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

October 2019

Volume 7 • Issue 9

In-home care employer shift now underway BY ROBIN WOJTANIK for Senior Times

Holiday bazaar calendar Page 9

Convention center expansion plans Page 15

Sponsors sought for weekend food kits for kids Page 19

MONTHLY QUIZ What unusual pack animal did John Mullan use while building Mullan Road, linking Fort Walla Walla to Fort Benton, Montana, in 1859? Answer, Page 13

A Montana-based company soon will manage individual providers who offer in-home care to clients through the state’s Department of Social and Health Services. It’s a switch from the current system that had DSHS handling all administrative functions. Now, Consumer Direct Care Network out of Missoula will become responsible for 20,000 individual care providers across 22 counties in much of the southern part of Washington state, including Benton and Franklin counties. Consumers will continue to be able to select, schedule, supervise and dismiss their individual providers. CDCN recently was selected as one of two employers contracted with DSHS to oversee individual providers, with the other company handling the remaining 17 counties in the central and northern part of the state. “This is a big deal for us,” said Ben Bledsoe, the company’s president and chief executive officer. “It’s the biggest thing we’ll probably do as a company, so it’s very important for us to succeed.” The conversion is underway following a change in law that required a consumer-directed employer to manage these workers, removing the burden from DSHS. In promotional materials, the state said this “will make the system work more smoothly for everyone,” suggesting it will free up case managers to have more time with the clients actually receiving services. Prior to this, case managers and staff at offices across the state had taken on additional duties uHOME CARE, Page 12

Courtesy Linda Larsen-King Linda Larsen-King, center, sells purple asparagus to her Pasco High alumnae friends, Karen Masters-Akers, left, and Debbie Lancaster, right, at Fieldstone Memory Care in Kennewick, where her mother receives hospice care. “The generosity and support of friends of our mission was nothing short of miraculous,” Larsen-King said.

Alzheimer’s heartbreak takes toll, then inspires family to help others BY LINDA LARSEN-KING for Senior Times

During my most recent visit with my mom, she blurted out, “I lost my mind.” Her comment took me by surprise. What does that mean to her? Does she really know that she “lost” her thought functions to Alzheimer’s? I just don’t get it, and probably never will. What does she know? Am I just hoping she understood what I said when she called me sweet-

heart during the same visit? Was the endearment of “sweetheart” even for me, or was it just a word that randomly shuffled through her mind at that moment of time? I don’t know and will never know. One thing I do hope is that in the future we will know what causes Alzheimer’s, the prevention of Alzheimer’s and the treatment of Alzheimer’s. We need to know how to end Alzheimer’s.

uALZHEIMER’S, Page 10

Kennewick port commissioners face sanctions, appeal following complaint BY ROBIN WOJTANIK for Senior Times

The Port of Kennewick’s three commissioners have been outspoken as costs pile up for an independent investigation involving two of them that was prompted by the third. Commissioner Skip Novakovich filed an anonymous complaint as a citizen alleging unprofessional behavior during a testy closed-door meeting about the sale of land near Vista Field. It ultimately led to sanctions recommended for the commission’s president and vice president. “It’s a pretty ugly situation,” Novakovich said.

The publicly elected commission represents citizens in Kennewick, West Richland and portions of Richland, Benton City and Benton County. Commissioners Thomas Moak and Don Barnes maintain other channels could have been taken internally instead of the one that led to an investigation that’s cost the port at least $65,000 so far, not including staff time. “I believe there would have been more effective ways to deal with this, less costly to the Port of Kennewick, but that’s not the decision that was made,” Barnes said. Moak partly blamed the port’s lack

uCOMMISSIONERS, Page 6

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Senior Times • October 2019

Free fall prevention seminar set for Nov. 2 in Richland BY SENIOR TIMES STAFF

509-737-8778 509-737-8448 fax 8919 W. Grandridge Blvd., Ste. A1 Kennewick, WA 99336 srtimes.com

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Advertising Account Manager 509-737-8778 ext. 1 chad@tcjournal.biz Senior Times, a publication of TriComp Inc., is published monthly. Subscriptions are $21.67 per year, prepayment required, no refunds. Contents of this publication are the sole property of TriComp Inc. and can not be reproduced in any form without expressed written consent. Opinions expressed by guest columnists and advertisers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Senior Times staff, other guest columnists or other advertisers, nor do they imply endorsement by Senior Times staff, other guest columnists or advertisers. Every effort will be made to assure information published is correct; however, we are not liable for any errors or omissions made despite these efforts.

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More than 10 area doctors and professionals will discuss proactive approaches to the complex problem of falls by seniors at a free half-day November seminar. Called “Step Up To Stop Falls,” the event will feature a combination of presentations, panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations and a health fair. “Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries in older Americans, which result in over $50 billion spent per year on fall-related injuries,” said Shannon Aiello, audiologist and founder of the Abundant Health Alliance, which is organizing the event. “When a patient falls, it changes how they live their lives. Many seniors fear falling, which can result in them withdrawing from social activities. This in turn can lead to increased depression, isolation, physical decline and perceived helplessness. It is our goal at Step Up To Stop Falls that we not only provide education, but a personalized fall prevention strategy that everyone can take home and immediately use to help drastically reduce their chances of falling.”

Alliance participants include physical therapists, audiologists, optometrists, general practitioners, vestibular therapists and personal trainers. The alliance is a Tri-City organization combining more than 20 local health and wellness professionals who want to provide patients with straightforward access to trusted, patient-centered, cooperative health care. Aiello formed the group after listening to her patients tell her about being rushed in and out of medical offices and not receiving the complete care needed for health and wellness. “Our goal is to find practices that take the time to listen to their patients. To truly hear what they have to say and treat the whole patient with a collaborative team approach, rather than treating the most immediate symptom treated based on overbooking, insurance and lack of patient contact time. We believe that health should be proactive instead of reactive and have partnered with other doctors and practices that have the same core values and beliefs about complete patient care and education,” Aiello said.

The seminar is from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Richland Community Center, 500 Amon Park Drive. The free event includes a light lunch, but RSVPs are required. Interested participants can register by calling 509-736-4005, finding Abundant Health Alliance on Facebook and using Eventbrite to complete registration, or emailing contactus@collumbiabasinhearing center.com.

uBRIEF Vietnam veterans sought to attend Kennewick event

The Columbia Basin Veteran Center is looking for a few good men and women to celebrate the safe return of Vietnam heroes and honor those who didn’t make it home. Those who served in the Vietnam War theater in the Armed Forces, or the Republic of Vietnam may contact the center to register a service member and one guest to attend a celebration ceremony at no cost. Tickets are $60 each for all other veterans and the public. The event to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the war is at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick. The keynote speaker is former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, a retired Marine Corps general who grew up in Richland. The ceremony will honor American war veterans and their South Vietnamese counterparts. To register, buy tickets or make a contribution, call 509-545-6558 or visit the center’s office between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, at 1600 N. 20th Ave., Pasco.

Cancer can’t stop Kennewick senior’s winning streak BY SENIOR TIMES STAFF

A Kennewick woman collected more medals on the senior softball circuit this year, with two more set in her sights for the season. And Connie Wormington’s accomplished the wins while fighting stage 4 breast cancer, which she’s been doing for the past four years. “Everyone thinks you’re going to be sick and lay down because usually they’re taking chemo and that rocks your boat. If I was taking chemo, I probably wouldn’t be doing all this stuff,” said Wormington, 71, who uses a holistic approach to treat her cancer. Courtesy Connie Wormington Wormington and her Connie Wormington of Kennewick and her softball team won gold at the National Senior teammates in the age Games in June in Albuquerque. The team 70-plus division won won in the age 70-plus category. gold at the 18th annual Senior World Cup in June in Roanoke, Virginia; National Senior Wormington and her husband Games in June in Albuquerque; and Sandy own Just Roses Flowers and a regional tournament in July in More flower shops in Kennewick Prescott, Arizona. and Pasco, as well as Columbia “We won gold in everything Wholesale, which supplies flowers we’ve played. We’re on a roll,” she to other shops, and Just Storage, a said. self-storage facility in Kennewick. She next competes at the Wormington’s been playing softHuntsman World Senior Games in ball since she was a girl. She St. George, Utah, in mid-October, played in high school and then durand in the International Senior ing college in Nebraska. Softball Association Winter World She also plays in the Midand USA Championship in Columbia Senior Softball League. November in Daytona Beach, Florida.

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.

