Golden Times, December 2022

Irene Johnson, 99

Irene and Floyd Johnson moved with their young family from Spokane to Lewiston in 1958 to open Irene’s Bakery, where Irene ran the cash register and kept the books.

They closed the business in 1972 when life’s adventures took her to Winchester, Lewiston, Yakima, Post Falls and back to Lewiston, where she now lives at Brookdale.

Irene has six children,

Dick, Dennis, Debbie, Carol (deceased), Lance and Barry; 12 grandchildren (one is deceased); and 20 great-grandchildren.

Her great-granddaughters Kaitlin and Marissa Johnson of Lewiston share her birthday (as well as the red hair of her youth).

The COVID-19 pandemic has limited the family’s celebrations, but birthday wishes can be sent to Irene at Brookdale Lewiston, 2975 Juniper Drive, Apt. 229, Lewiston, ID 83501.

> DEC. 30

Lily Riechers, 90

Lily Riechers was born in 1932 to Pluma Rose Tacy and John Parrish in Portland, Ore.

Lily’s mom — who’d become a citizen of Canada after moving there as an infant — was deported to Canada just before World War II, and Lily remained with her Tacy relatives in Oregon.

Around age 11, Lily moved to Lewiston, and in 1950 to Craigmont, where she had her family.

In 1952, she became a lifetime member of the Craigmont American Legion Auxillary. She has 70 years of continuous membership.

Lily moved back to Lewiston in 1987. She briefly

worked at the Lewiston Country Club, where she golfed for many years. She bowls weekly, and it appears that she will make her goal of bowling until age 90. She plays bridge and enjoys reading, puzzles and socializing.

Lily is known to many of her friends as “Miss Lily”

because she owned Miss Lily’s Saloon in Winchester for several years. Family includes daughters Erlene West, Ginger Leach, Bev Decker and Donna Kuchmak, eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. Her son, Cliff Trautman, is deceased.

A family celebration is planned.

The Germans go above and beyond for the holidays

Going to Germany over the Christmas season is always a treat. From Nov. 11 to Jan. 12, the country celebrates many holidays.

On Nov. 11, southern German children and their parents, sing “lantern songs” around their villages in a lighted processional celebrating St. Martin of Tours. According to legend, this 4th Century Roman soldier was returning from battle and saw a beggar shivering in the cold. Martin stopped, cut his military cloak in half

with his sword, and shared it. Martin was arrested for defacing government property and put in prison. In the night, a glowing man awoke Martin and assured him he did the right thing: “When you’ve done this to the least, you’ve done it unto me.” In the

morning, the guards found Martin asleep, wrapped in a whole cloak.

One of my favorite celebrations is Saint Nicholas Day, on Dec. 6. This saint is remembered for selling all his possessions and giving his money to the poor. He dedicated his whole life to serving the poor, sick, needy and suffering.

In my family’s village, the church has a “Nicholas” who dresses in the long flowing robes and tall hat of a 3rd Century bishop. Parents prepare for St. Nicholas’ yearly appearance by writing letters detailing the positive characteristics they see in their children; they place the notes in bags along with fruit, nuts and a small gift and mark it with each child’s name. The parcels are then given to St. Nicholas, who puts the bags of the whole neighborhood into his large sack.

On Dec. 6, the families gather around a fire pit, enjoying sweetbreads and hot drinks, anticipating the arrival of St. Nicholas. When they see him coming, with his helper carrying his big bag, they

The

St.

Everyone claps. This continues until every child has been honored. What a fantastically affirming holiday this is. ï ï ï ï ï ï

Christmastime celebrations are stretched over three days to include all the various branches of the family. Churches ring bells, carolers sing, children put on programs, food runneth over the tables.

welcome him with a song. St. Nicholas sits in a special chair. The children sit around him. He talks about being kind, giving and caring for others. Then he disperses each bag of goodies, calling each child by name to come stand by him. He opens the letter, tenderly puts his arm around the child, and reads out all the wonderful qualities about him or her. The children’s faces glow as they listen to all the good things being said about them in front of their peers and the adults.

One year as we were leaving the church on Christmas Eve, an extremely bright light was flying through the dark winter sky. We stopped, watched in amazement, and wondered: Could this be a new Bethlehem star? We learned the next day that the Russians had launched a new satellite. The timing was very affecting.

The last celebration is King’s Day on Jan. 6, the 12th day after Christmas. It’s celebrated to honor the three kings who came to find the young child Jesus. Three boys dressed as kings, come to each house in the morning, sing a song for the family and make three chalk marks on their door as a blessing for the new year.

No matter how the world celebrates this season of the year, it is important for each of us to develop our own traditions. As you celebrate with family and friends, remember the message of St. Nicholas: Be kind, share with and care about those around you. We’ve been given the greatest gift possible: Jesus. Celebrate his birthday and share his love.

Chase Hoseley is a freelance writer and retired kindergarten teacher who lives in Clarkston. She can be reached at shoseley8@gmail.com.

THINKING OUT LOUD

Sharon Chase Hoseley

Sharon Chase Hoseley

man portraying

Nicholas wears the traditional dress of a 3rd Century bishop.

Dennis Hastings

Remembering Christmas at the Northwest Children’s Home

Editor’s note: Columnist Ruth Bosserman has put her writing on hold as she heals from a fall in September that broke her leg. She looks forward to resuming her writing again soon. Here is a piece submitted by her granddaughter.

My name is Holly Rourick, one of Ruth’s granddaughters.

When I was in the third grade, we were given an assignment to write a letter to someone special to ask about a Christmas they remembered. I chose my wonderful grandma. To my delight, I received a handwritten letter back on yellow paper with holiday stickers attached. It has

been a keepsake since 1988. This letter was my first recollection of what it meant that my grandma was adopted. Since it is such a special story to her and turned into a dear memory for me, I wanted to share it with her readers.

Dear Holly, I enjoyed your letter asking me about a Christmas I remembered when I was a child.

The most unusual Christmas I’ve spent was the year I was six years old and lived at the Children’s Home. Because all the children who lived there had no real home, many clubs, lodges and other

organizations wanted to make our Christmas very special. They furnished wonderful gifts for us and gave us a party in the big living area of the Home.

There was a beautiful tree and Santa came to see us. He passed out bags of candy and popcorn balls. Several children had been chosen to put on a program for Santa and some other guests. I was an angel in a white costume with golden wings and golden rope tinsel in my hair. I said a little poem that was a welcome for our guests. Then Santa handed out the gifts and there was an enormous box for me! It was almost as big as I

was! In it was a doll, a crib, a doll buggy and a little wardrobe that contained the doll’s clothes.

