Golden Years 2015

Golden Years

August 2015

Priest River Senior Center

Services for Seniors

A busy hub of activity for seniors List of agencies serving seniors A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE NEWPORT MINER AND GEM STATE MINER

Editor’s Note

T

he Newport and Gem State Miner newspapers are proud to publish the 20th annual edition of Golden Years, a magazine focused on the lives of area senior citizens and those who serve them.

This year’s issue focuses on the Frank Chapin Senior Center in Priest River, and all the Happy Agers do there. We also have a listing of Community College courses catered to those in their ‘Golden Years.”

Included in Golden Years is an updated list of agencies and services provided for our senior population and the general public.

About the Cover The Happy Agers are a group of seniors who operate the Frank Chapin Senior Center in Priest River. Two board members, Irene Unger, vice president, and center director and treasurer Gary Bell, talk with fellow seniors at a recent event. The senior center is the subject of our cover story. It is used virtually every day.

We have everything you need

At Parkview Senior Living we really know how to “Celebrate the Art of Life”!

Come sample some of our upcoming fun: • Bingo & Other Games Daily • Live Music & Entertainment • Crafts & Beading • Ice Cream Socials • Chewelah Casino trips • Pinochle Group • Yoga • Country Drives • Movie & Popcorn Nights • Fun Exercises & Walk Abouts • Group Fishing Trips • Knit, Crochet & Quilting Groups Don’t wait to fully embrace the next phase of your life. If you would like to socialize with others who understand you and stop worrying about the yard work, house maintenance, the cooking and the cleaning then call us! Let us treat you to one of our lunches and show you around our community.

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Golden Years 2015

Health & Beauty Sporting Goods Household Items Clothing & Shoes Toys & Games Jewelry Greeting Cards Crafts and More

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Assistance for Seniors Pend Oreille County

Newport Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern Washington

Based in Spokane, Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern Washington serves five Northeast Washington counties, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Ferry, Spokane and Whitman. Its goal is to help develop a comprehensive and coordinated service system for older persons and others in need of long term care. Emphasis is given to those with the greatest social, economic, and health needs and culturally diverse individuals.

To access services in Spokane County call Elder Services at 509-458-7450 for information. For Stevens and Pend Oreille counties call Rural Resources Community Action at 509-684-8421.

Services fall under the areas of: • Care coordination and care transitions services

• Information and Assistance • Family Caregiver Support Program, which includes the “relatives (grandparents) raising relatives” program.

• In-home caregiver registry, an electronic registry of potential caregivers available in rural areas.

• Advocacy • Health care information for individuals eligible for Medicare and Medicaid • Legal services/consumer protection • Adult in-home care services This agency provides funding and/or support for some of the programs listed under other agencies.

ALTCEW is located at 1222 N. Post St., Spokane WA 99201.

Their telephone number is 509-4582509; fax number is 509-458-2003 and they can also be reached online at www. altcew.org, and by email at action@altcew. org.

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DSHS Home and Community Services

Home and Community Services is the division of the Washington Department of Social and Health Services that provides services to Pend Oreille County seniors and people with physical disabilities.

The main focus is to provide assistance to help keep senior citizens in their own homes as long as possible. This division also works with the financial branch of DSHS to determine eligibility and qualifications for state financial programs for seniors and other people who may qualify.

The office is located in the DSHS building at 1600 W. First St., in Newport. It has one full-time social worker.

For more information, contact the Newport office at 509-447-6200.

Some of the programs include: • Eligibility, which looks at all possible programs to arrive at the right program to meet the qualifying individual’s needs.

• Adult Protective Services: To report suspected cases of neglect, abuse, exploitation and abandonment involving seniors, call 1-800-459-0421.

• Home Services that gives access to in-home services. This includes personal care services through Medicaid Personal Care (MPC) and Community Options Program Entry System (COPES). These programs help assure that individuals can stay in their homes. To get a referral for new services call 1-866-323-9409.

• Out-of-Home Placements provides placements to and discharges from adult family homes, boarding homes, assisted living and nursing homes.

LHC Group Home Health Care LHC Group helps patients of all ages make the transition to post-acute care at home in communities across the country.

Continued on page 4

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Assistance for Seniors Continued from page 3

Working with hospitals, health systems, home health agencies and trained professionals in local communities, they provide the technologies and professional staffing to deliver the highest possible level of personalized medical attention for patients in the comfort of their homes, and under their physician’s direct supervision.

