Senior Times May 2019 by Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business/Senior Times

May 2019

Volume 7 • Issue 4

Volunteers needed for network that helps seniors age at home

Page 5

Highway gridlock gets $5M injection

State transportation eyes potential Highway 240 fixes after funds OK’d BY ROBIN WOJTANIK for Senior Times

Geriatric care management a growing field in nursing

Page 7

Tri-City strawberry crops lucrative a century ago Page 12

save the date

Classy Chassy Show & Shine Friday, May 10 4 to 6 p.m. and Saturday, May 11 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Downtown Kennewick

The state is ready to spend $5 million to reduce the snarl of traffic along Highway 240 in Richland, with up to half going toward improvements at the Duportail Street intersection once the new bridge is completed. Plenty of Hanford commuters, drivers, cyclists and pedestrians have weighed in on what they think the best solutions would be. They placed stickers on a map during a recent state Department of Transportation open house to indicate the solutions they preferred, or thought would have the greatest effect on the congestion along the busy stretch of highway. The Richland corridor covers the intersection of highways 240 and 225 to the north, near the Hanford nuclear reservation, and Interstate 182, near Queensgate Drive, to the south. WSDOT and local partners — known as the M3 team for its multiagency, multi-disciplinary and multi-modal approach — developed a list of potential solutions. The M3 team scored each potential solution on its effectiveness uHIGHWAY, Page 6

Photo by Kevin Anthony Debbie Crowley delivers a blow to the heavy bag as Gigi Valdez, left, holds it steady. Crowley is participating in Rock Steady Boxing, a national fitness program offered at Contenders Boxing Club in Kennewick for those fighting Parkinson’s disease.

A punch to Parkinson’s Rock Steady Boxing helps balance, coordination, motion

BY KEVIN ANTHONY for Senior Times

he answer to the obvious question is “no.” A boxing program for people with Parkinson’s disease does not include a lot of fist-to-face-type action. Most of the participants already are in a pretty big fight. Instead, programs like Rock Steady Boxing — a national program offered in the Tri-Cities by Tony and Gigi Valdez at Contenders Boxing Club in Kennewick — use elements of boxing

training to work on balance, range of motion, hand-eye coordination and the like. That’s not to say the punches don’t fly. They just tend to land on a heavy bag or a punching dummy aptly named Parkinson’s Pat. “I got to hit the (punching mitts), and I felt, ‘Oh my god, this feels so good!’ ” Bill Stevens recalled of his introduction to the program. “It felt like I was fighting my Parkinson’s. I was really, truly fighting my Parkinson’s.”

uPARKINSON’S, Page 9

Chiropractor moving to metal manipulation

Practitioner to retire, return to first career as a welder BY GARY CRAWFORD for Senior Times

When Bob Tollison, a Tri-City chiropractor, wants a workout, he doesn’t head to the gym. Instead, his preferred fitness routine is a visit to the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union 598 in Pasco, where he dons his gear and perfects his welding skills. The skills needed to make an accept-

able weld require flexibility, strength, concentration and hand-eye coordination and beat pumping iron, Tollison said. Welding is not just an after-work activity for the 65-year-old Tollison. When he retires from his practice after his next birthday later this year, welding will become his encore career. Or rather, a return to his first career. Tollison attended Columbia Basin College’s welding program in 1972 and his skills as a N stamp (that’s “n” for uCHIROPRACTOR, Page 2

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nuclear) welder were in demand to build key local projects, including the Plutonium Uranium Extraction Plant, known as PUREX, and the Columbia Generating Station. He also plied his welding torch throughout the Northwest and Alaska, working on pipeline projects and pulp and paper mills during the construction boom in the 1970s. However, the big projects ended with the arrival of the 1980s, he said. That’s when Tollison began to consider alternate career paths. He became interested in chiropractic care as result of debilitating back spasms he experienced because of the long hours he logged as a welder. Standard medical treatments did not help and he only found relief after visiting a chiropractor, he said. In 1982, Tollison, accompanied by his wife and two young children, packed up and moved to Davenport, Iowa, to attend the Palmer College of Chiropractic. After graduating in 1986, he moved to Arizona to begin an internship and start his practice. But after a couple of years and wanting to be closer to family, the family moved back Tri-Cities. Tollison has practiced in the TriCities for 30 years and has seen thousands of patients. He currently maintains a small office off Clearwater Avenue, with his wife working as office manager. He works a reduced work week, seeing patients on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. He’s looking forward to hanging up his white coat in August when he turns 66. He said the business side of running a practice has changed significantly in the last few years and thinks this is a good time to close his office. Tollison’s many interests include hiking, biking, kayaking, preaching and using his FCC amateur radio license. So why welding for his retirement? “I have vacationed across North America and Europe, so I don’t need to travel as part of my retirement,” he

Courtesy Bob Tollison Kennewick chiropractor Bob Tollison, 65, plans to retire later this year and pursue an encore career as a welder.

said. “My family and my children are in the Tri-Cities. My wife’s mother has dementia issues and needs our care. I don’t plan on welding full time but instead I could consider it a highpaying vacation from my retirement,” he said. Like many who aspire to an encore career, Tollison’s plan was years in the making. For the past 10 years, Tollison has been spending time in the union hall welding booths to hone his skills. The muscle memory of using his

torch to weave a stream of molten steel to fuse two sections of pipe together has returned. Recently he passed a union test for welding carbon steel pipes and he is now allowed to test to work for contractors who need welders. He’s not worried about age discrimination or competing against welders half his age for jobs. “The great thing about union is that it doesn’t matter how old you are. All that matters is how good you are and if can you do the job,” he said.

Senior Times • May 2019 uBRIEFS It’s fresh produce time at area farmers markets

The Tri-City’s favorite farmers markets open for business in May and June. Here’s the schedule: • Prosser Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, starting May 4, at Prosser City Park. • Pasco Farmers Market: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturdays, starting May 11, at the corner of South Fourth Avenue and West Columbia Street. • Historic Downtown Kennewick Farmers Market: 4 to 7 p.m., Thursdays, starting May 30 at Flag Plaza, intersection of Benton Street and Kennewick Avenue. • Richland’s Market at the Parkway: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays, starting June 7 on Lee Boulevard between Jadwin Boulevard and George Washington Way.

Run for Ribbons event is May 11 in Richland

The Tri-Cities Cancer Center Foundation’s ninth annual Run for Ribbons event is Saturday, May 11 at Howard Amon Park in Richland. Run for Ribbons is a 5K, 10K and 1-mile run/walk community event to raise awareness and promote prevention of all forms of cancer. Check-in for the run/walk is at 8:30 a.m., with races beginning at 10 a.m. There also will be a free Ribbonfest Cancer Awareness Health Fair from 8:30 to 11 a.m. featuring educational booths on oral cancer, tobacco cessation, lung, breast, ovarian, prostate, testicular, brain, skin and colon cancers. To register as an individual or as a team, visit runforribbons.org or call 509-737-3413 by Friday, May 10. Cost is $25 for adults, $15 youths (3 to 18 years old), if pre-registered by Friday, May 10. Registrations can be made in person on race day for $30 for adults, $20 for youths. The registration fee does not include a T-shirt. Participants can buy an event T-shirt for $10 featuring a blank ribbon, which can be customized or decorated to honor a memory, celebrate survival or to encourage hope.