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5505 W. Skagit Ct., Kennewick, WA

Senior Times • October 2019 uBRIEFS Kadlec gets OK to add 67 inpatient hospital beds

Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland received state approval to add 67 inpatient beds to its hospital license. This raises Kadlec’s capacity to 337 beds. Under the approved certificate of need from the state Department of Health, Kadlec plans to phase in the additional beds over the next few years. Kadlec’s acute care bed occupancy rate has been increasing steadily. Coupled with the community’s projected population growth of nearly 2 percent per year for the next seven years, gaining state approval of this expansion is important, according to Kadlec officials. The population growth is driven primarily by growth in the number of residents age 65 years and older which increased, on average, 5 percent per year from 2010-15, and is forecasted to grow more than 4 percent per year from 2015-20 and 3.7 percent per year from 2020-25. This high rate of growth in the number of aging residents is important because this population has a much greater inpatient utilization rate than younger residents. In turn, this translates into much greater demand for inpatient care. At the same time, Kadlec is focused on growing its outpatient services to meet ever-increasing demand and evolving capabilities in the outpatient arena.

Tri-Cities ﬁlm festival kicks off 11th anniversary

The Tri-Cities International Film

Festival known as TRIFI will kickoff its 11th anniversary program on Friday, Oct. 11 with a pair of Washington state films. The opening begins at 5 p.m. with several international short films. The pilot film, “Tabitha, Witch of the Order,” written and produced by Seattle filmmaker Arthur RainsMcNally, will follow at 7 p.m., and “Turn it Up!,” a feature film by local filmmaker Michael Charboneau, will screen at 8:30 p.m. RainsMcNally and Charboneau will be on hand opening night for questions following their films. As a part of a rapidly growing Northwest independent film community, TRIFI has screened more than 1,300 independent short and feature films from around the world over the past 11 years. This year’s festival garnered more than 140 film submissions from nearly 20 different countries. The festival runs from Friday, Oct. 11 through Sunday, Oct. 13 in Richland. Films to be shown include independent award-winning feature films, documentaries and shorts in the sci-fi, animation, horror, documentary, comedy and fan film genres. New this year are films in the music video genre. Films will be shown at the Uptown Theater, 1300 Jadwin Ave., and in Confluent Space, 285 Williams Blvd., both in Richland. Tickets for this year’s festival are $10 for a single day pass, or $30 for the full weekend pass. Tickets may be purchased at the door or online at filmfreeway.com/TriCitiesInternationalFilmFestival/tickets.

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Senior Times • October 2019

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

SATURDAY, OCT. 5

• Hometown Health Fair: 7 a.m. to noon, Prosser Memorial Hospital, 723 Memorial St., Prosser. Cost varies depending on screenings. Go to: prosserhealth.org. • Mid-Columbia Duck Race: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Columbia Park, Kennewick. Go to: tcduckrace.com. • 65th annual Richland Folk Dance Festival: 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Shuffler Shanty, 717 N. Irving St., Kennewick. Tickets start at $25, evening dance is free. Contact: 509946-0504.

TUESDAY, OCT. 8

• Legal and Financial Planning for Alzheimer’s disease: 1:30-3:30 p.m., Kadlec Healthplex, 1268 Lee Blvd., Richland. RSVP: 509-9438455. Free

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 9

• Taking a Bite out of Hunger, benefiting Second Harvest: 5:30-9 p.m., Second Harvest, 5825 Burlington Loop, Pasco. Tickets are $100. Go to: 2-harvest.org/tcbite or call 509-545-0787. • Tri-City Genealogical Society meeting: 7 p.m., Benton County PUD Auditorium, 2721 W. 10th Ave., Kennewick. Free

THURSDAY, OCT. 10

• Women Helping Women Fund Tri-Cities Luncheon: noon to 1:30 p.m., The HAPO Center (formerly TRAC), 6600 Burden Blvd., Pasco. Tickets are $100. Go to: whwftc.org.

FRIDAY, OCT. 11

• The Glow: A 40s Fling, benefiting Soroptimist International of Three Rivers: 5-9 p.m., Richland Community Center, 500 Amon Park Drive, Richland. Tickets are $65. Go to: si3r.org.

SATURDAY, OCT. 12

• Orchid Society Show & Sale: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Red Lion Hotel, 1101 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Kennewick. Free • The Miss Prosser Court Dinner & Auction: 5-7 p.m., Prosser Eagles, 1205 Bennett Ave., Prosser. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Contact: 509-832-0682. • Wine and dine for SIGN Fracture Care International: 5-10 p.m., Three Rivers Convention Center, 7016 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick. Tickets are $50. Go to: signfracturecare.org.

SUNDAY, OCT. 13

• Orchid Society Show & Sale: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Red Lion Hotel, 1101 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Kennewick. Free • Walk to End Alzheimer’s: noon, Columbia Park bandshell, Kennewick, WA. Register: alz.org.

TUESDAY, OCT. 15

• Senior Times Expo: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Southridge Sports & Events Complex, 2901 Southridge Blvd., Kennewick. Go to: srtimes.com. Free

THURSDAY, OCT. 17

• Tour D’ Arts: 5-9 p.m., Tucannon Cellars Winery, 40504 N. Demoss Road, Benton City. Go to: 509tourdearts.com. Free • Blessed to be a Blessing, fundraiser for Center for Sharing: 6-8 p.m., Three Rivers Convention Center, 7016 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick. Tickets are $65. Go to: centerforsharing.org.

FRIDAY, OCT. 18

• White Bluffs Quilt Museum Fiber Fest: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., White Bluffs Quilt Museum, 294 Torbett St., Richland. Free

• Hearts are Wild Gala, benefiting Junior Achievement: 6-10 p.m., Three Rivers Convention Center, 7016 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick. Tickets start at $125. Go to: juniorachievement.org. • Rolling Hills Chorus Annual Show: 7:30 p.m., The Princess Theatre, 1228 Meade Ave., Prosser. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors. Go to: rollinghillschorus.org.

OCT. 18-19

• Tour D’ Arts: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., various Tri-City locations. Go to: 509tourdearts.com. Free

SATURDAY, OCT. 19

• Seniors-in-Planning two-part class: 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Richland Community Center, 500 Amon Park Drive, Richland. Second class is Saturday, Oct. 26. Register: 509-627-2522. Free • Pumped 4 Purple, fundraiser for Domestic Violence Services of Benton Franklin Counties: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Courtyard by Marriott, 480 Columbia Point Drive, Richland. Go to: dvsbf.org. Free • Rolling Hills Chorus annual Show & Silent Auction: 6 p.m., Faith Assembly, 1800 N. Road 72, Pasco. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors. Go to: rollinghillschorus.org.

SUNDAY, OCT. 20

• Tour D’ Arts: noon to 5 p.m., various Tri-City wineries. Go to: 509tourdearts.com. Free

THURSDAY, OCT. 24

• Community Lecture Series “Experience Aviation History”: 7 p.m., Franklin County Historical Society, 305 N. Fourth Ave., Pasco. Contact: 509-542-5531. Free

FRIDAY, OCT. 25

• A Place to Call Home, benefiting Elijah Family Homes: 7:30-8:30 a.m., Best Western Plus, 1515 George Washington Way, Richland. RSVP: 509-943-6610. Free • Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Celebration: 5:30 p.m., Three Rivers Convention Center, 7016 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick. Tickets are free for those who served in the Vietnam war and $60 for others. Register: 509-545-6558. • Bingo Bash & Spaghetti Dinner, benefiting Royal Family Kids: 6-9 p.m., Southridge Sports & Events Center, 2901 Southridge Blvd., Kennewick. Tickets are $17 for adults, $10 for kids 12 and under. Go to: rfkbingo19. brownpapertickets.com. • Arcis Saxophone Quartet concert: 7:30 p.m., Faith Tri-Cities Auditorium, 1800 Road 72, Pasco. Tickets are $25. Go to: communityconcertstc.org.

SATURDAY, OCT. 26

• Fall Festival: 2-5 p.m., John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland. Contact: 509-9427529. Free • Three Rivers Contra Dance: 7-10 p.m., Trinity Church, 1007 Wright Ave., Richland. Cost: $8 for adults, $5 for seniors 62 and older. Go to: 3rfs.org.

TUESDAY, OCT. 29

• Memory Care Café: 10 a.m. to noon, Richland Public Library, 940 Northgate Drive, Richland. Contact: 509-942-7680. Free • Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease: 1-3 p.m., Prosser Community Center, 1231 Dudley Blvd., Prosser. RSVP: 509-392-8571. Free. RSVP: 509-736-4005. Free

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Senior Times • October 2019 uBRIEFS Bond for firetruck, station renovation on Nov. 5 ballot

Benton Fire District 1 is asking voters to consider a capital improvement bond on the Nov. 5 ballot. This bond would last for 20 years and be an estimated 10 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. The estimated cost to a homeowner would be $1.25 per month, or $15 a year, for property valued at $150,000. If approved, funding from the bond would provide significant renovations to accommodate staff at Station 150 in Badger Canyon and replace a fire ladder truck at Station 120 in Finley. Replacing the ladder truck will help maintain the fire district’s current insurance rating for fire district apparatus. Renovations to accommodate 24-hour staffing will improve response times districtwide and lower the fire district’s insurance rating. Benton Fire District 1 funds daily operations through a fire levy of $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value, which voters renew every six years. Capital projects—such as stations and apparatus replacement— are funded through voter-approved bonds. In the last two years, the fire district paid off two such bonds.

