Senior Times -- March 2017 by Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business/Senior Times

March 2017

Volume 5 • Issue 2

Chaplaincy Health Care to open thrift store in downtown Kennewick BY SENIOR TIMES

Sandstone Soups now served at Atomic Bowl

Page 3

Artistry in Wood show March 18-19

Page 7

Bus tour reservations underway for Sandhill Crane Festival Page 13

save the date

April 1 9 a.m. Make the Park Shine Sacajawea State Park, Pasco 509-547-4515

A new thrift store will open in downtown Kennewick to benefit a nonprofit providing hospice, palliative and grief care. Chaplaincy Health Care will open Repeat Boutique on Friday, March 31. The store will feature gently-used clothing and accessories for men, women and children, household items, furniture, home décor and more. “Very often we have families who have items they’d like to donate after a loved one passes and for the longest time, we just couldn’t take them. A year or so ago we started having some serious conversations about opening a store; a location became available and things just started falling into place,” said Gary Castillo, executive director of Chaplaincy Health Care. Repeat Boutique will be located in the former Purple Parasol store at 22 W. Kennewick Ave. The formal wear store’s owners retired last fall after 35 years in business. They donated a modest selection of new wedding gowns and formal wear — evening gowns and prom dresses — to the new store. Repeat Boutique customers can peruse the gowns by appointment only. “The store owners knew we were going to lease the space. They were incredibly generous,” said Leslie Streeter, director of communications for Chaplaincy Health Care. Revenue from Repeat Boutique sales will be used to enhance and support hospice services, both in-home and at the hospice house in Kennewick. Customers who visit downtown Kennewick’s other thrift stores likely will add Repeat Boutique to their shopping circuit, Streeter said. uCHAPLAINCY, Page 10

Shannon Rhodes, center, squeezes mayonnaise onto a sandwich for a customer at the Senior Dining Café in Richland. New volunteers Beverly Beattie of Richland, left, and Nadine Highland recently learned how to prepare food in the new café at 1834 Fowler St.

New café opens to serve seniors with extended meal options, hours BY KRISTINA LORD editor@tcjournal.biz

Red carnations decorated the tables in the bright dining area as two volunteers learned how to prepare food behind the counter of the new Senior Dining Café in Richland. Meals on Wheels, a program of Senior Life Resources Northwest, operates the cheery eatery at 1834 Fowler St. The café is the eighth dining center option for seniors and the only one to

offer menu choices, extended lunch hours and no-reservation requirements. It opened Jan. 30. Menu options include traditional senior meals — the same foods prepared for noontime crowds at seven different dining sites around Benton and Franklin counties — as well as a soup, salad and sandwich combination, or a chef salad meal. Also available are ala carte items, including soup, salads and sandwiches. uCAFÉ, Page 2

Volunteers breathe new life into Kennewick historical museum BY KRISTINA LORD editor@tcjournal.biz

A quarter-scale model of a Tyrannosaurus rex. A local radio station’s vinyl record collection. Homesteading farming tools. The school bell from the old Finley school south of town. Old yearbooks and framed Kennewick High class photos formerly on display at O’Henry’s Go Go restaurant. An extensive arrowhead collection. An elaborate wreath woven from the hair of multiple people.

They’re among the 10,000 items on display at the East Benton County Historical Museum, located just east of Keewaydin Park. The museum re-opened Saturday, March 4 after being closed for a month to redesign several of the exhibits in the 5,000-square-foot gallery. Built in 1982, the museum is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. “Our collection is immense. We have so many items that rather than overwhelm you, we wanted to edit the items on display,” said Stephanie Button, the museum’s administrative director. uMUSEUM, Page 8

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CONTRIBUTORS Shana Duncan................................. 9 Eric Olsen...................................... 15 Beau Ruff............................................ 6

Senior Times accepts original columns from local professionals, educators and business leaders. The goal of these pieces is to share useful tips and knowledge helpful to seniors. It is best to contact the Senior Times office for a copy of contributor guidelines before submitting anything. Although we cannot publish every submission we receive, we will keep columns that best fit the mission and focus of Senior Times for possible future use. If there is news you’d like Senior Times staff to report on, or there are any topics you’d like to read about, please contact the news staff via email at editor@tcjournal.biz or 509-737-8778. 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 contributors and advertisers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Senior Times staff, other contributors or other advertisers, nor do they imply endorsement by Senior Times staff, other contributors 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.

CAFÉ, From page 1 The new café has welcomed between 12 to 15 customers each week since opening, said Shannon Rhodes, the café manager. “We’ve had a slow start because of the weather,” said Marcee Woffinden, nutrition services director for Senior Life Resources Northwest. The Meals on Wheels kitchen was closed for nine days this winter which is “impactful on our staff, volunteers and the seniors we serve,” she said. It’s also the most closures in the 16 years that Woffinden’s been with the agency. But the new eatery is already starting to see regulars. “I think people are enjoying the café and enjoying having choices and just being able to drop by and not make a reservation,” Rhodes said. Woffinden said a Connell couple who frequently eat meals at the Connell Community Center recently dropped by to eat while in town for a doctor’s appointment. Rhodes said she hopes to see attendance grow as the snow melts and weather improves. Outdoor tables also will be added. Woffinden said it’ll take a while to determine how popular the café will be. “We’re on a huge learning curve,” she said. Two new volunteers — Nadine

Highland and Beverly Beattie, both of Richland —learned how to serve up the meals at the café during a recent lunch. Highland said she heard about the café’s opening and wanted to help. “This sounded like fun,” she said. Beattie agreed: “I totally believe in Meals on Wheels. This is my time to volunteer and it is my No. 1 priority.” Demand, rising costs All meals are offered by donation and no seniors are denied food if they are unable to pay. Those under 60 years old are asked to make a donation to support the Meals on Wheels program, which is always in need of donations, Woffinden said. The cost of the traditional senior meal is $7.15 for those under 60. The café takes cash or checks only. Senior Life Resources Northwest has a $17 million annual budget, with $1.2 million earmarked for nutrition services. The rest goes toward its home care services program. Meals on Wheels collected $175,000 in donations last year, which isn’t enough to support it. Senior demand for meals increases every year, following rising senior demographic trends, Woffinden said. Last year 173,000 meals were served. The program had budgeted for 157,000 meals; this year’s budget includes 172,000 meals.

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“If we keep growing every year, we’ll have to start a waiting list,” Woffinden said. “We’ll have to reduce or control the dining center meals. The board doesn’t want to do that and I don’t want to do that but government funding has been flat for many, many years and I don’t see that changing.”

