THE WEEKLY - Seniors: Take time for dental care
While living longer is a great thing, it creates the need for the things you rely on to last as long as you do. This means everything from your financial resources to your mobility, manual dexterity and your teeth.Oral health for seniors is an important p
Head to Farmer's Market
It's May and warm weather activities are getting started all over the area. Putting a long winter aside, there's the promise of family fun at the Walla Walla Valley Farmers Market. The market opens for its new season May 1 and will run Saturdays and Sunda
Beloved cat inspires local author's stories
For anyone who's ever loved an animal, the bond you share with your furry friend is something to cherish. The new book 'Squeaky's Farm, Our Lives in Rural Spain” by local author Carolyn Parker, exudes this love. The book honors the adventures of her cat,
Gardeners: Watch your backs
Gardening is a passion for many, young and old. After a long winter, it's encouraging to see the first flowers come up. Bulb flowers are some of the earliest bright colors in a garden. Daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, lily of the valley and iris offer a trem
Adult Day Care Available
The Adult Day Center located at the Center at the Park provides a safe alternative for a loved one who requires caregiving from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., allowing caregivers to take what can sometimes be a much-needed break.At the Adult Day Center, Program
Business Monthly Bio - John Sasser
Business/Job title: Owner of Integrity Design & Copyworks, 214 E. Rose St.
Hospital volunteer marks 97th birthday, life of service
Long-term Walla Walla General Hospital volunteer Wilmer Bryan just celebrated his 97th birthday on Valentine's Day.At the hospital that day, he got a card signed with plenty of good wishes from his co-workers. Bryan enjoys his volunteer efforts, he's hard
Reiki offers alternative healing method
Need to relax? The Walla Walla Volunteer Reiki Organization has begun holding free Reiki healing sessions the last Saturday of each month at the Many Waters Wellness Center, 800 Sprague Ave.Corbi Copeland, one of the founders of the volunteer group, said
Center offers a tasty Strawberry Waffle Supper
The Strawberry Waffle Supper, a tradition at the Center at the Park, 720 Sprague Ave., draws in plenty of guests.
WWCC Rodeo raises money, awareness of child abuse
It's time for the annual Walla Walla Community College Rodeo, Riding Against Child Abuse, March 11-13 at the Walla Walla County Fairgrounds, a fun family event that combines community awareness and education.The rodeo draws about 200 contestants from all
Small changes help seniors age in place
There's no place like home.Aging in place keeps a senior in their own comfortable, familiar surroundings.Often the changes needed to improve the safety of the home are minor. If extra assistance is
Volunteer finds ways to feed spirit
Idealism and a great sense of humor helps Gail McGhee through life's ups and downs.
Artist seeks to awaken people to nature
When the last spark of the setting sun turns the trees and hills to radiance, Leslie Williams Cain captures the moment with her art.Trees, hills and shadows all glow with the respect and love Cain has for the land. This developed in her early childhood, w
YWCA executive director visits Poland
Anne-Marie Zell Schwerin, executive director at the local YWCA recently enjoyed a trip to Poland. She spent ten days there, networking with people involved in World YWCA and the YWCA of Poland.World YWCA is a network of about 150 countries across the glob
Business Monthly Bio - Camille Barrett
Business/job title: Owner of Mann's House of Brides Hometown: Born and raised here.
55 PLUS - Need grows, demand high at area food banks
Winter, the recent holidays and current economic conditions are increasing the demand on local food banks.
55 PLUS - Walla Walla Public Library has plenty to get you through winter
Getting through the winter may be easier with a good book to read. Fix yourself some tea and settle back with a book you've always wanted to explore. The Walla Walla Public Library has plenty of books, audio books and music to get you started.If you haven
Health care providers' classes help diabetics cope
It's the beginning of the new year and maybe you've decided to start eating healthy and taking better care of yourself. With type 2 diabetes reaching epidemic proportions in our country, anytime is a good time to start new, healthy habits.
Contributors share hopes and wishes for new year
It's another New Year, full of hope, inspiration and new beginnings. What will 2011 bring to all of us and the world? What are your hopes and fears? What can be done to bring our hopes to fruition and lay our fears to rest?
