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About The Columbia press. (Astoria, Or.) 1949-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 15, 2017)
T he C olumbia P ress 6 Senior Moments with Emma Edwards Serious thoughts on aging I thought growing old would take longer. Who knew the years would pass so quickly? I can’t remember the fa- mous person who said that, but I agree. Is it part of aging? We still have the privilege of living on planet Earth and realize what a privilege it is -- at least that’s how I feel about it. A great thing about getting old is that you can get out of all sorts of social obligations by saying you’re tired. An- other thing is those 10 per- cent off days and other senior discounts. The meaning of life, as I un- derstand it, is still a profound mystery. I and many of my peers often lament over what still needs to be done. Once, at a rather busy time, Winston Churchill was said to gaze at the ceiling and mutter, “So much to do, so little time.” I fall into that slump sometimes myself. But then I remind myself that it isn’t all about me, so leave it to God, Em! This is a good time of year to make resolutions about our future. Some say, “What good is a five-year diary at age 85?” But then I remember a lady who started writing in one at age 90 and lived to celebrate her 103rd birthday. I know. Think positive. Maybe I’ll get a 10-year di- ary. Aging is simply the process of becoming older. There are so many books on aging, and most are light-hearted. We used to think age 63 was well into that process. But most of my “kids” are 60- plus now and wondering who they’ll be when they “grow up.” Here’s a definition of old age that I like: “You just wake up one morning, and you got it.” Some say old age is a time when your grandchildren are more important than visiting the Grand Canyon. Serious thoughts that I picked up from Wikipedia (the free online encyclope- dia) in the realm of aging: One should consider encom- passing physical, psychologi- cal and social changes. It gives me a chuckle that in giving all the stages of life that source goes from “ado- lescence” to “adult” and then on to “middle age” and, ulti- mately, to “old age.” Therefore, we are no lon- ger adults when we wake up “old.” Have you noticed when purchasing tickets and the like that we’re often grouped with children. Such as “$7 for adults and $4 for children and seniors.” We seniors do enjoy hugs, not just over the holidays but throughout the year. How- ever, someone said “be gen- tle” as some of us (not me) don’t have a lot of fat on our bones and a tight squeeze can bruise or hurt. And be sensi- tive because some don’t want to be hugged. Food for thought: “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were?” Charles H. Spurgeon was quoted as saying “The Lord will make a way for you where no foot has been be- fore. That which, like a sea, threatens to drown you, shall be a highway for your escape.” December 15, 2017 Karen Radich, wife, mother, former WAVE, dies in Astoria Karen A. Radich, a former couple divorced in 1956. Navy “Wave” who worked In addition to Tongue at Tongue Point Naval Base Point, Radich worked in local until its closure, died Dec. 6. fish canneries, at a flour mill She was 96. and as a house ren- Radich was born ovator. in Koed, Denmark, She married Luka and immigrated to Radich in 1962 and the United States the couple sealed with her parents their relationship in when she was 2. the Seattle Church The family initially of Jesus Christ of settled in Utah and Latter-day Saints moved to Oregon in Temple in 1986. 1931. Luka Radich died in Radich After graduating 1993. from Astoria High School in Karen Radich was active 1941, she joined the Wom- in her church, the Danish en’s Naval Reserves, known Society, TOPS and Veteran as the WAVES (Women Ac- Ladies. In her earlier years, cepted for Volunteer Emer- she loved dancing, bowling, gency Services). She served traveling, clam-digging, gar- as a pharmacist mate, 2nd dening and sport-fishing. class, and worked as a store- Later in life, she enjoyed keeper supervisor at Hill Air playing pinochle. Force Base south of Ogden, Survivors include her son, Utah. Carl Hagnas of Warren- In 1946, she married Lloyd ton; her daughter, Linda Hagnas and they had two Millard of Corvallis; a sis- children, Linda and Carl. The ter, Verna Hellberg of Asto- ria; five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services are set for 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 350 Niaga- ra, Astoria. Visitation is from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Relief So- ciety Room at the church. Committal services will be at Ocean View Cemetery in Warrenton. Alan Oja will dedicate the grave and Navy Funeral Honors will give the farewell salute and taps. Following the committal, family and friends are urged to return to the church for a friendship hour and lunch. Memorial gifts may be made to Lower Columbia Hospice, 486 12 St., Astoria OR 97103 or to the charity of one’s choice. Caldwells’ Luce-Layton Mortuary is handling ar- rangements. Please sign our online guest book at www. caldwellsmortuary.com County’s new planning head comes from Florida Gail Henrikson, a planning director from Florida, has been hired as Clatsop Coun- ty’s Community Develop- ment Department director. She replaces Heather Han- sen, who served in the po- sition from June 2014 to November 2017. Henrikson currently is an ad designer for the Daily Astorian. She will join the county Jan. 8. Henrikson brings 13 years of experience in land-use planning to the po- “Gail’s experience sition, most recent- and talents will be ly as the director of very beneficial to the planning and zon- … Community De- ing for the city of velopment Depart- New Smyrna Beach, ment,” County Man- Fla. She earned a ager Cameron Moore bachelor’s degree said. in English language The department Henrikson and linguistics and oversees: a master’s degree in urban • Land use planning, such as and regional planning from reviewing and issuing permits the University of Wisconsin, for development in unincorpo- Madison. rated parts of the county, and making sure the county’s com- prehensive land use plan is in compliance with Oregon law; Monday, Dec. 18: Pork loin roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, • Building Codes, ensuring red cabbage, split pea soup, berry pie. compliance with structural, Thursday, Dec. 21: Turkey, cornbread stuffing, mashed pota- mechanical, plumbing and toes, green bean casserole coleslaw, pumpkin pie. electrical building codes for The Warrenton senior lunch program is at noon (doors new and altered structures; open at 10:30 a.m.) Mondays and Thursdays at Warrenton • Code Compliance, provid- Community Center, 170 SW Third St. Suggested donation is ing public awareness of code $5 for ages 55 and older; $7 for those younger. For more requirements throughout the information, call 503-861-3502. county. Senior lunch menu