Northwest 50 Plus Metro Edition February 2021 by Northwest50Plus

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Metro February 2021 Your companion for living well in the northwest

The magic of Neen Prepare to be charmed

Sometimes

cupid throws . . . Far from the

grandkids neednâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean distant

a hammer

Garnish Apparel

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VOLUME 25 | NUMBER 2

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

JENNIFER MCCAMMON

Publisher 971-200-9686 JMcCammon@northwest50plus.com DOREEN HARROLD Office Manager/Sales Assistant DHarrold@northwest50plus.com PAUL DELURY Account Executive 541.870.5484 pdelury@northwest50plus.com TAY JUNCKER Lead Designer TJuncker@northwest50plus.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Vanessa Salvia, Kimberly Z. Miller, Candy Puterbaugh, Pamela Slaughter, Christy Doherty, Randal C. Hill PHOTOGRAPHY

BMAC Photography P.O. Box 12008, Salem, OR 97309 4923 Indian School Rd. NE, Salem, OR 97305 503-304-1323 | 1-877-357-2430 FAX 503-304-5394 info@northwest50plus.com Northwest50Plus.com Subscriptions $26/year | $49/2 years Printed by Eagle Web Press, Salem, OR 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.

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The Love edition

The working title of this issue, inspired very simply by

the month of February, was “The Love edition.” While it came to have minimal content focused on romantic love, many of the features illustrate forms of love we all need more of, especially these days. I’m talking about the kind of love that shows up in the form of a simple smile. Or happening upon one of those rare human beings who clearly makes hearts smile wherever he or she goes (see “The Magical World of Neen"). Or found in a somewhat serendipitous series of caring events that result in a wee stray finding his way to a home where he will be loved for life (see “A gift made possible by everyday heroes"). It might seem a silly, but for me, all this brought to mind that old ditty, “What the world needs now is love, sweet love.” As we move into a new chapter following so much loss and hardship in recent months, I hope “The Love edition” brings you a smiling heart and a little reassurance that while times of trouble and challenge will always be a part of life, there is always a reason to smile — and to have a happy heart. As the ditty says, “Love, sweet love — not just for some but for everyone.” Thank you for being part of the 50Plus family,

contents 6

Far from Grandkids Needn’t Mean Distant Grandparents provide love, security and comfort. And however far away your grandkids may be, you can have a close, active role in their lives.

Sometimes cupid throws . . .

a hammer

She wasn’t looking for love. He was a longtime soccer player. They were both athletes. As fate would have it, they met at a fitness class, and Cupid’s hammer brought them together.

The Steps of Life

The second most famous smiley face Randal Hill brings history to life in fun, fascinating ways. This month he shares the story of one very famous smile.

For the

♥ of Pets

From an officer on night patrol discovering a tiny black waif to an animal control facility not normally set up to care for cats, “Bat” was an unexpected gift made possible by everyday heroes.

How the ruckus of a pack of “furry street monitors” led to strangers become friends.

Garnish Apparel survives with hustle Many local fashion boutiques have closed due to COVID. Garnish in NW Pdx continues to thrive, thanks to the hustle and savvy of owner Erica Lurie.

As seen on FB Amidst the angst, opinions and noise on social media recently, a simple post asking for advice “about nothing in particular” prompted practical, funny and inspiring replies.

Dental Health • Don’t skip the checkup due to COVID Don’t let stress or safety concerns keep you from the dentist. Your safety is their first concern, and dentists are practicing increased precautions for your dental and overall health. 4

NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | METRO February 2021

The magic of Neen Prepare to be charmed

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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AS SEEN on social media Amidst all the angst, opinions and noise on social media recently, this simple post prompted a variety of responses, some practical, some charming, some profound. Enjoy!

I need some advice.

Not about anything in particular. Give me random advice.

Don’t take any wooden buffaloes

Breathe

Fake it till you make it...,

Start everyday with good intention and a freshly made bed (doesn’t matter whose bed)

Think big and don’t sweat the small stuff. Brush your teeth. No one ever regretted brushing their teeth. Laugh aloud whenever possible.

