Golden Years 2012

August 2012

Dream weaver

Old country living in Pend Oreille County

Return to the stage Elk actor takes on tough role

Services for Seniors

Check out listing of agencies catering to seniors A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE NEWPORT MINER AND GEM STATE MINER

Welcome to Golden Years Editor’s Note

T

he Newport and Gem State Miner newspapers are proud to publish the 17th annual edition of Golden Years, a magazine focused on the lives of area senior citizens and those who serve them.

We visit with an Elk actor, who is returning to the stage in Pend Oreille Players’ production of “Death of a Salesman.” Paul Wham acted in high school, but then took decades off before joining the local theater group in 2007.

We also talk with Riet and Ernie Westphal, a couple making a big impact on the community with their work at the Pend Oreille County Fair and other events. The Westphals emigrated from Holland and now call mid-Pend Oreille County home.

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

-MCN

Golden Years 2012

Publisher: Fred Willenbrock Editor: Michelle Nedved Writers: Don Gronning, Janelle Atyeo. Advertising: Amy Robinson, Lindsay Guscott, Susan Willenbrock

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GOLDEN YEARS 2012

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Assistance for Seniors

An array of agencies and groups make life fun and easy

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: • 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

D S

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 email at action@altcew.org.

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 509-447-6223 or 1-866-323-9423.

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.

LCH Group Home Health LHC Group helps patients of all ages make the transition to post-acute care at home in communities across the country. Working with hospitals, health systems, home health agencies and trained professionals in local communities, we 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 509-935-0509; fax 509-935-8920 or visit lhcgroup.com online or 612 E. Main Ave., Chewelah WA 99109.

In Idaho, contact the office in Coeur d’Alene at 2426 North Merrit Creek Loop, Coeur D’Alene, ID 83814; call 208-667-7494, fax 208-765-2236 or visit lchgroup.com.

N.E. Washington Health Programs N.E. Washington Health Programs provides primary health care services to all ages at its Selkirk Community Health Center. Services include treatContinued on page 4

Yesterday’s Children Concert Production Company

Entertainment For Your Special Event • • • •

Weddings BBQs Birthdays Celebration

• • • •

Reunions Holidays Children’s Parties Religious Events

Now Taking Reservations for Fall and Winter Holidays For Additional Information Contact (509) 447-3399 or dorenegreg143@gmail.com

Mark your Calendar For Our Next Concert At CREATE October 5, 6, & 7

LAW OFFICE OF DENISE STEWART • Wills • Trusts • Powers of Attorney

• Probate • Medicaid • Business

301 S. WASHINGTON AVE. - SUITE A NEWPORT • (509) 447-3242

509-467-1135 509-468-7906 fax

1620 E. Mead St., Spokane, WA 99218 www.willowgrovehome.com 2012 GOLDEN YEARS

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State-of-the-Art Dermatology for Optimum Health and Beauty

Over the years, more than 60,000 patients have trusted North Idaho Dermatology to meet all their medical and cosmetic skin care needs.

Our team is committed to providing unsurpassed expertise and compassion so you can enjoy healthy skin for a lifetime.

Our board certified dermatologists deliver expert medical care for a wide range of skin conditions, including: • Diseases of the skin, nails & hair • Skin cancers (including screenings & MOHS Micrographic Surgery) • Acne • Eczema • Moles • Psoriasis • Precancerous lesions • Dermatitis • Rosacea • Hair loss • And much more Our dematologist-supervised cosmetic team can help you achieve a more youthful, radiant and natural look with: • Facials & peels • Microdermabrasion • Botox® Cosmetic • Juvederm™ & Radiesse® • Laser treatments for wrinkle reduction • Laser hair removal • Solutions for varicose & spider veins • Permanent cosmetics • Tested & trusted skin care products • And much more

Call today: 208-665-7546

Sandcreek Building, 3rd Floor, 476394 Highway 95, Ponderay, ID 83852 Visit www.niderm.com Most Insurance Accepted • Convenient appointments

4 GOLDEN YEARS 2012

Assistance Continued from page 3

ment for acute and chronic illness; health and wellness education; diabetic care and education; and children’s, men’s, women’s and geriatric health care.

