2016goldenyears

GYears olden

August 2016

Sam Brooks

Finds his inner artist Services 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 21th annual edition of Golden Years, a magazine focused on the lives of area senior citizens and those who serve them.

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

Inside you’ll find a story on the possible relation between hearing loss and dimentia.

Also, we visit with Sam Brooks, a retired engineer, city councilman and artist, who found watercolors relatively late in life.

About the Cover Newport Councilman Sam Brooks found he is quite good at watercolors.

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Miner photo|Sophia Aldous

Sam Brooks holds two watercolor paintings he made of the same scene using different colors.

‘You make perceived weaknesses your strengths’ Engineer, artist, statesman Sam Brooks

S

By Sophia Aldous

about the “good old days,” nor does he

rent Newport City Council member is a

am Brookes fits none of the stereo- give a litany of his personal aches and

man secure in both his accomplishments

types that go along with the over

pains to anyone who will listen. At 73,

and failures, someone whose quiet pres-

65 crowd. He doesn’t wax poetic

the former aerospace engineer and cur-

Continued on page 4 2016 Golden Years 3

Miner photo|Sophia Aldous

An original watercolor by Sam Brooks.

4 2016 Golden Years

Continued from page 3

ence compliments his ability to listen and make others feel at ease. Besides being involved in city government, he is also a member of the Newport/ Priest River Rotary Club and an avid watercolorist, having created some 700 paintings.

“The one thing that scared me about retiring was what if I get bored?”

Brooks recalls, chuckling. “I had the best job a person could imagine, and the idea of sitting around the house all day terrified me. I have to have something to stimulate my mind.”

Brooks has worked at the Bechtel Corporation in nuclear power and Newport News Industrial, but the majority of his professional life was spent at McDonnell Douglas, a major

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American aerospace manufacturing corporation and defense contractor.

He continued to work for the company after it assimilated into Boeing in Dec. 1996.

“There were times I would be on a conference call with people from Turkey, Germany, the United States---all of us working on a problem together,” Brooks says. “It was never dull. I was basically paid to problem solve in whatever creative fashion I could devise. There was no micromanaging.

I was really allowed to use my mind.”

Born in Richmond, Va. June 24, 1943, Brook’s refers to himself as, “A war baby.” He was just an infant when his father, Sam Sr., was sent to the European theater in the United States Army, fighting in the Battle of the Bulge.

“I got to see Americans come back form the war and build a nation,” Brooks says of his childhood. He can’t remember his father talking to anyone else about his experiences in combat except him.

“My father didn’t brag about being a veteran, and unless you knew him,

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it wasn’t something he ever talked about,” Brooks says. “Maybe he talked to my mother; I don’t know. As I got older though he would tell me about some of the things he saw and did.”

‘I did sewing, wood carving, oil painting, origami - then I took a watercolor class from Shirley Bird Wright, and she was such an excellent teacher.

I thought to myself, “Here it is.”’

Sam Brooks Artist

Brooks pauses for a moment as if to recollect those private conversations with his father, who told his son as a teenager that if he was coming home late, to kick the front door open loudly so his father would know it was him and not react defensively.

“Sometimes he would wake up and think he was still in France,” Brooks says. “I think he told me about his

experiences to try and show me what war is really about. We tend to think it’s one thing when it’s really quite another.”

His father and he were very close, Brooks says, often spending time with one another talking and flying model airplanes. Sam Sr. owned Richmond Sign Company, while Brook’s mother, Gertie, was a stay-at-home mom (“In another time, she would have been a mathematician,” says Brooks).

The young Brooks excelled in school subjects like math and since, but struggled in English due to his severe dyslexia.

However, Brooks never saw the learning disorder as a barrier to his education, and neither did his parents.

He says that I actually turned out to be an asset.

“I did have to retake an English course in college, but having dyslexia helped me to see things outside the box, which is ideal for the line of work I went into,” says Brooks. “I never felt like it held me back, or that I was stuContinued on page 22

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Brenda Drake of Western Hearing Aid Center, Inc., conducts a hearing test with DeEtta Anglin. Studies have shown a relationship between loss of hearing and some forms of dementia.

Some things to do to prevent Alzheimer’s

A

By Don Gronning

s the population ages,

tribute to it, but a relatively new find-

the risk that you or a

ing is that hearing loss contributes to

family member will be

dementia.

impacted by some form

of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, increases.

