MAY 2015
ONE PROPERTY, TWO HOMES PAGE 33
DOWNSIZING WITH IKEA PAGE 30
ENGLAND ESCAPE! PAGE 22
+
HOUSING RESOURCE S Page 36
Embrace the Future
Owned and Operated by Southview Senior Communities: Southview Senior Living
Inver Glen Senior Living
Arbor Lakes Senior Living 12001 80th Avenue North Maple Grove, MN 55369
13936 Lower 59th Street North Oak Park Heights, MN 55082
651.554.4838
651.450.0707
763.478.2141
651.439.9995
Lilydale Senior Living
Shoreview Senior Living
Opening Spring 2015
Opening May 1, 2015
The Willows of Ramsey Hill
Eagan Pointe Senior Living
1984 Oakdale Avenue
West St. Paul, MN 55118
949 Sibley Memorial Highway Lilydale, MN 55118
651.454.6853
7260 South Robert Trail Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077
4710 Cumberland Street Shoreview, MN 55126
651.484.9822
80 North Mackubin Street St Paul, MN 55102
651.262.8531
Oak Park Senior Living
4232 Black Hawk Road Eagan, MN 55122
651.724.2312
www.southviewcommunities.com
Building Stable Homes, Strong Futures and Vibrant Communities Since 1971.
NORTHWEST SUBURBS
GREATER MINNESOTA
NORTHERN SUBURBS
ARBOR LAKES COMMONS Maple Grove • (763) 416-0369
DELANO COMMONS Delano • (763) 972-2930
CENTURY TRAILS Maplewood • (651) 288-9162
BASSETT CREEK COMMONS Plymouth • (763) 543-2457
GOLDENDALE HOMES Annandale • (320) 274-5871
CONCORDIA ARMS Maplewood • (651) 280-4680
BOULEVARD GARDENS Minnetonka • (952) 542-9338
ST. MICHAEL’S HOUSING New Ulm • (507) 794-9631
EAST SHORE PLACE Mahtomedi • (651) 770-7964
MAPLE TERRACE Maple Plain • (763) 479-1131
TOWNE CLUB SENIOR HOUSING Rochester • (507) 424-1671
GARDEN TERRACE Little Canada • (651) 481-9028
MILL POND GABLES Champlin • (763) 576-8696
WELLSTONE COMMONS Northfield • (507) 645-4146
GARDEN TERRACE COMMONS Little Canada • (651) 481-9028
NORTH GABLES Blaine • (763) 786-0232
MINNEAPOLIS
SILVER LAKE POINTE Mounds View • (763) 785-4771
NORWOOD SQUARE Fridley • (763) 574-2187
BII DI GAIN DASH ANWEBI (612) 843-5391
SOUTHERN SUBURBS
PLEASANT PLACE Rogers • (763) 428-4494
THE COOPERAGE SENIOR HOUSING (651) 290-6228
FAIRFIELD TERRACE Lakeville • (952) 469-1414
ROBBINS WAY Robbinsdale • (763) 537-6868
RIVERVIEW APARTMENTS (612) 843-5885
MOUNT CARMEL MANOR West St. Paul • (651) 451-0030
WESTERN SUBURBS
ST. ANNE’S (612) 588-4663
OAK RIDGE MANOR Hastings • (651) 437-1367
SOUTH HAVEN Edina • (952) 831-3372
SEWARD TOWER EAST (612) 339-1711
OAK TERRACE Oakdale • (651) 730-6440
SOUTH SHORE PARK Excelsior • (952) 474-9036
SEWARD TOWER WEST (612) 333-7472
RED ROCK MANOR Newport • (651) 459-2786
SUMMIT POINT Edina • (952) 920-6113
SHINGLE CREEK COMMONS (612) 588-2303
SPRUCE PLACE Farmington • (651) 463-2511
WESTONKA ESTATES Mound • (952) 472-4952
AFFORDABLE SENIOR HOUSING IN NORTHFIELD NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS WELLSTONE COMMONS • (507) 645-4146 408 Spring Street N, Northfield, MN 55057
• Affordable Rent for Income Qualified Seniors (62+) • Controlled Access Entry • On-Site Laundry • Community Room w/Kitchen • Beautiful Grounds w/Gazebo
MAPLE TERRACE APARTMENTS • (763) 479-1131 1560 Howard Avenue, Maple Plain, MN 55359 • Affordable Rent for Income Qualified Seniors (62+) or Disabled • Controlled Access Entry • On-Site Laundry • Community Room w/Kitchen • Computer Lab
CALL US AT: (651) 291-1750 OR VISIT US AT: WWW.COMMONBOND.ORG/FINDHOUSING
CONTENTS 22 TRAVEL England’s historic Lake District is a scenic treasure to behold.
33 30
IKEA HELPING SENIORS DOWNSIZE One Minneapolis model apartment is a showcase for small-space living.
2 HOMES 1 PROPERTY New laws and designs are allowing for more flexible senior housing options in Minneapolis.
GOOD START
GOOD HEALTH
GOOD LIVING
FROM THE EDITOR 8 It’s time to rethink senior housing.
ASK THE PHARMACIST 16 Boost your brain power.
MY TURN 10 Many shades of spring will delight us this month in the Twin Cities.
HOUSE CALL 18 Itchy or watering eyes? Dr. Spilane can explain why.
HOUSING 26 Choose wisely when selecting kitchen countertop materials.
MEMORIES 12 This Memorial Day, we honor war veterans and celebrate remembrance.
CAREGIVING 20 Local caregivers unite to support each other with a LGBTQ group.
THIS MONTH IN MN HISTORY 14 ‘Lindy’ dazzled the world in 1927.
36 MAY 2015
IN THE KITCHEN 28 Add more nut protein to your diet with easy almond cookies. TECHNOLOGY 29 It’s time to let go of Windows XP.
HOUSING RESOURCE GUIDE
CAN’T–MISS CALENDAR 6
FINANCE 27 Pay off your mortgage before retirement, but be savvy about it.
38 36
BRAIN TEASERS
40
SANDBERG
South St. Paul HRA
FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES
Our Family Serving Yours Since 1942
• 50+ Community
MAY 2015 VOLUME 34 / ISSUE 5
• Income Based Rent
PUBLISHERS Janis Hall jhall@mngoodage.com Terry Gahan tgahan@mngoodage.com
• Newly Remodeled
GENERAL MANAGER Chris Damlo cdamlo@mngoodage.com
• On Site Caretaker
EDITOR Sarah Dorison 612-436-4385 editor@mngoodage.com CONTRIBUTORS Teresa Ambord Victor Block Suzy Cohen Jessica Kohen Carol Hall Skip Johnson Dave Nimmer Sheila Regan Jen Larson Roesler Richard Sherman Michael Spilane Amy Sutton Lauren Walker Xay Yang
• Elevators
Remodeled and Spacious (chapel seating 200)
• Controlled Entries
2593 E. 7th Ave., North St. Paul, MN 55109
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Dana Croatt GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Valerie Moe Amanda Wadeson
651-777-2600
sandbergfuneralhome.com
Call for an appointment 651-554-3270
South St Paul HRA GA 0515 12.indd 3
4/22/15 Sandberg 8:53 AM Funeral GA 0513 12.indd 1
4/9/13 4:16 PM
Family owned and operated since 1857 FUNERAL CHAPELS, CEMETERIES & CREMATION SERVICES
17 convenient locations: BLOOMINGTON 952-884-8145
CRYSTAL
763-533-8643
WEST BLOOMINGTON COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
612-521-3677
NORTH MPLS.
763-789-4436
EDEN PRAIRIE
COON RAPIDS 763-767-1000
612-781-1999
EDINA
NOKOMIS PARK
NORTHEAST MPLS.
HOPKINS
SOUTH MPLS.
BLAINE PRE-ARRANGEMENT CENTER
952-920-3996
The McReavy Family
CRYSTAL LAKE
952-941-7686 952-975-0400
CLIENT SERVICES Zoe Gahan 612-436-4375 zgahan@mngoodage.com Mattie Eslinger 612-436-4386 meslinger@mngoodage.com
Luncheon Options
• All Utilities Paid
612-721-1651
952-938-9020
612-377-2203
ROBBINSDALE
SOUTHEAST MPLS.
763-537-2333
612-379-2368
612-529-9691
HILLSIDE
612-781-6828
763-231-0506
www.washburn-mcreavy.com Washburn McReavy GA 0513 H4.indd 2
4/10/13 1:42 PM
SURREYS, CRUISERS, KAYAKS, CANOES & MORE!
CIRCULATION Marlo Johnson distribution@mngoodage.com
50,000 copies of Minnesota Good Age are distributed to homes and businesses metro-wide. Minnesota Good Age (ISSN 2333-3197) is published monthly by Minnesota Premier Publications. Minnesota Good Age, 1115 Hennepin Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55403 © 2015 Minnesota Premier Publications, Inc. Subscriptions are $12 per year.
WheelFunRentals.com
Bike Rentals
| Como Lake: 651-487-8046 Minnehaha Falls: 612-729-2660 | Lake Nokomis: 612-729-1127 Duluth – Canal Park: 218-722-1180 | Lake Phalen: 651-776-0005
Water Rentals
| Como Lake: 651-487-8046 Lake Calhoun: 612-823-5765 | Lake Nokomis: 612-729-1127 Lake Harriet: 612-922-9226 | Lake Phalen: 651-776-0005 Wheel Fun Rentals GA 0515 H4.indd 1
7
4/20/15 2:47 PM
MAY 2015
FROM THE EDITOR ////// SARAH DORISON
SMALLER, SMARTER W
hen it comes to senior housing in the Twin Cities, the options are practically endless — depending on one’s budget — including facilities that offer independent living, assisted living, memory care, long-term care (if not all of the above in one place), plus senior-focused condos, co-ops and other developments, old and new. With Americans turning 65 at a rate of 10,000 a day, seniors, baby boomers especially, are demanding housing that fits their needs. In this issue, we’re taking a look at one housing trend that offers the ultimate in flexibility, not just for the seniors but also for their families: So-called granny flats or accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are becoming more popular as we enter the aging boom, known as the silver tsunami. In December, Minneapolis city counselors passed an ordinance allowing ADUs citywide, in response to an increasing number of inquiries from residents, neighborhood organizations, community leaders and senior housing advocates. I think this means we can expect to see more carriage houses built over garages in the coming years, along with more mother-in-law apartments incorporated into larger homes. Such self-contained living units — also available in new-construction developments in the suburbs — allow seniors to enjoy independence without the pressure of owning (or even renting) their own property. One local builder, Lennar, calls their version Next Gen homes. Troy Hokanson bought a Next Gen home in Lakeville. It includes a separate apartment for his mother, Karen Hokanson, complete with its own door to the outside, plus a door on the inside to the main house. “It’s nice that I don’t have to drive home after babysitting,” Karen Hokanson said. “I just have to go down the hall.” Now, that’s some creative, potentially cost-saving thinking. Speaking of smart housing ideas for seniors, take a look at our story in this issue on IKEA teaming up with Augustana Care’s apartments in Minneapolis. Thanks to a collaboration between the two entities, seniors are getting new ideas for how to gracefully downsize their home furnishings without spending a bundle or sacrificing style or safety. Anyone with an appointment can tour a model unit furnished entirely with IKEA items to get ideas of their own. Moving definitely isn’t easy, especially after living in one home for a long time. But it’s nice to know so many people are working hard to make it the best it can be, no matter what your age.
