Active Living February 2012

February 2012

Marilyn Johnson, right, and Donna Pilcher are two of the dozens of people who walk regularly at Crossroads mall in Fort Dodge.

The mall is a popular exercise destination for people who are looking for an all-weather workout.

www.messengernews.net

www.freemanjournal.net Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012

-Photo by Jesse Helling

Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012

A walk for Fitness enthusiasts gather at Crossroads Mall

All Seasons

By JESSE HELLING

Friendship Haven

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www.friendshiphaven.org

If you have questions, call (515) 573-6705

Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012

Retail therapy.

Johnson of Fort Dodge.

Johnson started an exercise regA trip to the mall can be cathartic for those who find pleasure imen because, in her words, “I needed to.” through purchase.

“You just feel better when you But shopping centers can be a component of physical well-being exercise,” she said.

— slimming waistlines as well as The Center for Disease Control wallets. and Prevention advocates 150 Each morning at the Crossroads minutes of moderate-intensity Mall in Fort Dodge, dozens of physical activity per week. people gather to exercise.

According to a study conducted Leaving their winter coats on by Harvard University, walking the benches at the center of the improves circulation, helps mall, walkers march alone or with breathing, combats depression, friends around the perimeter of the bolsters the immune system, helps prevent osteoporosis, helps prestructure. vent and control diabetes and Walking several laps around the helps control weight. mall helps burn calories and build In other words, a daily walk promuscle in a weather-controlled envides a wealth of benefits without vironment. the need for extensive equipment.

Neither the heat of summer nor Marilyn Johnson of Fort Dodge the cold of winter deter mall walkers like Kitty Nilles of Fort is among the most recent additions to the Crossroads Mall walkers.

Dodge.

She and her friend, Donna Pilch“I try to come out every day,” er, started morning walks in FebNilles said. ruary.

She typically does two cycles “I needed to get out and do around the mall, she said. something,” Johnson said.

One big advantage, according to They both plan to walk at least Nilles: “There’s no ice to fall on.” three to four times a week.

A safe surface is also a huge advantage in Louise Winter’s book.

“The floor is smooth under your shoes,” she said.

Winter is often joined by Evelyn

Benefits of Physical Activity Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It can help: ∫ Control your weight ∫ Reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease ∫ Reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome ∫ Reduce your risk of some cancers ∫ Strengthen your bones and muscles ∫ Improve your mental health and mood ∫ Improve your ability to do daily activities and prevent falls, if you’re an older adult ∫ Increase your chances of living longer Start slowly. Cardiac events, such as a heart attack, are rare during physical activity. But the risk does go up when you suddenly become much more active than usual. For example, you can put yourself at risk if you don’t usually get much physical activity and then all of a sudden do vigorousintensity aerobic activity, like shoveling snow. That’s why it’s important to start slowly and gradually increase your level of activity.

If you have a chronic health condition such as arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease, talk with your doctor to find out if your condition limits, in any way, your ability to be active.

Then, work with your doctor to come up with a physical activity plan that matches your abilities. If your condition stops you from meeting the minimum Guidelines, try to do as much as you can. What’s important is that you avoid being inactive. Even 60 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity is good for you.

The bottom line is the health benefits of physical activity far outweigh the risks of getting hurt.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention page

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Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012

Tips to avoid financial mistakes replace that of an investing expert, accountant or other retirement finance authority to aide with critical decision making that will impact the entirety of your life, for the rest of your life.

Consider these six mistakes retirees commonly make with their finances, offered by retirement lifestyle expert Julia Valentine, author of “Joy Compass: How to Make Your Retirement the Treasure of Your Life:” ∫ Take financial advice from friends and family over that of professionals. Even the most well-intentioned and insightful advice does not

∫ Underestimating inflation. If your nest egg is not earning enough to stay ahead of inflation and taxes, your retirement lifestyle is likely to get scrambled well ahead of its time.

It’s key to establish the appropriate blend of risk and return necessary to maintain short-term purchasing power in working toward your longterm goals. ∫ Withdrawing too much money early on in retirement and running out of resources later on in life. Sur-

Leave fond memories to those we love. A lasting legacy of the life we lived.

Provide peace and comfort to those we cherish.

How do you want to be remembered after you’ve gone?

