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INDEX Holiday dining deals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Benton Service of Remembrance on Dec. 2 . . . . . . . .2 Boomers, seniors welcome at 2nd Runaway Pumpkin Half Marathon Oct. 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Book Review: Hammered, Nailed and Screwed . . . . .4 City of Albany employee volunteers dig dishing out holiday meals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Grieving during the holidays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Senior centers to offer home-cooked meals for the holidays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7, 15 Good gifts or ‘good grief!’? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8, 14 Puzzles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Tech gadgets demystified - somewhat . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Ann Flanagan loves technology and helping seniors navigate Medicare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Nov. 14 event marks National Family Caregiver Month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Coping with cancer during the holidays . . . . . . . . . .12 Learn to navigate the Kindle Fire at Albany Senior Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Volunteer opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Ensuring access to healthy foods for older adults is essential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Puzzle solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Cut a rug, shake a leg at Albany Eagles . . . . . . . . . . .16
GENERATIONS A quarterly publication of Cascades West Senior and Disabilty Services, local Senior Centers, and Retired & Senior Volunteer Programs
The Editorial Board
Holiday dining deals BY VERITY BISHOP Autumn is here, the leaves are falling and holiday season is upon us. This Thanksgiving, if you live alone or can't afford a traditional meal, there are many delectable and delightful options in Linn and Benton counties. Every year the Hungarian restaurant Novak's closes for regular business and holds a free Thanksgiving meal, open to anyone who has nowhere to go or is unable to afford one themselves. The food is donated by many generous companies around the Willamette Valley. Traditional fare, such as turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, a vegetable, bread and luscious pumpkin cheese cake, is served. The food is excellent, and the event is always well attended. One seating is held at noon and another at 1 p.m. Call 541-967-9488 in advance to reserve a seat. Located in Sweet Home, The Point is a cozy, family-friendly restaurant and sports bar, with a beautiful view of Foster Lake, friendly staff and excellent food. The Point also holds a free Thanksgiving meal, but donations will be accepted to benefit the Sweet Home Emergency Ministries. Moist turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy,
pumpkin pie, and free soft drinks will be offered. Last year, The Point served 500 meals. This year they will be open and serving meals from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Izzy's, Elmer's, and Shari's will also be open for regular business on Thanksgiving. Shari's is open 24 hours and for $12.99 it offers: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, yams, soup, salad and pie. At Izzy's, also for $12.99, you'll find brined and smoked turkey, cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes, turkey gravy, honey glazed ham, yams, sweet potato scones and pumpkin squares. In Corvallis, a free meal will be served at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Thursday, Nov. 27, at 5:30 p.m. In Philomath, the organization Neighbor to Neighbor is offering a free meal on Tuesday, Nov. 25, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. And, the Lebanon Soup Kitchen will serve dinner on Wednesday, Nov. 26, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. So, wherever you are and whatever you can afford, we can all be thankful for the many generous, affordable and tasty options to be had in the beautiful and bountiful Willamette Valley. Wherever you go this Thanksgiving, don't go without.
Marilyn Smith . . . . . . . . . . .Albany City Hall 541-917-7507 Beth Fox . . . . . . .Linn-Benton County RSVP 541-812-0849 Scott Bond . . .Senior and Disability Services 541-812-6008 Sharon Bogdanovic . .Corvallis Senior Center 541-754-1709 Evonne Walls . . . .Samaritan Health Services 541-768-4241
For more information Cyndi Sprinkel-Hart 541-812-6073 or email cyndi.sprinkel-hart@lee.net
1400 Queen Ave. SE, Suite 206 Albany, OR 97322
Benton Hospice hosts Service of Remembrance on Dec. 4 Benton Hospice Service invites the community to its annual Service of Remembrance at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 4, in Dennis Hall at the First Presbyterian Church, 114 SW Eighth St., Corvallis. The service is a celebration of the lives of individuals who have died in the past year as well as others who are still
missed and a chance to remember and honor them during the holiday season. Honorees need not have been in Benton Hospice Service care. The service will include reading of names. To add a name of someone who has died to the list, due by Nov. 5, or for more information, call Benton Hospice Service at 541-757-9616.
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Boomers, seniors welcome at second Runaway Pumpkin Half Marathon Oct. 27 Boomers and seniors from throughout the Northwest and beyond are lacing up their running shoes for the second annual Runaway Pumpkin Half Marathon at Cheadle Lake in Lebanon Saturday, October 27. All proceeds from the run will benefit ABC House, the nonprofit child-abuse victim assessment center for Benton and Linn counties. Participants may register until midnight October 23. The first Runaway Pumpkin Half Marathon included 801 runners and walkers, more than 100 age 50 and older. All are eager to challenge themselves and benefit a worthy cause. “This event plays several important roles in helping ABC House to fulfill its mission of providing comprehensive services to children impacted by abuse or neglect,” said Jennifer Gilmore-Robinson, Executive Director. “Not only does it go a long way in raising public awareness about child abuse, but it also provides essential funding in this time of lean public budgets and tremendous community need.”
Participants of the 2011 Runaway Pumpkin Half Marathon enjoyed the harvest theme and beautiful country roads.
The first half marathon raised $45,000 for ABC House. Organizers hope for more participants this year to surpass that fundraising total. “Although I have run marathons on all seven continents, it means a lot to me to participate in this fun event for a very worthy cause,” said Larry Jespersen of Klamath Falls, whose daughter, Jennifer Stanaway, is an ABC House board member. “I didn’t even start running until I was in my 50s, and what started as a pastime has become a central activity in my life. I hope that others will hear my story and realize that it’s never too late to enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes from completing this type of race.”
