Northwest Prime Time November 2017

nside

Prime Time

CELEBRATING LIFE AFTER 50 IN THE PUGET SOUND REGION SINCE 1986

www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com

EE FR

I

Northwest

VOL. 17 NO. 9 NOVEMBER 2017

The Northwest's Own Karl Marlantes This bestselling author and war hero was featured in the Ken Burns / Lynn Novick documentary, The Vietnam War, which aired earlier this fall on PBS

I

n 1968, at the age of twenty-three, Karl Marlantes was dropped into the highland jungle of Vietnam, an

inexperienced lieutenant in command of a platoon of forty Marines who would live or die by his decisions.

Marlantes was a bright young man— Our country did that with well-trained for the task at hand but far Vietnam, and it’s only been from mentally prepared for what lay ahead. very recently that the baby He saw intense combat in his thirteenboomers are finally starting to month tour; he killed the enemy and he say, ‘What happened? What watched friends die. Marlantes survived, happened?’ " Vietnam war hero and bestselling author Karl Marlantes lives among the evergreens but like many of his brothers-in-arms, he In an interview with between Woodinville and Duvall has spent over forty years trying to deal the Seattle Times' Nicole with his past.

Brodeur, Marlantes discussed his struggles and as Marlantes was The 72-year-old, who lives amongst opening up about his past. It took him graduating from Seaside the evergreens between Woodinville and six months of meeting with Ken Burns High School as the Duvall, is one of 100 witnesses featured and Lynn Novick before he could begin Vietnam War was in the recent 10-part PBS documentary, to be comfortable speaking in front of the escalating, he knew he The Vietnam War, by Ken Burns and Lynn camera: “...when you’re talking about what might have to go."

Karl Marlantes is the bestselling author of "Matterhorn," a Novick. Marlantes has also appeared you did in the war, I mean … you start Marlantes was a novel based on his experiences in Vietnam, and of "What onstage with Burns and Novick to discuss trembling. You’ve got to trust these people. gifted student. He is It Is Like to Go to War," a nonfiction book about how we the film and his experiences in Vietnam.

I don’t think I could have talked about it described as a piano might better prepare young soldiers for war In one way, Karl Marlantes was wellbefore now.” prodigy, a football prepared to talk about star and a National Merit home, like many Vietnam vets, he did not Vietnam since he is Scholar. Honoring his family's experience a hero's welcome due to the the bestselling author pride in serving the country, fractured home front—a nation at war of two books on the he had joined the Marines with itself over Vietnam. Marlantes stuffed subject. His first book, before leaving Seaside for Yale his medals into a jelly jar in his basement the novel Matterhorn, University. He later walked and tried to put the past behind him. is based on his own away from a Rhodes Scholarship Marlantes described this time in his combat experiences in at Oxford University for active life during a CNN interview with John Vietnam. Matterhorn duty in the Marines. He said Blake. When his wife became pregnant was hailed as an that he could no longer hide with their first son, Marlantes arranged for instant classic of war behind privilege, couldn't sit a midwife to deliver the baby in a cabin in literature, although it on the fence when so many of the woods; he kept his child's name off the took Marlantes over his friends were fighting and birth certificate for six months because he Karl Marlantes was featured in the recent 10-part PBS documentary, 30 years to write and dying while he "drank beer and didn't want his son to be eligible for the “The Vietnam War” by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick he received at least 30 debated at a beautiful university draft. "I was so angry at the government...I or 40 rejections before it was published.

Northwest Roots in England." was a little bit out of my mind."

Sebastian Junger of The New York Times Karl Marlantes grew up in Seaside.

But his idealism was shattered in And he was always on the move, called Matterhorn "one of the most After publication of his books, Jeff Baker Vietnam. "Marlantes came back from a taking his family around the world. They profound and devastating novels ever to of the Oregonian delved into Marlantes' year in Vietnam wrecked physically and lived in a house boat in India, a tent on an come out of Vietnam—or any war." life to honor Oregon's native son. emotionally, unable to talk about what army base in the Himalayas, a meadow in In his second book, the nonfiction Marlantes is "the son of a father he'd seen and done," wrote Baker. "He England, a sky rise hotel in Singapore and What It Is Like to Go to War, Marlantes who was born above a restaurant and a repressed everything, except on paper." a vineyard in France. His daughter, Laurel, takes a deeply personal and candid look at mother who grew up in a logging camp Marlantes considered the resulting 1,700described their life as fun, but chaotic. the experience and ordeal of combat—an in Washington." His dad was a high page novel (the basis for his blockbuster On the outside, Marlantes' life intellectual examination of how we might school teacher turned principal; his mom book, Matterhorn), as therapy for himself seemed ideal. He was an Ivy-Leaguer better prepare our young soldiers for war. waited tables and worked as a bookkeeper. and no one else. Fast forward 30 years, and war hero. He had a big income as Marlantes says his purpose in writing the "One of Marlantes' grandfathers was and the accolades Matterhorn received was an international energy consultant and a book was to provide other veterans with a gill-netter who lost a leg in a logging 'the feel-good publishing story of 2010'—a seemingly happy family life. But, as CNN's a roadmap for finding closure for their accident, and Karl and his brother worked successful 66-year-old businessman and John Blake reports, "there was hardly a day wartime experiences. for him as boat pullers, hauling the heavy father of five with no experience or track when he wasn't thinking about the secrets While Marlantes possesses the net filled with fish back into the boat," record as a writer spent more than 30 years he left in Vietnam." personal experience and scholarship writes Baker. "It's a world gone by, a time on a novel and finally saw it published to Marlantes would sometimes lash out to examine the Vietnam War, actually within living memory that already has universal acclaim, wrote Baker. in fits of rage or bolt from sudden noises. discussing it was something else entirely. passed...the culture has changed over Those thirty years were rough ones for Despite his success, work was a struggle.

He explains his difficulty in the Ken three generations. When Marlantes' Marlantes. He had won the Navy Cross, He was trying to stuff the memories back Burns documentary: “For years, nobody father and his uncles fought in World Commendations for Valor, two Purple into his subconscious talked about Vietnam. It was so divisive.

War II, everyone understood where they Hearts and ten Air Medals. But his body "I'm rolling around sweating at night, It’s like living in a family with an alcoholic were going and why. The understanding was a wreck, covered with scars from continued on page 14 father: ‘Shhh! We don’t talk about that.’ continued into the next generation, jungle rot and shrapnel. And once back

2

Northwest Prime Time www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com

Thanksgiving Fun

Feeding Frenzy ...by Dick Wolfsie

How much food are you supposed to bring to a potluck or a Thanksgiving get-together? The calculus of this must have stumped even Albert Einstein, who came from a nice Jewish family where food, of course, played a very important role. Some biographers think the equation E = mc2 really meant the amount of food you can Eat (that would be E) is equal to the size of the average Mouth (that’s M) times the number of cousins (C) who were invited for a holiday dinner.

Then Einstein’s mother just squared everything, which has since become a holiday tradition. And is why most people gain 11 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.

Einstein has gotten a lot of credit for his theories on atomic energy, but very little recognition has been given to Mother Einstein’s classic formula for how much potato salad to lug to the family reunion picnic.

This past Thanksgiving, we were invited to my friends Bob and Cathy Haverstick’s home. My wife

insisted on bringing something so she could contribute to the sumptuous feast.

“Bringing something” was always a risky thing when I grew up in New York.

Whenever my mother brought something to someone’s house she would watch it like a hawk, concerned that her candied yams would go unacknowledged, thus requiring her to either chuck the remains at the end of the party or hide the incriminating half-filled casserole dish behind her back as she nervously slid out the door.

And there was a worse scenario.

Suppose the dish was completely consumed. Not a scrap left. Wiped clean. That would have meant that my mother did not bring enough. She believed this miscalculation would stain the reputation of the entire Wolfsie clan. That’s when my mother adopted Mama Einstein’s theory of quantum food.

This made a huge impression on me as a kid. So when my wife offered to contribute her sour cream mashed

potatoes to the Haverstick party, I tried to look at the decision about how much to bring in a scientific manner. Bob and Cathy were having 25 people for dinner, so we needed to make enough mashed potatoes for 50 people because if the spuds were that good, everyone was going to have seconds. But other people would also be bringing dishes. And these people, no doubt, were also familiar with this culinary formula. This meant that if all 25 people were bringing enough food for 50 people, there would be enough food on the Haverstick table that night to feed about 5,000 people.

That would be plenty…even though Uncle Harold is a really big eater.

Dinner was quite wonderful, but getting all that food in the Haversticks’ dining room was a problem. Guests were asked to leave their coats in the car so Bob and Cathy’s king-size bed could be used as a buffet table for the 475 fluffy dinner rolls, 28 pounds of oyster stuffing and 16 bowls of cranberry relish.

Sadly, at the end of the evening, many people felt the sting my mother used to experience when her string bean soufflé had been barely touched.

As for Mary Ellen’s sour cream mashed potatoes, I ate 12 portions.

I don’t like sour cream mashed potatoes, but the idea of my lovely wife coming home on Thanksgiving night clinging to the remains of an unappreciated casserole would have been too much for either of us to bear. ❖

New Device Stops a Cold Before it Starts

New research shows you can stop a he patented CopperZap™ and put it on fle!” she exclaimed.

Businesswoman Rosaleen says cold in its tracks if you take one simple the market. step with a new device when you first Soon hundreds of people had tried when people are sick around her she feel a cold coming on. it and given feedback. Nearly 100 per- uses CopperZap morning and night.

Colds start when cold viruses get in cent said the copper stops their colds if “It saved me last holidays,” she said. your nose. Viruses multiply fast. If you used within 3 hours after the first sign. “The kids had colds going round and don’t stop them early, they spread in Even up to 2 days, if they still get the round, but not me.”

Some users say it also your airways and cause mishelps with sinuses. Attorney ery.

Donna Blight had a 2-day But scientists have found sinus headache. When her a quick way to kill a virus CopperZap arrived, she tried — touch it with copper. Reit. “I am shocked!” she said. searchers at labs and univer“My head cleared, no more sities worldwide all agree — headache, no more congescopper is “antimicrobial.” It tion.” kills microbes, such as virusSome users say copper es and bacteria, just by touch. stops nighttime stuffiness if That’s why ancient Greeks they use it just before bed. and Egyptians used copOne man said, “Best sleep per to purify water and heal I’ve had in years.” wounds. They didn’t know Users also report success about viruses and bacteria, New research: Copper stops colds if used early. in stopping cold sores and but now we do.

Researchers say a tiny electric cold it is milder than usual and they warts. It can also prevent infection in wounds, cuts and abrasions. charge in microbe cells gets short-cir- feel better.

The handle is sculptured to fit the cuited by the high conductance of copUsers wrote things like, “It stopped per. This destroys the cell in seconds. my cold right away,” and “Is it sup- hand and finely textured to improve contact. Tests show it kills germs on Tests by the Environmental Pro- posed to work that fast?” tection Agency (EPA) show germs “What a wonderful thing,” wrote fingers to help you avoid spreading illdie fast on copper. So some hospitals Physician’s Assistant Julie. “Now I ness to your family.

