Special Sections - Lifelong Journey July 2018

Lifelong Journey

JULY 2018

A SENIOR-ORIENTED PUBLICATION FOR THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA

HITTING THE

HIGH NOTES The Whitneys plan launch of chamber music festival

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VHOCC mentorship evolves into plans for the future

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CONTENTS JULY 2018 | VOLUME 4 | NUMBER 2

06

GARDEN PHARMACY What's growing in your backyard might be used to soothe summer skin

06

09

WORK AFTER 50 Job seekers might need to adjust their approach re-entering the workforce

10

SIGNS OF PARKINSON'S Learn to recognize some early symptoms and seek treatment

14 16

12 HEART AND SOUL

The Whitneys continue to bring chamber music to the Peninsula

14

BICYCLE BUYING Want a new ride for the summer? We have advice for picking the right one

16

MUSIC FOR THE AGES VHOCC intern develops musical bond with patient, plus VHOCC changes

19

ROOM RENOVATIONS Empty-nesters can redo their kids' rooms for new purposes

20

20 Lifelong Journey

JULY 2018

A SENIOR-ORIENTED PUBLICATION FOR THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA

HITTING THE

HIGH NOTES The Whitneys plan launch of chamber music festival

+care

VHOCC mentorship evolves into plans for the future

+fitness

Helpful tips for seniors seeking the perfect bicycle this summer An advertising supplement produced by Peninsula Daily News and Sequim Gazette

ON THE COVER Chuck and Darlene Whitney are enabling the Port Angeles Symphony Orchestra in more ways than one. Get the full story on page 12.

PHOTO BY Diane Urbani de la Paz

Lifelong Journey • JULY 2018

FAMILY BONDS Grandparent-grandchild relationships can have health benefits

21 MARK HARVEY

Columnist looks in the mirror and addresses body image this summer

Do you have a story idea for the next edition of Lifelong Journey?

Email Laura Lofgren at llofgren@ peninsuladailynews.com 5

Your garden pharmacy: Soothing summer skin

by NANCY SLICK Lookout!

Here comes the summer sun, the drying air and the biting bugs.

Lucky you, though!

You are prepared with your garden pharmacy laid out in the yard, just waiting for you to march out there and slather yourself with plants.

Which plants are those, you ask?

Here is a start.

Chickweed (Stellaria media) is a friendly little plant in the carnation family that you might recognize as a common “weed.”

It looks nothing like a carnation, however, and instead sports tiny leaves that are opposite each other on the succulent stem.

Miniscule white flowers adorn the tips of the trailing stems.

You might stumble across chickweed in a shady corner of your yard or garden, where it tends to trail gently and spread out in any direction available.

Loaded with nutrition, chickweed contains vitamin C, several B vitamins, vitamin A and minerals, such as magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, manganese and selenium.

It makes a great addition to salads and is delicate, crunchy and juicy.

It contains saponins, however,

Chickweed can be used to soothe skin.

which can be harmful in large quantities. (Saponins also are found in many common food plants, such as beans, potatoes and tomatoes.

They are poorly absorbed and are destroyed through cooking, though, and so tend to pass through without harm.)

For summer use, chickweed makes a wonderful soothing treatment for irritations of the skin.

It can alleviate itching and inflammation and is soothing.

Adding it to a bath is a great way to

put it to work to help reduce inflammation and assist in tissue repair.

You might notice it as one of the ingredients in skin care products.

To grow chickweed — which might already be in your yard — allow it free range in an open, shaded part of the yard where its fragile stems won’t be trampled.

It likes moist soil that is not saturated. It needs no tending. No weeding. No fussing. Just ignore it.

GARDEN CONTINUES on page 7 >>

Lifelong Journey JULY 2018 Published by PENINSULA DAILY NEWS and SEQUIM GAZETTE peninsuladailynews.com | sequimgazette.com

Peninsula Daily News: 305 W. First St., Port Angeles, WA 98362 | 360-452-2345 Sequim Gazette: 147 W. Washington St., Sequim, WA 98382 | 360-683-3311 Terry R. Ward • regional publisher & vice president Steve Perry • general manager Brenda Hanrahan and Laura Lofgren • special sections editors 6

Lifelong Journey • JULY 2018

<< GARDEN from page 6

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And when you need it, break off some fresh greenery. For salads, rinse and add to your greens.

To soothe irritated skin, crush the leaves and stem and apply the juice to the affected area.

You can also apply the crushed or chopped plant directly to the skin and cover with a bandage to keep the poultice in place.

Moisten the bandage either with water or additional chickweed juice before laying it over the plant; otherwise, the juices from the poultice will absorb instead into the dry gauze, away from the skin where it is needed.

Another great summer plant for skin ailments is the common calendula flower (Calendula officinalis).

Rather than the yellow, the orange flower is considered to be the most medicinal in this species, and it can be used for accelerating wound healing and for soothing bruises, rashes, boils and dermatitis.

The triterpene saponins, triterpene alcohols and the flavonoids are the active ingredients, derivatives of which give it anti-inflammatory effects.

Be aware that there is a small potential for skin sensitivity to this plant for some people, and it is not recommended for use on children younger than 6 years old.

Calendula also is edible, and the petals can be used either raw, such as in a salad, or cooked, such as in a tea.

You can even add them to rice or white puddings to change the color!