Boat, RV show runs May 2-5 in Richland

The 19th annual Mid-Columbia Boat & RV Show will be at Columbia Point Park and Marina in Richland from Thursday, May 2, to Sunday, May 5. The annual show will feature the newest boat models from around the Northwest. The show runs from 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 2; from 10 a.m. to 7

p.m. Friday through Saturday, May 3-4; and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 5. Admission is free. Traveland RV and Marine, Hagadone Marine Group, Northwest Marine and Sport, Valley Marine, Tobler Marine, Desert Valley Powersports, Precision Propeller, The Clover Island Yacht Club, Big Bear RV and Ride Now Power Sports will have products on display. Gesa Credit Union will be offering special loan rates for boat and recreational vehicle purchases. Several acres next to Lu Lu’s Restaurant will host the boats and accessories on display and on sale during

the show. Many boats also will be in the water at the marina and made available for demo rides. For more information, call 509-737-1166 or go to MidColumbiaBoatShow.com

Columbia Park train back in service for summer

The J&S Dreamland Express is now running weekends, holidays and special events through September at Columbia Park in Kennewick. Hours of operation are from 1 to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Rides are about 15 minutes and cost $1. Infants ride free. The ticket sta-

tion is between the Playground of Dreams and family fishing pond on the east end of the park. Operated by the Kiwanis Club of Horse Heaven Hills for 12 years, the train relies on volunteers to operate. Money raised from ticket sales go toward college scholarships and school supplies for students from low-income families. The J&S Dreamland Express’ namesake is James Saunders, a Washington State Patrol trooper killed in the line of duty in 1999. For more information, contact Pat Loomis at 509-731-0822 or gploomis@ymail.com.

Senior Times • May 2019

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Bring your grandchildren and families to events with a star.

MAY 2-4

29th annual Pasco Cinco de Mayo Festival 2019: 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday; 5 p.m. to 12 a.m., Friday noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, downtown Pasco. Information and schedule: pasco5demayo.com. Free

FRIDAY, MAY 3

• Adult Mental Health First Aid: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Kadlec Healthplex, 1268 Lee Blvd., Richland.

MAY 3-4

• WSU Master Gardeners Spring Plant Sale: 2 to 6 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; Mid-Columbia Libraries, 1620 S. Union St., Kennewick. Benefiting demonstration garden at Union Street branch.

SATURDAY, MAY 4

Tri-Cities Columbia Chorale spring concert: 3 p.m., Kennewick First Presbyterian Church, 2001 W. Kennewick Ave., Information: columbiachorale.net. Free • Prosser Citywide Yard Sale: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Maps available at Prosser City Hall, 601 Sixth St. or Prosser Parks and Recreation Facebook page. Information: 509786-2332.

SUNDAY, MAY 5

• Young Artists of Distinction concert: 2 to 4 p.m., Kennewick First Presbyterian Church, 2001 W. Kennewick Ave., Kennewick. Go to: cameratamusica.com. Free. • Cinco de Mayo demo and lunch with Chef Frank Magana: noon to 2 p.m., Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center, 2140A Wine Country Road, Prosser. Tickets: 509-786-1000 or theclorecenter.org

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8

• The Moneta Project Memory Café: 8 to 10 a.m., 1834 Fowler St., Richland. Free breakfast for those with dementia and their care partners. RSVP: 509-735-1911 or smcdonald@seniorliferesources. org. • 8th annual Caregiver Conference: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Richland Community Center, 500 Amon Park Drive, Richland. Register: 509-943-8455 or Kadlec. org/knrc. Free

FRIDAY, MAY 10

Classy Chassy Show & Shine: 4 to 6 p.m., Historic Downtown Kennewick. Go to: historickennewick.org. Free. • Dry Falls – REACH museum Tours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dry Falls, Meet at 1943 Columbia Park Trail, Richland. Tickets: 509-943-4100 or visitthereach.org/event/dry-falls.

FRIDAY, MAY 10-11

• Pickin’ Tri-Cities Vintage Show: noon to 9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, HAPO Center (formerly TRAC), 6600 Burden Blvd., Pasco. Go to: pastblessingsfarm.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 11

Classy Chassy Show & Shine: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Historic Downtown Kennewick. Go to: historickennewick.org. Free. Asparagus Festival: 5 to 10 p.m., Middleton Six Sons Farms, 1050 Pasco-Kahlotus Road, Pasco. Tickets: middletonsixsonsfarms.com. • Art Walk: 3 to 7 p.m., Uptown Shopping Center, Richland. • Run for the Ribbons run/walk: 10 a.m., check-in 8:30 a.m., Howard Amon Park, Richland. • Trivia Tournament: 5:30 to 7 p.m., Richland Community Center, 500 Amon Park Drive. Call 509-627-

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TUESDAY, MAY 14

• Alzheimer’s Education Series “Caring for Early-Stage Dementia”: 1:30 p.m., Kadlec Neurological Resource Center, 1268 Lee Blvd., Richland. Register: 509-943-8455. Free.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15

• Bingo Tournament: 1 to 3 p.m., Kennewick Community Center, 500 S. Auburn St., Kennewick. Register: 509-585-4293. • Project Goodwill Show: 7 p.m., Red Lion Hotel, 2525 N. 20th Ave., Pasco. Go to: goodwill.org.

THURSDAY, MAY 16

• Community Lecture Series “The End of Atticus Finch?”: 7 p.m., Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Drive, Richland. Free. • Education presentation — Dealing with Diminished Hearing and Deafness: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Richland Community Center, 500 Amon Park Drive.

SATURDAY, MAY 18

Museum Tours: Walulla Gap, meet at 1943 Columbia Park Trail, Richland. Six-mile round-trip hike with 800 feet elevation gain. Tickets: 509-943-4100 or visit-thereach.org/ event/wallula-gap-hike-2. • Water Lantern Festival: 4 to 9 p.m., Columbia Park, 2701 Columbia Park Trail, Kennewick. Tickets: waterlanternfestival.com/ tri-cities.php • Three Rivers Folklife Society Contra Dance: 6 to 9 p.m., Memorial Park, 350 N. 14th Ave., Pasco. $5 for seniors 65+ and students, $8 for adults, 12 and younger are free. Go to: 3rfs.org.

MONDAY, MAY 20

• Downsizing seminar by Caring Transition: noon to 1 p.m., Affinity at Southridge, 5207 W. Hilldebrand Blvd., Kennewick, RSVP: 509-978-0060. Free.

TUESDAY, MAY 21

• 3rd Annual Senior Day at Gesa Carousel of Dreams: 1 to 4 p.m., 2901 Southridge Blvd., Kennewick. For 55 and older. Free

THURSDAY, MAY 22

• 2nd annual Bees of Summer: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Three Rivers Convention Center, 7016 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick. Tickets: tricitybees.org. • Patriot Show and Shine: 9 a.m., 2:30 p.m. Liberty Christian School, 2200 Williams Blvd., Richland. Go to: patriotcarshow. libertychristian.net. Kidz Digz Rigz: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Columbia Park, 2701 Columbia Park Trail, Kennewick. Go to: Kadlec.org/foundation. • Rising Stars of Washington Wine: 1 to 4 p.m., Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center, 2140 Wine Country Road, Prosser. Tickets: theclorecenter.org. • Walulla Gap Hike – Reach

• The Moneta Project Memory Café: 8 to 10 a.m., 1834 Fowler St., Richland. Free breakfast for those with dementia and their care partners. RSVP: 509-735-1911 or smcdon-ald@seniorliferesources.org.