Copper may even stop flu if used switched to copper touch surfaces, like have this little magic wand, no more early and for several days. In a lab test, faucets and doorknobs. This cut the colds for me!” spread of MRSA and other illnesses Pat McAllister, age 70, received scientists placed 25 million live flu by over half, and saved lives. one for Christmas and called it “one of viruses on a CopperZap. No viruses The strong scientific evidence gave the best presents ever. This little jewel were found still alive soon after.

The EPA says the natural color inventor Doug Cornell an idea. When really works.” he felt a cold coming on he fashioned People often use CopperZap for change of copper does not reduce its a smooth copper probe and rubbed it prevention, before cold signs appear. ability to kill germs.

CopperZap is made in the U.S. of gently in his nose for 60 seconds.

Karen Gauci, who flies often for her “It worked!” he exclaimed. “The job, used to get colds after crowded pure copper. It carries a 90-day full cold went away completely.” He asked flights. Though skeptical, she tried it money back guarantee and is available relatives and friends to try it. They said several times a day on travel days for 2 for $49.95 at CopperZap.com or tollit worked for them, too, every time. So months. “Sixteen flights and not a snif- free 1-888-411-6114. (paid advertisement)

November 2017

Pumpkin Pie – It’s Tradition ...by Suzanne G. Beyer

Although I left my shopping list in the car, I managed to remember the items on that list once in the grocery store. I had my heart set on baking pumpkin pies as a trial run for our Thanksgiving dinner.

On the back of Libby’s pumpkin can, the recipe calls for two 12-ounce cans of Carnation evaporated milk, four eggs and two pie shells. I already had sugar and spices at home.

Loading the car with other groceries, as well as pie ingredients, I shut the trunk and proceeded to drive out of the parking lot. Oops! I forgot to buy the pie shells.

Re-parking my car, I dashed into the store, found the frozen shells and waited on the checkout line…again!

Once home, the baking began.

I carefully pricked fork holes in the two pie shells and placed them in the oven for 10 minutes to brown. Meanwhile, the recipe called for a mixture of sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger and cloves (didn’t have cloves so I substituted with nutmeg). The recipe said, “Set aside.”

Then I beat four eggs, added the pumpkin puree, then slowly added two cans of evaporated milk, per the instructions.

Upon lifting the pre-cooked pie shells from the oven, I thought I’d do something different and decorative. After pouring the pumpkin mixture into the shells, I garnished the pies with a circle of pecans on each. I set the oven for 450 degrees, put in the pies and set the timer for 15 minutes, which would signal reducing the heat to 350 for another 45 minutes of baking.

I’m good at cleaning up quickly, so I recycled cans and washed down the kitchen counter. It was then that my eye caught something.

“OH S--T,” I said. (FILL IN WORD). There sat the small bowl of sugar and spices.

I immediately yanked the pies from the hot oven, sprinkled the sugar mixture on the surface of each pie and watched it disappear unevenly into the pies.

Thankfully, this was a dry run for our Thanksgiving meal.

Did I ever tell you about the time I left the bananas out of the banana bread? ❖

November 2017

www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com 3

Volunteering with Spirit ...by Carol Scott-Kassner Volume 17 Number 9 Northwest Prime Time is published 10 times per year and is owned and operated by Northwest Prime Time, Inc. Monthly Circulation: 50,000 Subscriptions: $20 per year.

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 13647 Seattle, Washington 98198 (206) 824-8600 Fax (206) 824-8606 www.northwestprimetime.com Publishers: Michelle Roedell and Chris Mitchell Operations/Advertising Manager: Chris Mitchell Editor: Michelle Roedell Production Manager: Jason Reynolds Production Coordinator: Rachel Binford Associate Editor: Suzanne G. Beyer Copyeditor: Diann MacRae Administration: Barbara Davidson, Clarence Roedell, Doris Roedell, Gail Roedell Printing: Rotary Offset Press Northwest Prime Time welcomes letters and comments.

Please send to: editor@northwestprimetime.com or P.O. Box 13647 Seattle, Washington 98198 Northwest Prime Time, published 10 times per year, is for vital men and women over 50 who are curious, passionate, and engaged with the world they live in; who know that these years are the prime time of their lives.

Northwest Prime Time Winner of 20 prestigious national awards

Be sure to pick up your FREE copy of Northwest Prime Time every month at any of our 1,000 local distribution sites.

Call (206) 824-8600

for the location of a site near you or to place an advertisement.

Northwest Prime Time is online!

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

Please visit NorthwestPrimeTime.com

If you are like me, you find yourself going through various stages as you get older. At the age of 75, I find both my energy and my focus shifting. I’ve always Carol Scott-Kassner been a high energy extrovert who loves to organize and to lead groups and causes.

At this point, however, I find myself moving more and more inward. It isn’t that I care less about the world; I just don’t have the energy I used to.

So where does that leave me as a volunteer? I still feel a calling to use my life experience to help heal the world. That calling is leading me in new directions.

Instead of feeling compelled to supervise an intern or chair a board, I’m moving toward a time of simply offering a compassionate presence to others.

Compassion means to “be with,” to listen deeply without trying to fix. I am now present to “adopted” grandchildren whose parents have invited us into their lives.

I want to be present to people who are struggling with addiction issues, so I’m volunteering for an organization that serves those people.

And, I’m trying to be more present to my own journey of aging — caring for my health, my spirit and my body as I age. I cannot be compassionate for others if I’m not compassionate for myself.

Here are some other options I’ve

thought of that are close at hand: • I could volunteer at a school to help children learn to read.

• I could work at a nearby food bank.

• I could help prepare and deliver meals for those homebound.

There is much to be done. May

you continue to find opportunities to volunteer that meet your interests, energy and needs at this stage of your life. ❖ Carol Scott-Kassner is a spiritual director and a Certified Sage-ing Leader (www.sage-ing.org ).

If you are interested in a volunteer opportunity, contact RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program) of King County at 206-694-6786

Smith Family Day prize winners on Auditorium steps at the Alaska-YukonPacific-Exposition, Seattle, Washington, September 2, 1909. During Seattle’s first world’s fair, the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific-Exposition, there were special days such as Norway Day, Wenatchee Day, Polish Day, Octogenarian Day, Washington State Fourth Class Postmasters Day, Fish Day, etc. One of the special days was “Smith Day.” More than five thousand Smiths (and variations such as Schmidt, Smythe, etc.) were given purple badges saying, “I am a Smith; Are You?” There was a parade for the Smiths, a talk on famous Smiths and prizes were given out for various categories such as tallest, shortest, prettiest baby Smiths. The winners were: From left to right. Oldest pair of twins Smith's: Miss Adna H. and Adeline H. Handsomest Smith man: Mr. E.B. Smith. Handsomest married lady: Mrs. N.H. Smith. Homliest Smith man: Jim P. Smith. Handsomest Miss Smith: Miss. Florence M. Smith. Tallest Smith: Mr. Jack Smith.

Shortest Smith: Sidney Smith. Slimmest Smith or thinnest: Mrs. Harriet Smith. Fattest Smith: Mrs. W.O. Smith. Youngest Smith twins: Vernon and Vincent Smith. Prettiest Smith baby under one year: William Howard Smith. Prettiest Smith baby over one year: Jeanette Smith.

This photograph is part of the collection at the University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections. The Special Collections archive contains original photographs, films, manuscripts, diaries, letters, maps, architectural drawings and other unique materials on the history of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Many of the materials in Special Collections depict the lives of average citizens in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.

–submitted by Nicolette Bromberg, Special Collections Visual Materials Curator

4

Northwest Prime Time www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com

Life Perspectives

November 2017

AARP Opinion

After I Kick the Bucket Vote Yes on Prop 1 ...by Jason Erskine, AARP Washington

…by Saralee Perel

Last week my friend, Marilee, and I met for lunch for the purpose of me giving her a list of things to do when I’m dead. She ordered a salad and I ordered a turkey wrap. I said, “Would you say my eulogy?”

“Let me hear it first.”

I read, “Saralee was so benevolent that when she won the Nobel Prize, she donated it to our president so he could have something to boast about. She was the first old Jewish woman to take a spacewalk from the International Space Station, where she established the first orbiting satellite Kosher deli.”

Marilee was wide-eyed.

“Saralee won her 10th Pulitzer Prize for her bestselling book, ‘I Found My Cell Phone in My Casket.’ In later life, she was honored at the Kennedy Center where she received the Lifetime Achievement Award for The Greatest Humanitarian in the Entire Universe – and Elsewhere.”

Marilee sat back, shook her head and said, ‘I refuse to say any of that.”

“Well, would you put my obituary in the paper?”

“I’ll need to hear that first, too.”

“Saralee’s funeral will be at the bus station tomorrow at noon. No early birds please! It will be catered by Burger King.

BYOB.” I told Marilee, “Make sure nobody

gets any crumbs on my outfit. I want to be buried in my clown suit. It’s the red one hanging in my closet. Oh, can you post the obit on Twitter?”

She said, “No.” I went on: “Saralee’s rented 14-karat gold casket will be surrounded by a oneday-only yard sale with all of her stuff.

Everything must go. All sales are final, since there’s nowhere to return anything anyway.”

I finished my turkey wrap, then continued, “Proceeds will go to the Red Cross, which was founded by Saralee and Clara Barton, who was so overwhelmed with charitable odds and ends that she asked Saralee to do the field work of helping millions of people.”

Marilee agreed to helping with the pets and other sane things on my list, but she thought my eulogy and obit were warped.

We walked arm and arm to our cars.

Overwhelmed with loving gratitude, I took her in my arms, hugged her to me tightly, and whispered in her ear, “If you want to cremate me, I could live with that. Just make sure I’m dead first.” ❖ Award-winning nationally syndicated columnist, Saralee Perel, can be reached at sperel@saraleeperel.com or via her website: www.SaraleePerel.com/

King County voters this November will be asked to renew Proposition 1, “The King County Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy,” an effort to expand our commitment to strengthening communities.

Since 2012, the Levy has served nearly 35,000 King County residents a year. Older adults are the fastest growing demographic in King County.

The Levy will help prevent seniors from aging into poverty by creating and expanding housing programs and providing tax relief to low-income seniors. It will support Meals on Wheels and other food programs for lowincome seniors. And it will invest in senior centers county-wide by helping to fund senior activities and programs that promote physical, social and emotional health For about eight cents more a day for the typical homeowner, the renewed levy will provide vital services like job training, employment opportunities and housing stability to veterans, seniors, domestic violence survivors and more. The Levy extends existing efforts that have proven effective in reducing unemployment, homelessness and emergency medical costs.

At around $28 more per year, or about $2.50 per month, Proposition

1 is a cost-effective, proven and accountable approach to helping break the cycle of poverty and homelessness.

It combines employment, mental health and housing services in one package to address the complex challenges facing too many veterans, seniors and others in our communities.

According to a recent AARP survey of Seattle residents age 45+, more than 63% say it is extremely important to remain in their current homes for as long as possible. By providing support for home and community-based services, the Levy can help save families and the state money that would otherwise be spent on more expensive institutional care.

