Inspired Living May-June 2022 by Great Bend Tribune

May/June 2022

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Etiquette

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Do’s and Don’ts

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ON THE

COVER VER

Kansas City Barbeque Society Judges

Dale and Linn Hogg Janet and Gary Rapp May - June

CONTENTS

7 BBQ TIPS 8 HOME & GARDEN TRENDS 9 HOME & GARDEN TRENDS 10 MIXOLOGY 11 LITERACY Smoking 101

Landscaping to save water

Outdoor entertaining accessories

The perfect pairing

Explore Oceans of Possibilities at summer library programs

PUBLISHED BY THE GREAT BEND TRIBUNE PUBLISHER: .................Judy Duryee EDITOR: ......................Susan Thacker LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHY: ....Hugo Gonzalez GRAPHIC DESIGN: ..........Karma Byers Hugo Gonzalez SALES: .......................Tammy Mason Joseph Doze 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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12 14 16 17 18 19 20 22

CALENDAR Things to do

DENTAL HEALTH Improve your smile

FLAG ETIQUETTE Flag Do’s and Don’ts

PET CARE Spay/neuter your pets

SKIN CARE Skin care basics

HEALTH AND FITNESS Staying hydrated

GIVING BLOOD Step-by-Step donation guide

GOLF GUIDE Golf course etiquette

Cover Story

BBQ Judges Turn Up The Heat by Susan Thacker sthacker@gbtribune.com

Local photography by Hugo Gonzalez hgonzalez@gbtribune.com or the most competitive pitmasters, it’s all about BBQ. But for the judges who rate these tasty cookoffs, there’s something more. Several Great Bend couples have fine-tuned their palates by becoming certified barbecue judges (CBJs) for the Kansas City Barbeque Society. In many cases, they got involved as a community service when a cookoff came to town and judges were needed. Those who continue say barbecue events combine the fun of road trips and meeting new friends, as well as culinary adventure. Kevin Rose started judging in 2003 and then suggested his wife Michelle should also get her certification. She said they enjoy taking day trips to places they’ve never been to before. “The best part for me is meeting a lot of new people from all walks of life,” Michelle said. The judges have a lot of fun together but they know their job is serious. While judges are

A BBQ tip from Gary Rapp Great Bend barbecue judge Gary Rapp says heavyduty aluminum foil is a must for cooking on the grill. “The meat will only take so much smoke,” he said. So, after cooking meat for hours on the grill at a low temperature, wrap it in foil with some liquid and turn up the heat.

paid in goodwill and barbecue, the cooks spend a lot of money, which they hope to recoup in prize money, endorsements and promoting their own products and businesses. “You see big fancy rigs coming in,

or pickups pulling little trailers,” Rose said. “It doesn’t matter what you cook on; some of the best meat can come off the smallest cooker.” Dale and Linn Hogg became CBJs some 15 years ago. The Barton County Fair Association sponsored a certified Kansas City Barbeque Society contest and they agreed to help. First they attended training to become official CBJs, a certification they have maintained. It was only natural that their own level of cooking would also be elevated. “Since then we’ve gotten a Traeger smoker and we’ve dabbled in it, but nowhere near on the competitive level,” Dale said. Linn said the judges share a camaraderie. “You are kind of a family,” she said.

“You’re all judging by the same friend. It’s like rules; everybody’s a friend the best sport for an introvert. It’s not just about eating barbecue.” Gary and Janet Rapp are another Great Bend couple who have become CBJs. They also started judging to help with a local competition in 2011. After judging 30 competitions, they were eligible to become master judges. “We weren’t planning on getting that involved,” Janet said. So far, they’ve judged 66 contests, including the KCBS World Invitational, held last November at Shawnee, Oklahoma. To earn the higher qualification, they had to pass a test and spend a day at a contest with a cooking team. “We got there about noon and left at midnight,” Janet said. The Hoggs have judged 45 contests and hope to earn their master CBJ certificate this year, Linn said. How is judging done? Barbecue teams travel to multiple competitions and festivals during the year to earn points in hopes of becoming Team of the Year. Normally, a Kansas City Barbeque Society contest has four categories – chicken, ribs, pork and brisket. Some contests have ancillary categories such as desserts or cocktails, but the only ones that really count for points are those four. Meat is judged on appearance, tenderness and taste, with taste carrying the most weight. Judging is a double blind

process. ss Each team will submit its entry in a numbered clamshell. Six judges will taste each entry and rank it on a scale of nine to one, with nine being best and one being disqualified. The numbers are tabulated and then the contest organizers announce the winners. The difference between first and second place can be a few decimal points, Gary said. “It’s all done by blind judging,” he said. “You never judge the same cook’s entry in every category.” While taste carries the heaviest portion of the rating, it’s also the most subjective. But that’s where being certified comes into play. “We have strict ideals that we judge to,” Gary said. The training covers each element. One things judges learn is how to spot meat that is overcooked or under-cooked. “Most people, when they think of ribs, they expect it to fall off the bone and be easy to eat,” Dale said. But meat that is “falling off the bone” may be over-cooked. “A contest barbecue rib is tender, and the meat pulls off the bone easily, but it’s not mushy,” he said. As for taste, “if it’s salty, for example, you can definitely get

cut down for that. If it’s overdone it can taste ‘burnt.’” At this level, none of the cooking teams will have a bad piece of meat. The choice of meat is regulated by the KCBS. Participants have to buy their meat from certain providers. Before the contest, the meat is inspected by the KCBS contest representatives to make sure it fits the criteria. About KCBS Founded in 1986, the Kansas City Barbeque Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and enjoying barbecue. It is the world’s largest organization of barbecue and grilling enthusiasts with over 20,000 members worldwide. KCBS sanctions over 500 barbecue contests world wide. From volunteering to actual event production, its members also offer assistance to civic and charitable organizations who organize events.

