Complimentary Copy Marion Polk Yamhill Your companion for living well in the northwest March 2021
Home & Garden Issue Spring Clean Simplify & Kari’s Downsize Kitchen A Circle Create a of Life Lined Great with Love . . . and Food Garden with Ease and Safety
Visit us northwest50plus.com | Find us on social media @northwest50plus Getting up and down stairs safely can be the difference between staying in your own home or having to move. More people than ever are turning to a Bruno stairlift as a simple solution.
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Visit us online: www.MAO-NW.com VOLUME 25 | NUMBER 3 OREGON’S OLDEST & LARGEST 50+ PUBLICATION
3 Editions serving adults aged 50 and older Portland-Metro-Vancouver, Marion-Polk-Coast, South Valley: Linn-Benton Lane Weathering together
Wow! We’re welcoming the spring in the Northwest on the JENNIFER MCCAMMON heels of the biggest snow/ice/outage event in 60 years! While Publisher many struggled, we were once again reminded how big the 971-200-9686 [email protected] heart of this community really is. Folks checked on each other, made supply runs and shared provisions, opened their homes DOREEN HARROLD to unexpected guests and more. Office Manager/Sales Assistant [email protected] Times like this really illustrate how on the coldest days, we are surrounded by love, warmth and safety. We hope you and PAUL DELURY yours fared well. Account Executive 541.870.5484 Now . . . let spring begin! [email protected] It’s time for spring cleaning, simplifying, and for many, TAY JUNCKER moving or downsizing. Our home and garden coverage Lead Designer features tips, ideas and information that provides great [email protected] resources, ideas and inspiration. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Circling back, I want to share a new discovery: “PDX RJ Adler, Kristan Dael, Concierge.” This nonprofit comprised of teens has, since Christy Doherty, Randal C. Hill, last April, been providing free delivery of groceries and food Kimberly Z. Miller, Grace Peterson, bank provisions, sending greeting cards and checking in on Kym Pokorny, Candy Puterbaugh, older folks throughout the region. You’ll meet them in a Pamela Slaughter coming issue, but for now, if you could use their help, visit pdxdeliver.com or email [email protected]. P.O. Box 12008, Salem, OR 97309 Now a note about the future. May will soon be here, and 4923 Indian School Rd. NE, Salem, OR 97305 we’re celebrating Mom! We’d love to share your stories about 503-304-1323 either what it means to you to be a mom, or about what makes [email protected] Northwest50Plus.com or made your mom special. Please send your story to me at [email protected]. I hope you’ll join us for Subscriptions $26/year | $49/2 years this special celebration.
Printed by Eagle Web Press, Salem, OR Thank you for being part of the 50Plus family. Here’s to the joy of springtime renewal! Northwest 50 Plus is published monthly and locally owned and operated by Eagle Newspapers, Inc. The entire contents of this publication are copyrighted by Northwest 50 Plus. Any use of all or any part of this publication is prohibited without written consent of the publisher. Find us on social media @Northwest 50 Plus
NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | MARION POLK March 2021 3 19 Free Master Gardener Series Experts teach Oregon gardeners a variety of great classes, addressing issues like wildfires, climate change and pollinators. 17 contents Create a Great Garden – with Ease and Safety Grace Peterson shares two Home & Garden Issue favorite books to help keep gardens beautiful with ease and 10 while staying safe. Spring Clean, Simplify, Downsize without 8 overwhelm Danger, Dames, Double O Seven While spring brings the urge to perfect one’s nest, the tasks Homage and a look back the late, can be overwhelming. Pamela great Sean Connery’s career. Slaughter offers expert advice on making smart choices and 20 For the ♥ of Pets – preventing overwhelm. Hope Found Me 12 Color Me Home Painting is the easiest, fastest, most affordable way to transform your home. Not surprisingly, Miller Paint’s color of year is uplifting, evoking comfort and serenity. 14 Fitness – Don’t get 6 Sidelined by Your Home Project The Circle Home and garden projects can be just as strenuous as a conventional of life lined workout. Stretch and warm up to with love ... prevent strain or injury. and food 16 Kari’s Kitchen was born Wheel Pad Home Units in the schoolyard, when Keeping Families Together waiting parents mused, Discover how tiny homes and “What’s for dinner.” attachments can make any property universally accessible.
