West Seattle Herald / White Center News - Seniors

Better hearing month promotes awareness, free hearing screenings

ericm — Wed, 08 May 2013 21:01:53 +0000

Press release:

This May marks the 86th anniversary of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Better Hearing Month, an event dedicated to raising awareness about hearing loss treatment and the challenges facing those who live with limited hearing.

To further this goal, Highline Hearing Professionals in Burien will be offering free hearing screenings by appointment throughout the month of May.

“Both regular hearing checkups and the protection of your existing hearing are key to preserving your hearing health,” says Rebecca Grady of Highline Hearing Professionals. “And for those who are living with untreated hearing loss, Better Hearing Month is a good time to learn more about recent technological advances in hearing aids. Today’s devices are vastly superior to those of even just a few years ago.”

Figures from the World Health Organization (WHO) released in February 2013 show that hearing impairment is now more widespread than ever. Over 360 million people around the world are afflicted with disabling hearing loss—a number that includes one-third of people over age 65 and a staggering 32 million children. Half of all cases can be avoided through prevention.

“We’re seeing a growing number of younger people who have issues with their hearing,” says Grady. “The sooner we can detect hearing issues, the easier it is to treat them and prevent additional hearing damage from occurring.”

More information about the diagnosis of hearing loss, treatment options and prevention can be found at hearingloss.com.

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ericm

05/08/2013

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Mom’s Day brings a mother lode of scams

ericm — Wed, 08 May 2013 20:57:21 +0000

Mother’s Day Phishing Emails Top the List

Better Business Bureau press release:

Loving sons and daughters looking for thoughtful ways to show affection for moms this year should think twice before opening up hearts and wallets. A recent survey from the National Retail Federation estimates that total Mother’s Day spending will reach $18.6 billion in 2013, and scammers will employ all sorts of tricks to fool consumers. Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington wants this day to be safe and mom-entous.

As with most special occasions, schemers try to catch last-minute shoppers off-guard and BBB offers the following reminders:

E-cards: Email cards appear to be from known contacts or trusted retailers, but are actually fraudulent, contain malicious links or malware and seek personal information; verify senders before opening.

Gifts: Newly registered websites stock Mother’s Day gifts at reasonable prices and guarantee timely delivery, but the products are never delivered or don’t actually exist at all. Avoid online vendors lacking verifiable contact information.

Flowers: According to the Society of American Florists, Mother’s Day accounts for one-fourth of all holiday floral purchases. Be wary of websites offering unrealistically cheap flower arrangements; consider a local BBB Accredited Retail Florist.

Discount Vouchers: Coupons or vouchers arrive in mailboxes and inboxes highlighting significantly reduced prices on flowers, gifts or restaurant visits, but are actually just bait-and-switch offers and the resulting purchases are not great deals after all. Carefully read the fine print and understand the terms and limitations of unsolicited offers.

Visit the BBB News Center for more information on protecting loved ones.

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ericm

05/08/2013

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Hyde Shuttle takes seniors to the Des Moines Farmer’s Market

ericm — Wed, 08 May 2013 20:43:44 +0000

Press release:

The Hyde Shuttle vans are seen nearly everywhere in the Des Moines, Normandy Park and Burien area, taking folks wherever they need to go, and now, you can ride one to the Des Moines Farmer’s Market!

Beginning June 1st, and every other Saturday through October, you can ride a comfortable, clean Hyde Shuttle van from your home to the Farmer’s market and back! The hours are from 11AM until 2PM every other Saturday. Spend the mid day at the market, enjoy lunch, buy fresh flowers or veggies, listen to the fun entertainment on the waterfront. It takes just one call to the Hyde Shuttle office to arrange your ride, and you can call right now! The number is 206-727-6262. The vans are filling up so an early call is best.

The Hyde Shuttle is part of the Senior Service Transportation program and is available to anyone 55 or older, or who has any kind of mobility challenge. The vans can easily accommodate walkers and wheelchairs as well. Companion pets are welcome! There is no cost to the service, but donations are appreciated.

