The Bridge - Whidbey Bridge Sept 2016 Edition

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BRIDGE

HEALING WORDS: A retired nurse, Lois Edstrom

knows firsthand the power of a healing touch. Whereas once she used her hands to address physical wounds, she now uses them to assuage pain of a more emotional nature, choosing a pen over a stethoscope as her instrument of choice. . ............... Page 2

FOR WHIDBEY ISLAND’S OVER-50 CROWD

Discovering your heritage page 4

SEPTEMBER • 2016

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WHIDBEY BRIDGE

September • 2016

Former nurse now using her poetry to heal

By KATE DANIEL

kdaniel@whidbeynewsgroup.com

A retired nurse, Lois Edstrom knows firsthand the power of a healing touch.

Whereas once she used her hands to address physical wounds, she now uses them to assuage pain of a more emotional nature, choosing a pen over a stethoscope as her instrument of choice.

After a decadeslong career in healthcare, including several years at Whidbey Internal Medicine, the Coupeville poet retired in 2004 to allocate more of her time to writing.

Since then she has published numerous poems in anthologies and journals, as well as two chapbooks and a recently released full-length collection “Night Beyond Black.” She has also received several accolades, including two Hackney National Literary Awards, an Artist’s Embassy International Award, a Dr. Zylpha Mapp Robinson International Poetry Award and the Benefactor’s Award from the Whidbey Island Writer’s Conference.

Garrison Keillor of “The Writer’s Almanac” selected two of Edstrom’s poems, “Choices We Make When We Are Too Young to Make Them”

Photo by Kate Daniel

Coupeville resident Lois Edstrom, an award-winning poet, recently published her latest collection entitled “Night Beyond Black.” Selected poems from the collection were read by Garrison Keillor on “The Writer’s Almanac,” and one or more will be published with New Zealand charity Poems in the Wiaiting Room.

and “Almanac” to read on the program this summer.

The first poem, in which Edstrom discusses her experience caring for her dying father in his final days, provides an example of what Edstrom says is one of poetry’s greatest gifts: its ability to help individuals cope with loss.

The idea of navigating darkness in search of light and beauty is a motif central to “Night Beyond Black,” Edstrom said.

The title was inspired by a letter from Vincent Van Gogh to his brother, which read in part “a night painting without black, with nothing

but beautiful blue and violet and green.”

This belief in the healing power of poetry is one shared by Ruth Arnison, editor of Poems in the Waiting Room.

The New Zealandbased organization publishes 7,750 poetry cards each season. The free cards are distributed to waiting rooms in locations such as hospitals, doctor offices, jails and nursing homes.

Arnison selected Edstrom’s poem “Almanac” to be featured as one of the seven-to-eight poems to be printed in the December edition of cards.

In an email, Arnison

said she heard Edstrom’s poem read on “The Writer’s Almanac” and immediately thought it appropriate for her readers.

“I specifically choose poems that are upbeat and cheerful as I’m not wanting the patients to go into their appointments feeling worse or more depressed than when they arrived,” she wrote, adding that readers often remark that they enjoy the poems because they are easily-accessible and positive.

“They frequently mention that they are a wonderful contrast to the often tired magazines in waiting rooms whose contents can’t

seem to get beyond facelifts, fashion and infidelity,” she wrote.

The mingling of her past and current occupations is one Edstrom found to be a pleasant surprise.

She noted that the two are quite different in some respects –– nursing can be fast-paced and intense, while writing requires attentiveness and is more meditative –– but she added that there is some correlation.

“In nursing you’re connected to people, you’re caring for people through losses and joys, through deaths and births,” she said.

“I guess in that way it might be similar, slight-

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ly, to poetry because you’re still using poetry to connect with people through losses and joys.”

Through her words, Edstrom offers readers a moment of respite, of solace.

Edstrom quoted as a sort of mantra Alberto Rios’ statement, “A moment is just a moment; and that moment is everything.”

