50 Plus - March 2011

50 March 2011 | The magazine for active, mature lifestyles

plus!

THINGS TO DO

6-7

SO YOUR CHILDREN ARE BACK HOME

5

HEALTH COLUMN BY DR. STACEY SOELDNER

STOCK OPTIONS FOR INCOME AND SAFETY

13

FINANCIAL COLUMN

BY STEVE FERRIS

FEATURE STORY:

‘BIRKIE’ BOUND

8-9

JOHN AND KIHWA LUKAS OF MANITOWOC ENJOY CROSSCOUNTRY SKIING TOGETHER AT VARIOUS VENUES.

50 Oral Storytelling Preserves History

Table of Contents . March 2011

plus!

Get In Shape While Doing Household Chores

4

Kapitz Restores Century-Old Roller Organ

4

So Your Children Are Back Home Things To Do

5 6-7

A Flick of the Belt Buckle Turns Back the Clock

11

Skin Care Benefits Overall Health for Seniors

12

Stock Options for Income and Safety

13

The Savvy Senior

14

Eyes Are Windows To Overall Health

15

On the Cover:

‘BIRKIE’ BOUND

8-9 John and Kihwa Lukas of Manitowoc enjoy cross-country skiing together at various venues, from local trails to the famed Birkebeiner in Hayward.

Doug Sundin/50 Plus

Staff

Pat Pankratz, 50 Plus! Editor 920-686-2138 ppankratz@htrnews.com James Maurer, Advertising Manager 920-684-4433 jmaurer2@manitowoc.gannett. com 50 Plus! is published monthly by the Herald Times Reporter.

It also is distributed to select businesses in Manitowoc County.

2 . March 2011 . 50 plus!

ARDC: ‘Living Well’ Grant Awarded Judy Rank | For 50 plus!

The Manitowoc County Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) and Kewaunee County Aging Unit have been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Department of Health Services to expand the “Living Well” program in the two counties.

The grant will be used to recruit volunteers as well as new participants to the program.

“Living Well” is a six-week, evidence-based program created

by Stanford University that helps participants build skills and confidence to manage and maintain their current health and any chronic conditions. Research shows “Living Well” is effective in reducing symptoms and side effects up to two years after people complete the program.

Workshop participants report a reduction in health distress, fewer visits to the doctor or emergency room, and increased self-efficacy.

The grant provides the opportunity for residents of Manitowoc and Kewaunee counties to volunteer to help the residents of the two counties lead a healthy lifestyle. The “Living Well” program provides the support for individuals with a

chronic condition to develop a plan that can assist them with ways to stay active longer. Volunteers are being sought to not only serve as advocates to promote good health and the program, but to also be trained as a co-facilitator of the program.

Beth Schad will be serving as the coordinator of the grant with programming provided by her in both counties. Interested individuals who would either like to serve as a volunteer, or enroll in the program may do so by contacting the local ADRC office at (920) 683-4180 or the Kewaunee office at (920) 388-0626.

Fall Prevention While this program is designed to work with individuals of any age who have a chronic condition — someone dealing with diabetes, arthritis, heart condition, or any of the other many chronic conditions, the ADRC also offers a fall prevention program. The falls program, “Stepping On,” is designed for older adults (65 and older) who has fallen or are at risk of falling.

This is a seven-week program that addresses the factors that increase the likeliness of a fall. They include, but are not limited to, medications, frailty, low vision, diet, footwear, and environmental factors such as ice, curbs and rough terrain.

held at the Reedsville Manor, beginning on April 29 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. To register for this program, contact Pat Sampe at the Health Department at (920) 683-4155. For those interested in a class in either the Manitowoc or Two Rivers area, you may contact the ADRC at (920) 683-4180 to register for the next class that will be scheduled in either of these two areas.

Caregiver Program A six-week program for caregivers called “Powerful Tools for Caregiving” is set to start Friday, April 1, at Aurora Medical Center. It will be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Adult day services will be available during this time for the care receiver.

“Powerful Tools” helps family caregivers deal with the added responsibility that accompanies care giving. It teaches ways to deal with the stress, effective communication with family members and medical professionals, and the importance of caring for yourself so that you are able to maintain good health. Contact the ADRC to register for this program. Registration is also being accepted for an evening class that is set to start in June.

Mobility Grant The ADRC also received notice that it has been awarded a New Freedom grant offered through the Department of

The next “Stepping On” program will be

continued on page 3

PACKER BACKERS

24 Green Bay Packers fans gathered to watch Super Bowl XLV at Felician Village in Manitowoc on Feb. 6, in which the Packers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers, 31-25. Felician Village residents, from left, Faith Donaghue, Judie Stuntz and Anne Howard, helped set up the party with extra snacks and drinks.

Submitted photo

River’s Bend Health & Rehabilitation Center continued from page 2

Transportation for 2011. This grant will allow the mobility management position to continue in the county and allow the ADRC to increase its current rural and elderly transportation program, run by volunteers.

The program allows individuals who are either elderly or have a disability that still allows them to get into a car on their own, and who have no other means of transportation, to utilize the program one day a week to come into Manitowoc for medical appointments and grocery shopping. Transportation, at a cost of $3 one-way, is available to residents of St. Nazianz and Valders; Tuesdays

for residents of the Kellnersville area; Wednesday, the Mishicot and Two Rivers area; and Thursdays, the Francis Creek, Rockwood, and Branch area.

RETURN TO HOME PROGRAM

Individuals are encouraged to make their routine medical appointments on the day that transportation is available in their area. A community that has between two and five interested riders may establish the service with the county’s mobility manager, Linda Grider. Twenty-four hour reservations are required and can be made by calling Grider at the ADRC, (920) 683-4180.

Judy Rank is executive director of the Manitowoc County Aging and Disability Resource Center.

