Senior centers in Auburn, Federal Way, Enumclaw and Des Moines are among 38 organizations serving older adults in King County that will share about $3.5 million in new, voter-authorized funding from the county. The investments will help senior centers and community centers expand programs to reach more seniors, make their facilities safer and more accessible, and buy equipment and appliances for them, according to County Executive Dow Constantine.

Patrick Galbraith, who already was arguably Tacoma’s most accomplished competitor in the sport, now has another claim to tennis fame. On Oct. 13, the United States Tennis Association of the Pacific Northwest (USTA PNW) formally dedicated the Galbraith Tennis Center, a newly refurbished indoor facility at the same site in Tacoma where Galbraith honed his game on the way to international stardom. Activities at the center are literally geared for all ages. For older adults, including some in their 80s, there are tournaments throughout the year and lessons for 60-and-up players.

Michael Robinson woke up one April morning wishing his house was better-suited for his elderly, handicapped mother. By that night, he had his wish. “This is a dream come true,” Robinson said after volunteers spent the day replacing a downstairs shower stall, adding handrails in a stairwell, and repairing a second-story deck – all modifications that make the Federal Way residence safer for his mom, Ruth. The Robinson residence was one of 26 that were selected by Rebuilding Together South Sound for the non-profit group’s annual Rebuilding Day, which was held this year on April 28.

Like many people in a military family, Warren Smith Sr. spent much of his childhood on the move. His family went from base to base, living in eight states and overseas in Germany. The experience gave Smith perspective on public education. He attended schools in poor and affluent communities, and he learned that not all
[more…]