GREAT BEND January/February 2019
GARDEN YOUR WAY TO STRONG BONES VOLUNTEERING AT ANIMAL SHELTERS SMART DIETS LOWER STROKE RISK AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE TO HEALTH
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RELATIONSHIPS
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Ways to Make New Friends By Greg Fox
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Follow your heart. If you love golf, photography or cooking, these activities can open new friendships when you join a club, take a class or invite others to share your passion. If you’re good with animals, you are guaranteed to meet people when you call a shelter and offer to provide free labor. Visit the local hospital and volunteer your time. On holidays and weekends, your visits will brighten everyone’s day, and you’ll create lasting friendships. Gyms and health clubs offer many options for building new relationships. Join an exercise class, take lessons in yoga or try new dance steps. Most clubs have activities specially designed for seniors. Check out the offerings at your public library. Maybe you’re just the person to read to children. Enroll in group classes on subjects like poetry, writing or acting. Go to church. Your church has countless opportunities for your service, and you’ll find lots of likeminded friends. Get a part-time job. Pick employers that could make use of your talents Or try something new, like working in a coffee shop or a clothing store. The Internet is a treasure trove of opportunities to meet others. One of the best sites is meetup.com. Enter your zip code and select a topic that interests you. You’ll be directed to a group in your area that is doing just what you selected. If you don’t find a group, you can start one.
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our spouse is gone. Your kids are grown. How do you remake your life? If you’re on the south side of 60 and wondering what’s next, cheer up! There are lots of people just like you, eager to establish new, pleasant relationships. Make a list of your hobbies and interests. This can reveal opportunities to relate to others
6 7 who share your enthusiasm. This new beginning can be an exciting time of growth.
There are lots of people just like you, eager to establish new, pleasant relationships.
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Garden
Your Way to Stronger Bones
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By Caitlin Watzke
ardening is an effective way to fight osteoporosis. The University of Arkansas found that women who garden or do yard work at least once a week have higher bone density than those who do traditional forms of exercise. Having a higher bone density decreases the risk of osteoporosis, which affects about 54 million American men and women. Lead researcher Dr. Lori Turner was quoted as saying, “[Gardening is] taken for such a dainty activity. But there’s a lot of weight-bearing motion going on in the garden — digging holes, pulling weeds, pushing a mower.” The National Osteoporosis Foundation states that weight-bearing exercises are important for building and maintaining bone density. People are likely to garden more often than other forms of exercise because it feels less like a workout and more like a hobby. It also provides exposure to the sun, which helps the body produce vitamin D and absorb more calcium, an important nutrient for bone health.
“We Care About Your Health”
WORK SMARTER As with any physical activity, it is important to get your doctor’s approval, especially if you don’t exercise often. Make sure to warm up before starting, stay hydrated and use sun protection.
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contents January/ February 2019