Sarah Dorison, Editor
8
MAY 2015
GOOD START MY TURN ////// DAVE NIMMER
7 SHADES OF SPRING
May brings many rituals — and memories — that never disappoint
I
While on the water, I can also see the remarkable shades of green, observable only in spring.
10
MAY 2015
’m not surprised anymore when the parade of seasons sets off a signal affecting my mood and manner. The steel grey of a November sky and the bare brown of its countryside sometimes get me down. What lifts me up is the month of May and its never-ceasing, always recurring gifts. It’s nature’s remedy for nature’s malady, seasonalaffective disorder. I’ve got a (May) basketful of reasons why I love this month, beginning with the Fishing Opener, in my mind Minnesota’s best holiday. By the numbers, the opener is a fathead minnow on an 1/8-ounce jig, a 6-pound line, a 7-foot rod in a 16-foot Lund. And the 2-pound walleyes are lurking in 6 feet of water just around the next point. While on the water, I can also see the remarkable shades of green, observable only in spring. I say there are seven shades — from lime to forest green. They’re as remarkable for their subtlety as the fall colors are for their brilliance, seemingly taken from the palette of a French impressionist. In fact, one of van Gogh’s works is titled Fishing in Spring. Green is what I see in May. What I hear, especially after dusk, even in the urban marshes of Woodbury next to my townhouse, is the sound of peepers. These are the small tan or brown frogs with the high-pitched call; collectively, they’re a chorus singing a song of spring. While their song is enchanting, their presence is encouraging, a sign of clean water and natural buffers.
Dave Nimmer loved going fishing in the spring with his father, who also planted a garden every year.
meticulous: Rows were straight as a string, beet seeds an inch apart and the lettuce and carrots seeds spread evenly — “Evenly, David, evenly” — throughout the furrow. My old man loved the whole process, as though it connected him to his family’s farm roots, though he spent his working life in a shirt and tie, behind a desk. But the garden brought out the latent farmer in him and he was fun to be around.
SOWING SEEDS, MEMORIES
OUTDOOR DINING, BASEBALL
It was the good, rich, black dirt that my father turned over in May, preparing his vegetable garden behind the garage. He’d come home about 6 p.m., change into a khaki shirt and pants, grab a spade and go to it. By the time he was through (about two evening’s worth), the soil was fine and even. When it came to planting, Dad was just as
It’s fun to walk down Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis or Grand Avenue in St. Paul and see all those tables outside. I contend it’s more satisfying, maybe more sophisticated, to sit on the sidewalk, or in the courtyard, sipping your wine and eating your quiche. Nowhere is it better than the backyard of W.A. Frost’s on Selby.
Not far from the sidewalks of Grand Avenue are the campuses of Macalester College and the University of St. Thomas. In May, their students are outdoors, throwing Frisbees, catching “rays” and, yes, reading books. One of my favorite memories of St. Thomas is the picture of a co-ed lying under an oak tree — feet in the air, elbows on the ground, a book in her hands. It’s a Norman Rockwell painting in real life, youthful and hopeful. That’s the other thing about May: It’s not too late for the Minnesota Twins to turn it around, follow Paul Molitor’s lead and make a run for the playoffs. It’s May. Who doesn’t like an afternoon ballgame during midweek, sitting in the sun, eating a brat and sipping a brew — wondering what the working stiffs are doing? VISITING THE BEAR
Before May ends, I’ll do one more thing to make the month memorable: On Memorial Day, my friend Cindy and I will visit the grave of my old buddy, The Bear, Bob Schranck, former reporter at the Minneapolis Star who I met in 1963. Until he died in 2010 at the age of 80, The Bear and I travelled miles through good times and bad, supported each other through health issues and family problems. He was a little disorganized, with a tendency to be a day late and a dollar short. But he never lacked as a friend, describing us to perfect strangers as brothers. So, we’ll visit The Bear at Fort Snelling, where the Korean War vet has found his rest. He’ll understand if we don’t get around precisely on Memorial Day. Dave Nimmer lives in Woodbury. Send comments or questions to dnimmer@mngoodage.com. HealthPartners GA 0315 2-3page.indd 1
11
4/23/15 3:19 PM
MAY 2015
GOOD START MEMORIES ////// CAROL HALL
WAR AND REMEMBRANCE Local soldiers’ stories are gems to be cherished
M
emorial Day will find me at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, there to decorate my husband’s grave as I have for the three years since he died. Passing the sea of small white headstones, hunting for the one that reads: “Earl E. Hall, Captain, U.S. Army, WWII,” I’ll think of our 14-year age difference and how it mattered not a whit to either of us. I’m forever grateful that a book was written about Earl’s service with the 1303 Engineer General Service Regiment before he passed on. Patton’s Fighting Bridge Builders recounts the daily diary entries of Company B, a “non-combat” unit that often found itself under enemy fire while acting as the southern flank of Patton’s rapid advance across France in August 1944. I recently met two other WWII combat veterans whose experiences with the 15th Air Force also have been preserved for posterity. Vince Parker, who’s 89, was a tail gunner on the B-17 bomber.
12
MAY 2015
Bob Clemens, 90, navigated the same huge aircraft, The Flying Fortress, through battle after battle. Their stories are captured on film in a YouTube presentation titled, The Tail Gunner and the Navigator. Vince, of Stillwater, flew 41 missions, and Bob, of White Bear Lake, flew 50, bombing oil refineries, railroad bridges and marshaling yards throughout Europe. Both men, who enlisted at 17, tell of terrifying moments with engines being shot out, and persistent flak hitting the B-17 in “gray puffs” when they were over their targets. They share some quirky incidents, as well. Vince’s plane once crash-landed in enemy territory in Yugoslavia. A kid on a bicycle came near the downed B-17, waving machine gun ammunition at the crew and yelling, “Cigarettes, Joe?” “During the war, cigarettes were the coin of the realm,” said Vince. On a mission that Bob was flying with Col. Frank Kurtz piloting the lead plane, Nazi propagandist Axis Sally came
I BUY HOUSES • Cash Paid For Your Home • Any Condition — I Love Repairs • “As-Is” Sale • My Best Price 1st • Local Buyer
On this Memorial Day, the day of remembrance for all fallen heroes, I’m thankful for the stories that got told. They are stories we all need to hear.
• Fast, Friendly Service • 15 Years Buying Experience • References Available For more information
call Eric at 612-801-3202
Sensible Investments GA 0115 12.indd 1
Broker
11/26/14 3:36 PM
over the radio, taunting them, saying, “We’re gonna get you today, Frankie, along with that pink-faced navigator from Minnesota.” (Bob’s youthful Air Force portrait verifies Sally’s description. And, incidentally, Col. Kurtz was actress Swoozie Kurtz’s father.) Thanks to the book and the video, the world can know the stories of the battles Earl and Vince and Bob survived — unlike those of my dad, who served in WWI. When I was a little girl, I remember Papa sitting with other men in our living room, playing Whist and occasionally making mention of the horrible trench warfare, and commenting on how grateful he was that his gas mask had saved him from mustard-gas poisoning. More than once, he said sadly, “You never forget the boys who died.” My dad’s army doughboy portrait — such a serious face — and his olive drab uniform and steel helmet in the attic are all I have of the ordeal he endured in the Battle of the Argonne Forest. Nothing was ever written down. On this Memorial Day, the day of remembrance for all fallen heroes, I’m thankful for the stories that got told. They are stories we all need to hear. Carol Hall lives in Woodbury. Send comments and questions to chall@mngoodage.com.
MAY 2015
13
GOOD START THIS MONTH IN MINNESOTA HISTORY ////// JESSICA KOHEN
LUCKY LINDY’S HISTORIC FLIGHT O
n May 21, 1927, 25-year-old Charles Augustus Lindbergh landed his airplane, the Spirit of St. Louis, in Paris, France. It was a recordbreaking 33½-hour nonstop, solo flight from New York City. Instantly, Lindbergh, who grew up along the banks of the Mississippi River in Little Falls, Minn., became one of the most famous men in the world.
In 1919, American businessman, Raymond Orteig, announced a $25,000 prize to the first Allied aviator to fly nonstop from Paris to New York, or reverse. His intent was to stimulate advances in the relatively new field of aviation. Lindbergh, who had been flying airmail routes across the Midwest, decided to take up the challenge. He purchased a customized Ryan single-engine monoplane and named it in honor of the St. Louis men who helped provide funding. SIX AVIATORS HAD DIED
Charles A. Lindbergh of Little Falls, Minn., was 25 when he made a record-breaking 33 1/2-hour nonstop, solo flight from New York City to Paris in a single-engine monoplane named the Spirit of St. Louis. Photo courtesy of Minnesota Historical Society
14
MAY 2015
By the time Lindbergh was ready for his flight, six well-known aviators had already lost their lives in pursuit of the Orteig Prize. On May 20, 1927, he set out to do what no one else could. At 7:51 a.m. Lindbergh took off from New York’s Roosevelt Field. The plane was loaded with 450 gallons of gasoline, weighing about 2,750 pounds. During takeoff, the plane bounced twice before becoming airborne, clearing the telephone wires at the end of the runway by just 20 feet. The route took Lindbergh along the coast of New England and toward Canada before crossing the Atlantic. Photographers jumped in planes and followed him as far as they could. Once over the ocean, Lindbergh had to use “dead reckoning,” which meant navigating with a compass instead of maps or landmarks. For the next 15 hours, there would be no updates. Fears of his demise would surface. “The world was on edge,” said Melissa Peterson, manager of the Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site in Little Falls. “People of all ages sat around the radio waiting for news, hoping that Lindbergh would appear.”
How to Get Rid of Knee Pain Once and For All...Without Drugs, Shots or Surgery Now in Woodbury, MN, one doctor is helping local residents with knee pain live more active, pain-free lives
EXPLORE Learn more about the Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site and 25 other Minnesota Historical Society locations at mnhs.org.
FINALLY, PARIS!
Fighting off sleep and an ice storm, Lindbergh was thrilled to see fishing boats the next morning off the coast of Ireland. The news quickly spread across Europe and the U.S. that Lindbergh had been spotted. Eagerly awaiting his arrival in Paris, crowds began to gather at the Le Bourget airfield. Lindbergh expected the field to be dark since he was flying at night, but the crowd came with lights. Confused, Lindbergh circled the airfield a few times before landing at 10:24 p.m. In his autobiography, Lindbergh wrote, “I start to taxi back toward the floodlights and hangers. But the entire field ahead is covered with running figures!” More than 100,000 people rushed toward his plane. The papers dubbed him “Lucky Lindy.”
