The Spokesman-Review is excited to bring back our Active Living EXPO in-person from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Mirabeau Park Hotel and Convention Center. For only $8, you can get access to more than 50 vendors plus a variety of useful seminars and enjoyable entertainment. All of our vendor partners are excited to share information with you about how to improve areas of your life, from your health to your finances.
You’ll get ideas to improve your home and your mind. You’ll get suggestions for new places to visit or activities in the community. Some of the scheduled activities to check out:
• Want to learn more about the outdoors but don’t know where to start? Let Breakwater Expeditions be your guide.
• Interested in what might be ahead in the economy and how you can better manage your money? Forster Financial will share strategies.
• Want to get help navigating the Medicare maze? Enjoy a free session from Providence Medicare Advantage Plans.
• Would you like a nice photo memory of you, or you and your family and friends? Check out our free photo booth thanks to our friends from Trimlight Eastern Washington.
• A spring and summer fashion show organized by Audrey’s Boutique. Get some suggestions for ways to look your best, from active apparel to formal gowns.
Plan to spend a leisurely day from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the Expo floor where you’ll hear about travel planning, fitness activities, exercise breakthroughs, senior housing options and many more interesting topics. It’s also right down the hall from the Max at Mirabeau Restaurant and Lounge where you can get tasty food and beverages. Not sure where to start? Just ask or check out samples of beer, wine, cider, or distilled spirits at the Expo. For only $15 you can try five varieties.
The Spokesman-Review Active Living EXPO. We’re looking forward to seeing you!
Sincerely,
The Spokesman-Review Marketing TeamOnce you arrive to the Active Living Expo, please visit the Check-in area just outside the Ponderosa ballroom. If you already purchased a ticket go to “Will Call” to check-in; to purchase tickets go to “Ticket Sales.” Guests wanting to purchase drink samples will need to provide valid ID.
Volunteers in black T-shirts will also be happy to point you in the right direction.
KHQ news team in December 2008, just in time to kick off the snowiest winter on record for Spokane. She recently moved from the Wake Up Show to evening programming.
Being a part of our community has been very important to Leslie for many years. She’s helped raise thousands of dollars for Special Olympics. She also enjoys being an emcee at several community events including Spokane’s Lilac Association, Spokane Valley Firefighters, the Girl Scouts, Meals on Wheels, Providence Health Care and Susan G. Komen’s Race for a Cure.
Leslie Lowe is the Chief Forecaster for KHQ. She began her broadcasting career in radio in 2002, transitioning to television soon after and quickly finding a love for weather. She joined the
Leslie enjoys travel, spending time with her children and grandchildren, working out and being in the outdoors.
10:30 - 11:00
WHAT PET OR PETS CAN WORK BEST FOR YOU AND YOUR LIFE?
10:15 - 11:00
MAKING SENSE OF MEDICARE LYNDA SANDERS, PROVIDENCE MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS
11:15 - 11:45
SPOKANIMAL SPECTRUM SINGERS
12:15 - 1:00
RETIREMENT PLANNING IN TODAY’S ECONOMY CJ PATRICK, FORSTER FINANCIAL
1:15 - 2:15
SPRING AND SUMMER STYLE SHOW PRESENTED BY AUDREY’S BOUTIQUE VICTORIA FERRO
11:30 - 12:15
PLAN YOUR 2023 GETAWAY AFRODITE PASTROUMAS, PREMIER WORLD DISCOVERY
12:30 - 1:00
DISCOVER YOUR WILD SIDE AFTER 50 ANGIE ROBERTS, BREAKWATER EXPEDITIONS
Follow Interstate 90 west. Take Exit 291B (Sullivan Road). Turn left onto Sullivan Road, then turn left at Mission Avenue into the parking lot.
Parking can be found on the north and east sides of the facility as well as the front entrance area.
Disabled/ADA parking can be found in the front. A free golf cart shuttle is available.
Follow Interstate 90 east. Take Exit 291B (Sullivan Road). Turn right onto Sullivan Road. Take the first left at Mission Avenue, and turn into the hotel parking lot.
The Mirabeau Park Hotel and Convention Center provides parking for vehicles with handicapped licenses or tags. These are found on the side by the main entrance, facing Sullivan Road, close to the Active Living floor. There are others on the north side, facing Interstate 90.