In addition to the many services that a family practice provides, the following is also offered: computerized radiography; physicals including fire and DOT; minor surgery; moderate complexity lab services; in house CBCs; urine microscopics; Occupational Medicine Certified audiology and spirometry; fracture care and EKG’s.

Most insurance is accepted including Medicare and DSHS. Payment options are available. Discounted prescriptions are offered for non-Medicaid patients.

Located at 208 Cedar Creek Terrace in Ione, the clinic is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and may be reached by calling 509-4423514 or 800-554-2413.

In collaboration with Hospice of Spokane, Hospice services are provided to the terminally ill and their loved ones. To contact Hospice, call: 877-307-2172.

Additional information is available at www.newhp.org.

Rural Resources Community Action Newport Office: 301 W. Spruce St., Suite D, Newport, WA 99156.

Ione Office: Ione Senior Center, 203 Houghton, Ione, WA 99139, Case managers — Dortha Coleman 509442-3223 and Nikki Parker, 509442-3222. (See separate listing under Ione/Metalines.)

The Adult and Long Term Care Division of “Rural Resources” offers services to those 60 and above 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 800873-5889.

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 800-7769026 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 800-776-9026 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. Call Marcy at 509-447-3812.

Pend Oreille County Library District The four libraries of the Pend Oreille 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 through POCLD’s website by clicking the “Ask Us 24/7” logo on the home page, by calling any library branch or by emailing info@pocld.org.

Continued on page 5

Assistance for Seniors Continued from page 4

Web page: www.pocld.org Library locations are: • Newport Public Library, 116 S. Washington, Newport, WA 99156; telephone 509-447-2111; fax 509447-2806.

• Calispel Valley Library, 107 First Ave., Cusick, WA 99119; telephone 509-445-1215; 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 509446-2302.

District Administration Office: 116 S. Washington Ave., Newport, WA 99156; telephone 509-447-2158, 509447-3572; fax 509-447-2806.

Hospitality House The Hospitality House senior center, located at 216 S. Washington Ave. in Newport, provides services for the “over 50” group of people in the community, as well as opening up their

building for use by other organizations which benefit the community.

Hospitality House is open at 8-9 a.m. each weekday for coffee. Many come for this morning fellowship together as they take a break from their morning walks. The telephone number is 509-447-3812 and the mailing address is P.O. Box 802, Newport WA 99156.

Regular events sponsored by the senior center include: • Card games: Duplicate bridge is held Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. and Pinochle is held Thursdays at 6 p.m.

The fee is $1.50 for bridge and $2 for Pinochle. Games are open to all.

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

The suggested donation $1 and participants are asked to bring a covered dish and their own table service. Music and other programs usually follow the lunch.

• 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.

• Alcoholics Anonymous meet at the Hospitality House on Wednesday and Sunday evenings at 7 p.m. The center can be rented for various activities.

Call 509-447-4265.

Greater Newport Area Chamber of Commerce The Greater Newport Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 325 W. Fourth St. in Newport (and on the web at www.newportareachamber. com) provides tourists, visitors and residents alike with information on “things to do” locally as well as in the surrounding areas. The group works to educate, support, promote and encourage networking among members by modeling after its mission statement “to promote and strengthen our business and economic climate while enhancing our area’s quality of life.”

The office’s winter hours from October through April are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. Summer hours May through September are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2

p.m.

The chamber is always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with projects and events and to direct tourists at the Visitors’ Center. Those interested can send an email to info@ newportareachamber.com.