Do You Have Any of the Following Conditions? • Arthritis • Knee Pain • Cartilage damage • ‘Bone-on-bone’ • Tendonitis
We can help with High Power Laser/PEMF Therapy. Our $50,000 laser is the strongest therapy laser in the country and there is a reason we have it. It gets amazing results! For only $47, you receive an in-depth exam and full review of MRI or X-rays plus 2 free treatments. Due to the popularity of this treatment, we can only accept the first 25 callers. Hurry, this offer expires March 31st!
CALL 651-459-3171 TODAY!
• Bursitis • Crunching and popping sounds MEDICARE AND MAJOR INSURANCE PLANS ACCEPTED
MN Spine & Sport GA 0315 S3.indd 3
Dr. Chad Beiler, DC 8360 City Centre Drive, Suite 120 Woodbury, MN 55125
mnspineandsport.com 2/18/15 9:42 AM
TOUR HIS HOME
After his famous flight, Lindbergh continued to promote aviation. He also became a world-renowned author, environmentalist and scientist. He died in August 1974. Visitors to the Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site, a national historic landmark, can tour his boyhood home, explore visitor-center exhibits, including a Spirit of St. Louis flight simulator, and walk an interpretive trail along the river, where Lindbergh walked and played as a boy. Jessica Kohen is the media relations manager for the Minnesota Historical Society. MAY 2015
15
G O O D H E A LT H ASK THE PHARMACIST ////// SUZY COHEN
Brain power
Exercise and avoid alcohol (and other chemicals) to boost your memory
Y
ou don’t get alarmed when you lose your keys, but what if you constantly forget what you were trying to say a few seconds ago? Full-blown dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are disabling and difficult for family members. Today I’m offering suggestions from a Functional Medicine standpoint, which should protect your brain and help you regain memory molecules. Learn more about the National Institute for Functional Medicine at functionalmedicine.org. Eliminate harmful foods. We know certain foods and additives can slow down brain function or harm your cells. We know them as excitotoxins because they “excite” or vibrate your cells to death. Eliminating artificial sweeteners, colors and preservatives is better for your brain cells. This pretty much means no more junk food or sugar substitutes. Animal studies prove the presence of brain damage in mice that ate only junk food for nine months. Humans have been eating the stuff for decades. Give up drugs that mess up your mind. First on the list is alcohol. Yep, you didn’t know alcohol was a drug? Well, it can kill your brain cells over time — the more hangovers, the worse for you. Also, antihistamines (allergy medicine) can leave you with morning brain fog and cognitive fatigue. In particular, diphenhydramine, or any drug with that ingredient in it, will leave you a little messed up in the morning. Drugs that end in “PM” sometimes have this ingredient in them. Exercise. One very fast way to increase brain-derived neurotropic factor or BDNF is physical activity. The more BDNF you have, the stronger and tighter the connections are between your brain cells. This means less brain fog, sharper memory, better focus and heightened alertness. Supplements raise BDNF, but exercise does it faster and for free. Get moving!
16
MAY 2015
Eliminating artificial sweeteners, colors and preservatives is better for your brain cells. This pretty much means no more junk food or sugar substitutes. Vinpocetine. I love this herb. It increases cerebral blood flow and is well-studied. One Hungarian study said, “Vinpocetine treatment can be recommended for patients with mild cognitive impairment.” SOD. That stands for superoxide dismutase. It’s an enzyme we have in our bodies when we’re born. The SOD enzyme is responsible for putting out the fires in your body, more specifically reducing ROS (reactive oxygen species) commonly called free radicals. SOD is a strong antioxidant, and it reduces amyloid plaque deposits associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Some people (like me) don’t have enough SOD enzymes; mine are genetically cramped, so I take SOD supplements. Suzy Cohen has been a licensed pharmacist for almost 25 years. Send questions to info@pharmacist.com.
National Senior Games searching for volunteers The organizers of the 2015 National Senior Games — the largest multisport event in the world for athletes age 50 and older — are seeking 2,500 volunteers for the event in July. Presented by Humana, the games will be held at 18 venues in Bloomington, Minneapolis and St. Paul with an estimated 10,000 athletes set to compete. Training, snacks, beverages and games-branded apparel will be provided to volunteers. More than 30,000 spectators and guests are expected to attend the event. Volunteers are asked to register for a minimum of two four-hour shifts over the course of the games, which will be held July 3–16. No experience is required. Volunteer opportunities will include: • Athlete Registration • Athlete Village • Airport Ambassador and Greeter • Sport/Competition • Hotel Information Station • Hospitality • Awards Distribution Station • Sports Information station • Volunteer Check-In See TeamMNVolunteer.com or email seniorgames@2015Golden GamesMN.org for more information. The National Senior Games Association governs the 2015 National Senior Games is a nonprofit member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, which promotes health and wellness for ages 50 and older through education, fitness and sport. Learn more at NSGA.com.
History Theatre GA 0315 H6.indd 1
2/16/15 11:58 AM
Affordable Living
Daily Wellness Checks
with Individualized Services Including: Individualized Service Coordination
Housekeeping Service
YOU
Daily Meal Service
FIT IN Secure Buildings
Social Activities
St. Paul Public Housing Agency’s Congregate Housing Services Program (CHSP) CHSP Manager
Affordable Rents — Based on Income
Private One Bedroom Apartments
WHERE
651-292-6035 www.stpha.org
Laundry Service
St. Paul Public Housing Agency GA 1214 H4.indd 3
11/12/14 2:17 PM
Whether you’re independent or need nursing care, our one-stop-shop campus can meet your needs! Augustana Care of Minneapolis 1510 11th Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55404
612-238-5255
fostering fullness of life Augustana Care GA 0515 H4.indd 1
17
4/13/15 2:30 PM
MAY 2015
G O O D H E A LT H HOUSE CALL ////// DR. MICHAEL SPILANE
Itchy or watery eyes? Our eyes are self-cleaning, but too few or too many tears become more common as we age
W
ouldn’t it be neat if the windshield on your car had a continuous self-washing feature? The human eye has one. Without it, the tissues of the eye that are exposed to the environment would suffer from dryness, and the eye would eventually become blind. With advancing age, problems with the eye’s washing mechanism become much more common: Forty percent of people over age 80 experience some symptoms from an eye-washing problem, and about 10 percent need special treatment. Let’s start with a brief anatomy lesson: The lacrimal gland is tucked under the upper eyelid. It secretes a steady flow of fluid (tears) that washes uniformly across the eyeball. This fluid drains into the nasolacrimal duct at the corner of the eye nearest the nose. Other tiny glands that live along the borders of the eyelids add additional oily fluid to provide lubrication for the eye. Regular eye blinking and healthy eyelids assure that the fluids are well distributed over the surface of the eye, when it all works well.
PROBLEMS, CAUSES
But too often it doesn’t all work well. Depending on which of the system components fail, the result can be too little fluid or (seemingly) too much. If the lacrimal gland is sick, the problem becomes low or absent washing fluid. The result is called dry eye, and it’s no fun for the person attached to the eye. The eye itches, burns and feels like something’s caught on its surface. With total absence of lacrimal fluid, the membrane in front of the pupil (the cornea) can become dry and cloudy and can interfere with vision. There’s a list of about 25 diseases that can cause failure of the lacrimal gland, but the most common cause registers in the “cause unknown” column. It’s basically a degenerative process associated with aging. The next most common cause is Sjogrens disease. This ailment is believed to be the result of misguided body antibodies that attack and destroy the lacrimal gland. Failure of other eye-washing components can produce symptoms that suggest the production of too many tears rather than too few. The lacrimal gland actually doesn’t produce too much fluid — the trouble is caused by either occlusion (plugging) of the drainage duct or failure of the lacrimal fluid to flow properly across the eye. Fluid wells-up in the lower eyelid and then spills over onto the face. Recurrent infection of the duct is the usual cause of occlusion. EYELIDS OUT-TURNED
The most common cause of failure of proper fluid flow across the eye is out-turning of the lower eyelid. If the edge of the lower lid isn’t tight to the eye, the washing fluid will pool in the lid and not properly wash the eyeball.
18
MAY 2015
Healthy eyelids assure that the fluids are well distributed over the surface of the eye, when it all works well. But too often it doesn’t all work well.
Booth Manor Residence
WILLS, ESTATE PLANNING
For Seniors 62+
JAMES G. ROBAN Attorney at Law
• 1 Bedrooms • Based on Income • Utilities Included • Service Coordinator • Resident Activities & Programs • Community Room • Smoke-Free Building
261 Ruth Street Depending on the severity of the problem, the result of an out-turned (651) 738-2102 lower eyelid can be symptoms of both dry eye and watery eye — the eye Will: $40 itches and tears fall onto the face. PoWer of Attorney: $20 1421 Yale Place, Mpls Out-turning of the lower lid is caused HeAltH CAre DireCtive: $70 612-338-6313 by chronic infection of the lid or by agerelated sagging of the facial skin below the eye. The condition is amenable to Booth Manor GA 0114 12.indd 1 12/6/13 10:14 Roban, AM James GA 0513 12.indd 1 3/28/13 surgical repair, and results are excellent if performed by a skilled specialist. Neuromuscular ailments that cause lid dysfunction, or a reduced blinking reflex can also lead to dry-eye syndrome. The eye-washing mechanism doesn’t succeed without good lid function and frequent blinks. Earn apy Certain medications predictably with a GBU* Preferred 8 tax-deferred annuity. decrease fluid production in the eye’s 2% Minimum Guarantee. $10,000 minimum deposit. glands, leading to symptoms of dry eye Current Renewal Rate in years 2– 8 is 3.65% • 3% in years 9+ in a susceptible person. A review of the medication list is essential whenever the Call Bob today as rates may change at any time. problem is a persistently itchy eye.
3:23 PM
Don’t renew that CD!
3.50%
RJF Brokerage Services • 651-407-6039 *GBU Financial Life is a 122-year old fraternal benefit society domiciled in PA.
GET A DIAGNOSIS
Problems with tears — too few or the sense that there are too many — become more common as we age. Treatment is available, but an accurate diagnosis is essential. An accurate diagnosis usually requires a visit to an ophthalmologist (physician eye specialist). Diagnosis and treatment can be challenging and may require a referral to an ophthalmologist who sub-specializes in disease of the eye-washing mechanism. Dr. Michael Spilane, now retired, spent more than four decades practicing and teaching geriatric medicine in St. Paul. Send comments or questions to drspilane@mngoodage.com.
Frello, Bob GA 0315 H4.indd 1
Ou
o rg
ay lf m
2/9/15 9:59 AM
be mini, but the fu
n is
18
BI
G
holes
Malt Shop
Malts • Floats • Cones Frozen Yogurt
Mini Golf
for the whole family
Includes waterfall, lavish gardens & beautiful landscape
New ! Item
Grilled Cheese Build your own sandwich
Call 612-861-9348 for more information 6335 Portland Ave S, Richfield, MN Wheel Fun Rentals - Malt-T-Melt GA 0515 H4.indd 2
19
4/22/15 10:16 AM
MAY 2015
G O O D H E A LT H CAREGIVING ////// XAY YANG
Caregivers: Unite!
