The Best Times June 2014 by Johnson County

Volume 32, No. 6

June 2014

the

Best Times

INFORMING & SUPPORTING JOHNSON COUNTY’S 60+ ADULTS

Paul Rogers: Oldest Band of Brothers veteran began D-Day 70 years ago in a tree

Pages 10-11

www.jocogov.org /thebest times

Johnson County Manager’s Office 111 S. Cherry Street, Suite 3300 Olathe, KS 66061

Publication of Johnson County Government

No space? Grow plants in pots! Fun in sun? Skin cancer takes toll! Family tree? Find ancestrial roots!

Container gardening remains as popular as ever. Page 8 Advice helps to reduce risk of skin cancer. Page 22 Genealogical society helps to trace ancestors. Page 25

www.jocogov.org

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Columbia MO Permit No.353

etc. Amphitheater opens June 6 at Ernie Miller

Barn Players features play by Tracy Letts

Bring the family to the Johnson County Park & Recreation District’s Ernie Miller Park Amphitheater, 909 North Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe, on Friday evenings during June for educational and entertaining programs. The programs last about 45 minutes and are designed for all ages. Programs begin at 7 p.m. A charge of $3 per person paid onsite helps cover the cost of the programs; children two and under are free. Preregistration is not required. Presentations are: • June 6: Owls - Eyes of the Night, featuring two live owls • June 13: Kansas Wildlife Webs about natural food chains • June 20: Bats! • June 27: Stories Under the Stars offering old-fashioned family fun with stories and music. Other amphitheater programs planned this summer include: Howdy Sheriff! on July 11, Masters of Darkness on July 18, and Snakes Alive on July 25. For more information, call 913-764-7759.

“August: Osage County,” the critically acclaimed Broadway and Pulitzer Prize winning play by Tracy Letts, is the current production at The Barn Players, 6219 Martway in Mission through June 15. The show is rated “R” due to adult content and language. The production at The Barn Players is directed by Darren Sextro and features John Rensenhouse, Jennifer Coville, Anita Meehan, Pam Haskin, Elizabeth Hillman, Greg Butell, Barb Nichols, Eric Magnus, Courtney Desko, Trevor French, Stasha Case, Tim Aklenius and Michael Bunn. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday matinees take place at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18, discounts for groups, senior and students – go to www.thebarnplayers.org, call 800838-3006, or purchase at the box office prior to the performance.

hange is hard… C Let us change that!

Saturday, June 21 • 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Cedar Lake Village Open House

Tour our beautiful community and speak with the experts you need to help you make a change. CLV will host booths for local experts who can help you downsize, sell your home, and answer questions about VA beneﬁts, elder law, ﬁnance and more! To learn more, call Abby at (913) 780-9916.

All faiths or beliefs are welcome.

www.jocogov.org /thebesttimes •

• June 2014

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• June 2014

the editor’s view Volume 32, No. 5

May 2014

Youngest boomers hit 50

the

Best Times

By Gerald Hay, editor The Best Times

THIS & T HAT The Best Times, a monthly publication of Johnson County Government, is mailed without charge to Johnson County residents who are 60 years of age and older. Subscriptions are available for $15 annually for those who do not qualify to receive it. If you are interested in receiving The Best Times, call 913-715-0430. Mission: The Best Times is a monthly magazine provided for all Johnson County residents age 60 and older, publishing articles that inform, challenge, support, entertain, and persuade. Contributions to support the mission of The Best Times should be made payable to The Best Times and mailed to the address below, or online at www.jocogov.org/thebesttimes.

Publishing of letters from readers, opinion columns, or advertising does not constitute agreement or endorsement by this magazine or Johnson County Government. Director of Public Affairs and Communications: Nancy Mays, 913-715-0730 email: nancy.mays@jocogov.org Editor: Gerald Hay, 913-715-0736 email: gerald.hay@jocogov.org Circulation & Advertising Sales: Che’rell Bilquist, 913-715-8920 email: cherell.bilquist@jocogov.org

111 S. Cherry Street, Suite 3300 Olathe, KS 66061 913-715-8920 800-766-3777 TDD DEADLINE FOR EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING COPY IS THE 8TH OF THE MONTH PRECEDING PUBLICATION

On the Cover Paul Rogers, Overland Park, is the oldest living survivor of Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, that participated in D-Day 70 years ago. The company became known as the “Band of Brothers. Rogers turns 96 in July. Cover story photos by Sarah Winston

ood or bad, the youngest baby boomers in the nation will be turning 50 this year. I guess that means singing: “Hail, Hail, The Gang’s All Here” as future retirees. That would involve quite a chorus since more and more members of the Baby Boom Generation are retiring or preparing to retire. That’s an estimated more than 78 million baby-boomers – young pups at 50 and old dogs (like me) in their upper 60s – getting ready, or already enjoying, their golden years. Each day, approximately 8,000 of them turn 60 – that’s roughly 330 per hour. Whether you’re a boomer or not, that doesn’t mean becoming members of the Over the Hill Gang. Age is a fact of life, but Mark Twain said it best: “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” That’s good advice for all of us – to live our lives and to forget our age. We should remember that being 50, 60 or 70 years YOUNG is far more cheerful and hopeful than to be 50, 60, or 70 years OLD. Life, at any age, is challenging. Benjamin Franklin noted: “Life’s tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late.” The fact remains no matter your age, you are growing older. The definition of “old” also has changed. The biblical “three score and 10” (70) for one’s lifetime is outdated. At birth now, the average life expectancy in the United States is 75 for males, 80 for females. The U.S. Census Bureau projects the life expectancy for men will be 77.1 and 81.9 for women by 2020. More and more of us are beating that average. The golden rule for retirement and active aging nowadays is staying as fit as your age allows you to be and keeping physically and emotionally healthy as you age. It all starts with positive thinking which helps positive aging. So does walking, remaining active, preventing disease, and staying engaged with family and friends near and far – all are key aspects of healthy aging in enjoying their golden years to the fullest possible, where they choose

to live and for as long as possible. George Burns noted: “By the time you’re 80 years old, you’ve learned everything. You only have to remember it.” He added: “If you live to the age of a hundred, you have it made because very few people die past the age of a hundred.” Burns did live to be 100, dying on March 9, 1996, 49 days after becoming a centenarian. His wit, however, remains ageless and priceless. Groucho Marx had another point of view: “I intend to live forever, or die trying.” It boils down to this: Growing old may be compulsory for us, but growing up always is optional. Again Twain advised: “Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.” Jeanne Louise Calment, the French woman with the longest lifespan on record – 122 years when she died in 1997 – had another viewpoint: “I’ve only got one wrinkle, and I’m sitting on it.” Another great comedian, Bob Hope had this to say: “You know you’re getting old when the candles cost more than the cake.” I think I’m at the break-even point when it comes to birthdays. The fact remains there is still no cure for the common birthday, so let’s relax and enjoy each and every one even when the number of candles on the cake makes firefighters nervous. If all else fails, we can follow the lead of comedian Jack Benny and simply remain the perpetual age of 39 years old. When he died in 1974, he had celebrated his 39th birthday 41 times. I liked his approach, and started counting backwards two years ago with my 65th birthday. Whether that approach works or not isn’t really important. How we adjust to growing older is. So, let’s have fun. Growing older is not an end, only a new beginning. Age doesn’t matter, cannot be avoided, and comes down to this: • stay active; • keep healthy; and • just enjoy and live your life to its fullest. Let’s remember what Oliver Wendell Holmes once said: “Old age is 15 years older than I am.” That’s good advice – at any age.

www.jocogov.org/thebesttimes •

• June 2014

Johnson County Area Agency on Aging

Elder Abuse Awareness Day set June 15 By Gordon L. Davis

ach year hundreds of thousands of older persons are abused, neglected, and exploited. Many victims are people who are frail, vulnerable, and cannot help themselves, depending on others to meet their most basic needs. Abusers of older adults are both women and men, and may be family members, friends, or “trusted others.” The topic of elder abuse will be brought to the forefront this year through the observation of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Sunday, June 15. This event is an annual observance that focuses attention on the physical, emotional, and financial abuse of elders. In general, elder abuse is a term referring to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult. Legislatures in all 50 states have passed some form of elder abuse prevention laws. Laws and definitions of terms vary considerably from one state to another, but broadly defined, abuse may be: • Physical Abuse—inflicting physical pain or injury on a senior, e.g. slapping, bruising, or restraining by physical or chemical means. • Sexual Abuse—non-consensual sexual contact of any kind. • Neglect—the failure by those responsible to provide food, shelter, health care, or protection for a vulnerable elder. • Exploitation—the illegal taking, misuse, or concealment of funds, property, or assets of a senior for someone else’s

benefit. Emotional Abuse—inflicting mental pain, anguish, or distress on an elder person through verbal or nonverbal acts, e.g. humiliating, intimidating, or threatening. • Abandonment—desertion of a vulnerable elder by anyone who has assumed the responsibility for care or custody of that person. • Self-neglect—characterized as the failure of a person to perform essential, self-care tasks and that such failure threatens his/her own health or safety. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was launched in 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. The purpose of the event is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to improve understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day serves as a call to action for individuals, organizations, and communities to raise awareness about elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. To report adult and child abuse occurring in the community in Kansas, call (800) 922-5330. Abuse and neglect in nursing homes may be reported by calling (800) 842-0078. A Kansas Crisis Hotline is available to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault by calling (888) 363-2287. •

Gordon Davis is an information specialist with the Johnson County Area Agency on Aging, hosts for the Kansas Aging and Disability Resource Center.

Training to focus on elder financial protective services

ree training on the topic of elder financial protective services will be offered to area professionals who work in the aging discipline and in law enforcement. The event will be held on Thursday, June 12, in Olathe, and will be presented by the Johnson County Community Violence Action Council. The guest speaker will be Chayo Reyes, a California-based expert on the topic of elder and dependent adult financial abuse prosecution. The session will also brief area professionals on legislative updates impacting the elder abuse arena, to be presented by staff from Kansas Legal Services and the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office. Space is limited and registration is required by Friday, June 6. Professionals may register by calling 913-715-3116 or Twyla.Way@ jocogov.org

Kansas elder abuse bill becomes new state law

ansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt says elderly residents will have new protections against fraud and financial abuse under a new state law. Legislation creating the crime of mistreatment of an elder person recently was signed by Gov. Sam Brownback. The law is aimed at protecting people 70 and older who are victims of financial abuse. People convicted of large-scale abuse could be sentenced to more than 40 years in prison. Schmidt said the law adds protections against misusing a financial trust or power of attorney for the purpose of misappropriating a person’s life savings. The new protection will give law enforcement another tool to protect older residents.

www.jocogov.org/thebesttimes •

• June 2014

Johnson County Area Agency on Aging

Resource guide provides valuable information By Gordon L. Davis

he Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services has recently published an Aging & Disability Resource Guide, which provides valuable information on legal issues, benefits, rights, and services. An easy-to-read 60+ page book, the Resource Guide covers a myriad of topics including Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, consumer protection issues, crisis assistance, disability rights, guardianship, living wills, assistive technology, ombudsmen, reverse mortgages, and home services. The guide is divided into 14 sections: • Helping Agencies • Consumer Protection • Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation, and Fiduciary Abuse • Children with Disabilities • Your Rights • Financial Assistance • Health Care • Help Staying at Home • Housing • Nursing Home Care

• Legal Assistance • Future Planning • Visually Impaired/Deaf • Sample Forms (legal) Also included within the publication is a “Service Map” section pinpointing the names

Patrol takes aim at Medicare, Medicaid fraud

he Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services’ Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Project works to prevent Medicare and Medicaid fraud and errors through outreach and education. You may report suspected problems to the SMP hotline by calling 1-800-860-5260. When reporting problems to the hotline have the following information available: ● Your name and Medicare number ● The name of the company or doctor ● Date of service(s) ● Description of the problem You can protect yourself from fraud and inappropriate charges by: always checking your Medicare statement; never giving out your Medicare or Social Security numbers to strangers; never accepting “free” offers; avoiding providers who promise payment for items or services not usually covered; being aware of whom you can trust. Protect against potential discrepancies by: always checking for overcharges; looking out for charges for services not received; being aware when someone inappropriately asks you to provide your Medicare/Medicaid number, Social Security number, or bank number; being aware of and refusing to sign a blank form; making sure someone is not making use of another person’s Medicare card. You should make sure you: report discrepancies with your Medicare billings, services, and claims; always call the company or doctor first to question the charge and ask them to correct it with Medicare; report suspected fraud when someone offers or gives you free services or equipment. www.jocogov.org/thebesttimes •

• June 2014

and locations of service and provider agencies throughout the state. A chart is provided for listing personal and property records, and a place to note business record locations. A handy list of toll-free resources/agency numbers, accessible throughout the state, is also listed. The Aging & Disability Resource Guide is available online at www.kdads.ks.gov and may be downloaded free of charge. Simply click on “Publications and Reports” under the “Home” section on the left hand side of the web page. The guide is listed under “Comprehensive Guides” within the “On-Line Publications” section. Copies of the new guide are available at Johnson County Human Services, 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Suite 1300, Olathe, 913-7158800, or at any of the six Johnson County Outreach Centers. To locate an Outreach Center near you, simply call us or visit us online at www. jocogov.org/hsd. Gordon Davis is an information specialist with the Johnson County Area Agency on Aging, hosts for the Kansas Aging and Disability Resource Center. Helping older adults to live in the community with independence and dignity. Information & Referral . . . . . . 913-715-8861 Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) . . . . . . . . . . . . 913-715-8856 Volunteer Services line . . . . . 913-715-8859

Commission on Aging meetings will be held from 9-10 a.m. the second Wednesday of each month in Room 1070/1075, Sunset Drive Office Building, 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe. The meetings are always open to the public. For more information, call 913-715-8860 or 800-766-3777 TDD. AAA programs are funded by the Older Americans Act and state funds through the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, Johnson County government, agency matching funds, and individual participant donations. Johnson County government does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services.