Ione/Metalines N.E. WA Rural Resources The Northeast Washington Rural Resources Development Association 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: Senior Case Management Supervisor Dortha Coleman, 509-442-3223, and Case Manager Nikki Parker, 509-442-3222, assists 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 Respite Program to give Continued on page 6

HEARING CENTER of Deer Park

Free Hearing Tests & Hearing Aid Cleaning Specializing in WA Labor & Industries Hearing Loss Claims

(509) 276-8859 Lori McDonald HIS, AAS Dispenser

23 E. Crawford, Suite D Deer Park, WA Licensed in WA & ID Insured • Bonded

M A N O R

Kristi Murphy HIS, AAS Dispenser

“Your Comprehensive Home Health Care Center and Local Pharmacy.”

• MEDICAL EQUIPMENT: Wheelchairs, Crutches, Walkers & Canes. Bathroom Aids • MEDICAL SUPPLIES: Wound Care, Gloves • ATHLETIC PRODUCTS: Braces, Splints • PRESCRIPTION SERVICES

509-447-2484 • 336 S. Washington Ave.

For seniors and those who are disabled, an Independent Living Community.

Featuring 1 & 2 bedroom apartments

Independent living for active lifestyles.

204 E. D. • Deer Park, WA (509) 276-6658

2012 GOLDEN YEARS

5

PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR WINTER

Assistance Continued from page 5

As winter draws nearer, it’s time to think about winterizing your home to prepare for the colder months ahead.

Implement the following winter preparation tips to save on energy costs and protect your home this winter.

• Have chimneys cleaned and inspected.

• Consider a thermal insulating blanket for your hot water heater.

• If your windows are not made of newer insulated glass, consider installing storm windows.

• Add insulation to attics and crawlspaces.

• Install a programmable thermostat.

• Arrange for a professional inspection of your furnace.

• If you vacation during the winter months, leave your heat on and set it to 55 degrees to help reduce the chance of interior pipes freezing.

• Install fresh batteries in all smoke alarms.

• Insulate water pipes that may be exposed to freezing temperatures.

• Caulk around windows to prevent cold air from seeping in around cracks. If you are not sure your windows need additional caulking, try the candle trick. On a windy day, light a candle and place it near you window with indoor cooling/heating systems turned off. If the flame flickers when a gust of wind picks up, it is an indication that air is seeping around your windows.

• Check the weatherstripping or seals under exterior doors. Often these seals are designed to last only a few years and will start to leak as the wear. Preformed seals are inexpensive to purchase and are simple to install.

unpaid caregivers needed time off.

• Senior meals: Senior meals are being provided by our new Diner’s Choice program at The Western Star in Metaline, 509-446-2105. Meals are available during regular business hours; suggested donation for a meal is $2.50.

• In-home meals are available to home bound or those unable to cook.

Call 509-442-3222 if interested.

• Medical transports: Transportation for medical appointments is provided for those over 60 years of age and others on Medicaid. The Medicaid transportation number is 800-8924817; others may call Rural Resources Transportation Office at 800-7769026.

• For other services see Northeast Washington Rural Resources listing under Pend Oreille County.

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.

The fleet consists of two 22-passenger buses and one seven-passenger van. All KALTRAN vehicles are ADA compliant.

KALTRAN provides fixed route service from the Tribal Wellness Center to North Spokane every day. 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 thru Thursday.

The Kalispel Tribal Transit System charges $1 per trip.

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.

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; in-home 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.

Continued on page 7

Pend Oreille County

Public Utility District “Quality Service at Low Cost”

www.popud.com 6

GOLDEN YEARS 2012

509-447-3137

509-242-3137

Cottages Now Available

Assistance for Seniors Continued from page 6

• 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

Seniors

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 Community Hospice Headquartered at Bonner General Hospital 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 short-

Fall

is the Time

Dine In Take Out Now Serving Sugar Free Ice Cream

Visit our Old Fashioned Soda Fountain for a Refreshing Treat.

OWEN’S GROCERY & DELI

337 S. Washington, Newport • (509) 447-3525

for your yearly flu & pneumonia vaccinations.

This year’s flu vaccination covers two forms of flu as well as H1N1 and is recommended for any yone ages 6 anyone months and older.

509-447-3131 1-800-873-6162 Appointments Required

ened 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 partially or fully covered by many insurance plans and fully covered by Medicare and Medicaid. Ability to pay does not determine 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 208-437-0801.