AARP is among dozens of organizations supporting the “Yes on Proposition 1” effort, including the King County Veteran’s Consortium, the local chapter of Stand Down, Sound Generations, the Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness, Catholic Community Services of King County, SEIU 775. El Centro de la Raza and others.

Find more at www.yesonprop1. com, and please join us in voting “yes” for the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy. ❖

Foundation House a t

N o r t h g a t e

A Not-for-Profit Retirement Community Since 1997

RETIREMENT LIVING AT ITS BEST

TM

We offer both independent and assisted living with a range of services and activities to help you make the most of your retirement years.

A 55+ Manufactured Home Community

belmormhc.com New Homes Available – Karsten Exclusive Dealership 253-838-0517

2101 S. 324th Street • Federal Way, WA 98003

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Move here and be a part of it!

11301 3rd Ave NE • Seattle 98125 • 206-361-2758 www.FoundationHouseNG.com Conveniently located near Northgate Mall, Target and Hubbard Homestead Park

November 2017

www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com 5

This article is sponsored by CHI Franciscan Hospice and Palliative Care

Care, Comfort and Choice… When You Need it Most Whether it’s you, your spouse or a dear friend, the time may come in a serious illness when a cure is no longer attainable.

This would be the time to turn to Franciscan Hospice and Palliative Care. At Franciscan, we meet patients and their families where they are, and help relieve pain, anxiety, stress and discomfort. Care can be provided at home, in a skilled nursing or assisted living facility, and even in the hospital. Franciscan Hospice and Palliative Care also offers the region’s only inpatient hospice facility, Franciscan Hospice House in University Place.

Hospice care focuses on quality of life as you and your family define it.

The hospice philosophy centers on the rights of patients and their families to remain in control of their lives. Our goal is to coordinate care—to support your choices and wishes at this difficult time in life’s journey. As a loved one becomes more frail, care needs can become overwhelming. We do all we can to alleviate symptoms and much of the burden and stress of caregiving.

Hospice care involves a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain and symptom management, and

emotional and spiritual support. At Franciscan Hospice, we know families also suffer, so we offer practical and meaningful support for the entire family.

Care for patients includes: • Symptom control (anxiety, fear, breathlessness, depression, nausea and pain) • Medical equipment and supplies (such as a hospital bed and oxygen) • Emotional and spiritual support • Counseling (emotional, psychological, financial) • Volunteer assistance and caregiver coordination • Comfort therapies (massage, aromatherapy, music, art) Care for loved ones includes: • Caregiver training and guidance • Individual counseling for emotional and spiritual support • Grief support groups Franciscan Hospice is life-affirming, self-directed comfort care that lets families focus on what’s important: time together.

MORE INFORMATION The sooner you call, the sooner we can help. Hospice is a covered benefit of Medicare Part A and many insurance plans, so there is generally no charge for items and services related to the hospice diagnosis. To learn more or to talk with someone about how Franciscan Hospice and Palliative Care can help you and your family, please call toll-free 1-866-969-7028 or visit chifranciscan.org/hospice.

Franciscan Hospice & Palliative Care

Helping people live each day with dignity and comfort.

Serving Pierce, King and Kitsap counties

“You made our mother and our whole family feel cared for and comfortable during this difficult time.” – A Grateful Family ❖

$0 Premium Plans*

|

1 (866) 969-7028 chifranciscan.org/hospice

Enroll now in Providence Medicare Advantage Plans

PLAN FOR TRUE HEALTH We earned Medicare’s highest rating

UPCOMING MEETINGS NEAR YOU* Shoreline Conference Center 18650 1st Ave NE, Shoreline Arden Room Monday, November 6, 10 a.m.

West Seattle Senior Center 4217 SW Oregon St, Seattle Nucor Room Tuesday, November 7, 4 p.m.

North Bellevue Senior Center 4063 148th Ave NE, Bellevue Room A Tuesday, November 7, 10 a.m.

Kent Senior Center 600 E Smith St, Kent Rm 9 Thursday, November 9, 10 a.m.

ProvidenceHealthAssurance.com/print 866-995-2956 You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. A sales person will be present with information and applications. For accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings, call 1-800-457-6064 or 503-574-5551 (TTY: 711). Providence Medicare Advantage Plans is an HMO, HMO-POS and HMO SNP plan with a Medicare and Oregon Health Plan contract.

Enrollment in Providence Medicare Advantage Plans depends on contract renewal. Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. Star ratings are calculated each year and may change from one year to the next.

*

H9047_2018PHA100 ACCEPTED

Northwest Prime Time www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com

Flying Solo ...by Joseph T. Di Bene

I used to think that I was the pilot and navigator – whatever we did, I believed it was mostly because I willed it.

Joseph T. Di Bene But now I realize fate made the really important decisions, not me.

We had a lovely family – lots of kids. I had two successful careers and a great marriage; even my retirement was on track. Then it happened; fate double-crossed us and took my wife.

There was no contingency plan, no backup plan. It was like fate pointed a finger at us and said, ‘Take that; your life is now trashed.’ My wife is not here to express her feelings, but I’m here to say it was disastrous for both of us.

Having spent several years trying to figure out what had happened and what I should do about it, I found myself exactly nowhere. It is not easy to explain what it is to suddenly, without warning, find yourself alone.

There is the numbness, confusion and loneliness. Suddenly finding that your life partner is gone is not only a deep

shock, it is disorienting and you find it difficult to pull your life together. I asked myself, “What’s wrong? Why don’t you get out there and find another relationship?” I didn’t know, I guess I was waiting for a sign, that tingle, those goose-bumps.

I didn’t really expect a bolt of lightning. Someone said it doesn’t happen that way at my age. They said, “Real lasting relationships don’t just happen; they need to be carefully developed and nurtured.”

Metaphorically speaking, like a garden that needs tender loving care and constant attention. That’s logical, but how about fifty-eight years ago when I sat on my glasses and bent them so badly I had to go to the optometrist to have them straightened? And, how about the young lady who straightened my glasses and became my wife of 58 years and the mother of our five children? How much nurturing did that take? Guess what; it happened in the time it took her to fix my glasses. A romantic might say: “Now, that was a bolt of lightning!”

Perhaps I should have been satisfied that I was alive and in good health, but I was not. I wanted more. I knew there was someone out there and I hoped I would recognize her. My fear was that I would walk on by and realize, too late, that that was it.

Surviving the loss of a life partner was very difficult. Our life before was as good as it gets. But I had to move on.

I believed there must be a new beginning, and I needed to find it.

I finally did. ❖

Online Legal Services customized & affordable

Wills, Probate, Powers of Attorney, Medicaid Planning, Estate Planning, Elder Law

Discover how low-cost eLegal solutions combine the latest technology with professional legal services to protect your hard-earned assets without frequent visits to an attorney’s office.

The eLegal process provides legal services at a more affordable rate than traditional law firms. Through eLegal solutions, Symone Scales, an experienced Seattle estate planning attorney, takes time to learn about your entire portfolio, about your needs and wishes going forward. She will ensure that you understand each action and legal document. You will be advised of options that are available to you, and which options suit your specific needs. Most interaction is by phone, email, Skype, fax, Webex …

And finally, when needed, our notary comes to you. All of this at an affordable price.

...by Cheryle Hoskins Bigelow

Eyeglasses with wings and jewels, medications and my deceased Mother’s dentures were easy to let go.

However, her children had the heart-wrenching job of coming across a poem she wrote in the third grade and trinkets she won at a bingo game...trying to save the mementos from a faceless destination.

Mom gave items to her three kids from time to time over the ninetyfive years of her life, but most of her possessions were in a sizable storage unit.

She lived in an assisted living apartment, rehabilitation centers and, finally, a nursing home for several years after a life-altering fall forced her to give up her own home. My brother, sister and I split the monthly rental fee to keep all of her belongings together. She frequently asked about her things and we knew we would never get a lie past her if we discarded even one needle or spool of thread.

Her children had to decide how to lay possessions accumulated over a lifetime to rest with respect since she did not leave instructions for us.

When we asked the family circle if they wished to receive special items, her eldest granddaughter asked for the ornament she made from a seashell in kindergarten. She said grandma had put it on display every holiday season

The author's mother in one of her treasured holiday sweaters

since she was in pigtails. Her oldest grandson requested the red clock shaped like an apple that greeted him in his grandmother’s kitchen. Her greatgranddaughter scooped up her costume jewelry, showed up at elementary school wearing a pair of clip-on earrings and wore a necklace to soccer practice.

Mother’s collection of chickens is on display in my sister’s home for the entire family to enjoy. Mom was known as the “chicken lady” when she resided at a lovely assisted living home. The manager often asked to show her pad to prospective new residents due to her colorful décor. Word got around and, right after she moved in, a woman took her aside and told her it was against the rules to raise chickens in her apartment.

The busybody was relieved to learn the chickens were all ceramic, wood and fabric so they would not be clucking or laying eggs, and the few roosters would not be awakening anyone at dawn with continued on page 14

FALL INTO A GREAT SENIOR LIFESTYLE! pen!

O Now

Experience a New Season of Extraordinary Living at The Meridian at Stone Creek!

Apartments Are Filling Quickly – Call Today! • 253.242.6813 Pa c

ific

Hw

8th Ave S

yS

You deserve more than an online or office supply form. You deserve the personalized services provided by Symone Scales.

Swimming with the Fishes

12th Ave S

Losing a Loved One

November 2017

ay dW

72n

S3

S 373rd St

5

99

S 372nd St

Contact us for your free consultation 206-501-1905 • www.scaleselegal.com symonescales06@comcast.net

1111 South 376th St. | Milton, WA 98354

MeridianAtStoneCreek.com

S Rd

5

ilto n

Pacific Hwy E

5t

hA ve

S 376th St

M

6

Located off of Milton Rd., only one mile south of Wild Waves Theme Park.

Luxury Cottages • Independent Living • Assisted Living • Memory Care

November 2017

www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com 7

November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

Keep Holidays Enjoyable Alzheimer’s Headlines for Those With Dementia ...by Chrsitine Fleming, University of Washington School of Nursing, de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging

As the holiday season approaches, those with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can experience greater difficulty with memory and communication than usual.

Often, as family and friends gather to celebrate, symptoms of dementia can become clear.

Memory loss may be more evident, anxiety sometimes increases in a crowd where there’s lots of noise and conversation, and unfamiliar surroundings may reveal challenges that don’t exist at home.

But the holidays can still be enjoyable even with dementia, said Dr. Linda Teri, UW professor of Nursing and director of the Northwest Roybal Center for Translational Research on Aging at the UW School of Nursing.

“The goal of the holiday season is to have a good holiday,” Teri said. “During the holiday season, as well as any point in dementia, it is important to remember that there is no one set plan. Preparing ahead of time, but also being ready to be flexible and thinking on your feet, can allow for a seamless holiday experience for you and your loved one with dementia.”

How you prepare and how you carry out your plans depends on the individual, Teri said.

“What works for one might not work for everyone,” she added. “Take the time to get to know the needs of your loved one with dementia and make an individualized plan as needed.”

Dr Teri offers the following advice on preparing for and navigating the holidays.