Johnson County Area Agency on Aging

Nominations sought for 2014 Leadership in Aging Award

he Johnson County Commission on Aging (COA) is seeking candidates for its annual Leadership in Aging Award, which honors individuals, groups, or organizations making outstanding contributions to the quality of life of older adults and their families in Johnson County. The COA will present the Leadership in Aging Award in the fall. To request a nomination form, call the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) at 913-715-8860. Nomination forms are also available on the Human Services

website, www.jocogov.org/hsd. Nominations must be submitted by Friday, Aug. 1. Mail to: Patricia Burton, c/o Johnson County Area Agency on Aging, 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Suite 1300, Olathe, KS 66061, or email to HSA-AAAWeb@jocogov.org. The COA advises the AAA, advocating for senior adults in the county. Its members are appointed by the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners.

Kansas Aging & Disability Resource Center 1-855-200-ADRC (2372) www.ksadrc.org for: •

A trusted resource All ages

•

All disabilities

•

All income levels

•

Options counseling

•

Long-term service and support options • Information and referral service The Johnson County Area Agency on Aging is your local host for the Aging & Disability Resource Center

Join old friends and make new ones by lunching at one of the six SENIOR DINING SITES available in Johnson County. The Nutrition Program of the Johnson County Area Agency on Aging, 913-715-8888, serves nutritious meals Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. for those 60 and older, and offers fellowship, recreation, and educational programs. The meals are provided through the Older Americans Act. A donation of $3.00 is requested. To reserve a meal, just call the center of your choice by 10:00 a.m. one day in advance. Menus for meals provided through the Nutrition Program are available at http:// hsa.jocogov.org/aging/nutrition.shtml. We hope to see you there soon! De Soto Neighborhood Center De Soto Community Center 32905 W. 84th St. • 913-585-1762 Gardner Neighborhood Center Gardner Community Center 128 E. Park • 913-856-3471 Lenexa Neighborhood Center Lenexa Senior Center

Kansas Legal Services To schedule an appointment with Kansas Legal Services, contact the center you wish to visit. Be sure to provide the name of the client, not the name of the person making the appointment. Funding for Kansas Legal Services for older adults (60+) is provided through the Older Americans Act and private contributions. Clients are not billed for services, but contributions are gratefully accepted. To apply for Kansas Legal Services, call 913-621-0200 or a central intake line at 800723-6953. For up-to-date schedules, including future dates and notices of sessions that are full, visit www.jocogov.org/hsd (click on “Area Agency on Aging on Aging” and then “Legal Services.” Roeland Park Community Center

Matt Ross Community Center

Thursday, June 12 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park 913-826-3160

Wednesday, June 18 9 a.m.-noon and 12:30-4 p.m. 8101 Marty Street, Overland Park 913-642-6410 www.jocogov.org/thebesttimes •

Eating is so much more fun with friends!

• June 2014

13425 Walnut • 913-888-6141 Merriam/Shawnee Neighborhood Center Merriam Community Center 5701 Merriam Drive • 913-677-2048 Overland Park Neighborhood Center Matt Ross Community Center 8101 Marty St. • 913-648-2949 Spring Hill Neighbors’ Place Spring Hill Civic Center 401 N. Madison • 913-592-3180 CHAMPSS Program Senior dining at select Hy-Vee’s 913-715-8894 Home Plate Nutrition Program Seven frozen meals following hospital discharge 913-715-8810

the extension connection

Container gardening remains popular By Dennis Patton

ontainer gardening has long been popular. Containers are versatile. You will see them adorning front doors, perfectly placed on patios, or even spotted in the garden to add a splash of color and interest. Growing plants in pots is as popular now as ever. What’s driving the resurgence in containers? Several factors are, including the renewed interest in gardening, to the downsizing of American’s homes, which means less space to garden. No matter the reason, when we grow a container garden they can add beauty and scratch the gardening itch within us all. Growing plants in a container can be easier than the traditional in-ground methods. We can control the soil, water and, to some extent, the extremes of our climate. By properly locating the pots and selecting plant materials based on the location, it is almost guaranteed to be a success. But with that being said, in order for a container to achieve its peak for the summer there are several cultural practices that must be followed for success. Proper watering is one of the first keys to growing a successful container. Because the mass of soil is smaller and more susceptible to drying out, it is important to watch the watering needs. Larger containers hold more soil,

Container garden features coral bells, sedum, and pletranthus. which in turn holds more water and heats up less quickly on a warm summer day. So it goes to reason that the larger the pot the easier the care. This is especially true if the container is located in a sunny location. A shady spot is better suited for a smaller size pot. There is no set rule for how much and when to water a container. It depends on the soil, size, type of pot, location and plant selections. The best rule is to check the pot often, probably daily in most cases, and water as needed. Apply enough water so that it runs out the drainage holes. Drainage holes are a must for every pot to avoid root rotting. An even supply of moiswww.jocogov.org/thebesttimes •

• June 2014

ture is ideal for most plants. In some cases, the potting mix may become hard to re-wet if allowed to dry out. If this happens, apply small amounts of water over a period of time, allowing the soil to absorb the water slowly. I have seen pots that, once dry, are next to impossible to re-wet due to the peat moss and other organic materials in the potting soil. So, try to prevent this problem by keeping a careful eye on soil moisture. In addition to proper watering, container gardens will also require a steady food source. Water quickly leaches many nutrients from the pot. The nutrients are also used by the plants as they grow. There are several ways to fertilize containers. Many people prefer to use a water soluble fertilizer every time they water or on a regular basis. This method is great, just follow label instructions and do not forget to do it. Another easy way to fertilize is with one of the slow release granular products. These fertilizers are about the size of a BB and gently supply nutrients for several months. Apply according to label rates depending on the size of the pot. Keep in mind that many of these slow release fertilizers break down more rapidly under high temperatures. So as a rule apply a little more frequently than recommended in Continued on next page

Popular container gardening: A few simple chores mean success Continued from page 8 the summer months. Regular garden fertilizer also works well for pots. For a five gallon pot, apply a couple of tablespoons on a monthly basis around the plants. Fertilizers such as 5-10-5 or 13-13-13 work great. A little grooming from time to time is a great way to keep the planting looking fresh. This grooming may be as simple as picking off a few faded flowers. Removal of spent flowers is called deadheading. It stops the plants from setting seed, so it can put more energy into blossoms. You can also pinch or cut back long, straggly growth to keep the plants bushy and producing new side shoots. Often time one plant tends to outgrow the others crowding them out. Cutting back the aggressive grower will help create a more balanced pot. Grooming is akin to cleaning the house. No one really likes to do it but the results do look stunning. By now you have probably already planted your containers and have them out on display. The joy of containers does not stop there. As you can see there are just a few chores that don’t take a lot work. These few minutes you spend watering, fertilizing and grooming will help keep your pots looking great all season long. Dennis Patton, horticulture agent at Johnson County’s K-State Research and Extension Office, can be reached at 913-715-7000 or dennis.patton@jocogov.org.

Hotline offers gardening advice by phone or email

he Extension Master Gardener Hotline, sponsored by the Johnson County K-State Research and Extension Office, offers free advice by phone calls or emails. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, excluding holidays, • Phone: 913-715-7050 • Email: garden.help@jocogov.org When calling the hotline for assistance be prepared to supply as much information as possible. Emailing your question is helpful in identifying a plant or plant growth problem. The Extension Office, 11811 South Sunset Drive, Suite 1500, Olathe, can assist walk-ins and offers informational fact sheets, an extensive library, and electronic technology in helping to find practical solutions to gardening concerns.

Because neighbors make the best friends. For residents like Paul and Betty Jo Gilkison, Aberdeen Village makes life better every day — by making lasting connections. “With so many people who are interested in the same things, it’s easy to make friends. Staying involved socially is what really makes you feel younger.” Learn how Aberdeen Village offers more opportunity, on one campus — call 1-866-450-5842 today. www.jocogov.org/thebesttimes •

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A Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America Senior Living Community

• June 2014

cover story

Paul Rogers is the oldest living survivor of Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment. He turns 96 in July.

Oldest Band of Brothers vet began D-Day in a tree By Gerald Hay

aul Rogers of Overland Park will always remember his first parachute landing and first taste of combat in World War II. He was among more than 10,000 paratroopers who were dropped in Normandy during the early morning hours of June 6, 1944 as D-Day unfolded on the beaches of France. His landing didn’t go according to plan. Rogers landed eight miles from his drop zone. Well, he didn’t really “land.” “I found the biggest tree in all of France to land in,” he said and laughed. “I had to climb down like a monkey.” Sergeant Paul “Hayseed” Rogers was a member of the third platoon in Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, in the 101st Airborne “Screaming Eagles” Division. The company with 140 members was formed in Toccoa, Ga., trained together, and stayed together on the battlefields until they came home from the European front less than a year after D-Day. Easy Company, and the lifelong friendships and annual reunions of its veterans after the war, inspired author Stephen Ambrose to write “Band of Brothers” in 1998. It became a 10-part HBO mini-series produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg in 2001. Rogers was one of the technical advisers. Rogers is the oldest and only Kansan of 18 living members of Easy Company. He turns 96 on July 12. He was among Easy Company veterans who were flown to France by HBO 13 years ago, treated to a guest premiere of the miniseries, and enjoyed tours in France. Some visited areas where their battles were fought.

A picture taken at the time shows him with 44 veterans from Easy Company posing at the American Monument at Normandy. “There are only seven of us left,” he said, referring to the men in the picture with him. Rogers, a farm boy who grew up in Adrian, Mo., was 22 years old in 1942 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army and volunteered to be a paratrooper. “I wouldn’t have missed it,” he said. “I didn’t have to go, but I couldn’t have lived with myself if I didn’t go in.” His training in Toccoa was “rough, tough,” running three miles up a nearby mountain and back every day and once marching 119 miles in three days with all of their equipment. “If it sounds like a lot of miles, it was,” he said. Speaking in a soft, assured voice at his home in Overland Park, Rogers reached across 70 years of history to bring alive the baptism of fire for a 24-year-old soldier in D-Day that was a turning point of WWII and the beginning of the end for Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich. “I was the old timer,” he said, noting that most of the others in his unit were in their late teens or early 20s. Historically, D-Day was a hold-your-breath moment when America and her allies sent an estimated 5,300 ships and landing craft, 12,000 planes, and 150,000 soldiers to Normandy’s 50-mile stretch of beaches. With more than 9,000 Allied soldiers killed or wounded, though, the sacrifice on D-Day was precious. “We weren’t all that scared. We didn’t know what we were getting into,” Rogers said. “We landed everywhere, and all hell broke loose.” Continued on next page

www.jocogov.org/thebesttimes •

• June 2014

cover story

Paul Rogers: D-Day began in a tree Continued from page 10 Like many paratroopers, Rogers lost half of his equipment, including his rifle, in the jump on D-Day. He, along with many other soldiers, were scattered far and wide over the Normandy countryside. For eight intense days, Rogers fought with the 505th Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division, including the liberation of Ste. Mere Eglise, before rejoining Easy Company. He was promoted to sergeant after the campaign in France. He had more battles ahead. D-Day was just the beginning of an arduous military campaign that would continue to Holland when Rogers, then a mortar sergeant, participated in Operation Market Garden in late September and was seriously wounded in his right arm by shrapnel. Two men carrying ammunition next to him were killed. He spent four weeks in an England hospital, returned in time to fight in the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium’s Ardennes Forest, and was in the Siege of Bastogne. In January 1945, he fought at Foy, Belgium and destroyed a German tank with a bazooka. Rogers became the platoon sergeant after the Battle of the Bulge campaign and fought with Easy Company until the end of the war, finishing his European tour near Berchtesgaden, Germany, where Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest was located. He was discharged in 1945 as a tech sergeant. By that time, Rogers said, there weren’t many of the original “Toccoa boys” left. He said about 70 of them made it home alive. “Everyone had a Purple Heart. Some had two,” Rogers said. He also was wounded a second time, but didn’t want a Purple Heart. A mortar had landed near him, but not close enough to kill or seriously wound. He suffered

‘

I’m just another guy. In war, we’re all brothers’

Paul Rogers

a slight injury from a small fragment of shrapnel. “I got hit in the butt. I was a little embarrassed so I didn’t make a big deal about it,” he said with a smile. After the war, Rogers attended Easy Company and 101st Airborne reunions regularly, forming friendships so strong Easy Company veterans knew each other better than their real brothers at home. “We were pretty close. I think we were all responsible for each other being alive,” Rogers said. One good friend was Jim “Moe” Alley of Seattle. He was grateful to Rogers for just surviving the D-Day parachute drop. Alley jumped right before Rogers, had trouble getting out of the plane, and was about to be pulled in half. Rogers had to throw Alley out to save him.

“I kidded him ever since, saying he just didn’t want to go,” he said. Alley died in 2008. Seventy years ago, Rogers and other WWII veterans were all young men, many fresh out of high school. Each is a witness to what has gone into legend as the Longest Day. According to U.S. Veterans Administration, of the 16 million American service members who returned home from WWII, barely one million are still living in 2014, including approximately 9,775 in Kansas. The average age of a World War II veteran is about 92 and 555 of them are estimated to die every day this year as the pool of surviving veterans draws down. The V.A. estimates the last of these Greatest Generation soldiers will be gone by 2036. Rogers has no regrets, just pride, in answering the call of

duty, parachuting into France and landing in a tree, and being a part of an Easy Company that did not have an easy time in war. He still has a piece of his parachute from D-Day, scores of pictures, and 20 medals, including a Bronze Star and Purple Heart, in a display case along with HBO poster about the Band of Brothers. A hand-written ledger and sheets of stationary reflect his wartime memories. Rogers was also known for writing funny poems about some of his military brotherhood. “I could have done more, but a tree got in my way,” he quipped. Although his company was recognized in book, TV, and lore, Rogers knows that tens of thousands of soldiers from all branches of the armed services fought in WWII and achieved Victory in Europe (V-E) Day on May 8, 1945. It was celebrated 349 days after D-Day. “I’m just another guy,” he said softly. “In war, we’re all brothers.”