I was so excited! But then I saw a nice man talking to my best friend Ida Mae. It was her Dad. He hugged her and watched her open her gifts. All at once I felt so sad because none of my family was there.

Please don’t feel sorry for me Holly. By the next Christmas, I had been adopted by a nice couple and I lived happily ever after!

With love, Grandma

Though I was young, I knew her letter was a treasure and had it safely tucked away. It also made me realize how blessed I was and the

importance of family.

Over the years, I have had the honor of hearing more stories about Grandma’s life and accomplishments. Many of you have heard her speak at The Coffee With The Girls event sponsored by the Northwest Children’s Home in Lewiston or read her book, The Tenth Child. We hope that her readers have enjoyed hearing about her life and are as blessed by her writings as we are. Our family wishes you a very Merry Christmas!

If anyone would like to send a card or note to Ruth, her address is: Avalon Progressive Care, 1937 Second Ave, Clarkston, WA 99403. Please, no visitors at this time.

Ruth Bosserman

Uzbekistan Republic, fall 1991

This is a continuing narrative from Keatts’ visit to her son, Ken Keatts, who worked at the U.S. Embassy in Russia in the 1990s. Earlier installments can be found at lmtribune. com by clicking the “Special Pubs” tab and viewing back issues of Golden Times.

Two days after I arrived (in Moscow, USSR), Ken and I went with a tour group to the Uzbekistan Republic in Central Asia, just north of Afghanistan. Not only did we have an enjoyable trip,

but we got to know quite a few people, and that has made the rest of my trip pleasant. About the time I got here, Ken’s workload increased and he is having to work a lot of overtime; so knowing other people has made it easier for both of us.

Our flight, scheduled to leave at 9 p.m., was delayed for several hours by a snow storm. We flew to Bukhara (pronounced Bookhar-a), a flight of several thousand miles. We flew over some large cities and I noticed that they were the same color as the surrounding countryside. If the soil

was gray, the town was a matching shade of gray. All the buildings were the same color. It tended to make the towns nondescript and appear lifeless. I’m told this is a part of Stalin’s plan for uniformity.

We arrived in the middle of the afternoon. After settling into the hotel, we walked through the town. Both Bukhara and Samarkand (Sam-are-kand — rhymes with wand) are medieval Muslim camel caravan trading centers. Samarkand is over 2,500 years old and has a present population of 1 million, while Bukhara can date its beginnings back over 1,000 years and has a population of 200,000. Both were totally destroyed

by Ghengis Khan in the 1300s. In the old parts of town, the buildings are crudely made of adobe so, again, they are the same color as the surrounding soil. I saw no Christian churches or Jewish synagogues anywhere in this area. It is very conservative Muslim, and a part of their history they tell is how they killed off all those who opposed Islam. We also went to Urgench and Khiva (Kee-va).

The distinguishing buildings here are mosques, minarets and madrassahes (madras-ses, where the A’s sound like father), which are usually located together. A mosque is the Muslim worship center and often contains tombs of local

former rulers. A minaret is a tall tower from which a crier called the faithful to worship, but apparently they no longer do this.

A madrassah is a large building built to glorify Allah and to provide cells where men can go to study the faith. They functioned as primitive universities. Each madrassah was always built by one person as his glory to Allah, named for the builder and served as his burial place. Once the builder died, the building was no longer used and fell into disrepair. If he died before it was finished, it remained unfinished. No one was ever interested in completing or using another man’s madrassah. The concept of family and lineage never entered into this. These buildings, erected from the 1400s on, were elaborately decorated with tiles in intricate designs. The Muslim faith forbids the depiction of man or animals, so the designs often contain stars, flowers and geometric patterns. The buildings stand hundreds of feet high and dominate the landscape. Mosques and madrassahes feature large domes on top, often tiled in blue. They are elaborately decorated inside also. Extensive work is now being done to restore these old buildings, but much remains to be done. Since each piece of tile is about one square inch, it takes many to cover a building 100 feet tall.

Keatts is a retired Clarkston businesswoman who ran an accounting office for many years. She loves to travel and shares excerpts from notes sent to loved ones detailing her adventures.

Jeanne Keatts

ReaderChristmasstories:Giftsthatkeepongiving

One of our favorite things is hearing your stories, and Golden Times readers delivered for this Holiday Gifts edition. Here are the good, bad and ugly gifts our contributors remembered getting and giving.

Christmas mourning

The worst Christmas present I ever got was when I needed a winter coat real bad, and there was a round, soft package under the tree (of course I felt it). I was so happy, until Christmas morning. Opened my present — it was a sleeping bag. I was heart-broken.

— Merry Christmas, Lily Riechers, Lewiston

Early gift carried them through the dark holidays

The entire town of 250 residents in Headquarters was blanketed in six feet of snow for a week that late December in 1965. Every family was off the grid because of downed power lines and fallen trees which cut off the electricity completely.

My sister and I, both preteens, were disappointed — we were home from school and there was no electricity — how were we going to have fun on our muchanticipated vacation?

A couple of days before the 25th, our par ents figured out a way to keep us occupied: They let us open one shared present — a ping pong table!

We played ping pong all that long holiday season by the light of kerosene lanterns and candles. Mom cooked her usual wonderful Christmas dinner in our camper stove as we played on.

To this day we love to play ping pong with our grands, Miles and Lucy, and I never fail to reminisce about that untraditional Christmas all those years ago.

— Don Baney, Lewiston

Gift of a country life: Christmas 1948

Our dad and mom had been asked by my grandmother and great aunts to take over the wheat farm in Garfield County. Till and Mildred Baliss had run it for over 20 years, and they wanted to retire from farming and move to Spokane to be near their daughter Tilly. We — Mom, Dad, Carol, 6½, Kristy, 2, and myself, 4, were going to move into an old two-story farm house on Sweeney Gulch Road near Pomeroy. Dad was going to learn more about farming from Till for a couple of years before he retired. Dad also had helped on that farm for many summers during harvest when he was a boy, and he loved it very much.

Coal and carrots for slacking off Christmas 1952. My father was a fighter pilot in World War II. He was stationed in Mississippi. My sister Shirley, age 10 at the time, and my brother Gary, age 8, desperately wanted a pet rabbit for Christmas. My father agreed and they were permitted to have a rabbit, on one condi tion. They were solely responsible for feeding, watering, cleaning and exercising the rabbit. Not our mother!

As my parents feared, over time the initially diligent pair of siblings began to slack on pet care. Our dad discovered that the children had been lax and that our mother had been doing their pet chores.

Not one for long lectures, harsh words, or physi cal punishment — but one for “actions speak loud er than words” types of consequences, Dad decid ed to handle the hare care infraction at Christmas. My brother received a stocking full of coal and my sister a stocking full of carrots. That is it — nothing else. ‘Nuf said. Lesson learned. My sister, now 80, has STELLAR husbandry habits.

