Generations (April, May, June 2014)

A Quarterly Publication of Cascades West Senior and Disability Services, Local Senior Centers, and RSVP

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GENERATIONS

APRIL ~ MAY ~ JUNE 2014

INDEX

Contributors in this issue

Lebanon seniors enjoy raised bed gardening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Shirley Austin was activities & events coordinator with the Lebanon Senior Center for six years. She recently resigned from the RSVP advisory council but hopes she made a difference because she believes it’s important to give back to the community. She loves to discover new places, new people, and new foods but, when home, she reads fascinating novels or challenges herself with an adventure mystery game on her iPad – if she’s not out singing karaoke.

Willamette Valley gardening for good health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Make gardening more comfortable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 A boost in backyard beekeeping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Volunteer Spotlight: Betty Bendel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Community supported agriculture boxes in Linn and Benton counties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Mower power to ya . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7, 19 Farmers’ Markets flourish in mid-valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Read, discuss books with Albany Public Library groups . . . . . . .9 Local community gardens to enjoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Tips for a pet-friendly garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Been there, done that at age 104 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Puzzles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Protect gardens from intruding pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Gardening with ease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Dear Aunt Sadie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Avoiding and treating allergies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Myth or fact: Does local honey help with seasonal allergies? . . .14 SamFit now open in Albany . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 RSVP at Sweet Home Senior Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Red wine: Live long and prosper? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Preventing colon cancer: What you can control . . . . . . . . . . .15 Albany City Hall spring art exhibits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies series offered free . . . . . . . . . .16 Protect yourself from Medicare fraud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Volunteer opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17, 18 Sign up for Cover Oregon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Corvallis Senior Center events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Dog daycare features home-baked canine cookies . . . . . . . . .19 Puzzles solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

The Editorial Board

Marilyn Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .City of Albany 541-917-7507 Tarmara Rosser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RSVP 541-812-0849 Scott Bond . . . . . . . . . . . .Senior and Disability Services 541-812-6008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Corvallis Senior Center 541-754-1709 Jennifer Nitson . . . . . . . . . . . . .Samaritan Health Services 541-768-4241

GENERATIONS

A quarterly publication of Cascades West Senior and Disabilty Services, local Senior Centers, and Retired & Senior Volunteer Programs

Senior & Disability Services 1400 Queen Ave. SE, Suite 206 Albany, OR 97322

For more information

Cyndi Sprinkel-Hart 541-812-6073 or email cyndi.sprinkel-hart@lee.net

Dr. Beth Laurenson practices naturopathic and integrative medicine at Samaritan Heartspring Wellness Center in Corvallis. She has an integrated, functional approach to medicine and believes many conditions can be treated first with practical lifestyle and dietary interventions. Dr. Laurenson enjoys the outdoors of Oregon, mostly on horseback. She also spends time on her ranch working in her garden, growing most of her own food, and learning techniques for healthy cooking. She is accepting new patients. For more information, call 541-768-6412.

Marti Cersovski is the Marketing Communications Manager for SafeHaven Humane Society. She can be reached at marti@safehavenhumane.com or by calling 541-926-2924.

Katelyn Hagel graduated from Oregon State University in 2013. She studied public health management and policy and earned a gerontology certificate.

Today she works in the Community Education department at the Linn-Benton Community College Benton Center and is active in various programs and activities around Corvallis and Philomath.

Laurie Russell is the Director of Communications and Development for Benton Hospice Service, and has lived in the Willamette Valley since 1989.

She is a graduate of Oregon State University and has over 20 years of background in marketing, public relations and development. She is dedicated to improving the livability the community by serving as a member of the Generations Editorial Board and being active in numerous community organizations. In her spare time she likes to hike, garden and cook.

Dr. Dena Witthaus is a resident physician of Samaritan Internal Medicine in Corvallis. She enjoys establishing long-term relationships with her patients and has a special interest in preventative health care. In addition to gardening, in her free time she enjoys cooking and a variety of outdoor activities, including running and biking. She is accepting new patients. For more information, call 541-768-5140.

Kimberly McGregor, MD, cares for patients in the Samaritan Cancer Program.

She is board certified in medical oncology and hematology, and she sees patients with all types of cancer and blood disorders. She can be reached at 541-768-4950.

Jennifer Nitson is a public relations and marketing account manager for Samaritan Health Service. Prior experience includes reporting for the Lebanon Express and the Corvallis Gazette-Times.

Tera Stegner graduated from Oregon State University with a bachelor of science in gerontology. She has been with Grace Center for Adult Day Services, Corvallis, since 2011 and is director of community relations there. She can be reached at 541-754-8417 or Tera@GraceCenter-Corvallis.org Karessa Torgerson is co-owner of Nectar Bee Supply, Corvallis’ own bee supply company. She teaches beekeeping classes in Corvallis for the Oregon Master Beekeeper program, as well as for other organizations and groups around the Willamette Valley. She is mom to a sunshiny teenage daughter and keeper of a grumpy dog, a single hen, and numerous bee colonies around Corvallis.

Denise Soto, attorney and a long-time Albany resident, specializes in guardianships, conservatorships, Medicaid, probate, wills and trusts. She is passionate about helping her clients solve elder law and legal issues.

Martha Wells retired as publisher of the Albany Democrat-Herald and Group Manager of the Corvallis and Lebanon newspapers. She and husband Roger make their home in the mid-valley while maintaining a cabin on the Alsea, volunteering for the schools foundation, singing in the UPC choir, and going for hikes.

Marg Bartosek helps people continue to enjoy their chosen activities as they age or as they recover from illness or injury. She has worked with individual students and taught classes based on the Feldenkrais Method® of Movement Education for over 20 years. For more information, contact Marg at mbartosek@att.net or 541-286-4678.

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APRIL ~ MAY ~ JUNE 2014

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Lebanon seniors enjoy raised bed gardening

BY SHIRLEY AUSTIN Kathleen is a nurturer. The hard working Lebanon Senior Center volunteer takes great care in whatever she endeavors to do. She was one of the first to reserve a plot in the new raised bed garden at the Lebanon Senior Center. It was the perfect opportunity for her to use her skills as a competent gardener to grow her own produce.

“There is such a positive atmosphere here” she said. “It is a community feeling. We are all interested in each other’s gardens and we talk and share. If someone had extra plants or food, they shared it with others.”

Often, she said, people just stop by to look when they see gardeners tending their plots.

The Lebanon Senior Center raised bed garden began with an idea that Manager Kindra Oliver and Activities Planner Shirley Austin discussed as an enhancement to the center and an opportunity for individuals who have no room for a garden at home. Oliver and Austin worked with the city’s public works department, made a plan, and construction began in late spring of 2013.

The idea was to not only provide a space for seniors to grow gardens but to make the design appealing, too. Compost and dirt filled two 8-by-50 foot raised beds, each plot sectioned off every 10 feet and split down the middle, making 10 plots in each bed. Beds are approximately 30 inches in height, making easy access for those in wheelchairs and for reaching.

Concrete sidewalks are between and around the beds, also making it easy for wheelchair access.

Sheryl Casteen, a Master Gardener, helped with initial suggestions about starting the beds.

No toxic pesticides were used so the gardens stayed organic.

Kathleen made several calls to Oregon State University Extension Service to speak with a Master Gardener when she had

Raised bed gardens at Lebanon Senior Center.

questions. “They were great about answering questions,” she said. “Every time, they were courteous and helpful.”

Some pesky bugs and some techniques were tried; some worked a bit and some just didn’t at all. Pheromone traps were designed to bring the bugs away from the gardens but yellow paper with Vaseline just looked like decorations in the garden. They didn’t fool one little bug.

For some seniors who do not have access to garden space where they live, the Senior Center garden provides an alternative way to supplement their diet with affordable produce.

With the Center providing the space and gardening tools, the gardeners can take advantage of the food production to provide a significant source of nutrition during the growing season and save money while eating healthy.

