The Bridge - Whidbey Bridge Nov 2016

WHIDBEY

BRIDGE

STORIES FROM HER HERITAGE: Growing up, Gloria

Koll recalls being rapt as her father related her tales and those of his own childhood to Koll and her siblings. It is these stories, and the people who lived them, that form the backbone of Koll’s latest novel, “Skipping Stones: A Story of Finding Home.” Page 3

FOR WHIDBEY ISLAND’S OVER-50 CROWD

NOVEMBER • 2016

Finding support with Parkinson’s page 2

Free

A supplement to the Whidbey News-Times, South Whidbey Record and The Whidbey Examiner

Page 2

WHIDBEY BRIDGE

November • 2016

Couple are familiar faces at Parkinson’s support groups

By EVAN THOMPSON ethompson@whidbeynewsgroup.com

Sometimes, while dealing with a formidable disease, a light atmosphere can make all the difference. At least that’s the intention of the two Parkinson’s Disease Support Groups on Whidbey Island, facilitated by 77-year-old Oak Harbor resident Carolyn Hansen.

Hansen’s goal is to keep the mood fun and laid back at the meetings. She said groups of that nature can often have a sullen mood attached to them, but she sees no need for that.

“We have a good

time,” Hansen said. “It’s a good social group.”

The “North Group” meets the first Friday of each month at 1 p.m. at the Cherry Hill Clubhouse in Oak Harbor, while the “South Group” meets the second Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. at the Bayview Senior Center.

The support groups are meant for people with Parkinson’s or their loved ones, Hansen said. Both draw around a half dozen people per meeting and have been around since 2008.

The disease strikes close to home for Hansen. Her husband Wayne has had the dis-

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ease that impacts the central nervous system since 1999. For Wayne, seeing friends and hanging out in a social environment is the most fulfilling part.

“It keeps me in the social life,” he said.

One of his favorite activities, like that of many others who attend the meetings, is bowling on a Wii Nintendo.

The meetings serve multiple purposes, from being a place to socialize and vent to learning more about the disease and how they are not alone in their struggles.

Another aspect is maintaining the best possible quality of life and relieving any stress that might come with the disease.

By taking control of the situation, one can be better equipped to move forward with life, Hansen said, adding that people who attend the meetings are positive in dealing with the adversity.

“They feel better because they know they’re not alone,” Hansen said. “There are other people going through this and they talk about whatever it is that is concerning them.”

Meetings typically begin with the sharing of information and material Hansen has gleaned from local organizations across the state, such as the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation in Seattle or the Parkinson’s

Evan Thompson / Whidbey News Group

Carolyn Hanse (right) moderates both of the Parkinson’s Disease Support Groups in Bayview and Oak Harbor. Her husband, Wayne (left), has had the disease since 1999.

Resource Center of Spokane. Then, the group will talk about the information shared. The last part of the meetings then becomes an open forum, where people just share whatever is on their minds or seek help with handling certain difficulties.

“It’s OK to be angry, it’s OK to be pissed off that you can’t play tennis or whatever it is,” Hansen said.

The group also brings in guest speakers, including physical and speech therapists. Hansen also addresses misconcep-

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tions and advises people about how to deal with specific problems. She said that at the South Group, a woman said she was falling two or three times a day and was newly diagnosed.

Hansen did research and then returned to the next meeting with information on how to prevent falls.

Stiffness and rigidity are among the biggest problems for those afflicted with the disease, making simple tasks such as getting out of bed at night a challenging ordeal.

Hansen added the nonmotor symptoms, such as a decrease in cogni-

Deliveri

tion and sometimes loss of vision, are the most debilitating and hardest to handle.

Hansen often checks in with those who attend the meetings to make sure they are doing OK with everyday life.

She also calls those she hasn’t seen at the meetings for a while or those who have recently had surgery.

“I make a lot of phone calls,” she said.

She said her ultimate goal for the groups is to stay consistent and do the best she can to meet the people’s needs.

