Mukilteo Beacon - Your Hometown News Source

After a long year stuck at home, many people are dreaming about when they can travel once again. While counting down the days may feel like torture, planning and booking a vacation... — Updated 4/23/2021

This last year has been challenging to say the least. One of the ways that I was able to keep grounded was to head out for a hike with my daughter, Julia. During the summer we made... — Updated 4/21/2021

Dear Savvy Senior, I just turned 60 and would like to find out the best way to go about locating senior discounts. – Looking to Save Dear Looking, One of the best, yet... — Updated 4/21/2021

As the social worker for the Edmonds Waterfront Center, I am frequently asked about assistance for household chores or rides to medical appointments. According to the Population Ref... — Updated 3/18/2021

Among the many struggles of the pandemic are finding ways to grieve and honor a loved one who has died under the constraints of COVID-19. The missed opportunity for a traditional... — Updated 3/18/2021

Dear Savvy Senior, Can you give me some tips on how to pick a good nursing home in the COVID era? My mother had a stroke a while back and can’t use her legs any longer. I’ve bee... — Updated 3/17/2021

Dear SharonAnn: My wife forgot to change an IRA account beneficiary to my name before she passed. In our wills we each are to inherit 100% of the other’s estate. We’ve been... — Updated 3/17/2021

I don’t know about you, but this last year has not been good for my waistline. Working from home has made it too convenient for me to eat whenever or whatever I want, regardless... — Updated 2/19/2021

Getting vaccinated for the flu is more important than ever. Not only will a flu shot help keep you and your family healthy, it can help reduce the strain on the healthcare system... — Updated 2/19/2021

COVID-19 has challenged families in different ways, and many had to cancel or reschedule trips during the pandemic due to travel restrictions, which meant missing out on quality... — Updated 2/19/2021

Dear SharonAnn, I’ve been divorced for five years, and I’m ready to find a life partner. It’s a lonely time – being socially distanced it’s hard to meet someone new. I... — Updated 2/17/2021

Dear Savvy Senior, I am interested in getting my mom, who lives alone, a medical alert system with a wearable pendant button that will let her call for help if she falls or has a... — Updated 2/17/2021

High cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke, but typically shows no symptoms. Understanding the role... — Updated 1/21/2021

It can be challenging to communicate through masks, 6-feet of social distance, physical barriers and other factors due to COVID-19 that have changed daily life. For people with... — Updated 1/21/2021

How do we split the dog? Dear SharonAnn, My soon-to-be ex-wife and I have come to a mutual agreement on our finances and possessions, but we can’t seem to agree about our dog,... — Updated 1/20/2021

Dear Savvy Senior, I understand that a portion of my Social Security benefits may be taxable when I retire. Can you tell me how to calculate this? – Ready to Retire Dear Ready,... — Updated 1/20/2021

In our Freewheelin' explorations we find a way to walk out into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Yep! You might remember that the Salish Sea dumps water into the Pacific Ocean via this... — Updated 12/17/2020

This year has been tough for many. Despite the challenges, acts of compassion and generosity can bring together the global community. With this holiday season different than those... — Updated 12/17/2020

Holiday festivities with immediate family members or just a few friends rather than larger gatherings may feel different than normal, but you can make the most of the situation with... — Updated 12/17/2020

Dear Savvy Senior, My mom, who’s 76, has become more forgetful lately, and is worried she may be getting Alzheimer’s disease. What resources can you recommend to help us get a... — Updated 12/16/2020

We were somewhat confused by the directions. Drive across the peninsula, then over one island to another island to find our destination for the day. Our goal was to explore a fort n... — Updated 11/20/2020

Managing a chronic disease takes plenty of special planning and attention, and in many cases, a lot of money. In some cases, the expenses associated with disease management are over... — Updated 11/20/2020

Dear Savvy Senior, Will my Medicare benefits be affected if Obamacare is overturned by the Supreme Court? – Concerned Beneficiary Dear Concerned, Unfortunately, yes. If the... — Updated 11/19/2020

If you're often short of breath during everyday activities, your chest feels tight, or you cough a lot, you may be chalking it up to getting older, having allergies, or being a... — Updated 10/28/2020

We step out of our car, immediately fascinated with two young women and many HUGE pack animals (horses and mules) they were loading with 8x8 posts. The critters were tethered to... — Updated 10/28/2020