The garden has also become a social gathering spot. After hours, when the center is closed, gardeners tend their little plots, chat and talk shop. Community gardens have been credited with benefitting the participants, par-

Plants thrive in the easy-access garden.

ticularly with a greater sense of community. It gives them pride in ownership, a sense of purpose, and brings together people from a variety of backgrounds. The social dynamics within the garden can also provide opportunities to learn about other cultures, share methods and work side by side with the same goals. It gives seniors a voice for their knowledge and expertise because they grew up in a time when families had gardens and lived off the food they grew.

The health benefits of local gardening are bountiful. Gardening

is considered a moderate- to heavy-intensity physical activity, and has been linked to significant beneficial changes in total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and systolic blood pressure. It’s a part of nature; being in a natural setting like a garden can help reduce mental fatigue, improve outlook on life and can help a gardener cope with stress. Digging in the dirt and methodically weeding a garden plot can restore concentration and recovery from an illness or an injury. Simply viewing plants has been shown to reduce fear, anger, blood pressure, and muscle tension (GardeningMatters.org).

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GENERATIONS

APRIL ~ MAY ~ JUNE 2014

Willamette Valley gardening for good health

BY DENA WITTHAUS, DO Food tastes better when you grow it yourself, and spring is the perfect time to start gardening in the Willamette Valley.

Eating homegrown vegetables and fruits provides vitamins and nutrients we need to be healthy and prevent disease.

Being active and outdoors is also good for physical and mental wellbeing.

I’ve enjoyed gardening again Dena Witthaus, since moving DO from Phoenix, Arizona, three years ago. That first summer, I lived in an apartment so I planted herbs, cucumbers and tomatoes in containers on the balcony.

Windowsill gardens and potted plants can be a good option when space is limited.

Herbs, such as parsley, basil, rosemary, cilantro and mint do well in pots, and some can be grown year-round. Herbs are a nice alternative to add flavor instead of salt for people on a sodium-restricted diet.

Since moving to a home with more room, I’ve expanded to three 6- by10-foot plots.

After one crop peaks, I plant for the next

Make gardening more comfortable For many, gardening can be a stress-reliever or a favorite hobby. Gardening can also lead to painful physical results if not done properly.

“I hear complaints of upper back and shoulder problems from the person using their arms in an awkward position like pruning,” said Ron Knight, a physical therapist at Samaritan Sweet Home Physical Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine.

“People also complain of back pain from bending and lifting, and foot soreness from standing to do yard work for long periods of time.”

Knight’s main advice for gardeners is to change positions every 30 minutes or so. season. It’s surprising how much food you can produce in a relatively small space.

Starting in April, I plant a variety of leafy and dark greens such as lettuces, kale, chard and spinach. Vegetables are nature’s best package for delivering vitamins and nutrients. In particular, greens are a great source of calcium for healthy teeth and bones, as well as Vitamin A and C for healthy eyes and skin, and Vitamin K that helps our blood to clot.

Gardening is a natural source of the “sunshine vitamin” D, which supports a healthy immune system and aids in the absorption of calcium. Be sure to use sunscreen and wear a wide brimmed-hat when you garden.

“People get distracted or they’re focused on finishing the task, but it’s not good to hold these positions for long periods of time. I recommend setting an alarm on a cell phone or a timer, anything to break up the repetition.”

He also recommends stretches with resistance for the neck, back and shoulders, to condition and strengthen these core muscles.

For gardeners needing more physical support, Samaritan Medical Equipment carries a back brace and wrist braces which can help prevent chronic injuries. For more information, visit samhealth.org/SME. In the summer, I plant green beans, high in fiber and calcium, and carrots, rich in potassium for a healthy heart and Vitamin A. But tomatoes are my favorite, for taste and for health. They are a powerhouse for vitamins A and C. Tomatoes get their red color from lycopenes, which research suggests may reduce the risk of cancer. And if you add tomatoes to a dark leafy salad, the nutrients actually work better together.

Because our growing season is short, I plant a lot of tomatoes, a dozen or more to feed two people, then I freeze and make sauce with the extras to enjoy throughout the year. Heirloom varieties offer more flavor, and it is hard to go back to eating storebought tomatoes after you grow your own.

Gardening with ease

BY EMILY JEDERLINICH Do you ever feel pain or discomfort after working in your garden? Does pulling weeds or working compost into the soil leave you stiff and achy the next day?

While everyone has experienced this at some point in life, it can be avoided.

Enjoying being outside, focused on a particular task, and perhaps planning ahead to get beautiful results, we may forget to pay attention to ourselves. We may not use proper body position or alignment, which inhibits efficient movement. Some body parts get over-used, even strained or injured, not just in gardening, but in everyday tasks like standing from a seated position.

A key to avoiding problems is to become

more aware of your body's position, alignment and correct form when performing particular tasks. To increase movement awareness, I highly recommend Awareness Through Movement ®,a class at Chintimini Senior Center taught by Marg Bartosek .

Bartosek is a Guild-Certified Feldenkrais® Practitioner.

Marg Bartosek teaches Awareness Through Movement”.

Following verbal instructions, students explore a variety of movement possibilities within a range that is comfortable and learn to move with greater ease, flexibility and pleasure. Bartosek includes many simple tips and suggestions of good movement habits and enjoys helping students pursue their chosen activities, whether gardening or something else.

maintaining activity and independence.

The Awareness Through Movement class that began April 1 focuses on increasing spinal flexibility and decreasing back discomfort. The class is well-suited to gardening and other outdoor activity.

Each term, Marg focuses on a specific area of movement related to everyday life and

Contact the Chintimini Senior Center, 541766-6959, for more information.

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A boost in backyard beekeeping

BY KARESSA TORGERSON The Willamette Valley has seen a tremendous surge in backyard beekeeping over the last couple of years. People from all areas are trying their hand at the craft, from small urban gardeners to rural homesteaders and everywhere in between.

What is behind this trend?

Gardeners are looking for a boost in the quantity and quality of their produce. Those whose minds are hungry for more than garden fare enjoy the surprisingly intellectual challenge. Honey and mead lovers crave the deeply satisfying reward of delicious raw honey.

Sensualists are seeking the indulgent aromas of wood and flowers and beeswax and honey.

And concerned citizens are becoming more aware of the problems afflicting pollinators and want to help.

Most of these new bee lovers are rewarded with what they were looking for and more, for better or worse. With all the beauty and satisfaction that come with beekeeping, the activity poses some real challenges and can even cause a little bit of pain. Bees can be hard to keep alive, especially if they

White-capped honey and colorful pollen stored in the beeswax comb.

Bee hives in summer. aren’t tended by a beekeeper who is staying on top of the quickly changing landscape of

pests and pathogens and other bee threats. A beekeeper can always begin again, but the sting of losing a hive can hurt. Speaking of stings, the little zingers turn out to be a smallish concern. Most hobby keepers aren’t stung often. A honey bee will die if she stings and the stings hurt less than those of yellow jackets or wasps. Wearing protective gear helps to ensure safety and comfort.

If you would like to learn more, contact Nectar Bee Supply, www.nectarbeesupply.com.

Nectar Bee Supply owners Jen Larsen, Melanie Sorenson and Karessa Torgerson We specialize in beekeeping in the soggy Pacific Northwest climate, carry locally-made wares whenever possible, contribute time and resources to the local community, and work to ensure healthy bees and healthy beekeepers. We are happy to answer any questions you have about starting a new adventure in the world of bees.

Also, check out the Linn-Benton Beekeepers’ Association at www.lbba.us. Attendance at meetings is free.

Volunteer Spotlight: Betty Bendel Betty Bendel joined the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) in June 2013.

As a new volunteer, she is making new friends and enjoying volunteering in several locations: Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, Albany Senior Center, Healthy Start of Linn County, Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments COG Special Project Team, and Tax-Aide.

RSVP: What has been the most rewarding part of your volunteering experience?

RSVP: What is the fondest memory you have from volunteering?

RSVP would like to thank Betty Bendel and all our its volunteers for their dedication to volunteering and helping us to make a brighter community for others. If you would like to share a volunteer story, please email rsvplb@ocwcog.org or write to: RSVP of Linn, Benton and Lincoln Counties, 1400 SE Queen AVEAve. SE, Albany OR 97322. To become a volunteer with RSVP contact Jennifer Grindy, 541-8120849.