Taco Night

Old friends are the best friends. Bob and Katie have enjoyed a weekly taco night with a group of friends for more than 30 years. While the group eventually moved away from tacos, they never moved away from each other. So when Bob and Katie were preparing for the next chapter in their lives, the previous chapters were always top of mind. Bob and Katie found what they were looking for at Village Shalom – a place where they enjoy a care-free retirement lifestyle just a stone’s throw from friends and the best “taco spots” in town. Start a chapter with us. Call 913-266-8407 or visit VillageShalom.org. Honored to be woven into a million life stories over a hundred years. www.jocogov.org/thebesttimes •

• June 2014

cover story

D-Day veterans recall landing at Omaha Beach By Gerald Hay

ost of them were teenagers. They were drafted into the military or joined to help turn the tide of World War II. Seventy years ago, on June 6, 1944, now known as D-Day, many of them had their first taste of combat. Al Cerne, 88, Olathe, was one of them. He enlisted at age 17 in 1943, and was 18 and a paratrooper in the U.S. Army’s 101st “Screaming Eagles” Airborne Division that launched an audacious nighttime parachute attack at Normandy, France before the seaborne invasion. Sergeant Cerne landed about 10 miles behind Omaha Beach. “I didn’t know what to expect,” he said, adding that it was not a pinpoint air drop. “They scattered us all over.” His unit faced resistance, but also rounded up scores of surrendering German soldiers. He survived D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge months later in the stubborn defense during the siege of Bastogne, Belgium. The siege was bitter and brutal. “The winter was so cold. The snow was so deep. We weren’t prepared for it,” Cerne said. “We didn't have the proper food, the proper clothing, and our equipment was so poor.” From Belgium, his next, and last, parachute jump was across the Rhine River in Germany where he was wounded in combat action at Munster, Germany. “They pinned us down with machine-gun fire and then hit us with mortar rounds,” he said. The right side of his body was injured by mortar shrapnel. Cerne crawled to a haystack to await evacuation. Two German POWs found him and carried him on a stretcher to an aid station. He received a Purple Heart for his injuries and kept a small mortar fragment that was dug out of his shoulder during surgery as a lasting memento. “There were only 13 of us left,” Cerne said, referring to the soldiers who jumped with him on D-Day. The plane held about 40 paratroopers - roughly a platoon. “Some were wounded. Some were killed.” While Cerne entered D-Day from the air, retired Colonel Jack Brooks, 94, Leawood, was landing on Normandy from the sea. He was in the first wave to storm Omaha Beach. The assault had the most casualties on D-Day. Back then, he was a 24-year-old captain of an Army company with the 1st Infantry “Big Red One” Division. Before Normandy, he had fought in Northern Africa and Sicily. “I could think of a thousand other places I would rather be than Omaha Beach,” Brooks said with a smile. D-Day seemed like mass confusion. The noise was deafening. Big guns fired, men shouted, and geysers of water erupted around scores of landing craft as they reached the beaches. The Germans had every inch of the beach presighted for accurate firing of mortars, machine guns, and 88 mm cannons. His advice to his troops was simple: When the ramp of the landing craft drops, go out, and don’t stop for anything in trying to reach a

Al Cerne, left, and Jack Brooks are D-Day veterans. protective berm. Wire and a mine field stalled their advancement to the bluffs until holes were blown in the wire and a pathway cleared among the mines. By nightfall, about 175,000 Allied military personnel were ashore in France. But the cost had been very high – some 4,900 died on the beaches and in the battle further inland that day. “We lost 48 men,” Brooks said, referring to his company of 140 soldiers. “Our regiment of 3,200 troops lost 35 officers and 950 men on the first day.” Following D-Day, he said the campaign across France was easier than getting off the beaches as Allied forces headed to the Netherlands before crossing into Germany. He was awarded four Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts in WWII. Brooks entered the Army six months before Pearl Harbor and made it a career after the war, serving a tour in the Korean War and two tours in the Vietnam War before retiring in 1966. His medals also include a Legion of Merit and French Legion of Honor. Aside from serving in three wars, Brooks didn’t come away empty handed when the fighting ended in Europe in 1945. While stationed at Bamberg, Germany, he met Ingeborg, his future wife, but wasn’t allowed to marry her while he was overseas. After returning stateside, he had to post a $500 bond with a stipulation that the wedding would occur within 60 days or she would have to return to her homeland. He has been married to his war bride for 66 years.

Downsizing, Liquidating, or Just Cashing in Assets? Ron Brown Antiques and Rare Books Can Help With Your Estate Every estate is different and special. We’ve assisted in the sale of millions in rare books, antiques, collectibles, furnishings, vehicles and other assets. Ron is a Certified Appraiser with over 12 years experience purchasing or facilitating estate sales and auctions. Give us a call today and see how we can help with your unique situation.

www.jocogov.org/thebesttimes •

• June 2014

Rare Books, Fine Pottery and China, Primitives, Figurines, Coins, Jewelry, Old Toys, Militaria, Cameras, Clocks, Sterling Silver and Gold, Fine Art, Photographs, Bottles, Hunting and Fishing Collectibles, Railroadania, Vintage Lighting, Vintage Radios, Fine Pens, Marbles, Movie Memorabilia, Old Medical and Dental, Dolls, Autographs

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Blue Valley Multi-Service Center relocates in Overland Park

he Blue Valley Multi-Service Center, Overland Park, has been relocated, but the move isn’t that far. The new location is at 14950 Newton Drive. The new site is just a few blocks west of the former location at 7500 West 149th Terrace. “This move was made at the request of the Blue Valley School District, which is about to embark upon some building renovations in the former location,” Debbie Collins, director of The Johnson County Human Services Department, said. Services at the multi-service center include: • Stabilization assistance with food, rent, and utilities;

Feed the Need helps to stock food pantries

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To qualify, you must be at least 21 years of age, have a valid driver’s license, a good driving history and able to pass a background check and drug test. A great way to get involved in the community and make new friends!

Apply in person Mon-Fri at: First Student 18950 W. 157th Terrace Olathe , KS. 66062 Fax # 913-782-4628.

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ohnson County is again preparing to feed a growing need in the Johnson County community. The County Government’s 2014 Feed the Need campaign features two kickoff celebrations. The first is set Thursday, June 12, at the Sunset Drive Office Building, 11811 Sunset Drive, Olathe. The second will take place on Thursday, June 19, on the square between the Johnson County Courthouse and the Administration Building in downtown Olathe. Both public events will take place between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and feature a variety of booths offering food items, games, craft sales, drawings for prizes, and donation opportunities. The theme for the fund-raising, food-collecting celebration is “2014 Recipe for Caring.” The campaign goal has been set at 325,000 pounds of food in either cash or food donations to benefit 10 local food pantries serving eligible Johnson County citizens. Six pantries are located in multi-service centers operated by the county’s Department of Human Services. Johnson County’s Feed the Need started in 1987. The program is a regional effort coordinated by the Mid-America Regional Council, the Mid-America Assistance Coalition, and Harvesters International.

Case management and self-sufficiency programming; Limited financial assistance for medications and other essential needs; and • Information and referrals that connect people with community resources to meet their needs. Collins said the relocation is a win-win opportunity in the longtime partnership between the multi-service center and the school district. “The new location, which is in a different office building also owned by the Blue Valley School District, will provide ample space for the center’s operations and remains in a desirable location for the Blue Valley area,” she said. The hours of operation at the multi-service center remain unchanged from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday by appointment. The phone number also remains the same at 913-239-4560. • •

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www.jocogov.org/thebesttimes •

• June 2014

Speaks Chapels

Yo-ho-ho! Theater in the Park launches season with Pirates

he Theatre in the Park’s 45th season will feature five productions, including: • Pirates of Penzance (June 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14) • Guys & Dolls (June 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28) • Honk! (July 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12) • The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (July 18, 19, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26) • Ragtime, (Aug. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9) Show time for all productions is 8:30 p.m.; the box office opens at 6:15 p.m., and the gates to the seating bowl open at 6:30 p.m. Ticket prices are adult admission $8, youth $6, and children three and under free (but require a ticket for entrance). Tickets may be purchased online at www.theatreinthepark.

org or at the theatre box office the nights of performance. Reserved chairs are available for every performance for only $20, and can be reserved ahead of time by visiting the theatre’s website. Once again, TTIP is offering $1 movie nights out under the stars! There will be 11 movie nights beginning with Tuesday, June 10, featuring the hit Disney feature “Frozen” with a sing-along. All movies begin at 8:45 p.m. To see all the movie titles, visit: http://www.theatreinthepark. org/movies. The Theatre in the Park is located in Shawnee Mission Park at 7710 Renner Road, in Shawnee, and is a program of the Johnson County Park & Recreation District. More information is available at http://www.theatreinthepark.

Sizzlin’ Summer

Book Sale

One of the region’s largest & best used book sales

Wednesday-Saturday June 11-14

Actual Spectrum Residents

WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD Forget the daily chores and enjoy living with independence in a secure, comfortable home. Please Join Us “Cruising through the 50’s” Route 66 Drive-In Party Thursday, June 26 4:00-6:00pm

Wednesday-Friday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

NEW LOCATION! Great Mall of the Great Plains 20700 W. 151st St., Olathe, KS (Sale located near Burlington Coat Factory)

Huge selection at bargain prices Some items specially priced Cash, check, Visa, MasterCard and Discover accepted with ID

Friends Only Preview Night* Tuesday, June 10 • 6:00-9:00 p.m.

*Current Friends of the Johnson County Library membership card is required for this night only. Memberships may be purchased or renewed at the sale.

FRIENDS

of the

Cosponsored by Johnson County Library and Friends of the Johnson County Library. Call (913) 826-4301 for more information.

Visit the Friends Used Book Stores open year ’round Mon.-Sat.

www.jocolibrary.org/friends

(913) 871-3743

6335 Maurer Road Shawnee, KS 66217 ShawneeHillsSeniorLiving.com Independent Retirement Living A SPECTRUM RETIREMENT COMMUNIT Y SH Best Times Half June 2014

www.jocogov.org/thebesttimes •

• June 2014

library connection

Researching house histories @ Johnson County Library By Jake Eubanks

s the saying goes, “There’s no place like home.” That’s why so many people enjoy the thrill of researching the history of their home! Who originally owned the land? What did they do? When was the home built and who built the home? Who lived in the home in the years to follow? What were their lives like? To find the answers to these and many more questions, you might start your search at the Central Resource branch of the Johnson County Library. At the Central Resource Library, you will find many of the records necessary to identifying past owners of your home and property. To begin, identify the architectural style of your home. This will help in determining the age of the home. In Johnson County, that can also help in determining who built the home. If your home is in Prairie Village, the architectural style is a certain clue-in as to who built your home. Identifying the builder can also lead to identifying the architect behind your home’s design. The Johnson County Library has several resources that can help you in identifying these. Depending on where and when your home was built, it may have architectural significance in county history. If the home was built prior to 1950, the Johnson County Final Historic Resources Survey is the resource for you, available from the library and online at www. jocomuseum.org. Additional information related to the home may appear in city and county histories, county historical atlases, or might appear on the county’s digital memory project website http://www.Jocohistory.org . For the post-war home and mid-century home, check out the local newspaper collection. Before the MLS and online real estate websites, the newspaper was the primary means of advertising. Begin, by identifying the year of construction. The Johnson County Appraiser’s Office should have an approximate year of home construction for all the properties in your neighborhood. Check the Sunday newspapers during those years for a Parade of Homes section. These ads are often

informative, providing names of builders, interior designers, architects, full size pictures of model homes in the neighborhood, and even for sale prices. They also make great art to hang on your wall – something you can show off to your friends when you tell them this story. To learn more about residents of your home, consult city directories available through the Johnson County Library. A search of census data and the social security index can further fill in gaps in the story of your property – helping in identifying the owner’s occupation and family records. This information is searchable via Ancestry Library Edition at all Johnson County Library locations. The library provides access to county plot maps dating back to 1874, 1902, and 1922. In addition, the library has title company maps that document plots in 1936, 1953, and 1966 and hundreds of city and county maps for you to explore. There really is no place like home. Come by the Johnson County Library and learn all about yours! Jake Eubanks is reference librarian at the Central Resource Library.

Introducing Our New Continuing Care Neighborhood Private assisted living, memory care and post-acute rehabilitation are now available at Tallgrass Creek. You don’t have to be a current Tallgrass Creek resident to move to our Continuing Care neighborhood or receive rehabilitation services here. Call 1-800-981-9728 for a personal tour.

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www.jocogov.org/thebesttimes •

• June 2014

Recycling books and supporting the Library

Sizzlin’ Summer Book Sale Thursday-Friday June 11-13 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday June 14 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Great Mall of the Great Plains (near Burlington Coat Factory) 20700 W. 151st Street, Olathe Most items 25¢ to $3, some items specially priced.

By Marsha Bennett

or more than 25 years the Friends of the Library have operated book sales on behalf of the Johnson County Library. Volunteers sort books and audiovisual materials all year long that have been withdrawn from the Library’s collection and donated from the public. The funds generated by the sales support library adult and youth programs, author visits, summer reading clubs, staff training, promotional materials and the purchase of new materials. In recent years, the Library’s big book sales have occurred in donated space at Metcalf South Shopping Center, Overland Park. However, that mall is closing. This year’s Sizzlin’ Summer Sale will take place June 11-14 in a vacant storefront at the Great Mall of the Great Plains, Olathe. Approximately 100,000 items will be offered for sale, most for 25 cents to $3 with some items specially priced. Materials are sorted into easy to find categories. More than 200 volunteers will help with the sale. It is one of the community’s best recycling events, taking gently used books and making them available to the public at bargain prices, raising funds to support the Library. For information on how to donate items visit www. jocolibrary.org/friends or call 913-492-4791.