The development of new medical treatments and technologies has made home healthcare an important and cost-effective option for many people recovering from illness or injuries. LHC Group specializes in providing high quality, professional care for a wide range of medical conditions.

This includes: After care following surgery, angina, arthritis, back sprain/strain, cancer, COPD, coronary artery disease, dehydration, diabetes mellitus, digoxin toxicity, electrolyte imbalance, heart failure, hypertension, pituitary dysfunctions, pneumonia, pyelonephritis and stroke.

Contact the office in Chewelah at

4 Golden Years 2015

509-935-0509 or 877-632-2894; fax 509935-8920 or visit lhcgroup.com online or 612 E. Main Ave., Chewelah WA 99109; mailing address is PO Box 406, Chewelah WA 99109; or the Spokane office at 111 W. North River Drive, Suite 204; call 509747-2462, fax 509-747-2173. In Idaho, contact the office in Coeur d’Alene at 850 W. Kathleen Ave., Coeur D’Alene, ID 83815; call 208-667-7494, fax 208-7652236 or visit lhcgroup.com.

N.E. Washington Health Programs

N.E. Washington Health Programs provides primary health care services to all ages at its seven Community Health Center sites located in Ione, Chewelah, Northport, Orient, Springdale, Loon Lake, and Nine Mile Falls. Services include treatment for acute and chronic illness; health and wellness education; diabetic care and Continued on page 5

Assistance for Seniors

Visit your local Newport location Community & Environmental Health Services

Continued from page 4

education; and children’s, men’s, women’s and geriatric health care. Discounted prescriptions are offered for non-Medicaid patients (340B program). Most insurance is accepted including Medicare and Medicaid (DSHS). Payment options are available.

Three dental clinic sites provide primary dental care to all ages at locations in Colville, Springdale and Nine Mile Falls.

Most insurance is accepted including Medicaid/Apple Health (DSHS). Payment options are available.

Assisted living services are provided at Quail Hollow in Chewelah.

The mission of N.E. Washington Health Programs allows for additional expanded sites in 2015 that will ensure access to care for patients in the Tri-County area.

For more information, please visit www. newhp.org or call (800) 829-6583.

Rural Resources Community Action

Newport Office: 301 W. Spruce St., Suite D, Newport, WA 99156.

Ione Office: Ione Senior Center, 201 Houghton, Ione, WA 99139, Case managers: Dortha Coleman 509-442-3223 and Nikki Parker, 509-442-3222. (See separate listing under Ione/Metalines.)

The Adult and Long Term Care Division of Rural Resources offers services to those 60 and older and their families. The agency also monitors services to those adults under 60 who are on state home care programs. For the Newport and Cusick areas call 509-550-7049; Ione and Metalines 509-442-3222; and for Stevens County or general information 800-873-5889.

Services include: • Family Caregiver Support Program that provides information about and assistance in accessing long term care services, training and education by a field professional such as a nurse or dietician to individual participants and caregivers, assistance in gaining access to estate planning services, and in- and out-of-home respite services.

• Information and Assistance/Case Management provides information about a wide variety of resources available to

seniors and their families. Case managers also provide assistance and referrals for problems with Social Security, SSI, insurance and Medicare.

Case management provides regular visits and assistance to disabled adults who need services.

• Respite: Provides relief for families or other unpaid caregivers of disabled adults, 18 years of age and above. Both in-home and out-of-home respite care is available.

• Nutrition: Hot, home delivered meals are available on meal days for seniors just getting out of the hospital or homebound.

Frozen meals are available to those seniors who are homebound or unable to cook.

A donation is requested for seven meals.

Liquid dietary and shelf stable meals also are available. Both of these can be picked up at the Rural Resource office. Diner’s Choice meal program is also available through Rural Resources.

• Transportation: Senior bus service is available in Newport. Call 800-776-9026 to reserve space on upcoming trips. The Newport van is available to take seniors grocery shopping, to pick up prescriptions and to doctor appointments.

• Medicaid transportation is available from Special Mobility Transportation and can be scheduled by calling 800-892-4817.

• Public transportation available in southern Pend Oreille, including Cusick, Usk, Kalispel Reservation and Newport, Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., using wheelchair accessible vehicles.

• For information on medical insurance, contact your local office.