Don’t squat with Spurs on

My advice: Take advice from no one. Strike out on your own and enjoy your life.

Be greatful

Be your delicious self!

Keep the faith, baby.

More naps

Put a sawbuck on Sea Biscuit in the fifth. Practice gratitude. Always say please and thank you If you borrow a friend’s car, return it cleaner than when you got it with a full tank of gas. Touch the earth with bare feet or hands at least once a day. g

NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | METRO February 2021

A Long Distance Grandparent

Needn’t Be Distant by Pamela Slaughter

Grandparents have long represented love, security, comfort, and calm. I was blessed to have two very loving grandmothers. They both had a strong impact on my life. I now realize it was so powerful because they were always teaching me. That is the beauty of grandparents — they teach life lessons. It’s not always easy. These days grandchildren often live in different cities or states from their grandparents. Is it possible for a grandparent to have a close, active role in the life of a grandchild they rarely see? Yes. With planning and effort, a long-distance grandparent/grandchild relationship can thrive. How? First, create memories. When I take my grandson on daytrips, I take lots of pictures of ordinary moments to capture the experience, starting with driving there and ending with my grandson’s sleeping face in the backseat as we’re headed home. Afterward I often create a photo album. featuring pictures of his favorite moments along with ordinary bits, and photos of us together. Sometimes we go over the books together and laugh and relive our fun. He’ll have those books long after I’m gone, and I love knowing that.

NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | METRO February 2021

Here’s a tip: Photo books are a wonderful way to communicate with words, too. Add a few sentences next to certain photos to completely capture the moment. Your grandchild will “hear” your words, so be thoughtful. This is a beautiful way to share important thoughts. Let your grandchild know what the book represents and why it’s so special. Each time you visit, a wonderful memory/photo book can follow. I often get my books the same day, from Walgreens, for under $20. This is one easy way to create both quality time and powerful, happy memories. High-impact quality time is important, but I’ve found that quantity is equally important. These are the little ordinary moments you spend with your grandchild — such as driving to the store, helping with homework or walking the dog that add up to create familiarity, comfort, intimacy and trust. How does a long-distance grandparent find a way to gain quantity time? By being creative. The simplest is frequent phone calls. Schedule calls, like visits, but be flexible if changes are sometimes needed. Make the calls fun, which doesn't mean dragging out old "knock knock" jokes you thought were hilarious as a child (yes, I did that). Fun refers to something instantly engaging to your grandchild. Use your phone time to get to know her. Ask about his video games. Make part of the call include something you share together

on an ongoing basis, such as completing a family tree together or playing chess. Or write a story, taking turns making up the next paragraph. My grandson and I have been reading books from The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. Get to know them. What is her favorite meal? His best friend? Her fears? Listen deeply. Take notes so you don't forget. The next time you speak, you can follow up on things that came up before. Keep calls somewhat brief but very interesting. Technology can really support the bond. There’s nothing you can’t learn by watching instructional videos on YouTube. Find out how to use Facetime, Skype, web cams, and other options to speak with (and see) your grandchild.

Occasionally, send things your grandchild will use. I bought my grandson an electric pencil sharpener for his ninth birthday. He loves it and uses it a lot. I still remember the delight I felt after my grandmother gave me a new, plump pillow. I felt the presence of her love and thoughtfulness every time I lay on it. Consider what simple item might represent your presence every day.

The item doesn’t have to be purchased. It can come from your heart. You might send jokes, text words of encouragement, family stories, pictures, cards, questions, feathers, rocks, or cookies. The point is to have a presence. The challenge is to not overdo it. Treasure can become clutter if there's too much of it. The other challenge is to make it special. Not expensive, just meaningful. Don’t forget that another basic way to bond is to enjoy conversations on a regular basis. Your grandchild wants to know you, too! Share details about your childhood and your life now. Talk about what makes you happy and what you regret. Be transparent about your evolution into who you are now, if appropriate. Let her know that you have overcome some things, and how. Likewise, ask about his daily life, thoughts, friends. Learn how she cheers herself up, his greatest victory so far, his goals. Talk to her, but more importantly, listen, and remember what she shares. Be curious when you disagree, rather than judgmental. Let her know you love her unconditionally. We all need someone like that. A long-distance relationship doesn't have to be distant. With planning and effort, you can be truly close with your grandchild. I would love to hear your ideas on the subject. How do you bond with your grandchild long distance?