“Just keep on keeping on,” Hansen said.

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WHIDBEY BRIDGE

Page 3

Author chronicles family’s Norwegian heritage

By KATE DANIEL

kdaniel@whidbeynewsgroup.com

From the fjords of Vestlandet to the plains of the Midwest, thousands of Norwegian immigrants bade farewell to their family, home and country and set sail across the Atlantic in pursuit of promise, land and the American dream.

Gloria Koll’s grandmother was one such immigrant, a tenacious woman strong of mind, heart and body.

Leaving all she had known and loved behind, she set forth in 1885 unaccompanied, with but a few belongings, to pioneer her future in the United States Dakota Territory.

Growing up, Koll recalls being rapt as her father related her tales and those of his own childhood to Koll and her siblings.

It is these stories, and the people who lived them that form the backbone of Koll’s latest novel, “Skipping Stones: A Story of Finding Home.”

She began penning the novel as her father Ludvik aged into his 80s and she recognized that these stories would be lost if not recorded.

The book is a medley of fact and fiction, with real-life family tales and historical references interspersed with supplements from Koll’s imagination. Kari, the principal character, is based on Karin, Koll’s grandmother.

It spans 1885-1945, from the era of Scandinavian mass migration through WWII, and focuses on the intertwining lives of Scandinavian pioneer families in a small farm town.

Koll has given several readings of the book, both on Whidbey and in the surrounding area, including a recent presentation at the Nordic Heritage Museum in Ballard.

Often, Koll said, attendees approach her afterward to share their own family stories, many of which are similar to her own and that of Kari.

As a part of the presentations, Koll also incorporates traditional Scandinavian music and wears a bunad.

The bunad is characteristic to the specific region of Norway from which her family came, Koll explained, and was made by one of her Norwegian relatives.

Koll said in part, the book was also a result of her desire to delve into learning more about her heritage.

She often wondered, she said, what certain traits of hers stemmed from her ancestral culture and lineage.

After graduating from Pacific Lutheran University, both she and her husband Bill — whose grandparents had also immigrated from Norway and Finland — made their first trip to the region. They visited once again when their children were young.

“As I met my relatives over there it felt very much like a revelation,” she said. “ ‘These are my people; they act like this; they look like this; this is the kind of food they eat.’ It was a real sense of being rooted in that culture.”

On one occasion, Koll had the opportunity to visit Norway and the farm her grandmother had grown up on.

“It was quite emotional for me, to think that she came from this little farm from a family of many children, and set out on her own, by herself, to go to the Dakota Territory,” she said. “I thought what a brave young woman she was.”

Her grandmother had been in her mid to late 20s when she departed home, though Koll said some attendees at her readings recall their own ancestors emigrating at ages as young as 16.

Though the Scandinavian countries are prosperous today, it wasn’t so at the time, Koll said. By Norwegian law, the eldest son would inherit the family property, forcing other siblings to make their own way.

Though Karin was the eldest of her siblings, she could not have had the opportunity to own land in her home country at the time, Koll said. The U.S., however, had recently opened the prairie states to settlers. Those who were willing to pour their blood and sweat in the hard work of homesteading were promised ownership of their plots.

In the book, Kari’s favorite English words are “work,” “land” and “lucky,” exemplifying her determination and faith in the reward hard work could bring her.

Koll has long been inspired by

Photo provided

Gloria Koll, author of “Skipping Stones: A Story of Finding Home,” poses in her traditional Norwegian bunad.

the stories of real-life women.

Several years ago, she co-authored a book entitled “Daughters Arise! A Christian Retreat Resource for Girls Approaching Womanhood,” which explored the concept of women mentoring younger women through the coming-of-age period in a meaningful and dignified way.

Preceding the book, Koll and her cohorts led a series of such retreats

for young women on and around Whidbey.

Of her latest venture, Koll said she hopes audiences will become as rapt with the story as she was listening to her father’s.