Tips from a World

Cha mpion

by Susan Thacker

sthacker@gbtribune.com

reat Bend residents still remember 4 Legs Up BBQ, owned by Kelly and Roni Wertz. While the restaurant was in Great Bend, Kelly was also busy on the competitive barbecue circuit. More recently, Kelly has helped organize a new competition, the Kansas City Barbeque Society National Steak Championships. They are still in Great Bend, selling BBQ grills and, naturally, cooking BBQ. Wertz also has his own line of seasonings. “I created Kelly’s BBQ Seasonings over the last 20-plus years of owning BBQ Restaurants, BBQ Catering and competing in BBQ contests all across America,” he says. 4 Legs Up BBQ and Kelly’s BBQ Seasonings have won thousands of awards, including World Champion at the Jack Daniels World Invitational BBQ Championship. Since 2009, Kelly has taught over 1,000 people how to develop their own BBQ and grilling talents either for their own backyard use for their family and friends or how to win professional BBQ contests. Find him on Facebook at 4 Legs Up BBQ. Search 4 Legs Up BBQ on YouTube for cooking videos.

1 2

Kelly shared three keys to good barbecue:

Do not overcook it. Overcooking makes a dry, mushy product that lacks flavor, lacks moisture and has a bad mouth feel. Think over-cooked chicken that is dry and grainy.

Do not undercook it. Undercooked meat may be moist, but it has a tough texture, making it hard to enjoy. Undercooked meats have not cooked long enough to melt the collagen that holds the meat together, making it tough to chew, and the melted collagen helps blend all the flavors together. Think under-cooked ribs or brisket that are tough, chewy and bland even though seasoned well.

Let it rest. Always, always, always let meat rest after cooking and before slicing and serving.

Resting lets fibers iin th the meatt relax R ti l t the th muscle l fib l so the moisture can redistribute throughout the meat. Let the meat cool down before handling; if there is grease on the cutting board you are slicing too hot and loosing flavor and moisture. Doneness is determined by feel - especially for BBQ. It should be soft and tender, and a toothpick or a fork should go in and out easily, like a hot knife through butter.

Vinyl, Chainlink, Ornamental, Aluminum & Iron Traeger Wood Pellet Grills Primo Grills Saber Gas Grills & BBQ Accessories &BTU UI 4USFFU (SFBU #FOE t

BBQ Tips

g n i k o m S 101 Traditional grilling, where you slap a piece of meat onto the fire and flames lap hungrily at the edges, is not the same as smoking food. Smoking is a low-and-slow method of cooking, done over indirect heat, with hardwood added to give the food a smoky flavor. It usually takes hours rather than minutes, and requires some attention to keep the temperature even and the smoke flowing. The Hardware You can use a dedicated smoker, or you can create a smoker out of your existing grill with accessories like smoke boxes or even just a disposable metal pan and some foil. Experiment with different setups to see which gives you the best results for your particular grill.

The Wood The wood might be your most important ingredient here. Different woods create different flavor profiles in your meat. Some common woods for smoking are hickory, apple and pecan. You can get wood for smoking in chunks, pellets, logs and flakes. It depends on what kind of grill, what kind of method and how much room you have as to which will work best for you. Speak to the experts at your local hardware or cooking store for help. Go easy on the wood as you smoke; adding too much at a time can cause a bitter taste in the finished product. Look for steady streams of white smoke. Water The next most important ingredient — notice how we’re not to the meat yet? — is water. Hot air can dry food out, so you need to use a water pan to add humidity and help stabilize the temperature in your smoking environment. It can be a specialized accessory that fits in your grill or smoker, or just a good old disposable metal tray. Consider adding flavoring

to your water, too, like aromatics, apple peels, apple juice or apple cider vinegar. Mist your food every couple of hours while it cooks to keep it moist and flavorful. Air Airflow is critical to keeping a steady cooking temperature. If you’re using a charcoal grill, you already know how important airflow is. Keep your vents open and adjust them back if you need to so the fire doesn’t get too hot, but don’t allow it to go out, either. This is why you want to stay close and keep an eye on your smoke and your food. But don’t watch it too closely; keep that lid closed and the smoke in. Meat Finally. The good part. Some cuts of meat that are great for smoking are ribs, pork shoulders, brisket, pork butts, lamb shoulder, a spatchcocked whole turkey, spatchcocked chicken, chuck roast, beef prime rib, pork belly and beef tri tip. You can also look at seafoods like salmon (choose larger cuts), whole trout and mackerel.

Home & Garden Trends

Landscaping

t o Save Water

The average American family uses 320 gallons of water every day, the Environmental Protection Agency says, and about 30% of that goes to outdoor uses. Landscape irrigation accounts for nearly 9 billion gallons of fresh water every day. You can save some of this fresh, clean water for drinking by choosing landscaping that sips rather than sucks down water.