— Halette M. Meyer, Potlatch Shirley and Gary

Dad and Mom didn’t have much money that Christmas, so Grandma Elsie bought us our shoes and Aunt Aline bought us our coats. Aunt Emma gave us a car. We couldn’t afford a moving van or company, so dad bor rowed one of the farm’s wheat trucks, and we loaded all our belongings into the truck for the move from Portland, Ore. We stopped halfway and stayed with Mom’s sister and her husband, who helped us with the rest of our journey.

The trip was rather exciting for Carol and I, as we were happy to leave rainy Portland and live in snow country.

When we got to the old farmhouse, it was snowing and it was blowing through the cracks in the walls. Sister Kristy got so excited about the snow that she was leaning against a window and she broke through out into the snow. Luckily, she wasn’t cut or bruised too badly.

A few days later, she was demonstrating what she had done for Grandma Elsie and Aunt Gerry a nd fell through the glass a second time. She still wasn’t hurt much and after a brief cry, she could laugh about it and show off her bandaged fingers.

Carol and I slept upstairs with plenty of blankets. We learned we could draw pictures in the frost on the inside of the windows.

Mom decided we should have a turkey for Christmas dinner. She had bought the bread

for stuffing but forgot to get sage for seasoning. There was plenty of wild sage around the house, so she went out and picked some to use on the turkey and stuffing. It all smelled good while cooking, but when we tried to eat some, it was so strong with sage it was hardly edible.

The next day Dad wanted to take us for a ride up the gravel road toward the mountains in the snow. The only vehicle we had was the old sedan. Dad said, “We’ll be careful not to get stuck.” We waved goodbye to some family at home and to our neighbors, the Kuhns, as they were outside feeding cows. However, when Dad turned the car around on the way back home, we got very stuck. Dad left us all in the car and hiked the two miles back to the Kuhns’ house. He felt rather embarrassed when he asked Earl Kuhn if he could bring his tractor up and pull us out.

Earl was happy to rescue us, so he and Dad rode the tractor back to where the car was stuck. They used a chain and had us out in no time.

Mom never again stuffed the Christmas turkey with wild sage, and Kristy never again leaned against a pane of glass. Dad caulked all the cracks in the wall and bought a used four-wheel-drive pickup after our first harvest income.

— Cosette Moore, Pomeroy

Disappointing Christmas in the early 1970s

I’ve been more of a tomboy most of my life.

My brother (3½ years younger) would get all the cool gifts I wanted, like car sets, a pup tent, a jackknife, etc., and similar “boys’ toys.”

My family was determined to turn me into a young lady so I got everything I didn’t want nor liked at all, like a toy vacuum cleaner, a toy clothes iron, a doll and a dress.

I always had a closet full of clothes that had the tags still on them that I refused to wear.

I neither wanted nor used any of these things, and my family was always surprised when the holidays would depress me.

My brother always liked most of these gifts I got as it meant a double Christmas for him — as he would get these items I didn’t want.

I never did get that pup tent.

— Linda Meyer, Pullman

A holiday ride to remember

My parents had little money and were always in debt. If it weren’t for my Uncle Lowell, my father’s brother, our childhood Christmases would have been pretty meager. But his generosity to all of us was unfailing.

One year he bought my older sister and brother bicycles and me, a red tricycle. Another year he bought the three of us a piano.

But the best year of all was when I was four and he bought me a rocking horse.

How did he know my heart’s desire? He must have asked my mother.

I had fallen in love with a rocking horse I saw in the window of Meyer and Frank Department Store. My mother and I were walking down a busy street in Portland, Ore., and there it was, surrounded by teddy bears and glittering lights, a large wooden horse with a silky mane and tail and an elaborate leather saddle — the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. I stood there, nose pressed against the cold glass, transfixed.

Hesitantly, I asked my mother, “Do you think maybe Santa might bring me a horse like that?”

She looked worried. “I think that horse is too big for Santa to get in his bag” she said. I knew that meant “no.”

But there it was on Christmas morning — the same horse! I rode that horse for years, until I was obviously too big for it. I read many books sitting astride him and rocking.

He was my all-time favorite present. I’ve received many lovely Christmas presents over the years, some far more expensive than that rocking horse, but never have I felt the awe and thrill that I felt that Christmas morning in 1943.

— Sharon Taylor, Lewiston

Happy with what we had — except that one year

I was a 17-year-old senior in high school. My entire family and a few friends were gathered around our Christmas tree. We eagerly waited our turn, watching each person open their presents one by one. (I used to open my gifts the night before Christmas after my parents were asleep — then l carefully rewrapped them so they wouldn’t find out. YES! I had the track shoes I’d been hinting about for weeks!)

Now it was my turn. I held up the box ready to act surprised, but soon realized my wonderful shoes were gone.

It was a Malibu Ken Barbie doll instead. In the embarrassment, shock and surprise only a 17-year-old could feel, I shrieked, “I got a MAN for Christmas?!”

I was given my shoes later, but the joke was on me. I’d been discovered and taught a lesson by “Santa.” • • • • •

My four siblings and I didn’t have a lot of extra money growing up, but my parents gave us everything we needed — their love and as much as they could afford on Christmas. There was usually one store-bought present for each of us and then something homemade to go with it.

I told my husband that I used to dress up marbles with little strips of cloth from my mom’s sewing basket when I was a little girl. I named them and played with them like “dolls.” We were happy with what we had. He was shocked and maybe a little concerned, as he is a retired mental health instructor who married me 45 years ago.

Last Christmas I opened a present from him. It was several assorted-size marbles ... “to replace the ones I’d played with as a child.”

— Janet Fonnesbeck, Lewiston

The absolute breast gift

When I was told I had breast cancer and a mastectomy was recommended, I didn’t think about looks, I thought about life.

Then I was told they can make new breasts from my stomach and it will all be done the same day. I did this and I was happy with the results. They were able to remove the cancer, I had clear margins and I had breasts.

I shared with the doctor that I now had Barbie boobs because she didn’t have nipples either. He surprised me and said “Oh Jackie, you’re getting nipples.”

So, for Christmas 2018 I started singing “I’m Getting Nipples for Christmas.”

The doctor took tissue from my breast, folded and twisted it and made new nipples to be attached and tattooed. I hadn’t realized what an impact getting nipples would have on me. When I first saw myself after this was completed I thought “Man I Feel like a Woman.” This is a favorite Christmas present.

— Jackie McIver, of Lewiston,is 68. She had a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction in 2017, with her final reconstruction in December 2018. She is the facilitator for the Valley Breast Cancer Support Group and can be reached at jlmcive@hotmail.com or (208) 553-3872.