March fundraisers

Despite the challenges, Woffinden said the community has been a great supporter of Meals on Wheels. She hopes the support continues with the launch a new fundraiser, Blue Brigade Fun Run, set for Saturday, March 25. Participants will wear the same bib number, 1974, which is the year Meals on Wheels began in the community, and are encouraged to wear a blue shirt. Those who register can participate any way they want — even if it means staying at home or participating from a remote location. They’re encouraged to share photos regardless of where they are. Registration cost is $20 per person, plus $10 per shirt. The cost for groups or teams of more than four or more, is $15 per person, plus $10 per shirt. Children under 10 who participate with a registered adult do not have to pay a registration fee. Register by March 10 to guarantee a T-shirt. The “fun-raiser” run/walk begins at 9 a.m. at Howard Amon Park in Richland. The kids’ dash starts at 8:30 a.m. The new fundraiser is part of a month-long celebration of the national nutrition program for seniors, which was signed into law in 1972. Also planned is a Tuesday, March 7 fundraising breakfast, hosted by CG Public House in Kennewick. The event, which runs from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., supports Meals on Wheels and will be at the TRAC facility in Pasco. Sponsors include McCurley Integrity Subaru and TRAC. Breakfast is complimentary but donations are welcome. Community members are invited to ride along a meal delivery route to learn more about Meals on Wheels from March 20-24. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, celebrate the Blue Brigade Senior Dining Day at the new café with complimentary soup, sandwich and a blue Icee.

How to help, volunteer

Those interested in volunteering for Meals on Wheels and current volunteers are invited to stop into the new café for lunch. The café is open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information about the fundraisers and Meals on Wheels, visit seniorliferesources.org or call 509-7351911.

Senior Times • March 2017

Sandstone Café soup fans can now enjoy them at Atomic Bowl in Richland Sandstone’s soups so he contacted Ortega, hoping the soups would increase traffic at Atomic Bowl. Fans of the soups served up at the “My mom always thought that now defunct Sandstone Café in good soup was one of the most Kennewick can spoon up their favorimportant things in a restaurant. ites again at Atomic Bowl in Also one of my old partners thought Richland. that every restaurant should have at The bowling center recently paid least one special item to try to for the rights to ladle them out and become famous for. We already had its customers are delighted, said Max Faulkner, co-owner and man- great prime rib but nobody else has Sandstone soups,” aging partner at he said. Atomic Bowl. Ortega’s soups “(The soups) are fully James Ortega, earned awards for who used to own consistent with the several years at the Sandstone Café, award-winning soups Beggars’ Banquet, recently shared he offered at the an annual fundwith Atomic Bowl Sandstone Café.” raiser for Safe food manager Harbor Crisis Stephanie Hall the - Max Faulkner, Nursery and My recipes and techco-owner of Atomic Bowl Friends Place. niques for six of Ortega, who his popular soups. now works as a “They are fully consistent with cook at Jake’s Café in Kennewick, the award-winning soups he offered at the Sandstone Café,” Faulkner was the proprietor of Sandstone Café in Kennewick for 11 years. The said. Hall plans to rotate the soups — downtown restaurant closed in 2013 reuben, cream of asparagus, Italian and the Columbia Drive location sausage and kale, clam chowder, shut down the following year amid potato and bacon, and cheddar broc- financial difficulties. Ortega said he’s pleased his soups coli — at Atomic Bowl throughout the week, offering one kind per day. are back in rotation. Faulkner said he always enjoyed “I get calls from my friends con-

BY KRISTINA LORD editor@tcjournal.biz

James Ortega, owner of the former Sandstone Café in Kennewick, recently shared his award-winning soup recipes with Stephanie Hall, food manager at Atomic Bowl in Richland. Hall now serves Ortega’s soups throughout the week. (Courtesy Atomic Bowl)

gratulating me on it. They’re excited, especially the customers who live in Richland who came all the way to Kennewick to get the soup,” he said. Ortega doesn’t make the soups much anymore, only occasionally for large group gatherings. “I made soup here the other day at the house for my roommates and it lasted all of about two hours. They devoured a gallon and half of soup,” he said.

Ortega was pleased Faulkner reached out to him. “It’s working out well. I will go in once a month to check on quality control, as per our contract, for the next year,” he said. Atomic Bowl, located at 624 Wellsian Way in Richland, features a full service snack bar and is open 10 a.m. until midnight Sunday through Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Senior Times • March 2017

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Tuesday, March 7 • Fundraising Breakfast supporting Meals on Wheels: 7:30 a.m., TRAC, 6600 Burden Blvd., Pasco. RSVP 509-735-1911. Free event.

March 10 - 11 • Tri-Cities Antique Show: 2 – 8 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, Carousel of Dreams, 2901 Southridge Blvd., Kennewick. Contact gesacarouselofdreams.com.

Wednesday, March 8 • Coffee Club with Edward Jones: 11 – 11:45 a.m., Affinity at Southridge Theater, 5207 W. Hildebrand Blvd., Kennewick. RSVP 509-222-1212. Free event. • What is Integrative Oncology? 5 p.m., Northwest Cancer Clinic, 7379 W. Deschutes Ave., Suite 100, Kennewick. RSVP 509-987-1800. Free event.

Saturday, March 11 • Card Making with Visiting Angels: 1 p.m., Affinity at Southridge Community Room, 5207 W. Hildebrand Blvd., Kennewick. RSVP 509-222-1212. Free event. • Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony presented by Mid-Columbia Symphony: 7:30 p.m., Richland High School Auditorium, 930 Long Ave., Richland. Tickets 509-9436602.

Wednesday, March 8 • Funeral Home Records and Customs, presented by the Tri-City Genealogical Society: 7 – 9 p.m., Benton PUD auditorium, 2721 W. 10th Ave., Kennewick. Contact: tricitygenealogicalsociety.org. Thursday, March 9 • Friends of Scouting Leadership Breakfast: 6:30 – 8:15 a.m., Red Lion Hotel, 802 George Washington Way, Richland. RSVP 509-7357306. • Gardening with Straw Bales, a WSU Extension Master Gardener Program: 6:30 p.m., Demonstration Garden, 1620 S. Union St., Kennewick. Information ext100.wsu. edu/benton-franklin. Free event.

Wednesday, March 15 • Red Cross Blood Drive: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Affinity at Southridge Internet Café, 5207 W. Hildebrand Blvd., Kennewick. RSVP 509-2221212. Free event. Thursday, March 16 • Annual Fundraising Breakfast, for Tri-Cities Cancer Center Foundation: 7:30 a.m., Three Rivers Convention Center, 7016 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick. RSVP 509-737-3373. • Tri-Cities Community Lecture Series “Hollywood and the Homefront:” Tinsel Town’s Contribution to WWII: 7 p.m., MidColumbia Library, 1620 S. Union St., Kennewick. Free event.

Friday, March 17 • K-LIFE Luncheon, Noon – 1 p.m., Meadow Springs Country Club, 700 Country Club Place, Richland. RSVP 509-942-2661. Free event. • Pain and the Brain presentation: 1 – 2:30 p.m., Kadlec Heathplex 1268 Lee Blvd., Richland. RSVP 509-943-8455. Free event. Saturday, March 18 • Colorectal Cancer Pre-Screening: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Tri-Cities Cancer Center, 7350 W. Deschutes Ave., Kennewick. RSVP 509-737-3420. Free event. Monday, March 20 • Richland’s Comprehensive Plan and Open House: 6 – 8 p.m., 2700 Duportail St., Richland. Contact 509-942-7390. Free event. Tuesday, March 21 • Foundation for the Future Breakfast, a benefit for the Boys & Girls Club: 7:30 – 8:30 a.m., Three Rivers Convention Center, 7016 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick. RSVP 509-316-9612. Free event. Wednesday, March 22 • Emplower Yourself: Living Well with Parkinson’s Disease: 1 – 2:30 p.m., Kadlec Healthplex, 1268 Lee Blvd., Richland. RSVP 509943-8455. Free event.