Spectrum Singers is an all-inclusive and intergenerational SATB (all-voice)
chorus based out of Spokane. Through the power of song, the organization empowers and unites the community, amplifies diverse voices and serves as a catalyst for positive social change. It specifically invites and affirms people from all sexual orientations and gender identities and their allies. It also celebrates all other areas of diversity including (but not limited to): race, color, national origin, ability, age, and religion. This is a space where people from all walks of life can find validation, solidarity and celebration. To learn more, visit spokanespectrumsingers.com/ or follow @spokanespectrumsingers on social media.
Angie Roberts believes that nature and adventure can foster healthier individuals who will build stronger communities. An avid outdoor enthusiast from childhood, she has been able to combine her love of the outdoors and helping others by working in wilderness therapy, including expedition-based programs, college prep, and therapeutic boarding schools. She’ll share amazing places, how she stays wild, and also brings out the wild side in clients.
Learn more at breakwaterexp.com
With a comprehensive background of sales and marketing, she brings her customer-driven perspective and analytics to the growing industry of Medicare insurance, easing the way for those sifting through options. Her Medicare 101 presentations are a good framework to help plan your path to Medicare. Scenarios such as aging into Medicare or working past 65 will be covered. Lynda enjoys educating and problem-solving to help others navigate the complex world of Medicare.
Afrodite Pastroumas has been in the tourism industry since 1999, the same year Premier World Discovery was founded. She’s been lucky enough to travel to 90 countries and virtually every U.S. state including the trips and destinations that are featured with The Spokesman-Review.
Learn more about 2023 destinations
www.spokesman.com/trips
Victoria Zvoncheck-Ferro
Audrey’s Boutique
Victoria Zvoncheck-Ferro is the owner of Audrey’s Boutique on N. Division St. in Spokane. She has over 35 years of experience in women’s ready-to-wear and eveningwear, from buying to executive management with companies like Hahne’s, Lord & Taylor’s and Marshall’s. She moved to Spokane in 1996 and earned certification as a Certified Mastectomy fitter while working at Audrey’s, which she purchased in 2012. An award-winning business owner, style show producer and community leader, Victoria is known as “The Bra Whisperer.” Her greatest satisfaction is teaching women the art of dressing and looking their best daily.
CJ Patrick is a Series 7 & 66 licensed Financial Advisor at Forster Financial in Spokane. He is a graduate of Washington State University with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a minor in Business with a finance concentration. He has over 10 years of experience working in the banking, insurance, and finance fields. CJ is one of two advisors in Spokane to be accredited as a National Social Security Advisor. His program will include a U.S. economic update, including interest rates, inflation, labor market; the economic effects and risks associated with retirement planning; and tips on navigating a volatile economy.
The good times at the Active Living Expo begin the moment you get out of your car.
That’s because representatives from one of our vendor partners, Golf Cars
Etc., will be driving around the parking lot and offering free golf cart rides right to the front door of the Expo. The rides will be taking place all day, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Anyone heading that way is welcome to climb aboard one of the shuttles. They’ll also be happy to take you back
to your car when you’re ready to go home. There is no official schedule, since they’ll be moving around all day. If you’re ready for a ride, just wait a few minutes for them to circle back. The company will also have a booth at the Expo with several cars on display so you can take a closer look at one of these electric vehicles, especially if you’ve been considering getting one of your own to get around your favorite course or your neighborhood.
Visitors to the Active Living Expo will have the opportunity to learn all about bridge, a game that can be played by anyone, any age, and anywhere.
Dole Crook and Brenda Simpson, who are both accredited bridge teachers from the American Contract Bridge League, will be happy to tell people about opportunities to play locally, regionally, and even nationally. There are always games available in the area, and classes are also taught at the Bridge Center in Spokane Valley. Online games can also be played. It’s something that also welcomes new players as well, or people who have played in the past who want to brush up their skills or advance to higher levels.
Brenda Simpson is also a past president of the national ACBL organization. Dole Crook said it’s a challenging game and has shown to be stimulating for the brain. Plus there’s a great social component to the game, since people can play with partners, with a spouse, or by themselves.