“I hope they start to love the characters and enjoy watching them as they work out their lives and their relationships,” she said. “I hope the characters become alive to them.”

NOVEMBER 2016 • VOL. 1, NO. 10

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

Ad Sales......................................... PAM GRANT, NORA DURAND JESSIE MORRIS and MARY GARMAN Creative Artists......... JEN MILLER, MICHELLE WOLFENSPARGER ERIN GOODFELLOW and NICK ROUSER Circulation ............DIANE SMOTHERS, LYNETTE SAMPOGNARO

WHIDBEY BRIDGE IS FREE OF CHARGE. COPIES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE OAK HARBOR SENIOR CENTER, SENIOR SERVICES OF ISLAND COUNTY, SENIOR THRIFT AND NUMEROUS OTHER LOCATIONS ACROSS WHIDBEY ISLAND PO Box 1200 | 107 S. Main St., Suite E101, Coupeville, WA 98239 360-675-6611 | Fax 360-679-2695 Copyright © 2016, Sound Publishing

READER INFORMATION: ADMINISTRATIVE: The Bridge is a monthly publication of Sound Publishing and is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, the National Newspaper Association and Suburban Newspapers of America. Advertising rates are available at the Whidbey News Group office. While The Bridge endeavors to accept only reliable advertisements, it shall not be responsible to the public for advertisements nor are the views expressed in those advertisements necessarily those of The Bridge. The right to decline or discontinue any ad without explanation is reserved. DEADLINES: Display Ads – Contact the office for deadlines.

Page 4

WHIDBEY BRIDGE

November • 2016

Retired fire chief receives special 94th birthday surprise

Provided photo

KATE DANIEL kdaniel@whidbeynewsgroup.com

Generous of time as well as heart, John James “Jim” Ronhaar, an honest and hardworking man with a healthy sense of humor,

established himself as a pillar of the Oak Harbor community, volunteering for over 30 years with the city’s fire department from 1945 to 1978.

It was one of the myriad of ways the proud son of

Dutch immigrants gave back to the town he considers “the most wonderful place in the world.”

On Wednesday, Oct. 12, Ronhaar was honored with a special 94th birthday celebration, a “thank you”

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from current fire department staff, as well as family members and friends.

It was a way to give back to one of their own, according to firefighter Steve McCalmont.

Even in retirement, Ronhaar continued to visit the station, where he was welcomed as a wellrespected and loved member department, a closeknit group who consider one another more family than coworkers. He also regularly participated in community activities and events.

Carole Schork, Ronhaar’s daughter, said the department has been “wonderful” throughout the years.

“Just because they’re retired doesn’t mean they’re gone,” said fire chief Ray Merrill, who has known Ronhaar for 27 years. “You can see the tightness of our department, even with our retirees, and that’s important to us.”

The firefighters’ network has been entwined in the family for generations. Ronhaar’s father, who immigrated with his childhood sweethear t, Ronhaar’s mother, to settle in Clover Valley, was also a firefighter.

Ronhaar joined at just 23 years old, spending several years as a firefighter before being elected chief in 1966.

He was the last volunteer fire chief, as the department began offering chiefs full-time paid positions

Left: Jim Ronhaar and fellow volunteer firefighters pose for a photo circa 1970. Above: Ronhaar in his firefighting gear.

Ronhaar was the last volunteer fire chief for the Oak Harbor Fire Department. thereafter. He was held in such high esteem as to be asked by the mayor to continue on in a paid capacity, but Ronhaar declined due to health concerns and a belief that another could better serve the position.

When not volunteering, Ronhaar was also a very active member of the First Reformed Church — he is the longest-living member ---- and worked full-time at Oak Harbor Freight Lines.

“He’s been a very dedicated individual…ver y motivated for the citizens,” Merrill said. “He’s just a really nice person, friendly and outgoing. He did a lot of work here with the fire department as he was coming up through the ranks through the years.”