The race begins at 9 a.m., and all who complete the course in 4 ½ hours will receive a medal. Entry fees range from $65-$70. Participants and spectators are encouraged to wear pumpkin costumes. To learn more, visit www.runawaypumpkinhalf.org.
ABC House has served victims of child abuse in Benton and Linn counties since 1997. It provides a safe, respectful, and healing environment for children who are victims of abuse. More than 5,000 children and families have benefited from the
organization’s work. Privately funded, ABC House is charged with providing medical evaluations for Benton and Linn County children suspected of abuse as established through Karly’s Law.
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Book review
Hammered, Nailed and Screwed local author Kathleen Hering.
BY EVONNE WALLS Prior to being widowed at 28 years old, interior decorator Laura Howard thought she had the perfect life, marriage. The news of her husband's death was the biggest blow she had ever experienced, but not for reasons one would typically assume.
Soon she realizes she doesn't like dining alone, she doesn't know how to handle advances from other men and she really doesn't have a lot of friends to turn to as she became distant from her friendships over the years, because she had all she needed Todd.
Her husband Todd Howard was shot in Mexico while in bed with another woman. Laura was left wondering why Todd was in Mexico when he was supposed to be traveling straight to London from Portland, Ore., for his sales job. To add to the confusion, she began receiving an unusual number of life insurance checks. Why would an average Joe have so much life insurance? And why did she not know about it?
Just when Laura starts to consider dating, she receives a phone call and the voice on the other line is Todd's. This call throws her into turmoil and even more mysterious events begin to occur. Luckily for Laura, she has her business partners to lean on, Russell and Esther Graham. Together they work with the police to get to the bottom of this mystery.
She was lost and confused.
“Hammered, Nailed and Screwed” is the first book in a designer mystery series by
Hering did a fabulous job of creating a plot that was engaging and characters that were genuine and easy to relate to. The Pacific Northwest setting made it easier to develop the scenes in my mind. The book is a convergence of humor, quick wit, suspense and romance. I had a hard time putting it down because it flowed so well. To further differentiate this book from others, Hering added decorating tips at the end of each chapter. They were fun to read and provided a smooth transition from chapter to chapter. Hering has found her niche and I look forward to reading her next book.
Local author and long-time friend team up to publish novel Kathleen Hering and Kitty Buchner have been friends for more than 30 years and when meeting with them, it was obvious that they know each other well. They pointed out strengths and weaknesses in each other's character and proved that as a writing and publishing team, they balance each other out. Hering, the writer, and Buchner, the one with no fear of technology. Hering, the author of “Hammered, Nailed and Screwed,” lives in Albany with her husband. She retired in 2002 from a career in education where she was the human resources director for Greater Albany Public Schools and a principal and assistant principal for Calapooia Middle School. She has also written several articles for newspapers, national magazines and educational journals. Upon retirement, Hering decided to write a book to keep herself occupied. Her goals were to pursue fiction (as she felt that serious journalism is her husband's corner) and to not take herself too seriously because this was supposed to be a fun adventure for her and the eventual reader. When she began her literary journey, she roped Buchner in with a bribe that each time they met to work on the book, they would go to Subway. After spending two to three years writing and another year editing and publishing, the pair had more Subway sandwiches than ever expected and have successfully published Hering's first novel.
dle-school-aged kids so I inserted a few teenage characters. And my grandmother was a big influence in my life so I dedicated the book to her and modeled Esther's character after her. (Hering) Q: Why did you choose to self-publish and do an e-release? A: Our original thought was, "how hard can it be?" The motivation was also to maintain control over the content and to be able to print on demand so there wasn't an inventory of books to manage. (Buchner)
Kathleen Hering The following question and answer series with Hering and Buchner, who was largely in charge of the publishing side of the project, gives a behind-the- scenes look at that world of writing and self-publishing. Q: How did you determine the plot? A: I have always heard that you should write about what you know. I am an HGTV addict so the main character is a decorator. I grew up in a family of firefighters and police officers so I was able to insert the police officer dialog easily. Technology is not my strength so computer troubles play a part in the plot. Through my experiences as a principal, I developed an appreciation for mid-
Q: How did you learn how to self-publish and create an e-book? A: We started researching how to do it online. We did research on createspace.com and kdp.amazon.com and read a lot of articles published in various newspapers to figure out the industry and its trends. We were very picky and went through trial and error to get the e-book to display the way we wanted. Often websites would state, save your file and "simply upload." We now say that phrase often and chuckle because it wasn't that "simple." Once we figured out the quirks, it got easier. (Buchner) Q: Where can people find the book? A: The book is available at two locations in Albany: Emma Downtown on First Avenue and Browsers Bookstore on Pacific Blvd. To purchase the book online, you can find it at www.Amazon.com and www.Barnesandnoble.com. (Hering)
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City of Albany employee volunteers dig dishing out holiday meals BY MARILYN SMITH Each year Albany Parks & Recreation sponsors a special winter holiday meal for area seniors at the Albany Senior Center. This year’s event will be at noon on Thursday, Dec. 6. Tickets are $8; call 541-917-7760 to order. The meals are prepared and served by dozens of volunteers, who perform tasks ranging from setting tables to cutting pies to taking photos of guests with Santa Claus, even washing dishes and collecting napkins and tablecloths to be laundered. Most of the volunteers are City of Albany employees who use a lunch hour or an hour or two of vacation time to help out. Terri Ayres, environmental services technician with Albany Public Works Department, has volunteered to help with the Senior Center holiday meals for most of the past 13 years. “I have done several jobs including serving plates, dishing up pie and clean up, but my favorite job is dishing up plates,” Ayres said. “Dishing plates allows me to work with city employees from work groups that I would never get to interact with in my daily job.” “All three employees in the Environmental Services Division of Public Works regularly help with the meals,” Ayres said. “I know it is a very small gesture, but it is my way of saying thanks to the generation that paved the way for all of us,” she said. Linda Booth, clerk for Parks & Recreation, has been volunteering at the Senior Center holiday meals for most of her eight years with the City of Albany. Working for Parks & Recreation, Booth is aware of Senior Center activities and gets frequent emails that go to all city employees when an event needs