The petals contain the carotenoids lutein — also found in egg yolks and might benefit eyes — as well as beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. If you have an allergy to marigolds, daisies, chrysanthemums, chamomile or other plants in the aster family, of which calendula is a member, use caution or avoid calendula altogether.

To grow calendula, plant seeds in a full sun area that has well drained soil that is of poor quality.

The plant is easy to grow and requires no maintenance.

Dead heading the old flowers, of course, will promote additional flowering but is not required in order to have a healthy plant.

It will tend to self-sow and will attract insects that eat aphids.

It can be drought tolerant and in our climate can be a successful perennial.

Harvest the petals in the morning on a sunny day, after the morning dew has evaporated.

To make a poultice out of calendula, crush the petals with a mortar or pestle. Chopping the petals with a knife also will do. And add a little warm or cold water, which will act as a solvent, as the petals lack significant moisture.

Mix to make a paste.

Apply the paste to the affected skin in the same manner as you would a chickweed poultice, by covering with a moist bandage.

Whichever plant you use for a poultice, leave it in place for a few hours. Then check the skin to determine whether you feel a renewed poultice would be soothing or whether you would like the skin to air dry for a while.

...Makes the Difference!

GARDEN CONTINUES on page 8 >> Lifelong Journey • JULY 2018

7

<< GARDEN from page 7

For a quick online reference guide on how plants are used, look to “Plants For A Future,” a database of more than 7,000 plants.

The site, operated by a nonprofit organization, provides information on edibility, nutritional content, medicinal uses, cultivation details, known hazards and related species.

Photographs appear on plant pages, which can help you identify that you are reading about the right plant, as many unrelated plants share common names.

Note that some wild plants, chickweed among them, should be avoided by women who are pregnant or nursing. The safety of calendula for pregnant or nursing women has not been sufficiently studied, so caution and avoidance are advised.

Always study up on any wild plant you intend to use, making sure you have correctly identified it with the help of a reliable field guide and that you learn about its recommended uses and any cautions.

Nancy Slick is an estate planning attorney and writer in the Sequim

Calendula can accelerate wound healing.

area. She has taught classes in wild edible and medicinal plant foraging in King, Pierce, Jefferson, Clallam and Kitsap counties, including for Peninsula College, the Kitsap County Park Department, the Kitsap County

fifth graders environmental education program, restaurants and as a consultant for the National Geographic television network.

She can be reached at 360-626-3996 or at NancySlickLaw@gmail.com.

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Lifelong Journey • JULY 2018

Finding work after age 50

When interviewing for a job, men and women older than 50 should make an effort to showcase their enthusiasm about working with and learning from younger colleagues, while also noting their desire to commit long-term to a company.

Some hiring managers might surprise older applicants, viewing them as potentially more reliable than younger workers simply looking to gain some experience in a particular industry before moving on to the next opportunity.

MAKE USE OF YOUR EXISTING DOWN TIME

Another strategy unemployed men and women older than 50 can try as they look for work is to make better use of their existing downtime.

by METROCREATIVE Enrolling in online courses can give prospective employers the impression that applicants older than 50 are both Unemployment isn’t easy for anyone, regardless of their tech-savvy and willing to learn new things. age. But unemployed men and women older than 50 might Each of those things can help men and women older than find it especially difficult to find work.

50 overcome any unjustified, tech-related stigmas that hirWhether it’s a by-product of age-related discrimination or ing managers might attach to older job candidates. any of a host of additional variables, jobless older workers Peninsula College in Port Angeles, along with its branchoften struggle to find work. es in Forks and Port Townsend, offer myriad courses for In a 2016 analysis of government figures, the Schwartz those seeking to learn a new skillset or to re-learn one that Center for Economic Policy Analysis at the New School has recently progressed outside of their knowledge. estimated that the jobless rate for workers 55 and older in Some classes take place in Sequim, too.

August 2016, six years after the Great Recession, was nearVisit pencol.edu/community-and-business-education to ly 9 percent. At the time, the national jobless rate hovered see the latest course schedule and get more information on around 5 percent. enrollment.

Unemployed men and women older than 50 who are Finding work after 50 is not always easy, and job seekstruggling to find work can consider the following strateers might need to adjust their approach before they can get gies as they look to rejoin the workforce. back in the workforce.

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Early signs of Parkinson’s

by METROCREATIVE

Despite affecting roughly 10 million people worldwide, Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder, remains a mystery to many people.

To people outside of the medical field with no personal or family history of Parkinson’s, the disease might only ring a bell because of some notable names attached to it.

The late Muhammad Ali and actor Michael J. Fox are two household names that made their Parkinson’s diagnoses public.

But even those who study Parkinson’s for a living do not know everything about this puzzling disease.

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, the cause of Parkinson’s disease is largely unknown.

While there’s no cure for the disease, various treatment options can help those diagnosed with the disease live as normal and productive a life as possible.

The Parkinson’s Foundation notes that understanding the disease and its progression is the first step to living well.

Though the foundation also notes that people first start experiencing symptoms later in the course of the disease, learning to recognize some early symptoms might compel people to seek treatment.

• Tremor: Many people might experience shaking after a vigorous workout or when they are dealing

Men and women who suspect they might be exhibiting symptoms of Parkinson’s disease should speak with a medical professional immediately.

with stress or injury.

But the foundation says that a tremor in a finger, thumb, hand or chin while at rest is a common early sign of Parkinson’s disease.