SATURDAY, MAY 25

• Tigers on the Columbia Car Show: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Howard Amon Park, 500 Amon Park Drive, Richland. Go to: northwestlegends. com/tigers2019

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

• Mid-Columbia Symphony concert: 7:30 p.m., Richland High School auditorium, 930 Long Ave., Richland. Tickets: 509-943-6602. Old Fashion Day in the Park: noon to 4 p.m., Sacajawea Park, 2503 Sacajawea Park Road, Pasco.

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Senior Times • May 2019

Network marks year of serving seniors Tender Care Village seeks volunteers to aid members BY KRISTINA LORD editor@tcjournal.biz

Marie Duncan has been living alone for 45 years and she’d like to continue to enjoy her “little view of the river” from her Kennewick home for as long as she can. The 92-year-old credits the Tender Care Village for enabling her to remain independent at her own home. “It’s just wonderful. I just can’t say enough about it. It’s impossible to imagine when you stop driving how many little things you need that car for,” she said. The Kennewick-based nonprofit is part of a national network to help establish and manage communities wanting to offer aging-in-place initiatives called “villages” that pair seniors with volunteers. For an annual fee, village members can tap into a network of screened volunteers for non-medical assistance, like rides to the grocery store or doctor’s appointments, light home maintenance, seasonal yard chores or companionship.

“I’m even more passionate about it now because I see that it’s working. Some of these people wouldn’t have any social life at all.” — TRACI WELLS, Tender Care Village president Since launching a year ago, Tender Care has assisted with 450 requests from seniors, with about 90 percent of those requests for transportation. The group has 30 members and 30 volunteers. “I think I’m even more passionate about it now because I see that it’s working. Some of these people wouldn’t have any social life at all,” said Traci Wells, director and president of Tender Care Village. Volunteers can pick and choose which “jobs” to do from an online list, from taking seniors to appointments, to grocery shopping to light housekeeping or yard work. Recruiting more active volunteers uTENDER CARE, Page 8

Through season of change you have kept your promise of love, honor and respect. Dementia has brought change, but your commitment remains strong. Let us help you to continue to love, honor and respect during this challenging season.

509-783-5433 5505 W. Skagit Ct. Kennewick, WA

Tender Care Village volunteer Susan Anfinson, left, walks with Marie Duncan. The nonprofit’s mission is designed to assist residents age 50 and over in the TriCities and West Richland age at home by offering help with chores, check-ins and transportation. Courtesy Tender Village

Senior Times • May 2019

HIGHWAY, From Page 1 and feasibility, factoring in issues like traffic, safety, air quality and cost. “They were tasked within their agency to look at all different options, not only what can you get with $5 million, but maybe, ‘What else can we look at?’ ” said Julie West, transportation and development manager for public works for the city of Richland. The money for the traffic study and possible solutions covered by $5 million will be paid for through the Connecting Washington funding package, primarily sourced with an 11.9-cent state gas tax put in place in 2016. The overall package is expected to raise $16 billion across the state over 16 years. Richland received $20 million from this same funding package toward construction of the Duportail Street Bridge, which will connect the Queensgate area with the central part of town, near Wellsian Way. This bridge, currently under construction, is still in its first of two phases, but Rudy Guercia of Richland already thinks mistakes were made on alleviating congestion. “The state screwed up by not requiring an overpass at Duportail when the city put that bridge in. The state ought to tell the city, ‘Put it in.’ It shouldn’t be the state’s problem that the city was stupid.” Guercia believes local congestion is a mess of its own making, and that drove him to attend the mid-March open house. Synchronizing the lights on the bypass was an option. Other plans for the bypass, on the list presented to the community, included permanently

The state invited area residents to choose their favorite potential solutions to lessen congestion along the busy Highway 240 corridor in Richland. A portion of the state gas tax will go toward more than one solution to improve safety and reduce trafﬁc, especially during the Hanford commute. Photo by Robin Wojtanik

changing the direction of one northbound lane to southbound. Other high-ranking solutions in a category titled, “trafﬁc systems management and operations,” included creating a high-occupancy vehicle, or HOV, express lane during rush hour, changing a current lane to be an HOV lane during peak travel times, or creating two new reversible lanes that would work similar to the express lanes on Interstate 5 in the Seattle area. The latter option would open the new, reversible lane northbound in the morning and then turn it southbound in the afternoon. Many in attendance were in favor of a return to the busing system once used to bring Hanford workers to the site. The buses were once operated by the Department of Energy and eventually phased out. WSDOT is committed to spending

the full $5 million, but the sky still is the limit on ideas for improving congestion. “There are several intersection projects we can stitch together with that $5 million,” said Paul J. Gonseth, WSDOT regional planning engineer. “We’re going to take what people consider the most important, of the lower cost ones, to spend that $5 million. And then we’re going to take some of the higher suggestions and do some further study to refine them and figure out what they will be, so we can get the big picture of what they’re going to cost. We can then take it to the Legislature to work on finding funding.” The state hasn’t yet determined which projects to fund, other than spending up to $2.5 million on intersection improvements at Duportail. Construction wouldn’t begin until next year, Gonseth said. The state Legislature would need to approve a project like the bridge to Pasco, which was the most expensive choice on the list of potential solutions. But other options cost less than $50,000, including coordinating traffic signals on 240, promoting vanpools and implementing anti-idling ordinances. Other inexpensive solutions to increase the connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians included creating separate bicycle lanes at Duportail and Highway 224-Van Giesen Street, as well as relocating the Greenbelt Trail crossing at Van Giesen to Highway 240. The most inexpensive solution on the list was a $10,000 project to restrict northbound U-turns near the MoonRiver RV Resort on Saint Street in north Richland. The state also is looking at ways to improve congestion at Aaron Drive, where traffic often backs up onto Wellsian Way near the Richland Fred Meyer. Potential solutions cost between $3.4 million to $4.6 million for a

roundabout, to 10 times that cost to create a grade-separated interchange. The recent open house was the culmination of a process that began in September 2018 to identify the root of the congestion problem and its possible solutions. This included two separate online surveys, with the first including about 2,600 respondents between September and October 2018. A second survey of about 1,000 respondents took place between November 2018 and early January 2019. About two-thirds said they drive on the bypass five to seven days a week. The most favored solutions from this group included adding lanes on the bypass between Stevens and Highway 225, programming the signals on the bypass to favor traffic and building a bridge near WSU Tri-Cities to improve the bypass from Stevens to I-182. Now, the state and M3 team will work to refine and implement some of the options using the $5 million currently available. “We have a team of partners we’re working with,” Gonseth said. “We’re going to take this information, and all the stuff that we’ve done so far with rating projects, to them, to help filter through and find out how to prioritize. DOT as an entity of its own will not do it.” Larger, expensive projects will require approval by the state Legislature. Design work on any of the initially-chosen projects will begin this summer, with the goal of completing the work by the end of 2020. Additionally, the city of Richland will find ways to improve 240 with another north-south option that runs parallel to the bypass, near Kingsgate Way. Ben Franklin Transit also will look for funding to create additional park-and-ride locations and increase vanpool use. “Let’s use what we already have more efficiently,” Gonseth said.