Linda Booth, second from left, and Terri Ayres, fifth, on the serving line at Albany Senior Center 2011 holiday meal. volunteer help. “I like dishing up the plates,” Booth said. “Great camaraderie without the fear of dumping food or drink on a guest. I’ve dished up dessert, too, and spraying the whipped cream on the pieces of pie was lots of fun, but it’s a little more removed from the action, so I prefer the food dishing line.” Booth enjoys helping with the meal because of “the pleasure it gives the seniors, the chance to work with people from other departments, the camaraderie, the chance to work off some of my holiday spirit, and a lovely lunch afterward.” Troy Kemper, treatment facilities relief operator in Public Works, has been helping with the holiday meals for three or four years, the last two with his daughter Taryn. “I think it was about two years ago that the dinner was on a day she had off of school, so I asked if she wanted to come on down. She did and she loved
it!” Kemp said. “I believe she has done two or three of these events total. She likes it so much that she is now volunteering four hours a week at the Senior Center during her summer break. As she puts it, ‘I love the grandmas and grandpas!’” Kemper first volunteered at a Senior Center Valentine’s Day meal in response to a staff email message. “I have a lot of respect for our seniors and thought this would be a great way to just give a little back,” he said. He
also likes the chance to connect with other volunteers. Kemper always works as a server. “I really enjoy the interaction with the people; the smiles make my day!” he said. “Also, my first full-time job as an adult (so many years ago) was as a banquet server, and I can still carry three or four plates out at a time!” To learn more about this year’s free holiday meal for seniors, call 541-917-7760.
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Grieving during the holidays BY JOELLE OSTERHAUS Holidays without a person who has died can seem daunting, stressful and painful when you are grieving. You may wonder how you will get through a dinner, let alone a full season of merrymaking. Often the anticipation of a holiday is far worse than the actual holiday itself. Thinking ahead and planning how you would like to-or be able to-participate in a holiday is important. Here are some strategies that may help. Be honest with yourself and trust that you know what is best for you. Plan to feel a variety of emotions, from sadness to joy. If you find that you are enjoying yourself, try not to feel guilty. Feeling happy does not mean that you have forgotten the person who died. Honor your grief; don't ignore it or stuff it down. Letting the hurt out will make room for
healing. Acknowledge that this holiday will be different. It will be, and that is okay. Take care of yourself. Grief can sap your energy and the usual holiday stress can compound that effect. Pace yourself and take time for you. Respect your physical and emotional limits. Do what feels right to you. Decide what you want to do and with whom. Many people find that exploring new traditions and doing something altogether different is helpful to them. Keep it simple. If you desire to give gifts, alternatives to managing shopping this year could include going early, using the Internet or catalogs, giving gift cards, or asking a friend to help. If you typically send cards, perhaps this year you'll write one letter that can be copied and mailed. Connect with others. It can
Nine tips to help someone who is grieving during the holidays 1. Be supportive of the way the person chooses to handle the holidays. Some may wish to follow traditions; others may choose to avoid customs of the past and do something new. It's okay to do things differently. 2. Offer to help the person with decorating or holiday baking. Both tasks can be overwhelming for someone who is grieving. 3. Offer to help with holiday shopping. Share catalogs or online shopping sites that may be helpful. 4. Invite the person to join you or your family during the holidays. You might invite them to join you for a religious service or at a holiday meal where they are a guest. 5. Ask the person if he or she is interested in volunteering with you during the holidays. Doing something for someone else, such as helping at a soup kitchen or working with children, may help your loved one feel better about the holidays. 6. Donate a gift or money in memory of the person's loved one. Remind the person that his or her loved one is not forgotten. 7. Never tell someone that he or she should be "over it." Instead, give the person hope that, eventually, he or she will enjoy the holidays again. 8. Be willing to listen. Active listening from friends and family is an important step to helping some cope with grief and heal. 9 Remind the person you are thinking of him or her and the loved one who died. Cards, phone calls and visits are great ways to stay in touch. In general, the best way to help those who are grieving during the holidays is to let them know you care and that their loved one is not forgotten. Source: NHPCO - National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
be tempting to isolate yourself. Sharing your grief with a trusted person may be helpful, especially if this person is a positive presence in your life. Opening up allows others to show their care for you. Free grief counseling services are offered throughout the community. Communicate with your family and friends ahead of time about what you want and don't want. Remembering helps you to maintain an important connection to the person who died. You may feel a strong need to know that the person who died
is not forgotten. Choose or create your own ways of remembering that will have meaning and significance for you. Most important, be courageous and trust that you will heal. If you hang on to the belief that your grief won't hurt like this forever, you will likely find that you can better cope with the mixed joys and sorrows that the holidays bring. Joelle Osterhaus is the bereavement coordinator at Benton Hospice Service and offers grief support and counseling to groups and individuals in Linn and Benton counties.