River’s Bend Premier Facility of Choice for your Short-Term Placement Needs Our team of dedicated healthcare professionals pride ourselves on our successful number of patients that are able to return to the Community. We are able to provide your clients with training on: • Independent Living Skills • Community Mobility Skills • Pain and Edema Management • Instruction in Home Exercise Program • Communication and Language Skills • Orthotic and Prosthetic Management • Safety Awareness & Emergency Preparedness in the Home • Memory, Problem Solving, & other Higher Level Thinking Skills • Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy services with individual and group sessions tailored to meet the needs of each patient • Home Assessment, with recommendations for: any necessary equipment and/or environmental modifications • Caregiver/Family Training • Medicare 30 Day Window Benefit Education

Call 920.684.1144 to Schedule Your Free Pre-Surgery Rehabilitation Consultation

River’s Bend

HEALTH AND REHABILITATION CENTER

…helping people living better 960 S. Rapids Road . Manitowoc, WI 54220 www.riversbendskillednursing.com 920.684.1144 WI-5001269151

50 plus! . March 2011 . 3

Kapitz Restores Century-Old Roller Organ Charlie Mathews | 50 plus!

Manitowoc’s Arnie Kapitz, left, recently finished restoring a roller organ for Skip Pfeffer, right, who recalled playing the tabletop music box when he was a teenager. Sears & Roebuck, in a 1902 catalog, offered roller organs for as little as $3.25, including three rollers. At 16 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high, the roller organ was small and light enough to place on a parlor table. Kapitz re-crafted the bellows and valves of the 14-reed instrument. Around the turn of the 20th century, roller music ranged from classical to sacred to ethnic and popular tunes. Pfeffer’s own rolls include “Blue Alsatian Waltz” and “Take Me Back Home & Mother.”

Get In Shape While Doing Household Chores

■

Tackling items on your household to-do list is a great way to spruce up your home, while also toning your body. However, the repetition of some household chores can lead to injury, so it’s important to take the proper precautions so you can stay healthy while you get in shape. Here are a few ideas for getting active around the house and how to avoid injury while tackling these projects: ■

Shoveling

Whether you’re shoveling snow or moving dirt around, shoveling is a great way to get a full body workout. When shoveling, make sure you are lifting with your arms and legs, not your back, to avoid injury. Also, be careful you are not overdoing it — don’t overload your shovel if you have trouble repeatedly lifting that amount and take a break if you feel too fatigued to continue.

■

Plant a Garden

Having a garden lends itself to a constant cycle of good health, from the planting, weeding and harvesting of the

4 . March 2011 . 50 plus!

important

Yardwork

Some decisions are too

Raking leaves, sweeping walkways and mowing the lawn are also great ways to get out and get moving. When doing odd jobs around the house, it’s a good idea to limit the amount of time you spend on each activity and rotate activities so you aren’t continuously putting stress on the same joints and muscle groups.

■

to be rushed.

Indoor Chores

IIt just makes sense to prepare for the inevitable

If the weather doesn’t permit you to get outside and work, use indoor chores to get active. If you have a set of stairs in your house, use them to your advantage when doing chores. For example, if you’re putting away freshly folded laundry, take multiple trips to your upstairs bedroom. Again, you can avoid injury if you vary your tasks accordingly.

When you begin to look at everyday chores as a chance to exercise, you can improve your health while also tidying up your home, and you can feel a sense of accomplishment in more ways than one.

while emotions are at rest and heads are clear.

Pre-planning Specialist Mike Jarzin is available to answer your questions and provide the guidance you need to make educated decisions.

Mike Jarzin Pre-planning Specialist

Call Mike today to set up an appointment.

818 State Street Manitowoc, WI 54220 920.682.0118

1122 South 8th Street Manitowoc, WI 54220 920.682.1568

1124 Main Street Kellnersville, WI 54215 920.732.3535

©2009 F.A.C. Marketing

As the days start getting longer and warmer, folks are again pondering ways to be more active. Joining a gym or beginning a workout regimen are great ways to get in shape, but exercising more can also be as simple as resolving to complete daily chores around the house.

vegetables, to eating the fresh produce.

But working with garden tools every day can cause pain in your hands and wrists, especially if you have tendonitis or arthritis of the hands. If you find yourself in this situation, you may want to try using a pain relief tool called the SmartGlove, which also provides relief from carpal tunnel syndrome.

WI-5001268910

ARA

So Your Children Are Back Home …

I often ask young adults I work with, “When did you move out to live on your own?” And their response sometimes is, “When I was 18, but now I live with my parents again.”

What this means for you is no more empty nest feelings. The fact of the matter is that many factors are pushing adult children to move in with their parents. Sometimes this even means taking in spouses and children, too.

Many cultures believe that it takes a village to raise a child, but that hasn’t been a custom in our society. While it doesn’t have to be a negative time, doing some preparation is definitely needed. So it you are struggling with your adult children moving home, it is time to make a survival guide. Follow these steps to ease the transition.

■ Set up a contract. Regardless of your child’s motives for moving home, you don’t want them living in your basement until you are retired. Make sure you know what their financial goals are. What needs to be achieved before

Dr. Stacey Soeldner is a clinical psychologist and life coach with Riverhill Psychological Associates, S.C. Visit her website at riverhillhelps.com.

they move out? How can you help them achieve their goals? What type of support do they need other than a place to live?

help you make the transition go a lot smoother.

There’s no such thing as a free lunch.

Don’t be afraid to ask your children to pitch in. Financially would be nice, but other things would be good, too. The cleaning, grocery shopping, yard work, and snow removal still need to be done.

Everyone needs to do their part. They don’t have to do all the chores as they did when they were younger, but they do need to know that being part of the household means chipping in. You would be surprised at how many adult children feel that they should not have to help out.

es. Many things may have happened since your children have moved out, such as dad walking around in his boxer shorts. Your privacy has changed now and you need to be prepared for handling the discussions that may arise.

Are you dating someone they don’t know about? Do you like to go out on the weekends? You don’t have to answer to your children, but being prepared for these shockers might help you think about how you will handle them.

■

■ Establish

house rules. Having a curfew at this point might not be the best idea, but what about some general guidelines to keep the peace? Is it okay for them to entertain in your house? When is a good time to do this? Don’t assume that your children know the expectations.