Bendel: I don’t have a list of fond memories that is too long as I’m fairly new at it.

I started shortly after my husband passed away last year. It gives me a great feeling of satisfaction and has kept me busy. The big thing for me is the people I have met and all the new friends I have made.

Bendel: Knowing that I am helping with anything I can, it really brightens my day and my whole family admires me for doing it, makes me have a real good feeling and satisfaction in my life.

Betty Bendel, RSPV volunteer.

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Community-supported agriculture boxes in Linn and Benton counties Pick-up location: Corvallis Season: May-November Rachel Ashley 541-602-9988

BY LAURIE RUSSELL Buying local, seasonal food directly from a farmer by joining a Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) program is increasingly popular in the Willamette Valley. Membership in a CSA allows people who do not have the space, time or inclination to garden to enjoy fresh, locally-grown foods.

Afton Field Farm, Corvallis Meat and poultry Pick-up location: Corvallis Season: Year-round Tyler & Alicia Jones 541-752-0346 www.aftonfieldfarm.com

Participation in a CSA program involves buying a membership or subscription directly from the farmer. Typically, this provides members a box of vegetables and fruits or other farm products each week throughout a defined farming season. Programs often offer several pick-up times and locations. CSA memberships vary from farmer to famer with regard to size of the boxes, variety of farm products included each week and number of weeks in each season. Interested people should compare programs to find one that is most appropriate for their needs.

CSA programs are especially appealing to people who like to cook and who enjoy trying vegetables and other foods that are new to them. Most farmers provide a list of foods to expect in their CSA boxes throughout the season, and offer recipes for the foods in the box.

Participating in a CSA program also allows the member to develop a relationship with the farmers who grow their food and to learn more about how the food is grown. A bonus is that many of the programs include member events such as tours of the farm, potlucks or visits to pumpkin fields in the fall. CSA programs benefit the local farmer by providing more reliable sales and reduce the need for borrowing money early in the growing season. CSAs create a relationship

J Bar S Farms, Lebanon Produce (vegetables/fruits) Pick-up locations: Lebanon Season: June-October Jessica Fassett Phone: 541-405-2443 Pitchfork & Crow, Lebanon Produce (vegetables/fruits) Pick-up locations: Lebanon or Salem Two seasons: 27-week summer season and 12-week winter season Jeff Bramlett & Carri Heisler 503-999-7920 www.pitchforkandcrow.com

Produce to be expected in CSA box in week 6.

(Photo courtesy of Gathering Together Farm) between the farmer and the member that is one of mutual respect and commitment.

Local farms offering CSA programs Gathering Together Farm, Philomath Produce (vegetables/fruits) Pick-up locations: Portland, Corvallis, Philomath, Newport or Yachats.

Season: 22 weeks from June November.

Sally Brewer & John Eveland 541-929-4289 www.gatheringtogetherfarm.com Denison Farms, Corvallis Produce (vegetables/fruits)

Pick-up locations: Albany, Salem or Corvallis Season: 26 weeks from JuneNovember Tom Denison & Elizabeth Kerle 541-752-4156 www.denisonfarms.com Heavenly Harvest Farm, Corvallis Produce (vegetables/fruits) Pick-up locations: Corvallis and Newport Two seasons: 22-week summer season and 16-week winter season Jim Calkin 541-753-5795 or 541-230-0028 Rainshine Family Farm, Corvallis Produce (vegetables/fruits)

Sweet Home Farms, Sweet Home Meat and poultry Pick-up locations: Albany, Eugene or Portland (inquire about delivery) Season: year-round, 3-month minimum Daniel O'Malley 541-367-0687 www.sweethomefarms.com Dot Ranch, Scio Lamb and poultry Pick-up locations: Scio (inquire about delivery) Season: February-November Mickey Clayton 541-258-2676 www.dotranchchurros.com Taylor Made Farms - Lebanon Meat, poultry, eggs Pick-up locations: Lebanon Season: Year round Dustin Taylor (971) 237-5835 http://taylor-madefarms.com/

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Mower power to ya

BY MARTHA WELLS We have come a long way from a herd of grazing animals or scythes as a means of managing our lawns.

The mowing world got more than just a mower when the riding mower was introduced sometime after World War I. A descendant of farm implements, the riding mower and its rider cut a familiar path in most neighborhoods.

“I have customers who ride their tractors to get the mail, take garbage to the curb, shuttle firewood,” says John Purkerson, consumer product territory manager for Pape Machinery, the John Deere dealership in Tangent.

New buyers first ask about the size of the mower deck and horsepower. Once those are answered, customers are asked about what tasks, besides mowing, they expect of the mower.

In Oregon, this often includes a grass catcher/bagger system.

Another popular option is the cart that helps haul garden supplies, tools, or fencing. Mowers have also been fitted with thatchers, fertilizer spreaders and aerator devices. A snow thrower, popular in other parts of the country, is not a common local option, although a bucket or blade is often used. These could be handy if winters continue to surprise us with the unexpected foot of snow.

Purkerson said multiple uses could explain why mower use has doubled in recent years.

The riding mower has also become a popular alternative for those who need help with mobility. According to Purkerson, the mower is easy to operate and the open platform is easier to get into than other vehicles such as cars, trucks or ATVs. The mower is friendly with rough terrain, unlike most motorized chairs (and looks cooler).

Rolland Brower, Allstate Insurance agent, uses a mower to manage the woodpile, pick up blow down after windstorms, spread mulch and much more.

The 1999 movie, “The Straight Story,” demonstrated the utility of the mower in the extreme.

The concept of mower as transportation was captured in the 1999 film, “The Straight Story.”

The David Lynch movie is based on the true story of Alvin Straight, 73, who drove his John Deere lawn tractor 240 miles from Iowa to Wisconsin to see his estranged and ailing brother.

But before choosing a mower for transportation, be forewarned that speeds for riding mowers can range from 0 to 10 miles per hour, and lawn and garden tractors up to 12 miles per hour, according to Steve Sprenger at Linn Benton Tractor Company. Riding mowers and garden tractors don’t meet state requirements for long-distance use on public roadways, which include turn signals and windshield wipers, according to Sprenger. The vehicles may be driven on roadways as long as they display a regulation slowmoving vehicle sign.

Sprenger, whose family operates a century farm in Shedd, acknowledges that current-day mowers and lawn tractors are safer, more powerful, and offer more options than the farm tractors he drove as a boy. He said the Kubota four-wheel drive garden tractors work well on the slopes and uneven terrain

Steve Sprenger points out the many attributes of present day garden tractors. that challenge many mid-valley property owners. “But if you have a level field, our zero-turn mower is quicker and easier to maneuver,” Sprenger said.

Although the riding mower may not become the main source of transportation for every household, it provides a life-long means to gardening and puttering.

There are alternatives: property owners can hire a lawn care service and there are many to

choose from, or be an early adaptor and purchase the handsfree robotic mowers introduced a couple of years ago…but they won’t collect the mail or take out the garbage. Not yet.

Note: Both Linn Benton Tractor and Pape emphasize that, despite all of the safety devices on modern lawn and garden equipment and other outdoor power equipment, a good basic understanding and education about the equipment you are operating and proper clothing are essential.

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Farmers’ Markets flourish in mid-valley

BY LAURIE RUSSELL Each year, more people discover the joys of eating foods that are grown near where they live. Food grown locally and purchased in season is fresher and therefore tastes better. Farmers’ markets provide the perfect opportunity for farmers to sell locally-grown products directly to the consumer, and markets in the Willamette Valley have grown in size and number over the past two decades.

Contemporary farmers’ markets offer vegetables and fruits, and a variety of other products including eggs, cheeses, meats, flowers, baked goods, grains, dried fruits, and, sometimes, live music and made-to-order meals.

Food samples, cooking demonstrations, and conversation with the farmer are also common.

Each market reflects the local culture and economy and can be a gathering place for friends and neighbors.

