Inspired Living March-April 2022 by Great Bend Tribune

March/April 2022

PREPARE SOIL

for a Spring Garden

WHY DONATE

Blood

FILING AN

Amended Return

Get the right care, in the right place.

Convenient Care Walk-In Clinic St. Rose Medical Pavilion 3515 Broadway Ave. Great Bend, KS 67530 620-792-2511 Monday-Friday: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

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 kansashealthsystem.com/greatbend.

Emergency Room Great Bend Campus 514 Cleveland St. Great Bend, KS 67530 620-792-8833 Open 24/7

ON THE

COVER

Joe Felke is shown with one of his Great Bend Taekwondo classes. March - April

CONTENTS

7 RECIPE 8 CLEANING AND ORGANIZING

Deliver maple flavor in the morning

Spring cleaning chores for kids

9 SPRING JOBS 10 CRAFTS 11 THE EARLY YEARS 14 WELLNESS 16 HEALTH AND BEAUTY 17 ALL ABOUT DOGS 18 FEATURE 20 GIVING BLOOD 22 TAX FORMS

Prepare soil for a spring garden

Go fly a (homemade) kite

Helping young readers

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 Keith Lippoldt 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.

All copy and advertising in are copyrighted and cannot be reproduced without permission

Vision changes in seniors

Common makeup mistakes

The right leash

Empowered by a strong spirit

Why donate blood

Filing an amended return

Find us and like us on social media

Cover Story

Joe Felke has been teaching martial arts for more than 40 years by Susan Thacker sthacker@gbtribune.com

Local photography by Hugo Gonzalez hgonzalez@gbtribune.com Joe Felke’s career as a taekwondo instructor started with a desire to learn self-defense. It was the mid-1970s and he found himself in a physical confrontation. “There was a misunderstanding that didn’t go well,” he said. He decided he was not going to be in that position again. And he hasn’t, but not for the reason you might think. Felke is now Master Felke, 7th Dan, or a seventh-degree black belt. “When a person reaches fifth degree (black belt), they’re considered a master,” Felke explained. When a person reaches the seventh degree, they’re considered a junior grandmaster. “Eighth degree and ninth degree are as high

as you can get, and those are grandmasters. To go any higher than that, a person nowadays has to go to Korea and test.” One of the first questions he’s often asked is whether he’s used taekwondo to defend himself. “People ask me, have you used it? And I’ll answer, yes, I use it all the time.” Actually, Felke will continue, he hasn’t gotten into a physical confrontation since the one that sparked his interest in martial arts. But taekwondo has taught him life lessons. “You learn a better way to deal with stress,” he said. “You have a kind of confidence that tells you you don’t need to get physical.” Still, there are people who associate taekwondo with fighting. “I’ve actually had guys that have tried to get me to get in fights for them,” Felke said. “I’d say ‘no, you get yourself into this, you get yourself out of it.’”

Felke is s

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of 1985, In this Great Bend Tribune file photo from December class. a es overse left, Felke, Joe

The foot-hand way The sign in front of Felke’s school, located east of Great Bend at 14 SE 35 Ave., reads “Karate.” The terms “karate” and “taekwondo” are not synonymous; karate is from Japan and taekwondo began thousands of years ago in Korea, but back in the 1970s people were not as familiar with the different kinds of martial arts. “If I’d put up a sign that said ‘Taekwondo,’ most people wouldn’t have any idea what that was,” he said. “If you look closely at the sign, it says ‘Karate’ in great big print, and down at the bottom, if you can read Hangul (the Korean alphabet), it says ‘taekwondo.’” “‘Taekwondo’s’ literal translation is ‘a way of the hand and fist – foot-hand way,’” he said. “Tae” means “foot,” “leg,” or “to step on”; “Kwon” means “fist,” or “fight”; and “Do” means the “way” or “discipline.” Similarly, the word “karate” comes from Japanese words meaing “empty hand.” Both taekwondo and karate are systems of self defense

employing kicking and striking and defensive blocking with hands and legs, without using a weapon. Taekwondo is also an Olympic sport. According to the Team USA website, “It is a discipline that shows ways of enhancing our spirit and life through training our body and mind,” which makes it vastly different from street fighting skills. It is the way of using “fists and feet” to stop fights and help to build a better and more peaceful world. Felke does teach a lot of self defense in his classes. “In this day and age, a person should be well-versed in that,” he said. The first lessons in self defense start with mental conditioning. “It means being aware of your environment and being able to see options — if you’re going into a building, being aware of exits in and out of the building,” he said. Self defense can mean learning to avoid being grabbed by an aggressor or, if you are grabbed, how to get loose and gain control of a situation.

“I classify self defense at different levels,” he said. “There’s that person that’s kind of a pest, the person that’s being a little bit more aggressive that could harm you, and then there’s that last level where you may or may not survive. Learn to trust your instincts and be able to react properly.” Decades of training Felke started his taekwondo training in the mid-1970s with a Great Bend instructor who had received his training in Korea. Later, he continued his training with Grandmaster Kim in Wichita. Master Kim was one of two people from the United States invited to judge taekwondo at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul Korea. Felke started his own taekwondo school around 1978, and has been affiliated with Kim’s Academy of Tae Kwon Do to this day. Around the time that Felke’s school was getting started, there was some controversy about whether taekwondo instructors should be licensed or certified in the United States.