Go Native

Choose plants that are native to your region. They require less maintenance over all and very little in the way of water, especially after they’re established in your yard. They’re also more hardy and can improve your soil and create wildlife habitat. Ask the specialists at your local home and garden center about available native plants for use in your garden.

Cut Down on the Lawn

Consider replacing that thirsty grass with other groundcovers

that are drought-resistant drought resistant or or native plantings, cover less area, and may even require little or no mowing. That’ll cut down on your carbon emissions, too, and give you more time in your weekend. When in doubt, give your water provider a call. Some utility services offer free or low-cost audits to run through your family’s water usage and suggest ways to cut it down.

Plan and Plant Early

Plan your garden so that you’re planting in the spring, which keeps your plants out of the water-sucking summer heat. You can also add compost and mulch to keep the plant’s roots nice and wet. Leave space around the base of each plant and resist the urge to mound mulch around plants and trees. You also want to plan to use any

sprinkle er s o othe herr ir irri riggation earlier sprinklers orr ot other irrigation in the day, before the heat of the day evaporates the water for your plants. Drip irrigation systems can also use less water than traditional sprinklers, the American Society of Landscape Architects says, up to 20-50% less. You may also want to consider adding things to your soil that will enable it to better absorb water and encourage deeper roots.

Reuse, Recycle Even Your Water

Use graywater or captured rainwater instead of water from your local municipality. Look for irrigation systems that run off your home’s used water systems — keeping that water out of sewers — or rainwater caught in tanks.

Home & Garden Trends

Outdoor Entertaining Entertaining friends and family at home is easier with the help of a few accessories.

Accessories

From food to music to setting the scene, here are a few accessories that will elevate your outdoor living spaces and events. Dining

Bring a decorative theme into your outdoor space with an outdoor rug under the dining table, or in the seating area. Add coordinating melamine dishes and acrylic drinkware. A Lazy Susan on the center of the outdoor dining table makes it easier to pass dishes or condiments. You might also consider

outdoor placemats to protect the table and enhance the design of your outdoor eating space. Music

High-quality waterproof bluetooth speakers will

allow you to connect a phone or indoor sound receiver to crank up your tunes in the backyard. You can even coordinate your landscape lighting to change colors and dance with your music with a smart lighting setup. Light a fire

Gathering around a fire with friends and family on a cool evening can make for a memorable night. There are many models to choose from, and it will all depend on what your preferences are. A wood-burning fire pit is a traditional option that can provide plenty of heat, but blowing smoke is often an issue. A gas fire pit or fire table eliminates the smoke issue but won’t radiate heat out as far as burning

wood logs logs. Gas flames flames also tend to be at the whims of the wind and can be blown out altogether by a strong gust. A newer option that has come on the market in the past several years is a “smokeless” woodburning fire pit. While no wood-burning fire will ever be truly smokeless, these models are designed to use heated air to reduce the amount of smoke coming off the burning logs. Patio bar

If you enjoy a good drink, consider investing in an outdoor bar where you can mix up your concoctions. While tiki bars aren’t in fashion at the moment, wood and resin models are readily available, and you can even buy one with a built-in ice chest.

Mixology

The

Perfect

Pairing

People tend d tto only l think of wine and beer when discussing food pairings. But nothing brings out the flavor of your favorite cocktail like a great meal. Be creative There’s a certain science to mixing the right drinks with food, based on general flavor profiles. For instance, acidity helps cut fattiness, while floral or herbal flavors can highlight savory notes. Still, don’t let these general rules keep you from getting creative. As long as one doesn’t overpower the other, feel free to mix and match to see what works best for your palate

— then try them out with friends and family. The journey is part of the fun. Having trouble getting started? Spark your imagination by attending food-cocktail pairing events at your favorite restaurant, or attend special events put on at food fairs or culinary schools. What works Most are familiar with common food-cocktail combinations like nachos and margaritas, or coffeeinfused drinks and dessert. But those aren’t the only naturally paired food and drinks. Combine all-American barbecue favorites like ribs, chops or steaks with smoky whiskies — or cut across the grill’s hearty flavor with a mojito or bloody mary. Give your grilled romaine salad a kick in the pants with an apple spritzer or brandy. Serve oysters with a martini, sushi and the gin version of a French 75, or cheesecake with a Sazerac.

great accompaniment Negroni is a grea to cheese platters. The botanical profile associated with gin also works with fish or other seafood. When in doubt, match foods and drinks based on the country or region of origin. Outside the box Pair a mojito made with cucumber and watermelon to cool off your spicy tuna roll. Whiskey sours can serve as a neutral partner with any salad. Bubbles from a fizzy highball will brighten up that next bowl of chili. Try lobster bisque and an old fashioned. A gimlet’s citrusy flavor meshes well with sushi’s innate saltiness. Then consider saving your whiskey pairing for dessert, an unconventional choice that will make perfect sense once your guests give it a try. Chocolate will bring out new flavor notes from any rich, brown bourbon. Ice cream is also an oddly perfect whiskey pairing, too.