The celebration marked the second occasion the department had honored Ronhaar’s birthday, the first having been his 80th.

It’s something the department does often for retired firefighters, Schork said, even offering rides to and from events for those unable to drive.

Wednesday’s celebration, however, came with it a note of sadness as it is almost certain to be Ronhaar’s last, according to Schork. Her father is in hospice care, and it is in part because of this that the department pulled out all the stops. Along with a visit from the fire engine, the

department members gifted Ronhaar with a department cap and T-Shirt, a card which included a photo of Ronhaar as chief, and a graphic of a 1922 fire engine, as well as Ronhaar’s favorite cake and ice cream. Birthday wishes were complemented by the firefighters taking time to thank Ronhaar and speak with him one-on-one, something Schork said she was particularly touched by.

“They were so kind and thoughtful. And the things they said were so meaningful,” she said. “It was really a wonderful thing.”

Though her father doesn’t speak much any longer, Schork said he had a wonderful time.

Before departing for home in Sammamish, Schork said she noticed firefighters had stopped by the following morning to deliver three framed photos they had taken from the previous day.

She and her son hung them on the wall of Ronhaar’s room.

“He’s still smiling about it,” she said.

Schork also sent the photos to Ronhaar’s younger sister, who Schork said was moved to tears.

“My dad is just a wonderful man, he’s lived a very good life,” Schork said. “He has lived an honest life. He is a joy.”

November • 2016

WHIDBEY BRIDGE

Page 5

SW at Home a big hit amongst members, volunteers

By EVAN THOMPSON

ethompson@whidbeynewsgroup.com

First, it was the lights that shut off, followed by a pump that stopped working.

Then 86-year-old Freeland resident Joanna Cruse tore her Achilles tendon.

Though things would seem dire from an outsider’s perspective, they were anything but.

Cruse is a member of South Whidbey at Home, a membershipbased nonprofit which opened its door in July 2016 and is dedicated to helping older South Whidbey residents ages 55 and up stay active in the community. The organization provides volunteer assistance, social activities and access to trusted businesses in the community to help with their needs.

Volunteers and professional services also fixed all of Cruse’s aforementioned problems. She said the organizations’ services fixed her lights and pumps, while volunteers drive her around town when she needs to go grocery shopping or do other activities. They even walk her dog. To add the cherry on top, the volunteers are friendly.

“I’ve had to call for a lot of help lately,” Cruse said. “I’m somebody who is very active. I have people drive me all over the place.”

Though the organization has had its fair share of kinks to work out due to a complicated computer system which keeps a registry of members and coordinates assistance by volunteers and professional services, it’s been a successful first three months of existence, said Lynn Willeford. The nonprofit serves over 50 households and has around 80 volunteers, as well as 25 trusted businesses at their disposal.

“We’re really pleased that we’re off to a good

start,” Willeford said.

“We still make some mistakes. We have a very sophisticated system. But our members and volunteers say they are very pleased.”

One of the volunteers is 71-year-old Langley resident Larry Durocher. He’s volunteered with South Whidbey at Home since its inception in July. His wife is also a volunteer.

“It’s exceedingly pleasant to be involved with,” Durocher said.

Durocher has taken part in around a half dozen service calls, such as providing light maintenance work or running errands. He is also a volunteer ambassador for the organization. His role includes interviewing prospective members and finding out what their needs are and how South Whidbey at Home can accommodate them.

“From the volunteer’s perspective, it’s a remarkable thing to be involved in,” Durocher said.

Durocher said volunteers can also provide a social outlet for members. He said that people can tend to become isolated as they age. A volunteer stopping by can often brighten their day.

“Just the opportunity to have social contact has been a good thing,” Durocher said.

“Hopefully it encourages those folks to take advantage of the social elements.”

Judy Thomas, a 73-year-old Freeland resident, said things are great as a member and that things are only going to get greater.