In March, a group of community members launched the Twin Cities’ only LGBTQ-specific caregiver support group
C
aregiving happens in all communities. More than 65 million people in the U.S. are currently caregiving. Family members, friends, neighbors and coworkers provide more than 90 percent of long-term care in Minnesota. These caregivers are the backbone of our aging care system. And, according to the 2012 Twin Cities LGBT Aging Needs Assessment Survey Report by the PFund Foundation, LGBTQ people — Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer — are twice as likely to be caregivers as the general public. The study also indicated that while, in general, LGBTQ people simply want long-term care services that are welcoming, when it comes to support groups, they want their own, LGBTQspecific spaces.
Organizers of the LGBTQ Caregiving Initiative gather for a kickoff brunch earlier this year at The Local in Minneapolis. Photo courtesy of LGBTQ Caregiver Support Group
THE BACKSTORY
The LGBTQ Caregiving Initiative began in April 2013, when the Wilder Foundation — a member of the Metropolitan Caregiver Services Collaborative — connected with a local lesbian caregiver through CaregivingNOW, an online forum. She was caring for her longtime partner who had Alzheimer’s and was interested in doing more to connect with other LGBTQ caregivers. Wilder was aware of the gap in services for LGBTQ people and had been looking for ways to help meet the need. After that initial connection, the conversation grew from two people, to three and continued to increase. Each new person was asked to reach out to their friends and family in the LGBTQ community. In the spring of 2014, the group decided it was time to formally host a series of Community Design Sessions.
20
MAY 2015
The group decided to focus their discussions on LGBTQ older adults and determined early on that they wanted a multicultural, intergenerational, cross-class group. Over the next six months, eight design sessions were held: Each time new community leaders were present, and new LGBTQ caregivers arrived, excited to discover the group. One-on-one conversations with leaders from LGBTQ organizations, faith communities and LGBTQ caregivers followed. NEW CAREGIVER GROUP
In March 2015, Minnesota’s only LGBTQ Caregiver Support Group officially began. LGBTQ caregivers of older adults come together to share their feelings and the challenges they’re facing with caregiving in a safe, confidential,
LGBTQ people are twice as likely to be caregivers as the general public.
Local group honored for LGBT work On May 7, Training to Serve of St. Paul will present its 2015 John Yoakam Award for Service to LGBT Elders to Senior Community Services of Minnetonka, which provides low-cost and free services to seniors in Minnesota. Training to Serve established the annual award to honor a Minnesota organization that strives to provide an environment where compassionate care Deb Taylor for LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) older adults can flourish. “Senior Community Services, led by Deb Taylor, CEO, has been very proactive in bringing TTS training to their staff and volunteers,” TTS board chair Rebecca Heltzer said in a press release. “Deb is a big advocate of preparing her agency to meet the unique needs and barriers of LGBT older adults. Senior Community Services is also an active charter member of the LGBT Aging Systems Change collaborative in the Twin Cities.” The award is named in memory of John Yoakam, an advocate for aging within the Twin Cities LGBT community. The St. Paul Amherst H. Wilder Foundation was the 2014 recipient of the award. Learn more at trainingtoserve.org.
LGBTQ-specific space. The goal of the group — which uses a co-facilitation model, with an intentionally cross-racial facilitation team — is to provide emotional and social support and opportunities for learning in a multicultural, cross-class, intergenerational environment. GET INVOLVED
Every caregiver deserves this kind of a supportive space. Caregivers need and yearn for connections with others who can empathize with them — to find a community where advice, experiences and stories can be shared. They want to meet others who can relate to them and know they’re not alone in this journey of caregiving. We know there are many LGBTQ caregivers out there who are seeking a space like this, but are unaware it exists.
SURROUNDED IN GREEN! Call Us to Learn About Our Amazing Community.
LEARN MORE Find the LGBTQ Caregiver Support Group on Facebook facebook.com/ lgbtqcaregiving or email Xay Yang at xay.yang@wilder.org to be added to the group’s email list.
Immediate Assisted Living Openings
We hope you’ll join us in building this space and will share this new opportunity with the people you know. Xay Yang is a master in social work student at the University of Minnesota and has been working with Wilder Foundation as a fellow since June 2014. She’s been organizing in the LGBTQ community for the past seven years. The Wilder Foundation is a member of the Metropolitan Caregiver Service Collaborative (caregivercollaborative.org).
Voted BEST! Since 2001 On-site chaplain • Private bus • On-site store • Beauty/barber shop Controlled entry system • Restaurant style dining • Satellite TV MUCH MORE! RN’s on-site during regular business hours and on-call 24/7. Home Health Care Staff & receptionist on-site 24/7.
8131-8133 Fourth St N, Oakdale, Minnesota 55128 651-578-0676 | www.oak-meadows.org Oak Meadow GA 0515 V6.indd 1
MAY 2015
21
4/20/15 4:15 PM
GOOD LIVING TRAVEL
England’s Lake District boasts not just famous poets, but stunning mountain scenery and lakes
JEWEL OF THE NORTH
B Y V I C T O R B L O C K
W
hen it comes to seeing England’s sights, the southern region often gets all the love with its red double-decker buses in London, the White Cliffs of Dover, the famous Roman baths of, well, Bath and, of course, the ancient site of Stonehenge. But the country’s mountains — in Cumbria in the far north, yes, bordering Scotland — have been famous, too, for centuries. This is William Wordsworth country, where the poet, metaphorically speaking in his 1804 poem, Daffodils, “wander’d, lonely as a cloud, high o’er vales and hills.” When I arrived in the northwest corner of England, which prompted Wordsworth and other writers to wax so eloquently, it didn’t take long to understand why. Begin with the magnificent scenery of lakes and rugged mountains, thick forests and rolling
22
MAY 2015
Derwent Water near the village of Keswick is one of the most popular lakes in England’s Lake District National Park.
fields outlined by stone walls and hedge rows, where countless sheep graze contentedly. Top off the list with the region’s intriguing history and rich cultural heritage, and it’s clear why the readers of Wanderlust magazine last year voted it the leading destination in the United Kingdom. In a nod to the British fondness for quaint, colorful terms, only one of the 16 major bodies of water in the area — Bassenthwaite — is called a lake. The others are known as waters, tarns and meres. Whatever their designation, they’re squeezed between England’s highest mountains, filling valleys carved dramatically by glaciers.
Sheep graze near Ullswater, a lake in England’s Lake District.
HIKING THE COUNTRYSIDE
Each body of water has its own attractions. At 11 miles long, Windermere is the longest lake in the country. Victorian mansions built for wealthy families during the late 18th and early 19th centuries line the shore. Today some now serve as guest houses and small hotels. Steam boats connect tourist villages that overlook Ullswater, the second-largest lake in the district. Landlubbers may prefer the 6.5-mile footpath that connects the towns. Another walking trail circles Grasmere. Wordsworth, who lived in the town of the same name, described it as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found.” Hiking attracts many visitors to the Lake District, and an extensive network of well-marked trails crisscrosses the area. Small wooden “Public Footpath” signs are encountered throughout the region. QUAINT TOWNS, SHOPS
Some trails cross farmland, past fields planted with crops and across meadows filled with grazing sheep. Others lead to inviting towns, which provide yet another reason to visit the Lake District.
Kendal is largely a manufacturing town, but because of its convenient location it’s known as the Gateway to the Lakes. Many of its buildings were constructed of grey limestone, which accounts for its nickname, Auld Grey Town. Other attractions include the ruins of several castles, the newest of which was built in the late 12th century. On Windermere, the adjoining resort towns of Windermere and Bowness together offer a long list of recreational activities for vacationers. Restaurants and shops line the Bowness waterfront. Nearby is the Hole In t’Wall, a 16th-century pub so named, the story goes, for an opening made by a blacksmith next door, through which he retrieved his pints of ale. Keswick was granted a king’s charter as a market town in 1276, and its marketplace has existed since then. It became a popular vacation destination in the 18th century, and today tourism continues to be its principal industry. Borrowdale, one of the most beautiful Lake District communities, lies in a river valley beneath wooded hills as well as Scafell Pike — not exactly Everest, but at 3,210 feet, the tallest in England.
MAY 2015
23
Quaint villages and marinas are part of the charm of England’s famous Lake District. Next page: Daffodils bloom at Holehird, a Lakeland Horticultural Society garden near Windermere.
LITERARY CHARMS
The charming village of Grasmere loses some of its appeal during summer, when hordes of sightseers arrive to visit landmarks associated with its most famous former resident, Wordsworth. It’s one of a number of towns that relate chapters in the story of the so-called Lake Poets. They were writers who lived in the Lake District around the turn of the 19th century and, inspired by its beauty, described it in their works. The three main Lake Poets were Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge (who penned The Rime of the Ancient Mariner) and Robert Southey, best known as the author of The Story of the Three Bears, the precursor to the Goldilocks tale. A number of other poets and writers also drew inspiration from the region and their words of admiration and adoration did much to put the Lake District on the map.
PLAN YOUR TRIP The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway is a historic attraction on lake Windermere.
24
MAY 2015
Go to golakes.co.uk and lakedistrict.gov.uk.
We buy gold, silver, coins, & currency
The places associated DAFFODILS with this group of talented wordsmiths are as varied I wander’d lonely as a cloud as the attractions that draw That floats on high o’er vales and hills, people to the area. WordWhen all at once I saw a crowd, sworth lived in a cottage at A host, of golden daffodils; Honest, Knowledgable & Experienced the edge of Grasmere from Beside the lake, beneath the trees, 1799 to 1808, and spent the Please call Andrew at Fluttering and dancing in the breeze. final 37 years of his life in a rambling old house in the Continuous as the stars that shine village of Rydal. And twinkle on the Milky Way, Both Coleridge and They stretch’d in never-ending line Mill City Numismatics GA 0513 V6.indd 1 3/28/13 4:02 PM Southey lived for some time Along the margin of a bay: in Keswick. Other poets Ten thousand saw I at a glance, and writers visited the Lake Tossing their heads in sprightly dance. District, which embellished its reputation even more. The waves beside them danced; but they Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Out-did the sparkling waves in glee: who was Poet Laureate of A poet could not but be gay, Great Britain during much In such a jocund company: of Queen Victoria’s reign, I gazed — and gazed — but little thought spent his honeymoon at What wealth the show to me had brought: Coniston. And John Ruskin helped to popularize that For oft, when on my couch I lie village after he purchased a In vacant or in pensive mood, mansion nearby. They flash upon that inward eye Today, a growing number Which is the bliss of solitude; of travelers are following the And then my heart with pleasure fills, footsteps of those creative And dances with the daffodils. types to create their own memories of the English — William Wordsworth (1804) Lake District. Indeed, 15.5 million visited Lake District National Park in 2013, expanding on the local population, including 40,800 who live in the towns inside the park’s borders.