Products sold in farmers’ markets are seasonal. This means the product lineup changes through the growing season. In early spring, the markets are a great place to find plant starts; by midsummer, expect tomatoes, corn and green beans; and as fall approaches, apples, squash and peppers will be ready.

Since each market has its own personality, some people enjoy shopping at different markets throughout the year. Others enjoy the opportunity to try foods that they otherwise might not buy when shopping at a grocery store. Whether shopping for

food to cook for dinner or to can or freeze for winter, farmers’ markets will not disappoint.

Farmers' markets in Linn and Benton counties Albany Farmers' Market City Hall parking lot and Fourth Avenue at Ellsworth Street SW Saturdays, 8:00 a.m.-noon, April-November 541-752-1510 http://locallygrown.org/home

Blueberries at 2013 Albany Farmer’s Market. (Photos by Vonda Peters, Corvallis-Albany Farmers’ Markets).

Corvallis Farmers' Market 1st Street and Jackson Avenue, north end of riverfront.

Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., April-November 541-752-1510 http://locallygrown.org/home Corvallis Indoor Winter Market 110 SW 53rd St. Guerber Hall, Benton County Fairgrounds Saturdays, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., November-March 541-456-2004 http://corvallisindoorwintermarket.blogspot.com Lebanon Downtown Farmers' Market Grant and Main streets Thursdays, 2-6 p.m., May 22October 23 http://lebanondowntownfarmersmarket.org Harrisburg Farmers' Market 4th and Smith Streets First and Third Saturdays, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., May-September 541-995-6633 Kings Valley Farmers' Market

Beets and garlic at 2013 Albany Farmer’s Market.

Corner of Highway 223 and Maxfield Creek Road Sunday, 1-4 p.m., June-October 541-929-2987 Brownsville Farmers' Market Corner of Park Avenue and North Main Street, downtown Saturdays, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., June-October (two plant sales in April-May)

541-359-5898 Contact: farmersmarket@ gocfa.org Sweet Home Farmers' Market Thriftway parking lot, 621 Main Street Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. June-September http://sweethomefarmersmarket.org

GENERATIONS

Read, discuss books with Albany Public Library groups Albany Public Library has two reading and discussion groups that meet monthly and everyone is welcome to attend to discuss the current selections.

An evening group meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month; the Modern Voices group meets at noon on the third Tuesday. All meetings are at the Main Library, 2450 14th Avenue S.E. No registration is necessary; just show up with ideas and enthusiasm.

Fifteen copies of the next book selection are available for loan at each meeting. Anyone who is unable to attend may request a copy of the current title at the Reference desk on the second floor at the Main Library. If no copies are available, Library staff will gladly take a reader’s contact information and notify them when a copy is available.

Book Club kits, which contain up to 14 copies of past titles, are also available for checkout.

Here are the groups’ selections for spring 2014.

APL Book Group (evening): April 9: “Ask Me: 100 essential poems” by William Stafford May 14: “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk” by Ben Fountain June 11: “Code Talker: the first and only memoir by one of the original Navajo code talkers of WWII” by Chester Nez with Judith Schiess Avila

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Local community gardens to enjoy Here is a list of some community gardens in the mid-valley. Contact them individually to find out how each operates.

Benton County • Sharing Gardens, Monroe, Chris Burns and Llyn Peabody, 541-847-8797 • Lupe Maginnis Community Garden, Philomath, Chris Shonnard, 541- 929-3524 • Starker Arts Garden for Education (SAGE), 541-753-9211 • Dunawi Creek Community Garden, 541753-9211 • Westside Community Church Garden, Sue Domingues, 541-754-7239 • Avery Park Community Gardens, 541-7539211 • Calvin Presbyterian Church Community Garden, 541-757-8021

• Lincoln School Garden, Cheryl Good, 541757-7334 •OSU Growers Club Garden; James Cassidy • 541-737-6810 • Oak Creek Center for Urban Horticulture (OSU); Al Shay, 541-207-8951 •Peanut Park Neighborhood Garden, Corvallis; Ruby Moon, 541-753-7866

Linn County • Willamette Community Garden, Albany; Lyla Heyman, 541-926-7215 • Mid-Willamette Family YMCA Community Youth Garden in Albany; Michael Spinello, 541926-4488, ext. 307 • Brownsville Community Garden; Anne Stein, 541-409-6715 •Sweet Home Community Garden; Mary Brendle, 541-367-2845

Tips for a pet-friendly garden

BY MARTI CERSOVSKI Spring is in the air and Oregonians are finally able to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. As you get back to working in your garden, here are some things to consider to keep it a petfriendly space: If you want to keep your garden looking beautiful, choose plants that won’t be easily damaged by pets walking across them. Groundcover and bamboo are good hardy options.

Want a colorful garden? Look for non-toxic plants like marigolds, snapdragons, and hollyhocks.

Daffodils, lilies of the valley, yews, laurels, rhododendrons, azaleas and rhubarb are some of the common plants that pose a danger to pets.

Sometimes it is the bulb that is toxic, not the flower or the leaves. If these are plants you love, plant them in the front yard or another area that your dog can’t access.

If you want to keep pets out of the garden and from digging up the yard, consider creating a

special place for them. A dog that loves to dig would probably enjoy his own sandbox; give your cat her own corner complete with some catnip, cat wheat grass or cat oat grass.

Using insecticides or fertilizer? Read the manufacturer’s label and follow any necessary precautions to ensure your pet’s safety.

If you have any concerns about your pet’s safety in your garden, ask a local nursery about which plants and flowers may be harmful to your pets. The ASPCA also has great tips at aspca.org.

SafeHaven Humane Society is a private, non-profit organization that has been serving the animals and people of Linn County and surrounding communities for 40 years. If you’re thinking about adopting a pet for your family, visit us today at 33071 Hwy 34 SE in Albany (just 1/4 mile west of I-5). The shelter is open Tuesday to Friday noon - 6 p.m. and weekends and Mondays, noon - 5 p.m. You can also see all of our adoptable animals online at safehavenhumane.org.

Modern Voices (noon): April 15: “Buddha in the Attic”

by Julie Otsuka May 20: “Lost Kingdom: Hawaii’s last queen, the sugar kings and America’s first imperial adventure” by Julia Flynn Siler June 17: “Under the Wide and Starry Sky” by Nancy Horan For more information, contact LaRee Dominguez, laree.dominguez@cityofalbany.net

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GENERATIONS is published in part by

Senior & Disability Services A program of Cascades West Council of Governments 541-967-8630 or 1-800-638-0510

541-336-2289 or 1-800-282-6194

TDD/VOICE in Benton and Linn counties

TDD/VOICE in Lincoln County

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GENERATIONS

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Been there, done that

BY TERA STEGNER “Toot, toot! Woman driver coming through!” says a small but spunky voice.

Around the corner, Mary Allan appears in the entry to Grace Center, dressed completely in pink with large, white-framed sunglasses. She stands about five feet tall and pushes a four-wheeled walker covered in decorative tinsel. Her snow-white hair is curled perfectly and almost glows.

A program assistant walks up to greet her and Mary gives a thumbs-up, a wink, and a crooked smile with the tip of her tongue sticking out the corner of her mouth.

“Howdy-do-dee!” she says, with a giggle.

Her afternoon at Grace Center will likely include at least one of her favorite activities such as playing cards (she beats everyone at poker), listening to live music, or visiting with therapy dogs. She moves about independently and needs only minimal queuing from staff to help her navigate the center.

Oh, and did I mention she’s 104?

Mary was born in her parents’ home in Hamilton, Ohio September 19, 1909. To pay the doctor for her delivery, Mary’s parents gave him $3 and a French poodle. Mary grew up with her brother William in Cleveland. Hard-working and ambitious, she graduated from high school in 1928 and began working as a drafter, then the only woman drawing for the company.

Enjoying barbecue at Grace Center.

She met Robert Allan at church, they dated on and off until finally, after seven years, she proposed to him. The story goes that she brought out a calendar and said to Robert, “When are we going to get married?”

He said, “Oh, I thought you’d never ask.” They were wed on March 19, 1932, and remained so for 65 years until Robert passed away.