She writes that she’s “always ready to tell my story if it might help someone else.”

The gift of giving

My father was a letter carrier for a rural route in Minnesota. As such, he learned a lot about the families on his route from the mail he delivered and from chatting with the people who’d meet him at their mailboxes.

One December in the early 1960s, my father asked us four kids if we were willing to give up our electric train set. He was sure that two boys in a family on his route would not be getting anything for Christmas. Could we give them the train set? We agreed and set about spiffing up the set and making sure it worked.

My father never told us anything personal about the people on his route, and we didn’t know who that family was.

Fast forward about 40 years: I was in Minnesota visiting my parents. Two men stopped by, and my folks introduced us. The visitors told me they were the boys who got our train set. My father had not only given them the set, but each boy also got a silver dollar. They remembered that Christmas well. That was all they had received for Christmas that year.

— Kay Keskinen,

Moscow

Secret Santa spread cheer in a lean time

I’m not sure this is my “best” Christmas gift, but it certainly is my most memorable.

It was Christmas 1991, and I was living in Spokane. I was working at MDA (the Mus cular Dystrophy Association) and struggling to support myself after a divorce. My office mentor and very good friend Arlene helped me transition into the world of nonprofit. We worked together for many years and remain friends to this day.

That Christmas, I was plan ning on coming to Clarkston, my hometown and spending the holidays with my mother and sister who had lived here their entire lives. My mother had been diagnosed with lung cancer and was starting radiation treat ments, but we were hopeful. She was look ing forward to having us come home. My son and his girlfriend were also expected to be there. None of us were financially sound at that time and so the gift exchange was minimal at best.

The morning of Christmas Eve, I arrived in Clarkston and my Mom had just received a large box from UPS addressed to the family. There was no return address, so we naturally thought it came from my brother in California. He denied that he had sent it and swore to us it wasn’t him. We opened the box to find a dozen or so individually wrapped gifts with name tags for all of us. We opened them all and just couldn’t figure out who sent them. Mostly they were generic things like gloves and scarves, but nice things that we loved or needed.

The day after Christmas I called UPS to see if they might be able to tell me who shipped it, and they were only able to tell me the name

of the business it was shipped from. Well, that business was a medical supply company in Spokane where my friend Arlene’s son worked. So then I knew who was responsible for this wonderful act of kindness and generosity.

Every Christmas I think of Arlene, and to this day she still denies it. But that smile I saw

Priceless sounds of the season

We lived in rural Minnesota on a Shet land Pony breeding farm. It was a par ticularly brutal year. Deep snow, ice and significant wind chill. It was too cold and dangerous to venture out on this particu lar Christmas Eve. My husband was due home from work at about 5 — well after dark at this time of year in the far north. I wanted our young daughter to ex perience the holiday and my husband to feel some Christmas joy. I snuck out to the barn and tied jingle bells to each of the ponies’ halters. Just before my husband was due to arrive home, I placed them on the horses. My daughter soon heard the sweet melody and she reached the door just as my husband did. She thought perhaps it was Santa on the roof. They had a good laugh. This is my favorite Christmas memory.

— Submitted by Halette M. Meyer. This story was recounted by her mother, Ruth King in a memoir interview. King lived with Meyer and her husband in Potlatch until her death in 2020.

Ostomy support groups meet monthly

Calling all ostomates: Your future community wants you to know you aren’t alone.

There are between 725,000 and 1 million ostomy patients in the United States, according to an email from a local chapter of the United Ostomy Associations of America. Support groups for ostomates — those who have received one of the three main ostomy surgeries of clostomy, ileostomy and/or ileosto my — meet regularly throughout the north central Idaho/south east Washington region. Though life-saving, these surgeries can

when I thanked her told it all. That was our last Christmas with my moth er as she lost her battle with cancer the next fall. I will always be thankful for my good friend who helped make my mother’s last Christmas a merry one.

— Janet Driggs, Clarkston

BRIEFLY

lead to physical changes that can be permanent and often require significant help and adjustment.

“A support group is very important. Family support is not enough for most people as they are not trained. The support group is a safe and confidential place to communicate and ask questions,” the Ostomy Support Group’s email states. “We troubleshoot and edu cate by holding presentations on a variety of topics; depression, odor control, proper use of supplies, nutrition and the importance of hydration for an ostomate. We can learn from others who have been there, done that and are living

it. We also have some supplies in case someone runs short before their supplies arrive.

“We have two nurses from our local hospitals that attend these meetings along with regional representatives offering help in ordering needed supplies.”

Ostomates, spouses, caregivers, nurses and others who have an interest may attend meetings held monthly in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley, Lapwai, Lenore, Orofino, Cottonwood and other surrounding towns. A Palouse area support group holds online meetings for those unable to at tend a meeting in person.

Meeting times and places and additional information is avail able by calling Adrian at (509) 254-3404, Cheryl at (208) 7434088 or Louisa at (509) 780-7596. For details on the online meeting, Judy Reid can be reached at (509) 330-1265.

Groups and organizations may submit event information pertaining to seniors in the region for free publication in the monthly Golden Times magazine. All submissions are subject to editing and space restraints and must include the name and phone number of the person submitting the information. Information for the January issue must be received by 5 p.m. Dec. 16.

Janet Driggs’ mother Norma Morris, in 1991

Harold King — the father of Halette M. Meyer, of Potlatch, who shared this photo — hugs a Shet land pony colt, called Harvey, short for Harvest Moon. The King family raised Shetlands when they lived in Minnesota.

Traditional Czech holiday rites used to predict future

“Carp! You eat carp for Christmas dinner?” I exclaimed, not believing my ears. In an English class at the Holešov Gymnázium in Czech Republic, we were discussing Christmas traditions. One of the best parts of being an expat and living abroad was learning about cultures that were new to me.

“Yes,” the students explained, “they sell them in barrels at the market and Mom and Dad buy a live one and keep it in the bathtub until Christmas Eve. No one can take a bath for a few days,” All the students chuckled with delight when one boy said that the fish often tried to escape by jumping out of the tub. I recently learned about a woman from Poland who also mentioned having carp for special occasions. So perhaps that is a fairly wide spread tradition in parts of Europe.

I also was to learn that for Czechs, Christmas Eve is when they celebrate Christ mas. My students explained that Christmas Eve was considered by their ancestors to be the most mag ical night of the year. They be lieved the natural elements were much stronger than at other times. So it is understandable why they don’t view Christmas as the 25th as we do in our culture.

These photos by Dixie Johnson’s friend Ivan Zelinski show two traditional Christmas activities of the Czech Republic. Above, lighted walnut boats float in a basin of water. At right, molten lead dropped into water forms fantastical shapes. Both rites are said to be used for predicting one’s fortune in the new year.

