. It was kind of like When Harry and Harry’s Mom Met Sally. This went on for about two weeks and my plan was working – my mom and Irene were becoming good friends. I thought everything was going great until one day my mom excused herself from the dining room table to go to the bathroom. Irene quickly put her hand on mine and said, “We can’t go on meeting like this.” “Huh?” was my eloquent response. “I know you have a little crush on me,” she said, “but you’re not my type.” Before I knew what I was saying, I replied, “Why not?” “This may sound shallow,” Irene said, “but you’re a little chunky and I like my men lean.” Before I knew what I was doing I said, “I’ll lose weight.” “I’ve seen you eat; that’s not possible,” she replied as she gave my chunky arm a little squeeze. “But you and my mom can still be good friends,” I said in a slightly pleading tone. “I think we should break it off completely,” Irene replied. “That way you’ll get over me quicker.” At the end of the meal, in a scene reminiscent of Casablanca, Irene walked out of my mom’s and my life. My mom is now back hanging out with Sarah. They really do enjoy each other’s company – they laugh, they joke, they reminisce and if Sarah occasionally repeats herself – so what? At least Sarah doesn’t think I have a crush on her. And more importantly, she doesn’t think I’m chunky. v

Once More in the Name of Love …by Diana Couture

The engagement party was in full swing. The guests were enjoying the novelty of the Karaoke machine more than Rose and Dawn had ever dreamed. So, while the partiers were wailing into the microphone and swaying to some old 50s tune, the guests of honor were standing behind the table where Rose and Dawn were debriefing one of their ‘spies’. Rose and Dawn thought Brett might have heard some of the debriefing session and could possibly take it the wrong way. With a worried smile, Rose offered to whisk Jerry away from the table and join the others on the dance floor leaving Dawn to deal with Lisa and Brett and discern what might have been heard. Jerry heartily accepted Rose’s invitation and they were off. Dawn stared at Rose and if looks could kill… Lisa sat down at one of the vacated chairs and put her hand onto Dawn’s. “Thank you so much, dear friend. This party was just what the two of us needed to realize that this is the real deal. We are going to be married! We are going to forever blend our lives together. As the marriage vows suggest, never to be parted.” Brett sat down too and looked directly at Dawn. With furled brows he asked, “This doesn’t cause you and your friends concern, does it Dawn? I thought I overheard Jerry sharing some conversation in which I said that we didn’t know where we were going to light after our honeymoon.” Dawn accidentally tipped her punch onto the paper tablecloth. She hastily dropped napkins on the spill and mumbled something to the effect that of course their plans didn’t trigger any alarms. She stumbled trying to get out of her chair while reaching for more napkins to wipe up the sticky mess. Where is that darn Rose when I need her? she thought. Brett pushed a little harder while Lisa looked with puzzlement at the two of them. “Well, just what were the three of you talking about when Lisa and I came up to the table?” At this point Lisa inserted herself and calmly asked, “What difference does it make, Brett? Do you think our good friends were saying something negative about our plans behind our

backs? Well, if that’s the case, you’re just being paranoid. These beautiful people have been there for me throughout the years and have always been genuine and kind.” Dawn sat down heavily and spoke in earnest to Lisa. “Oh dear. I’m afraid Brett’s suspicions are in the ball park of possibility.” Lisa looked from Dawn to Brett and back to Dawn again. She was totally confused. “You see” Dawn began, “Rose and I were worried that…” Just then Rose and Jerry floated up to the table. Rose immediately noticed the tension and confusion on the faces at the table and knew she had to think fast. “Brett, let’s see if they have the Waltzing Matilda song on that Karaoke machine. We need to bring some Australia to this party,” Rose enthusiastically suggested. The invitation lay like a dead fish on the table. Brett observed the discomfort on the faces. “Do you people really think that I would do anything that wasn’t in Lisa’s best interest? Maybe it’s been a while since any of you were in love. Maybe you’ve forgotten how important the happiness of ones’ beloved is. I’m not trying to spirit her away to the land down under. I just want her to know more about where I come from. And we will live wherever Lisa is comfortable. I give you my word.” With that, Brett looked at his betrothed and asked her where she would like to live. “Darling, at the risk of sounding too corny, I will emphatically say that wherever YOU are is where I want to live. If that takes us to Australia, so be it. I’ve always liked the aspect of a little adventure in my life. But, if we decide to stay here, that would be okay, too. You see, I’m very open to whatever our life together brings.” Lisa ended her soliloquy with a tiny kiss on Brett’s nose. Rose and Dawn looked sheepishly at each other. Boy had they called this one WRONG. The only way to deal with this was head-on. Rose sputtered, “Let’s raise a glass to loving, levelheaded people who have to put up with silly, insecure albeit well-meaning friends.” v The End