Senior Times • May 2019

Geriatric care management demands grow

Profession becomes larger focus of nurse education BY LEANN BJERKEN

Spokane Journal of Business

When older adults reach the point where they’re unable to care for themselves, that responsibility usually falls to their family and loved ones. And since many seniors struggle with chronic health conditions, require frequent doctor visits, or need assistance at home, caregivers soon find themselves overwhelmed. That’s where the services of a geriatric care manager can help, said Jennipher Ama, president and aging life care manager at Family First Senior Care in Spokane Valley. The company also has an office in Kennewick that serves the Tri-City area. “A care manager acts as a professional advocate, helping to guide people through the decisions that surround senior care,” she said. “We have more of an all-inclusive approach than traditional care giving, and our schedules are a bit more flexible.” Ama said geriatric care managers are trained to evaluate an elderly adult’s total care needs and create a plan to address them that includes all medical, legal and financial components needed for the patient’s care. “What I enjoy most about this job is the holistic approach to care,” she said. “As a nurse, I was only able to help patients with one small piece of the puzzle, but care managers are able to have a positive effect in many different areas to help to ensure their clients can age successfully.” Ama said that although demand for geriatric care managers is higher than it’s ever been, it’s still quite hard to spread awareness about their services. “Demand for this profession is

Courtesy Spokane Journal of Business Jennipher Ama, president of Family First Senior Care, which has an office in Kennewick, describes growth in demand for geriatric care managers as explosive.

explosive, and with 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 each day, it’s only going to keep growing,” she said. “We know there are people who need our services; the hard part is getting the word out about who we are and how we can help.” Washington State University professor Mel Haberman is the co-founder and director of the doctorate of nursing program at the WSU College of Nursing. Haberman said pathways to a career in geriatric care management at the college are woven throughout all levels of nursing education. “The focus on geriatric care in the WSU College of Nursing is multifaceted,” he said. “All junior bachelor of nursing science students start with a 16-week foundation’s course in geriatrics.” Haberman said students in the course learn the legal and ethical aspects of geriatric care, as well as core gerontological nursing skills. The course also includes learning about elder abuse, depression and sui-

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cide, dementia, falls and immobility, pressure ulcers and polypharmacy. “About 200 students take that class every year,” he said. “Baccalaureateprepared nurses are qualified to become geriatric care managers. They learn the leadership and clinical skills not only to provide direct geriatric care, but to supervise other nurses in the care facility, including certified

nursing assistants.” Haberman said WSU College of Nursing’s master’s and doctorate programs also take an all-inclusive approach to educating students on vulnerable and at-risk populations. Haberman said he estimates that five out of every 30 master’s of nursing graduates each year will enter the workforce as geriatric care managers, and almost all graduates will work in health care settings that provide care to older adults. “Many more nurses also gravitate to geriatric practice later in their career as they age and want to slow the pace of clinical practice after years of working in acute-care specialties or with chronically ill populations,” he said. Ama is a registered nurse by training, and she founded Family First Senior Care Inc. in 2005. The company’s care management services include evaluating clients’ medical, financial, social, and cognitive issues, as well as helping clients choose a retirement facility, sign up for Medicare and Medicaid, secure long-term care insurance and select in-home care services. uGERIATRIC, Page 15

Senior Times • May 2019

TENDER CARE, From Page 5 is the network’s most critical need going forward, Wells said. “Finding volunteers is the hard thing. That is going to be the key to keeping this going,” she said. Tender Village also seeks donated office space and licensed providers willing to offer members reduced rates for yard work, window cleaning, or other referral services. But Wells stressed the need for volunteers above all else. “I hate to bring in too many members if we can’t fulfill their needs,” she said. The network’s best niche is seniors who have just begun to lose their independence, she said. “Those who just lost their driver’s license or spouse, or they need that extra little help so they can be out in the community, but they just need a ride,” Wells said. The volunteer-member relationships tend to blossom into friendships. The group also provides opportunities for social interactions, like socials or exercise sessions like walks along the river. “I really do want it to be a community mixed with volunteers,” Wells said. Duncan heard about the program after reading about it in the Senior Times in April 2018. She said her membership allows

HOW TENDER CARE VILLAGE WORKS Members pay a single annual fee of $192 per household for up to two adults for access to resources, non-medical services and social opportunities. For those who sign up in May, the cost is $150. Proceeds pay for the group’s insurance, a $400 annual membership to the national group, background checks for volunteers and office materials and other supplies. Seniors can request services with a one-call-doesit-all approach. Screened volunteers can review their requests and choose a task that matches their abilities and interest—from changing a light bulb to providing a ride to the doctor. her to maximize her time with family without her feeling like she’s a burden to them. “I tell you what. I have my family here, with their families, and I have really good relationships with them, but I felt like I was wearing them out and worried I was making them dread coming by,” Duncan said of her requests for assistance. She said getting older requires more doctors’ appointments and errands. “The list goes on,” she said. “Every time I put in my request, they let me know what time and who will pick me up,” she said. “It’s just wonderful. I have all kinds of appointments and need things done around

The village intends to fill the gaps, not duplicate, services already available in the Tri-Cities. The group does not provide medical care, toileting assistance or wheelchair transfers.

INFORMATIONAL MEETING The group will hold an informational meeting from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, May 6 at the Kennewick branch of Mid-Columbia Libraries, 1620 S. Union St. The group will accept applications for members and volunteers and answer questions. For more information, call 509-290-0617, email tendercarevillage@gmail.com or go to tendercarevillage. org.

the house.” Duncan said making friends with Tender Village volunteers has been a bonus. “They are such nice people. Friendly, accommodating and cheerful. They’ve become friends, some of them. At my age, most of my older friends that I have chummed around with are gone. It leaves a big hole in your life,” she said. Sharon Inscore of Kennewick signed up to be a Tender Care volunteer, as well as a member, about a year ago. “I live by myself and you never know when something is going to happen,” said the 72-year-old, who

hasn’t had to tap into the volunteer network until recently, as her arthritis has been acting up, she said. Inscore recently asked for assistance with a 50-pound bag of salt for her water softener, flipping her mattress and moving her patio table and chairs. “It’s a good community,” she said. Inscore has helped those who need to get to their doctor appointments or with their shopping. She likes that she can select which jobs to perform. “It’s non-pressure, which is really great, as opposed to set hours and driving every day across town,” she said. “You also get to make personal connections — that’s good for me, as well as for them,” she said