“It’s so simple but so profound about living in the moment. I think poetry allows you to do that,” she said.

“Something piques your interest and you look at it more closely.

It enhances your life.” n “Night Beyond Black” is available online through Edstrom’s website and Amazon, as well as at Wind and Tide Book Shop in Oak Harbor, Moonraker Books in Langley and The Kingfisher Book Store in Coupeville.

September • 2016

WHIDBEY BRIDGE

Innovative program to combine poetry, nature, touchstones to rise above grief

Page 3

By EVAN THOMPSON

ethompson@whidbeynewsgroup.com

Grief can be a powerful emotion and often detrimental to one’s life journey. It’s also a fundamental part of what it means to be human, said Mark Lucero, a grief specialist and founder of Pathways Counseling in Coupeville.

Accepting that grief, and empowering individuals with the tools to move forward in life, is the primary purpose of Lucero and spiritual mentor Charlene Ray’s 10-week program, The Poetic Path of Grief. The program, to be held from Sept. 20 - Nov. 19, will incorporate poetry, healing touchstones, nature and companionship during a path of inner discovery and enlightenment. Snapshots of what each of the 10 meetings will look like came in the form of two free introductory sessions on Aug. 2 at Healing Circles Langley and on Aug. 11 at Pathways Counseling in Coupeville.

Ray, who is also the coordinator for Island County’s school-based mental health program, believes that to heal one’s grief, one must confront it. Poetry and the other components of the program can serve as a means of unlocking repressed emotions, Ray and Lucero said.

“Sometimes it’s just a line in a poem that strikes a chord in the heart and spirit,” Ray said. “It can be heart opening and moving.

I’ve had people tell me that a particular poem changed their life.”

Ray

Each class will feature a poem reading and a healing touchstone tailored with a specific message, such as opening up to the presence of loss, embracing the uniqueness of one’s grief and appreciating transformation. The touchstones and their meanings come from a book, “Understanding Your Grief” by Dr. Alan Wolfelt.

Nature, silence and sharing will also be included during each session, culminating on Nov. 19 with an all-day retreat.

The program can address issues ranging from the loss of a loved one to life transitions, such as a divorce or retirement.

For Lucero, the need for the innovative program is apparent. He said no one navigating through grief should do it alone, and that it can be particularly effective if addressed with community support. He said that historically when someone was mourning, they would wear black as a signal for the community to get around that

Photo by Evan Thompson

Mark Lucero, grief specialist and founder of Pathways Counseling in Coupeville, is teaming up with Charlene Ray, spiritual mentor and fellow mental health specialist, to offer The Poetic Path of Grief.

person and support them.

“We don’t have those outward expressions anymore,” Lucero said. “Most of them are invisible nowadays.”

Lucero said there are also misconceptions about grief, including the assertion that it is something one overcomes and then leaves behind.

“Our point of view is that grieving continues for a long time, so what’s needed is to integrate the reality of the loss, come to a place to acknowledge that reality, and build that into their lives,” Lucero said.

Ray can attest to Lucero’s sentiments. She was battling

grief during an interview with The Record Wednesday afternoon. Exactly 41 years prior, Ray’s father died. Ray was 13.

At the time, those around her refrained from speaking about the loss. The combination of sadness and despair took hold in Ray, who later turned her feelings of loss into a lifelong ambition of helping others in similar situations. In the time since her father’s death, her pain has become less powerful, though it is still present, she said.

“I think if anyone participates in this program and experiences the touchstones

and the poems and the time in nature, they can’t help but think differently or feel differently about their grief,” Ray said. “It’s a really powerful combination.”

“If you put them together, I think it truly is transformational,” she added.

The cost for the program is $325, which includes materials. A $100 deposit is required to register.

Scholarships and payment plans are also available.