Literacy

Explore Oceans of Possibilities at summer library programs by Susan Thacker

sthacker@gbtribune.com School will soon be out for the summer, but that doesn’t mean that children should take a break from learning. The antidote is as close as your local library. At the Great Bend Public Library, 1409 Williams St., the Summer Reading Program kicks off on June 3 with the theme “Oceans of Possibilities,” according to GBPL Outreach Manager Hannah Grippin. “Summer library programs play a vital role in helping combat what researchers dub the ‘summer slide,’ when students lose, on average, about one month of instruction,” Grippin said. “Libraries across the country strive to help reduce the effects of this loss by providing access to summer reading programs to all ages combined with reading incentives. But that’s not all we have during our summer reading program. This year we have weekly story time all summer long as well as special educational programs from places like PBS, Kansas Wetlands Education Center, Mad Science, Sea Life Kansas City, Kansas Oil & Gas Museum and many, many more.” Registration for the Summer Library Program opens June 3 at a kickoff event featuring some “island jazz” with a performance by Brad Shores of Tropical Shores Steel Drums from 5-7 p.m. Shores plays the lead steal drum and keyboard while his daughter Erica plays the “double seconds” steel pan drums. It’s entertaining but they also teach the audience about music and their instruments. The Summer Reading Program isn’t just for kids, by the way.

More Summer Kick-Off on Off FFun un o n June 3 includes: • Teen Tiki Bar from 2-3 m2 -3 3 p.m. A mini luau with mocktails and ga games • Free Sno Cones from 5-6 p.m. • Lawn Games & Summer Reading Registration from 5-6 p.m. • Adults’ Night Out Movie at 7 p.m. Children can earn a ticket to the End of Summer Bash at the Wetlands Waterpark by reading and turning in their reading logs. There are also weekly contests and prizes for children, teens and adults. Each time you check out a library item this summer, you will be entered in the drawings. Calendar of Events Here are more summer events, all with an ocean theme. They are for all ages, unless otherwise noted. June 7 • Kansas Wetlands Education Center program, 10:30 a.m., suggested for grades 2-5 June 8 • Mad Science show, 10:30 a.m. • Mad Science workshops, 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., suggested for grades K-5 June 15 • Kevin Horner Ventriloquist Show, 10:30 a.m. June 22 • Tanganyika Wildlife Park educational exhibit, 10:30 a.m. June 23 • SCUBA Program, 6 p.m. June 28 • Cards Against Humanity Game Night, 5:30 p.m. June 29 • Sternberg Museum presentation, 10:30 a.m.

Other programs • Adults’ Night Out Movies - 7 p.m. on June 3 and July 1 • Book to Reel - Read the book and then watch the movie! Book discussions are at 6 p.m. On June 28 it’s “Life of Pi,” by Yann Martel, and the July 26 book is “MEG,” by Steve Alten. • Great Bend Silver Screen Society - Movies based on the above books are shown at 7 p.m. on June 30 and July 28 • Open Book Club - 7 p.m. on June 21 with “Into the Deep” by Robert Ballard and on July 19 with “Seafire” by Natalie C. Parker. • Adult & Teen Create - 5:30-7:30 p.m. on select Thursdays for oceantheme crafts. • Tech Tuesdays - 11 a.m. every Tuesday: Learn how to use your computer, email and social media. The library staff can even show you how to get access to free E-books. • Crochet Club - 4 p.m. Thursdays • Kids read to Luna - 10:30 a.m. to noon on Mondays • Casual Game Fridays - June 10, July 1 and July 22, 3:30-4:45 p.m. at the Teen Spot in the library This is just a partial list. To see what else is going on at the library, find Great Bend Public Library on social media @greatbendpl and visit the website, greatbendpl.info. You can also message the library on Facebook, email the staff at gbcirc@ gmail.com, or call them at 620792-2409 with any questions about programming or services.

Calendar

Summe trucks

KWEC Turtle Tot Pre-school Program 10:00-11:00 a.m. Nature-based programs developed for preschoolaged children, ages 3-5 introduce young children to the natural world with sensory experiences, fine motor skills, and outdoor time. 592 NE K156 Hw Free. Preregistration required. Call 877-243-9268.

MAY

27 12-15

Lucas Oil Event Great Bend SRCA Drag Strip. Check www.SRCADRAGSTRIP.com for more information and admission prices.

Softball and Baseball Tournaments in May at Great Bend Sports Complex. 14-15 - USA Softball Tournament 20-22 - USSSA Baseball Tournament 26-27 - KSHSAA State Baseball Tourney www.greatbendrec.com

Military and First Responders This event is every 4th Friday of the month and provides child care for Military and First Responders for a couple of hours This is FREE for all Military and First Responders, available for children ages 6-10 years old. Provides snacks and games/activities. PRE REGISTER: email Dropping22ks@gmail.com 6:00-8:00 p.m., 916 Williams, Great Bend.

3 3-5

JUNE Summer Library Program KICK OFF All day event. Teen Tiki Bar, Lawn Games, Free Snow Cones, Steel Drum Performance, Adults’ Night Out Movie. Library grounds, 1409 Williams. All Ages.

June Jaunt Festival 3 day event featuring food, musicians, games and more! Full schedule at www.k96junejaunt.com or www.facebook.com/ExploreGreatBend. Jack Kilby Square. All Ages.