PLUS - New year may call for classes with Quest
The program at Walla Walla Community College offers courses for those 50 and older
Another new year is almost here. Maybe a new year calls for a new plan.If you've decided to take some classes and get involved in some new things in January, the Quest Program at the Walla Walla Community College might be an option.Those 50 and older can
55 PLUS - Take a break to destress during the holiday season
It's the week before Christmas and maybe those holiday preparations are done and maybe they're not.Taking some time now for yourself might help you avoid holiday stress. Getting everyone together is much of the joy of the season, it's not about maxing out
55 PLUS - Pre-planning can smooth way for relaxing trip
And travel agents can be useful allies for well-thought-out journeys.
Winter and the holidays mean many things. Sometimes the cold is the reason to head south toward the sunshine. Sometimes folks just need to take a break from the routine and everyday stress.Seniors may be exploring travel options, but should do some invest
55 PLUS - Get ready, get set — chill out at home
When the weather outside is frightful, stay by the fire that's so delightful. But be prepared to stay in.
Even though it's the middle of the holiday season, it's not officially winter yet. But we've already had some cold weather and snow. You may want to give some thought to making sure you, your loved ones and your neighbors are prepared for the rest of the
WorkSource Walla Walla matchmaker for job seekers, employers
The free service works to connect area businesses with qualified workers, which is often an emotional task in the current economy.
For those out of work, focus on the positive; there are options.
Thanksgiving for manifold blessings abounds
If you have family and friends, food and shelter, you're wealthy beyond all bounds
Thanksgiving means many things to many people. Usually it involves gathering the family together to have a lovely meal and enjoy each other's company. But underneath the lights, the laughter and the second piece of pumpkin pie there's the introspection an
After decades, retired teacher still reaps bountiful harvest
Evelyn McCracken taught second grade for years at Davis Elementary School in College Place.
Farmers and teachers must be the most optimistic people in the world. You plant the seeds, work hard and hope for the best. Evelyn McCracken has a good background with both, she started out on a farm, then found her life's work as a teacher. McCracken emb
After decades, retired teacher still reaps bountiful harvest
Evelyn McCracken taught second grade for years at Davis Elementary School in College Place.
Farmers and teachers must be the most optimistic people in the world. They plant the seeds, work hard and hope for the best. Evelyn McCracken has a good background with both: she started out on a farm, then found her life's work as a teacher. McCracken em
55 PLUS - Volunteering a way to meet people
Get involved in your community and the activities it offers.
Tired of being alone? Maybe getting involved in community and volunteering is a way to meet more people. The very sociable Marta Dilworth decided it is a great way to meet new people and give back to the community. It's a win-win situation.She moved here
55 PLUS - Simple strategies help manage medication
Communicate with your doctor about what, how much and how often you're taking medication.
Juggling several different medications requires effective management. Follow instructions and be sure to ask questions. If prescriptions have stickers on them that recommend avoiding certain foods while using the medicine, pay attention. They are on the l
Why rattle around the house? Make a difference
Walla Walla RSVP offers a variety of ways to make a significant difference by volunteering.
WALLA WALLA — If you'd like to try something new, volunteering might fit the bill. You can put your talents to use, meet people, make friends and give assistance to others at the same time. RSVP, at the Center at The Park, 720 Sprague Ave., is the local c
55 PLUS - Hospice looks at coping with grief, holidays
Grief is difficult at any time but perhaps more acute during the holidays. But there are ways to get through troubled times and live in joy and optimism again.Walla Walla Community Hospice will present its annual two-session class, 'Getting Through the Ho
Business Monthly Bio - Ron Matthews
Name: Ron MatthewsBusiness/job title: City Zoo Pet Center, owner
Business looks a bit brighter this year
WALLA WALLA -- The year has careened down to the final two months and area retailers are approaching the holiday shopping season with optimism.
55 PLUS - Professor emeritus recalls 42-year Whitman career
George Ball is 95. The well-loved teacher still rides his bicycle to and from his office.
'You can't control what happens in your life but you can control your response to it,” laughed George Ball, in his basement office at Whitman College. The retired professor of biblical literature emeritus taught religion at Whitman College for 42 years an
55 PLUS - Caregivers can network, share info at conference
The Aging and Long Term Care Caregiver Conference will be Nov. 3 in Walla Walla.