To register, contact Mark Lucero at 360-320-1898 or wemakethepath@gmail.com, or Charlene Ray at 360-3204443 or soulwisdomguide@ gmail.com

SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL. 1, NO. 8

WHIDBEY

BRIDGE

WHIDBEY BRIDGE STAFF Executive Editor & Publisher............................KEVEN R. GRAVES Associate Publisher.................................... KIMBERLLY WINJUM Editor.................................................................MEGAN HANSEN Staff Reporters.........................KATE DANIEL, EVAN THOMPSON Admin..................................... HEATHER SCHMIDT, JILL LIGHTY

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WHIDBEY BRIDGE

September • 2016

Research leads to fascinating look into families

By EVAN THOMPSON ethompson@whidbeynewsgroup.com

With some hard-nosed research, a healthy dose of persistence and a little bit of luck, just about anyone can discover their genealogical roots. At least that’s what former Genealogical Society of South Whidbey Island members Bob Richardson and Maureen MacDonald say.

Along the way, people can also glean deep insight into the lives of their ancestors and the ordeals or lifestyles they experienced at the time.

The pair has made significant progress in discovering their lineage, efforts which they said were helped by the knowledge they are equipped with thanks to the genealogical society. The society is dedicated to furthering genealogical research by promoting interest in family history and preserving records, the society’s website says. It meets on the second Monday of every month from September to June at around 12:45 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Chapel in Freeland.

MacDonald, a Langley resident and former president of the society, has traveled back the furthest in time of the two: to 800 AD. She discovered the connection while researching clues in New England. Many English settlers in New

Photo by Evan Thompson

Bob Richardson and Maureen McDonald say just about anyone can be successful in researching their family history.

England, some Puritans and some Pilgrims, had royal backgrounds, she said. The background related to her ancestors is the family surname St. John, though it is a distant connection and not a direct relation. In her research, she also found she was related to Samuel Prescott, a member of congress in the late 1700s. She said Prescott died while walking to a congressional meeting in the midst of a snow storm, which she said provided interesting insight to what the times were like.

“There’s little interesting things, tidbits,” MacDonald said.

Richardson, a Bayview resident, said his research took

him back 14 generations to 1620. The family trees that are associated with the number of different relatives was mind-boggling to discover, he said.

“When you go back 14 generations, you have I think at least 8,000 grandparents all living in 1620,” Richardson.

“Each one of those provides you with 1/8,000th of your DNA, on average.”

Much like Richardson, MacDonald said she was drawn to the research because of her inquisitive nature.

“I have an innate curiosity about anything and everything,” MacDonald said. “I have lots of questions for anybody who will listen.”

MacDonald said the first step was starting with a census, a record that has been taken every 10 years in America since 1790 and identifies the population.

“They’re not perfect records, but they certainly do give a lot of clues,” MacDonald said.

MacDonald said the records helped identify the migration and immigration of her ancestors, and from there she continued to follow whatever trail she could find. Each step taken opened a plethora of new routes to take, she said, which is part of the thrill of discovery.

“In genealogy, when you get one answer, you then have 10 more questions,”

MacDonald said.

Mary Sue Kriefall, a past president of the society, shared MacDonald’s enthusiasm.

“Each thing you discover, it gives you a happy feeling,” said Kriefall, a Clinton resident.

Perhaps one of the more startling –– or fascinating, depending on your perspective –– was a discovery from within the society. Kriefall said among the 100-or-so people who are part of the society, several people were related through ancestors in England.

“One lives right across from the other,” Kriefall said.

Kriefall said discovering one’s family roots helps find out who you are and the strengths and weaknesses your ancestors had.

“It also gives you something to pass on to your children and grandchildren,” Kriefall said. “We’re the link between the past and the future, and if we don’t investigate why we are the way we are, then our kids are going to have a harder time doing that.”