• Small handwriting: Handwriting can change as people age, especially if they are experiencing stiffness in their hands or their vision is deteriorating.

But micrographia, a disorder in which handwriting becomes abnormally small and cramped, is another early indicator of Parkinson’s disease.

• Loss of smell: The foundation

advises people who are having trouble smelling foods, such as bananas, dill pickles or licorice, speak with their physicians about Parkinson’s disease.

Temporary loss of smell due to something like the common cold, congestion or the flu is not an early indicator of Parkinson’s.

• Difficulty sleeping: A significant other might notice their partner moving suddenly during sleep, and such movements might be indicative of Parkinson’s.

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<< SIGNS from page 10

The foundation notes that periodic tossing and turning is normal, as is quick jerks of the body during initial sleep and in lighter stages of sleep are common and should not be mistaken for Parkinson’s.

People with Parkinson’s might experience vivid dreams and nightmares, as well as an inability to stay asleep.

Daytime drowsiness also might occur.

• Stiffness: Stiffness related to current or past injuries or even arthritis is not indicative of Parkinson’s.

But stiffness in the arms, body and legs that is unrelated to injury or arthritis and does not go away with movement might be a sign of Parkinson’s.

The foundation says that people sometimes describe this symptom by saying their feet feel stuck to the floor when they try to move.

• Pace or activities slow down: Parkinson’s disease might reduce one’s ability to move and might slow down movements.

An early symptom might be a

noticeable slowing down in steps or ability to react to something, like a ball being thrown one’s way.

Some with Parkinson’s might drag their feet or shuffle as they walk or find it difficult to get out of a chair.

• Loss of automatic movements and functions: Difficulty with unconscious movements, such as blinking, smiling or even swinging arms, might occur when a person has Parkinson’s disease.

Movements might be uncoordinated and stiff. Increased salivation and perspiration also might be indicators.

• Poor balance and loss of posture: People with Parkinson’s disease might hunch over more and more and be unable to stand up straight.

Balance issues, such as greater incidences of falls or being able to tip over more easily, might occur.

• Speech changes: Changes in speech can begin, including hesitating before speaking, slurring words or speaking in a monotone voice.

• Constipation: People who strain to move their bowels might be showing an early sign of Parkinson’s; however, various factors, such as dehydration

The National Institutes of Health says Parkinson‘s disease affects as many as 500,000 people in the United States.

An early diagnosis might help improve quality of life and delay the onset of greater motor issues. and a diet without adequate fiber, can cause constipation.

• A masked face: Some might notice a masked face.

This describes a vacant or fixed stare and lack of facial animation.

In addition, men and women on medication might want to look into side effects of their medications to determine if their medicine, and not Parkinson’s, is the cause of their difficulty moving their bowels.

These are just a few potential early indicators of Parkinson’s disease.

Information about additional symptoms is available at parkinson.org.

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Chuck and Darlene Whitney work together to bring the Port Angeles Symphony Orchestra to the community.

‘Heart and soul’ of symphony

Couple discovers, ‘enables’ Port Angeles orchestra story and photos by

DIANE URBANI DE LA PAZ

Darlene and Chuck Whitney, through 50 years of marriage, have found the keys to delight and renewal.

Music. And community.

On their first date, the two went to the Melodyland Theatre in Anaheim, Calif., to see John Raitt in the musical “Oklahoma!” Especially for this night, Darlene and her mother had made her a bright pink satin dress.

“It was a magical evening,” she said recently, her date sitting beside her.

Fast-forward to Chuck and Darlene Whitney’s wedding reception, as they are about to drive off into their future.

Darlene’s father hands them a gift of $250 in cash.

12

“Do not spend this,” he instructs, “on something you need.”

Instead, he said, give yourselves a treat that brings you nothing but joy.

The couple, who made their home in Menlo Park, agreed on the purchase: season tickets to the San Francisco Symphony.

Going all the way into the city wasn’t practical, what with work and traffic, so the young Whitneys attended concert after glorious concert at Foothill College, where patrons sat on bleachers.

It was thrilling, Chuck remembers, to see conductor Seiji Ozawa up close, and to be enveloped in music, music the full orchestra played especially for them.

As their careers developed —

Darlene’s in electron microscopy at Stanford University and Chuck’s as an ophthalmologist — their love for live music deepened.

Amidst demanding work schedules, they followed the spirit of Darlene’s father’s request, giving themselves nights at the opera and orchestra whenever they could.

When the Whitneys retired circa 2000 — or tried to, before Chuck went back to work — in Port Angeles, they weren’t expecting a high-caliber symphony orchestra in the neighborhood.

Soon after arrival on the Olympic Peninsula, Chuck began practicing medicine again, since the community sorely needed another eye doctor.

MUSIC CONTINUES on page 13 >> Lifelong Journey • JULY 2018

<< MUSIC from page 12

The couple were busy, too, with the construction of their new home off Mount Angeles Road.

They hired builder Chris James, whose daughter Emily, a high school student, was dating a classmate, James Garlick, who played violin in the Port Angeles Symphony Orchestra.

What? A symphony in Port Angeles?

The Whitneys clambered up the local learning curve: The symphony, founded in 1932, gave grand concerts a few miles away at the 1,150-seat Port Angeles High School auditorium.

Darlene and Chuck also met this James Garlick and discovered he played extraordinarily well.