SpokAnimal was founded in 1983 and has become Eastern Washington’s largest and most cost-effectively operated humane society for pet adoptions. In 2022, it found homes for 4,031 animals and, according to its 2021 tax filing, 78% of the organization’s income went directly towards programs that benefit shelter and public pets.
Over 60 percent of the shelter’s intake was from owner-surrendered animals and transfers from the local municipal shelter, SCRAPS. The other portion of animals arrives through its vibrant transport program, which allows it to save pets from areas where overcrowding and euthanizing for space are still unfortunate realities.
SpokAnimal’s foster program helps it care for fragile and vulnerable animals. Its vet clinic supports both shelter and public pets with spay/neuter services, microchips, vaccines and dentals. Ad hoc care for pets, such as wound care, pregnancy complications, and digestive issues, is provided for public pets as staffing and finances allow. The Guardian Angel emergency boarding service and Pet Food Bank are other programs that support the local community.
To further enhance animal welfare in the community, partnerships with organizations such as Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington, Sullivan Park Care Center, Spokane Meals on Wheels, Blessings Under
the Bridge, Red Cross, Family Promise and Best Friends are core to SpokAnimal’s outreach. Those interested in supporting this nonprofit’s work can contribute online at www.spokanimal.org.
Styles come and go, but Audrey’s Boutique has been one of the constants in the Spokane area. For nearly 50 years, it has provided plenty of advice to shoppers in what looks good and what can help their life.
Just a mile north of downtown Spokane on Division Street, Audrey’s specializes in personal service, whether it’s looking for a special dress for a special event or need fitting for a new bra.
Longtime owner Victoria Ferro, who has been given the nickname “The Bra Whisperer,’ and her staff are all dedicated to making new and longtime shoppers alike feel welcome – and fantastic.
“We believe every person who walks in here is beautiful; they just don’t know how to package that beauty yet,” says Ferro. “You can come into the store, feel comfortable and know that we are going to help you look your best. None of us who work here are models. We all have lumps and bumps. We
know how to fit you!”
Ferro was delighted to return to help with Active Living Expo for 2023, which includes working with local models to present a fashion show of local spring and summer styles. The event gives guests a sampling of apparel that not only looks good but can be purchased locally, from active wear to formal attire to nightclothes.
People with questions about their sizes, personal styles or what to wear for different occasions are always welcome to stop by Audrey’s.
“This store is for women like myself,” Ferro continues. “Sixty is the new 40. We are still hip, but we don’t want to look like we went to the junior department. We want to look fresh.”
The shop also has a reputation as a place for mother of the bride or mother of the groom dresses that won’t overshadow the bride and but still allow moms to shine with their own light.
Shoppers can also find great apparel for upcoming cruises, island adventure or warm-weather vacations.
One of the important services Audrey’s likes to provide is post-mastectomy fittings. The specially certified and trained staff can help any woman who has had this procedure performed. These experts can help find just the right bra during a time that is often fraught with fear and low self-confidence.
It’s not only Spokane’s longest running, privately owned boutique but also ranked “Top boutique” in a local “Best of” competition.
“The bras are what started the store, but I try to help the whole woman,” Ferro said. “We take the time to educate women on what looks well and why.” To learn more visit Audrey’s on Facebook and Instagram.
Besides being an optimal place to hold the 2023 Active Living Expo, Mirabeau Park Hotel and Convention Center has many other special features, including the Max at Mirabeau Restaurant and Lounge.
Whether you’re attending Active Living or visiting for another occasion, it’s easy to partake of an extensive food and beverage menu for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The MAX chefs focus on quality ingredients in all their menu items, including plenty of local delicacies.
In addition to the food choices, the lounge is proud to include an award-winning selection of wine, beer, cider, and mixed drinks. Many of the beverages are made in the region, including some beers brewed especially for this establishment.
Besides well-appreciated mixed drinks like mimosas and Bloody Marys, MAX also serves its signature lemonade, which is available in several flavors and with or without
alcohol versions. It also enjoys creating community partnerships, such as the “Wine by Cougs” wine list created with support from Washington State University alumni.
