Welcome to Hermiston, Oregon, a town beautifully infused with a spirit of community and agricultural abundance. This lively town offers a unique charm that transforms ordinary living into an extraordinary experience. Known as the "Watermelon Capital of the World," Hermiston celebrates with juicy enthusiasm, bringing people together at the annual Watermelon Festival, a testament to the town’s warm-hearted and inclusive community spirit.
Beyond its celebrated melons, Hermiston is a place where local tradition meets modern convenience. Residents enjoy the vibrant farmer's markets, enriched by Eastern Oregon's fertile lands, offering a taste of freshness that's hard to beat. With its location in the heart of the Columbia Basin, Hermiston boasts outdoor adventures aplenty, from fishing and boating to hiking in its stunning natural landscapes.
The town's welcoming atmosphere extends to its educational opportunities and thriving local businesses. Families find comfort in the outstanding schools, and young entrepreneurs feel encouragement from a community that supports innovation and growth. Hermiston’s peaceful streets echo the friendliness of neighbors who look out for one another and invite you to be part of this flourishing...
Hermiston, Oregon
4 | HelloHermiston, Oregon • Fall Issue
Hermiston, Oregon: Where Community Spirit Shines Bright
Welcome to Hermiston, Oregon, a town beautifully infused with a spirit of community and agricultural abundance. This lively town offers a unique charm that transforms ordinary living into an extraordinary experience. Known as the "Watermelon Capital of the World," Hermiston celebrates with juicy enthusiasm, bringing people together at the annual Watermelon Festival, a testament to the town’s warm-hearted and inclusive community spirit.
Beyond its celebrated melons, Hermiston is a place where local tradition meets modern convenience. Residents enjoy the vibrant farmer's markets, enriched by Eastern Oregon's fertile lands, offering a taste of freshness that's hard to beat. With its location in the heart of the Columbia Basin, Hermiston boasts outdoor adventures aplenty, from fishing and boating to hiking in its stunning natural landscapes.
The town's welcoming atmosphere extends to its educational opportunities and thriving local businesses. Families find comfort in the outstanding schools, and young entrepreneurs feel encouragement from a community that supports innovation and growth. Hermiston’s peaceful streets echo the friendliness of neighbors who look out for one another and invite you to be part of this flourishing tapestry.
In Hermiston, a blend of tradition, growth, and community creates a life that's not only sweet but profoundly fulfilling—come see what makes Hermiston shine so bright.
Hello Hermiston, Oregon • Fall Issue |5
Hermiston, Oregon
Understanding Financial Options for Senior Living
Planning for senior living is not only about finding the right environment; it’s also about making sure that care is affordable for the long haul. The cost of assisted living or memory care can vary widely, and many families are unsure how to prepare for these expenses. Fortunately, there are several
financial options to consider, depending on personal resources, insurance coverage, and eligibility for public programs.For those starting with private funds, savings, retirement income, and Social Security often form the base of a payment plan. This can be enough for some seniors, particularly
6 | HelloHermiston, Oregon • Fall Issue
Understanding Financial Options for Senior Living
Planning for senior living is not only about finding the right environment; it’s also about making sure that care is affordable for the long haul. The cost of assisted living or memory care can vary widely, and many families are unsure how to prepare for these expenses. Fortunately, there are several financial options to consider, depending on personal resources, insurance coverage, and eligibility for public programs.
For those starting with private funds, savings, retirement income, and Social Security often form the base of a payment plan. This can be enough for some seniors, particularly when the cost of care is modest or if they sell a home to help fund the transition. Others may use pensions or investments to supplement monthly fees.
Long-term care insurance is another option, though not every policy is the same. Some cover only skilled nursing, while others also pay for assisted living or home care. It’s important to review coverage details, especially waiting periods and daily benefit limits.
Exploring every financial avenue in advance gives families more flexibility and reduces stress when care decisions must be made quickly. Having time to weigh choices can help avoid rushed or reactive decisions during a crisis.
Public programs also play a role. Medicaid may cover long-term care for those who meet income and asset limits. In many states, including New York, Medicaid can pay for nursing home care and certain types of assisted living. There are specific requirements, including a look-back period for financial transactions, so early planning is critical.