Mill City Numismatics
(612) 770-6578
Victor Block is a veteran travel writer and has contributed to many national publications. MAY 2015
25
GOOD LIVING HOUSING ////// JEN LARSON ROESLER
Counter intelligence Weigh your options before choosing a countertop for your kitchen GRANITE
MARBLE
In kitchen-renovation dreams, the countertops are usually paved with granite. While there’s no doubt that polished granite lends a high-end look to kitchens — and usually adds quite a bit of value to boot — its beauty does come with a few caveats. Pros: Luxury look; heat-resistant, lots of colors. Cons: Porous, so spills (especially oil) must be wiped up promptly, and countertops need to be resealed annually; natural variations in the stone can make it challenging to match up patterns exactly.
Chalk it up to the clean, classic look or the proliferation of home cooks and pastry chefs, but marble is growing in popularity as a kitchen countertop option. While it suffers from some of the same drawbacks as other natural stone options (plus a few quirks of its own), marble’s museum-like good looks and ability to receive a hot pan as easily as a chilled pastry dough make it an attractive pick. Pros: Durable, beautiful, heat-resistant, offers a cool surface for rolling pastry and baking. Cons: Porous; can scratch and stain; acidic foods may etch the surface (which can be buffed out); requires resealing and periodic maintenance.
QUARTZ
Billed as a natural stone look with none of the upkeep headaches, this surface, also known as engineered stone, goes by brand names like Corian, Caesarstone, Cambria and Silestone. It definitely pulls ahead of other options in the maintenance category. The non-porous material comes in a wide variety of looks since it’s a man-made surface. It includes, however, some natural-stone components, usually crushed quartz. As such, it requires none of the re-sealing that granite or marble do. Pros: Lots of colors and styles; doesn’t require sealing; stain, scratch and heat resistant. Cons: Usually on par with granite in terms of price. WOOD
Like a well-used butcher block, wood countertops offer a warm look and a functional surface that’s ready to receive a hot pan — and it can serve as a cutting board. However, like a butcher block, wood countertops need a little care to stay at their best. Many homeowners choose to intersperse wooden countertop sections with other hard surfaces to get the best of both worlds. Pros: Heat-resistant; suitable for chopping and food prep; sanitary when properly sealed and cared for; can be relatively inexpensive compared to other countertop options. Cons: Requires proper sealing and maintenance, which may include oiling or other care; can stain and show cutting marks, though these can be buffed out.
26
MAY 2015
LAMINATE
Once a low-budget option for homeowners, laminate countertops are now available in a stunning variety of new finishes. And that’s lending this material a stylish new lease on life. Forget the boring white countertops of your first apartment; now, more modern looks include retro patterns, bright, saturated colors and even natural-looking woodgrain and quartz copies. Pros: Can be comparatively inexpensive; huge array of colors and patterns. Cons: Not heat resistant; may stain, depending on color; not suitable as a cutting surface. While these are some of the most popular countertop surface options today, there are also emerging options that offer a unique look and usability benefits. Concrete, glass, stainless steel, soapstone, recycled glass, aluminum or even paper (yes, paper) are still more choices. However, once you’ve defined your must-haves and your “I don’t mind” items, you can select a countertop material that makes you smile every time you walk into your kitchen. Jen Larson Roesler is a Minneapolis-based freelance writer.
GOOD LIVING FINANCE ////// SKIP JOHNSON
Paying off your mortgage before retirement?
Yes, you can do it (and should), but be savvy about when and how
H
ome is where the heart is, but hopefully not where the debt is. Fewer seniors today own their homes outright than in past decades, and that can put a strain on their budgets in retirement. It won’t be financially feasible for every family to pay off their mortgage before retirement, but I recommend my clients make it a priority: You’ll end up with a more predictable budget and a huge peace-of-mind payoff. A recent report by the Employee Benefit Research Institute found that home-related expenses have surpassed health care as the leading expense for older Americans. Before making your decision, however, consider the following factors:
benefits you might expect. You need to factor in how much you’ll end up paying in taxes, because it can really add up.
TAX BENEFITS
This is another area where you really must weigh the pros and cons. If you’ve paid off more than half of your mortgage, it’s important to look at the interest you’re paying. Refinancing your mortgage debt may not make financial sense if a substantial portion of your monthly payment is going toward your principal. If paying off your mortgage is a priority, I recommend taking a hard look at your budget and finding areas where you can cut. Take that money and put extra payments on the mortgage principal on a regular basis. Consider this: Paying your mortgage off by the day you retire isn’t your only option. For some of my clients, their goal is to eliminate mortgage debt five or 10 years into retirement. Some of them work part-time and contribute that money to paying down the mortgage. Once it’s paid off, they can transition into a full retirement.
Some people argue against paying off mortgages because of the tax benefits. Your mortgage interest is tax deductible, but many times the deduction doesn’t make financial sense when you look at the big picture. This is especially true as you get to the end of your home loan and you’re paying less toward interest and more toward principal. I suggest talking with a financial professional to help determine what the actual tax benefit is for your particular situation. CONSUMER CREDIT
Take a look at your overall debt and the interest you’re paying. Any debts with interest rates higher than your mortgage, like credit cards and auto loans, should be paid off first. PAYING WITH INVESTMENTS
Everyone’s situation is different, but generally, withdrawing money from your retirement investments to pay down a mortgage doesn’t deliver the
USING EMERGENCY SAVINGS
Just don’t do it! An emergency savings account is just that — for emergencies. Using that money can put you in a dangerous position. If you don’t have an emergency fund, you risk the chance of running up credit-card debt to pay for any unexpected expenses, like a medical bill or a home or auto repair. I recommend to my clients to have three to six months of living expenses saved to cover emergencies. REFINANCING
As with most financial decisions, you should look at your entire financial picture before deciding whether paying off your mortgage will be your top priority.
Skip Johnson is a partner at Great Waters Financial in New Hope, Minn. Learn more at mygreatwaters.com. MAY 2015
27
GOOD LIVING IN THE KITCHEN
Easy almond cookies
Photo by Sarah Dorison
This recipe was adapted from the Star Tribune, which named the recipe the winner of its 2014 Holiday Cookie Contest. William Teresa of Minneapolis adapted the recipe from a traditional ricciarelli biscuit he tried while living in Italy. Read the full story at tinyurl.com/strib-cookies. Zest of 1 large lemon 2 1/4 cups almond flour or meal*
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk together lemon zest, sugar and almond flour in a medium-sized bowl.
3/4 cup granulated sugar
Beat egg white with almond and vanilla extracts in a separate bowl until soft peaks form.
1 egg white
Stir the egg white mixture into the dry ingredients using a wooden spoon, making sure to mix thoroughly.
1 teaspoon almond extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup powdered sugar Makes 2 dozen cookies Gluten free *Almond flour and almond meal are both made of ground almonds. Two brands that work well for this recipe are Bob’s Red Mill Almond Meal/Flour and Trader Joe’s Just Almond Meal, which includes skins.
28
MAY 2015
Form into a 1-inch-thick log of dough. It will be sticky and crumbly. Cut the log with a sharp knife at 1/2-inch intervals and form the pieces into 1-inch discs for a rustic look. You can use a tablespoon measure to shape the cookies if you want them to have a uniform look. Roll cookies in powdered sugar, coating all sides and gently tapping off excess powdered sugar. Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets and bake until only slightly browned with a cracked exterior, about 15 to 20 minutes. Don’t overbake. Cool for 5 minutes before transferring cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
GOOD LIVING TECHNOLOGY ////// MR. MODEM
Windows XP: Let it go! WORTHY WEBSITES
I know you’re probably sick of hearing from XP users/ whiners, but it’s such a good operating system, I just don’t want to move onto something else. I’ve heard that Microsoft was losing money on XP, but why can’t they just charge XP users and continue supporting it?
Q&A
Microsoft wasn’t losing money on XP. In fact, it was one of their most successful products ever. But as an operating system, it simply ran its course and it was time for the company to move on — exactly as it had announced years in advance. The same will hold true for Windows 7 and Windows 8. At the time of each respective release, it was announced that extended support would terminate for Windows 7 on Jan. 14, 2020, and for Windows 8, on Jan. 10, 2023. So mark your calendars: Technology is destined to move ahead with or without us, whether we want it to or not. That’s just a harsh reality of computing life. What’s the red arrow that shows up on occasion at the top-left corner of an Excel spreadsheet? The cells in question are filled in. I can usually get rid of the arrow if I erase the cell’s contents, then rewrite it, but not always.
That little arrow is a “formula error indicator.” In other words, it indicates that the formula within the cell contains an error that will prevent it from calculating properly.
I use Windows Live Mail. Some newsletters I receive are always classified as “Undesirable” and are placed in my Junk folder rather than my Inbox. How can I change this?
Open one of the miscategorized e-newsletters in your Junk folder and select the Not Junk check box in the upper left. From the drop-down menu, make sure you mark Add Sender’s Domain Name and Add Sender’s Name to Safe Sender List. Then click the big green check again. You can also choose to add the sender’s address as a Contact. Click the Contact option in the upper left corner of the Inbox, then add the address. This will work for any mail that’s mistakenly going into the Junk folder. It may not work the first time, but keep trying and your persistence should be rewarded. Richard Sherman, a nationally syndicated columnist, first ventured onto the Internet in 1988. Learn more at mrmodem.net.
AMAZON SMILE
Go to smile.amazon. com and log into your Amazon account. You’ll then be given the opportunity to select from an extensive list of charities. Each time you purchase something from Amazon, a small percentage of that purchase will be donated to your designated charity — as long as you start at smile.amazon.com and not amazon.com. And you won’t have to pay anything extra for your purchase! smile.amazon.com
MOSAICULTURES More than 1 million people visited the International Mosaiculture Montreal at the Montreal Botanical Garden in 2013. Some of the greatest horticulturists in the world created sculptures out of more than 3 million living plants. Visit this site to view the mindblooming results. mosaiculturesinternationales.ca
MAY 2015
29
SMALL, SAFE,
With shade (EKAS) as shown $35
SMART BY AMY SUTTON
HEMNES SIDE TABLE Perfect height, includes storage $70
MATILDA SHEER CURTAINS
EKARP LAMP
Help control light as well as heat $20
TULLSTA CHAIR
Lumbar throw pillow (DOROTHY) for support, as shown $159
HEMNES BED
Solid wood, queen size, comfortable height $229
Photos by Augustana Care
Augustana Care and IKEA are partnering up to help seniors downsize — gracefully — into small-space living in Minneapolis
W
hen most people think of IKEA, they might picture college students outfitting their dorm rooms or maybe a couple of newlyweds furnishing their first apartment or baby’s nursery. But Augustana Care, a nonprofit senior housing and assisted-living community based in Minneapolis, is looking beyond the Swedish furniture giant’s stereotypes to provide design ideas for their residents. It all started in early 2013 with Joyce Thompson, a soon-to-be resident of Augustana Apartments of Minneapolis. AN UNDERSERVED MARKET
Thompson’s cousin, Sonya Anderson, who happened to be employed with IKEA as a home-furnishing consultant, and Julianne Fries, Augustana Care’s director of housing, were assisting Thompson in the downsizing process from her former home to a two-bedroom apartment. “I had to have a different davenport, because in the house I had a three-piece sectional. It wouldn’t have even gotten through the door here,” said Thompson, who, at age 90, had lived in her former home for more than 60 years.