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NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | METRO February 2021

The Magical World of Neen by Candy Puterbaugh

f you’re looking for some magic in your life, meet Neen Fitzwalter — she has plenty to spare. The certified magician-golfer-sports enthusiast-musician-ordained minister-mixologist-cook-collector-entertainer and holiday home decorator has brightened the lives of family, friends and neighbors of all ages. Kids flock to her. In the past she hosted a group of golfers overnight at her mountain cabin, wining, dining and spoiling them with gift bags handembroidered with their names. She’s served them meals with colorful gift boxes at each plate, then entertained them with a magic show. “We as neighbors, friends and golf teammates are the happy recipients of Neen’s excellent cooking, fun parties and almost daily neighborhood dinners,” says friend and fellow golfer, Karen Johnson. “She is always ready for drop-ins with enough food to go around for four guests or twelve! She is a walking heart!” Her cabin and home are reflections of Neen, with whimsical museum-like memorabilia decorating every room. Her original Brownie and Girl Scout uniform (with forks and canteen) hanging in a bathroom provide a peek at her past.

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Lynnea (later Neen, or Neenie to neighborhood kids) grew up the youngest of seven children on a small farm with pigs, horses and a garden in SW Portland. During her senior year at Lincoln High School she worked half-days at an insurance office across the street to earn money for a car, clothes and shoes. Magic made its way into her world 30 years ago when a friend showed her a magic trick. “I was hooked!” she says. “He wouldn’t show me how it was done so I went to a magic shop downtown and bought the trick. I loved it and have been doing it ever since.” A member of The Society of American Magicians, one summer she performed at UKANDU, a camp for kids with cancer. She continues to perform for neighborhood kids, adults and at weddings and birthdays, free of charge.

With no children of their own, Neen and her husband Stevie cherish their nieces, nephews and kids of neighbors and friends. The kids love visiting, to swim, help decorate, and play with vintage games in the basement.

She’s been decorating her large Alameda home to the hilt inside and out for every major holiday since she and Stevie married 35 years ago. People stop, drop their jaws, and gawk at the lavishly-lit corner home.

Magic made its way into her world 30 years ago when a friend showed her a magic trick.

“Stevie and I both decorate,” she says. “We started small, probably with Halloween. It’s

“I was hooked!” At the cabin visiting kids happily forgo electronics for archery, croquet, volleyball, biking, skipping rocks, hiking, kayaking, fishing and geocaching. “They’re building memories and that is so important,” Neen says. Because she reveres marriage, she became an ordained minister so she could perform weddings. “Stevie says I’m a master of the Ms: magician, minister, mixologist and musician,” she laughs. The consummate hostess studied mixology for over 10 years to learn to create interesting cocktails. Favorites include vodka infused with berries, basil, cucumber, jalapeno, watermelon or peaches. She began ukulele lessons a few years ago because, “I like the sound of it and it’s small enough to take to the beach, our cabin or on vacation.”

gradually gotten to be more. Although Halloween is my favorite, Valentine’s Day comes in a strong second. Decorating for that only takes about three hours where Halloween takes two or three days with a lot of help from family and friends.” They’ve been rewarded for their efforts, some years bringing as many as 2,000 trick-or-treaters. }}}

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While decorations are stored in their large attic, the basement is home to one more “M” in Neen’s mix: memorabilia. “Our basement is full of things we grew up with,” she says. “We just didn’t throw stuff away 50 years ago. We have a slot machine from the ‘20s, shuffleboard from the ‘30s, and three juke boxes, a pinball machine and a coke machine from the ‘40s and ‘50s.” She also still has her original pogo stick, baton, dolls, softball and mitt, jacks, hula hoop, first transistor radio, and brownie camera — all on display. She also owns “tons of vintage clothing,” complete with accessories, which she lends to friends for dress-up events.