4 NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | MARION POLK March 2021 What to do, what to do We’ve all been home more than we’d like this year, and recent weather events were like Mother Nature saying, "If you thought that was rough, try this!" Even with clement weather after the storm, it remains important to stay home due to the pandemic. We could all use a fun or educational pastime to make the days at home more enjoyable, and libraries have come to the rescue. Examples of programs and classes offered at local libraries include classes, writers’ programs, book groups and more. A local favorite is the Book Match Service, which provides great suggested reads from live librarians. Book Match curates a personalized list just for you based on your preferences and will place holds if desired. Get details at https://bit.ly/BookMatchSPL.
Check out all the offerings at your local library and join the fun!
Keizer Chamber seeks new EDElder Law & Estate Planning ElderElderElder Law LawLaw && EstateEstate PlanningPlanningPlanning The Keizer Chamber of Commerce is seeking a community-minded Elder Law & Estate Planning professional as Executive Director to provide proven leadership through his or her knowledge, skills, abilities Elder LawWe & Are Estate Open! Planning and experience. WillsWills Wills& Trusts && TrustsTrusts • Probate • Probate • • GuardianshipGuardianship •• Conservatorship Conservatorship• Conservatorship AssetWills Protection & Trusts • •Medical Probate Directives • Guardianship • Veterans • Conservatorship Aid & Attendance The ED is responsible for ensuring Asset Protection • Medical Directives • Veterans Aid & Attendance AssetAsset Protection ProtectionPower • of Medical• MedicalAttorney Directives Directives• Advance Directive •• Veterans Veterans • MedicaidAid Aid & &Attendance Attendance an environment in which chamber Power of Attorney • Advance Directive • Medicaid WillsPowerPower & ofTrusts ofAttorney Attorney • Probate • • Advance Advance• Guardianship DirectiveDirective • Conservatorship • Medicaid• Medicaid membership is sought and where CallCall KathyKathy Belcher or Christopher HamiltonHamilton members and volunteers can “take Asset Protection • Medical Directives • Veterans Aid & Attendance CallCall Kathy Kathy forfor aaBelcher BelcherFREEFREE 1½ oror hour Christopher AppointmentAppointment Hamilton Hamilton ownership” through participation WillsPower & ofTrusts Attorney • Probate • Advance • Guardianship Directive • Conservatorship • Medicaid in the planning, production and Asset for Protection for a aFREE FREE• Medical 1½ 1½ Directives hourhour • Appointment AppointmentVeterans Aid & Attendance implementation of chamber Call KathyPower of BelcherAttorney • Advance or Christopher Directive • Medicaid Hamilton programs, events, initiatives, and for a FREE 1½ hour Appointment Call Kathy Belcher or Christopher Hamilton activities. for a FREE 1½ hour Appointment The Chamber is a working partnership of business, government and community volunteers who PhonePhone && VideoVideo Conferences AvailableAvailable MemberMember National Academy of Elder LawLaw AttorneysAttorneys coordinate their efforts for the Phone & Video Conferences Available purpose of advancement and Member National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys development of the greater Keizer Phone694694 HighHigh StSt NE,NE,& SalemSalemVideo 503.371.9636 Conferences www.mcginty-belcher.comwww.mcginty-belcher.com Available area. PhoneMember & Video National AcademyConferences of Elder Law Attorneys Available PhoneMember & Video National AcademyConferences of Elder Law Attorneys Available 694 High St NE, SalemMember National503.371.9636 Academy of Elder Law www.mcginty-belcher.com Attorneys Deadline for letters of interest and 694 High St NE, Salem 503.371.9636 www.mcginty-belcher.com resumes is March 19. Learn more at 694 High694 High St NE, St NE, Salem Salem 503.371.9636 503.371.9636 www.mcginty-belcher.com www.mcginty-belcher.com keizerchamber.com.
NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | MARION POLK March 2021 5 A Long Distance Grandparent Needn’t Be Distant A circle of life lined with love ... and food by Candy Puterbaugh
Looking back over her 52 years, Kari Anderton says she was always gathering ingredients for the successful at-home cooking school, Kari’s Kitchen, that she started 10 years ago. The ingredients came from a mix of memories: . . . family Christmas Eve crab dinners, a tradition of her grandfather’s, a commercial fisherman . . . almond crescent cookies, canned pickled herring and currant jam, specialties of her Norwegian grandmother’s . . . homemade breads, jams, canned fruits, and daily family dinners prepared by her creative mother
A passion for cooking and a bubbling personality sealed her recipe for success.
“As a kid, I didn’t really cook myself but was surrounded by good food,” says Kari. “I liked the outdoors, climbing trees, picking berries and gardening. I didn’t really see Kari’s Kitchen coming when I was younger.”
It all started when her two sons were in grade school.
“I’d chat on the playground with other parents,” Kari recalls. “The conversation centered around, ‘What’re you cooking for dinner?’ We needed to come up with menus. I liked to cook so I started doing in-home workshops with hands-on cooking.”
Up to 15 people came to Kari’s home Monday nights to learn how to make appetizers, two entrees and a dessert. After cooking, they dined together.
6 NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | MARION POLK March 2021 After three years of leading workshops for In 1998 she married Dave, a CPA, in her book groups, girls’ nights out, and corporate team childhood home. At 29, her first son was born. building, Kari's father became ill. She took time off “I always had an interest in raising kids and to help her family. He was fun, boisterous, and the staying home, but was torn because I loved the life of the party, she says lovingly. corporate life,” she says.
Fast forward to the pandemic, bringing a new Now she has the best of both worlds. need for Kari’s help. “I get excited about healthy, homemade food,” “A teacher friend asked for my help as she saw she says. “My sons grew up with a wide-open that people were desperate for healthy at-home palate! I also love teaching and people. My meals,” she says. “I wanted to do my part. My sons workshops are an outlet for those stuck at home. were older, and I had more time, so I offered free, I love going live and seeing happy, smiling faces. fun, light-hearted 15- to 30-minute live cooking And they get something to eat!” demos twice a week on Facebook.”
Feedback was good, and Kari was hired to do a private workshop for a local investment firm via Zoom. People could either cook along or simply watch.
Next came a workshop for her college sorority, and a virtual company holiday party, where she supplied kits of local ingredients for a pomegranate salsa and cocktail, plus cheesy herb rolls. She varied that menu for her Portland Garden Club. Since last March, she's done a dozen workshops, each tailored to her client’s needs and the season.
“I love the whole process, but it’s a ton of prep work!” she says. “I find recipes, tweak them, test them, and fix them for my family’s reactions. And my kitchen needs to be clean! It’s tricky because I’m always doing multiple things at once!”
Kari has always been active. Born into an athletic family, she ran hurdles and played soccer and basketball at Wilson High. At the University of Oregon, she was in student government and majored in communications. During her senior year she interned at Nike, then worked 10 years for them as the apparel product development trainer.
NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | MARION POLK March 2021 7 Danger, Dames, Double-O-Seven
by Randal C. Hill
“Bond. James Bond.” Young first tutored the rough- Film critic Peter Bradshaw around-the-edges actor to display Bonce wrote, “It is the most wit, charm and style as the famous self-introduction from charismatic Bond character. And any character in movie history. while Connery stood 6’2”, all the Three cool monosyllables. Bond sets and furniture were built Surname first, a little curtly... slightly smaller than in real life then, as if an afterthought, to make Agent 007 appear even the first name, and again the larger and more imposing. surname. Connery carried it off with an icily disdainful In Dr. No, Bond is sent to style, in full evening dress Jamaica to investigate the [and] with a cigarette hanging murder of a fellow agent and his from his lips.” secretary. He eventually becomes involved with a mysterious and UK writer Ian Fleming’s novel sinister nuclear scientist named Dr. No provided the signature Dr. No was first published in Dr. Julius No (Joseph Wiseman), elements for the later James Bond 1958. Four years later, the silver whose goal is world domination. movie offerings — its distinctive screen treatment gave movie fans theme music, head-spinning, high- worldwide a chance to see, for Along the way, Bond octane action sequences, alluring the first time, Fleming’s fearless, must contend with such young women, and even Bond’s dashing, lady-loving Agent 007 inconveniences as a “deadly” preference for vodka martinis — in a highly entertaining bit of tarantula (tarantulas aren’t shaken, not stirred. celluloid melodrama. poisonous), flame throwers, flying bullets, severe beatings Footnote: Upon release, United Its handsome star was a and a near drowning. Adding Artists had to alter the title to 32-year-old newcomer with a thin to the complications is a trio serve foreign markets. In South resume. The Scottish breakout of temptresses — the Oriental Korea, for example, the film’s name actor, Sean Connery, was born charmer Miss Taro (Zena would have literally translated to in 1930 to an Edinburgh factory Marshall), casino denizen Sylvia 007 Murder Number, and in Japan worker and a cleaning woman. Trench (Eunice Gayson), and the it would have been, We Don’t As an adult, Connery worked as bikini-clad, seashell-collecting Want Doctors! a milkman, truck driver, lifeguard, siren Honey Ryder (Ursula artist’s model and coffin polisher Andress). "Do you lose as gracefully as (!) before finding fame and you win?" fortune via James Bond. Dr. No doesn’t appear until an hour and 27 minutes into Bond: "I don't know. I never lost." As licensed-to-kill Agent 007, the story. At one point, the no- our hero was about as sexy and goodnik tries in vain to persuade Thank you for the adventures, dangerous as one gets. But 007 to join his evil organization. Mr. Bond. before the moviegoing public Dr. No huffs, “I thought you had was allowed to see (and swoon some style, Mr. Bond, but I see Sean Connery over) Connery, director Terence you’re just a stupid policeman.” 8/25/30~10/31/20
8 NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | MARION POLK March 2021 The Power of Smiling When I want to feel better, I simply smile, and I feel my spirit lift. Is that the case for others, I wondered? I googled “smile and feel better” Contributed by and learned that smiling releases endorphins, Ambassador natural painkillers and serotonin. Even a fake Pamela Slaughter smile can make a person feel happier and Keller Williams lower blood pressure. Realty Portland Be well and smile! Central
3 Best Apps for Seniors
There are so many apps designed to help seniors today, on every subject. Here are a few good ones.
1. Elevate stimulates your mind to keep it just as active as you are, helping keep your comprehension and focus sharp. 2. MyFitnessPal will help keep you moving, while keeping track of foods you eat right down to calories, protein, and fats. 3. WhatsApp allows you to talk to anyone anywhere without getting a spike in your phone bill. Check out all the apps on your iPhone or Android to find things that mean the most to you, your health and loved ones.
Contributed by Ambassador Hughie Baker, Keizer Computer
NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | MARION POLK March 2021 9 Spring Clean, Simplify or Downsize Without Feeling Overwhelmed
by Pamela Slaughter
1 Start a detailed moving Spring is a time of new beginnings. Trees are checklist months in advance. bright with leaves and blossoms, flowers are This step is important as it will blooming, and new life is everywhere — baby help ensure you don't forget birds, fawns, puppies, kittens. something important, such as canceling cable and utilities. S Springtime also brings the urge for people to perfect their Great, step by step checklist nests, cleaning, organizing and updating. Walls are painted, samples are available free online windows washed, furniture rearranged. Many also simplify or — customize the list to meet your consider a move. While some would love to move, a sense of needs. Here are a few helpful overwhelm holds them back. examples: Moving is always stressful, even while being exciting. There Mymove.com – Pre-Move- are almost always unexpected expenses, and countless Checklist decisions include when to start packing, what to take and what Moving.com - Senior Moving to leave. Stress can run high, and even be crippling when one Checklist - Elderly Move Planning has things collected over decades. Whereyoulivematters.org - Imagine delaying a move that would improve your life Moving & Downsizing Checklist because you feel overwhelmed. Imagine spending thousands for Seniors of extra dollars a year to stay in a home because the prospect Movesforseniors.com - Senior- of moving is just too much. So rather than moving into a home Moving-Checklist.pdf that really fits your life today, you stay put, and pay the price. Many of us have items from People do just that, every year. Some spend their golden years generations, and a checklist — yearning to downsize but never do. Here are some simple but even very detailed — isn’t enough. impactful tips to help achieve your goals with no regrets: In that case, consider professional