The fire district asked voters to renew funding for the fire district levy and bond on the August ballot. Voters renewed their fire levy, and a majority of voters (54.38 percent) supported the bond on the ballot, but it was not enough to pass with the super-majority, or 60 percent, requirement. More information about the bond, including an estimated cost based on assessed value, can be found online at bentonone.org.

Nov. 7; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9. The show and sale will be at Badger Mountain Yarns’ new location in Kennewick. The yarn shop shares space with Art on the Columbia, a fine art supply store at 830 Columbia Center Blvd., below the Sprint store near Lowe’s. For more information, go to DesertFiberArts.org or find on Facebook.

Desert Fiber Arts Guild to hold show and sale

Cascade Natural Gas proposes rate increase

Members of the Desert Fiber Arts Guild have worked all year to create a variety of items, from handwoven rugs and blankets, to fine hand-knit lace shawls and delicate tatted jewelry, to showcase during their Fall Fiber Arts Show and Sale. Daily fiber arts exhibitions will be a highlight of the event. See how modern spinners make their handspun yarns. Shoppers also can enjoy a large selection of goods for sale, including shawls, wraps, scarves, mittens, caps, rugs, blankets, towels, tatted jewelry and more. The annual event will be held Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 7-9 in Kennewick. Hours are 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday,

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission has reached a settlement agreement with Cascade Natural Gas on its request to raise rates. The agreement filed Sept. 20 outlines a plan that would increase Cascade’s natural gas annual revenues by $6.5 million, or 2.8 percent, instead of by the company’s requested $12.7 million, or 5.6 percent. If the settlement is approved by the three-member commission, the average residential customer would pay $1.45 more a month, for an average monthly bill of $47.46. These changes would take effect March 1. Per the settlement agreement, Cascade would also be authorized to earn a 7.2 percent overall rate of

return, instead of the 7.7 percent rate of return the company originally requested. The UTC, which is not bound by the company’s request or the settlement agreement, will make a final decision on the utility’s request this fall. The commission has received 13 public comments to date on Cascade’s rate increase proposal, all of them opposed. Customers who want to comment on the proposed plans can submit comments online at utc.wa.gov/comments; write to P.O. Box 47250, Olympia, WA, 98504; email comments@utc.wa.gov; or call toll-free 1-888-333-9882. In March, Cascade filed a general rate case with the commission requesting a $12.7 million, or 5.6 percent increase. Cascade’s last general rate increase was in 2018. Kennewick-based Cascade Natural Gas Corporation serves almost 220,000 residential and business customers in 68 communities throughout the state, including Kennewick, Walla Walla, Moses Lake, Wenatchee and Yakima.

Come see us at the Senior Times Expo. Let us show you what Life Care Centers of Kennewick and Richland have to oﬀer! Tuesday, Oct. 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Southridge Sports & Events Complex 2901 Southridge Blvd., Kennewick

- Jaymie, Wendy and Briana Life Care Center of Richland 44 Goethals Drive, Richland (509) 943-1117 LifeCareCenterofRichland.com

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Senior Times • October 2019 COMMISSIONERS, From page 1

of a human resources department to handle the issue in-house.

Legal costs keep climbing

The final costs could swell to more than double what has been spent when an appeal before a neutral third party is undertaken on the accusations against Barnes. The “rough” estimate is $75,000 in additional costs. “It’s a very early estimate. We don’t have neutral selected so we do not know what that neutral’s hourly rate is going to be,” said Lucinda Luke, the port’s attorney. “A lot of things that neutral (party) will also be determining is the hearing process, and so that process may be more abbreviated or may include more steps. So that is truly a very rough estimate.” Moak, the commission’s president, chose not to challenge the recommended sanctions, which include a public reprimand, retraining on professional conduct at his expense and publication about his sanction in the Tri-City Herald. In his complaint, Novakovich pointed to the commissioners’ behavior while discussing the land sale. The port owns property in central Kennewick where a working air strip was located until it closed at the end of 2013; it is being redeveloped for mixed use. The port had interest in buying back five acres of private land under contract with the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic. According to those in the meeting, it appeared Moak and Barnes found port CEO Tim Arntzen at fault for the port losing its chance to buy back the land prior to the sale. “I said I raised my voice, somebody else said I yelled. To me, I don’t know of a person who, in a tense situation, hasn’t raised their voice or yelled in frustration. I mean, I did it. I was frustrated. But I didn’t think it was a big thing, either,” Moak said. He accepts the blame, but doesn’t accept fault for the situation escalating beyond the port’s walls to an independent investigation, prompted by Novakovich’s complaint. “I believe that the appropriate way of dealing with it would have been to go to Tim Arntzen, if (Novakovich) was having an issue with commissioners, or to speak up in a meeting and do that rather than going through this anonymous citizen complaint that’s going to cost a lot of money,” Moak said. “To me, it was Tim’s role as CEO to figure out what needs to happen. It shouldn’t be an individual commissioner start-

ing out with the first brush to file a complaint.” Barnes also feels he did everything in his power to avoid the investigation and growing legal bills. “It’s a matter of public record. I tried to amend the agenda in April at our port commission meeting to add an executive session for the purpose of taking up the citizen complaint. But the commission was told by port counsel that that would have been premature, or some words to that effect, so I couldn’t get a vote from the commission to go along with that,” Barnes said. “This initial complaint authored by Commissioner Novakovich went to our CEO Arntzen and to attorney Lucinda Luke, and they made the decision to go forward with an outside investigation,” he added. “Those three made the decision. And now I find it a little ironic that I’m being blamed for the cost of this.” Novakovich disagreed. He said the commissioners, and especially Moak, had the opportunity to deal with the concerns in house but avoided it. “(Moak) was supposed to handle these things but he did not,” Novakovich said. “He ignored it and even sided with Commissioner Barnes whenever any issue came up that related to it. So, yes, I agree, it could have been handled locally. But he didn’t do it.” Novakovich said using the outside attorney was the only available course of action: “By port policy, Tim (Arntzen) needed to automatically recuse himself and send it on to the attorney, which he did. The attorney then got out of the way and said, ‘Look, I’m the port attorney. I need to find a neutral person to investigate this,’ so she got out of the way.” The investigation also looked at whether Barnes created a hostile work environment for a salaried employee, Arntzen, and whether Moak shirked his duties as president by failing to enforce policies and procedures.

The investigator’s findings

The investigator’s August report resulted in six findings, half of which exonerated the commissioners, half of which found violations. The report by Seattle attorney Tara Parker of Ogden Murphy Wallace found Barnes and Moak did not violate port rules regarding directives to staff or violate the state’s Open Meetings Act. Parker also determined Moak did not fail in his role as president. But Parker did conclude Barnes uCOMMISSIONERS, Page 7

Senior Times • October 2019 COMMISSIONERS, From page 6

violated port rules by calling a Vista Field consultant about the land sale, as well as the state auditor’s office. Additionally, Parker said Barnes created a hostile work environment for a port employee and Moak violated port rules on civility when he raised his voice at the port employee. “I accept that I could have done better. We all have standards that we need to live up to, and I didn’t live up to the standard I wanted to live up to,” Moak said. The investigator said Barnes calling the consultant about the land sale could harm the port’s relationship with the consultant. Barnes called the state auditor’s office in June 2019 to ask about the chance of buying back the land, a call that was placed while the investigation was underway. Parker concluded this call could result in added scrutiny of the port by the state auditor’s office. “There are a lot of allegations in this complaint and 90 percent were found to be without merit. There are only three things, and I respectfully disagree with the findings of the investigative report regarding the two things that I am alleged to have done,” Barnes said. Since the port had an interest in obtaining the private land and failed to do so, the complaint indicated Barnes and Moak placed the blame squarely on the shoulders of the port’s CEO. The investigator reported Barnes accused Arntzen of fraud and withholding information, and said multiple witnesses recounted a hostile demeanor toward the port’s CEO which “seriously negatively impacted” Arntzen. The finding said Barnes repeated “significant hostility, in public and private” against the CEO. “I disagree with the findings of this investigative report, and per our rules of policy and procedure, I have requested a hearing by a neutral (third party) to appeal,” Barnes said. Parker concluded that Moak’s treatment of the CEO wasn’t much better, finding that he had yelled, “I blame you,” to Arntzen and had threatened to fire him in a joking matter during public meetings. The investigator also said Moak “dressed down” a public works director from another agency. Novakovich said inappropriate comments made in public meetings were nothing new. “What’s been going on is just awful…You don’t bring that kind of stuff up in public; it’s just not the right thing to do,” he said. The investigator said Moak and

From left, Port of Kennewick Commissioners Don Barnes, Thomas Moak and Skip Novakovich.