Continued on page 8

We have everything you need Health & Beauty Sporting Goods Household Items Clothing & Shoes Toys & Games Jewelry Greeting Cards Crafts and More

Ben Franklin “OUR VARIETY SHOWS”

Near Hwy 41 & Hwy 2 • Oldtown, Idaho • 208-437-4822 Store Hours: Monday - Saturday 8am-7pm facebook.com/bfoldtown Sunday 10 am - 6 pm 2012 GOLDEN YEARS

7

Assistance for Seniors Continued from page 7

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.

Details on these services are listed below; more information is available by calling the center at 208-4482352.

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

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

• Quilters gather to visit and construct works of textile art Thursday mornings.

• The Happy Agers meet for a potluck on the second and fourth Friday of the month.

• During the 4-H season, the leather crafters meet here on Thursday

nights.

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

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

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

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 5809 Highway 2, Suite 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 members are the third Tuesday of each month at a local restaurant, as announced. The website is www. priestriverchamber.com.

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; provides free Medicare/SHIBA insurance counseling; has a “country breakfast” program seasonally on select Mondays from 7-11 a.m.; art classes for adults at low cost and children free; 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 6 p.m.; Thursday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Fit and Fall Proof Classes Fit and Fall Proof is a free fitness program designed to strengthen older adults so they fall less. Classes are targeted for people in the 65-plus age range but are open to others if space is available. The classes are free and administered by the Idaho Panhandle Health District. For class information in your area, call the Idaho Careline at 2-1-1 or Lisa Gardom, coordinator, at 208-415-5242.

POCLD

PEND OREILLE COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT

Check out YOUR Library online at: www.pocld.org

HEALTH INFO RESOURCES POCLD offers a wealth of health information for all users: books and videos on health topics, plus online resources, with a special section for seniors and the Consumer Health Source online database. Questions? Try “Ask Us 24/7” on the POCLD website homepage!

Your Library Branches in Pend Oreille County Newport Public Library Callispel Valley Library Ione Public Library Metalines Community Library

www.thebridgeatsandpoint.com 8 GOLDEN YEARS 2012

509-447-2111 509-445-1215 509-442-3030 509-446-3232

Developing character A retired Elk resident returns to act to take the lead role in his favorite play

BY JANELLE ATYEO

T

his fall, the Pend Oreille Playhouse in Newport will stage a production of Arthur Miller’s classic drama, “Death of a Salesman.”

Stepping into the leading role of the forlorn Willy Loman, Elk resident Paul Wham is returning to acting after 35 years out of the limelight.

“I find it a creative outlet,” he says.

“It’s great to get inside a character, to do your best to become him.”

Wham, 72, has led a life much different than that of the tragic salesman, but he’s found ways to connect with the character.

working on the management team for Xerox. He went on to start three of his own business in high tech services.

Nine years ago he sold them all and retired to Elk. He spent some years as an adjunct professor, teaching business classes at area universities, including Gonzaga. Now he and his wife Gail dedicate their time to volunteer efforts. She is a Court Appointed Special Advocate that sees kids through the court system Continued from page 12

A successful career Wham was a successful entrepreneur.

He grew up in Spokane, graduated from Eastern Washington University, and then moved to the coast. He got his start

W H AT ’S N E X T: “DEATH OF A Salesman” runs Sept. 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29 and 30 at the Pend Oreille Playhouse in Newport.

COURTESY PHOTO|CHRIS DEMLOW

Paul Wham will play the lead roll in “Death of Salesman” this September at the Pend Oreille Playhouse.

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

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

• Home Repair • Energy Assistance • Housing • Legal Issues

(509) 550-7049

GOLDEN YEARS PHOTO|JANELLE ATYEO

Paul Wham, left, rehearses with Chris Demlow for the fall production of “Death of a Salesman.”

Wham plays Willy Loman, the leading role, and Demlow plays the apparition of his uncle, Ben.

always

They’ve cared for you. let us care for

Now,

them.