Bring your grandchildren and families to events with a star.

March 24 – 25 • 34th annual Quilt Show: Three Rivers Convention Center, 7016 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick. Contact tcquilters.org/quilt-show. Saturday, March 25 • Blue Brigade Fun Run, a fundraiser for Meals on Wheels: 8:30 a.m., Howard Amon Park, 500 Amon Park Drive, Richland. RSVP 509-735-1911. Thursday, March 30 • Essential Information on Kidney Cancer presentation: Noon – 1 p.m., Tri-Cities Cancer Center, 7350 W. Deschutes Ave., Building A, Kennewick. RSVP 509-737-3427. Free event. Saturday, April 1 • Make the Park Shine: 9 a.m., Sacajawea State Park, 2503 Sacajawea Park Road, Pasco. Information 509-547-4515. Free event. April 1 – 2 • Three Rivers Pet Expo: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Three Rivers Convention Center, 7016 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick. Contact 509-737-3757. Free event. Wednesday, April 5 • National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association lunch meeting: 11:30 a.m., Red Lion Hotel, 1101 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Kennewick. Contact narfe1192.org.

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Senior Times • March 2017 uBRIEFS Funeral records, customs topic of genealogical talk

The Tri-City Genealogical Society’s Wednesday, March 8 meeting will focus on funeral customs and researching funeral home records. A basic genealogical class is from 6:15 to 6:45 p.m. in the Benton PUD Auditorium in Kennewick. At 7 p.m., Amy Mueller of Desert Lawn Memorial Park will provide a display of 100-year-old funeral home records and discuss funeral customs. Call 509-943-9322 for more information.

Class to teach how to grow vegetables in straw bales

Learn how to grow vegetables in straw bales in a free class. The Washington State University Extension class is at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 9 at the Kennewick branch of the Mid-Columbia Libraries, 1620 S. Union. For more information, call Alice Allison at 509-545-5409.

Healthy Ages offers free Medicare classes

Kadlec Healthy Ages offers Medicare classes twice at month at the Kadlec Healthplex in Richland. The classes cover Medicare, Medigap

and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. Call 509-942-2700 for a class schedule and to reserve a spot.

days; parking is free and food and beverages are available for purchase. For more information or to enter a quilt in the show, visit tcquilters.org.

Reach museum adds Cold War-era exhibit

AARP Smart driver courses set for March

The newest exhibit at the Reach museum is about the Cold War, a long period of tension between the democracies of the western world and communist countries of eastern Europe. The new exhibit is broken down into three segments: Iron Curtain, Berlin Wall and POP wall. The museum is at 1943 Columbia Park Trail in Richland and is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Contact the Reach at 509-943-4100 or at visitthereach.org.

Quilters’ show set for March 24-25 in Kennewick

“Quilting Economics,” the 34th annual quilt show and merchant mall produced by the Tri-City Quilters’ Guild, is March 24-25 at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick. More than 35 sellers will offer quilting and fiber arts and seminars will teach about topics including market-savvy fabric design and manufacture. Admission is $8, good for both

AARP will offer multiple Smart Driver courses throughout the region during the next month. Here’s the schedule: • 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 7: Pasco City Hall Activity Center, 525 N. Third Ave., Pasco. Call 509-545-3459 to register. • 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 8: Pasco City Hall Activity Center, 525 N. Third Ave., Pasco. Call 509-5453459 to register. • 1 p.m. Monday, March 13: Charbonneau, 8264 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick. Call 509-943-4979 to register. • 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 14: Charbonneau, 8264 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick. Call 509-943-4979 to register. • 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 14: Richland Community Center, 500 Amon Park Drive, Richland. Call 509-942-7378 to register. • 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 15: Richland Community Center, 500 Amon Park Drive, Richland. Call 509-942-7378 to register. • 1 p.m. Monday, March. 20: Walla

Walla General Hospital, 1025 S. Second Ave., Walla Walla. Call 509522-2424 to register. • 1 p.m. Tuesday, March. 21: Walla Walla General Hospital, 1025 S. Second Ave., Walla Walla. Call 509522-2424 to register. The fee is $20. There is a $5 discount for AARP members. Participants are encouraged to check with their automobile insurance agent for details about a discount that may be available for taking the course. For more information or to find additional courses, visit aarp.org/ ads2014 or call 888-227-7669.

Rotary donates $10,000 for shade structure

The Columbia Center International Rotary Club has donated $10,000 to provide a shade structure for the Washington State University Extension Master Gardener’s waterfall classroom at its demonstration garden at 1620 S. Union St. in Kennewick. The shade structure is expected to be ready for use by May. The waterfall classroom is used for educational events. Last year, WSU Master Gardener’s education program reached more than 6,000 community members.

Senior Times • March 2017

Follow these rules when lending money to family, friends BY BEAU RUFF for Senior Times

Times can get financially rough. People go through difficult periods in life and might be strapped for cash and need additional sources of money. Perhaps the cash is needed to buy a new house or to pay for a small business or an attorney’s retainer for a divorce or to tackle the mounds of consumer debt incurred during the holidays … or any other number of reasons. One simple and convenient source of money is family and friends. You

just need a little and can pay it back quickly, so it makes sense, right? Family and friend, beware: these loans are fraught with peril. Here are some rules to help guide you to avoid the worst of the perils. Rule No. 1. Don’t lend money to family and friends. That’s it. But, if you must lend, keep reading the rules. Rule No. 2. Get it in writing. The promise to pay you back should be outlined in writing. This is important for two reasons. First, it allows the transaction to be more easily enforceable. Second, and maybe more importantly, it makes sure that both parties

understand all the terms of the transaction. The document should fully describe the transaction and contain, at a minimum, the Beau Ruff following: (1) Cornerstone the amount of Wealth Stategies money to be loaned; (2) the date of the loan; (3) the rate of interest; (4) the repayment schedule; (5) whether prepayments are authorized (they usually are in this type of transaction); and (6) what happens when a payment is missed (usually that equals default with some specified default remedies). The writing is usually accomplished through a Promissory Note, which is a promise from one person to pay another person recognized in the law as being similar to a check. Rule No. 3. Charge interest. At least, consider charging interest. If you provide money to a family member or friend and you do not charge interest, you could be making a potentially taxable gift. On a monthly basis, the Internal Revenue Service publishes in a Revenue Ruling the least amount of interest that is necessary to avoid gift-

ing implications. The interest rate is called the Applicable Federal Rate and is based on the term of the loan. You can find the rate online. Rule No. 4. Consider collateral. The greater the amount of the loan, the greater amount of security you will need. Security is the collateral for the transaction that ultimately you may be able to seize. Let’s say you are going to loan money to help with a down payment on a house. This can be a considerable sum of money. The lender would be wise to consider the collateral (perhaps the house that is being bought) and take a security interest in the house through a mortgage or a lien. Without the security interest in the collateral, the lender is a general creditor and stands in line to receive payment after the secured creditors (those who have a mortgage in the house). The better position to be in as a lender is to be a secured creditor by placing a lien or mortgage on property. This moves you up the line to collect your money if some tragedy should befall that friend and repayment is unlikely. A lender can take a security interest (like a mortgage) in assets that are not the subject of the loan as well. For example, if you lend $20,000 for a wedding, you can still potentially take a mortgage in the couple’s house. uLENDING, Page 10