Richardson and MacDonald encouraged those who are interested in researching their genealogy to attend the society’s meetings, where tips and tricks of the trade are openly discussed and provided. To find out more about the society, visit www.gsswi.org

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Page 5

Shamanic herbalist facilitates a path to healing through plants everyone. They were taking care of the Julie Charette Nunn homes and families,” she said. “I feel like it’s is a master conversaan instinctual thing for tionalist, though her women.” discussion partners Women have also aren’t always of the traditionally practiced typical sort. as midwives, aiding A shamanic herbalfellow women through ist practicing in the wise woman tradition, the birth process, often with the use of Charette Nunn has herbs, she said. cultivated a profound “It’s kind of like the connection with the natural world, reaping wise woman in the village. She was the one wisdom and insight that knew the plants from plants of power. that grew around her Nestled in the and how to heal; she Maxwelton Valley of South Whidbey is her knew how to instruct people.” farm, home, school At the moment, and sanctuary, a place Charette Nunn has of healing and educafive apprentices, as tion.

As a part of her prac- well as additional students who drop by for tice, Charette Nunn single classes. operates the Crow’s She also recently Laughter Mystery taught a free oneSchool, through which day class at South she offers several Whidbey Tilth courses, including an Farmers’ Market, apprenticeship prowhich she said she gram. hopes to do again.

The program, She said compared Women and Plants, to when she began is a comprehensive teaching herbalism 20 immersion into the wise woman tradition, years ago, far more people today come and spans one weekto her expressing a end a month for 16 desire to connect on a months. deeper level.

The next course “There has been a will begin in early lot more interest in September. natural healing and She explained that the title of the program energetics of plants, stems from the ancient and more of a spiritual connection with the tradition of women as plants and with the healers, often making and administering herbs,” she said.

“People are looking natural medicinals. for more of a depth of “It’s the old way. The healing, not just getwomen in the village ting rid of a disease.” were the ones who More information is were taking care of

By KATE DANIEL

kdaniel@whidbeynewsgroup.com

Kate Daniel photos

Julie Charette Nunn is a shamanic herbalist of the wise woman tradition. She raises and harvests various healing plants on her Clinton farm, and teaches others to identify and utilize such plants and herbs themselves. She also sells a number of tinctures, vinegars and other natural homemade medicinals.

available about natural healing, she said, which may explain in part the heightened interest.

This investment in knowledge about alternative healing methods extends to doctors and nutritionists as well, she noted.

On the farm, she grows about 50-75 total plants, 21 of which are used for medicinals, including dandelion, hawthorne, oats, wild roses, plantain, stinging nettle, chickweed, lavender and raspberry.

She also sells medicinals, including vinegars and teas, through her website.

Prior to working as

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“I feel like I can help people in finding their calling and being able to create a life that they want and that makes them happy.” n Charette Nunn can be reached at julie@ crowsdaughter.com or through her website: www.crowsdaughter. com/

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a shamanic herbalist, Charette Nunn was a school teacher for over 20 years, working with children in Montessori schools, at a reservation school and at a school in Seattle for homeless children.

Even as a school teacher, she said she always made it a priority to incorporate creativity and exploration of the natural world into her lessons.

It was also during this time she found her calling, to help others find their own.

As a part of her work, Charette Nunn said she often aids people in delving into a prolonged process of deep healing and

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• Arts • Games • Live Music • Maker/Taster Stations • Farm to Table Foods • Wine Tastings at the Greenbank Farm Wine Shop • Beer and Wine in the Whidbey Pies outdoor garden

Fun for children of All Ages!

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Community Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Saving the Greenbank Farm

Page 6

WHIDBEY BRIDGE

September • 2016

Factors that impact homeowner happiness

It is said that as you get older you become wiser; but as homeowners grow older, do they become happier? According to a nationwide homeowner happiness survey conducted by HomeAdvisor, the answer is yes. This was the case of Bob and Joanie Johnson, who dropped their youngest child off at college in August 2015.

Although they needed time to adjust to their children no longer living at home, they soon realized they had extra time and money to devote to home projects. Many parents who become emptynesters have this revelation and start focusing on

projects that have been placed on the backburner while kids were in the house.