Although that is not required in Kansas, Felke said he wanted to maintain certification that meets the highest standard. There are people who claim to have reached a high level, but some are less than honest. “Unfortunately, there have been people that make these claims, but got their certification from the back of a magazine, or something,” Felke said. He is certified through Kukkiwon South Korea, which is known as World Taekwondo Headquarters and home of the World Taekwondo Academy. Even though he’s taught taekwondo for four decades, that was never Felke’s first career. “You’re not going to make a living here in martial arts. Great Bend is too small,” he said. “I was a lineman for the electric company for 35 years.” A discipline for all ages Felke teaches students of all ages. Today, about half of his students are adults and half are youth. He’s even had a father and son test for their black belts together. For some young people, Taekwondo has changed their lives. Nathan Chlumsky met Joe Felke back in August of 1993, when he was an 18-year-old freshman at Barton County Community College. He enrolled in one of Felke’s classes to meet his physical education requirement. “I enjoyed Joe’s sense of humor and how he taught,” Chlumksy said. “I also thought that with his beard and red hair he somewhat resembled Chuck Norris. That’s ironic considering Chuck was also a Master of TangSooDo.” Chlumksy later started the Larned Family Israeli/Okinawan Kobra Kai Karate and Mixed Martial Arts U.S.A. Academy and today he is owner/ instructor/Sensei at the Okinawan Karate & Historical Research Center of Bartlesville, Oklahoma. “In 2010, I hosted a State and National Martial Arts Tournament in Larned and I was surprised and honored to see Master Felke in the audience showing his support for me, a former student,” Chlumsky said. “Despite not training with him for over 17 years there was still the respect and support for one another which I truly admired. Now almost 29 years later I still credit Master Felke as being my first instructor when I write and publish my books and receive various awards like my Martial Arts Hall-ofFame Induction. Joe Felke began my

Master Joe Felke leads a taekwondo class.

lifelong career in the martial arts. He started my knowledge and lit the fire inside of me to pursue training further; for that I will always be grateful.” Not every student who enters Felke’s classroom is destined for martial arts fame. But he hopes each student learns some of the benefits of finding mental and physical harmony. “For one thing, it helps them get focused,” Felke said. “Whenever you’re focused on things physically, it helps you mentally – and there’s a lot of mental work in doing what we do. You have to concentrate on different motions and how your body works. And it’s also physical. There’s a whole lot of learning how to control physically that trains you to control mentally.” Another former student, Anthony Menefee, started taking classes when he was a sixth grader at Sterling Grade School. Today, he is a computer programmer and DevOps Engineer. “As a kid that struggled with behavioral problems, a taekwondo dojang is the last place you would think I would learn NOT to fight with others,” Menefee said. “Master Felke was able to take an angry young kid looking for a fight and molded that energy into something productive. Joe taught me a lot through taekwondo but the lifelong lesson I still practice to this day is the ability to focus my energy into something positive. Master Felke’s teachings helped shape me into the person I am today and I hope to teach my kids the same grounding and focus that he taught to me.” Felke has heard similar stories over the years from grateful students. He

recalled a troubled boy who trained with him for over a year before his family moved away from Great Bend. “I knew that his family life was kind of a mess,” Felke said, but he didn’t know much more than that. Years later, the student returned to say thank you. “He told me that time was the one place where things were consistent and people treated him with respect. It was the one thing that was a focal point. He said it turned him around,” Felke said. “It’s good to know you have this effect on kids.” Lifelong lessons Felke may have gotten his start in martial arts from a desire to defend himself, but he stuck with taekwondo because it is good physical exercise that leads to excellent physical conditioning. “When you first start training in any martial art, you’re retraining your nervous system. You’re training yourself how to move,” he said. And now, decades later, he has no desire to slow down. “I’ll do this as long as my body will let me,” he said. “There are times that I’ll be tired but I’ll feel rejuvenated after I’ve gone through a class.” Like many teachers, Felke said he also learns from his students. “I actually feel energized when I go there and I see a group of people that want to learn. And I learn from them as much as they learn from me. When I see something that’s a common weakness or common program, I’ll see it in myself, and I can see whether my teaching is well-rounded.”

Recipe

Deliver Maple Flavor in the Morning MAPLE BREAKFAST BRAID (Makes 2 braids) 1 package (16 ounces) breakfast sausage 1/4 cup maple syrup 2 eggs, beaten 1/2 cup green onions, sliced 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced 1 1/2 cups dry herb stuffing mix 1 package (17 1/4 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed 2 egg whites 1 teaspoon water

It’s hard to beat a fresh, ovenbaked breakfast to start the day, especially one loaded with sausage and eggs complemented by the sweetness of diced apples and maple syrup. This Maple Breakfast Braid delivers a tempting flavor combination perfect for a weekend morning with loved ones.

INSTRUCTIONS Heat oven to 400 F. In large bowl, combine sausage, syrup, beaten eggs, green onions, diced apples and stuffing mix.