6 2016 Golden Years

There are a variety of factors that con-

Dementia is a general term for a syndrome that involves impairment in multiple aspects of mental ability, and is sufficiently severe that an individual cannot function independently.

A 2010 Johns Hopkins study looked at 639 people whose cognitive and hearing abilities had

been tested in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study and between 1992 and 1994. About a quarter of the volunteers had some hearing loss but none had dementia.

The volunteers were closely followed with repeat examinations every one or two years. By 1968, 58 of the volunteers had developed dementia. The researchers found that study participants with hearing loss at the beginning of the study were significantly more likely to develop dementia by the end. Compared with volunteers with normal hearing, those with mild, moderate and severe hearing loss had twofold, threefold and fivefold,

respectively, the risk of developing dementia.

The upside of the research is that there is another thing people can do to help ward off dementia. Hearing aids can help some, says David Larson, a researcher who teaches dementia prevention.

“Two studies confirm that hearing aids do much to neutralize the effect of hearing loss on dementia,” he said. Hearing aids won’t eliminate the risk, but for many they help, he

It is thought that as the brain uses up resources to process hard to hear sounds, it takes away from other mental resources. says. “We’ve identified 56 factors that contribute to cognitive decline.

Hearing is a big one.”

One of the reasons hearing loss is considered a problem that could lead to dementia is that sometimes people who don’t hear well will isolate themselves, which leads to less social interaction and mental stimulation.

Another reason believed to lead people with poor hearing to be more likely to develop dementia has to do with the struggle to hear. It is thought that as the brain uses up resources to process hard to hear sounds, it takes away from other mental resources, Larson says.

But there are lifestyle changes people can make that will delay the onset of dementia.

Larson says lack of blood circulation is a contributing factor. Regular exercise can help with blood flow.

He says the brain needs good nutrition to function well. As people age, their bodies don’t process food as efficiently, so they may not be getting the full benefit of their diet.

Larson recommends some anti-oxidant supplements, as well as vitamin B and B12.

Larson says not all supplements are equal. Some pass right through the body without being absorbed because of a hard coating.

Wendy Moore works at Western Hearing Aid Center, Inc. She is one of

Larson’s students. She is working to become a Certified Dementia Education Specialist through The American Brain Counsel.

Moore, who is also working to become a life coach, says she will teach Dementia Prevention classes at Western Hearing Aid Center, Inc., located at 1912 N. Division Street in Spokane. The first information class is free. The program will start after Labor Day. Western Hearing Aid Center can be reached at 509-3286731.

Classes are for seniors and others interested in preventing or slowing dementia.

“Lifestyle is responsible for 77 percent of changes in the brain, so it needs to be lifestyle changes that happen, such as diet, activity, hearing aids if needed, social interaction, proper sleep, stress relief and purpose,” she said.

“Those are the things we will be working on with patients who decide to start this program.”

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2016 Golden Years 7

Agencies for Seniors Pend Oreille County 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

8 2016 Golden Years

comprehensive and coordinated service

684-8421.

system for older persons and others in

Services fall under the areas of:

need of long term care. Emphasis is given

• Care coordination and care transi-

to those with the greatest social, eco-

tions services

nomic, and health needs and culturally

• Information and Assistance

diverse individuals. To access services in

• Family Caregiver Support Program,

Spokane County call Elder Services at

which includes the “relatives (grandpar-

509-458-7450 for information. For Ste-

ents) raising relatives” program.

vens and Pend Oreille counties call Rural Resources Community Action at 509-

• In-home caregiver registry, an electronic registry of potential caregivers

available in rural areas.

• Advocacy

altcew.org, and by email at action@alt-

also works with the financial branch of

cew.org.

DSHS to determine eligibility and qualifications for state financial programs

• Health care information for individu-

DSHS Home and Community Services

for seniors and other people who may

This agency provides funding and/or

division of the Washington Department

ing at 1600 W. First St., in Newport. It

support for some of the programs listed

of Social and Health Services that pro-

has one full-time social worker.

under other agencies.

vides services to Pend Oreille County

als eligible for Medicare and Medicaid • Legal services/consumer protection • Adult in-home care services

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

Home and Community Services is the

qualify.

The office is located in the DSHS build-

For more information, contact the

seniors and people with physical disabili- Newport office at 509-447-6200. ties.