Driving for the Hyde Shuttle is a great way to give back to the community and help your friends and neighbors get to and from the places they want to go! It’s only a few hours a week, and all the training is provided. No special license is needed and all you have to do is call Brady Wright, at the Activity Center to apply at 206-878-2066. You can email direct to bradyw@seniorservices.org if you have any questions. We are always looking for great volunteer drivers, for this wonderful service to expand even more!

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ericm

05/08/2013

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School retirees meeting scheduled for April 23

ericm — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 22:01:24 +0000

Press release:

A meeting of the SW King School Retirees Association will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2013, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 8th and So. 192nd St., Des Moines, at 11:30 a.m.

A donation ($6) lunch will be served and the program, to follow, features Mr. Richard Anderson, President of WSSRA.

He will bring us up-to-date on the happenings in Lacey, and the benefits that AMBA has for us.

(We are also still collecting food and money for the local Food Banks; this month the Feinstein Foundation will double our contributions.) Please join us. If you have any questions regarding this meeting, please call Eileen at 206 878 3294.

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ericm

04/15/2013

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Flu Outbreak Prompts Reminder From Senior Care Experts

ericm — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 21:24:46 +0000

Press release:

This flu season is shaping up to be one of the worst in decades – with the Centers for Disease Control already reporting widespread outbreaks in many states.

While anyone can get the flu, seniors are especially susceptible to the virus and are at greater risk for serious flu-related complications that can lead to hospitalization and even death. Ninety percent of flu-related deaths and more than half of flu-related hospitalizations occur in people age 65 and older.

“The flu can be very dangerous for seniors, so we are concerned about this recent outbreak,” said Jeff Huber, president of Home Instead, Inc., franchisor of the Home Instead Senior Care® franchise network. "We encourage seniors and their families to take extra precautions to protect themselves from the virus.”

To fight the flu, senior care experts recommend the following:

Get a Flu Shot: Experts strongly encourage all seniors and those in frequent contact with seniors to get vaccinated if they haven’t already done so. Medicare covers one vaccine per flu season.

Practice Good Hand Washing: Wash hands with soap frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Cover Coughs and Sneezes: Droplets from a sneeze or a cough can travel up to six feet. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and dispose of the tissue immediately. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into the elbow, not the hands.

Stay In to Stay Well: If there’s an outbreak in the area, avoid trips to crowded shopping centers or community events.

Avoid Contact: Those with flu-like symptoms, especially school-aged children, should avoid contact with senior loved ones. Enlist the help of friends or neighbors to take over caregiving responsibilities, if necessary.

Rest Well, Eat Well: Get plenty of sleep, drink plenty of fluids and eat healthy foods. Experts also recommend a diet rich in Vitamins C and D and plenty of exercise.

If senior loved ones begin to show symptoms of the flu, contact their health care provider immediately. Antiviral medications (like Tamiflu) are available to help make symptoms less severe.

For more information about senior and caregiver well-being, please visit www.caregiverstress.com.

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ericm

01/17/2013

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Free shuttle service for seniors in SeaTac and Tukwila announced

ericm — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 19:04:02 +0000

Press release:

The Hyde Shuttle began operating a combined route in the cities of SeaTac and Tukwila June 4. The Hyde Shuttle provides free rides to seniors (55 years of age or older) and to people with disabilities.
It is a cooperative venture between Senior Services (an agency promoting the well-being of older adults) and King County Metro.

The awarding of the route follows several weeks of discussion between the two cities and Senior Services. Available resources from Senior Services and Metro, coupled with a demonstrated need for increased accessible transportation in SeaTac and Tukwila, along with some fortunate timing of the request, have combined to make this possible.

The Hyde Shuttle provides door to door transportation for qualified individuals to various local destinations including grocery stores, senior centers, medical appointments and other neighboring venues.

It will not, however, provide rides to the airport. The shuttle operates Monday – Friday, with general hours between 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Reservations for rides can be made up to 30 days in advance. There is no fee for this service, although donations are welcomed. No application is involved, but individuals need to sign up over the phone.