Dust surface with flour; roll out pastry sheet to 12-by-18-inch rectangle. Transfer pastry to large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spoon half of sausage mixture down center of pastry. Make 3-inch cuts down sides of pastry. Fold one strip at a time, alternating sides. Fold both ends to seal in filling. In bowl, beat egg whites and water; brush over pastry. Repeat steps for second pastry sheet. Bake 25-30 minutes, or until brown, rotating pans after baking 15 minutes.

A Wonderful Breakfast Worth Waking Up For Waking up, no matter how late, can be such a drag. You’re moving slow and cuddled up warm under the blankets. However, your stomach is growling which means eventually you are going to have to arise. When you do stumble out of bed, it’s time to get the day started with a delicious casserole on your plate. It’s a warm, freshly baked Overnight Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole. Prepared the day before and chilled overnight, this casserole is ready to throw in the oven once you’re up. It’s gooey on the inside and baked to a perfect crisp on the outside, plus it’s filled with mouthwatering apples and ground cinnamon, not to mention the sweet glaze drizzled on top at the end. It’s perfect for any breakfast or brunch occasion and the little ones will enjoy the sweet crunch, as well. Whether you are waking up on an early Monday morning or lounging around in your pajamas for an hour (or two) over the weekend, this breakfast casserole is worth the wait.

OVERNIGHT APPLE CINNAMON FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE Servings: 12 Nonstick cooking spray 1 package (20 ounces) French bread, cubed, divided

INSTRUCTIONS Spray 8-by-8-inch glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. In baking dish, add 10 ounces cubed French bread in bottom of dish. Pour apple filling over bread. Top with remaining cubed French bread. Set aside. In medium bowl, whisk eggs, halfand-half and cinnamon. Pour evenly over bread.

1 can (20 ounces) apple pie filling 9 eggs 1 cup half-and-half 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 cup powdered sugar, plus additional (optional) 2 tablespoons milk, plus additional (optional)

Cover with aluminum foil and chill overnight. Heat oven to 325 F. Remove foil and bake 50-60 minutes. Let cool 10-15 minutes. In small bowl, whisk powdered sugar and milk. Add additional, if needed, until pourable glaze is reached. Drizzle over casserole before serving.

Cleaning and Organizing

Spring Cleaning Chores for

Kids

If you’re embarking on a spring cleaning project, getting the kids involved can teach responsibility and other valuable life skills. Every parent knows that sometimes teaching a child to do a chore is more work than doing it yourself, but spending a little extra time now can help set them up to be great household helpers as they grow. An older child who develops useful skills such as bike repair or lawn maintenance could even open their own summer business. Once your kids have new cleaning skills under their belts, they’ll be able to help more around the house on an ongoing basis. (This is a great time to institute a daily or weekly chore chart, if you haven’t already.) For health and safety, have kids use all-natural cleaning supplies whenever possible, such as diluted vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice and toothpaste (for polishing metal surfaces such as doorknobs and fixtures.) Set each child up with a caddy of cleaning supplies they will need to complete their jobs. Here is a list of chore ideas for small hands to get you started. Younger children • Washing windows and windowsills. • Sorting dirty laundry and removing clean laundry from the dryer.

• Dusting baseboards and furniture and wiping down doorknobs and light switches. • Wiping down kitchen cabinets. • Sorting books and magazines. • Sweeping, vacuuming and mopping. • Pulling weeds and watering flowers and houseplants. • Sort shoes and put away winter boots. • Wipe down outdoor toys. • Put away winter clothing and put out springtime wardrobe. • Using a broom to remove cobwebs from porches and overhangs. Older children • Washing and vacuuming the car. • Cleaning bathrooms. • Cleaning and vacuuming under couch cushions. • Clean out and wipe down refrigerator shelves and drawers. • Deep cleaning microwave and stove. • Changing bed sheets and laundering linens. • Mowing the lawn and helping with yard work, such as weeding, planting bulbs or putting down mulch. • Sweeping the patio or deck and wiping down

outdoor furniture. • Cleaning out pet kennels and laundering pet beds. • Perform maintenance

and make simple repairs to sports equipment and bicycles, such as airing up a basketball or replacing bicycle brakes.

New 2022

Spring Jobs

PREPARE SOIL FOR A

pring arden S G While growing fruits and vegetables is a rewarding experience, a blooming display in your backyard can give you a sense of pride each time you step outside. Achieving a beautiful garden requires proper preparation and sometimes a few seasons before it’s fully established. If you’re unsure about which bulbs or seeds will thrive in your area, refer to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to discover new and exciting options. You can also learn lessons by visiting your local nursery and speaking with their experts. It’s likely their flowers and plants are region-specific to your area but check with them about special orders if you have another plant in mind. Prepare Soil for a New Garden Once you have chosen the size and location of your ornamental garden, you should prepare the soil to promote your plants with nutritious benefits. Here are some tips from the U.S.