You don’t need to be a dictator, but a collaborator. Taking time to do this will

■ Discuss chang-

Leave preaching to the pastor. Know that you have given your child a wealth of information to live their lives and you don’t need to do it over again. If you don’t like how they parent or treat their spouse, have an adult-to-adult conversation about it rather than giving them a lecture. If you are not happy with their financial choices, again, talk to them about it, but don’t be critical. This isn’t a

■

time to re-parent, it is a time to guide.

■ Watch the money. While it is extremely nice to offer your children money, make sure you are not taking over. Money is not always the answer. You have worked hard to save for your retirement and I bet you didn’t budget money for your children’s expenses. Does your child have many nice things? Do they have credit card debt? Throwing money at someone that has not developed good financial habits is disastrous. But offering to pay for some financial counseling is a win-win! Be creative on how you help out financially and don’t always be willing to say yes.

Whether your adult children can’t find a job, get divorced, or just need to be with mom and dad for awhile, use these tips to be fair to them and yourselves.

Built on Integrity...

Excellence in Service

The Gardens at Felician Village Amenities: • Open floor plan • Full size stove and refrigerator, microwave and garbage disposal • Individually controlled heat and air conditioning • Washer/Dryer in Apartment • Daily activities • Lawn Maintenance • Underground Parking • Fitness room • Direct access to the new Village Square • 3 Restaurants included

Meaningful • Appropr iate • Affordable Sensitive to your choice in celebrating a life.

Voted Best, 3 Years In A Row Manitowoc - 684-4642

Two Rivers - 793-1396

Valders - 775-4433

Rick Zahn

Your locally owned funeral homes and All-Care cremation center.

Call us at 684-7171, ext 409, for a tour of our garden homes and apartments for seniors

OPEN HOUSE AND SEMINAR SESSION 11:00AM Wednesday, March 16th

Find us on Facebook

WI-5001268961

1700 S. 18th Street Manitowoc www.felicianvillage.org Sponsored by the Felician Sisters

John Bodwin Licensed Pre-Need Counselor

Licensed Pre-Need Counselor

684-4642

925 South 14th Street Manitowoc, Wisconsin

WI-5001268909

allcarecreamationcenter.com

50 plus! . March 2011 . 5

50 THINGS TO DO plus!

Feb 26 | Take Me Home: The Music of John Denver, Capitol Civic Centre. Jim Curry has created the tribute, the first of its kind to headline in Las Vegas. 7:30 p.m.

(920) 683-2184 March 3 | Ed Asner as “Franklin Delano Roosevelt”, Capitol Civic Centre, This one-man show takes us through FDR’s White House years. “Meet the President” reception with Asner after the show, 7:30 p.m. (920) 683-2184 March 3-6 | Disney’s “Beauty & the Beast Jr.,” Dare to Dream Theatre, a classic story about a girl who escapes provincial life and becomes captive in an enchanted castle, Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 6:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m., (920) 682-2104 March 5 | UW-Manitowoc Lakeshore Wind Ensemble: The Winds of March, Capitol Civic Centre, Highlights will be Robert W. Smith’s panoramic Symphony No. II, The Odyssey,” Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Russian Easter Overture,” and “Twelfth Night,” by Alfred Reed, 7:30 p.m., (920) 683-4733

Ed Asner will appear March 3 at the Capitol Civic Centre, Manitowoc, in a tribute to Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Gaelic Storm will present highenergy Irish music and dance at the Capitol Civic Centre, Manitowoc, on March 10.

When choosing a Skilled Nursing Facility to meet your rehab needs, make sure you are choosing the Industry Leader in Rehabilitation Excellence.

Hamilton Care Center features therapy services provided with state of the art training and equipment called our ACE Program (Advancements in Clinical Excellence).

The ACE advantages guarantees that your treatment will help you achieve your best outcomes in the shortest amount of time.

WI-5001268963

Why trust your rehabilitation needs to anyone else? els s Trust our team of qualified therapists!

Sue Pribyl, Certified OT Assistant

Schedule your tour today!

1-920-793-2261

Erica Jansky, Speech Language Pathologist & Rehab Director Michelle Berkovitz, PT Assistant

6 . March 2011 . 50 plus!

Your hometown choice for Nursing and Rehabilitation Services!

1 Hamilton Drive l Two Rivers l Wisconsin 54241

5001057450

Heather Bleir, Occupational Therapist , Tim James, PT ~ Tonya Fenendael, Rehab Aide

March 5 | Show-Me Saturdays: History Detectives, Manitowoc Heritage Center. A day of detective “work” as participants uncover Manitowoc County’s past through activities and demonstrations.10 a.m. (920) 684-4445

March 12 | Hungry for History: The Story of James Anderson, Manitowoc Heritage Center.

Explore the life of Corp. James Anderson, Co. A of the Fifth Wisconsin Regiment, through reenactor Christopher Goetz. A catered meal will follow. 5:30 p.m., (920) 684-4445

March 6-27 | Manitowoc Public School Youth Art, Rahr-West Art Museum. Work by elementary and secondary students is displayed in the Ruth & John West Galleries, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., (920) 686-3090

March 12 | The Britins, Beatle tribute band, J.E. Hamilton Community House, Two Rivers.

7 p.m., (920) 793-5590

March 10 | Gaelic Storm, Capitol Civic Centre, This pub band has gained popularity since the group’s appearance in the movie “Titanic.;” 7:30 p.m., (920) 683-2184

March 12 | Rummage-A-Rama at Manitowoc County Expo, Perfect for selling or buying items like crafts, antiques, collectibles and Amish bakery. Concessions available, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., (920) 683-4378

March 10 | Kody Norris & The Watauga Mountain Boys Bluegrass Concert, Two Rivers High School, (920) 794-7258

March 17 | St. Patricks Day Parade, on Eighth Street, Manitowoc, Parade at 6:30 p.m., Mass and fireworks to follow.