10 NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | MARION POLK March 2021 help. Many professionals require What happens when you can’t immediate payment, but some get through it all and need to rent will wait until your home sells to storage? Here are some ideas: get paid. Request referrals from Don't store anything unless there's your Realtor or friends or check a reason and a deadline. I know reviews online. people who have spent thousands before the next quarter begins. on rented storage for things they’d Sometimes a storage unit is wonderful, like when you realize When it's time to downsize, never use again. Years later, tired 2 that blue rug in storage works downsize. If you find it difficult of paying for things they didn’t better than the green rug in your to part with favorite items even miss, they decided not to pay new home. Usually, however, when no longer needed or you another year to store items not renting storage after moving lack the space to store them, even worth the cost of storage. I've is like paying for the luxury of decide in advance what to do even been one of those people! avoiding dealing with things. with them. It helps to group It’s tough to get rid of things things, like: you have memories and emotion If you do rent storage, empty • Take to the new home attached to or that have it as soon as you can so you can • Sell – individually or in a monetary value, and exhausting have closure on your move and moving sale to sell items one at a time to totally enjoy your new home. It’s wonderful when everything in • Give to relatives or friends strangers. It can be tempting to your forever home has a place, • Donate (get a tax receipt!) save things for later, when you can find a place for them. I’ve and your home feels comfortable. • Recycle or throw away been there. When you’re left with the items It can help to photograph things you most value, then no matter cherished but no longer needed. If you must rent storage, where you look, you'll see Enlist the help of ruthless adult consider paying the year in something you care about. And children or friends who lean advance. Or pay by the quarter, that's a great way to start your toward minimalism. and work to empty the unit next chapter.
FREE INFO Learn the • Ask about offers and rebates How to Sell for 7 secrets to get • Service on all brands $5k to $15k more TOP DOLLAR • Senior citizen discounts • Ductless heat pumps We GUARANTEE we won’t leave you homeless meltonheating.com 35+ YEARS EXPERIENCE — Don’t chance an inexperienced agent 503-378-7482 Call DEWEY WHITTON TODAY to see Family Owned and Operated What Your Home is Really Worth!! Randy and Greg Melton CCB#124993 503-949-3623
NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | MARION POLK March 2021 11 Color me home
by Kristan Dael “Because of people spending more time at home due to Covid they’re understanding even more the impact of color on their world,” says Puji Sherer, Director of Color Marketing for Miller Paint. “Color is the most affordable, quickest, low-work way Bto create a “huge transformation — low cost, low effort,” she says.
While stark whites and grays have been hot in recent years, Sherer says people are craving more warmth. Off whites with peach undertones are popular, and one favorite, “French Linen” has umber undertones.
12 NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | MARION POLK March 2021 The color of the year? The color of the year? “Simple Simple Serenity, a light blue Serenity,” a light blue that Sherer describes as “uplifting, almost spiritual.” It’s also versatile, she described as uplifting, says, “Like your favorite blue jeans — you can pair it with any color almost spiritual. and it looks great.” Simple Serenity is also said to create a personal sanctuary feel, with a spa-like vibe.
Color preferences change with the times, and while Miller Paint’s 2020 color was Lioness, a yellow chosen for enthusiasm and female empowerment, this year’s color comes from the collective need for healing and well-being. “Our choices reflect where we’re at and what we crave,” Sherer says.
TIPS • Consult an expert. “I got into this because I was a painter,” says Sherer. “Color can create huge transformation, but the choices can be overwhelming. A pro can help simplify the process.” • Test, test, test. Place swatches of possible choices on the wall(s) to be painted and look at them throughout the day/evening as lighting changes the look and vibe. • Be mindful of scale. Color on a swatch looks different than on an entire wall or room. Natural light and scale (larger swaths of paint) become more intense. • Choose the right product. Sheen makes a difference. • Don’t be afraid of color. Different shades evoke different feelings. The experts can help: MillerPaint.com.
NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | MARION POLK March 2021 13 HOME PROJECTSDon’t Get Sidelined by Kimberly Z. Miller
Calling all weekend warriors and home improvement heroes! Before you kick off a home project, take time Cto warm up and stretch. You want to be back at it the next day to complete the project — not sidelined with an injury!
You wouldn’t hit the trail for a run or lift weights without warming up and stretching a bit, right? Home projects and garden makeovers can be just as physically demanding. A little preparation will help keep you injury free.
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14 NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | MARION POLK March 2021 To get the most benefit from your stretch, muscles should 3 Air squats 5 Hip Circles be warmed up. Think of your Stand with feet shoulder-width Stand with feet a little more than muscles like clay: if you start apart and weight on your heels. shoulder width apart, place both pulling a cold piece of clay, it will Push your hips backward and hands in the small of your back. tear apart. When that happens bend your knees until your thighs Keep your legs straight without to muscles and ligaments, it is are as parallel to the ground as locking your knees and make a strain or sprain. On the other possible. Press through your 10-15 clockwise circles with your hand, if you work the clay first heels and return to standing. hips, making them larger as you and warm it up, it will adapt and Go as quickly as you can safely. go. Repeat counterclockwise to stretch without breaking. A good Move through the full range of lubricate your spine and warm up warmup combined with a stretch motion for 1 minute to warm up your hips. intended to work your joints your legs. through full ranges of motion See photos of moves at are your best investment in northwest50plus.com. 4 Shoulder circles injury prevention. Stand tall and raise your arms These 5 moves will get your straight out to the sides (no muscles moving and help keep higher than shoulder height). injuries at bay. Make fists with your thumb pointing forward and circle your arms forward for 10 reps, then 1 Rotation march backward 10 reps. Shake your Stand tall and place your hands arms out and repeat with thumbs behind your head with elbows pointing upward to warm up pointing out. While raising your your shoulders. right knee up as high as you comfortably can, rotate your torso, angling your left elbow toward your right knee. Repeat opposite side. Continue one minute to warm up your core and get your heart rate up.
2 Shoulder drop stretch Stand with feet wide and place your hands on the inside of your thighs, fingers pointing inward. Keep your back flat, drop your right shoulder toward the ground and look over your left shoulder. Hold for one breath and repeat opposite side. Aim for 5-10 repetitions each side to warm up your back.
NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | MARION POLK March 2021 15 Wheel Pad home units keeping families together by RJ Adler
Lineberger, owner of Wheel Pad, which built bedroom and bathroom wheelchair accessible units that attached to existing homes. Jennifer called her.
After minor sitework, installation was completed in a single weekend. That Sunday Bob and Jennifer watched their teenage son push John up the ramp and onto the deck outside sliding doors of John’s new space. They breathed a collective sigh of relief; dad Bob put the phone on the table and his was home with them. head in his hands. Jennifer, his wife, looked at him from the counter, "I guess you need to Bgo back to Chicago.” He’d just returned two weeks before. Tired of waiting Bob, an arborist, traveled back and forth from for your kids to help? Vermont all winter caring for his dad, John. Last Everyone needs a “computer guy.” visit he thought he had finally settled all caregiving issues. Bob’s work was picking up. Pruning season A trusted, friendly expert who: had just begun when John’s longtime neighbor • Ensures your safety online called to say John had fallen and was taken to the • Protects your treasured photos hospital. Bob would have to go, his fourth trip in as and important data Spring Special! many months. They needed a solution. • Can help you in person at Discounts up to a moment’s notice John was soon released to a short-term rehab half off! facility in Brattleboro, VT where Bob and Jennifer live with their son. They planned to move John into Hughie Baker a long-term care home, but he had a catheter so is “your computer guy” was not eligible. Stuck in an expensive temporary Introducing The KHT Plan — facility where the pandemic was taking hold, the Includes updates, cloud back- family considered how to make their small home up, remote service, diagnostics wheelchair accessible. and more Voted #1 in computer support by the Statesman Journal 2020 Pondering how long that might take, Jennifer remembered something. She had helped organize a Tiny House Festival, where she’d met Julie Hughie Baker 503.540.5909
16 NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | MARION POLK March 2021 Tips for a great garden created with ease and safety
by Grace Peterson
id winter seem longer than usual this year? Maybe a bit more somber and wearisome than it normally is? With COVID restrictions limiting our activities indoors and inclement weather limiting them outdoors, it felt like spring would never get here! But now as the days Dget longer and the thermometer slowly inches upward, the excitement of spring is in the air. Lucky for us, gardening is an activity with easy social distancing so we can quarantine and putter without worry.