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Senior Times • May 2019 PARKINSON’S, From Page 1 As valuable as the physical workout is, it’s that sentiment — that they get to fight back — that perhaps is most important. “They’re fighting a disease, so they can’t give into this,” Gigi said. “Once they get going, it’s kind of a high.” Contenders offers three classes one for those who still have most of their mobility, one for those who are severely limited and one for those in between. Each class meets three times a week. The cost is $150 a month, or about $12 a session. There are “sponsorships” for as many as 10 people, paying up to half of their membership in exchange for being an ambassador of sorts — attending expos and telling people about the program. Word of mouth is how membership climbed from seven when the program first opened just over a year ago to 32 today. A recent class for the more mobile participants started with them circling up, locking arms and using each leg to “write” the alphabet into the air in front of them. They then broke into two lines across from each other and bounced balls back and forth. The American Parkinson Disease Association says exercise is critical for fighting off symptoms — tremors, slowed movements and rigid muscles that lead to bad posture and loss of balance — and slowing the effects of the degenerative disease that has no cure. The Rock Steady participants talk about the “Parkinson’s shuffle,” the slow, measured, slumped walk common to people with the disease who are afraid to take much of a step for fear of falling. “One member came in doing the Parkinson’s shuffle, and after a couple of months, she was able to do this …” Stevens said, hopping over a couple feet of floor, “... all the way across the floor.” The gains may not sound like much — being able to walk backward, hop across the floor, etc. But to someone who could barely open the front doors of the gym on a first visit, the value is immeasurable in the fight for confidence and dignity. “A wife who sits in the chairs (at the side of the gym) came up to me and said her husband put on his pants for the first time in two years,” Gigi said. “Another guy in the class said, ‘I took a bath in the bathtub, and I was able to get out of the bathtub myself.’ ” As the opening warmup ended, the class formed three lines. The back line did side lunges, the middle “high knee” exercises, and the front started working on the heavy bags. Each participant stood with his or her back to

the bag, then proceeded to rain down blows — a barrage of backward, overhead, double-fisted destruction. Those on the heavy bags wore the biggest smiles. Stevens and Ingrid Smith were among the original seven in the group. “They can’t get rid of me,” Ingrid laughed. She said it is encouraging to see the change in herself and in other people, and she remembers what her life was like before she started the program. “I used to get tired and have to nap all the time,” she said. “Now, I go all day without stopping.” The physical work is huge, Ingrid said, but so is the attitude that comes from working in a group of people facing the same battle. Improvements instill confidence. As the class progresses, the participants line up facing a pair of heavy bags. Gigi and Tony grab hold of the bags from the other side and brace for impact as the rotation starts. One after another, the boxers step quickly to the bag and shout “One! Two!” as they deliver a combination, cycling again and again and again through the line. The punching, Ingrid said, is one of the best parts. She said it’s a way to deal with the latent anger that often accompanies a Parkinson’s diagnosis. “People come in and say, ‘I can’t do boxing. I can’t do jumping jacks,’ ” Ingrid said, pointing across the gym. “You see that sign on the wall? It says, ‘No whining.’ There is no whining here. You will do it.” That message – no whining, no feeling sorry for yourself – is best received from someone facing many of the same difficulties. It’s why the social aspect of the group is just as important as the physical. “The people are the best part of it,” said David Bowles, who sat on the edge of the boxing ring waiting for his class to start. He’s in the session for folks who are less mobile. Bowles was diagnosed with Parkinson’s about five months ago and has felt a lot of frustration, even with a great support system in place with his wife and two sons, one of whom is a nurse. “It’s kind of depressing,” he said. “I got Parkinson’s. I got two to three years to live. And the medical doctors don’t seem to have any answers to anything.” Coming down to the gym, being around others in the same boat, helps, he said. And, he added, his wife has noticed some physical improvements as well. “They have such great spirit,” Tony said. “They’re all fighting a battle, even if each battle is different.” Tony and Gigi were on a com-

pletely different path two years ago. A married couple with an entrepreneurial spirit, they also flip houses and operate a Facebook management company. Tony has owned Contenders for 12 years, taking it over from the previous owner. Gigi is a licensed physical therapist. Their combined experience in boxing and physical therapy makes running a Rock Steady program seem a natural fit. They were asked by Rock Steady back in 2016 if they were interested, and Gigi said there was interest from local Parkinson’s support groups. They weren’t convinced, but inquiries and mentions kept popping up. “You know when something keeps showing up in your face,” Gigi said. “That was Rock Steady.” There is a Rock Steady program in Walla Walla, and Tony knows the gym owner. In the summer 2017, they decided to get a firsthand look at the program. Watching the faces of the boxers and hearing their stories, the couple was — pardon the pun — knocked out. “Driving home that night, Gigi had booked us the flights, signed us up for training,” Tony said. “She said there was just no way we were not going to do this.” Soon they were attending a four-

day program in Indianapolis — where Rock Steady originated in 2006 — for certification. Rock Steady’s website touts 40,000 participants and 800 programs around the world, primarily in the U.S. There are an estimated 1 million people in the U.S. living with Parkinson’s. Tony said that includes about 350 in the Tri-Cities. Along with Tony and Gigi, there are two coaches and up to four volunteers, and they’re always looking for more. The couple envisions starting up a nonprofit to help pay for the program, with the goal of getting every membership down to $60. The dream would be to start up a sort of center, broadening beyond physical workouts to life skills and education for family and friends. But whatever happens down the road, Tony said that to him, it’s already a win. “This is the best part of my day,” he said. “We’re definitely taking another path than we were on and shifting a little bit, but I couldn’t be happier. “Everyone should be so lucky.” Rocky Steady Boxing: Contenders Boxing Club, 5601 W. Clearwater Ave., Suite 104, Kennewick; 509585-8863; rocksteadyboxingtc.com.

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Senior Times • May 2019

Pasco First Avenue Center

505 N. First Ave., Pasco • 509-545-3459 • pascoparksandrec.com

Most of Pasco’s senior services programs take place at the First Avenue Center, unless otherwise listed. Activities, times and location subject to change. For more information, call 509-545-3459. • Adult Lap Swim: Noon to 1 p.m. and 6-7 p.m., June 17 to Aug. 23. Memorial Aquatic Park, 1520 W. Shoshone. $2 per person. • Basin Wood Carvers (18+): 1 to 3 p.m. Thursdays. Cost: Free. • China Painting (18+): 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays. Bring your own

project and supplies. • Cribbage (40+): 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. • Drop-In Snooker (50+): 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Cost: $1 per day. • Enhance Fitness (40+): Class focuses on stretching, balance, low impact aerobics and strength training. 10 to 11 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Call 509545-3456 to register. Location: Pasco City Hall Activity Center, 525 N. Third Ave., Pasco.

• Foot Care for Adults (18+): Get your feet cared for by a licensed, registered nurse. 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays by appointment only. Cost: $30. Call 509-545-3459. • Happy Feet Foot Care (60+): Get your feet cared for by a licensed, registered nurse. 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays by appointment only. Cost: Free with suggested donation of $12 to $15 per person. Clients must meet federal and state guidelines for eligibility.

Call: 509-545-3459. • Mexican Train Dominoes (40+): 12:30 to 3 p.m. Mondays. Cost: Free. • Pinochle (40+): 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays. • Wavemakers Aqua Fit: Class for those with arthritis, fibromyalgia, lower back pain, muscle weakness, those who use a cane or a walker and anyone who loves the pool. Location: Oasis Physical Therapy, 6825 Burden Blvd., Suite D, Pasco. This class is offered on various days. To register, call 509-545-3456.