When the house was finished, they threw a party and hired Garlick to perform.

Chuck remembers the fierceness in the teenager’s playing — and his joy in sharing music with an audience.

Garlick was about to make a difficult decision: whether to major in science or music.

“I told him: Do them both,” which he did, earning degrees in neuroscience and in violin performance at Ohio’s Oberlin College.

Garlick then married Emily and got his master’s in music at Juilliard.

“So he did OK,” Chuck said.

The Juilliard School in New York City also counts among its alumni Richard O’Neill, an internationally known violist who grew up in Sequim.

He and Garlick have been friends since they were kids; they used to play duets while riding the MV Coho to Victoria for music lessons.

They kept in touch, and in February 2017, rendezvoused in Port Angeles as guest soloists with the Port Angeles Symphony.

Long before this concert, Darlene and Chuck had become integral members of the symphony community.

Darlene serves as an usher at concerts, of which there are now 13 per season, and hosts dinners and receptions for musicians.

Chuck is the symphony’s board treasurer, as well as the guy who makes sure the lights and heat are on and the snacks laid out at orchestra rehearsals.

He sets up the sound equipment, and is known for his “Attention, Lifelong Journey • JULY 2018

James Garlick, seen here rehearsing for a 2017 Port Angeles Symphony concert, is working with the Whitneys to establish Music on the Strait, a chamber music festival to debut this August in Port Angeles.

Kmart shoppers!” call when testing the microphone.

When guest soloists come to town — such as violinist Monique Mead of the Pittsburgh, Pa., Symphony or Seattle soprano Kristin K. Vogel — the Whitneys treat them like family members, having them over to the house, taking them out after the concert, or both.

“For me, Chuck and Darlene rep-

resent the heart and soul of the symphony family,” said Jonathan Pasternack, the orchestra’s music director and conductor since 2015.

Darlene is herself a musician, though she doesn’t trumpet the fact.

In 2005 she inherited a gorgeous harp from her aunt Eugenia Kuhnle, a member of the Detroit Symphony.

MUSIC CONTINUES on page 15 >>

13

SMART BIKES FOR SENIORS Finding the perfect set of wheels for the summer story and photos by LON ZIMMERMAN I found myself lying on the sidewalk entangled with my trusty bicycle.

Getting on the bike was not a problem, but getting off had resulted in several embarrassing mishaps. My friend Dana was having a good laugh at my humiliation.

That was the exact moment I decided to research smart bicycles for seniors.

Bicycling is good for people of all ages. There are many reasons to continue to enjoy bicycling as you age.

When you go into a bike shop, the salesperson is usually young, buff and enthusiastic about mountain biking, bicycle racing or touring. The salesperson might not be likely to have experience helping seniors with physical challenges find a smart bike.

Let’s provide some specific equipment you can request in order to make bicycling safer and more comfortable as you age.

THE FRAME

Consider a “step-through frame” instead of the usual diamond frame bike.

The “mixte” is a common step-through frame available.

When the bike shop salesperson says something like, “Oh, you mean a girl’s bike,” encourage them to look up the meaning of “mixte.” In French, the term “mixte” means

Larry Layman rides his recumbent bike in Port Townsend.

“includes members of both genders.”

There are several kinds of step-through frames beside the mixte. I like the Berceau best because the frame is lower, making it is easier to step through and situate myself.

THE WEIGHT

Expensive titanium bike frames are not necessary, but look for a bike with a lighter frame if you must lift it at times.

Provide your bike with a basket, a bell, a mirror and a lock for added portability and safety features.

My Charge Grater bike weighs 26.5 pounds and has an aluminum frame, while my Novara Transit is a steel frame and weighs about 30 pounds. Bikes with carbon fiber frames would be about 11 pounds and cost around $2,600.

Depending on your budget, you can get a bike weighing anywhere from 10 to 30 pounds. The aluminum frames seem to me to be a good compromise for moderate weight and reasonable cost.

THE TRANSMISSION

An internal geared hub (IGH) is a good choice if you detest cleaning and servicing derailleurs.

Internal gear hubs are like an automatic transmission: you can shift even when standing still.

They are available in two-, three-, five-, seven-, eightand 11-speed hubs.

If local terrain is flat, a three-speed will work well.

If you have hills to contend with, the seven- or eightspeed hubs will be nice.

The price goes up with more speeds.

I have a seven-speed IGH that I have used for years. It has required no maintainance and always shifts smoothly.

For more information about internal gear hubs compared to derailleur systems, check out the website bootiebike.com/igh/igh.htm.

THE WHEELS

Lon's perfect bike is a Berceau step-through frame with trekking handlebars, ergon grips, internal gear hub and basket on the back.

14

Tire sizing is a bit messy these days.

Many bikes from the 1970 and ’80s had 27-inch tires, but the standard wheel size today is 27.5 inches.

The larger the wheel size, the higher the center of gravity of bike and rider — not necessarily a good thing for a senior rider.

BIKES CONTINUES on page 17 >> Lifelong Journey • JULY 2018

<< MUSIC from page 13

The instrument, when shipped to Port Angeles, arrived in less-thanexquisite shape, so the Whitneys searched for a restorer to make it playable again.

When they got a steep estimate from a specialist in San Francisco, Chuck thought he might just polish it up himself as a decoration for the living room.

“Please don’t do that. Please,” the restorer said. This harp is meant to be played.

