Northwest Prime Time Fall 2021

20th Anniversary 9/11

Prime TimeFREE

A New Chapter for Margaret Larson

...by Debbie Stone

Most people in the Seattle area are familiar with Margaret Larson as the face of KING 5’s New Day Northwest, a position she held for ten years.

We grew accustomed to seeing this personable, empathetic and well-informed woman demonstrate high-caliber journalism day after day. And we relied on her to provide a topquality program, to be our conduit to all that was happening in the region.

Her curiosity and desire to connect with her interviewees and her audience made her a standout in the arena. She put others at ease with her warmth and sincerity and knew how to engage us with her stories. And because she cared about the issues and wanted to help, we did too.

Some, however, don’t know that Margaret Larson’s impressive 35-year career also included stints as a London-based foreign correspondent for NBC News and as a news anchor for the Today show, as well as a reporter for Dateline NBC and anchor at KING 5.

Over the years, this consummate professional received numerous accolades and awards for her work in the field – a whopping four Emmys, two national Clarion awards, three Telly awards and a National Society of Professional Journalists award.

It’s not often that one knows which path to follow when they’re young, but Margaret had laser focus by the time she was in high school.

“I knew I wanted to be a journalist,” she says. “As a kid, I was a ‘news nerd’ because my father was a pilot in the Air Force. And the news, particularly the international news, determined

where he was deployed...if or when he could come home. I determined I wanted to be a reporter early on.”

Margaret moved around while growing up, living on different military bases, depending on where her father was stationed. She remembers the first time the family moved to a house off base in Austin, Texas.

“It was a pivotal experience for me,” she comments, “because we were in an actual neighborhood.”

She adds, “I had this giant curiosity about how people lived.”

Margaret attended high school in Lubbock, Texas, where she was on the debate team –a pursuit you can imagine brought her much satisfaction.

“I liked talking,” she says with a laugh.

“Talking was my favorite subject in school – that and anything to do with reading and writing.”

She also participated in theatrical productions and enjoyed singing and playing the piano. Music is still very important to her today and her listening tastes are quite eclectic, ranging from rock and metal to rap and what she labels as “political hip hop.”

Margaret did well in school, but never considered herself to be an uber academic. “Education and good grades were important though,” she emphasizes. “My parents instilled that in me, along with a strong work ethic. Both my mom and dad came from modest means and experienced struggles in their lives. They knew what it was to work hard to achieve your goals.” She adds, “I think one of the most important things they taught me was to take opportunities as they present themselves. That guidance has served me well, both professionally and personally.”

The first real TV job Margaret had was while she was in college at a small station she describes

Margaret Larson, long-time national journalist, retired last year after hosting KING 5’s “New Day Northwest” for 10 years. Photo courtesy KING 5.

Margaret Larson, then the “Today” show news anchor, poses with (from left) weatherman Willard Scott, hosts Katie Couric and Bryant Gumbel, and film critic Gene Shalit in the mid-90s. Photo courtesy of NBC.

(l-r) Margaret as a little girl; Margaret with her son Kyle (who is now 28) shortly after moving to Washington; Margaret with her husband Tim and son Kyle. Photos courtesy of Margaret Larson.

LeMay— America’s Car Museum

Alfa Romeo. Born From Passion

America’s Car Museum in Tacoma is proud to present one of the most significant North American displays of historic Alfa Romeos, highlighting the timeless allure of the Italian sports car marque, from Grand Prix racers of the thirties to today’s iconic flair.

Anchored by innovative technology and compelling design, Alfa Romeo has a century-old legacy of winning hearts, imaginations, and trophies.

Brought to life by special guest Curator and Alfa Romeo expert, Fred Russell, this exhibit is displayed in the Showcase Gallery, which also offers a magnificent view of downtown Tacoma.

The experience of this one-of-akind exhibit is sure to leave you with an understanding of why Henry Ford famously exclaimed, “When I see an Alfa Romeo go by, I tip my hat”.

In addition to the exhibit, select Saturday presentations are scheduled over the next several months. Each “If Alfas Could Talk” presentation takes place from 11:30am to 12:30pm and is free with Museum admission. Bring a lunch to enjoy if you’d like. Light refreshments are provided. Or participate via Zoom from anywhere ($5 for non-member Zoom participants). Please register in advance for these presentations.

• September 25—“Alfa Romeo’s History with Formula 1 Racing” This presentation celebrates

one of the all-time greatest victories at the 1935 German Grand Prix at the famed Nürburgring, Alfa winning the first ever Formula One championship, along with cars of today.

• November 20— “Alfa Romeo S11 Speciale” Using V8 engines may be common now, but in the 30s it was big news. Alfa Romeo worked on the development of a V8 engine in the late 30’s under the code name S11.

• December 11—”Alfa Romeo Prototypes and Show Cars” Some of the most beautiful prototipo ever made were Alfa Romeos. We’ll discuss the one-off cars from 1914, the B.A.T. cars of the 1950’s and on through the decades.

• March 19, 2022 “Women Drivers” In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’ll follow the great women racers throughout history and tell their stories, including one currently on the Alfa Romeo F1 development team.

• June 11, 2022—“Alfas Into The Future” What will the Alfas look like in the near and far future? Will the cars be manual or automatic? Gas or electric? What technological aids will be available and what will Alfa Romeo look like in the racing world? ❖

LeMay – America’s Car Museum is an international destination for families and auto enthusiasts to celebrate America’s love affair with the automobile and learn how it shaped our society. The museum is located at 2702 East D Street in Tacoma. For more information, call 253-779-8490 or visit americascarmuseum.org.

In the 1950s, Jukeboxes Ruled!

...by Bobby Dee

The jukebox was one of rock and roll’s biggest promoters. We were in control of what it played; we didn’t have to sit by the radio and wait for a disc jockey to play our favorite songs – all we needed was a dime to feed the jukebox. If we had multiple dimes, we could hear the song over and over again.

Jukeboxes in one form or another (basically a device that uses an inserted coin to unlock it and play music) have been around since they used paper rolls and metal cylinders instead of records. The first 45 RPM machines were introduced in 1950 by a company called RockOla. Ironically, Rock-Ola is the only company in America that still manufactures jukeboxes.

The name “jukebox” was adapted from the term “juke joint” from the 1940s, which referred to an establishment that featured dancing, music, drinking and even gambling.

After their introduction, the all-45s jukeboxes became the standard because the records were smaller and lighter than 78s. The early 1950 jukeboxes held 50 records, which meant 100 songs, because the flip sides of the records also could be played. This allowed many B-sides of records – that might not otherwise have had airplay on the radio – to become popular.

Although the jukebox is associated with rock and roll, it touched every generation of music and every genre – country, rockabilly, R&B, and even classical, opera and swing music.

Machines like the old nickelodeon cost a nickel to play, as Teresa Brewer sang in her popular song, “Put another nickel in, in the nickelodeon. All I want is having you and music, music, music.” Other songs sang about dime jukeboxes. Many remember the quarter jukebox, which gave customers a bonus song of five for a dollar.

And how great were the Seeburg Wall-O-Matics? They were the individual table jukeboxes, also called Wallboxes, that allowed restaurant patrons to remain seated at their tables and select their songs for the jukebox to play. Essentially, Wallboxes were nothing more than remote controls. Very few restaurant patrons could resist flipping through the songs in the Wallboxes while waiting for their food. Inevitably, they would come across one of their favorites and the conversation would go something like, “Hey, honey, do you have a quarter? I just have to

play this song!”

Speaking of favorite songs, can you guess which song has the honor of being the mostplayed song of all time on a jukebox?

Elvis Presley’s Hound Dog.

By the end of the 1980s, jukeboxes were mostly gone.

For one thing, copyright royalty fees continued to escalate, and most operators reported that their annual profits were less than $50. The machines became more of a burden than an asset.

Early jukeboxes were works of art – bright and colorful, with chrome and lights. Over the years, especially when DVDs took over for 45s, jukeboxes became compact and more practical, much less decorative. The songs became more expensive to play, some costing over a dollar each. Since people were able to download their favorite tunes at home, the appeal and interest in public jukeboxes rapidly declined.

Those who have never played a tune on a big Wurlitzer jukebox with its rainbow of colored lights don’t know what they’re missing.

How many of you remember striking up a conversation with someone who was leaning over the jukebox trying to decide which song to select? Have you ever felt a sense of pride when the song you selected played on the jukebox and you noticed other patrons smiling, tapping their feet or saying, “Oh! I love that song!” How many stared into the eyes of your significant other slow dancing to a jukebox tune like the Everly Brothers’ Let It Be Me or Buddy Holly’s True Love Ways? How many of you tore up the dance floor to songs like Good Golly, Miss Molly by Little Richard, The Twist by Chubby Checker or Johnny B. Goode by Chuck Berry?

Now that just about everything is digital, I was thinking about records the other day, mostly about the demise of the 78 RPM, how the 33 LP and the 45 RPM took its place and how, ironically, 33 and 45 add up to 78.

Reports say that vinyl records are making a comeback. Maybe, just maybe, so will the old-fashioned jukebox. ❖

Bobby Dee is an internationally renowned radio personality, author and music aficionado. He currently hosts Bobby Dee’s Rock & Roll Caravan radio show. Contact him at bobbydeerocks@mail.com.

The most-played song of all time on a jukebox is Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog”

This article is sponsored by LeMay - America’s Car Museum

Photo courtesy of Jake Welk

INDEX

ARTFUL AGING

Writing & Poetry Corners 16

Library Corner 19

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Ignite Aging Symposium 3 WA Cares 6

Fall Prevention Awareness 7 Medicare Open Enrollment 7 Medical Minutes 8

Senior Fitness Tip 9

Medications Can Suppress Immunity 9

HUMOR & PUZZLES

The Funny Side of Life 14

The Adventures of Rose & Dawn 14 Puzzles and Comics 15

LIFE PERSPECTIVES

In the 1950s, Jukeboxes Ruled! 2 Grandparents’ Month 4 20th Anniversary 9/11 10 An Eye on Gratitude 16 Scenes from Childhood 16

MONEY MATTERS

Personal Budgeting in a Changed World 6

OUT & ABOUT

America’s Car Museum: Alfa Romeo 2 Where in the Northwest 3 Picturesque Wallace Falls 13

RETIREMENT LIFESTYLES

Margaret Larson 1

What’s Life Like in Retirement Communities These Days? 11

F.Y.I.

Ignite Aging Symposium

Win $25

Where in the Northwest?

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Northwest Prime Time, published six times per year, is for vital men and women over 50 who are curious, passionate, and engaged with the world they live in; who know that these years are the prime time of their lives.