Mary now lives in Corvallis Mary Allan celebrates her 104th birthday. with her son Robert. She comes the golf course clubhouse, playing tennis, to Grace Center two afternoons a week to and hosting parties for their friends. socialize and participate in activities. Her time there also provides respite for her son Healthy aging is on the minds of many and grandson, Robbie, her primary caregivers. Her vivacity and good health are an these days and most often, the focus is on nutrition and exercise. Those are, no doubt, inspiration to all who know her, especially fellow participants at Grace Center. Perpet- very important but maybe we forget another important component – enjoying life! Mary’s ually positive, Mary always has an encourstory shows us the importance of having a aging word or a witty joke to share. variety of fun, fulfilling activities in addition to healthy choices. One of her favorite sayWhen asked her secret to her long life, she ings is, “Been there, done that!” You can’t retells you how much fun she has had. She ally argue with that. talks about her handsome husband, time at

What is Grace Center?

Grace Center for Adult Day Services is the only adult day services program in Corvallis and surrounding area and has been serving the community since 1983. The Center's professional staff provide a therapeutic daytime program of physical, mental, and social activities as well as health monitoring and care management. Morning beverages, a nutritious lunch and an afternoon snack are provided. A warm, home-like environment allows participants to enjoy a variety of activities in a safe and comfortable setting.

Grace Center is an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, at 980 NW Spruce Avenue, Corvallis. For more information, visit www.gracecenter-corvallis.org

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Los Angeles Times Crossword Puzzle

QUOTE CRYPTOGRAM M C R U U O C C W R J I MT F C XT O P B X I M E O C I X L O I XT O K Y B MT B F C P F W O U MT C A OT G . M C R U U O C C W R J P X I MT F C XT O P B X U MT W FT G C R U B M I MT . - Y R LT O L , J MT M

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P U Z Z L E S puzzle solutions on page 20

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GENERATIONS

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Protect gardens from intruding pets

BY LAURIE RUSSELL You have turned the soil on your garden plot and prepared it with the best compost available, purchased and planted starts and seeds and watered them in. Everything looks wonderful. Then one morning you find that the neighbor’s cat has used your garden as a giant litter box. What can you do to keep pets, yours or others, out of planted areas?

Physical barriers Fencing is always a good first line of defense and will deter some unwanted pests, but fencing has its limits with cats.

Building raised beds instead of using a garden plot can deter some animals. Some dogs find the raised bed a barrier and pet rabbits prefer to remain at ground level. Cats are another story. Raised beds with their soft and airy soil might be seen as the perfect litter box.

Physical barriers on top of the soil protect planted areas. Lynnette Shonnard, co-owner of Shonnard’s Nursery, Florist and Landscape in Corvallis suggests trying netting or chicken wire

Lynette Shonnard and Sammy, a yellow Lab, check out a raised bed to discourage digging. Strategically place netting or chicken wire over, or just under, the soil around plants. Netting will need to be pinned down. Both can easily be cut to make more

room for plants as they grow.

To protect shrubs and trees from being torn up by cats, Shonnard suggests wrapping the trunk with tree wrap or applying tree trunk goop. Both products can be found at garden supply retailers.

Repellents Cats do not like the smell of citrus, so some claim that covering the soil with citrus peel or spraying citrus oil will deter cats. However, this method gets mixed reviews from sources interviewed for this article. Red pepper flakes are said to repel dogs.

Garden supply stores carry products designed to repel various types of animals. For example, Shonnard’s Nursery offers a line of Scram all-natural granules that Shonnard says, “smell absolutely delicious to humans, but are repulsive to dogs and cats.” The product can be applied at garden entry points and borders to deter the animals and to modify their be-

havior over time. These longlasting products can be applied as needed, and typically one container will get the average gardener through the season.

Other types of repellents, such as liquid sprays, are also available at garden supply stores.

If all else fails, motion-activated sprinklers pointed at the garden work wonders to keep cats at bay. Installing and adjusting the system takes time but once that is done, the system takes little effort on the part of the gardener.

Many other methods exist for protecting gardens from pets.

Conduct an internet search for “protecting gardens from pets” to find additional approaches such as ultrasonic devices, scent-related treatments (commercial and homemade), plants that naturally repel animals and information on training techniques for pets. Be sure to choose techniques that are safe and non-toxic to humans and animals. Happy gardening!

GENERATIONS

Dear Aunt Sadie Dear Aunt Sadie, Do I need to bring my Medicare card to every medical appointment, perhaps along with my Social Security card?

Dutiful Dora Dear Dora, NO! Your Medicare card belongs in a secure place at home, right next to your Social Security card. Do not carry them!

One exception: the first time you visit a new medical provider, you will need to show your Medicare card if you have Medicare alone or Medicare with a Supplement; with an Advantage plan, your insurance card alone works. Medicare and Social Security cards should never stay in your wallet, except for those extremely rare times when they are specifically required.

Routine doctor visits are not among those times.

For most people, the Medicare number is essentially the same as the Social Security number.

Imagine the delight of an identity thief in “scoring” a Social Security number! Home run for the thief! Way better than just stealing a credit card! After all, you can quickly cancel a mere credit card and get a new one. In contrast, a Social Security number is yours forever. You will never get a new one even if yours has been compromised. With your Medicare/Social Security number, a thief can construct your identity and plague you into eternity. Leave these cards in a secure place at home.

People used to be more casual about Social Security numbers.

Some colleges even used them as student numbers. As identity theft has grown, keeping them private has become critical.

When forms at clinics and other institutions ask for your Social Security number (and some do), they are testing you. If you leave the space blank, you pass. If you dutifully fill it in, you flunk. Unless you have initiated the call to an agency with genuine need to know, never give these numbers out over the phone. If someone

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Free new-to-Medicare classes Benton County: Thursday, April 17, LBCC Benton Center, 10 a.m.

Thursday, June 19, LBCC Benton Center, 1:30 p.m.

•You can reasonably delay Part B if your employer has more than 20 employees. A large employer’s insurance is primary, and you will pay deductibles and copays like you always have. (Your free A may help with hospital costs.)

Linn County: Thursday, May 6, Sweet Home Senior Center, 10 a.m.

Tuesday, July 1, Albany Senior Center, 10 a.m.

Call 541-812-0849 to register

calling you requests the number, don’t provide it: Social Security and Medicare do not call people and request their numbers.

Why don’t you take a gander at your cards? (Aunt Sadie hopes they aren’t handy). They should look brand-new regardless of their age. A final thought, Dora: hide your cards in a spot you will remember. Just in case, tell a trusted family member where that spot is.

Dear Aunt Sadie, I turn 65 in three months, but will continue working. What do I need to do about Medicare? Keep it short and simple.

Make-It-Easy Elmo Dear Elmo, yikes! Coordinating an Employer Group Health Plan (EGHP) with Medicare is hardly a KISS event. But I’ll try.

These are your goals: continuous health coverage, lowest overall cost, and no penalties when you eventually take full Medicare. Commit to understanding the term “creditable coverage” even though it doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue.

Now, here goes for “short and simple: • Sign up for Part A, free for most everybody. Just do it.

•Sign up for Part B, too, if your employer has fewer than 20 employees. As soon as you turn 65, a small employer’s insurance plan assumes that Medicare pays first and it pays second. Without Part B, you are responsible for billed charges less a paltry 20% of the Medicare rate (e.g. If Doc bills $1,000 and MC’s reimbursement rate is $300, you pay $940.)

• That brings us to . . . creditable coverage. This determines if you need to sign up for Part D. Creditable coverage means a prescription drug plan that is at least as good as Medicare’s plans. If your employer, regardless of size, offers creditable coverage, you can delay Part D. Don’t make assumptions, either about the size of your employer or about whether their pharmacy plan is creditable. Some major employers in our area do not offer creditable pharmacy plans. You may also be surprised about how many (or how few) people are in your company’s health care plan.

Ask. • If your wife is on your plan and is turning 65, these rules apply to her as well. The Veterans Administration is another possible source for creditable coverage. In every case, the source of the creditable coverage (e.g., Human Resources department or VA) needs to supply you with a letter that states that your coverage is creditable.