Senior Times • March 2017

Artistry in Wood show to feature carvings, demonstrations BY KRISTINA LORD editor@tcjournal.biz

A Montana man believes woodcarving can help give voice to feelings when words fail. Tom Collins said transforming a block of wood into art is a way to get at the things that matter most. “There’s things inside of people and you think, ‘How do I communicate this to people — the things I value,” he said. Collins, 65, of Plains, Montana, is the featured woodcarver at the 23rd annual Artistry in Wood show, which runs March 18-19 in Kennewick. He began carving seriously seven years ago. “I’ve always wanted to wood carve and now that I’m semi-retired I can really commit to it,” said Collins, who worked directing a Bible camp for 30 years. He said he’s excited to come to the Tri-Cities for his first gig as a featured carver to share his love of the craft. “I’ll be encouraging others to carve and express themselves,” said Collins, a member of the Plains Carving Club. That’s what he finds interesting about carving, the ability to express himself. He points to one of the pieces he carved that came about after a missionary trip to west Africa where he helped prepare amputees for prosthetics. The carving made from birch is called “Severed” and features a single leg reaching from a pair of blue shorts to the ground. The place where the other leg should be is empty space. “I spent two weeks caring for these kids — they were mostly kids and women — and it impacts you deeply. How do you communicate that? That’s one of the reasons I carved that — to express the story behind the blood diamond story,” he said, referring to the gems mined in African civil war zones, often by forced labor. Collins estimated he spent about 40 hours carving the piece. His wooden bust of an African boy is a likeness of his adopted grandson Aaron, a troubled kid of 12 at the time. “My attempt was to give this grandson a sense of significance and to communicate that he had some worth,” he said. Today, Aaron is almost 18 years old. “He’s a fine young man now. He’s kind and considerate,” he said. Collins said he gave the carving to his grandson when he turned 16. “Mixed Emotions” is one of Collins’ earlier pieces. He said he wanted to practice carving faces and various facial expressions to hone his skills. “What should I do with that? Put it in a bowl and put a whip there and call

it ‘Mixed Emotions,’” he said. Collins said he’s always wanted to carve and thinks the desire stems from a memory. “My grandfather died when I was 5. I have this memory that I don’t even know if it was true or if it’s a compilation of memories: I was sitting on his lap and he carved me a willow whistle. Some things stick with us. I’ve always wanted to carve and now I get to,” he said. Collins said he tries to be disciplined and carve 15 minutes a day “but I just love the days when I can go into my carving cave for six hours,” he said. Collins said he tries to write an explanation to accompany each of his carvings. “It’s not just a story but sometimes a poem. Sometimes it’s prose or rhythm, to give it more of a context,” he said.

Tri-City show and sale

The Tri-City show and sale, organized by the Tri-Cities Woodcarvers Association, runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 18, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 19, at Tri-Tech Skills Center, 5929 W. Metaline Ave., in Kennewick. Items for sale include wood, carving knives, instruction books, carvings, chainsaw art and walking sticks. Eight demonstrations are planned. A raffle on Sunday, March 19 features more than 100 items. Admission is $3 with those 12 and under admitted free. Tri-Tech Skills Center students will offer food specials with $12 tickets for breakfast or lunch. The association, which has 35 members, meets three times a week to carve: from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to noon Fridays at the Kennewick Senior Center, 500 S. Auburn St., and from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursdays at the First Avenue Center, 505 N. First Ave., Pasco. More information at tri-citieswood carvingclub.blogspot.com or on Facebook.

Tom Collins of Plains, Montana, is the featured woodcarver at the 23rd annual Artistry in Wood carving show and sale, organized by the TriCities Woodcarvers Association. It runs March 18-19 in Kennewick. (Courtesy Tom Collins)

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Senior Times • March 2017

MUSEUM, From page 1 East Benton County Historical Society members and volunteers have been working hard on the redesign, putting in more than 700 hours since the beginning of the year, Button said. “It’s going to feel less overwhelming. I like things that we can do differently to give the museum a new, fresh perspective and maybe add to the enthusiasm Stephanie Button of new people coming to the museum,” said Gale Metcalf, secretary of the society’s board of directors. The museum will be divided into zones to tell new rotating stories and showcase the Tri-Cities’ diverse and rich history, Button said. One of the zones will feature open space for community lectures and activities. Another will focus on the region’s earliest newspapers. Visitors can choose a vinyl record from the large collection donated by KONA radio, place it on a working turntable and listen to it in the radio lounge area. “The Tri-Cities has a pretty awesome history of music,” Button said. A community gallery is the muse-

um’s first step toward inviting guest curators inside. Button said it’s critical to make sure the community “hears their own voices in the museum.” The gallery will be used to host shows, from solo exhibitions by local artists, specially curated shows by guest historians, to featured exhibits produced by teachers. She’d also like to invite the refugee community to display artwork. “It’s great to explore different cultures that come to the Tri-Cities,” she said, adding that she’d love to have a Latino companion exhibit when the Port of Kennewick’s wine village opens later this year on Columbia Drive. The wine village will feature a mural to celebrate the Latino community’s contributions to the Tri-City region, including the wine and agricultural industries. Community exhibits will be rotated every two months. “This is our way of saying, ‘Your stories are meaningful,’ to the community,” Button said, explaining that museums become more relevant “when you abandon the idea that history happened a long time ago.” Tri-City artist Ray Lechelt will debut a mixed media collection exploring memory and nostalgia in the space this month. An artist’s reception is from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 4. Other zones include the “nostalgia

Gale Metcalf, secretary for the East Benton County Historical Society, sits in the radio lounge at the Kennewick museum. KONA radio donated the vinyl collection to the museum, which visitors can listen to when they visit. The redesigned museum re-opens Saturday, March 4 after being closed for a month.

rooms,” a living room, dentist office, and “curious classroom.” A veterans’ section pays tribute to those who served in Benton County. “We have a fantastic military collection and we definitely want to display and honor them,” Button said. Button, who has a degree in anthropology, is a self-described “museum nerd.” She worked at the Reach museum in Richland for six years, focusing on building the education department

and spearheading the shrub steppe ecology display. She was laid off when the Reach museum faced financial difficulties, and joined the Kennewick museum in June. She’s hoping to create a sense of “place-esteem” at the museum. “We’re adapting to become more accessible to a newer audience and creating more hands-on opportunities,” she said. Allan Simmelink, the society’s board president, appreciates her enthusiasm. “Stephanie has us fired up to get more volunteers. I think she’s going to be a real boost to the museum,” he said. Closing the museum in winter to “breathe new life into the space” might become an annual event even, Button said. “A great way to pay attention to things you didn’t notice before is to change their position,” she said. Her goal is a simple one: to make the museum a cool place to be. “Museums don’t have to stodgy and boring. The best museums are a little bit funky,” she said.