30
MAY 2015
Few furniture retailers seem very focused on the preferences of older people, Thompson said. “If you look at things in stores, everything is for younger generations and you have to take what you can get,” she said. Fries and Anderson worked together to visualize how Thompson’s new, smaller living space could be put together. Fries noticed how much Thompson was benefiting from her cousin’s expertise, including hand-picked space-saving furniture that made the most of her space, plus fabric and colors that suited Thompson’s taste. “During the whole process Sonya and I talked a lot about the common threads among seniors who are looking to downsize,” Fries said. “Eventually Sonya and I started talking about how it would be amazing if every older adult moving into a place like this had a person like her to help them.” MAKING A MODEL HOME
Fast-forward to 2015: Anderson and Fries musings have turned into something quite tangible. While everyone may not yet get the same service as Thompson did with her familial connection, they can see a real-world example of how IKEA can help seniors with downsizing and refurnishing. During an open house this past January, Augustana Care showed off a newly refurbished model apartment
TOUR THE MODEL Augustana Care — which operates more than 20 communities in Minnesota, plus two in Colorado and another coming soon to Wyoming — is a nonprofit organization that provides senior housing, health care and communitybased services to older generations and others in need. See augustanacare.org to learn more. Call 612-238-5255 to set up a tour of the model apartment unit in Minneapolis.
IKEA: You’ll find the showroom and store are at 8000 IKEA Way, across from the Mall of America in Bloomington. Home delivery starts at $59. Assembly with delivery starts at $79. See ikea.com/us/en/store/twin_cities/services for more information.
10 Commandments of Small-Space Living: See tinyurl.com/10-small-space.
15 Decorating Tips for Assisted Living: See tinyurl.com/15-small-space.
MAY 2015
31
furnished entirely by IKEA at their Minneapolis campus, which is home to about 400 residents. IKEA’s design ideas, developed with Augustana Care staff, weren’t just about saving space. Safety and ease of use were incorporated into the model’s features, too, which included: • Laundry bins on wheels to make it easier to bring to the laundry facilities • Arms on all seating to make it easier to stand up • Closed glass displays to showcase treasured objects, but also reduce dust • Stationery toggles for simple activation of switches for lamps • Wall hooks where residents can place keys so they’re always in the same place • Drop-leaf tables that can accommodate more guests when necessary • Inviting, soothing colors Reactions to the model space during the open house were positive. “I like a modern style. I like sleek looks,” said longtime Augustana Care resident June Englund. “And I think, for the price, the IKEA furniture is quite smart and it looks well done. Even if you have older stuff, these modern looks are so sleek that they wouldn’t be out of place with antiques.” Englund was also impressed with the safety aspect of the design. “There’s a nice feeling of being able to move around, and when you’re older you have to be concerned about that,” she said. “You don’t want there to be anything in the way that you’re going to fall over.” SENIORS’ NEEDS, SAFETY
Anderson worked with IKEA staff and the staff of Augustana Care to analyze the needs of their seniors, including in-depth interviews with their residents, which involved photographing and measuring their living spaces. IKEA marketing director Brooke Nelson said the collaboration was a chance to serve a new niche of consumers, including empty nesters, downsizing families as well as folks moving into assisted living. “It was an opportunity for us to get to speak with a community that we hadn’t really served directly before,” she said. “We tend to think about milestones — like a first job, first apartment, going to college or getting married — forgetting that there are other milestones, too.” Minnesota’s 65-and-older population is rapidly growing.
32
MAY 2015
Augustana Care’s IKEA-furnished model apartment includes a compact entertainment center, a space-saving half table near the window, firm armchairs for easier sitting and standing and (top photo) a fold-out desk with a space-saving lamp attached.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, by the year 2030, the 65-plus population is expected to increase to 24 percent of the state’s population — almost one of every four Minnesotans. Nelson said she could see the idea easily expanding beyond Minnesota. “We can hold the experience up as a good example,” she said. “I think the partnership was really positive and a great learning opportunity.” There’s certain room for the idea to grow. Augustana Care, which has more than 20 communities in Minnesota, also operates communities in Colorado, where there’s an IKEA near Denver. Amy Sutton is a St. Paul-based freelance writer.
One of the Next Gen homes is known as the Genesis. Photo by Lennar
‘Granny flats’ in the Twin Cities — and beyond — are offering more flexible housing options for families
2 HOMES ‘Granny flats’ in the Twin Cities are offering more flexible housing options for families BY SHEILA REGAN
Karen Hokanson moved into a retirement community in Eagan in 2008, and, at first, she really enjoyed it. She had a comfortable 1,700-square-foot apartment and was surrounded by many people her age. Her friends there helped her grieve the loss of her husband. But, as time went on, she became frustrated with the management and started to wonder about other options. Then her son, Troy Hokanson, made her an interesting offer: Would she like to move in with him and his family — and three of her grandchildren — in a new house in Lakeville? Karen Hokanson, age 73, said yes. But she didn’t have to share the family’s main living quarters or impose on their every moment. Troy Hokanson bought a new home with separate apartment for his mother, complete with its own door to the outside, plus a door on the inside
Troy and Melissa Hokanson and their three children live in a Next Gen home in Lakeville with Troy’s mother, Karen Hokanson. Photo by Sheila Regan
1 PROPERTY
to the main house. “It’s nice that I don’t have to drive home after babysitting,” Karen Hokanson said. “I just have to go down the hall.”
generational living without a loss of privacy or independence. In some cases, accessory dwellings can mean extra rental income, depending on the ordinances of the city in question.
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
MINNEAPOLIS’ NEW LAW
Stories like the Hokansons’ are becoming increasingly common. In fact, an increase in the creation of so-called Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) — also known as motherin-laws, granny flats or carriage houses — is resulting in more diverse housing options for aging adults and their families. An Accessory Dwelling Unit is a selfcontained living unit. It can be located within the walls of an existing or newly constructed home or a smaller, freestanding structure on the same lot as the main house. Accessory dwellings offer a number of attractive benefits, including inter-
In December, Minneapolis city counselors passed an ordinance allowing ADUs citywide, in response to an increasing number of inquiries from residents, neighborhood organizations, community leaders and senior housing advocates. Under the law, owners are required to live on the property, but they can rent out their main home or the accessory dwelling — just not both — because of a homesteading requirement. Michael Vanderford of Minneapolis first learned about urban ADUs when he was visiting Portland, Ore. “I was amazed by the attractive spaces they have created. MAY 2015
33
They have come up with very attractive houses in what would be the backyard,” he said. Vanderford and his wife, Mary, know firsthand the value of intergenerational living. About 10 years ago, they expanded their south Minneapolis home so Mary’s mother could live with them. They built a large room — about 12 feet square — on the east side of the house with a bathroom on the same level. She lived in the addition for about six months before she moved to Florida. Now, Vanderford is thinking about expanding their home again. Vanderford’s son, Paul Vanderford, has a new baby and he and his wife are thinking about the future. Though Mary Vanderford wants to stay in the main house for the rest of her days, she and her husband are discussing the possibility of their son and his family eventually occupying the main house. They would then move into a single-level addition or a freestanding abode out back, thanks to the new ordinance. Though moving out of their traditional home isn’t necessarily appealing right now, it might be necessary if they eventually face mobility issues, Michael Vanderford said, adding that their original home’s stairs could become quite challenging in their later years.
HOMESTEADING
In Minnetonka, ADUs are allowed, but they can’t be turned into rental properties. “That was fine with us,” said Heidi Bye, who has an apartment above her garage that both her father-in-law and grown daughter have used. “We only wanted people who were related to us or had close ties.” Bye and her husband, Jim, renovated the old living quarters above their garage about 10 year ago when Jim’s mother died. His father, former Gopher legend Billy Bye, was grieving and living alone in a townhome. When the Byes acquired their house, built in 1910, the space above the garage — originally a chauffeur’s flat — needed work. But they worked with the builders to partition the one room to include a kitchen, a sitting area with a fireplace and another area for the bed. They incorporated a lot of built-in cabinetry to save on space. Billy Bye, who was in his mid-70s at the time, lived in the space for about a year and a half before he met another woman, got married and moved into her town home. Though her father-in-law has since died, Bye still has the memories of his time in the apartment, including morning coffee talks and occasional visits for dinner. “He was still really active and really social,” Bye said. “It was nice to have him around, and he had his independence.”
INSPIRING PAGES Michael Litchfield’s book, In-Laws, Outlaws and Granny Flats: Your Guide to Turning One House into Two Homes, explores the many forms of granny flats, including additions, suites, attics, basements and backyard cottages.
34
MAY 2015
WHAT IS AN ADU? An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) — also known as a granny flat or mother-in-law apartment — can be located within the walls of an existing or a smaller, freestanding structure on the same lot as the main house. Learn more about ADUs in Minneapolis at tinyurl. com/mpls-adu.
NEXT GEN HOMES
Miami-based homebuilder Lennar started offering its own version of homewithin-a-home units in the Twin Cities in August 2011. The Hokansons bought their multigenerational home in one of Lennar’s Lakeville developments. Lennar’s Next Gen homes, specifically designed with multigenerational living in mind, are available in new-construction developments in Lakeville, Victoria, Stillwater, Dayton, Rosemount, Corcoran, Medina and Woodbury, including a model home in Woodbury. Lennar’s Next Gen floor plans typically include a private entrance, a bedroom, bathroom, washer/dryer, an eat-in kitchenette and a living room. Some floor plans include private one-car garages as well. For Karen Hokanson, multigenerational living has meant a return to a family tradition. Her grandmother lived with her family when she was younger. And, in the early 1980s, when she had a family of her own, her dad moved into her house, where he had his own suite. During the summer months, he would spend a lot of time outside. Eventually the neighborhood kids started calling him Grandpa.
SMOKERS who want to try new cigarettes that may or may not lead to reduced smoking are wanted for a research study. This is NOT a treatment or smoking cessation study.
COMPENSATION WILL BE PROVIDED. Call: Tobacco Research Programs at 612-624-4913 for more information. Tobacco Research Programs MNP 0515 H6.indd 3
4/14/15 11:17 AM
Lennar’s Next Gen floor plans typically include a private entrance, a bedroom, bathroom, washer/dryer, an eat-in kitchenette and a living room as part of a secondary built-in residence. Some plans include private one-car garages as well, such as this plan known as the Independence. To see the rest of the home’s floor plan, including the upper and lower levels, go to nextgen.lennar.com.