Trust our compassionate and professional staff to give your mom

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Continued from page 9

in abuse, neglect and other unfortunate cases, and she spends time helping at the food bank in Elk and leading a Bible study group.

Paul volunteers with First Call for Help crisis clinic in Spokane and recently signed up to be a Big Brother mentor.

“I feel that it’s important to give back to the community,” he says.

In his spare time, Wham likes to play duplicate bridge, Texas Hold ‘Em and pool. He did a lot of acting back in high school at Lewis and Clark, but it wasn’t part of his adult life.

“Finally, my wife said, ‘Get out of the house,’” he says.

In 2007, he made his return to the stage, taking the leading male part in the Pend Oreille Players’ summer comedy, “A Bad Year for Tomatoes.”

He played Tom, the agent of the television star who moves to a quiet New England town as she prepares to write her autobiography. She doesn’t get the peace she was looking for because of her nosy neighbors.

A difficult piece Playing Willy Loman was something on Wham’s bucket list.

He’s climbed Mount Rainer and

smoked a cigar on the summit. He’s completed the New York City Marathon and smoked a cigar after crossing the finish line. He’s gone sky diving, and they wouldn’t let him smoke a cigar afterward, but he was sure to have one handy to hold between his lips when he landed.

“Death of a Salesman” will run the last two weeks of September. After that, Wham can check another one off his bucket list.

“Death of a Salesman” came out relatively early in Arthur Miller’s career, but it was a great success. Starting in 1949, it was performed more than 700 times FILE PHOTO|BILL BETZ and won some major awards: a Tony Wham first returned to acting with a 2007 performance with the Pend Oreille Players. The cast for Best Author and a Pulitzer Prize for of “Bad Year For Tomatoes” included Mel McNair, front left, and Josh Hyatt, Diane Karg, back Drama among them. left, Janelle Frisque, Mitch Bonds and Paul Wham.

It’s Wham’s favorite play. He’s had the opportunity to see “Death of a SalesIncluding Hoffman’s rendition, the of a play on Broadway. man” performed four times. He’s seen a play has been revived on Broadway four “Death of a Salesman” is the tragic reprise of the 1949 original that starred times. The 1975 production starred tale of a has-been salesman who always Lee J. Cobb. One was “It’s great to get inside a character, George C. hoped but never really had it all. His the 1984 run starring Scott as Mr. visions of grandeur are a delusion that to do your best to become him.”

Dustin Hoffman as Loman, Brian keep him blind to the family and friends Willy. Hoffman went Dennehy who really love him.

Paul Wham on to make a movie played the role Diane Karg who plays Willy’s wife, adaptation with a cast Actor in 1999, and Linda, said during the first week of that included Kate this spring, rehearsal at the playhouse in Newport Reid, John Malkovich, Stephen Lang the play starring Philip Seymour HoffContinued on page 13 and Charles Durning. man won another Tony for best revival

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Continued from page 12

that she couldn’t read the script in one sitting.

“It’s hard subject matter to deal with,” director Millie Brumbaugh says.

It’s not often that the community playhouse takes on a script with such adult themes and strong language. Pend Oreille Players are known for their more light-hearted, silly productions.

“Comedies are what we do best,” Brumbaugh says. “It makes us all a bit nervous to try something we’re not sure the community is going to receive well.”

But this classic speaks strongly today as so many people struggle to live out the American dream in time when a failing economy makes it so difficult to get ahead. Brumbaugh says the more she reads it, the more she likes it because of the “He’s like almost many layers it has. all parents who “It is such always want the a good study best for their in humanity,” she says. “It’s kids.” worth it to give it a shot.”

Paul Wham Describing his character Willy Loman

Drawing from life’s challenges

To become Willy Loman is to go to a pretty unpleasant place.

“Here’s a man that had high hopes,

high dreams. They all came apart.

He’s bitter,” Wham says, describing his character. “He’s angry because he’s so hurt.”

“It is such a good Willy puts all his hope into his two sons, study in humanity. but one’s a bum who It’s worth it to give it can’t hold a job and a shot.” the other is a shallow playboy.