June 4-6, 2021

GBRC MACK June Jaunt Fun Fly FRIDAY, June 4 SATURDAY CONTINUED... Model Association of Central Kansas is promoting modeling activities. From 1:00 p.m. til dusk members fly and talk about SATURDAY, JUNE 5 model airplanes. Free come and go event at 114 SW 20th Ave., Roger Brining Model Airport. Event cancelled if the wind is 30 mph or greater or if it’s raining. SUNDAY, JUNE 2 3-4 SRCA Races 10 - Rocky Mountain Welcome Event AND SO MUCH MORE!!! 18-24 - Rocky Mountain Race Week 25 - SRCA Races Great Bend SRCA Drag Strip. Check www.SRCADRAGSTRIP.com for more information and admission prices.

Softball and Baseball Tournaments in June at Great Bend Sports Complex. 4-5 - HAP Dumont Baseball Tourney 10-12 - USSSA Softball Tournament 25-26 - HAP Dumont Baseball Tourney www.greatbendrec.com

Summer Street Stroll Third Thursday Food Trucks Farmers Market and more. 4:00-7:00 p.m. Jack Kilby Square, Downtown Great Bend https://www.facebook.com/gbsssfarmersmarket/ Summer Street Stroll every Thursday through October, food trucks on third Thursday. In Search of Earth’s Secrets: A Pop Up Science Encounter Exhibit at KWEC Enjoy this traveling, hands-on exhibition following the JOIDES Resolution research vessel, studying science topics such as deep seafloor fauna, climate change, earthquakes, and volcanoes.

7-26

9-10

KWEC Let’s Talk Water Middle School Science Camp with 4-H Water Ambassadors. Two-day camp for Grades E K156 Hwy. 7-9. Compare the chemistry and living organisms of water in the Big Creek Watershed (Hays) to that in Cheyenne Bottoms wetland (Great Bend). Transportation will be provided. Free camp, but registration is required. d proers for KWEC Gifts of the Garden Series Adult nd First Workshop years 2:00-4:00 p.m. These nature-themed classes focus on creative ways of combining plants om and art. Participants must be age 16 and older and class sizes are limited. Pre-registration required by calling KWEC at 1-877-243-9268. Class fee $10 for supplies. Kevin Horner Ventriloquist Show Kevin Horner performs a show that makes you double up with laughter. 10:30 a.m. Great Bend Public Library, 1409 Williams. es, All Ages. ance, Clara Barton Hospital Foundation Annual nds, Golf Tournament - Lake Barton Golf Course

021

AY CONTINUED...

eling bout 0th he

KWEC WILD Club Live video broadcast with JOIDES Resolution ship. 11:00 a.m.-12:00p.m. KWEC WILD Club provides free monthly programs for schoolaged children and their families designed to get kids off screens and outside exploring nature. Call KWEC to register 877-243-9268.

KWEC STEM Drop-in Activities 1:00-4:30 p.m. KWEC offers quarterly free, family-friendly, come-and-go hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math activities. No registration required.

17 18

Find more information on events at the Great Bend Public LIbrary by going to: https://libcal.greatbendpl.info/calendar/ or check with the library at 1409 Williams Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. Story Time – Baby-1st Grade & 2nd-5th Grade 11:00 a.m. Tech Tuesday 7:00 p.m. Open Book Club - 3rd Tuesdays Thursdays 4:00 p.m. Crochet Club 6:00 p.m. Adult Craft - 2nd Thursdays Fridays 7:00 p.m. Adults’ Night Out Movie - 1st Fridays

Great Bend Alive Fridays on Forest Get together with your friends for an evening of socializing downtown on Forest Avenue. This group is part of Great Bend Economic Development. 5:00-9:00 p.m. www.gbedinc.com/gbalive Sternberg Museum Presentation Learn about ancient marine ecosystems and the Western Interior Seaway. 10:30 a.m. Great Bend Public Library, 1409 Williams. All Ages.

JULY

Clara Barton Hospital Foundation Annual Dinner & Auction – Hoisington Knights of Columbus For online auction and for more information visit www.one.bidpal.net/clarabarton Or call the Foundation office at 620-292-0814 Proceeds from this year’s benefit are going to help bring MRI services in-house at Clara Barton, ensuring that timely diagnostics, treatment, and life-saving work continues at CBMC.

Great Bend City Fireworks Display Great Bend Expo Complex. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. Begin at dusk: 9:45-10:00 p.m. Bring your lawn chair or blanket. www.facebook.com/ExploreGreatBend

, JUNE 2

MUCH MORE!!!

Tanganyika Wildlife Park The wildlife park comes to the library in an education exhibit. Come see a python, hedghog, chinchilla and a penguin! 10:30 a.m. Great Bend Public Library, 1409 Williams. All Ages.

BARTON COUNTY

6-10

Barton County Fair Great Bend Expo Complex. A family event featuring 4-H exhibits, livestock judging, exhibits,entertainment, fair fun and more. www.bartoncountyfair.com

Softball and Baseball Tournaments in July at Great Bend Sports Complex. 9-10 - Midwest Midsummer High School Showcase (15-18U) 15-17 - Hap Dumont 11U State Baseball www.greatbendrec.com

Dental Health

Improve

Your Smile Your smile is obviously something you’re born with, but from minor corrective surgeries to adult braces, there are still plenty of things you can do to improve it. James A. Vito, D.M.D., an advanced restorative, cosmetic and implant dentists based in Pennsylvania, noted there are several things a dental professional can do to get your smile shining like it should. Whiter teeth This is the most obvious one. Vito notes in-home e teeth whitening kits aren’t as effective as the teeth th h whitening services your dentist offers. eight “In fact, your teeth may be as much ass eigh eig ht your shades whiter after a whitening session on at you ourr dentist’s office,” he wrote.