Prepare. Establish a person to stay by their side and to keep them company and involved. Designate a grandchild or sibling to integrate them into the conversations and activities. Not only will this keep them involved in the holidays, but it will allow for the family member to connect to and provide for their loved one with dementia.

Involve. People with dementia do not want to feel like they are not capable due to their dementia. Avoid this feeling by allowing them to be a part of the holidays. Identify a task they have done in the past that they can continue to do, such as setting the table or putting out the holiday decorations. This will allow them to feel valued and to have a sense of purpose during the holiday season.

Take a breath. Enter the holiday season knowing that something might go wrong, and that’s ok. When something does go wrong, take a deep breath and do what you need to do to calm down. Step outside. Listen to a soothing song. Care for yourself.

Additionally, allow the person with dementia to also calm themselves down. Preparing for the unexpected by knowing what you and your loved one need will allow for an enjoyable holiday season. ❖

Kirk Vaux

Windermere Real Estate, East Inc.

The Eastside’s Premier Downsizing Realtor presents:

The Senior’s Guide to Eating an Elephant …

Downsizing from your long-time family home, one “bite” at a time!

• Treatment pipeline: Current FDAapproved Alzheimer’s drugs treat only the symptoms and can provide some temporary help, but they don’t address underlying causes. However, new drugs in development aim to modify the disease process itself, hoping to slow or even stop the disease. Researchers believe successful treatment will eventually involve a “cocktail” of medications aimed at several targets. One new study is even looking at a possible vaccine to halt the disease before symptoms occur. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, two main obstacles for new treatments include the need for clinical trial volunteers and the need for significantly increased federal funding. Learn more about new treatments at www.alz.org/research/ science/alzheimers_treatment_horizon.asp • Up to one-third of dementia cases worldwide could be prevented by addressing factors such as hypertension, diet, hearing loss, depression, exercise and education over the course of a person’s lifetime, according to a report presented at the 2017 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference.

• Strong evidence links brain health to heart health. Some studies suggest that plaques and tangles may be present in the brain without causing symptoms of cognitive decline unless the brain also shows evidence of vascular disease. The risk of developing Alzheimer’s appears to be increased by many conditions that damage the heart and blood vessels. These include heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

• Overall healthy aging strategies help keep the heart and brain healthy.

These measures include eating a healthy diet, staying socially active, avoiding tobacco and excess alcohol, and exercising both the body and mind.

• One study showed that following the Mediterranean diet may lower dementia risk by a third. Combining the Mediterranean diet with the DASH diet (Dietary approaches to stop Hypertension) has been dubbed the MIND diet for a healthy brain. A quick Internet search will provide many links for more information.

• New research demonstrates that physical and mental stimulation appear to decrease hallmark Alzheimer’s pathologies by supporting new nerve cell growth and

better cell-to-cell communication in the brain. Music, art and crafts enrich the lives of people living with Alzheimer’s.

They allow for self-expression and reduce agitation and improve behavioral issues common in the middle stages of the disease. Another benefit is that games, crafts and other activities may help safeguard the brain for older adults. Many local organizations are offering free artsrelated events for those with memory loss and their caregivers.

• Daily routines can be helpful for both caregivers and people living with Alzheimer’s disease.

• A recent study suggests that early indicators of Alzheimer’s may exist in our eyes, which could offer the potential for a simple, non-invasive eye scan to predict the disease years before symptoms occur.

Other early detection may be noticing changes in verbal activity, hearing loss and loss of ability to identify odors. Since early detection is key to treatment, support and adopting lifestyle changes that can delay onset of symptoms, these early indicators could prove to be invaluable.

• The Alzheimer’s Association offers tips on how caregivers can deal with repetitive questions and behaviors. Learn more at www.alz.org/care/alzheimersdementia-repetition.asp • The Dementia Action Collaborative offers a free “Dementia Road Map: A Guide for Family Care Partners.” The document provides a look at the road ahead with direction and tips, what decisions family members and caregivers must make and what steps to take.

Download your free copy at dshs.wa.gov/ altsa/dementia-action-collaborative and click on “Dementia Roadmap” under “Products and Resources.”

• The Alzheimer’s Association has been offering Alzheimer’s Town Halls across the region. You can still catch the Tacoma Town Hall on November 14 from 9:30am to 11am at the People’s Community Center, 1602 MLK Jr. Way in Tacoma. Free, no registration is required.

View a video of a local event at facebook. com/alzwcwa • The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline provides reliable information and support to all those who need assistance. Call toll-free anytime day or night:1-800-272-3900. ❖

When you want the best care available,

we’re here for you.

Our apartments are newly remodeled, where we provide: • Assisted Living • Adult Family Homes • Respite Care • Memory Care, coming early 2018 We offer a dynamic life enrichment program that supports creativity and independence.

Wed. Nov 15th at 1PM-2PM

Mercer Island Public Library, 4400 88th Ave SE

Wed. Dec. 6th at 1PM-2PM

Downtown Bellevue Public Library, 1111 110th Ave NE Please call

206-850-4570

to reserve your seat

PLUS! A guest speaker specializing in the sorting, packing, and liquidation of senior's possessions.

Vibrant Lifestyle, Exceptional Care, Amazing Friendships

andersoncommunity.com

206.364.9336

17201 15th Ave. NE, Shoreline, WA 98155

8

Northwest Prime Time www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com

Health Matters

Medical Minutes ...by John Schieszer

Gene Therapy May Help Reverse Blindness Researchers are moving closer toward a novel gene therapy approach to restore vision to John Schieszer the blind. British researchers in a laboratory study have demonstrated how it might be possible to reverse blindness using gene therapy to reprogram cells at the back of the eye to become light sensitive.

Most causes of untreatable blindness occur due to loss of the millions of light sensitive photoreceptor cells that line the retina. The remaining retinal nerve cells which are not light sensitive, however, remain in the eye. Samantha de Silva and colleagues at Oxford University used a viral vector to express a light sensitive protein (melanopsin) in the residual retinal cells in mice that were blind from retinitis pigmentosa, Would you like to own your own successful vacation rental?

It's easier than you think!

VRBO Coaching - Free Consultation!

I will come to your home and give you an honest and thorough assessment of your home's possibility of becoming a successful vacation rental.

You can then hire me to: 1. Provide a list of what's needed to get started 2. Create all forms for guest rental stays 3. Take photos of your property and surrounding attractions 4. Set up your website and teach you how to operate the site 5. Show you how to keep your home and belongings safe and secure Contact me by email: homes@loriwright.net Lori Wright or phone: (206)799-0318

the most common cause of blindness in young people.

The mice were monitored for more than a year and they maintained vision during the entire time. The Oxford team has also been conducting a clinical trial with an electronic retina. This trial has been successful in blind patients.

However, the genetic approach may have advantages because it would be so simple to administer.

The research was led by Professors Robert MacLaren and Mark Hankins at the Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology in Oxford. “There are many blind patients in our clinics and the ability to give them some sight back with a relatively simple genetic procedure is very exciting. Our next step will be to start a clinical trial to assess this in patients,” said lead study author Samantha de Silva.

A New Era in the War on Breast Cancer Thanks to new genomic testing, there is now no more “one size fits all approach” when it comes to treating breast cancer. In the past five years, researchers have deciphered the genetic mutations driving most breast cancer and they now are targeting those specific mutations to cripple the cancer. Breast cancer is made up of several subtypes and, ideally, each type should be treated with therapies that target the unique underlying biological problems.

For the past 25 years, long-term survival and cure rates have significantly improved for women with breast cancer. This is due in large part to the development of new drug therapies that target aggressive subtypes of breast cancer such as HER2-positive and ER-positive breast cancers. Currently, targeted therapies are now available for approximately 85% of women diagnosed with breast cancer.

November 2017

Dr. Sara Hurvitz, who is an associate professor of medicine, division of hematology and oncology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA in California, said that despite these successes there is still much more work to be done.

While genetic factors for breast cancer cannot be controlled, there are risk factors a woman can control including maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active and limiting alcohol consumption.

Researchers here in Seattle are working to find better ways to prevent, detect and treat breast cancer, and to improve the quality of life of patients and survivors. In just the past five years, major advances have occurred.

Olives and Olive Oil May Help Prevent Diabetes Biochemists at Virginia Tech have been dipping into the health benefits of olives and olive oil and discovered that the olive-derived compound oleuropein appears to help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. The health benefits of olives and associated natural products such as olive oil have long been recognized and touted by proponents of the Mediterranean diet. However, until

Senior Fitness Tip

Diabetes …by Mark Bryant

Exercise is a great way for diabetics to work toward better health because it improves blood sugar (glucose) control. It’s Mark Bryant important to check your blood sugar level before, during and after exercise. If you’re taking insulin or medications that can lower your blood sugar, check it thirty minutes before you exercise. Start out slowly, use light weights two days out of the week for thirty minutes, and

now little has been known about what specific compounds and biochemical interactions in the fruit contribute to its medical benefits. It is believed to produce benefits in terms of weight loss and prevention of type 2 diabetes.

The investigators discovered that the olive-derived compound oleuropein helps the body secrete more insulin, a central signaling molecule in the body that controls metabolism. The same compound also detoxifies another signaling molecule called amylin, which increases production and forms harmful aggregates in type 2 diabetes. In these two distinct ways, oleuropein appears to help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.

The findings, which were recently published in the journal Biochemistry, could help improve understanding of the scientific basis of health benefits of olive products and develop new, lowcost nutraceutical strategies to fight type 2 diabetes and related obesity. ❖ 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.

then over time, increase your weights and work up to three days out of the week for one hour. Other suggested exercises include walking, bike riding, aerobics, swimming, dancing, jogging, stretching and balance exercises, like tai chi or yoga Being physically active is one way to stay in control of your diabetes, whether it’s type 1 or type 2. With diabetes, or any health condition, always check with your doctor before starting any exercise program. ❖ Mark Bryant is a Certified Senior Fitness Instructor and is the Enhance Fitness Coordinator at Southeast Seattle Senior Center. Despite having had a total hip replacement, Mark has won national and world powerlifting championships. www. fitnessexpertmark.com.

Viagra , Cialis and Levitra Not Working for You? ™†

™†

™†

4,5,6

The truth is, medications like Viagra™† , Cialis™† and Levitra™† don’t

† † 6 The truth like Viagra™ Cialis™† and4, 5,Levitra™ don’t If you aren’t work is, formedications all men in treating erectile ,dysfunction.

4, 5, 6 If you aren’t work for men you in treating erectile dysfunction. getting theall results seek, maybe it’s time to discover a long-lasting getting the results youthat seek, maybe it’s the time to discover a long-lasting treatment may help put sizzle back in your sex life!7 treatment that may help put the sizzle back in your sex life!7

Meet with an AMS Men's Health

Meet with an AMS Health Representative to Men's Learn More: Representative to Learn More: Wednesday, October 4th

December 6th Seminar: 30 minute appointmentsWednesday, available between 9AM and 5PM Capitol Hill Branch Library Seminar: 30 minute appointments available between 9AM and 5PM 425 Harvard Ave Regus East Seattle, WA 98102 1100 Dexter Ave N Seattle, WA 98109

Partners and guests welcome.