Barnes violated the rules on civility and respect and recommended sanctions against both. Novakovich felt these findings only scratched the surface. “I’m disappointed that the investigator didn’t investigate deeper. I’m happy that there’s something and something’s going to happen, but I think there could have been a lot more,” he said.

Commissioner Moak would not even let me speak in commission meetings. As soon as I started speaking on something, he’d call me out of order and tell me to be quiet.”

For Barnes, formal public censure was also recommended. “I’m confident in my appeal before an independent neutral over these allegations,” Barnes said. His decision to request an appeal will come at the expense of the port. The port’s chief financial officer said the port is checking to see if its insurance may cover the expense, otherwise it expects to use some of the $2.5 million set aside in a selfinsurance fund to foot the bills. Moak and Novakovich disagree about whether Barnes should pursue his appeal. “I wouldn’t want that on my record. I believe people need to defend themselves,” Moak said. “It’s shocking the cost is what the cost is, but if you feel this is an overreach, I think he needs to stand up for himself. That’s what appeals are there for.” Novakovich said, “I think it’s uCOMMISSIONERS, Page 8

Sanctions and appeals

The sanctions include cooperative participation in team-building activities with the staff, including the CEO and Novakovich. When asked how they expected to work together for the good of the port, Novakovich said he shared the same concerns. “I asked that exact question, ‘How is this port supposed to function when you have two people who have created a hostile work environment, and yet they’re in a position to oversee?’ and Moak called me out of order and I couldn’t finish,” Novakovich said. “Port policy says there’s not to be any retaliatory action against anyone who files a complaint, and if you take a look at the videos of our meetings,

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Senior Times • October 2019

COMMISSIONERS, From page 7

uncalled for because the independent investigator found him guilty on two or three things, and that’s the way it’s going to end up again no matter what he would do or say. It’s black and white, the facts are there, it’s all been proven. It’s just a complete waste of money.” When asked whether a second independent investigation could find a different outcome, Barnes said, “I don’t have a comment about the independent investigation and whether it was independent or not.”

Upcoming election, current tensions

The future of the port commission is still up in the air. Moak is the commission’s newest representative and is running for re-election against challenger VJ Meadows in the November election. The position represents a portion of Kennewick. Each commissioner is elected to a six-year term. The commissioners don’t currently earn the same salary due to rules preventing an elected official from voting for their own salary increase. Barnes and Novakovich earn $28,505 a year, while Moak earns $15,708, plus a per diem compensation of $128 per meeting.

The port’s CFO said this all amounts to a similar salary between the three commissioners, and when the new term begins in January, the per diem will be eliminated and each commissioner will earn the same. Novakovich said he’d prefer to see a new face on the commission after the election. Barnes is in his second term representing a portion of Kennewick and has served the commission since 2012. Moak believes the current commissioners can still be effective in their roles despite the past. “Is it a little challenging? Yes. My feeling is, I have to deal with that, and I believe I have dealt with that professionally. I believe that the three commissioners are professionals and they should be able to work together for the greater good. I don’t see necessarily that just because there’s been a little bit of turmoil among us, as necessarily having to change the direction of the commission or that that becomes overwhelming to the product we try to put out,” Moak said. Barnes said his record should stand for itself and believes he will be exonerated. “I’ve had an excellent working relationship with the Port of Kennewick, until January of this

year. Basically this issue came about over questions about one item that was on the Jan. 22, 2019, agenda. And I think it’s the responsibility of the commissioner to ask questions that are in the best interest of the Port of Kennewick. I’m asking questions on behalf of the taxpayers and the citizens.” When Moak and Barnes were asked whether they have confidence in Arntzen’s role as CEO despite disagreeing on the decisions he made over the land sale, Barnes chose not to comment, saying it would be “inappropriate” to do so. “I felt that he’s done a great job for the first five years,” Moak said. “I’m not prepared to throw out all the good things he’s done because I haven’t liked the way this particular series of events related to this complaint have played out. That doesn’t change my overall view that he’s done a very good job for the port and for the people of the port district at large with some of these big projects. I believe he’s the right person to continue to lead us in that direction.” While Novakovich has served the district since 2009, representing residents in West Richland, and parts of Richland, Benton City and Benton County, he’s unsure of his own future on the commission.

“I don’t have a whole lot of interest in staying on and I’ve been there for 10 years, but I don’t have any interest in staying in that kind of environment. It’s not worth it. The reason I (wrote the complaint) is not me. It’s to protect the staff. They don’t need to work under that kind of circumstance.” Novakovich added words of warning: “There could be some real lessons learned for elected officials about policies and procedures; these guys approved them. When you make rules, they’re for a reason, and when you’re elected to represent people, you need to follow the rules and follow the procedures.” Though Barnes’ appeal looms, he said he’s committed to staying focused on port business. “I think the port has some tremendous projects on the books right now that will make a significant difference in our community and I’m very much wanting to work on these projects going forward,” he said. “I focused on Vista Field; I focused on Columbia Drive, and we need to try to put this behind us and move forward, and that’s what I’m trying to do.”

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Senior Times • October 2019

2019 Holiday Bazaars BY SENIOR TIMES STAFF

Several area groups and churches are offering bazaars around the TriCities:

SATURDAY, OCT. 12

Highlands Middle School Fall Bazaar: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Highlands Middle School, 425 S. Tweedt St., Kennewick. Free brownies to the first 100 shoppers.

SATURDAY, OCT. 19

Kennewick Harvest Bazaar: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Southridge Sports & Events Complex, 2901 Southridge Blvd., Kennewick. Admission: $3 per person or $5 per couple. Holiday Bazaar: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kennewick Pasco Moose Lodge, 2617 W. Sylvester St., Pasco. Contact: 509-547-3421. Holly Daze Bazaar: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kennewick First United Methodist Church, 2 S. Dayton St., Kennewick. Gift items, crafts, decorations, baked goods and raffles. Proceeds benefit local nonprofits supported by United Methodist Women.

FRIDAY, OCT. 25

Kennewick Valley Grange Fall Bazaar: noon to 6 p.m., Kennewick

Valley Grange #731, 2611 S. Washington St., Kennewick. Handmade items. Food available for purchase. Free admission.

SATURDAY, OCT. 26

Burbank Grange Bazaar: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Burbank Grange, 44 N. Fourth Ave., Burbank. Handmade items. Breakfast and lunch available for purchase. Kennewick Valley Grange Fall Bazaar: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Kennewick Valley Grange, 2611 S. Washington St., Kennewick. Handcrafted items. Food available for purchase. Free admission.

SATURDAY, NOV. 2

Highway Church of God Holiday Bazaar: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Highway Church of God, 2715 W. Seventh Ave., Kennewick. Maya Angelou Craft Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Maya Angelou Elementary, 6001 N. Road 84, Pasco. More than 70 vendors selling handmade items. Admission: $2, children 12 and under are free.

FRIDAY, NOV. 8

West Highlands Methodist Church Holiday Bazaar: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., West Highlands United

Methodist Church, 17 S. Union St., Kennewick. Handcrafted art and food vendors. Custer’s Christmas Arts & Crafts Show: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., the HAPO Center (formerly TRAC), 6600 Burden Blvd., Pasco. More than 150 artists and crafters. Admission costs $7 and is good all weekend. Children 12 and under are free. Contact: custershows. com.

SATURDAY, NOV. 9

Custer’s Christmas Arts & Crafts Show: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., the HAPO Center (formerly TRAC), 6600 Burden Blvd., Pasco. More than 150 artists and crafters. Admission costs $7 and is good all weekend. Children 12 and under are free. Contact: custershows. com. West Highlands Methodist Church Holiday Bazaar: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., West Highlands United Methodist Church, 17 S. Union St., Kennewick. Handcrafted art and food vendors. Richland Senior Association Holiday Bazaar: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Richland Community Center, 500 Amon Drive, Richland. The first 250 shoppers receive a free tote. Free admission. Winter Extravaganza: noon to 5 p.m., Columbia Basin Racquet Club, 1776 Terminal Drive, Richland.

SUNDAY, NOV. 10

Custer’s Christmas Arts & Crafts

Show: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the HAPO Center (formerly TRAC), 6600 Burden Blvd., Pasco. More than 150 artists and crafters. Admission costs $7 and is good all weekend. Children 12 and under are free. Contact: custershows. com.

SATURDAY, NOV. 16

Make a Difference Christmas Bazaar: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Calvary Chapel Tri-Cities, 10611 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick. Craft vendors, lunch options and more. Free admission. Affinity at Southridge annual Holiday Bazaar: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Affinity at Southridge, 5207 W. Hildebrand Blvd., Kennewick. Handmade crafts. Contact: 509-2221212. Jason Lee Craft Bazaar: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Jason Lee Elementary, 1750 McMurray Ave., Richland. More than 50 craft and food vendors. Nonperishable, canned food donation collection for the Tri-Cities Food Bank. Free admission. Lewis and Clark Holiday Bazaar: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lewis and Clark Elementary, 415 Jadwin Ave., Richland. To be included on this list for the months of November and December, email ads@tcjournal.biz with details about your bazaar, including time, date, place and cost.