January 2019

www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com 11

Vowel Progressions (two of them) ...by Len Elliott

Across 1. Dalai ___ 5. Bit of Brylcreem 8. ___ bus (took public transit): 2 wds. 13. Makes angry 14. Prefix for genarian or mom 15. Portents of the future? 16. PAP 18. Some bikes have ten of them 19. One ___time (singly): 2 wds. 20. “___ kleine Nachtmusik” (Mozart work) 21. ___ the dotted line: 2 wds. 22. *Not good 23. ___ of honor (wedding participant) 24. “For goodness ___!” 27. Liturgical book 28. Contaminate 29. Unit of force 30. Goddess: Latin 33. Caterer’s coffee server 34. PEP 35. Hoover or Grand Coulee, e.g. 36. *Planting place 37. August in Avignon 38. Put down 40. Writer of stories with a twist at the end: 2 wds. 43. Vallee and Giuliani 44. “Rock ___ “ (hymn): 2 wds. 45. G-Man, for short

46. Emcee’s tasks, briefly 47. Stool or chair 49. *eBay action 52. “___ say more?”: 2 wds. 53. PIP 55. Mountains: Fr. 56. “The First ___” (Christmas carol) 57. “There it is, folks!” 58. Study of insects: abbr. 59. Season when the French fry 60. Website for crafters Down 1. Capital of Peru 2. In ___ (stuck): 2 wds. 3. Tableland 4. Volcanic eruption material 5. Rodent control brand: hyph. 6. Put ___ in (test the water): 2 wds. 7. *Physique, slangily 8. ___ Thesaurus (source for synonyms) 9. Golfer Mark who won the 1998 Masters tournament 10. POP 11. Energy company that ended in disgrace in 2001 12. Part of NCAA: abbr. 14. “The Wizard ___” (comic strip): 2 wds. 17. Bakery riser 21. Stunning device 22. Franklin or Gazzara 23. North Dakota city

Re-composed Composers ...by Len Elliott

answers on page 14

24. Ticket souvenir 25. It flows through Bern 26. PUP 27. 1964 hit for Mary Wells: 2 wds. 29. Fashions by Christian 31. On ___ Street (financially set) 32. Ed who played Mingo on the “Daniel Boone” show 34. Wind direction indicators 38. Rocky ridge 39. *Popular brew, familiarly 41. Plays ___ get (is evasive): 2 wds. 42. Self-importance to the max

44. Situation after a leadoff single: 2 wds. 45. What leaves do in autumn 46. “You’ve got a Friend ___” (Randy Newman song): 2 wds. 47. Dick and Jane’s dog 48. Fencing sword 49. Tired 50. Roadside dangers for GIs: abbr. 51. June 6, 1944: hyph. 53. Ending for meth or but 54. Canonized French female: abbr.

MILEPOST

I can walk a mile So I thought I would try

To run for a while— I thought I would die!