How can hospital care impact health equity? How can technology support caregivers or help people with cognitive impairment to access therapy? What unique perspectives do Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have on dementia?

The 2021 Ignite Aging symposium will dive into these questions and more. Ignite Aging is hosted annually by the de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging. It features a sampler of short research talks from UW School of Nursing alumni, students and faculty. Each presentation is followed by a question-and-answer session. This year’s research topics span a diverse set of healthy aging and health equity topics.

The 2021 event will be held on Friday, October 1st, starting at noon. It’s free and open to the public, and all are welcome to attend. Based on current public health recommendations, the event will be held either online or in person at the UW Center for Urban Horticulture. A recording will be available after the event for anyone unable to attend.

Past attendees of both virtual and in-person Ignite Aging Symposiums highly praised the event. Audience members at the 2020 symposium shared, “Congratulations on an excellent Ignite Aging Zoom event! I especially appreciated the live captions, even the songs!” and, “The Ignite Aging symposium was a great way to learn about current research being done in the field of aging, and time well spent!”

In the tradition of past Ignite Aging events, breaks between presentations will feature live music by musicians affiliated with the UW School of Nursing.

“The symposium is an innovative combination of scholarship and entertainment,” said the director of the de Tornyay Center, Basia Belza. “You will have the opportunity to hear cutting edge research, move to live music played by students, staff and faculty, participate in a lively dialogue and meet engaging community members. Please join us!”

Anyone interested in attending can visit agingcenter.org/events for details, where updates on the format will be shared. A recording of the event will be posted to the center website at agingcenter.org in October. You can reach the de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging at 206-616-4276 or agingctr@ uw.edu with any questions.

Photos are taken from or adjacent to Washington State highways in our readership area: King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties—or they may be a notable landmark. Mail your answer to Northwest Prime Time, PO Box 13647, Seattle WA 98198 or email editor@northwestprimetime.com. Answers should include enough of a description so that it is clear you know the spot.

The winner will be drawn at random from the correct answers submitted by the deadline (October 1). If no correct answer is received, the $25 prize will transfer to the following contest. Submissions for the current contest must be postmarked October 1st or received via email by the same date: editor@northwestprimetime.com.

Congratulations to Art of Des Moines, winner of Northwest Prime Time’s Summer Edition photo contest. The winning entry was drawn at random from the list of correct answers. Last edition’s photo was of the Dining Hall, now one of several event rental venues in Des Moines Beach Park. The buildings, once part of Covenant Beach Bible Camp, have been recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

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Be sure to pick up your FREE copy of Northwest Prime Time six times per year at any of our 1,000 local distribution sites. Call (206) 824-8600 or email editor@northwestprimetime.com for the location of a site near you or to place an advertisement.

Let AAA Washington inspire your future vacation plans with a Fall Virtual Travel show focused on “Exploring the Seven Continents.” From October 5 through 22, adventure-seekers can attend 30 presentations featuring a variety of trips to Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America – all from the comfort of your own home. In what has become an everchanging mode of travel, the show kicks off with a presentation called “What’s happening in the world of cruising” with Lisa Anciaux, AAA Washington’s director of travel products.

“The way we travel now is so different – new requirements, new protocols, new recommendations are constantly appearing,” Anciaux said. “Come learn about what you need to

know before you travel. Our Virtual shows provide a great opportunity to learn and get excited about destinations near and far. It’s a time to start planning that 2022 and beyond travel experience on your bucket list.”

In addition to AAA Washington’s own experts, speakers from nearly two dozen of its preferred cruise and vacation partners will showcase travels to exotic locales. Topics will include hiking the rugged glaciers that define Alaska, navigating more than 1,000 miles of the Amazon River and an immersive introduction to Africa’s iconic wildlife.

Go to AAA.com/events to register for any or all these sessions and find additional details on all virtual travel talks.

A second photo contest will be presented online each month. Our first online-only "puzzler" will be posted on our website for readers who sign up for our email subscription service. To learn more, email editor@ northwestprimetime.com, with “Where in Washington” in the subject line. You could have the chance to win $100 if you participate in our online-only photo contest!

...by Paige Bartlett, UW School of Nursing de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging

Explore the Seven Continents in October with AAA Washington

The annual event presents research on healthy aging, and live music

...by Gretchen Houser

I often wonder what some grandmother in the future will be writing about her experiences. Regardless, childhood will keep rolling along, each one unique and precious as life itself.

As for me, I’ve kept memories alive by re-reading my journals. In this way, I can recall the sweetness of special moments: Observing sevenyear-old grandson John head out for soccer practice. “Got my soccer shoes,” he says in a low voice, “got my shin guards,” his voice lower still, “got my soccer shirt,” he growls, and off he goes.

And the day my five-year-old granddaughter Lina asks me this strange question: “Can you rub the armpit of my leg?”

“What?” I respond, dumbfounded. “The armpit of your leg?”

“Here,” she said, pointing to an obvious place behind her kneecap.

“Ah, makes sense to me,” I said. And it actually did.

That morning, she had declared it Opposite Day and told her father not to let her read her favorite book and most especially, allow her to play outside.

She then proceeds to tell me about their runaway chicken, Speckles. “Come back, Speckles,” she calls from the window, cupping her hand to her mouth, creating a sort of chicken megaphone.

“Why’d she run away, Gam?” she asks sadly.

I don’t know what to say except something my mother once said to my toddling-around baby brother: “I’m afraid, sir, that you have a bad case of discombobulation.”

“Maybe the chicken just got

but I could tell she was considering it. “Nah, Speckles wouldn’t do stuff like that.”

Later, during our afternoon walk she found a small altar some child had made in a front yard. Pretty shaped stones, tiny seashells, a pintsized carved umbrella, a miniature gnome, all nestled in the bottom of a broken clay pot.

“Hold the shell to your ear,” she says. “Sometimes you can hear the sea and sometimes sea fairies.”

Dutifully, I put the shell to my ear, listening hard. “I hear it,” I said, “I hear the sea. I’m not sure about the sea fairies.” Then I press the shell to her ear.

“Listen,” I ask, “What do you hear?”

She cocks her head, eyes wide. “Gammie, I think I hear a boat, a little boat.”

Ah yes, that reminds me. Traveling is in her future, though not by boat. Her family, all five of them, would be flying to Vienna, Austria to visit the other grandmother. Gone for (gulp) two whole weeks.

I steer us toward home, where once inside, she disappears. Later, I bend to give Lina a kiss goodbye, but she’s immersed in artwork at the kitchen counter. After a few seconds, she looks up, “Wait,” she pleads. “I’m drawing a picture of my family so you

Nana Zine

...by Elisa Peterson

I am a zine maker. A zine (pronounced ZEEN -- think “magaZINE”) is a small, selfpublished publication. Zines come in many sizes, but my favorite is a mini zine made by folding a standard piece of copy paper into eight little panels, including cover and back.

People who make zines are called “zinesters,” and are motivated by a desire for self-expression, not for profit. At age 78, I’m a “prime time” zinester.

A few years ago, I went to a Zine Fest in Olympia and fell in love with the brave culture of the zinesters and their willingness to write their unabashed truths. I noticed, though, that they were mostly very young, and I felt that, at my [then] age of 75, I would not fit in. What could I say that would interest them? From that dilemma the Ask Your Grandma idea was born.

My youngest granddaughter loves to hear me tell stories of my most embarrassing moments, my saddest moments, my proudest moments...so I decided to condense a few stories and put them into illustrated zines.

I hope the zines will encourage young people to ask their oldsters some questions and wait to be surprised at the answers.

My Ask Your Grandma Zines ask:

1. When you were a little girl were you nice or naughty?

2. How was your first kiss?

3. Did you wear a bikini?

4. What was the most thrilling, forbidden thing you did as a preteen?

5. Did you ever smoke cigarettes?

I enjoy the challenge of searching for the truest story of my life that I can call forth, so my

girls will know that I struggled and at times failed, persevered and sometimes flew. And that humor helps.

I am currently working on an enlarged iteration of a zine collection from the Ask Your Grandma series. On November 21, I will be displaying six enlarged graphic zine panels at Red Elm Cafe in Tacoma. As part of the show, free zines will be available for the public. The show will run through Christmas. Red Elm Café is located at 1114 M.L.K. Jr. Way in Tacoma. For information, call 253-327-1791 or visit redelmcafe. com. ❖

Elisa Peterson is a designer, graphic and mixed media artist who also owns a vintage shop (orangedoorcottage.etsy. com). In addition to zines, she writes memoir essays and has been guest reader at Creative Colloquy, Tacoma’s literary group.

What could be in your zine?

1. Your Aunt Betty’s Secret Barbecue Sauce

2. A poem about your grandchild.

3. A political rant 4. A life-lesson

5. Pictures without words 6. Words without pictures

7. A story you want to pass on

The author’s grandchildren

Money Matters

Personal Budgeting in a Changed World

...by Karen Telleen-Lawton

How do we prepare our finances in a pandemic world?

* Income. Many boomers retired early in the pandemic. Other would-be workers are still strained by childcare issues—I have several friends who stepped out of the work force to care for grandchildren so their kids could return to work. For those who decide they need to look for work, today’s job market might be a job seeker’s dream. But it still might be a slog for seniors looking for work.

* Review your financial goals. Sit with yourself or your partner to think about your goals and values. Assess whether your spending aligns with these.

* Edit your budget. Both your income and your expenses may have changed substantially since early 2020. You may need to determine a new normal in several areas.

* Medical expenses. The pandemic has further strained our healthcare system. Whether through private health insurance or Medicare, we will likely be paying for years to come in higher premiums, deductibles and co-pays, as well as taxes. Take care of your health and your pocketbook by getting vaccinated and purchasing the most comprehensive medical insurance you can afford.

* Spending. After projecting out your income and spending, you may need to slim down your spending habits. Adjust what you choose to place in your shopping cart. Spend creatively: say, cooking together versus a night on the town. Choose a gift of time instead of money. Make the hard choices, and then build in a little flexibility. Whether your finances can handle an occasional weekend “off the budget” or a celebratory dinner per

month, we all need a bit of room for fun.

* Travel expenses. If you had a travel budget, you likely saved money in this line item during the last year and a half.

Nevertheless, prepare for higher prices when you start traveling again.

* Payment options. Adjust how you pay for things. Make choices that allow you to better connect your spending with your income. Auto-pay systems are outrageously easy to use. You may not even notice you’re spending, which is not a good thing. Studies have shown that using cash actually reduces the amount of money someone will spend on an expense because of its more tangible nature.