LIFE AS AN EXPAT

Dixie Johnson

future or answer ques tions. But people have to follow a few rules,” my family host, Ivan Zelinski, explained. “First, anyone who wants to predict the future must make the boat themselves and put it on the water. A walnut half is emptied of its nut, and then a small candle is secured in it. Water played a major role in Christmas divination, thanks to its cleansing and healing powers. The walnut was seen in folk cul ture as a symbol of strength, wealth and success.” And this, I think, is the most beautiful part: “The candle sym bolizes sacrifice, giving its light to others and burning itself in the process.”

relationships will occur. There are numerous other predictions, and the person whose candle stays lit the longest is predicted to have a long and happy life ahead. Another unusual way of looking into the future at this time of year is to melt lead and drop it into water to create various forms. I can’t say how the predictions happen, but the shapes the metal takes are beautiful and worthy of becoming jew elry items themselves.

under communism — even more so than other Eastern Bloc countries.

the holiday season. You can see wonderful dis plays online by going to live webcams.

The Christmas decora tion in the town squares are already up. On Thurs day, I watched online as a tree was being decorated in Piran, Slovenia. Fun to see! Other town squares to check out are in Holešov, Kromeríž, and Zlín in CZ. I am sure there are many, many more. Have some fun, go explore — it will put you in the spirit of the season. But keep in mind the nine-hour time difference — when it is morning here it is evening in Europe.

One of their many hol iday customs is making boats out of walnut shells.

“According to tradi tion, sailing a boat with a lit candle can predict the

Family members put their boats in a large glass bowl filled with water. If a boat stays near the bowl’s edge there will be no changes — you will stay at home. Boats that touch each other fore tell that love and good

While I lived in CZ in the mid 1990s, there wasn’t much of a focus on the Nativity that I was aware. Perhaps that was a result of living under communism for so long. Zdena, a Czech teacher who was my mentor at school, was a de vout Catholic. But in order to worship in church, she had to go to other towns where she was a stranger.

It was safer that way. Fortunately, that changed after the fall of communism, and she was free to attend church in her hometown.

I was told that Czechoslo vakia suffered severely

You may be wondering about Christmas trees and outdoor lighting decorations. There were very few outdoor lights, although I was lucky enough to live right across the street from the only house that put up such lights in our neighborhood. I could sit at my bedroom desk, look out the window at them and dream of home. I told the lady who lived there how much I appreciated them because they made me feel less homesick. She very kindly told me, “If you come back next year, they will be here for you again.”

Once I went with Czech friends in Prague when they bought their tree. The lot had many trees, but most would be considered by Americans to be “Charlie Brown” type evergreens.

Now all these years later, much has changed. Christmas trees are every bit as posh as the ones we have here, and towns are absolutely beautiful at

One hears much about European Christmas markets. I attended one in Prague’s Old Town Square. While it was love ly and happily busy with many evening shoppers, it couldn’t compare with the elaborate ones I saw in Vi enna. But those are a topic for another installment.

While living there, I found the people of the Czech Republic are among the warmest, most gen erous, loving and caring people I have ever met. I have been blessed to know them. The young couple with whom I lived now have two daughters, and we keep in touch almost weekly. If I continue writ ing these columns (and if you continue reading them) you will get to know Zelinski and his wife Mar tina quite well.

Have a wonderful, bless ed and beautiful Christ mas everyone!

Johnson, 79, of Grangeville, worked in three different European countries — Hungary, Czech Republic and Slovenia — in the 1990s and early 2000s. She can be reached at johnsondixie@hotmail.com.

Take me on the back roads, where old barns still stand

Before television became present in nearly every home, radio was our news source and the record player was for our entertainment. Our old house rocked with the music of Ernest Tubbs and Hank Williams. We learned the words to the songs and joined in, no matter how out of tune or how loud.

On Sundays, the family piled into the jalopy, as my folks called the old car, and drove for a family picnic, singing as we went. Picnic lunches took

GALLIVANTING GRANNY

Hazel Christiansen

special containers on the floor. A bag of water hung on the car’s side to refill the radiator when it boiled. An occasional flat tire was repaired with rubber patches.

the place of today’s fastfood restaurant.

With kids in the back seat, we played games of I Spy and watched for the Berma Shave signs. On cold days, we wrapped in quilts and warmed our feet over oven-heated bricks in

SENIOR CALENDAR

I still love a road trip, where the sun plays with shadows across the surrounding hills, or when mystical things happen as fire in the sky merges with a placid lake and color floods across the surface. Now and then a windmill missing a blade seems to smile like a happy face, beckoning

from a farmer’s field. Mist from earth mingles with clouds in the sky on the horizon. As I drive, I still search for the beauty in the landscape, where deer and red-tailed hawk still survive. When I am older, perhaps I’ll fall asleep on the drive like a fussy child rocked by the rhythm of the wheels on pavement. But, take me on the back roads where old barns still stand and cattle graze. Let me see an open horizon and allow the quiet to settle my spirit. The

surrounding small towns where a corner store, one bar or restaurant still survive seems like a disappearing past, one where neighbors knew one another and gathered on porches as the sun set. Every day I am thankful for eyes that still see the wonder and beauty in the place where we live. Even when my eyes are shut, the memories will remain.

Christiansen, 79, lives in Lewiston. She can be reached at petpal535@gmail.com.

For the LewistonClarkston Valley >Mondays

Yoga/low-impact exercise, 9-10 a.m. (advanced) and 10:15-11:15 a.m. (beginners), Valley Community Center, 549 Fifth St., Clarkston.

Coffee, 10 a.m. to noon, Valley Community Center.

Coffee, 10 a.m. to noon, $1 donation, Sixth Street Senior Center, 832 Sixth St., Clarkston.

Fit For Life, 10-11 a.m., Grange Hall, 2220 Reservoir Road, Clarkston.

Painting group, noon to 3 p.m., Valley Community Center.

Foot care, Valley Community Center. By appointment only: (509) 330-1857.

>Tuesdays

Coffee, 10 a.m. to noon, Valley Community Center.

Free document shredding (small bags at a time), 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., lobby of Valley Community Center.

Coffee, 10 a.m. to noon, $1 donation, Sixth Street Senior Center.

Bridge, noon, Lewiston

Community Center.

>Wednesdays

Yoga/low-impact exercise, 9-10 a.m. (advanced) and 10-11 a.m. (beginners), Valley Community Center.

Coffee, 10 a.m. to noon, Valley Community Center.

Coffee, 10 a.m. to noon, $1 donation, Sixth Street Senior Center.