If you go

The ribbon-cutting for the re-opening of the museum is at noon Saturday, March 4 at 2015 Keewaydin Drive in Kennewick. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and veterans, and $1 for youth, kids under 5 are free. East Benton County Historical Society members are admitted free. Annual membership is $35 a year per person, or $50 for a family or couple. Musuem hours are noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call 509-582-7704, visit ebchs.org or find the museum on Facebook or Twitter.

Senior Times • March 2017

Studies show seniors stay healthier by participating in clubs, hobbies, activities BY SHANA DUNCAN for Senior Times

After her husband died last year, Elsa found solace on the sofa watching reruns of “The Golden Girls” and “The Andy Griffith Show.” With most of her family living in another state, the 74-year-old relied on Netflix as her constant companion. Noticing Elsa’s isolation, a neighbor suggested they volunteer together as docents at the city’s fine arts center. By engaging again with her love of art and people, Elsa is also protecting her health and longevity. Social isolation increases the risk of early death, studies show. Researchers at University College London followed 6,500 Britons over age 52 for eight years. Of the test group, 26 percent who were more socially detached were more likely to die than those who were active in relationships. Social engagement and meaningful activities for seniors help stave off mood disorders and depression and boost cardiac health and the immune system. Every community has opportunities for the elderly to get out and join others in a mutual hobby or cause. If the club or program doesn’t exist, many seniors just dive in and start one. Here’s a few to consider: • Volunteering. The country’s seniors face no shortage of ways to volunteer from disaster relief aides and handymen to museum tour guides and child advocates. Plus, a trend is starting where some nursing homes and assisted living facilities are

inviting older volunteers to mingle with aging residents. Visit volunteermatch.org. • Silver Sneakers. America’s leading fitness program for seniors provided at no cost by more than 60 health insurance plans offers classes and camaraderie for all ability levels at over 13,000 participating gyms and fitness centers, including several in the Tri-Cities. Visit silversneakers.com for locations. • Computer classes. You’re never too old to learn computer and online skills. Picking up technology basics empowers older adults to stay connected with family and friends via email and social media and catch the latest news and stock reports. • Book clubs. Those who are in book clubs gather every few weeks in homes, libraries, restaurants and other cozy corners to discuss the finer points of a pre-assigned book. People can even join virtual clubs on the internet to interact with others about the plot, characters and nuances of favorite reads. • Garden clubs. America’s first garden club originated in 1891 in Athens, Georgia. Today 5,000 member garden clubs throughout the country promote the passion of gardening, floral design and environmental awareness. The National Garden Clubs gives a green thumbs up to garden societies and community service projects nationwide. Visit wagardenclubs.com for more information. • Walking clubs. Get moving and become an organizer or mentor for a walking club in your area. Improve

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your heart health and develop friendships every step of the way. The American Heart Association lists resources for how to “find Shana Duncan fitness, friends Right at Home and fun.” • Wine clubs. Taste after taste, wine enthusiasts unite in casual get-togethers at wineries, homes, cafés and other relaxing venues to toast their passion for learning about and drinking wine. Find out how to start your own wine club by visiting vinepair.com/wineblog/beginners-guide-starting-wineclub. • Meetups. Maybe it’s time to finally write that screenplay, practice a new language, belly dance or improve

your cooking. Local Meetup groups are surging in popularity as people of all ages gather to enjoy the things they love or would like to explore learning in the company of kindred spirits. Visit meetup.com for details. If you’re a senior like widowed Elsa who could use a new adventure in life and a jump-start in your overall health, the world is your oyster — or your flower garden, horse trail, Zumba class or animal shelter. For additional resources on senior citizen clubs nationally, visit seniors. lovetoknow.com/Senior_Citizen_ Clubs. Shana Duncan is the owner/ operator of the Kennewick office of Right at Home, serving the communities of Benton and Franklin counties. Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently.

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Senior Times • March 2017

CHAPLAINCY, From page 1 “Hospice thrift stores are pretty prevalent in other markets. I think hospice is one of those things people feel drawn to support and donate to. I think that’s going to give us a leg up, especially in that downtown Kennewick area. There are a number of thrift stores and repurpose furniture stores but we see that as a positive. We think they’ll shop among the different shops,” she said. Chaplaincy volunteers also plan on hosting arts and craft events at the store. Repeat Boutique will be staffed

by volunteers and one part-time employee. The ribbon cutting is at 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 31. Shopping hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday beginning Friday, March 31. Donations will be accepted 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday once the store opens. For more information about volunteering at the store, call Greta Dority at 509-783-7416. The store’s phone number is 509-619-0600. Look for more information about the store online or on Facebook.

LENDING, From page 6 Rule No. 5. Hire an attorney. An attorney can ensure that all the rules are followed and help make sure you are in the best position to protect your assets. Rule No. 6. Never lend more money than you are willing to lose. Despite all of the above rules designed to protect the lender, losses can and will happen. And, the reality is that the lawsuit to collect the sums owed can be long, costly and extremely emotionally taxing. And such a lawsuit is likely to cause grave harm to the relationship that existed prior to the loan. For these reasons, a person lending to family or friends should be willing to

walk away from the deal without collecting a dime, even if all the other aforementioned rules (excepting Rule No. 1) are followed and the lender has a promissory note secured by a house with a market-rate interest rate and all of it orchestrated by a top-notch attorney. Rule No. 7. Don’t lend money to family and friends. Attorney Beau Ruff works for Cornerstone Wealth Strategies, a full-service independent investment management and financial planning firm in Kennewick, where he focuses on assisting clients with comprehensive planning.

SPRING 2017

Call to Vendors Tuesday, April 18 • 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pasco Red Lion Hotel 2525 N. 20th Ave. • Pasco, WA

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Senior Times • March 2017

Kennewick Senior Center

500 S. Auburn St., Kennewick • 509-585-4303 All activities are at the Kennewick Senior Center unless otherwise listed. For more information, call 509-5854303. • Bunco: 1 to 3 p.m. Fridays. Cost: $1 per day. • Casual Woodcarving: Bring your supplies or borrow from the class. 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays. Cost: 75 cents. 9 a.m. to noon Fridays. Cost: $1. • Woodcarving Techniques: 9 a.m. to noon Fridays. Cost: $1 per day. • Dominoes: 12:30 to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays. Cost: 50 cents

per day. • Party Bridge: 12:30 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Cost 50 cents per day. • Bridge Tournament: Second Sunday of each month, 2 to 6 p.m. Cost: $1. RSVP 509-586-3349. • Pinochle: 7 to 9:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Cost: 50 cents per day. 6 to 9 p.m. Sundays. Cost: $1 per day. • Chinese Mahjong: 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays. Cost: $1 per day. • Clay Sculpting: Bring your own

supplies and projects. 1 to 2 p.m. Mondays. Cost: $1 per day. • Sewing: 6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays. Cost: $1 per day. • Needle Art: 1 to 3 p.m. Thursdays. Cost: $2 per day. • Bridge Sunday: 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 12. Cost: $1. Call 509586-3349 to RSVP. • Indoor Walking: 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. Cost: $1 per day. Location: Southridge Sports Complex, 2901 Southridge Blvd., Kennewick.