It also hosts a monthly winemaker event where they can share their varietals and vintages with the staff. This helps everyone’s knowledge.
The establishment has been recognized by Wine Spectator for more than a decade due to its strong selection of wines, knowledgeable staff, and strong customer service. It also received the magazine’s Best Award of Excellence in 2020. The more than 450 wines range from regional wineries to exotic blends from around the world.
Wine Spectator also recognized Mirabeau Park Hotel and Convention Center for stateof-the-art wine storage rooms and proper storage protocols.
The Gallery at Spokane is more than just senior living, it’s the place where you will find joyful moments and make lasting memories. From countless social gatherings to compassionate care, invigorating wellness programs to fine dining, The Gallery offers joy in every moment. Call today to learn more. Opening fall 2023. Now accepting reservations.
Your Active Living Expo experience can be enhanced with a variety of samples from regional wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries.
For $15, guests age 21 and over can receive five pours/samples of your choice of:
• Beer from TT’s Brewery
• Cider from One Tree Cider
• Wine from Merry Cellars, Dumas Station and Waterbrook
• Distilled liquor from Dry Fly, Malfy and Jefferson’s Ocean
Sample serving sizes are 4 oz. beer/cider, 2 oz. wine, or ½ oz. spirit.
Even if you’ve already bought an Active Living admission ticket you can buy a liquor sample ticket at the check-in table anytime during the Expo. Full-size alcoholic drinks and non-alcoholic drinks are also available for purchase in the Max at Mirabeau Restaurant and Lounge (ID required for alcohol.)
In science class, we learned the value of community. Maybe it had something to do with ecosystems or food chains and how everything ultimately relies on each other for survival. Or even how individual cells only can do what they’re supposed to do when all the various bits of cytoplasm come together. It’s been a while.
But thinking bigger, community can also mean everyone we deal with in our daily lives: our friends, our family, our neighbors, our co-workers, and even the employees of businesses we patronize. All of these interactions are important for how we live in our world.
Sure, the Internet has allowed us to expand our reach to literally create connections around the world for business or personal purposes, but there’s no substitute for interaction we can find at the local level. Maybe it’s the barista knowing our special drink, the clerk at the hardware store recognizing you, even the fellow dog owner at the dog park.
Community is also something that can become a greater challenge as we get older – if we’re retired, we don’t have regular interactions with co-workers. It may be harder to go out the door some days due to health or mobility concerns. So many of us are eager to find ways to connect and build new
networks. Maybe it’s being part of a club or offering your time and talents to volunteer for an area nonprofit or charity. Maybe it’s going back to school to learn new skills or going back to work, just for the social interactions. Maybe it’s going to the gym to keep ourselves fit while meeting others in the same boat.
One of the goals of Active Living is to encourage people to learn about new opportunities to connect with each other or expand their social groups. Ask any of our vendors about volunteer opportunities or ways you can get more involved.
and I can make “house calls”.
• www.c2financialcorp.com/tzurik
Pre-planning
Ball & Dodd Funeral Home, 509-328-5620
Hazen & Jaeger Valley Funeral Home, 509-924-9700
Ball & Dodd Funeral Home, 509-328-5620
Hazen & Jaeger Valley Funeral Home, 509-924-9700
South Hill 509-723-9025 North 509-934-0154 Spokane Valley 509-828-3956 Hayden 208-255-9308 Try a Free Intro Class Spokane Valley 509-828-3956
Active Living can mean going out and having a good time with your best 50-andover self. But it also means you’re able to be active, since good health is the foundation of everything else you do or may want to do. This can include physical health, mental health, emotional health, financial health, even spiritual health. All of these are connected and all can impact each other. Working too hard? You might feel sore and stressed. Worrying too much? It might affect your sleep patterns or your diet. Beware of junk, whether it’s bad food or bad de-stress options.
It’s no surprise that, no matter our age, our brains and our bodies benefit from regular exercise, everything from walking around more often to doing puzzles. But we also know that it can be a constant challenge to keep ourselves in good physical and mental shape. The good news is that there are a lot more options than there used to be. For instance, if you get bored walking the same route in your neighborhood or doing the same exercises at the gym over and over, consider changing things up and getting out of your comfort zone. Check out some new
classes. Drive yourself to a different part of town and explore a new community or trail system. And even if your health conditions have changed over the years, there are still ways to continue some of your favorite activities and hobbies, including assistive devices to help with mobility, balance and more. There are also exercises to do from your chair that help. We hope the Active Living Expo will inspire you to get out there and find ways to keep your body in good shape.