Country jam, 10 a.m. to noon, Sixth Street Senior Center.

Fit For Life, 9-10 a.m. 10-11 a.m., Grange Hall, Clarkston.

Pinochle, 12:30-3:30 p.m., Lewiston Community Center.

Bridge, 12:30-4:30 p.m., Valley Community Center.

>Thursdays

Yoga/low-impact exercise, 10-11 a.m., Valley Community Center.

Coffee, 10 a.m. to noon, Valley Community Center.

Free document shredding, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., lobby of Valley Community Center.

Coffee, 10 a.m. to noon, $1 donation, Sixth Street

Senior Center.

Bridge group, fourth Thursday only, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Valley Community Center.

Painting group, noon, Lewiston Community Center.

Dance, 7-9:30 p.m., $5 donation, Sixth Street Senior Center.

Footcare, Valley Community Center. By appointment only: (253) 218-7091.

>Fridays

Coffee, 10 a.m. to noon, Valley Community Center. Coffee, 10 a.m. to noon, $1 donation, Sixth Street Senior Center.

Fit For Life, 10-11 a.m., Grange Hall, Clarkston. Country jam, 10 a.m. to noon, Sixth Street Senior Center.

Medicare and insurance information, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Friday and Nov. 18, Valley Community Center.

VFW Post 1443

SCAMSTOPPER

Financial predators are alive, well and on the prowl, hoping to separate you from your money. Catfishing predators may claim to be looking for romance. Here are a few tips on how to avoid becoming their next victim. Feel free to clip this and tape it near your phone and/or computer.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

take steps to minimize damage and protect themselves.

 Report it to their bank or credit institution if money was taken or information was shared.

The WA-ID Volunteer Center, in the Lewiston Community Center at 1424 Main St., strives to provide individualized volunteer opportunities for those wishing to serve in Lewiston, Clarkston, Asotin, Pomeroy, Moscow and the Orofino area. Information and other volunteer openings can be found at waidvolunteercenter.org or by calling (208) 746-7787.

to re-pack frozen and dry foods for distribution. Front counter volunteers and drivers for morning food pickups also are needed.

 Report it to the business or organization involved.

 Report it to the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org/scamtracker/us.

 Report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaintor by calling (877) FTC-HELP.

ï Meal sites — Volunteers are needed as regular and substitute meal delivery drivers. A valid driver’s license and auto insurance are required.

 Find a list of current known scams and more information on avoiding scams, at www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/scam-alert.

 Find information on scams circulating locally on the Lewiston Police Department’s Facebook page, where citizens also may sign up for news alerts.

Volunteer needs include:

> RED FLAGS INCLUDE CALLS, EMAILS OR LETTERS THAT:  are unsolicited (you didn’t initiate contact)  are threatening in tone, promising scary or embarrassing consequences for noncompliance or  are euphoric in tone (great news, you won the lottery — we need your bank account number to deposit your winnings)  request personal information  request money — usually in the form of a prepaid debit or credit card  carry an aggressive sense of urgency

ï Tutors — America Reads needs tutors to help K-third grade students become proficient readers. Volunteers need to be able to commit to at least an hour a week for the school year. Background check required.

> IF YOU SUSPECT YOU’RE BEING TARGETED BY A SCAMMER: DON’T  share any personal information  send money DO  hang up the phone  delete the email or  shred the letter  Check legitimacy of claims if desired, but not using a number supplied by the caller. Instead, look the company up in the phone book or online.  Report the scam (more information follows).

> THINK YOU’VE BEEN TAKEN?

ï Companions — The Senior Companion program provides companionship and respite care to the elderly and disabled. It allows lowincome senior volunteers an opportunity to assist those who need minor help to continue living independently.

Senior Companions visit clients in their homes, but it isn’t an in-home care program.

ï Food bank help — Volunteers are needed

ï AARP tax preparer — AARP Tax Aide Program needs volunteers to help prepare free basic tax returns for seniors and low-income individuals. No experience necessary; comfort working with computers helpful. Training and materials are provided.

 Ask door-to-door solicitors to show their licenses, and call the police if they don’t.

>

BEWARE OF CATFISHERS LOOKING FOR “LOVE”

Catfishing is when someone fakes an online identity to scam victims for money, romance or physical harm. These predatory online relationships can last for months or even years. It’s catfishing if ...

ï Project Warmup — Crafters are needed to make hats, scarves, mittens and lap blankets (yarn is provided) and to help tie quilts. Completed items are donated to local nonprofit agencies.

 They ask for money: An online friend or romantic interest whom you’ve never met asks you to send money or provide your bank information.

 They won’t meet. Beware if the contact strings you along but avoids meeting in person. Some catfishers agree to meet but have an “emergency” — such as a canceled flight or a medical issue — that prevents it. Catfishers often claim to be stationed abroad or working on an oil rig as an excuse for not meeting.

ï Project Warmup Lead— Organize and stock yarn, manage and inventory completed cold-weather items, and help staff to prepare and complete fall disbursement event.

It’s a good idea to pay attention to details on bills and other financial transactions; discrepancies can be a red flag for identity theft. But many fraudulent schemes currently circulating are sophisticated and able to trick even the most savvy. Anyone who believes they’ve been contacted by a scam artist and/or fallen victim to a fraudulent scheme may …

 Skyping is off limits, too. Catfishers refuse to video chat.

 They seem too good to be true. Some people who catfish feel bad about themselves and often assume the online persona of a fashion model, actor, successful businessperson, etc.

ï Local Hospital Auxiliary — Greet people, deliver flowers, courtesy cart, deliver mail, gift

>

 Report it to local police at (208) 7460171 in Lewiston, (509) 758-2331 in Clarkston, (208) 883-7054 in Moscow or (509) 334-0802 in Pullman. Police can alert the community to new scams and help victims

DON’T GET HOOKED

Before meeting in person or providing any information about yourself, fact-check claims and verify online identities using Google and SocialCatfish.com. — Golden Times

The WA-ID Volunteer Center, in the Lewiston Community Center at 1424 Main St., strives to provide individualized volunteer opportunities for those wishing to serve in Lewiston, Clarkston, Asotin, Pomeroy, Moscow and the Orofino area. Information and other volunteer openings can be found at waidvolunteercenter.org or by calling (208) 746-7787.

Volunteer needs include:

ï Tutors — America Reads needs tutors to help K-third grade students become proficient readers. Volunteers need to be able to commit to at least an hour a week for the school year. Background check required.

ï Companions — The Senior Companion program provides companionship and respite care to the elderly and disabled. It allows lowincome senior volunteers an opportunity to assist those who need minor help to continue living independently. Senior Companions visit clients in their homes, but it isn’t an in-home care program.