These are critical decisions that could cost you serious money either with penalties or personal responsibility for your drugs or most Part B-related expenses. Make a decision about purchasing or delaying Parts B and D only after you have talked with both your employer’s HR department and Social Security. Many picky rules apply. Social Security is the only official source of information. Anytime you talk with your employer, Social Security, or Medicare, record the time, date, name of contact, information requested and information provided. If Social Security or Medicare provides wrong information and you can document that, they will normally waive any penalty. If your HR department goofs, however, you are on your own. Cover yourself by making an appointment with the Social Security office (877405-9196) and bringing along

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documentation that you are actively employed, covered in your employer group health plan, and have creditable Part D prescription coverage.

Dear Aunt Sadie, please tell me that Medicare will be simpler when I transition at age 67 from employer to Medicare!

Elmo here again Dear Elmo, if you did your work when turning 65, the last bit isn’t too bad. For one thing, you will have already mastered the “creditable coverage” jargon.

Towards the end of your active-work days, sign up for Medicare B and D if you haven’t already done so. Actively working means you get up each day, pack a lunch and go to work; COBRA payments, vacation pay-outs, separation paychecks, retiree employee health plans, or lemonade stand proceeds do not count.

For your protection, ensure that you have no breaks in coverage. For that, you need to sign up for Parts B and D at least the month prior to retirement or the end of your EGHP. Full Medicare benefits should kick in exactly when your EGHP ends. This is also the time to consider Advantage or Supplement plans.

Simply to avoid penalties, you have eight months after you stop actively working to sign up for Part B, and 60 days for Part D. But why would you wait that long? You will have no insurance if you don’t get things set for Medicare A, B, and D all to be in place the very day you quit active work. Once again, be prepared to show documentation of having been on your employer’s health plan with creditable pharmacy coverage (if this applies).

This border between active work and full retirement is fraught. Proceed carefully. Document everything. Set up an appointment with SHIBA if you get confused. Your friendly SHIBA volunteer counselors count on consulting about these tricky issues to keep our brains sharp.

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Avoiding and treating allergies

BY BETH LAURENSON, ND If you wake up with crusties in the corners of your eyes, suffer from constant post-nasal drip, or can’t leave home without a package of tissues, this article is for you.

Allergy sufferers are in good company in the Willamette Valley, home to numerous allergens and irritants. Winters here breed mold and dust, common indoor allergens, and with the first signs of spring, tree pollen becomes airborne, causing sniffling, sneezing and watery eyes.

Allergies affect people of all ages, but they can be especially difficult on people new to the area and sometimes it takes a year or two before they kick in.

The good news is that some people seem to outgrow seasonal allergies.

Meanwhile, I suggest a Neti pot for irrigating the sinuses with a saline solution a few times a day. It helps to clear the mucus membranes of irritants, and keeps mucus from building up.

Myth or fact: Does local honey help with seasonal allergies?

BY BETH LAURENSON, ND Absent any conclusive scientific proof, only anecdotal information is available to evaluate this natural remedy. I do think that consuming a teaspoon of local honey, sprinkled with bee pollen, every day is helpful, and certainly, you are doing no harm. Natural therapies may help to reduce allergy symptoms, but eating local honey is not a treatment. Similar to how allergy injections or allergy drops work, it is thought that eating local honey can gradually vaccinate the body against allergens. Subjecting the body to small amounts of pollen spores decreases the immune response.

Local honey vendors at area farmers’ markets include Honeytree Apiaries in Corvallis, Olsen Honey in Albany and Shep’s My-T-Fine honey. Bee pollen is available at natural food stores. (See related story on page 5) bedroom as clean as possible.

Akin to seasonal allergies is a conBeth Laurenson, ND dition I refer to as “Willamette Valley crud,” which causes post-nasal drip, phlegm in the throat and a I encourage people to start cough. Like allergies, these with herbs, medication or symptoms respond to sinus irriacupuncture in January and gation.

February. But it’s not too late to get the upper hand on seasonal During the winter, it helps to allergies. In addition to tree pollen, the other local allergen is keep your home hydrated, for instance, you can keep a pot of grass. If you deal with allergies water on a wood stove. Pay parevery year, it’s a good idea to start taking steps to avoid aller- ticular attention to the room where you spend the most time. gens before you become miserVacuum frequently to keep your able.

As a naturopath, there are several herbs and natural antihistamines that I recommend, including nettles, Vitamin C and bioflavanoids (compounds that give plants their color) such as quercetin.

In integrative medicine, there is room for everything. Many people find that by taking herbs, they can reduce the amount of medication used. We’re lucky to have allergy medicines, but everything comes with side effects. The question is whether

the side effects are worse than the allergy symptoms.

Acupuncture can be helpful in relieving allergy symptoms, but results can vary depending how bad a person’s allergies are.

Natural remedies and overthe-counter medication can be excellent in alleviating allergy symptoms, but if you’re still miserable, see your health care provider. People with severe allergies can get sinus infections or frequent colds, and additional intervention may be needed.

SamFit now open in Albany Renovations are still going on, but SamFit is open for business in the old Albany Athletic Club, 380 Hickory St. NW. New weight and cardio equipment are in and members have 24/7 access to the facility, giving users the freedom to set their own workout schedules. SamFit offers specialized training packages and a variety of education classes, as well as fitness classes including Zumba, spinning, and yoga. SamFit is open to the public; no enrollment fees or annual contracts are required.

For more information, stop by or call 541-812-3300.

Jennifer Grindy and Debbie Mode recently visited RSVP stations around the mid-valley. On February 4, 2014, Sweet Home Senior Center was buzzing with activity: seniors playing pool, using computers and quilting while buses headed out to make their daily runs.

The visitors were greeted with a very warm and welcoming environment. A cheerful hello from the staff and people playing games of pool at the tables, ladies walking in to quilt, an all around enjoyable Senior Center, to which she looks forward to another visit soon, Grindy reported.

Ken Bronson, Senior Center Director; Monica Hoffman , Program Director (center); and Joyce Rowton, Station Manager

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Red wine: Live long and prosper? from coronary artery disease than people who don’t drink any alcohol or too much, doctors are wary of recommending that nondrinkers start drinking solely to benefit their hearts.

Still, many doctors agree that there’s something in red wine that appears to be helping the heart.

BY KATELYN HAGEL What if a glass of red wine a day really could keep the doctor away? That’s what years of research indicate, but there is still uncertainty about it solving all our health troubles.

Polyphenols, the antioxidants red wine contains, may help protect the lining of blood vessels in our heart and prevent blood clots, among other benefits. Resveratrol is a polyphenol that is central to many of the health studies involving red wine. Resveratrol is found in the grape skins that give red wine its color. Because red wine is fermented with grape skins longer than white wine, it contains higher levels of resveratrol. Eating grapes or drinking grape juice has been suggested as one way to get resveratrol without drinking alcohol. The amount of resveratrol in food and red wine can vary widely, so it’s not yet known how eating other foods such as peanuts, blueberries, and cranberries, all which contain resveratrol, might compare.

Resveratrol promotes health by clearing out dangerous oxygen molecules, known as free radicals, which attack cells and tissues and are attributed to everything from aging to cancer.

However, Danish scientists constructed a study that concludes

Based on the research, red wine’s potential heart-healthy benefits look promising. Those who drink moderate amounts seem to have a lower risk of heart disease. Some reported it may be due to other lifestyle factors, so it’s important to do some homework and dissect the studies.

free radicals may be needed for the body to recover after exercise and may hinder many of the benefits of exercise.

Research in mice suggests that in addition to resveratrol helping to prevent heart disease by increasing levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL – the “good” cholesterol) and protecting against artery damage, the antioxidant might also help protect against obesity and diabetes, both strong risk factors for heart disease. However, when the same resveratrol doses are multiplied to humans, a person would have to drink over 60

liters of red wine every day.

Some say that, within the next few years, a synthetic drug may provide the benefits of higher levels of resveratrol in a pill.