Still, she adds, “I need projects this winter. I might make some wooden direction signs for our cabin, including elevations of a variety of mountains around the world, and local ones such as Mt. Hood. I’d like to make a large totem pole but it may be too complicated — I’ll see.” I like to have fun and don’t like to sit idle. I need to be busy, going someplace or doing something. I’m just a kid in a 70-year-old body.”

"Stevie says I’m a master of the Ms: magician, minister, mixologist and musician.”

Neen’s hands are never idle. She does wood-burning and has made wooden placemats. She also once made a quilt out of 36 half-gallon Crown Royal bags. “That’s $1,800 worth of Crown Royal per quilt!” she laughs. Neen retired on her favorite holiday — Halloween — seven years ago after working in human resources for 36 years. “Retirement has been heaven, just perfect!” she says. “I have no responsibilities other than to play. My only responsibility is to know what sports activity I am doing that day.” These include tennis, golf, power-walking, kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding and biking. “I might do one, two or three sports a day — it’s all on my calendar.”

"I’m just a kid in a 70-year-old body.”

NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | METRO February 2021

The Second-most Famous Smile by Randal C. Hill

Though you may not know it, harvey ball has had an impact on your life. He was born Harvey Ross Ball in July 1921 in Worcester, Massachusetts, one of six children. After graduating from Worcester South High School, he became an apprentice to a local sign painter and later studied fine art at the Worcester Art Museum School. Following World War II, he worked for a local advertising firm until 1959, when he started his own advertising business. In 1963, a call from a Worcester client, The State Mutual Life Assurance Company, changed Ball’s life — and in time added to the popular culture of America and many countries around the globe. The insurance outfit had recently experienced a hostile takeover merger with an out-oftown competitor, and employee morale was low and sinking. Could Harvey come up with some kind of quirky design that would be fun to look at and consequently lift spirits around the office? Within 10 minutes, Ball had created a bright yellow circle with black oval eyes — the right eye slightly larger — and a creased, slightly off-center smile, the right side a bit higher and thicker than the left. Ball was paid $45 — about $350 today — for his efforts.

The State Mutual folks produced and handed out 100 Smiley pins to its employees in hopes of encouraging workers to smile while doing humdrum tasks around the office such as chatting on the phone with customers. Smiley buttons became so popular with the general public that they were eventually being ordered in lots of 10,000. By 1971, more than 50 million Smiley buttons had been produced. Ball’s creation had become recognized around the world as an American icon. So, did he retire early, purchase a yacht and sail off to a beachfront villa on a tropical island? Well, actually, no. He never applied for a trademark or copyright of the Smiley Face, and State Mutual made nothing from the design either. Ball’s son, Charles, always maintained that his dad never regretted not registering the copyright as he wasn’t motivated much by money. Ball did, however, have an incentive other than cash. In 1999, he founded the World Smile

What are the elements of an authentic Worcestermade smiley face?

Foundation, a charitable trust supporting children’s causes. The outfit now licenses Smileys and runs World Smile Day, an event celebrated the first Friday in October each year. It’s a day that emphasizes the slogans, “Do an act of kindness” and, “Help one person smile.” Ball’s Smiley is now said to be the most famous grin since the Mona Lisa’s. Footnote: When the Vietnam War was raging in the ‘70s, businessmen brothers Bernard and Murray Spain decided to make buttons displaying Ball’s creation, adding, “Have a Nice Day” on each disc. The Spains raked in a healthy profit with sales of 50 million discs. Yep, the pair had first copyrighted that four-word phrase.