* Emergency fund. Finally, rebuild your savings with a solid emergency fund. The personal savings rate, which measures the percentage of our disposable income we save, was consistently higher during the pandemic, reaching 33.7% in April 2020 and 27.7% in March 2021. Translate your savings into an emergency cushion. Then push the rest to your retirement account. Keep your emergency fund intact when you retire. “If you own a home, a car or a body,” writes financial columnist Liz Weston, “you’re likely to experience [emergencies] in retirement, since all three tend to need repairs as they age.”

It’s true that the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. But the next best time – whether it’s planting a tree or getting serious about saving – is now! ❖

Karen Telleen-Lawton helps seniors help themselves by providing bias-free financial advice. You can reach her with your questions or comments at ktl@ DecisivePath.com.

WA Cares

New Fund Meets Future Needs

...by Cathy MacCaul, AARP Washington Advocacy Director

Many of us don’t think about or plan for long-term care until a crisis strikes or urgency forces our hand.

Thankfully, a new benefit to help Washington families pay for care during a long-term illness, injury or disability is on the horizon.

Seventy percent of Washingtonians 65 and older will require some assistance to live independently as they age. Yet only 9% of people in Washington can afford private insurance. Our long-term care system needs continual improvement and affordability remains a significant issue.

Underwriting requirements for private long-term care insurance often penalize people with pre-existing conditions or disabilities who may have to pay more or may not be able to get insurance at all.

Some mistakenly believe that Medicare will help pay for costs. However, Medicare does not cover extended long-term care, which means most people must spend down their life savings. Once people are impoverished, Medicaid pays for longterm supports and services.

To help tackle this problem, as well as the risk of overwhelming the State’s Medicaid program, Washington passed legislation to create a first-inthe-nation public program in 2019 called WA Cares. The new program provides flexible and meaningful benefits ensuring families can choose the care setting and services that best meet their needs.

Beginning January 2022, Washington workers will contribute 58 cents per $100 of earnings from each paycheck, like contributions for Social Security. For a worker in Washington with a median salary of $107,023, the annual premium is $620.73. Employees only pay into the

Fund during their working years and will not have to worry about losing coverage if they change employers, lose their job or retire.

Beginning January 2025, each person eligible to receive the benefit can access services and supports costing up to $36,500, adjusted with inflation, to help live independently, including help with personal care, medical assistance, transportation and meals. More importantly, the benefit can be used to pay family caregivers.

For some families, the WA Cares benefit may be all the help they need. The Fund can offer them the time and resources to figure out a long-term plan for those who need extended care. It provides predictable coverage, regardless of pre-existing conditions, offering consumers a way to pay for long-term services while easing the anxiety families may face in providing or receiving ongoing care.

Here’s what workers need to know about what comes next:

• The new payroll deduction begins Jan. 1, 2022.

• No action is required for employees to be enrolled.

• Self-employed people have until Jan. 1, 2025, to opt-in or within three years of becoming self-employed.

The program does have an “optout” provision. If you own a qualifying private insurance policy before Nov. 1, you can inform your employer and provide evidence that you are eligible to opt-out of the new premium. However, if you opt-out of the benefit, you cannot opt back in. Current retirees do not pay premiums into the Fund and are not eligible to receive benefits.

The vast majority of older adults would like to live with independence in their homes and communities with the care they want and need for as long as possible. Crafting a viable and robust program like the WA Cares Fund to help Washingtonians better prepare for their long-term care needs is critically important for our families and our state.

Learn more about the Fund at www.wacaresfund.wa.gov/. ❖

Cathy MacCaul

Fall Prevention Awareness Month

Television Program Premieres on September 22

...by Matthew M. Santelli, Pierce County ADRC

September is Fall Prevention Awareness Month!

In recognition of this month of activities and reminders to avoid the dangers of falling, the Pierce County Fall Prevention Coalition and Pierce County Human Services have produced a local television program. Retired news anchor Dennis Bounds serves as the host for the program, and professional experts are interviewed to provide a wide variety of information educating seniors on how to avoid dangerous falls.

This program will air on Pierce County TV as part of the popular “Aging Wisely” series, which has been widely recognized for the quality of its focus on issues important to the senior population of the area.

Falls are a major issue of concern to seniors since falling poses a threat to the health, safety and independence of people 60 and older. Each year in the United States, nearly one-third of older adults experience a fall. About one out of ten falls among older adults results in serious injury, such as a hip fracture or head injury that requires hospitalization. In addition to the physical and emotional pain caused by falling, many people need at least a year to recover, often requiring a stay in a long-term care facility. Some may never return to their homes at all due to the severity of injuries sustained during a fall.

The Fall Prevention television program will look at strategies to reduce the risk of falling and avoid getting hurt. One strategy is to maintain physical fitness for older adults, emphasizing movement and exercises that improve core strength, stamina and balance. Featured in the program will be the exercise activity known as ‘Stay Active and Independent for Life’ (SAIL), which is frequently offered at local senior centers. Be sure to first consult with your doctor before embarking on a new exercise program and to review with your doctor your current medications to improve your balance and stability.

The television program also features emergency first responders, including local firefighters, and home safety experts who will review things that viewers can do to prevent a fall in their homes. In addition, the program follows a home remodeling contractor as he visits a home to recommend easy fixes that will improve safety. Emergency medical experts review the most common injuries from dangerous falls, and how those injuries impact one’s ability to live independently.

Starting on Wednesday, September 22, the thirty-minute Fall Prevention Awareness television program will begin airing on local channels including Pierce County TV as part of the “Aging Wisely” series, which airs on Pierce County TV on Tuesdays at 8am and Wednesdays at 7pm. The program will also be featured on the Pierce County TV You Tube channel. Pierce County TV can be found on Comcast channel 20, Click channel 22/522 and Rainier Connect channel 20/513.

The Pierce County Council will issue a proclamation recognizing Fall Prevention Awareness month and the importance of the television program during their Council Session. The proclamation will be read on Sept 21 at 3pm, and if anyone wants to watch the reading, they can find ways to participate on the Council meeting page at https://www.piercecountywa. gov/4516/Council-Meetings.

More information will also be available starting September 22 on the Pierce County ADRC website at www.pierceadrc.org. On the website calendar, simply click on September 22 and more detailed information will be available to you. ❖

More Information

* Falls Free Pierce County to reduce falls at home, at work and in the community through public education, advocacy, networking and resource education. The group is a coalition of diverse professionals with backgrounds in health and fitness, along with providers of senior related services within the community. Visit fallsfreepiercecounty.org for more information.

* National Council on Aging offers excellent fall prevention resources: www.ncoa.org/olderadults/health/prevention/fallsprevention

Medicare Open Enrollment

SHIBA is here to help!

...by Donna Wells, SHIBA & Consumer Advocacy

It’s hard to believe that Medicare Open Enrollment is just around the corner. It occurs each year from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. During this time, people on Medicare:

• Can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan – and vice versa

• With Original Medicare can join, drop or switch a Part D prescription drug plan

• With a Medicare Advantage plan can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan.

Your new coverage will start Jan. 1, 2022.

And the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) program is ready to help you with all of these decisions!

SHIBA provides free, unbiased and confidential help with Medicare and other health care options to people of all ages and backgrounds across our state. We train and certify our volunteer advisors, who are available for one-on-one, in-person and phone counseling.

Our volunteer advisors can help you compare prescription drug plans, Original Medicare vs Medicare Advantage plans, and other information to help you make an informed decision about what Medicare plans work best for your personal situation. If you qualify, our SHIBA advisors can also help you apply for any programs that’ll save you money on Medicare costs. Medicare is not a one-size fits all program. Each person’s needs, situation and benefits are different – and that includes spouses who may have their own unique Medicare plan.

Before you make your decision, consider the following tips:

• Review all letters and notices from your current plan as plan costs and coverage can change every year.

• Make a list of all current prescription drugs you take, the doses and how often. Then, use the Plan Finder at www. medicare.gov to compare Part D plans.

• Review the 2022 Medicare & You handbook. You should receive it by mid-October.

• Attend a SHIBA webinar (check out our online events calendar at www.insurance.wa.gov/shiba) or make an appointment for one-onone in-person or over-the-phone counseling with a SHIBA advisor.

For help with your Medicare questions before you sign up , call our:

• Insurance Consumer Hotline at 1-800-562-6900 and ask to speak with a SHIBA volunteer in your local county: King, Pierce or Snohomish.

• Contact your local SHIBA community partner directly:

o Call the State Hotline for King and Pierce County SHIBA volunteers: 1-800-562-6900

o Snohomish County: Edmonds Waterfront Center 425-290-1276

NOTE: Due to COVID-19, be sure to check with your local SHIBA to find out if they are seeing clients in person or over the phone.

You can also check out SHIBA at www.insurance.wa.gov/shiba or its Medicare webpages at www. insurance.wa.gov/medicare. ❖

Retired news anchor Dennis Bounds hosts a new television program educating seniors on how to avoid dangerous falls. Photo courtesy KING 5

Medical Minutes

...by

John Schieszer

Boosting Brain Power with Small Dietary Changes

are exciting because they show that making simple changes to your diet could help prevent cognitive decline.”

and dogs can detect these changes. Researchers have shown that children infected with the virus also show breath metabolite changes, but they’re largely different from the ones in adults.

John Schieszer

Individuals who eat a diet that includes at least half a serving per day of foods high in flavonoids like strawberries, oranges, peppers and apples may have a 20% lower risk of cognitive decline, according to a study published in the journal Neurology. The researchers looked at several types of flavonoids and found that flavones and anthocyanins may have the most protective effect.

Flavonoids are naturally occurring compounds found in plants and are considered powerful antioxidants. It is thought that having too few antioxidants may play a role in cognitive decline as you age. “There is mounting evidence suggesting flavonoids are powerhouses when it comes to preventing your thinking skills from declining as you get older,” said study author Dr. Walter Willett, who is with Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts. “Our results

The study looked at 49,493 women with an average age of 48 and 27,842 men with an average age of 51 at the start of the study. Researchers also looked at individual flavonoids and other factors. Flavones, found in some spices and yellow or orange fruits and vegetables, had the strongest protective qualities, and were associated with a 38% reduction in risk of cognitive decline, which is the equivalent of being three to four years younger in age.

Peppers have about 5 mg of flavones per 100 gram serving. Anthocyanins, found in blueberries, blackberries and cherries, were associated with a 24% reduced risk of cognitive decline. Blueberries have about 164 mg of anthocyanins per 100 gram serving. The authors say to think about color and picking the darkest berries and fruits for the biggest nutritional punch.