Partners and guests welcome.

Space is limited, call to register today.

(855) 889–6286

Space is limited, call to register today. (855) 889–6286 www.edcure.org www.edcure.org

Boston Scientific Corporation has sponsored funding for this patient seminar and accompanying educational material.

Boston Scientific Corporation has sponsored funding for this patient seminar and accompanying educational material.

4. Viagra Prescribing Information, Revised January 2010. 5.

Cialis Prescribing Information, Revised October 2011. 6.

Levitra Prescribing Information, Revised November 2011. 7.

AMS 700™ Patient Manual. Information and Instructions for Patients Considering an Inflatable Penile Prosthesis. American Medical Systems. 2012.

November 2017

www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com 9

Naturally Healthy

Your Skin Reveals Your True State of Health ...by Suzy Cohen

Your skin reveals a secret about your health. It will expose you, even if you say you’re feeling “okay” to everyone. I’m not referring to a tan, I’m referring to skin tone, texture and color.

If you are pale, you may be anemic and deficient in iron. It shows up on your skin even if you mask the accompanying fatigue with NoDoz or coffee. Pale, dry skin may be a clue to your hypothyroidism, which also causes fatigue and hair loss.

Healthy folks have a good supply of blood flow and oxygen throughout their body, so skin appears rosy and pink, as opposed to people with heart disease, high cholesterol or circulatory disorder. People with cancer sometimes have grey or bluetinged skin or lips due to the lack of oxygenated blood. Asthma requires the use of steroids (i.e. prednisone) which can cause easy bruising; this problem also occurs from aspirin,

ginkgo, fish oil and prescription anticoagulants to prevent a stroke or heart attack.

If you are alcohol- or nicotine-dependent, you will look older than you should, and have saggy skin because these lifestyle factors attack your collagen and elastin. Drinking and smoking age you inside and out.

Sun worshippers and smokers often have age spots and an uneven skin tone from ultraviolet light. But this oxidation isn’t just happening on your skin surface, it’s also happening to every single organ of your body, including your brain, heart, blood vessels and reproductive organs.

People who suddenly take on a yellow tone may have liver compromise from a drug they’re taking, or from alcohol use. If severe, it’s called jaundice and requires medical attention.

Perhaps you think beauty is only skin deep, but it clearly isn’t. It is a reflection of your body’s general physical health. Radiant youthfullooking skin, hair and nails are actually because of an inside job.

Reducing your exposure to free radicals can help you obtain gorgeous skin, but of course you need to make sure that you eat right and drink enough water to nourish your body. You’ll also want to minimize the amount of synthetic chemicals (including prescriptions) that you take.

There are a only a handful of supplements that I recommend to help with cell protection, collagen formation and general good health.

Among the best we have biotin, collagen (but only high-quality), silica, hyaluronic acid and/or lipoic acid.

What you’re going for is a healthy glow to your skin, which – at the end of day – translates to a healthy body.

Here are some of my favorite skinloving supplements. * Milk thistle. It’s a food, and also a liver-supporting supplement. Your liver processes everything that goes in your mouth, including alcohol, prescription medications, pesticides, preservatives, additives and artificial colors. Your liver detoxifies everything your body doesn’t need. When your liver falls behind on its job, poisons come out through your skin causing rashes and itchiness.

(Avoid milk thistle if you’re allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds or daisies.) * Collagen. Collagen is a natural component of skin that declines as you age, resulting in thinner, less elastic, saggier skin. You can take collagen in supplement form — known as collagen hydrolysate — that’s derived from cows (so it’s not suitable for

vegans). Two 2014 studies found oral supplementation with collagen may improve skin elasticity and diminish wrinkles. It’s completely tasteless, so you can stir a dose (usually a teaspoon) of it into your morning coffee or tea. * Silica. This makes hot springs pretty and blue in color. Silica is a trace mineral that helps soothe psoriasis, eczema and rashes when applied topically. Taken internally, silica helps you make collagen naturally, strengthening your nails. * Vitamin E. You may think of rubbing vitamin E oil directly on your skin to prevent scars, but, taken orally, vitamin E is a powerful cellular antioxidant, which means it gobbles up free radicals that could otherwise potentially damage your skin cells and lead to premature aging. All vitamin E isn’t created equal. Most companies make fake E, or they give you only one part (there are actually eight parts to vitamin E!). * Zinc. It’s not just for your prostate health or for colds! When you take it orally, this mineral helps your skin repair itself. It also plays a role in managing the production and turnover of skin cells. When I worked in nursing homes with patients who had wounds related to diabetes, gangrenous areas or decubitis ulcers, we always put them on low-dose zinc, usually 10 to 15mg per day. But be careful with zinc – don’t take too much, which could cause a magnesium or calcium deficiency.

Minerals have to be in balance for you to have good health.❖

Are you investigating care for your elderly veteran or family member?

Are you surprised at the costs? If so, you’re certainly not alone!

The average monthly costs for assisted living is over $3,400.00.

With a need for assistance and living on a fixed income, getting the needed care can be a real challenge.

Unfortunately, many people are unaware that help may be available from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Benefits exist that can absorb 20-50% or even more of these monthly costs.

Normandy Park Senior Living is here to help you thoroughly understand your entitlement and benefit rights and help you obtain this vital assistance as quickly and professionally as possible.

Call Today And Let Us Help. 206-241-0821 A member of the Artēgan family of communities.

16625 1st Ave. S, Normandy Park, WA 98148

www.normandyparksl.com

normandypark@artegan.com

Welcome to Village Concepts of Des Moines!

The Adriana Senior Apartments One Bedroom Apartments Starting at $1080 Spectacular Water Views

Opening Summer 2017!

Call Today: (253) 431-5698 See all 17 locations on our website: www.villageconcepts.com

10

Northwest Prime Time www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com

November 2017

The Funny Side of Life

The ongoing life-affirming adventures of Rose and Dawn

My Eulogy

…by Diana Couture

…by Sy Rosen

A Friend in Need

The coffee was strong and Okay, I was and not about how you should creamy and the toast admit it; as I’ve read my new book or how I won the gotten older popular election by 3,000,000 votes.” was slathered with jam. Rose and Dawn sat comfortably in Rose’s cozy I sometimes Steven King – “Rest easy, dear kitchen. It was an early meeting for the fantasize about Sy and don’t be afraid of the ghosts, two women. Usually they took their my death being demons, evil clowns, monsters, mistakenly vampires and zombies that await you. mornings easy and met later in the day, reported and, Ha ha ha.” (His laugh would be much but today was special and they needed an early start. like Tom Sawyer, scarier.)

Dawn stirred some sugar into her sneaking into O.J. Simpson – “I really didn’t do Sy Rosen coffee and looked across the table at my own funeral. it.”

Yes, it’s a little morbid, a little sick, Colin Kaepernick – “I suggest we Rose. “Do you think we’re doing the right thing, honey?” she asked. Rose but it also seems like fun. In my all take a knee to mourn Sy and to swallowed hard and thought for a fantasy, celebrities, politicians and protest the injustices in this country moment. “I really don’t know. I just athletes would all come to sing my that we all love and want to make know we thought it was a good idea praises and minimize my deficits. better.” Everybody then takes a yesterday when our friend was pleading Unfortunately, in today’s divisive knee including my 88-year-old Aunt with us for help.” world with everybody pushing their Esther who then has a lot of trouble For this day trip, Rose had arranged own agendas, it’s hard for me to even getting back up and has to be carried a car service to pick them up at her fantasize about having a great eulogy. to the limousine. house at 9am for the drive to La Here are a few of the “tributes” I now Taylor Swift - “Sy was not my Conner. It was just too long of a drive imagine would be at my funeral: boyfriend, he was way way way too on the busy freeway system for either Donald Trump – “Wow this is a old, so I will not be writing a song Rose or Dawn to take on. At the stroke great funeral isn’t it? I think there’s about him. However, I will take this more people here than any funeral in opportunity of standing in front of his of 9, the dark colored sedan pulled up to the side of the house. Rose saw the the history of the world. And I’m not grave for ten minutes to write three saying it’s because of me. Oh what new hit songs about standing in front activity out of the window and urged Dawn to grab her wrap and her purse. the heck, I’ll say it, it is because of of a grave.”

They were on their way. me. This is a great casket, isn’t it? It Al Gore – “We’re all here on As they traveled north, the women better have been built here and not this hot, sunny day to mourn a good sat in silence thinking about the task in China.” man. And speaking of hot, sunny they had assigned to themselves for the O.J. Simpson – “I didn’t do it.” days, it is four degrees above normal day. This adventure had all started with Kim Kardashian – “Even temperature today and we all know a frantic phone call yesterday from their though I hardly knew Sy, I am that this is due to global warming. friend Carol Ann. She called Dawn to taking a selfie next to his casket.

We all must join hands and do our This selfie will be posted on my best to protect our world from carbon say that her husband had died suddenly website where you can buy my emissions. Oh, and let’s not forget Sy and she didn’t know exactly what to do. He had died the night before while Kim Kardashian jewelry, clothing, – that’s his name right?” sitting in his easy chair reading the make-up, perfume and, of course, Arnold Schwarzenegger – “He newspaper. When she got up she found a pool float shaped like my butt. won’t be back.” ❖ his lifeless body still in And if you are shedding a tear the chair with the paper for Sy, please purchase our Kim on his lap.

Kardashian tissues…they are It‘s just until I get Oh my, what a softer than a baby’s butt. I know used to you being shock she must have I’ve mentioned butt a couple of home all day! had. The girls were times in this eulogy, but it is what horrified about the I am known for.” sudden death of their Bernie Sanders – “I just want friend’s spouse, but even to say in this time of grief that the more horrified when price of funerals is way too high. she told them that her If I were President, I would have children weren’t coming universal death care for the dead. to her aid because this Everybody, rich or poor, would be was Carol’s second buried for the same price and in husband from a late-inthe same place. Well, not in the life marriage and none same place; that would get kind of of her adult children felt crowded.”

From Graham Harrop's new cartoon book created for the any connection to him.

Hillary Clinton – “The newly-retired, those about-to-be-retired (and those couples Geoffrey, her husband, important thing today is to talk who can remember what it was like shortly after retirement!) about Sy and what a good man he gryndstoneandfusspotpress.com/ living-together-after- retirement/ had no immediate family

Plan your day, your way.

in the area, so Carol Ann felt all alone in dealing with this sadness and in dealing with the logistics of the ending of a life. She was really a mess on the phone and asked the girls for help.

Rose knew from experience how hard the death of a spouse could be.

When she lost her beloved John, she was, thankfully, surrounded by loving family to help her through the labyrinth of death certificates and final arrangements. Now it was her turn to ‘pay it forward’ and help someone, like her family had helped her.

Dawn was not experienced in the death of a spouse because she and Vito had been divorced for many years and he was still alive and kicking in Northern California. But her feelings of sadness and loneliness after the divorce felt to her very much like loss due to death.

The cars of the morning commuters whizzed by the darkened windows of the rented sedan. The driver was polite, quiet and careful to maintain a safe speed to put the girls at ease.

