SPRING POSTSEASON UPDATE | Golfers, tennis players and track athletes are all moving on to states. [10]
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RENTON
Historical Women | The Renton History Museum’s new exhibit highlights the contributions of women through the city’s history. [3]
FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014
Valley Medical saves $3.8 million with budget re-vamp Nurse’s union claims $1.3 million in changes to retirement contributions violate contract BY DEAN A. RADFORD dradford@rentonreporter.com
Through cost-cutting and reductions in retirement benefits, Valley Medical Center is “living within its means,” says a top hospital executive. Like other public hospitals, Valley Medical must absorb millions of dollars in uncompensated or charity care for patients who don’t have insurance. The hospital bears some cost for health-care reform and the Great Recession cut millions of dollars from its property-tax revenue. Last December, Valley Medical reported that to offset those costs it had reduced expenses by about $3.8 million in the previous six months or so, including $1.3 million in savings from reduced contributions to employee retirement plans. The non-profit hospital considers that $3.8 million to be operating income, not profit, and an indication of the hospital’s financial health. “We have some cash in the bank. We had a [ more VALLEY page 8 ]
In memoriam Joe Cain, above, leaves a poppy flower on a tile Monday at the Renton Veterans Park honoring his father, Richard Cain, who served in Korea with the U.S. Marines. Right, Army veterans carry a memorial wreath during the city’s Memorial Day service. For more photos, see page 15. BRIAN BECKLEY, Renton Reporter
A lemonade stand to celebrate 10 years cancer-free and raise money When the Renton Reporter last interviewed Olivia Gonzales, she was terrified her son Antonio’s cancer would return. It had only been three years since he underwent treatment for high-risk neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer of the sympathetic nervous system. It has now been 10 years that her son Antonio Pebworth’s cancer has been in remission and she feels she can finally breathe easier and celebrate,
while still raising funds for childhood cancer research. Gonzales will host “Antonio’s Grand Alex’s Lemonade Stand” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 8, at Cascade Elementary School, 16022 116th Ave. S.E., Renton, in support of childhood cancer research. There will be a bouncy house, dunk tank, clowns, the Seahawks’ Blitz, of course lemonade and a special appearance by Renton Mayor Denis Law. When asked what he remembers from those days [ more STAND page 15 ]
Come in for a FREE T-N-T: TToe Nail Trim ~ Tues - N - Thurs~ (*Some restrictions apply. Call for details.)
Mon, Wed 8am-7pm • Tues, Thurs, Fri 8am-6pm Sat & Sun 10am-4pm
Mother and son Antonio Pebworth and Olivia Gonzales pose at Century Link Field during a stress-free day away from cancer. SUBMITTED
Animal HealthCare of Renton
504 Renton Ctr. Wy. SW #3; Renton, WA 98057
425-203-9000 • www.AHRenton.com
1057926
BY TRACEY COMPTON tcompton@rentonreporter.com