Prosser Senior Community Center 1231 Dudley Ave., Prosser • 509-786-2915 • cityofprossser.com

All activities are at the Prosser Senior Community Center unless otherwise listed. Activities, times and locations subject to change. For more information, call 509-786-2915. cityofprosser.com • All-you-can-eat breakfast: 8 to 11:30 a.m. the last Sunday of each month. Cost suggested donation: $6 adults, $3 for those 10 and younger. Dining room. Includes pancakes, eggs, ham, apple juice and coffee.

• Bingo (18+): 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Cost: Three cards for $1. Location: dining room. • Bingo at Night (18+): 6 p.m. second Friday of the month. $10 buy-in. • Birthday Celebration: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Typically the third Friday of the month. Call 509-786-1148 to verify. Provided by Meals on Wheels. Suggested donation of $2.75. Location: dining room.

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• Lunch and Learn Program: 1 to 2 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month. Subject changes every month. Cost: Free. Location: dining room • Mah Jongg: 1 to 3:15 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Cost: Free. Location: living room. • Meals On Wheels: 11:45 a.m. Monday through Friday. Suggested donation of $2.75. Location: dining room. For reservations, call 509-7861148. • Monthly Potluck: Noon to 3 p.m. the third Sunday of every month. Cost: Free. Location: dining room. Bring a potluck dish to share. • Pinochle: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays. Cost: $1. Location: liv-

ing room. Bring potluck dish to share. • Prosser Friendship Quilting: 1 to 4 p.m. second Thursdays. Cost: Free for members ($5 per year). Location: dining room. Bring sewing machine and project to work on. • Table Pool: Noon to 3 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays. Free. • Wellness Class: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays. Taught by Cheri Eisen of Sirius Therapeutics. Cost: $25 per month for members, $32 per month for others. Location: living room. • Zumba Gold (55+): 10:45 to 11:15 a.m., Tuesday and Fridays, May 7-31. Cost $22. Call: 509-7868226

West Richland Senior Center 616 N. 60th, West Richland 509-967-2847 westrichland.org All activities are at the West Richland Senior Center. For more information, call 509-967-2847. • Potluck Lunch: noon, second Tuesday of the month. Bring a dish to share. • Bingo: noon, third Monday of the month. Hot dog luncheon at noon. $3 suggested donation. • Pinochle: 1 p.m. Mondays.

• Bunco Potluck: noon, first Wednesday and third Friday of the month. • TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Fitness: 11 a.m. Thursdays. • Exercise: A co-ed, light cardio class, led by exercise video, 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. A donation of 50 cents for members and $1 for others is requested.

Senior Times • May 2019

Kennewick Community Center

500 S. Auburn St., Kennewick • 509-585-4303 • go2kennewick.com All activities are at the Kennewick Community Center unless otherwise listed. Activities, times and location subject to change. For more information, call 509-585-4303. • Bingo: 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays. Cost: $1. • Bingo Tournament: 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 15. Cost: $8 at the door. Advanced registration: $5.

• Bridge Tournament: 2 to 6 p.m., second Sunday of each month. Cost: $1. RSVP 509-586-3349. • Bunco: 1 to 3 p.m. Fridays. Cost: $1 per day. • Chinese Mahjong: 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays. Cost: $1 per day. • Clay Sculpting: 1 to 2 p.m., Mondays. Cost: $1 per day. Bring your own supplies.

• Dominos: 12:30 to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays. Cost: 50 cents per day. • Hair Cuts and Clips: Hair cuts provided by Pam Eggers. 9 to 11 a.m. by appointment, second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Cost $1. Call 509-585-4303. • Indoor Walking: 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday, Southridge

Sports Complex, 2901 Southridge Blvd., Kennewick. Cost: $1 per day. • Party Bridge: 12:30 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Cost: 50 cents per day. • Pinochle: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays and Fridays. Cost: 50 cents. • Sewing: 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays. Cost: $1 per day.

Richland Community Center

500 Amon Drive, Richland • 509-942-7529 • ci.richland.wa.us All activities are at the Richland Community Center unless otherwise listed. Activities, times and location subject to change. For more information, call 509-942-7529. • ACBL, Duplicate and Party Bridge: Various groups. For a schedule of each group, cost and location, visit the Richland Community Center or call 509-942-7529. • American Mahjong: 12:30 to 4 p.m. Thursdays. Location: game room. Free • Birthday Club Social: noon to 12:30 p.m. second Tuesday of each month. Location: lounge. Free • Bridge Buddies: 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursdays. Location: game room. Cost: $1 • Chess Club: 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sundays, Richland Public Library. • Cribbage: 8:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Location: lounge. Free • Dominoes: 1 p.m. Thursdays. Location: lounge. Free • Fitness Room: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. Location: Fitness room. Cost: $2 per day or $8 per month. • Foot Care for Fabulous Feet: Have a licensed registered nurse spe-

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cializing in geriatrics care for your feet. 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursdays. Location: wellness room. Cost: $30. For an appointment, call 509-9427529. • Greeting Card Recycling: 9 to 11 a.m. Mondays. Location: meeting room. Free • Golden Age Pinochle: 6 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays. Location: game room. Cost: $1 • International Folk Dancing: 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays. Location: Riverview room; 6 to 9 p.m. the first Saturday of the month for a potluck and dancing. Location: activity room.

• Party Bridge: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Location: game room. Cost: $1 • Pie Socials: noon to 12:30 p.m. Third Tuesday of each month. Location: lounge. Free • Pinochle Players: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays. Location: game room. Cost: $1 • Poker: Noon to 3 p.m. Mondays. Location: game room. Cost: $1 • RSA Dance: 1 to 3:30 p.m. Third Friday of the month. Cost: $7 per person. Location: Riverview room. • RSA Potluck: 4 to 6 p.m. fourth Friday of the month.

Senior Times • May 2019

Tri-City strawberry fields (were not) forever Strawberry festivals throughout Mid-Columbia century ago marked popularity of sweet fruit crop BY EAST BENTON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY for Senior Times

On May 31, 1912, Mayor Sylvester of Pasco and Mayor Lockerby of Kennewick each declared half holidays for their townspeople for one of the most elaborate strawberry festivals to be celebrated in the area. A huge strawberry crop had set in motion this second annual Kennewick Strawberry Festival. Merchants in both towns shuttered their doors that spring afternoon and volunteers from each of the notable dozen women’s organizations decorated a huge table on the lawn of the Wilkerson home to create a festive atmosphere. Two special trains were arranged and carried Pasco celebrants across the Columbia River into Kennewick where host townspeople used virtually every automobile in Kennewick to greet the trains. The Kennewick greeters then gave their neighbors a tour of the town, followed by a four-piece orchestra floating a soft canopy of music as they pampered

