Northwest Prime Time October 2019 by Northwest Prime Time

nside Retirement Living Guide

...pages 11-15

Northwest

Prime Time

CELEBRATING LIFE AFTER 50 IN THE PUGET SOUND REGION SINCE 1986

www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com

EE FR

VOL. 19 NO. 8 OCTOBER 2019

Zuzu from

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE Karolyn Grimes

Karolyn Grimes was only six but already a veteran Hollywood actress when she worked with Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed, playing Zuzu in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Karolyn now travels the world as the unofficial ambassador for the beloved film. She gives a talk at a holiday event October 17-20 at the Tacoma Dome.

ou may know Karolyn Grimes as Zuzu, the little girl in It’s a Wonderful Life who declares, “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.”

You may not realize “Zuzu” spent the last 20 years calling Washington State home. “I fell in love with the place and decided this is where I wanted to live,’ says Karolyn. She packed up and moved from her longtime home in Kansas City and proceeded to dwell in the quaint towns of Fall City, Carnation and Port Orchard. “I just love it.” Believe it or not, for most of her life, It’s a Wonderful Life was just another movie to Karolyn. She was only six when it was filmed, but already a veteran actress. Her childhood career spanned 16 movies and she worked with film legends John Wayne, Cary Grant, Bing Crosby, Loretta Young, Betty Grable, David Niven, Fred MacMurray, Danny Kaye and, of course, Donna Reed and Jimmy Stewart. When it first came out, It’s a Wonderful Life was a box office disappointment that bankrupted Frank Capra’s production company. That didn’t matter to Karolyn. “It was just another job...I didn’t care that it wasn’t a hit.” She went to opening night but fell asleep, and that was that as far as Karolyn was concerned. While today the film is known as the ultimate Christmas movie, a clerical

error meant the copyright wasn’t even automobile accident. As an only child, renewed on the “dud” and in 1974 she was sent by the courts to live with the movie entered the public domain. a relative in a tiny town in Missouri. Television stations could show it as It was not a happy home, but Karolyn many times as they wanted without found solace in the townspeople who having to pay a cent. People from encouraged her to pursue an education. around the country started watching it She became a medical technician. as a treasured Karolyn holiday eventually tradition. married While a court and had case restored two little the film’s girls. That copyright in marriage 1993, without didn’t that clerical last, and error the she later movie might married still be sitting a man on a shelf in with three anonymity. children. But its They had television two more of Karolyn worked with many film legends, including Cary Grant in The Bishop’s Wife. “Cary Grant was fabulous. exposure their own, breathed new He loved kids... He read me stories and every day he so Karolyn would pull me around the ice rink on a sled while he life into the raised a practiced his skating for the movie.” film. By 1980, family of “people tracked me down and wanted seven. But the dark times were not to interview me,” recalls Karolyn. “I over; her youngest child committed started getting fan mail! And I thought, suicide at age 18, what Karolyn Jiminy Christmas, I better check this describes as the most devastating time movie out.” Up to that point, not being in her life. As she climbed out of that much of a television-watcher, she had despair, her husband of 25 years died never even seen the movie. “People from cancer. were knocking on my door. Articles It was at this time that the rebirth began to appear in Kansas City, and of interest in It’s a Wonderful Life my story slowly spread to other areas.” had begun. The public’s fascination Interest in “Zuzu” eventually became with all things from the movie gave international. Karolyn a new life’s focus. She doesn’t By then, Karolyn had long ago have to spend much time thinking quit showbiz and her life had not been back about her pivotal role because so wonderful. Her Hollywood career in a sense she is still living as Zuzu. ended in her teens when her mother Karolyn has become the unofficial died from early-onset Alzheimer’s ambassador of the movie and travels disease and her father was killed in an the world speaking at benefits, festivals

and other events. In fact, Karolyn first visited the Seattle area in 1994 to talk about It’s a Wonderful Life. “I did an appearance at the Rosalie Whyel Doll Museum in Bellevue (now closed), which had a Zuzu doll. I also met the news writer for the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Fred Hutch ‘donated’ me for a big event,” which she co-hosted with Seattle-born Richard Karn, best known for his role on the TV show, Home Improvement. “I had just lost my husband to cancer, and it was a very poignant evening for me,” says Karolyn. “Seattle Times writer Clay Eals thought I had an interesting story and wrote an article about my life,” recalls Karolyn. That visit was portentous in so many ways. Although she has recently moved to Northern California because of her husband’s job, Washington is still home to Karolyn. “It’s where my heart is,” she says...not the least because her three girls, who followed her up when she moved, still live in the area along with two granddaughters. Karolyn knows from hearing firsthand stories that It’s a Wonderful Life has positively affected people’s lives. “The movie has saved people from suicide. It shows how important life is, that you can make a difference to others. Each one of us matters.” She believes that when you see George Bailey go through his agonizing journey, it gives you hope. “I think that is what makes the movie priceless. It is a tradition, a living entity that keeps growing in popularity.” Although she was young during the filming, Karolyn has many fond memories from making the movie. “I continued on page 22

Northwest Prime Time www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com

Active Aging

Tai Chi

Seattle couple find help with balance, high blood pressure and pain management When 70-year-old Seattle resident Ken Camper and his wife Ruth traveled to the Portland area for the 2017 solar eclipse, they didn’t know they were about to experience not one, but two lifechanging events. After viewing the solar eclipse, thanks to a random suggestion from a stranger, they watched a tai chi demonstration. Ken was blown away by the commitment of everyone who attended. It made such an impact that he and his wife Ken and Ruth Camper have improved their balance and flexibility started classes the next and found pain relief since beginning month in Seattle and tai chi in 2017 have been practicing ever since. improved our Ken and his wife practice at balance and Taoist Tai Chi® arts, located in recaptured the Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood, physical flexibility of our earlier which involves deep stretching years,” Ken said. “We have also with a full range of motion and learned to appreciate the meditative continuous turning of the spine. aspects of this ancient art.” “Through tai chi, we have

FALL WALKS & TALKS SUPER SQUASH SCAVENGER HUNT OCTOBER 1–31, 2019 Free with admission We have hidden dozens of squash and pumpkins all over the grounds. Pick up a scavenger hunt worksheet at the Gatehouse and see how many varieties you can spot.

October 2019

Ruth, who has suffered joint and balance issues, has especially noticed the health benefits of their practice. Since starting tai chi, her balance and flexibility have improved, and she has not experienced another fall. Harvard researchers found that tai chi helps older adults improve their balance, reduce falls and other accidents, as well as lowering their blood pressure – another positive effect for Ruth. She has been able to cut down on her blood pressure medication since starting tai chi. Additionally, tai chi can help reduce pain. Tai chi has been a crucial part of Ken’s recovery from several hand surgeries. He had been unable to play the piano, one of his main passions in retirement, and can now play again. Ken and his wife started tai chi hoping to discover a way to stretch their bodies and to perhaps become a bit more meditative. They were not expecting the numerous physical benefits that came from tai chi, including improved flexibility and a stronger center of gravity. Ken even believes that his decisionmaking process has improved since he began tai chi as he is more mindful and less impulsive with his decisions. The Seattle Taoist Tai Chi arts program in Seattle is looking to build their class to the size Ken and Ruth saw at that first demonstration in Portland: “To see the center filled with positive people who know each other and to build a larger group of people that support each other... That’s what tai chi is all about.” v To learn if there are Tai Chi classes offered near you, contact your local senior center, YMCA or recreation center. For information about the Seattle Taoist Tai Chi® arts, call 206-452-5922 or visit www.TaoistTaiChi.org.

You have chosen cremation …

FALL TREES & FINDING THE BEAUTY IN DECAY TUES, OCT 1, 10:30 AM & THURS, OCT 3, 1 PM Catch the fall colors and discover the seasonal changes at Bloedel Reserve on guided walks with Arborist Ken Little.

PERMACULTURE FRI, OCT 11, 1 PM What is permaculture landscape design? Find out on this walk and talk with Mark Doucette and Hannah Blankenship, owners of Wassail Ecological Landcare.

SUPER SQUASH WALK TUES, OCT 15, 10:30 AM & THURS, OCT 17, 1 PM Learn all about the varied and colorful squashes in our annual fall display with Nursery & Propagation Specialist Philip Bloomquist.

For tickets & more information, visit bloedelreserve.org. OPEN YEAR-ROUND, TUES-SUN. RAIN OR SHINE. | 206-842-7631

Beverly Cleary at 103 ...by Diana Mercedy Howell

“Well, I didn’t do it on purpose,” is how renowned children’s book author Beverly Cleary Beverly Cleary put it when asked how she felt about turning 100 years old. The creator of Henry Huggins, Ramona Quimby, Ribsy and Ralph S. Mouse had a rocky start. In the first grade, she was placed in the ‘slow readers’ group and her teacher beat her on the palm for daydreaming. Now 103 and enjoying retirement in Carmel Valley, Calif., Ms. Cleary overcame that iffy beginning, earned her master’s degree in Library Sciences at the University of Washington, took a position as a librarian in Yakima and, in 1940, married her college sweetheart. Like many of the masters, L. Frank Baum, A. A. Milne and Lewis Carroll who made up stories to entertain children close to them, Ms. Cleary wrote her first novel because of a boy. He complained there weren’t any books in the library for kids like him. The result, the wildly popular Henry Huggins was published in 1950. Five generations, forty books and ninety-one million books sold later, Cleary’s works are still in demand. Maybe it’s the characters. Ramona Quimby: She was a terrible, wicked girl! Being such a bad, terrible, horrid, wicked girl made her feel good! Who would not want to read on? continued on page 10

Congratulations!

We want you to have a FREE cremation niche in our beautiful Lake View Columbarium Garden. By giving away a small number of niches, we hope to encourage spouses and other family members to purchase one for themselves. Since we have our own funeral home and crematory right here on-site, many people plan on using our facility for their own cremation funeral plans. We also have staff on-hand to help you pre-arrange your funeral. Just call our office to make an appointment to select your niche at our beautiful facility overlooking Lake Washington and the city of Seattle.

Claim your Free Cremation Niche or Request More Information at No Obligation

425.255.0323

Mt Olivet Cemetery, Funeral Home and Crematory 100 Blaine Ave NE, Renton, WA 98056 www.mtolivet.co • mt.olivetcemetery@comcast.net

Additional Niches at $1,450

October 2019

INDEX ARTFUL AGING

Zuzu from “It’s a Wonderful Life” – Karolyn Grimes........................... 1 Beverly Cleary at 103..................... 2 Writing & Poetry Corners.............. 20

COMMUNITY

Volunteer Spotlight: Arlene Hing-Lah.. 3 Northwest Neighbors Network......... 6 Is it Time to Consider Moving?........11 Retirement Community Listings....12-13 Who is Going to Sell My Home?....14

HEALTH MATTERS

ITai Chi........................................... 2 Medicare Enrollment....................... 4 Measuring Loneliness and Isolation.. 6 Senior Fitness Tip............................ 7 Medical Minutes............................. 7 Older? Time for Vaccines................. 8 Immunity-Boosting Recipes............... 8 Colon Cancer................................. 9 Need Help With Medicare Open Enrollment?................................16

HUMOR & PUZZLES

The Funny Side of Life...................18 Rose and Dawn............................18 Light Verse....................................19 Comics and Puzzles......................19

LIFE PERSPECTIVES

Who Knows Anymore?................... 4 The Price is Wrong.........................11 Scenes from Childhood.................20

OUT & ABOUT

The Great Outdoors......................23 Library Corner: Events and Resources...................................23

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 Advertising Manager: Chris Mitchell Editor: Michelle Roedell Production Manager: Jason Reynolds Production Coordinator: Rachel Binford Copyeditor: Diann MacRae 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.

Winner of 20 prestigious national awards

Be sure to pick up your FREE copy of Northwest Prime Time 10 times per year at any of our 1,000 local distribution sites.

Call (206) 824-8600 or email editor@northwestprimetime.com for the location of a site near you or to place an advertisement.

www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com 3

Volunteer Spotlight

Arlene Hing-Loh The Joy of Helping

...by Peter Langmaid

her reward is the thrill of watching the lightbulb of understanding burst out on the face of the student she’s tutoring. She calls it “watching someone Arlene Hing-Loh learn” in real time. Arlene Becoming, which she loved. tutored reading and math at the Motivated by a strong sense of elementary level and worked as a music community participation, Arlene also TA at the middle school level. Arlene feels great personal joy when she makes loves music and enjoys playing guitar, the people she’s working with happy piano and ukulele, but is “too shy” to and successful, and she’s grateful for the perform. opportunity to do so. v Arlene loves to cook (especially curry dishes), hikes in the summer, If you would like to find out ways in which cross-country skis in the winter, you can do the same through volunteering, maintains a flower and vegetable garden and reads—mainly non-fiction. contact RSVP at 206-694-6786 or rsvp@ solid-ground.org She last read Michelle Obama’s book

Arlene Hing-Loh is a new class assistant with Solid Ground’s Cooking Matters nutrition education program and she’s loving it! Her chores include setup, helping participants and cleanup. For Arlene, the classes get better and better as she gets to know both her teammates and the participants. Born in Guyana, Arlene and her family moved to the U.S. for school when she was 16. She earned an undergraduate degree as a medical lab tech and a master’s degree in microbiology. Family is important to Arlene, and family is what brought Arlene and her family to the Seattle area. She has one sister, three brothers, along with their families in the area, and, though they’re all busy, they find time to get together for special occasions. Married with two girls, Arlene inaccurately described herself as a ‘stay-at-home mom’ because she didn’t exactly stay at home while her kids were in school. She got Two historic photos from a Washington State Ferryboat Album (l-r) Anacortes ferry terminal toll booth involved with the school system entrance, October 4, 1953; Colman ferry terminal and Seattle skyline including the Smith Tower seen as a tutor and later as a teacher’s from the water, October 11, 1953. assistant (TA). She loves teaching Courtesy of the University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections, submitted by Nicolette Bromberg, Special Collections Visual Materials Curator and tutoring, especially kids, and