1615 North 15th Street Fort Dodge, IA 50501 www.gundersonfuneralhome.com

Janet Hubbell Funeral Director Pre-Planning Consultant

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veys show that the typical American is not knowledgeable about health care costs, life expectancy, income needs, and other risks. ∫ Lacking a financial plan that includes estate planning, budget, etc. for both the short and long term to avoid problems and capitalize on all financial opportunities. According to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, state treasurers currently hold $32.9 billion in unclaimed bank accounts and other assets. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, $850 million in 401(k) assets go unclaimed each year. ∫ Failing to adjust the asset allocation of investment vehicles in

your portfolio with time (i.e., “stage of retirement” relative to life expectancy), and having an inappropriate mix of investments for one’s lifestyle goals, timeframes and risk tolerance. ∫ Failing to educate oneself about financial scams — 1 out of 5 Americans over 65 has been a victim of a financial scam, according to the Washington-based non-profit Investor Protection Trust. More than 7.3m seniors are taken advantage of financially through inappropriate investments, high fees or fraud, at a cost of more than $2.6 billion a year. Four in five cases are not reported, according to the MetLife Mature Market Institute Study, March 2009.

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www.messengernews.net

Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012

Calling all volunteers Every day we hear people use many phrases such as, “Bless your heart!” “It does your heart good!” “He or she is so good hearted!”

As we age we also start to pay attention to words like heart healthy or heart smart. We know what foods to avoid, what pills to take, and what kinds of exercise to do to strengthen this very important muscle. Volunteers also know what kinds of activities to do that will bless their hearts, do their hearts good, and help them to be viewed as being good hearted.

Many important studies prove that people who volunteer stay healthier than those who do not. This is due to the fact that volunteers stay connected to their community.

They feel needed and appreciated. Volunteers feel a purpose and know that they would be missed if they didn’t give of themselves.

You don’t have to look very far in our community to find a volunteer opportunity.

Many local organizations could not function without volunteer support. Donate food for a food pantry or cook a meal for one of the shelters. Don’t they say the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach?

Church communities need volunteers— many behind the scenes activities seem effortless on Sunday because volunteers work hard during the week to make it happen.

Check out the volunteer opportunities at Trinity Regional Hospital. They have very talented volunteer services staff members who can help you find a place to make a difference for a patient or a family member.

Become a volunteer coach through the Parks and Recreation Department. Many young people depend upon caring adults to

Jeanine Nemitz, Coordinator Fort Dodge 55+ Volunteer Initiatives The Foster Grandparent Program 617 Central Ave. Fort Dodge, IA 50501 576-5401

teach them sportsmanship and the rules of the game. Don’t think that this is a job just for parents—many people age 50 and older bring patience to coaching that parents haven’t mastered yet. Another opportunity to volunteer through Parks and Rec is by leading an exercise class for older adults at Citizen’s Central. Training is provided and you’ll improve your own health while helping others do the same.

Volunteer at a school—and if you’d like to earn a little extra money while doing so— check out the Foster Grandparent Program.

As Director of Foster Grandparents it is my pleasure to help caring older adults to become tutors in local classrooms. Foster Grandparents on average earn about $2,000 per year as a cost reimbursement in return for serving a regular schedule of at least fifteen hours per week. Not one of them will ever be wealthy from this activity—but their heart will be blessed by the love and hugs that they receive from children served. We currently have a need for foster grandparents in several local pre-school classrooms and in a few kindergarten classrooms. Don’t wait for a new school year to become involved—today is a perfect day to join!

February is heart month so ask yourself if you are doing something good for your heart health. The chances are good that if you become a volunteer, you will feel better and others will also see how “good hearted” you are.

For more information on volunteering in the community, please give us a call at 5765401. We’ll be happy to put you in contact with volunteer coordinators who will help you to get involved.

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February

Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012

February Thursday — 9 500, 9:30 a.m., Webster City Senior Center. n

Webster County Genealogical Society, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Ave., Room 134 n

Blood pressure check, 11 a.m. to noon, RSVP, Webster City. n

Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m., Citizens Central. n

SHIIP counselors, by appointment, Van Diest Medical Center. n

Hamilton County PHS foot clinic.

Friday — 10 Bingo, 10 a.m., Algona Senior Center. n

Community Bingo, 2 p.m., Fort Dodge Rehabilitation and Health Care (formerly Careage of Fort Dodge). n

Birthday party, 2 p.m., Eagle Grove Senior Center. n

Rabiner Bingo early birds 6:30 p.m., regular sessions 7:15 p.m., 2253 Second Ave. N. n

Cards, 7 p.m., Emmetsburg Senior Center.

Saturday — 11 Blood drive, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Sacred Heart Parish Center.

Bridge, 1 p.m., Webster City Senior Center.

Rabiner Bingo early birds 6:30 p.m., regular sessions 7:15 p.m., 2253 Second Ave. N.

Wednesday — 15 RSVP Workday, 9 a.m.

Senior Center, Webster City.

n

Sunday — 12 Potluck, 12:30 p.m., Eagle Grove Senior Center Monday — 13 Cribbage, 9:30 a.m., Crestview Senior Living Apartments. n

Bingo, 10 a.m., Algona Senior Center.