Some of the programs include:

The main focus is to provide assistance

• Eligibility, which looks at all possible

2509; fax number is 509-458-2003 and

to help keep senior citizens in their own

programs to arrive at the right program

they can also be reached online at www.

homes as long as possible. This division

Their telephone number is 509-458-

Continued on page 10

2016 Golden Years 9

for new services call 1-866-323-9409.

Continued From page 9

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

• Out-of-Home Placements provides

the technologies and professional staffing to deliver the highest possible level of per-

placements to and discharges from adult

sonalized medical attention for patients

family homes, boarding homes, assisted

in the comfort of their homes, and under

living and nursing homes.

their physician’s direct supervision.

The development of new medical treat-

LHC Group Home Health Care

ments and technologies has made home healthcare an important and cost-effective

LHC Group helps patients of all ages

option for many people recovering from

make the transition to post-acute care at

illness or injuries. LHC Group specializes

home in communities across the country.

in providing high quality, professional

Working with hospitals, health systems,

care for a wide range of medical condi-

home health agencies and trained profes-

tions. This includes: After care following

sionals in local communities, they provide surgery, angina, arthritis, back sprain/

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.

Spokane Orthopedics has been serving Spokane and surrounding areas since 1935.

Now scheduling surgery at Newport Hospital • Joint Arthroscopy

• Joint Resurfacing

• Total Joint Replacement

• Diagnostic X-ray

• Sports Medicine Craig M. Bone, MD Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

10 2016 Golden Years

Christopher J. Lang, MD Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

• Cartilage Transplantation

• Foot and Ankle Surgery • Diabetic Foot Care • Hand Surgery

Kevin W. Dow, DPM Board-Eligible Podiatric Surgeon

Randall Espinosa, MD Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

strain, cancer, COPD, coronary artery

Coeur D’Alene, ID 83815; call 208-667-

health care. Discounted prescriptions are

disease, dehydration, diabetes mellitus,

7494, fax 208-765-2236 or visit lhcgroup.

offered for non-Medicaid patients (340B

digoxin toxicity, electrolyte imbalance,

com.

program). Most insurance is accepted in-

heart failure, hypertension, pituitary dysfunctions, pneumonia, pyelonephritis and stroke.

N.E. Washington Health Programs

N.E. Washington Health Programs

cluding Medicare and Medicaid (DSHS).

Payment options are available.

Three dental clinic sites provide prima-

provides primary health care services to

ry dental care to all ages at locations in

632-2894; fax 509-935-8920 or visit lhc-

all ages at its seven Community Health

Colville, Springdale and Nine Mile Falls.

group.com online or 612 E. Main Ave.,

Center sites located in Ione, Chewelah,

Most insurance is accepted including

Chewelah WA 99109; mailing address

Northport, Orient, Springdale, Loon

Medicaid/Apple Health (DSHS). Pay-

is PO Box 406, Chewelah WA 99109; or

Lake, and Nine Mile Falls. Services

ment options are available.

the Spokane office at 111 W. North River

include treatment for acute and chronic

Drive, Suite 204; call 509-747-2462, fax

illness; health and wellness education;

509-747-2173. In Idaho, contact the office

diabetic care and education; and chil-

in Coeur d’Alene at 850 W. Kathleen Ave.,

dren’s, men’s, women’s and geriatric

Contact the office in Chewelah at 877-

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) 447-9997

Assisted living services are provided at Quail Hollow in Chewelah.

The mission of N.E. Washington Health Continued on page 12

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302 E Wedgewood Spokane WA 99208

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

Affiliated with Royal Park Health and Rehabilitation 509-489-2273 2016 Golden Years 11

Continued From page 11

Programs allows for additional expanded sites in 2015 that will

Community Shuttle SPOKANE / NEWPORT

SPECIAL MOBILITY SERVICES Monday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday A.M. ARRIVE 6:30 AM 8:15 AM 10:15 AM

DEPART Spokane: Bank of America Howard & Riverside 6:35 AM Newport: Safeway 8:30 AM Spokane Bank of America Howard & Riverside

ARRIVE

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2:00 PM

Spokane: Bank of America Howard & Riverside 2:05 PM

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4:15 PM

Newport: Safeway

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Spokane: Bank of America

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

1-877-264-RIDE (7433) 509-534-7171 • www.sms1.org Service is open to the general public. Service is available to all regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin or disability.

This service meets the requirements of the American’s With Disabilities Act. This service is funded through grants from Washington DOT. 12 2016 Golden Years

ensure access to care for patients in the Tri-County area.