Giving Grandkids a Breath Test Before They Visit

Adults infected with the COVID-19 virus exhale different metabolites in their breath than uninfected people, diagnostic devices

These new findings are very promising and suggest that kids as well as adults may be able to avoid exposure to COVID-19 with a simple breathe test. Currently, COVID-19 is diagnosed through the detection of specific viral nucleic acids or antigens, but these techniques are slow, relatively expensive, sometimes uncomfortable and prone to falsenegative results.

Scientists have observed that dogs can detect volatile organic compounds in human biological samples and distinguish certain diseases, including COVID-19. Researchers have also developed a sensor array to detect COVID-19related VOCs in the exhaled breath of adults. It is hoped these advances can help to slow the spread of the disease.

Dance Your Way to a Better You

It turns out just dancing in your living room for 20 to 30 minutes a day may pack big hidden health benefits, both physically and mentally. A new study published in Menopause, the journal of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS), suggests that dancing may effectively lower cholesterol levels, improve fitness and body composition. The study also showed that dancing improves self-esteem.

“We know exercise is good for you in many ways, including helping avoid weight gain, lowering glucose and lipids and improving mood. This study shows that dance, which may be more enjoyable and may create a sense of community when done in a class setting, also provides these benefits,” said Dr. Stephanie Faubion, who is the medical director of NAMS.

Additionally, confirmed benefits of regular dancing include improvements in balance, posture, and strength. All of these benefits may contribute to maintaining an independent, high-quality lifestyle throughout life.

Dr. Faubion said the study highlights the feasibility of a simple

intervention, such as a dance class three times weekly, for improving not only fitness and metabolic profile, but also self-image and self-esteem. “Dance has always been a great form of exercise but thinking of it as a viable option for more sedentary people is a key finding. Taking a dance class may be a less intimidating and more fun way to start an exercise program than going to a gym, signing up for a 5K run or working out with a personal trainer,” added Dr. Faubion.

The other great thing about dancing is that you can just put on your favorite dance songs and do it in your living room. Dancing allows you to switch things up with different types of music, so your routine can become varied in a much more enjoyable way (ABBA Mondays, ELVIS Thursdays and BEATLES Fridays). It is also something you can do in-person with a friend or via Zoom.

Wearable Devices Helping Visually Impaired

People who have visual impairments are at a significantly higher risk for collisions and falls. Commonly used mobility aids like long canes and guide dogs can offer benefits, but come with limitations. While some electronic devices are marketed directly to consumers and claim to warn wearers of surrounding objects, there has been little evidence of their effectiveness in actual daily mobility settings.

Now one of the first randomizedcontrolled trials looks at the potential benefit of this type of device.

“Independent travel is an essential part of daily life for many people who are visually impaired, but they face a greater risk of bumping into obstacles when they walk on their own,” said Gang Luo, who is an associate professor of ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.

Guide dogs are highly effective, but hard to come by and costprohibitive for many. A chestmounted, collision-warning device could provide an option and be commercially available in the nottoo-distant future. ❖

John Schieszer is an award-winning national journalist and radio and podcast broadcaster of The Medical Minute. He can be reached at medicalminutes@gmail.com.

Senior Fitness Tip

Posture and Balance

...by Mark Bryant

Here’s something many seniors don’t think about: posture. Believe it or not, posture can make or break you. Here’s what I mean.

If you have bad posture (either when seated or standing), it can create many physical problems including aches and pains. Proper body alignment and good posture can help reduce these issues.

Some Medications Suppress the Immune System

...by Suzy Cohen

The worldwide pandemic has caused enormous public health problems and substantial mortality, so it is important that vulnerable groups of people know the information that I’m sharing today.

Bryant

If you find yourself leaning forward while walking, instead try to maintain an upright position while walking. You will immediately improve not only your posture but also your balance.

Try not to drag or shuffle your feet while walking.

Your head is weight, so don’t look down while walking. Instead, try looking forward. This improvement in your posture will also help with balance.

You can gain strength even from a seated position. When sitting in a chair, sit upright. If you’re not used to it, it will be difficult in the beginning. With practice, it will get easier. Try not to use the back rest of the chair – sit upright using your abs and lower back muscles. It’s surprisingly challenging so don’t get discouraged and take breaks when needed.

The final piece of guidance about improving your posture from a seated position: tap both your feet up and down on the floor. This simple exercise will strengthen the muscles of the lower part of the leg and improve your balance. ❖

Mark Bryant knows the science behind his fitness tips but works to keep it simple in his columns. His latest certification is from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) so he is now a NASM Certified Professional (SFS) as well as a Certified Senior Fitness Instructor. And on August 21, he won his 10th World Championship AAU Powerlifting competition. Mark, who will be 63 in October, said, at his age and “with a total left hip replacement, I’m still able to compete and do my best while at the same time inspiring others” Congratulations to Mark!

One of my passions is the phenomena of drug nutrient depletion. This describes how some medications rob the body of essential nutrients via their mechanism of action. It’s something I call the “drug mugger” effect, and I have a book by the same name. The classic example that everyone understands is with antibiotics. Antibiotics will rob the body of essential microflora in the intestines because they cannot discriminate between good “bugs” and bad ones. Another classic example is with oral contraceptives which mug you of various B vitamins and minerals, leading to a higher risk of hypothyroidism.

Today’s article is to explain the relationship between certain prescribed medications and complications that arise from the depletion of essential nutrients. That said, you should never discontinue a medication simply because it is suppressing a particular nutrient. Instead, you should add the nutrients to your diet that are being mugged. This allows you to remain on your medication while mitigating the side effects that would have occurred if you didn’t restore the nutrients being stolen.

You may not realize this, but two categories of medication can suppress zinc in the human body. Those include the antihypertensives which lower blood pressure, and the acidreducing medications for heartburn. These and other medications can negatively influence the status of zinc in your body, which participates in hundreds of important metabolic reactions.

Zinc deficiencies suppress your ability to do good “cellular housekeeping” because you can’t effectively make glutathione anymore in your liver. When zinc levels decline, it also impairs one’s immunity and lowers your resistance to pathogens. Zinc also allows you to hear well and have lovely skin.

Foods that are rich in zinc include nuts/ seeds, whole grains, beef, dairy, oysters and other seafood.

Mark

On September 11, 2001, I Became an Archivist

...by Michael Ragsdale

I used to do event videos in New York City. It was an amazing experience. My role as an archivist started at my second C-SPAN assignment in 1997. On President’s Day, a coworker and I had the task of covering actor Barry Bostwick reading letters written by George Washington. Bostwick was chosen because he had played the president on television. After the program was over, I obtained Bostwick’s autograph on an official event program. It had been so easy, I immediately decided to document my entire video career in the same manner—by collecting event ephemera and obtaining the autographs of the participants.

I followed that acquisition with: AIDS activist Mary Fisher at an Occupation Therapy Convocation and Awards ceremony: Israel statesman Abba Eban when he spoke about his book, For the Next Century at the Carnegie Council; activist and comedian Dick Gregory when he appeared at a Hospital Union luncheon; and William F. Buckley at a talk about his book, Nearer My God at the Women’s National Republican Club. Ending the collecting effort in 2013, the archive consists of over 2000 event materials and hundreds of autographs.

But on September 11, 2001, I decided to document the historic event in a way no one else would. How? In two different ways. I got the idea for the collecting effort after picking up a discarded ATM receipt on the evening of 9/11.There were dozens on the floor below two ATM machines in a hallway at Columbia University Medical Center. It read, ‘TRANSACTION DENIED’ and ‘9/11/01’ and I immediately said to myself, “This little piece of paper is history.” I then noticed one of many fliers that someone had taped on the wall calling for blood, batteries and other supplies, and got the idea to gather paper ephemera that would show how the city reacted to the terrorist attacks. That archive

encompasses 4,000 pieces of paper ephemera.

Then, after I exhibited my collection in Connecticut, Queens and Manhattan, I gave talks about it and received a lot of attention from the news media. The content developers of the future 9/11 Museum saw my collection and acquired it.

I also chose to video document 9/11-related events.

Some of my first video assignments after 9/11 placed me at the United Nations covering foreign dignitaries at the 2001 General Assembly meeting addressing international terrorism, at the National Foreign Trade Council’s 2001 World Trade dinner at the Plaza Hotel featuring remarks from Treasury Secretary Paul O’Neill, and when Vice President Dick Cheney first appeared in public after 9/11 at the Fifty-sixth Annual Alfred E. Smith Dinner. On my own I visited the city’s first post-9/11 Town Hall meeting at the Great Hall at Cooper Union, a candlelight vigil in Maspeth, Queens for 19 firefighters who died on 9/11, and an interfaith prayer service and protest march to Times Square the day the U.S. invaded Afghanistan. Later I videotaped WTC burn victims when they were released from NewYork Presbyterian Hospital/Cornell, and the West Point Military Academy’s 2002 graduation where President Bush spoke about a preemptive strike for the first time in public. I ended up collecting 1000 event materials at 200 events. The collection became New York City 9/11 aftermath history and—as serious as the topic is—it was loads of fun to collect. ❖

Now retired at age 67, Michael Ragsdale lives in Seattle at Northaven Senior Living. He used to reside in New York City where he was, among other things, C-SPAN’s first video journalist. He is currently writing a book about his eventvideo career, which includes 9/11-related events and the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. His book will be a collection of stories including his experiences in sharing his historic 9/11-related archives with New York City, the U.S. and the world.

Recollections of a New York City Police Officer

...by

Suzanne G. Beyer

Officer Eugene Messmer of the New York Police Department (NYPD) remembers September 11, 2001 vividly. As it was Primary Election Day, he was assigned to work at the polling place in an uptown Manhattan school.

Messmer recalls, “I initially heard radio traffic on my portable radio and I knew something very serious had happened.”

One World Trade Center, or The Freedom Tower, now reigns over the site of the former World Trade Center buildings. Construction began in 2006, completed in 2015.

Radio traffic that day stated the police department was mobilizing police resources to respond to the World Trade Center.

“Generally, a city mobilization is from 1 to 4. Level 4 is the highest. A level 4 is what I heard on the radio.”

Messmer remembers telling people at the election site to prepare to close because the Primary Election was going to be suspended. He was told to return to his original command center, the 18th Precinct in Midtown North located at 54th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues.

“I was reassigned to stay in my

The Wrought Iron Fence: Another layer of history. It was September 2002 and my 40th class reunion from Curtis High School, Staten Island. Five of us classmates boarded the Staten Island ferry to pay respects at Ground Zero, before the evening reunion festivities began.