For military families, the VA offers Aid and Attendance benefits, which provide monthly payments to qualifying veterans and their surviving spouses. These funds can help cover the cost of assisted living or in-home care.
Other options include reverse mortgages and life insurance conversions. A reverse mortgage allows seniors to access home equity while continuing to live in the home, though the loan becomes due when the homeowner moves or passes away. Life insurance policies can sometimes be sold or converted into cash value to help fund care, but there may be tax implications and eligibility requirements. Each situation is different, so consulting a financial advisor or elder law attorney can help identify the best strategy for your family.
Matt Clinton
care. It’s important to review coverage details, especially waiting periods and daily benefit limits.Exploring every financial avenue in advance gives families more flexibility and reduces stress when care decisions must be made quickly. Having time to weigh choices can help avoid rushed or reactive decisions during a crisis.Public programs also play a role. Medicaid may cover long-term care for those who meet income and asset limits. In many states, including New York, Medicaid can pay for nursing home care and certain types of assisted living. There are specific requirements, including a look-back period for financial...
when the cost of care is modest or if they sell a home to help fund the transition. Others may use pensions or investments to supplement monthly fees.Long-term care insurance is another option, though not every policy is the same. Some cover only skilled nursing, while others also pay for assisted living or home
Exploring every financial avenue in advance gives families more flexibility and reduces stress when care decisions must be made quic...
About the Author
Matt Clinton is the executive director of Sun Terrace Hermiston. Matt and his professional care team offer Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Respite Care. Their commitment to bringing independence to living and quality to life is experienced by each and every resident.
HelloHermiston, Oregon • Fall Issue |7
FEATURED STORY
Preserving The Flavor of Memories: A Guide to Safeguarding Family Recipes
by Cherie Bumpaous
In every family, certain recipes are treasured more than any heirloom. They're the secret ingredient to gatherings, evoking memories and flavors that bind generations. Some believe that family recipes, passed down through generations, contribute significantly to our sense of identity and heritage.When serving heartwarming meals, it is important to preserve culinary treasures. Family recipes are a tangible link to the past, offering a taste of history and tradition that can be savored and shared with future generations.To ensure these recipes are
8 | HelloHermiston, Oregon • Fall Issue
Cherie Bumpaous
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Cherie Bumpaous has owned The Pheasant Blue Collar Bar & Grill in Hermiston, OR, since 2005, continuing her family's legacy of hospitality. Under her leadership, the restaurant remains a cherished community gathering place.
not lost, start by documenting them. Go beyond the ingredients and methods; include stories or memories associated with each recipe to capture its essence fully. Utilizing digital platforms can make sharing and preserving these recipes easier, making sure they withstand the test of time.Consider organizing cooking sessions with older family members. Not only does this help in accurate documentation, but it also allows for a hands-on transfer of techniques that are often not written down, preserving the authenticity of each dish.By taking steps to safeguard these culinary
Hello Hermiston, Oregon • Fall Issue |9
Preserving The Flavor of Memories: A Guide to Safeguarding Family Recipes
In every family, certain recipes are treasured more than any heirloom. They're the secret ingredient to gatherings, evoking memories and flavors that bind generations. Some believe that family recipes, passed down through generations, contribute significantly to our sense of identity and heritage.
When serving heartwarming meals, it is important to preserve culinary treasures. Family recipes are a tangible link to the past, offering a taste of history and tradition that can be savored and shared with future generations.
To ensure these recipes are not lost, start by documenting them. Go beyond the ingredients and methods; include stories or memories associated with each recipe to capture its essence fully. Utilizing digital platforms can make sharing and preserving these recipes easier, making sure they withstand the test of time.
Consider organizing cooking sessions with older family members. Not only does this help in accurate documentation, but it also allows for a hands-on transfer of techniques that are often not written down, preserving the authenticity of each dish.
By taking steps to safeguard these culinary heirlooms, we ensure that the flavors and stories that have shaped our lives continue to inspire and nourish generations to come.
Some believethat familyrecipes, passed down throughgenerations, contribute significantlyto oursense of identityand heritage.
heirlooms, we ensure that the flavors and stories that have shaped our lives continue to inspire and nourish generations to come.