For more information, visit www.newhp.org or call 800-8296583.

Rural Resources Community Action Newport Office: 333211 Suite 200, Highway 2, (Next to Subway) 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 509-447-9997; 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 caregiv-

• 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, and assist with monthly food commodity, delivery and distribution. Call 509447-9997 for additional information.

ers 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

Continued on page 14

D LAW OFFICE OF S DENISE STEWART • Long Term Care • Asset Preservation • Medicaid

• Wills/Trusts • Powers of Attorney • Probate

418 W. 3RD STREET, NEWPORT • (509) 447-3242

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.

FIND YOUR PERFECT COLOR. SELKIRK K “YOUR HOMETOWN DIFFERENCE” East end of the Oldtown bridge, Oldtown, Idaho 208.437.5669 • Open 7 days a week from 7am to 6pm TOP RATED BY A LEADING CONSUMER MAGAZINE

• 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 800-7769026 or Volunteer Chore service at 800-428-6825.

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phone 509-446-3232; fax 509-446-2302.

pocld.org.

Continued From page 13

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 by calling any library branch or by emailing info@

• 3-D Mammography • 24-Hour Emergency Department • Adult Exercise Program • Anticoagulation Clinic • Bonner General Orthopedics • Cardiac Rehabilitation • Diagnostic Imaging

District Administration Office: 116 S.

Web page: www.pocld.org Library locations are:

Washington Ave., Newport, WA 99156;

• Newport Public Library, 116 S. Wash-

telephone 509-447-2158, 509-447-3572; fax 509-447-2806.

ington, Newport, WA 99156; telephone 509-447-2111; fax 509-447-2806.

• Calispel Valley Library, 107 First Ave., Cusick, WA 99119; telephone 509-4451215; fax 509-445-1215.

Hospitality House The Hospitality House Senior Center, located at 216 S. Washington Ave. in

• Ione Public Library, 210 Blackwell St.

Newport, provides activities and educa-

Suite 1, Ione, WA 99139; telephone 509-

tion for the “over 50” group of people in

442-3030; fax 509-442-3248.

the community, as well as opening up

• Metalines Community Library, 302

their building for use by other organiza-

Park St., Metaline Falls, WA 99153; tele-

tions which benefit the community. It is

• Dietary Counseling • Family-Centered Maternity Unit • Home Health Services • Hospice • Immediate Care Clinic • Infusions & Procedures Clinic • Intensive Critical Care Unit • Kootenai Clinic Cancer Services

208-263-1441

• Laboratory Services • Occupational Health • Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy • Psychiatric Services • Sandpoint Women’s Health • Women’s Imaging Center • Wound Care Center

520 N. Third Ave. • Sandpoint, ID • BonnerGeneral.org 14 2016 Golden Years

open to people of all ages who would like to participate in the

the business and economic climate, as members believe that a

activities provided. The mailing address is PO Box 802, New-

prosperous business community and robust economy will lead

port WA 99156.

to an enhanced quality of life for the communities the cham-

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:

ber serves.

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

• Card games: Duplicate Bridge is held Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. for $2 and Pinochle is held Thursdays at 6 p.m. for $5.

Games are open to all.

• Potlucks: A potluck is held on the second and fourth Mon-

KALTRAN Transportation KALTRAN is a free, public transportation services operated by the Kalispel Tribal Planning Department under the Kalispel

days at noon. Participants are asked to bring a covered dish.

Tribal Business Council. All members of the general public are

Potlucks are open to all.

welcome to ride aboard the Kalispel Transit System. All KAL-

• Exercise: Gentle exercise is held Mondays and Thursdays at 8 a.m. Exercise sessions are one hour.

TRAN vehicles are ADA compliant.

KALTRAN provides fixed route service from the Tribal

• Tax assistance programs are provided by AARP in the

Continued on page 16

spring of each year.

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

• Alcoholics Anonymous is held Wednesdays at 5:45 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sundays at 7 p.m.

• Free breakfast is the first and third Saturday of the month, The center can be rented for various activities. Call 509-4473812 for more information.