Marsha Bennett is community relations coordinator for the Johnson County Library. www.jocogov.org/thebesttimes •

• June 2014

the

Best Times

Independent Living & Retirement Communities

Options vary in choosing independent living or a retirement community

Pages 18-19

2014 Special Advertising Section www.jocogov.org/thebesttimes â&#x20AC;˘

â&#x20AC;˘ June 2014

Independent living offers many benefits

ou'll have your own space without the hassles of home maintenance. You’ll also maintain your privacy and independence. You can furnish your apartment with your own furniture and personal items and decide how you wish to spend your days and with whom. Most independent living facilities have built-in safety and security measures along with 24-hour staff, designed to reduce the worry that often comes from living alone. Moving to an independent living facility can open up an exciting new chapter in life, full of new experiences, new friendships, and new interests.

Source: A Place for Mom, offering free local assistance to help families locate senior housing. (APlaceForMom. com)

Options vary in living independently

ndependent living is simply any housing arrangement designed exclusively for seniors, generally those aged 55 and over. Housing varies widely, from apartment-style living to freestanding homes. In general, the housing is friendlier to older adults, often being more compact, with easier navigation and no maintenance or yard work to worry about. While residents live independently, most communities offer amenities, activities, and services. Often, recreational centers or clubhouses are available on site to give seniors the opportunity to connect with peers and participate in community activities, such as arts and crafts, holiday gatherings, continuing education classes, or movie nights. Independent living facilities may also offer facilities such as a swimming pool, fitness center, tennis courts, even a golf course or other clubs and interest groups. Other services offered in independent living may include onsite spas, beauty and barber salons, daily meals, and basic housekeeping and laundry services. Since independent living facilities are aimed at older adults who need little or no assistance with activities of daily living, most do not offer medical care or nursing staff. As with

•

regular housing, though, you can hire in-home help separately as required. Types of independent living facilities and retirement homes • Low-income or subsidized senior housing are senior housing complexes subsidized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for low-income seniors. • Senior apartment complexes are often restricted by age, usually 55 and older or 62 and older. Rent may include recreational programs, transportation services, and dining. • Retirement homes/retirement communities are groups of housing units restricted for those over a certain age, often 55 or 62. These housing units may be single-family homes, townhouses, or condominiums. Additional monthly fees may apply for outside maintenance or recreation. Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs). If you are relatively healthy now, but anticipate significant health problems down the line, you may want to consider a CCRC. These facilities offer a spectrum of care from independent living to nursing home care in the same community. Continued on next page

Independence Shines Here. Smile more. Clean less. At The Villas, we handle the maintenance headaches – so your only concern will be finding ways to enjoy your day. Let your independence shine. Call 913-266-8407 or visit VillageShalom.org

5500 West 123rd Street, Overland Park, KS 66209

2014 Special Advertising Section www.jocogov.org/thebesttimes •

• June 2014

Housing options vary in living independently

Continued from page 18

Choosing independent living or retirement facilities When choosing independent living, think about what is most important to you now and in the future. For example, if you value exercise, consider a community with an exercise area, pool, or fitness classes. You may like cooking your meals now, but want the option for communal meals in the future. Here are some aspects to consider: The people No matter what type of independent living facility you consider, you want to make sure you connect with peers and feel comfortable in the community. When you visit the area, talk with some of the residents. Are they people you’d like to know better? Are the staff friendly and accessible? If there is community dining, sample a meal if possible, and spend time interacting with other residents. Size and location of community There is no set size for an independent living community, so it’s up to you if you prefer a smaller size community or a busier place with more people and opportunities for socialization. Location is important. Most people prefer to be close to family and friends. Also, if you move to a new area, you’ll need to develop a new support network and find new medical care. Accessibility Take a look at how accessible the retirement facility is, both inside and outside. Do you feel safe coming and going at different hours of the day? Can you easily get to places within the facility and places you use frequently such as a library, store, church, park or medical services? In your potential housing unit, get a feel for future adaptability and accessibility. Check to see if adaptive devices like grab

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bars are present or can be easily installed in bathrooms. If you have a pet, are pets welcomed? Activities and amenities Can you participate in your favorite hobbies or interests? Is there a fitness center, game room, or coffee shop available onsite? What activities are available? Can you access classes and cultural events in the facility or nearby area? Costs and services There are a range of costs associated with independent living, based on facility services and amenities. The average monthly cost of independent living ranges from about $1,500 to $3,500. For most people, the expense will be covered by pension, savings, and the sale of your home and other assets. Ask about the initial investment and monthly fees if there are added fees for services on site. How many services are included, and how much does it cost to add on services if you need them later? Coping with a move to independent living Even if you’re looking forward to the increased social opportunities and companionship of a retirement community, you may still grieve for the loss of a home filled with memories or a neighborhood filled with familiar faces. Take some time to acknowledge these normal feelings of loss. Sometimes talking to family or friends, or a counselor or therapist can help. Remember that you’re not alone in this. Source: Help Guide is a non-profit organization offering expert, ad-free resources to empower you with the knowledge and encouragement you need to take charge of your life and make healthy choices. See Helpguide.org

you’ll find everything As your neighbor for 30 years, Overland Park Place offers everything you need for a healthy, independent lifestyle.

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2014 Special Advertising Section www.jocogov.org/thebesttimes •

• June 2014

E H A B I L I T A T I O N

the difference between finding somewhere you Icant’sstay, and somewhere you never want to leave. Contrary to what we’d like to believe, middle age doesn’t last forever. Perhaps it’s time we stopped being so afraid of getting old and cherished life for the remarkable journey it has been and that is still to come. For only then can we open our hearts and minds to experiencing the joys of everyday existence. The way we see it, it’s about living the whole of life. Something that, as the nation’s largest not-for-profit provider of senior care and services, we have made our daily mission. And our life’s work. To learn more about the services we offer, call Cedar Lake Village at (913) 780-9916 or Hoeger house at (913) 397-2900.

The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society provides housing and services to qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, disability, familial status, national origin or other protected statuses according to applicable federal, state or local laws. All faiths or beliefs are welcome. Copyright © 2013 The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society. All rights reserved. 13-G0770

2014 Special Advertising Section www.jocogov.org/thebesttimes •

• June 2014

When seconds count ... File of Life helps

aramedics at Johnson County MEDACT are prepared to respond to your home any time you are faced with sudden illness or injury, but have you done everything you can to prepare? Will you be able to communicate your past medical history, the list of medications you are taking and any life threatening allergies you may have? What happens when the illness or injury prevents you from being able to do so? This frightening scenario is all too common, so Johnson County MED-ACT has made the File of Life available to citizens at no charge. This simple tool allows patients to post a “mini medical history” via magnet on their refrigerator so paramedics have somewhere to look for this critical information. The front of the form contains demographic information and communicates patient preferences, including hospital of choice and whether or not an Out of Hospital Do Not Resuscitate form exists for the patient. The back of the form is where the patients can document the prescription medications they take, any current medical conditions they have, and medication allergies paramedics will need to know about. The form is then folded and placed in this magnet pocket for display

on the refrigerator. Here are just a few scenarios to consider: • Knowing that a patient is taking blood thinners such as Coumadin (warfarin), Pradaxa (dabigatran), or Plavix is critical for patients who have sustained a traumatic injury or may be suffering from a stroke. • Unconscious diabetic patients can be treated more efficiently and perhaps even avoid a trip to the hospital if their history of diabetes is documented. • Medication allergies can be life threatening, so sharing that information with paramedics helps prevent unnecessary complications during the course of treatment. Chances are there is something about your medical history or current medical status Paramedics would need to know. Johnson County MED-ACT is committed to ensuring the best possible outcomes for medical emergencies and the File of Life program is one tool to help achieve that goal. If you or someone you know would benefit from this program, please call 913-715-1981. Residents may also download the form from MED-ACT’s website at www.jocogov.org/medact.

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• June 2014

to your good health

Skin cancer: The most common cancer in U.S. By Crystal Futrell

Chronic skin inflammation or skin ulcers • Exposure to arsenic at work • Radiation therapy • Diseases that make the skin sensitive to the sun • Medical conditions or drugs that suppress the immune system • Family history of skin cancer The risk factors for developing melanoma are: • Severe, blistering sunburns earlier in life • Unusual moles (normally benign clusters of melanocytes) • Large quantity of ordinary moles (more than 50) • White or light-colored (fair) skin, especially with freckles. • Blond or red hair • Blue or green eyes • Being older than 20 years of age. Prevention • The best ways to reduce your risk of skin cancer are to: • Avoid outdoor activities during midday, when the sun’s rays are strongest • Wear protective clothing such as a wide-brimmed hat, long• long-sleeved shirt, and pants. • Darker-colored clothing is more protective against the sun than lighter-colored clothing • Wear sunglasses that wrap around the Continued to next page •

ancer. There are very few words in this world that can strike paralyzing fear into one’s heart. Cancer is definitely one of them. And skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 3.5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in this country alone each year. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are more common. Since they occur in the first upper two layers of our skin, they’re often easy to access, treat and cure when caught early. Melanoma, which occurs in the lowest layer of our epidermis, is a more serious cancer and harder to treat. How does skin cancer develop? Most cancers develop because DNA gets damaged. DNA is our cells’ main director. It tells the cells how to operate. Sometimes, we inherit a potential likelihood that our DNA will mutate and malfunction. More often, our environment or the environment we create for our body through food and/or drugs will influence the DNA to defect. And, when our immune systems have been impaired either through age, illness, medications or abuse, our bodies are less likely to defend and prevent these defections. Risk factors The risk factors for developing basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma are: • Scars or burns on the skin

www.jocogov.org/thebesttimes •

• June 2014

Early detection is important

When skin cancer is found early, it is more likely to be treated successfully. Therefore, it is important to know how to recognize the signs of skin cancer in order to improve the chances of early diagnosis. A change on the skin is the most common sign of skin cancer. This may be a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a change in an old growth. Also see a doctor if a mole is bleeding or if more moles appear around the first one. Most of the time, these signs are not cancer. Still, it is important to check with a doctor so that any problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. Don’t ignore your symptoms because you think they are not important or because you believe they are normal for your age. With just a few precautions, you can enjoy the warm summer sun and guard against skin cancer. The sun does, after all, give us beneficial nutrients. But as with most things in life, a little sunshine goes a long way — especially with an SPF 15 or higher.

Skin cancer: It’s the most common cancer in the nation

Early detection is important When skin cancer is found early, it is more likely to be treated successfully. Therefore, it is important to know how to recognize the signs of skin cancer in order to improve the chances of early diagnosis. A change on the skin is the most common sign of skin cancer. This may be a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a change in an old growth. Also see a doctor if a mole is bleeding or if more moles appear around the first one. Most of the time, these signs are not cancer. Still, it is important to check with a doctor so that any problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. With just a few precautions, you can enjoy the warm summer sun and guard against skin cancer. The sun does, after all, give us beneficial nutrients. But as with most things in life, a little sunshine goes a long way — especially with an SPF 15 or higher.

Continued from page 22

face or have large frames • Use lipscreen • Wear a “broad-spectrum” sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 protection Most skin cancers develop due to DNA damage from excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun, sunlamps, or tanning beds and booths. Using sunscreen is the best protection against UV light. The SPF of a sunscreen is the measure of time it takes to produce a sunburn in a person wearing sunscreen compared to the time it takes to produce a sunburn in a person not wearing sunscreen. Most people do not apply enough sunscreen. Dermatologist suggest applying one tablespoon of sunscreen to the face and one ounce of sunscreen — enough to fill a shot glass — to all other exposed areas of the body, adjusting amounts for larger body sizes, every two – three hours, or more often if swimming or sweating heavily. If using a sunscreen spray, apply until a heavy sheen can be seen on the skin.

Love in the Afternoon offers music & cuisine

wo programs of fine cuisine and exceptional music are planned during June as part of a series of lunch programs being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's 50 Plus Department. Both Love in the Afternoon programs begin at noon. The first program will take place on Friday, June 6, at the Lenexa Baptist Church, 15320 W. 87th Street Parkway, Lenexa. The other event is scheduled on Tuesday, June 10, at Colonial Presbyterian Church, 9500 Wornall, Kansas City, Mo. The cost for each two-hour program, including lunch and a show, is $14 per ticket, and must be purchased in advance by calling Shawnee Heartland Assisted Living at 913-248-6688.

Crystal Futrell, Johnson County Extension Agent in Family and Consumer Sciences, can be reached at 913-715-7000 or crystal.futrell@jocogov.org.