“They helped me right after I had surgery,” Thomas said. “I’ve had someone who mowed my lawn and another person who took my recycling. I’ve had two gardeners on different occasions and a house cleaner.”

Making the relation-

Evan Thompson / Whidbey News Group

Jo Ann Buff, a volunteer at South Whidbey at Home, sits at her work station at the nonprofit’s office in Freeland.

ship between members and volunteers feel natural is part of the design, Willeford said.

“There’s always a really personal feeling, a friendly and warm experience,” Willeford said.

She said kinks with the system have included situations where people received services they did not sign up for.

It’s all part of the growing pains, Willeford said.

“At the beginning we said, ‘Keep in mind, we’re just getting started so bear with us,’” Willeford said.

South Whidbey at Home may also form a partnership with South Whidbey High School and bring on students who wish to be involved in operating the computers and other technologies, Willeford said.

South Whidbey at Home has two types of membership: Full and Supporting. Full memberships cost $240 per year and provide access to First Call, which is a one-stop phone or email service that provides members with access to volunteers or trusted businesses.

For those who are not 55 or not yet in need of volunteer help but still wish to have access to the First Call service or social and educational events, they can become a support member. It costs $240 as well, but $200 of the annual dues can be counted as a taxdeductible donation.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, call 360-331-1971 or email callmanager@swathome.org

South Whidbey Senior Center 14594 SR 525 Langley, WA 360-321-1600 www.islandseniors.org THRU FRIDAY Have a fun day out and let us do the driving MONDAY 8:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

Tulalip Casino Tues., Nov. 8th, 9am-4:30 pm Depart from Bayview Hall, Cost $35, Signup deadline Nov 1st- Filling fast... Reserve your spot now!

USS Turner Joy Bremerton Sat., Nov. 19th, 8am-5:45pm Depart SW Center, Cost $45/$55 (lunch on your own) To Register, Call or stop by the South Whidbey Senior Center at Bayview, 360-321-1600 Check out our full calendar of trips & classes at www.islandseniors.org

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2. You will need documentation to verify military service.

3. A veteran’s family must request a United States flag.

4. Military Funeral Honors ceremonies must be scheduled in advance.

5. Veterans caskets are not free.

6. A“Presidential Memorial Certificate” must be requested.

7. If you choose not to be buried in the Arlington National Cemetery, burial money benefits are limited.

8. There are eligibility requirements for burial in the Arlington National Cemetery.

9. Headstones, markers or medallions for a burial space in a private cemetery must be requested.

10. The issuance of replacement of military service medals, awards and decorations must be requested in writing.

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Page 6

WHIDBEY BRIDGE

BAYVIEW SENIOR CENTER EVENTS: n “Buddies for Buddies” Café, 2-4 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 1. Free. n Hospice 101, 2-2:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Free. n Community Preparedness Education by the American Red Cross — House Fires and Earthquake, 12:30-2 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 9.

Free. n Dance to the Fun Band, 10:45-11:45 a.m., Fridays, Nov. 4-18. Free. n Reader’s Theatre Performance, 11:15-11:45 a.m., Tuesday, November 29. Free.

ACTIVITIES: n Foot Clinic, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesdays, Nov. 1-29. n Blood Pressure Checks, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 30. Free. n Meditation for Everyone, 6-7:15 p.m., Wednesdays. n Miles in Motion and Zumba, 11:15 a.m. to noon, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Zumba: 11:15 a.m. to noon, Tuesdays

and Thursdays.

Location: Equipped for Life Studio, Bayview. n Beginning Clogging, 4-5 p.m., Thursdays, Nov. 3-17. n Senior Striders, 9-11 a.m., Thursdays, Nov. 3-17. Free. n Tai Chi: Advanced, 8:45-9:45 a.m., Tuesdays, Nov. 1-29.

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@island seniorservices.org

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 2 n Bingo n Information and assistance will be available 11:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Beginning, 10-11 a.m., Tuesdays, Nov. 1-29.