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Golden K Kiwanis, 9:30 a.m., Citizens Central. n

Webster County Genealogical Society, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Ave., Room 134 n

500 cards, 1 p.m., Algona Senior Center. n

n

Senior Citizens 500, 1 p.m., Webster City.

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Thursday — 16 500, 9:30 a.m., Webster City Senior Center.

500, 1 p.m., Crestview Senior Living Apartments.

Bingo, Eagle Grove Senior Citizen Center, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday — 14 Webster City Diamond K Kiwanis, 8:30 a.m. breakfast, 9 a.m. meet.

River Valley Woodcarvers, 9 a.m., Citizens Central.

Blood pressure check, 11 a.m. to noon, RSVP, Webster City.

Webster County Genealogical Society, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Ave., Room 134

Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m., Citizens Central.

n

n

n

Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m., Citizens Central. n

Senior Bowl, 1 p.m.,

Friday — 17 Bingo, 10 a.m., Algona Senior Center. n

Rabiner Bingo early birds 6:30 p.m., regular sessions 7:15 p.m., 2253 Second Ave. N. n

Cards, 7 p.m., Emmetsburg Senior Center.

Saturday — 18 Boone River Valley Woodcarvers, 9 a.m. to noon, RSVP building, Webster City. n

Rabiner Bingo early birds 6:30 p.m., regular sessions 7:15 p.m., 2253 Second Ave. N.

n n

SHIIP counselors, by appointment, Van Diest Medical Center. n

Hamilton County PHS foot clinic.

n

Bingo, Eagle Grove Senior Citizen Center, 6:30 p.m.

n

River Valley Woodcarvers, 9 a.m., Citizens Central. n

Webster County Genealogical Society, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Ave., Room 134 n

Senior Bowl, 1 p.m., Webster City Bowl. n

Bridge, 1 p.m., Webster City Senior Center.

Wednesday — 22 RSVP Workday, 9 a.m.

Senior Center, Webster City.

Sunday — 19 Monday — 20 Cribbage, 9:30 a.m., Crestview Senior Living Apartments. n

Bingo, 10 a.m., Algona Senior Center. n

Penny bingo, 1 p.m., Crestview Senior Living

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Webster County Genealogical Society, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Ave., Room 134

Tuesday — 21 Webster City Diamond K Kiwanis, 8:30 a.m. breakfast, 9 a.m. meet.

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River Valley Woodcarvers, 9 a.m., Citizens Central.

Apartments.

Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m., Citizens Central.

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Webster County Genealogical Society, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Ave., Room 134

JCAHO Accredited page

Webster City Bowl.

Calendar

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Golden K Kiwanis, 9:30 a.m., Citizens Central. n

Webster County Genealogical Society, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Ave., Room 134 n

500 cards, 1 p.m., Algona Senior Center. n

n

Senior Citizens 500, 1 p.m., Webster City.

Thursday — 23 500, 9:30 a.m., Webster City Senior Center. n

Webster County Genealogical Society, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Ave., Room 134 n

Blood pressure check, 11 a.m. to noon, RSVP, Webster City. n

Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m., Citizens Central. n

SHIIP counselors, by appointment, Van Diest Medical Center.

Friday — 24 Bingo, 10 a.m., Algona Senior Center. n

Community Bingo, 2 p.m., Fort Dodge Rehabilitation and Health Care (formerly Careage of Fort Dodge). n

Rabiner Bingo early

118 South 25th Street, Fort Dodge, IA (across from the mall) Mon.-Fri. 9-5:30 • Sat. 9-1 515-955-8500 800-383-8500

birds 6:30 p.m., regular sessions 7:15 p.m., 2253 Second Ave. N. n

Cards, 7 p.m., Emmetsburg Senior Center.

Saturday — 25 Rabiner Bingo early birds 6:30 p.m., regular sessions 7:15 p.m., 2253 Second Ave. N. Sunday — 26 Monday — 27 Cribbage, 9:30 a.m., Crestview Senior Living Apartments. n

Bingo, 10 a.m., Algona Senior Center.

Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m., Citizens Central. n

Senior Bowl, 1 p.m., Webster City Bowl.

Cards, 7 p.m., Emmetsburg Senior Center.

n

n

Senior Citizens 500, 1 p.m., Webster City.

Tuesday — 28 Webster City Diamond K Kiwanis, 8:30 a.m. breakfast, 9 a.m. meet. n

n

March Thursday — 1 500, 9:30 a.m., Webster City Senior Center.