March 11-13; 18 | “It’s the Luck of the Irish”, Palace of Reifs Mills Dinner Event Theatre, (920) 732-3172

March 17-19 | The Masquers, Inc. presents “Steel Magnolias,” Capitol Civic Centre. Set entirely in Truvy’s beauty shop, in a small town in

Louisiana, six women show the strong bond that women can create with one another, 7:30 p.m., (920) 682-1165 March 18-20 | Manitowoc Figure Skating Show, Manitowoc County Ice Center. This year’s show is “Grease.” Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m., (920) 682-2098 March 25-27 | 31st Annual Home Builders Show, Manitowoc County Ice Center. Friday 4-8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., (920) 683-4378 March 26: Clipper City Chordsmen: Country Sunshine, Capitol Civic Centre, an annual favorite, 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., (920) 683-2184 March 26-27: Quilt Show, Manitowoc County Expo, Raffle quilt, silent auction, charity booths, consignment sales. Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., (920) 683-378

2 Great Locations for Comfortable Senior Living “We Care About Our Residents”

• Utilities Included

Now

• On-site Resident Managers For Your Convenience & Security

Age 55 & Up

• Spacious One-bedroom Apartments Visit us today and learn more about these special services:

• Personal Medication Counseling • Daily Delivery • Prescription Compounding • Online Refills • Bubble Packaging • Automatic Refills with our SmartFill Program • One Price Plan–Get a Large Supply of Your Medication and Save

���� ���������� ������ ��� ������� �� ����� WI-5001268911

Subsidized apartments for the elderly

������ ��� � ���� � � ���� ��� � ���� � � ����

Village Green West

������������� ����� ��� ��� ���� �� ��������������������������������

����� �������� ������ �������������� ����� � �������� ������ �������� ��� ������ ��������� ���������

2602 Forest Ave., Two Rivers • 794.8713 WI-5001268960

����� ������� ������ ���� ���� ������ ������� �����

Taking

Village Green East

2401 Polk St., Two Rivers • 794.7961

Apartments available both locations

50 plus! . March 2011 . 7

‘Birkie’ Bound MANITOWOC — Whether out for a short Sunday ski or training for a grueling competitive race, John Lukas, 61, and his wife, Kihwa, 53, enjoy crosscountry skiing together whenever they can.

They ski locally at Point Beach, Camp Sinawa and Silver Creek Park. They enjoy the beauty and solitude in the picturesque woods, day or night.

In addition to the relaxed, fun skiing they do, John also likes to ski competitively, such as the recently-completed 18th annual Birkebeiner, a 54-kilometer race from Cable to Hayward. Kihwa has competed there in two Kortelopets, which is half of a Birkebeiner.

John trained Kihwa for her first race when she started cross-country skiing 10 years ago. There is no land terrain locally that mimics the “Birkie” trails and its hills, such as the 3-kilometer climb up a hill on the course, so they went to Lakewood, north of Green Bay, to train at a national park.

“They have some decent hills, so I said if you can go up these hills, then you will learn to do the Birkie,” John said.

In a previous year, they traveled to Winter Park in Minocqua “because I was trying to train her and obviously some years there is no snow here,” John said. “So it’s been hit-and-miss. Or you’ll have snow for the month of December and then there’s no snow for January — it’s all melted.”

So they have traveled to Lakewood, to Minocqua and also to Eagle River to train and prepare for the “big race.”

Year-Round Training Stairmasters and NordicTracks are good for training, as well as biking, roller blading, running and power walking throughout the year, which keeps the couple in good cross-country skiing shape. “We just try and stay active. I think part of your normal lifestyle helps you stay trained for that,” said John.

They are also certified SCUBA divers.

John has been skiing since 1979. “My

8 . March 2011 . 50 plus!

younger brother, Tom, actually got me into it,” he said.

John bought his skiing equipment from the Drurys at Ecology Sports and then did some reading on the subject and taught himself how to cross-country ski at Point Beach State Park.

“And then because we were always cross-country skiing, my brother and I kept saying, ‘One year, we should do that Birkie up there.’ We had no idea what it was about or anything.”

organizers have created two side-byside courses for about half of the Birkie to allow the skaters and classic skiiers to have their own parallel courses.

“It made it more enjoyable because obviously if you are a classic skier and your tracks disappear, they’re much harder to do and not as much fun,” said John.

The classic race has been lengthened from 52 to 54 kilometers, which is approximately 33 miles.

So in 1989, John and his brother, Tom, and their friend, Don Lewellen, competed in the Birkebeiner for the very first time. “And I just kept going back ever since,” said John.

“It’s kind of mind over matter because it is a marathon,” said John. “I do it more as a challenge now, I can say, because obviously I’m not going to be real competitive at my age.”

The only year he missed was 15 years ago when he had his left hip replaced.

Three years ago, he had to have the same hip replaced because, “I wore it out. But this one I planned and I didn’t miss the Birkie.”

Conditions Matter John said conditions play a major role.

“You don’t want the weather conditions to change drastically. If it’s warm and then freezes, the snow is real crusty and it’s real icy and very difficult to classic

ski then. If you get too much fresh snow, it really slows you down because obviously there are no grooves or tracks for you to follow. But if you had fresh snow in the last couple of days and they groomed the trail before you go, that’s really when it’s been the best,” he said.

One year, he said they had 8 inches of snow during the course of the race so by the time he finished, he couldn’t even see where he was going. One year, he and Kihwa drove all the way up to Hayward and it rained so the race was cancelled.

The length of the Birkebeiner has been shortened a couple times because there wasn’t enough snow for the open parts of the course. “Most of the course is in continued on page 9

John completed two Kortelopets with Kihwa, and completed his 18th Birkebeiner this year.

“I’m trying to get to 20. If you do 20 Birkies, you’re kind of in an elite status and they actually give you a purplecolored vest to wear during the event signifying that.”

The 40th Birkebeiner will be celebrated in 2013, “so I’ve been participating about half of the time that it has actually even been in existence,” he said.

ous Spaci om ro 1-Bed ents m Apart ble i a Av la

“I wish I would have started younger.

My goal is to get to 20 and then maybe I’ll switch and start doing the half marathon again.”

He is a classic skier, which is the traditional back-and-forth movement of the skis using tracks in the snow, whereas a lot of people “skate” now when they ski.

“The classic is a lot more time-consuming and just more strenuous. The skating in essence is a lot like downhill skiing,” said John.