They finally exited the freeway after the 65-mile trip and entered the serene, winding roads which led to the small seaport hamlet of La Conner.

Carol Ann and Geoffrey’s house was on the top of the main hill in the town overlooking the Swinomish Channel.

As the driver pulled up to the house, Rose and Dawn thought what a shame it would be for Carol Ann to have to leave her home, but it was large and probably too much for a widow to handle.

The girls arranged a pick up time for the drive home with the driver and said goodbye until then. They walked the smooth stone path to the front door holding hands. This was a mission of mercy for their friend in need. They rang the bell and waited. Soon they heard light footsteps and the door opened. There stood Carol Ann with teary, red eyes. She opened her arms to hug and welcome her friends.

“You don’t know how happy I am to see you two,” she sobbed. While the girls were still locked together, Rose glanced to the side and saw the easy chair in the living room that Carol Ann had mentioned. She also saw something else…the seated body of Geoffrey still in the chair! ❖ To Be Continued…

November 2017

www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com 11

talkin’ turkey ...by Len Elliott

Across 11. O’Hara home 5. Representatives: abbr.

9. Hits hard 14. Praiseful poems 15. Thai money 16. Capital of Vietnam 17. Comedienne Mabley 18. S-shaped molding 19. Blender manufacturer 20. TURKEY 23. Old photo coloring 24. ET vehicle?: abbr.

25. Holder, Reno and others: abbr.

28. TURKEY 33. Baste, in a way 36. Professional’s charge 37. It leads from the heart 38. Sprinter or vaulter, e.g.

41. Airedale, e.g.

43. Actor Martin or Charlie 44. Corn unit 45. Educated guess, in brief 46. TURKEY 50. Cleopatra’s slayer 51. SE Asian Buddhist 52. Visually dazzling works: 2wds.

57. TURKEY 61. ____ is no “t” in “China” 64. Potter’s oven 65. Verbal “alas”: 2 wds.

66. Its atomic number is 5 67. And others, to Ovid: 2 wd. abbr.

68. Squeezing snakes

69. ____ garde 70. Oscar ____ Renta: 2 wds.

71. Prefix for while Down 1. Pyramids, essentially 2. Love a lot 3. Swab again 4. Very, to Verdi 5. Take ____ (acknowledge applause): 2 wds.

6. Lady ____ (songstress) 7. ____ Log (Christmas tradition): 2 wds.

8. Tennis great Graf 9. ____-fly pie 10. Narrow-waisted stinger 11. Hill-dwelling insect 12. Lower digit 13. Knight’s title 21. Bit of Brylcreem 22. Actor Chaney 25. Eagle’s nest 26. Billionaire Bill 27. Begin 29. Frequently, to a poet 30. Tiny 31. Long-nosed fish 32. In favor of 33. Malia’s sister 34. Spirit of a culture 35. Give birth to, as a puppy 39. Luau handout 40. Cease

Factoids about Election Day ...according to Zacks.com

George Washington blew his entire campaign budget on 160 gallons of liquor to serve to potential voters.

In 1845, Congress decided that voting day would be the first Tuesday

after the first Monday in November, which was after the fall harvest and before winter conditions made travel too difficult.

The first woman to run for U.S. President was Victoria Woodhull in 1872, nearly 50 years before the 19th

solution on page 13

41. Mai ____ (rum drink) 42. Make a mistake 44. Composition of the ball used to achieve 28-Across 47. Chicken ____ King: 2 wds.

48. Tugged at strongly 49. 41-Across, e.g.

53. Fearful suffix 54. Detest 55. Types of tomatoes

56. Romantic rendezvous 57. It’s pumped at the gym 58. Torn 59. Flyer to Israel: 2 wds.

60. “To Live and Die ____” (1985 film): 2 wds.

61. Empty time slot abbreviation 62. ____ lane (place for carpoolers): abbr.

63. Historical period

Grant ran against a corpse.

Amendment allowed His opponent – Horace women to vote in Greeley – died before the presidential elections. election was finalized.

Her running mate, Grant won the election.

Frederick Douglass, American astronauts was the first Africanon the International American ever to run 1912 voting machine Space Station can vote for Vice President. in elections from orbit During the 1872 election, by secure email. presidential incumbent Ulysses S. THE WONDERING ZONE I am not alone In the wondering zone: I know others do it too.

I hurriedly go To a room and don’t know What on earth I was planning to do.

-- Pat D’Amico

Are You Ready For Some Hockey?

55 plus?

Unemployed?

Looking for work?

...by Len Elliott

Each clue defines a word or expression and a term related to hockey. E.g., Ironer’s creation/Goalie’s area defines “crease.” Take your best shot at this one!

1. Chef Wolfgang/Object of a hockey stick.

2. Cake covering/Hockey infraction.

3. Dan who played Hoss Cartwright on “Bonanza”/Goalie’s device.

4. Getting on a plane or boat/Hockey penalty.

5. Plane part/Offensive position in hockey. answersNumber on page 14 Limited of Openings!

We can help you find a job!

Call Today!

206-624-6698

Must be financially qualified

12

Northwest Prime Time www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com

Writing Corner

Scenes from Childhood

Sibling Rivalry Food ...by Dana Miller

…by Ariele M. Huff

November 2017 Tip #3: Most taste descriptors borrow from something else we’ve tasted, like “chickeny,” “citrus notes,” or “smoke flavored.” This fact alone makes reviewing food and drink one of the most challenging writing tasks.

Tip #4: One way to ramp up the pleasure in foody segments is to add some other kinds of fun. For example, describe the ornate serving dish, the colorful and high flavor garnishes, unusual table settings, candles and other sources of light.

Tip #5: Bring characters into the process— vivid words or guttural sounds make bad food or good food more interesting. Show facial expressions like the pucker of a mouth tasting lemons or the relaxed smile of a chocolate pudding imbiber.

Tip #6: Use foods as broader metaphors. Love, comfort, bitterness and excitement are easily shown through a sweet fudge sauce, a bowl of macaroni and cheese, a cup of unsweetened coffee or a sprinkling of cracked hot pepper.

Tip #7: Let food be a mood-setting part of the surroundings. In The Table, a whole play is done around a family’s well-used dinner table. Food can deliver plenty of place and era information. A big turkey dinner, an ice cream cone at the beach, s’mores at a campout or cinnamon rolls during an early morning conversation.

Tip #8: Finally, Have a group cook as a part of the plot and action. This strategy keeps hands busy and supplies props: bread to knead, popcorn to pop, cookies to cut out and decorate, and a group to provide a feast of enjoyable conversation and kneading/rolling/trimming/ icing. ❖

What better month than November to discuss writing To about food? my brother, My history with food writing includes reviewing everything restaurants, adding information on food in articles on other was a contest. topics—especially locations, and sharing my recipes and I am older by hints on cooking and on eating healthily. nine months First: Food is a universal interest. So, the inclusion and he was of what is being eaten is great even in mystery, romance, determined fantasy and humor pieces. Needless to say, life stories to be first at The author with her brother Mike (ages without meals, snacks, banquets and desserts are skipping everything 5 and 6) at their cousin's house an important part of life. Yet people do that. Even worse is else. “Go,” he neglecting giving details. would whisper in the predawn. He won fastest to be In The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, characters dressed every morning and the race for the stool by frequently drink coffee, usually with no details like what the sink to brush our teeth. The race was on every cookie or sandwich accompanied it, or even if it came in day and all day. Any requests for improved quality an interesting cup or with some flavored creamer…and from any adult resulted in a forfeit on that day’s then, what flavor of creamer? competition.

That kind of writing is missing a terrific opportunity to At eighteen months old he understood engage readers’ senses as well as to increase the feeling of handicapping. He would be halfway to the truck bonding that comes with the sharing of food and drink. when he called ‘go.’ The winner got the first pick of Tip #1: Engage all the senses with the thoughtful where to stand. We needed to stand on the bench seat addition of imbibing—smell, taste, vision, sound and to see out the windshield. touch are all involved in eating.

Our family made a living with the garden, farm Tip #2: Recognize how difficult it is to describe smell animals, fishing, wildcrafting and helping at our and taste. For example, “crunchy” is a touch sensation, not grandparent’s cafe. Additionally, our dad worked for a flavor or a smell.

Join me anytime in an online class ariele@comcast.net. wages. When Dad drove, we asked for stories about driving his service truck on the Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas. When Mom drove, we played twenty questions and other games and entered these contests with the seriousness of a chess “INSOMNIA” championship.

Night has fallen— When we were five, our family went on a road trip. Two hours into the drive our “Musings on Fall” the milky orb in the sky dad was done telling us work stories. We switched to our favored games. It didn’t take Fall has fallen. mocks him with a celestial smirk. long before Dad had had enough chatter. “New game, see who can be quiet the longest.”

No more stallin’.

Minutes later my dress brushed against the truck’s seat. Swish. My brother snorted because Need to mulch the roses!

The tattered remains of his day I had lost. Dad commented that I had won, because my brother had vocalized first. We Winter’s comin’. lie askew at the foot of the bed looked at each other, both considering this change in the rules. Neither of us was willing Morning’s numbin’. ready to be pieced together to speak first. We were even 1:1. Silently we agreed on the new rules. The winner would Need to store the hoses! tomorrow.

BUT... be the one with the lowest score when one of us spoke.

Cider’s hot.

His psyche drowns We were a week in route. Chewing, sipping water, everything was loud when the There’s fruit...a lot! in a dank pool of hubris… engine stopped for the night. When could I hear my breath and when could I only feel it?

Enough to bring distraction. as selections from “Light Jazz and A footfall just before Mom and brother entered the tent, was it his or Mom’s? I lost track Forget the chores!

Rhetoric” of the score.

Let’s make s’mores! play on the hi-fi of the communal Arriving at our great aunt’s and uncle’s home, we exchanged a look as they greeted us.

And get about relaxin’. imagination.

We chorused “Fine, thank You.” My brother gave me the score: 95-97. ❖

Poetry Corner

--Eileen Osborne

Dana Miller was born in Port Angeles and grew up on the Olympic Peninsula. She and her brother both live in West Seattle. They no longer race to their Mom’s truck.

NOVEMBER

--Sheldon Sturgis

Poetry may be excerpted, edited, or used in Sharing Stories on Northwest Prime Time’s website. Send to Ariele Huff at ariele@comcast.net.

November 2017

www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com 13

LET’S GO!

A Calendar of Places to Go, Do or See…

See our full calendar at northwestprimetime.com/calendar

Retirement Communities

Senior Events

Wesley Homes Des Moines Nov 16, 10am, Downsizing Simplified free seminar: tips for a tidier, safer, organized home & info on preparing to move; Wesley HomesTerrace Auditorium. 816 S 216th St, Des Moines. free, RSVP 855-445-8827 or wesleyhomes.org

Wisdom Cafes Free discussions for seniors, Nov 4 at 2pm “Please Listen” Federal Way Library, 34200 1st Way S, 253-838-3668; Nov 7 at 11:30am “Life’s Purpose” Bellevue Main Library, 209 100th Avenue SE, 425-452-4106; Nov 12 at 2pm “Doctor’s Know Best-or do they?” Shoreline Library, 345 NE 175th St, 206-362-7550; Nov 14 at 2pm “How do we want to be remembered” Richmond Beach Library 19601 21st Ave NW, Shoreline, 206-362-7550; Nov 15 at 2pm “The Gifts of Memory” Maple Valley Library, 21844 SE 248th St, 425-432-4620; Northshore Senior Center Nov 3-4 Holiday Marketplace; 5-part workshop Nov 13-Dec 11, 1-3pm Chicken Soup for the Brain explores memory enhancement; Nov 12, 7:30-9:30pm Holiday Pops & Dessert $3;10201 East Riverside Dr., Bothell, 425-487-2441.