Northwest Prime Time www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com

Life Perspectives

Who Knows Anymore? ...by Jaris English

I peer into the faces of my parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles in the old photograph album. Their expressions in the black and Jaris English white or fading sepia prints stare stoically forward. I want to ask, “Grandma, what was the secret ingredient in that goulash you used to make every Sunday?” And, “Grandpa, when you used to carve those whistles for us kids, what kind of tree nut did you use? “Aunt Lela, what was my mother like when she was little?” “Uncle Joe, were you in Germany during the war?” Why didn’t I ask them all those years ago? I was too busy swirling around them, caught up in the importance of my own life in my time and in my world. Now I’m one of the older ones. Seldom do younger ones ask me any questions about the past either. I watch them swirling around me involved in their own busy lives, and so I write memoirs. I have a collection from thirteen years of writing. Most are two- or three-

pages long. Some I consider hilarious, while some make me cry every time that I read them. There are memories and observations from as young as five years old. When I suggest that other people should be writing their memories for posterity, they often say that their lives aren’t interesting enough. But everyone has uniquely personal stories to tell. And everyone has future generations who will be interested in reading them. I try to think what my future offspring might want to know about these days sixty years from now. “Great, Grandma Jaris, did your mom buy you an I-phone when you were ten or did you have to wait till you were twelve?” “What was your favorite video game when you were little?” “Tell me what two-dimensional movies were like?” “Great, Grandma Jaris, you really didn’t have auto-drive cars when you were young?” “And they still used gasoline?” Of course, I can’t begin to know what life will be like sixty years from now. I’m still dumbfounded by the last sixty years! But I think more than anything, we all want to find a connection to the generations that came before us. Before there were printed languages, early clans passed on oral histories and family legends. This was a link to the past that was carried on through many generations and that held personal significance to each human being that was part of the story chain. It is the sameness about our families that give us a sense of comfort and safety, a sense of belonging and continuity that gives our lives meaning. ❖

October 2019

Medicare Enrollment It’s not too soon to start thinking about Medicare’s Open Enrollment, also known as the Annual Election Period, which runs each year from October 15 to December 7. Learning about your Medicare options can be confusing and time-consuming, but help is out there. Some basics: Medicare Part A helps cover inpatient hospital, skilled nursing and hospice care. Part B helps cover doctor’s services, outpatient care, medical supplies and preventive services. The government’s Medicare plan, which you are eligible for beginning at age 65 or for some disabled individuals before 65 (part A & B), is referred to as Original Medicare. People with Original Medicare often sign up separately for Part D (prescription drug coverage) and they may also purchase a separate Medigap insurance plan for benefits not covered by Parts A & B. Medicare Advantage Plans, also called Medicare Part C, offered by private insurance companies such as Humana, provide all the

Avast Me Hearties!

Buccaneers Bingo st Friday, November 1 5:30-9pm Des Moines Activity Center Call 206-878-1642 for more details

Feat Sylvia uring Capt O’Stay ain formo re

Cost

ume

Cont

est!!

Must be 21 and older

Single Pirates and Wenches: $25 8-Top Table Reservation (limited): $150 Ÿ Ÿ Admission includes 12 Bingo Sheets Ÿ Meal: $10 Ÿ

Dine On Hearty Grub Knock Back A Few Jell-O Shots Win Some Loot Cash Bar

Hope No One Walks the Plank

Proceeds benet Des Moines/Normandy Park Senior Services & JDI Bothel #75

benefits of Parts A and B and may also offer Part D prescription drug coverage as well as other benefits...sometimes at no additional charge beyond Original Medicare. Catherine Field, Intermountain Market President of Humana, says it may be helpful to work with a licensed health insurance agent or broker when deciding between Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, Prescription Drug Plans and Medicare supplement plans. Local independent Medicare Broker, Gail Blankenship, agrees. “It is helpful to have someone with in-depth knowledge of plans and provider networks in the local area—as well as someone who is committed to providing year-round advice and support if questions arise,” she says. “Brokers provide services to Medicare consumers at no charge with the goal of getting each person enrolled in the right plan for them,” adds Blankenship. “Brokers are paid by the insurance carrier when an enrollment occurs.” Catherine Field offers these questions to ask to help you make an informed choice: 1. Are my doctors, hospitals and specialists in network? Online tools exist to help you find doctors and hospitals in the plan’s network, or you have the option of working with an advisor. 2. Which plans will cover my prescription drugs? Your plan’s prescription drug coverage can change each year. Original Medicare does not cover most prescription drugs, but you can sign up for a Part D Prescription Drug plan separately. Or many Medicare Advantage Plans include prescription drug coverage. Online tools and advisors can help you estimate costs of drugs on various plans in order to make the best choice. 3. Are there new, innovative benefits I should consider? Medicare Advantage plans may cover vision, hearing and dental benefits, as well as additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare such as gym memberships. If you appreciate technology, virtual doctor visits may be included. And many Medicare Advantage plans now offer transportation to doctor appointments and other new services. 4. Will a zero-monthly premium (as offered by some Medicare Advantage plans) save me money? Private insurers help keep premiums down through networks, disease and chronic care management and preventive services, but may limit your choices to in-network options. 5. Do I need to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B if I’m still working? If you or your spouse have health insurance from an employer, continued on page 16

October 2019

www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com 5

Doctors in our Medicare plan network are able to tap into their most trusted resource. Their compassion. Many Humana Medicare Advantage plans are affordable and stay ahead of the times by going back to the basics. We not only listen, understand and respect you and your goals, we work together with Iora Primary Care to help connect you with the care that is right for you.

Call to learn more about Humana plans from a licensed Humana sales agent

1-844-224-8993 (TTY: 711)

8 a.m.–8 p.m., Monday–Friday Or learn more at HealthThatCares.com/Seattle Humana’s Newtwork includes: Iora Primary Care CENTRAL DISTRICT 306 23rd Ave. South Ste. 200 Seattle, WA 98144

CENTRAL TACOMA 5006 Center St. Ste. R Tacoma, WA 98409

FEDERAL WAY 1414 South 324th St. Ste. B207 Federal Way, WA 98003

PUYALLUP 3705 S. Meridian Ave. Ste. B Puyallup, WA 98373

RENTON 64 Rainier Ave. South Renton, WA 98057

SHORELINE 15214 Aurora Ave. North Shoreline, WA 98133

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. Other providers are available in our network. The provider network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary. Discrimination is Against the Law Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Humana”) comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion. See our website for more information. English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-844-224-8993 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-855-756-6616 (TTY: 711). 繁體中文 (Chinese): 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-844-224-8993 (TTY: 711)。 Y0040_GHHK7LAEN_M

Northwest Prime Time www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com

Northwest Neighbors Network

An option for service and aging in place Of course, that isn’t the My wife, Chris, and primary reason I put our roots down in why we have Shoreline more than become part of three decades ago, NNN. We’re where we raised two finding a lot children. After our of gratification retirement a couple of in knowing years ago, we wanted to that we are Northwest Neighbors Network volunteer put more of our energy Rick McClurg assisting neighborhood a resource for into our community. those who member Jean Bryant As we explored ways have a need. to do that last spring, we came across a NNN matches volunteers and their locally-based non-profit organization, skillsets with what members need. In Northwest Neighbors Network my case, as a retired building contractor, (NNN). NNN’s mission is to “connect I go to members’ homes and replace neighbors to create a sustainable, thriving a screen door, install a shelf or replace intergenerational network of community a hard-to-reach lightbulb. Chris, as a volunteers and support for our members former medical provider, is ideally suited as they enjoy living in their homes and to help schedule and transport people participating in enriching social, educational to appointments, prepare an occasional and wellness activities.” This was just the meal or sit with a member while a sort of thing we were looking for! family member attends to another We attended a couple of meetings commitment. While we understand that and discovered that NNN is part of a sometimes needs are complex, NNN national network of locally run nonaddresses the simple needs that are just profit organizations based on the Village out of reach for some. model (created about 20 years ago in the As a grassroots membershipBoston region). What is most appealing supported organization, NNN is to us is that NNN is run by and currently run by a solid corps of sustained by the efforts of volunteers, volunteers with a growing number some of whom—like us—might end up of members in an area that includes being served by the organization down Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Edmonds, the road. In this case, the saying is true: Esperance, Mountlake Terrace, Brier and “What goes around comes around!” Lynnwood. Membership fees go toward ...by Rick McClurg

paying for basic infrastructure and for outreach activities that inform our regional communities about who we are and what we do. In return, we are able to offer transportation to appointments, help with light gardening, minor home repairs, social, educational and wellness activities, along with help identifying external service providers. Our fee structure is flexible, with an upper limit of $50 per month per individual. We use individualized interviews to determine the optimal match between what a person needs and what they can fit into their budget. NNN’s goal is to find ways to be as inclusive as possible, regardless of income, while still being able to cover its own costs. It may be several years before Chris and I will avail ourselves of what NNN offers in terms of “aging in place,” but in the meantime, it feels good to be enjoying our roles as volunteers, helping others out, getting to meet interesting people and building a stronger sense of community. v There are several “village” neighborhoods in the greater Seattle neighborhood where neighbors are helping neighbors age in place. A map of “villages” can be found at www. vtvnetwork.org/villagemap. Information about NNN, the neighborhood network discussed in this article, can be found at www. northwestneighborsnetwork.org or by calling 206-800-3009.

October 2019

Healthy Aging

Measuring Loneliness and Isolation ...by Paige Bartlett, UW School of Nursing, de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging

Basia Belza, director of the de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging at the UW School of Nursing

Humans have evolved to thrive in collaborative networks of people; being without these vital human connections can be damaging to our health. Social isolation can raise your risk of dying by as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. “More and more older adults are feeling socially isolated,” said Basia Belza, director of the de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging at the UW School of Nursing. “Even though they may have family members, they don’t always feel comfortable reaching out to them.” According to a recent national poll, one in four older adults feel socially isolated at least some of the time. Yet in clinical settings we don’t have a way of recognizing and screening for social isolation in people, even when it can have such a dramatic impact on health. If health care providers could better screen for social isolation, they could potentially help patients address it A group of researchers at Texas A&M, in collaboration with Maintain Active Citizens in Maryland and funded by AARP, drafted a social isolation screening survey which could be an invaluable tool for professionals to identify socially isolated clients who have limited connection or interaction with others. Researchers in four other states, including Washington, are helping to test and refine the tool. The University of Washington group is led by Belza and research scientist Lesley Steinman, and coordinated by Masters of Public Health student, Jenny Wool. The screener includes questions about the individual’s feelings. For example, if they feel a sense of belonging in their community or if they’re satisfied with their relationships. It also asks objective questions such as how many people they’ve had contact within the last week or if it’s easy for them to get around. Professionals who provide care or service to the survey takers, such as social workers or building managers, are also asked to fill out a shorter version so the researchers can see how accurately professionals identify social isolation in the people they work with. Many local organizations and continued on page 22

October 2019

Senior Fitness Tip

Fitness Games ...by Mark Bryant, Functional Aging Exercise Specialist

Seniors can have fun while staying fit. Instead of traditional, gym-based exercises, find something fun! Play tennis, ping pong, paddle ball, pickleball, volleyball or other activities you enjoy. All these games are fun ways to exercise and stay fit. Playing these types of games helps with balance and coordination, they develop strength and improve cognitive function. And, most of all, you’re in a social environment which is always fun. Remember to check with your doctor before starting any exercise program. Always warm up before exercising and cool down after exercising. Let’s play ball. ❖

F.Y.I. Who’s Who? Mark Bryant Mark Bryant was recently selected as a listee in the Marquis Who’s Who for his endeavors and achievements in fitness. “Mark is the guru of fitness and exercise at the Center, approaching each class and each senior with love and passion,” stated the Southeast Seattle Senior Center, where Mark works as a senior fitness instructor. “You only have to know Mark for a short while to see how fulfilled he is in his life because he has been able to take his love for exercise and use it for his other passion —helping others. When asked why he loves seniors so much, he explained that as a child, seniors cared about him—they offered him “an ear.” In addition to his work with seniors, Mark also works with young people. One of the young men that Mark mentors just graduated from UW and plans to pursue a career in medicine. Mark raised the young man’s interest through sharing his love for studying anatomy and physiology.

Early Stage Memory Loss Forum Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019 10:00 - 3:30 p.m. Edmonds Community College

Lynnwood, WA

www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com 7

Health Matters

independence, loss of balance and less stimulation to the brain. Some researchers also believe that the loss of nerve impulses from the ear to the brain, and loss of cognitive ability leading to dementia, could be part of the same aging process. Skin Patches to Deliver with hearing loss have more adverse Medicine Researchers have come up health events and more co-existing with a skin patch that could conditions, but this study allows us potentially painlessly deliver to see the effects of an intervention vaccines and cancer medications in and look for associations between one minute. Nearly 100,000 new hearing aids and health outcomes,” cases of melanoma are diagnosed said Mahmoudi. “Though hearing annually, and 20 Americans die aids can’t be said to prevent these every day from it. Now, researchers conditions, a delay in the onset of have developed a skin patch that dementia, depression and anxiety, efficiently delivers medication and the risk of serious falls, could within one minute to attack be significant both for the patient melanoma cells. The device could and for the costs to the Medicare be adapted to deliver a host of system.” medicines and vaccines. When the researchers looked at Topical ointments can impart the path that patients who received medications to the skin but only hearing aids took over three years, compared with those who didn’t get penetrate a small distance through it. While syringes are an effective drug the devices, significant differences delivery mode, they can be painful. emerged. In all, the relative risk of Microneedle patches, prepared with being diagnosed with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, within a layer-by-layer coating method, are three years of a hearing loss diagnosis an easy, pain-free way to administer treatment. Paula T. Hammond, was 18% lower for hearing aid PhD, along with her colleagues users. The risk of being diagnosed at the Massachusetts Institute with depression or anxiety by the of Technology (MIT) in Boston end of three years was 11% lower vaccinated mice with their patches, for hearing aid users and the risk of being treated for fall-related injuries and compared the results with intramuscular and subcutaneous was 13% lower. injections. The microneedle The reasons for this are treatment produced nine times complicated, and can include loss of social interaction, loss of continued on page 10