In the last couple years, the race

...that you’ll LOVE.

•R Rentt iis 330% 0% off adjusted dj t gross income • All utilities included • On-site laundry facilities • Off-street parking

Classic Motion

WI-5001268977

Story by Deb Horn

John and Kihwa Lukas

For those 55 & up • Hot noon meals available • Newly remodeled bathrooms • ON BUS ROUTE (Bus stop at front door)

• Near grocery store, restaurant, medical clinics & p park

MANITOU MANOR APARTMENTS

1433 No. 6th Street Manitowoc • 684-5865

John and Kihwa Lukas enjoy a leisurely cross-country ski experience at Manitowoc’s Silver Creek Park recently.

Doug Sundin/50 Plus

continued from page 8

the forest, so when it’s in the woods, they usually can continue with that part,” said John.

“Right outside the city limits of Hayward, you actually ski across a lake and if the weather has been too warm, they don’t want to take the chance of having you ski on the lake so sometimes you start it and end before the lake,” he added.

Cheering Him On Even though Kihwa didn’t compete this year, she took John’s photo at different points of the race and cheers him on.

“It’s quite an experience because obviously a lot of different people attend this event from all over the world. We’re very unique that way.

It’s the largest cross-country ski race in North America.”

He noted there are a lot of Europeans that come to the event and it’s interesting to hear the various accents.

Olympians also attend.

“I don’t know if a lot of people in the state know how fortunate we are that we actually have that here in Wisconsin,” said John.

River Hill Apartments WI-5001268973

1500 North 3rd Street, Manitowoc, WI 54220 Adults 50 and Older • One Bedroom Apartments • Rents from $389 All Utilities Included • Elevator • Exercise Room • Pet Friendly

Office and Model Open Weekdays 8am to 4pm Call Dawn/Evelyn today at 920-682-4979

Park Regency gency Management Welcomes You Home to

Regency ency House at 929 S. 31st Street*

For Seniors, near the Senior Center, Banking & Shopping Comfortable 1 & 2 bedroom apartments include:

WI-5001268980

• Appliances & Air Conditioner • Water & Sewer • Laundry Facilities • Elevator

• Garages Available • Security & Safety Features • Soundproofing & Insulation

• Beautiful Landscaping • Well Maintained • Cable Ready!

Washington Park Manor at 1020 S. 12th Street Charming building in a great downtown location!

Call 905-3033 or e-mail parkregency@choiceonemail.com for further information. *

WI-5001268956

50 plus! . March 2011 . 9

WILD WEATHER ACROSS

Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes.

To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

ANSWER:

Some of Our Recent Heroes P I C K E T T S G R J A O K C

V H N Z W A Z M A W N X S K V T P M H S C E A A W L L I I U I D B G V F K U N O J F W O O H C N W N S N I X E L T E I S

WI-5001268543

BISHOP BULAGA CLIFTON COLLINS

DRIVER HAWK JACKSON JENKINS

C X T N G U J L O T I S I P S

X A H A N K E D L K O I L V F

M K Y U R G V Y D O U R I N N L O W S K J M E W N E C I J A T W W N B I L O C E J L Y N T

JENNINGS JONES KUHN MATTHEWS

K B G P E N P I B C R S I U J

J O M N J J J D R K Q H J B Q

NELSON PICKETT RAJI RODGERS

S R E G D O R S E S S O A J E

R E V I R D K U P O R P R P E

R D B G F H Z A E N P L E C D

WILLIAMS WOODSON

PUZZLE SOLUTION

Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test!

1. Bullying, e.g.

6. Greyhound, e.g.

9. Artist colony in New Mexico 13. *Wind bursts 14. *Wildfire remains 15. Gold 16. Early stages 17. *Where storms can lead to sickness 18. It sweeps a nation?

19. “The Quiet American” author 21. *It leads to #15 Across?

23. July-August zodiac 24. Potato 25. A great distance 28. *Mild fog 30. Soldier’s knapsack 35. Right to another’s property 37. *Mountain cap?

39. Roman Catholic Church’s central administration 40. Largest city of Norway 41. Another spelling for “icon” 43. April 1st victim 44. Branch of this tree represents peace offering 46. Prefix denoting “around” 47. Southwestern flooring 48. Pour out 50. Great Barrier ____ 52. Fleur-de-___ 53. It prevents objective consideration 55. Prune 57. *Type of radar 61. Not dangerous to health 64. Eskimo hut 65. Knot-tying vow 67. Nostrils 69. White, French 70. Roman sun god 71. _____ Maria Remarque 72. E-mail command 73. Right coast time 74. Like many basketball players

For locally owned hospice care, ask specifically for HomeCare Health Services.

“A special kind of caring” RN’s • Therapists • Bath Service • Companions Hospice • Housekeepers • Money Minders WI-5001268967

Lynn Seidl-Babcock, RN/BSN Owner/Administrator

10 . March 2011 . 50 plus!

1004 Washington Street • Manitowoc

684-7155 www.homecarehealth.org

DOWN

1. Gone by 2. A plug in a barrel or flask 3. “Back in the ____,” song 4. It can be stainless 5. An attitude of admiration 6. Headquarters, as in military 7. Employ 8. Half step higher than given note 9. U-____ 10. United ____ Emirates 11. Greek liquor 12. Eurasian duck 15. Of low pH 20. It can be loud or white 22. Black and white sea bird 24. Fire-tenders 25. *Result of Katrina 26. Bridal path 27. Indiana Jones’ Lost Ark, e.g.

29. The sound of Edward Scissorhands?

31. Bunch of hair 32. Cook from above 33. Garlic mayonnaise 34. *They move 45 to 90 knots 36. The brightest star 38. Donned 42. Sister’s daughter 45. All together 49. Neither a win nor a loss 51. *Ominous shape in sky 54. Get up 56. Found on a queen 57. “I call first ____!”

58. Stare amorously 59. “____ of attack” 60. “On Golden ____,” movie 61. *Thunderstorm sight 62. Smile 63. Head holder 66. ___ and don’ts 68. Timid or unsure

A Flick of the Belt Buckle Turns Back the Clock I’m not quite sure how it happened, but when I pulled off my sweater the other night, I saw that my belt had slid to the left.