Senior Times • October 2019

SENIOR TIMES EXPO Tuesday, Oct. 15 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Southridge Sports & Events Complex 2901 Southridge Boulevard, Kennewick

FREE ION

ADMISS

Visit booths to learn about products, services and ideas for better senior living. Enter drawings, pick up freebies and ﬁll out the “Hunt for the Treasure” contest to win prizes! For more information, call 509-737-8778 or visit srtimes.com SPONSORED BY

ALZHEIMER’S, From page 1

This is my story. My name is Linda Larsen-King and along with my brothers, Bart and Gary Larsen, we are victims of Alzheimer’s. My parents, Wayne and Nelda Larsen, were strong and hard-working people. Determined, they chipped an irrigated farm out of the Columbia Basin desert, north of Pasco. The road to the property of sagebrush was merely dirt tracks. Extremely poor, dad followed his dream of making it as a crop farmer. Mom supported his dream by toiling right alongside him, all while taking care of three kids. As children, we were expected to get off the school bus, grab a snack and get out in the fields. The tasks varied by whatever needed to be done at that time. It didn’t matter if you didn’t know how to do it the first time. Dad taught us how. Dad and mom’s 1,000-acre farm is now a profitable asparagus operation managed by my brothers, Bart and Gary, who continue to live there. My parents had outstanding morals and reeked of honesty. They were wellliked and had a warm circle of friends. Though they always had their noses to the grindstone, they still enjoyed socializing with people near to their hearts, whether family, friends or strangers they met. Later in life, they had a vacation home in Yuma, Arizona, surrounded by those same lifelong friends. It was in Yuma that mom started to see changes in dad’s activities and health. First, unexplainable, but thought to be related to a heart condition. After selling their Arizona home, dad’s health declined further and signs of Alzheimer’s appeared. The diagnosis was a new term for us: a very unsettling medical condition that we knew nothing about. With the help of my brothers, mom exhaustively cared for dad by herself. It was only until the family strongly suggested additional help that she accepted an at-home health care aide. Unfortunately, dad became nonverbal as his disease progressed. He was unable to walk or feed himself. Sadly, he passed on Christmas eve in 2012. It is always heartbreaking when one passes, but in dad’s case, and in many other families, it sadly becomes relief. It is just so hard to witness the long dragging demise of those with Alzheimer’s. Early on after dad’s death, I repeated to myself, “There must be something I can do,” over and over. A few years later, my mom starting showing odd behaviors. My family was quicker to suspect Alzheimer’s. I knew it was time to actually do something now. My searches turned up the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. I didn’t think very long about it, because the cause was perfect. Prior to October 2017, I uALZHEIMER’S, Page 11

Senior Times • October 2019 ALZHEIMER’S, From page 10

set up Larsen Farm’s Walk Team in honor of my parents. The first year our campaign was promoted through Facebook pleas to support the research of this ghastly disease. Thanks to family and friends, Larsen Farms proudly raised nearly $3,800. That amount exceeded our expectations and took us by surprise. As mom’s disease worsened, the family felt hopeless. She was living in a memory care community. Emotionally, we were drained. In 2018, we wanted to walk, but none of us did any promotions to raise funds. We were just too hurt by watching mom deteriorate. For me, it was all I could do to show up for the inspiring program and walk with others who were also in painful stages of Alzheimer’s. Again, whether one has Alzheimer’s or not, its effects are felt deep in the heart of many, even though it centers in the brains of our loved ones. Painful as it is to say, I do not think mom will live another year. Even more jarring for me to admit: I hope she does not suffer any longer. She was put in hospice care. The reality was that we needed to make her final arrangements. I asked my brothers, “Should mom die, how do you feel about directing people to donate money to our Walk Team in lieu of flowers?” This simple question sparked our quest to raise more money for Alzheimer’s in 2019. As we cleared mom’s bed from her room for a hospital bed provided by hospice, we barely said a word to one another. Afterward I got in my car to return home to Woodinville and my phone rang. It was my brother Gary. I

Tri-Cities Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Courtesy Linda Larsen-King Linda Larsen-King visits with her mom, Nelda Larsen, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease not long after losing her husband, Wayne, to it in 2012.

was scared that something happened to mom already. Instead he said, “Hey, I’ve got this idea to raise money for our team. You know how purple is the color for Alzheimer’s?” “Yes,” I said. “I thought I would donate all the sales of my purple asparagus for the remainder of the season. Tell me what you think,” he said. His idea was brilliant, to say the least! I couldn’t wait to get home to resurrect the Larsen Farm’s Walk Team website. Meanwhile, Gary’s mind just kept racing with new ideas to promote the sale of the purple asparagus. Though used before by others, the power of purple became our war cry. Since the farm is inconvenient as a pickup site, Gary recruited the Richland Alzheimer’s Association office to be a point of sale so the asparagus was closer to those wanting to donate. Additionally, the Richland office set

The Tri-Cities Walk to End Alzheimer’s is Sunday, Oct. 13 at the Columbia Park bandshell in Kennewick. Last year, more than 500 people participated, raising $93,785. Organized by the Alzheimer’s Association Washington state chapter, the event raises money to fund Alzheimer’s research and to provide care and support services for local families affected by the disease. Registration for the walk begins at noon, followed by an opening ceremony at 1:30 p.m. and the three-mile walk at 2 p.m. This is a family- and pet-friendly event, and the walk route is fully accessible. It is free to attend; however, participants who donate or raise $100 or more will receive a Walk to End Alzheimer’s T-shirt. In Washington state there are more than 110,000 people living with Alzheimer’s and another 348,000 unpaid caregivers providing their support. It is the sixth leading cause of death nationally, and the third leading cause of death in Washington state. For questions about the Tri-Cities Walk to End Alzheimer’s, contact Erica Grissmerson, the event manager, at emgrissmerson@alz.org or 509-207-7999. To register, visit alz.org/walk or call 1-800-272-3900.

up a booth during a concert in the park to sell our fresh produce. We slammed Facebook again with our cause. I set up a table at Fieldstone Memory Care in Kennewick, where mom was living, to sell to the visiting families, and I was serving as a pickup site in town. Brought to tears throughout the day, I was touched by the stories of the Fieldstone families and the generosity of our friends who stopped by to buy the purple asparagus. Since we exceeded our walk team’s goal of $5,000, we set our new target at $10,000. To date, more than $11,000

has been raised. The purple asparagus carries a powerful, regal message of “Let’s Stop Alzheimer’s Now!” Simply, the reason we walk is to represent all those generous people who united in our fight against Alzheimer’s, because they themselves, like us, are affected or may be affected in the future. Unfortunately, but thankfully, we are not alone in the heartbreak of Alzheimer’s. The Larsen Farms team will be walking at the Tri-Cities Walk to End Alzheimer’s 2019.

Senior Times • October 2019

HOME CARE, From page 1

to manage individual providers, including timecard approval, background checks and training. CDCN will now be the legal employer for all individual providers in the region. These individual providers offer care to clients for everything from bathing, dressing and grooming, and also may cover social supervision and respite care. Typically, the workers have skills similar to a certified nursing assistant, offering in-home care for daily life tasks. Due to the often sensitive, private nature of the role, clients always have had the ability to

choose who works with them, and this won’t change. “The client still gets the choice to hire, fire and train,” Bledsoe said. “Typically they have a better satisfaction with the services they receive, a better way to control what’s happening in their home. It doesn’t necessarily eliminate those folks that want to do a traditional model of service where we send people into their homes. We’re not absolved of that by making sure quality care happens.” The process to find a contracted employer began last year and is expected to be fully in place by summer 2021. By that time, CDCN will take on all responsibilities currently

administered by Aging and Long-Term Support Administration, Developmental Disabilities Administration and the Area Agencies on Aging. Bledsoe said he’s targeting March or April 2021 for the switchover to begin so that everything is in place by the official July 1, 2021, start date. “When you have 20,000 people who are basically grandfathered in, they’ll have to fill out some paperwork, because that’s how the world works,” Bledsoe said. “If you’re a new carrier, you’ll do some sort of application online, and we’ll make sure you’re matched up with a client, someone who’s receiving services, or