idea was so popular that a planning session at the Finely schoolhouse was so crowded it was decided the festival itself could not be held there. More than 300 people showed up at the Finley train depot for the event to enjoy strawberries, cake, coffee and cream for 25 cents a serving. They were entertained by speeches, recitations, and music. The strawberry jubilee in early May 1914 at a downtown Kennewick hotel found the 800 festivalgoers treated to varieties of berries, different creams and a host of activities that included card playing and dancing. Courtesy East Benton County Historical Society World War I influenced arrangeKennewick strawberry fields enjoyed a regional reputation for their qualments for the June 1917 Strawberry ity and taste, spawning festivals and competitive prices. Festival organized by fraternal orgareputation for their quality and taste. their palate with lush fresh-picked nizations. In 1911, Kennewick had promoted strawberries. “The place of honor was given to a berry festival offering the public “Strawberries and cake were those who had registered to serve in as much strawberry shortcake as it enjoyed by 400 Pascoites and 200 or the war,” an historic accounting of could eat. It was heralded as the first more from Kennewick,” an accountthat year’s festival noted. ing of the celebration reported. Those Kennewick Strawberry Festival. “A special table was kept piled Strawberries had become a crop of high with the choicest berries,” it was who attended, it was said, consumed note, and festivals often were fash20 crates of berries and 60 cakes. noted. A 10-cent dance was offered ioned around the growing season. In In the early years of the 20th to anyone wanting to swirl with a 1908, the Finley Development Club century, strawberries grown in and sponsored a strawberry festival. The around east Benton County earned a uSTRAWBERRY, Page 14

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Senior Times • May 2019

Meals on Wheels is a program of Senior Life Resources Northwest and is supported by donations. For those 60 and older, the suggested donation is $2.75 per meal. Meals may be purchased by those younger than 60 for $7.25. Menu substitutions may occur. For reservations, call between 9 a.m. and noon the day before your selected meal. For reservations in Richland, call 509-943-0779; Kennewick: 509585-4241; Pasco: 509-543-5706; Parkside: 509545-2169; Benton City: 509-588-3094; Prosser: 509-786-1148; and Connell: 509-234-0766. The Senior Dining Café at 1834 Fowler St. in Richland serves soups, sandwiches and salads with-out a reservation. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 509-736-0045. • Friday, May 3: Beef lasagna, mixed vegetables, tossed salad/dressing, bread and brownie. • Monday, May 6 (Cinco de Mayo): Beef tacos with ﬂour tortilla, Spanish rice, black bean salad, salsa and sour cream and chilled applesauce. • Tuesday, May 7: Herbed chicken with mushroom gravy, au gratin potatoes, tossed salad/ dressing, mixed vegetables, bread and yogurt and berries. • Wednesday, May 8: Tuna noodle casserole, Lyonnaise carrots, wheat roll and blueberry crisp. • Thursday, May 9: Chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, mixed vegetables, three bean salad and chocolate chip cookies. • Friday, May 10: Sweet and sour pork, ﬂuffy rice, Asian vegetables, bread and chilled peached. • Monday, May 13: Chicken and white bean chili, dilled peas, cornbread and yogurt and berries.

Tough Tough

Seniors ride carousel for free May 21

The third annual senior day at the Gesa Carousel of Dreams is from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 21. The free event, which is for those 55 years and older, includes bingo, refreshments, door prizes and unlimited free rides. The carousel is at 2901 Southridge Blvd. in Kennewick. The Washington State Association of Activity Professionals is organizing the event. The nonprofit offers professional development opportunities for those working in therapeutic activity programming for the elderly in senior care facilities and centers.

Upgraded database ready for spring cleaning recycling

Every spring as Washington residents begin their annual cleaning rites, the same question is asked: where can I recycle this? And every spring since 1976, the state Department of Ecology has answered it through its 800-RECYCLE line (800-732-9253) as residents search for drop-off services or for collectors who will pick up hard-to-recycle items. The phone number still works, but customers also can search online at https://fortress. wa.gov/ecy/warecycle. It includes 1,578 Washington recycling services and more than 70 different types of recyclable materials, including large appliances like dishwashers, water heaters, stoves, washing machines, and dryers. Type in your location and material type and the upgraded database will find nearby services that accept them. The site will provide an address, phone number, business hours, website, and Google Maps location, along with a full list of acceptable materials.

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• Tuesday, May 14: Baked ziti, broccoli, tossed salad/dressing, breadstick and fruit cocktail. • Wednesday, May 15: Pulled pork sandwich, baked beans, coleslaw, mandarin oranges and oatmeal cookie. • Thursday, May 16: Chicken and rice casserole, glazed baby carrots, bread and chocolate cake. • Friday, May 17 (birthday day): Roast beef with gravy, mashed potatoes, Italian vegetables, dinner roll and ice cream. • Monday, May 20: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, tossed salad/dressing, bread and chocolate pudding. • Tuesday, May 21: Chicken alfredo, Italian vegetables, breadstick and peaches. • Wednesday, May 22: Harvest apple pork chop, glazed sweet potatoes, broccoli Normandy, bread and brownie. • Thursday, May 23: Swiss steak with tomato gravy, garlic mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, bread and blueberry-cherry crisp. • Friday, May 24: Chicken sandwich, lettuce/ tomato/mayo, corn chowder, pea and cheese salad and apple slices. • Monday, May 27: Closed for Memorial Day • Tuesday, May 28: Macaroni and cheese, sausage patty, broccoli, tossed salad/dressing, citrus salad. • Wednesday, May 29: Chili, mixed vegetables, tossed salad/dressing and cinnamon roll. • Thursday, May 30: Chicken enchilada casserole, refried beans, Mexican coleslaw and frosted yellow cake. • Friday, May 31: Roast turkey and gravy, mashed potatoes, peach and carrots, bread and cranberry oatmeal bar. » For more information about Senior Life Resources Northwest, go to seniorliferesources.org.

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Str8ts example

Senior Times • May 2019

STRAWBERRY, From Page 12 partner, and 10 percent of festival proceeds “were donated to the Red Cross.” Visiting and homegrown strawberry celebrants shared the 1923 festival in Kennewick’s Methodist Church. One Montana visitor was so taken by the delicious Kennewick berries and by the preparation of cakes by festival cooks, he consumed “seven generous helpings of strawberries, cream and cake.” It all began with strawberries almost an afterthought in the agriculture base of east Benton County, a ﬁller of land use while newly-planted orchards tried getting their footing in the earth. Clearing land for strawberries was happening in 1903, and within a year, 100 acres were bearing fruit. By 1906, 125 acres were planted in strawberries between rows of fruit trees to serve as a cash crop until the orchards matured into cash producers. A strawberry grower in 1909 could net $250 per acre. The average monthlong harvest usually began in early May with ripening strawberries showing their colors, but Richland berries usually ripened a week or so before other strawberry crops in the region “because of south-sloping sandy soil.” Joining Richland in its immediate vicinity as producers of signiﬁcant strawberry crops were the communities of White Bluffs and Hanford, long before the arrival of World War II and the topsecret Hanford project. Slogans were being put to early use: “The Land of the First Ripe Strawberries” was one for Kennewick in 1904. That year, Kennewick berries were so popular, they sold for $4 a crate in Spokane, while California berries went for $1.50 a crate. Through the years, Kennewick-area strawberries