Small oval eyes, right larger than left

Bright sunny yellow

Perfect circle

Right side of mouth is thiscker, larger and slightly off center

NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | METRO February 2021

GARNISH apparel survives with hustle and new ideas by Maggi White

“Firing on all cylinders” is what it takes to survive a pandemic, and that’s just what boutique owner-designer Erica Lurie is doing. While many popular locally-owned fashion boutiques have closed due to loss of business, Garnish Apparel — offering locally created designs of contemporary women’s clothing and accessories — is still standing in NW Portland. Lurie knows how to jump on opportunities, recognize a need and fill it. As sales slowed at Garnish, Lurie began manufacturing masks, including a line to benefit people with compromised hearing. The mask has a vinyl window over the mouth, making it possible to read lips. The elastic fastens behind the head, keeping hearing aids from falling off when put on and taken off. Lurie’s entrepreneurial spirit goes back to high school. A lover of fabric, her self-made clothing not only got attention, people wanted to buy it. A ski racer at the time, she designed and made polar fleece hats. When other skiers bought them right off her head, she began carrying bags of hats with her, making sales at lunchtime. After graduating college with a major in sculpture and a minor in clothing and textiles, Lurie took a four-month trip to South America, Fiji, New Zealand and Tahiti. She designed and made t-shirts from her travels (she has visited 30 countries) by ironing photos she’d taken on pieces of leather and sewing them onto t-shirt material. She also made polar fleece ponchos. 12

NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | METRO February 2021

After a brief stint at local boutique Tumbleweed and three and a half years at Adidas as an apparel developer, she struck out on her own in 2004. Lurie first wholesaled her designs to stores before deciding to open her own shop in 2006. To keep Garnish afloat during the pandemic she offered flash sales that resulted in last April being her best April ever. Those and sales of masks were key to increased business. Nevertheless, sales are down by a third, so she is now focusing on new ideas and changes to her business plan. For years Garnish has offered private shopping parties as well as complimentary stylist consultations with her or another qualified stylist, helping customers find items that suit their figure and lifestyle. Private shopping parties combine friends, fashion, food and fun, a little wine, and what Lurie calls “gal time.” Before the pandemic, these parties and appointments represented a third of her business. While the store (she owns the space) remains open, it no longer can rely upon walk-in traffic.

Another survival tool is frugality, Lurie says. She has one full-time seamstress in her studio and another on contract, plus two part-time salespeople in the shop. “I have a ton of fabric on hand for fall so I don’t have to purchase so much. These days I think longer about purchases before I loosen the purse strings.” What she has not done is reduce anyone’s hours. In fact, she hopes to make one part-time employee full-time. Lurie now spends more time in the shop but works to balance family and business. Besides her husband, she has a son, Everett, 6, and a daughter Gwendolyn, 9. Her husband Mike is a teacher now working from home, providing more flexibility. She discovered that Gwendolyn has “amazing” organizational skills when doing assembly line work at home. A new addition, thanks to the pandemic, is virtual shopping parties. Lurie hopes, as the weather changes, people will shop more. Because many customers are now working at home and not buying dressier clothing Lurie plans to adapt her fall line to more casual, easy-care designs. Though she will still maintain her dressier styles. She also plans to make her website more user friendly and up to date. Knowing all businesses need new ideas Lurie took a course on lean business practices and how to survive and thrive from Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership hosted by Prosper Oregon. She is working with them on projects to increase sales and advertise her business efficiently and effectively, and is looking into grant and funding possibilities. The future, Lurie says, is separating the wheat from the chaff. “You have to adapt. It’s hard to predict what the future will be, but more virtual sales are part of that. I have very nice, loyal clients and I don’t want

to miss that personal contact. A lot of businesses are closing, and I have to find ways to survive. We will produce fewer collections in the future: instead of new mini collections every three weeks for a total of 15 a year, four to six a year is the new reality. However, I just love beautiful fabric, so I don’t want a sweatshirt kind of place. I just have to be frugal, keep working hard and learn other ways to do business. At one time I thought I would just do home parties and buy a travel bus. But I like a shop, I like seeing my clients on a regular basis — it’s part of what I like about my business. I miss face-to-face.” Garnish received Paycheck Protection from the government. For eight weeks small businesses that qualified got help with payroll, rent and electricity based on two and a half times monthly payroll. While that has ended, her hustle to survive won’t.