The key for red wine consumption is to drink in moderation. Overconsumption can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, certain cancers, and liver cirrhosis. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ “Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010” defines moderate daily wine intake in adults as five ounces. While moderate drinkers are less likely to die

Living in the Willamette Valley, we are fortunate to have a variety of wines and fun winetasting experiences just outside our front door. I’ve had friends from across the country plan special trips to our wineries…so take advantage of it and find what you like!

To read up on some red wines and their benefits and characteristics, check out Deborah Hastings’ article, “Are Some Red Wines Healthier than Others?” in Prevention magazine online: For a full list of local wineries and other information visit: http://willamettewines.com/

Preventing colon cancer: What you can control

BY KIMBERLY MCGREGOR, MD Most health care experts recommend screening for colon cancer beginning at age 50, or earlier for people who have high risk factors. No matter what your risk level, powerful tools are within your control to help prevent colon cancer, including getting regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet and body weight.

Studies show that being overweight, especially in the mid-section, increases the risk of colon cancer.

To keep your colon healthy, follow these guidelines:

• Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day.

Continually increase the time and intensity of physical activity.

mended levels of calcium and vitamin D, which is exceedingly important living in the Northwest.

• Fill up on fruits and vegetables, which deliver vitamins, minerals and a variety of other health benefits.

• Stop smoking. Smoking has been shown to increase colon cancer risks.

• Add whole grains to your daily diet.

This will increase fiber, which is essential for colon health.

• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

Women should have no more than one drink daily, while men should have no more than two drinks daily.

• Reduce your consumption of red and processed meats. High-fat diets may lead to an increased risk of colon cancer.

• Provide your body with the recom-

The good news about taking these preventive steps is the benefit to your total health, including reducing your risk of all cancers and also heart disease.

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Albany City Hall spring art exhibits Albany City Hall hosts art from around the mid-valley and the Northwest in exhibits that change every month, year-round. Art work in a variety of media is displayed on both floors of the building and is available for viewing weekdays during business hours and a few evenings each month when public meetings are held.

Eighth-grade and highschool age youth who live in the Greater Albany Public Schools attendance area will display their art in May. City Hall visitors have a chance to vote in the People’s Choice

Samaritan Health Services’ “Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies” seminar series is offered free of charge, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the following dates: Albany April 16: Planning for end-of-life May 21: Spirituality in healing June 18: Migraine treatment with Botox® Corvallis April 8: Optimum nutrition for fitness May 13: Planning for end-of-life June 10: Memory and aging

The exhibits are coordinated and sponsored by the Albany Arts Commission.

Local calligraphers show their works through the month of April. Participating artists are Nancy Anderson, Penny White, Susan Wickes, Sandi Cormier, and Laura Drager.

Media include a variety of inks, watercolor, acrylics, resists and cut paper.

Healthy minds, healthy bodies series offered free

Calligraphy by Sandi Cormier is part of the April display at Albany City Hall. award competition.

Purely Pastels are featured in June. The works of artists Gladys Bacon, Joy Descoteaux, Germaine Hammon, Anna Horrigan, Kate McGee, and Marianne Post complement each other. The exhibit represents the broad spectrum of pastel effects and techniques from the lively strokes of im-

pressionism to the abstract layering of bold color blocks to the gentle blending and shading of near photographic realism.

For information about the exhibits and the Arts Commission, contact Commissioner Billie Moore, 541-928-6182, or Debbie Little, 541-917-7778, or Debbie.little@cityofalbany.net

Lebanon April 15: Spirituality in healing May 20: Stroke awareness and prevention Lincoln City April 10: Planning for end-oflife Newport May 8: Stroke awareness and prevention Registration may be completed online at samhealth.org/BeHealthy, or by calling 1-855-8730647 toll free.

Protect yourself from Medicare fraud <Ring, ring> Unsuspecting person answers the phone: Hello?

Caller: Ma’am, I’m calling from Medicare. We’re about to send out national medical cards for the new Affordable Care Act. So I just need to confirm your name, address and phone number. Oh, and I need your Medicare and bank account number, too…

This kind of ploy pops up any time there’s a big change in a government policy, or when a topic is in the news. Scammers use people’s uncertainty to try to get them to reveal personal information. From there, it’s not much of a leap to identity theft, with scammers using or selling Medicare numbers,

racking up bogus charges on credit cards, opening new credit cards, even taking out loans in your name.

You can protect yourself. If you get a call asking for personal information, hang up.

It’s a scam. Government organizations and the legitimate groups you do business with have the information they need. They’ll never call to ask you for it.

Today there are even more tools to stop fraud – including more law enforcement boots on the ground and more time in prison for criminals. There is also state-of-the-art technology to spot fraud, similar to what a credit card company uses. As a result, prosecution of health

care fraud cases is up 75% since 2008.

Despite the advances, the most valuable resource in the fight against Medicare fraud is the millions of seniors who serve as eyes and ears. Seniors who notice services they never received on their Medicare statements often provide the first tip that fraud is happening. Medicare statements have been redesigned to be easier to read and understand. Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) programs are educating seniors, family members, and caregivers around the country about the importance of reviewing Medicare notices to identify errors and report potentially fraudulent activity.

Seniors are paying attention and are fighting back against the fraudsters who are trying to steal from Medicare.

More than 1.5 million seniors have called SMP programs in cities around the country to ask questions and report potential fraud. Together they’ve saved Medicare and the federal government in excess of $100 million.

To all of you tipping us off to fraud, thank you. To learn more about the SMP program and to join the fight against Medicare fraud, go to www.stopmedicarefraud.gov, call the Oregon SMP office, 1-855ORE-ADRC (673-2372) or RSVP, 541-812-0849.

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Volunteer opportunities Linn & Benton counties VISIT connects RSVP volunteers through weekly visits with residents of long-term care facilities in Linn and Benton counties. Through this personal interaction, residents are happier and feel connected to the community. Volunteers must be available at least four hours a month; training is provided and a background check is required.

For more information or to volunteer, contact VISIT program coordinators George Keller, 541757-0443 or Susan Schwartz, 541-752-7038, or call RSVP, 541812-0849.

Spend one hour, once a week to help children learn to read through SMART (Start Making A Reader Today). Volunteer readers (English and Spanish) are needed in Albany, Corvallis, Kings Valley, Halsey, and Lebanon. Call the SMART office, 541-753-0822, for more information or visit http://www.getsmartoregon.org/abo ut-smart/ Oregon Money Management Program is looking for a volunteer to help in the Albany office 4-12 hours a week doing basic filing and data entry. Money management volunteers are needed to help individuals manage personal finances, budget, organize financial papers, balance checkbooks, pay bills and do banking to help clients maintain peace of mind, independence, and protection against fraud and financial exploitation.

Training and ongoing support are provided. Contact Diana Hancock 541-812-2597 or mmp@ocwcog.org for more information.

Benton Hospice Service is looking for individuals to make extraordinary contributions by visiting patients, providing comfort and social interaction as

Samaritan Albany General Hospital gift shop volunteer Stephanie Colley arranges displays during her shift. well as providing respite to caregivers. For information, call Jamey Suderman 541-757-9616.

Do you enjoy talking to people? Are you passionate about advocating for and helping senior citizens and those with physical disabilities? Do you know your community? The Gatekeeper Program through Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments teams up volunteer presenters to promote the Gatekeeper Program and talk about how the program helps neighbors connect to services that may help them avoid a crisis. Gatekeeper volunteers host tables at local resource events to share information with community members and schedule Gatekeeper presentations with community groups. All materials and training are provided.

This program opportunity is available in Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties. Call Cathy, 541-924-8422 or email at cmorris@ocwcog.org.

The SamaritanTransitions program serves members of the community who are experiencing a life-limiting illness with a prognosis of 12 months or less.

Transitions volunteers help patients two to four hours per week with a variety of tasks such as running errands, grocery shopping, pet care, offering companionship and emotional support, providing transportation when appropriate, and respite for a caregiver. The program is non-medical and is offered in peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s homes. Volunteers must be age 18 or older and will be trained to understand the programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s structure and gain knowledge of community resources. Call 541-812-4664 for more information.