Department of Agriculture to get you started. • Conduct a soil test to determine ermine existing texture, nutrients and d pH levels. Check your local area a for an expert who can decipher the e results and create a solution to the problem. problem m. • If you’re tilling a new area of land, ensure the soil is dry as disrupting upting wet et soil can destroy its structure. • Include organic matter to o improve soil drainage and texture. • For best results, ensure the e soil is rich before introducing g plants or bulbs.

dirt affecting dormant t yourr di to d rtt without ith t a ffecting ff ti d ormant bulbs. Gently Gent n ly l loosen the e top laye layer er of inspect soil to remove re emove rockss and inspe ect for roots intrusions n from things g like root ts or pests. During this stage, you should consider working in nutrient-dense materials like manure, or pre-mixed options from your local nursery to the existing dirt. You will also need to eradicate weeds as they will commonly become me e a nuisance e once the e weather good practice weathe er warms. It’s g ood pract c ice to ct garden’s edges make ssure u e your gar ur ard den’s edge g s are ge and effective in good d condition n an a d effect tiv ive at keeping keepin ng grass from m emerging g in iinto to the ornamental your orn rn namental be bed.

Wake Up an Existing Garden n Early spring planning will provide your gardens with bountiful blossoms and a stunning display of color. Start by rt b y spring cleaning the entire area rea re a of dead leaves and other debris riss lleft eftt ef behind by fall and winter. If yo you y ou pick up clumps of soil and it easily crumbles, it’s a good sign that at freezing and ice threats are gone, and you are safe to add compost mpost

Crafts

Go Fly a (Homemade)

Kite

Su Sunny u spring days beg for outside activities. What’s Wha Wh a more carefree than flying a kite that you made yourself? Make a pretty mosaic kite in y yo um a activity this a c iv ct viitt from Good Housekeeping.

Instructions 1. Tie the straws together at the center with string. You should have a plus sign made from four straws with a ball of string in the middle to secure it. 2. Cut the adhesive paper into a diamond shape. Peel the backing off and place sticky side up, then fit the straws to the diamond and press down. 3. Cut and stick tissue paper shapes all over the contact paper. Go for a stained glass look or create a whole scene. 4. Cut a second diamond from clear adhesive paper that’s the same size as the first and stick over the top. 5. Loop string around each corner, then tie them together to make the bridle. Add a ribbon tail. Materials clear • A roll of cle e adhesive sshelf paper string • A ball of st • Straws, two o for the width and three for the length forr the tissue • Scissors, fo shapes paper sha p • Tissue paper pap • Ribbon

Kite Safety Even a little kite like this can turn into a safety hazard. Don’t fly kites near people, roads and especially power lines. You also want to avoid electric signs and any sort of aerial antennae or satellite dish. Don’t fly kites in stormy weather or in very strong winds. Watch out for dogs, rocks and holes while running with your kite. If the kite gets stuck in a tree or on wires or a telephone pole, cut it loose and call the appropriate authorities. It’s less of an issue with a little kite like this one, but if you want to fly a larger kite, wear gloves while handling them and never leave them unattended. Don’t let children fly large kites alone and check your lines for fraying and wear before flying. Believe it or not, there are even FAA rules regarding kites. You can’t fly a kite that weighs more than five pounds and you can’t have a line longer than 500 feet. There may also be local ordinances, probably again pertaining to the bigger kites. But check before you go flying.

Helping Young

The Early Years

Readers Helping a child learn to read is a unique pleasure. Seeing their eyes light up when they pronounce their first words can be heartwarming and rewarding. Getting there takes work — and patience. The reading journey begins when children are very young — even in the womb. Pre-Natal Children learn patterns of language even before they are born. Research shows that babies who are read to in the womb have greater brain activity. “Talking and singing with your baby and reading with your baby even before birth can be a way to foster early social interactions and even later learning,” writes Tricia Skoler Ph.D., for Psychology Today. Skoler recommends familiarizing yourself with your local library and even getting your child a library card before he’s born. Children recognize their parents’ voices in the womb, so reading every day to your unborn baby will help form a bond with your child. The First Years After baby arrives, you should try to weave reading throughout your day, Skoler writes. Squeeze in 10 minutes here and 20 minutes there, working up to 30 to 60 minutes a day by the time baby is 4 months old. Having caregivers read to the baby, as well, will help enhance the

experience, as babies need to be exposed to different reading styles. Having extended family members read to the baby when they visit also helps build relationships. Preschool Parents can prepare preschoolers as they progress toward reading on their own by reading to them on a regular basis. Great Bend Public Library offers weekly activities that introduce children to reading and books. • Early Literacy Story Time is at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays. • Family Story Time is at 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays. These are geared for little learners and feature early literacy skills, picture books, finger plays, songs, rhymes, music, arts and movement. Great Bend Public Library’s Amy Mahill, Youth Services manager and assistant director, said play time equals learning time, especially for young children. “There’s so much to that because the more children see, the more they say, the more they learn,” Mahill said. “Playing is learning.” As the children play and sing, the library staff are bringing in different parts of the alphabet or parts of language; the children don’t even know they’re

learning a lesson that will help them later when they’re ready to start reading on their own. The Children’s Department of the library has a sensory bin, filled with a variety of items. Parents can talk about the texture or color of things as children touch them. Gripping objects also helps them develop motor skills. Parents can use the same techniques at home. The Children’s Department at the library can provide parents with the Kansas State Library’s pamphlet “6 by 6 - Ready to Read (Six skills by six years).” Children are busy learning about language from birth. Moms and dads can help their children develop by talking to them and listening and pointing out things like the letters on a STOP sign, Mahill said. And let them know that books are fun. “Having books around your home is very important, even for babies. Put them on your lap and read to them.” A New Reader Once your child can read on his own, it’s tempting for parents to stop reading to their child — but don’t. It’s still important for children to have reading modeled for them, and it will increase their enthusiasm for reading.