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www.jocogov.org/thebesttimes •

• June 2014

A cool, healthy summer treat Yogurt Parfait

Meal Size (a great breakfast or lunch) 1 cup fat free yogurt ½ cup whole grain dry cereal 1 cup fruit* Snack Size ½ cup fat free yogurt ¼ cup whole grain dry cereal ½ cup fruit* (*fresh, frozen, canned, whatever is handy) Directions Layer in a cup or bowl: yogurt, cereal, and fruit. Stir and enjoy. Nutrition Facts: Meal Size: 1 cup= 380 calories, 3.5g fat, 10mg cholesterol, 290g sodium, 75g carbohydrate, 4g fiber, 52g sugars, 14g protein, 10% vitamin A, 90% vitamin C, 50% calcium, 30% iron Snack Size: ½ cup= 190 calories, 2g fat, 5mg cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, 26g sugars, 7g protein, 4% vitamin A, 45% vitamin C, 25% Calcium, 15% iron

to your health

A guide to eco friendly exercising By Lisa Taranto

reen hasn’t always been good. Many years ago, green was mostly associated with envy or nausea. These days though, going green is considered a wise and thoughtful lifestyle choice, and being eco-friendly while working out can not only trim your body, but your carbon footprint as well. For seniors, being environmentally exercise conscious is easier than you think. A variety of workouts are natural, planet friendly, easy on the joints and inexpensive. In addition, product manufacturers are now producing green equipment and clothing, which makes it even easier to lessen your load on the environment. Here are some planet-pleasing workout ideas that will help you be green while keeping more green in your wallet. Get your shoes on! Walking outdoors is a perfect way to see, feel and breathe in our outdoor surroundings. All you need is a good pair of tennis shoes and depending on the weather, some comfortable clothing-preferably made from all-natural fibers. There is no better way to wrap yourself in Mother Nature and get healthy then to go for a long walk or light jog on a beautiful day. Take your pooch or your grandkids, too. Everyone will enjoy the scenery, and you didn’t have to power up an energy guzzling treadmill to get your body working. Two wheels are better than four! Cycling is earth friendly and easy on the knees. Anyone can benefit from a regular ride on a bike and instead of burning fossil fuel, you’ll be burning calories. Cycling outdoors is not only invigorating, but it can clear your mind and keep the air clearer, too. Think outside your regular fourwheels and bike to the store or around your neighborhood. Get close to nature Hiking can put you in touch with nature, increase agility and keep you mobile as you age. Relaxed and refreshing or strenuous and demanding, you can pick the pace and level of intensity of your hikes. Check out local trails and look for paths that are more suitable for seniors and family fun hikes. Steer clear of rocks and strenuous

hills and stick to established routes, so as not to disturb the untouched areas. Purge the plastic! If you want to cut down on the amount of plastic you partake in, get a quality reusable water bottle to carry everywhere. Aluminum or stainless steel water bottles can be purchased at almost any department store and can be sipped on for years to come. Get green gear Companies are bucking up when it comes to producing exercise products that are high performance and eco-friendly. Recycled fibers and newly-engineered, natural materials are becoming mainstream in the exercise world. Many colors and prints are manufactured including those made with organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, and more. Donate your stuff Probably the most eco-friendly gear comes from a garage sale or thrift store. If you think your old tennis shoes and workout pants have seen better days, someone else may think differently. Browse the newspaper for charities and groups that need partially used workout wear. Check out online sources for listings of organizations that accept old tennis shoes, sporting gear, and more for reuse or recycling. Wear it out Our excessive lifestyles may have made us a bit extravagant and wasteful over the years. Nobody says you have to look like you just stepped out of a gym commercial when you work out. Plus, wearing “worn” workout wear only says you use it! Exercise clothing is very resilient and will last for years, so wear it longer and more often. Have a planet party Lastly, why not organize a casual event to trade exercise clothing and gear with your friends or family. Have invitees bring several gently used items that no longer fit or just aren’t getting workout time. Trade your goods with someone else and not only will you be gaining a little motivation with some “new” workout wear, you will be saving the planet one pair of sneakers at a time. Lisa Taranto Butler is triple-certified by the American Council on Exercise as a personal trainer, lifestyle, and weight management coach, and group fitness instructor. She is the owner of FitChix KC in Leawood.

www.jocogov.org/thebesttimes •

• June 2014

inside story

Genealogical society traces roots in family trees By Joe Henderson

Brown, a member since 1978, coordinates a group of 20 volunteers who assist visitors with questions ver wonder what your ancestors were and help them use the computer programs and doing 300 or maybe 400 years ago? databases available for genealogy. Were they crossing the Delaware River “We also assist them in using the book colwith George Washington, dumping tea lections belonging to the society and the Central overboard in Boston Harbor, or were they conLibrary that are very helpful,” said Brown, who tent to leave exploring the New World to others? lives in Overland Park. That’s when genealogy steps in and turns “We have an obituary index for Johnson back time to shed light on our ancestors. County residents from 1977 to the present and a Carol Kuse, a member of the Johnson limited number from the 1880s through 1976. Our County Genealogical Society since the early members enjoy helping others develop an interest 1980s, found that two of her ancestors, John and in genealogy.” Elizabeth Proctor, were tried and convicted of The society’s crowning event is the annual witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692. Char Mitts is president of the society. October seminar featuring a nationally recognized “John was hanged on Aug. 19, 1692. Elizaspeaker. This year’s speaker is Craig Scott, presibeth also was sentenced to be hanged but was spared because she was dent and CEO of Heritage Books, Inc., a genealogical publishing firm pregnant and went to prison where her baby was born,” Kuse said. with more than 4,200 titles in print. The seminar will take place from “Elizabeth’s father had come to Massachusetts from London in 1635.” 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Ritz Charles Center, 9000 West 137th The Proctors were among 200 persons accused of witchcraft in Street, Overland Park. Salem during 1692-93. Twenty met the same fate as John Proctor. Later For more information about the Johnson County Genealogical colonists acknowledged it was all a mistake. Society go to info@jcgs.org. “If you go back far enough you’ll probably find many of your ancestors went through exciting times,” Kuse, the society’s librarian, said. Joe Henderson was a federal court reporter with The Kansas City Star for 40 years and is now a freelance writer. He lives in Overland Park. Some of her ancestors who landed in Massachusetts later moved west through Indiana and Illinois to Kansas where her great-greatgreat-grandmother settled in Ottawa in 1870. Kuse and her husband Bernie live in Prairie Village. Char Mitts, the society’s president, learned some of her ancestors also lived in the Salem area during the witchcraft trials. “Fortunately, they weren’t participants, just observers,” she said with a laugh. An ancestor of Mitts’ came over from England on the Mayflower. Another came from Ireland on the Fortune. The family settled in Massachusetts and all stayed in New England. Mitts was born in New Hampshire and moved to Olathe when her husband was transferred to Johnson County in 1995. “I was always fascinated by genealogy. When I was little, I loved listening to the adults in the family tell stories about our ancestors. I wanted to find out more about them but I didn’t know how to do it. That’s why, in 1996, I joined the Johnson County Genealogical Society,” she said. “Helping them get started is among the important things our society can do for people interested in genealogy. We are dedicated to providing technical and personal assistance and encouragement not only to our members but also to help others with workshops and seminars. We’re open to all who have an interest in genealogy and share our objectives.” The Johnson County Genealogical Society was founded in 1972 and now has 170 members, mostly Johnson County residents. The society meets the fourth Saturday of each month, except October and December, at 10 a.m. in the Johnson County Central Resource Library, 9875 West 87th Street, Overland Park. “Meetings last two hours,” Mitts said. “We serve coffee and donuts and discuss a variety of subjects relating to genealogy. We have a speaker at all meetings. We also take field trips.” The society maintains an information desk at the Central Library staffed by volunteers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the week. Barbara

www.jocogov.org/thebesttimes •

• June 2014

Census Bureau: Older population to nearly double

he nation's 65-and-older population is projected to reach 83.7 million in the year 2050, almost double in size from the 2012 level of 43.1 million, according to two reports from the U.S. Census Bureau. A large part of this growth is due to the aging of baby boomers (individuals born in the United States between mid-1946 and mid-1964), who began turning 65 in 2011 and are now driving growth at the older ages of the population. The first new report, “An Aging Nation: The Older Population in the United States,” looks at the demographic changes to the 65-and-older population that will comprise 21 percent of the U.S. population in 2050 and the impact that these changes will have on the composition of the total population. A second report, “The Baby Boom Cohort in the United States: 2012 to 2060,” focuses on the shifting size and structure of the baby boom population. These briefs use data from the 2012 national projections of the U.S. population. Older population growing more diverse Although the older population is not as racially and ethnically diverse as the younger population, it is projected to experience a substantial increase in diversity over the next four decades. • The 65-and-older population is projected to be 39.1 percent minority in 2050, up from 20.7 percent in 2012 • The 85-and-older population is projected to be 29.7 percent minority in 2050, up from 16.3 percent in 2012 Other findings • In 2012, there were 22 people 65 and older for every 100 work-

ing-age people in the U.S. By comparison, in 2030, there will be 35 people 65 and older for every 100 working-age people. This means there will be approximately three working-age people for every person 65 and older. • After 2030, the number of people 65 and older for every 100 working-age people in the U.S continues to increase slightly to 36 by 2050. • The proportion of the total population 65 and older is projected to increase in all developed countries between 2012 and 2030. Although the United States is projected to age over this period, it will remain one of the younger developed countries with only 20 percent of its population 65 and over in 2030. Baby Boomers The majority of the growth in the 65-and-older population is projected to occur between 2012 and 2030 as the baby boomers enter the older age group. • When the first of the baby boomers turned 65 in 2011, there were just under 77 million people in the baby boom ages. • The baby boom population is projected to drop to 60 million by 2030 and to only 2.4 million by 2060. • By 2060, the youngest baby boomers will be 96 years old. • In 2012, baby boomers comprised 24.3 percent of the U.S. population. • As baby boomers age, their share of the population is projected to decrease to 16.7 percent in 2030 and 3.9 percent in 2050.

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www.jocogov.org/thebesttimes •

• June 2014

Smart steps help second-timers in marriage By Sandi Weaver

f you said “I will” during the holidays, you may be tying the knot soon. For many, it’s the second time. Planning for that second wedding also foretells big changes for your financial planning. • Talk to your partner and agree to consult an attorney for a legal pre-nuptial agreement, where you each disclose your assets and debts. This ensures you’re not combining your pile of assets with a “surprise!” pile of debts. We work for one couple who retired at different times because the one with fewer savings had to continue working, and the other with far more assets retired quite early. • Decide which assets, if any, you’re going to commingle. As a general rule, if you add your new partner’s name to an asset or move it into a joint trust, you may only get half of it back if divorce comes later on down the road. Keeping only your name on an investment account, and ensuring you’re the only one depositing into it, retains your right to the asset in most cases. A widowed client “Tina” recently decided to marry “Tom.” Tina is a journalist, and

Positive Aging Expo to offer local resources

he upcoming Positive Aging Expo will showcase programs abd resources for positive, purposeful aging and keeping one’s self happy, healthy, and active. The free public event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 14 at the Jewish Community Campus, 5801 West 115th Street, Overland Park. The expo is being sponsored by Jewish Family Services of Greater Kansas City and co-sponsored by Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph. The Best Times is the official media sponsor for the Positive Aging Expo. More information is available by calling 913-327-8239 or 816659-8259, emailing dherbet@ jfskc.org or mburgin@ccharities. com, or visiting www.jfskc.org.

has an adult son, a house, a car, a pension, and investments from her late husband’s life insurance. She decided to not commingle the investment accounts from her late husband’s life insurance. • Call your property and casualty insurance agent. Our client Tina has her homeowners and auto insurance with one company, but Tom uses another. They will likely get a discount if they combine policies under one insurer. Make sure your umbrella liability policy covers both parties’ activities and assets. • Visit with your CPA about taxes. You and your partner may lose some deductions after you’re married. If Tom has high medical expenses, he can only deduct the amount over 10 percent of income. Once they’re married, combining incomes makes that hurdle rate even higher. • Estate planning addresses who gets an asset when you die. Before her plans to get married, Tina was leaving all of her assets to her son if she met an untimely death. She might decide that the house should be kept for Tom’s use during his lifetime, and at his death later on, the house will go to

her son. • Reconsider who makes financial and health decisions for you if you’re incapacitated. You should visit your estate planning attorney to update these legal documents. • Finally, if you remarry before age 60, you’ll lose Social Security’s widow’s benefits, if that applies. Calculate how much this really is. Tina could collect benefits at age 60. But starting at 60 reduces the amount by as much as 29 percent. Because Tina still works, Social Security will take back $1 of benefits for every $2 over $15,480, reducing her benefit more. Plus she plans to retire at 62. Her loss for two years may be minimal. If Tom collects Social Security benefits now, those may be taxed more than they are now when his filing status is single. Benefits are taxed when the modified income for single taxpayers is over $25,000, but it only rises to $32,000 for those filing joint. If Cupid’s arrow flies again for you, review the financial planning implications. Take smart steps to start your life as a couple.

Sandi Weaver, CPA, is with Financial Security Advisors in Prairie Village.

The pieces come together at Mission Square to create a beautiful, enriching retirement lifestyle! Mission Square’s residents are hosting a quilt show to share their own distinctive works of art – one-of-a-kind handmade quilts. While you’re here, enjoy tasty treats prepared by Mission Square’s fabulous chefs and take a tour of our beautiful, thoughtfully designed community.

Mission Square Quilt Show

Wednesday, June 11 • 1:00 p.m. Please call 913-403-8200 to RSVP.

Mission square...