My hands sweat as I held my breath in anticipation of witnessing the horror of what I’d seen on TV a year prior. A chain link fence separated us from the mammoth construction site that lay in front. I tried to visualize the World Trade Center that heart-wrenching 9/11 day, where almost 3000 innocent people were killed. My heart and head just couldn’t accept or comprehend such devastation. My emotions were at a loss, frozen.

Teary-eyed Suzanne and her classmates reunite in New York City for their 40th high school reunion September 2002, but first pay tribute at the wrought iron fence surrounding St. Paul's Chapel. Mementos from around world (seen behind the group) honor those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

I looked behind me to the south side of Ground Zero to see a building-size poster that read, “The human spirit is not measured by the size of the act, but by the size of the heart.”

The poster’s message echoed in my head as we crossed the street to nearby St. Paul’s Chapel. Although it had been a year since the terrorist attacks, St. Paul’s wrought iron fence had completely disappeared behind the make-shift memorial of world-wide tributes showing honor, love and respect for those souls lost.

This miracle 1774 chapel, the oldest church building in New York City that survived a massive city fire in 1776, remained intact, untouched by the horrific events of September 11th. “The little chapel that stood,” served as a safe refuge for first responders and volunteers working on “the pile” at Ground Zero. Food, water, pews to sleep on, spiritual guidance – even foot massages in the booth where George Washington prayed – helped ease their mental, emotional and physical stress. St. Paul’s provided help and support for many months following and became a memorial inside, as well as on the wrought iron fence outside. For hundreds of visitors wishing to pay their respects, St. Paul’s offered a safe place to grieve, including our teary-eyed group of high school friends.

Two pools now sit in the footprints of the World Trade Center buildings. Names of the fallen are engraved in stone surrounding each pool. A white rose is placed on the names, signifying a birthday.

Historic St. Paul’s Chapel, surrounded by its wrought iron fence, now housed another layer of history to never be forgotten.

Seattleite Michael Ragsdale started an archive on 9/11/01 while working as a video journalist with C-SPAN

Suzanne Beyer of Bothell wrote a very touching companion piece to her article about Officer Messmer. It is about her visit to Ground Zero one year after 9/11. Read an excerpt below:

Michael Ragsdale

Retirement & Assisted Living Communities

What’s Life Like in Retirement Communities These Days?

Senior Living News covers trends and changes within retirement and senior living communities across the country. Recent articles describe how the pandemic has affected the senior housing industry— basically, upending it as it has with everything and everyone else. However, reports also show some very positive findings.

Even as the pandemic continues to impact our country, those living in retirement communities are returning to a sense of normalcy. Early on, retirement communities became leaders in enforcing strict safety protocols to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 within their buildings. Add to that, with more than 90% of Americans over age 65 fully or

partially vaccinated, seniors at retirement communities are seeing a safe return to prepandemic lifestyles.

Residents are once again looking forward to events, social gatherings and outings. “If you focus on fun, the people with come,” says one industry leader.

Some seniors are ready for a move into senior housing but have been delaying their decision because of the pandemic. But now may be a great time to take advantage of the renewed sense of community and a full calendar of social activities and events.

With this in mind, on page 12 you can read about what life is like at some of our local retirement communities.

continued on page 12

5 Financial Planning Tips for Moving into a Senior Living Community

...by Lynn Creasy

We are always aging and let’s take a moment to celebrate that our lives often get better with that aging process!

As you get ready to enter the third act of your life, it is always a good plan to gather the necessary tools and take it step by step. If you are contemplating a move to a senior living community or adult family home, the process often brings up a lot of questions.

Financial concerns often are at the top of the list. And because senior housing options differ – beyond price, services and amenities – it can further add to the confusion.

Take a look at these five tips that can help you navigate the terrain.

1. Elder Care Planning: A first step in planning before searching for a place is hiring

What’s Life Like in Retirement Communities These Days?

...continued from page 11

Residents at Boulevard Park Place (BPP) are having fun and staying fit. The independent living community in Burien has returned to pre-pandemic favorites like bean bag baseball and the ever-popular Thursday afternoon bingo. Even during the height of the pandemic, BPP safely offered fitness classes six days a week because staying fit is so important to wellness. One solution was to add more classes in larger rooms – the same with water fitness classes in the pool: more classes = fewer people per class. Residents regularly socialize in lobbies and multipurpose rooms to play games or meet for coffee & cookie gab fests.

Please see ad on page 15.

Rich programming, activities and chef-made cuisine are part of the pleasure at Cogir Senior Living! Singers may come to serenade the residents, or a local dance troupe may put on a performance. Special outings include art museums, parks, plays and shopping. New residents are partnered with a resident ambassador to sit with at meals, introduce them around, and help get them involved with activities they enjoy. Birthdays and milestones are celebrated with a party and scratch-made cakes. And residents socialize regularly at twice-a-week happy hours with live entertainment. Cogir Senior Living has Seattle area communities in Mill Creek Queen Anne, Northgate, Edmonds and Bothell.

Please see ad on page 5.

Emerald City Senior Living residents enjoy being out and about again, and have ventured to museums, taken casino trips and Sunday Brunch outings. Activities within the community include

bingo (of course!), movie-time, puzzles, crafting, Happy Hours and trivia get-togethers. Fitness classes are offered every day, and Emerald City also provides onsite physical therapy for residents. We are a community focused on helping maintain a vibrant, purposeful life. We encourage residents to try something new every day, explore and experience the unique! --Angela Jacobs, Divisional Sales Specialist, Emerald City Senior Living.

Please see ad on page 9.

Five-Star Fun is back at Fairwinds–Brighton Court! Our amazing, cheerful residents participate in Wii Bowling, giant Jenga, beanbag baseball and social crosswords. This year sees some new additions to our award-winning activity program. Group PrimeFit exercise, socializing in the Bistro, dining in the restaurant, along with musical performances on the front lawn. The positive attitude and determination of residents and staff alike make all the difference. New technologies have been embraced, new safety and sanitizing protocols put in place, but the return to a sense of normalcy is refreshing and reassuring. We are offering tours so come by to see all the fun we are having. --Jackie Requa-Hall, General Manager. Please see ad on page 17.

At Harbor Place at Cottesmore, our residents are enjoying a wide variety of activities! Exercise classes include strength and balance, chair yoga, cardio drumming, swimming, walking club and more! We enjoy many games from scattegories, dice games and bingo. Book club, documentary group and crafters have been busy too. Music is always welcome from piano and singing by residents, staff and guests – plus we’ve enjoyed concerts. Community events this summer have included two outdoor concerts and a car show that we’ve enjoyed with friends and family. –Sue Wilhelm, Campus Sales & Marketing Director, Harbor Place at Cottesmore located in Gig Harbor. Please see ad on page 14.

Holden of Bellevue opens Fall 2021. Beyond exceptional dining, the community will offer state-of-the-art wellness complete with a yoga studio, public bistro and public hair salon, activity areas, family gathering spaces and more. “Holden of Bellevue has been very fortunate after COVID. The pandemic has allowed

us to rethink and put in place protocols and protection for our new building and future residents in the event our industry is affected by this again. Our company will be utilizing antimicrobial upholsteries, UV-light robots for infection control and other technologies,” says Michelle Strazis, Executive Director at Holden of Bellevue.

Please see ad on page 11

Here at Quail Park Residences of West Seattle, we are more focused than ever on engaging and enriching the lives of our residents. We offer a variety of in-house activities including our version of beach volleyball, trivia night with prizes and “Taste of the World” – weekly virtual reality visits to places around the world supported by a menu and drinks that match! We also have sidewalk and patio performances and a garden club. The pandemic was a clear reminder of just how important connections and social interactions are to our seniors. It is always a (safe) party at Quail Park! -- Ed Taylor, Community Relations Director.

Please see ad on page 13.

Some Medications Suppress the Immune System

...continued from page 9

Several other micronutrients are important including vitamin D, vitamin C and probiotics. Malnutrition, medications and/or a diet consisting of nutritionally naked foods (think highly processes foods, for example) will lead to deficiencies in all of these.

Medications which impact levels of the nutrients are vast, too many to list here. Here are the most important and surprising categories of medications that reduce micronutrients. I’ve also included a few lifestyle factors that you can control.

Medications and lifestyle factors that suppress:

• Zinc - Acid blockers, antihypertensives, corticosteroids, excessive calcium, coffee and smoking.

• Vitamin D - Antacids, cholesterol binders, anticonvulsants, kidney damage and lack of sunlight.

• Vitamin C - Anti-hypertensives, aspirin, corticosteroids, hormones and SERMs.

• Probiotics - Antibiotics, estrogen containing drugs, acid blockers and NSAIDs

For a comprehensive list of each nutrient and all the “drug muggers,” please refer to my book by the same name. It is sold nationwide at bookstores and at Amazon. If you’d like to read the longer version of this article, I’m happy to email it to you, just sign up for my free newsletter at suzycohen.com. ❖

Northaven Senior Living

No matter where you’re at in life, Powell Senior Communities has housing for all stages.

In fact, the Powell family has been building our community for 112 years. The tremendous natural beauty, active lifestyle and caring staff are just a few of the reasons so many people call a Powell Community home.

Choose from optimal senior living choices.

Independent living • Assisted living • Cottage Homes • Parkview 62+ apartments

We’re family owned and operated, and provide compassionate care in a safe environment. You will also enjoy peace of mind knowing if the need should ever arise, award-winning Assisted Living care is available right on campus.

Northaven Independent and Northaven Assisted Living is a vibrant, non-profit, affordable housing community located in the heart of Seattle’s Northgate neighborhood.

our mission , guided our caring fsta f and shaped our friend ly community for over 40 years.

Come live with us.

Dignity, respect, compassion, generosity values that have inspired our mission, guided our caring staff and shaped our friendly community for over 40 years

Dignity, respect, compassion, generosity...values that have inspired our mission, guided our caring sta and shaped our friendly community for 40 years.

Dignity, respect, compassion, generosity...values that have inspired our mission, guided our caring sta and shaped our friendly community for 40 years.

Come live with us.

Come live with us.

Come live with us.

www.northavenseniorliving.com

206 365 302 0 – Independent Living 206 362 807 7 – Assisted Living

www nor thaven com/nw pt (206) 365-3020

www nor thaven com/nw pt (206) 365-3020

Unsure if it’s time for a move to a new senior lifestyle?

We can help set your mind at ease. Quality care is just a click away.

Picturesque Wallace Falls

The perfect hike

...by Debbie Stone

Outdoor recreation opportunities abound in our region, and we’re fortunate to have incredible access to nature. Within easy reach are many hiking trails leading through verdant forests, along rushing rivers, to dramatic waterfalls, hidden lakes and dramatic vistas atop craggy peaks.