2 RELATIONSHIPS 8 Ways to Make New Friends
13 RECIPE Rice Cooker Versatility
3 GARDENING Garden Your Way to Stronger Bones
14 WELLNESS Exercise Your Brain: Learn New Skills
5 FINANCE Sudden Retirement: An Action Plan
16 GRANDCHILDREN Cooking Up Fun
6 PETS Volunteering At Animal Shelters
17 RECIPE Make Your Own Pizza
8 RECIPE Pasta with Spinach, Garbanzos and Raisins
18 HOLISTIC MEDICINE An Alternative Route to Health?
12 NUTRITION Smart Diets Lower Stroke Risk
19 PERSONAL SAFETY Safety Tips for Driving at Night
PUBLISHED BY THE GrEaT BEnD TrIBUnE Mary Hoisington, Publisher LOCaL rEPOrTInG: Veronica Coons LOCaL PHOTOGraPHY: Hugo Gonzalez DESIGn: Hugo Gonzalez SaLES: Tammy Mason Diane Lacy-Trostle
Inspire Health/Active Living Great Bend 2012 Forest Ave. Great Bend, KS 67530 InspireHealth@gbtribune.com 620-792-1211 All copy and advertising in Active Living are copyrighted and cannot be reproduced without permission
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ON THE COVER:
AN ARTFUL LIFE TERRI HORNER
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STRENGTHEN YOUR BACK, ARMS AND CORE 10 Executive Publishers H.G. FOX, SR. SUZANNE FOX
Copy Editor CHAD RUIZ Creative Team
Managing Editor SUZANNE FOX Contributing Writers TAMARA CHARBONNET WHITNEY ALEXANDRA PATRICIA DANFLOUS MICHELLE ESNEAULT BECKY ROLLAND
Creative Director DIANNE WALLER Design TRA PHAM Production CLAIRE THOMAS
© 2018 Jumpstart Publishing, LLC, New Orleans, LA All rights reserved Printed in the USA by Fox Print Services, igofox.com The information contained in Active Living is intended for educational purposes only. A reader should never substitute information contained in Active Living for the advice of a health care professional. Jumpstart Publishing, LLC and publishers of Inspire Health, do not endorse or promote any of the products or services described in the pages of Active Living and the publishers do not verify the accuracy of any claims made in the editorial or advertisements contained in IActive Living. Readers should not use the information in Active Living for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. Readers should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or have or suspect they have a health problem.
Sudden Retirement
FINANCE
be available. Look into starting a consulting business, or see if your hobbies might be put to good use. Avoid knee jerk decisions. Do not instantly file for Social Security, apply for your pension or take out retirement money — unless that is the optimal choice for you. Many people By Patricia Danflous start Social Security early only to find work a year later. place, you can decide to reduce our company Distinguish between temporary expenses or find work. just announced and permanent choices. Making You can lay out various downsizing. Your a temporary decision to alter something position is eliminated combinations of things and see may be exactly what is needed to buy which plan gives you the best and you are faced enough time to get your permanent long-term outcome. with sudden retirement. retirement plan in place. Re-evaluate needs versus Start now to build a new One of the best things you can do wants. When your income is financial plan. According to the when facing sudden retirement is to seek National Association of Personal suddenly lower than expected, the first thing to do is cut back on the the assistance of a qualified financial Financial Advisors (NAPFA), wants. Go through your bank and planner. Visit napfa.org for additional these guidelines can ensure information and suggestions for selecting credit card statements, and find financial well-being: a financial advisor. Make a retirement income ways to eliminate the extras. Explore plan. This will show how alternative much income you will have, moneymaking what sources it will come from, options. Reach and when each source starts. Include Social Security, pensions, out to former professional annuities, anticipated savings, investment account withdrawals contacts to and projected retirement account discover what withdrawals. Once this plan is in projects might
An Action Plan
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PETS
Volunteering
at Animal Shelters By Caitlin Watzke
Shelters need assistance in many different areas, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find an opportunity that is a good fit.
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re you wondering what to do with your free time now that you are retired? Try volunteering at a local animal shelter. People who volunteer may live longer because they make new social connections and find new purpose in their lives, and animal companionship has several health benefits, including lower blood pressure and a lower stress level. Research animal shelters in your area. Shelters need assistance in many different areas, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find an opportunity that is a good fit. ANIMAL CARE If you are able, you can exercise, socialize or feed the animals. Shelter animals desperately need companionship,
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and by spending time with them, you’ll help them become happier and more likely to be adopted. FOSTERING You can also foster an animal in your home while they wait to be adopted. Fostering helps shelters get a better sense of an animal’s personality and what their ideal home environment should be. PHOTOGRAPHY Do you own a digital camera? You can help animals get adopted more quickly by taking photos of them for the shelter’s website. A good photo can truly make a difference in the time it takes for an animal to get adopted. Photos that showcase their personality may convince potential adopters to take a second look.
ADMINISTRATION Adoption volunteers can assist visitors while they look for the perfect companion, explaining adoption procedures and helping them complete the necessary paperwork. Administrative volunteers may answer phones, direct questions to the correct department or help the office manage paperwork. MAINTENANCE It can be hard for shelters to keep up with laundry, such as blankets and towels, so volunteers are always needed in this area. DONATIONS Even if you are unable to volunteer your time, you can still make a difference by donating wish list items like food, blankets, towels, toys, treats and cleaning supplies.