“It makes sense that empty-nesters have the highest happy home scores,” said Dr. Karen Ruskin, HomeAdvisor’s Happiness Advisor.

“They have likely settled in a community they enjoy and plan to stay.

This group also generally has the most economic stability and time to make their house a happy home.”

The survey shows that individuals in the emptynester stage have higher happy home scores across the board compared to all other stages

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT AUGUST 2016

N A M E & R O L E O R V O LU N T E E R P O

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of life. The main factors that contribute to their happiness are their communities, location and features of their homes.

Compared to other stages of life, empty-nesters feel the safest in their communities, most connected to their neighbors and are also the happiest with the condition of their homes.

Overall, homeowner happiness boils down to a combination of three important factors: accessibility to attractions and services, community and dwelling. Interestingly, research shows that accessibility and community play a far bigger role in happiness than dwelling.

“A homeowner’s identity and quality of life is much more likely to depend on aspects like weather, for example, as that influences activities accessed in one’s community and affordabil-

ity over how many bedrooms and bathrooms they have,” Ruskin said.

“Homeowner happiness is really about location, location, location.”

This rings true for the Johnsons, who are far happier with the accessibility of services in their community and their neighbors than other lifestage groups.

Ruskin offers these four tips to make your home a happier place: 1. Upgrade and remodel your home. Update the landscaping or change out cabinet hardware.

These modest to moderate changes can transform your home into a place that fits your needs.

2. Make sure you have adequate gathering space. Family rooms, living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens and patios are great areas to focus on to create an entertainment experience for you and your guests.

Find more tips for becoming a happier homeowner and further survey information at homeadvisor.com/survey

3. Get to know your neighbors. Research shows that the happiest homeowners enjoy and feel comfortable, as well as safe, with their neighbors and community. To reach this comfortability, try organizing a neighborhood event.

4. Make your home a

place you want to stay.

The happiest homeowners feel their home is their favorite place and somewhere they want to stay long term. Get comfortable, hang art, put up those family pictures that are sitting in a box, paint the walls or plant a garden.

(Family Features)

Washington No. 10 state for senior health

By KATE DANIEL

kdaniel@whidbeynewsgroup.com

Washington ranks No. 10 nationwide in terms of the health of the state’s senior population, according to the United Health Foundation.

The foundation found that the state ranked 11th in 2015, and currently ranks ninth in terms of the health of its residents of all age groups.

The foundation in May released its fourth annual America’s Health Rankings Senior Report. The report provides information on 35 measures of health for a combined comprehensive analysis of the senior population, both nationwide and on a state-by-state basis.

Overall, some of Washington state’s greatest strengths were a low prevalence of physical inactivity; low rate of preventable hospitalizations; and a low hip fracture rate.

Some other key highlights for Washington state: n In the past year, the general nursing home quality increased 14 percent from 47.4 percent to 53.8 percent of beds rated 4- or 5-stars. n Food insecurity decreased 12 percent from 13.5 percent to 11.9 percent of adults ages 60 and older. n In the past two years, low-care

nursing home residents increased 31 percent from 6.4 percent to 8.4 percent of residents. n In the past three years, hospice care use increased 39 percent from 33.4 percent to 46.4 percent of decedents ages 65 and older. n In the past three years, very good or excellent health status increased 11 percent from 42.1 percent to 46.8 percent of adults ages 65 and older.

Other findings include: n One in six impoverished Washington seniors receive a home-delivered meal, compared with 19.1 percent nationally. n About one in four Washington seniors are obese, compared with about 27.5 percent nationally. n About three in 10 Washington seniors volunteered through an organization within the past 12 months, compared with 26.4 percent nationally. n About 70.6 percent of Washington seniors visited a dentist or dental clinic in the past year, compared with 65.7 percent nationally.

This year, the report also features an in-depth examination of the middle-aged population, or those ages 50-64.