• Respiratory Equipment • Sleep Disorder Therapeutics • Mastectomy Supplies • Ostomy Supplies • Urological Supplies • Diabetic Supplies

Golden K Kiwanis, 9:30 a.m., Citizens Central.

n

Saturday — 3 Senior potluck, noon, Webster City Senior Center n

Rabiner Bingo early birds 6:30 p.m., regular sessions 7:15 p.m., 2253 Second Ave. N. Sunday — 4 Monday — 5 Cribbage, 9:30 a.m., Crestview Senior Living Apartments. n

Bingo, 10 a.m., Algona Senior Center.

n

n

River Valley Woodcarvers, 9 a.m., Citizens Central. n

Webster County Genealogical Society, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Ave., Room 134

Birthday party, 2 p.m., Eagle Grove Senior Center.

(The following days will be included in the March ALA50. Included if you need extra stuff.)

Thursday — 8 500, 9:30 a.m., Webster City Senior Center. n

Webster County Genealogical Society, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Ave., Room 134 n

Blood pressure check, 11 a.m. to noon, RSVP, Webster City.

Senior Bowl, 1 p.m., Webster City Bowl.

Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m., Citizens Central.

n n

Bridge, 1 p.m., Webster City Senior Center.

Wednesday — 7

• Wound Care Supplies • Enteral Feeding Supplies • Commodes • Bath Benches • Hospital Beds • Seat Lift Chairs • Bath Aids

n

500 cards, 1 p.m., Algona Senior Center.

Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m., Citizens Central.

n

Friday — 9 Bingo, 10 a.m., Algona Senior Center.

Community Bingo, 2 p.m., Fort Dodge Rehabilitation and Health Care (formerly Careage of Fort Dodge).

n

Tuesday — 6 Webster City Diamond K Kiwanis, 8:30 a.m. breakfast, 9 a.m. meet.

Hamilton County PHS foot clinic.

Webster County Genealogical Society, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Ave., Room 134

Senior Citizens 500, 1 p.m., Webster City.

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n

n

n

n

Golden K Kiwanis, 9:30 a.m., Citizens Central.

Webster County Genealogical Society, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Ave., Room 134

Bingo, Eagle Grove Senior Citizen Center, 6:30 p.m.

SHIIP counselors, by appointment, Van Diest Medical Center.

Rabiner Bingo early birds 6:30 p.m., regular sessions 7:15 p.m., 2253 Second Ave. N.

n

RSVP Workday, 9 a.m.

Senior Center, Webster City.

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Wednesday — 29 RSVP Workday, 9 a.m.

Senior Center, Webster City. n

n

Penny bingo, 1 p.m., Crestview Senior Living Apartments.

Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m., Citizens Central.

Bridge, 1 p.m., Webster City Senior Center.

500 cards, 1 p.m., Algona Senior Center.

Bingo, Eagle Grove Senior Citizen Center, 6:30 p.m.

n

Blood pressure check, 11 a.m. to noon, RSVP, Webster City.

Friday — 2 Bingo, 10 a.m., Algona Senior Center.

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500, 1 p.m., Crestview Senior Living Apartments.

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Webster County Genealogical Society, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Ave., Room 134

n

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Rabiner Bingo early birds 6:30 p.m., regular sessions 7:15 p.m., 2253 Second Ave. N. n

Cards, 7 p.m., Emmetsburg Senior Center.

Saturday — 10 Blood drive, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Sacred Heart Parish Center. n

Rabiner Bingo early birds 6:30 p.m., regular sessions 7:15 p.m., 2253 Second Ave. N. Sunday — 11 Potluck, 12:30 p.m., Eagle Grove Senior Center

n n

SHIIP counselors, by appointment, Van Diest Medical Center. n

• Oxygen Therapy • Crutches • Canes • Wheelchairs • Walkers • Incontinent Supplies page

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February

Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012

February Thursday — 9 500, 9:30 a.m., Webster City Senior Center. n

Webster County Genealogical Society, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Ave., Room 134 n

Blood pressure check, 11 a.m. to noon, RSVP, Webster City. n

Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m., Citizens Central. n

SHIIP counselors, by appointment, Van Diest Medical Center. n

Hamilton County PHS foot clinic.

Friday — 10 Bingo, 10 a.m., Algona Senior Center. n

Community Bingo, 2 p.m., Fort Dodge Rehabilitation and Health Care (formerly Careage of Fort Dodge). n

Birthday party, 2 p.m., Eagle Grove Senior Center. n

Rabiner Bingo early birds 6:30 p.m., regular sessions 7:15 p.m., 2253 Second Ave. N. n

Cards, 7 p.m., Emmetsburg Senior Center.

Saturday — 11 Blood drive, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Sacred Heart Parish Center.

Bridge, 1 p.m., Webster City Senior Center.