Wallace Falls, located within Wallace Falls State Park, is a good choice for a moderate hike that can be done year-round. You’ll reach the trailhead off Highway 2, just northeast of the town of Gold Bar, and soon find yourself amid a lush paradise.

Though there’s some elevation gain with this hike, your efforts will be well-rewarded with views of a stunning, three-tiered waterfall, the Skykomish River and the distant Olympic Mountains. And oh, the green! Picture trees dripping with moss and ferns on steroids.

The hike offers set junctures at the Lower, Middle and Upper Falls, allowing you to determine your distance – and amount of effort. One-way, the mileage for the Lower Falls is 1.8 with 500 feet of elevation; Middle, 2.1 with 800 feet of elevation; and Upper, 2.75 with a total 1200 feet of elevation. Each point provides a different view of the falls, which makes it interesting if you decide to experience the full range of options.

After starting in a wide-open area, the trail narrows and eventually turns to the left, where hikers are met with an apropos Wordsworth quote carved into a signpost. Its message serves as a reminder that we can learn much from nature.

You’ll continue along the river and then take a fork to the right to follow the Woody Trail. The path eventually begins to climb towards the Lower Falls for your first view. A sheltered picnic area makes for a nice place to grab a snack.

About another half a mile you’ll come to Middle Falls, where the views are breathtakingly enhanced. This spot is often considered the best place to see the falls in all their glory. If the sun’s out, you might be treated to a rainbow or two, upping the ante for that magical, pinch-me moment. Many hikers choose to turn around here, but if you’re game to head on to Upper Falls, prepare for the steepest section of the trail.

As you trek the seemingly endless stair climber, navigating the various switchbacks,

you’ll gain not only elevation but—with fewer people—more solitude. Before getting to the top, make sure to take the little path to the right for a prime overlook of the Skykomish River Valley and, if it’s clear, the Olympics on the horizon.

Take a deep breath and give yourself a congratulatory pat on the back when you reach Upper Falls. Then revel in the mesmerizing scene and stand in awe of the power of water as it drops from a height of 265 feet.

As this is the Northwest, sun is not a guarantee. But rest assured, the falls and its surrounds are equally as impressive when skies are gray. And the mist gives it a moody feel, with a primordial cast to the scene.

Wallace Falls is one of several hikes in the state park. Push on from Upper Falls to Wallace and Jay Lakes, or return another day to explore more of this hiker’s utopia. ❖

Recollections of a New York City Police Officer

...continued from page 10

precinct to respond to all police calls in that area.”

The next day, September 12th, Officer Messmer was assigned to the World Trade Center site where he remained on duty until April, 2002. His work included security in the vicinity of Ground Zero.

“Monitoring who was coming in and out (of Ground Zero) was a high priority,” he said. “I remember escorting a widow into the site so she could lay flowers at the location of where they had recovered her husband. He was a member of the city fire department who was killed on 9/11.” Security was also needed for vehicles of people who were killed.

Officer Messmer estimates he worked about 450 hours in the vicinity of Ground Zero.

Like others, he learned of St. Paul’s Chapel and their services through word of mouth. “Many first responders went to St. Paul’s. Police, firemen and any workers associated with the rescue and recovery at the Trade Center site sought help at St. Paul’s.”

St. Paul’s Chapel was untouched by the blast and in close proximity to Ground Zero.

“I remember the volunteers at St. Paul’s being very kind. I went to this location to rest and get some food.” He added, “St. Paul’s was a good example of support for first responders. The Salvation Army was another, as were local businesses.”

Officer Messmer knows people who worked at Ground Zero and have health issues from the toxins it produced.

“Some of my friends died that day and another died from cancer. I consider myself a fortunate person among many who were not so fortunate.”

He wants people to know that this day, September 11, 2001, should never be forgotten.

“Innocent lives were lost by the acts of terrorists,” he says, adding, “People performed acts of heroism knowing that they, themselves, would not survive.”

Rescue efforts by first responders, construction workers and volunteers lasted throughout the night of September 11th. They pulled 18 survivors from the rubble. The final survivor, Port Authority secretary Genelle Guzman-McMillan, was rescued the afternoon of September 12th. ❖

Wallace Falls offers hiking trails leading to three different views of the falls and rewards hikers with dramatic outlooks. Photos by Debbie Stone.

“Two hours and ten minutes!” I shouted.

The Yearly Meeting – Part II Growing Up

…by Sy Rosen

There are many dangers in this world but of all the potential natural catastrophes, accidents and disasters you wouldn’t think an elevator in a four-story building would be high on the list. You’d be wrong.

As I got on the elevator to go to my doctor’s appointment, I saw an elderly lady with a walker enter the lobby and head towards me. She was moving kind of slow so I did what any sensitive person would do; I pretended I didn’t see her and pushed the button. I know, I know, it was a little creepy, but my doctor doesn’t validate, and I was in a hurry, and she could catch the other elevator. Unfortunately, between the second and third floors my elevator suddenly stopped—it was stuck. I thought I heard the old woman’s laughter drifting up from the lobby.

I was by myself and did what any normal person would do. I started pounding every button and when that didn’t work, I pounded the walls. I then realized there was a telephone and managed to talk to the Assistant Manager of Operations and Maintenance, Carl. Carl told me he was on it and the repairman would get here in approximately two hours and ten minutes.

Bob Hope, who lived to 100, offered these jokes on growing older:

• Looking over a list of his accomplishments, Bob said: “If I had my life to live over....I wouldn’t have time.”

• “The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight, because by then your body and your fat are really good friends.”

• On his birthday someone asked “How does it feel to be almost 100?” Bob replied: “I don’t feel old - I don’t feel anything until noon. Then it’s time for my nap.”

Carl explained that the repairman assigned to this elevator lived about 90 miles away. I asked if they had a backup and Carl replied that the repairman did train a backup, but it was his neighbor who also lived 90 miles away.

At this point I thought I knew what was going on. I was on one of those new hidden camera TV shows. The “fun” kind—where people are totally humiliated and put in danger. Unfortunately, Carl had no idea what I was talking about.

I then decided to play the ‘senior card.’ I explained in a frail voice that I was getting up in years and they had to get me out immediately.

Carl said he was sorry. “Maybe next time you should bring someone in the elevator with you.”

“What good would that do?” I replied. “Unless the person I brought in with me was a doctor.” I then asked to speak to Carl’s boss.

Carl responded that he was the boss. “But your title is assistant,” I said. “I know,” Carl replied sadly. “If you’ve got a couple of hours, I’ll tell you about it.”

Well, obviously I had a couple of hours, but I didn’t want to spend it talking about Carl’s vocational problems. “How could this happen in a medical building?” I asked. “I could be sick right now.”

Sensing there might be a lawsuit brewing, Carl tried to shift the blame onto me by saying accusatorily, “Well, you know, you did get on the older elevator.”

“How did I know it was the older elevator? Was it playing Perry Como music?” I asked. “Who’s Perry Como?” Carl asked back.

For some reason I then felt compelled to defend this older elevator... “How do you know old necessarily means bad? Maybe it’s not as strong as it once was but it’s learned from experience. It knows how to pace itself.” I suddenly realized that I was defending an elevator that had broken down and had me trapped.

Carl must have realized that I was cracking up because he said in his calmest Assistant Manager of Operations and Maintenance voice, “Don’t worry, we’ll get you out soon.”

Three hours and twenty minutes later I emerged from the elevator. I, of course, missed my doctor’s appointment and just wanted to get home. It was a terrible experience but at least it was over.

The parking lot attendant then

Today we find our heroines seated toward the back of the ballroom in the main condominium building. Their seating choice had been a strategic one to make sure that Rose could see all of her fellow residents coming in for the yearly meeting. Dawn was still ‘tsking’ about Rose’s tendency to gossip when Rose smiled and waved at someone entering the ballroom.

Niceties completed, the women sat silently waiting for the meeting to start. The condominium managing committee took their seats and minutes from last year’s meeting were read and approved.

The room felt absolutely electric. It seemed that everyone was just waiting for the ‘New Business’ portion of the meeting to raise and wave their hands to be called on, ready to blurt out some complaint about the running of the condos. No wonder the committee was taking its sweet time in listing the maintenance projects that had been completed since the last meeting.

Finally, the committee leader announced that the agenda was open for ‘New Business.’ It was practically a stampede to the lone microphone placed at the front of the audience. After a few unnecessary pushes and shoves, a particularly large and imposing resident began roaring with a medley of minor complaints. His tone seemed a little overdone, especially his comments on the height of the wall hangings in the main hall.

There was some mild tittering when he finally sat down after being assured that his concerns would be dealt with posthaste. The next resident had a little ‘meatier’ complaint about the quiet hours of the complex. Many of the older residents went to bed early and were grateful for the strictly enforced quiet hours from 8pm until 8am.

Again, the committee agreed to make it a priority for each of the condo buildings.

Rose and Dawn were quite

entertained by the variety of concerns and complaints, some of which the girls would never have thought of. Really, thought Dawn, who cares if someone whistles while walking across the common area. Pah-leese. And what’s the big deal if someone wants to hang their swimming towels on the balcony for an hour or so to dry in the sun?

The girls were surprised that some of the most demanding residents were some of the noisiest and most likely to break the association’s rules. Mr. Rondell complained that there was an abandoned car in one of the guest parking places. He’s the same resident who had to be warned that he could not park his car in that same guest spot on a daily basis in order to save his assigned space for his wife.

Some residents stored things in their parking spots in the underground garage and complained that several of their belongings had gone missing. Really? Should the condo association have to explain human nature to a room full of humans? Easy fix…don’t store things in your open parking space.

After endless problems were presented and solutions suggested, the meeting was wrapping up. Rose and Dawn would finally find out what ‘heavy tapas’ meant— tapas were listed as the food at the cocktail reception after the meeting.

The girls filed to the other side of the ballroom for cocktails and heavy tapas. “Well, will you look at that, Dawnie? Heavy tapas are just snacks that fit on a small plate. I wonder why they didn’t just say that.”

Cocktails were not something that Rose and Dawn would normally indulge in, but there were some frosty, fruity drinks with little umbrellas that seemed to call to them. They milled around the drinks table trying to decide while others were helping themselves to the umbrella drinks.

Rose smiled, “We’d better get in there fast before all of umbrellas are gone.” ❖

Sy Rosen

The Funny Side of Life

The ongoing life-affirming adventures of Rose and Dawn

…by Diana Couture

It’s not the good life, it’s the best life!

May or Cod, e.g.

“Z ____ zebra”: 2 wds.

Our sun, e.g.