that person receiving services may submit that application directly to us.” Bledsoe said his company has been preparing to increase the capacity of those it employs, already providing care in 17 states with the intention of using a model that was first tested in Virginia. “Washington’s got a very unique model of service,” Bledsoe said. “We’ll have some local staff. We plan on having five offices and then a handful of home offices across the southern part of Washington state. Our goal is to make sure that you can reach a representative of ours face to face within 90 minutes if you really need to, no matter where you are in the state. So we’re not just going to be sitting here in Missoula pretending like we know what goes on in Washington.” The roll out will coordinate with a change in federal law known as an “electronic visit verification” and will require electronic timecard reporting from individual providers who visit a person’s home. It’s an additional change in processes for the providers during a similar timeframe, but the impact to clients receiving services is expected to be minimal. “Our goal is to always have that continuity of care and for it to be as painless as possible but we acknowledge there will be some painful points,” Bledsoe said. “We want to make sure we get out and communicate with everyone, introduce who we are, not just a big out-of-state entity.” For the caregivers, Bledsoe also hopes the switchover is well received. “You’re changing your employment relationship, you’re changing who your paycheck comes from, managing Medicaid dollars coming through and you’re also doing a new time sheet system. With all that, there are some hurdles to clear, and we have roughly a year and a half to do it,” he said. Both the state and CDCN aim to improve service with the new system, allowing more time for clients and their case managers, and for individual providers to work with a single entity for all employment needs. “We’ve been preparing our own company for a large leap in our capabilities, trying to scale up to take on large volumes of clients, caregivers and support them the way we like to support them. We want to have people feel like they’re the only ones an organization cares about,” he said. The state is offering monthly webinars for interested parties to receive updates on the changeover, scheduled for Oct. 22. Go to dshs.wa.gov/altsa/ stakeholders/consumer-directedemployer.

Senior Times • October 2019

lettuce, tomato, onion, baked beans, cabbage and apple slaw and chocolate chip cookies. • Thursday, Oct. 31: Pork roast with gravy, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, bread with margarine and frosted orange cake. » For more information about Senior Life Resources Northwest, go to seniorliferesources.org.

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mashed potatoes with gravy, peas and carrots, bread with margarine and a cranberry oat bar. • Monday, Oct. 28: Spaghetti and meat sauce, green beans, salad with dressing, breadstick and citrus salad. • Tuesday, Oct. 29: Chicken fajitas, tortilla, rice and beans, chilled pears, pineapple upside-down cake. • Wednesday, Oct. 30: Hamburger,

Just for Fun SUDOKU SUDOKU

STR8TS STR8TS

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 $3.00 per meal. Meals may be purchased by those younger than 60 for $7.45. 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: 509-585-4241; Pasco: 509-543-5706; Parkside: 509-545-2169; 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 without a reservation. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 509-736-0045. • Monday, Oct. 7: Chicken and white bean chili, cornbread with margarine and yogurt with berries. • Tuesday, Oct. 8: Lemon pepper cod, white rice, pea and cheese salad, bread with margarine and cranberry oat bar. • Wednesday, Oct. 9: Chicken and rice casserole, glazed baby carrots, bread with margarine and chocolate cake. • Thursday, Oct. 10: Baked ziti,

seasoned broccoli, salad with dressing, breadstick and chilled fruit cocktail. • Friday, Oct. 11: Pulled pork sandwich, baked beans, coleslaw, mandarin oranges and an oatmeal raisin cookie. • Monday, Oct. 14: Closed for staff training. • Tuesday, Oct. 15: Chicken alfredo, Italian vegetables, breadstick and chilled peaches. • Wednesday, Oct. 16: Harvest apple pork chop, mashed sweet potatoes, broccoli Normandy, bread with margarine and a brownie. • Thursday, Oct. 17: Swiss steak with tomato, gravy, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, bread with margarine and blueberry and cherry crisp. • Friday, Oct. 18: Birthday day! Roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, Italian vegetables, roll with margarine and ice cream. • Monday, Oct. 21: Smothered pork chop, mashed potatoes with gravy, mixed vegetables, bread with margarine and chilled pears. • Tuesday, Oct. 22: Chicken enchilada casserole, refried beans, Mexican coleslaw and frosted cake. • Wednesday, Oct. 23: Macaroni and cheese, sausage patty, seasoned broccoli, salad with dressing and citrus salad. • Thursday, Oct. 24: Tuna noodle casserole, lyonnaise carrots, roll with margarine and blueberry crisp. • Friday, Oct. 25: Roast turkey,

Meals on Wheels October menu

How to beat Str8ts – How to beat Str8ts – To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering Like Sudoku, no single number 1 to 9 can repeat in any row To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering Like Sudoku, no single number 1 to 9 can repeat in anyon rowpage numbers to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 Solutions 15 1 numbers or column. But... rows and columns are 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 or column. But... rows and columns are box contains every number uniquely. divided by black squares into compartments. 2 1 4 5 box contains every number uniquely. divided by black squares into compartments. 2 1 4 5 Each compartment must form a straight many strategies, hints and tips, Each compartment must form a straight 6 - 4 5 36 24 5 For For many strategies, hints and tips, 3 2 a set of numbers with no gaps but it can be visit www.sudokuwiki.org for Sudoku Oct. 2: Th2e Seattle Pilots a set of numbers with no gaps but it can be 4 5 1 visit www.sudokuwiki.org for Sudoku in any order, eg [7,6,9,8]. Clues in black cells 4 5 2 1 andgame www.str8ts.com for Str8ts. in any order, in black play in 6 2last 5 4 cells 3 their 1 baseball and www.str8ts.com for Str8ts. remove that number aseg an[7,6,9,8]. option in Clues that row 5 4 3 6 season 2 1 they remove thatnot number anstraight. option in that row Seattle. Quiz check answer Page 1 and column, and are part ofas any If you like Str8ts and other puzzles, out from our 3 5 2 Th 1e next 4 column, to and are not‘straights’ part of any straight. If you likeApps Str8ts and other puzzles, 3 5 2 1 4 Glance atand the solution see how books, iPhone/iPad and much more on ourcheck store.out our move to Milwaukee and are 2 1 3 Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store. are formed. 1 3 renamed the2Brewers. Decommissioned Army camels are formed.

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Oct. 4: The last wooden passenger subway cars retired at Brooklyn Myrtle Beach.

— Source: Franklin County Historical Society

Str8ts example

Senior Times • October 2019

Kennewick museum features silver screen exhibit BY EAST BENTON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The long lines at a Kennewick theater 70 years ago probably had less to do with the screening of “Blondie’s Big Deal” and more likely the prospect of winning a free 1949 Ford. The free car promotion was massive. It encompassed the three local Ford dealerships of the time: Central Motors of Pasco, Richland Motor Co. and S & J Motor Co. of Kennewick. Patrons had to bring their movie ticket stubs to any of the six cinemas across the three cities. At the time the participating cinemas included the Richland and Village Cinemas in Richland, the Benton and Roxy cinemas in Kennewick and Pasco’s Liberty and Pasco theaters. It’s hard to say what was leading to this kind of huge promotion with the brick-and-mortar showhouses. It’s possible this was a tactic to help the cinemas compete against the up-and-coming drive-in culture. By the late 1940s, the Hi-Land Drive-In had opened in Kennewick. Drive-in films allow movie lovers to watch movies from inside their

car, in a more laid-back atmosphere. Admission was often by the carload. In 1949, the Friday night lights of high school sports may still have been the height of entertainment, but going to the movies was still a big deal locally. Movies were still a means of catching up with the outside world and all the glamour of Hollywood. KEPR television would not begin broadcasting until 1954. KNDU television wouldn’t join the airwaves until 1961. And KVEW didn’t join as the full-time ABC affiliate until 1970. Television adoption locally was slower, but it, like other places around the country, steadily ate into the market of consumers going to see movies. It was this abundant stream of free broadcast programming that would cause the Benton Theater and many local cinemas to modernize or close. The Benton Theater likely was closed well before the Columbia Center TriPlex opened in 1969, with its massive 850-seat auditorium and loads of parking. The Columbia Center TriPlex ultimately fell to a Regal 8 Plex and

Courtesy East Benton County Historical Society Crowds lined the sidewalks for the film “Blondie’s Big Deal” at The Benton Theater in 1949. The family comedy based on the comic strip had a plot straight out of a television sitcom. The franchise featured 28 separate film entries until 1950.

that in turn was torn down to make way for the Dick’s Sporting Goods that opened in September. Overall the Tri-Cities has opened and closed five drive-ins and nearly a dozen cinemas overall. Ultimately as tastes have turned to staying in and watching content at home, theaters have had a harder time attracting audience members. Perhaps it’s time to give away another free car! Counterintuitively, the East Benton County History Museum in Kennewick has opened a theater space within the museum, reimagining the Benton Theater as a microcinema with seating for about 30 viewers to celebrate and remember our collective experience with the movies. Museum guests can come watch silent films on Saturdays. Through Halloween, the theater will be showing the silent horror film classic, “Nosferatu” (1922), Buster Keaton silent film comedy, “The Haunted House” (1921), “Night of the Living Dead” (1968) and the “House on Haunted Hill” (1959). All shows will include historic interpretation with Kory Gaston and his crew from the Garage-A-Rama

Podcast. In addition to these classic films, we are giving guests a taste of local cinema with past winners from the 72-Hour Film Challenge. We are also screening winners from the International Youth Silent Film Festival as inspiration to young filmmakers who may wish to participate in the Youth Silent Film Challenge we hope to host in February. Guests also may come in and learn more about local cinemas in our exhibit, “The Silver Screens of Benton County,” which tells of the histories and second acts of some of these local cinemas. And coming soon will be an exhibit honoring the Tri-City Americans hockey programs. It will feature information, photos and memorabilia. Fans with items they might wish to loan for this exhibit are encouraged to contact the museum for more information. We would love to have community involvement from the fans who have supported the Americans for more than 30 years. For more information, call 509582-7704. The museum is at 205 W. Keewaydin Drive.

