Event Promises 4 Fun-Packed Days

The Inland Northwest Senior Games this year will be much more compact, accessible and fast paced than last year, when events spread over several weeks at sites throughout the community.

Excepting a few such sports as golfing and bowling, activities will be confined to four days in only one venue. The dates are Aug. 12 through 15, and the place is the campus of Spokane Community College, which has some of the finest track and field facilities in the region.

Last year, it was hard to figure out what was happening where and when. The games lacked focus.

Also new this year, local events will be combined with the Washington State Senior Games, which means contestants can qualify for national seniors competition.

Larry Bolks of Spokane, the oldest competitor last year at 91, will serve as goodwill ambassador for this summer’s games. The theme is, “Living longer, having fun.”

But the competition is not all fun and games. The Senior Assistance Fund of Eastern Washington, organizer of the games, is a charitable institution which fosters independent living for seniors. Money from the games helps provide meals for elderly rural residents who otherwise would go without.

SAFE is seeking corporate sponsors and financial contributions. Businesses and other organizations who lend a hand, especially those in the health field, might find the experience spiritually rewarding not to mention profitable.

For more information, call Toni Nersesian at (509) 465-9043.

Jan. 27 is Seniors Day at the Washington State Legislature. Orchestrated by the Washington Senior Citizens Lobby, the event annually attracts hundreds of seniors.

“We’ve hired a hall at Cavanaugh’s Hotel (in Olympia), and we’re inviting all seniors of this state to a 10 a.m. rally,” Bruce Reeves, president of the lobby, told me.

Following a box lunch, the volunteer lobbyists will go by bus and car to the Capitol building, where other seniors from across the state will assemble at 12:30. “I invited the governor and the co-speakers of the house to meet with us,” Reeves said. “Also, Insurance Commissioner Deborah Senn will talk.

“At 1 o’clock we’ll cut everyone loose to visit their legislators,” said the senior leader. “We hope to blanket every lawmaker in the state.”

The lobby is a coalition of 26 organizations. Its top priority this year is quality, affordable health care for all. Persons attending the rally will receive position papers containing talking points that may be used during visits with lawmakers.

Among proposals being drafted by a Medicare reform commission are two that would raise the eligibility age from 65 to 67 and improve prescription drug coverage.

Though members are far from reaching any final agreement, leaders of the bipartisan commission believe the proposals stand excellent chances of winning approval, according to wire service reports.

People now 62 would not be affected.

Medicare currently does not cover most prescriptions. Private supplemental insurance, known as Medigap, that many senior citizens buy, offers only limited drug coverage and is increasingly expensive.

Options include adding some drug coverage to Medicare, or requiring Medigap insurers to expand what they offer.