• Hair Cuts & Clips: Hair cuts provided by Pam Eggers. Second and fourth Wednesday of each month, 9 to 11 a.m. by appointment only. Cost $1. Call 509-585-4303. • Blood Pressure Checks: No appointment needed. Third Wednesday of each month, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Cost: Free. • Line Dancing: March 6 - 27, 6 to 7 p.m. Mondays. Cost: $24 for residents, $36 for others .Location: Highland Grange Building, 1500 S. Union St., Kennewick. Call 509-5854293 to register.

First Avenue Center 505 N. First Ave., Pasco • 509-545-3459

Most of Pasco’s senior services programs are now housed at the new First Avenue Center at 505 N. First Ave., near the Amtrak station behind City Hall, unless otherwise listed. The city sold its senior center on Seventh Avenue to the Pasco School District because of dwindling senior attendance. It closed in December. • Basin Wood Carvers: 1 to 4 p.m. Thursdays. Cost: Free. • Bridge: 9 a.m. to noon Thursday. Cost: 50 cents per day. • China Painting: 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays. Cost: 50 cents per day. Location: Pasco City Hall Classroom 3, 525 N. Third Ave., Pasco. • Cribbage: 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. Cost: 50 cents per day. • Drop-In Billiards: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Cost: $1 per day. Location: Pasco City

Hall Classroom 3, 525 N. Third Ave., Pasco. • Mexican Train Dominoes: 1 to 4 p.m. Thursdays. Cost: Free. • Pinochle: 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays. Cost: $1 per day. • Sewing: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mondays from Feb. 27 to May 22. Cost: $35 for residents, $44 for others. Must be 18 years or older. Location: Pasco City Hall Classroom 3, 525 N. Third Ave., Pasco. • 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 if offered on various days/ times. Call 509-545-3456 to register. • Enhance Fitness (40+): Class focuses on stretching, balance, low

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impact aerobics and strength training. 10 to 11 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Cost: $35 for residents, $44 for others. Call 509-545-3456 to register. Location: Pasco City Hall Activity Center, 525 N. Third Ave., Pasco. • Happy Feet program (60+): Get your feet cared for by a licensed, registered nurse. By appointment 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays. Cost: Free with suggested donation of $12 to

$15 per person. Call 509-545-3459. • Foot Care for Adults (18+): Get your feet cared for by a licensed, registered nurse. By appointment only, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: $30. Call 509-545-3459. • Free Income Tax Assistance: 9 a.m. to noon, March 6, 13, 20, 27 and April 3, 10 and 17. Call 509545-3459 for an appointment. Cost: free. Location: Pasco City Hall, 525 N. Third Ave., Pasco.

Senior Times • March 2017

Richland Community Center 500 Amon Drive, Richland • 509-942-7529 All activities are at the Richland Community Center unless otherwise listed. For more information, call 509942-7529. • American Mahjong: 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Thursdays. Cost: free. Location: lounge. • Cribbage: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Cost: free. Location: lounge. • Billiards: 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Cost: $2 per day. Location: pool room. • Gold Age Pinochle: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays. Cost: $1 per day. Location: game room. • Duplicate Bridge: Noon to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Cost: $1 per day. Location: game room. • Party Bridge: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Cost: $1 per day. Location: game room. • Dominoes: 12:30 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Cost: free. Location: lounge. • Bridge Buddies: 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Tuesdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays. Cost: $1. Location: game room. • ACBL Bridge: 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 5:30 to 10 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Cost: $1. Location: game room. • Birthday Club Social: Second Tuesday of each month, Noon to 12:30 p.m. Cost: free. Location: lounge. • Pie Socials: Third Tuesday of each month, noon to 12:30 p.m. Cost: free. Location: lounge. • Root Beer Float gathering: Third Wednesday of the month, 2 to 2:30 p.m. Cost: free. Location: lounge. • Greeting Card Recycling: 9 to 11 a.m. Mondays. Cost: free. Location: meeting room. • New Attitude Line Dancing Beginner: 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesdays. Cost: $22.75 for residents, $28.50 for others. Location: Riverview room. Call 509942-7529 to register. • New Attitude Line Dancing Improver: 1 to 2 p.m. Thursdays.

Cost: $28.50 for residents, $36 for others. Location: Riverview room. Call 509-942-7529 to register. • RSA Dance: Third Friday of the month, 1 to 4 p.m. Cost: $6 per person. Location: Riverview room. • International Folk Dancing: 6:45 to 9 p.m. Thursdays (location: Riverview room) and 6 to 9 p.m. the first Saturday of the month (location: activity room). • Steppin’ Out with Jo: 9 to 10 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Cost: $26.50 for residents, $33 for others. Location: Riverview room. Call 509-942-7529 to register. • Patti’s Workout: 4 to 5 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Cost: $36.75 for residents (drop-in rate $5), $46 for others (drop-in rate $6). Location: Riverview room. Call 509-942-7529 to register. • Slim & Sassy Body Shape: 5:05 to 6:20 p.m. Wednesdays. Cost: $33 for residents, $41.25 for others. Location: Riverview room. Call 509942-7529 to register.

• Tai Chi: 7:35 to 8:35 p.m. Tuesdays and 6 to 7 p.m. Thursdays. Cost: $26.75 for residents (drop-in rate $4), $33.50 for others (drop-in rate $5). Location: Riverview room. Call 509-942-7529 to register. • 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. Cost: $2 per day or $8 per month. Location: Fitness room. • City of Richland Historic House Walk: 1 to 3 p.m., March 12. Cost: free. Location: meet at the corner of Wilson Street and Johnston Avenue, near Chief Joesph Middle School. • 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. Cost: $30. Call 509-942-7529 for an appointment. • Tax Aide Program: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursday. Cost: free. Location: Richland Community Center. For more information call 509942-7390.

uBRIEF Volunteers sought for park cleaning, potluck

509-582-7800

www.VisitingAngels.com/Kennewick

The Friends of Sacajawea State Park group is seeking volunteers for a park cleaning day starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 1 at 2503 Sacajawea Park Road in Pasco. Tools will be provided but volunteers are encouraged to bring gloves. Every participant is welcome to a potluck meal at 12:30 p.m. and is asked to bring a food item of their choice. For more information, visit friends ofsacajaweastatepark.org or call 509547-4515.

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 509-9672847. • Potluck luncheon: 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 14. Bring your favorite Irish dish or dessert. Don’t forget to wear your green! • Brunch: Noon, Friday, March 17. • Bingo: Monday, March 20. Hot dog lunch starts at noon with a suggested $3 donation, Bingo at 1 p.m. • TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Fitness: 11 a.m. Thursdays. • Exercise: 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. A donation of $0.50 is appreciated. • Art: 1 p.m. Saturdays.

Senior Times • March 2017

Bus tour sign-ups underway to see sandhill cranes during festival

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participants must also buy a general admission ticket. Other tours, including tours of Palouse Falls, the region’s geology, area farms, birding sites and Potholes Reservoir by boat, as well as outings for bird blind photography and bicycling to see cranes, are scheduled and have separate fees, ranging from $15 to $75. Tours sell out quickly. Call 1-800726-3445 to secure a seat. Deadline is March 17. More information online at othellosandhillcranefestival.org.