Medical Minutes ...by John Schieszer

What Did You Say? I Can’t Hear You Older adults who need to get hearing aids but refuse may be making a much more costly John Schieszer mistake than they realize. A new study has found that those with significant hearing loss who don’t get a hearing aid have a higher risk of being diagnosed with dementia, depression and anxiety as well as suffering fall-related injuries. Only 12% of those who have a formal diagnosis of hearing loss actually get the devices even when they have insurance coverage for at least part of the cost, the study showed. It also revealed gaps in hearing aid use among people of different racial and ethnic backgrounds. Investigators at the University of Michigan analyzed data from nearly 115,000 people over age 66 with hearing loss and insurance coverage through a Medicare HMO between 2008 and 2016. They looked at the data for each person with hearing loss one year before their diagnosis and three years after so they could see newly diagnosed dementia, depression, anxiety and fall injuries. The study showed that men with hearing loss were more likely to receive a hearing aid than women (13.3% versus 11.3%). Only 6.5% of people of Latino heritage received a hearing aid for their hearing loss, compared with 9.8% of African-Americans and 13.6% of Caucasians. Lead study investigator Elham Mahmoudi, MBA, PhD, who is with the U-M Department of Family Medicine, said the study confirms what other studies have shown among patients studied at a single point in time, but the new findings show differences emerging as time goes on. “We already know that people

Journey

Dementia family caregiver conferences

Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019 Lynnwood, WA Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020 Everett, WA

For more information or to register: 1.800.272.3900 • alzwa.org/conferences

Northwest Prime Time www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com

October 2019

Immunity-Boosting Recipes

Naturally Healthy

Older? Time for Vaccinations ...by Karen Telleen-Lawton

Virtually all health organizations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to the American Geriatrics Society’s Health in Aging Foundation agree on the importance of vaccinations for children and seniors, for the health of individuals as well as the community. Four are recommended for most older adults. These vary in cost and sometimes in availability. The shingles vaccine saved my parents’ 80th birthdays trip. At the time, I was planning their joint birthday extravaganza: renting a vintage train car for a day trip along the California coast with two dozen of their closest friends. Also along for the ride would be our children, including our daughter, pregnant with our first grandchild. My husband and I were still in our 50s; the zoster vaccination against shingles was recommended for 60+ year-olds. A month before the event, my husband contracted a mild case of shingles. Our doctor vaccinated both of us with Zostvax out of caution for the vulnerability of our passengers. Having previously witnessed a neighbor with a horribly painful chronic case

of shingles, I was relieved. The trip was a huge success. A new and improved shingles vaccine called Shingrix came out on the market in October 2017. We may re-vaccinate, which I’ve read is suggested, but likely will wait until we’re on Medicare. The shingles vaccinations are covered under Medicare Part D but are subject to whatever co-pays and deductibles you have chosen. Two doses are required, two- to six-months apart. For private payers, the shot costs over $200 per dose. The pneumonia vaccine is recommended for people age 65 and older. It protects against the pneumococcal bacteria, which can lead to pneumonia or blood and brain infections. A couple of types of vaccines are available, as well as a combination, so ask your doctor what applies in your case. Protection requires two doses one year apart, which can cost over $200 each but are covered under Medicare Part D. The vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis is particularly important

for grandparents. Babies and young children are susceptible to whooping cough (pertussis), which can be fatal. In fact, even after your inoculation you are supposed to avoid contact with infants for two weeks. The combination vaccine, called Tdap, protects you for life against pertussis and 10 years against tetanus and diphtheria. After a decade, your doctor may recommend just the tetanus/diphtheria shot. Walgreens quotes a price of $65 for Tdap; Medicare coverage is provided under Part D. I resisted flu shots until my 50s, justifying that it would strengthen my own immune system. My doctor disabused me of that, convincing me that the immune systems of the over50 crowd doesn’t work quite as well as before. I have stuck my arm out for the nurse for years now. Timing is a factor for the flu shot, both for efficacy and availability. Studies have found it loses power as the season wears on. If you typically are one of the first ones to catch colds or flu, you might want to be first in line for the shot. I tend to succumb just as the season is winding down, so I sometimes wait until December to start continued on page 9

Curious about cannabis & CBD?

Guided Shopping for Seniors Join our team for coffee and cannabis conversation from 10-11am, followed by an in-store guided shopping experience at Hashtag Cannabis in Fremont. All ages 21+ are welcome! • Bring your I.D. • Cash-only with ATM on-site

https://www.seattlehashtag.com/seniors

October 9 th November 13th December 11th

Hashtag Fremont Annex 3534 Stone Way N. Seattle, WA 98103 Second Wednesday @ 10AM

Event is FREE, and capacity is limited. Please reserve your ticket today! Questions? Service@SeattleHashtag.com (206) 946-8157

This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of the reach of children.

Want to improve your immunity? Drink plenty of fluids and work on improving your gut health, where much of your immunity resides. Add probiotics to your diet. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and face until you’ve washed your hands; wash your hands frequently. Consider staying away from friends and loved ones who are contagious. Practice relaxation. And eat/drink immunity-boosting food. Here are a couple of recipes to consider, courtesy of www. thehealthymaven.com.

Immune-Boosting Soup Yields 6-8 bowls

INGREDIENTS 1 T coconut oil 1 large yellow onion, chopped 6 garlic cloves, minced 2 celery stalks, sliced 1 lb shitake mushrooms 1-1/2 tsp sea salt ¼ tsp black pepper 1 tsp turmeric 12 cups water 4 heads baby bok choy, bottoms chopped off ½ head kale, chopped Optional: 1 T freshly chopped ginger INSTRUCTIONS 1. Chop off the bottom of the stem from your mushrooms and discard. Separate stems from tops and slice tops and remaining stem if necessary, into large pieces. You will only discard the very bottom of the stems, not the full stems as they contain many nutritional benefits! 2. Heat up coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. 3. Add onions and sauté for 5 minutes or until translucent. 4. Add in garlic and cook for 1 more minute. 5. Add in celery and mushrooms and sautee for about 10 minutes or until mushrooms have wilted. 6. Add in spices (including ginger, if using) and water and bring to a boil. 7. Then let simmer, covered for 1 hour or as long as you want (the longer you leave, the better!) 8. Add bok choy and kale in the last 10 minutes of cooking to wilt. 9. Serve warm and enjoy. Extra can be stored for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Super Pink Smoothie Made with blueberries, raspberries, orange juice & spinach. Consider adding milled seeds for that extra punch. You can even make smoothie bowls for breakfast, replacing the juice for probiotic low-sugar yogurt, and adding granola and/or nuts & seeds on top, scrumptious! Other immuneboosters to consider adding to your smoothie: garlic, honey, turmeric, chamomile, coconut oil

October 2019

www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com 9

Colon Cancer

10 things to know

…by Yan Liu Baum, MD, Kaiser Permanente Tacoma South Clinic

Mr. and Mrs. Liu always came to clinic together, sometimes with their beautiful granddaughter. When they reached the age Yan Liu Baum of 50, I told them we needed to screen for colon cancer. Both declined since they do not have any colon cancer history in their family. Mrs. Liu always told me that she felt very good with a good appetite, no abdominal pain, regular bowel movements, never any dark stool, no nausea and no vomiting. Eventually, she agreed to a stool test kit for use at home, which is then mailed to a lab for analysis. The FIT (fecal immunochemical test) looks for hidden blood in the stool that can be an early sign of cancer. Mrs. Liu’s test showed she did have blood in the stool. She needed a colonoscopy, yet Mrs. Liu declined again, rejecting the request several times. Then one day, she came in with very bad abdominal pain with diarrhea. Her abdominal CT showed she had a tumor in the abdomen. Sadly, Mrs. Liu passed away three months later. Mr. Liu felt very sad after his wife passed away. He came to the office a week after his wife’s death and said, “I would like to do the colon cancer screening.” As a family physician, every day I answer the questions like those from Mr. and Mrs. Liu about colon cancer, such as: 1. Colon cancer is common, the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. However, if found early – while still confined to the

colon – colon cancer can be cured. 2. Colon cancer can be screened. Not every deadly cancer can be screened, but colon cancer is one that can. 3. Colon cancer can be present even when a patient feels fine. Because there is no single symptom at the early stages, a patient simply would not know. 4. Patients with no family history can get colon cancer. It is true that family history of colon cancer will increase the incidence of colon cancer. However, among all colon cancer patients, most of them do not have family history of colon cancer. 5. If you have bleeding from hemorrhoids, a FIT kit isn’t sufficient screening. There is no way to tell if bleeding is only from hemorrhoids without further testing – meaning a colonoscopy. If the stool test is positive for blood, then the colonoscopy has to be done to rule out colon cancer. 6. Screening for colon cancer can be easy and most people can do it with an at-home kit. People with average risk can be screened with either a home FIT kit stool test or colonoscopy. Both options are equally effective. However, FIT tests have to be done every 12 months to be effective. A colonoscopy may only need to be done once every 10 years (unless they find a reason to check more often, see below). 7. If a colonoscopy discovers a polyp, it could increase the frequency in which you need colonoscopy. A polyp means an abnormal growth sticking out of a membrane. Some polyps are precancerous; if these are found, and depending on the patient’s history, then more frequent colonoscopy

Evergreen Speech and Hearing Clinic

Don’t miss out. Make 2019 your hearing year.

BELLEVUE | KIRKLAND | REDMOND

everhear.com 425.658.4436

may be required. 8. We recommend patients start screening for colon cancer at age 50. The need to screen can depend on the individual’s history. Usually an average risk patient will start at the age of 50, but high-risk patients, those with a family history of colon cancer, should probably start younger. 9. Effectiveness or quality of colon cancer screen varies. Colon cancer screening rates among physicians vary. Kaiser Permanente is a high performer for colon cancer screening and dedicated to further improvements. 10. Many cases of colon cancer are preventable through diet and lifestyle changes. There are multiple studies showing that higher vitamin D level (> 40 ng/ml) reduces risk of colon cancer. Poor diet (such as lack of plant foods), low physical activity, obesity (a risk factor for cancer in general), tobacco and alcohol use, as well as poor sleep are associated with increased risk of colon cancers. Poor blood sugar control and, in particular, diabetes raises the risk of colon cancer. Mr. Liu is a leader in his own community. Since the death of his wife, he has been actively encouraging his own community to get colon cancer screening. He is happy that he can help his community while honoring his wife’s memory, using her personal tragedy to help others avoid a similar fate. v

Older? Time for Vaccinations ...continued from page 8

my protection. One risk of waiting is that local health care providers supply may run low. The flu shot costs $20 to $40 depending on where you go, or up to $65 or so for the super-charged senior version. For those on Medicare, Part B covers this because it is part of Medicare’s original coverage. Most other insurance covers vaccines, but even if your insurance does not cover for one or more of these vaccines, you likely want to ante up anyway. Consider not just the vaccination cost but also the alternatives if you were to contract one of these diseases. You may face much larger medical bills than the vaccines’ costs would have been, plus the risk of some secondary complication which could be life-threatening. Vaccines don’t just nip disease in the bud: they keep them from sprouting altogether. Not vaccinating adds to individual as well as societal risk for children, elders and people with compromised immune systems. Vulnerable populations whose health issues prevent them from vaccinating depend on the disease being so rare that they don’t pick it up, and a high percentage of the population needs to vaccinate to keep them safe. Find out more on the CDC website at www.cdc.gov. Stick your arms out for yourselves, your family and your fellow Americans, even if you first have to stick your hand in your wallet. v

Northwest Prime Time www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com

Medical Minutes

week appears to be associated with a 17% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease, according to a new study out of Iran. Researchers examined the association between nut consumption and the risk of cardiovascular disease and death in the Iranian population. A total of 5,432 adults aged 35 and older with no history of cardiovascular disease were randomly selected from urban and rural areas of the Isfahan, Arak and Najafabad counties. Intake of nuts including walnuts, almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts and seeds was assessed in 2001 with a validated food frequency questionnaire. “Nuts are a good source of unsaturated fat and contain little saturated fat,” said study author

...continued from page 7

the antibody level compared to intramuscular injections, such as those used for flu shots and 160 times the antibody level compared to subcutaneous injections, such as those used for the measles vaccines. “Our patch technology could be used to deliver vaccines to combat different infectious diseases,” said Hammond. “But we are excited by the possibility that the patch is another tool in the oncologists’ arsenal against cancer, specifically melanoma.” Eating Nuts May Produce a Hidden Health Benefit Eating nuts at least twice a

Dr. Noushin Mohammadifard of Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute, Iran. “They also have protein, minerals, vitamins, fiber, phytosterols and polyphenols which benefit heart health. European and U.S. studies have related nuts with cardiovascular protection but there is limited evidence from the Eastern Mediterranean Region.” Participants or family members were interviewed every two years until 2013 for the occurrence of cardiovascular events and death. The specific outcomes investigated were coronary heart disease, stroke, total cardiovascular disease, death from any cause and death from cardiovascular disease. Eating nuts Beverly Cleary at 103 ...continued from page 2

RETIREMENT LIVING AT ITS BEST

• Month to month rental with no buy in fees • Independent and Assisted Living 65+ • Each Unit has a Full Kitchen, Washer/Dryer & Balcony Creating Your Own Personal Safety Net FREE EVENT! | October24th from 2-3pm Wallingford Senior Center 4649 Sunnyside Ave N, Call Lynn at 206-361-2758 x 103 to reserve your spot!

Schedule a tour today!

206-361-2758

Seattle

5 405

Tacoma Shelton Elma

Olympia

101

★ ★

Centralia

Maybe it’s the stories. One young fan gushes, “I like her books because they’re true to life and simple.” Maybe it’s the humor. Miss Binney taught the class the words of a puzzling song about “the dawnzer lee light”... Ramona did not know what a dawnzer was. Whatever the reason, her legacy is assured. And who knows, maybe these classics penned by the little girl from Yamhill, Oregon, a town so small it didn’t even have a library, will be read and fondly remembered for the next five generations. v

October 2019 two or more times per week was associated with a 17% lower risk of cardiovascular mortality compared to consuming nuts once every two weeks. The connection was robust even after adjusting for factors that could influence the relationship such as age, sex, education, smoking and physical activity. “Raw fresh nuts are the healthiest,” added Dr Mohammadifard. Some nutritionists advocate eating up to 2 ounces of nuts on most days of the week. 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.

Downsizing Easy & Fun!