The health of seniors in this group was compared to that of the

health of those who were in that age bracket in 1999.

According to the report, there is a 66 percent higher prevalence of diabetes among Washington’s middle-aged residents and a 12.5 percent higher prevalence of obesity compared to that of middleaged adults in 1999.

On a nationwide level, key findings include the fact that some states’ senior populations are increasing rapidly, combined with double- or- triple-digit increases in rates of diabetes, and double-digit increases in rates of obesity.

The report also found, however, a 7 percent increase in the number of seniors who reported very good or excellent health nationwide, compared to three years ago.

It also found a 9 percent decline in preventable hospitalizations and an 18 percent increase in the number of home health care workers.

On the negative end, obesity among today’s seniors increased 9 percent nationally, compared to a 6 percent increase in obesity among the general population.

The top five healthiest states nationwide, in order from first to last, were Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Minnesota and Hawaii.

September • 2016

WHIDBEY BRIDGE

Page 7

Events & Activities

BAYVIEW SENIOR CENTER EVENTS:

n Buddies to Buddies in the Fireside Room, Tuesday, Sept.

6, “Towards More Poetic Speech” poetry slam. n Welcome the Fund Band back, 10:45-11:45 a.m., Friday, Sept. 9 n Septic 101, 5-8 p.m., Monday, Sept. 16. Presented by Island County Environmental Health n Getting Ready for MedicareSHIBA, 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 17 n Aging and Fraud Prevention with Ethan Via, Special Agent, FBI, 1-2:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 20 n Legal Conversation with Whidbey Law Group, 1-2:30 p.m., Fridays, Sept. 9 and 23. (By appointment only) n SHIBA Counseling — Free Medicare & Social Security advice, Fridays. (By appointment)

ACTIVITIES: n Foot Clinic, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursdays. n Meditation for Everyone with Mel Watson, Kadampa Buddhist meditation teacher, 4:15-5:15 p.m., Wednesdays. n “Just Dance,” 10:15-11:15 a.m., Mondays. n Senior Striders, 9-11 a.m., Thursdays. Rain or shine.

n Advanced Tai Chi, 8:45–9:45 a.m., Tuesdays, Sept. 6-27 n Beginning Tai Chi, 10-11 a.m., Tuesdays, Sept. 6-27 n Tai Chi in the Afternoon, 3-4 p.m., Mondays, Sept. 12-26 n 50 Plus Yoga, Tuesdays, 4:45-6 p.m., Sept. 6-27. 4:45-6 p.m., Thursdays, Sept. 1-29 n Beginning Line Dance, 9-10 a.m., Wednesdays, Aug. 3-31. n Line Dance – Improver/ Intermediate, 10-11:30 a.m., Wednesdays, Sept. 7-28. n Tune In – Tone Up with the Ukulele, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Sept. 6-27 n Painting with Deon Matzen, 1-4 p.m., Wednesdays, Sept. 14-28 (no class Sept. 7) and Fridays, Sept. 16-30 n Meditation for Everyone, 4:155:15 p.m., Wednesdays, Sept. 7-28. n Beginning Clogging, 3-4 p.m., Thursdays, Sept. 8-29 n Tools for Happier Healthier Aging, 12:30-4:30 p.m., Thursdays, Sept. 22 and 29 n The Art of Mini Memoir, 3-5 p.m., Thursdays, Sept. 6-27. n Advanced Selling on eBay, 4-5:30 p.m., Thursdays, Sept. 8 and 15. n Conversational Spanish, 2:30-4 p.m., Fridays, Sept. 2-30 n Time Together, Adult Day Services, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday

through Friday n Bridge Party, 9 a.m. to noon, Mondays. n Mahjong, 1-3 p.m., Mondays. n Chess & Go, 6:30-10 p.m., Mondays. n Foot Clinic, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursdays. n Free Time, 1-4 p.m., Tuesdays. n Caregiver Support Group, 10 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, Sept. 6 n Free Blood Pressure Checks, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 28 n Mexican Train Dominos, 10-11:30 a.m., Wednesdays. n Crazy Quilters, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesdays, South Whidbey Center. n Bingo Night, 6:30 p.m., Wednesdays. Potluck on last Wednesday. n Crafting Connection, 10 a.m. to noon, Thursdays, South Whidbey Center. n Twilight Bridge, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Thursdays.