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Senior Times • October 2019

Kennewick plans open house on convention center expansion BY SENIOR TIMES STAFF

An open house has been scheduled for Kennewick’s multimillion dollar public-private plan to expand the Three Rivers Convention Center with a theater and hotel—and possibly more development later. The meeting is from 4:30-6:30 Thursday, Oct. 17 at the Three Rivers Convention Center, 7016 W. Grandridge Blvd. in Kennewick. The city council in September approved a $486,883 purchase and sales agreement for 3.56 acres adjacent to the convention center and Toyota Center with A-1 Pearl LLC for the development of a convention hotel to be connected to an expanded convention center. A-1 Pearl, which is part of the TriCity-based A-1 Hospitality Group that’s currently building the Courtyard by Marriott near the Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco, is led by Taran Patel and managed by Vijay Patel. The deal, valued at $85 million, includes a $35 million investment from the city to expand the convention center with a 2,000-seat flex-space performing arts theater and add nearly 65,000 square feet and more parking. The developer agrees to invest $50 million to build a seven-story conven-

Courtesy city of Kennewick

tion hotel with a restaurant, spa and outdoor pool and 40,000-square-foot retail building. A-1 Pearl also is looking at whether it’s feasible to add an outdoor wedding venue area to the hotel. The deal contains a two-year duediligence period to allow both sides time to secure necessary financing and jointly begin the construction of the expansion of the convention center, hotel and retail component of the project. A-1 Pearl is pursuing the federal EB-5 immigrant investor program for funding.

The agreement also allows the option to buy the adjacent property for the second phase, which would create residential, commercial and public spaces with water features and a boardwalk. This $160 million investment includes three residential towers with 800 condominiums, up to 300,000 square feet of high-end shopping, restaurants and offices on the first two levels of the mixed-use development and underground parking for residents. At the open house, staff from the city of Kennewick and Kennewick Public Facilities District will provide informa-

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tion on the project vision, public and private investment components, economic impacts, the complementary nature of the project to the entertainment district and Vista Field re-development vision, and the financing needed. The open house will provide the public an opportunity to view concept renderings of the project, make comments and ask questions. The city estimates $1 million in onetime local sales tax revenue and $105,000 in annual local sales tax revenue from the hotel with the first phase of the project, according to city documents. Voters rejected a proposal to increase the sales tax by two-tenths of a percent to expand the convention center three times, in 2017, 2016 and 2013. “The citizens rejected those measures and the feedback we received was that the community did not support the sales tax increase and felt there needed to be private development involved in the project,” according to city documents. Conventions, trade shows and conferences contribute more than $21 million in direct spending and overall economic impact to the community of more than $31 million, according to city documents.

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Senior Times • October 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. • AARP Smart Driver Course (ages 50 and up): 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5 and Wednesday, Nov. 6. Cost: $15 for AARP members (must provide proof of membership), $20 for nonmembers. RSVP: 509-545-3456.

• Basin Wood Carvers: 1-3 p.m. Thursdays. Cost: Free. • China Painting: 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays. Bring your own project and supplies. • Cribbage: 1-3 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. • Drop-In Snooker: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Cost: $1 per day. • Enhance Fitness: Class focuses on stretching, balance, low impact aerobics and strength training. 10-11 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Call 509-545-3456 to regis-

ter. 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. • Meals on Wheels lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Cost: $7.45 (18-59 years), $3 (suggested donation 60 years and older). Reservations required 24 hours in advance. RSVP: 509-5435706. • Mexican Train Dominoes: 12:30-3 p.m. Mondays. Cost: Free. • Pinochle: 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays.

Prosser Senior Community Center 1231 Dudley Ave., Prosser • 509-786-2915 • cityofprosser.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. • All-you-can-eat breakfast: 8-11:30 a.m. the last Sunday of each month. Location: dining room. Suggested donation: $6 adults, $3 for those 8 and younger.

• Bingo (18+): 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Location: dining room. Three cards for $1. • Bingo at Night (18+): 6 p.m. second Friday of the month. $10 buy-in. • Birthday Celebration: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. third Friday of the month. Call 509-786-1148 to verify. Location: dining room. Provided by Meals on Wheels. Suggested donation of $2.75. • Enhanced Fitness: 2-3 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Location: dining room. Free. • Foot Care Wednesday: For appointment, call: 509-303-0079. Fill out foot care application for assistance at center or $25 for private pay. • Mahjong: 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Location: living room. Free.

• Meals On Wheels: 11:45 a.m. Monday through Friday. Location: dining room. Suggested donation of $2.75. For reservations, call 509786-1148. • Pinochle: 5:30 p.m. Thursdays. Location: living room. Bring potluck dish to share. Free • Table Pool: Noon to 3 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays. Free. • Tai Chia Quan: 6 p.m. Mondays; beginners first Monday of month; 5 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays open practice for club members. Location: dining room. Call: 509-430-1304 • Wellness Class: 10:30 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays. Taught by Cheri Eisen of Sirius Therapeutics. Location: living room. $4 per session for members, $5 for others. Call: 816-510-5025.

West Richland Senior Center 616 N. 60th, West Richland 509-967-2847 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, is 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. A donation of 50 cents for members and $1 for others is requested.

Senior Times • October 2019

Kennewick Community Center

500 S. Auburn St., Kennewick • 509-585-4303 • go2kennewick.com

All activities are at the Keewaydin Community Center unless otherwise listed. Activities, times and location subject to change. For more information, call 509-585-4303. • Bingo: 1-2 p.m. second Wednesday of each month. Cost: $1. • Bingo Tournament: 1-3 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 18. Cost: $5 in advance, $8 at the door. • Bridge: 12:30-4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Cost: $1. • Second Sunday Party Bridge: 2-5:30 p.m. second Sunday of the month. Cost: $2 per day. RSVP: 509586-3349. • Bunco: 1-3 p.m. Fridays. Cost: $1. • Chinese Mahjong: 1-4 p.m.

Wednesdays. Cost: $1. • Creative Palette Art: 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays. Cost: $2. • Dominos: 12:30-2 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays. Cost: $1. • Indoor Walking: 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. Cost: $1 per day. Location: Southridge Sports Complex, 2901 Southridge Blvd., Kennewick.

• Pinochle: 4-8 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Cost: $1. • Sewing: 5:30-8 p.m. first, third and fourth Thursdays. Cost: $1. • Woodcarving: 1-3 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to noon Fridays. Cost: $1. Bring supplies or borrow from the class.

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, call 509-942-7529.

• Birthday Club Social: noon to 12:30 p.m. second Tuesday of each month. Location: lounge. Cost: free. • Cribbage: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Location: lounge. Cost: free. • Fitness Room: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $2 per day or $8 per month. • Foot Care for Fabulous Feet:

Have a licensed registered nurse specializing 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: 9-11 a.m. Mondays. Location: meeting room. Cost: free. • Golden Age Pinochle: 6-8:30 p.m. Fridays. Location: game room.

Cost: $1. • International Folk Dancing: 7-9 p.m. Thursdays. Location: Riverview room; 6-9 p.m. the first Saturday of the month for a potluck and dancing. Location: activity room. • RSA Dance: 1-4 p.m. third Friday of the month. Location: Riverview room. Cost: $7 per person.