We do the work helping you sort through all the "stuff" of life that is tucked away and never enjoyed or used anymore. Soon your load will be lighter! You'll feel the freedom of downsizing what you own so it no longer owns you! We will help you recognize what "things" bring you joy and what "things" you are done with!

Call us for a free consultation on organizing, selling or giving away what you are done with. Contact me by email: homes@loriwright.net or phone: (206)799-0318

Lori Wright

October 2019

www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com 11

Bi-Annual Special Section Retirement & Assisted Living Communities Is it time to consider a move? Four times each year Northwest Prime Time brings you our Retirement & Assisted Living Communities Guide. As the experts say, even if you are healthy and active and don’t foresee a move anytime soon, planning ahead will maximize your options. See our Sampler of Retirement Housing Listings on pages 12-13.

The Price Is Wrong ...by Dick Wolfsie

Mary Ellen and I have been taking short walks around the neighborhood after dinner. It’s relaxing, romantic and good exercise… but I can’t afford it anymore. You see, my wife is always looking for ways to fine-tune and improve our new house, hoping to spruce up the landscape — maybe by adding a blue spruce, just like the one she saw next door at the Fabershams’ house. The other night, I jotted down every single detail that caught Mary Ellen’s eye, every item and home improvement on other people’s houses that she fancied as possibilities for our place. Then I did a quick online search for approximate costs. Your prices may vary. “Oh, look!” she said as we walked out the door, “the Robinsons are screening in their porch. We should do that so we can sit outside and not be bothered by mosquitoes.” ($4,200) As we circled the block, she noticed that the Medcalfs had a fully enclosed glass sunroom. “That’s even better, Dick. We could sit out there in the winter, have dinner and watch the snow falling.” ($6,700) A couple of blocks later… “Look, Dick. Those folks have plantation shutters. That would really make the front of our house look so much more modern.” ($1,750) “Oh, and that window box is awesome. What an attractive addition that would be.” ($160) Rounding the cul-de-sac, my wife was inspired by a beautiful garden. “Dick, do you know why the Rosens’ yard looks so good? They have an

automatic sprinkler system. I think that would be an excellent investment for us. Curb appeal is so important.” ($3,400) We were almost back to our house when she noticed that the Jamesons were putting in a rock garden with a fountain. “Now that is so serene,” said Mary Ellen. “I’ve always wanted a fountain.” ($1,200 plus high maintenance costs.) Then suddenly, the Jamesons’ landscape lighting went on. “That is such a great effect. We really need that,” said my wife. ($900) By the time we got home, I was feeling broke. We went out on the deck to enjoy a glass of wine, but Mary Ellen was still in the home improvement mode. She eyed our gas grill, which is about 20 years old. “We are probably going to have to buy a new one next spring ($350) and we better have this deck stained pretty soon. ($1,100) She also noticed two large dead trees in the woods behind our lawn that probably need to be cut down. ($3,000) She was silent for a few minutes, so I thought the spending spree was over. Yes, things were looking up. But then she looked up: “I’d love to have a ceiling fan out here on the back porch.” ($179 plus installation) We’re not going to buy most of those things. Truth is, my wife is very frugal. She simply enjoys dreaming about home improvements. Next June is our 40th wedding anniversary and I suggested we go to Spain and Portugal in the spring, to celebrate. “How does that sound?” I asked her. “I don’t know,” she responded. “Can we afford it?” “Yes! It’s cheaper than going for a walk.” v

Care from the Heart. Comfort by Design.

Is it Time to Consider Moving?

states, is that most Whether it’s living people, closer to family, downsizing including to a more manageable those who residence or addressing seem most health and safety opposed, concerns, many factors can often will contribute to a move to tell you that senior housing. Whatever moving was the reasons behind the the best move, it can be difficult for decision. aging adults to decide that Many also it’s time to make a change. say that they wish they had made Residents of senior living the decision to move sooner. “If communities were asked about the you wait for something to occur challenges that influenced their before deciding to do something, move into senior housing. These you have waited too long,” states influences include: an SHS representative. “If you need · Friendship. Some residents care, you may be in no condition to realized it was time to move because move. Crisis decisions are usually they needed companionship and not the best ones.” they found the built-in social circle The Huffington Post published offered by senior living communities an article by Ann Brenoff entitled appealing. Retirement Communities: The 7 · Family. Some moved to Things you Should Ask. “Vowing to give their children peace of mind never retire to an age-segregated about their safety or to be in closer retirement community is akin to proximity to family members. the ‘60s pledge of never trusting · Care. For others, struggles anyone older than 30: It’s with finding quality health care and something you say when you are assistance with home maintenance younger and can’t imagine ever led them to seek out community doing it. And then one day you living. wake up and you’ve turned into the The best time to plan your move person you vowed never to trust – into a retirement or assisted living or in the case of post 50s, you wake community is before something up trying to figure out the difference happens that requires a move. between Leisure World and Sun That is the advice of Senior City. The idea that if you’ve seen Housing Solutions (SHS), a one retirement community, you’ve company helping seniors find seen them all is far from the truth.” housing options. “ ‘I’m not ready The article suggests that you to move,’ is a mantra that I hear consider the following questions as in my sleep,” reports an advisor at you begin your search: SHS. What is interesting, the report continued on page 17

Our residents enjoy social life enrichment activities, savory meals and luxurious comfortable design. Our staff brings dedication, expertise, high energy and compassion in the care we provide our residents.

Schedule a tour today!

14900 First Avenue NE Shoreline, WA 98155 (206) 367-6700

15100 First Avenue NE Shoreline, WA 98155 (206) 417-9747

www.AegisLiving.com

Northwest Prime Time www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com

October 2019

This Month’s Retirement L

4. Foundation House at Northgate

X 101

5. Island House

6. The Kenney

7. Mill Creek Retirement Community Happy Living by COGIR

102

Starting at $8,000

Starting at $3,500

182

$3,500

Prices begin at $2,595/studio; 20 $3,150/1BR; 525$4,175/2BR+

Call for information: 206-364-1300

n/a

9. Northaven Retirement and Northaven Assisted Living:

PORT X none TOWNSEND none

$1,950 to $5,045/month

From the high $4,100’s

$2,285-$6,800

N/A

166

$48,715-$339,895

203

234

174

10. Northgate Plaza

118

11. Northgate Retirement Community Happy Living by COGIR

122

12. Quail Park of Lynnwood

131

X X

14. Queen Anne Retirement Community Happy Living by COGIR

Keystone

101

Quilcene

191

532

194

13. Quail Park Memory Care Residences of West Seattle

Cost Range COUPEVILLE

Sequim104

X X CLALLAM

8. Mountlake Terrace Plaza

Entrance Fee

116

ISLAND

Yes

$3,000 to $5,350

N/A

From the high $2,600’s

None 19

Independent-HUD based on income Assisted Living: $3,900

N/A

From the low $2,600’s

Yes

$2,600 to $3,300

Community Fee: One Month’s Rent

Port $3,500 - $7,000 for IL; $6,900 - $7,500 for Memory Care Gamble

Community Fee: One Month’s Rent

$6,250-$8,500

Yes

$2,695 to104 $4,995

104

525

Kingston

307 1. Aegis of Shoreline: 14900 1st Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155 • 206-367-6700 • www.aegisliving.com/aegis-living-of-shoreline JEFFERSON Poulsbo St SW Lynnwood, WA 98036 2. Fairwinds Brighton Court: 6520 196th • 425-775-4440 • www.leisurecare.com 3. Foss Home & Village: 13023 Greenwood Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98133 308 • 206-364-1300 • www.fosscare.org 4. Foundation House at Northgate: 11301 3rd Ave. NE Seattle, WA 98125 3 305 • 206-361-2758 • www.FoundationHouseNG.com Silverdale 101 5. Island House: 7810 SE 30th Street, Mercer Island, WA 98040 303 Bainbridge • 206-238-0015 • www.mbkseniorliving.com Island 6. The Kenney: 7125 Fauntleroy Way SW Seattle, WA 98136 KITSAP • 206-937-2800 • www.thekenney.org 310 Bremerton 7. Mill Creek Retirement Community: 14905 Bothell Everett Hwy, Mill Creek, WA 98012 304 • 425-338-1580 • www.happylivingbycogir.com PORT ORCHARD 8. Mountlake Terrace Plaza: 23303 58th Ave West, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043 166 3 Southworth • 425-654-0565 • www.mbkseniorliving.com 16 9. Northaven Retirement and Northaven Assisted Living: 11045 8th NE Seattle, WA 98125 Vashon Hts. 160 • 206-365-3020 • www.Northavenseniorliving.org 119 10. Northgate Plaza: 11030 Fifth Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98125 Belfair • 206-701-6573 • www.mbkseniorliving.com 300 Hoodsport 11. Northgate Retirement Community: 11501 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98125 SPUR • 206-362-7250 • www.happylivingbycogir.com 302 12. Quail Park of Lynnwood: 4015 101164th St SW, Lynnwood, WA 98087 302 Purdy • 425-689-5672 • www.quailparkoflynnwood.com 16 4515 41st Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116 13. Quail Park Memory Care Residences of West Seattle:106 • 206-455-8842 • www.qpmcwestseattle.com 14. Queen Anne Retirement Community: 805 4th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109 Gig Harbor • 206-284-0055 • www.happylivingbycogir.com

MASON

“National Educating America Notable Events 102 Tour” will visit Seattle on Thursday, October 17 with a free Alzheimer’s and caregiver Alzheimer’s Conference educational conference at the Alzheimer’s Foundation SHELTON Columbia Tower Club (701 5th of America to Hold National Avenue, Columbia Center, 75th Alzheimer’s & Caregiver Floor, Seattle) from 9am to Educational Conference in Seattle 12:30pm. The Alzheimer’s Foundation 101 The conference is designed of America’s (AFA) 2019 108

Clinton

524

Lynnwo

Edmonds

104

1 4

SEATTLE

519

Fauntleroy

to connect people with information about Alzheimer’s disease, brain health and dementia caregiving. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with Alzheimer’s experts, ask questions, network, get resources and obtain a free memory screening.

Ad location (page number)

Pets

3. Foss Home & Village

Dining/meals

2-Bedroom+

1-Bedroom

2. Fairwinds Brighton Court

Studios

Total Units

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

Memory Care

Assisted

1. Aegis of Shoreline

Community Name

Skilled Nursing

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

509

Federal Way

16 163 16

Tacoma 705 167

Puyallu Lakewood 512

October 2019

www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com 13

Living Community Advertisers

102

104

17. Stafford Suites - Sumner 5

Ad location (page number)

Pets

Dining/meals

2-Bedroom+

Studios

Total Units

206

$2,500 for Ind. & Assisted Living

Call 253-853-3354 for current rates

$850

$2,730+

n/a

198

119

Fully Refundable

Call 253-435-8100 for current rates

Fully Refundable

Call 206-824-5000 for current rates

515

127

175

Fully Refundable

Call 253-876-6000 for current rates

144

N/A

From the low $5,200’s

N/A

From the low $3,300’s

$3,800

Studios starting at $3,800 1 bedrooms are $4,800

including: Bellevue, Woodinville

SNOHOMISH X

524

X 2

96 9 527

ood

405

524

522

8 22

Bothell

104

522

Woodinville

Kirkland

Redmond

908

513 405

520

202

5Bellevue

520

9 900 900 518

Renton

169

99 167 515

181

Kent

18 516

Auburn 18

164

167

Sumner

15. Boulevard Park Place Active Retirement Community: 2805 S. 125th St., Burien WA 98168 • 206-243-0300 • www.boulevardparkplace.com Sultan 2 16. Harbor Place at Cottesmore: 1016 29th St NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335 Monroe • HarborPlaceRetirement.com • 253-853-3354 17. Stafford Suites - Sumner: 15519 62nd St. Ct. E. Sumner, WA 98390 • 253-862-1818 • www.staffordcare.com/sumner 18. Wesley Bradley Park: 707 39th Ave SE, Puyallup, WA 98374 • 253-435-8100 • bradleypark.wesleychoice.org 19. Wesley Des Moines: 816 S 216th St, Des Moines, WA 98198 Duvall • 206-824-5000 • desmoines.wesleychoice.org 20. Wesley Lea Hill: 32049 109th Place SE, Auburn, WA 98092 203 • 253-876-6000 • leahill.wesleychoice.org 21. The Bellettini: 1115 108th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004 • 425.223.3326 • www.mbkseniorliving.com 22. The Creekside: 18200 Woodinville-Snohomish Rd NE, Woodinville, WA 98072 Carnation • 425-409-3750 • www.mbkseniorliving.com 23. Patriots Glen Assisted Living and Memory Care: 1640 148th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98007 • 425-373-1161 • patriotsglen.com Fall City

599

525

$1,595 - $2,400

Falls

Mukilteo 5 23. Patriots Glen Assisted Living and Memory Care 526 Snohomish

352

22. The Creekside

161

Cost Range

19. Wesley Des Moines

21. The Bellettini Everett

Entrance Fee

131 50 Granite

529

530

18. Wesley Bradley Park

EASTSIDE

523 10

126

16. Harbor 531Place at Cottesmore

Marysville 20. Wesley Lea Hill528

Memory Care

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

1-Bedroom

15. Boulevard Park Place Active Retirement Community Arlington

Skilled Nursing

Community Name530

Assisted

tanwood

Independent

SOUTH KING AND PIERCE COUNTIES

Lives Well Lived Registration is free and open Lives Well Lived is a feature to all. For more information or Issaquah documentary film by Sky Bergman to register, please visit www. 202 that celebrates the incredible wit alzfdn.org and click on “events calendar” at the top of the page. Northand wisdom of adults 75 to 100 years Those who can’t attend the Bendold who are living their lives to the fullest. Encompassing over 3,000 conference or have immediate years of experience, forty people share questions about Alzheimer’s their secrets and insights to living disease can contact AFA’s a meaningful life. Their intimate National Toll-Free Helpline at 18 memories and inspiring personal 866-232-8484, or through the histories will make you laugh, perhaps Internet at www.alzfdn.org, seven cry, but mostly inspire you. days a week. Two free screenings will be held on the same day, Saturday, October Senior Citizen’s Autumn Maple Valley 19, at the Wallingford Community Conference Senior Center, located at 4649 On October KING 24 from 8am Sunnyside Avenue North in Seattle. join legislators, policy makers, The event is free to the public, but civic leaders, senior activists, 169 space is limited, and RSVP’s are providers of services for seniors requested. and the general public to learn • October 19th at 2pm about health care, Medicare, • October 19th at 7pm Long Term Care, Guardianship, To reserve your spot to this free Housing and the state budget relating to aging. The event will event, call Lynn at 206-361-2758, ext 103 or you can also RSVP be held at Hotel Murano, 1320 Enumclaw by visiting the event’s Facebook Broadway Plaza in Tacoma. For listing: www.facebook.com/ more information, call 360-754events/396357377655026/ 0207.