--Pat D’Amico

The answer to each clue can be rearranged to form the last name of a famous classical music composer. Word lengths are given. E.g., Rodent, at times (6) -- gnawer ~ Wagner. 1. Blacksmith’s oven (5) -- _________ ~ __________ 2. Good with repairs around the house (5) -- __________ ~ __________ 3. Close by (4) -- ________ ~ ________ 4. Operate an Opel (5) -- __________ ~ __________ 5. The _______Globetrotters (6) -__________~ __________ 6. Wading bird (7) -- __________ ~ __________ 7. Competes (for) (4) -- __________ ~ __________

solution on page 14

Come home to a Family of Friends at …

Independent Active Seniors Live Here! 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments Full Kitchen – Washer/Dryer – All Utilities Paid Pool – Fitness Center – Hobby Rooms

“So you don’t like it. Big deal! You think I like spending two hours every day helping you look for your car keys?!”

Call for a Tour 206-243-0300

2805 S. 125th Street, Burien, WA 98168

www.boulevardparkplace.com


NTS

12

Northwest Prime Time www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com

January 2019

Writing Corner

Scenes from Childhood

Western Union Telegrams Your Story …by Ariele M. Huff

same agent who had delivered the Writing I’ve been hardtelegrams to my about yourself pressed to find anyone grandparents many is easier than who has ever received years before. you might an old-fashioned I became a think. While Western Union regular visitor there are telegram. I have to and student of challenges admit that I have not his, learning with stories seen one in many telegraphy and about all the years, and I do not other duties of As a boy, Jerry Ginther remembers the other people recall ever receiving solemn occasion when his family received a railroad agent. Ariele M. Huff in our lives, one. However, I do Spending many a telegram; he later worked at his local we often think of documenting recall my grandparents railroad station where telegrams were sent hours in the office, and received our own lives as the most receiving a couple of practicing reading difficult. The main reasons for telegrams concerning the deaths of close the code by copying Western Union this are: relatives who lived in other states. At telegrams and train orders from the 1. It’s hard not to sound the time there was no telephone in their dispatcher, would eventually pay off. either too proud of ourselves home, and telegrams were faster than the Five years later, at 19, I would acquire or too sorry for ourselves. Yes, U.S. Postal Service. These messages were the railroad job that I held for nearly either is off-putting for readers. hand-delivered by the station agent from 25 years. 2. We are prone to the railroad depot at the edge of town. Albeit, handling Western Union underestimate the interest level I was a young boy, probably in the telegrams by landline telegraph our lives will stimulate in others. first or second grade, and happened to rapidly disappeared from the list of This is an example of familiarity be present on one such occasion. The jobs performed by station agents, our agent, knowing the contents of the job description remained the same for breeding, if not contempt at least disrespect. People tend telegram, expressed condolences and many years. When I returned to my to undervalue both their departed. He did not wait for a tip nor job from military service in the late experiences and their ability to charge anything for the delivery. ‘60s, telegraph wires were no longer share those. Interestingly, later in life, that maintained and eventually went And, that’s it—the main very same agent would become a good silent. The time-consuming method problems. We’ll get to those, but friend, mentor and teacher. When I of transmitting a message by Morse was 14 and out for a bicycle ride one code had been replaced by much faster first, all the reasons it is easiest to tell our own stories. afternoon, I happened to stop by the Teletype machines. More recently, 1. We can hear our thoughts. depot. Having learned something documents may be transmitted as Yes, that sounds like a joke, but about the inventor of the telegraph e-mails or faxes directly to our home you are the only person who in school, Samuel F. B. Morse, I computers where we can make as can do this for you. All others was curious to see this method of many copies as necessary. give secondhand information. communication in operation. Also, in “Brass Pounders,” as we were Boy Scouts we had learned a little bit affectionately known, became extinct Introducing thoughts, whether genuinely recalled or predicted about the Morse code. in railroad and Western Union as likely, is a powerful story I entered the depot through the service; however, there are a few of us element in fiction and freight house door. Before I even left in amateur (ham) radio service. nonfiction. reached the agent’s office, I could hear But, even in radio service, code skills 2. In that same vein, we the clicks of the telegraph sounders. and telegraphy are no longer required can report accurate bodily Once inside I could see the array of to obtain an FCC license and is no sensations—another way to sounders mounted on a shelf, many longer in use by our armed forces. of which were actively tapping out Telegraphy has become an antiquated bring readers more deeply into yarns. Again, whether you truly information. My interest was piqued. skill that was once the fasted method recall having a headache after The agent seemed pleased of distance communication on the a fight, if that’s typical, it’s that I was interested and patiently planet. v authentic to include it. answered my questions. As we became Jerry Ginther was employed by the Illinois 3. Perhaps the biggest acquainted and he learned who my Central Railroad as a telegraph operator and benefit of being the subject grandparents were, he told me that train dispatcher for nearly 25 years. Email: of your writing: Emotional he had known me since I was three JG@JerryGinther.com. responses and moods reported years old. I learned that he was the will resonate with others. …by Jerry Ginther