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www.mission-square.com www.jocogov.org/thebesttimes •

• June 2014

book review

Elisabeth Shelton: Lifelong passion takes root in garden Time and the Gardener: Writings on a Lifelong Passion By Elisabeth Sheldon Reviewed by Barbara Watkins

n the first day of spring, I raked leaves and pruned shrubs under the careful supervision of the robins and rabbits, who had minded my gardens over the winter. My septuagenarian body felt virtuous but a little sore. I also surveyed what I had planted last summer and watched the first flowers of spring – crocus, tulips, “naked ladies,” daffodils, pulmonaria, columbine, and my favorites, trout lilies – starting to peek above ground. Of course, the dandelions, smilax, and star of Bethlehem – my most detested weeds – are way ahead of them. Over the long winter, I forgot the names of several plants. One source I turn to for information and inspiration is Time and the Gardener: Writings on a Lifelong Passion by Elisabeth Sheldon (Beacon Press, 2003, pbk.). Sheldon is an octogenarian who has owned a nursery and written books and articles about gardening over several decades. She lives and gardens in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. This book is divided into three parts: “What I’ve Learned over Time,” “Timeless Plants—Some of My Favorites,” and “Gardeners of Other Times.” Sheldon quickly reminds her readers that gardens change over time – as do gardeners: “If we were infallible, and if there were no beasts or bad weather, and if perennials were really perennial, how bored we would get looking at the same scene year after year!” I found the chapter on gardening in the woods helpful, since my gardens are surrounded by a forest of black walnut, oak, and sycamore trees. She asserts that woodland plants are “more restrained . . . more elegant, more refined” than most sunny border plants. In her garden “East meets West:” Japanese columbine mingles with European ginger. She provides a useful list of native plants for woodland gardens, which give us pleasure all year round. I didn’t discover the merits of shrubs until I was in my mid-60s and I still have a lot to learn. Sheldon emphasizes that shrubs provide useful garden structure, especially deciduous varieties. I have come to love my

hydrangea, viburnum, lilacs, japonica, and Black Knight caryopteris. Sheldon makes astute comparisons between spring and fall gardening: “In the spring everything needs to be done at once – now – and can’t wait.” You won’t catch “any gardener sitting on a bench in spring!” Fall, on the other hand, is the time for “leisurely gardening, for pottering about in the warm sun, in the cool golden air. No bugs, no perspiration, no frenzy.” In her section on plants that pass the test of time, she discusses astilbe, border clematis, chrysanthemum, columbine, gaura, lysimachia, penstemon, and nepetas, among others. Sheldon believes that purple flowers pass several tests: they bring out “the best in the colors of neighboring plants” and combine well with “hot colors.” “Variegated plants seem to have something in common with succulents: people either love them or loathe them,” says Sheldon. Although I love my variegated hosta, pulmonaria, Japanese painted fern, and other multicolored flowers, I have been brought to my knees in defeat trying to remove the invasive chameleon variegata. Sheldon was, too: “I haven’t used Roundup on it, but that’s what will be needed for the final solution.” As a history buff, I enjoyed the section on gardeners of other times, especially Gertrude Jekyll and Jane Loudon. Jekyll respected the old cottage gardens of the working people and sought to preserve their character. Loudon was the first professional woman garden writer. As a late learner herself, she “knew exactly what other amateurs needed to know.” She spoke “clearly and directly.” “A spade was a spade and manure was manure.” Sheldon says, “The best recommendation I can give to those who have taken up the delightful, absorbing, intensely gratifying, maddening, and exhausting activity of gardening is to dig, plant, weed, work, and . . . read, read, read. To be glad and grateful when something works out and not to grieve too much when it doesn’t.” As another “weeding woman,” I, too, can assert that there is nothing more fun and rewarding than gardening. Barbara Watkins is an avid and accomplished gardener, birder, and director of outdoor excursions with friends. She lives in Lawrence. www.jocogov.org/thebesttimes •

• June 2014

Weekend with Warriors event to occur June 14

Weekend with Warriors, a special event to honor local veterans and allowing children and students to hear their stories, is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at the New Century AirCenter near Gardner. The event will take place at the Commemorative Air Force Hangar, New Century Airport, 6 Aero Plaza, and includes historic and current aircraft on display. Tickets are: Adults - $3, children (8-17) - $2; children (Under 7) – free; families - $5 The Commemorative Air Force Museum will be open and free to all attendees. Featured guests will be veterans from World War II who will be exhibiting their memorabilia, sharing their personal military experiences, and signing autographs. They along with veterans from other wars will be honored at a special ceremony, beginning at noon. Education exhibits include officials from U.S. military academies, universities and colleges, and university ROTC programs. Career exhibits feature professionals from veteran and military organizations who will explain career paths and opportunities for youths. Career development exhibits feature youth organizations exhibiting their programs. Participants include Civil Air Patrol units and Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops. Other activities include: • Radio-controlled aircraft from local model aircraft clubs. • Free flights for youths 8-17 years of age by the Experimental Aircraft Association. If you are interested in flying, send your name to thehopeschris@gmail.com (Subject: Young Eagles). Young Eagles flights start at 8:30 a.m. but are contingent upon weather/wind conditions. Parent or legal guardian must be present. Weather cancellation: Check www. kansascityaog.com for last minute inclement weather cancellation. More information: 913-894-8887.

kitchen table money talk

Downsizing home: A tempting thought in retirement By Gene Meyer

uddenly there seems like a lot more house to take care of now that the kids are grown and gone. Maybe shoveling that last six inches of polar vortex off the driveway last winter seemed like more work than before or more spring yard work is harder to keep up with. But downsizing can seem daunting, too. There are obvious questions to deal with. Where do you go? What do you do with your current home and how much hassle might that be? And what do you do with your stuff? Where do you start? Big questions come quickly when you weigh such a change, said Alex Petrovic Sr.,owner of Petrovic Financial Services, a Kansas City financial planning firm. “You need to consider how far do you want to move away from support groups built up over the years. How financially possible is the move? Do you want to leave your home as part of your legacy to your family?” Petrovic said. “Those all are questions for which the answers will differ for everyone.” Answering such questions essentially comes down to a matter of comparisons, said Sandi Weaver, owner of Financial Security Advisors, a financial planning firm in Prairie Village. “You make lists of what is going to be

new and what is going to be gone when you make the change,” Weaver said. The lists will get long, she said. You will need to consider your mortgage costs now versus what they will be if you move. Your homeowners’ association fees probably will change, especially if you move into a condominium. You may face a variety of repair costs to prepare your current home for the market and you almost certainly will spend money on your new home to fine tune changes you want there. You will also run into expenses for disposing of household goods you aren’t taking – whether that means organizing an estate sale or just calling someone to haul stuff away. Packing up what you are taking with you, hauling it to your new home and unpacking it there will be another expense. And for many empty nesters, those expenses likely will be different than when it was easier just to pack a U-Haul, Weaver said. “Your insurance costs could change, too, if you are moving to a different part of town or into a condo where coverage is different from regular homeowners’ coverage,” Weaver said. Also, sales, property and other taxes likely will change – perhaps significantly if you cross the Missouri-Kansas border, she said. “And if you are going into assisted living,

It’s time to take a hike

n intergenerational program being offered on Saturday, June 7, at Ernie Miller Park allows children ages two to six with a grandparent, parent or guardian to explore park trails as the sun sets. The program begins at 7 p.m. The park is located at 909 North Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe. Participants will listen for nocturnal sounds such as the cricket’s chorus and the barred owl’s call and then gather around for stories, songs, and a tasty treat. They should bring a flashlight. An adult must register with each child. The cost for the 90-minute session is $7 per person, including adults, for Johnson County residents or $8 per person for nonresidents. Preregistration is required. For more information or to register, call 913-831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the district's website at www.jcprd.com.

Come See Us! Nottingham Health & Rehabilitation will offer all of the comforts of home while you receive top quality rehabilitative care from our highly trained and specialized staff.

Stay up to date on this project’s developments, please LIKE our Facebook page facebook.com/atNottingham

14200 W. 134th Place, Olathe, Kansas 66062

913.322.3111

www.nottinghamhealthandrehab.com

www.jocogov.org/thebesttimes •

• June 2014

you may have to pay extra for a second parking spot if you still will be using two cars,” Weaver said. But navigating the rapidly moving stream of questions you encounter is doable, said Suzanne Willey, community relations director at the Aberdeen Village retirement community in Olathe. “We often talk a lot about small step approaches,” Willey said. Think, for instance, of what really would change if you make such a move, she advises: “It may not really be downsizing if the kids are gone and you really aren’t living in five bedrooms anymore.” “Also, determine what the criteria are that you want your new community to meet and visit your potential choices often,” Willey said. And finally, it may be possible to test drive some of your potential choices if that will help you decide, she said. Communities, such as Aberdeen, increasingly offer two- or three-day staycations in available units for potential residents to explore what the community offers. “You have to be better planners now than you were five or 10 years ago,” Willey said.

Gene Meyer, a Fairway resident, is a former staff reporter at The Wall Street Journal and The Kansas City Star.

Mobile vet van stops in Olathe

or the convenience of local veterans, the Veterans Administration Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) is making monthly stops at American Legion Post 153, 410 East Dennis, Olathe, to provide out-patient care and medical services. The MMU visits Olathe from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday and the first Thursday of each month. It is an extension of the Kansas City Veterans Administration Center; is staffed by a nurse practitioner, a RN, and a LPN; and is in satellite communications with doctors at the VA hospital. The unit can provide many of the out-patient services, such as blood testing, that veterans must now make the trip to the VA hospital to receive. These customized vehicles are equipped with confidential counseling space and a state-ofthe-art communication package to provide more accessible VA services to areas with a high veteran population. Mobile Medical Units are equipped “of-

fices on wheels” with the capacity to provide emergency support for disasters. Each motor coach houses a satellite dish that connects to communications and audio-visual equipment, six phone lines, a fax line, notebook computers, four encrypted computer lines, and a wireless network. For additional information and to schedule an appointment call 816-922-2977 or 800-525-1482 ext. 52977. If no answer, call 816-590-2356 A representative of the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs (KCVA) will be available to provide information on veteran benefits and to assist in preparing the applications. A KCVA official is also at American Legion Post 153 from 1:30-4 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month. For information and to schedule an appointment with Brian Kronewitter, KCVA veterans service representative, call 913-3715968 or e-mail kcvaop1@gmail.com

Digital Non-Occluding OPEN EAR......................$895 Custom Digital in ear........$695 Custom Digital in canal....$795

A SALUTE TO

JOHNSON COUNTY’S

VETERANS in cooperation with Americans Remembered

Richard Behne Shawnee Korea, Navy, served 19551959, trained as Seabee, served in New York City and Argencia, Newfoundland for building and construction maintenance. Jim “Mac” McCoy Overland Park WW II, Navy, electricians mate second class, electronics repair in bases at New Guinea, Philippines, and Guam. Served 19441946. Tom Stevens Overland Park Korea, Air Force, B29 tail gunner, Bombing Korea from Okinawa, 27 combat missions, served 19511955, staff sergeant, Air Medal. Tom Bartkoski Shawnee WW II, Army, 1942-1946, 96th Infantry Division, forward observer, Philippines and Okinawa, Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman Badge. Bruce Lambert Lenexa WW II, Navy, seaman first class, signalman, On LSM-455, Philippines, Guam, invasion of Okinawa, Japan. Served 19431946. Russ Gustafson Mission WW II, Army, 79th Infantry Div. , HQ Battery, 310th Field Artillery Bn., corporal, Wireman, landed Normandy D + 10. The Best Times features veterans each month. Some vets outside Johnson County are featured when their family members are Johnson County seniors. To suggest a vet’s name, including yours, contact Gary Swanson: call 913-744-8282 or email gswanson@kc.rr.com.

www.jocogov.org/thebesttimes •

• June 2014

elder law

Kansas act addresses landlord and tenant relationships By Alexandra R. English

f you are not a homeowner, then you must be a renter. If you are renting a house or an apartment, then you have a landlord. But what happens when you have a conflict with your landlord? Almost nothing is as stressful as being displaced, or being threatened to be displaced, from your residence. The Kansas Landlord Tenant Act is the body of laws in Kansas that governs the landlord/tenant relationship. Before entering into a landlord/tenant relationship, the most important thing you can do is to put your rental agreement in writing. If you do not have a written agreement, KSA 58-2545 states, “unless the rental agreement fixes a definite term, the tenancy shall be week-to-week, in the case of a roomer who pays weekly rent, and in all other cases month-to-month.” While the typical rental agreement provides for a 12-month term, the law only provides for a maximum month-to-month tenancy without a written agreement. Thus, under a month-tomonth arrangement, even if you pay your rent, if your landlord informs you that this is the last month you will be able to stay in the residence, then you must find another place to live on very short notice. For a senior citizen on a fixed income, moving on short notice can be a daunting, if not impossible,z task. Alternatively, if you inform your landlord in writing that you intend to vacate the premises at the end of the month, nothing prevents you from doing so and you owe the landlord no additional rent money. However, it is always best to protect yourself by putting your rental agreement in writing. Before you sign your lease, you should know what the Kansas Landlord Tenant Act says about security deposits. KSA 58-2550 states that a landlord cannot charge more than one month’s rent for a security deposit. If you are renting an already furnished apartment, then the landlord can charge an additional deposit of up to a half month’s rent. If you have pets and the rental agreement allows pets, then the landlord can charge an additional deposit of up to one half of the month’s rent. If your landlord charges more than this for a security deposit, then you should reconsider whether you really want to enter into an agreement with this landlord. Leases normally require you to pay your rent by the first of the month, and the lease may even give you a couple days’ grace period in the event your rent is late. Late fees may be associated with this. But what happens if you

fail to pay your rent? KSA 58-2564 governs this situation. If you fail to pay your rent, your landlord can give you what is called a three-day notice. This means that upon receiving written notice from the landlord, you have three days to pay the rent in full and any associated late fees. If you do not, then your landlord may begin eviction proceedings against you. Once eviction proceedings are commenced, you will be served with a notice of the lawsuit. You must appear in court at the date and time of the hearing. It is also best to submit an answer to the court admitting or denying the allegations contained in the petition. If you have a counterclaim against your landlord (if you think they owe you money, or if you think they are breaching a duty owed to you), then you should assert it with your answer to the petition. It is always best to be represented by an attorney in these situations. It is the only way to ensure that your rights are being preserved. If you fail to answer the petition and if you fail to appear, then your landlord will receive a default judgment against you. This means that you essentially waived all rights to participating in the action against you so, by default, your landlord wins. Whether it is by default or whether the judge enters a decision in favor of your landlord, the judge will sign a Writ of Restitution, requiring the sheriff to remove you from the premises in no less than 14 days. After the sheriff comes to remove you, you will be locked out and not allowed to return. Accordingly, if the judge rules against you, it is best that you begin moving out immediately. If you win the eviction case and if the judge allows you to stay, it can be surmised that the relationship between you and your landlord is irretrievably broken. While it is always in your best interests to fight an eviction case, as an eviction could prevent you from finding suitable alternate housing, even if you win you will likely want to find another place to live. Once the relationship between the landlord and tenant is damaged, the landlord may try to find other ways to force you to move. At the very least, the landlord would likely decline to renew your lease. If you would like to read the Kansas Landlord Tenant Act, you can visit http://www. kshousingcorp.org/SharedFiles/Download.aspx?pageid=115&mid=512&fileid=371. Another good source of information on is the Tenant’s Handbook on the Kansas Legal Services website at http://www.kansaslegalservices.org/files/ THB.pdf. Alexandra English is an elder law attorney with Kansas Legal Services, Inc.