Buckley

165

410

Groundbreaking at New Senior Living Campus in Bonney Lake Wesley Homes and Presbyterian Homes & Services (PHS) announced plans for Wesley at Tehaleh, a 401,000 square-foot senior living campus coming to the Tehaleh community in Bonney Lake. Wesley at Tehaleh will be located on 16.82 acres of land surrounded by a trail system with tree-lined walking and biking paths. The groundbreaking in September showcased the two buildings of the new community: The Lodge and The Brownstone. The Lodge will feature 136 independent living apartments, 42 catered living apartments and 18 memory care suites. The Brownstone will offer an additional 32 independent living apartments. “With the increasing number of families living at Tehaleh, there is a strong need for the continued on page 17

Northwest Prime Time www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com

October 2019

Who Is Going to Sell My Home? ...by S. McCafferty

S. McCafferty retired from the real estate business after 26 years. She also taught real estate at the University of Montana and as a National Instructor in several states.

Interviewing and hiring a real estate agent to sell your home may be a difficult decision. It’s important to interview several as if you were the head of personnel at a major corporation. Asking the right questions and checking references is so important in hiring the agent who will market your home and represent your interests. Not every agent is a Realtor. The National Association of Realtors is a professional organization that most real estate brokers and agents join. The Multiple Listing Service is often owned by the local Realtor Association. Having your property listed on the service is an essential marketing tool. It would also be listed on Realtor.com if you list with a Realtor. All agents need to be licensed by the state. The first interview you have with a potential agent is to ask about the agent’s background: 1. How long have they been in business; 2. What are their numbers of sales/listings in the past year;

3. How many listings/sales in your neighborhood; 4. Ask about the company they work with; 5. Ask for references and permission to call them; 6. Do they have assistants, or do they do all the work; 7. Open houses—do they host them? 8. Market analysis (usually presented at second visit); 9. Are they a salesperson or a broker; 10. What do they charge? Good communication is very important. Ask how often they will contact you. Good marketing is essential...have them present their plan. Know how much they will charge to sell your home. Interview several people is my suggestion. Take notes. Do they look professional? Do they seem to want to take on the job of selling your home? Show them around your home on this first visit. Listen to what they say. Feel nervous about them, later do a background check. They will have a key to your home. If you decide to search the Internet

is a good idea to listen. Your choice of agents may be one of the most important aspects of selling your home. Showing and Selling Your Home for a company and/or You’ve found your agent, agent, make sure you now it’s time to get your home know all the details ready to show and sell! First have as there have been a discussion with your agent... problems with some of Is the home ready to be on the them. Check carefully. market? A thorough cleaning may An agent may be be necessary. Can’t do it yourself? “tired” in the business. Hire professionals. Carpets need to Are they energetic? be replaced or cleaned? Too much After you have furniture makes rooms seem smaller. interviewed several, No furniture in a room also makes it might be best to rethat room seem smaller. (Why? I interview two or more have no idea.) Garages can hold again. On that second a wall of boxes, but perhaps you visit, they should present you with should think of renting a storage a market analysis showing what has unit for the time your home will be sold lately in your neighborhood on the market. Do you need to hire and suggest a price range they think a stager? Remove your photographs you should list your home for. Ask (too personal) from furniture and them for an estimate of closing costs walls. Are there any surprises so you can know what to expect hiding behind doors? (Once a linen when it closes. Do they think the closet had been converted to a home is ready for the market or do liquor cabinet. I asked the owners they have suggestions for you? to remove the bottles and replace What is the length of time do them with linens). Teenager’s they want the listing? Ask for a rooms may have posters that might copy of the listing agreement so be offensive to buyers. Smells are that you can read it before the next important...and “covering up” visit. The price that the “finalists” smells makes it worst. (If they can show you in the market analysis afford the cost, some seniors find might not be what you “want” moving out before the house is placed but it’s really the market that sets for sale works best for them.) the price. You may not like their Make a list. Before the day that suggestions about getting the home the home goes on the market, make ready for buyers. But if they are sure that list is all checked off. If professional and knowledgeable, it you are a senior moving for the first

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED HAPPY LIVING? Choose one of our retirement communities and make every day special! Book a tour & tasting today!

Fully renovated apartments with well-equipped kitchens • All-day restaurant style dining Wide variety of fun & stimulating activities • Personalized care & assistance

Independent Living • Assisted Living

805 4th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109 | (206) 284-0055

11501 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98125 | (206) 362-7250

14905 Bothell Everett Hwy, Mill Creek, WA 98012 | (425) 338-1580

happylivingbycogir.com

October 2019

www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com 15

time in years, well before the home goes on the market, call your family over for a “take it or leave it,” go through boxes and albums. Use a shredder for unneeded documents. If you haven’t used something for years, give it away, have a garage sale or donate it to a thrift store. (This process of winnowing belongings is sometimes the most difficult!) Listen to your agent. If the home is priced right and shows well, it will sell. What about showings? Leave the house! Take the dog with you. Bake some cookies before the showing, leave them on the table with a little sign saying, “please enjoy.” What about an open house? In my over-26 years in real estate,

yes, I have sold homes at the open house. You have an offer! You can accept it....you can reject it...or you can “counter” it. Listen to your agent’s explanations and look at the net sheet. The offer is often from another agent who is representing the buyers. If there is anything in the offer that you don’t understand, check with an attorney who specializes in real estate. Things to take notice of is offering price...closing date.... contingencies... qualification of the buyers by a lender if they are financing, an inspection and disclosures. Let’s say that everything goes well: the inspection,

the appraisal, the loan, the contingencies... and you go to the closing (usually at a title company). Ask your agent if you can see the documents before the closing. Sometimes the title company is so busy that your documents won’t be ready until shortly before the closing. Ask for time during the closing to go over the financial sheets. When we bought our first home in New York, before I was in real estate, our offer asked for “FHA” closing costs be paid by the seller. We were asked to write a check for about one thousand dollars over what I thought we had to bring to the table. I said I thought that the

amount was wrong. I took out my copy of the contract and turned it over to read the back of the pages. And there it was! The lender and the attorneys had forgotten to give us a credit for the closing fees. My agent had been sitting on the sidelines because she wasn’t able to be included in the closing (not true now). On the way out, I asked her “didn’t you know?” And she said, “I did” and if you didn’t speak up and check things, I planned to pretend to faint and when you rushed over to me, I planned to say, “Closing costs!” We had picked the right agent. And I remembered her throughout my years in real estate! v

LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST Living at one of our awardwinning senior living communities gives you the chance to write the next chapter of your life focusing on the things that bring you joy. When you take away the stresses of taking care of a home by yourself, the possibilities of how you can spend your time open up more than you ever imagined. Picture living in a wellappointed apartment home — with the privacy to retreat to your own oasis whenever you please — but with a wealth of services and support, engaging activities and wellness programs, and top-notch amenities right at your fingertips.

MBKSeattle.com

The Creekside Independent Living Woodinville, WA (425) 409-3750

Island House

Assisted Living

Mercer Island, WA (206) 238-0015

Northgate Plaza Independent & Assisted Living

Seattle, WA (206) 701-6573

Mountlake Terrace Plaza

The Bellettini

Mountlake Terrace, WA (425) 654-0565

Bellevue, WA (425) 223-3326

Independent & Assisted Living

Please join us for a complimentary lunch for two to experience the MBK difference.

206) 792-5619 16

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20 10:30 AM - 1:00 P NeedAM Help with PM Medicare Open Enrollment? 10:30 1:00 SHIBA can help!

Northwest Prime Time www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com

Medicare Enrollment ...continued from page 4

you can probably delay enrolling in Medicare until the employment coverage stops, although you should still check in with Medicare in advance of turning 65. To keep your employer health insurance, it must be at least as good of coverage as Medicare provides. When your employer coverage ends, you’re entitled to a special enrollment period of up to eight months to sign up without incurring late penalties. 6. For military veterans, how do you know the difference between your VA benefits and Medicare benefits? Medicare and VA healthcare benefits are separate and do not work together. If working with an advisor to help select the Medicare plan that best serves you, let them know if you are eligible for VA health care. As with any major decision, advises Field, proper research will go a long way toward making the best plan choice for your personal health care needs. Resources are available to help you in this process, including local seminars, licensed sales agents, Washington State health insurance volunteers (known as SHIBA – see SHIBA article this page) and websites such as medicare.gov, www.insurance. wa.gov/shiba and private insurers like humana.com/Medicare. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-6334227) (or TTY: 1-877-486-2048) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. v

...by Donna Wells, SHIBA & Consumer Advocacy

For the more than 550,000 Medicare beneficiaries in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties, this is an important time of year. Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period – sometimes called the Annual Election Period – runs each year from October 15 to December 7. During this time, those on Medicare: • can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan – and vice versa • with Original Medicare can join, drop or switch a Part D prescription drug plan • with a Medicare Advantage plan can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan. Your new coverage will start January 1. The Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) program is ready to help you with these decisions! In its 40th year of serving, SHIBA provides free, unbiased and confidential help with Medicare and other health care options to people of all ages and backgrounds across our state. We train and certify our volunteer advisors, who are available for one-on-one, in-person and phone counseling. Our volunteer advisors can help you compare prescription drug plans, Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage plans and other information

to help you make an informed decision about what Medicare plans work best for your personal situation. If you qualify, our SHIBA advisors can also help you apply for any programs that’ll save you money on Medicare costs. Medicare is not a one-size fits all program. Each person’s needs, situation and benefits are different – and that includes spouses who may have their own unique Medicare plan. Before you make your decision, consider the following tips: • Review all letters and notices from your current plan as plan costs and coverage can change every year. • Make a list of all current prescription drugs you take, the doses and how often. Then, use the Plan Finder at www.medicare.gov to compare Part D plans. • Review the 2020 Medicare & You handbook. You should receive it by mid-October. • Attend a SHIBA workshop (check out our online events calendar at www.insurance.wa.gov/shiba) or make an appointment for one-on-one counseling with a SHIBA advisor.

October 2019

partners directly: • King County: Sound Generations at 206-727-6221 • Pierce County: Sound Outreach at 253-596-0918 • Snohomish County: Homage Senior Services at 425-290-1276 • You can also check out SHIBA at www.insurance.wa.gov/shiba. v

Medicare With Confidence! You don’t have to make decisions by yourself. As a licensed insurance broker, I can

help you with:

• Medicare Education • Multiple Health Plan Options • Plan Analysis & Review • Local Support & Service

etween aChoose between a The Ultimate Senior The mate Senior Discount -month option Discount won’t month-to-month option Disc ntrance fee or Celebrate your t Continuing Care last forever — contact retirement. with fee or C), The Kenney is no entrance SAVOR me—you’ll a variety of last f find! Our usTHEtoday to schedule a The Ultimate Senior Disco less whenselect from a variety of ons to best fit SAVINGS eattle. us to priat vourateOPEN showinHOUSE g. yle. living options to best fit tour one of our You’ve earned it. So, flaunt it. Have a ball. But don’t stop there. Move into Fairwinds – Brighton Court Retirement Community and you can keep the celebration going every day. That’s what Living Better Than Ever is all about—enjoying life to the max. We’ll make life easier so you can have fun in your own way. Call (425) 243-6387 now to schedule your complimentary lunch and tour.

For help with your Medicare questions before you sign up: • Call our Insurance Consumer Hotline at 1-800-562-6900 and ask to speak with a SHIBA volunteer in King, Pierce or Snohomish County; or Contact SHIBA’s community

Call today to receive a copy of my seminar schedule or to set up your no obligation, no cost appointment.

Gail Blankenship

Licensed Insurance Broker

253-259-4472

gail_blankenship@comcast.net

The Ultimate Senior Discount When it comes to not-for-profit

When it comes to not-for-profit ContinuingChoose Care between a Continuing Care Retirement Retirement Communities (CCRC), The Kenney is month-to-month SAVOR Communities (CCRC),value—you’ll The by far the best view—and find! Our option with no THE Kenney far80 the best entry fees is areby up to percent less whenentrance fee or select SAVINGS from a variety of living view—andtovalue—you’ll compared other CCRCs infind! Seattle. options to best fit at our OPEN

Our entry fees are up to 80 Come to our House and tour one of ouryour lifestyle. percent lessOpen when compared new model apartments! RSVP at (206) 792-5619 to other CCRCs in Seattle.

at (206) 792-5619

your lifestyle.

It’s More Than Retirement. It’s Five-Star Fun.

Lynnwood • (425) 243-6387 • fairwindsbrightoncourt.com

priva

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM

or TheKenney.org

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20 Contact us today at (206) 792-5619 or 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM TheKenney.org

The Ultimate Senior

Choose between a Discount won’t last month-to-month option forever — contact us with no entrance fee or today to schedule a select from a variety of private showing. living options to best fit your lifestyle.

Retirement Reimagined 7125 Fauntleroy Way SW, Seattle, WA Retirement Reimagined (206) 937-2800 | www.thekenney.org 7125 Fauntleroy Way SW, Seattle, WA (206) 937-2800 | www.thekenney.org

The Ultimat Discount wo last forever — us today to s private show

October 2019

www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com 17

Notable Events

Is it Time to Consider Moving?