Tai Chi in the Afternoon, 3-4 p.m.,

Mondays, Nov. 7-28. n 50-Plus Yoga, 4:45-6 p.m., Tuesdays, Nov. 1-29 and Thursdays, Nov. 3-17. n Line Dance: Beginning, 9-10 a.m., Wednesdays, Nov. 2-30.

Improver/Intermediate, 10-11 a.m.,

Wednesdays, Nov. 2-30. n Just Dance, 10:15-11:15 a.m., Mondays. n Tune In – Tone Up with the Ukulele, Tuesdays, Nov. 1-29, 10:30-11:30 a.m. n Learn to Play the Recorder, 10-11 a.m., Mondays, Nov. 1-28. n Painting with Deon Matzen, 1-4 p.m., Wednesdays, Nov. 2-16 & 30 and Fridays, Nov. 4-18. n Crafting Connection, 10 a.m. to noon, Thursdays. n Crazy Quilters, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesdays. n Bingo Night, Wednesday nights, 6:30-9:30 p.m. n Basics of Buying and Selling on eBay, 4-5:30 p.m., Thursdays, Nov. 3-17 n iPads for Seniors: iPads only 1:30-2:30 p.m., Nov. 7-8. n Windows Laptop Q&A, 4-5 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 8.

TRIPS: n Tulalip Casino, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 8. n Pike Place Market, Seattle Art Museum, and Downtown, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 5. n USS Turner Joy-Bremerton, 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 19.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 9

SHIBA 1-4 p.m., People will be on hand with two computer stations to actually help you sign up for Medicare.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 23 Reese Bliek, of Family Dermatology, will do individual skin screenings on site. Wear comfortable clothing. First come, first served.

Thanksgiving Meal

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 2

THURSDAY, NOV. 17

Meaty Lasagna w/ Marinara

Chef’s Choice

THURSDAY, NOV. 3

FRIDAY, NOV. 18

Chef’s Choice

Taco Salad w/Sour Cream & Salsa

FRIDAY, NOV. 4

MONDAY, NOV. 21

Turkey Tetrazzini

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

MONDAY, NOV. 7 Chicken Pot Pie Bake

TUESDAY, NOV. 22

TUESDAY, NOV. 8

Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup

BLT Wrap & Soup of the Day

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 23

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 9

Pork Loin w/Apple Chutney

Homemade Clam Chowder & Salad

THURSDAY, NOV. 24

THURSDAY, NOV. 10 Chef’s Choice

FRIDAY, NOV. 11 Holiday Meal Sites Closed

MONDAY, OCT. 14

Salad Bar

Meal Sites Closed

FRIDAY, NOV. 25 Meal Sites Closed

MONDAY, NOV. 28 Turkey Chili & Cornbread

TUESDAY, NOV. 29 Best Reuben Sandwich

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 30 Shepherd’s Pie

The Nutrition Program depends on 133 volunteers who drive for Meals on Wheels or assist in the dining rooms and kitchens. Volunteer drivers provide connection to the community for isolated homebound participants, while dining room volunteers help in the busy dining rooms, cleaning and serving. Meals are served at South, Central and North Whidbey locations. For volunteer information, call 360-3211600. For more information about Senior Services of Island County, go to www.islandseniors.org

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WEDNESDAY, NOV. 16

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Chicken Strip Basket

Cheryl Waide will ring in the holiday spirit with an English hand bell ensemble and “hands-on” demonstration of English hand bells and hand chimes.