• Volunteer opportunities: Volunteer as a driver to take people to doctor appointments. Call Rural Resources at 800776-9026 or Volunteer Chore service at 800-428-6825.

• Other volunteer services also are available at Volunteer Chore service. Volunteers are also needed at the Newport site to deliver hot meals to the homebound seniors.

Pend Oreille County Library District

The four libraries of the Pend Oreille Continued on page 6

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2015 Golden Years

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Assistance for Seniors Continued from page 5

Library District offer many information resources for seniors. The website provides a listing of links interesting to seniors under the “Online Resources” tab. They also offer online databases for consumer health information, business information and many other topics.

Reference help is available by calling any library branch or by emailing info@ pocld.org.

Web page: www.pocld.org Library locations are: • Newport Public Library, 116 S. Washington, Newport, WA 99156; telephone 509-447-2111; fax 509-4472806.

• Calispel Valley Library, 107 First Ave., Cusick, WA 99119; telephone 509445-1215; fax 509-445-1215.

• Ione Public Library, 210 Blackwell St. Suite 1, Ione, WA 99139; telephone 509-442-3030; fax 509-442-3248.

• Metalines Community Library, 302 Park St., Metaline Falls, WA 99153; telephone 509-446-3232; fax 509-4462302.

District Administration Office: 116 S. Washington Ave., Newport, WA 99156; telephone 509-447-2158, 509-4473572; fax 509-447-2806.

Hospitality House

The Hospitality House Senior Center, located at 216 S. Washington Ave. in Newport, provides activities and education for the “over 50” group of people in the community, as well as opening up their building for use by other organiza-

tions which benefit the community. It is open to people of all ages who would like to participate in the activities provided.

The mailing address is PO Box 802, Newport WA 99156.

The Hospitality House is open Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Regular events sponsored by the senior center include: • Card games: Duplicate Bridge is held Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. for $2 and Pinochle is held Tuesdays at 6 p.m. for $5. Games are open to all.

• Potlucks: A potluck is held on the second and fourth Mondays at noon.

Participants are asked to bring a covered dish. Potlucks are open to all.

• Exercise: Fit for Life (gentle exercises) is held Mondays and Thursdays at 8 a.m.

Exercise sessions are one hour.

• Music: Live Bluegrass music is held the second and fourth Fridays at 6 p.m. from spring to fall. A $3 donation is requested and everyone is welcome.

• Tax assistance programs are provided

by AARP in the spring of each year.

AARP “55 Alive” driving classes are available in the fall as the need arises.

• A puzzle exchange is each Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Alcoholics Anonymous is held Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The center can be rented for various activities. Call 509-447-3812 for more information.

Continued on page 7

Skilled Nursing Services Rehabilitation Services In and Out-patient Therapy Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy Aquatic Pool Therapy Traumatic Brain Injury Services Specialized Behavior Program

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Assistance for Seniors Continued from page 6

Greater Newport Area Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Newport Area Chamber of Commerce serves as a resource for our area’s businesses, as well as tourists, visitors and residents. Its mission is to create, promote, and strengthen the business and economic climate, as members believe that a prosperous business community and robust economy will lead to an enhanced quality of life for the communities the chamber serves.

For more information visit www. newportareachamber.com or email info@ newportareachamber.com.

KALTRAN Transportation

KALTRAN is a public transportation services operated by the Kalispel Tribal Planning Department under the Kalispel Tribal Business Council. All members of the general public are welcome to ride aboard the Kalispel Transit System. All KALTRAN vehicles are ADA compliant.

KALTRAN provides fixed route service from the Tribal Wellness Center to North Spokane. Round trip service is also provided to Ione on Monday and Wednesdays.

Deviated services are also available up to 3/4 of a mile off the normal fixed route, or within the boundaries of the Kalispel Indian Reservation. All deviated route services must be scheduled with the KALTRAN office prior to the requested pick-up time, so vehicles can be appropriately dispatched.

KALTRAN is operational Monday through Saturday.

Flat Markers • End Cut & Natural Edged Memorials Slant & Bevel Memorials • Arched or Serpentine Memorials • Memorial Benches

The Kalispel Tribal Transit System charges $1 per trip, except the Newport/ Airway Heights trip, which is $2.50. Bus passes are available for $15 and offer 20 rides. Bus passes do not expire.

Contact administration at 509-4477120; KALTRAN at 509-447-7195 and transit at 509-447-7247.