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NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | METRO February 2021

Sometimes cupid throws

a hammer

by Candy Puterbaugh

n the summer of 2012, Dennis Doyle and Erica Piccolo became enamored with each other — and the hammer throw sealed the romance.

age — in our forties and doing CrossFit — while most of the others were in their twenties. I liked that he had a wit and good comebacks, and we joked and teased and made each other laugh. But the last thing on my mind was a relationship.” Nevertheless, one found her, over coffee before another class. Dennis, a good cook, talked about a super muffin packed with energy ingredients. Erica asked for the recipe, giving him her email address. He asked for her phone number.

It all began when, after 30 years of competitive soccer, Dennis found his future in his mailbox. A package from a lifelong soccer friend contained a hammer and the note, “Welcome to your new sport.” Dennis picked up the hammer and hasn’t put it down since. A few months later Erica was stretching on a foam roller before a CrossFit class when she heard someone mention people’s birth years. “This guy Dennis said 1966, and I said, ‘that’s a good year.’ We started talking, and I was intrigued that we were the same

“Our first deliberate date — I mean planned and while dressed up — was dinner for our favorite Thai food,” Erica recalls. “On the way to the restaurant, there was so much traffic that we had time to talk. I found out later that he hates traffic, but he didn’t complain!” Their relationship really cemented when Erica saw Dennis throw the hammer at the 2013 State Games. “I thought it was the coolest thing,” she says. “It looked powerful and fun!” The next day Erica entered the women’s hammer throw. She was hooked.

NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | METRO February 2021

“Early in our relationship, here was Dennis, a no-nonsense former soccer coach, trying to teach me the nuances of the hammer throw,” Erica says. “It wasn’t all smooth sailing but the ordeal not only resulted in my achieving age group All-American marks twice but it solidified our connection.” While they both love the hammer, they didn’t stop there. Dennis does just about every track and field event except the

“I thought it was the coolest thing. It looked powerful and fun!” triple jump and javelin, and runs everything from short sprints to middle distances, does long hurdles and the steeplechase. His goal is to make All-American Masters standards in the 400-hurdles, hammer and discus. “I was a soccer player and always ran,” Dennis says. “Soccer was my true love. I started it at age six or seven, played in high school, college, and some professional. But I found that being able to run and running track are two different animals. In soccer I just ran. You just don’t go out and run 400 meters — there’s strategy in track events. At age 46 I saw that track wasn’t as draining on the body and hung up my soccer cleats.” Erica likes the shot put, the high, triple and long jump, plus 100- and 200-meter sprints (the speed helps her with jumps).

She’s made AllAmerican twice in the hammer throw, once in the high jump, and is trying for the triple and long jump. “I always liked jumping!” she says. “I tried the discus but didn’t take to it. My small hands don’t give me a good grip. I also enjoy the shot put. Even though I had to run at practices during high school tennis in Hawaii where I grew up, I didn’t care for running. My dad was a sprinter in Hong Kong, and he encouraged me to try track and field. I didn’t try it then because I didn’t know about the fun field events.” The couple practices throwing together during track and field season when a venue is available and weather cooperates. Otherwise, they enjoy spending time together working out on a track, trails, or their home fitness equipment in Lake Oswego. They joined the Portland Masters Track Club where he is now vice-president and she is secretary. He also runs the club’s Thursday night trainings. Since 2007 Dennis has managed the indoor soccer facility for the City of Sherwood.

Currently closed due to COVID-19, he is currently working at the Sherwood Senior Center prepping and delivering meals to seniors. Erica, who has an 18-year-old daughter, Ashley, and a 20-yearold son, Hunter, was a certified CrossFit coach. She liked that the hammer throw put all her CrossFit training to work, giving it purpose. A licensed lawyer in Hawaii, she works locally as a paralegal, undecided about taking the Oregon bar. They now attend every meet together, and while they enter just about every event, the favorite for both is the hammer throw. The women’s throw is usually just before the men’s and they cheer each other on. Fate brought them together in a fitness class but, like Cupid’s arrow, the hammer found its mark in their hearts.

NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | METRO February 2021

Dental health being impacted by COVID 19 stress, safety concerns Dentists increase Infection control and sterilization protocols to ensure safety

Maintaining good health is top of mind for many these days, and dental hygiene is an important part of the equation. Medical experts say a healthy mouth is critical to whole-body health, and warn that during COVID-19, stress-related oral health concerns are on the rise. “Dental health and overall health are intrinsically linked,” says Dr. Alice Boghosian, American Dental Association (ADA) spokesperson. “Beyond teeth and gums, the mouth serves as a window to the rest of the body, providing clues about health-related issues that may be brewing,”

Dentists reported a rise in stress-related oral health conditions in their patients. 16

NORTHWEST 50 PLUS | METRO February 2021

Dr. Boghosian says dental visits have always been an essential part of health care and are safe during the pandemic. Thanks to ADA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, dentists have increased their already strong infection control and office sterilization protocols. “Routine dental exams during the pandemic can help keep your mouth and body healthy,” the doctor says. “In addition, dentists can sometimes spot signs suggestive of medical issues, alerting you to the need for medical follow-up.”

The importance of regular dental visits The ADA offers the following reasons it is important to see your dentist regularly and insights into how oral and overall health are connected: _The COVID-19 pandemic has been a tremendous source of anxiety and stress. It’s no surprise that since its onset, a majority of dentists surveyed by an ADA Health Policy Institute reported a rise in stress-related oral health conditions in their patients. If you awake with a tired or sore jaw, find you’re grinding your teeth or have a chipped or cracked tooth, a dentist can help. _Dentists’ areas of care extend beyond teeth, gums and supporting bones to include the muscles of the head, neck and jaw, the tongue, salivary glands and the nervous system of the head, neck and other areas. When appropriate, dentists can take tissue samples to screen for chronic or infectious diseases, and even oral cancer. Catching oral cancer early reduces the risk of a patient becoming one of the 10,030 Americans who die of this disease each year. _Dental visits are especially important for the 29.1 million people in the US living with diabetes or at high risk of developing it. Untreated, diabetes can take a toll on the mouth in numerous ways that can be detected by a dentist. What’s more, people with diabetes are more prone to periodontal disease, a chronic, inflammatory condition that can destroy gums, the tissues holding the teeth and even bones. Research suggests that treating gum disease and practicing good oral hygiene can help improve blood sugar control in people living with diabetes.

Healthy routine hygiene practices combined with regular dental visits are easy to do. The serious concerns that can arise when these habits aren’t practiced is an important reminder that maintenance again wins the day. The better you care for yourself, the better your body will handle whatever life throws at you. “Dentists, along with your physician and other healthcare professionals, are part of your health care team,” says Dr. Boghosian. “Your oral and overall health are our top priority.” For more dental health tips and resources, visit MouthHealthy.org. To find a dentist near you, visit FindaDentist.ada.org. Contributed by StatePoint

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For the

♥of Pets

A gift made possible

by everyday heroes

by Christy Doherty

I’d like to share something special with all you fabulous readers, a story about love, and everyday heroes. I received a special delivery, just for me this Christmas, made possible by a series of everyday heroes who all went “beyond the call.” My heart tells me my Dad, long departed from this world, is smiling about it. I’m not saying he was involved; I’m not saying he wasn’t.

Bat

I had mourned the passing of my black Ragamuffin* kitty, AsTar, since November 2018. Her personality was going to be a tough act to follow; the piece I wrote in her memory won my first national award from the Cat Writers Association. I followed various breeders, seeking another black kitten, but Ragamuffins are rare. I tried adopting, but someone else was always there first. I found a gorgeous Maine Coon kitten last fall, my first experience with the breed. Lady Petra Bella Luna is striking, with lots of Tortie-tude. Still, my thoughts wandered to a little black kitty friend — for her (wink). Petra kept growing up, and a companion wasn’t found while she was small.