...continued from page 13

...continued from page 11

housing and care services that we and Wesley provide,” said Jon Fletcher, Vice President, Senior Housing Partners, the development arm of PHS. “Our shared ministry with Wesley is an opportunity for both organizations to expand our mission of service to others.” The collaboration between Wesley Homes and PHS was formed based on aligned values and goals, with a focus on creating an atmosphere for seniors to thrive in a modern community and among nature. Wesley began collaborating with PHS in 2005, when SHP developed the Wesley Lea Hill community in Auburn. Additional projects followed in subsequent years, most recently the redevelopment of Wesley’s community in Des Moines and the construction of Wesley Bradley Park in Puyallup. “Tehaleh is a perfect location for the abundant amenities and larger apartments found in our Wesley communities,” said Kevin Anderson, President and CEO, Wesley Homes. The community will feature a Pacific Northwest modern style and thoughtfully-landscaped environment. The building will feature a bistro, dining options, a chapel, wellness center, fitness room, theatre, craft room, library, club room, patio, Pickleball court and a pond. Among the many amenities available, residents will enjoy views of Mount Rainier, access to numerous trails and a 24,000 square-foot town center within the community. For pre-leasing information, please contact Lisa at 253466-2720 or visit Tehaleh. WesleyChoice.org.

1. Are you looking for bingo or competitive pickleball? In other words, evaluate the programs at the community you are considering to make sure they fit your lifestyle. 2. Is this a place you’ll find friends “with the same major?” Spend some time to learn if there are other residents at the community who seem compatible and share your interests. 3. Are you looking for love in all the wrong places? Sometimes the first time people consider a retirement community is when they find themselves spouse-less. Not a bad idea, but don’t enter the community because you think you’ll find your soul mate there. What you will find is plenty of opportunities for socializing. 4. Will you grow old or stay young here? Studies show that active people are happier and healthier. Consider a community that keeps you engaged with life. 5. Will your children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren feel welcome? If visits from the little ones are important to you, make sure the community’s policies fit your plans for hosting family visits. 6. Is the bottom line the bottom line? It’s important to know everything that’s included in your monthly dues. “The devil is in the details.” 7. Are you planning for today and ignoring tomorrow? “While your immediate concern may be whether you will be able to maintain an active lifestyle, can you age in place?” Even if you are not ready for a move, researching your options makes sense. If you find that perfect place, there may be a waiting list. If you’re not on the list, your perfect place may not be available when it IS time to move. ❖

Welcome Home Nestled in Bellevue’s Lake Hills neighborhood, our assisted living and memory care community offers the best of both worlds. Enjoy a nurturing environment and our industry-leading care, including a 24/7 licensed nurse on staff. As part of the Careage family of communities, you can be confident in our commitment to exceptional care in a warm, home-like setting. We help you live life your way.

Northaven Senior Living our mission , guided our caring ffsta Northaven Independent and Northaven Assisted and shapedaffordable our friend ly community Living is a vibrant, non-profit, housing for over 40 years. community located in the heart of Seattle’s Northgate neighborhood. Come live with us.

Dignity, respect, compassion, generosity ... values Dignity, respect,guided compassion, that have inspired our mission, our generosity...values caring Dignity, respect, compassion, generosity...values thatstaff have that have inspired our mission, guided caring sta and shaped and shaped our friendly community for over 40 years. inspired our mission, guided our caring staourand shaped our friendlyfor community our friendly community 40 years. for 40 years.

Come live withCome us.live with us. Come live with us.

(425) 373-1161 • www.patriotsglen.com www.northavenseniorliving.com

206.365.3020 – Independent Living www.northaven.com/nwpt www.northaven.com/nwpt (206) 365-3020 (206) 365-3020 206.362.8077 – Assisted Living

1640 148TH AVE SE • BELLEVUE, WA • 98007

Northwest Prime Time www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com

The ongoing life-affirming adventures of Rose and Dawn

The Funny Side of Life

Rants and Crazy Thoughts …by Sy Rosen

of a supermarket parking spot. Are they doing it on purpose just to get me? Okay, I am probably crazy to think that, but, don’t forget, even paranoids have enemies. And speaking of shopping carts, why do I always get the one with the broken wheel? Is this another conspiracy plot? When I buy a can of mixed nuts, I am sure that it is mostly stuffed with peanuts, which is one of the cheapest nuts. I don’t think putting in three almonds, two cashews and one sad walnut allows them to call it “mixed.” In public restrooms, they often have paper toilet seat covers available, but they are not the right size for the toilet itself. The seat is too big for the paper cover, leaving unprotected areas. I wish these two manufacturing companies could work together, kind of like I wish our political parties could work together. I guess comparing Congress to a toilet is a bit much… I guess. People who exaggerate really annoy me. They’re not just hot, they’re “boiling” and if they’re cold, they’re “freezing” and if they are hungry, they are “starving.” I think we should shun these people and never talk to them again. I may be exaggerating. When did fortune cookies start giving advice and stop telling your fortune? I don’t need some cookie to tell me to be kind to my friends. I need the cookie to predict that I’m going to be very rich and that I am going to live forever. v

Here are some rants, paranoid thoughts, embarrassing confessions and insightful nuggets of wisdom. Okay, there are no nuggets of Sy Rosen wisdom, but I think it’s pretty insightful of me to realize that. I am convinced that a half-salad at a restaurant has the same amount of salad as the more expensive full salad. I don’t know how to prove this except to surreptitiously bring in my own bowl, order a half and a full salad, and then pour my half-salad into my bowl and then pour the full salad into the empty half-salad bowl. It seems like a lot of work to prove a point, but I’ve been known to be this crazy. When I am in an elevator at a hotel with another guest and he pushes the 4th floor and I am staying on the 5th floor I feel superior to him. Yes, I am that petty. And speaking of hotels, when I see a guest checking in with one small bag, I am immediately jealous. Yes, I have small bag envy. How do these people do it? I always worry that the weather might change, so I have to bring a sweater and shorts and a raincoat. And maybe I’ll stain my clothes, so I have to bring backups. And I might need a sports coat or a causal outfit or dressy casual. By the time I’m done thinking about all these things, I have two large suitcases and a carry on. And speaking of hotels again, how can I be in one small room and still not find my glasses, vitamins, shaving cream, cell phone, charger and my wallet? Okay, if I found my glasses, I might be able to find the other stuff. I hate that restaurants now list the calories of food. I really don’t want to know that their salad has 900 calories. If I’m eating a salad, I want to think I am losing weight even if I am pouring on Oh yeah, now I remember. The roofing contractor left a message blue cheese dressing. I don’t understand people who leave saying you should call him ASAP. their empty shopping cart in the middle

Have it all, all in one day.

October 2019

Rose to the Rescue

“The Girl with the Dripping Face”

…by Diana Couture

Today, Rose had her three-month check up on her blood sugars with her doctor. She carefully combed her thinning hair to cover those sneaky little bald spaces that seemed to have cropped up overnight. She packed her pocketbook with all of the necessities: billfold, comb, lipstick and small handkerchief. No lady would be caught dead without this little jewel. Rose preferred cotton hankies to Kleenex because of the texture. But nowadays, she told everyone that she preferred hankies as an environmentally smart choice. Ha-ha. Her niece Deidra thought that her choice was admirable. Little did she know that it was all about Roses’ tender nose instead of the environment. The bus ran right in front of her new condominium entrance, so Rose headed to the bus stop and ran into some neighbors on the way. Small talk ensued and she learned that there was a homeowners meeting next week. She would have to put that on her calendar. Rose liked to stay abreast of the happenings at the condominium, especially as it concerned the gardens, which she spent many happy hours tending. Dr. Baum’s office was warm and friendly. It was a family practice bragging that they had patients from, ‘One to 100 years old.’ She stepped to the front desk and a delightful young woman asked her for her ID and her Medicare card. Rose was rustling in her handbag when she noticed a quiet but serious conversation going on just outside of the reception area. It appeared that a girl with a very round and ruddy face was being ‘talked to’ by a supervisor. The girl in question stared at a point somewhere on the wall over the supervisor’s left shoulder. She said nothing. Her little round face was motionless. The supervisor was kind but firm in addressing some issues about being away from the desk for too long at one time. “Ahem. Have you found your cards yet, Mrs. Guyott?” the check-in person asked softly. Rose had to shake her head to break the spell that the ‘dressing down’ of the round-faced girl had caused. “Oh yes. Here they are, dear. I’ll

just sit down over here. Shall I?” Rose took a seat with a peeka-boo sight line to the goings on. Rose noticed right away that the round-faced girl had tears running copiously down her cheeks. One after another and she never flinched. The supervisor asked if she wanted a tissue, but the girl continued to stare at that spot on the wall directly over the left shoulder of the woman addressing her. Rose sighed. What was going through that girl’s head? Why didn’t she want a tissue? Should Rose go over there with her trusty hanky and offer assistance? No. No. This was none of Roses’ concern, even though she couldn’t take here eyes off of the two women. Then to her horror, Rose noticed the girl’s nose was running. Yes, mucus was amassing at her nostrils and beginning to move slowly but inevitably to her top lip. How could these women continue to talk while the mucus was on the run? She couldn’t sit and watch this any longer. Rose put her cane solidly on the floor and stood to attack this situation head on. As she was walking toward the women, she found her hanky in her purse and purposefully headed directly toward their meeting, even though she had to go through a door marked “Office Personnel Only”. As Rose resolutely walked into the back office of the Family Clinic with her weapon of choice, a hanky in her hand, she noticed the nose mucus had reached a critical stage. She would have to pick up her pace. Just then the supervisor noticed the determined looking elderly woman headed her way. “May I help you, Mrs. Guyott? Do you need something?” the supervisor carefully offered. In that instant the round-faced girl broke her stare and turned her dripping face toward Rose. With a dive worth an Olympic score of 10, Rose swooped in and swiped the round, dripping face. The girl was startled but appeared relieved. Her mobility seemed to return. She excused herself from the group and headed to the ladies’ room. Rose’s concern was acknowledged by the supervisor. “It seems your tiny square of cotton has helped my employee to save face. No pun intended.” Rose smiled. ❖

October 2019

www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com 19

‘Tis the Seasons ...by Len Elliott

Across 1. Festive fundraisers 6. “Welcome” rug 9. Hospital section 13. Sound from a sorrel 14. Designer Cassini 16. Soon, to Shakespeare 17. Knight wear 18. Prosperity, old-style 19. Avian mimic: var. 20. The Four Seasons 23. “___ a real nowhere man” (Beatles lyric) 24. H2O, e.g.: abbr. 25. Melting snow 28. With 44-Across, the four seasons 32. Tex-Mex folded food 35. Nest egg investments: abbr. 36. “Much ____ About Nothing” 37. Actor Alda or Ladd 38. Four Seasons, e.g. 40. Work units 41. Conan O’Brien’s channel 42. Sail holder 43. Fancy party spreads 44. See 28-Across 48. ____ Park (Edison’s home) 49. Dory mover 50. It can follow black or secret 53. The Four Seasons 57. “So, what ____ is new?” 60. Jacob’s hairy brother

61. Bucky was the spokesbeaver for this bygone product 62. Answer to the Little Red Hen’s plea 63. Mode of transportation 64. “Is this seat ____?” 65. Sound, like a bell 66. Starter for fix or fab 67. Town, in Germany

Steven Greenberg

laying out newspaper pages for a suburban division of the Los Angeles Times. He lives in Southern California, where he was born and raised, but from 1986 to early 2000 he was on staff at the Seattle

Boomerish Comic Contributor Steven Greenberg spent his career as an editorial (political) cartoonist, but since 2011 he has also drawn a monthly comic strip for the 50-and-up crowd, Boomerish. Steven's main job is

Down 1. Grind one’s teeth 2. Eagle’s nest 3. Illustrates in detail 4. Eager with excitement 5. Goes after certain crustaceans 6. Boy in “The Jungle Book” series 7. Give ____ up (boost): 2 wds. 8. Rip 9. Native American currency 10. “___ questions?” 11. Pitcher Guidry or Darling 12. CSI evidence, often: abbr. 15. Pertaining to the tongue 21. Neither’s partner 22. Inuit knives 26. Brainy 27. Property divider, often 28. “Well, I’ll be a____ of a gun!” 29. Capone’s enforcer Frank 30. Exam for college seniors: abbr. 31. Supreme Diana 32. “Bye,” for a Brit

Post-Intelligencer, where he worked in the art department and shared editorial cartooning duties with David Horsey. “As a teen I had thoughts of doing A self-caricature of Northwest comic books, but Prime Time's Boomerish cartoonist, Steven Greenberg in college I got

Words in “OCTOBER” --II ...by Len Elliott

Each clue defines a word that can be formed from the letters in “October.” For example, French landscape and portrait artist – Corot; ones to avoid at a party? – bore/boor. Except for “o,” no letter is used more than once in any answer.

A HAT AND A BROOM My hair is a mess And it’s turned all white. I looked in the mirror The other night And visualized a fire crackling, A cauldron bubbling And I was cackling. -- Pat D’Amico

1. Mitch Miller’s instrument. 2. Azalea anchor. 3. Dove’s digs. 4. First name of presidential candidate O’Rourke. 5. You never hear about a young one. Hint: it’s a bird. 6. Local sausage company.

33. Photo collection book 34. Untouchables, e.g. 38. British royal house (1714-1901) 39. Office of Solid Waste: abbr. 40. Corn unit 42. 2051, to Marcellus 43. Allows 45. Reveal, as a statue 46. Small lump 47. Mai ____ (cocktail)

solution on page 22

50. Japanese port city 51. Yearned (for) 52. Barely adequate 54. “Right now!”: abbr. 55. Animal’s resting place 56. ____ the crack of dawn: 2 wds. 57. Tolkien’s tree-like creature 58. Bathroom in Brighton 59. Letters on a Cardinal’s cap completely hooked on editorial cartooning; to me that was artistically exciting, endlessly varied, great fun and very personally expressive. Writing Boomerish has been great fun, and I try to keep finding some different aspect of life to deal with each time (food, health, memory, personal values, intergenerational issues, music, etc.).” His goal has been to do a really good comic strip that happens to be about the Boomer generation’s life but keeping it fun and snarky and readable to other ages. Inspirations for the strips often come from his own experiences or his observations of friends, family and random strangers, and the main characters are composites of him and other people he’s known.

