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.

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 67 million Americans will increase 2.8 percent in 2019.
In its announcement last month of the increase, the Social Security Administration said the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to more than 62 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2019. Increased payments to more than 8 million SSI beneficiaries will begin earlier, on Dec. 31, 2018.

On and off rainstorms couldn’t dampen the spirits of hundreds of people participating in the 2018 Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Sept. 16 held at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma. All tax-deductible funds raised through the walk go to care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. On the day of the walk, Todd Field was filled with supporters sporting purple t-shirts, blowing bubbles and making new friends.

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.