Aging and oral health are key subjects this year. The topic will be presented by Kathy Medford, R.N. and ALTC's nursing program manager.'She's a very engaging speaker. She's very passionate and caring,” Cleveland said.
Long Term Care programs to feel pinch of budget cuts
A recent announcement by the Department of Social and Health Services detailed a Washington State budget cut of $40 million from senior services including Long Term Care programs. According to area officials that also means an even greater amount of match
$n$ 55 PLUS - Tai Chi helps people maintain flexibility, balance
As the years go by, maintaining flexibility and balance may take more practice and focus. Recently the ancient art of tai chi has been getting attention, for fun and to improve physical fitness including balance.Tai chi has many forms from a basic beginne
PLUS 55 - CarFit program makes auto fit to a T
The program will be at The Center at the Park, 720 Sprague Ave., beginning at 1 p.m. Oct. 2.
Sometimes a slight adjustment is necessary to keep things flowing smoothly. That can apply to driving a favorite vehicle as well as anything else. Seniors with arthritis or other mobility issues may have trouble pulling a seat belt around themselves or ma
55 PLUS - Gout: Primarily an affliction in the male population
The ailment occurs more often in developed nations with high-protein diets.
Excruciating pain in a joint, usually the big toe, is often the first indicator for gout. According to about.com, this buildup of uric acid crystals occurs most often in men in their 40s and is much more common in developed nations with high-protein diets
Practicality, art, tradition sewn into every quilt
Quilter Judy Benzel has been at it ‘seriously' for 20 years, originally for utilitarian reasons.
Quilting is art and tradition, mixed with practicality. And it's much more, according to experienced quilter Judy Benzel. It's relaxing, and that is very important to her.Benzel initially learned to sew and quilt from her mom but she's been 'seriously” qu
Have a financial plan, experts advise
Seniors should think about goals and take a realistic look at themselves.
If you're getting motion sickness from the ups and downs in the financial markets, you're not alone. While everyone's situation and risk tolerance are different, local experts encourage putting together a plan.At Baker Boyer Bank, Chris Avey, director of
At 87, woman is just too active, busy to retire
Micaela Palomarez has worked with Goodwill Industries for the last five years.
At age 87, Micaela "Micki" Palomarez is about to celebrate her fifth anniversary working with Goodwill Industries. She enjoys staying active while helping others. "I love my job," she said. Although technically retired, she chose to keep working, having l
Business Monthly Bio - Kirsten Schober
Kirsten Schober, executive director of the Kirkman House MuseumHometown: "I was born in Ellensburg, my father farmed there. I spent my formative years in Seattle."
BMAC offers advocacy for facility residents, more
Sometimes you need an advocate looking out for your interests. The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program through Blue Mountain Action Council provides advocacy for residents of long-term care facilities, as well as much more.The overall purpose of the ombudsma
Companion animals ‘give that unconditional love'
Sara Archer, executive director of Blue Mountain Humane Society, said they're wonderful for seniors.
A companion animal can provide unconditional love and become part of the family.People of all ages love animals and benefit from their returned love but seniors may especially reap the rewards of a bond with a furry friend, such as a dog, cat or other var
Stay connected, keep active: Volunteer
Those who donate time and expertise are a vibrant part of keeping things running smoothly.
Volunteering is a way to stay connected with others especially if you've retired and the structure of workplace routine is gone. Your time and talents are valuable; and you can have fun while helping others.You can go directly to an agency you like or go
What's Going Up?
What: Rogers Bakery, 116 N. College Ave., College Place, rebuilding from a fire in February.
Business Monthly Bio - Steve Adler
Workplace/business: Steve Adler, owns Adler's Coins inside Pak N Ship, 123 E. Main St.
Don't worry, be happy — and here's how:
It's important to identify the source of your fear and anxiety. It can help you resolve it, experts say.
There's plenty in this world to be concerned about, but worry and stress may do more harm to you than good. Maybe you're worried about your grandkids, worried about your health or have suffered a loss recently. Or, you're fearful about the world situation
Woman doesn't take retirement sitting down
Suzie Aldrich is busy painting her home's exterior. Taking it easy is not for her, she says.
Sitting back with nothing to do, just doesn't work for some people.Successful in many ways, cheerful Suzie Aldrich said she has failed at retirement, if that means taking it easy. Currently painting the exterior of her home, Aldrich approached the project