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Sometime last summer, a smalltown police officer on night patrol discovered a wee black kitten. No other animals or people were around. The baby was under two pounds, certainly not ready to fly solo. Into the squad car the orphan went. The officer couldn’t work his shift with a sooty little shotgun rider, so he took the time and effort to ensure the little one was in safe hands with animal control. The shelter wasn’t really equipped for cats, but they went the extra mile (see the theme?), taking in the little waif and promising to figure it out. After many calls, the kittenwith-a-rap-sheet was off to a rescue that primarily handled ferals and strays. There he was placed in a roomy wire play enclosure. He immediately climbed the sidewall and just hung there, looking for all the world like a little bat. The name stuck. Days stretched into weeks. Kitties came and went through the facility. Trap/neuter/release efforts were ongoing, and soon Bat was neutered — earning his badge, a tipped ear. If unfamiliar, feral cats, which typically can’t be tamed, are trapped humanely,

spayed or neutered, and released back to their territory. Their ear tips are clipped to show they’ve been altered. I follow many fosters and rescues on social media and one pivotal day connected with Bat’s foster mom. I happened to mention I’d been looking for a black kitten, but that it had to be the right kitten. I explained that Miss Petra Bella Luna is a diva, and that her breeder recommended a male kitten — quiet, submissive, etc. She replied, “Well, I think I have him….” All the boxes seemed to check off. And the backstory of an officer picking him up at night — well, who couldn’t love a kitten with a rap sheet? Soon he was home. After the usual hiccups — initial separate rooms, Petra looking at me like “WHAT have you done to me?” and the typical stress-related sniffles, we can finally say, Bat came home for Christmas. If I didn’t know better, I’d wonder at times if AsTar was back; especially when something SO small makes SO much noise running through the house — another thunder bunny.

I didn’t name names or locations in this telling in hopes you’ll look at every officer, every animal control building, and every feral cat rescuer and think, “It could’ve been them.” I believe angels come in all shapes and sizes — maybe some have wings, others, paws. I think quite a few drive squad cars or scrub cages at shelters. Maybe some magically transform from hissing kittens to kissing kittens. Let’s appreciate them all.

Note: The Ragamuffin is a breed of domestic cat. Once considered a variant of the Ragdoll cat, it was established as a separate breed in 1994. Ragamuffins are notable for their friendly personalities and thick, rabbit-like fur. Wikipedia.

He immediately climbed the sidewall and just hung there, looking for all the world like a little bat.

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The Steps of Life

It all started with, “There goes that lady” as several times a day my three little “furry street monitors” would go into a barking frenzy. My curiosity was piqued when one day while stopped at the corner in my car “that lady” walked to the corner, turned around, and headed back the other way. I lowered my window and called, “How many miles do you walk every day?”

Her first steps from a one-room school for kids grades 1-7 in Northern Wisconsin led to the goal of 10,000 steps a day in Springfield, Oregon. When her family sold the Wisconsin farm and moved to Eugene, Estelle was to enroll in junior high, something she’d never heard of. The trail to reach her goal has had many interesting turns and experiences. She graduated high school, entered nursing school at Sacred Heart in Eugene, and go marred one week later. Her husband of 58 years, Larry, is a retired police officer. When living with their three kids in Eugene. Estelle and two neighborhood women started walking together every morning, to Shari’s for coffee and back. Together Estelle and Larry have worked as camp cooks at Camp Christian, working 14-hour days, cleaned offices for 10 years, and she worked at the U of O Childcare and Development Center as a cook five hours a day. Estelle had always worked on her feet and was having knee pain. She found she had osteoporosis and had heard that walking could help. That’s when her commitment to walking 10,000 steps a day became a reality. Now she has a health app on her phone and got a Fitbit for Christmas, which also counts her steps. She doesn’t know how many miles she walks, but that the neighborhood route she treks eight to nine time each day adds up to her 10,000 steps a day goal.

Estelle had passed by so many times before I finally decided to say hi. In doing that, I’ve met a fun, interesting woman who I can now call my neighbor. It’s amazing how with just a little contact, strangers can become friends.

Estelle

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Contributed by Ambassador Marnie McCammon, Springfield.

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