Millie Brumbaugh “He’s like almost all Director parents who always want the best for their kids,” Wham says.

“You get disappointed when the dreams you have for them don’t work out.”

Unlike Willy, Wham has had a successful career and lives a fulfilling life, but he says his life has not been without challenges.

His oldest son was 10 when Wham and his first wife divorced. “He blamed me,” he says.

It took years of working on that relationship and rebuilding it, and now the bond with his son is a good one. Wham travels often to see his four children – three in Seattle and one in Chicago – and two grandkids.

Brumbaugh is happy to be working with Wham for a second time, after being the assistant director for “Tomatoes.”

“He has an admirable amount of proGOLDEN YEARS PHOTO|JANELLE ATYEO fessionalism, and yet he knows it’s fun,” The poster for “A Bad Year for Tomatoes,” in which Wham had the part of the lead male, hangs she says. “If it’s not fun, why do it?”

Continued on page 14

amongst the cluster of past show flyers at the Pend Oreille Playhouse in Newport. The play was actually staged at Create before the Players had their own stage.

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Paul Wham rehearses lines from “Death of a Salesman.” This fall, Wham will play Willy Loman, the failing salesman whose dreams have crumbled, at the Pend Oreille Playhouse in Newport.

Continued from page 12

Wham is sponsoring the production of “Death of a Salesman” at the Pend Oreille Playhouse. Brumbaugh says the Players never would have attempted such a difficult piece if Wham hadn’t insisted. She hopes people take the opportunity to see this well-known work of literature that wouldn’t normally come to a small, rather conservative community.

“A little culture never hurt no body,”

she says with a laugh. “At least I don’t think it has.”

“Death of a Salesman” runs for two weeks in late September. The dates are Sept. 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29 and 30 with Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows starting at 7 p.m., and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door, available at the Pend Oreille Playhouse box office, 240 N. Union Ave. in Newport, online at www.pendoreilleplayers.org, or call 509-671-3389.

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BY DON GRONNING

W

hen Ernie and Riet Westphal were children they grew up during World War II in German occupied Holland. It was a difficult time during the war, says Riet.

“We didn’t have enough to eat,” she said. “We ate tulip bulbs.”

Things were a little better after the war ended, but the future in Holland was pretty limited in the years following the war.

“There was hardly a beginning in Holland for young people,” Ernie said.

Couples had to get on a list for housing, which was scarce, so Ernie decided to take his wife “I told her I don’t know to the United how to spin. She said States. just pretend.”

The WestRiet Westphal phals were sponsored by another Dutch family and arrived in the Los Angeles area in 1958.

Communication and travel weren’t as easy in those days. When they first arrived in their new country, she was homesick, said Riet.

“You couldn’t just call up home,” she said. “It cost a small fortune.”

The Westphals didn’t speak much English when they first arrived in this country. Ernie got a job that didn’t require that he speak English, but Riet was left at home. She got help from an unlikely source.

“The Avon Lady helped me,” she remembers. “We didn’t even know what Continued on page 16

GOLDEN YEARS PHOTO|DON GRONNING

Riet spins at last year’s Pend Oreille County Fair.

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Continued from page 15

Avon was. She came to the door and sold Ernie some.”

The Avon Lady would return, selling her products and helping Riet with her English.

In all, the Westphals lived in California about 20 years, through some historic times.

“We were a couple blocks away from the Watts riots,” Riet said. “We were afraid to go out of the house.”

But after living through the war and post-war Holland, the Westphals knew they had to cope.

“You can’t just go through life scared,” Riet says. So they went on with their lives.

The Westphals first came to Pend Oreille County after a friend who was looking into a teaching job in Cusick recommended it to them.

“A friend of ours applied for a job at Cusick Schools,” Riet said. She told them how beautiful the area is and invited them to come visit for a weekend. “We weren’t planning on doing more “We weren’t planning on doing than visiting.”

Their friend showed them a more than visiting.” place off West Calispell Road in the central part of the county.

