Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The Hood River news. (Hood River, Or.) 1909-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 29, 2020)
A8 Wednesday, January 29, 2020 HOOD RIVER NEWS | Hood River, Ore. hoodrivernews.com AGING: ‘This journey can be so complex...we need to hear stories from others’ continued from A1 caring for an aging loved one. “This journey can be so complex and convoluted, we need to hear stories from oth- ers,” Wade said. “…We need to hear each other’s stories because in each other’s stories we’ll hear of road-bumps and potholes along the way, and maybe, just maybe it’ll help us anticipate those a little bit, and help us prepare.” Wade spoke about his expe- rience taking care of his aging grandmother and the ups and downs that came with it — including her death, which, against her wishes, occurred at the hospital following a stroke. “Although the hospital wasn’t her choice, it actually turned out pretty well,” he said, as friends were able to come and say goodbye, which might not have happened if she had died at home. “I didn’t know that at the time, I didn’t see that at the time,” he said, “when I realized that, at the hospital, there was actually a gift to be received, I was able to let go a little bit of my guilt.” Wade stressed that, while everybody’s experience will be different, it is important to plan ahead as much as possible in order to avoid misunder- standings that could worsen a situation. One of the most important ways to prepare is talking with your loved ones about their wishes in different scenarios; and even though that conversation can be diffi- cult, Wade said, “This is an act of love and an act of honoring your aging parents and loved ones. “The more that we can plan, the more that we can antic- ipate, the more that we can communicate, the more that we can become more aware of our emotions and our own limitations, the better prepared we’ll be — whether we’re the loved one that needs caring for or will need caring for, or the ones doing the caring — the better prepared we’ll be to have a successful and pretty smooth, hopefully, outcome,” he said. Even if you’re already in the midst of caregiving for a loved one, Wade said, “it’s still possible to step back and take a breath and pause and re- imagine this phase of life both for you and your aging loved one, or the other way around, if that’s your case.” While Wade said that he wished he had taken more time to be truly present with his grandmother, he called his experience as her caregiver “a gift,” and encouraged others to adopt that mindset. “There’s heartache in watch- ing a loved one age. There is,” he said. “Acknowledging and embracing that pain is import- ant, but even more, I think it’s important to flip a different switch in our brains and to rec- ognize that this season of life, whether you’re going through it now or you’re going through it with a loved one, is a tremen- dous gift. It’s something that can open up deep, spiritual pathways that aren’t really available anywhere else.” An attendee later comment- ed on her experience caring for her aging parents, and on try- ing to prepare herself for their eventual deaths, saying, “I’m going to miss them so much but it’s just going to be so much easier because I’m taking care of them the best I can … and it is a privilege.” ■ The next two events in the series are scheduled to take place at the Hood River Valley Adult Center (2010 Sterling Place) both from noon to 1 p.m.; the next event is sched- uled for Feb. 19, and will fea- ture a presentation by Britta Wilson, MA in Gerontology and program coordinator for Volunteers in Action at Prov- idence Hood River Memorial Hospital, on environmental changes/adaptations that can Photo by Emily Fitzgerald ABOUT 20 people attended the first part of GEM and AGA’s three part series. Part two is scheduled for Feb. 19, noon to 1 p.m., at the Hood River Valley Adult Center, with Britta Wilson presenting. make life easier and safer for elders; and in March, the team will guide participants through AARP’s “Prepare to Care,” a planning guide for families. Take-home resources will also be available, including Elder- care specialist Gail Goeller’s book, “Coming of Age with Aging Parents.” For more information on upcoming events, visit GEM’s website, gorgeem.org. BORDER: Lunch presentation tackles topic of immigration continued from A1 “I don’t feel like I have a sense of how awful the situa- tions are that these people are leaving,” answered one man. “It hinders us from feeling admiration and respect and compassion. People have this perception of, ‘They’re coming here to steal or take our jobs.’ … I can’t imagine taking your kid and walking thousands of miles.” Contreras said the closest example she could think of would be if your house were to catch fire: The loss of the safety of a home, being forced to move from shelter to shelter or being on the streets. But because we know the language and how to navi- gate the system, it’s not a true comparison, she added. Some migrants only speak certain dialects; all are at risk of being taken advantage of by those who wish to profit from their desperation. One woman asked how someone from Guatemala or El Salvador could come up with money to pay for a smuggler. “The easiest way is the drug industry,” Contreras said. “Not much of a want, but it ends up being a need to survive. They act as mules.” Families might also raise money that the mi- grants later pay back. Another asked if there was nowhere in Central America that would be safe for those trying to cross into the U.S. “It’s the scale of risk — come to the U.S. and make money and stay safe versus poor wages and maybe not being safe,” Contreras said. “Do they know the risk of border separation?” she asked. “If you’re trying to escape vi- olence and