Get the right care, in the right place. When you need prompt medical attention, whether your condition is minor or serious, we have the care teams to meet your needs. Experts at the Convenient Care Walk-In Clinic at St. Rose Medical Pavilion provide high-quality care for minor illnesses and injuries – from cold and flu symptoms to cuts and sprains. No appointment is necessary. And for serious or life-threatening conditions, our emergency room team at Great Bend Campus provides excellent care around the clock. Learn more about where to go for the care you need at gbregional.com/therightcare.
Convenient Care Walk-In Clinic St. Rose Medical Pavilion 3515 Broadway Ave. Great Bend, KS 67530 620-792-2511 Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday: Noon-5 p.m. Emergency Room Great Bend Campus 514 Cleveland St. Great Bend, KS 67530 620-792-8833 Open 24/7
MEDITERRANEAN DIET RECIPE recommended by the Mayo Clinic Staff
PASTA WITH SPINACH, GARBANZOS AND RAISINS Serves 6
INGREDIENTS 8 ounces farfalle (bowtie) pasta 2 Tbsp. olive oil 4 garlic cloves, crushed ½ can (19 ounces) garbanzos, rinsed and drained ½ cup unsalted chicken broth ½ cup golden raisins 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped 2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese Cracked black peppercorns, to taste DIRECTIONS 1. Fill a large pot ¾ full with water and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook 10 to 12 minutes until al dente (tender) or according to the package directions. Drain the pasta thoroughly. 2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and garlic over medium heat. Add the garbanzos and chicken broth. Stir until warmed through. Add the raisins and spinach. Heat just until spinach is wilted, about 3 minutes. Don't overcook. 3. Top each serving with sauce, 1 teaspoon Parmesan cheese and peppercorns to taste. Serve immediately.
DASH-style
APPLE LETTUCE SALAD Serves 4 Serving size: 2 cups lettuce and ¼ cup apple
INGREDIENTS ¼ cup unsweetened apple juice 2 Tbsp. lemon juice 1 Tbsp. canola oil 2¼ tsp. brown sugar ½ tsp. Dijon mustard ¼ tsp. apple pie spice 1 red apple, chopped 8 cups mixed salad greens DIRECTIONS Mix the apple juice, lemon juice, oil, brown sugar, mustard and apple pie spice in a large salad bowl. Add the apple and toss to coat. Add the salad greens and toss to mix just before serving.
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Start the year off right by investing in yourself and your family Saturday, January 12, 2019 8 AM - 3 PM FREE ADMISSION Great Bend Events Center tribune.com
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By: Tami Charbonnet / Photographer: Melanie Langteau of Milestone Photography / Model: Tami Charbonnet
EXERCISE
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STRENGTHEN YOUR
BACK, ARMS AND CORE FACT: Those who exercise daily live longer and have healthier, active lives. Not only do exercise and nutrition help you lose weight and look great, they help reduce stress, promote heart health, lower blood pressure and reduce the chance of stroke. These exercises will burn extra calories, stabilize the core for balance and even help strengthen the back, arms and core.
1. Classic Crunches
• Anchor back onto floor. Bend knees and point toes to activate muscles. • Tuck chin into neck, and slowly lift shoulders off floor. Keeping a 90-degree bend in knees, lift knees over hips, and lift shoulders as far as you can toward knees. If you feel pressure or discomfort in back, release feet back to floor. • Release and repeat 10 to 20 repetitions. As your core strengthens, you will be able to increase repetitions.
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2. Non-Impact Back
Extension • Come down to floor onto stomach. Ground hips to floor. • Lengthen arms out away from sides of body with thumbs facing upward. • Squeeze gluteus to protect lower back, and lift ribs off floor. • Hold for 20 seconds, then release. Repeat back extensions for 10 to 20 repetitions.
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3. Stability Ball
Extended Pike
• Relax down to floor onto back. Hold a stability ball extended over the head. • Tuck chin in, and lift ball up while lifting extended legs. Bend knees and keep back anchored to floor if you feel pressure. Allow ball and legs to come together, hold at top, and slowly return to start position. *If this move is too difficult, begin with crunches and back extension and build up to this move.