Rabiner Bingo early birds 6:30 p.m., regular sessions 7:15 p.m., 2253 Second Ave. N.

Wednesday — 15 RSVP Workday, 9 a.m.

Senior Center, Webster City.

n

Sunday — 12 Potluck, 12:30 p.m., Eagle Grove Senior Center Monday — 13 Cribbage, 9:30 a.m., Crestview Senior Living Apartments. n

Bingo, 10 a.m., Algona Senior Center.

8

n

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Golden K Kiwanis, 9:30 a.m., Citizens Central. n

Webster County Genealogical Society, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Ave., Room 134 n

500 cards, 1 p.m., Algona Senior Center. n

n

Senior Citizens 500, 1 p.m., Webster City.

n

Thursday — 16 500, 9:30 a.m., Webster City Senior Center.

500, 1 p.m., Crestview Senior Living Apartments.

Bingo, Eagle Grove Senior Citizen Center, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday — 14 Webster City Diamond K Kiwanis, 8:30 a.m. breakfast, 9 a.m. meet.

River Valley Woodcarvers, 9 a.m., Citizens Central.

Blood pressure check, 11 a.m. to noon, RSVP, Webster City.

Webster County Genealogical Society, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Ave., Room 134

Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m., Citizens Central.

n

n

n

Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m., Citizens Central. n

Senior Bowl, 1 p.m.,

Friday — 17 Bingo, 10 a.m., Algona Senior Center. n

Rabiner Bingo early birds 6:30 p.m., regular sessions 7:15 p.m., 2253 Second Ave. N. n

Cards, 7 p.m., Emmetsburg Senior Center.

Saturday — 18 Boone River Valley Woodcarvers, 9 a.m. to noon, RSVP building, Webster City. n

Rabiner Bingo early birds 6:30 p.m., regular sessions 7:15 p.m., 2253 Second Ave. N.

n n

SHIIP counselors, by appointment, Van Diest Medical Center. n

Hamilton County PHS foot clinic.

n

Bingo, Eagle Grove Senior Citizen Center, 6:30 p.m.

n

River Valley Woodcarvers, 9 a.m., Citizens Central. n

Webster County Genealogical Society, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Ave., Room 134 n

Senior Bowl, 1 p.m., Webster City Bowl. n

Bridge, 1 p.m., Webster City Senior Center.

Wednesday — 22 RSVP Workday, 9 a.m.

Senior Center, Webster City.

Sunday — 19 Monday — 20 Cribbage, 9:30 a.m., Crestview Senior Living Apartments. n

Bingo, 10 a.m., Algona Senior Center. n

Penny bingo, 1 p.m., Crestview Senior Living

n

Webster County Genealogical Society, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Ave., Room 134

Tuesday — 21 Webster City Diamond K Kiwanis, 8:30 a.m. breakfast, 9 a.m. meet.

n

n

River Valley Woodcarvers, 9 a.m., Citizens Central.

Apartments.

Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m., Citizens Central.

n

Webster County Genealogical Society, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Ave., Room 134

JCAHO Accredited page

Webster City Bowl.

Calendar

n

Golden K Kiwanis, 9:30 a.m., Citizens Central. n

Webster County Genealogical Society, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Ave., Room 134 n

500 cards, 1 p.m., Algona Senior Center. n

n

Senior Citizens 500, 1 p.m., Webster City.

Thursday — 23 500, 9:30 a.m., Webster City Senior Center. n

Webster County Genealogical Society, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Ave., Room 134 n

Blood pressure check, 11 a.m. to noon, RSVP, Webster City. n

Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m., Citizens Central. n

SHIIP counselors, by appointment, Van Diest Medical Center.

Friday — 24 Bingo, 10 a.m., Algona Senior Center. n

Community Bingo, 2 p.m., Fort Dodge Rehabilitation and Health Care (formerly Careage of Fort Dodge). n

Rabiner Bingo early

118 South 25th Street, Fort Dodge, IA (across from the mall) Mon.-Fri. 9-5:30 • Sat. 9-1 515-955-8500 800-383-8500

birds 6:30 p.m., regular sessions 7:15 p.m., 2253 Second Ave. N. n

Cards, 7 p.m., Emmetsburg Senior Center.

Saturday — 25 Rabiner Bingo early birds 6:30 p.m., regular sessions 7:15 p.m., 2253 Second Ave. N. Sunday — 26 Monday — 27 Cribbage, 9:30 a.m., Crestview Senior Living Apartments. n

Bingo, 10 a.m., Algona Senior Center.

Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m., Citizens Central. n

Senior Bowl, 1 p.m., Webster City Bowl.

Cards, 7 p.m., Emmetsburg Senior Center.

n

n

Senior Citizens 500, 1 p.m., Webster City.