RSVP is looking for a phonefriendly volunteer to make calls on behalf of the organization and individuals who like to participate in party planning. Those who like to chat on the phone or are creative, dependable, outgoing and willing to oversee

events from beginning to end should contact Jennifer Grindy at 541-812-0849 or email rsvplb@ocwcog.org for more information. http://rsvpoflbl.org/ Certified Ombudsman volunteers are needed to advocate for residents in long-term care facilities. Training and monthly support group meetings are provided. Call Gretchen Jordan, 1-800-522-2602 or email gretchen.jordan@ltco.state.or.us.

Samaritan Senior Companion Program volunteers are healthy older adults who help other adults live independently. Senior Companions provide companionship, help keep clients in contact with family and friends, and provide transportation to medical appointments and other necessary errands. To learn, more call 541-574-4714.

Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital seeks volunteers ~ Continued on page 18

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Volunteer opportunities continued ~ Continued from page 17 to assist patients and hospital staff. Opportunities include the Garden Grounds espresso stand, Caring Corner gift shop and patient assistance desks throughout the hospital. For more information, call the hospital’s Volunteer Services Department, 541451-7062, or email rsnyder@samhealth.org.

The Samaritan Cancer Resource Center is looking for volunteers to greet and direct patients as they enter the building; provide library and computer assistance; staff the salon (license required) and guide imaging patients to their rooms. The Center provides patients and families with information and support during their journey through cancer. Call 541-8124158 for more information.

Benton County Chintimini Senior Center is recruiting a volunteer receptionist/cashier. Interested persons should be outgoing,and comfortable working with computers and handling money The position includes greeting customers, answering phones, processing class and activity registrations, and selling concessions.

Applicants must pass a criminal background check. Contact Chelsea at 541- 754-1707. http://www.corvallisoregon.gov/ind ex.aspx?page=257 Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center is looking for dedicated customer service-oriented individuals to fill a variety of positions including coffee cart, flower delivery, healing garden, Reach Out & Read program, and at Samaritan Ambulatory Surgery Center and SamFit.

To request additional information or an application packet, call the Volunteer Services Department, 541-768-5083 or email GSRMCVolunteerServices@samhea lth.org.

Become a Compassionate Companion in the No One Dies Alone program. Compassionate Companions sit with dying patients in two-hour blocks of time when patients have no family or friends to be with them. For more information, contact Chaplain Services at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, 541768-5566 or email fpotts@samhealth.org.

Albany Habitat for Humanity ReStore is looking for volunteers to help with cleaning, organizing and sales of donated items received, 4-12 hours per week. Applicants should be able to work well independently, have a positive outlook and willingness to learn. Call 541-9241450 or RSVP at 541-812-0849. http://www.albanyareahfh. org/restore_contact.htm

Linn County Albany Regional Museum is looking for energetic individuals who would like to help with activities and events, including working with the events committee, helping with set-up, and participating in the event or activity. No experience is necessary. For more information, contact Judie or Peggy by email at armuseum@peak.org or call 541967-7122.

Brownsville Community Library needs reading volunteers for one to three hours a month for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is an early-years book-gifting program that mails a brand new, age-appropriate book to enrolled children every month from birth until age 5, creating a home library of up to 60 books and instilling a love of books and reading from an early age. For more information, call Librarian Sherri, 541-466-5454, or visit http://brownsville.plinkit.org/ or www.usa.imaginationlibrary.com

Sign up for Cover Oregon Small businesses, individuals and families can sign up for medical and dental insurance through Cover Oregon. RSVP, a program of Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments, is providing Cover Oregon out-

Samaritan Evergreen Hospice seeks volunteers to help terminally ill patients and their loved ones. Call the hospice volunteer coordinator at 541-812-4677 or email kmclain@samhealth.org for more information.

reach to small businesses and individuals.

For more information or to receive Cover Oregon materials for employees, call 541-812-0849 or 541-574-2684.

The Foster Grandparent Program needs volunteers age 55 and older to provide safe, nurturing, tutoring mentors to children who need help with subjects including reading, math, and language arts. Volunteers work one-on-one for a minimum of 15 hours a week, volunteers provide support in schools, community organizations, treatment programs, correctional facilities and childcare centers. Training is required and volunteers must be able to pass a background check. Call Joy, 541-917-7772. http://www.cityofalbany.net/departments/parks-and-recreation/seniorcenter/foster-grandparent-program Court Appointed Special Advocates of Linn County (CASA) serves abused and neglected children who are living in foster care. CASA volunteers help ensure each child’s right to be safe and to learn and grow in the security of a loving family. Volunteers are needed to help with reception duties for four hours, twice a week. The office is wheelchair accessible. The application process includes a

background check. Call 541-9262651 or go to www.linncasa.org.

The Albany Call-A-Ride senior and disabled transportation program has openings for volunteer dispatchers and drivers.

Dispatchers must be detail-oriented, able to multi-task, and have some knowledge of computers and telephone skills. Drivers must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.

Drivers use city cars and insurance. All volunteers generally work a four-hour shift one day per week. Openings are Monday Friday 8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. The CallA-Ride office is at 112 10th Avenue SW, next to the Amtrak station. Call Ted at 541-917-7638or email ted.frazier@cityofalbany.net The East Linn Museum needs volunteer hosts. Duties include meeting guests and taking them on a tour of the museum, one afternoon a month. No historical background needed; it is easy to learn from the labels on each artifact. Usually two people are on duty at a time. The museum is open 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Thursday - Sunday. Call 541367-4580 for more information.

Help reduce hunger in Sweet Home by volunteering at SHEM Food Pantry and Manna Meal Site. Volunteers process shipment deliveries, do re-stocking, re-packaging food items, clerical work, cleaning, help with client food box assistance and prepare meals.

Call SHEM, 541-367-6504, or visit http://www.shemfoodbank.org/

What would you like to see in Generations?

541-924-8421 or email AJOHNSON@ocwcog.org

GENERATIONS

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Corvallis Senior Center events Special events are scheduled each month this spring at Chintimini Senior Center, 2601 NW Tyler Avenue, Corvallis.

• Mini-Spa Day, April 6, 2-5 p.m. Spend the afternoon enjoying hors d’oeuvres and a glass of wine while trying new makeup looks and getting a massage, foot rub and/or facial. Services are provided by volunteer professionals, with tips welcomed. $12 per service.

Call 541-766-6959 for reservations.

• Community Lifestyle Fair, May 28, 4-7 p.m. May 28. Learn how to promote a healthy and

nourishing lifestyle for active older adults. Vendors will include rafting guides, fly-fishing experts, bird-watching experts, holistic alternatives to modern medicine, and bicycle and motorcycle clubs. Free.

• Summer Barbecue, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Enjoy a full meal deal with friends and entertainment at the Senior Center’s annual summer barbecue in Chintimini Park. Dinner includes potato salad, baked beans, fruit and choice of chicken, hamburgers or veggie burgers. Dessert will be watermelon and cookies.

Cost is $8 for Corvallis residents or $10 for non-residents.

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Dog daycare features home-baked canine cookies

BY DENISE SOTO “Doggie crack,” replies Max Frederick when asked about his golden retriever’s love for doggie cookies from Sully’s Stay and Play’s bakery.

“Doggie opium.”

“He will even get in the back of my truck if I’m holding one of those snacks and without it he just looks at me with an expression of ‘So, what do you want?’”

Sully’s Stay and Play’s bakery, 617 Hickory Street NW, is located next to the former Ray’s Food Place in North Albany. As you enter your eye will catch the bakery case filled with colorful and nutritious specialty treats for Albany’s lucky pooches.

The treats are made with ingredients found in any kitchen: all-natural peanut butter, whole wheat flour, baking powder and skim milk. They are sugar-free and have no preservatives, says Tony Sullivan, owner of Sully’s. “I apply a special yogurt-based icing.”

How often can you find a fun, fresh-baked, healthy, and nutritious treat for your canine friend for a special occasion or if you just need your pup to get in the back of your truck?

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