ï Food bank help — Volunteers are needed to re-pack frozen and dry foods for distribution. Front counter volunteers and drivers for morning food pickups also are needed.

ï Meal sites — Volunteers are needed as regular and substitute meal delivery drivers. A valid

driver’s license and auto insurance are required.

ï AARP tax preparer — AARP Tax Aide Program needs volunteers to help prepare free basic tax returns for seniors and low-income individuals. No experience necessary; comfort working with computers helpful. Training and materials are provided.

ï Project Warmup — Crafters are needed to make hats, scarves, mittens and lap blankets (yarn is provided) and to help tie quilts. Completed items are donated to local nonprofit agencies.

ï Project Warmup Lead — Organize and stock yarn, manage and inventory completed cold-weather items, and help staff to prepare and complete fall disbursement event.

ï Local Hospital Auxiliary — Greet people, deliver flowers, courtesy cart, deliver mail, gift shop assistant, create baby and child items, clerical, provide hospital tours and more.

ï Lewiston Police Department — Individuals with the ability to interact positively and keep

information confidential are needed to fingerprint citizens. Training is provided. Some basic computer skills are required, and volunteers must pass a background check.

ï Lewiston City Library — Volunteers needs include circulation support, tech tutors and programming support.

ï Mobile blood drive canteen — Volunteers serve refreshments to donors immediately following donations, help maintain a comfortable atmosphere, talk with donors and answer questions while observing the donors for possible adverse reactions.

ï Disaster services — As the first responders of the American Red Cross, the Disaster Action Team volunteers provide comfort and direct assistance to those affected by disaster as they begin the recovery process.

ï Museum docents — Skills include meet-andgreet abilities, friendly personality and the ability to answer questions about the museum displays. Training is provided.

ï Household repairs (minor) — Tasks range from

changing light bulbs and checking fire alarms to repairing steps and installing grab bars to prevent falls.

ï Transportation— Drive seniors or disabled community members to and from destinations across the LewistonClarkston Valley. A valid driver’s license and auto insurance are required.

Valley Meals on Wheels provides daily homedelivered meals to seniors, home-bound and special needs clients in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley. Drivers are needed for weekday and weekend

deliveries from 10:30 a.m. to 1p.m. If you can help, contact the office between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. at (208) 799-5767 or by email at valleymeals@aol.com

Golden Times publishes Volunteer Opportunities in the LewistonClarkston Valley monthly as a free public service. Area agencies may send information to goldentimes@ lmtribune.com or Golden Times, P.O. Box 957, Lewiston, ID 83501. All submissions are edited for brevity and clarity, and will run as space allows. Questions may be directed to editor Julie Breslin at jbreslin@lmtribune.com or (208) 791-6635. Deadline for the January edition is 5 p.m. Dec. 16.

What are common symptoms of rotator cuff injury?

Rotator cuff tears are a common injury of the shoulder. The shoulder is a ball and socket joint with the arm (humerus) meeting a shallow socket. The shallow socket is a part of the shoulder blade (scapula). The rotator cuff is made up of 4 muscles including the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis and the teres minor. All 4 muscles help to support the shoulder joint at rest and with activity. With movement and under normal conditions, the rotator cuff contracts and sinks into the socket.

Rotator cuff muscles and tendons can be injured due to repeated activity or from sudden impact such as falls. With repeated activity the tendons can be damaged and result if fraying of the tendon. Tears can be partial or complete which will impact how the joint is able to move in the socket resulting in disability.

Common symptoms of rotator cuff injuries can include shoulder pain, stiffness and weakness. It may impact your ability to lift your arm above shoulder height and can impact sleep tolerance. Lifting will likely be difficult with normal activities of daily living. Dressing, washing your hair and tucking in your shirt may be impacted.

Recovery can be a several week process beginning with avoidance of painful activity, restoring pain free motion, improving strength of supporting structures and eventually the impacted structure, impacting postural awareness, and stretching as needed. We can assist you in Relieving Pain and Restoring Function.

Please contact the Institute of Physical Therapy today for an evaluation and treatment with a skilled physical therapist.

LeviFrasier,PT

Cottonwood Community Hall

506 King St., basement, Cottonwood, (208) 792-2465, meals at noon Tuesdays.

Craig Mountain Senior Center

413 Nezperce St., Winchester, (208) 924-6581, meals at noon Wednesdays.

Daley Senior Care

30302 Harley Lane, Culdesac, (208) 791-7438, meals at 1 and 4 p.m. daily.

Friendly Senior Citizens of Troy

100 S. Main St., Troy, (208) 835-6092, dine-in or pick-up; noon Nov. 5 and 19.

Grangeville Senior Center

108 Truck Route, Grange-

ville, (208) 983-2033, meals are at noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Juliaetta-Kendrick Senior Citizens Center

104 S. Sixth St., Kendrick, (208) 289-5031, meals from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Kamiah Senior Center

125 N. Maple St., Kamiah, (208) 935-0244, meals at noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Lewiston Community Center

1424 Main St., Lewiston, (208) 743-6983, meals at noon on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Moscow Senior Center

412 E. Third St., Moscow, (208) 882-1562, noon Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Nezperce Senior Citizens

501 Cedar St., Nezperce, (208) 937-2465, noon Mondays and Thursdays.

Orofino Senior Center

930 Michigan Ave., Orofino, (208) 476-4238, noon Tuesdays and Fridays.

Palouse Senior Meals

220 E. Main St., Palouse, (509) 878-2301, meals at noon on Wednesdays.

Pomeroy

oy, (509) 843-3308, noon Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Potlatch Senior Citizens Potlatch Senior Citizens Meal Site, 645 Pine St., Potlatch, (208) 875-1071, meals at noon Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Pullman

Spud Hill Seniors

401 Line St., Deary, (208) 877-1717, meals at noon on Tuesdays.

Valley

Community Center

549 Fifth St., Clarkston, (509) 758-3816, noon Tues-days, Thursdays, Fridays.

Senior Center

190 SE Crestview St., Building B, Northside Entrance, Pullman, (509) 338-3307, meals at noon on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Riggins Odd Fellows Building

Weippe Hilltop Senior Citizens Center

115 First St. W., Weippe, (208) 435-4553, meals at noon Mondays and Thursdays.

Senior Center

695 Main St., Pomer-

121 S. Lodge St., Riggins, (208) 628-4147, meals at noon on Tuesdays.

Pullman Meals on Wheels (509) 397-4305. Valley Meals on Wheels (208) 799-5767.