Riet Westphal They fell in love with the place and bought the home where they still live.

When they moved here in 1978, the moving van unloaded all their belongings on the lawn and drove off.

“It took me days to put it away,” Ernie said.

They settled into their home and started their family. They had five children, all born in Pend Oreille County. Riet got involved in spinning when her son was given a sheep by a local farmer.

“I never saw anyone spinning in Holland,” she says. She Continued on page 17

GOLDEN YEARS PHOTO|DON GRONNING

Ernie feeds the llamas a bread treat.

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became fascinated with the process of turning wool into yarn.

“I love it,” she says. “It’s my favorite thing to do.”

From carding the wool to spinning the fibers into yarn to making sweaters and other things from the yarn, Riet has been involved in the entire process.

“I guess I have a wool addiction,” she jokes. “The fun part for me is to it make it from the “There was hardly a ground beginning in Holland for up. young people.”

That’s what makes Ernie Westphal it original.”

Actually, it isn’t only a wool addiction.

She can make yarn out of all sorts of things besides wool. Bamboo, cashmere from rabbits, fiber from llamas are just some of the things that can be spun into yarn.

Her “addiction” is a year-round one but it kicks into overdrive when the Pend Oreille County Fair takes place. For 31 years she has been involved with the fair, giving spinning demonstrations. She remembers the first year her friend Linda Karr talked her into doing the demonstration.

GOLDEN YEARS PHOTO|DON GRONNING

Riet’s hands turn dyed wool into yarn. She tells her students the yarn never breaks, it only comes apart.

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“I told her I don’t know how to spin,” Riet says. “She said just pretend.”

So that’s what she did. Eventually she did become an expert spinner. She went on to become an important part of the fair, says Karr.

“She’s great with kids,” Karr said. While she had to pretend for those early years, she has been knitting since she was a young girl.

Karr is involved with Create Arts Center in Newport. One year Create got an artist in school grant and Riet taught knitting at Newport High School.

“She would get these big burly guys in and teach them to “I guess I have a knit,” Karr said.

“It was funny – wool addiction.” they would get in trouble in other Riet Westphal classes because they would be knitting under the desk when they were supposed to be doing something else.”

Westphal was involved with the formation of Pend Oreille Fiber Arts. When she turned 80 last winter, the group gave her a surprise birthday party.

“They really surprised me,” Westphal says, “and that’s hard to do.”

“I threatened everybody into keeping it quiet,” said Karr. Still, when it came time for the party, there was some last-minute nervousness.

“She almost didn’t come,” remembers Continued on page 19

GOLDEN YEARS PHOTO|DON GRONNING

Ernie Westphal pets Milo, one of the animals that inhabit the Westphal’s mid-county farm, along with dogs, chickens, rabbits and llamas.

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Continued from page 18

Karr. “We were on pins and needles.”

But her daughter talked her into coming into town for the party.

At age 80, the Westphals don’t really show many signs of slowing down, although Ernie did stop refereeing soccer matches a few years ago. Their animals keep them busy. They have chickens, dogs, cats, rabbits and llamas at their 20acre place.

Riet, who doesn’t wear glasses even to read, does all the cooking on a wood stove.

“I cook outside in the summer because it gets too hot,” she says.

Riet is proud of the fact that all her children and grandchildren have jobs.

“I don’t have one kid without a job,” she says. “I don’t have one grandkid without a job.”

The Westphals have 21 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Religion is important to the Westphals.

They belong to the Pend Oreille Bible Church.

“People tell me they’re depressed. I tell them to go to church,” she said. “It’s very important.”

So did it bother the Westphals to move from sunny California to Pend Oreille County, with its harsh winters?

“No, we’re Dutch,” laughs Ernie. After the Watts riots, World War II and moving to another country where they didn’t speak the language, moving to beautiful Pend Oreille County, even with its harsh winters, wasn’t hard.

GOLDEN YEARS PHOTO|DON GRONNING

Riet likes llamas better than alpaca because “they have cuter faces.”

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