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Senior centers to offer home-cooked meals for the holidays BY SHIRLEY AUSTIN For most of us, it's hard to imagine spending the holidays alone without somewhere to go to share a meal; we usually have family gathered around a table full of Thanksgiving or Christmas fare. Ah, the smell of roasted turkey and dressing, gravy covered mashed potatoes and sweet-tart cranberry sauce. But many seniors don't have family close by and long for companionship and a good meal, especially during the holidays. This is where the senior centers in Linn and Benton counties come in, offering up a veritable smorgasbord of seasonal feasts. Let's start in east Linn County and eat our way west. Lebanon and Sweet Home The Sweet Home Senior Center, 880 18th Ave., offers lunch on site at a cost of $3.50 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Wednesday. Thanksgiving will be celebrated with a traditional holiday meal on Nov. 14, and a Christmas lunch will be featured on Dec. 19. Both of these meals are offered at 11:30 a.m. and cost $3.50 each. At the Lebanon Senior Center, Thanksgiving is celebrated with an annual free dinner. The Thanksgiving Banquet will be held on Thursday, Nov. 15 at noon. With generous cosponsors to help with the food, quick table service by the Lebanon High School Choir members, and entertainment by the choir while dining, this banquet is a popular annual feast. There is no charge, but a ticket is required. Tickets can be picked up at the Lebanon Senior Center, 80 Tangent St.. On Dec. 13 at 2 p.m., the annual Winter Dessert takes place at the Lebanon Senior Center. Delectable, delicious, decadent desserts are offered up with hot beverages to ward off the winter chill. The festivities include sweet entertainment.
Tammi Paul and her son Kian, offers a meal to Bill Hess at the Lebanon Senior Center Thanksgiving Banquet. Also on the menu for the holidays at the Lebanon Senior Center is the Christmas potluck on the third Thursday of December. Coinciding with the annual USO Christmas Show, the potluck, on Dec. 19 at noon, will feature a matinee version of the show. The meat will be provided; attendees are encouraged to bring a favorite dish to share. The following evening, Dec. 20, refreshments will be served at the 7 p.m. USO Christmas Show, which will benefit low-income seniors in the community with food boxes. Admittance is by donation of non-perishable foods. The USO Christmas Show will feature community members performing hits and seasonal music of the ‘40s, an era when sweethearts were waiting at home, wishing their loved ones at war were home for the holidays. For information regarding Lebanon Senior Center activities, call 541-2584224. The Dial-A-Bus is available if you need transportation, 541-258-4920.
Albany If Albany is your home or destination, Albany Parks & Recreation offers a Thanksgiving Brunch at the Albany Senior Center on Saturday, Nov. 17 at 9:30 a.m. The cost is $8 if you make a reservation by Nov. 9, or $10 after. They also sponsor a special winter holiday meal, the Holiday Banquet, for area seniors on Thursday, Dec. 6 at 12:30 p.m. Cost is $8 if reserved by Nov. 30; $10 if you pay after that date.
The Albany Senior Center is a multi-purpose community center operated by the Albany Parks & Recreation as a focal point for seniors, services, recreation and learning, located at 489 Water Ave. NW. The phone number is 541-917-7760. Corvallis In Corvallis, the Chintimini Senior Center offers a Thanksgiving Cooking Demo. Are you ~ Continued on page 15
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Good gifts or ‘good grief!’? BY MARTHA WELLS …received a number of items referred to as “family heirlooms” by the givers. I’m going to be honest - I don’t want or need any of it. It’s lots of silver plate, old glassware (not in especially nice condition), just clutter... I’m inclined to send it all off to Goodwill (I doubt it has any cash value), but am somewhat afraid that I’ll offend the people who gave me the items if they ever come calling. I also feel a bit ungrateful. – Unidentified blogger seeking advice
In the spirit and season of giving, what better time to look through our collection of inherited “valuables” and start giving away those special items to loved ones! Maybe, maybe not. As the quote suggests, some really don’t want these gifts, even if they care about the giver. However, some children and grandchildren discover that cherished family treasures disappeared in Mom’s last garage sale. “We think giving an heirloom as a gift is a wonderful way to continue your legacy,” said Jerri Tubbs, proprietor of Missenpieces, an online and estate sales business that she runs with daughter Shanon Azmane. Tubbs advised, “Include a story about the item, but don’t put a value with it. Let the person know it is theirs to do with as they choose.” The story behind a gift can be as important as the gift itself. Nancy Gilmore of Albany, who operates Sorting Things Out with her sister, Marcia Morse, said giving heirlooms while still alive “provides the giver and the recipient an opportunity to share memories, learn family history and strengthen family bonds.” That’s if the recipient really wants the specific gift; they may want something else that has less history but more personal meaning. “Even though current lifestyles don’t usually have a place for the valued and status items of previous generations, family treasures are still valued because of the emo-
Maria Delapoer with the family teacup collection. tional relationships involved,” Gilmore said. Some people are concerned about overwhelming their children with family accumulations. Maria Delapoer didn’t want to bury her son’s family with inherited treasures and indicated that she might break up and give away her husband’s grandmother’s teacup collection. This idea met with such strong protests that, at least for that heirloom, she had immediate resolution. Not everyone agrees on or knows the specifics of family heirlooms. Elaine Eastman decided to capture her version of the past in a bound collection of stories, photographs, recipes and quotes that she loved putting together and gave to each of her daughters last Christmas. “They loved it!” Eastman said. Now, they are looking for ~ Continued on page 14
From left to right, Elaine Eastman and her daughters Nicole Cade and Tara Terry with "the book."