Vito also noted dental ental veneers are another option forr brightenin brightening your smile. Veneers are thin porcelain shells that fit over the front of your teeth and can hide dull teeth. They can also come in handy if you’re looking to cover chipped, uneven, crooked, or oddly shaped teeth. They can also mask gaps between teeth. Stronger teeth If you have a tooth that has become weak, Vito notes there are some steps to take that can keep the tooth from completely breaking under the weakened strain of cracks and previous root canals. He said adding a porcelain crown strengthens the tooth and prevents further damage. Crowns completely cover your tooth and are permanently attached with dental cement. Replace a missing tooth Along with the potential

appearance pearance issue, Vito noted a missing can ing tooth ca c n cause all kinds of other problem problems — most notably y your bite may be affected, which make it more h can m difficult to chew, and n further tooth loss can occur as other teeth drift to fill the open space. Visiting your dentist can help, as they offer several ways to replace a missing tooth, including bridges, dentures and implants. Straightening up your smile If your teeth need a bit of direction, Vito noted dentists can improve the appearance of crooked teeth with orthodontics. The process includes metal or ceramic braces, which attach to your teeth and gradually move them into the proper alignment. Along with traditional braces, some cases are eligible for the less-intrusive clear removable liners that shift teeth to the correct position.

Flag Etiquette

Flag Do’s and Don’ts There are rules in place for handling and displaying Old Glory, known as the Flag Code. Compiled by the U.S. House of Representatives’ Office of the Law Revision Counsel, these guidelines ensure that you display the flag in the most respectful manner. DO place the U.S. flag to the right when displayed with any other flag. If part of a group of local or organizational flags, the American flag should be placed in the center and/or highest point. International flags should be flown at the same height. DON’T use the flag to cover cushions, as part of a costume, or for advertising purposes. Military personnel, police officers, firemen and patriotic organizations may use a flag patch. DO follow presidential or governor’s orders to fly the flag at

half staff. These orders are made after national tragedy or the death of an important person. The flag should be hoisted to its peak before being lowered to half staff. Before it is lowered for the day, the flag should again be raised briefly to its peak. DON’T attach anything to a flag. The flag also shouldn’t be used as a receptacle of any kind. DO place the flag to a speaker’s right as they face the audience in an indoor meeting or other gathering. DON’T display a flag with the blue area to the right when looking in from any window. The flag should be on display for those who are outside. DO position a flag over the

middle of a street with the blue field of stars pointing to the north on streets going east and west. On streets going north and south, the blue area should be to the east. DON’T place the blue area over the right shoulder of the deceased when used to cover a casket. The flag should also never be lowered into a grave, or be in contact with the ground. DO hoist the flag out with the blue area first when suspending it on a rope over a sidewalk. DON’T carry the flag to the left when marching in a procession with other flags. The U.S. flag should be held to the right if being carried by itself. If among a line of other flags, the Star-Spangled Banner should be carried front and center.

Spay/Neuter

Pet Care

Your Pets

Spaying and neutering your pets can help lower the population of unwanted pets by preventing your pet from accidentally reproducing.. Here’s what you need to know about spaying and neutering yourr pets from the American Veterinary Medical Association. Why Spay or Neuter? Millions of unwanted animals are euthanized every year, the AVMA says, many the product of unintentional breeding. By having your pet sterilized, you can preventt unintended litters and also avoid some serious health problems. Spayed or neutered animals are protected from diseases such as uterine infections and some types of cancer. Spaying and neutering, the AVMA says, has no effect on a pet’s intelligence of ability to learn, n,, play, work or hunt. Some pets tend to be better behaved after spaying or neutering, and the operation may eliminate some unwanted behaviors associated with breeding.

Ovariohysterectomy: This is the technical term for spaying. It means the ovaries, Fallopian tubes and uterus are removed from a female animal. It eliminates a heat cycle and breeding behaviors. Orchiectomy: This is the technical term for neutering. ng The testes are removed from a male m pet, making him unable to reproduce and reduces or eliminates breeding behaviors. There are also alternatives ess to the typical spay or neuter. err.. Hysterectomy: Hy erectomy: Removing the e uterus and part of the Fallopian tubes of a ffemale pet. This makes them unable to reproduce, but her ovaries and her hormones ovarie will remain. emain. This may no not eliminate their heir breeding behavior.

Vasectomy: The vas deferents, or the tube that conducts sperm from the testes is cut or removed. This makes the pet unable to reproduce, but they retain the testes and hormones. Breeding behaviors may also remain. Ovariectomy: Ova ariectomy: Ovaries are removed remove ed from a female p pet, but uterus the ute rus remains. She is still able to reproduce, but it eliminates e el imina ates her heat cycle and breeding b br ee eding behaviors.