Ione/Metalines N.E. WA Rural Resources Ione/Metaline

Rural Resources Community Action The Rural Resources Community Action office is at 201 Houghton in Ione and provides a variety of adult and long-term care services in North Pend Oreille County.

The telephone number is 509-442-3223.

• Program access: Case Management Supervisor Dortha Coleman, 509-442-3223, and Case Manager Nikki Parker, 509-4423222, assist seniors and disabled persons in accessing programs to improve their living conditions, health concerns and RX solutions. Care is also extended for usage of the Family Caregiver Support Program to assist unpaid caregivers.

• In-home meals are available to home bound or those unable to cook. Call 1 800 873-5889.

• Medical transports: Transportation for medical appointments is provided for those over 60 years of age and others on Medicaid. The Medicaid transportation number is 800-892-4817; others may call Rural Resources Transportation Office

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Assistance for Seniors Continued from page 7

at800-776-9026.

• For other services see Rural Resources Community Action listing under Pend Oreille County.

Bonner County Area Agency on Aging

The Area Agency on Aging administers comprehensive community-based programs to maximize independence and quality of life for people aged 60 and older.

The local Area Agency on Aging office is located in Coeur d’Alene and serves the five northern counties of Idaho, including Bonner. Agency programs include: • Adult Protection: Investigates reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation of vulnerable adults (18 and older) who are unable to protect or take care of themselves.

• Information and Assistance: Provides referrals to services in the community to meet a broad spectrum of needs, including

assisted living and nursing facilities; inhome health care; housing; home-delivered meals; snow removal; yard work; transportation; and legal needs to name just a few. Information and Assistance offers information to family members, caregivers and the senior about available resources and services in the five northern counties of Idaho as well as contact numbers for similar agencies nationwide.

• Case Management: Assists elderly and disabled adults 60 and over who require help in coordinating services to maintain their maximum level of health and independence in their homes and communities.

The case manager evaluates client needs and abilities to function in their own environment and then develops a service plan that includes family and other supports.

• Contracted services: Through a combination of federal and state funding, contracts for various services are designed to maximize independence and quality of life for seniors of at least 60 years of age

or the spouse of an eligible senior. Contracted services include home delivered meals, homemaker, transportation, legal and respite services.

• Ombudsman: Advocates and problem solves for individuals 60 and over living in an institutional setting. Ombudsmen investigate, mediate and resolve complaints registered on behalf of individuals having problems with nursing homes, residential care homes and assisted living homes.

• Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP): Provides a variety of opportunities for retired persons, age 55 and older, to participate in the life of their communities through volunteer service. If you are looking for something to put zest in your life, call to see what volunteer opportunities are available in your community.

Contact the Area Agency on Aging at 208-667-3179 or 800-786-5536. Visit the website at www.aaani.org or email infoassist@aaani.org. The office is located at 2120 Lakewood Dr., Suite B, Coeur d’Alene,

ID 83814.

Bonner General Health Community Hospice

Headquartered at Bonner General Health in Sandpoint, Bonner Community Hospice is a non-profit organization certified by Medicare and Medicaid and a member of the National Hospice Organization.

Serving all of Bonner and Boundary counties, the organization provides compassionate care to persons with life threatening illnesses and shortened life expectancy, and families in their homes and nursing homes. The hospice team includes physicians, registered nurses, social workers, trained volunteers, chaplains, home health aides, therapists and a nutrition counselor.

Services are covered by many insurance plans and fully covered by Medicare and Medicaid. Ability to pay does not deterContinued on page 9

“The staff, nurses and C.N.A.s were incredibly helpful, caring, loving, and compassionate.

Bonner General Health Community Hospice became an extension of our family.”

Call us for more information about our Hospice Services 208-265-1179

8 Golden Years 2015

Assistance for Seniors Continued from page 8

mine level of care.

To help cover the costs of services and programs, Hospice appeals to the community for funding. These funds are for direct client care, educational programs and continuing the community bereavement programs.

Referrals can be made by a physician or hospital discharge planner.

For more information, call the Hospice office at 208-265-1179 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Hospice’s mailing address is 520 N. Third St., Sandpoint ID 83864.

Carefully selected and trained volunteers are vital members of Hospice. Those interested in volunteering should contact Bonner Community Hospice. Hospice has a variety of ways that those interested in volunteering can help.

West Bonner Library District

The Priest River Library is located at 118 Main St. in Priest River, 208-4482207. The website is www.westbonner. lili.org.