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4. The use of first person— most commonly done in autobiographies—is an intimate and compelling voice. Of course, some people do choose third person…usually to achieve distance from especially difficult memories. One of my clients witnessed a terrible attack on a co-worker. She was unable to set the story down in first person. 5. Another advantage of writing about your own life is that you saw the settings, knew the other characters, heard the dialogue, etc. 6. Some people keep journals or diaries, and these are invaluable. Even without those, financial records, family bibles, scrapbooks, photo albums, letters, emails, random notes or lists can provide a wealth of details. We are most likely, of course, to be the owners of at least some of these. 7. Finally, the motivation to leave a record of our lives generally becomes stronger as we age. The desire can strike at any time, but I’ve noticed it becoming more compelling in people I work with from the fifties to an apex in the eighties. (People in their nineties and hundreds have typically developed some laissez faire in this quest.) Per dealing with the challenges: If you can release the need to lay blame on anyone or to gather approval for yourself, you are halfway home. Beyond that, accept that the main audience for your life story…perhaps the most important…might be you. It’s a freeing realization and allows us better to savior our lives as we document those accounts. v Connect with Ariele at ariele@ comcast.net for online classes or to submit stories/poems to Sharing Stories.

Poetry Corner “A Song for The New Year”

“Fugitive”

the new year’s here, the old one’s gone we now can sing a brand new song. a song of hope, of love and cheer, of good things for this brand new year.

Flee, you merciless time, running without rest, slippery as mercury— I hate your fickle zest.

we sing of all the dreams we share of peace on earth, and loving care.

Don’t plead you have no choice in your great hurtling pace, offering the past for solace. You flee from my embrace.

---Pat Freeberg To see the full versions of both these poems, go to http:// northwestprimetime.com LOCAL page. Poems maybe edited, excerpted from, or used in Sharing Stories. Send poetry to ariele@comcast.net.

Give me control once in a while. Then I’ll extoll --Charles N. Inge


January 2019

www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com 13

LET’S GO! Senior Events

Wisdom Cafés Free conversations for seniors, Jan 8, 2-3:30pm “Who is Your Family?” Richmond Beach Library 19601 21st Ave NW, Shoreline, 206-546-3522. Art of Alzheimer’s Jan 8-Mar 5, 7am-6pm, free exhibit of art by people with Alzheimer’s, Seattle City Hall lobby & gallery, 600 Fourth Avenue. Help for Seniors Jan 23, 6:30-8pm, free presentation from Elder Law Attorney, Home Care Advisor, Senior Housing Referral Specialist, Senior Real Estate Specialist to discuss how to preserve independence for as long as possible, Shoreline Library, 345 NE 175th St. 206-362-7550. CPR/Stroke Workshop for Seniors Jan 25, 2-3pm, FREE hands-only CPR workshop and how to ID stroke symptoms and what to do (come dressed to move) free but RSVP 206-546-3522 Richmond Beach Library; presented again Jan 30, 3-4pm at Shoreline Library.