Shoreline LFP Senior Center Nov 3-4 Holiday Bazaar; Nov. 21, “What do I want to do in Retirement?”18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline, 206-365-1536, Engaging Aging Nov 6, 3pm Resource Fair & forum on agefriendly Seattle, refreshments, free Seattle City Hall, 601 5th Ave, RSVP agefriendly@seattle.gov Providence Medicare Advantage Plans Learn about plan that earned Medicare’s highest rating: Nov 6 at 10am Shoreline Conference Center 18650 1st Ave NE; Nov 7 at 10am North Bellevue Senior Center 4063 148th Ave NE; Nov 7 at 4pm West Seattle Senior Center 4217 SW Oregon St; Nov 9 at 10am; for more info call 866-995-2956 or visit www.ProvidenceHealthAssurance.com/print Downsizing Workshop Nov 15 from 1-2pm at Mercer Island Library 4400 88th Ave SE; and Dec 6 from 1-2pm at Downtown Bellevue Library 1111 110th Ave NE; Kirk Vaux and guest speaker present ins & outs of downsizing/moving to retirement community, Free but RSVP 206-850-4570.

Wesley Homes Des Moines Nov 16, 10am, Downsizing Simplified free seminar: tips for a tidier, safer, organized home & info on preparing to move; Wesley HomesTerrace Auditorium. 816 S 216th St, Des Moines. free, RSVP 855-445-8827 or wesleyhomes.org Brain Rules for Aging Well Nov 27, 7pm, “10 Principals for Staying Vital, Happy, Sharp” by John Medina, NY Times bestselling author of “Brain Rules” free, Redmond Library, 15990 NE 85th St, 425-885-1861 A New Play About Seniors Dec 1-16, evening shows and matinees, “No Strings Attached” four friends in a retirement community deal with dating, relationships and sex, laughs while tackling serious issues. Discounts, at An Arts Space, 18th & Union, Seattle, 206-323-2236, bittersingleguy.com/nsa/ Navigating Medicare Dec 2, 10am free talk on all things Medicare, one-on-one counseling available, Auburn Sr Ctr, 808 9th St SE, Auburn, free but RSVP 1-888902-3011 ext. 1286, sendrsvp.com/1286

Health Education

Providence Medicare Advantage Plans Learn about plan that earned Medicare’s highest rating: Nov 6 at 10am Shoreline Conference Center 18650 1st Ave NE; Nov 7 at 10am North Bellevue Senior Center 4063 148th Ave NE; Nov 7 at 4pm West Seattle Senior Center 4217 SW Oregon St; Nov 9 at 10am; for more info call 866-995-2956 or visit www.ProvidenceHealthAssurance.com/print Men’s Health Seminar Nov 8 & Dec 6, 9am-5pm. 30 minute appointments available to discuss options for erectile dysfunction Regus, 1100 Dexter Ave N, Seattle.

Register at 855-889-6286. www.edcure.org

Antiques/Craft Shows

Holiday Marketplace Nov 3-4 crafts/art, bake sale, lunch, Northshore Senior Center, 10201 East Riverside Dr, Bothell.

Holiday Bazaar Nov 3-4, 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline, Shoreline-LFP Senior Center, 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline, 206-365-1536.

Antique and Collectible Shows Nov 4, 9am-6pm & Nov 5, 10am-4pm “World’s Largest” features furniture, vintage clothing, china, art, toys and more. Washington State Fair Events Center, Puyallup. $7 admission. Free parking. 503-282-0877. christinepalmer.net Needle Arts Guild Holiday Sale Nov 17-18, Dec 1-2, 10am- 4pm, handmade gift items, hats, scarves, jewelry baked goods, Good Shepherd Center, 4649 Sunnyside Ave North, Seattle, for info call Margaret, 206-7832489, PNNAG.org Native Craft Fair Nov 24 -26, fine art, native crafts, cards, jewelry, and smoked salmon Duwamish Longhouse, 4705 W Marginal Way SW, West Seattle, Free.

Community Events

Free Collectible Appraisals King Couty Libraries are offering free collectible appraisals (one item only) and discussion on how to evaluate antiques: Shoreline Library Nov 1 at 7pm; Kent Library, Nov 4 at 2pm; Kenmore Library Nov 14 at 1pm; Bellevue Library, Nov 15 at 6pm; Woodinville Library Nov 18 at 11am; Mercer Island Library, Nov 28 at 7pm; more info: www.kcls.org or call your local library.

Downsizing Workshop Nov 15 from 1-2pm at Mercer Island Library 4400 88th Ave SE; and Dec 6 from 1-2pm at Downtown Bellevue Library 1111 110th Ave NE; Kirk Vaux and guest speaker present ins & outs of downsizing/moving to retirement community, free RSVP, 206-850-4570.

Veterans Day Parade Nov 11, 11am, one of biggest in America, drill teams, marching bands, military vehicles, flyover, west on Main from E St. SE to A St. NW near City Hall, auburnwa.gov/vetsday

Theater

Dukebay Production Nov 3-5, 10-12 “Calligraphy” bittersweet story of two sisters, one in Japan the other in America after WWII, 508 S. 6th (above Grand Cinema) in Tacoma, $15 includes coffee and goodies, 253-350-7680, www.dukesbay.org.

Seattle Public Theater Thru Nov 5, “World of Extreme Happiness” savage satire, 7312 West Green Lake Drive N, Seattle, 206-524-1300, seattlepublictheater.org UW School of Drama Thru Nov 5 “By the Way, Meet Vera Stark” 206543-4880, www.Artsuw.org Tacoma Little Theatre Thru Nov 5, Noel Coward’s ghostly comedy “Blythe Spirit” 253-272-2281, www.tacomalittletheatre.com Seattle Rep Nov 17-Dec 17, “The Humans” Broadway National Tour called blisteringly funny, 206-4432222, www.seattlerep.org Sandbox Radio Theater Thru Nov 19, “63 Trillion” West of Lenin, 203 N. 36th, Seattle, www.63trillionseattle.com/ Seattle Shakespeare Thru Nov 19, Russian farce “The Government Inspector” 206-733-8222.

Seattle Children’s Theatre Nov 9 – Dec 31, “Mr. Popper’s Penguins, Seattle Center, www.sct.org A New Play About Seniors Dec 1-16, evening shows and matinees, “No Strings Attached” four friends in a retirement community deal with dating, relationships and sex, laughs while tackling serious issues. Discounts, at An Arts Space, 18th & Union, Seattle, 206-323-2236, bittersingleguy.com/nsa/

Musical Theater

5th Avenue Theatre Nov 24- Dec 31 Irving Berlin’s “Holiday Inn” 206-625-1900, 5thavenue.org Tacoma Musical Playhouse Thru Nov 5, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer musical for youngsters, 253-565-6867, www.tmp.org.

Tribute to the Beatles Nov 12, 7pm, Beatles story through eyes of manager Brian Epstein, multi-media production with live music, Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave N, Edmonds, 425-275-9595.

Village Theatre Thru Nov 19 Into the Woods. Nov 9-Jan 28 Newsies the Musical, 425-392-2202 Issaquah.

425-257-8600, Everett. www.villagetheatre.org Tacoma Musical Playhouse Nov 24-Dec 17 “Once Upon A Mattress” 7116 Sixth Ave, Tacoma, 253-565-6867.

Centerstage Nov 25-Dec 21, “Beauty and the Beast” Federal Way 253-661-1444

Book-It Nov 29–Dec 30, “Howl’s Moving Castle” a new musical premiere, The Seattle Center Theatre, 206-216-0833, book-it.org

Choral Music

Orchestra Seattle/Chamber Singers Nov 11, 7:30pm “Dvořák in America” 1st Free Methodist, Queen Anne, 206-682-5208.

Northwest Chamber Chorus Dec 3 & 10, Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church, www.northwestchamberchorus.org Bellevue Chamber Chorus 2017-2018 Season: Dec 9, 10, 17 Winter Song. Mar 10 & 11 Water Music. May 5 & 6 Voces Latinas. Special senior prices available.

425-522-3436, bellevuechamberchorus.org

Classical Music

Music at St. James Cathedral Nov 2, 7:30pm, Duruflé Requiem for the Feast of All Souls, 804 9th Ave, Seattle, 206-382-4874 Tacoma Opera’s 50th Season Nov 3 & 5, The Marriage of Figaro. Feb 3, Feb 9, Feb 11 Carmen. Ap 14, 20, 22 The Merry Widow. 253-627-7789. TacomaOpera.com Music of Remembrance Nov 5, 7pm “Snow Falls” world premiere focuses on Japanese American experience during WWII, Benaroya Hall, 206-365-7770 Octava Chamber Orchestra Nov 5, 6pm, Maple Park Church, 17620 60th Ave W Lynnwood, 425-743-2288 Seattle Baroque Orchestra Nov 11, 7:30pm, world premiere electric thearbo concert, retired KING5 weatherman Jeff Renner narrates sonnets for each movement inspired by Seattle’s unique weather patterns, Seattle’s Benaroya Hall, 206-215-4747.

Byron Schenkman & Friends Nov 12, 7pm, celebrating Schumann, Seattle’s Benaryoa Hall, 206-215-4747.

Seattle Symphony Concerts thru Nov & holiday season, 206-2154747, www.seattlesymphony.org Ladies Musical Club Free concerts thru region, www.lmcseattle.org

Crossword Solution Solution to puzzle on page 11

We’ll Get You Where You Belong

FREE RIDE. FREE PLAY. Complimentary Buses!

Bus schedule available online at luckyeagle.com

Exclusive Rider Offers

10 in Downloadable Free Play $ 5 Restaurant Voucher

$

Must be a Players Club member for offers. Must be 21+ for Free Play. May not be combined with Mondays Plus Free Play offer. Players Club sign-up is free and can be completed upon arrival at the Casino.

10 Downloadable Free Play AND a Buffet Discount

$

Exclusively for our 50+ Player Club Members.

Must be a Players Club member.

Must be 50+ for Mondays Plus.

THE PLACE WHERE YOU BELONG JUST GOT EVEN BETTER

I - 5 t o E x i t 8 8 • R o c h e s t e r • 1 - 8 0 0 -7 2 0 -17 8 8 • l u c k y e a g l e . c o m

Growing old doesn’t mean giving up.

A new play by

Directed by

GREG BRISENDINE REBECCA TOURINO COLLINSWORTH

DECEMBER 1–16, 2017

18th & Union: an arts space

b i t t e r s i n g l e g u y. c o m / n s a

Bitter Single Guy PRODUCTIONS

14

Northwest Prime Time www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com

Jeannie Wells — Hero “Why no awards, Jeannie?”