Calendar

Ba Ti

MARCH 12

7th Annual Casino Night Barton County Young Professionals - BCYP. Great Bend Expo, Expo I Building. Tickets $30, bartonyp.com

St. Patrick’s Day

Ladies Night Out #1, Great Bend - Theme: St. Patrick’s Day Get your gal pals out and go shopping! Participating stores will be open showing off their unique products and ladies will love the drinks, snacks and pampering.

World Bear Day Celebrate at the Great Bend-Brit Spaugh Zoo. There will be a special keeper chat with the Grizzly Bears, come on by! 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Vet’s Elite Disc Golf Tournament www.greatbendrec.com or www.discgolfscene.com. Three skill levels available. Fee: $20-$40, depending on level of play. Veterans Memorial Park, 17th & McKinley, Great Bend

March 28 May 22

Walk Kansas Barton County residents have been doing this program for many years. Teams of 6 form a group and exercise enough minutes collectively to walk across Kansas. Individuals can also participate by themselves. An 8-week program and the cost is $10.00 a person. Sign up by March 21. Find out about other ways to participate or how to register: Cottonwood Extension District, Donna Krug, Agent, 620-793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu.

Family Suessabration Read, play, experiment, and giggle as you take part in a Suess-filled morning of activities. The Cat in the Hat will even be around! All Ages, 10:30 a.m. - noon, Great Bend Public Library, 1409 Williams St.

1 1-14

th w g p 1

APRIL

Mr. Perfect Panther Pageant 7:00 p.m. GBHS Auditorium

Easter Project To Go Register at the Great Bend Recreation Center then go by and pick up the project and other supplies in a bag. Take the project home and complete at your convenience. Videos will be posted between the 1st and 14th and an instructor will show you how to complete the project. You may need to supply some of your own basic supplies. Cost is $15.00. Pickup up at the Great Bend Recreation Center, 1214 Stone St. during business hours.

7-9

Great Bend Farm and Ranch Expo Vendors will be displaying their agriculture and livestock products, safety equipment and various other items. B-29 Way, Great Bend Expo

T 1 1 T 4 6 F 7 F

Strategies for Children with Autism at Home and in the Classroom Workshop presented by Pilot Club of Great Bend. 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Barton Community College, 245 NE 30 Rd. Tickets at Eventbrite.com

April 17

Pawsome Easter Egg Hunt Join your friends for a fantastic Easter Egg Hunt for your 4-legged canine family members! Easter eggs will have small pet-friendly treats inside of them, and others will have vouchers for larger prizes! Field divided into Small Dog Hunt and Large Dog Hunt. Dogs must be on a leash. 1:00 p.m. – Registration opens, 1:15 p.m. – Egg Hunt begins, $5.00 per dog, Vets Park (by Dog Park), greatbendrec.com

Easter Bash Softball USSSA (8U-14U) greatbendrec.com

23-24

Great Bend Bash USSSA (7U-14U) greatbendrec.com

Great Bend Earth Day Celebration Presented by Rosewood E-cycle and the Zoo. Booths will be set up with activities and meet and greets. Celebrate our amazing planet! Great Bend-Brit Spaugh Zoo, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Are You Smarter Than a Librarian? Trivia Night. Teens grades 6-12. Face off against a team of librarians in a night of trivia! Registration required, spots are limited. Use the code @gblibtriv on remind.com or in the Remind app. Registration begins April 14. 6:00 p.m. Great Bend Public Library, 1409 Williams St.

12th Annual Barton Foundation Sporting Clay Shoot The proceeds for this popular event go to Barton Community College Faculty Mini-Grants. $75 Entry fee, held at Camp Aldrich, 620-792-9306 www.clayshoot.bartonccfoundation.org

Job Fair Meet employers looking for job seekers. Some may be able to do an on-the-spot interview, so bring your resumè! 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Great Bend Events Center, 3111 10th St. Ongoing at the Great Bend Public Library Check with the library at 1409 Williams for more age-related events. Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. Early Literacy Story Time 11:00 a.m. Tech Tuesday Thursdays 4:00 p.m. Crochet Club 6:30 p.m. Family Story Time Fridays 7:00 p.m. Adults’ Night Out Movie. First Friday of the month

Grandma & Me Tea Grandmothers, daughters, and granddaughters of all ages are welcome to enjoy this afternoon of elegance, delicious tea, and dessert. $7.00 per person, for more info and to register greatbendrec.com

Great Bend Alive Get together with your friends for an evening of socializing downtown on Forest Avenue. This group is part of Great Bend Economic Development.