Community Events

Guided Snowshoe Hikes Jan 6, 12, 21, 26, 1pm, 1.4 or 2.4 loops available, Lake Wenatchee State Park, 21588 State Route 207, Leavenworth, limited snowshoes available to rent with RSVP, 509-763-3101, parking passes required. Garden Club Talk Jan 8, 9:15am speaker at 10:30am, “Garden & Landscape Design” helpful tips and creative solutions, upper level stage area LFP Town Center, Bothell Way NE & Ballinger Way NE. Getting Gov’t to Respond Jan 15, 7-9pm, presented by Nick Licata author of “Becoming a Citizen Advocate” free, Lake Forest Park Library, 17171 Bothell Way NE, 206-362-8860. Drop-In Adult Coloring Jan 18, 2-4pm, adults use coloring to relax and relieve stress, free, sheets and coloring utinsils provided or bring your own, Shoreline Library, 345 NE 175th St. Shoreline, 206-362-7550. Intro to Mushroom Hunting Jan 19, 2-4pm, lecture on mushroom foraging in the NW, free, Shoreline Library, 345 NE 175th St. Shoreline, 206-362-7550. Donate Fabric for annual fabric sale benefitting scholarships, donate fabric, notions, needlework, yarn, 425-743-0118.

A Calendar of Places to Go, Do or See…

See our full calendar at northwestprimetime.com/calendar

UW School of Drama Jan 23-Feb 3, “Rutherford and Son” family drama set in 19th century England glassmaking factory, 206-543-5140, www.drama.uw.edu

Musical Theater

The Village Theatre Jan 17-Mar 24, “I Do! I Do!” A Musical about Marriage chronicaling 50 years of life and love, created by team behind The Fantaskicks, Enter to win tickets! plays in Issaquah Jan 17-Feb 24 & in Everett Mar 1-24, for more information call Issaquah, 425-392-2202, Everett, 425-257-8600. www.villagetheatre.org Film Caberet Jan 18, 6:30pm “Crazy Heart” film preceded by cabaret-style happy hour with live music, $20, Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave N, www. ec4arts.org Sesame Street Live! Jan 27, 2pm & 6pm bring the grandkids to the sunniest celebration, Angel of the Winds Arena, 2000 Hewitt Ave, Everett, 425-322-2609, www. angelofthewindsarena.com Wonderland Brunch Thru Jan 27 (Sat/Sun) music, dance, theater and NW cuisine, Can Can, 94 Pike Place, Seattle, www.thecancan.com

Jazz/Rock/Folk/Country

Seattle Jazz Vespers 1st Sundays, Seattle First Baptist corner of Harvard & Seneca St, Seattle, free parking back of church, free will donation, 1st Sundays thru June www.seattlejazzvespers.org Edmonds Center for the Arts Jan 17, 7:30PM, Bella Gaia – inspired by astronauts who spoke about life-changing power of seeing earth from space features music, dance and NASA-immersive imagery. Pre-show talk included, 410 Fourth Avenue North, Edmonds. 425-275-9595. www.ec4arts.org.

Sounds of Brass Jan 20, 2pm, Tacoma Community College Auditorium (bldg 2), nationallytouring pianist Duane Hubert leads 14 member brass and percussion ensemble, free, donations accepted, 253-7599511, www.brassunlimited.org Lyle Lovett & John Hiatt Jan 30, 7:30pm, $69-$104 (senior discounts available) Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave N, 425-2759595, www.ec4arts.org

America’s Car Museum—Through April 25 the iconic original mustang from the movie Bullitt is on display. Daily Senior Discounts. Open 7 days a week from 10am-5pm. 877902-8490. www. americascarmuseum.org.

Classical Music

Music at St. James Cathedral Jan 16, 7:30pm, Bruce Newswick, concert organist, $18, 804 Ninth Ave, Seattle, 206-382-4874. Renaissance Recorder Music Jan 27, 6pm “Byrd Songs” free, reception to follow, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2531 Hoyt Ave, Everett, 425-252-3757. Ladies Musical Club Free concerts throughout region, www. lmcseattle.org Seattle Symphony For concerts, call 206-215-4747 or visit www.seattlesymphony.org

Art of Alzheimer’s—January 8 through March 5 from 7am-6pm, the free exhibit of art by people with Alzheimer’s is on display, Seattle City Hall lobby & gallery, 600 Fourth Avenue.