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CREATORS SYNDICATE
puzzles puzzle solutions on page 15
GENERATIONS is published in part by
Senior & Disability Services A program of Cascades West Council of Governments
QUOTE CRYPTOGRAM T EV M ' J I MV H O M Q J CT M R OYV K J Z K XT N . T M Z Q AT M D QV K EV M ' J C O S D JV . - D A ST X F G D X A D Q For more information on: • Adult Foster Care • Outreach Services • Meals on Wheels • Information and Referral • Medicaid Longterm Care
• In-Home Care • OPI • Adult Protective Services • Community Resources
541-967-8630 or 1-800-638-0510 TDD/VOICE in Benton and Linn counties
541-336-2289 or 1-800-282-6194 TDD/VOICE in Lincoln County
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Tech gadgets demystified - somewhat BY SHIRLEY LOCKHART
Tips for new technology users
LBCC COMMUNITY ED PROGRAM COORIDINATOR BENTON CENTER
Are you considering taking the leap into the 21st Century world of technology? Do you have questions? Linn-Benton Community College's favorite Apple computer instructor, George Bush, has some great advice and tips for you!
1. Familiarize yourself with the range of products available 2.Take plenty of time to shop and compare prices and features 3.When buying a gift, consider the abilities and interests of the recipient 4.Find someone who has the gadget you are considering and ask them what they like and don't like 5.Take classes about it 6.Don't buy anything based on price alone 7. Visit local shops and check online…ask for and check out the feedback or comments
Computers…tablets…readers….How do you choose? Deciding depends in part on the skills and interests of the recipient. A computer does lots of things a tablet can't do. But does the recipient need all those "bells and whistles?" And is he or she capable of using them? If choosing a computer, some of the same considerations apply. Probably the biggest consideration is whether to go with a Windows PC or an Apple Mac and, of course, desktop or laptop. The case for Windows is that the computers are undeniably less expensive. The case for Macintosh is that the Mac operating system is arguably more stable and at this point in time there are still no known viruses that target it. This means Mac users, as a general rule, don't need to install anti-virus software, therefore enjoying better performance. (Antivirus programs tend to slow down a computer's operations; and are mandatory for Windows-based PCs.) Many Mac users also like what's commonly referred to as the "intuitive" feel of the Mac operating system, as well as the inter-connectedness of the Apple applications. So the matter becomes in part cost versus quality and convenience. A tablet, on the other hand --
choices to titles offered only by those companies. Overall, readers are fairly limited in their abilities when compared to computers and tablets.
LBCC Apple instructor George Bush patiently guides his students. Apple iPad, for example--offers many of the abilities available on a computer, as well as the features available on readers. The iPad lets the user surf the net, send and receive email, create documents, take, edit and store photos, store and listen to music, and perform other computer tasks. It also accommodates applications that let you download and read books and publications from both Amazon
and Barnes & Noble--with all the features of those applications virtually intact. Books and publications are also available from the iTunes store. The iPad lets you buy music videos and buy or rent movies, and watch TV. With apps such as Skype, the user can even make and receive phone calls to and from almost anywhere in the world. The screen is larger, and the price, while more than the Nook or Kindle, can be significantly less than a fullfledged computer. In short, it can offer the best of both worlds. If choosing a reader—Kindle, Nook, Kobo options are important to research. Kindle ties you to books and publications from Amazon.com. Nook ties you to books and publications from Barnes & Noble, limiting your
If you're shopping for someone who already has a tablet, reader, or computer, a good option is a gift card for Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble or the iTunes Store. These are readily available at local supermarkets, and many other retailers. Bush's final words of wisdom, "Never give out personal information, such as account numbers, social security number, user names and passwords online regardless of which system you're using. And, be careful about opening email attachments from anyone you don't know or trust. There are many people who prey on seniors! Always verify legitimacy of inquiries about your financial institution." Learn more about LBCC Fall Computer classes in Corvallis, Albany, Lebanon and Sweet Home by visiting http://sis.linnbenton.edu/courses. htm. Shirly Lockhart is a Community Ed Program coordinator at the Linn-Benton Community College Benton Center.
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Ann Flanagan loves technology and helping seniors navigate Medicare BY BETH FOX RSVP volunteer Ann Flanagan remembers thinking "a self-correcting Selectric typewriter was the coolest thing ever made and Volunteer hoped one spotlight would land on her desk at work." She has witnessed quite a few changes in technology since then. Born in Minnesota, Flanagan spent her childhood living near the Mesabi Iron Range, one of the world's largest deposits of iron ore. "Mesabi" is an Ojibwa name meaning "giant." It's a giant area of low rolling hills near the Canadian border. As the daughter of an English teacher, education was valued and Flanagan received her bachelor of science in psychology from the University of Minnesota. In 1976, Flanagan moved to Corvallis and found a full-time job at Oregon State University where she continued working toward a master's degree in business. At this time she was using the available technology - primarily a slide rule and the new Hewlett-Packard TI graphic calculator, though the calculator was not allowed for tests. Flanagan found it difficult to work and attend school, so she gave up her job to finish her degree. Shortly afterward, Hewlett-Packard called the OSU business school and expressed a need for a highlevel student in accounting. Flanagan was recommended for the position, and worked for HP until 1999. They paid for the remainder of her master of busi-
Benton County SHIBA volunteers Ann Flanagan and Becky McKenzie researching Medicare information. ness administration degree. Flanagan's interest in technology increased at HP, where she used a state-of-the-art calculator the 12C -- to crunch numbers. More than 30 years later, the 12C is still used by professionals. She used Apple and Wang systems and tried out a less successful venture on one of the first touch screen computers, the HP-150. From 1986 on, she had a computer in the home and was an early adopter of Wi-Fi and laptops. "I'm addicted to my iPad2. My home computer goes on in the morning, stays on all day, checking it regularly for updates in email, the stock market, Facebook and the Google SHIBA (Se-
nior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance) schedule," said Flanagan.
now a crusader for women to get routine mammograms, as she can personally testify to the benefit.