And so it is. After 18 months of restoration work, the instrument came home to Darlene, who has made music with it ever since.

She continues to take lessons, these days on FaceTime with Megan Bledsoe Ward, a nationally known harpist who was a guest soloist with the Port Angeles Symphony in fall 2016.

“I started in my late 60s; even though I read music well and play the piano, it has been challenging,” said Darlene, who has a bit of arthritis.

“But I do like it,” and so does her husband.

“I get to hear it,” he said with a smile.

Darlene credits this graceful instrument with opening up a new phase of life. She lends it to students and professional harpists, noting that her aunt, after all, wanted it to be heard in concert.

This summer the Whitneys look forward to another new thing: Music on the Strait, a chamber concert series cofounded by their friend James Garlick.

Chuck is helping spread the word about the performances, which

“When I found out how much time the musicians — who are volunteers — spend in rehearsing, I don’t feel I’m donating that much time compared to them.”

— Chuck Whitney, board treasurer, Port Angeles Symphony Orchestra feature pianist and MacArthur Foundation “genius” fellowship recipient Jeremy Denk; Seattle Symphony principal violinist Elisa Barston and Pacific Camerata cellist Ani Aznavoorian, along with Garlick and Richard O’Neill.

They will play together at Peninsula College’s Maier Hall on Aug. 30 and 31 and at Port Angeles’ Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on Sept. 1.

Chuck helped set up the website, MusicOnTheStrait.com. And in the printed programs for the Port Angeles Chamber Orchestra’s May concerts, he made sure there were inserts promoting the new festival.

He brought his own paper for those inserts and spent hours helping put them together, Garlick noted.

Chuck, Garlick said, is an “enabler”

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in the best sense. His and Darlene’s enthusiasm for live music, young musicians and the local arts community is unstinting.

Yet, added Garlick, the Whitneys work behind the scenes and do not seek recognition.

Chuck and Darlene do this because they want their community — players, listeners, young and not so young — to have the real thing: live concerts that nourish the soul.

Yes, it takes a lot of logistical work.

When asked how he keeps up his rigorous schedule of volunteering, Chuck downplays his role.

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Music for the ages

VHOCC continues to meet people where they are story and photos by JOANNE YERKES

The music has been chosen not only because it sprung from the age when science indicates Wanda developed her music preference, but also for its healing powers.

As Katie Harris unpacks her guitar, ukulele and ocean drum, a comfortable conversation about the week just past and about life in general takes place between the music therapist intern and the patient.

The melody of Hank Williams’ “Hey Good Looking” starts to fill the homey room at St. Andrew’s Place in Port Angeles as Wanda, hands folded in lap, legs crossed and foot flexing to the beat, finds her way to crystal-clear memories of the past.

HAPPY COINCIDENCE

A series of serendipitous occurrences brought these two together on Friday afternoons in Port Angeles.

Harris, a graduate of Illinois State University, found her life’s calling at the bedside of her grandmother. The roommate assigned to the same nursing home also had a visitor — a woman who just happened to be the director of the music therapy program at ISU. A passing conversation developed into a mentorship, a degree program and a plan for the future.

Seeking out a 2018 internship, Harris found her way to Encore, the adult day-care facility in Port Angeles.

And a contact with Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County (VHOCC) provided a therapy option unavailable 40 years ago when Rose Crumb founded the local volunteer organization.

Wanda was born in Hamilton, Ohio, worked 20 years as an operating room technician in Nashville and Memphis, and raised a house full of kids.

She has been a VHOCC client for an extended time and looks forward to the volunteer visits.

SCIENCE BEHIND MUSIC

Harris hands Wanda the ocean

16

Music therapist intern Katie Harris plays a song with Wanda, a patient at St. Andrew’s Place in Port Angeles.

drum, a percussion instrument that can produce sounds mimicking ocean waves, a flowing river or a soothing gentle breeze weaving through trees.

Wanda is intrigued, first appreciating the beauty of the instrument itself, then finding a rhythm in the movement of the metal beads.

“Beautiful Dreamer” takes Wanda on a reminiscent journey of walking a Florida beach.

Harris explains that there is science behind what we accept intuitively, that music is therapy.

Although music therapy for hospice patients is a relatively new field, there is documented clinical proof that preemies, war vets and PTSD sufferers benefit from the treatments.

Music therapists are trained to ensure patients have a successful musical experience, even if one has no musical background.

And, following an assessment and the establishment of goals and objectives, a determination is made as to how the therapy will be focused.

One patient with chronic pain falls

into a relaxing sleep during the sessions. Another has found the treatment cathartic, nostalgic and a peaceful life review opportunity.

Harris is working with this patient to write a song to tell her life story.

For Wanda the therapy sessions are mood enhancers, as witnessed by the smile that starts in her eyes, lifts her cheeks, widens on her lips and sets her foot to flexing.

Admiring the view of Ediz Hook from the living room window, they compare notes on recent book reads.

Wanda’s current read, “Breakfast at Sally’s” by Richard LeMieux, is perched atop a stack including a couple by John Grisham.

Her interests are apparently eclectic. And though she has an interest in music — she in fact loves it — Wanda was told at a young age that she couldn’t carry a tune.

So, try as she might, Harris can’t pull a whisper of a note from Wanda’s mouth.