An Eye on Gratitude

...by Pat D’Amico

There was always regret in my husband’s family that a treasure had been lost sometime in the 1940s. Recently, while going through some old boxes stored in my garage, I found it!

My father-in-law started an optical dispensing company in Seattle in 1926. He eventually established a store in the Medical Dental Building on Olive Way. They filled eyeglass prescriptions for the patients of the ophthalmologists in the building.

In 1946, Helen Keller came to Seattle on a tour to visit the war wounded in the local hospitals. Her companion, Polly Thompson, was with her and they stayed at the Olympic Hotel. Unfortunately, somehow Miss Keller lost one of her glass eyes and reached out to my father-in-law for a replacement.

At that time, artificial eyes were hand painted and made of glass. Since they were not custom made for each

patient as they are now, opticians carried a variety of eyes in all sizes and colors. They were kept on slide-out trays in a large wooden cabinet. (I remember the first time I looked into that cabinet and saw all those eyes staring back at me!)

Charlie D’Amico and Dr. Russell Horsefield, an ophthalmologist from the Medical Building, went to the Olympic Hotel and met Miss Keller and Miss Thompson in their room. With them, they carried an assortment of eyes and the expertise to be sure that the best match was fitted correctly.

The treasure I found was the full page, heartfelt thank you letter to my father-in-law from Helen Keller. It was typed and signed in pencil with her recognizable printed signature.

Now that this treasure has been found, I will frame it with an acid free matting and pass it down through my family. ❖

Summer Jobs in the 1950s

...by S. McCafferty

In East Cleveland, Ohio, one had to be sixteen to work (unless you were a babysitter for 50 cents an hour). Our apartment was located near a business section that had an A&P Supermarket, a Gray’s Drugstore and a Manners Big Boy Drive In.

My first summer job was at the A&P in the produce department. The next was in the drugstore as a “soda jerk.”

The one with the best learning experience was as a car hop at Manners during the summer before college.

I learned how a business should be run. One couple with two kids and a dog drove in and ordered hamburgers, fries, etc. Our orders were checked by the kitchen manager and again by the car hops. After I brought the order out, the couple called in on their order box and asked to see the manager. I went out with the manager, and they said they had paid for four hamburgers but only had received

three on their tray. For some reason I looked in the back seat and there was the dog with a little ketchup on his chin. But the manager apologized to them and told me to fetch another hamburger, which I did.

After work, I asked the manager, “Didn’t you see the ketchup on the dog’s face?” He said he had, but that he also had written down their license number in case they tried it again.

Then there was this fancy sports car that drove in with a young man at the wheel. I placed the tray with the order upon it and asked him to roll up the window a few inches to secure the tray. He did and then, for a bit of humor, I said, “This won’t tip the little car over when I attach the tray, will it?” He nearly steamed up the inside of that little car in anger and told me off in no uncertain terms about my slandering his car. Whoops. No jokes to the customers, I learned. When I had my own business, many years later, these memories served me well. ❖

Imperfection

…by Ariele M. Huff

It’s ironic; people love imperfection. After all, life would be pretty boring without charming quirks, stray hairs and eccentric traits.

to allow the spirits plenty of hours to change Scrooge from sour to sweet before Christmas morning. The Sound and the Fury even breaks the “contract with the reader,” refusing to answer the main question the story poses: How close were Quentin and his sister?

Falkner goes one better than that, using stream of consciousness structure at the start of the novel. In spite of those sometimes reader-frustrating “blemishes,” imperfection worked so well for this story that the book is considered one of the best ever written.

Ariele M. Huff

In written work, readers and writers alike count on conflict and tension to tickle interest to “The End,” but the trip there is highly personalized. The process can be enchanting even if done all according to the rules, but, oh, what a Pandora’s Box of surprises await when the author dares to dabble in imperfection.

Maybe no capital letters are used, as in “archie and mehitabel.” (Archie was a cockroach who wrote his stories by landing on typewriter keys with his head—no way to hold down the “shift” key.) Or maybe run-on sentences are allowed, like Gertrude Stein did, or “frabjous” word invention reigns as with Lewis Carroll’s Alice and her friends when she was in Wonderland.

[Note that none of these strategies are “errors” or “mistakes.” The authors carefully chose to break rules—well known to them—to enrich their writing, to make their characters more relatable, to add unique twists and turns.]

Some authors regularly fracture timeline conventions, as Dickens did

In Fight Club, another highly popular book and movie, Chuck Palahniuk cleverly tricks readers. Who is the POV voice? The main character?

But the true height of alluring imperfection is probably in works like those of Linda Barry, her best characters are dirty, ugly, unprincipled…and deceptively smart. Even the illustrations in her graphic novels often have a stainlike quality. Deliciously human. Craftily defective. Perfectly imperfect.

Given all these examples, what experiments would you dare to try?

Which guidelines do you choose to break—now that you know how much people love the implausible, the impossible and the imperfect? What are your favorite faults, failings or flaws? Even a small trial can be fun. For example, a couple of lists with all the words starting with the same first letter/s. Alliteration…a purposeful accident.

Beat the Heat with Memories

Fast pedaling my green Raleigh bike to the city outdoor Olympicsized pool, morning swim team practice. Along the way, chirping early birds awakened, sunrise, shiny chariot. No-traffic freedom—solo race, challenging my shadow. A distant rooster crows “cock-adoodle-doo,” answering bird songs.

Poetry Corner

Energy boosts, diving into chilly water. Brr start—1-2-3-breathe, 4-5-6-breathe. Stroke and kick to the finish line, repeating watery YMCA lessons. Team competitive racing—sly shark boldly becomes a blue ribbon goldfish. Memories helping cool hot summer days. Time captured like ships in a bottle.

--April Ryan

Join Ariele in one of her online courses or ZOOM groups. Come to practice precision or to dance with deficiencies! For a list of classes or to sign up, the contact email is ariele@ comcast.net. Send

Pieces may be excerpted, edited or used on Northwest Prime Time’s website in the “Sharing Stories” column

Helen Keller had a special interaction with the author’s future father-in-law during a 1946 visit to Seattle

Scenes from Childhood

PBS is airing a feature-length documentary, “Lives Well Lived” beginning Sept 1. The film celebrates the incredible wit, wisdom and experiences of a diverse group of people aged 75 to 100 who reveal their secrets for living a meaningful life. As one participant advises, “Think young, act young, feel young. Forget the number.” Through their intimate memories and inspiring personal histories encompassing more than 3000 years of life, 40 individuals share their insights on what it takes to live through the toughest of times and enjoy the best of them. “As we begin to emerge from some of the most trying years in a generation, it’s important to remember that these lessons are universal,” says filmmaker, Sky Bergman. You can view airing dates and the trailer at www.pbs.org/show/ lives-well-lived/ Puget Sound Bird Fest

Sept 11-12, annual two-day event in Edmonds kicks off with presentation by noted author and naturalist Maria Mudd-Ruth at 10am Sat, other activities include presentations throughout the day on Saturday, photo contest, guided tours of local birding hotspots, native plant sale, for details call 425-771-0227 or visit www. pugetsoundbirdfest.com.

Ignite Aging Symposium

Oct 1, noon, annual event hosted by UW de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging featuring a sampler of short research talks on healthy aging, includes Q&A and live music, visit agingcenter. org/events for details or call 206-616-4276.

Explore the Seven Continents with AAA Washington

Oct 5-22, AAA Washington presents virtual travel show; 30 presentations on Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America. View from the comfort of your own home. Special presentation on “The World of Cruising”—visit AAA.com/ events for info and to register.

Ballroom Dances

Thursdays 1-3pm with live music by “Bob’s Dance Band” foxtrots, waltzes, swing and more, Normanna Lodge, 2725 Oakes Ave. Everett, no partner or experience needed, $7, bring your mask as needed, 425 252-0291.

Science Fridays

Oct 15, noon-1pm, Science Friday virtual programs are free (registration required).

You’re invited to join experts for a unique opportunity to learn about the latest in immune system disease research. Learn how our bodies respond to COVID-19, type 1 diabetes and more. Sign up at benaroyaresearch.org/ sciencefriday. Presented by Benaroya Research Institute, Virginia Mason.

Northwest Watercolor Society

Oct 23-Jan 4, annual exhibit showcases watermedia artists from around the world, online only this year, www.nwws.org.

LeMay America’s Car Museum

Yearlong special exhibit on Alfa Romeos including scheduled events featuring talks from Alfa Romeo experts. The museum is located at 2702 East D Street in Tacoma. For more information, call 253-779-8490 or visit americascarmuseum.org.

Kinsey Collection

Thru Nov 28, African American Art & History Collection, second in size and breadth only to the Smithsonian Institute includes paintings, sculpture, photographs, books, letters, manuscripts and objects celebrating the lives, artistry and accomplishments of Black Americans from 1595 to today. Tacoma Art Museum, 1701 Pacific Ave, 253-272-4258, TacomaArtMuseum.org.

Senior Calendar

Sound Generations (providing senior services in King County) is looking for adults 55+ for their annual calendar shoot. This year’s theme is “Do What You Love and Love How You Feel.”

Are you a roller-skater, yoga enthusiast or body builder? The photoshoot takes place in October. For more information, call 206-448-5757 or email marketing@soundgenerations.org and include your age, phone number and activity you’d like to highlight in the “Do What You Love” theme.

Crone of Puget Sound

Learn about upcoming events including movie groups, conversations, walking and other groups at www.CroneofPugetSound.org; Sept 18 noon luncheon fundraiser for scholarship fund. $20 RSVP, call Moreah at 206-300-1657.

5 Financial Planning Tips for Moving into a Senior Living Community

a specialized elder law attorney to help to create advanced directives, a will, power of attorney and other necessary legal and financial documents.

2. Costs and Rate Changes: Be sure you understand all the costs you are likely to incur each month, including any extra fees the community may charge. Also, as the costs of supplies, staff salaries, benefits and other expenses increase, so will your monthly fees. Ask what percentage rates typically increase and how often. Also ask whether or not there is a cap on how much rates can go up in a single year. Lastly, ask how much notice you will be given before rates go up.

3. Changing Care Needs: Be sure to explore the costs associated with higher levels of care. Does the community have assisted living or memory care? If you need additional support, how much will the rate increase? You want to make sure that amount is still financially feasible so you don't have to move again. That said, sometimes things don’t work out as planned so it would be a good idea to have a loosely configured Plan B.

4. Tax Deductions: Talk with your tax advisor to see if you qualify for a tax deduction. While

the tax laws regarding senior care deductions are confusing, an experienced financial planner or advisor can help you determine if you qualify for any exemptions.