Exhibits

America’s Car Museum Thru Apr 25 iconic original mustang from the movie Bullitt on display, Daily Senior Discounts. Open 7 days a week from 10am-5pm. 877-902-8490. www. americascarmuseum.org . Washington State History Museum Thru Jan 20, rare opportunity to see Jacob Lawrence’s “George Bush Series” conveys the story of George Bush, the first African American pioneer to settle in WA state, 1911 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, 253-272-9747, www. washingtonhistory.org Seattle Art Museum Thru Jan 21, explore 5 centuries of the royal arts of India, www. seattleartmuseum.org

Dance & Performance

JAN 17 – MAR 24

International Dance Festival Jan 18-26, $18-$23, Seattle’s Capitol Hill Erickson Theatre, www.SeattleIDF.org

Theater

Edmonds Driftwood Players Jan 8-13, “Red Planet Blue” Wade James Theatre, 950 Main St, Edmonds, 425-774-9600, www. edmondsdriftwoodplayers.org Seattle Rep Jan 18-Feb 10, “Last of the Boys” haunted by memories of Viet Nam service until war buddy, his girlfriend and her volatile mother arrive, “funny and fierce” 206443-2222, www.seattlerep.org Second Story Rep Jan 18-Feb 2, “Red” searing portrait of an artist, Redmond, 425-881-6777.

ENTER TO WIN TWO TICKETS TO I DO! I DO! To enter, cut along the dotted line and mail your completed entry form to: Village Theatre ATTN: Marketing 303 Front Street North Issaquah, WA 98027

entries must be received by feb 1, 2019. name________________________________________ phone_______________________________________ email____________________________________________

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Northwest Prime Time www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com

World’s Best Islands for Retirement

10 to Try

...continued from page 2

join us for live events highlighting authors in some of the various categories. You can check out www. kcls.org/10totry for more information on author visits throughout the year.

provides the world-class scuba and snorkeling Roatán is best known for. A couple could live well here on $2,000 to $2,500 a month. #6 Isla Mujures, Mexico – Clear, azure waters and white-sand beaches are never far away on Isla Mujeres, about eight miles from Cancún in Mexico. This relaxed island is a world away from its more tourist-developed neighbor—golf carts are preferred to cars as the main mode of transport. The island enjoys a warm tropical climate (low to mid-80s F for most of the year). A couple can live a nice life on Isla Mujeres for $2,500 to $3,000 a month, including rent. #7 Isla Colon, Panama – One of the best-kept secrets in the Caribbean may well be Panama’s tropical archipelago. Close to the border with Costa Rica, Bocas del Toro is a group of nine main islands and a few hundred islets dotting calm turquoise waters. The expat community is welcoming and well-organized. A couple can live here on as little as $1,400 a month, renting a simple, cozy, island-style home. #8 Bali – Bali is the rock star of the 18,307 islands that make up Indonesia. Floating in aquamarine waters, Bali’s interior is filled with intense green rice paddies and lush jungle—a place expats enjoy life’s little luxuries at a fraction of the cost of home, and where spas are part of the lifestyle. Bali is only eight degrees south of the equator, so you can count on most days being between 78 to 90 F with 75% humidity. The mountainous regions get some slightly cooler temperatures and the monsoon season is from October to April. But even the rainy season has plenty of sunny days. A couple can live well in most towns in Bali for $1,900. #9 Koh Samui, Thailand – Although only 13 miles wide and over 15 miles long, Koh Samui is Thailand’s second largest island. It lies off the eastern coast in the Gulf of Thailand, around 400 miles south of Bangkok. Expats come to this lush, tropical island for its whitesand beaches and laidback lifestyle. Samui, one of an archipelago of 80 smaller islands, has a warm and mostly crystal-clear sea, with lots of opportunities for kayaking, sailing and boating. It is also fast becoming a golfer’s paradise. Expats live well here on a budget of $2,000 to $2,500 a month. #10 Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic – Known for top-class beaches, excellent weather and great golf, the Dominican Republic— just three-and-a-half hours from New York—is a front-runner for affordable Caribbean living. The little beach town of Las Terrenas in the northeast, on the Samana Penninsula, offers pristine beaches. A couple can live in this tropical paradise for around $2,000 to $3,000 a month. v Source: Internationalliving.com