www.jocogov.org/thebesttimes •

• June 2014

Your Chairman Chairman Ed Eilert Phone: 913-715-0500 Email Ed.Eilert@jocogov.org

Your Commissioners C. Edward Peterson 1st District Phone: 913-715-0431 Email Ed.Peterson@jocogov.org

Jim Allen 2nd District Phone: 913-715-0432 Email Jim.Allen@jocogov.org

Steve Klika 3rd District Phone: 913-715-0433 Email Steve.Klika@jocogov.org

Jason L. Osterhaus 4th District Phone: 913-715-0434 Email Jason.Osterhaus@jocogov.org

Michael Ashcraft 5th District Phone: 913-715-0435 Email

Michael.Ashcraft@jocogov.org

John Toplikar 6th District Phone: 913-715-0436 Email John.Toplikar@jocogov.org

The weekly public business sessions of the Johnson County Board of Commissioners begin at 9:30 a.m. on Thursdays in the Johnson County Administration Building, 111 S. Cherry Street, in downtown Olathe. Live coverage of the meetings is viewable each week over the Internet through the county’s main website at www.jocogov. org.

memories

Remember D-Day on the Normandy beaches

By Nancy Julien Kopp

s we approach the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion of Normandy, our visit there in the spring of 2013 keeps coming to mind. My husband and I were nearing the end of a river cruise in France which brought us from Paris to Normandy, famed for its Norman cows and fine dairy products as well as being the place where the Allied invasion began during World War II. We’d spend a full day at the D-Day beaches of Normandy, something Ken and I had looked forward to since booking our sightseeing trip months earlier. We were not the only ones looking forward to this day when we would view the beaches where the landing took place on June 6, 1944. The ensuing battle resulted in the Allied Forces turning the tide of the long-fought war that threatened so many, not only in France but other countries as well. Being mostly senior citizens, the people in our tour group knew the history of the battle well. There was none of the usual chatter and good-natured teasing on this day. We were a solemn, respectful group as we were introduced to our local tour guide. Her scarf whipped wildly in the strong wind, and like us, she wore hat, gloves, and a warm coat. The skies were gray which somehow seemed fitting for this place where the remnants of battle and death remained even these 69 years after the fact. The pillboxes where the German artillery faced the beaches remain today. I slipped and slid down a muddy incline to see inside one where parts of the big guns remained. Looking out to the beaches, I was immediately struck by the incongruity of those in the pillboxes versus the men on the open beaches on that summer morning so long ago. An old cliché seemed most fitting. They were “sitting ducks.” The Allied Forces came to liberate France from German occupation, to push the German forces back to their own country. The Canadians landed at Juno Beach, the British at Sword and Gold Beach. Our American troops came ashore at both Omaha and Utah Beach. Paratroopers landed first followed by amphibious landing craft manned by Navy and Coast Guard personnel. Thousands of men with one goal— take the beaches and move on. Gnawing fear must have been in the belly of each man but they surged forward with many falling on the beach. More than a thousand died on Omaha Beach alone. Others continued to dodge the constant gunfire and scaled precarious cliffs to reach the German strongholds. As the tour guide talked, I thought of the men I knew who had fought in this war of so long ago—my uncle who had been an Air Force pilot, my best friend’s uncle who had endured the hardships of a prison camp, and my dad’s cousin whose plane blew to pieces before he could escape. I thought of my father-in-law who served in Paris after the liberation and came home safely thanks to the courage of the men who fought on D-Day, those who carried General Eisenhower’s order with them. “Full victory – nothing else.” Our tour guide told us of a U.S. Army veteran who had

been on another of her tours. On the morning of the invasion, he was in a landing craft that held 32 men. Thirty-one of them were violently seasick. By the time they landed, they were covered in vomit with no choice but to rush the beach and dodge the artillery fire. That was only one of nearly 7,000 boats that hit the five beaches early that morning. Our next stop was the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, located not far from the beaches. In gratitude, the government of France granted use of the land, in perpetuity, as a permanent burial ground. We walked through the immaculate grounds. Nearly 10,000 American soldiers are buried here, a Latin cross or a Star of David marking each grave. We gathered in the light rain at the memorial area which features a 22-foot statue called “The Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves.” A representative from the cemetery addressed our group before leading a short ceremony to honor those who had sacrificed so much in this place. Everyone faced the wildly waving American flag, hand on hearts. Cold raindrops mixed with the warm tears that fell as I listened to a recording of our national anthem followed by a volley of gunshots and finally the playing of “Taps.” The lump in my throat would allow me no words, nor were any needed. As the group dispersed, Ken and I walked to the edge of the cemetery close to the sea. The rain had finally ceased. We gazed at the gray sky and the gray water, empty now save for the ghosts of 69 years earlier. We have heard about the Normandy beaches and D-Day for most of our lives. We’ve seen pictures, watched movies depicting that day. But being there and hearing the personal stories brought reality like nothing else. At home, we fly our American flag with pride every June 6th to honor those who fought and those who didn’t come home. After visiting Normandy, that day will take on even greater significance. Veterans of the D-Day battle dwindle year by year. Before long, there will be none left, so it will be up to the next generation and the next to keep the memory alive. It is my great hope that this year’s 70th anniversary will spark some interest among all ages for this commemorated day. Nancy Julien Kopp is a senior writer who lives in Manhattan, Kan.

www.jocogov.org/thebesttimes •

he right therapy Tin the right place. To learn more about our rehab therapy services, call (913) 397-2900.

All faiths or beliefs are welcome.

• June 2014

your June classifieds Publishing of classified advertising does not constitute agreement or endorsement by this newspaper or Johnson County Government.

SERVICES PROVIDED Ironing and Alterations. Please call Domi at 913-642-2421. Computer Training For Seniors SenCom (Senior Computer Users Group of KC) is offering three-hour computer workshops sponsored by Shawnee Parks and Recreation. Workshops are hands-on, senior paced, with plenty of help. They are held at 6535 Quivira. Mays offerings include: Advanced Word, Windows 7, Internet Basic, Introduction To Computer, and Computer Maintenance. We are also offering an I-Pad workshop On May 20, 2014. This class will be Offered from 1:00-4:00 at the Shawnee Civic Center. For more information or to register, call 913-631-5200. SenCom, a user’s group for seniors also offers monthly meetings including Q & A sessions and presentations on a topic related to computer use. Our monthly meeting place is the Carmack Room at the Central Library For more information call Teresa at 913-2067017, or visit us on the Web at www. kcsenior.net. Budget Tree Service, LLC. Trimmed, shaped, or removed. Shrubs shaped or removed. Fence rows cleaned. No job too small. Licensed, insured. 913-593-7386. Free estimates. Budgettreeservicekc.com. Complete Residential Services. Electrical, plumbing repairs, interior and exterior painting, driveway sealing and repair, expert textured ceiling or wall repair. Free estimates and references available. Call Rich at 913522-8325. DEAN’S PRO PAINTING: 25 + years experience; insured, fast, clean, reliable, quality work; interior/exterior; residential/ commercial power-washing, wallpaper removal; drywall & plaster repair, faux work; texture matching; crown & trim work; custom colors. References available. Call Dean at 913-322-9089 or 913-944-3769. Johnson County Home Service Plumbing Co. Free service call for any plumbing in your home with this ad! Servicing Johnson County for over 50 years. JCHS is a division of Reddi Root’r Systems. Trust earned the old-fashioned way! Angie’s List Super Award winner. Member Better Business Bureau. www.jocoplumbing.com or 913-439-1700. Computer Help Personalized. All questions answered! Please ask! Internet, email, printers, virus removal, lost files, slow computers, instruction. Even help with camera, phone, TV, more! Patience is our virtue. 913-558-8111.

CPR Computing. For all your computer needs. Virus and spyware removal, Windows repair and installation, upgrades, software and hardware training, new PC consultation, and networking. Call Rich Armstrong at 913-522-8325. Fast, friendly, and very affordable. Glen’s Installs and Handyman Service. 25 years as experienced owner/installer. No job too small. Windows, doors, bathroom and kitchen remodeling, electrical and plumbing repairs. Home 913-764-0520; cell phone 816-260-5024. References available. www. glensinstalls.com. Lawn Mowing and Landscape. Honest, Reliable and Reasonable. Call Kurt at Kaw Lawns, 816-896-7354. Swalms Organizing Service. Reduce clutter and enjoy an organized home! Basement, attic, garage, shop, storage rooms—any room organized. Belongings sorted, boxed, and labeled. Items hauled for recycling, items donated, trash bagged. For before-and-after photos, please see www. swalmsorganizing.com. Over 20 years of organizing experience, insured. Call Tillar: 913-375-9115. Help From A Friend. Mowing, Gutter Cleaning, Leaf Cleanup, Planting, Weeding, Pruning, Trimming, Shrub Removal, Tree Removal, Mulch, Landscape Edging, Foundation Topsoil, Sod, Seeding, Fertilizing, Weed Control, Aerating, Verticutting, Lawn Patching, Organizing, House Cleaning, Window Cleaning, Moving Help, Painting, Junk Removal, Snow Removal. BBB Accredited Business, “A” Rating. Gift Cards Available. 913-980-8686. HelpFromAFriend.com (See us in the “At Your Service” section in this issue.) Mowing, yard cleanup, shrub, tree trimming, gutter cleanup, landscaping, and hauling. Free estimates. Senior citizen discounts. Octavian’s Lawn Care, 913-5303536, www.octavianslawncare.com.

MG Home Repair and Improvement. All around the home repairs. Carpentry, lighting, plumbing, concrete repairs, deck and fence repair, power washing, staining and sealing, interior and exterior painting. Experienced, quality workmanship; senior discounts; free estimates; insured. Call Michael in Shawnee, 913-486-9040. Adult painting classes now forming. Have fun while making new friends in a small creative painting environment designed for all skill levels. No prior experience necessary, contact Carole, at 913-825-1307. Visit my website at caroleabla.com. AM/PM Technology DAY/NIGHT PC, Apple and Android Service (including computers, tablets and smart phones.) We come to your home. Same low rates and senior discounts for all services. 913-385-2676. For 19 years we have been the #1 resource for helping seniors in Johnson County to install new PCs, get rid of viruses, resolve e-mail issues, repair equipment, set up wireless networks and handle related issues. To learn more, schedule a visit or ask for free advice, call Joe, John, Doug or Patrick at 913-3852676. “We speak English.” Mister Green Landscaping & Lawncare - Family owned and operated. We offer competitive prices with excellent service. We are a one-stop business for your lawn needs. Mowing, Cleanups, Landscaping, Mulch, Tree Trimming & Removal, Irrigation Repairs, New Installations, Drain Solutions, Patios, Retaining Walls, Yard work, Concrete Work and Snow Removal. FREE ESTIMATES, FREE MOWING ask for details. Quick service, 10+ years’ experience, licensed & insured. 913-707-2551. SECRETARIAL SERVICES: “FLYING FINGERS”, 913-432-0907: Since 1997, fast (80 wpm), confidential, friendly! Novels, correspondence, legal & medical documents, dictation, Internet research, bulk mailings, spreadsheets…Superb writing, spelling & grammar skills, $16-$18/hr; jdrake3@kc.rr. com.

at your service Classified ads must be submitted in writing and with payment by the eighth day of the month for the following month’s issue. The rate is $30 for up to 20 words and $.55 per additional word. (Minimum, $30). To have your business card included in this advertising section, business cards must be submitted by the eighth day of the month for the following month’s issue. To either place a classified ad or insertion of your business card: Email: TheBestTimes@jocogov.org, www.jocogov.org /thebesttimes •

Help From A Friend Helping Older Adults with the Most Common Improvement Maintenance & Repair Services 25% - 50% Less Than Typical Service Providers

Mowing Pruning Organizing Seeding Gutter Clean Trimming House Clean Fertilizing Leaf Cleanup Shrub Removal Weed Control Window Clean Planting Tree Removal Moving Help Aerating Weeding Mulch / Edging Painting Verticutting Snow Removal Topsoil / Sod Lawn Patching Junk Removal Gift Cards Available

• June 2014

913.980.8686

HelpFromAFriend.com

your June classifieds SERVICES PROVIDED Professional Window Washing. Residential/ store fronts. Insured and bonded. FREE ESTIMATES. Over 40 year’s experience, contact GENE JACKSON, 913-593-1495. Affordable Long-Term Care Insurance. Includes home health care and assisted living. Arvin Pfefer, 913-722-7200 or arvinonline. com. Best on the Block Interior and Exterior Painting. Licensed and insured. For free estimate, call Troy at 913-424-6346. Cleaning “Maid Simple.” Residential house cleaning. Reasonable and dependable. Johnson County area. Call Denise Carter. 913-563-5883. Free estimates. Brick, Block and stone all work guaranteed. I am insured and have forty year’s experience. Call Paul 913-302-7297 Day or 913-321-0431 Night. Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management and transportation to the elderly and disabled in their home, assisted living or skilled nursing facility. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at 913-341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Debbie or Gary. Nancy’s Cleaning. Residential house cleaning. Free estimates, 29 years of experience. Reliable and affordable. Serving Lenexa, Prairie Village and Overland Park areas. Call 913-515-1541.