Wellness

It is normal to develop some difficulty with vision as we age. Some eye symptoms, however, are more concerning than others, as they may signal a serious disease or disorder. Knowing the difference between the two can help you get treatment early. Here are some normal agerelated symptoms, and some that should be reported to a doctor for further investigation. Normal Age-Related Changes Difficulty with up-close vision. Many people notice this change after age 40. Presbyopia, the gradual loss of the ability of the

eye to focus on close-up objects due to loss of flexibility and increased rigidity of the eye’s lens, is a normal age-related condition. In fact, the American Academy of Opthalmology reports that the term presbyopia comes from a Greek word meaning “old eye.” This condition can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses or surgery, and can cause headaches and eye strain if left untreated.

Wellness Dry eyes or tearing. These conditions can be normal as you age. If they persist or are severe, however, talk to your eye doctor, as they can be symptoms of disease. Gradual loss of contrast. Rod cells, which help with contrast vision, degrade as we age, so you may notice more difficulty driving at night. Concerning Symptoms A sudden change in vision, straight lines appearing distorted, dark, blurry areas, whiteout in the center of vision, or a change in color perception. These can be symptoms of age-related macular degeneration, which affects more than 2 million people in the U.S. Regular vision exams can help catch this disease early. Floaters accompanied by flashes of light, wavy vision or dark shadows in the field of vision. While some floaters are normal, those that are accompanied by flashes of light, or any of the other symptoms listed above, could be a symptom of retinal detachment. See

your eye doctor immediately. Surgery or laser treatment can address this serious condition. Fading side or peripheral vision. While glaucoma often has no symptoms in the early stages, as the disease progresses, it can affect your peripheral vision. Regular eye exams are important in diagnosing glaucoma.

This disease can be controlled by medication but may require surgery. Cloudy/fuzzy vision, double vision in one eye, halos around lights, light sensitivity. Cataracts, which cause clouding of the eye’s lens, can cause these symptoms. People who smoke or have a family history of cataracts are at a higher risk.

Optomap Retinal Imaging Now Available! We are proud to announce that The 10th Street Eyecare Center is now offering Optomap imaging, the latest and most accurate imaging for eye examinations! Optomap provides an ultra-widefield retinal image versus traditional retinal imaging. Therefore, Optomap detects potential eye disease, vision impairment, and blindness earlier than other retinal images. It is also able to reveal early signs of cancer, stroke, and cardiovascular disease. Optomap imaging is quick, painless, efficient, and effective. At your next examination, our team will visit with you

about this new imaging option, in addition to our traditional retinal imaging. We’re committed to providing you with exceptional patient care, and investing in the latest technology is part of keeping that commitment. If you have questions about this new equipment, please feel free to contact us at 620-792-2020 to visit with our friendly team.

Health and Beauty

Common Makeup

Mistakes Choose your foundation in natural light When picking a foundation, be sure to look at it in natural light. “Go by the window when you’re in a store,” Quynh said “Or ask if you can borrow a hand mirror and just step outside.” You should also do your shopping without foundation on, to see how it matches against your skin. Should you use an eyebrow pencil? Quynh says most women can use eyebrow powder or matte eye shadow on their eyebrows, where eyebrow pencil gives you a more defined look that can be harsh or severe. She recommends looking for a shade that’s a little lighter than your hair. For example,

Wear bronzer where the sun hits your face Instead of putting bronzer on all over your face, focus on the area where the sun hits it. “I like to apply it all over the perimeter of the face, then dust a little across the forehead, bridge of the nose, and chin,” Roncal said.

says a tinted moisturizer offers enough coverage. It hydrates and evens out your skin, while foundation puts on a layer of color and

gives you more coverage. Tinted moisturizer is always better than foundation that’s heavy or cakey, she said.

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How to hide dark circles If you’re looking to conceal dark circles under your eyes, Quynh recommends using a concealer one shade lighter than your skin color. Blend it well to prevent telltale white circles under your eyes.

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Blush tip To find the right balance with blush, just smile. “Smile in the mirror to find the apples of your cheeks,” Roncal suggests. “Swirl the blush onto the apples, then sweep back toward the ears.” Use a brush to apply and blend in the blush for a softer look. Tinted moisturizer can replace foundation For some women, Quynh

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To provide some tips, Mai Quynh, cosmetic expert and makeup artist; and Mally Roncal, makeup artist; founder of Mally Beauty, chatted with WebMD about the basics.

if you have dark brown hair with caramel highlights, pick a color that falls in between.

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Taking care of your skin is one thing, but you also need to take care with the things you put on your skin.

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All About Dogs

Leash

Especially in populated areas, having the w. right leash is paramount. In fact, it’s the law. ers Leash laws help protect community members from being approached by dogs.