Additionally, Flanagan uses technology for taxes, games, her personal calendar and travel. She saved a lot of money using the Internet on a recent trip to Canada.
At least twice each month since January 2006, you can find Flanagan counseling people with Medicare questions at the Corvallis Senior Center. She has become one of the most trusted and knowledgeable persons in our region on the topic of Medicare. Flanagan and her well-trained peers in the SHIBA program welcome questions all year, yet remind everyone that the open enrollment period for Medicare starts on Oct. 15 and ends on Dec. 7.
A recent bout of cancer connected Flanagan to more technological wonders - ultrasounds, guided biopsy, nuclear imaging, CT scans, radiation, and new tests for genomic profiling to determine if chemotherapy is needed for cancer treatments. She even used a spreadsheet to track her protein and water intake to help meet the oncology radiation treatment goals. At age 59, Flanagan is
Please call the RSVP office at 541-812-0849 to make an appointment with a volunteer.
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GENERATIONS
OCTOBER ~ NOVEMBER ~ DECEMBER 2012
Nov. 14 event marks National Family Caregiver Month November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to thank, support, educate and empower family caregivers. According to Family Caregivers Alliance, 52 million individuals provide care to adults who are ill or disabled. As the population continues to age, family care-giving needs will increase and caregivers will need a range of support services to gain care-giving skills, manage financial resources and to remain healthy themselves. Caregivers in Linn and Benton counties will be honored at the fourth annual Family Caregiver Celebration from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 14, at 1400 Queen Ave. SE, Albany, in the Cascade West Senior and Disability Services conference room on the second floor. An elevator is available.
Representatives from agencies that offer support and resources for caregivers will be present to provide information and to answer questions. Gerontologist Vicki Schmall, Ph.D, will speak about caregiving and Diane Childs from the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services will speak on how to avoid fraud and scams. A panel of professionals will discuss some of the community resources available to seniors and caregivers. Everyone interested in the needs of caregivers should plan to attend. This year, the first 25 attendees will receive a gift and everyone will be entered for prize drawings. Attendees can also enjoy music and refreshments. For more information, call Deb Scobie at 541-924-8478.
Coping with cancer during the holidays BY JAN SPENCER MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, SAMARITAN CANSER RESOURCE CENTER
The holidays are filled with tradition and celebration. It's a time of reuniting with family and friends and enjoying the festivities around food, decorating and gift giving. During the holidays, it's hard to break out of traditional roles. If cancer has entered your life, either for you or a loved one, it may be necessary to redefine how you celebrate the holiday season. Hosting the family gathering, prepare an elaborate meal or decorate your home - things may have to be different this year. Family members may expect to continue roles and traditions; for you or someone in your family, this will be difficult, especially if you have finished treatment. The best way to approach the season is to first acknowledge where you and your family may find yourselves: Recognize physical limitations brought on by current or past cancer treatment. Fatigue, pain, nausea or vomiting can make performing traditional tasks much more difficult. Costs relating to treatment can place a financial burden on holiday spending. Cancer treatment can place a strain on personal relationships, which can be emphasized during the holidays. Fear of recurrence or worsening condition can cause a patient to place undue pressure on themselves to make the holidays "perfect." U n reasonable expectations can be unhealthy and cause fatigue and stress to worsen. The holidays can be stressful under the best of circumstances. Despite the joy surrounding this season, many people experience feelings of sadness, depression and loneliness. This is especially true for those living with cancer. When the side effects of cancer treatment are added to the mix,
the stress can be overwhelming. To avoid disappointing loved ones and feeling overwhelmed, it's good to set realistic expectations of what your holidays can look like. Here are some tips to get the most enjoyment out of the holidays: Prioritize and reframe your expectations. Identify and focus on holiday traditions and activities that are most important to you. Learn to say NO. Limit your involvement in activities. Think of your needs and put yourself first. Rethink your traditions. Consider ways to modify your traditions. Enlist the help of family and friends. Be a modern shopper. Try online shopping and take advantage of gift-wrapping and direct shipping options. E-cards can be sent in lieu of mailing. Manage your stress. Make it a priority to get regular exercise, eat sensibly and get enough sleep. Avoid overindulging in unhealthy holiday food and drinks, long days and late nights. Pace yourself. Seek support. It is very common to feel overwhelmed and/or depressed during the holidays, especially when living with cancer. It's important to share those feelings with loved ones or a professional. There are many resources to help you cope during this time. Consider journaling your feelings, short daily walks, time with friends, 'cat naps' and listening to relaxing music.
Learn to navigate the Kindle Fire at Albany Senior Center Learn to use the popular electronic reader in a personal setting on Oct. 27 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Albany Senior Center. Bring your Kindle Fire. Preregistration is required. For more information, visit www.cityofalbany.net/parks.