VHOCC CONTINUES on page 18 >> Lifelong Journey • JULY 2018

<< BIKES from page 14

Large wheels also make loading bikes into the back of a car awkward.

I see little advantage to large wheels, as the world bike speed record was set with 20-inch wheels. Most folding bikes have 20-inch wheels and are easy to pick up and transport.

For more on small wheels compared to big wheels, check out the website bootiebike.com/commentary/small_ wheel_obsession.htm.

Tire width is easy. More is better.

Wider tires have lower pressures and a smoother, nicer ride than highpressure narrow tires.

I also like wider tires for wandering off on gravelly trails where narrow tires would sink in.

THE HANDLEBARS

There are a plethora of handlebar styles: flat, riser, bull horn, dropped handle bars and many more.

The trekking handlebar allows several different positions for my hands and allows an upright position when in traffic: bar ends, corners, sides, forward corners or forward.

I elevate the bar ends of the trekking bars and use this position for riding upright in traffic. This provides better visibility for me and for drivers. When pedalling into the wind or uphill, I drop down to the lower, forward area.

In addition to the handlebars, I added ergon grips, which are flattened grips that are very comfortable, especially if you have a bit of arthritis in your wrists.

THE PERFECT BIKE

The perfect bike for each individual will depend on what physical challenges you face.

One of my friends has balance issues, and his solution is a threewheel recumbent bike that is amazingly fast. Another friend of mine has knee injury issues. His solution was an electric assist bike.

A crank-forward design helped a friend who was losing upper body strength. The high handlebars take the weight off arms when riding, and the seat arrangement is comfortable for him. A Day 6 bicycle would be an example of such a bike.

For those less nimble than we once

Online resources: • sheldonbrown.com • bicycle-riding-forboomers.com • bootiebike.com were, the step-through frame is a great choice.

The perfect bike for me has a Berceau step-through frame, trekking handlebars, ergon grips, internal gear hub and basket on the back.

My second bike is a folding bike with an aluminum frame. I can fold it up in seconds and toss it in the back of the car when I wish to drive to a favorite bike trail.

Hopefully our local Olympic Peninsula bike shops will take note and realize seniors love biking, but they might need different types of bikes that accommodate senior needs.

Lon Zimmerman is an avid Port Townsend bicyclist. He has had a number of articles published in Small Craft Advisor and Good Old Boat.

Reach him at zimco@ymail.com.

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<< VHOCC from page 16

But when Harris hands Wanda the ukulele, shows her how to strum it and starts playing “Blue Suede Shoes,” Wanda strums to the beat and a contagious giggle erupts from the voice that is hesitant to sing.

“Do you like Elvis?” Wanda asks.

“Yes,” Harris responds. What’s your favorite Elvis song?”

“How Great Thou Art.” And here’s where Harris’s years of training bear fruit.

Though she hadn’t planned to play the song today, she finds a key, then a chord, and the song flows forth.

VHOCC SERVICES

The connection made between Harris and Wanda is an ideal representation of how VHOCC has grown since its inception 40 years ago to offer new therapies to its increasing clientele.

VHOCC also has matched its clients with the local chapter of the worldwide Threshold Choir.

The acapella group offers a calm and focused presence at the bedside, with gentle voices, simple songs, and sincere kindness, soothing and reassuring to clients, family and caregivers alike.

For more information, visit thresholdchoir.org/clallamcounty.

VHOCC does not duplicate services but partners with and connects clients to existing community resources, attempting to respond to special needs, such as for social workers, counselors, home health aides, clergy and music therapists, such as Harris.

The hospice philosophy emphasizes the creative and positive outcomes

VOLUNTEER HOSPICE OF CLALLAM COUNTY GETTING NEW HEADQUARTERS The first headquarters for Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County (VHOCC) was in founder Rose Crumb’s home in 1978.

It wasn’t until 1992 that the organization purchased the building at the corner of Eighth and Albert streets in Port Angeles.

Having long since The soon-to-be old VHOCC headquarters outgrown the location at 540 E. Eighth St., VHOCC recently purchased a property at the corner of Race and Eighth streets (829 E. Eighth St.).

The existing building is currently being remodeled, and construction will take place on the adjacent vacant lot to accommodate vehicles and loan equipment. Occupancy is anticipated by the end of the year.

realized by defining and achieving personal goals and by living as fully as possible, for as long as possible.

This year marks the 40th year of VHOCC’s service to Clallam County.

Growing from two initial patients in 1978 to 120 daily today, plus a total patient and volunteer count in the thousands over the past 40 years, VHOCC has remained committed to its compassionate mission of providing physical, emotional and spiritual support to terminally ill patients and their families with free around-theclock registered nursing availability and trained volunteers.

The agency is always seeking volunteers with a desire to share their time

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In addition to the monthly volunteer orientations, the start dates for upcoming events are: • Grief Support Group: Sept. 11 and Oct. 22 • Living Alone Now Workshop with Mark Harvey: Sept. 12 • Community Education & Volunteer Training: Sept. 19 To learn more about these events, call 360-775-7806.

For more information about the local nonprofit serving Clallam County, from Joyce to Diamond Point, visit the VHOCC website at vhocc.org, find VHOCC on Facebook, or call 360452-1511.

Lifelong Journey • JULY 2018

Empty-nesters: transform your home

by METROCREATIVE After bringing home a bubbly baby boy or girl, it can be hard for parents to imagine that a day will come when their kids are off to college and then onto their own apartment or house.