...continued from page 15

Here are the categories for 2019: 1. Read a book about history 2. Read a children’s book 3. Read a book about a subject that can be difficult to discuss 4. Read a book of poetry 5. Read a book by a journalist 6. Read a book recommended by KCLS Staff 7. Read a book by an LGBTQ author 8. Read a book about a crime 9. Read a book about family 10. Read a book by an immigrant author Here’s how to participate: • Pick up a 10-to-Try bookmark at your local library or start a 10toTry list in your library account catalog. • Record the books you read in each of the 10 categories, either on the bookmark or in your account. • All year, find recommendations and author events on the “10 to Try” page. • If you’re a social media person, tag what you’re reading with #10totry. When you’re done, return the completed bookmark with the titles you have read to your library, or email a link to your account catalog list to: 10totry@kcls.org. By submitting your completed list, you’ll be entered in the grand prize drawing: a set of books hand-curated just for you by a KCLS librarian! Keep expanding those horizons – and keep reading! Happy New Year! v

January 2019

Keep Exercising! A Minor Senior Miracle

classifieds…

...continued from page 6

estate planning

rehabilitation and a month as LAST WILL, POWER OF ATTORNEY, an out-patient to teach me how AND LIVING WILL. $375/person or $575/couple for complete to walk again but I was left with services. Martin Sjolie, Attorney at a side effect…Unless I mentally Law (Northgate), (206)-841-1373 directed my legs to walk, I could sjolielaw@gmail.com. only shuffle – make tiny steps. I had to mentally tell my feet to rentals walk, how fast and the length of CONDO FOR RENT my stride. Condo with privacy, views, security, That was five years ago. location, etc. in Maple Leaf. Google Then one evening I got up from “Redfin 9710 5th Ave NE Unit 403 the couch to go to the kitchen Seattle” for particulars. when something happened. I can’t explain it, but it was like a vacation rentals momentary blip – for just a spit MAUI CONDO second, I felt something strange. 1Bedroom/1Bath, Sleeps 4. Discount for I shook it off and continued to extended stays. Rental by Owner. Phone: the kitchen. On my way back, 253-839-6705 email: rijvrj827@MSN. I realized I was walking without com. Get a full description, pictures, rates telling my feet to walk. For the and availability from our web site: www. first time in five years I was AlohaDreamsCondo.com walking without telling my feet to Now Hiring walk! I could not believe it. For five years I have accepted HIRING BUS DRIVERS my fate, feeling lucky to be alive. PT 20-25 hrs/week with benefits The walking was a problem, but Paid Training $15/hr something I had to live with. $1000/$3000 sign on bonus $22-26 start once driving Now my walking is almost normal and getting better all the time! It Re-composed Composers qualifies as a miracle to me! Answers to questions on page 11 I guess you are never too old for 1. forge ~ Grofé; 2. handy ~ Haydn; miracles – even little ones. v Joseph T. DiBene has retired to Olympia

3. near ~ Arne; 4. drive ~ Verdi; 5. Harlem ~ Mahler; 6. bittern ~ Britten; 7. vies ~ Ives.

Crossword Answers Solution for the puzzle on page 11

Visit Our Website! Our website includes articles not seen in the paper - and our online calender of events is always more extensive than our printed calendar!