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NUTRITION
SMART DIETS LOWER
Stroke Risk By Patricia Danflous
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he American Heart Association (AHA) and American Stroke Association (ASA) confirm that diets high in vegetables, whole grains, fruit and nuts are significant factors in lowering the risk of a first-time stroke. Recently updated guidelines published in AHA’s journal, Stroke, indicate that eating Mediterranean or DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension)-style diets, regularly engaging in physical activity and managing your blood pressure can lower your risk of a first-time stroke. These diets are similar in their emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, poultry and fish. Both are limited in red meat and foods containing saturated fats, which are mostly found in animal-based products such as meat, butter, cheese and full-fat dairy.
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The updated guidelines recommend these tips to lower risk: • Eat a Mediterranean or DASH-style diet supplemented with nuts. • Reduce the amount of sodium in your diet. • Prevent high blood pressure by getting more physical activity, eating a healthy diet and managing your weight. • Visit your healthcare provider annually for a blood pressure evaluation. • Monitor high blood pressure at home with a cuff device. • If your blood pressure medication doesn’t work or has bad side effects, talk to your healthcare provider about finding something that works for you. • Don’t smoke. If you’re a woman who experiences migraines with aura, smoking raises your risk of stroke even more than in the general population.
ACT FAST TO RECOGNIZE A STROKE
Time is of the essence when diagnosing a stroke. The faster a patient is treated, the more likely they are to survive and have a better recovery. If you think someone you know may be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. to recognize the warning signs. Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop? Arm: Have them raise both arms. Does one drift downward? Speech: Ask them to repeat a simple sentence. Is their speech slurred, or does it sound strange? Time: If the answers to any of these are “yes,” it’s time to call 911. Note the time when symptoms began.
Rice Cooker
RECIPE
Versatility
R
By Patricia Danflous
emember that rice cooker you purchased a few years ago? Take it out and start cooking. Not only do rice cookers deliver the just-right texture and taste for rice-based dishes, but they also have diverse uses. Soup, cakes, porridge, quinoa, pasta and meat dishes are among the many meals that begin in a rice cooker. Use your imagination to create your own dishes, or follow an increasing number of recipes posted on the Internet.
Start by steaming vegetables. Your rice cooker probably came with a steamer basket; if not, you should be able to find an accessory to fit your model. Keep the cover on — don’t forget to add water — and check the progress every now and then. After a couple of tries, you will know how long it takes to cook vegetables to your desired texture. Check out the manual that came with your cooker. Chances are you will find recipes and suggestions for using it to its full potential. Your cooker is also a great alternative to the microwave. Your leftovers will taste better with slow and thorough cooking.
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WELLNESS
Exercise Your Brain Learn New Skills
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t is normal to become forgetful from time to time, especially as you get older. Who hasn’t forgotten where the keys or glasses are? We laugh about these “senior moments,” but the natural mental decline that occurs when you age can be worrisome. One of the best ways to keep your mind young is to learn something new. When you try a new skill, the connections between the parts of your brain are strengthened and re-wired to be more active. The more you use your brain, the better it performs,
By Michelle Fouchi Esneault
and the more difficult the activity, the greater the memory improvement Here are some ways to exercise your brain. Learn a musical instrument. A recent TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) presentation by educator Anita Collins explained that when you listen to music, multiple areas of your brain become engaged and active. When you play an instrument, that activity becomes a full-body brain workout. Research shows that playing a musical instrument stimulates your brain, increases your
memory and makes you a happier person. Master new technology. If an activity is out of your comfort zone, it will exercise your brain. Mastering a video game, for example, helps to train critical thinking skills. A Mayo Clinic study found that regular computer use reduced the risk of mild cognitive impairment by 53 percent. Learn a language. Learning a new language enlarges your hippocampus, which can deteriorate as you age. This helps with long-term memory. The Brain and Language Journal pointed out that
“The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.” — Henry Ford
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switching between languages may give your brain a workout because it constantly has to choose between words and meanings. Research in The Annals of Neurology shows that learning a second language as an adult can slow brain decline. Try listening to music or reading a book in your new language. Learn to dance. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that 76 percent of senior citizens who learned to dance had a reduced risk of dementia. Dancing can also boost your brainpower and improve your memory skills. Your body gets a great workout, too! Start a hobby or craft. A new skill keeps your brain active. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic found that learning a
new creative hobby helped reduce the risk of dementia and preserve memory. Learn to play chess or join a photography club. Become fully immersed in the process to boost your memory and cognitive function. Read. The mental stimulation strengthens and creates new brain pathways while improving short-term memory recall. For a change of pace, try reading books from a different genre than you usually do.