Family-owned & Affordable Experience the Difference

2 Bed/2 Bath With a View! Available 11/1

206-243-0300

answers on page 22

2805 S. 125th Street, Burien, WA 98168 www.boulevardparkplace.com

Northwest Prime Time www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com

Scenes from Childhood

October 2019

Writing Corner

The Coca-Cola Express

NANO Prep

...by Charles N. Inge

…by Ariele M. Huff

The fog had lifted, and the San Francisco Bay area was bathed in blue. Our cub scout meeting in Alameda had ended; it was a good day to be outdoors. The den mothers agreed. Why not go for a ride? There were Charles N. Inge several cars— mothers and kids piled in. Across the estuary and beyond Oakland were hills, bleak and badly needing rain. The grasses had died standing up. We pulled into a parking area, the valley below and a hill stretching up before us. We kids asked if we could climb it and were given a reluctant okay. It was a hard climb because we constantly slipped on the dried grass. Only five of us made the climb while the rest stayed behind with the mothers. They had good sense. On top of the hill we found an old abandoned shack. It was like a hot dog or fireworks stand. Weathered gray boards lay around. Someone found an old CocaCola sign in the dirt—long and narrow, it had probably hung from the front of the place at one time. Although banged up and a bit rusty, someone had the right idea...with a little work it might make a great toboggan! All we had to do was fold up the front a bit. There was plenty of room left

for five guys to sit behind it. In principle, it was a great idea. We’d go down that hill like a rocket. No one gave a thought about brakes. We pushed and pounded the sign until it finally gave way to our demands. It did fold up, kind of, and five of us could sit down on its redness if we tucked in our legs and hung on to the guy in front of us. We were all breathing hard as we got into position (I was on the end) and pushed off. Spidery legs pushed on the ground and we finally started moving, taking up speed like a runaway missile. Only God and Mother Nature knew our speed as hats and shoes left our transport. We yelled as we blasted over every clump of rock-hard dirt. The shrieks began when someone either fell off or jumped halfway down. Then the sign decided it would go sideways. Most of us bailed out at that point. There were plenty aches and pains as we rolled to the bottom with scraped hands, knees and knots on our heads. Most were crying and soon comforted by their moms. The sign took the journey rather well. I was the only toboggan kid without a parent and stood off to one side observing. I felt separated from those guys; strange but rugged like Captain Marvel or Tarzan. ❖

Where adults come to

Learn and Play All abilities welcome Winds Voice

- Chorale - Vocal Jazz

String Orchestra Rock Band

- Concert Band - Saxophone Ensemble - Flute Choir

Jazz

- Jazz Improv - Jazz Combos - Swing Machine Big Band

Music Center of the Northwest 901 N. 96th Street, Seattle, WA 98103 www.musiccenternw.org

206-526-8443

The full name for the fun and challenging process of attempting to complete a novel in a month is NANOWRIMO (NATIONAL Ariele M. Huff NOVEL WRITING MONTH). The NANO game is to write a manuscript of at least 50,000 words in thirty days. While you are to write the whole thing in November, smart authors do some homework before they sit down to start any book. Although some participants are fine with writing “bla bla bla” when they can’t think of anything else, I’m sure you want to shoot for a higher quality product. Here are questions to ask yourself before beginning: 1. What is most important to

Poetry Corner HALLOWEEN

When the pumpkins ripen in the fields, dewy spider webs line the walk, ripe apples fall from the trees, and corn has cured upon the stalk. Autumn has painted the hills and vales, and leaves have turned to brown from green. Frosty mornings chill our fingers. It will soon be Halloween. --Del Gustafson

you? (Love, loyalty, privacy, etc.) The answers lead to a theme or a central message for your book. 2. What is the strongest experience/moment/feeling you’ve had in the last six months? Recalling those will set your tone, mood and voice. 3. What makes your life exciting? Thinking about that will put you in the perfect place to do your rising action, the back and forth of pursuing a goal the character wants to achieve. 4. What do you love to do? This will help determine a setting you’d enjoy detailing as well as showing you what kind of activities and rewards are “high stakes” for you. 5. What do you like to talk about? This enriches your dialogue. Include what you hate to talk about as that affects our lives too. 6. What is the first thing that leaps to mind when I say, “most unique thing you’ve seen or experienced in your life”? Written products need to be unique. It’s the most sought-after quality with publishers and editors. Everything from little stuff like settings and character names to big stuff like the inciting incident and the point continued on page 22

“Times Change”

My loyal, thirty-year-old vacuum cleaner sighed a dusty inhale. Duct tape, new bag—soft whispers, worn and torn, kissing carpeted or hardwood floors. I felt a lump in my throat as a friend carried her out the front door—sadness, delivering new meaning to vacuum cleaner attachment. I search for a replacement, so many choices. Can’t turn back time—I wish for a magic wand, no vacuum needed—bibbidi, bobbidi, boo. I will step into the vacuum cleaner jungle carefully, hoping to find a loyal, tame brand. --Barbara Ruby

Poems may be edited, excerpted from, or used in Sharing Stories. Send poetry to ariele@comcast.net.

October 2019

www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com 21

LET’S GO! Senior Events

Planning Your Aging Journey Oct 2 at 6:30pm Mercer Island Library please rsvp 206-487-5290; Oct 10, 2-3:30pm, Richmond Beach Library, 206-546-3522, longterm care, health, legal documents, managing finances, resources. Seniors Creating Art Oct 4, 2-3:30pm, free, all supplies provided, no experience required, Richmond Beach Library, free but RSVP 206-546-3522. Alzheimer’s Association Events Oct 4, 1-11:30am “Ten Warning Signs” Vashon Library; Oct 17, 6-7:30pm “Dementia Behavior” 401 Broadway E, Suite 223, Seattle; Oct 21, 1-2:30pm; Healthy Living for Brain and Body, Wallingford Senior Center, 4649 Sunnyside Ave N, Seattle; Oct 17, 6-7pm Understanding Dementia, Sunrise of Bothell, 10605 NE 185th; info for all events 1-800-272-3900 Wisdom Cafes Free discussions for seniors, Oct 8 from 2-3:30pm “The D Word – Dependence” Richmond Beach Library, 206-546-3522; Oct 18, 10:30am “Learning Across the Generations” Redmond Library, 425-885-1861; Oct 21, 10:30am-noon, “My Mentors and Teachers” Shoreline Library, 206-362-7550; Oct 22, 11am “The Surprises of Aging: Skyway Library 206-772-5541; Oct 27, 2pm “Developing Resilience” Woodinville Library 425-788-0733; Oct 30, 11am “Make New Friends and Keep the Old” Renton Library, 425-226-6043. Guided Cannabis Shopping for Seniors Oct 9 & Nov 13 & Dec 11, 10am, Curious about cannabis, marijuana and CBD? Join the team for free Wednesday events, 9am10am coffee & conversation followed by instore shopping at the Fremont store in Seattle, must RSVP (206-946-8157 or Service@ SeattleHashtag.com). 3534 Stone Way N, Seattle, www.seattlehashtag.com/seniors Des Moines Activity Center Oct 10, 7pm Aviation Series “Flight Girls” with author Noelle Salazar; Nov 1, 5:30-9pm Buccaneers Bingo admission includes 12 bingo sheets, meal, cash bar, costume contest, maybe win some “loot!” benefits Senior Services, 2045 S. 216th St. Des Moines. Also sign up now for Adult Adventures! at 206-878-1642 or www. desmoineswa.gov/217/Senior-Services. Alzheimer’s Conference Oct 17, 9am-12:30pm, Alzheimer’s Foundation “National Educating America Tour” presents free Alzheimer’s and caregiver educational conference, connect with experts, free memory screenings, Columbia Tower Club, 701 5th Avenue, Columbia Center, 75th Floor, Seattle, www.alzfdn.org and click on “events calendar” at the top of the page. Lives Well Lived Oct 19 at 2pm & 7pm, free feature documentary film celebrating the wit and wisdom of adults ages 75 to 100 years old who are living their lives to the fullest: secrets, insights & inspiration, Wallingford Community Senior Center, 4649 Sunnyside Ave North in Seattle. Free but rsvp by calling Lynn at 206-361-2758, ext 103. Early Stage Memory Loss Forum Oct 19, 10am-3:30pm, a day of education, inspiration, encouragement and resources, sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Assn, Edmonds Comm Coll, 20000 68th Ave W, Lynnwood, 206-363-5500 ext 8170; Nov 9 & Feb 22 “Dementia Family Caregiver Conferences in Lynnwood and Everett, more info at 1-800-2723900 or www.alzwa.org/conferences. Creativity and Older Adults Oct 19, 2pm, interactive workshop, free, Snoqualmie Library, 425-888-1223. Aging Well Learning Community Oct 19, 10:15pm, discussion on aging well with courage, North Bend Library, 425-888-0554. Social Security Retirement Oct 21, 4-5:30pm, the ins and outs of claiming Social Security in 2020, Brookdale, 2010 S Union Ave, Tacoma, 253-798-4600. CPR/Stroke Workshop for Seniors Oct 21, 3-4pm, free but space is limited RSVP Lake Forest Park Library, 206-362-8860. Senior Citizen’s Autumn Conference Oct 24, 8am-4pm, learn about health care, Medicare, Long Term Care, Guardianship, Housing and the state budget relating to aging, Hotel Murano, 1320 Broadway Plaza, Tacoma, 360-754-0207. Create Your Own Personal Safety Net Oct 24, 2-3pm, planning for the best-preparing for the unexpected, free event presented by Denise Malm, social worker, Wallingford Senior Center, 4649 Sunnyside Ave N, Seattle, sponsored by Foundation House at Northgate, call Lynn at 206-361-2758, ext 103 to RSVP

A Calendar of Places to Go, Do or See…

See our full calendar at northwestprimetime.com/calendar

Tech Talk for Seniors Oct 27, 1:30pm, free, bring your smart phone, iPad, laptop and questions, Newport Way Library, 425-747-2390. What’s Age Got to Do With It? Oct 29, 1pm talk about aging in a positive, affirming way, free, Crossroads Community Center, Bellevue rsvp 425-452-6836. Making Art Together Oct 30-Dec 2, serving individuals with dementia and their caregivers, free workshop to develop play inspired by the older adults in the workshop, sponsored by Edmonds Center for the Arts, UW and Silver Kite Arts, free, 425-275-9485

Community Events

Lucky Eagle Casino “We Drive, You Play” call to find pick-up locations near you – enjoy round-trip service on a luxury motorcoach, $10 gets you $15 free play and free lunch buffet (or $15 for any Lucky Eagle restaurant), 1-800-254-3423, www. LuckyEagleExpress.com. Bloedel Reserve Walks & Talks Oct 1 at 10:30am and Oct 3 at 1pm guided walk by Arborist “Fall Trees & Finding Beauty in Decay”; Oct 11 at 1pm “Permaculture” walk and talk by ecological land care designers; Oct 15 at 10:30m & Oct 17 at 1pm “Super Squash Walk” learn about variety of colorful squashes on walk led by nursery specialist; Oct 1-31 “Super Squash Scavenger Hunt” look for the dozens of hidden squash and pumpkins at Bloedel (worksheet at Gatehouse); open yearround Tues-Sun - for tickets & reservations call 206-842-7631 or visit www.bloedelreserve.org Walk to End Alzheimer’s Please sign up for Alzheimer Walks: Redmond October 6. Sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association. 1-800-272-3900. alz.org/walk Volunteer Tutor Training Oct and Nov training, Change a Life! Become a Volunteer Tutor, teach an adult to read, write and/or speak English, includes training, matching you to student and providing ongoing support, presented by the Tacoma Area Literacy Council, call 253-272-2471 for info or visit www.tacomaliteracy.org

Apple & Cider Festival Oct 11-13, events throughout NE tip of Olympic Peninsula in E. Jefferson County, AppleandCiderFest.com. Oktoberfest Folk Dance Oct 12, 7-10pm, live music, presented by Sno-King International Folk Dancers, potluck snacks, costumes encouraged, $8, Cedar Valley Grange, 20506 52nd Ave W, Lynnwood, 425610-9393, www.sno-king.org Arts North Studio Tour Oct 12-13, 10am-5pm, 10 studios/27 artists, www.artsnorthstudiotour.com Holiday Food and Gift Festival Oct 17-20, includes appearance by Karolyn Grimes who played Zuzu in It’s A Wonderful Life, Tacoma Dome, 1-800-521-7469. Holiday Market Nov 1-2, 9am-3pm, Holiday Market Place, Northshore Senior Center, 10201 East Riverside Dr., Bothell www.northshoresenior.org. Skandia Ball Nov 2, 6pm, bring finger food to share, live music and dancing, www.skandia-folkdance.org Rummage Sale Nov 9-11, 8am, Northshore Senior Center, 10201 East Riverside Dr Bothell, www. northshoreseniorcenter.org Tips for Cooking with Grandkids Nov 8, 1pm, Kenmore Senior Center, 6910 NE 170th St; Nov 8, 7pm meet the author at Third Place Books Ravenna, 6504 20th Ave NE. Healthy Eating/Be Well Pierce County Libraries offer a variety of health and wellness events “Conversations on self-care” including laughter yoga, managing stress, fermentation recipes, canning, frugal grocery shopping and more conversations.pcls.us Learn & Play Music All abilities welcome to visit the Music Center to learn and play – featuring chorale and vocal jazz, string orchestra, rock, winds, jazz, 901 N. 96th St, Seattle, 206-526-8443, www. musiccenternw.org.

Theater & Musicals Flying Karamazov Brothers Thru Oct 6, Seattle, www.fkb.com

The Village Theatre Nov 7-Dec 29 in Issaquah “Guys & Dolls” Jan 3-Feb 2 in Everett, Enter to win free tickets! (enter by Oct 31 – see ad p 21) Issaquah 425-392-2202; Everett 425-257-8600. www. VillageTheatre.org.