He lived in the house for 10 years before he passed away at age 90. Though Karen Hokanson misses her friends from her retirement community, the tradeoff is that she’s able to see her family more often. And they’re close by if she needs help with anything. She’s also come to know the neighbors well and has enjoyed meeting the young families and children in the neighborhood. Having an accessory dwelling continues to be a blessing for the Byes as well. Bye’s 21-year-old daughter had a hard time finding housing that would also accommodate her dog, so the space above the garage has become a perfect fit for her while she commutes to classes at the University of Minnesota. “She has her independence, but she checks in with us pretty much daily and comes and goes as she pleases,” Bye said. “She’s an only child, and we just love having her around.”
Come Home
to Auburn
Independent Living • Assisted Living Memory Care • Skilled Nursing Care Rehabilitation Services
Serving Seniors in the Spirit of Christ’s Love • Locations in Chaska & Waconia
CALL TODAY 952-227-0494 For Employment and Volunteer Opportunities Visit Our Web Site: www.auburnhomes.org
Sheila Regan is a Minneapolis-based freelance writer and theater teacher. Auburn Homes & Services GA 1014 H4.indd 1
35
9/4/14 3:39 PM
MAY 2015
Housing resources • Memory care
• Assisted living
Auburn Homes and Services • • Auburn Homes and Services is a nonprofit organization serving seniors in the spirit of Christ’s love. 501 North Oak St Chaska 591 Cherry Dr Waconia 594 Cherry Dr Waconia 952-227-0494 auburnhomes.org
Augustana Care of Minneapolis • • • •
• Independent housing
• Long term care
Como by the Lake Senior Apartments • Exceptional senior living at Como by the Lake Senior Apartments and community. Great location that is just across from beautiful Como Park. Heated underground parking and two elevators. Small pets are always welcome. 901 E Como Blvd St. Paul 651-489-3392
Crest View Senior Communities • •
Our full continuum of care offers everything from independent living to skilled nursing, all on one campus! We offer in-home care, restaurant-style dining, a bank, pharmacy, grocery store, coffee shop, beauty shop, medical clinic, fitness center, and more! 1007 E 14th St, Minneapolis 1510 11th Ave S, Minneapolis 612-238-5555 minneapoliscampus.org
Crest View Senior Communities offers senior housing, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehab, skilled nursing, and home care. Five great locations in Columbia Heights, and Crest View Senior Community at Blaine is under development and taking reservations. 4444 Reservoir Blvd NE Columbia Heights 763-782-1601 crestviewcares.org
Clean Slate •
Jones-Harrison • •
We are a family-owned company whose services include the following: weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly cleaning; move in/ move out cleaning; organizing; preparing houses for market which includes but isn’t limited to: painting, wallpaper removal, changing fixtures, deep cleaning, staging, packing, and much more. 1616 Texas Ave S St. Louis Park 612-250-8631 cleanslatemn.com
Located on the shores of Cedar Lake in Minneapolis, Jones-Harrison is a nonprofit organization offering 24-hour skilled nursing care, assisted living apartments, and comprehensive rehabilitation services. We're known for our innovative memoryloss programs and arthritis care, which includes warm water therapy and a fullservice fitness center. 3700 Cedar Lake Ave Minneapolis 612-920-2030 jones-harrison.org
CommonBond Communities •
•
CommonBond builds stable homes, strong futures, and vibrant communities. As the largest nonprofit provider of affordable homes in the Upper Midwest, CommonBond has been building and sustaining homes with services to families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities since 1971. 1080 Montreal Ave St. Paul 651-291-1750 commonbond.org/findhousing
36
MAY 2015
Lyngblomsten • • • • Influenced by Christ, Lyngblomsten provides a ministry of compassionate care and innovative services to older adults in order to preserve and enhance their quality of life. These services include a community center, market-rate and HUD202/Section 8 apartment building with assisted living services available, and a 24-hour nursing home for short and long-term care. 1415 Almond Ave St. Paul 651-646-2941 lyngblomsten.org
• New construction
• Services
Mary T. Inc. • • • • • Family owned and founded on a history of care, Mary T. Inc. has been providing services to seniors since 1976. We offer support through rental villas, senior apartments, assisted living, personal and home services, home health, and hospice care. Coon Rapids, Anoka & Savage 763-754-2505 marytinc.com
Oak Meadows • • • Award winning Oak Meadows has a 17 year track record of providing excellent service and care to seniors and their families. We offer 62 independent, 48 assisted, and 12 memory care apartments. Lifesprk provides 24/7 on-site homecare. 8131-8133 4th St N Oakdale 651-578-0676 oak-meadows.org
Salvation Army Booth Manor • Conveniently located across from Loring Park, this 21-story high rise, with 154 onebedroom apartments is designed for seniors 62 years of age or better, offering many services and amenities. It also combines the convenience of being near downtown with the serenity of the great outdoors. 1421 Yale Place Minneapolis 612-338-6313 salvationarmynorth.org/community/ booth-manor
South St. Paul HRA • South St. Paul HRA manages one-bedroom apartments for ages 50 and over, which are designated for low to moderate-income persons. Rent is based on income. The building amenities include all utilities paid, an on-site caretaker, security building, after hours answering service, elevators, community room, resident activities & services, and laundry facilities. Call today to set up an appointment. 125 3rd Ave N South St. Paul 651-554-3270 ssphra.org
ADVERTISER LISTINGS
St. Paul Public Housing Agency • • • The Congregate Housing Services Program of the St. Paul Public Housing Agency provides services to assist persons with disabilities, mental health issues, brain injury, and challenges of aging to live independently in their homes. Edgerton, Iowa, Montreal, Ravoux & Valley High Rises St. Paul 651-292-6035 stpha.org
Walker Methodist • • • •
•
Walker Methodist's mission is Life. And all the living the goes with it. Enhancing the lives of older adults through a culture of care, respect and service. Specializing in lifestyle, housing, and healthcare services for older adults, we own, operate, and manage housing communities, provide rehabilitation services, and operate leading sub-acute transitional care centers. Anoka, Lakeville, Maplewood, Minneapolis, St. Anthony & West St. Paul 612-827-5931 walkermethodist.org
Waters Senior Living, The • • •
Southview Senior Communities • • • Southview Senior Communities owns and operates six senior communities that feature independent living, assisted living, and memory care apartments. Our beautiful, spacious apartments have several size and floor plan options. Our staff provides a variety of engaging activities for residents all day. Southview Senior Living: West St. Paul 651-554-4838 Lilydale Senior Living: Villas of Lilydale Lilydale 651-454-6853 Shoreview Senior Living: Shoreview 651-484-9822 Oak Park Senior Living: Villas of Oak Park Oak Park Heights 651-439-9995 Inver Glen Senior Living:
Inver Grove Heights 651-450-0707 Arbor Lakes Senior Living: Maple Grove 763-478-2141 southviewcommunities.com
St. Benedict’s Senior Community • • • St. Benedict’s Senior Community is a leader in health care and housing lifestyle options for seniors. Whether speaking about the campus in St. Cloud or Monticello, our philosophy remains the same; offer independence and choices for vital aging. St. Cloud Campus: 1810 Minnesota Blvd SE St. Cloud 320-203-2747 Monticello Campus: 1301 E 7th St Monticello 763-295-4051 centracare.com
•
When people come to live at The Waters, they thrive. Our innovative personal well being services, developed with the University of Minnesota’s Center for Spirituality and Healing, empowers residents to enjoy life in better health. Our commitment to warmth and hospitality helps them grow vibrant new social connections and reinvigorate their sense of purpose. It’s a people-centered approach, backed by 24/7 RN presence, we call The Waters Way. The Waters of Plymouth: 763-270-5220 The Waters of Edina: 952-322-7500 The Waters on 50th: 612-200-9552 The Waters of Oakdale: 651-393-5260 The Waters on Mayowood: 507-252-2910 The Waters of Highland Park, opening October 2015 The Waters of White Bear Lake, opening Spring 2016 Corporate Office: 952-358-5100 thewatersseniorliving.com
MAY 2015
37
MAY CAN’T-MISS
CALENDAR MAY 15–AUG. 30
Nature Connects: Art with LEGO Bricks View 13 displays of nature-inspired sculptures — made from 500,000 LEGO bricks in all — throughout the arboretum gardens, including a huge hummingbird and trumpet flower, a giant snapping turtle, a deer family, a monarch and more. Created by artist Sean Kenney of Brooklyn, N.Y., the exhibit will also include kids’ activity areas where LEGO fans can engage in free play with the little plastic bricks. When: May 15–Aug. 30 Where: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska Cost: Free with arboretum admission ($12 for ages 13 and older) Info: 612-301-1210 or arboretum.umn.edu Photo courtesy of Sean Kenney
ONGOING
Bedroom Farce Trevor and Susannah, a pair of roving neurotics whose marriage is on the rocks, hawk their problems around the bedrooms of three other couples in one endless night in this comedy by Alan Ayckbourn. When: Through May 17 Where: Theatre in the Round, Minneapolis Cost: $15-$22 Info: 612-333-3010 and theatreintheround.org
ONGOING
Happy Days: A New Musical Take a trip back to the 1950s with the Cunninghams and their friends. The production — inspired by one of television’s best-loved families — features 21 songs by Oscar-, Grammyand Golden Globe-winning songwriter
38
MAY 2015
Paul Williams, including the series’ iconic theme song. When: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 2:30 p.m. Sundays through May 17 Where: New Century Theatre, Minneapolis Cost: $30 Info: 612-455-9501 or hennepintheatretrust.org
MAY 2
Gather at the River with Mark Twain VocalEssence will host two musical journeys along the Mississippi River on the historic Minnesota Centennial Showboat with Mark Twain, as portrayed by local TV legend Don Shelby. Passengers start with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres on the riverboat’s Victorian deck before moving to the indoor theater for a performance of choral masterpieces, folk songs, spirituals and Americana.