GENERATIONS
OCTOBER ~ NOVEMBER ~ DECEMBER 2012
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Volunteer opportunities Linn and Benton counties Do you enjoy working with computers and helping people? The AARP/ TaxAide program is looking for people who enjoy preparing taxes. Training is provided. If you are interested, go to this website and register. You will be contacted by a coordinator of the program after you register online. www.aarp.org/money/taxes/info2 006/volunteer_aarp_tax_aide.html SMART (Start Making A Reader Today) needs volunteers in Albany, Corvallis, Halsey, Kings Valley and Lebanon with a high need for Spanish readers at Lincoln Elementary in Corvallis. If you enjoy reading to young children, apply to be a SMART volunteer at www.getsmartoregon.org, leave a message for Christi at 541-753-0822 or email cclark@getsmartoregon. org. Get SMART! Free business counseling, get it or give it! The SCORE Association Chapter based in Salem is looking for help in order to give help. Tap into your experience in business or help your business get started or improve. Call Bob Bernhard at 541-7455816 or email at SCM170@comcast.net. Help put your community to work and have fun! VISIT, a new friendly visiting program, connects RSVP volunteers with residents of long-term care facilities. The next training will be in October. Background check required. Contact Beth Fox at RSVP, 541-812-0849 or bfox@communityservices.us. Benton Hospice Service is looking for people who can brighten the days for people facing serious illness and their caregivers. A two-day respite and companion training is scheduled Tuesday and Thursday, Nov. 6 and 8, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information, call Jamey at 541-757-9616. Samaritan Cancer Resource Center offers support services to anyone undergoing treatment for cancer. We are currently re-
cruiting for volunteers. Volunteers greet patients, assist with registration for classes/workshops, mailings and community outreach events. No experience is needed. If this sounds like something you would like to do, please call 541-812-5888 for more information. Samaritan Evergreen Hospice can use your help. If you have a desire to be of service to others, then volunteering to help terminally ill patients and their loved ones could be an exciting new opportunity for you and a great fit for us! Call our hospice volunteer coordinator at 541-812-4677 or email kmclain@samhealth.org for more . Benton County Chintimini Greeter - Help everyone feel welcome at the Chintimini Senior Center. Front Desk Volunteer - assist customers at the Senior Center. Call 541-766-6959. Newsletter Mailing Coordinator - lead the team that mails the Senior Center's newsletters. Call 541- 766-6785. Special Event Committee - help choose special events for the Senior Center. Call 541-754-1725. Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center is looking for dedicated individuals to fill current high needs service areas including: flower delivery, Good Sam's Gift Shop clerk, No One Dies Alone/Compassionate Companion, Sam's Espresso Cabana baristas, Reach Out & Read program and tour guides for first grade children following puppet shows. Contact the Volunteer Service Department at 541-768-5083 or GSRMCVolunteerServices@samhealth.org. Linn County The Albany Call-A-Ride program needs volunteer dispatchers and drivers. Dispatcher must have good computer and telephone skills. A volunteer driver must have a valid Oregon driver's license and a clean driving record. Drivers use City vehicles. Volunteers work a four-hour shift one day per week. For information, contact
Ted Frazier, 541-917-7638, or ted.frazier@cityofalbany.net. East Linn Museum needs volunteer hosts for one day a month from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hosting involves greeting visitors and supervising museum tours. Knowledge of Sweet Home area not necessary but is helpful. Also need a general handyman volunteer. Contact 541-367-4580. Volunteer Caregivers are looking for people to drive one of our cars in Albany and Lebanon as well as those who are willing to drive their own vehicles. Seniors need help with yard work and lawn mowing, helping as an individual or with a team. Call 541-928-2173 or email Volcaregivers@aol.com. Advocate for an abused child. CASA of Linn County (Court Appointed Special Advocates) needs volunteers interested in making a difference in the life of a child. Our volunteers advocate for the best interest of abused and neglected children living in foster care. Please join us for an orientation class. www.linncasa.org or call 541-926-2651. Do you love history, greeting guests or giving tours? The Linn County Historical Museum in Brownsville is continually seeking volunteers in the mu-
seum and Moyer House. For information, call 541-466-3390 or email lchm@centurytel.net. Albany Historic Carousel & Museum is looking for museum volunteers. One day a month, from noon to 4 p.m., volunteers will answer questions and show visitors around. No museum or carousel experience necessary. Come and be a part of this wonderful project! Carving and painting opportunities also available. Please contact Tyson Brown at 541-791-3340 for details. Are you looking to meet new people and help support our community at the same time? Meals-on-Wheels of Albany has volunteer openings in the kitchen and for delivering meals in Albany. The shifts are two to four hours one day a week. Please call Maureen at 541-967-7647 before 2 p.m. for more information. Positively impact thousands of lives at Sweet Home Emergency Ministries emergency food bank and Manna meal sites. We need dedicated volunteers to assist and interface with clients, do basic clerical tasks, and repackage and prepare food. Give us a call at 541-3676504 or stop in at 1115 Long Street in Sweet Home on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon.
What would you like to see in Generations? 541-924-8421 or ajohnson@ocwcog.org
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GENERATIONS
OCTOBER ~ NOVEMBER ~ DECEMBER 2012
Ensuring access to healthy foods for older adults is essential BY VERITY BISHOP Do you know a senior who is experiencing fatigue, memory loss or a weakened immune system? This senior may be experiencing hunger. Poor nutrition can affect health, quality of life and length of life. A lack of important nutrients can contribute to misdiagnoses of dementia, fatigue and depression, muscle and memory loss, weakened immune systems, dizziness, and falls leading to bone fracture and the possibility of mobility limitations. Ensuring access to healthy foods for seniors is essential. Nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein are necessary to maintain health and wellness for people of all ages, but especially seniors. As people age their calorie needs go down but their nutrient needs go up. However, with the rising cost
of housing, prescription drugs and food, it has become more difficult for seniors to afford the foods they need to stay healthy. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly known as food stamps) exists for just that purpose, ensuring access to healthy foods for all Oregonians. However, only one out of three eligible seniors receives SNAP benefits. In 2008, Partners for a Hunger Free Oregon conducted focus groups to see why participation in the SNAP program is lower for seniors than people in other age groups. The results showed that there were some common misconceptions. One of the most common reasons cited for non-use was that individuals didn't want a hand
out. Seniors pay for SNAP through their taxes; they pay for Medicare through their taxes as well, but is Medicare a hand out? It definitely is not. Furthermore, the federal funding expands according to need and they will not be taking benefits away from anyone else. Fifty-one percent of Americans will use SNAP at some time in their lives. This makes SNAP a common American experience.