ELKS LODGE ELKS LODGE

For Members and Guests

Porcupine meatballs/ veggies/salad/fruit/bread

Ham/hot veggie/salad/ fruit/bread

Roast beef/hot veggie/ salad/fruit/bread

19 Ham casserole/hot veggie/salad/fruit/bread 13 Goulash/winter mix/veggie Jell-O/ pears/Texas toast 15 Tater tot casserole/green beans/ pickled beets/fruit cocktail/dessert 20 Baked fish/au gratin potatoes/peas/ applesauce/cookie 22 Ham/sweet potatoes/green beans/ fruit salad/roll/apple pie

Shepherd’ pie/hot veggie/ salad/fruit/bread

Beef stroganoff/hot veggie/salad/fruit/bread

M W TH F

juice/roll/cake &

M13 Hot dog mac ’n’ cheese/ veggies/salad/fruit/bread MOSCOW SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM — When: Noon, Tues./Thurs. ï Where: 1912 Center, 412 E. Third St. or call (208) 310-3779 for delivery. Cost: $5 suggested for seniors 60 and older; $7 for nonseniors. ï Notes: Soup (starting at 10:30 a.m.), salad bar (at 11:30 a.m.) and dessert are available daily. Menu is subject to change. ï Online: users.moscow.com/srcenter. 6 Ham/scalloped potatoes/peas/rolls/pears 27 Baked cod/wild rice/beets/roll/pineapple

MENUSFOR DECEMBER

27

SENIOR ROUND TABLE NUTRITION PROGRAM — When: Noon, Tues./Thurs./Fri. ï Where: Valley Community Center, 549 Fifth St. No. F, Clarkston, or call (509) 758-3816 for delivery. ï Cost: $4 suggested for seniors 60 and older; $7 for nonseniors ï Note: Menu is subject to change.

20 •We have plans starting from only $22 per month with RX •Go with who knows the business •Lower price vs. higher price explained in simple language Call to make an appointment | 208-746-7046 www.rickwoodsinsurance.com

Lasagna/hot veggie/ salad/fruit/bread

Spaghetti/hot veggie/ salad/fruit/bread Over Age 65 Health Plans with or without RX?

Chicken rice soup/salad bar/Texas toast

Taco soup/salad bar/Texas toast

6 8 Beef franks/sweet potato fries/carrots/fruit cocktail Shelly Miles-Montoya 208-816-1477 smiles@assist2sell.com Casey Barney 208-791-3964 caseybarney212@gmail.com Licensed in Idaho | Washington 508 Sycamore St. Clarkston, WA 618402K

Tater tot casserole/hot veggie/salad/fruit/bread 1053 21st Street, Lewiston (Across from Lewiston Albertsons) Open Monday - Friday | 8:30am - 5:30pm

VALLEY MEALS ON WHEELS — DECEMBER MENU

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

HOT: Pork loin/mashed potatoes/peas

7

HOT: Spaghetti/ mushrooms

SACK: Egg salad/ green salad/chocolate pudding

HOT: Pot roast/ mashed potatoes/squash SACK: Pastrami/ 3-bean salad/cookies

8 9 10

HOT: Stuffed peppers/rice/ diced carrots

SACK: Tuna salad/ peaches/lemon snow

HOT: Meatloaf/ scalloped potatoes/veggies

SACK: Ham/potato salad/fresh apple

SACK: Krab salad/pears/vanilla pudding

HOT: Chicken cordon bleu/ pasta/carrots SACK: Turkey/carrot sticks/applesauce

18 25

HOT: Ham/ stuffing/corn

11 12 13

HOT: CHRISTMAS MEAL

SACK: Krab salad/ pears/vanilla pudding

HOT: Tuna casserole/ carrots

SACK: Beef/cottage cheese/fig cookie

19

HOT: Lasagna/ mushrooms

SACK: Egg salad/cottage cheese/ pineapple tidbits

HOT: Goulash/green beans

SACK: Turkey/crudites cup/cookies

20

HOT: Orange chicken/fried rice/corn

SACK: Ham/coleslaw/ lemon tart

HOT: Pork loin/ rice/squash SACK: Egg salad/ cucumber-onion salad/ applesauce

HOT: Shepherd’s pie/mixed veggies

SACK: Ham/beetcarrot salad/brownie

HOT: Chicken Alfredo/broccoli SACK: Tuna salad/green salad/Jell-O fluff

15 14 17 16

HOT: Spaghetti/ cauliflower

SACK: Pastrami/fruit salad/butterscotch pudding

HOT: Chili/ cornbread/ green beans

SACK: Chicken salad/ spinach salad/cake

HOT: Ham/ scalloped potatoes/peas

SACK: Turkey/banana/ chocolate pudding

HOT: Chickenfried steak/potatoes/veggies

22 21 24 23

SACK: Tuna salad/Italian pasta salad/cobbler

HOT: Beef stroganoff/ squash

SACK: Ham/ crudites cup/pears

HOT: Chickenrice casserole/ veggie mix

SACK: Pastrami/broccoli salad/Jell-O

6 Unlimited relaxation withoutbeingina lay-flatposition A

Adjustablebody weightdistribution, creatingaweightless, stress-free,experience forbetterergonomic supportandwellness

HOT: Pork loin/mashed potatoes/peas SACK: Roast beef/ pea salad/pineapple

HOT: Spaghetti/ mushrooms

SACK: Egg salad/ green salad/chocolate pudding

HOT: Pot roast/ mashed potatoes/squash SACK: Pastrami/ 3-bean salad/cookies

HOT: Stuffed peppers/rice/ diced carrots

27 28 26 29 30 31

SACK: Tuna salad/ peaches/lemon snow

HOT: Meatloaf/scalloped potatoes

SACK: Ham/potato salad/fresh apple

COMFORT CLOUDS BEYOND THE BEYONDTHE Amplifiedlegelevation forincreasedcirculation andwellness

Unlimitedcustomizable positioningwith memorycapabilities D Fulllift capabilityatno additionalcharge

C E Adjustableseat andtiltmovement forapersonalized recliningexperience 815MainStreet • Lewiston 208.743.8600

B

G Lifetimewarrantyonall frames,woodenandmetal F

Lift Chairs LiftChairs $789 starting at $999 620247L

With your gift of $25 or more, will be MATCHED by our generous sponsors. Thank you to our match sponsors

L-C Valley Habitat seeks to build and provide affordable home repairs in Nez Perce and Asotin Counties. Avenues for Hope is a great tax-deductible, year-end giving opportunity. DONATE TODAY! Call the office at 509.758.7396 or mail to PO Box 317, Clarkston, WA 99403

Meals are delivered to established clients between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. 365 days of the year. Individuals can have a Hot meal delivered to their residence for $3.50 per day or a Hot meal and a Sack lunch for $4.50 per day. More information is available by calling (208) 799-5767. Menus are prepared by St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and are subject to change.