When: 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. May 2 Where: Board at Harriet Island Road in St. Paul. Cost: Tickets are $100. All proceeds benefit the VocalEssence choral ensemble’s initiatives that promote cultural diversity through music education. Info: 612-547-1473 or vocalessence.org
OPENING MAY 14
Summertime What does summertime look like? Long bike rides, lazy afternoons reading on the grass or sunbathing on a sandy beach? Curators combed the museum’s permanent collection to find art that exudes the essence of summer, including paintings, photography, prints, crafts, videos and contemporary dance. When: May 14–Aug. 2 Where: Minnesota Museum of American Art, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: mmaa.org
MAY 30-31
Discover Aviation Days 2015 View a variety of aircraft, including World War II bombers, modern corporate jets and even experimental and home-built airplanes. Learn about aviation careers, see flying demonstrations and take an airplane or helicopter ride. Breakfast and lunch will be sold, along with food-booth offerings. The Golden Wings Flying Museum, featuring 30 aircraft, will be open as well. On May 30, attend a 1940s hangar dance with 14-piece swing band. When: 7 a.m.–4 p.m. May 30-31 Where: Anoka County Airport, Blaine Cost: Free admission. Some events are ticketed. Info: 763-568-6072 or discoveraviationdays.org
Photo by Lauren B. Photography
ONGOING
For the Loyal Minnesota-born playwright Lee Blessing premieres his latest work — a provocative exploration of one woman’s attempt to stand up to powerful institutional forces while remaining true to herself. Inspired by true events, this taut new morality play, set in 1992, follows two graduate students with a baby on the way. Blessing is best known for his 1988 play, A Walk in the Woods, nominated for a Tony Award and a Pulitzer Prize. When: Through May 16 Where: Illusion Theater at the Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts, Minneapolis Cost: $20-$35 Info: 612-339-4944 or illusiontheater.org MAY 15-16
Lyric Arts Cabaret Fundraiser Gather for an evening of food, drink, song and dance in honor of a nonprofit theater’s 16th annual fund-raiser, featuring hit songs from Broadway musicals. When: The reception and silent auction open at 6:30 p.m. with performances at 7:30 p.m. Where: Lyric Arts Main Street Stage, Anoka Cost: $50-$60 Info: 763-422-1838 or lyricarts.org
MAY 19
Chicago The legendary rock band — known for its stellar horn section and megahits such as Saturday in the Park, Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? and If you Leave Me Now — returns to Minneapolis after a sold-out show last year. When: 7:30 p.m. May 19 Where: State Theatre, Minneapolis Cost: $85.96–$101.40 Info: 800-982-2787 or hennepintheatretrust.org
JUNE 5-14
No Expiration Date: Sexuality & Aging This new, groundbreaking play — written by internationally acclaimed playwright Meena Natarajan — is based on human sexuality research from the Program in Human Sexuality at the University of Minnesota. Told through vignettes, this heartwarming, funny, sad and thought-provoking production addresses the challenges and the triumphs associated with sex and aging. When: June 5-14 Where: Pangea World Theater, Minneapolis and Intermedia Arts, Minneapolis Cost: $15 ($10 for students and seniors); the last performance, June 14, will be a pay-what-you-can show. Info: pangeaworldtheater.org
CONTACT US! Do you have an event or story idea to share? Send calendar items (six weeks before your event) to calendar@mngoodage.com. Share your story ideas with us by writing editor@mngoodage.com. MAY 2015
39
BRAIN TEASERS
SPONSORED BY MINNESOTA COLLEGE SAVINGS PLAN
SUDOKU
WORD SEARCH FOUR WALLS & A ROOF Apartment Backyard Basement Carpet Ceiling Chateau Chimney
Source: Benjamin Franklin Clue: M = D
H
L B Y V I
L B F I
C V
D B G
Y D R I V V
H
Maintenance Mortgage Rent Residential Roofing Staircase Townhouse
M
E
W
E
T
D
R
Y
P
P
C
J
T
Z
D
A
Y
C
S
C
D
R
Z
E
H
M
E
H
R
M
I
A
G
A
M
O
J
I
A
N
V
S
A
I
O
N
W
A
C
L
Z
N
T
V
A
M
Y
W
C
R
T
L
R
R
F
P
E
D
P
E
K
I
A
F
T
E
L
A
I
I
A
E
A
O
C
W
R
H
E
G
N
A
G
A
U
R
R
R
A
M
P
A
Y
C
A
A
H
E
T
Z
T
R
B
I
E
I
V
Y
Q
G
N
V
R
S
M
N
Y
V
T
F
C
N
F
X
E
C
Z
T
E
R
E
S
I
D
E
N
T
I
A
L
E
R
N
B
A
S
E
M
E
N
T
Q
S
U
W
O
T
E
S
U
O
H
N
W
O
T
R
U
B
M
U
T
R
O
O
F
I
N
G
N
I
L
I
E
C
K
A
E
S
A
E
L
V
C
C
A
D
H
O
P
D
V
M
D
O
R
B
Q
Q
V
O
O
M
K
C
G
G
Z
Z
D
C
C
Y
K
X
B
A
L
R
D
CRYPTOGRAM Break the code to reveal a quote from a famous person. Each letter represents another letter.
Condominium Driveway Fireplace Garage Hallway Lease Loan
C G
WORD SCRAMBLE W B D G H C D V
T B B M
T C U I
G L I
T B U
F C D M .
N I R R
H V
G L I
Complete the following three six-letter words using each given letter once.
H D M
H V
___ ES ___ ___ E L
R
A
A ___ ___ ___TS S
T
S
ES ___ ___ ___ E A
E
T
Q B M X .
1. Peanut butter 2. Scotland 3. A safe home for travelers to stop for the night
TRIVIA
ANSWERS
40
MAY 2015
The best gift you can give a child isn’t found in a toy store.
TRIVIA HOUSING FUN FACTS 1. What common household item is good for getting out gum or spilled candle wax?
2. In what country do homeowners paint their front door red once they’ve paid off their mortgage?
3. Throughout history, a red front door has had many different meanings. Can you guess what it meant in the early days of America?
A house is not a home unless it contains food and fire for the mind as well as the body.
CRYTPOGRAM Resale, Assets, Estate
WORD SCRAMBLE
You can get there. We can help. Visit www.MN529today.com or call Chris McLeod 952-830-3127
CROSSWORD
ANSWERS
SUDOKU
BRAIN TEASERS
SPONSORED BY MINNESOTA COLLEGE SAVINGS PLAN
CROSSWORD
ACROSS 1 Math course 8 Oslo Accords participant 14 Broad-minded 16 Ranks 17 Tennis shot delivered from between one’s legs 18 Cold-climate coat 19 “Sounds good!” 20 Duo 21 Almond Joy cousin 22 Conference, informally 24 Suit at a shoot 27 Nine-digit no. 28 Secretly send a dupe email to 31 Unique 32 Large moth 35 Spicy Indian dish 37 Blogosphere backdrop 40 Oklahoma city 41 Marriott competitor
42
MAY 2015
42 One way to get a hand 43 IBM-inspired villain 44 Quarterback’s target: Abbr. 46 One targeting the quarterback 48 Socially inept 51 Point one’s finger at 54 Apartment manager, for short 55 Chronological start? 58 Slapstick performer 59 Ceremoniously ushers 61 Geometry giant 62 Yardsticks 63 Like the smell of rising dough 64 Letter that hints at how 18 answers in this puzzle should be filled in DOWN 1 ABA member 2 Sad 3 Sad 4 Broad shoe size
5 Jacques Cartier or Jules Verne, e.g. 6 Really let loose 7 All over again 8 Los __, New Mexico 9 Formally abandon 10 Declare 11 Fronded bit of flora 12 “__-in His Lamp”: Bugs Bunny cartoon 13 Impatient utterances 15 Slacks, briefly 22 Strolling areas 23 Bolt with great speed 24 “Arrested Development” surname 25 High-profile caucus locale 26 Hillock 28 Main impact 29 Minos’ kingdom 30 Modern crime head? 33 Function 34 O.T. book 36 Rod with power 38 Court case 39 “The Wolf of Wall Street” star 45 Pigtailed redhead in a restaurant logo 47 1974 Mocedades hit 48 Leather craftsperson’s beltful 49 DOD branch 50 Hospital division 51 __-deucey 52 Footprint, maybe 53 Partner of Caesar 55 Swedish King __ XVI Gustaf 56 “Night” author Wiesel 57 Isaac’s hirsute son 60 N.T. book
1.2 billion in assets and growing.
952-830-3127 MN College Savings Plan GA NR4 12.indd 1
4/21/15 3:33 PM
While the sun is shining, protect yourself well...
with these Walgreens products and services. Immunizations
Beauty Consultations
Administered by your community pharmacist, available daily for adults (19 years of age or older).
We offer products that are specific to you. Come in and talk to our beauty advisors today, and see what they can offer!
Sunscreen and Skin Protection
Pharmacy
Our beauty advisors are experts in the latest lotions and sunscreens. Protect your skin and liven up your whole routine in our cosmetic section.
Our pharmacy staff is friendly and highly trained to give you the answers to any pharmaceutical questions you may have. Come in and see our friendly staff today! May 5th
Senior y Savings Da
s
em dvertised it
ll non-a 20% OFF a
1-800-WALGREENS (1-800-925-4733) • WALGREENS.COM
n F online o ly. 15% OF In store on rs at checkout with e eligible ord ode SENIOR 15 c n o p u o c
Cremation Society of Minnesota
ABOUT CREMATION Q. How does the Cremation Society of Minnesota work? A. The Cremation Society is notified immediately
at the time of death. The member’s body is taken to the Society’s crematory. It is held until proper medical authorization and a cremation permit is secured. It is then cremated.
Q. What happens to the ashes after cremation? A. The member’s remains are handled according to their written instructions. They may be picked up by survivors or delivered for a fee.
Q. What is the cost for cremation? A. “Our current cost for our basic direct cremation service is $1,595.00.” It includes removal of the body from the place of death, cremation, filing of necessary papers, and a cardboard container suitable for burial. The charge for non-members, who we also serve, is more.
Q. How do I become a member? A. Fill out the registration form and mail it to our
near-est location. Enclose a one-time membership fee of $15.00 per person. The fee covers setting up and maintaining records. It is not refundable nor an offset to final service costs. We will register you and send you a wallet-sized membership card, and a certificate of registration.
Q. What are the benefits of prepaying for services? A. Prepayment provides two benefits – it removes a
stress from survivors and guarantees that services will be performed at today’s cost.
Q. Where can I learn more? A. You may call or visit any one of our locations, or
visit us at cremationsocietyofmn.com or email us at csminnesota@aol.com
REGISTRATION FORM
Name Address Telephone (
)
INFORMATION REQUIRED ON THE DEATH CERTIFICATE Date of Birth
(will remain confidential)
Place of Birth
Sex ❏ M ❏ F
Race
Hispanic ❏ Yes ❏ No
Father’s Name
Social Security #
Mother’s Name
Marital Status ❏ Married ❏ Never Married ❏ Widowed ❏ Divorced If married, spouse’s full legal name, including maiden Are you a Veteran? ❏ Yes ❏ No
If Yes, enclose a copy of your discharge paper.
AUTHORIZATION FOR CREMATION I, the undersigned, authorize and request the Cremation Society of Minnesota or its assigns to cremate the remains of , and further authorize and request that the following disposition of the cremated remains be made: . I will indemnify and hold harmless the Cremation Society of Minnesota and the crematory from any claims to the contrary including all liability and claims related to the shipment and storage of the cremated remains. Signature
Date
Witness Signature
Date
Address Telephone (
)
Email address
NEXT OF KIN – Please list at least one. Name
Relationship
Address Telephone (
)
PAYMENT PLAN – You are not a member until this form is on file and your registration fee is received. “Our current cost for our basic direct cremation service is $1,595.00.” ❏ I wish to preregister with the Cremation Society of Minnesota
Registration Fee:
❏ I wish to prepay for my Basic Cremation, I understand my pre-payment will be placed in an insurance policy to be used at time of death ❏ I wish to register at this time but not prepay
$15.00 $
Total Paid: $ GA 05/15
PLEASE MAIL FORM TO THE NEAREST CHAPEL LISTED BELOW
Complete Cremation Services PROFESSIONAL · DIGNIFIED · ECONOMICAL
CremationSocietyOfMN.com