I knew Jeannie “I don’t know Wells for about twenty that I am eligible for years before I learned anything, I only served her story. When I in North Africa and learned it, she became Italy before I came one of my instant down with TB.” heroes.

“North Africa!

Jeannie was the Italy! Well, the places wife of Dusty, a fellow you were assigned K Cub member. I knew to and the time, you her first as Dusty’s must be eligible for wife. I saw them in something.”

Henry Bohne researched the awards the community and at Jeannie Wells should have received for Jeannie had gone her WWII military service church. stateside in 1944 But then I learned for hospitalization Jeannie was a retired army nurse. On a and treatment for TB, ending up at the Veterans Day weekend celebration, I set Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Denver. up an appointment to discuss what, if any, Research did show awards were approved, VA benefits Jeannie might be eligible but never personally presented because of to receive. Her discharge papers had no her ‘retired’ status after her hospitalization. listing of medals or awards. She retired One of the major awards was a from service in 1944—there should have campaign ribbon for the North Africa been some service awards. and Italy service time. Anzio Beach was a …by Henry Bohne

Swimming with the Fishes ...continued from page 6

a cock-a-doodle-doo!

The women and girls in the family each chose one of her teacup and saucer sets for a keepsake and I potted up cuttings from her favorite houseplant for each household. We learned not to act with haste, as members of the family would remember items imbedded with special memories for them for weeks after Mother’s death.

I read an article in the newspaper Valuable Collectibles or Not? ...continued from page 15

offering this season to assist people with this often challenging task is a program called “Antiques: A Collection or an Accumulation?”

Learn from Bette Belle (Guildmark Appraisal & Estate Management) what’s hot and what’s not in the antique marketplace. If you have a collectible or antique that you think is valuable, bring it with you (limit one item). A bit like the popular Antiques Roadshow, this free program will be held on the following dates: • Shoreline Library, Wednesday,

The Northwest’s Own Karl Marlantes ...continued from page 1

having nightmares and scaring my wife to death. Because you can't repress it without bad consequences," he said.

Ultimately, his marriage failed.

Although he was unaware of it, Marlantes was suffering from severe post-traumatic stress.

"You have to deal with the fact that human life was destroyed and you're the one who pulled the trigger," said Marlantes. He eventually received help from the Veterans Administration through counseling and medication... and through writing.

A pivotal healing moment for Marlantes occurred after a Catholic

November 2017

battlefield under daily German gunfire.

I purchased the ribbon and star, assembled it and set up an ‘Award Ceremony’ for Jeannie. On a Sunday morning at church, I told the story of Jeannie’s service and presented the medal and the award.

During the ceremony, Jeannie related an incident while at Anzio. “One night there was an artillery barrage between us and the Germans. I shared a tent with another nurse and I suggested going out to see the light show for the barrage. She declined, so I grabbed my overcoat and went out and watched for a time. Finally, I gave up and went inside to go to bed. A problem, a chunk of shrapnel had come through the tent – and through my cot.”

Jeannie’s telling of this story was very laconic, very calm and very much, ‘things happen.’

While at Fitzsimons, Jeanie met Dusty. He was the pharmacist, and ignored her. She set out to pursue him – and succeeded. They had a long and great life together. ❖ Henry Bohne lives in Bellevue

classifieds… bazaars 27th Annual Christmas Bazaar Saturday, Nov 18, 10-4, Collins Grange, 3404 E 120th, Tacoma. Free Admission.

Free Parking.

estate planning LAST WILL, POWER OF ATTORNEY, AND LIVING WILL. $375/person or $575/couple for complete services. Martin Sjolie, Attorney at Law (Northgate), (206)-841-1373 sjolielaw@gmail.com.

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

special services LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES IN TROUBLE Don’t surrender or allow your policy to lapse.

If your premium has become a burden or you don’t need as much insurance, you may qualify to sell your policy for more than its cash value. If you are 70 or older with a term, universal, whole life or other policy, call us for a free evaluation. Washington Life Settlements – 425-766-3384 www. walifesettlements.com CAREGIVERS NEEDED CNAs/Home Health AIDES need apply Help our Elders and those in need receive the best in-home care. Please call M-F 9-5 206937-3100 or info@CareAtHomeSeattle. com. Open and diverse since 1992.

after our sorting that pricked my conscience. It reminded us not to send things past their useful life to a favorite charity because disposal of this type of “treasure” is expensive for them. I know we had donated items fitting this description because we could not bear tossing them into the trash box.

The local senior center was delighted to receive Mom’s wardrobe.

I washed her clothing and packed the items carefully, including a pair of flannel pajamas that I had given her. She had never worn them: but why would

she? This sassy woman had attended rehabilitation exercise sessions in silk lounging pajamas. What was I thinking?

She probably would not be happy that I donated her false teeth: I was uncomfortable tossing them in the garbage and I read a tip online that suggested folks snap them up to decorate the bottom of their aquarium.

I will be “swimming with the fishes” if a cherub tattles on me. It is a good thing her cherished Christmas sweaters are safe and dry in a special nook in my closet. ❖

November 1, 7pm • Kent Library, Saturday, November 4, 2pm • Kenmore Library, Tuesday, November 14, 1pm • Bellevue Library, Wednesday, November 15, 6pm • Woodinville Library, Saturday, November 18, 11am • Mercer Island Library, Tuesday, November 28, 7pm Other library resources you might find helpful for determining the value of objects include price guides such as Kovels’ Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide and Warman’s Antiques & Collectibles. Although much of this type

of research has moved to the internet, CASH IN! LIFE, ANNUITY, LEGAL SETTLEMENTS, LOTTERY WINNERS traditional print sources such as Kovels’ If you have an annuity or life insurance and Warman’s are still available to you policy, need a lump sum of cash and are at your local library (and we’ll also teach 65 or older, call us for an evaluation. Your you how to use the internet for your annuity or insurance policy, if qualified, will search, if you desire.) give you the most cash possible. If you have No one can determine the true value regular payments from a legal settlement of the objects you own. Infused with or lottery, we can help you get more cash memories, the meaning of objects can than you thought possible. Washington far outweigh their monetary value. But Life Settlements – 425-766-3384 www. assessing their monetary value can also be walifesettlements.com helpful as we look at downsizing. When wanted to buy/sell you need help – remember the library!

We’re here for you. ❖ WANTED RECORD LP’S - 45’S REEL TO REEL Are You Ready For Some Hockey? TAPES - 206-499-5307 Answers to questions on page 11 1. P/puck; 2. icing; 3. B/blocker; Crossword puzzle solution is on page 13 4. boarding; 5. wing.

priest held a private mass on his behalf, and on behalf of all those who were harmed. After 30 years, Marlantes revealed to John Blake, it felt like a stone had been rolled away from the entrance to his heart. He'd finally told a stranger what was going on inside of him and he didn't feel so alone anymore.

Karl Marlantes has remarried. He has reconnected with some of his fellow Marines from Vietnam. And those medals he once hid in a jelly jar are now on display at home. ❖

ROOFING DISCOUNTS Karl Marlantes' books are available at bookstores and on Amazon.com. Information on how to view "The Vietnam War" by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick can be found at www. pbs.org/kenburns/the-vietnam-war

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

November 2017

www.NorthwestPrimeTime.com 15

The Great Outdoors

Wood for the Fireplace ...by Roger Urbaniak

I am favorite part fortunate to of the house enjoy the during cold satisfaction days. of gathering Armed firewood with my for our new Stihl heat-giving chainsaw, fireplace.

I began my The process search for of locating firewood. downed Finding Photo by Hans, courtesy Wikimedia.org trees, cutting downed trees in them into optimum burning size, my neighborhood, especially after transporting home, then splitting a storm, made bringing home wood and stacking for the nine month quicker, so I drove local streets drying process before burning...it’s where trees often lost branches, perceived as a lot of work for most or simply toppled over, during a people. The entire process is one of good wind. Neighbors enjoyed my enjoyable, good exercise for me. salvaging efforts and began giving Several years ago, Linda and me tips where I might find more I noted that we rarely used our wood. basement family room during the When I ran out of local trees, colder part of the year. Our midI would visit my cabin near Hood century home has large single-pane Canal, where the wind would windows in this room, and cold cooperate in leaving me an almost winter air drafted through. Our endless supply of downed trees to solution was to purchase a fireplace choose from. with a fan. Heat from the fire soon Species of trees burn differently; made the room our favorite place some burn hotter and throw off a to enjoy movies, to work out, knit lot more heat than others. Madrona and a host of other activities. The is probably my favorite, but it must family room quickly became our be cut and split quickly when it

is still green. Once it dries, the wood becomes so hard that it becomes difficult to cut, even with a sharp chainsaw. Oak, maple and other hardwoods are next with popularized alder far down the list. I suspect firewood dealers popularized alder because they have more alder firewood than others to dispose of.

Sawdust and other debris often followed me into the house as I retrieved logs from outside.

This soon forced us to replace carpeting with more easy to maintain tile, and a quick sweep with a broom made the room look inviting again—especially with the toasty fire.

I remember the old saying that firewood burns more than once and after a good session of cutting, splitting and stacking wood, I usually skip my regular workout at the gym that day. For me, this process is enjoyable, likely because it all takes place outdoors. Many years ago, I noticed that when I was outside, I was happy. Gathering firewood just gave me another excuse to go there.

When it is cold and rainy, we head towards the basement to enjoy another fire. Our heat bill stays reasonable, my personal conditioning is maintained and our neighborhood kept more pleasing to the eye. Gathering firewood fits in nicely with my other retirement activities. Enjoying the fire produced from my gathering fits well with retirement, too. ❖

Library Corner

Valuable Collectibles or Not? ...by Wendy Pender, KCLS Older Adults Project Specialist

King County Libraries offer resources and a series of programs to help you determine if your collectibles are valuable (or not!).

In our later years, we often find ourselves in the position of “downsizing.” This term was first used in the 70s and 80s to describe smaller, more efficient cars, and I find that a helpful analogy for the process of moving into a smaller home.

But how to decide what to keep and what to toss? Sometimes everything seems precious, and determining what’s of value can feel paralyzing. We don’t want to lose the parts of ourselves those things represent (one of the most poignant titles I’ve ever run across describes it vividly: Don’t Toss My Memories in the Trash).

One of the resources KCLS is continued on page 14

Seattle’s newest option for the 62+ crowd.

Call or visit today for Grand Opening Specials!

• Social and intellectual opportunities • All utilities included, even telephone • Washer and Dryer in each apartment • Concierge Services • Roof top decks with gardening • Van for group outings

Now Open!

Enjoy life among your peers.

206-482-8808

www.thesavoylakecity.com

Not ready for a retirement community but tired of trying to keep up your home?

Do you travel often and worry about leaving your home vacant?

The Savoy is a great option for you!

13730 Lake City Way NE, Seattle, WA 98125

78722 LC QP MC West Seattle_NW Primetime Facts Ad Full Page.indd 1

10/17/17 11:13 AM