For more information on the Hyde Shuttle, please call them at 206.727.6262.

An informational flyer regarding the Hyde Shuttle service is included in transportation choices under the Living tab on the City of SeaTac’s website on the homepage.

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ericm

06/21/2012

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Ballard senior honored for years of service

michaelh — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 16:27:57 +0000

Ballardite Jim Cook was one of seven Seattle seniors honored Sept. 9 by Foss Home and Village for their contribution to their communities as part of its preparation for Senior Appreciation Week.

Foss holds this event to recognize active seniors, to encourage other seniors to remain active, to build admiration for community seniors and to foster public advocacy for their needs, Foss spokesperson Erin Mullin said.

She said Foss selected Cook for of his contributions to the community both before and after retirement.

According to the Foss biography of Cook, he is proud of serving his country, his church and his wonderful family. He is a man who can always be counted on and is just glad to help other people, according to the biography.

Cook was born in 1934 and raised on a farm in Eastern Washington.

At 20, he joined the Marine Corps and served in the 1st Marine Division. He traveled to Korea just after the Korean War and served on an anti-tank platoon near the 38th Parallel from 1954 to 1955.

For 30 years, Cook worked at Kaiser Gypsum (later James Hardie Gypsum) in a variety of roles, from the production line to shipping.

In 1962, Cook met his future wife Pat when they went on a double date to the Seattle World’s Fair. They married that same year and have made Ballard their home for 48 years.

For more than 10 years, Cook has participated in the Kairos prison ministry, which provides hope to incarcerated men in Monroe. He has helped lead four-day retreats that are held twice a year for approximately 40 imprisoned men.

He loves his time connecting with the men, listening to their concerns and sharing about forgiveness, according to the Foss biography. One Saturday a month, Cook returns with the Kairos team to lead worship and reconnect with these men.

For the past 20 years, Cook has helped with The Friday Lunch Bunch at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. This lunch serves approximately 100 homeless and needy people.

Additionally, Cook leads a Bible study for a group that has been meeting since the 1960s. He fills in as a substitute Bible class leader, reads Scripture during worship services and serves communion.

Cook has also mentored several younger men, providing a listening ear, helpful advice and a lending hand when needed.

According to Foss, the older population is often overlooked in our society because they are seen as people who no longer contribute to the economic growth of communities. Yet, without the ongoing contributions of seniors like Jim Cook, Seattle would not be as enriched as it is today, according to Foss.

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09/10/2010

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Courtesy of Foss Home and Village

Ballard senior Jim Cook at a Sept. 9 reception where he was honored for his service to the community. CLICK IMAGE FOR MORE PHOTOS.

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Ballard Big Picture: Longtime Sunset Hill resident turns 100

michaelh — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 14:22:36 +0000

Sunset Hill resident Viola Gustafson turns 100 Aug. 28. And, to what does she credit her longevity? Healthy eating? Regular exercise? Stress-free living? No. Nope. And, not a chance.

"I have a vodka collins before dinner every night," Gustafson said. "I have for 50 years."

Her doctor said a little alcohol can keep her arteries clear, but good family genes don't hurt either, Gustafson's son Gary said.

Viola Sells was born in Auburn, Wash., and grew up in Kent. She married Hank Gustafson in 1935 before moving to Sunset Hill in 1943.

After 67 years in Sunset Hill, it's still a nice, quiet neighborhood, Gustafson said and agreed with Gary that the nearby water helps it stay cool in the summer.

Gustafson has a son, a daughter, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. And even at 100, she still does her weekly grocery shopping and cares for Gary.

"The time goes fast," she said. "I don't feel any older than I did when I was 60."

Ballard Big Picture is a column of scenes from around the neighborhood. If you would like to submit a photo for use on this site and in the Ballard News-Tribune, please send it to Michael Harthorne at michaelh@robinsonnews.com. Be sure to include your name and information about your photo.

michaelh

08/28/2010

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Photo credit:

Gary Gustafson

Longtime Sunset Hill resident Viola Gustafson, seen here on her 99th birthday, celebrated her 100th Aug. 28.