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GRANDCHILDREN
Cooking Up Fun
S
By Caitlin Watzke
pring may seem like a distant dream, but in reality, it’s right around the corner! Now is the perfect time to start planning an activity you can enjoy with your grandchildren while they are on spring break. The arrival of spring means local farmers markets are abundant with fresh produce. Kids love to help in the kitchen, so bring your grandchildren to the market and let them pick out fruits and vegetables for a meal
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you can prepare together. Ask vendors if you can try samples. This is a great opportunity to get your grandchildren to taste food they have never tried before. Even if you have picky eaters, they may try new food if they play a part in the preparation. You can also go to a pick-your-own farm, where they can harvest fruits and vegetables themselves. When you get home, search for recipes you can make using your purchases. Gather the ingredients and
tools you’ll need. Your little chefs will get even more excited if you provide them with their very own aprons and kid-friendly kitchen tools. Assign younger children simple tasks, like measuring or mixing. Older children can help with tasks like cutting or grating. Once the meal is done, it’s time to enjoy your creation. Your grandchildren will be excited to try the dishes they helped prepare, and you’ll have a new activity you can enjoy together!
MAKE YOUR OWN
PIZZA
INGREDIENTS: Crust 2 tsp. dry yeast 1 tsp. honey or sugar 1 cup very warm water 3½ to 5 cups flour ½ tsp. salt ¼ cup oil Sauce 1 (8-ounce) can tomato paste 1 (8-ounce) can water 1 tsp. basil 1 tsp. oregano Toppings 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 green pepper, finely chopped ½ pound mushrooms, sliced Black or stuffed olives, sliced 8 ounces mozzarella cheese or soy mozzarella DIRECTIONS: 1. Combine yeast, honey or sugar and water in a large bowl until the yeast has dissolved. Stir in flour, salt and oil. 2. Knead the dough in the bowl a few times, then cover it, and let rise for an hour. 3. Punch the dough down, and divide into four equal-sized balls. Cover them with a towel. 4. On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball out into a 10-inch circle with a floured rolling pin. 5. Lightly oil two cookie sheets, and put two circles on each. Heat the oven to 425 degrees F. 6. To make the sauce, mix tomato paste, water, basil and oregano in a small bowl. Spread the sauce evenly on the circles. 7. Sprinkle on the toppings of your choice. 8. Grate cheese and sprinkle on top. 9. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust is cooked. Recipe courtesy of Kids Can Cook, written by Dorothy Bates (Book Publishing Company)
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HOLISTIC MEDICINE
An Alternative Route? By Tami Charbonnet
M
odern medicine is constantly evolving. Unfortunately, science has yet to find a cure for all diseases, and patients are often left feeling hopeless. What happens when there is an incurable prognosis, or the body rejects specific medicines? The holistic medicinal approach may be a route to explore. It is sometimes misunderstood and often a topic of controversy among traditional practitioners. However, patients who have used holistic medicine to deal with mental or medical problems have often experienced amazing results. The holistic approach evaluates well-being as a whole and identifies mental and/or physical imbalances and the connection between the two. The Mayo Clinic explains, “Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is the popular term for health and wellness therapies that have typically not been part of conventional Western medicine. Complementary means treatments that are
used along with conventional medicine. Alternative means treatments used in place of conventional medicine.” CAM focuses on mind, body and spiritual connection while also integrating modern medicine. The following are typical “mind-body” practices: YOGA: Physical postures that allow the body and mind to connect through the use of breath MEDITATION: Mental exercise concentrated on repetitive breathing and clearing the mind for the purpose of deep relaxation ACUPUNCTURE: Ancient Chinese practice of pricking the skin with tiny needles at pressure points to alleviate emotional, mental and physical ailments
application of the hands to address specific circular pathways in a sequential pattern HERBAL TREATMENTS: Use of herbs and natural dietary supplements Consult your physician before attempting an alternative to present medical care, do your own research and ask about your options. Visit the Academy of Integrative Health & Medicine's website (www.aihm.org) to find a local provider and research their credentials.
Patients who have used holistic medicine have often experienced amazing results.
SPINAL MANIPULATION:Technique used to restore the spine’s structural integrity and reduce pain MASSAGE THERAPY: Focuses on using gentle
*DO NOT attempt an alternative medicinal approach without consulting your physician.
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D
SAFETY TIPS FOR
DRIVING AT NIGHT By Caitlin Watzke
of the road, which will serve as a guide. Use your day/night mirror to deflect light from cars behind you. Turn your high beams off when driving behind another car. Don’t use them in high-traffic or well-lit areas. Dim your instrument panel lighting to improve nightvision. Make sure your instrument lights never reflect
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directly into the driver's vision. Windshield streaks that are invisible during the day can cause glare at night. Clean with a cotton or microfiber cloth. If you have car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible. Turn on your hazard and interior lights, and wait for help.
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PERSONAL SAFETY
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riving at night can be dangerous for anyone due to decreased visibility. As we age, it can become more difficult to see at night. Follow these tips on how to drive safely after sundown. Make sure your headlights and brake lights work, are clean and aimed correctly. This will help you see your surroundings more clearly. Increase the space between you and the car in front of you to be able to stop safely. Drive within the reach of your headlights. Avoid being blinded by oncoming vehicles by looking down toward the right
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COVER STORY
Sharing her art, dancing like no one is watching, and spreading love to the generations of her family, Terri Horner is a master at the art of living a balanced life. by Veronica Coons vcoons@gbtribune.com Photography by Hugo Gonzalez hgonzalez@gbtribune.com ome people seem ageless. Terri Horner er is one of these lucky ky souls. This mom off four, grandmother of 10 is a challengee to keep up with, truly. Some will know her as a skilled cosmetologist, others as a lively square dancer, and still others will know her as a sculptor. Her family and friends know her as all of these and more. Low-key at first, she is sure to inspire anyone who takes time to get to know her, and we’re glad ad ad that we did. We met one Wednesday morning October, rni ninngg iinn Oc O cto obe berr before her shift at the salon where she continues to work a few days a week. There was a time, she admits, when she considered leaving cosmetology to pursue her art full-time, but ultimately chose against it. “I think I’d go crazy and spiral into a downward darkness without regular connections to my friends and my clients,” she said.
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I was very fortunate, fortunate, b because ecause I was a candidate date ffor or IIsolated so olated Radiation Therapy, ap py, instead insteaad of of chemotherapy. Terri ri Ho Horn Horner rn rner ner e
Setting a foundation
It was friends and family that Terri and her husband Al knew that they needed to surround themselves with when Terri was diagnosed with cancer about 20 years ago. Terri’s father was in the military, and met her mother in Las Cruces, N.M. where the family lived for a time in her youth. Military transfers took them to Indiana and Colorado, and eventually Terri returned to Las Cruces, where she attended cosmetology school. Soon after she moved to Albuquerque, N.M. to work and raise her daughter, Genevieve. It was there she began her study of art. It’s also where she met Al, who came from a little town in Kansas called Great Bend. It is clear when the two are together, Al is truly her other half. Delightful and interesting, he’s humble and supportive, and he’s given Terri encouragement as she takes on new challenges and continues to grow in so many ways. In 1987, the family moved from New ew w Mexico to Louisiana so Al could pursue uee a work opportunity. “It was pretty interesting going from th the he desert to the swamp,” she said. Terri resumed her study of art at Southeastern Louisiana University. “I’ve always liked art. I was born that way,” she said. While she likes all forms of art, she is particularly drawn to sculpture. “I think that the 3-D comes easier because I’ve worked on a 3-D pallet, on people’s heads my whole life.”
Cancer and reflection
Two years into her study, Terri was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. “I was very fortunate, because I was a candidate for Isolated Radiation Therapy, instead of chemotherapy,” she said. She described the process, from her entry into a lead-lined cell, receiving a
radioactive rraadioa dioa di o ct ctiv ivve pill ive pill from f m a nurse nurs nu rsee dressed d s head dr to toe toe oe in i a haz-mat suit, through her week off isolation, with all the precautions taken that week until the pill went to half-life. “That Halloween I was glow-in-thedark,” she said, making light of a serious situation, which matches her optimistic look on life. For Terri, the solitude of that cell felt like being punished. Sent to the corner, she said. But, it gave her time to think and do some soul searching. She gained perspective. Family had always been important, but the experience underscored its importance.
It was shortly after her treatment the family moved to Great Bend. Terri cut back on working, and instead gave a day a week volunteering at her kids’ school. “It’s so important to do that,” she said. “It allowed me to get to know my kids’ teachers and friends.” She helped in a variety of ways. She tutored kids in math, made copies, prepared art projects, pretty much whatever the teachers needed, she said. And when her youngest son graduated from high school, she decided to formally resume her pursuit of art.
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COVER STORY
Always learning
That was in 2005. When Joshua graduated from high school, she became a nontraditional student, attending Barton Community College with her sons. She even shared a class with her youngest, Biology, taught by Curtis Wolf, currently the director of the Kansas Wetlands Education Center at Cheyenne Bottoms. She cherishes those memories. After she completed her Associate of Arts, she attended Ft. Hays State University to complete her Bachelors of Fine Arts. She feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to study under Professor Toby Flores, whose specialty is large metal sculpture. Today, Terri sculpts both in wood and in stone, and her work has been featured at the Shafer Gallery at BCC, at the Rolling Hills Zoo and Museum in Salina, the Deines Cultural Center, and participated in the
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Russell Original Art Review and several other shows and galleries. The Tribune visited the Shafer Gallery during the opening of the Friends and Acquaintances Show in October, which was on display through December. Her stone sculpture of a polar bear with cub made from an almost translucent white stone, and a wooden apple, both appear deceptively simple, but with pleasing curves and details that evoke feelings of both arctic cold and homespun warmth respectively. Always improving, Terri travels to workshops both near and far a few times a year. She also takes part in a life drawing workshop held monthly in Salina. While her preferred medium is sculpting, it’s through drawing that she works out the best way to bring forth the details she envisions in 3-dimensions, she said.
Square Dancing
Between working in the salon, pursuing art, and making a point of spending one-onone time with each grandchild (Terri and Al have 10, ranging in age from 22 to three-yearsold, with number 11 on the way), Terri and Al still find time for square-dancing, something they’ve been enjoying together since their Albuquerque years.
We met up with them on an October Sunday when the Barton County Square Dance Club met at the Great Bend Presbyterian Church for one of their monthly dances. Happening near Halloween, many members arrived in costume, taking the already raucous affair over the top. Terri came dressed as a flapper, Al in a zoot suit with spats.
Surprisingly, the music was upbeat and modern compared to the popular misconceptions many have. Members encouraged visitors by walking them through simple steps.Then as the tempo picked up, many younger first-timers were blown away as the experienced dancers kept time and flawlessly pulled off intricate steps that wove them in and out of the four-couple groupings. Square dancing, it turns out, is no place for the geometrically challenged. Al and Terri were introduced to square dancing by friends, and they continue to pass on their affinity to their kids.
Balancing it all
For Terri, the key to getting the most out of life has been balance. Fun, active and interactive times are balanced with quiet, solitary time. Living outside of the city, she and Al live in rural Great Bend, surrounded by fields and distant neighbors. There, she is in her element in her outdoor studio, where she has been working on her latest piece of sculpture, carved from a two-foot by 12-inch block of stone. Sculptor Myles Schachter, Lawrence, supplies her stone. She looks forward to attending his biannual three-day workshops, May and October, taught by Schachter and a host of
other renowned sculptors from around the country. “Myles goes all over the world and collects stone,” Terri said. “He sells by the pound. The piece I’m working on now weighs about 50 lbs. Bigger pieces of stone alone can cost thousands.” Working with stone, and also with wood, requires patience and the ability to accept the occasional failure, because there are no do-overs with stone or wood, she said. Hand tools are great, but...“Power tools are your friend,” she said. She wields power tools like air chisels, diamond-head side grinders, Dremels and Foredoms like she was born to. The rewards when all goes right are great. “I enjoy stone and wood because it’s almost like unwrapping a gift,” she said. “There is a feeling, and you get into the zone, and you see things and you pull them out so other people can see them.” For Terri, an active lifestyle has brought her many gifts, with many more certain to come.
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