Glen’s Installs and Handyman Service. 25 years as experienced owner/installer. No job too small. Windows, doors, bathroom and kitchen remodeling, electrical and plumbing repairs. Home 913-764-0520; cell phone 816-260-5024. References available. www. glensinstalls.com. HANDYMAN PRO, LLC - Repair, Remodel, Renew. Bathrooms, painting, decks, yard work, sheetrock repair, grab bars, ramp building. Call Tom for free estimate. 913-4887320. Handymanprokc.com. House need a face lift? I’m a painter and wallpaper hanger. Also do light construction, electrical, plumbing, tile layment and wood working. Call Tom Barnekoff at 913-7225562. Doggie Day Care and Boarding at All Things Dogs KC. Pets are not caged and they stay in a home atmosphere that’s on two acres fenced. Call Kim at 816-719-1339. AFFORDABLE IN-HOME CARE. Screened & Bonded Caregivers. Transportation. Bathing/ Toileting Assistance. Light Housekeeping. Meal Preparation. Alzheimer’s Specialists & More! Call 913-747-4246. Interior painting, wallpaper/popcorn texture removal. Reasonable, reliable, quality work. Free estimates. Call Bob at 913-486-7484.

ITEMS FOR SALE Mink coats, size 10-12, Lite brown-blonde color, Alaskan Fur co. appraisals. Full and waist length. Call Nancy, 913-302-8467.

MAUSOLEUM FOR SALE, with Plaque. At Johnson County Memorial Gardens. Lovely location. Price negotiable. Contact siasj@att. net or call 816-516-1962.

AVAIL ABLE HOUSING Time flies! Start planning now to get more than you pay for in an affordable, faith-friendly home. Now accepting applications for our waiting list: Olathe Towers and College Way Village. 913-782-6131. Equal Housing Opportunity. All faiths or beliefs welcome.

ITEMS WANTED $ $ $ WANTED: ESTATE SALE TREASURES $ $ $. Smart folks call me before they have an estate sale. I specialize in the high end $. Sterling silver flatware. Pre 1950 paintings signed by listed artists. Mid century modern lighting and furniture. Antique gold pocket watches. Valuable musical instruments. Lifetime collections of the rare and unusual. Pre-1800 maps. Randall knives. Rolex watches. Class rings. Pre-1900 foreign stamps. Coin collections. Leica cameras. This is a partial list. Cash paid. Thank you! 913-522-9408 [We can meet at your home or nearby coffee shop]. RESIDENTIAL LIFTS. Buy, sell, trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts, elevators. Call Silver Cross at 913-327-5557. Want to Buy – College student seeking reliable car/pick-up, one owner, low mileage, very good condition. I have $2,500 cash. Call Weston at 913-991-1201.

your June calendar All classes and events require registration unless otherwise indicated.

June 2-6 Furniture Refinishing. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Johnson County Fairgrounds near downtown Gardner. Hands-on, instructor guided workshop. $20. Extension.

June 2 Ice Cream Bingo. 1:30 p.m. Sunset Office Building, 11811 South Sunset Drive, Olathe. $5/$6. Twelve games of bingo, refreshments, and prizes. Take Charge, Feel Better! 8 a.m. Matt Ross. Six/2½hour classes. Learn to manage ongoing health conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, heart disease and other chronic conditions. Tai Chi for Arthritis. 10 a.m. Sunset Office Building. $3. One/50-minute session.

June 3, 10, 17 & 24 Social Tea Dance. 1:30 p.m. Roeland Park. $5. Singles and couples welcome. Bridge Workshops. 6:30 p.m. Roeland Park. $10/$11.

June 3

50 & Beyond Potluck. Noon-2 p.m. Sylvester Powell. Register and bring your favorite food dish to share with the rest of the group. Ages 50 & older. Genealogy 101. 1:30 p.m. Matt Ross. $23/$25. Two/90minute classes. Tuesday Tunes with Betse Ellis. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Olathe Public Library. Acoustic jam session with Ellis, a founding member of The Wilders.

June 4 Wednesday Walk: Overland Park Arboretum, 8909 West 179th Street. Depart at 9 a.m. from Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch Road, Merriam, and return at approximately 3 p.m. $18/$20. Bring a sack lunch and a few dollars for ice cream. Etsy 301: Marketing for the Digital Age. 7-9 p.m. Shawnee Civic Centre. $25. KC T-Bones Game. 9:45 a.m.-2 p.m. Sylvester Powell. $30/person. Outing to CommunityAmerica Ballpark to see the Kansas City T-Bones take on the Wichita Wingnuts. Price includes seats, transportation and $5 in T-Bone Bucks. www.jocogov.org /thebesttimes •

• June 2014

Using Email. 1-4 p.m. Shawnee Safety Center. $30 ($15 for SenCom members). Creative Writing Group. 6:30 p.m. Indian Creek. All about Brain Fitness. 1:30 p.m. Matt Ross. $9/$11. One/60-minute class. Learn the five elements of brain fitness an how what you eat, how you move, and how you relax is as important as regular mental and cognitive stimulation.

June 5 Windows 8. 1:30-4:30 p.m. Shawnee Safety Center. $30 ($15 for SenCom members). Senior Cinema – “Nebraska” starring Bruce Dern and Stacey Keach. 12:30 p.m. Lenexa Senior Center. Enjoy free popcorn, beverage and a movie!

June 6 Barbershop Harmonizers. 2 p.m. Matt Ross. $15. Sixteen/2-hour sessions.

June 7 Beginning Bridge. 10 a.m. Roeland Park. $79/$87. Eight/two-hour sessions.

your June calendar June 10 50 & Beyond Matinee: Inside Llewyn Davis. 12:30 p.m. Sylvester Powell. $1; free for SPJCC members. Free popcorn, coffee and water are provided during the movie. Beginners Workshop. 9 a.m.-noon. Shawnee Safety Center. $30 ($15 for SenCom members). Fish Tales. 2:30–3:30 p.m. Uncle Buck’s at Bass Pro, 12051 Bass Pro Drive, Olathe. Reservation requested by Alzheimer’s Association at 913-831-3888. A reminiscence-and-discussion group for individuals with earlier stage dementia. Mah Jongg for Beginners. 1 p.m. Tomahawk Ridge. $48/$53. Five/two-hour classes. Pickleball Appetizer Attack. 9 a.m. Matt Ross. $2. Pickleball play from 9 a.m.-noon, appetizers served at noon. Physical Therapist from “Benefits of Home.” 10:30–11:15 a.m. Lenexa Senior Center.

June 11 Birthdays for June. Lunch @ 11:30 a.m.($3 donation). Lenexa Senior Center. Birthday folks will receive their lunch for free (paid for by Lenexa Nutrition Council). Entertainment @12:15 p.m.

June 12 & 26

Bereavement Support Group. 4:30-6 p.m. Alzheimer’s Association Education Center, 3856 West 75th Street, Prairie Village. Reservation is requested at 913-8313888.

June 13

China Painting. 9 a.m. Roeland Park. $46/$51. Three/ three-hour classes. Hatha (gentle) Yoga. 9 a.m. Prairie Village. $36/$40. Five/50-minute sessions.

June 14 & 21

AARP Smart Driving Course. 8 a.m.-noon Roeland Park. $15/$20 non-AARP members. 913-236-4343.

June 14

Early Summer Vegetable Gardening. 9-11 a.m. Shawnee Town 1929, 11501 West 57th Street. $10.

June 17

Internet Basics. 9 a.m.-noon. Shawnee Safety Center. $30 ($15 for SenCom members). Internet for the Technically Terrified. 3 p.m. Matt Ross. $21/$23. One/90-minute session.

June 18

Wednesday Walk: Fleming Park “Rock Ledges” Trail at Lake Jacomo in Lee’s Summit, Mo. Depart at 9 a.m. from Antioch Park and return at approximately 3 p.m. $18/$20. Walk includes visit an enclosed animal area to see llamas, buffaloes, and more! Country Dance Party. 7:30-10:30 p.m. Shawnee Civic Centre. $5 (at the door). Berrylicious Bingo. 1:30 p.m. Tomahawk Ridge. $5 per person. Twelve games of bingo with prizes. Pickleball Lessons. 9 a.m. Tomahawk Ridge. $7/$8. One/two-hour session.

June 19

Lunch Bunch. 11:15 a.m. at “Pegah’s” in Shawnee. Cost of your meal, plus $8 per person if transportation is needed. Transportation departs from the Lenexa Senior Center at 10:30 a.m. Seminar: “Is an Auction Right for You?” 7 p.m. Roeland Park. $15/$17. Windows 8.1. 6:30 p.m. Indian Creek.

June 20

Mah Jongg for Beginners. 1 p.m. Matt Ross. $48/$53. Five/two-hour classes.

June 23

Beginners Workshop. 9 a.m.-noon. Shawnee Safety Center. $30 ($15 for SenCom members). Laptop Basics. 1:30 p.m. Matt Ross. $21/$23. One/90minute class. Neighbor’s Place Potluck. 5 p.m. Roeland Park. Everyone in attendance brings food dish to share. Don’t forget to RSVP and sign up for your dish today!

June 25

Grandparent and Grandchild Watercolor Workshops. 1:30 p.m. Matt Ross. $15/$16. One grandparent and one grandchild. Additional grandchildren $7. No art experience necessary.

June 26

Jam Session. 1-2 p.m. Alzheimer’s Association Education Center. Reservation is requested at 913-8313888. Informal setting for musicians with early stage memory loss and musicians who are caregivers. Painter’s Palette. 1:30 p.m. Matt Ross. $80/$88 for eight/2½-hour sessions. Beginning Line Dance. 2 p.m. Matt Ross. $56/$62. Eight/50-minute lessons. Intermediate Line Dance. 3 p.m. Matt Ross. $56/$62. Eight/50-minute lessons. Speaker – “Sharp at Any Age.” 10:30 a.m. Lenexa Senior Center. Hooked on Books Club. 1 p.m. Lenexa Community Center. Book to discuss for June – “Cold Sassy Tree” by Olive Ann Burns.

June 27

Microsoft Excel 2007. 10 a.m. Indian Creek.

June 24-25

AARP Smart Driver Course. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Leawood Police Department, 4600 Town Center Road. $15/$20 for non-AARP members. 913-642-5555 x 134.

June 24

50 & Beyond Matinee: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. 12:30 p.m. Sylvester Powell. $1; free for SPJCC members. Free popcorn, coffee and water are provided during the movie. Clear the Clutter. 12:30-1:30 p.m. Shawnee Civic Centre. $15.

Paul Bunyan Bingo. 1:30 p.m. Mill Creek Activity Center, 6518 Vista Drive, Shawnee. Prizes, refreshments and 12 games of bingo. Basic Clogging. 3 p.m. Matt Ross. $41/$45. Seven/50minute sessions. Learn to Clog. 2 p.m. Matt Ross. $41/$45. Seven/50minute sessions.

June 28 AARP Smart Driving Course. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Cedar Lake Village, 15325 South Lone Elm Road, Olathe. $15/$20 for non-AARP members. 913-780-9916.

FACILITY LOCATIONS BLUE VALLEY REC.: Blue Valley Recreation Activity Center: 6545 W. 151st St., Overland Park, KS 66223; 913-685-6000; www.bluevalleyrec.org.

NEW CENTURY: New Century Fieldhouse, 551 New Century Parkway, New Century, KS 66031; 913-826-2860.

CENTRAL RESOURCE LIBRARY: 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS 66212; 913826-4600.

OLATHE PUBLIC LIBRARY: 201 E. Park St., Olathe, KS 66061; 913-971-6850; to register, 913-971-6888.

EXTENSION: Johnson County K-State Research and Extension, 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS 66061; 913-715-7000; www.johnson.ksu.edu/classes.

PRAIRIE VILLAGE: Prairie Village Community Center, 7720 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS 66208.

INDIAN CREEK: Indian Creek Branch Library, 12990 Black Bob Road, Olathe, KS 66062; 913-971-6888. IRENE B. FRENCH: Irene B. French Community Center, 5701 Merriam Drive, Merriam, KS 66203; 913-322-5550.

ROELAND PARK: Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Drive, Roeland Park, KS 66205; 913-826-3160. SHAWNEE CIVIC CENTRE: 13817 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS 66216; 913-631-5200.

LENEXA SENIOR CENTER: 13425 Walnut St., Lenexa, KS 66215; 913-477-7100.

SHAWNEE SAFETY CENTER: SenCom computer lab, lower level, 6535 Quivira Road, Shawnee, KS 66203; 913-631-5200.

MAHAFFIE STAGECOACH STOP AND FARM: 1200 Kansas City Road, Olathe, KS 66061; 913-971-5111.

SYLVESTER POWELL: Sylvester Powell Community Center, 6200 Martway St., Mission, KS 66202; 913-722-8200.

MATT ROSS: Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty St., Overland Park, KS 66212; 913-642-6410.

TOMAHAWK RIDGE: Tomahawk Ridge Community Center, 11902 Lowell Ave., Overland Park, KS 66213; 913-327-6645.

www.jocogov.org /thebesttimes •

• June 2014

CARE AS UNIQUE AS YOU ARE

Actual Spectrum Residents

Please join us in celebrating our 6 year anniversary!

You can feel it when you walk in the room. Park Meadows is a positive setting with a focus on quality of life, activity and socialization. While every resident is an individual and care needs are all different, our staff customizes care programs that are right for residents while they continue to enjoy their friends and lifestyle.

Car Show and BBQ Saturday, June 28 11:00am-1:00pm

(913) 871-3725

5901 West 107th Street Overland Park, KS 66207 ParkMeadowsSeniorLiving.com A SPECTRUM RETIREMENT COMMUNIT Y PM Best Times Full Pg June 2014

Independent Living | Assisted Living Transitional Memory Care | Memory Care

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â&#x20AC;˘ June 2014