1690 Main St., Ste. 103

November menu

Maggie Schuster, a clinical nutritionist with WhidbeyHealth Medical Center, will speak on learning the basics of nutrition for senior citizens.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 30

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November • 2016

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November • 2016

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Offer good through 10-31-16. No Cash Value

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WHIDBEY BRIDGE

November • 2016

OH SENIOR CENTER NOVEMBER ACTIVITIES MONDAYS 9 a.m., Quilting 9:30 a.m., Wii Bowling 11:30 a.m., Lunch 12:30 p.m., Ping Pong 12 p.m., Bunco 1 p.m., Art with Dottie 2 p.m., Beginner Clogging 3 p.m., Advanced Clogging 5 p.m., Tai Chi

TUESDAYS 8:30 a.m., Yoga 9 a.m., Lapidary 11 a.m., Mexican Train 11:30 a.m., Chess 12 p.m., Line Dance 12-4 p.m., SHIBA Counseling 1 p.m., Knitting Circle 1 p.m., MAC SIG Class (second Tuesday) 2 p.m., Vision Impaired Support Group (fourth Tuesday) 6 p.m., Pinochle 7 p.m., Stamp Club (second & fourth Tuesdays)

WEDNESDAYS 9 a.m., Lapidary 10 a.m., Mahjongg 11:30 a.m., Lunch 12:30 p.m., Party Bridge 12:30 p.m., Ping Pong 2 p.m., Caregiver Support Group (fourth Wednesday)

THURSDAYS 8:30 a.m., Yoga 10 a.m., Creative Writing 12 p.m., Bingo 12:30 p.m., Cribbage 1 p.m., SVC History Class 2 p.m., Caregiver Support Group (third Thursday) 7 p.m., Wire Wrap

FRIDAYS 9 a.m., Quilting 9 a.m., Tai Chi 11:30 a.m., Lunch 12:30 p.m., Pinochle 1 p.m., Line Dance 6:30 p.m., Old Time Fiddlers (first Friday) 7 p.m., Country Dance (second Friday)

SATURDAYS Ping Pong Billiards Pinochle

Provided photo

There are options to managing life insurance policies people may find they don’t really need later in life.

Make your life insurance work for you Life insurance is a valuable asset, but over time you may find that your life insurance no longer fits your situation.

You might be surprised to learn that in addition to your home, stocks, bonds and antiques, your life insurance is another asset you can sell.

Life insurance policies can be converted to immediate cash through a life settlement, but as many as 85 percent of seniors don’t realize this option is available, according to a survey conducted by Coventry Direct.

A life settlement is a financial transaction in which a policy owner sells an unneeded life insurance policy for more than they would have received from the insurance company if they were to lapse or surrender the policy.

Most life insurance policy types qualify, including universal life,

whole life, variable life, survivorship and even term life policies.

gage, you may not need the same amount of coverage.

Among the reasons you might consider a life settlement:

n You need help with increasing medical or long-term care expenses. Selling your policy can help cover your immediate needs for health care or other unforeseen medical expenses.

n Your life insurance policy is too expensive to maintain. If your premium payments have continued to increase, your policy may no longer be affordable. However, simply allowing the policy to lapse results in a total loss of the premiums you have paid. n You have more life insurance than you currently need. As your circumstances and need for financial protection change, you may want to reduce the overall insurance you own. For example, if your policy was intended to pay off your mortgage in the event of your death, but you’ve since sold the home or paid off your mort-

n Increasing your retirement funds will increase your peace of mind. The proceeds from the sale of your policy can help boost your savings and supplement your retirement income. n Your debt load exceeds your comfort level. Whether a single emergency incident or a combination of variables compounded your debt, working your way out can be emotionally and mentally draining, but applying untapped assets to reduce the burden may help.

WH I

FAMILY DERMATOLOGY CO

THE

P OU

EW EY N S GR DB

“Voted Best Dermatology Clinic 2016”

BEST OF

WHIDBEY READERS CHOICE AWARDS

Reese Bliek MPAS, PA

Robert Mizen

Ron Wheeland

Charles Frosolone

MSN, ARNP

MD

MD

Mary Kay Graves RN, FNP

Voted Best Dermatology Provider 2015

Please call to make an appointment at 360-682-5024 205 S Main Street, Bldg B, Coupeville

275 SE Cabot Drive, Suite A3, Oak Harbor

www.familydermco.com

1804 Scott Road, Suite 106, Freeland