UPCOMING MUSEUM EVENTS The East Benton County Historical Society will celebrate its history as the “Land of the Early Strawberry” throughout the month of May. • Discover the Charms: Buy a charm bracelet for $5 at the Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership Ofﬁce, 124 W. Kennewick Ave, and collect all 30 charms. The museum will feature a strawberry charm which can be picked up during open hours through May 4. Information:, historickennewick.org. • Junk in the Trunk Yard Sale: 9 a.m. to noon May 4. This monthly, community yard sale and vendor fair is the ﬁrst Saturday of

were shipped to Butte and Havre, Montana; North Dakota; Salt Lake City; and to various Canadian cities, including Vancouver, Calgary and Regina. Kennewick berries were treated free to passengers on Union Pacific and Northern Pacific trains routing through east Benton County. On Wednesday, June 5, 1917, strawberries grown here were the toast of the Pacific Northwest. “The Northwest paid tribute to the KennewickRichland strawberry again this year, as railway companies, leading hotels and restaurants, and retail dealers featured (their) strawberries,” one published story noted. “The Davenport Hotel in Spokane put ‘Kennewick Strawberry Day’ in red ink on their menus that day.” Up to 400 pickers and packers were needed for harvest in the summit of the strawberry industry here, and many women and men, came from Seattle, Spokane, Walla Walla and other cities “eager to harvest the wealth of the now famous Kenne-

the month at the museum, 205 W. Keewaydin Drive, Kennewick. Vendors sell from their vehicle. Cost is $20 a space, or $10 for museum members. Tables are available for rent. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required. Download the form at www.ebchs.org/junkintrunk. • History Hangout: 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 11, at Ethos Bakery & Café, 2150 Keene Road, Richland. Discover the history of Benton County. Group meets monthly at different locations around the county. Questions? Email Ebchsmuseum@gmail.com or call 509-582-7704. wick valley.” Interestingly, twice as many pickers proportional to acreage were needed in Richland compared to Kennewick “because the berries needed to be ready to go on the afternoon boat to meet evening trains in Kennewick,” it was reported during the 1912 harvest. “Richland acreage would be materially increased if it were not for the disadvantage of hampered transportation facilities.” On April 15, 1913, the Kennewick City Council voted to improve roads leading to train depots during the harvest season to prevent any threat to strawberry-bearing wagons because “the council means to come to the rescue in time to save the berries.” In 1908, a special telephone was installed at the Finley train depot speciﬁcally to communicate with Kennewick about strawberries. In 1914, a special train service was inaugurated for the strawberry shipping season.

Senior Times • May 2019 uBRIEFS Alzheimer’s Association offers caregiver support

The Alzheimer’s Association is now offering a Tri-City support group for family caregivers providing support to loved ones with any form of memory loss, including Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. The free, confidential meetings provide a consistent and caring place for people to learn, share and gain emotional support from others on the same journey of providing care to a person with memory loss. Topics of discussion include sharing feelings needs and concerns, building a support system and learning about community resources. Meetings will be from 6 to 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month starting May 15 at the Alzheimer’s Association Office, 609 The Parkway, Richland. For more information, call Alena Mellgren at 509-943-2100. Caregivers needing information, support or resources also can call the Alzheimer’s Association’s helpline at 800-272-3900.

Meals on Wheels begins offering Memory Café

Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels is offering a Memory Café between 8 and 10 a.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. The Moneta Project Memory Café aims to provide a supportive restaurant atmosphere, allowing individuals with dementia and their care partners to share a meal in a social setting. The goal of this program is to provide those experiencing memory loss and their loved ones with an opportunity to relax and enjoy each other’s company in an environment where dementia/memory loss is the norm, not the exception. The Meals on Wheels Café at 1834 Fowler St. in Richland will serve a complimentary breakfast for

those living with dementia and their care partners. These breakfasts are funded by Kadlec Foundation. May breakfasts will be May 8 and 22. Although participants are not required to RSVP, reservations help the agency plan. To RSVP or for more information, contact Sarah McDonald at 509-7351911 or smcdonald@seniorlife resources.org. The Richland Public Library also hosts a Memory Café from 10 a.m. to noon on the last Tuesday of the month.

Garden tour to raise money for children’s theater

The Academy of Children’s Theatre Garden Arts Tour is Saturday, June 8 and features seven gardens throughout the Tri-Cities. The self-guided tour runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a finale garden party from 3 to 5 p.m. at an historic Richland riverfront estate. Showcasing a variety of diverse gardens, the 2019 tour features an inside look at the fruits of gardening expertise from amateur horticulturists and landscape architects. This year’s tour features unique gardens in downtown Kennewick, the Street of Dreams, Rancho Reata, Horn Rapids and north Richland. Complementing the gardens this year will be performances and demonstrations from a variety of artists, musicians and performers, including the Mid-Columbia Mastersingers. Tickets are $30 each and may be bought online at academyof childrenstheatre.org or at the ACT office, 213 Wellsian Way, Richland. Tickets also are available at McCurley Integrity Honda, 1775 Fowler St, Richland; Wild Birds Unlimited, 74 Keene Road, Richland; and Beaver Bark Gift and Garden, 607 Aaron Drive, Richland. Money raised from the tour support ongoing education classes and programs at the Academy of Children’s Theatre.

GERIATRIC, From Page 7 Ama said Family First has 92 employees total, five of whom are care managers, while the remaining employees are administrative staff or caregivers who provide in-home care services to senior clients. While aging life care managers aren’t required to have a specialized degree, Ama said that most usually have a degree in either nursing or social work. Ama said specialized care management certifications can be earned through the National Academy of Certified Care Managers or the Commission for Case Manager Certification. Aging life care managers specialize in eight areas of expertise outlined by the Aging Lifecare Association: health and disability, financial, housing, families, local resources, advocacy, legal and crisis intervention, Ama said. Ama said that historically, geriatric care hasn’t always been a popular career choice for students, but she’s hopeful that will change soon. “I do think that with the knowledge of this growing need, there are more of us now than there have been previously,” she said. “Going forward, there will be a shortage, but all we can hope is that as Spokane grows into more of a medical education hub, more students will be attracted to this field.” Despite the level of interest in the care of aging populations, Haberman said that many students who become geriatric care managers have a variety of educational backgrounds, due in part to current nursing shortages. “Because of the current and future prediction of a nursing shortage, geriatric care managers come from social work, psychology and hospitality degree programs that focus on senior living care management.” Like Ama, Haberman said the

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Str8ts Solution

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Str8ts Solution

1 3 2 3 2 1 4 4 3 2 5 5 4 9 3 4 1 8 7 8 7 5 6 9 5 6 7 7 6 8

biggest factor leading to increased demand for geriatric care managers is the number of baby boomers nearing retirement age who will require services for the treatment and management of age-related health conditions. “By 2030, all baby boomers will be older than age 65. This will expand the size of older adults so that one in every five residents will be retirement age,” he said. Ama said most care management clients she sees are family members of seniors, and the second largest group are spouses of seniors. “I’d say about 80 percent of clients seeking help with care management are family members, who are either facing a care crisis or have started to notice signs of decline in their loved one,” she said. “Most hear about us through elder law attorneys, trust officers, healthcare professionals, rehab facilities, nursing homes, and word-of-mouth.” Because geriatric care can be complex, Ama said Family First encourages people to be proactive in seeking care for their loved ones. “We encourage clients to come to us before our services are needed, because it’s a less reactive approach that often results in better care outcomes,” she said.

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Senior Times â&#x20AC;¢ May 2019