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

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Continued From page 15

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

KALTRAN office prior to the

programs to improve their

off the normal fixed route, or

requested pick-up time, so

living conditions, health con-

within the boundaries of the

vehicles can be appropriately

cerns and RX solutions. Care

Kalispel Indian Reservation.

dispatched.

is also extended for usage of

All deviated route services must be scheduled with the

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Value • Quality • Service • Helpful Advice

Pinewood Terrace Nursing & Rehab Center “A Prestige Care Community” Specializing in Alzheimer care

Caring people make a difference 509-684-2573 1000 E Elep • Colville

Administrator: Nathan Redberg 16 2016 Golden Years

KALTRAN is operational Monday through Saturday.

Contact administration at

the Family Caregiver Support Program to assist unpaid caregivers.

509-447-7120; KALTRAN at

• In-home meals are avail-

509-447-7195 and transit at

able to home bound or those

509-447-7247.

unable to cook. Call 1-800

Ione/ Metalines

Rural Resources Community Action The Rural Resources Com-

munity 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 509442-3223.

• Program access: Case Manager Dortha Coleman, 509-442-3223, and Case Manager Nikki Parker, 509442-3222, assist seniors and disabled persons in accessing

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 at800-7769026.

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

Bonner County

Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho The Area Agency on Aging

need, such as in-home health

mediate and resolve com-

zest in your life, call to see

care, housing, transportation,

plaints registered on behalf of

what volunteer opportunities

legal assistance, caregiver as-

individuals having issues with

are available in your commu-

sistance, and information on

nursing homes, residential

nity.

many other available resource

care homes and assisted living

and serviced in the five north- homes. ern counties. The I&A staff

• Retired and Senior Volun-

• Senior Medicare Patrol: Volunteer based program providing education and aware-

of North Idaho administers

also offer counseling on long

teer Program (RSVP): Pro-

ness to seniors on Medicare

comprehensive community-

term care options and plan-

vides a variety of opportuni-

fraud. Topics include how to

based programs to maximize

ning.

ties for retired persons, age

protect yourself from becom-

• Contracted Services:

55 and older, to participate in

ing a victim of Medicare

life for people aged 60 and

Through a combination of

the life of their community’s

fraud, how to recognize pos-

older. The Coeur d’Alene

federal and state funding,

volunteer service. If you are

sible fraud activity, and what

based Area Agency on Aging

contracts for various services

looking for something to put

office serves the five northern

are designed to promote in-

counties of Idaho, including

dependence and help seniors

Bonner. Agency programs

remain living in their homes.

include:

These services include senior

independence and quality of

• Adult Protection: Investi-

center meals, home delivered

gate reports of abuse, neglect,

meals, light housekeeping,

self-neglect and exploita-

transportation, legal assis-

tion of vulnerable adults (18

tance, and respite services for

and older) who are unable to

family caregivers providing

protect or take care of them-

24/7 care.

selves.

Continued on page 18

• Ombudsman: Advocates

• Information and Assis-

and problem solves for in-

tance: Provides referrals to

dividuals aged 60 and older

services in the community

living in an institutional set-

to meet a broad spectrum of

ting. Ombudsmen investigate, 2016 Golden Years 17

Continued From page 17

to do if fraud is suspected.

Contact the Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho at 208667-3179 or 800-786-5536. Visit the website at www.aaani.org, Facebook page, or email infoassist@aaani.org. The office is located at 2120 Lakewood Dr., Ste 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 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.

18 2016 Golden Years

For more information, call the Hospice

118 Main St. in Priest River, 208-448-

Hours are Tuesday and Thursday 10

office at 208-265-1179 from 8 a.m. to 4:30

2207. The website is www.westbonner.lili.

a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2

p.m., Monday through Friday. Hospice’s

org.

p.m. and Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

mailing address is 520 N. Third St., Sand-

Library hours are Monday, 10 a.m. to 5

The library can be reached at 208-437-

p.m.; Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednes- 0801.

point ID 83864.

Carefully selected and trained volun-

day, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.

teers are vital members of Hospice. Those to 7 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and interested in volunteering should contact Bonner Community Hospice. Hospice

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Computer classes are scheduled as

has a variety of ways that those interested funding becomes available.

For information on library services, call

in volunteering can help.

208-448-2207.

West Bonner Library The Priest River Library is located at

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

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 Continued on page 20

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• Audio Loop Solutions: Installs commercial Induction (hearing) Loop Systems in ALL public type venues to accommodate the hard-of-hearing community.