Library hours are Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Computer classes are scheduled as funding becomes available.

For information on library services, call 208-448-2207.

Blanchard Branch Library is located at 412 Railroad Ave., Blanchard.

Hours are Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The library can be reached at 208-4370801.

Fit and Fall Proof Classes

Fit and Fall Proof is a free fitness program designed for older adults that improves balance and strength and decreases the risk of falls. Classes are targeted for those 65 and older but others are welcome to attend. The classes are free and admin-

istered by the Panhandle Health District of north Idaho. Classes in this area are available in Newport and Priest River, call coordinator Alicia Keller for more information at 208-415-5242, or email akeller@ phd1.idaho.gov.

Priest River Priest River Senior Center

The Frank Chapin Senior Center at 339 E. Jackson (corner Fourth and Jackson), in Priest River and provides various social functions for seniors and other members of the public, and it also operates the Priest River Food Bank. The mailing address is PO Box 1321 Priest River ID 83956.

Details on these services are listed below; more information is available by calling the center at 208-448-2352.

• A soup kitchen is open on Mondays and the West Bonner Food Bank operates at the center on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

• Every Wednesday and Saturday the card players gather for pinochle, conversation and goodies.

• Quilters gather to visit and construct works of textile art Thursdays at noon.

• The Happy Agers meet for a potluck on the second and fourth Friday of the month at 11:30 a.m.

• Prior to hunting season, the senior center is host to Hunter Safety classes.

• Several times each year, the Senior Driving Classes are held here.

• “Mexican Train” dominoes are Tuesday afternoons.

• Many citizens rent the hall for receptions and club meetings.

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Priest River Chamber of Commerce

Information on the community, as well as travel information, is available from the Priest River Chamber of Commerce. The chamber office is located at 119 Main St., in the Beardmore Building, Suite 102 B, P.O. Box 929, Priest River ID 83856.

Office hours are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The chamber’s general meetings for Continued on page 10

Kinship Navigator Program can help you with: • Legal Issues • State and federal aid • Housing • Child Care • Respite • Counseling • Health services • Emergencies

Art Mathew Kinship Navigator 509-684-3932 1-800-219-5542

2015 Golden Years

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Aging & Disability Resources

We’re here to help seniors & their families

Connecting Seniors with a wide array of programs and services within the community. We work with Medicare beneficiaries, assisting them with accessing prescription drug benefits.

Also • Weatherization • Prescriptions • Nutrition • Basic Food Benefits • In Home Care

• Social Security • SSI • Medicare • Medical Insurance • Long Term Care

• Home Repair • Energy Assistance • Housing • Legal Issues

(509) 447-9997

Serving Ferry, Pend Oreille and Stevens Counties Senior Information & Assistance Services are provided free of charge

Assistance for Seniors Continued from page 9

members are the third Tuesday of each month at a local restaurant, as announced.

The website is www.priestriverchamber. com, or call 208-448-2721.

Blanchard BASIC and Blanchard Community Center

Blanchard Area Seniors Incorporated (BASIC) is a nonprofit organization run entirely by volunteers, serving senior citizens and persons of all ages. BASIC takes an active role in the concerns, issues and interests of the entire community; publishes a free quarterly newsletter going to more than 900 households; holds monthly social and informational meetings; has a “country breakfast” program seasonally on select Mondays from 7-11 a.m.; art classes for adults at low cost and children free; a quilting group and Master Chef cooking classes.

BASIC owns and operates the Blanchard

Community Center, 685 Rusho Lane in Blanchard. Meetings are open to the public and are on the second Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. on program nights. Programs are supported through minimal fees, donations, fundraisers and foundation grants.

The center is available for private rental at reasonable rates. For more information call 208-437-1037 or write to BASIC, P.O. Box 127, Blanchard, ID 83804.

Priest Lake Priest Lake Public Library

The library is located at 28769 Highway 57 at Priest Lake.

You can reach them by calling 208443-2454; fax 208-443-3121 or by email at plplibrary@hotmail.com. The website is www.priestlake.lili.org.

Regular hours are Tuesday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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Priest River’s Chapin Center, Happy Agers serve community Senior Center hosts card games, bingo, community meal, much more

By Don Gronning

G

ary Bell, the volunteer director of the Frank Chapin Senior Center, is in the middle of a typical Saturday.