Another common misconception is that SNAP is bad for the economy, but in 2010 SNAP brought over $1 billion dollars into the Oregon economy. This money goes to grocers, food production companies and growers. It helps create jobs and keeps many people at work in Oregon. The SNAP program is beneficial in many ways, and it is easy to apply.
Many older adults were also unaware that the SNAP program is income based and assets such as cars and houses are not normally considered. The income eligibility criteria is higher than most people think as well, $1,723 for one person, and $2,333 for two-person households and many medical expenses can be deducted from income, which helps many seniors qualify.
Anyone can apply for SNAP benefits online or by going to their local Department of Human Services (DHS) office. Adults 60+ can apply over the phone with their local Seniors and People with Disabilities office. Contact information for DHS or Seniors and People with Disabilities offices can be obtained by calling 211 from most phones or calling 1-800Safe-Net or 1-800-723-3638.
Good gifts or ‘good grief!’?
Checklist for disposing of valuables Keep everything clean, repaired and labeled, as needed. Include documentation Store in archive-level packing materials (acid-free paper) in dry cool area Consider tax advantages of donations and gifts
~ Continued from page 8 volume two. Baby Boomers may be surprised that some of their old things are coveted by the very young. Teenagers, according to Debbie Williams, owner and proprietor of Vintage Roost and employee of Albany Antique Mall, glean prom dresses from vintage clothing racks while 20and 30-somethings decorate their apartments and homes with furnishings from the 1960s and ‘70s. Most dealers and estate sale professionals urge folks to es-
Photograph items and digitize photos and documents (this can be done by service providers) Don’t refinish antique furniture and fixtures; keep the patina
Elaine Eastman's book. tablish the value of their belongings, especially if they plan to sell those that no one really wants. Many resources are available online or at the library and certified professionals provide assessments of higher-end items or esoteric collections for a fee. Tubbs also suggests keeping a log of the items and associated values.
Finally, you can help your family maintain a sense of fairness if you find out what people want and try to distribute items in batches that are roughly equal in value. Gilmore recommends reading “The Boomer Burden – Dealing with your Parents’ Lifetime Accumulation of Stuff” by Julie Hall, The Estate Lady.
Sell items yourself after researching value Consign items to shop or offer online Hold estate sales Sell at auction house, through antique dealer, museum, or gallery after researching values Donate to museum, charity auction or charitable organization (get receipts for tax records)
(List courtesy of Marcia Morse and Nancy Gilmore, Sorting Things Out.)
GENERATIONS
PUZZLE SOLUTIONS
OCTOBER ~ NOVEMBER ~ DECEMBER 2012
Senior centers to offer home-cooked meals for the holidays ~ Continued from page 7 getting tired of the same Thanksgiving sides every year? If so, head on in for a Thanksgiving cooking demo with Chef Bre. Bre will show you some new twists on old holiday favorites. She will be showing you how to make twice-baked sweet potatoes, a new twist on the old green bean casserole, and a delicious cranberry sauce that can be used on the turkey or for dessert. This event takes place Friday, Nov. 16, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $12 for Corvallis residents; $15 for non-residents. Christmas with Friends - the Holiday Dinner Tradition is also offered at the Chintimini Senior Center. The weather outside could be frightful but the friends you'll find inside will be delightful. The Chintimini Senior Center has a place for you on Christmas Day at the annual Holiday Dinner! Come and enjoy a full dinner sponsored by Samaritan Ad-
CRYPTOGRAM: I don't know anything about music. In my line you don't have to. - Elvis Presley
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vantage and the Corvallis Parks & Recreation Department. The Center opens at 2 p.m. and dinner is served at 3 p.m. Reservations must be made by Dec. 14. Transportation can be arranged for those who need it. Cost is $12 for residents; $16 for non-residents. Corvallis Parks & Recreation Chintimini Senior Center is located at 2601 NW Tyler Ave. in Corvallis. A Chintimini Gold Pass is required to participate, purchase a Gold Pass and support the Senior Center for $25, resident, or $31 nonresident. Gold passes are valid for one year from purchase. A day pass is $5. Residents live within the city limits of Corvallis. Pre-registration is required. Call 541-766-6959, or register online at www.corvallisoregon.gov/sc. So come on in out of the cold this holiday season and share in the festivities, meet new friends, and get a great meal. No one will be left out with all these wonderful feasts!
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OCTOBER ~ NOVEMBER ~ DECEMBER 2012
GENERATIONS
Cut a rug, shake a leg at Albany Eagles Mid-valley seniors are welcome to dance to a live band every Wednesday at the Albany Fraternal Order of Eagles, 127 Broadalbin St. SW. The dance floor is open 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The band plays a mixture of waltz, two-step, polka and swing, and also accommodates those who need to sit in a chair while dancing. Admission is $3 and dancers need not be an Eagles member of the Eagles to participate. For more information, call the Eagles office at 541-926-6622. PHOTO
BY
MARK YLEN/ALBANY DEMOCRAT-HERALD
Ted Kistner, 82, right, of Corvallis dances with Margie Rowe, 77, of Salem while Bill Low, 91, dances with his wife Charlotte, 89, at the Eagles Club in Albany.