After spending decades nurturing and caring for children, parents are then left with a suddenly quiet house and probably much more time to spare.

If saying goodbye to the kids also means extra house, there’s the option to downsize or make that extra space more useful.

Homeowners who choose to stay put can renovate vacant rooms into spaces that meet their newfound needs.

• Hobby haven: If you’ve always meant to set up a crafting room, homebrewing station or an artist’s studio, now is an ideal time to do just that.

Figure out which supplies you will need and begin reworking that former bedroom into a new sanctuary for leisure interests.

• Guest suite: If you’ve never had a spare bedroom to entertain guests, a child’s former bedroom can fit the

bill. It might not be that difficult to transform such spaces into relaxing and inviting rooms for overnight guests. Be sure there is at least a queen-sized bed and a dresser or chest of drawers to stash belongings.

Select paint colors and linens in neutral tones so the room will be inviting to guests.

• Living room redo: When there’s an entire soccer team coming over to hang out, that large sectional sofa or modular seating may be ideal.

Now that the kids are out of the house and their friends are no longer coming over for movie night, living rooms can be made more intimate with smallscale seating.

A small sofa and two comfortable chairs may be a more fitting option.

• At-home gym: Save on gym membership fees by building a mini studio right at home.

Choose one of the larger bedrooms and then fill it with some fitness equipment, such as an elliptical trainer, a bench press bench and some free weights.

Store rolled-up mats in the closet for yoga or

• Home office: Working from home a few days a week may be more plausible when nearing retirement, as it will be a smoother transition from heading to the office each day to spending more time at home.

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Grandparent-grandchild relationships & health benefits

by METROCREATIVE In the not-so-distant past, extended families were the norm, with multiple generations residing on the same street if not in the same house.

Today the family unit is largely an amalgam of different situations.

The rise of two-income families has pressured parents into finding childcare situations.

Quite often grandparents once again step in to offer guidance and support for youngsters.

This can be a good thing for both the grandparents and the grandchildren.

Although a bevy of psychological research focuses on parent-child relationships, new evidence points to the benefits of the grandchild-grandparent relationship as well.

Close relationships between these different demographics is often a sign of strong familial ties.

A study from researchers at Boston College discovered that emotionally close ties between grandparents and adult grandchildren reduced depressive symptoms in both groups.

Research at the University of Oxford among English children between the ages 11 and 16 found that close grandparent-grandchild relationships were associated with benefits including fewer emotional and behavioral problems and fewer difficulties with peers.

Adult and grandchildren alike benefit from relationships with their elders.

Grandparents can provide a connection and exposure to different ideas while providing a link to family history and knowledge regarding traditions and customs not readily available elsewhere.

Nurturing grandparent-grandchild experiences might be easy for families where grandparents live in the same house or close by.

20

For others, it might take some effort.

The following are some ways to facilitate time spent together.

• Schedule regular family reunions or get-togethers.

Host or plan multi-generation events that bring the family together and expose children to various members of their family.

• Promote one-on-one time.

Have grandchildren spend time with grandparents in intimate settings.

Alone time can be good for both and offers each undivided attention.

A meal at a restaurant or time spent doing a puzzle or craft can be interesting to both generations involved.

• Video chat when possible.

If distance makes frequent visits challenging, use technology to bridge that gap.

Send photos, letters and electronic communications.

Tech-savvy grandparents can use Skype or Facetime to stay in touch and speak one-on-one with their grandchildren.

• Share skills with each other.

Either generation can play teacher to the other.

Grandparents might have certain skills, such as baking, sewing or wood crafts, they can impart that might not be readily taught today.

Children can help grandparents navigate computers, video games or sports activities.

Lifelong Journey • JULY 2018

Looking in the mirror

Accepting who you are can lead to a fun-filled summer

by MARK HARVEY

Brad Pitt? Why do I doubt that?

Well, because (a) I’ve been looking in mirrors for a really long time, and hen I was first approached (b) I’ve been on the planet for more to write a little somethan a week and have finally figured thing for this publication, out that life just doesn’t work that I inquired as to a suggested topic: way.

“Well,” I heard, “since it’s the Most of us can remember ‘summer’ edition, how about a time when attracting a something on ‘body image’?” preferred member of the preI thought, “Body image? ferred gender was all imporWhat possible relevance could tant. ‘body image’ hold for this And we imagined that audience which, by the way, our relative success at such looks a lot like me?” attraction (or lack thereof) Then, I went and looked in hinged upon how we looked the mirror and realized that and, at least in part, it probwasn’t true.

Mark Harvey ably did. But time marches Here’s something I hear, and time ravages and time with distressing regularity: tells the tale of a life, so here “You look just like Willie Nelson!” we are, looking like Willie Nelson.

Oh, goodie.

Alas.

Have you seen a recent picture of I would like to think that I’m more Willie Nelson? ... Right. than that.

Why is it that nobody ever says, I’d like to believe that experience “Wow! You look just like Brad Pitt!” and knowledge and wisdom have I know why: Because I don’t. made me more than a mirror denizen, Bummer. and in many ways, it has.

So, it does matter, at least to me.

I think I am a better human than I And if it matters to me, I project my used to be. own neuroses and conclude that it I know less, so I’m more patient. probably matters to a lot of you …

And because I know less, I’m more and it’s probably been mattering as humble. long as most of us can remember.