Stop by the TRIMLIGHT EASTERN WASHINGTON photo booth! We’ll provide a free downloadable photo of you and your pals, complete with props and a fun Independence Day background.
At AARP Family Caregiving, we’re here to help you get answers, connect with other family caregivers and find local resources close to home. So you can take care of what matters most.
To learn more, visit aarp.org/caregiving.
facebook.com/AARPWA @aarpwa
Free Rein is a non-profit organization in Spokane, dedicated to providing health, hope and happiness for children and adults with disabilities through equineassisted services.
Volunteer in class with horses & riders, complete your service hours, intern with our program or administrative staff, help out at a Free Rein event, assist with outdoor projects...and the list goes on! Share your skills with us!
Sunshine Health Facilities is a local family-owned company providing Home Health services for medical or therapy care at home, skilled nursing rehabilitation appropriate when healing at home is not possible, adult family homes, memory care, and residential behavioral health care. When you receive care from Sunshine you become a part of the Sunshine Family.
Quality care is our standard,we would be pleased to speak with you in more detail to help you find your best healthcare solution.
If the good times aren’t rolling yet, why not? Some of you might be planning ahead for something big like cruises or a whirlwind travel journey after you officially clock out of your job for the final time. But there’s nothing wrong with someone who looks for any reason to pause and enjoy the good life, any time. TGIF? How about TGI-any other days of the week? This doesn’t mean you have to party like you used to (and you probably shouldn’t) but you can still find opportunities to cut loose and enjoy yourself, maybe even pick up a new hobby that brings you joy. Open a bottle of wine in your honor. Have you always wanted to try painting?
Gold panning? Dog training? Sausage making? Our culture sometimes places a bit too much value on working and being productive, but it can still be a lot of fun to explore and nurture your “non-working” side and see where your heart takes you. You can even “make a job” out of learning something new if this approach makes you feel better and less guilty about not working. How about setting goals to play five rounds of golf locally this month, or try five new local microbrews? Try visiting new spots regularly, including local wineries. If you enjoy reading and learning history, find a bookstore, or a museum. Your personal life of leisure can be very
achievable. To you, it might be sitting on the beach, not moving a muscle except to sip your fruity drink. Or it could be sitting around at home, surrounded by family and not having to worry about deadlines or time schedules. Or anything in between that gets you from ‘worries’ to ‘no worries.’ We hope that by visiting the Active Living Expo, you’ll be able to connect with trusted financial professionals who can gladly answer your questions and help you achieve your retirement goals.
Our mission is to strengthen your community through meaningful custom experiences powered by nature.
If you want to leave the driving to someone else, consider taking a Spokane Transit bus to the Active Living Expo. There are a variety of routes that can access Mirabeau Park Hotel and Convention Center.
Some options include:
•From the K Street Station and the West Plains Transit Center take the #6 to the STA Plaza. Transfer to the #90 Sprague in Bay 6 to the Valley Transit Center, transfer to the #97 South Valley to the Mirabeau Park Hotel.
•From Airway Heights, take the #61 to the STA Plaza. Transfer to the #90 Sprague in Bay 6 to the Valley Transit Center, transfer to the #97 South Valley to the Mirabeau Park Hotel.
•From Moran Station and South Hill Park and Ride take the #4 to the STA Plaza. Transfer to the #90 Sprague in Bay 6 to the Valley Transit Center, transfer to the #97 South Valley to the Mirabeau Park Hotel.
•From Five Mile Park and Ride take the #4 to the STA Plaza. Transfer to the #90 in Bay 6 to the Valley Transit Center, transfer the #97 South Valley to Mirabeau Park Hotel.
•From Hastings Park and Ride take the #25 Divisions to the STA Plaza. Transfer to the #90 in Bay 6 to the Valley Transit Center, transfer the #97 South Valley to Mirabeau Park Hotel.