Nonsurgical Options There is a product, the AVMA says, that can be injected into your male pet to stop sperm production and render the animal al infertile. However, it doesn’t stop the hormones and, therefore, any y breeding behaviors will continue. e. Vocabulary There are some terms you may ay hear your veterinarian use when n discussing spaying and neutering ng your pet.

Skin Care

Basics

Your skin is literally the biggest organ in (or on) your ur bod body, dy, sso o ? it’s important to take care of it. So where should you start? Signs your skin is starting to age The Cleveland Clinic points to some key warning signs to look out for when your skin starts to age. They include rough, dry, and itchy skin; the loss of elastic tissue, which causes your skin to slack and hang loosely; thinning skin that becomes more transparent; fragile skin that flattens; skin that is more easily bruised; skin that is more prone to developing skin lesions, such as non-cancerous (benign) tumors. Use sunscreen The Mayo Clinic notes one most important, and of the m nt, a

most obvious, ways to protect your skin is to wear sunscreen. The clinic recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Apply sunscreen generously, and reapply every two hours — or more often if you’re swimming or perspiring. Along with sunscreen, you should also seek out shade and avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest. When in the sun for a long time, you should also cover your skin with tightly woven long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats. There are also laundry additives, which can give clothing an additional layer of ultraviolet protection for a certain number of washings. Do smoke Don’t This is a big one. The clinic notes smoking can make no older and your skin look old yo contributes to wrinkles. co

Why? Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow. This depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients that are important to skin health. Along with blood vessel issues, smoking also damages collagen and elastin in your skin. Take it easy on your skin Keep your baths short. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from your skin. Keep the bath short, and be sure to just use warm — as opposed to hot — water. Also avoid strong soaps, which can strip oil from your skin. Instead, choose mild cleansers. Shave carefully, and be careful to protect and lubricate your skin. You should always use a clean, sharp razor and shave in the direction the hair grows, not against it. If your skin is dry, use a moisturizer that fits your skin type.

Health and Fitness

Staying As many as 75% of Americans may be functioning in a state of chronic dehydration, according to medical experts — and the negative impacts can be particularly damaging for those who are exercising. We’ve become inundated with buzzy beverage alternatives that make drinking water seem a tad old fashioned. But dehydration is a serious situation, and water remains one of the essential requirements for our bodies to function properly — in particular at the gym. Here are some tips for staying hydrated. Why it’s Important The human body is mostly water, but it needs to be replenished constantly because of natural everyday processes like urination and breathing. Perspiration is the principal concern at the gym, where those exercising can lose a critical amount of water during their everyday routines. The basic rule for hydration is 8x8, meaning eight glasses filled with eight ounces of water per day, but regular

gym patrons will need more. Listen to your body while you’re working out. Water carries critical oxygen and nutrients throughout our system, while helping to flush waste from our bodies. If you’re not getting enough, the results can be catastrophic. Bring Water with You Everyone should carry a water bottle with them, wherever they go. This makes achieving — or even exceeding — the traditional 8x8 recommendation far easier. It’s particularly important at the gym, where dehydration can lead to muscle fatigue, spikes in body temperature that cause overheating, and issues with mental function including fainting or dizziness. Bring properly hydrated is also critical to limiting soreness, improving endurance, reducing

muscle injuries and even aids with weight loss. Mix it Up With so many new alternatives, water might sound (and more importantly taste) pretty boring. But there have always been plenty of flavor options that can completely transform that familiar glass of H20. Avoid store-bought flavorings, which can be loaded with unhealthy ingredients. Opt instead for natural enhancers, including slices of watermelon or cucumbers. Sprigs of mint also provide a healthy jolt. If you’re a cola fan who’s trying to

drink healthier, consider trying sparkling water. It has the fizzy kick of a soda, but without the artificial flavors and unneeded sugars. Water Isn’t Always Enough As important and undeniably healthy as water consumption is, sometimes it’s just not enough: If you exercise for more than an hour, you may need a drink that provides electrolyte replacement to restore potassium and sodium being lost through increased levels of perspiration. Be careful to look for light versions of these drinks, to avoid excess caloric intake.

TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL · FITNESS PROGRAMS · STRENGTH TRAINING · NUTRITION COUNSELING

DATFITNESS.NET

Giving Blood

Step-by-Step

Donation Guide Whether you’ve never donated blood, or simply haven’t in a long time, the process can seem a little daunting.

Here’s a handy guide to help smooth the way.

of water the day you donate and afterward, too.

Before you go Wear a short-sleeved shirt or something with sleeves that can easily be rolled up. Bring a list of all medications, both prescribed and anything you’ve purchased over the counter. You’ll typically need two forms of identification. Drink plenty

Registration You’ll be asked to register upon arrival, as a staff member or volunteer goes over basic eligibility requirements and takes down your information. They’ll check your ID, and pass along material with information on donating blood.

Great Bend blood drive coordinator Corry Herrman has dealt with American Red Cross blood drives since 1991. She notes that the Red Cross blood supply relies on the generosity of volunteer donors. “Not everyone can donate blood. Currently, only three out of every 100 people in America do. But every 2 seconds someone in this country needs blood, and the Red Cross needs not only its faithful donors of the past but new contributors as well. “The donation can add days, perhaps years, to the life of someone in need,” Herrman said.