Greenwood vet recalls battle of Okinawa

michaelh — Wed, 19 May 2010 16:41:27 +0000

By Jan Pendzich

Ed. Note: Republished from May 19 in honor of Memorial Day.

Longtime Greenwood resident Joseph Mottle Jr. is a man with a cause.

After his high school principal arranged for an expedited graduation from Lidgerwood High School in tiny Lidgerwood, N.D. (pop. 1,200), young Mottle joined the Merchant Marine in Minneapolis in April 1944 and was immediately posted to the U.S. Maritime Service Training Station in Sheepshead Bay, N.Y., for three months of training.

He completed his training as a Seaman Second Class on June 20, 1944. As a harbinger of things to come, his certificate of graduation specified that the curriculum included 30 hours of elementary gunnery training.

Mottle was originally scheduled to serve as a messman on a ship plying the infamous Murmansk run. However, as fate would have it, when Mottle was sent to New York City to wait for his ship, the Merchant Marine asked for volunteers to go to San Francisco and he accepted that assignment.

From San Francisco he volunteered to go to Seattle where his initial assignment included delivering high-octane gasoline and metal stripping for runways to the islands of Attu and Shemya in the Aleutian chain. His ship returned from the Aleutians carrying old ammunition that had been buried and dug up.

One of Mottle's most memorable experiences was his service on the SS Sea Partridge from April 5, 1945 to June 10, 1945 during the battle of Okinawa.

According to an eyewitness account drafted by one of his shipmates, which Mottle has preserved to this day, SS Sea Partridge sailed around the southern tip of Okinawa on May 6, 1945. From reading the semaphore signals from the command ship, the sailors knew that they were headed for Ie Shima, a small island off the western end of the peninsula.

By noon of May 6, the ship had dropped anchor between Ie Shima and the main island of Okinawa. The Sea Partridge was carrying soldiers and equipment to be offloaded into LSMs (landing ship medium) for delivery to the fighting onshore.

While the Sea Partridge was anchored off the coast of Ie Shima, it was vulnerable to attack by Japanese Zeros and suicide swimmers who would try to place an explosive charge on the ship’s propeller.

An enormous smoke screen was created by smoke machine on some of the vessels in the fleet in order to conceal it from attack by enemy aircraft. However, the ship’s ventilation systems drew the smoke into the compartments below decks where the soldiers were waiting for the signal to disembark and made their life miserable.

At 9:20 a.m. on May 11, 1945, the Sea Partridge was under a red alert, which meant that enemy planes were nearby. The ship’s PA announced, “ Two Zeros at 085 – 15 degrees elevation. Gunners are not to fire unless directly attacked."

The ship was attacked by a Zero. From his position on the deck, as a member of a fire control detail, Mottle could see the bullets hitting the fuselage of the airplane but at the last instant it veered off and hit a nearby Dutch ship, the M.S. Tjisadane.

After being discharged from the Merchant Marine, Mottle always felt a sense of injustice that members of the Merchant Marine were not considered to have the status of veterans of WWII and were not included in Memorial Day commemorations.

As he remembers it, President Franklin Roosevelt had promised to confer veteran’s status on the merchant mariners but passed away before he was able to keep his promise.

Despite having served under such perilous circumstances, members of the Merchant Marine were not granted official status as veterans until Jan. 19, 1988, more than 42 years after the war had ended.

Mottle went on to serve 23 years with the Seattle Special Police providing security at the Seattle Center and 12 years as a reserve police officer with the Seattle Police Department.

He is now retired and alternates his time between Puerta Vallarta and Seattle. He usually spends his weekend afternoons at the Ballard Tully’s.

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michaelh

05/31/2010

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Jan Pendzich/Courtesy of Joe Mottle Jr.

Longtime Greenwood resident Joe Mottle Jr. served in the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II and participated in the battle of Okinawa.