Just a few steps into the garden and we can see the work that needs to be done. First for me is to tidy up. Because I like to leave much of my garden as-is during the winter months, the blanket of leaves that served to insulate plants and allowed critters to winter over looks pretty sad now.
Gathering the wet, heavy, leaves not only improves the look of my beds but allows the plants to breathe and stretch out. I like to haul the semi-decayed leaves to a secluded spot where they can finish their decomposing so I can use them for mulch later on. _ _
NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | MARION POLK March 2021 17 I’m also cutting back dead growth Better to choose garden tasks read about projects for vertical on last year’s perennials, being you enjoy and that don’t deplete gardening of both edibles and careful not to cut the new leaves your energy. Then, if you can flowers which raises plants to emerging from the ground. These afford it, hire a handyman to eye-level and reduces the need two jobs, along with a little weed- do the more difficult tasks such for bending. pulling, really improve the look of as tree or shrub pruning and my gardens. heavy lifting. If you can’t afford it, Whatever your projects may be perhaps a batch of cookies or a this spring, doing them safely and After a full day in the garden, nice meal would make that carefully will make for a happy my body surely feels it. While I helper happy. gardening season. soak in the tub, I like to evaluate my day and consider ways to Come to find out, Ms. Cassidy A few quick tips: improve my garden and my has authored a follow-up book titled, The Age-Proof Garden: 101 methods. c For watering, use Practical Ideas and Projects for lightweight hoses or use an A few years ago in June, I Stress-Free, Low-Maintenance automatic watering system shared with you Patty Cassidy’s Senior Gardening, Shown Step helpful book, The Illustrated by Step in More Than 500 c Have seating close by for Practical Guide to Gardening Photographs. This book is filled times when you need a break for Seniors: How to Maintain a with project ideas for seniors, With COVID restrictions, take Beautiful Outside Space with Ease such as creating a potted patio c advantage of online and Safety in Later Years. Filled garden where plants are up close with clever ideas and resources and easier to manage. Advice gardening communities for active gardening seniors, it is on growing vegetables and fruit c Use the largest pots possible. still relevant for anyone looking trees in pots is detailed, and The bigger the pot, the less for ways to make gardening the colorful photos make me often it needs watering easier and safer. swoon. There are lots of ideas for If possible, create your combining plants in raised beds. c I really like Ms. Cassidy’s One such bed grows a columnar garden so you can see it practical advice, such as apple tree, a fig tree and several from indoors acknowledging your limitations. fruiting currant plants. Also,
18 NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | MARION POLK March 2021 Free Master Gardener series open to the public
by Kym Pokorny Following are class titles; details As more people discover the joys of gardening during the pandemic, the at northwest50plus.com: Oregon State University Extension Multifunctional Hedgerows (Feb 9) Service Master Gardener program has Dirt Gone Bad: When your soil amendment has introduced a new series of free monthly been contaminated (March 9) virtual classes. A Dazzling Dahlias (April 13)
Growing Oregon Gardeners: Level Up Water-wise Gardening (May 11) broadcasts at 3 pm every second Tuesday via Zoom through November. Classes are free but Unique Winter Vegetables to Grow (June 8) registration is required. Those who can’t attend can access the classes at https://extension. Fire-wise Landscaping (July 13) oregonstate.edu/mg/growing-oregon- Season Extension Techniques (Aug. 10) gardeners-level-series Gardening with Native Plants for Pollinators Class topics are far-ranging, from (Sept. 14) Dazzling Dahlias to Adapting Your Garden and Landscape to Climate Change, and are Adapting Your Garden and Landscape for meant for those with a bit of gardening under Climate Change (Oct. 12) their belt, says LeAnn Locher, OSU Extension Using Life Cycle Analysis to Understand the Master Gardener outreach coordinator. Godfrey Sustainability of Your Garden Products and Practices Nursery (Nov. 9) “The classes came about as Master INC. Gardener staff across the state saw the outpouring from the public for gardening