I had an immediate flashback.

I was a “hood,” circa 1960.

Those of us of a certain age will remember the fashion statement — the belt buckle not in the front but rakishly slid three or four inches over to the side.

The guys who smoked behind the church next door to my high school all wore their belt buckles to the left. I was not one of those guys but secretly wished I were. They were cool.

I was not. I was a straight arrow with a straight-ahead belt buckle to prove it.

I’m not sure where the beltto-the-left look came from, but back then, it was proudly sported by those who never

Craig Wilson USA TODAY cwilson@usatoday.com

had their homework done and were always late to class.

Leather jacket. Wet hair. Jeans.

Think: The Fonz.

There was something slightly naughty about this belt thing which, of course, made it all the more alluring. It had attitude.

I hadn’t thought about the offcenter buckle in years — until I discovered it right there on my own waist — and then a few days later I was wandering through the Elvis at 21 photo exhibit at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. And there, right before me, was a young Elvis, his belt buckle askew.

The exhibit was made up of Alfred Wertheimer’s photos taken in 1956 when Elvis was 21 and on the verge of superstardom. Wertheimer followed Presley for a year, snapping

The Aging Process Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we’re kids? If you’re less than 10 years old, you’re so excited about aging that you think in fractions. How old are you? ”I’m four-and-a-half.” You’re never 36 1/2, but you’re 4 1/2 going on 5!

him in a variety of venues. (The exhibit just closed in Washington but will tour until May 2013. It will be at the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock this summer.)

The photo showing Elvis’ left-of-center belt captures him shaking his hands dry in a train’s bathroom en route to Memphis. His pant waist is a bit high, his hair slicked back, his belt buckle, yes, to the left.

So hip, Elvis and me.

Fashion has always been fickle, of course, something not to be trusted. One only has to look to the runways of Paris and wonder if there’s some sort of joke being played on us all.

And as we all know, stick around long enough, and most everything comes back in fashion. We get bored, yes. We move on, yes. Then suddenly we look back and embrace the old. Everything old is new again, as the song goes.

Maybe we can go a little retro this year. Maybe sporting a little belt to the left will catch on in 2011.

Elvis may have left the building, but his look lingers.

Maybe I can be a hood after all. Late for class at last.

You get into your teens, now they can’t hold you back. You jump to the next number. How old are you? “I’m gonna be 16.”

You could be 12, but you’re gonna be 16.

And then the greatest day of your life happens — you become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony: you become 21.

YES! But then you turn 30. Ooohhh, what happened there?

Makes you sound like bad milk He turned; we had to throw him out. There’s no fun now.

What’s wrong? What changed? You become 21, you turn 30, then you’re pushing 40, you reach 50, you make it to 60; then you build up so much speed you hit 70!

After that, it’s a day-by-day thing. After that, you hit Wednesday. You get into your 80s and you hit lunch. My grandmother won’t even buy green bananas. It’s an investment you know, and maybe a bad one. It doesn’t end there. Into the 90s you start going backwards. “I was just 92.”

Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. “I’m 100 and a half!”

Source: Mike’s Jokes (http://members.tripod.com/mike_mcqueen/elderly.htm)

50 plus! . March 2011 . 11

Skin Care Benefits Overall Health for Seniors ARA Taking care of your skin undoubtedly has its cosmetic benefits, but more significantly, it also plays a large role in overall health — particularly for seniors. When there is dry skin, discoloration, wounds, rashes, bruises or other injuries, people are immediately aware something is wrong on the outside and maybe even on the inside. Keeping aging skin healthy allows it to offer protection from environmental harms and infections as well as produce important vitamins.

“Age brings a number of changes that can compromise the skin’s ability to protect us,” says Cynthia Fleck, a registered nurse and vice president of clinical marketing for Advanced Skin and Wound Care at Medline, which manufactures and distributes skin care products and educational resources for seniors.

These changes stem from the inability to retain water, sun damage, smoking, reduced collagen, some medicines and illnesses.

Any or all of these factors can lead to skin deterioration.

“When skin ages, it becomes thinner and less resilient,” Fleck said. “The layers of skin can easily separate, tearing the paper-like uppermost area called the epidermis. The skin cells do not ‘turn over,’ or replenish themselves as quickly as when we are young. Therefore, the old skin cells become clumped and do not function as efficiently as young, healthy skin cells do.”

In addition, as age increases, people are more prone to dry and/or itchy skin, bruises in odd places, wrinkles, age spots, skin tags and abnormal moles. While aging cannot be reversed, maintaining proper care equals healthy skin and more importantly, healthy people.

Fleck offers the following advice on how to care for aging skin: Avoid a daily shower or bath, which can contribute to dry skin. Instead, opt for gentle cleansing with moisturizing soap and detergent-free cleansers that do not need to be rinsed. These cleansers do the job of removing dirt and natural oils, but do not impact the natural acid balance of mature skin.

■

Moisturizing on a daily basis is essential, especially since older skin fails to retain ■

12 . March 2011 . 50 plus!

moisture as well as younger skin. Look for advanced skin care products that actually nourish the skin from the outside in, delivering amino acids (proteins), vitamins, antioxidants and ingredients that are gentle and soothing, making the skin more resilient and strengthening it.

■ Take

care to avoid injuries that can tear the skin or caustic substances that can disrupt the skin’s ability to protect. If the skin is broken, small wounds can be covered with band aids designed to be gentle to skin such as Curad Sensitive Skin band aids. Immobile seniors who must use adult diapers should have special care taken to keep them clean and free of irritants. Barrier products that contain protectants like dimethicone and other silicones, as well as zinc oxide, can help protect the skin from these issues.

Protect your skin from the sun. Since melanocytes, the skin cells that protect us from the sun, do not work as well when we age, older skin burns easily. Stay out of the sun as much as possible, and when out, wear protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats and sun screen.