5. Senior Housing Advisors: These professionals are trained and well versed. They understand not just housing options but can also offer a plethora of vetted resources. Most often they are not paid by you (rather, they are paid by the community you ultimately move into). There are several advisors in the region who are compassionate and ready to assist you in your specific situation You can find a list of qualified advisors at www.asrpwa. org/2020-member-list.

Moving is never easy, no matter your age. The best advice is to take it one step at a time and ask for help when necessary. Family members and friends are often willing to assist but be comforted knowing that it’s your decision. Ask questions, listen and move forward with confidence into this exciting third of your life!

Lynn Creasy is a curious lifelong learner who revels in human connections. As a digital media consultant and founder of Human to Human Marketing (h2hmarketing.net), she is an expert in the senior living industries, providing strategic social content and coaching. Living and working on her sailboat named Happy, she works ‘reboatly’ exploring the world around her.

Rediscover what makes you, you.

As a resident at Fairwinds – Brighton Court, you won’t need to worry about things like housekeeping, yard work or transportation. You can focus on what’s really important: you. Rediscover a past hobby or uncover a new passion in a comfortable yet active environment tailored to you. It’s five-star fun, with five-star service.

We can’t wait to meet you. Call now.

It’s

Lives Well Lived

Larson

as being literally in the middle of a cotton field in Lubbock. Two more positions and several years later, she became a correspondent at NBC News just in time to cover the first Persian Gulf War. Over time, she reported from combat zones, interviewed presidents and other notables, and witnessed countless ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

Margaret officially retired last summer and within a few days she left Seattle and drove cross-country to her new digs in Durham, NC. She and her husband Tim, also retired, had initially planned to rent out their Bellevue home with the idea of roaming the world and “living here or there six months at a time.” But the pandemic hit, and they put their plans on hold – instead opting to relocate to North Carolina where their son Kyle lives.

“It was quite the whirlwind adventure,” comments Margaret. “We sold our house quickly and packed up and took off. My husband drove one car and I drove the other and we passed our crazy Jack Russell Terrier, Pip, back and forth during the journey.”

Margaret misses the Northwest but is confident she and Tim will return to the area in the future. “The Pacific Northwest is home to us,” she says. “We were captivated by the landscape on day one and it immediately felt like home.” She adds, “There’s something about the place, the spirit of the people, the distinct neighborhoods, all the innovation going on… it’s just so very special.” Some of her favorite memories are of riding the ferries, renting cabins on Long Beach and hiking up to Paradise and Base Camp on Mount Rainier.

Margaret and her husband had moved to Seattle from New York back in 1993 to focus on family and raise their son Kyle, now 28. Before then, her globe-trotting lifestyle and intensive work schedule took her away from home much of the time.

“We really wanted to have more quality of life, more work-life balance, and live in a community where our son could play outdoors. Also, it was at that time that my mom experienced a recurrence of cancer. She eventually came to live with us before she passed away.”

During her years in the Pacific Northwest, Margaret continued to make notable contributions in the world of broadcast journalism. Additionally, she delved headfirst into the nonprofit arena. She formed a communications consulting practice for international nonprofit organizations including World Vision, Mercy Corps, PATH and Global Partnerships, producing videos and online content to assist a variety of humanitarian causes.

Her involvement took her all across the globe, bringing her face-to-face with the Kosovo crisis, the South Asian tsunami, the African AIDS pandemic and the child soldier crisis in northern Uganda. She visited Afghan refugee camps after the launch of the U.S. bombardment and was also involved in maternal/child health programs in India and Asia.

LAST WILL, POWER OF ATTORNEY, AND LIVING WILL. $375/person or $575/couple for complete services. Martin Sjolie, Attorney at Law (Northgate office), (206)-841-1373.

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BUYING old coin, stamp, postcard & photo collections. Call Dr. Woodbury 206-931-1383

special services

SENIOR HANDMAN available to help with your home repairs or small projects; DYI assistance or advice to get you started. Over 35 years’ experience. Punctual, neat. Licensed, bonded, insured (MELBYC835PS). Greater Eastside area. 425-890-4680.

When Margaret retired, she and her husband

“My nonprofit work really opened my eyes to the many humanitarian problems around the world,” explains Margaret. “It put me front and center, on the ground, with an up-close and personal view of the situation. I was able to see everything firsthand, talk to the people and more fully understand the issues they faced.”

Margaret looks ahead to a retirement that will involve volunteerism, possibly assisting with refugee resettlement or mentoring young journalists. “Volunteering is so rewarding,” she says. “I want to continue to help and to make a difference, to do meaningful work.”

Now settled in Durham, Margaret has pushed the restart button on her retirement. Of the area, she waxes poetic about being near beaches with warm water (what a concept!), as well as close to the mountains where she can hike and discover waterfalls – one of her latest passions. She takes pleasure in being able to explore the area at her leisure. “The outdoor life is beautiful here,” says Margaret. “And there’s a great art scene, as well as a notable crafts beer scene. Plus, there are so many interesting people and events going on because of all the universities.”

She has taken some classes, helped out at the local food bank and spends time engaging in a variety of recreational pursuits. “We ride bikes,” she says, “shoot basketballs, walk, hike, and we do a lot of what Tim and I call ‘flaneuring,’ or purposely roaming around.”

The goal, according to Margaret, is to stay active as much as possible, for as long as possible in one’s life. She emphasizes the importance of making healthy choices, having friendships and connecting with others, and finding activities or pursuits to allow you to maintain purpose once you’ve retired.

Margaret Larson is still following her grandfather’s advice, who often said, “Look around and see what needs doin’.” ❖

PUZZLE ANSWERS

Answers to questions on page 15

1. Carter’s garters 2. Grant’s pants 3. Tyler’s filers 4. Johnson’s Ronsons 5. Taylor’s sailors

Crossword Answers

Solution for the puzzle on page 15

Travel Book Ideas

...continued from page 19

such as Fantagraphics: “Our mission is to celebrate great cartooning in all of its incarnations.” Only in Seattle...

Roadfood: An Eater’s Guide to More Than 1,000 of the Best Local Hot Spots & Hidden Gems Across America by Jane Stern. Appreciate the glory of local restaurants as the blogger/ authors of roadfood.com take us on a glorious gastronomic journey across America. Is your favorite spot included?

The Wangs vs. the World by Jade Chang. Fans of the Schitt’s Creek television show should enjoy this novel. The Wangs vs. the World follows a similar trajectory for a wealthy Chinese family that loses everything and has to work together to regain their footing in society.

Need more suggestions? Call or stop by your local library. We’re here for you! ❖

Margaret enjoying her “fave new retirement hobby, hiking for waterfalls.”

drove two different cars crosscountry to Durham, NC. “...We passed our crazy Jack Russell Terrier, Pip, back and forth during the journey.”

Margaret on the set of “New Day Northwest” with (then PAC 12, now NFL players) Tyrell Crosby (left) and Vita Vea. Tyrell played at Oregon; Vita at UW. Photo courtesy KING 5.

Wendy Pender, Older Adults Program Coordinator, King County Library System

After moving to the Pacific Northwest, Margaret formed a consulting practice for international nonprofit organizations. Her humanitarian work took her all over the globe. This photo, taken in Rwanda, is courtesy of World Vision.

Travel Book Ideas

...by Wendy Pender

What a summer we’ve had! Unusual weather and changing norms as we emerge from the pandemic... It’s been a lot to handle even if you’re naturally wired to be calm, cool and collected. Many of us are chafing

at the bit to travel and see loved ones, or to simply get out and experience a fresh view.

Here are some companions to consider – even if you’re “traveling” from the comfort of your chair –courtesy of your public library:

The Road Trip by Beth O’Leary. I loved O’Leary’s debut novel, The Flat Share, so am eagerly awaiting The Road Trip. A story of unlikely young love and the chance to reconnect on the eve of a wedding in Scotland – will they, or won’t they? O’Leary wrote her first bestselling novel on the train commuting to her job at a children’s book publisher – I have every confidence The Road Trip will whisk me away!

Subpar Parks: America’s Most Extraordinary National Parks and Their Least Impressed Visitors by Amber Share. One-star reviews of our national parks including “nothing specific to do” at Great Smoky Mountain National Park and “trees block the view” at Yosemite. Tears were running down my face; writer Amber Share is a howl!

Better Than Fiction: True Travel Tales from Great Fiction Writers. Selections from novelists Isabel Allende, Peter Matthiessen, Alexander McCall Smith and Joyce Carol Oates, among others, to absorb your imagination.

Atlas Obscura: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders by Joshua Foer. This Atlas features curious and unusual destinations all over the planet. It’s a romp just to browse the photographs.

Hiking Washington’s History by Judith M. Bentley. Traditional trade and travel routes carved into the land provide both cultural and geologic education. Adventurers of all abilities will find trails to travel.

100 Things to Do in Seattle Before You Die by Jake Uitti. This book gave me jolts of “oh, yes, I loved that!” as well as nudges of “oh, I’ve been meaning to do that!” I also discovered things I’d never heard of,

Library Corner

Wendy Pender

Fraud Prevention

Tip-Offs to Rip-Offs

How Seattle area consumers can spot cons before they spot you

The numbers are in, and they’re headed in the wrong direction. According to new statistics from the Federal Trade Commission, Washington consumers lost nearly $69 million to fraud in 2020, more than double the amount lost in 2019.

It seems the scammers are gaining the upper hand in the fight for our hard-earned dollars. Con-artists are becoming ever more sophisticated in their tactics, and new scams are emerging at an increasing pace. Even the most informed consumer can find themselves struggling to keep up.

To help consumers fight back, AARP is joining forces with the Washington State Attorney General’s Office, BECU and Nomorobo to hold a free “Tip-Offs to Rip-Offs” online event aimed at helping Seattle area consumers stay a step ahead of the scammers.

You’ll have two opportunities to attend this free online event on either September 22 or October 6. Participants will hear about the latest scams targeting Seattle area residents, including a deep-dive presentation on robocalls and imposter scams which are fast becoming some of most effective and dangerous tactics in the con-artists’ playbook.

You’ll hear from Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson on how to protect yourself and your community. Through a unique new partnership with the call-blocking service Nomorobo, participants will also learn how they can gain real-time access to the specific robocall scams flooding Seattle area homes. With these and other early warning tools, consumers will gain the inside track on recognizing some of the newest scams before the cons have a chance to make their pitch.

The events are free, but registration is required at aarp.org/SeattleTipOffs. You do not need to be an AARP member to join in.

Tip-Offs to Rip-Offs FREE online event

September 22 | 10:00 am – 11:30 am October 6 | 10:00 am – 11:30 am Registration is required at aarp.org/SeattleTipOffs

Presented by: