Inspire Living - November-December 2023 by Great Bend Tribune

November - December 2023

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Your front porch is the portal that welcomes people to your home, greets passers-by and expresses your style.

Decorating your porch for the fall is a great way to welcome the season and make your home feel cozy and inviting. With so many colors, options and themes, you can create a look that is uniquely you and makes you smile every time you return to your home. eve One On great way to get inspiration is to browse or Instagram and look at bro owse Pinterest Pin what other people have done. However, wh hat pe don’t let yourself get intimidated. You can don’t you go as simple or as complex as you want g simp and find your own style. Let those pictures a be an inspiration, not an unreachable b i standard or an impersonal facsimile of stand someone else’s expression. so om Decide whether you want a particular D w theme. Do you want a traditional fall/ theme. harvest look? Do you want to decorate harves for one of the fall holidays? Do you want wa something that expresses your yo o personal hobbies or interests? A porch display made from po hockey sticks and pucks might h not be traditional, but if that’s your not favorite sport, go for it. fav vo

decorations. Consider using warm colors such as orange, yellow and red to create a cohesive look. Pantone releases seasonal color trends every year and 2023 will see a rise in such colors as Rose Violet, Red Orange, Red Dahlia, Viva Magenta, Tender Peach, High Visibility (a warm, vibrant yellow), Persian Jewel (a cooling blue), and Carnival Glass (a mentholated green). WGSN fingered galactic blue, sage leaf, Astro dust, digital lavender and apricot crush as the in colors this fall. Fall is all about nature, so consider incorporating natural elements into your porch décor. Standard favorites that never go out of style include pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks, hay bales and colorful fall foliage that creates a festive atmosphere. Other elements might include statuary of animals, signs or boards with text on them welcoming people to your home or rocking chairs. Adding lighting to your porch can create a warm and inviting ambiance as the days get shorter. Consider using string lights, lanterns or electric candles to add a cozy glow to your fall porch décor. Another way to add interest to your fall porch décor is to use seasonal textures. For example, you can use a burlap wreath, plaid blankets or pillows and textured doormats to create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

SELECTING ITEMS SELEC S Start by choosing a color scheme that b reflects the season and your other re s

DESIGNING THE DISPLAY To make a statement with your fall porch décor, create a focal point that draws the eye.

This could be a large wreath, a pumpkin display or a cozy seating area with fallinspired pillows and blankets. The size and shape of your porch will dictate many of your choices. When possible, add layers. Have some elements sitting on the porch and others hung higher. While it can be tempting to go all-out with fall decorations, it’s important to keep it simple and avoid a cluttered look. Focus on a few key elements that create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. Visit your local stores to find unique display items made by local artists or head to a craft store to make your own personalized porch décor. Maybe you want to experiment by making your own wreath or a pumpkin topiary. Remember it doesn’t have to qualify for the cover of Better Homes and Garden, it just has to be made with love and enthusiasm.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER

Publisher’s Note: Thank you for joining us in reading this November/ December Edition of the InspiredLiving magazine. Our cover story about Cindy Smith and her dad Milt Raymer, I enjoyed reading about his life from age 12 to 91. What an inspiring man, he has accomplished so much in his lifetime and shows us it doesn’t matter your age, you can move mountains (or an old car) if you try.

CONTENTS

As you drive around the town you live in, I hope you take pleasure in seeing all the creative ways people decorate their front porches. Such fun ideas! There are lots of Holiday events around the area, take part if you can but try not too over stress yourself this holiday season. Lots of family to wrap gifts for? Wrap each family’s gifts in the same paper, this way when running out the door you know you have all the gifts and no need to check tags. Need gift wrap? Use the comics from the newspaper. This is something my kids say they miss that I used to do when they were growing up. Have you bought a special gift for someone outside your immediate family? Leave it unwrapped under the tree, this way the kids get excited about giving that gift, wrap it last if you can. The “Why I Love” article made me laugh when Julie Kober Braymer revealed a secret. Candy from our past is always a fun novelty, and sharing is caring. I hope you all have a great Holiday Season and a great start to the New Year!

PUBLISHED BY THE GREAT BEND TRIBUNE PUBLISHER: .................Judy Duryee

VINTAGE WHEELS

COVER Milton Raymer, 91 is restoring his 1938 Buick. His daughter Cindy is helping. COVER AND MAIN FEATURE PHOTOS BY HUGO GONZALEZ GREAT BEND TRIBUNE

Milton Raymer and his daughter Cindy show their work in progress restoration of a 1938 Buick Century.

EDITOR: ......................Susan Thacker LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHY: ....Hugo Gonzalez GRAPHIC DESIGN: ..........Karma Byers Hugo Gonzalez Katie Joyner SALES: .......................Tammy Mason Riley Brungardt Inspired Living Great Bend, 2012 Forest Ave., Great Bend, KS 67530 inspiredliving@gbtribune.com 620-792-1211 The information contained within Inspired Living is intended for educational purposes only and not intended to be used as medical advice or to diagnose or treat any ailment. Please consult your doctor prior to beginning any diet, supplement or exercise plan. The publisher of the Great Bend Tribune and Inspired Living does not endorse any of the products or services promoted in this magazine and did not verify the accuracy of any claims made in articles or advertising. All materials contained in Inspired Living are copyright protected and may not be reproduced without permission.

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2 - DRESS YOUR PORCH FOR FALL 4 - FEATURE 7 - THANKSGIVING TABLES 8 - CALENDAR 10 - CARE FOR YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM 12 - WHY I LOVE THIS PART OF KANSAS 14 - 10 NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY POINTERS 15 - FUN HOLIDAY FITNESS ROUTINES

Got ideas? This is our bi-monthly magazine and we at InspiredLiving want to hear what you think. We need your brightest ideas for coming issues. Musicians? Finest artists? Beautiful homes? Tellers? Local nightlife? We are open-minded. Contact Judy Duryee at 620-792-1211, ext. 201. Feel free to email also: jduryee@gbtribune.com.

Milton Raymer, 91 is restoring his 1938 Buick. ck His daughter Cindy is helping. Story by Susan Thacker sthacker@gbtribune.com Feature photos by Hugo Gonzalez hgonzalez@gbtribune.com ilton Raymer bought his first car when he was 12 years old. It was a Model T that wasn’t in running order, but once he fixed it he drove it home. That was the start of a passion for antique cars that never ended. Four years ago, when he was 87 years old, he

had 17 antique cars in storage and began to give them to his children and grandchildren. One special car, a 1938 Buick Century convertible, went to his youngest daughter Cindy. For the past two years, Cindy Raymer Smith and her father Milt have been working together to restore the car. Like many of Milt’s old cars, this one had seen better days when he acquired it. The Buick was a big, heavy car that had belonged to a farmer who used it to push things around the field. “The bumpers were beat up

and the grill pieces were in really bad shape,” Cindy said. On the plus side, the car only has 54,000 miles on it. When the owner passed away, the car went to his son-in-law. “It was just kind of abandoned on the south side of Ellinwood in an old filling station that wasn’t being used,” Milt said. “I’d seen it several times. I came by one day and there was a man who had the hood open working on it. I pulled in and asked, ‘What are you doing to the old car?’ He said, ‘Well, I’m gonna take the radiator out and sell it.’

We took everything off that would come off without taking the body off of the frame and restored each piece,” Milt said. “And now we’re putting it back together.

“I said, ‘No, you’re not. I know who the car belongs to and you’d be in big trouble.’” So the radiator stayed on and Milt called the owner and offered to store the car in a safer location in the country. “I went over on Saturday and loaded it up and tied it down. He helped me and just about the time I was ready to leave he said, ‘Milt, would you give me $350 for it?’ and I said, ‘I sure would.’ I didn’t know how rare it was until we joined the Buick Club.” He learned that the Century was Buick’s first car that could reach speeds of 100 mph. The 1938 model was one of only 649 made and this was one of the 52 cars that went to foreign countries. This car was in England during World War II, he said. “The man that owned it had bought expensive paintings and put them in the car, then took it out in the country and had a farmer cover it with a haystack until he came back from the service. The story is not clear on whether he bought it here and took it with him or if he bought it over there and just brought it home. We don’t know that part, but we know it was in England and came back to Ellinwood.”

Originally, the car had black paint but at some point it was painted a light blue. Cindy got involved in the restoration in January 2021, back before she retired from working at Riley Elementary School in Great Bend. “I hadn’t been in on any of Dad’s restorations attions until he started this one,” she said. “I’d seen that t car in the shop ever since I was a young girl rl and never knew if I would see the day where Dad d would work on it. And then he surprised me.” Her husband Eric helped Milt bring the car from a shop to the garage where the restoration would take place. “I was shocked to see it in the garage. Dad said, ‘It’s time to start.’” Milt had owned the car for 50 years and was approaching his 90th birthday. The work began, with Cindy helping Milt on the days when there was no school and him working on it during the week. “Then I retired in June of this year and we spent almost every day this summer working on it, except we didn’t work on the weekends,” she said. Others have pitched in over the years,

including Cindy’s brother Ronn Ronn, before he passed away in 2022. “It’s been fun making beautiful memories with Dad. I didn’t know how to restore a car. He taught me how to sand it.” First the blue paint, then the black paint, and finally the primer was sanded off, down to the metal. Then the parts were painted. “We took everything off that would come off without taking the body off of the frame and restored each piece,” Milt said. “And now we’re putting it back together.” Cindy and her husband personally delivered the much-abused bumpers, grill and hood ornament to a Nebraska firm to restore the chrome. “They’re irreplaceable,” she said, which is why they will also pick them up in person.

THE MODEL T Milt still remembers driving his first vehicle, a 1927 Model T Roadster pickup, from a farm near Sawyer to his boyhood home in Pratt the summer he was 12 years old. He’d spent the summer working on a farm for 50 cents a day plus room and board. When the summer was over, the farmer was ready to settle his accounts and told Milt his wages came to $35. “I said, ‘Well, that’s a lot of money for a boy. Would that be enough to buy that Model T?’” When the farmer asked if he’d settle for $30 and the truck, which was sitting on blocks, he said, “I sure would!” He doesn’t remember how he managed the 11-mile trip from Pratt to Sawyer to work on the car, but on his third trip he got the Ford running and drove it home. “I remember that trip,” he said. From that point on, he started trading up. “I would buy a vehicle and fix it, to get one a little better,” he said. So from 12 to 18 I’d owned 23 different cars. I worked my way up to a 1940 Plymouth convertible when I was in high school, and boy it was the top of the walk.” CAREER AND FAMILY Milton and Peggy Raymer were married 67 years at the time of “Miss Peggy’s” passing in September 2017. They had two sons, Ronn, who passed away in March 2022, and Terry, and two daughters, Cindy Smith and Rhonda Snyder. “We kids were truly blessed to have such loving, Christian parents,” Cindy said. Milton worked in the oil field for 40 years, starting when he was 17, and along the way started his own business, Great Bend Hydro Test & Supply, in 1971. Then he helped his son Terry for another 20 years after he took over the business. Ronn also worked in the oil field industry as a pipe tester with his father for 20 years. Cindy’s husband Eric helped on the restoration and painted the car Butternut Yellow, since yellow is Cindy’s favorite color. A good family friend, Todd Jones, has helped too. BUILDING EXPERIENCE Milt did several types of building with his father in his youth. “When I was 14, my dad wanted to build a house. We dug the basement by hand and when we got ready to pour the footing for the house, we dug a two feet by two feet ditch around the edge and put four bars

off steel t l in there. And then we hand-mixed cement in a box to do the footing. “And my dad never did tell me what he had in mind. “I said to him one day, ‘Why are we putting all this cement down here in the ground? Nobody’s going to see it.’ He said, ‘Well, we’ve got to have a good footing.’ That house ended up being three stories high. We built the walls out cement blocks.” MINISTRY, AND MORE CARS The family has been active in Great Bend’s Church of the Nazarene for decades, and Milt was also involved in ministry when he lived in Pratt. He started doing “Working Witness Trips” in 1988, putting his building experience to use. “I made 12 trips to Mexico and built a church at each spot,” he said. “My last trip was to Brazil, I must have been about 72. I was too old to work so I was the gofer. I’d go get parts and give them instructions on what needed to be done.” He bought an old bus, a 12-passenger 1928 International, from a farmer out by Jetmore and used it for his ministry. All that was left of the bus when he bought it was the running gear, front fenders, lights, the hood and the dashboard. The rest of it was handmade in Milt’s shop. He painted it green with yellow trim. “I’ve been a lay minister since 1974 for senior adults. I worked actively in that ministry until 1996, and now I call on them every Saturday,” he said. He started with 43 seniors, all 55 years and older, and there are eight left in the group. He calls on them every Saturday.

When asked why, in his early 40s, Milt chose a ministry to senior citizens, he answered, “The Lord called me to it. He told me they were the forgotten people. We were running five school buses, filling them with kids and bringing them to church. The senior adults were paying the bills and not getting any attention.” Milt decided he would dedicate a day a week to his seniors. “When the Lord called me to do that, Miss Peggy said, ‘Well how in the world are you going to do that?’ I said ‘I’m going to take a day a week off so I can minister to them.’ She said, ‘Well, you’re not making it now.’ And I wasn’t – the month the Lord called me to do that – the month before I had run 13 jobs. I took four days off the next month to do senior adult ministry and run 25. And that business lasted until two years ago when my son sold it.” Milt visited his seniors on Thursdays at three nursing homes, Great Bend Manor, Cherry Village and Woodhaven in Ellinwood.

The seniors got to ride in his bus a time or two, he said. They enjoyed riding around town to see the lights at Christmas. He also took that bus on 23 trips to a Christian camp in Glorieta, New Mexico, south of Santa Fe. “We’d take about 20 people with us. Then the church started doing it with retired missionaries and evangelists and I made six of those trips.” “This is what keeps Dad young – his love for working on cars,” Cindy said. “He’s 91; he doesn’t act like it but he is.” Milt also restored old pedal cars as gifts to each of his grandchildren. Several of his favorite cars are depicted on a cane that was handmade for him by his friend Ivan Mettscher. He also has a photo book that chronicles his vehicle restorations. There was the 1950 Studebaker Commander that he spotted along Interstate 35 while working on a well. He restored it and drove it to the 1984 National Studebaker Meet in South Bend, Indiana, where he won first place out of 75 cars in that class. When he got interested in Studebakers, he checked on a 1950 Champion that once belonged to Mrs. Gertrude Gilliam, his former grade-school principal in Pratt. “When I was a boy, I did her yard work,” he said. Years later, he offered to buy the car, which was sitting in her garage. Although it hadn’t been tagged for over a decade, she insisted she might need to drive somewhere. After she passed, the family notified Milt it would accept sealed bids for the car. He offered about twice its book value so he’d be sure to win the bid, and he did. He said the car had 11,000 miles on it when he bought it and except for one trip to Hutchinson, he believes Mrs. Gilliam never drove it outside of Pratt. And there’s the 1948 Buick Roadmaster Milt and Peggy took for a road trip to California for their 50th wedding anniversary. The last car he restored was a 1953 Studebaker Champion. BACK TO THE BUICK Some day, perhaps in another year, they hope the Buick Century will be ready to drive in parades. “You’ll see us around,” Cindy said. “It will be the Sunday cruising car. Not too many girls can say they restored a car with their 91-year-old dad. I’ll have lots of memories in my heart to cherish and hold onto. My goal is to get it done so we can enjoy rides together, before he goes to heaven.”

TRADITIONS

Bring the beauty of the autumn season inside for your Thanksgiving table decorations. Use fall colors, autumn foliage and colorful fruits of the season to arrange a dramatic Thanksgiving dinner table. STEP 1 Construct or purchase a Thanksgiving or autumn-themed centerpiece. Use a conventional cornucopia centerpiece or a fall floral arrangement because Thanksgiving is all about tradition. Spread autumn nuts and leaves around your centerpiece.

STEP 4 Set your dining table with a tablecloth, place mats and napkins done in fall-themed prints and ordinating solids. Use Thanksgiving prints sparingly to prevent your table from looking busy and attracting attention away from your fall centerpiece.

STEP 2 Adorn your table with fall-colored candles set in rustic metal or wooden candleholders. Arrange autumn foliage, nuts, berry assortments, wheat sprigs, mini squash and other seasonal vegetables about the base of your centerpiece.

STEP 5 Use napkin rings that reflect the autumn season. Hand-paint leaf patterns onto ordinary wooden napkin rings or utilize purchased rings with a similar motif.

STEP 3 Use a large, hollowed pumpkin in place of a vase to exhibit an autumn floral centerpiece. Spread sprigs of wheat, nuts, berry clusters and fall leaves around the base of your pumpkin.

CONSIDERATIONS: — Keep nuts in their shells when using them as part of your centerpiece. — Be sure foliage is clean before placing them near food items. — If your table space is limited, create a small centerpiece. Leave room for

dishes, serving platters and condiments. — Keep the centerpiece at a low height that will allow guests an unobstructed view of one another. — Don’t use scented candles in your centerpiece, as they will interfere with food aromas.

STEP 6 Use your best china or select dishes done in fall motifs or colors that coordinate well with the other elements of your table. STEP 7 Utilize clean autumn leaves as makeshift place cards. Rinse the leaves and gently pat them dry. Write your guest’s names on each leaf with a gold or black felt-tip pen. Place one colorful leaf in the center of every plate.

New 2023

Watch the Great Bend Tribune for more holiday events!

DECEMBER PUBLIC LIBRARIES There’s lots of family-friendly events taking place at the your public library every month. Find more information by going to: https://www.cityofclaflin.com/library 108 Main Street, Claflin, KS https://hslibrary.usd355.org 210 North Schiller Ave., Ellinwood, KS https://libcal.greatbendpl.info/calendar/ or check with the library at 1409 Williams, Great Bend, KS https://hoisingtonpl.weebly.com/ 169 S. Walnut, Hoisington, KS

https://jordaanmemoriallibrary. wordpress.com/ 724 Broadway, Larned, KS https://stafford.scklslibrary.info 108 N. Union, Stafford, KS

RECREATION CENTERS Recreation Centers around the area offer lots of programs for families and individuals. For more information contact: Great Bend Recreation Commission: greatbendrec.com Hoisington Recreation Commission: hoisingtonrec.com Ellinwood Recreation Commission: ellinwoodrec.com Larned Recreation Commission: larnedks.myrec.com Stafford Recreation Commission: staffordrec.com

NOVEMBER 10-11

ELLINWOOD HIGH SCHOOL School musical “Some Enchanted Evening”. 7:30 p.m. www.usd355.org

11 11-12

LARNED VETERANS DAY PARADE 11:00 a.m. Downtown Larned, KS. www.larnedks.org

GREAT BEND HIGH SCHOOL FALL PLAY “‘Til Death.” Sat., Nov. 11, 8:00 p.m., Sun., Nov. 12, 3:00 p.m. www.greatbendschools.net

HOISINGTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TURKEY BOWL Open to everyone, pre-registration not required but recommended, $25 per person or $50 per team. Dinner and drinks, prizes.Cardinal Bowling Lanes in Hoisington, KS., 814 N. Elm St., 4:30 - 11:00 p.m. 620-653-4140.

GREAT BEND SENIOR CENTER THANKSGIVING DINNER The Senior Center will be preparing a Thanksgiving feast. Age 50+. Call 620-792-3906 to make your reservation.

BARTON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY PROGRAM Program presented by Linda McCaffery, “Crazy Kansas Elections.” 7:00 p.m. Barton County Historical Society, 85 US 281, Great Bend EXPLORE GREAT BEND MONTH Come downtown and join the fun!

11: Open Houses Parade Theme 18: Find A Turkey “The Music of Christmas” 24: Black Friday 25: Home for the Holidays Festival and Parade - Cookie Contest & Window Contest - Small Business Saturday - Explore Great Bend Month winner chosen - Mayor’s Tree Lighting - Free hot dogs, hot chocolate & funnel cakes - Santas Around the World Opens - Trail of Lights begins

BARTON COMMUNITY CONCERT HOLIDAY CONCERT 7:30 p.m. Fine Arts Auditorium, BCC Campus, 243 NE 30 Rd., Great Bend. Free Event.

BARTON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Ghosts of Christmas Past Event. 1:00 p.m. Barton County Historical Society, 85 US 281, Great Bend

CHRISTMAS PARADE IN LARNED The annual Christmas parade runs between 4th & 8th St. on Broadway in Larned, Kansas. Parade starts at 11:00 a.m. and the theme is: “The Magic of Christmas”. www.larnedks.org

GREAT BEND SENIOR CENTER CHRISTMAS DINNER AND OPEN HOUSE The Senior Center will be having a Christmas dinner and a party afterwards. Age 50+. Call 620-792-3906 to make your reservation.

HOISINGTON CHRISTMAS LIGHTING FESTIVAL Downtown Hoisington, 2:30 - 5:30 p.m. www.Hoisingtonkansas.com

HOISINGTON LADIES NIGHT OUT Downtown Hoisington, 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. www.Hoisingtonkansas.com

KWEC HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Holiday Open House, kids holiday activities and crafts, $50 gift certificate contest, gift shop specials, refreshments. 9:00 a.m. - Noon. Free. Open to the public. 877-243-9268 or www. wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu for more information. Kansas Wetlands Education Center. 592 NE K156 Hwy.

11TH ANNUAL CHRISTKINDLMARKET IN ELLINWOOD A small town shopping & holiday event. Live music, vendors, shopping, cookies by the pound, hay rack rides, crafts and more, Christmas tree lighting, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m., Downtown Ellinwood. www.ellinwoodchamber.com

CENTRAL KANSAS COMMUNITY CHOIR CONCERT 3:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church 2400 Washington in Great Bend. This will be a varied collection of music for the season, both sacred and secular. Admission is free but they will take donations for defraying the costs of the production.

SANTA’S WORKSHOP Join Santa Claus for an evening of holiday fun! Bring your Santa letter. Childen pre-school - 6th grade. 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. City Auditorium. Free Admission.

5 9

A CHRISTMAS STORY 7:30 p.m., Crest Theater, 1905 Lakin Ave., Great Bend. ELLINWOOD HOSPITAL FOUNDATION ANNUAL GALA Dinner and Auction Fundraiser, St. Joseph Parish Center, reservations required. For more information 620-566-1054.

GREAT BEND HIGH SCHOOL VESPERS CONCERT A holiday tradition! 2:00 p.m. At 3:30 p.m. the Youth Choir will perform. Free. Great Bend High School Auditorium, 2027 Morton.

CHEYENNE BOTTOMS CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT Small groups will meet to identify and count birds within the Cheyenne Bottoms count circle. Free and open to the public regardless of birding expertise. 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Call the KWEC to register 877-243-9268. Kansas Wetlands Education Center. 592 NE K156 Hwy.

SANTA STORY TIME Join Santa and Mrs. Claus to sing Christmas carols, eat treats and hear a story from Santa. Each child will have a chance to talk to Santa and receive a gift. 6:30 p.m. Great Bend Public Library. 1409 Williams.

ELLINWOOD GRADE SCHOOL SANTA’S WORKSHOP www.usd355.org for more information

DROP-IN STEM Hands-on, interactive activities celebrating Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. These FREE, family friendly stations will be come-and-go. Free event. 1:00-4:00 p.m. Kansas Wetlands Education Center. 592 NE K156 Hwy.

JANUARY 9

TWO-STEPPING Have some fun learning how to two-step. Must have a partner for this class. No boots or hard sole shoes allowed. Meets on Tuesdays, register for more information. $15.00 per person. Recreation Center, 1214 Stone St. www.greatbendrec.com

YOUR HEALTH

CARE for your

immune system Our immune system acts as a vigilant defender, shielding us from illnesses. Enhancing our immunity through mindful choices can make a significant difference to our health. You have the power to harmonize your immune system through mindful choices. By embracing a balanced lifestyle that includes nourishing foods, adequate sleep, stress management, physical activity and hygiene, you’re actively nurturing your body’s natural defenses. Every choice you make, from the food you eat to the moments of relaxation you embrace, contributes to the robust symphony of your immune health. The Harvard Medical School points out that boosting immune health has been elusive

because the immune system is a complicated system and to function well, it requires balance and harmony. It says researchers still don’t know a lot about immune responses and there is no scientifically proven direct links between lifestyle and enhanced immune system. But, they are still researching and exploring potential links between diet, exercise, age, stress and other factors on immune response. NUTRITION The fuel we provide our bodies directly influences their ability to ward off infections. Incorporating immuneboosting foods can be a simple and effective strategy. Vibrant fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants. Choose fruits like citrus and berries and vegetables like spinach and broccoli to support your immune health. Garlic and ginger are potent ingredients that contain

compounds that can enhance responses. Probiotics like yogurt, kefir and fermented foods contain beneficial bacteria that contribute to gut health, a key factor in overall immunity. Almonds, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds provide essential nutrients like vitamin E an zinc. The simple act of staying hydrated supports immune responses. Water aids in the production of lymphatic fluid, which transports immune cells throughout the body. SLEEP AND STRESS MANAGEMENT Too many people wear their lack of sleep as a badge of honor, but sleep and stress management play a pivotal role in immune functions. Quality sleep allows the body to repair and regenerate, strengthening immune responses. Aim for seven to nine hours of restful sleep each night. Chronic stress weakens immunity. Engage in stressrelief techniques like meditation, deep breathing or engaging hobbies. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY Regular activity contributes to more

LIFESTYLE CHANGES Limit sugar intake. Excessive sugar can suppress immune function. Opt for whole, unprocessed foods instead. Don’t smoke. Stay current with all vaccines as vaccines prime the immune system to fight off infections. Practice good hygiene. Regular handwashing and proper hygiene prevent the spread of germs. Limit your alcohol consumption. Excessive alcohol weakens the immune system. Enjoy alcohol in moderation. Positive social interactions and maintaining relationships contribute to overall well-being, indirectly supporting immune function. So stay connected to people you care about. Engage in mindfulness practices like yoga or tai chi. Both of these practices can help reduce inflammation.

Medical Park Pharmacy Kevin Regier, R.Ph.

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than just physical fitness. It bolsters the immune system. Engaging in regular, moderate-intensity activity can increase circulation and promote healthy lung function. Spending time outdoors exposes you to sunlight, which boosts vitamin D levels, which are crucial for immune health.

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GREAT BEND

2012 Forest Avenue, Great Bend, Kansas 620-792-1211, ext. 213

Why I

Great Bend and this part of Kansas

Julie Braymer BY DALE HOGG dhogg@gbtribune.com

For Julie Braymer, what she loves about Great Bend and central Kansas is the ability to stay in touch with her past here, while watching her children and grandchildren enjoy the community the way she did in her formative years. “I grew up here, graduated from Great Bend High School and always felt safe in this community,” she said. “I love that so many of my classmates (GBHS Class of ’77) still live in this community. It is so great to see them at local establishments, join them at local restaurants, enjoy refreshments at local favorites like Lumpy’s and Dry Lake Brewing.” Braymer is a long-time employee at The Center for Counseling, working here since 1992 and serving as the office manager for the past 16 years. “I am proud to be employed here, helping people every day. I love that I can be a small part of an organization that helps people in Barton County and surrounding counties of Kansas,” she said. While employed at The Center, she has in the past served on the Board for Pathways. “We have mutual clients and since I was familiar I was asked to be on their board for a few years,”

she said of the organization that serves those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “My husband, Cary, (who grew up in Springfield, Va., Robert E. Lee High School Class of ’76) and myself chose to stay in Great Bend to raise our children,” she said. Cary has family in Stafford County and he moved here in 1977 and chose to stay. “People ask him why he moved here from Virginia. He tells them “so I could marry Julie.” GOOD ANSWER. Her and Cary’s three children (Melissa, Michael and Madisen) grew up here, graduated from Great Bend High School, played sports: Hap Dumont Baseball, Great Bend Recreation Commission softball, MAYB Basketball and competitive dance at

Euphoria Dance. “We chose to stay in Great Bend so that our children would be close to grandparents, family and friends. I see them raising

their children here, I see many of their friends living here and raising their kids. They are the new upcoming athletes in our community,” she said.

“We love that we were able to raise (our kids) in our community. Melissa, Michael and their spouses are raising their families here, attending Great Bend schools and participating in many sports, including Quicksilver and Great Bend Bombers (softball and baseball). They are a big part of their teams – very talented catchers on their respective teams. The younger grandchildren enjoy participating in Rec Center classes, sports and GBHS cheer days. It makes us very proud to see them donning the good old GBHS black and red.” MOVING BACK AND FORTH She wasn’t always a full-time local resident. “I love Kansas as a huge part of my German family lives here,” she said. “I have Rush County and Barton County roots on my late father’s side.” She also has Native American family ties. “My late mother’s family are from Alaska. My Alaska family are of the Tsimshian people.” “We lived on Annette Island in the town of Metlakatla. It is the only Indian reservation in Alaska,” she said. “My parents moved us back and forth from Great Bend to Metlakatla all through my grade school years. We would start school here, move, finish in Metlakatla, move back to Great Bend until I started seventh grade at Roosevelt Junior High. I love living in Great Bend, as I was raised here since 1972.” WHEN NOT STAYING IN GREAT BEND “I LOVE being on a beach,” she said. “ We enjoy going to Padre Island for Spring Break every year. Sometimes it is a big family gathering with my brother and his extended family. If I’m really lucky my husband and I get an extra trip to the beach by visiting Galveston in the summer.” As for hobbies, “we love traveling, pulling our RV and joining family and friends in Manitou Springs, Colo., Port Aransas, Texas, Galveston, Texas, and San Antonio, Texas,” she said. Also, “I do love scrapbooking, but seldom have time for that. I have entered my scrapbooks at Barton County Fair and actually won a Blue Ribbon. I LOVE taking photos, printing them off and sharing them with family and friends. Ask anyone – photos are my passion.” Another of her favorite events is the annual Class of ’77 Girl’s Trip Cheaper Than Therapy trip. “This event was started by Kala Dobbs Patterson and Judy Duryee. Kala is a gracious host, inviting us to her beautiful Lake House near Disney, Okla. We enjoy telling people that we are going to DISNEY. This event has grown over the last two events. THIS BRINGS UP ANOTHER POINT. “It is another great thing about growing up in Great Bend – the lifelong friends that we have made over the years,” she said. “Our friendships have continued for over 45 years. (A secret that we love to share is that Judy Duryee is a candy cigarette supplier at our trips and class reunions).”

NEW YEAR’S

New Year’s Eve party pointers Many people consider New Year’s Day the unofficial end of the holiday season. That often means that New Year’s Eve is an opportunity to socialize, gather and party one final time before returning to the routines of daily life. The first known instance of New Year’s celebrations can be traced to around 2,000 B.C. in the region of Mesopotamia. Celebrants were gathering in March, rather than January, as this was the time of the vernal equinox, when the darkness of winter subsided and agricultural life could begin anew. As individuals count down the days until New Year’s Eve festivities, these planning tips can make the celebrations occasions to remember. 1. Consider a theme. Everyone who is anyone is having or attending a NYE party. Let your event stand out from the throngs of others with a theme. Guests can come dressed as dynamic duos (like Mario and Luigi) or the party can evoke a bygone era, such as the roaring 1920s. Let guests know what they can do to play the part. 2. Start late. You do not want guests wiped out by the time midnight arrives. Therefore, start the party at around 9 or 10 p.m. and anticipate it lasting into the wee hours of the morning. 3. Tailor drinks to the season. Utilize seasonal ingredients when crafting drinks, or serve drinks that are expected this time of year, such as a boozy eggnog or cranberry Moscow mules. 4. Provide various activities. Plan fun activities during the party. Offer card games or board games to give guests something to do. Karaoke or group activities like trivia also can spread out the fun. 5. Beverages should be accessible. Unless you are hiring a bartender who

will be on call to pour drinks, having drinks ready to go is a smart idea. In addition to cans/bottles of beer or malt beverages, have ready-to-go mixed drinks available by selecting a signature drink and preparing a bulk batch. 6. Curate a winning playlist. Ask guests to submit a list of their favorite tunes so you can create a collection of songs that will ebb and flow with the evening’s events. Be sure to include some sing-a-long favorites like Don’t Stop Believin’ or Tiny Dancer. 7. Offer self-serve foods. Much like having drinks ready to go, make foods accessible as well. Finger foods and bite-sized morsels will not require guests to carry plates, reducing the chances for spillage. Sliders, miniature quiches and dessert shooters should suffice. 8. Tie decorations into the theme. Classic New Year’s Eve decorations include balloons, streamers and confetti. Think about a very festive balloon arch or backdrop that also can serve as a place to pose for photo opportunities. 9. Offer takeaway gifts for designated drivers. Encourage guests to stay sober and volunteer for designated driving duties by offering prizes. Ideas include gift cards to coffee shops or restaurants. 10. Be ready for midnight. Have a large television at the ready to show the midnight countdown and start pouring champagne roughly 20 minutes before midnight to ensure all glasses are full when the clock strikes 12. New Year’s Eve celebrations get an extra boost from a well-planned party.

HEALTH

fitness routines With the rise of virtual fitness options, it is increasingly possible to stay active and energized without leaving the comfort of home.

HOLIDAY-THEMED YOGA The practice of yoga provides a sanctuary of peace and mindfulness, which can be particularly valuable during the bustling holiday season. Embrace the spirit of the holidays by incorporating holiday-themed yoga into your workout routine. Explore poses and flows inspired by holiday symbols, such as the Five-Pointed Star Pose, Christmas Tree, Snowflake or Reindeer. Sites like Yoga International have articles where they teach holidayrelated practices such as breathing

FITNESS CHALLENGES Create some new healthy traditions this year by participating in festive fitness challenges. Sign up for an advent calendar run online where you complete 12 runs in the days leading up to Christmas. Participate in a Santa Race where you run enough miles to cover the distance from the North Pole to your house. Piedmont offers instructions on how to do such exercises as the Santa Claus Shuffle, the Sugar Plum Squat, Candy Cane Crunches and hot cocoa calf raises. Planning to do a white elephant gift exchange? See if your friends and family are willing to turn it into a fitness event in which you have to do exercises from a “nice list” in order to pick a gift and exercises from a “naughty list” to earn the right to steal a gift. The Slimming Clinic has several holiday-themed fitness activities. Do sit-ups while hanging ornaments on the lower branches of your trees. Listen to a Christmas playlist and every time a chosen word is sung, everyone gets up and does ten jumping jacks. For every present a person opens, they have to run up and down a flight of stairs.

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ONLINE WORKOUTS Gone are the days when fitness enthusiasts were limited to traditional gym settings. Virtual fitness classes have taken the wellness industry by storm, offering an array of exercise options accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. During the holidays, when time may be limited or the weather unfavorable, virtual fitness classes provide a convenient solution. Explore online platforms that offer a variety of classes, including cardio, strength training, dance and yoga. Join live sessions or access pre-recorded workouts at your convenience. Not only will these classes keep you active, but they can also introduce you to a supportive virtual community that helps you stay motivated. It’s also possible to find classes that celebrate the holidays by incorporating holiday music or creating specific exercises or dance steps related to holiday themes.

exercises, poses, flows and d variations. Shiningkidsyoga.com recommends ommends a Yoga Dreidel Game that combines the e traditional Hannukkah game me with yoga a cards and Hebrew letter cards. The yoga yog ga cards are linked to each symbol on the e dreidel and whatever symbol mbol it lands on, on, everyone does the pose. Consider integrating deep breathing exercises and meditation into your practice to cultivate a sense of calm and gratitude amidst the holiday hustle.

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Nor does working out have to be dull or routine. Infuse your holiday workout regimen with a healthy dose of fun with holiday-themed yoga and virtual fitness classes.

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