Tuesday — 28 Webster City Diamond K Kiwanis, 8:30 a.m. breakfast, 9 a.m. meet. n

n

March Thursday — 1 500, 9:30 a.m., Webster City Senior Center.

• Respiratory Equipment • Sleep Disorder Therapeutics • Mastectomy Supplies • Ostomy Supplies • Urological Supplies • Diabetic Supplies

Golden K Kiwanis, 9:30 a.m., Citizens Central.

n

Saturday — 3 Senior potluck, noon, Webster City Senior Center n

Rabiner Bingo early birds 6:30 p.m., regular sessions 7:15 p.m., 2253 Second Ave. N. Sunday — 4 Monday — 5 Cribbage, 9:30 a.m., Crestview Senior Living Apartments. n

Bingo, 10 a.m., Algona Senior Center.

n

n

River Valley Woodcarvers, 9 a.m., Citizens Central. n

Webster County Genealogical Society, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Ave., Room 134

Birthday party, 2 p.m., Eagle Grove Senior Center.

(The following days will be included in the March ALA50. Included if you need extra stuff.)

Thursday — 8 500, 9:30 a.m., Webster City Senior Center. n

Webster County Genealogical Society, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Ave., Room 134 n

Blood pressure check, 11 a.m. to noon, RSVP, Webster City.

Senior Bowl, 1 p.m., Webster City Bowl.

Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m., Citizens Central.

n n

Bridge, 1 p.m., Webster City Senior Center.

Wednesday — 7

• Wound Care Supplies • Enteral Feeding Supplies • Commodes • Bath Benches • Hospital Beds • Seat Lift Chairs • Bath Aids

n

500 cards, 1 p.m., Algona Senior Center.

Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m., Citizens Central.

n

Friday — 9 Bingo, 10 a.m., Algona Senior Center.

Community Bingo, 2 p.m., Fort Dodge Rehabilitation and Health Care (formerly Careage of Fort Dodge).

n

Tuesday — 6 Webster City Diamond K Kiwanis, 8:30 a.m. breakfast, 9 a.m. meet.

Hamilton County PHS foot clinic.

Webster County Genealogical Society, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Ave., Room 134

Senior Citizens 500, 1 p.m., Webster City.

n

n

n

n

n

Golden K Kiwanis, 9:30 a.m., Citizens Central.

Webster County Genealogical Society, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Ave., Room 134

Bingo, Eagle Grove Senior Citizen Center, 6:30 p.m.

SHIIP counselors, by appointment, Van Diest Medical Center.

Rabiner Bingo early birds 6:30 p.m., regular sessions 7:15 p.m., 2253 Second Ave. N.

n

RSVP Workday, 9 a.m.

Senior Center, Webster City.

n

Wednesday — 29 RSVP Workday, 9 a.m.

Senior Center, Webster City. n

n

Penny bingo, 1 p.m., Crestview Senior Living Apartments.

Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m., Citizens Central.

Bridge, 1 p.m., Webster City Senior Center.

500 cards, 1 p.m., Algona Senior Center.

Bingo, Eagle Grove Senior Citizen Center, 6:30 p.m.

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Blood pressure check, 11 a.m. to noon, RSVP, Webster City.

Friday — 2 Bingo, 10 a.m., Algona Senior Center.

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500, 1 p.m., Crestview Senior Living Apartments.

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Webster County Genealogical Society, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Ave., Room 134

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Rabiner Bingo early birds 6:30 p.m., regular sessions 7:15 p.m., 2253 Second Ave. N. n

Cards, 7 p.m., Emmetsburg Senior Center.

Saturday — 10 Blood drive, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Sacred Heart Parish Center. n

Rabiner Bingo early birds 6:30 p.m., regular sessions 7:15 p.m., 2253 Second Ave. N. Sunday — 11 Potluck, 12:30 p.m., Eagle Grove Senior Center

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SHIIP counselors, by appointment, Van Diest Medical Center. n

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Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012

Presidential pets What do Checkers, Buddy, Macaroni, Bo, Socks, Fala and Mrs. Beasley have in common? That’s right. You got it. Each is the name of a first family pet.

with fresh milk and Woodrow Wilson kept a flock of sheep to keep the grass down on the White House lawn. Vice President Gore would be proud of him.

From George Washington to Barack Obama, there have been animals in the White House. I would guess in the early years of this country before the days of pest control products, some uninvited beastly critters and vermin took up residence in the homes of the first families, but checking through a couple of books and the trusted internet, I found that most every one of our Presidents had pets by choice. A few are famous and there are a couple of them, with a little human help, even published a book. First family pets have always been popular, so much so that some have received a lot of fan mail. In some cases requiring a secretary specifically designated to send out answers to their admirers.