TRIPS: n One Spirit Garden, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 6 n Angel of the Winds Casino, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 13 n PBY Museum in Oak Harbor, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 17

THURSDAY, SEPT. 1 Falls and injury prevention, SAIL exercise class, led by Mary Waters.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 7 Bingo Information & assistance available 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 15 Falls and Injury Prevention, SAIL Exercise Class, led by Mary Waters.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 1

FRIDAY, SEPT. 16

Chef’s Choice

Chile Relleno Bake w/ Salsa

FRIDAY, SEPT. 2

MONDAY, SEPT. 19

Chicken Fried Steak

Fish & Chips

MONDAY, SEPT. 5

TUESDAY, SEPT. 20

Holiday­— Meal Sites Closed

Chili Baked Potato w/ Vegetables

TUESDAY, SEPT. 6

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 21

Grilled Cheese & Broccoli Soup

Frito Pie

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 7

THURSDAY, SEPT. 22

Chicken Caesar Salad

Chef’s Choice

THURSDAY, SEPT. 8

FRIDAY, SEPT. 23

Chef’s Choice

Bill’s Pork and Gravy

FRIDAY, SEPT. 9

MONDAY, SEPT. 26

Fish Sandwich w/Lettuce & Cheese

Turkey Chili w/ Vegetables

MONDAY, SEPT. 12

TUESDAY, SEPT. 27

Creamy Ham & Potato Casserole

Reuben Sandwich

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 28

TUESDAY, SEPT. 13

Beef Stew w/Carrots & Potatoes

THURSDAY, SEPT. 29

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 14 WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 21

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Hearing Health Services’ Kristina Jarrell will speak about future technology of hearing aids and assistive devices and how hearing loss can affect the whole family. Question and answer period.

Chef’s Choice

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 28 Learn about the SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefit Advisors) program and how counselors may be able to save you money on your Medicare related insurances.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 14 Vital vaccinations for health prevention. Dr. Vracin will speak on protecting your health with vaccinations for influenza, pneumonia and shingles. Question and answer period.

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Salad Bar w/Variety of Vegetables

COUPEVILLE HUB All activities begin at 1 p.m. at the Coupeville United Methodist Church on Main Street. Lunch is served every Wednesday at noon. Contact Glenda Cantrell, 360-720-2955 or Glenda@islandseniorservices.org

Sept. menu

Editor’s Note: The Oak Harbor Senior Center did not submit an activities schedule by our press deadline.

Deliveri

ng Your Real Estate Dreams

THURSDAY, SEPT. 15

Chef’s Choice

FRIDAY, SEPT. 30 Pulled Pork Sandwich

The Nutrition Program depends on 133 volunteers who drive for Meals on Wheels or assist in the dining rooms and kitchens. For volunteer information, call 360-321-1600.

C

WHIDBEY ISLAND’S

ommunity ookbook

Sales of this compilation of local recipes benefit

Whidbey Island Habitat for Humanity

This keepsake collection of recipes shared by Whidbey Island residents will be presented in a spiral-bound cookbook. A limited edition of 1,000 copies will be produced and given to Whidbey Island Habitat for Humanity to sell as a special fundraiser.

PAM MOCK

Text/cell: 360.661.7314 pam@cbwhidbey.com

CATHY WILSON

Text/cell: 206.718.8159 homes@twinfirs.com

~ Team Power ~

EQUAL HOUSING

Reserve your position in this community cookbook, which is certain to be coveted and treasured by local families for many years to come.