possible death, any risk is worth it,” Contreras said. “What are the most import- ant things white people can do right now to help?” asked another woman. “Vote,” Contreras said. “Vol- unteer for organizations. Do- nate to charities that help immigrants. Make them feel welcome. “Voting is your number one tool that can help every indi- vidual here to have a decent life and be human,” she added. “We’re all human at the end of the day and we have to treat one another with respect.” She also suggested learning conversational Spanish. “Making that effort as mono- lingual English speakers — a simple ‘good morning’ — you can see and notice the facial re- action. That in itself is going to spark a good opening for them. ‘This person is trustworthy; I can trust them’ … “I think the schools here are doing a great job, getting more bilingual and bicultural staff, but I don’t know if, in the real world, that’s really the case. “It’s a tricky subject to talk Photo by Trisha Walker about,” she said. “I appreciate everyone coming and giving NUBIA CONTRERAS presents a video on immigration at the Jan. 23 Lunch and Learn event. me the opportunity to present.” Lunch and Learn continues Contreras will host this Thursday’s Lunch and Learn conversation, “Mi Sueno Americano/ My American Dream,” on Jan. 30. On Feb. 6, Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance hosts “Gender Identity.” Lunch and Learn events take place in the library’s downstairs meet- ing room and begin at 1 p.m. All are welcome to attend. PRESENTED BY: ® ® HEARTS OF GOLD: Programs honored continued from A1 inated by a previously honored organization, FISH Food Bank. Currently community mem- bers Jeff McCaw, Mary Finley, Kym Zanmillier and Leslie Hidle serve on the board with Holm- son. They would tell you it’s the hundreds of volunteers work- ing tirelessly throughout the year that allow them to provide meals, toys, gifts and a warm sense of community during the holidays, Frost noted. The nom- ination described the Christmas Project “reflecting the heart and soul of a community that cares,” said a press release. Along with the award cele- bration, guests will hear about the Providence Brookside Sun- shine Club, the beneficiary of the event. The Sunshine Club provides a day group for people with memory loss disease. It’s a place where families can help their loved ones socialize, be ac- tive, share community and enjoy FEB 5-9, 2020 Portland Expo Center • Portland, Oregon YOU COULD WIN TROPHY CATEGORIES: Black Bear • Mule Deer (Typical & GREAT PRIZES Non-Typical) • Blacktail Deer (Typical & GRAB THAT TROPHY from your Photo by Kirby Neumann-Rea PACKAGE CENTRAL: Board members Mary Finley, left, and Kym Zanmiller box up food in December 2019 at Hood River County Fairgrounds. themselves, said a press release. “It’s a tradition to highlight foundation programs each year after awards and we know sto- ries and photos about the Sun- shine Club will touch the hearts of our guests. It will be a very special night,” said Frost. wall, garage or attic and bring it to the Pacific Northwest Sportsmen’s Show at the Portland Expo Center. Official Record Book scorers will measure it and prizes will be awarded. including a brand new Fort Knox Maverick Vault Model 6637. Valuable prizes are awarded and provided by Danner, Gerber, Ruger, Fort Knox, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Browning, Rage, Block Targets, Muzzy Broadheads, Carbon Express, and Hornady! SHOW HOURS ADMISSION Wed - Fri ...............11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sat. .......................10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sun. ......................10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Adults................................... $15 2-day pass .......................... $24 Juniors (6-16) ........................ $5 Children 5 & under............. FREE Military* ................................. $8 Half Day (after 4 p.m) ................ $8 Half Day Juniors (after 4 p.m) ....... $3 *Proof of military ID. Good all days. LEARN MORE Non-Typical) • Whitetail Deer (Typical & Non-Typical) • Mt. Goat • Rocky Mt. Elk (Typical & Non-Typical) • Roosevelt Elk (Typical & Non-Typical) • Pronghorn • Cougar • Bighorn Sheep • Moose Over 500 exhibitors with special show pricing NEW Gear & Technology TOP GUIDES & OUTFITTERS GET $2 OFF one adult admission by downloading a coupon at thesportshows.com. Hearts of Gold takes place at 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 29 at the Best Western Plus Hood River Inn. In addition to honoring the award winners, guests will be treated to a cocktail reception, live music and a gourmet meal. Tickets are $100 each and sponsorships are available. Call 541-387-6242 to purchase tickets. All proceeds from the evening benefit Providence Brookside’s Sunshine Club day respite program for people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Discounts may not be combined. For more information about Head & Horns, call 541-530-2749. For complete contest rules and prize packages, show info, coupons, directions, and daily seminar schedules, visit: thesportshows.com WEATHER FOR HOOD RIVER, OR | JANUARY 29-FEBRUARY 4, 2020 Today Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday 46° 48° 59° 56° 42° 51° 45° /38° Cloudy /46° Cloudy /49° Low clouds and milder /32° A couple of showers possible /30° Cooler with a chance of rain /40° Partly sunny; chance of am snow shower /32° Mostly Cloudy WEATHER SPONSORED BY: SC @gVc #& JVRcd 6iaVcZV_TV 3140 W. Cascade, Hood River 541-386-1123 Ac`WVddZ`_R]]j EcRZ_VU EVTY_ZTZR_d B 7RTe`cj BfR]Zej ARced 3Vde 3cR\V HRccR_ej Actual High/Low January 22-27 Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday 44/33 43/38 50/37 56/39 54/39 47/41 Updated 1.27.20, 8:09 AM PDT Data from Accuweather.com