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In the fall, the cranes will migrate through Eastern Washington again, back to their wintering grounds in California’s Central Valley. They can travel up to 400 miles per day when conditions are good. Some 35,000 cranes travel through the area between February to April. General admission is $10 for adults and $5 for seniors, with children under 12 free with paid adult admission. Crane viewing bus tours to see and hear the birds are $14 for adults and $8 for seniors 65 years and older and children 12 years and under. Field trip

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The 20th annual Othello Sandhill Crane Festival celebrates the return of 35,000 sandhill cranes which fly through the Columbia Basin area between February to April en route to their Alaska breeding grounds. Several tours and activities are planned during this year’s festival, which runs March 24-26. (Courtesy Sandhill Crane Festival)

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A sure sign of spring is the return of tens of thousands of sandhill cranes to the Columbia Basin. The birds — attracted to the area’s croplands and wetlands — regularly travel through the area on their migration north to their breeding grounds in Alaska. To see the birds up close, sign up for bus tours led by experts during the annual Othello Sandhill Crane Festival. Festival organizers are excited to celebrate the event’s 20th anniversary this year, said Marie Lotz, festival coordinator. “For 20 years, we have been drawing in people from across the country,” she said. “This year’s program is our most diverse and delivers something for everyone. We hope to see old friends return and new visitors drop in to discover the wonders of the Columbia Basin.” Registration is underway for the bus tours, which run March 24-26. The tours depart from Stevens Funeral Home in Othello on Friday, March 24, and Othello High School on Saturday, March 25. In addition to the tours, there’s plenty of other activities planned during the three-day festival. The event features local experts discussing everything from drone use in

agriculture, to area reptiles, to growing mushrooms. Most of the lectures are at Othello High School. The Washington State University Raptor Club is bringing hawks, owls, eagles and falcons. Local artisans will share their crafts, and other exhibitors will be on hand to discuss Washington’s natural heritage. The Friday, March 24 evening speaker is a returning favorite, Nick Zentner of Central Washington University, known for his two-minute geology videos. He will be discussing Washington geology. On Saturday, March 25, award-winning photographer and author Paul Bannick is presenting his new book Owl: A Year in the Lives of North American Owls. The keynote banquet speaker is Gary Ivey of the International Crane Foundation, speaking on cranes, colts and trumpeter swans. It may be 20 years for the festival, but this year’s focus is on the next generation of birders. Cartoonist Jimmye Turner will be on hand to entertain kids with wildlife caricatures. There will be special presentations just for kids, and as always, there will be face painting, crafts and games, all culminating in prizes for children taking part. “This year’s festival will be our best one yet—but, of course, I say that every year,” Lotz said.

BY SENIOR TIMES

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Senior Times • March 2017

What’s all the fuss about Snapchat? We’ve got tips for seniors BY SOCIETY OF CERTIFIED SENIOR ADVISORS for Senior Times

When your children stopped replying to your emails, you realized you had to learn how to text. Now your grandkids are passing around their phones during family dinners, laughing and giggling. When you ask them what’s so funny, they show you photos of themselves with a red nose and whiskers. They tell you they’re using something called Snapchat. So now do you have to learn another piece of technology so you can communicate with your grandkids and be as cool as possible at your age? Snapchat is a social media site that teens and preteens love. One of the reasons for its popularity is that the snapshot, called a “Snap” in Snapchat parlance, disappears 10 seconds after the intended viewer receives it. That means that any possibly risqué photos sent, from girl to boy, for example, won’t be around for nosy parents to see and find reasons to ground their daughter. Think of Snapchat as a playful selfie that you can alter by using Snapchat’s drawing and filter functions, or its “lenses,” to add masks and other fun effects. You can take photos of friends or pets, too, but the

emphasis is on the face and all the creative things you can do with it. You can also take and post a video to send to a specific friend. Or you can use the “Stories” section to post photos and videos that you want to share with all your friends. Postings on this more permanent site will last 24 hours. Here are some of the effects you can use: Filters. Over your photo, layer a colored filter or one that relates to the current holiday or the weather. You can also add a Geofilter, which reflects your current location’s information, such as the air temperature. Snap lenses. One of the more popular features of Snapchat is the set of animated lenses you can choose to alter your face (or someone else’s). While taking a photo, you can choose from different lenses. For example, your face can appear wearing a cat’s whiskers and ears, a garland of flowers might appear on your head, or leaves will start falling all around you. You might be instructed to open your mouth so your face better matches the lens you’ve chosen. Draw. With the pencil icon, you can choose a colored marker to draw with—maybe tint your hair a different color or add a moustache. Why not

Snapchat, the popular media site for teens and preteens, lets you have fun with your selfies and other portraits.

throw some stars in the sky or add some flying birds? Stickers. Choose from nearly 300 cartoon stickers to indicate your mood—everything from a heart to a peace sign to a gloomy face. Or you can create your own “bitmoji” sticker. Text. Although Snapchat is geared to photos, you can use short phrases like “see you later” or “having fun.” If you think you want to try Snapchat, go to the Snapchat website and install the app on your device, such as a smartphone. Next, provide your

birthday by scrolling through the date, month and year until you find yours. Next, pick a name—not your real one (that’s so uncool), but one that is fun. Be aware that Snapchat doesn’t allow you to change your name once you’ve chosen one. Last, provide a password and your email address. Now you’re ready to join your grandkids in selfie fun. Reprinted with permission by the Society of Certified Senior Advisors. All rights reserved. www.csa.us.

Luck of the Irish Luncheon Friday, March 17 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.

TO E ! E FR END T AT

You’ll be lucky as leprechauns when you join us for a special St. Patrick’s Day! Wear your green at Parkview Estates for an afternoon of fun. Enjoy a complimentary lunch, raffle, door prizes and more. Give us a call today to be a part of the merriment! May your day be touched with a bit of Irish luck!

RSVP by calling 509-734-9773 7820 W. 6th Ave., Kennewick www.parkviewslc.com Your home away from home

Senior Times • March 2017

Nonprofit law firm cautions against engaging with scammers BY ERIC OLSEN for Senior Times