Some of these lucky first family creatures have been of the common variety, animals that we would have in our own homes and neighborhoods. Some have not been so ordinary. A goat named Whiskers and a Turkey named jack. Possums, snakes and badgers. Pigs, alligators, and white mice.

I am sure our first president loved his animals and they can be classified as pets, but his 40 or more coon hounds, a donkey, plus his own horse Nelson were also working members of their master’s household. William Taft kept a cow who paid for her keep by providing the President

Some really unusual pets included silk worms kept by John Quincy Adams. James Buchanan had two elephants given to him by the King of Siam (now Thailand). They ended in a zoo as did the two tiger cubs of the Van Burens.

Some of the pets really got the royal treatment. Warren Harding’s dog Laddie Boy had birthday parties on the White House lawn.. All the neighborhood dogs were invited and they shared a cake made of dog biscuits.

Laddie Boy also had his own chair in the president’s office so he could sit in on important meetings. It is probably a good thing that dogs can’t talk or his

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Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012

Sixty & then Some

mary Feldman

is a freelance writer living in emmetsburg presence would have been considered a dangerous security risk.

It would be impossible to mention all of the presidential pets in this space.

George Washington had 40 hounds. Teddy Roosevelt tied with a mixed managerie of at least 40 pets, Calvin Cooledge is said to have had 25 different animals and President Kennedy had a White House zoo of 20 pets for Carolyn and John John and many other presidents had more than a couple animal members of their households.

I know that the day to day care and well being of the animals are taken care of by qualified staff;. I suppose it is good presidential P. R. to have animals around to present an image of being a lover of animals as long as we the tax payers receive assurance that we are not footing the bill, but Presidents and their families are so busy with so many important responsibilities one might wonder why have them in the first place. I suppose for the same reasons that we the people have them. Pets don’t judge us . They love us as we are and they don’t criticize or talk back. Pets are known to lift up our spirits and relieve stress and tension. Who needs this support more than our President. His pet may be the only being that he can truly trust.

These things are definitely important benefits for the leader of the free world.

Last assignment. Name all of the U S presidents from George Washington to Barack Obama in the order they served. Only kidding.

Have a happy and patriotic Presidents’ Day. Remember that the Post Office is closed for this occasion.

God Bless America and God Bless you.

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A goat named Whiskers, a Turkey named Jack. So many Presidents, so many pets. Please don’t call or write to me if I got mixed up here and there. I think most of this is pretty accurate.

Now go back and take another look at the first seven names at the beginning of this article. Can you place the pet names with the proper president? I bet you already did that.

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Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012

Addressing Alzheimer’s epidemic Diane Rollins, a Social Worker, Nursing Home Administrator and Certified Dementia Care Practitioner, is Manager of The Gardens Assisted Living at Friendship Haven

government including outcome-driven objectives, recommendations, implementation steps and accountability to fight Alzheimer’s. The law requires an updated national plan to Congress, recommendations for actions to improve health outcomes for those with Alzheimer’s and lower costs to families and government programs, and a review of all federally funded research, care and services and their outcomes annually. To quote the supporters of this legislation; health care professionals. Also atLast year, 2011, marked the begin- “Alzheimer’s Won’t Wait”. tending were Congressmen Leonard ning of a national strategy to address Boswell and Representative Mary the epidemic of Alzheimer’s Disease In late summer of 2011 input ses- Gaskill. It was moving to listen to the the most common cause of memory sions were held which allowed stake- experiences especially those of severloss and confusion in old age. The Na- holders/participants an opportunity al younger people suffering from eartional Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA to express their greatest challenges , ly onset dementia. They eloquently exPublic Law 111-375) was passed unan- frustrations and concerns as this na- pressed the impact the disease has imously by both houses of Congress tional strategic plan is developed. The had on their lives and the lives of and was signed into law by President sessions were conducted nationwide their families.

Obama on Jan. 4, 2011. The law creat- including several in Iowa. I attended ed a national strategic plan to ad- the session conducted in Des Moines At the one year anniversary of this dress the rapidly escalating on August 11th which was made up of legislation Jan 4, progress is being Alzheimer’s Disease epidemic. It will victims of Alzheimer’s Disease, their made. The Advisory Council has been coordinate efforts across the federal family members and friends, and established and is made up of stake-

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Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012

holders from across the Alzheimer’s community as well as representatives from several federal agencies with Alzheimer’s initiatives and which is charged with providing recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to inform the development of the national plan.

The Advisory Council has been meeting and on January 18th in-depth discussions took place about goals and strategies. The Department of Health and Human Services also outlined its timetable for the development of a national Alzheimer’s plan with the first draft targeted for mid-February and a final plan to be unveiled this spring.