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Continued From page 19

an active role in the concerns, issues and interests of the entire community; holds monthly social and informational meetings;

Priest Lake

Priest Lake Public Library

has a “country breakfast” program seasonally on select Mon-

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

days from 7-11 a.m.; art classes for adults at low cost and chil-

You can reach them by calling 208-443-2454; fax 208-443-

dren 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

3121 or by email at plplibrary@hotmail.com. The website is www.priestlake.lili.org.

Summer hours, Memorial Day through Labor Day, are Mon-

and are on the second Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. or

day, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11

6 p.m. on program nights. Programs are supported through

a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m.

minimal fees, donations, fundraisers and foundation grants.

to 3 p.m. Winter hours, Labor Day through Memorial Day,

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.

are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Priest River

Priest River Senior Center

100 E. Dalke Avenue Spokane WA 99208 (509) 484-3553

The Frank Chapin Senior Center at 339 E. Jackson (corner Fourth and Jackson), in Priest River 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 83856.

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

At Cherrywood Place Assisted Living, we believe in quality care and compassion while enhancing the lives of our residents.

Stop in today for a tour!

www.cherrywoodassistedliving.com

20 2016 Golden Years

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 Monday afternoons.

y Crisis Netwo l i m rk a F ELDER HOUSING SERVICES

If you are 60 years young or older and are struggling to stay in your own home, we may be able to help.

Please make an appointment to discuss your needs with an advocate

509-447-2274

• Many citizens rent the hall for receptions and club meet-

The Cottage

ings.

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 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.

Fit and Fall Proof Classes Fit and Fall Proof is a free fitness program designed for older

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risk of falls. Classes are targeted for those 65 and older but

• 300 lb. Lift Capacity

others are welcome to attend. The classes are free and administered by the Panhandle Health District of north Idaho. Classes in this area are available in Priest River. Call coordinator Alicia Keller for more information at 208-415-5242, or email akeller@ phd1.idaho.gov.

• $29 Delivery & Setup to Newport Good until Sept. 15th, 2016

Only At SANDPOINT FURNITURE 208-263-5138 • www.sandpointfurniture.com 2016 Golden Years 21

Continued From page 5

pid because of it. I think it helped have a perspective on troubleshooting and solving problems that others didn’t.

You make perceived weaknesses your strengths.”

His father trained him as a draftsman in his sign shop, and when Brooks turned 16 his parents told him he had to find a summer job.

With his work permit and his hand drawn blueprints underarm, Brooks would apply at area architect firms.

There was only one year where he wasn’t successful, and the alternative employment is what convinced him to go to college.

“One summer none of the architect businesses were hiring, and I had to get a job packing popsicles at a Popsicle factory,” Brooks remembers, a smile teasing the corners of his mouth. “That was like an episode of I Love Lucy. You had to be fast and thorough, and my first day on the job there were just stacks of popsicles backed up on the conveyor belt. Looking back it makes me laugh, but at the time I thought they’d find me buried in a pile of melting flavored ice.”

After graduating from high school, Brooks attended North Carolina State University where he graduated with a Masters degree in aeronautical engineering in 1967. An academic deferment had kept him out of the war in Vietnam.

“It was a tumultuous time in our country, to say the least,” Brooks was saying. “There was a lot of change going on, and some people were very frightened of that.”

He met his wife Karine in 1968 and the two were married in 1970.

The couple has two sons, Casey, who owns Top Frog Brewery, and Jamie, a police officer in Phoenix. Brooks and Karine moved to Newport 12-years ago to be closer to their grandchildren. Brooks had recently retired and was ready to find another passion. That is how he became a watercolor artist.

“For awhile, I was trying every class that Create had to offer,” says Brooks of the Newport based arts center. “I did sewing, wood carving, oil painting, origami---then I took a watercolor class from Shirley Bird Wright, and she was such an excellent teacher. I thought to myself, ‘Here it is.’”

It’s actually the lackadaisical approach to watercolors that Brooks enjoys, after having been in a career field for o long where there is little to no margin for error.

“I had to be very disciplined in my job, so one of the things I like about watercolors is that it’s casual, fast and easy,” says Brooks. “You can create something beautiful without obsessing over every little detail and studying it for hours on end. I didn’t want something that would take two weeks to paint, like oils.”

Brooks estimates that he paints an average of 100 watercolors per year.

He enjoys painting, “anything and everything.” From people and portraits to landscapes and abstracts.

“I just want to do my best at what I like to do, and this is it,” says Brooks of his life nonchalantly. “I know what works for me.”

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