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recently announced that nearly 17 percent of seniors reported they had been the victim of financial exploitation. “Elder financial exploitation has been called the crime of the 21st century ... Older people are attractive targets,” the report stated. As executive director of Help Eliminate Legal Problems for Seniors, or HELPS, a nonprofit law firm helping seniors maintain their financial independence, I regularly talk with seniors who are worried about calls or emails, which we then identify as coming from debt collector scammers. These scam artists often target seniors who owe old debt. Even if there is an actual debt, they are not legitimate authorized collectors. They can find information about seniors and their debts from different sources to buttress their scam. It is important seniors be aware of the scammers’ tactics so they can identify and avoid them. Here is a recent phone message to a senior: “I’m contacting you … in reference to the case being filed in court against you. You have the legal right to contact the litigation firm that is processing your case. I’ve not received any

type of stop order. We will be heading out to your residence and or place of employment unless instructed otherwise within the next couple of Eric Olsen hours. I will give Help Eliminate you this inforLegal Problems mation one final for Seniors time before we head out. Our phone number is 888327- XXXX. When calling in, reference your case number ATX 405. Linda, you are being legally notified for the final time unless we do hear from you. We will see you today as scheduled. Upon arrival, please make sure you have two forms of identification.” The senior who received this call was worried and frightened. I immediately explained to her this scammer’s ploys. The scammer’s goal is to get you to call, so they can intimidate you into sending money. I also told her something that she didn’t know, and many seniors don’t realize: their Social Security and retirement income is protected by federal law and can’t be taken from them. However, that certainly doesn’t stop these scammers

from trying to take advantage of innocent, uninformed seniors. What are the clues that identify this as a call from a scammer? Often, they don’t identify themselves. And almost always there is a threat of a lawsuit. Words like “litigation,” “one final time,” “legally notified,” “final warning,” and “sheriff’s department” are used and can be extremely intimidating. Scammers know this and use these types of words purposefully. Here they referred to a “personal visit.” But be assured, they never will visit. These ploys are designed to get seniors to pick up the phone and call them back. They’re scare tactics. I would tell any senior who received such a call to hang up immediately. If you are able, block the number. There are laws governing debt collectors. They cannot use these tactics legally. They are simply criminals. However, these types of scammers operate from overseas, or hide themselves in other ways, so they can never be sued for breaking these laws. That way they feel free to use these illegal tactics. Here is another example of an email from a debt scammer to a senior: “You are going to be legally prosecuted in the courthouse. Your Social Security number is put on hold by the U.S. federal government … I have your personal details in the affidavit ...

downloaded inside the court … legal procedures … hampering your credit ratings. Just reply back … settle it outside the courthouse with the settlement amount… otherwise penalty and judge fees … you will end up in a legal mess … final reminder … your last opportunity to make payment. Unless we have your check for the amount $1,180 within the next 48 hours … we shall immediately commence legal actions against you … liable for all attorney fees and court costs … credit ratings. Send your payment as soon as possible.” See how they used legal, authoritative and emergency words? This email even included the client’s actual Social Security number. The return email address seemed as if it came from an actual credit union. It was false as the scammers simply used a credit union name and added some numbers to the email, making it look legitimate. This entire email addresses violated many laws. Even if the debt is legitimate, these people are criminals. Another way to identify them is this: If you Google their phone number or the name of their company and the words “rip-off” or “scam,” you likely will find multiple entries that identify the number or company as being a scammer. uSCAM, Page 16

Puzzle answers from page 13

Str8ts Solution

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

6 5 2 3 7 4

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

2 3 7 6 8

Sudoku Solution Sudoku Solution

Str8ts Solution

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

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

2 3 7 6 8

4 6 9 2 5 8 1 3 7

3 1 8 6 9 7 4 2 5

7 5 2 3 4 1 6 8 9

5 3 6 9 7 2 8 1 4

9 8 1 4 6 5 3 7 2

2 7 4 1 8 3 9 5 6

6 2 5 8 1 9 7 4 3

8 4 7 5 3 6 2 9 1

1 9 3 7 2 4 5 6 8

For more strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org and www.str8ts.com.

Sudoku

4 6 9 2 5 8 1 3 7

3 1 8 6 9 7 4 2 5

7 5 2 3 4 1 6 8 9

Senior Times • March 2017

Meals on Wheels March menu Meals on Wheels is a program of Senior Life Resources Northwest and is supported by donations. For those 60 and over the suggested donation is $2.75 per meal. Meals may be purchased by those under 60 for $7.30. 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 509-5854241; Pasco 509-543-5706; Parkside 509-545-2169; Benton City 509-5883094; Prosser 509-786-1148; and Con-

nell 509-234-0766. • Monday, March 6: Swiss steak with tomato gravy, herb potatoes, seasonal vegetables, rye bread and oatmeal raisin cookies. • Tuesday, March 7: Spaghetti and meat sauce, broccoli Normandy, salad with dressing, breadsticks and mixed fruit. • Wednesday, March 8: Spinach frittata, chuck wagon potatoes, carrot raisin salad, citrus fruit and blueberry muffin. • Thursday, March 9: Chicken fajitas, Spanish rice, black beans, grapes and a flour tortilla. • Friday, March 10: Beef stew, salad with dressing, biscuit, fruit salad and a brownie.

• Monday, March 13: Pork cutlet, mashed potatoes with gravy, seasonal vegetables, sourdough bread and pears. • Tuesday, March 14: Chicken and white bean chili, spinach salad, pineapple, crackers and a cinnamon roll. • Wednesday, March 15: Macaroni and cheese, sausage patty, seasonal vegetables, salad with dressing and cranberry fruit salad. • Thursday, March 16: Baked cod with dill sauce, herb potatoes, dilled baby carrots, multi-grain bread and apple crisp. • Friday, March 17: Birthday day. Roast beef with gravy, mashed potatoes with gravy, Italian vegetables, wheat roll and ice cream. • Monday, March 20: Harvest ap-

ple pork chop, brown rice, seasoned vegetables, rye bread and citrus salad. • Tuesday, March 21: Breaded fish sandwich, lettuce and tomato, corn chowder, carrot raisin salad and peach crisp. • Wednesday, March 22: Salisbury steak with gravy, mashed potatoes, peas, multi-grain bread and a peanut butter cookie. • Thursday, March 23: Turkey Tetrazinni, broccoli Normandy, spinach salad with dressing, roll and butterscotch square. • Friday, March 24: Chicken ala king, peas, salad with dressing, biscuit and oatmeal cookies. • Monday, March 27: Green chili chicken, Spanish rice, vegetables, cornbread and mandarin oranges. • Tuesday, March 28: Pork roast, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetables, wheat bread and frosted carrot cake. • Wednesday, March 29: Lasagna, green beans, salad with dressing, breadstick and apple slices. • Thursday, March 30: Chicken and dressing casserole, roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts with bacon, wheat roll and cranberry oat bar. • Friday, March 31: Beef stroganoff, egg noodles, Harvard beets, broccoli salad and an oatmeal raisin cookie. For more information about Senior Life Resources Northwest visit seniorliferesources.org.

SCAM, From page 15 Often I find that seniors are courteous and don’t want to be rude. However, I ask seniors, “Would you reach out to pet a rattlesnake?” Of course their answer is always, “No.” I instruct seniors, “Never talk to them, never email them, never call them back. Ignore them completely and they will eventually go away.” Knowledge gives seniors power. Knowing how to identify scams can give a senior peace of mind. If any senior is still concerned, they can always call HELPS nonprofit law firm toll-free at 855-435-7787 to help confirm a scam communication. It is part of our mission to identify these scammers for seniors and we are happy to offer this free assistance. Scammers are rattlesnakes. You want nothing to do with them. Ignore them and give them a wide berth. Be aware of the “rattle,” or key phrases and words that identify them as what they are. Be informed. Knowledge is power. Attorney Eric Olsen is the president of the nonprofit law firm HELPS, which stands for Help Eliminate Legal Problems for Seniors and Disabled. For more information, including cost, visit Helpsishere.org or call 855-435-7787.