■

Be aware of special skin care needs that often accompany some common diseases, such as diabetes. For example, diabetics are more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections and itchy skin. Therefore, they need to take particular care in protecting their skin, especially on extremities.

■

■ Avoid strong antibacterial soaps that may have high pH level, which can dry aging skin. Astringents and products that contain alcohol can also be too harsh and damaging for older skin. Moisturizing your hands after using a sanitizer or soap becomes especially important for these cases.

To learn more about skin care products, visit www.medline.com/woundcare. For specific advice on how to care for your skin, contact your health care professional.

Stock Options for Income and Safety The phrase “stock options” often conjures up images of speculation, risk, and overall uneasiness as it pertains to financial markets. However, this is not always the case. Selling covered call options and selling cash-backed put options are two strategies often employed to increase cash flow for one’s portfolio.

The best way to illustrate is through the use of the following two examples: Let’s take the case with Jim. Jim has a portfolio worth about $500,000, is retired, has modest earnings from Social Security, and needs to derive some extra cash flow from his asset pool to meet everyday expenses.

Assuming the portfolio is correctly allocated according to risk tolerance and sector diversification, our goal is to provide additional cash flow into Jim’s account.

After conducting proper due diligence on the underlying stock, and knowing that it fits all criteria and is a candidate for Jim to own, we purchase 200 shares

of XYZ stock at $164 per share. Not only has this stock been identified as a good buy for Jim’s portfolio, but it has the ability to provide cash flow for him as well. After purchasing the stock, we decide to sell two covered call options on the position, with an expiration date of July 15 and a strike price of $175.

The cash inflow for Jim’s portfolio is $280 per contract or $560 total. In other words, Jim just made $560 today by selling the two covered calls.

The next logical question is: What is the catch? A very good question.

Remember, the stock was purchased for $164 per share (200 shares). Also, we sold two covered calls for $280 apiece (1 contract = 100 shares), and the money was taken in today. The catch is that at any time between today and July 15 (option expiration), Jim may (or may not depending on the stock price) have to sell his 200 shares of XYZ stock at $175 a share (strike price). If the price of the stock goes above $175 per share, Jim will most likely be forced to sell. However, the shares were originally purchased for

$164 per share — so the price would need to increase about 7 percent in a five-month time period. Either way, a win/win situation.

Another Example Let’s take one more example as it pertains to Jim — same situation as above, except we decide to sell cash covered puts. In this case, we think XYZ stock is a great addition to Jim’s portfolio but is somewhat expensive to buy at its current market price ($164 a share). We deem it overvalued at these current levels.

We also realize that Jim needs cash flow. Using this information, we decide to sell two cash-backed XYZ puts, with an expiration date of July 15 and a strike price of $150 per share. Jim is compensated $297 per contract in this example, and pockets $594 today (two contracts). In this example, if the stock

Steve Ferris is a portfolio manager at Bank First National and president of BFN Asset Management Inc., Manitowoc.

price of XYZ falls below $150 between now and July 15, Jim may be forced to purchase 200 shares of XYZ stock at its strike price ($150 per share).

However, cash must be set aside at the time of selling the puts, in this case, $30,000 ($150 x 200 shares). The biggest risk, of course, is if the stock should drop significantly below its strike price of $150 per share — Jim is still responsible for purchasing $30,000 worth of XYZ stock ($150 x 200 shares). Either way, Jim pocketed $594 the day the option contract was sold.

These are just a couple ways to add cash flow to your portfolio. It is recommended that you seek out a professional financial advisor with significant option experience before attempting on your own.

Assisted Living with Style at Northland Lodge

We offer the warm, comfortable feeling of home without the added worries.

WI-5001268965

Monthly Fees Include:

•Age 55 and up • Wellness Center • 1 and 2 bedroom apartments with balconies and views of the city or woodlands • Full-size appliances: Range, Microwave, Refrigerator, Washer & Dryer • On site: library, chapel, coffee shop, general store, movie theatre

• Personal care assistance • Relaxation Spa and Whirlpool • Continental breakfast daily and 2 chef prepared meals daily • Inpatient and Outpatient Therapy featuringACE Program • Scheduled outings including shopping trips •All utilities and cable included

“the old Two Rivers Hospital”

CCall alll ffor or m more ore iinformation nfforrmation and to pla plan for a tour Director of Tenant Services Call 920-794-6922 | 2500 Garfield St., Two Rivers

WI-5001268889

50 plus! . March 2011 . 13

E-Mail Seniors Without A Computer Dear Savvy Senior: Are there any simple devices that let seniors who don’t have a computer receive e-mail? My 75-year-old grandma doesn’t have a home computer or the skills to operate one, but loves hearing from her grandkids whenever possible. Is there any such service that can help us stay better connected with her? ~Disconnected

Dear Disconnected:

Keeping in touch with older relatives can be a bit more challenging when they don’t use a computer. Fortunately, there are several different products and services available today that can bridge the gap between those who use e-mail and seniors who don’t. Here’s what you should know.

E-mail to Snail Mail While seniors make up the fastest growing group of Internet and e-mail users in the U.S., they still lag way behind the younger generations. Currently around 45 percent of people ages 70 to 75 go online compared to nearly 90 percent of those under age 35. To help, there’s a relatively new service called Sunnygram (888-517-8669) that will

Jim Miller

turn your e-mails into stamped letters so you can easily keep in touch with your grandma in formats that you’re both accustomed to.

costs $13 per month, provides unlimited e-mail and photo printing and any number of family members and friends can correspond with her.

The idea is simple: When you sign up, your grandma will get an e-mail address that you write to. Sunnygram then collects and prints out all the e-mail messages and pictures addressed to her, and snail mails them to her once a week in an appealing newsletter format (large font is an option).

Another neat new service if you’re a Facebook user is PostEgram. It works similar to Sunnygram except it lets you share Facebook news and photos in a printed newsletter format that can be mailed out weekly, biweekly or monthly.

Your grandma then has the option of responding through a Sunnygram prepaid letter, which would be scanned and e-mailed to you. Or she can call a tollfree number and leave a voice message, which would get transcribed and sent to you in an e-mail. This service, which

Set up a Customer Loyalty Text Newsletter for Your Business

70%

Did you know of all promo texts are opened and read?