information during COVID,” Locher says. “The classes help as a two-fold response: Godfrey One is to give Master Gardeners an Nursery opportunity to continue their education INC. and the other is to respond to the great interest for gardening knowledge and support from the public.” Choose from our huge selection Classes are specifically based on timely of quality Godfrey grown plants. issues and the priorities of the Master Gardener program and are specific to Open Year Round 503.749.2613 Oregonians. Taught by horticulture experts Winter Hours: 9am – 4pm Gift Shop Spring/Summer Hours: 9am – 6pm from around the state, classes address Visit us at: GodfreyNursery.com Located in Shaw Oregon Facebook.com/GodfreyNursery current issues like wildfires, climate 8834 Shaw Sq. Rd. Instagram.com/ GodfreyNursery change and pollinators. Family owned and operated since 1981 Email: [email protected]
NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | MARION POLK March 2021 19 For the ♥ of Pets
Hope found me
by Christy Doherty wenty years ago, the storm clouds overhead were as dark and threatening as my thoughts. Brooding about life and darkly preoccupied, I grabbed two things and pointed my car west. I wanted a dramatic, solitary I think some view. On a dismal weekday, I hoped to find it at the TFort Stevens jetty. angels I hadn’t seen a car for miles, and the parking lot was empty have stone- when I pulled in. bruised paws, But I was not alone. A ragged, forlorn dog eyed me — ears up, eyes searching, bloodied desperate for a friend. elbows — and The wind whipped the beach grass. The rail-thin dog hunched against the cold. There wasn’t enough meat on his doggy breath. bones to block the chill. He limped toward me. As I stepped out of my old Cadillac, a battle waged in his soft brown eyes: a war between despair and a sliver of hope. A battle waged inside me, too, as dark thoughts fueled my downward spiral. But. . . look at that skinny, banged-up dog.
20 NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | MARION POLK March 2021 It seemed too many people had After hesitating, he climbed in He studied me. My hand already snubbed him — I knelt with a small wag, then backed held the passenger seat folded and he came to me. out. He looked around, searching, forward. Soon he lowered his His feet were swollen, his inner like, “wrong car.” chin into the crook of my elbow, thighs pink and chapped from But there was no other car. sighed, and closed his eyes. In moments he was asleep. salt water and wind, and his Dumped, I thought sadly. elbow was scraped and bleeding. I found Hope at the beach Each trial lasted longer, half in that day. I climbed the lookout stairs to then out of the car. Then a white- watch the waves break against haired man appeared — and More accurately, Hope found the great rocks. He followed, Hope growled. me. limping slowly up the three “Good protective dog,” the I shudder to think what short flights. retiree said. could’ve happened if I hadn’t met He stood at my side as I Hope. My beach bag sure didn’t “He’s not my dog,” I answered. searched for answers on the have a sand bucket in it. Seeing the blood on Hope’s horizon beyond the violent waves. For me, the bruised, starving elbow, the man said resident The wind-whipped surf crashed dog out of nowhere was a coyotes would be drawn like a and frothed. My long hair blew, godsend. I'd had dark, self- magnet. wraithlike; his tossing fur showed destructive plans — until an his ribs, and he shivered. The next time Hope stepped in innocent dog in trouble altered Descending the stairs, I veered I closed the door. The kindly man my path. agreed to follow to help if needed. to my car. He stopped to sniff a Some people disagree over trash can — no food. I turned to I drove about 20 feet before angels having wings. I think it’s see him trying to eat the sharp- Hope tried to claw his way out. about dressing for the occasion. edged beach grass. I cracked the window and drove I think some angels have stone- faster, not worried about damage “Hope!” I called out. It was my bruised paws, bloodied elbows — to my old car. Soon he curled up grandfather’s name, my favorite and doggy breath. uncle’s middle name. on the floor and sighed. The dog came. Opening the Going through Astoria, he sat passenger door, I invited him in. up, facing me. I spoke softly.
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NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | MARION POLK March 2021 21 Metro South Valley Marion/Polk
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