Different from city to city, they also aid in keeping dogs safe from sprinting into traffic or ending up away from home. The right leash can also be a critical tool in training your dog and improving his behavior. Meeting with your veterinarian may be the first step in determining which option will work best for your dog. Leashes are available in many lengths and materials, and are available for varying sizes of dogs as well as for whatever function you’re hoping to get out of your leash. Retractable Leashes These spring-loaded leashes allow your dog a bit more freedom on his walk. If used

correctly, you can effectively control your dog on a retractable leash by deciding exactly how much of the leash is extended. There is usually a button on the handle that lets you determine cord length. But with more freedom for your dog comes more responsibility for you. Try not to walk next to streets or other potentially dangerous areas. By the time you realize your dog could be in the way of an oncoming car or another territorial animal, it could take you too much time to retract the leash to a safe length. Emergencies Only: Slip Lead A slip lead, which looks like a regular flat leash with a

end, is another metal ring on one end popular form of leashing. After passing the handle end of the leash through the metal ring, you put the loop over your dog’s head. This allows you to walk your dog on a leash when he’s not wearing his collar. The American Humane Society warns dog owners to never use a slip lead if a regular collar and leash are available. Over-pulling on the handle of a slip lead can actually damage your dog’s windpipe or neck. The society recommends using slip leads in emergency situations only, including when your dog’s regular collar malfunctions or breaks.

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Empowered By a Strong

In 1985, Connie Dunlap went in for her regular mammogram and doctors discovered a cancerous lump in her left breast. She had a modified radical mastectomy, where her breast and lymph nodes were removed. However, according to Connie, everything she does, she does in twos or threes. This was just the beginning of her cancer journey. After her mastectomy, Connie continued to get mammograms on her right breast, but the tissue was dense and doctors struggled to get a good image. She decided to get a preventative mastectomy just to be safe. During the operation, doctors discovered pre-cancer of a different type. In 2002, doctors found another lump in her remaining breast tissue and biopsy results showed that this time it was lymphoma. A year later, Connie began Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatments at Central Care Cancer Center in Great Bend with Medical Oncologist Mark Fesen, MD, FACP. IVIG treatments require an infusion of antibodies that help fight off infection.

They are commonly nly used in cancer patients to keep infections and cancerous cells from spreading or reoccurring. Since 2003, Connie has gone to Central Care every other Friday tto receive her IVIG treatments. Over the years, the staff have become like a second family to her. “They probably know me better than I know myself,” Connie says. “They are just that kind. They treat everyone like that too. Those nurses work so hard in the infusion room and I think Dr. Fesen and [Physician Assistant] Lori Williams walk on water.” Central Care is dedicated to keeping expert cancer care close to home. With the latest technologies and treatment techniques, Central Care provides an unmatched level of quality care to the Great Bend area. “All of these people that go to Dallas or wherever to get extra care, I just can’t believe they get any better care than right

here,” Connie explains. “I think it’s great that Great Bend has such a place here.” However, Connie’s road has had its fair share of bumps. Between rotator cuff surgeries on both shoulders, cataract surgeries, sinus surgery, treatment for inflammation of her gall bladder, and heart issues that required several stents to be surgically placed in her heart, Connie has had quite the journey. During one of Connie’s regular checkups with Dr. Fesen, she mentioned that she was experiencing heart pressure. Dr. Fesen immediately told Connie’s son, Jim, to take her to Kansas Heart Hospital in Wichita, and he did. “Dr. Fesen saved my life again,” Connie says. “They had to put two more stents in, and

that was a month after they put the first one in.” Connie’s spirit has remained strong throughout all of her battles, and she refuses to give up. “I would never give up,” she says. “That’s just not in my vocabulary – giving up.” Without her family and friends, she says she wouldn’t have made it. Connie and her husband of 58 years, David, have two sons and three grandchildren. According to Connie, they are a very close-knit family. “I have a fantastic family,” she explains. “I’ve really, really been blessed. If you have that backing, you can make it through anything.” In her free time, Connie spends a lot of time with her son, Jim. They like to play bingo together, but also really enjoy traveling, because they share an adventurous spirit.

“I have been very fortunate because when Jim travels, I am in his hip pocket.” Connie goes on, “I’ve been to Thailand, India and all over Europe.” She is also extremely grateful for her son, Ron, and his wife, Juli, who make it possible for her to stay in Great Bend and continue to receive care from Dr. Fesen. As active members of Heartland Community Church, Connie and David also became close friends with their minister and his wife, Carrie. According to Connie, Carrie became a huge part of her journey. “It was hard to meet people, because I was still working, but I met Carrie and she’s wonderful,” says Connie. “She’s a Godsend.” Within the past few

months, Connie was also diagnosed with glaucoma, macular degeneration and giant cell arteritis. Treatment for this will include a yearlong cycle of steroids. “I really believe in the power of prayer,” she says. “Between that and the family and friends I have, that’s what’s getting me through this.” Connie will receive IVIG treatments for the rest of her life, but she knows the treatments are keeping her antibodies at a healthy level. She plans on staying strong with the help of her family, friends and the physicians and staff of Central Care. “I love the staff there,” Connie says. “I hope Great Bend realizes how fortunate they are to have this facility. It has saved many lives, including mine.”