Advisory Council members working in three sub committees are sharing their recommendations on what should be included in an effective national strategic plan for the following areas; research, clinical care, long term services and support.

Alzheimer’s disease. They also detailed the importance of establishing standards of care for people with Alzheimer’s throughout the different stages of the disease and in all care settings. The next meeting of the Advisory Council is scheduled for April 17.

It’s exciting to see the progress of NAPA. We can all contribute to this important cause by supporting the NAPA legislation. One way of showing your support is signing a petition at alz.org that will be sent to President Obama in February as he releases his upcoming budget to Congress.

The petition asks for his support to fulfill the potential of the National Alzheimer’s Project Act because “Alzheimer’s Won’t Wait.”

The Research Advisory Council subcommittee is recommending an increase to $2 billion for research initiatives and designation of an office or individual with responsibility and accountability within the federal government for implementation of the plan.

A second Advisory Council subcommittee is focusing on Improving clinical care and on steps to improve early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, care planning for families and building a health care workforce that is trained to meet the unique needs of those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. The third subcommittee is charged with identifying ways to improve long-term services and support including individuals with early onset

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Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012

Neighbors and friends Wayne Romp seeks to document happenings in his home town

By BILLIE SHELTON STANHOPE — If you believe that there’s really nothing going on in a little town like Stanhope, Wayne Romp is here to tell you that’s not the case.

And he won’t just tell you; He’ll show you Neighbors and Friends, the 20-page book of photographs he self-published as documentation of what’s happening in his hometown.

“I had this idea of trying to photograph the hometown in 2010, starting in the middle of winter with snow street scenes,” he said. “Then virtually everything going on I wanted to get in and take a picture.”

-Photo by Billie Shelton Wayne Romp tackled a big photographic project a few years ago. He took photos of the Stanhope High School class composites, editing and even repairing images, and then compiled the class pictures into a book. The Stanhope Alumni Association then sold the books as a fundraiser with proceeds going to the library fund.

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ano studio in action on main street, a Stanhope Lions Club meeting and Watermelon Day and each business on a regular day.

The last thing in the book is the groundbreaking for the new library in December 2010.

You could call it a day in the life of a small rural community, but for Romp it’s a chance to make an interesting historical document.

“I figured that someone sometime down the road would say, ‘I remember that,’ or ‘I remember when he worked in the post office or she worked in the phone company’,” said Romp, That included activities as whose interest in photography varied as a farmland auction and goes back to when he graduated visiting politicians to fundrais- from Stanhope High School in ing for the new library, a 4-H 1957 and took a corresponclub meeting and the annual dence course in photography.

Easter egg hunt.

Soon after, he took a job at the Then there’s a picture of the National Disease Lab in Ames, local tumbling studio and the pi- where he spent his career and

Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012

retired in 1994 as visual information officer, which included biomedical photography.

Although he was able to do so, Romp realized that age 55 is too young to retire, and he had all the equipment necessary to open his own photography business — but decided against it.

“Digital cameras came in about then, and I decided to let someone else do it,” he said, adding that soon after retirement he was office assistant for five years in the Stanhope city office.

Still, even though he admits that there’s a lot to learn with digital equipment, that transition in photography fascinated the retiree. He can still often be found with his digital camera in hand. “I’m more comfortable now with digital photography,” he said, “but still not real comfortable with computers, changing operating systems and things like that.

“This is just something to do to keep me out of trouble,” is how Romp sees his hobby. Yet it fills a niche in a little town where traditions and history often get lost in these busy times. Newer residents don’t know or just aren’t interested in the history of their new hometown.

Take the project Romp tackled a few years back, when he decided to digitally photograph each of the composite class pictures from Stanhope High School. The pictures were preserved in the Stanhope library. Romp took each picture, shot it, reduced it from 2-inches by 3-inches to 8.5 inches by 11 inches, repaired some damaged pictures, edited everything for accuracy, and had 250 copies printed and bound in book form.

-Photo by Billie Shelton Wayne Romp pages through his two self-published books of photographs at the Stanhope Library. Romp has compiled historic photos, images of festivals and events, as well as shots that document every day life in the small community.

For now, Romp doesn’t have a Then the books were donated to the Stanhope Alumni Association, which photography project in the works, but sold them all and made a donation to he still takes pictures. What has he learned from his volunteer endeavors the Stanhope Library fund. behind a camera lens and at the com“That was a fun project because I puter screen. figured people would appreciate it,” Most of all, he knows his homesaid Romp. “It kept me busy all wintown — like many communities, ter!”

with a declining population — is still alive.

“I learned there is lots of activity in this little town,” he answers. “ And I learned that this is something I can do that I enjoy doing.”

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