Wendy Pender, KCLS Older Adults Program Coordinator, wgpender@kcls.org, 425-369-3285

Medical Minutes

www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com

...continued from page 6

She said consuming cranberry products regularly can help prevent urinary tract infections and recent studies suggest they may also help in suppressing bacteria that cause stomach ulcers. Howell said that since cranberries contain antioxidants, they may also help to lower oxidative stress, an imbalance that causes numerous chronic diseases, including inflammation, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disease. About a half cup of cranberry sauce or dried berries, a 10-ounce glass of cranberry juice drink (sweetened or unsweetened, with at least 25% cranberry) or certain dried encapsulated supplements may have beneficial effects. v John Schieszer is an award-winning national journalist and radio and podcast broadcaster of The Medical Minute. He can be reached at medicalminutes@gmail.com.

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January 2019

www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com 15

The Great Outdoors

Not All Rodents are Bad …by Roger Urbaniak

Of course, there are downsides to rodents such as spreading Mention rodents disease, predation of ground birds and most of us become and crop consumption. Numerous uncomfortable with methods have been tried to control destructive images of rats and their populations. mice. But rodents are much Fossils have proven that more diversified and are very rodents have been around for 20 important in maintaining a million years—since the age of diversified ecosystem. dinosaurs and before. They have Rodents comprise about proven themselves successful 40 percent of all mammalian species. Without them, much Beavers are an important element of a healthy ecosystem at survival and likely will be around for a long time to come. of our planet would change, Since rodents are a critical part of physically change our planet. These both in physical appearance and in the food chain for creatures such wetlands modify the ecosystem and existing wildlife since various rodents are critical in the food chain of larger help with biodiversity – they provide as fox, coyote, hawks and a long list of other wildlife that we enjoy places for fish and wildlife. Beaver birds and animals. seeing, I suspect that we need to ponds help keep rivers and streams Rodents are characterized by a be a little tolerant of them if we wet all year, which compensates for single pair of continuously growing want to continue to enjoy a healthy less snowpack and glacial melt in incisors in each of the upper and ecosystem and the variety of wildlife today’s changing climate. lower jaws. This strict definition that we have on our planet. Squirrels and chipmunks bury means that rabbits, hares and pikas I tell myself this when I discover nuts and seeds for later consumption. are not technically rodents. The that they have entered my vacation Those that they forget help generate largest rodent species, capybara, can cabin and chewed things up and new growth. Prairie dogs with their weigh up to 146 pounds—but most left a mess, or when I visit my back burrowing activities help aerate the rodents weigh only a few ounces. yard and discover newly formed dirt soil, which contributes to healthier Beavers are rodents that were grasslands. Bison and pronghorn prefer mounds where voles have tunneled. hunted nearly to extinction for their If I remind myself that they are to graze near prairie dog colonies with valuable pelt. Pursuit of beavers important to our overall quality their resulting higher quality forage. helped non-native settlement of the of life, I eventually gain control Rats, mice and guinea pigs are used west in the country’s early history. of my muttering, then get to work worldwide in scientific research. Rats Perhaps more importantly, the at cleaning up and plotting my have even been trained to detect land wetlands formed and maintained by mines and for their use in disaster zones. retaliation for our next encounter. v the dams beavers build continue to

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Library Corner

10 to Try …by Wendy Pender

Wendy encourages readers to create "to do" list for 2019. Her accomplishments in 2018 included motorcycling out to the annual motorcycle rally in Sturgis, South Dakota

I hope you’re proud of all you’ve accomplished in the past year. In 2018, I enjoyed working with KCLS’ new Executive Director, Lisa Rosenblum, and finally motorcycling out to the gigantic rally in Sturgis, South Dakota. That was something to see! Have you set goals for 2019 yet? KCLS can help! We invite you to engage in our FREE, low-stress, fun challenge called “10 to Try.” Now in its third year, the popular year-long program encourages you to read a book in each of 10 different categories, to keep track of your reading, and then share your favorite discoveries with fellow readers. We also hope you’ll continued on page 14

12/21/18 1:08 PM


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