He has opened the center to meet a group of motorcyclists who make a run from Spokane and donate to the Priest River Food Bank.

They make their donation and joke around with each other and some senior center volunteers.

As the motorcyclists take off, the card players start arriving. Bell watches as couple men grab tables and start a cribbage game before the pinochle action starts at 1 p.m.

Seeing everything is going smoothly, he prepares to take off. “I have to be back here to open up for the hunter education class,” he says.

Belonging to the Happy Agers, the group that manages the senior center in Priest River, is a good deal, Bell, 73, says.

“There are $10 dues,” he says. But the group is going to the Circle

Moon Theater at Sacheen Lake Aug. 25 for a dinner show that normally costs $25. For Happy Agers, the cost is $5.

Larry Burcham of Newport is one of the card players. He and Ron Morse of Priest River play cribbage.

“Right now he’s beating me bad,” says Burcham to an onlooker.

“That’s not too hard to do,” jokes Morse.

Pinochle is played Wednesdays and Continued on page 12 Golden Years|Don Gronning

Left: Larry Burcham of Newport and Ron Morse of Priest River play cribbage before the regular pinochle games start.

2015 Golden Years

11

SMS Community Shuttle NEWPORT

SPOKANE

STARTING JULY 1ST 2015 $5.00 ONE-WAY MONDAY - WEDNESDAY THURSDAY - FRIDAY

Continued from page 11

Saturdays.

Treva Davison of Priest River likes to come play cards at the Chapin Center.

“If you stay home, you just vegetate,” she says.

Judy Randolf enjoys coming to the

‘We just fell in love with the place. The people, the area, we liked it all.’

Gary Bell

Priest River Volunteer

ARRIVE 6:30 AM 8:15 AM 10:15 AM ARRIVE 2:00 PM 4:15 PM 5:45 PM

Spokane: Bank of America Howard & Riverside Newport: Safeway Spokane Bank of America Howard & Riverside Spokane: Bank of America Howard & Riverside Newport: Safeway Spokane: Bank of America

DEPART 6:35 AM 8:30 AM DEPART 2:05 PM 4:30 PM -

In the City of Spokane, we pick up or drop off at the Bank of America on Riverside and Howard.

Upon request, we can also pick up at the following locations: Spokane International Airport, any of the major Hospitals including VA Hospital, NorthTown Mall, Northpoint Wal-Mart, 29th and Regal, Fancher and Sprague or Trent and Fancher.

If you have a disability that prevents you from reaching one of our stops, please call our office to see if we can arrange a pickup at your home.

One-way fares $5.00 Newport/Spokane Reserve seating has priority. Open seating is available without reservations as capacity allows.

To reserve a seat, please call 24-hours in advance or during office hours: 8:30am to 5:00pm SMS Community Shuttle 1-877-264-RIDE (7433) 509-534-7171 12

Golden Years 2015

center.

“I enjoy getting together to visit,” she says.

The women remember a time when the heat went out when they were playing cards at the center. They just kept playing.

“After you get here, you might as well stay,” says Judy. They covered up with full blankets. “We even tried to have gloves, but that didn’t work too well.”

Seniors Dine In Take Out

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We make our own homemade ice cream.

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As Bell says, Frank Chapin Senior Center is used for a lot of things. The calendar on the wall shows a full schedule.

Take Monday. The day starts with an exercise class. There is the weekly free community meal at midday, and Mexican Train, a popular form of dominoes in the afternoon.

Tuesday is food bank day, with bingo in the evening.

Bingo raises money for area charities, as well as being fun for the players.

“It’s nice to take money once a month and give it to someone,” says Harold “Butch” Unger, assistant center director. Groups like the Priest River Animal Shelter, the Advocates for Women and the Community Garden have all been recipients of bingo money.

The center recently inherited the bingo system from the Eagles Club in Newport.

In August, there was something scheduled every day at the center, from Alcoholic Anonymous and Boy Scout

Take Monday. The day starts with an exercise class. There is the weekly free community meal at midday, and Mexican Train, a popular form of dominoes in the afternoon. meetings on Sundays to the Thursday quilters to the twice-a-month potluck.

“I think we had 830 people through here a couple months ago,” Bells says.

The Frank Chapin Center is owned by the city. The Happy Agers, a 501 (c) 3 non profit, runs it on a 20-year lease.