Call 360-675-6611 to reserve your ad position today & help support Habitat for Humanity

Publish date: Sept. 28 Deadline: Aug. 30

OPPORTUNITY

Combined 20+ Years Experience

RECORD SOUTH WHIDBEY

Page 8

WHIDBEY BRIDGE

September • 2016

R

FAMILY FEATURES

etirement is supposed to be a reward for decades of hard work, but if you haven’t planned well, the milestone may be a dark cloud on your horizon. In fact, new data shows that nearly 50 percent of Americans are most afraid of outliving their income or the inability to maintain their current lifestyle, and nearly 20 percent are worried about having enough money to cover health care expenses.

The research, released by the Indexed Annuity Leadership Council (IALC), also found that despite these very real fears, Americans are failing to take action to address them. For example, a quarter of Baby Boomers, the age group closest to retirement, have less than $5,000 saved for retirement and nearly one in five Americans have no idea how much they’ve saved.

The findings indicate that Americans are afraid of the unknown when it comes to managing their money and retirement.

While you can budget for leisure and travel, health care expenses and life expectancy are unpredictable.

“Americans are living longer than ever, so it’s no surprise that the No. 1 retirement fear is that they’ll run out of money in their final years,” said Jim Poolman, executive director of the IALC. “Thankfully, there are strategies and products out there that can help you create sufficient retirement income to last throughout your lifetime, which can help with this crippling fear.”

To take control of the uncertainty and create peace of mind when it comes to retirement, here are some simple steps you can follow:

Make a budget.

Those who plan for retirement are estimated to save three times more than those who don’t. Take into account that your expenses may increase during retirement, specifically for items such as health care and travel. Also, be sure to revisit your budget periodically to make adjust­ments for new circumstances that affect how much you need to support the retirement life­style you desire.

Balance is key.

Investing in a 401(k) is a great way to start a retirement port­folio, but putting all your eggs in one basket is a com­mon mistake. One method to provide balance to your retirement portfolio is to add some more conserva­tive, low-risk products, such as Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIAs), which protect your principal regardless of market ups and downs. According to the survey, FIAs are an attrac­tive choice for consumers, with 45 percent of Americans surveyed interested in this type of retirement product.

Plan to adjust.

A savings strategy that makes sense today might not fit your needs in five, 10 or 20 years. Factors like market volatility, or changes in your career or personal life, can impact the amount you’re able to save and how much you anticipate needing when you reach retirement age.

Monitor the balance.

While it’s not as critical to track the ups and downs of your portfolio in your younger years, the closer you are to

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Understanding Fixed Indexed Annuities In today’s economy, experts recommend ensuring you have a diversified retirement plan and balanced financial portfolio that includes conservative, low-risk products that are less impacted by stock market volatility.

According to the Indexed Annuity Leadership Council’s research, 45 percent of Americans are inter­ested in retirement products, such as Fixed Indexed Annuities, that offer steady lifetime income and protect your principal even if the stock market goes down.

retirement, the more important it becomes to be aware of your account values. Your level of risk should reflect your age and your retirement goals. Generally, the younger you are, the greater risk you may be able to tolerate because market cycles generally rebound losses over time. When the window of time before retirement is tighter, you may not be able to recover from a dip as easily.

Small changes count.

Even seemingly little adjustments can have a noticeable impact on your finances over time. For example, packing your own lunch and giving up an evening out with friends once weekly or monthly will allow you to direct that money to a retirement account instead. Also, be sure to pay your credit card bills on time to avoid fees that not only affect your credit rating but deplete funds that could be directed to retirement savings.

Make it automatic.

Set up scheduled transfers so you don’t forget or aren’t tempted to spend the money you planned to save. Treat your retirement account as a debt you owe and be sure to pay yourself every month. If

neces­sary, meet with a financial advisor who can help you deter­mine a strategy to pay down debt without sacrificing your retirement planning.

Find more tips and tools to guide your retirement planning at FIAinsights.org