FREE ADS, SIGNS, OR TABLE TENTS TO GET STARTED

le, rdab , o ff A k Quic sy! a &E

E-mail to Fax If you’re looking for something a little quicker, check out Celery and Presto, two unique services that will turn your e-mails into printed faxes almost immediately.

With a Celery (866-692-3537), your grandma can receive e-mails, pictures and documents, along with Twitter and Facebook status updates on printed paper, and she can send handwritten letters electronically, too. It uses a color fax/printer connected to a standard phone line to do it.

How does it work? When you sign up, your grandma will get a Celery e-mail address that you write to. When you send her an e-mail, Facebook or Twitter update, Celery calls her announcing she has a message being sent, and is automatically printed out on paper.

Then to reply, she simply handwrites a

We make Medicare

Call 686-2124 for more info!

letter putting your name in block print at the top. She then places the letter into her Celery fax machine, pushes two buttons and the letter is sent to you electronically. The system uses handwriting-recognition software to match your name to an e-mail address or Twitter account stored in her Celery address book. The cost: $14 a month.

You can also use any fax machine with the Celery service, or you can buy their color fax/printer machine for $89.

The other service you should check out is the Presto (866-428-0970), a neat device that works like Celery, but uses a special HP Printing Mailbox to deliver your grandma’s e-mails, Facebook photos, greeting cards and more. Presto also comes with a nice variety of extra features like ongoing access to articles, recipes and puzzles that your grandma can receive free of charge. And some convenient web tools that let you send quick reminders, and even monitor who’s e-mailing her. Presto, however, does not offer your grandma a way to respond, unless she does it the old fashioned way — by telephone. The cost: $100 for the Printing Mailbox (which she must have), plus a $15 per month service fee.

Send your questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, Okl. 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC “Today” Show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

Supplements

easy!

14 . March 2011 . 50 plus!

WI-5001267841

WI-5001272293

We represent 13 top rated insurance companies. Let our experienced Insurance Agent, Gloria Dietrich find the best plan at the best price for you!

3121 Calumet Ave Manitowoc

Gloria@livelifesecure.com

686-8222

Gloria Dietrich Insurance Agent

Eyes Are Windows To Overall Health Annual Eye Exams Can Detect A Variety of Diseases.

StatePoint Media

What Eye Doctors See

Diabetes and Vision

Everyone knows the eyes are the windows to the soul, but few people realize they are also windows to your overall health, allowing eye doctors to see signs of chronic conditions.

What gives eye doctors the advantage over other specialists? By examining the cornea, retina, and the flow of blood through vessels around the eye, doctors can detect signs of health problems, including blood vessel leakage, retinal swelling and fatty deposits on the retina.

People who may or may not know they have diabetes often visit their eye doctors first, because they’re experiencing sudden changes in vision due to fluctuations in their blood sugar.

WI-5001268975

With this in mind, families are being encouraged to get annual comprehensive eye exams.

This early detection can help prevent and treat many conditions. For this reason, comprehensive eye exams by optometrists and ophthalmologists are about more than simply determining if you need glasses. They’re a way to detect signs of serious conditions, such as diabetes and vascular diseases.

“The National Eye Institute estimates that more than 4 million people over the age of 40 have diabetic retinopathy, a condition marked by damage to the blood vessels in the retina,” says Susan Egbert, director of Eye Health Management at VSP Vision Care. “This condition can lead to blindness if not treated early.”

However, with annual eye examinations, 90 percent of all diabetes-related

WI-5001268969

The eyes are the only place doctors can get a clear view of blood vessels, which can be significantly altered by conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.

In fact, an eye exam can often prevent complications from conditions like diabetes, by catching problems early.

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS LOW-RENT HOUSING FOR SENIORS OR HANDICAPPED, DISABLED Professionally Managed By:

Bob Gregurich • 683-3042

blindness can be prevented. Remember, diabetes is a disease that affects the whole body. It’s not enough to know you have it; you have to prevent and treat its complications as well.

Everyone, even children, needs to get an eye exam every year to make sure his or her eyes are healthy. If you don’t have insurance that covers eye care and eyewear, look into a vision plan.

A comprehensive eye exam will not only check for 20/20 vision, but examine eye muscle coordination, peripheral vision, test for glaucoma and look for signs of chronic conditions like diabetes.

For more information on eye care and the effects of diabetes, visit www.vsp.com/ada.

• One and two bedroom with full kitchen and appliances • Patios and decks • Coin-operated laundry in all buildings • Off-street blacktop parking with heater plug ins • Across the street from Village Park • Seniors 62 and over • Handicapped or disabled 18 years of age and over • One block from a grocery store Rent based on 30% of income, less medical

PARK LANE APARTMENTS • 416 PARK LANE • MISHICOT, WI 50 plus! . March 2011 . 15

CommunityDedication This year, as Shady Lane, Inc. celebrates sixty years of quality care, we reflect on the dedication of our board, our staff, our donors, our residents and our community – all those we have served through quality, affordable care.

Find out why people...

Think of Us First for comfort of skilled care Designed for living with beautifully decorated and lovely gardens, Shady Lane offers skilled nursing care for short or long-term care, therapy services, social services and hospice care. Medicare and Medicaid Certified.

for planning to get better . . .

Recovering after an illness, joint replacement or surgery is a team effort. In fact, it could be called "Team You"! We offer physical, occupational and speech therapy, respiratory services, pain management and neurological, orthopedic and cardiac rehabilitation. Medicare and Medicaid Certified and some private insurances.

In-patient or Out-patient Services.

for the joys of home without the work From two bedroom apartments to single bedrooms with private bathrooms, Laurel Grove offers a variety of assisted living options to meet your needs.

Enjoy the gardens, optional activities and care-free living. Starting at just $1,175 a month including meals!

Manitowoc’s only not-for-profit citizen directed care facility.

1235 South 24th Street • Manitowoc, WI • www.shadylaneinc.com • 920-682-8254 WI-5001268985

16 . March 2011 . 50 plus!