Area Blood Drives - Schedule subject to change Monday, May 16 St. Rose Auditorium 1412 Baker, Great Bend 11:15 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 1 St. Joseph’s Parish Center 110 W. 2nd St., Ellinwood 12:30-6:30 p.m.

Monday, June 20 Advanced Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine 4801 10th St., Great Bend 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 21 Knights of Columbus Hall 1216 M Rd., Larned Noon-6:00 p.m.

Screening A quick medical exam will follow, as they check your pulse, blood pressure, temperature and hemoglobin level. You’ll be asked for a brief medical history, and about any recent travel. All of your answers will remain confidential. Donation Let staff know if you prefer one arm or another, or even a vein that has been successfully used to draw blood in the past. They will prepare and disinfect a small area on your arm, then a new sterilized needle will be inserted into a vein. Most donors say they feel little pain beyond a pinch. Some prefer to look away as the donation unfolds. It typically takes 7 to 10 minutes to collect a pint of your blood. Bring a favorite book or headphones to enjoy, or strike up a conversation with another donor. Plasma donations take much longer, up to two hours.

Afterward You won’t go away empty handed. Once staff removes the needle, your arm will be bandaged and then you’ll be offered a small snack and something to drink.

You can return to most normal daily activity in 10 to 15 minutes. Keep the bandage on for several hours; clean the area around it with soap and water. Avoid vigorous exercise or heavy lifting for the rest of that day. Should

your needle site begin to bleed, apply pressure and raise your arm until it stops. If you plan to begin giving blood frequently, take multivitamins with iron to make sure you’re ready for the next donation.

Area Blood Drives - Schedule subject to change Wednesday, June 22 American Legion 1011 Kansas, Great Bend 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Hoisington Activity Center 1200 Susank, Hoisington 12:30-6:30 p.m.

Claflin Community Center 409 A Street, Claflin 12:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 5 Prince of Peace Parish Center 4124 Broadway, Great Bend 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 7 Ellinwood District Hospital 605 N. Main, Ellinwood 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Golf Guide

Golf Course

Etiquette Like any other sport, golf has its rules — but there are also unwritten guidelines and traditional courtesies involved with the game. Here’s a deeper dive into golfcourse etiquette. Avoid slow play Many pros suggest playing “ready golf,” meaning you hit the ball as soon as possible — even if you aren’t away — until you reach the greens. Fooling around when it’s your turn on the course can directly impact the pacing and enjoyment of those around you. The PGA recommends that golfers begin planning your next move while walking or driving at a reasonable speed between strokes. The process of evaluation as you prepare to take a

shot should take less than 45 seconds. If you aren’t ready, encourage someone else in your group to swing instead; if everyone is taking a bit too long, encourage those behind you to play through. Don’t search for a lost ball for more than five minutes. Be ball aware Golf requires metal clubs and a very hard ball. That can be a recipe for injury, so make sure your partners are out of range when you take your swing. They can be in danger from the swing itself, or a whizzing shot. Be aware of other golfing groups; wait until those ahead of you on the course are well out of your swing range. If a swing gets away from you and it looks like your ball is headed toward someone else, shout “fore!” as loud as you can. It’s a universal warning to find cover. Control you temper Sulking, throwing clubs or barking out various profanities disturbs play for all of those around you. Every golfer has experienced their share

of on-course frustration — it’s part of the game, really. So why not find less obtrusive ways to vent your anger? You might follow a bad hole with a little harder tee shot, for instance. Avoiding confrontations can be as easy as standing still when someone else is setting up. Position yourself across from the next player up, or on a diagonal. Stay that way until the ball leaves his club. Don’t walk through anyone else’s line of play — and turn off your cell phone. These little gestures can help make sure that others don’t become enraged either. Respect the course Fix your ball marks using one of the special two-pronged devices, a tee or penknife. Divots can usually be easily repaired by replacing the missing tuft of grass. The most contentious golfers carry seed mix on the side of their cart to refill larger divots. Rake the bunkers, even after a bad shot. Avoid wet areas if you use a cart, in an effort to limit any visual traces that you were there. If you’re in a group, scatter your carts rather than following the leader, to cut down on course wear and tear. Lay the flagstick to the side, so it doesn’t damage the green. Running and driving too fast can also mangle the turf.

You deserve a good night’s sleep. We can help. If you find it hard to sleep restfully each night, your health could be at risk. Rest assured. Our sleep medicine experts offer the skills and technology to provide the right diagnosis and treatment. If you are bothered by snoring, morning headaches and high blood pressure – or if you have already been diagnosed with sleep apnea and treatment does not seem to be effective – please come learn about new, alternative treatment options. Talk with your healthcare provider about a referral to our sleep lab. Home sleep studies are available.

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For more information 620-285-8620 Pawnee Valley Community Hospital 923 Carroll Ave. | Larned, KS 67550 pawneevalleyhospital.com

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Inspired Living May-June 2022

Articles inside

SKIN CARE

GIVING BLOOD

GOLF GUIDE

HEALTH AND FITNESS

PET CARE

FLAG ETIQUETTE

HOME & GARDEN TRENDS

MIXOLOGY

CALENDAR

BBQ TIPS

DENTAL HEALTH

LITERACY

HOME & GARDEN TRENDS