•From Mirabeau Point Park and Ride take the #97 South Valley to Mirabeau Park Hotel.
•From Liberty Lake Park and Ride take the #98 Liberty Lake to the Valley Transit Center, transfer to the #97 South Valley to the Mirabeau Park Hotel.
•The Country Homes and Fairwood Park and Ride do not have service on Saturday.
The cost of a two-hour pass is $2 or $1 for Reduced Fare Cardholders. Please have exact fare ready when you board your bus, as drivers are unable to provide change.
To find out if you are eligible to apply for STA’s reduced fare program or to plan your Active Living Expo bus trip, go to spokanetransit.com. To hear specific bus times, riders can call 509-328-RIDE (7433).
Personalized trip planning is also available by calling STA Customer Service at that same number.
Congratulations! You finally made it to that golden age where you don’t have to go to work every day, or at least it’s in sight. Does this mean you can kick back and not worry about anything? Probably not. There are ways to retire right so you can enjoy your free time, including money management skills.
Many people have worked hard for years and are ready to crack open their nest egg that they’ve been building for years. Others want to do everything they can to keep their money growing, especially if they see potential costs in their future,
such as a need for assisted living or long-term care.
In some cases, people may even want to go back to work. Maybe not back to the same job with the same people, but somewhere new and different that might be challenging and keep money coming in. Others may want to spend their time volunteering, which can also be satisfying if you have the time and the interest.
How about traveling? Is there a place you’ve told yourself you’d go when you’re done with work?
How about family? Do you want to do something
to help your kids or grandkids? Do you want to make sure family is taken care of when you’re gone, or you’re taken care of if a spouse is gone?
Retirement age can be something that a lot of people look forward to, but does create new questions and to-do lists.
We hope that by visiting the Active Living Expo, you’ll be able to connect with trusted financial professionals who can gladly answer your questions and help you achieve your retirement goals. You may even meet guests in similar situations who you can compare notes with.
Visitors to the 2023 Active Living Expo can win wonderful prizes donated by participating businesses.
To enter to win any prize, just complete your official Passport card by visiting every vendor and asking them to initial it. Turn it into an Expo volunteer or put it in the box at the Passport table. We’ll draw names for all prizes after the event ends. Grand prize is not transferable.
AARP
AARP Foldable Picnic Blanket
LeafFilter Gutter Protection
$50 VISA Gift Card
PayneWest Insurance Spokane JBL FLIP5 Portable Speaker
T-Mobile USA, Inc.
T-Mobile Swag Bag
C2 Financial Book “How to Use Reverse Mortgages to Secure Retirement”
Core Pilates and Wellness
Free Movement Assessment and Introduction to Equipment
Club Pilates
Free Membership and Gift Bag
CBD of Spokane
CBD Gift Basket
Rodan + Fields
Rodan + Fields Pamper Pack
Forster Financial
Davenport Hotel Gift card
NeuroStim Free course of TMS treatment
Inland Imaging Gift Basket with Free Cosmetic Sclerotherapy Session
COR Regenerate One Free IV Therapy or Vitamin Injection
Vertical Options Elevator Services Two $25 Gift Cards
Sunshine Health Facilities and Home Health
Gift Basket including Gift Certificate to Caruso’s U-District
SimpliAge
Dinner and Movie Giveaway
Breakwater Expeditions
Day Paddle for 2 on Lake Pend Oreille
Renewal by Anderson $50 Gift Card
Artisan Portrait
Gift Certificate for Signature Style Family Portrait Session and $700 Toward Portrait Selections
Family Resource Center
Simply Northwest Basket
Idaho Central Spokane Valley
Performing Arts Center
Two Season Tickets to Summer Season
Premier World Discovery
$100 Certificate toward any Spokesman-Review Trip
Crave! Food & Drink Festival
Two Tickets to any Crave! (July 13-15)
Mirabeau Park Hotel
Mirabeau Date Night Package
Audrey’s Boutique
$100 Gift Certificate
(Valid April 24-Oct. 24)
SpokAnimal
Dog-themed Basket
Touchmark on South Hill
Gift Basket
Hospice of Spokane
Outdoor planter with a plant/flower Residential Home Solutions
$50 Costco Gift Card