They have a board of directors and meet twice a month. The club is open to anyone 50 years old or older and has about 60 members.

The group started in the early 1970s and in 1979 the Frank Chapin Senior Center was built to become home of the “Happy Agers.”

The center’s namesake, Frank Chapin, Continued on page 13

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Golden Years|Don Gronning

The Happy Agers cleaned up at Timber Days, winning the Best Float competition, the Best Theme Competition and the coveted Best Club or Organization award.

Continued from page 12

was the group’s president and instrumental in getting the center started.

The Happy Agers are involved in a variety of community activities. They sponsor the Tags n’Tales 4-H Club and Boy Scout Troop 604. They put on a Thanksgiving dinner for the community.

Last year they served 297 people.

Bell says he got involved in the group following some personal loss. His second wife, Rosemary, passed away from cancer

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13 years ago. Her disabled brother came to live with him and he too passed away.

“I went through a tough spell,” Bell says. He was sad and feeling sorry for himself, he said.

“I thought, that wasn’t the answer,” he says. “The first thing I did was join the Happy Agers.”

Today he is involved in a number of volunteer activities, from hospice, to Rotary to the chamber of commerce.

Continued on page 14

2015 Golden Years

13

Continued from page 13

He was the 2013 Priest River Chamber of Commerce’s citizen of the year. He is also involved in LEAP (Let Eager Athletes Play).

Bell and his wife Rosemary came to the Priest River area from North Carolina 28 years ago. He had been a manufacturing manager for a commercial bakery that made food products for vending machines, where he spent 28 years.

Rosemary was a registered nurse, so when he retired they took to the road. She worked as a contract nurse all over the country and had family in Idaho, so they moved this way.

“We just fell in love with the place,” Bell says. “The people, the area, we liked it all.”

They built a home just north of Priest River.

These days, Bell spends most of his time volunteering, although he enjoys golfing and kayaking.

Running the Frank Chapin Senior Center isn’t a one man show. He has an assistant, Butch Unger, and the Happy Agers have a board, led by Lorraine Simpkins, president, Irene Unger, vice president, Nancy Martinez, secretary and Bell, treasurer.

Bell says the center is run by volunteers.

“We want to give money back to the community, not take,” he says.

Golden Years|Don Gronning

It was a small but dedicated group that turned out on a nice August Saturday afternoon to play pinochle. Pinochle is played Wednesdays and Saturdays.

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14

Golden Years 2015

Community college classes for seniors at Newport center NEWPORT – The Community Colleges of Spokane Act 2 Program offers inexpensive classes for those who are retired or preparing for retirement. Whether already retired and looking for something new or preparing for that day when time will allow you to take up new ideas or hobbies, Act 2 has new and invigorating ways to stay informed.

ACT 2 offers non-credit classes to people over 50 years old throughout Community Colleges of Spokane’s six county area, including Newport. The classes are affordable and close to home and close to work. Local instructors teach the classes.

Some classes use video conferencing tools to distribute course materials in real time to the Newport location.

Kris Cornelis has taught credit history classes at the Newport Center for 10 years, as well as a class on World War II. Jeff Tetrick is a local artist, photographer and author of two books. He teaches digital camera purchasing, watercolor painting and a geology class for ACT 2.

Daniel Hay will work with students new to genealogy and teach musical history.

There is also a gardening series with Jim McGinty, a local Master Gardener and columnist.

Larry Johnson has classes for those looking for information about Medicare and Chris Montgomery will talk about the Realities and Myths of Living Trusts and Estate Planning.

Don Burge is a retired pharmacist who has a Prescription Review class in which students can ask about specific prescriptions – side effects, interactions with other medicines and questions to ask your care provider. He also teaches a series on Sourdough Cookery – his new passion (waffles, bagels, cinnamon rolls and English muffins) and brings samples to class.

You can find information about all the classes taught online at www.sccel.spokane. edu or call the Newport Center at 509-447-3835.

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Spokane Orthopedics is seeing patients at Newport Hospital & Health Services. We are available to treat all joint conditions, sports injuries, diabetic foot care, fractures and any other related orthopedic problems.

Please call to schedule your appointment today (509) 489-2851.

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2015 Golden Years

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(Not applicable to L&I Claims)

If you presently have hearing aids from a previous Labor & Industry claim that are over 5 years old and are non repairable, you may be eligible to receive replacement instruments with updated Digital Technology.

16 Golden Years 2015