Music

Seattle Wind Symphony Oct 6, Hauntings, Shorewood Performing Arts Center, 17300 Fremont Ave N, Shoreline. Nov 11, Honoring Our Veterans--$15-$25 or FREE for veterans and active-duty servicemembers, Benaroya Hall, 200 University St, Seattle, 206215-4747, www.Seattlewindsymphony.org Choral Festival Oct 10-12, 10am-9:30pm, 35 choirs perform, Seattle First Baptist Church, 1111 Harvard Ave, Seattle, www.SeattleSings.org Puget Sound Concert Opera Oct 11, 7:30pm, young opera singers perform, Music Center of the Northwest, 901 N 96th St, Seattle, free! www.pugetsoundconcertopera.org Violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins Oct 12, 7:30pm acclaimed violinist, Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave N, Edmonds, 425-275-9595, www.ec4arts.org Everett Philharmonic Orchestra Oct 13, Masterworks. Dec 1, Music for the Imagination! Low prices! Everett Civic Auditorium, 2415 Colby Ave. 206-270-9729. www.everettphil.org. Symphony Tacoma Oct 19, Romeo & Juliet, 253-591-5894 or www.symphonytacoma.org. Old Time Fiddlers Oct 19, 1 :30pm featuring Washington’s finest fiddlers, vocalist and other musical talent, $5-$6 (kids free) Des Moines Masonic Center, 2208 S 223rd, benefit for Mount Rainier School Awards. Bellevue Chamber Chorus 2019-2020 Season. Dec 21, 7:30pm & December 22, 3pm, Hope in a Pan American Christmas: North Meets South. Mar 7, 7:30pm & Mar 8, 3pm, Finding Home: the Sense of Belonging. May 16th 7:30pm & May 17, 3pm International Poetry Extravaganza. Special Senior Prices Available. 425-522-3436. www. bellevuechamberchorus.org.

SSAQUAH I 9 1 0 2 , 9 2 C E D EVERETT – 0 7 2 0 NOV – FEB 2 , 2 JAN 3

ENTER TO WIN TWO TICKETS TO GUYS & DOLLS. To enter, cut along the dotted line and mail your completed entry form to:

VillageTheatre.org (425) 392-2202 Issaquah SPONSORED IN PART BY

(425) 257-8600 Everett

Village Theatre ATTN: Marketing 303 Front Street North Issaquah, WA 98027

entries must be received by oct 31, 2019. name________________________________________ phone_______________________________________ email____________________________________________

TICKET GIVEAWAY COURTESY OF VILLAGE THEATRE & NORTHWEST PRIME TIME. WINNERS WILL BE CONTACTED BY NOV 10, 2019.

Northwest Prime Time www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com

Zuzu from It’s a Wonderful Life Karolyn Grimes

October 2019

home movie of the film’s ‘wrap party.’ “Frank Capra, the crew, the cast and all their families were at that party. ...continued from page 1 Watching the home movie was so exciting; we had never seen it before. was born and raised in Hollywood and had never seen snow before. The snow It opened with me in a little sun suit in the movie wasn’t real, but it was still with Jimmy Stewart and I could still feel that chemistry we had. I met fun for me. And the giant Christmas tree fascinated me. I was used to a small Jimmy in later years, and we just picked up where we left off. He was tree that sat on a table.” She also has a great man and did so many acts of wonderful memories of working with human kindness behind the scenes.” the other children. “As an only child Karolyn has the distinction in real life, the movie made it feel as of being in two classic Christmas if I was from a large family.” In fact, movies. She also starred in The once It’s a Wonderful Life became such Bishop’s Wife with Cary Grant, a phenomenon, the “children” got Loretta Young and David Niven. together quite a bit and they came to “Cary Grant was fabulous. He loved feel like family to Karolyn. kids and hung out with me. He read She also has good memories of me stories and every day he would working with Jimmy Stewart. “That’s pull me around the ice rink on a sled the number one question everyone while he practiced his skating for the asks: What was it like to work with Jimmy Stewart. You know, Donna Reed movie.” There is a chance that a sequel was nice, but I never really had a line to It’s a Wonderful Life may be in the or interaction with her. I was totally focused on Jimmy; he was the center of works. Karolyn doesn’t know if the my world on that film. He made a point project will go forward or not (she will appear in the film if it does). But to develop chemistry between us.” Three years ago, the “Bailey kids” a musical stage version of the classic got together at the Academy Awards film is scheduled to launch in late 2020, music by none less than Sir Paul for a 70th anniversary viewing of McCartney. the film, where they also showed a

Karolyn looks forward to the musical and anything related to the film. “My life is pretty much all about It’s a Wonderful Life 12 months a year.” As she and the remaining “Bailey kids” grow older, she reflects on the film’s message. “The movie means so much to me, and the kids in the film are very much like family. The movie is all about acceptance. When the knees start getting stiff and things start happening that you don’t really care for, acceptance becomes a challenge. But life is what you make of it. Don’t live in gloom; look for the good things in life. That is what I strive for as I grow older. We are given this gift called life. Give of yourself and you get back joy and happiness. In my opinion, that is the secret to growing older.” v

Measuring Loneliness and Isolation

NANO Prep

Events and Resources at KCLS

...continued from page 20

...continued from page 23

of complication will benefit from examining your off-the-cuff answer. 7. What are you pretending not to know? Every story has a point of recognition, where the main character either does or does not get the reason why everything in the story has happened to him or her. Finding some epiphany you’ve had will make the book ring true— bringing authenticity to the tale. Beyond the questions: 1. Have a three-ring binder with sections for characters, dialogue, plot and settings. 2. Develop a few pages about potential characters. (Like real people, round characters’ personalities include inconsistencies. Flat characters are “types” who fill roles needed by storylines.) Jot notes about traits, appearance and backstory (especially for the main character/s). Think of possible names, manner of dressing, likes/ dislikes, work ethic and sense of humor. Unusual but believable is the goal. 3. In your dialogue section, play with writing notes back and forth to the characters, allow them to evolve a speaking style—quiet or loud, with or without an accent, using jargon or colloquialisms. Play with it. 4. Try lists, outlines or synopses of possible plotlines. (Synopses— beginning/middle/end paragraph.) 5. In the setting section, go through magazines or your own photos and choose some sites you find compelling, beautiful or scary. v

Maybe you are traveling this fall to another country and want to be able to converse with others or ask directions or questions in another language. Be sure to check out Mango Languages and pronunciator on kcls.org/resource. Both databases can quickly teach you common phrases to use on your travels. Finally, a little closer to home, have you or someone in your family visited the new Welcoming Center at Kent Library? It is the place to get free computer help, assistance with immigration matters via the Eastside Legal Assistance Program (ELAP) and to practice English. You can also ask one of our friendly welcoming ambassadors for help finding information and services for education, employment, health and much more! Don’t ever hesitate to reach out to KCLS or your local library for whatever information you are seeking. Simply call Ask KCLS at 1-800-462-9600. We are here for you! v

...continued from page 6

older adults have stepped up to help in Washington. Based on the overwhelming interest from the community, the UW group doubled the number of participants taking the survey from 100 to 200. Sea Mar Community Health Center volunteered to help translate and test the tool into Spanish to gather data from Spanish speaking older adults. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to social isolation, but there are lots of ways older adults can get involved in the community whether that’s trying an exercise class, volunteering or a joining a local hobby group. While some people feeling isolated might not have close friends or family to turn to, most have someone they can approach about how they’re feeling, whether that’s a social worker, a neighbor, a volunteer at the local community center or their health care provider. Belza hopes that the screener will eventually be able to help – not only identify if someone is socially isolated, but also how best to help them. Help may come from local resources, community groups, counseling or personal support, whether in person or over the phone. For anyone who’s feeling alone in Puget Sound area, good resources include: the many neighborhood senior centers; Elder Friends (206-224-3790 or www.fulllifecare.org/we-can-help/ by-service/elderfriends) which provides companionship and advocacy services to isolated older adults; Community Living Connections (1-844-348-5464, www.communitylivingconnections. org), which helps individuals across many languages and cultural backgrounds access disability and aging resources; and calling 2-1-1, which connects people with local services. v

ROOFING DISCOUNTS Ariele is doing Saturday workshops at the Hoquiam Library 10:30am to 12:30pm. October 26 NANO PREP and November 23 Sharing Stories. ariele@comcast.net (Library phone #360-532-1710)

MORE INFORMATION Karolyn Grimes will appear at the Holiday Food and Gift Festival at the Tacoma Dome on October 17 through October 20. For more information about the show, call 1-800-521-7469 or visit holidaygiftshows.com. For more information about Karolyn Grimes, visit Zuzu.net.

classifieds... classifieds... classifieds... estate planning LAST WILL, POWER OF ATTORNEY, AND LIVING WILL. $375/person or $575/couple for complete services. Mar tin Sjolie, Attorney at Law (Northgate office), (206)-841-1373.

vacation rentals MAUI CONDO 1Bedroom/1Bath, Sleeps 4. Discount for extended stays. Rental by Owner. Phone: 253-839-6705 email: rijvrj827@MSN. com. Get a full description, pictures, rates and availability from our web site: www. AlohaDreamsCondo.com Words in “OCTOBER” --II Answers to questions on page 19 1. oboe 2. root 3. cote 4. Beto 5. coot 6. Oberto Crossword Answers Solution for the puzzle on page 19

I Make Real Estate Easy for You! Roger Morris YOUR Senior Real Estate Specialist Call me at 206-595-7700 rogermorris@windermere.com www.ontheroadwithroger.com

Wendy Pender, wgpender@kcls.org, 425369-3285

SENIOR CITIZENS

ROOFING DISCOUNTS AMERICAN GENERAL CONTRACTORS, INC. State Licensed, Bonded and Insured # AMERIGC923B8

• Quality Workmanship • Free Estimates • No Deposits • All Work Completed BEFORE You Pay

A+ SEATTLE:

KENT:

206-625-9900 253-850-5405

We do all types of Residential Roofing including Flat Roof Systems

October 2019

www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com 23

The Great Outdoors

Library Corner

Where Have All the Sockeye Gone?

Events and Resources at KCLS

...by Roger Urbaniak

...by Wendy Pender, Older Adults Project Specialist

Sockeye fishing in Lake Washington during its glory days from the mid-1990s up to 2006 stirred the blood of anyone with a fishing pole in their closet. Fishing fever was so strong then that Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) pressured operators of the Landsburg dam, above which Seattle’s drinking water comes, to work with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to increase our sockeye production so that we might have fishing seasons every year instead of the hit-and-miss opportunities we’d had up to that point. Roughly 350,000 Sockeye were needed to return to the lake before a fishing season would open to the public. This number would allow enough fish to return to the Cedar River hatchery and perpetuate the run. Following 2006’s 18-day fishing season, SPU spent roughly four years in the permit process and wound up spending 7.9 million dollars building a hatchery that opened in 2011 capable of producing up to 32 million young sockeye each year. Sockeye smolt are currently released into the Cedar River within 12 to 16 days, not protected longer in raceways until they are larger, to increase the numbers released. This hatchery system has not

87930 LC QP MC West Seattle_NW Primetime Ad.indd 1

worked. From 2000 to 2011 the average number of Sockeye going through the Ballard locks was roughly 215,000. From 2011 to 2018 the average: 84,000. Worse still, less than half of the fish making it to the locks in the past three years return to the hatchery ready to spawn. Fish loss has mostly been attributed to a symptom named Pre-Spawn Mortality in which a pathogen kills the fish while still full of eggs. Water too warm for sockeye between Lake Union and the locks also causes many fish to turn around. Likely the primary reason for sockeye survival numbers being too low is that when released from the hatchery at such a small size they cannot survive the 1- to 1.5-year freshwater maturing period they are genetically programmed for. Predators such as bass, cutthroat trout, Northern Pikeminnow and perch readily eat them. Roughly 2% of the fish released from the hatchery ever reach salt water to further their life cycle. Keeping fish in raceways longer

has worked for the other species. Sockeye need hatchery protection, too, to survive. Several groups are working on solutions to bring back the sockeye fishery but, in the end, it will take significant public pressure and then successful permitting and funding if we are to ever fish for Sockeye again. Some of the solutions include building ponds or raceways to protect then feed the sockeye for at least a year, promote the quality of fisheries in Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish systems, cool water above the fish ladder or intercepting salmon at the locks and/ or trucking them to Lake Washington, developing cures for PSM, paying bounties for Northern Pikeminnows, require that bass caught during derbies be kept, not released. Some of these solutions are also expected to help Coho and our endangered Chinook runs. If we hope to see grandchildren catching salmon from the lake as we once did, we must first fix the conditions they require for survival. v

When you read this, the King County Library System (KCLS) will have just concluded Welcoming Week, a national event to help build unity between Wendy Pender immigrants, refugees and long term residents and to celebrate the values that unite us and to celebrate the richness of diversity that makes King County so special. While the word “diversity” often brings to mind ethnicity and race, it also includes age, abilities and interests as well. And your library has something for all. This fall KCLS has an array of classes and programs to support whatever your diverse interests may be, from civics to quilling. Some of the most popular are “Kitchen Table Printmaking” presented by Seniors Creating Art (at Vashon, Fairwood and Carnation Libraries), and a “Glass Painting Workshop” (at Kent, White Center, Maple Valley, Muckleshoot, Des Moines, Lake Hills, Issaquah and Sammamish Libraries). “Create Collage Greeting Cards” will take place at Lake Hills, Renton Highlands, Shoreline, Valley View, Enumclaw, Newcastle and Valley View Libraries just in time for the holidays! (Check your own library for local events.) continued on page 22

9/12/19 10:18 AM

Care for you. Lions for the little ones. Visit a participating CareClinic by Kaiser Permanente at Bartell Drugs location for a free Loveable Lion stuffed animal. Offer good while supplies last. CareClinic locations in Puget Sound (CMYK)

Walk in • Open every day, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.1 • No appointment required Get treatment • Care for minor illness or injuries • Minor procedures such as earwax, wart, and suture removal • General tests for glucose, urinalysis, strep, and more • Flu shots and other vaccines Pay easily • Most insurance accepted — or self-pay for $89 per visit without insurance2 • Vaccines and lab tests priced separately Walk in today or call 1-800-722-3009. Visit careclinic.org for the full list of services, an interactive map with addresses, wait times, and online check-in ahead of time.

All CareClinic locations are open every day, excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas. 2 Check with your health plan to verify coverage. 1

Silver Lake

Alderwood 5

Greenwood Ballard

Seattle

University Village 405 Bellevue Village

West Seattle

Redmond Sammamish Crossroads

Rainier Avenue

Snoqualmie

Fairwood Des Moines 5

Gig Harbor CareClinic by Kaiser Permanente at Bartell Drugs