I’m more sympathetic and more When was the last time you looked empathetic, because I’ve been “there” in the mirror and thought, “Gee! I and I’ve felt “that.” look great!” ... Right.

I’m less judgmental, because I know We’ve been looking in mirrors and I can’t afford to be judged, and I’m finding flaws since somewhere in more tolerant, because I’ve learned the neighborhood of puberty or the that the world has to tolerate me.

Jurassic period, whichever came first.

I’m less apt to declare myself to be We’ve always seen what’s wrong or the ultimate arbiter of right versus not symmetrical or too big or too little wrong, because I’ve been both, with an unfortunate emphasis on the lator too blemished or too plain or too … ter, and I’m more apt to admit that I human. don’t know, because I don’t.

And, obviously, that’s all reinforced This would seem the appropriate by the incessant drumbeat of an juncture to observe that if most of us insistent media, dedicated to selling paid more attention to our health, us this or that product, procedure or instead of our appearance, we’d actuprogram: “If you just do (buy!) this, ally end up looking better. soon you, too, will look just like this That would happen because we’d gorgeous human that we’ve paid way feel better, could do more and generaltoo much to pretend to be you! You’ll ly be more engaged in this ever-enterlook just like …”

W

Lifelong Journey • JULY 2018

taining pastime called “life,” instead of being sidelined by — and obsessed with — this-or-that malady.

True, stuff happens, and everybody can’t be faulted for having contracted, inherited, induced or suffered whatever unfortunate diagnosis has decided to take up residence. We all know how that goes!

It also is true that if we all did the best we could today — to be the healthiest that we can reasonably be — we’d feel better.

And when we feel better, it shows.

It shows in the mirror and it shows in our faces and it shows, I believe, in our souls. I can be more and I can be better and I can come closer to becoming an improved version of me.

But, I can’t buy that in a bottle.

It’s summer! Of course we want to look as good as we can! And, within the bounds of reason, where’s the harm? But, at what point do we get to some acceptance about who we are?

And who, in fact, we want to be?

At what point do I say to myself, “Lord-have-mercy, I do look like Willie Nelson?” … and leave Brad Pitt to his own mirror.

Mark Harvey is the director of Clallam/Jefferson Senior Information & Assistance, which operates through the Olympic Area Agency on Aging. He also is a member of the Community Advocates for Rural Elders partnership.

“I’d like to believe that experience and knowledge and wisdom have made me more than a mirror denizen, and in many ways, it has.”̓ 21

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Special terms apply to qualifying purchases charged with approved credit. The special terms APR will continue Special terms apply to qualifying purchases charged with approved credit. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions.

For new accounts, the APR for Purchases is 28.99%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum For new accounts, the APR for Purchases is 28.99%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. This information is accurate as of 3/13/2018 and is subject to change. For current interest charge will be $1.00. This information is accurate as of 3/13/2018 and is subject to change. For current information, call us at 1-800-431-5921. **See your independent Trane Dealer for complete program eligibility, information, call us at 1-800-431-5921. **See your independent Trane Dealer for complete program eligibility, dates, details and restrictions. Special financing offers, offers vary by equipment. All sales must be to homedates, details and restrictions. Special financing offers, offers vary by equipment. All sales must be to homeowners in the United States. Void where prohibited. Offer expires 12/31/2018. owners in the United States. Void where prohibited. Offer expires 12/31/2018.

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271 S. 7th Ave #26, Sequim, WA 98382 karensquiltshop@gmail.com

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You can give our kids a safe and welcoming place to receive specialized treatment.

Peninsula Behavioral Health is renovating the former St. Vincent de Paul building to create a separate and welcoming space for the 700+ kids we see in a typical year.

TRUE or FALSE? • I’ve lived in five foster homes this year • I’m a cutter • My parents give me Benadryl to make me sleepy • I’m a bully • I get bullied • My family is really poor, and I’m hungry a lot • I’ve never had my own bed Each one is typical of the youth we see

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We are already more than half way toward the estimated $900,000 total cost; we just need your help to close the gap.

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118 E 8th St Port Angeles WA 98362 • 457-0431 x159 www.peninsulabehavioral.org

“Your Home Improvement Contractor” Since 1979

11 E Runnion Rd., Sequim, WA

www.bydesigngroupinc.net Lic.#BYDESGI944MG Made in America

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Trusted Care, Close to Home Billing Inquiries (360) 417-7111 Birth Center & New Family Services Port Angeles (360) 417-7400 (360) 417-7652 Cancer Center Sequim (360) 683-9895 Careers (360) 417-7709 Diabetes Education & Nutrition Services Port Angeles & Sequim (360) 417-7125 Diagnostic Imaging Port Angeles & Sequim (360) 565-9003 Heart Center Port Angeles & Sequim (360) 565-0500 Home Health / Lifeline Port Angeles & Sequim (360) 417-7315 (800) 452-6211

Laboratory Port Angeles (360) 417-7729 Sequim (360) 582-5550 Lung Center Port Angeles (360) 565-0999 Medical Records (360) 417-7136 Olympic Medical Physicians Port Angeles & Sequim (360) 565-0999 ____________ Cardiology Family Medicine Gastroenterology General Surgery Internal Medicine Oncology Orthopaedic Surgery Neurology Pediatrics Pulmonary Medicine Sleep Medicine Urology Women’s Health

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