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Senior Times • October 2019

An invisible hand to steer college savings: the education trust

There are many options available to pay for the education of a loved one. There are direct gifts, state-sponsored 529 plans and educational savings accounts, to name a few. But, if a person wants to use funds that are not available until after death and wants to influence how the money is spent with specified criteria, an education trust might be the best option. The education trust envisioned in this column is of the variety that is contained in your last will and testament—a sort of so-called testamentary trust with a stated purpose to provide funds for education. This is different from a living trust, and it is different from tax trusts. Let’s move on to the nuts and bolts. Many of us would like to pay for the education of a loved one, but simply don’t currently have available assets. For example, we might have equity in our house (but we are currently living in it), or we might have a retirement account (but we are currently living off of it), or we have other assets where we prioritize (fairly, in my opinion) our own well-being and happiness over another’s education. But, perhaps after death, those same assets would be available. For example, perhaps Grandma

wants to help pay for her grandchildren’s education. Currently Grandma can’t devote money to the endeavBeau Ruff or. Grandma Cornerstone could instead Wealth Strategies write a trust GUEST COLUMN into her will that would provide that all her assets, or some of her assets, would be used to provide for the education of her grandchildren. In this case, Grandma could continue to use her assets and have the security of the assets for life, but then know that they will go to a good cause after her death. The assets would likely be sold to fund the new education trust. Grandma can then be as creative, strict or specific as she desires. For example, she might say that the trust provides education for each of the grandchildren (termed the “beneficiary”) so long as: the beneficiary attends a Christian college; maintains a gradepoint average of above 3.0; includes the study of theology as at least a minor; and the term for college attendance does not exceed four years. She can furthermore define “educa-

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tion” expenses narrowly—for example, tuition only—or more broadly— tuition, fees, books, living expenses, food, transportation and stipend. She can agree to only pay the cost of tuition of a public school in the state (but perhaps allow the beneficiary to go to the school of his choice), or she can encourage private school attendance and semesters abroad through additional compensation measures. To further sweeten the deal and incentivize education, the trust could provide a bonus upon completion of stated benchmarks. For example, “upon the receipt of a bachelor’s degree, the beneficiary shall receive $50,000 from the trust.” Or, “for each semester the beneficiary attains a GPA of over 3.5, the beneficiary shall receive $3,000 from the trust.” Sometimes the restrictions on the use of the money will be directly related to the amount of money and the number of beneficiaries. If there are many beneficiaries (for example, 20 grandchildren) and limited funds, the trust will necessarily need to dole out the money conservatively. Conversely, if the funds are abundant and the beneficiaries few, the trust can be more liberal with spending, and would additionally need to state where the money goes after the

last beneficiary finishes school or attains a specified age. The form of trust envisioned by this column is fluid and can be changed anytime—so long as Grandma (in this case) is alive. The trust only becomes irrevocable, or unchangeable, after death. So, even if it is put into place in the last will and testament, Grandma can still change the terms of the trust, and even the existence of the trust, any time she chooses. Sometimes the circumstances surrounding the formation of the trust change and a corresponding change to the trust is necessary. Such is the bedrock of estate planning in general. It is a fluid concept and usually adaptable to changing needs. To determine if an education trust might work for you, talk to your attorney or financial advisor. That same person can also help structure some of the terms of the trust to best fulfill your vision. Beau Ruff, a licensed attorney, is the director of planning at Cornerstone Wealth Strategies, a full-service independent investment management and financial planning firm in Kennewick.

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Senior Times • October 2019

Sponsors sought to buy weekend food kits for hungry kids BY JEFF MORROW for Senior Times

As a family advocate for the Richland Early Learning Center, Lisa Thompson has been on a mission to help as many children as she can. Because whether or not people believe it, there are a lot of people in the Tri-City region who don’t get enough to eat—and many are young children. Last year, Thompson was able to take advantage of a program called Bite2Go, which provided weekend food kits to young children in need. The items in the kits are kid-friendly and easy-to-open. They include shelf-stable foods, milk, cereal, veggies and snacks, among other items. The nonprofit Second Harvest was able to bring on the early learning center in late spring as a result of some emergency funding and grants. But the fund is now exhausted, and Thompson and her colleagues are trying to find other resources to support the program this school year. “All the preschools in the district are under our roof,” Thompson said. “Families are struggling. Last year we served 75 families.” And those are the families of preschoolers who accepted the help. Thompson said there are many other families, who because of their culture, values or pride, won’t. “I expect that the need will grow,” she said. “I do know we’re adding another school. And adding another school will likely add another seven to 10 children.” The Richland Early Learning Center isn’t alone in needing additional funding to continue the program, as a number of local schools need one or more sponsors to restart the program for this year. Seventeen schools in the TriCities received Bite2Go kits last year and Second Harvest distributed about 2,500 kits per month. Most schools last year began the program in mid-October or later. Second Harvest said it’s working with local schools and organizations to get funding in place as it ramps up the program. Schools like Richland Early Learning Center are reaching out seeking help to fully sponsor their needs to restart Bite2Go. Thompson estimates it costs $13,500 to feed 75 children. Jean Tucker, development and marketing director for Second Harvest, said childhood hunger is not just a Richland problem, but a Tri-City-wide and regional problem.

Courtesy Mission Support Alliance Second Harvest volunteers from Mission Support Alliance packed 5,194 weekend food kits for students on Aug. 9. Leidos and Centerra Group, parent companies of the Hanford contractor, sponsored the program. The program is in need of additional funding, organizers say.

“So many families are one or two paychecks away from a crisis,” Tucker said. “And no child should go hungry.” But they do. The facts are harsh: • One out of 10 people in Benton and Franklin counties—including 1 in 5 kids—is food insecure (researched by Feeding America), meaning they don’t know where their next nutritious meal is coming from. • More than 57 percent of kids in the Tri-Cities rely on free or reduced school meals. • There are 15 Tri-City schools with 90 percent or more students receiving free or reduced meals. • Hungry kids have less energy and lack focus, which may result in disruption in the classroom. At the end of each school week, Bite2Go discreetly hands out food kits to qualified students to ensure they have something nutritious to eat for the weekend. The program started in March 2015 in Spokane. Every year, Second Harvest receives food donations in the millions of pounds, coming from organizations, farmers and others. “We also purchase food items in bulk that can go into these kits,” Tucker said. School teachers and counselors work with families to identify students in need. Permission slips are sent to parents, and the student’s identity remains confidential. Twice a year, volunteers spend a day pre-assembling kits on days Tucker calls the “big build” at the Second Harvest distribution center at 5825 Burlington Loop in Pasco. Volunteers then pick up those kits

and deliver them to the school. But here is the current situation: sponsorships are pretty low. Businesses, groups, churches or individuals can step up to help fund Bite2Go. “We’re off to a slow start,” Tucker said. “It’s a relationship between a school and a sponsorship organiza-

tion. But individual people can make a donation to a school.” To feed one student for an entire school year costs $180. “There really is a need in every school in the Tri-Cities,” Tucker said. “But the Tri-Cities is a very generous community. We are putting a call out to get organizations and schools to reach out and collaborate with sponsor organizations.” Meanwhile, Thompson continues her search, not only for sponsors, but to find those children and families in need. “I’ve hung up fliers in laundromats. I’m leaving them at schools,” she said. “We’re trying to catch them early. We’re using word of mouth. The Richland School District is notifying us of families in need. We have a huge need here.” Community members can sponsor a child for $15 per month, or donate any amount to support the program. Donations for Bite2Go may be mailed to Second Harvest, P.O. Box 3068, Pasco, WA 99302 or go to 2-harvest.org/bite2go. For more information, contact Kurt Beiswenger at 509-545-0787, or email Kurt.Beiswenger@2harvest.org.

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Senior Times • October 2019 2019

uBRIEFS Alzheimer’s, dementia conference set for Nov. 6

The Tri-Cities Alzheimer’s and Dementia Conference is set for Wednesday, Nov. 6 in Richland. The conference will provide information to care partners and professionals about local resources and how to approach Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias with health, hope and help. The conference includes multiple workshops, resources and networking opportunities. Cost is $50 for professionals and $20 for care partners. Family caregiv-

er scholarships are available. Breakfast snacks, box lunch and afternoon snacks will be provided. Register at alzwa.org/conferences or email tri-citiesconference@alz.org. Registration and check-in is from 8-9 a.m., with the conference starting at 9 a.m. and ending at 3:30 p.m. at Bethel Church, 600 Shockley Road in Richland.

Cold War Patriots to host ‘Impairment Insights’ event

Cold War Patriots will host a free “Impairment Insights” event for Hanford workers from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8 in the Activity Room at the Richland Community Center,

500 Amon Park Drive. Lunch will be served. The event is for workers with a U.S. Department of Labor white medical benefits card or pending claim with the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program, or EEOICP. The event features a presentation by Kelly Garber, general manager of PCM Impairments, a division of Professional Case Management that provides impairment evaluations for nuclear weapons workers. Impairment evaluations are conducted by a certified, specialized impairment doctor, not the treating physician, who evaluates a worker’s medical records to calculate how im-

paired their health is. Through the evaluation, workers are assigned an impairment rating from zero, or not impaired, to 100 percent, or completely impaired. For each percentage point of impairment to a body part or organ, the worker is eligible for $2,500 worth of additional monetary compensation through the EEOICP. There is potential for up to $250,000 in additional compensation for 100 percent impairment. Workers should receive an impairment evaluation upon their EEOICP approval, every two years from their last evaluation, or after a new or consequential health condition or illness arises. To learn more, call 1-888-837-7393.