Giving Blood

Why Donate Not all superheroes are found on the pages of comic books. Simply donating blood saves more lives than any caped crusader ever did. In fact, the American Red Cross estimates that just one donation can save up to three people who are in need of emergency transfusions. Here’s more on how you can take part in this everyday life-saving act. Inside The Numbers Blood donations are accepted up to five times per year. If you were to begin donating at age 17, and

continue giving every three months or so, the Red Cross projects that you could end up saving more than 1,000 lives. Some types of blood are more needed that others. There are occasional shortages — and just 7% of Americans have O-negative blood, the so-called universal type that can be used in a transfusion by anyone. Among regular Red Cross donors, only 50% regularly return.

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.

An Urgent Need The American Red Cross is experiencing the worst blood shortage in more than a decade. Blood is needed daily in hospitals across the nation as patients have surgery or other medical procedures. And you’ll occasionally hear appeals from blood banks based on local mass-casualty events like a train derailment or natural disaster.

Area Blood Drives - Schedule subject to change Monday, March 21 St. Rose Auditorium 1412 Baker, Great Bend 11:15 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 5 St. Joseph’s Parish Center 110 W 2nd St., Ellinwood 12:30-6:30 p.m.

Friday, April 15 Crosspoint Great Bend 57 SE 20 Road, Great Bend 10:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Knights of Columbus Hall 1216 M Road, Larned noon to 6:00 p.m.

Overcoming Fear A common reason given for not donating is uncertainty about the process; another is fear of needles. Your personal doctor can tell you if you are healthy enough to give blood. Otherwise, there is simply a slight pinch when they draw your blood, and then the process is quickly completed. You will be donating less than a pint, and the Red Cross says your body can regenerate that amount within 24 hours. The Journey Begins Once your donation is collected, it’s taken to a medical laboratory for testing and processing. Every donation is checked for infectious disease, and then the components of the blood are separated. If a unit of blood tests positive for disease, it’s discarded and the individual donor is immediately notified. All donations that are cleared for transfusion are cataloged and shelved. Donations are then spun in centrifuges to separate the blood into separate transfusable components. Four Compenents Blood breaks down into plasma, platelets, red blood cells and cryoprecipitate. So, your individual donation can actually help more than one person, depending

on their particular medical need. Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to body tissue, then carry carbon dioxide back. Plasma, which is filled with proteins, vitamins and hormones, helps regulate body temperature and maintain our blood pressure. Platelets and cryoprecipitate are both involved with clotting, which prevents bleeding. In the next phase, white cells are removed from platelets and red blood cells to reduce reactions from those who receive a transfusion. Each component is then packaged into

standardized units, so doctors know how much they’re giving patients. Universal Donors Some donations are given priority, including those with Type O-negative blood, since they’re known as universal donors. People of any blood type can receive a transfusion of Type O-negative blood, but just 7% of those in the U.S. have this blood type. Demand is always high, and supplies very low. Blood banks and the American Red Cross are also always on the lookout for Type AB plasma donors, as these donations can be

transfused into patients with any blood type. A Matter of Days The Red Cross makes shipments of blood available to hospitals seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Here’s why: Blood must go from one arm to another in a period of days, or a maximum of just over a month’s time. The shelf life of donated blood is only about 42 days from when it is collected. Get Involved Keep an eye out for area blood drives, or make an appointment with the American Red Cross to give at www.redcrossblood.org or call (800) RED CROSS (733-2767).

Area Blood Drives - Schedule subject to change Thursday, April 21 Advanced Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine 4801 10th St., Great Bend 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Monday, April 25 American Legion 1011 Kansas, Great Bend 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 28 Ellinwood District Hospital 605 N. Main, Ellinwood 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 10 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.

Tuesday, April 26 Claflin Community Center 409 A Street, Claflin 12:30-6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 3 Prince of Peace Parish Center 4124 Broadway, Great Bend 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 11 River Bend Assisted Living 3820 Broadway, Great Bend 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Tax Forms

Filing an Amended

RETURN There are a few reasons you might need to file an amended tax return. You might have made a mistake on your return, need to update information or take advantage of a tax credit, deduction or other benefit. In fact, each year, about 3 million Americans file an amended return. Here are some tips from the IRS and Barry Bowers, CPA, owner of Spectrum CPA Partners LLC. about when and how to amend your return. Correcting Mistakes The IRS recommends filing an amended tax form 1040-X in order to correct your filing status, the number of dependents you claimed or your total income.

Tax Benefits You can amend your return to claim tax deductions or tax credits that you did not claim when you filed your original return. This might be a mistake or new legislation may have created new tax benefits retroactively. In 2019, for example, three new federal laws provided tax relief to families affected by tragedies and disasters and other changes. How to Amend Talk to your tax preparer about how to amend your tax return. If you received a letter from the IRS, provide that letter to your tax professional, along with any requested information. You will likely have to pay a separate fee for this service.

Something to keep in mind is if you do amend your federal tax return it is a good idea to amend any state returns filed in the same tax year at the same time. The state will receive the changes from the IRS but it will be several months later which could add to any interest and penalty you might have. The IRS has been further behind than normal the past couple years. Filing electronically will help speed the process up. If you owe additional tax there will be penalty and interest amounts due. Taking time to review your return and making sure everything is reported when you file will help you avoid having to amend and the extra efforts that it involves. – Barry Bowers, CPA, owner of Spectrum CPA Partners LLC

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