OCTOBER 2015
DAVE AND DON VISIT THE GRAND CANYON Page 10
Going to Gettysburg Page 20
THE POWER OF
L L A B E PICKL lance otes coordination and ba om pr at th t ou rk wo a s Addictive sport provide
Page 32
Linda Kauss of St. Paul
Contents
20
Going to Gettysburg
Every summer in Pennsylvania, more than 10,000 reenactors and 60,000 spectators gather to commemorate a battle generally regarded as the turning point of the Civil War more than 150 years ago.
32
Pickleball!
This wildly popular, quick-and-nimble sport is easier than tennis, but still tough enough to be a workout that promotes coordination and balance — both key areas for older adults who want to stay fit.
On the cover Pickleball star: Linda Kauss of St. Paul, age 50, competed in Miracle-Ear’s sixth-annual Southwest Metro Pickleball Club Tournament this past August in Bloomington. Kauss plays 5.0 women’s doubles and 5.0 mixed doubles pickleball. 5.0 is the highest rating possible as defined by the International Federation of Pickleball, which rates players on a scale of 1.0 to 5.0. An estimated 400,000 people play pickleball nationwide. Cover photo by Renee Kaiser-Muelken
4 / October 2015 / Minnesota Good Age
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Contents My Turn 10 Don Shelby and Dave Nimmer found adventure in the Grand Canyon.
Volume 34 / Issue 10 Publisher Janis Hall jhall@mngoodage.com Co-Publisher and Sales Manager Terry Gahan 612-436-4360 tgahan@mngoodage.com Editor Sarah Dorison 612-436-4385 editor@mngoodage.com Contributors Teresa Ambord, Carol Hall, Skip Johnson, Jessica Kohen, Cali Owings, Dave Nimmer, Sarah Johnson, Kristy Roy Reid, Dr. Michael Spilane, Lauren Walker, Tracy Ann Walsh
Good Start
Good Health
Good Living
From the Editor 8 Finding ways to achieve fitness can be a lifelong challenge.
House Call 16 Restless leg syndrome and cramping legs can interrupt sleep.
Housing 26 Rental insurance can protect your belongings in the event of fire or flood.
Caregiving 18 Taking breaks, even short ones, can make you a stronger caregiver.
Finance 28 Getting in good shape, financially speaking, takes effort and intention.
Memories 12 Hollywood home furnishings looked dreamy to one Minnesota girl. This Month in MN History 14 The first pop-up toaster was invented in Stillwater, Minn.
In the Kitchen 30 Celebrate the apple harvest with this healthy snack.
Creative Director Dana Croatt Graphic Designers Valerie Moe Amanda Wadeson Client Services Zoe Gahan 612-436-4375 zgahan@mngoodage.com Lauren Walker 612-436-4383 lwalker@mngoodage.com Advertising 612-436-4360 ads@mngoodage.com Circulation Marlo Johnson distribution@mngoodage.com
Brain 40 37 Can’t-Miss Calendar Teasers Subscribe! Want to receive Good Age at your home? Minnesota Good Age magazine is free at more than 1,000 rack sites around the Twin Cities, including most senior centers, libraries and metro-area Walgreens. But if you'd like to get the magazine mailed to your home, send a $12 check for a one-year subscription to Minnesota Good Age, 1115 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55403. Write "Good Age magazine" on the memo line. If you'd like the magazine sent to an address other than the one printed on your check, include that in a note. 6 / October 2015 / Minnesota Good Age
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 Š 2015 Minnesota Premier Publications, Inc. Subscriptions are $12 per year.
Good Start / From the Editor / Sarah Dorison
Fighting for fitness Physical fitness is
so often
revered as the solution to all of life’s ills. It’s the secret to disease prevention, emotional well-being, a successful sex life. You name it; exercise will help. But it isn’t easy, is it? Finding the perfect — consistent, lifelong — exercise plan doesn’t come easy to most of us. And, even if we do find it, we might suffer an injury or our bodies might simply give out on us. Knees, hips, shoulders, elbows. They can betray us at any age. Endurance, strength, coordination can decrease. But, as I learned editing this issue — our annual fitness-themed edition — there’s hope. And the fight for finding a fitness passion is worth it. There are fun, exciting activities that don’t require us to move on our feet like twentysomethings: Pickleball, featured in this issue and on the cover, is one example of a sport (invented just 50 years ago) that appeals to all ages. It rewards participants with fantastic exercise and socializing without too much pain. It’s fast, it’s fun, it’s addictive — “a drug,” say the players, who use oversized pingpong paddles to chase wiffle balls around small courts. Another story in this issue that might inspire you is Dave Nimmer’s column about his adventures hiking the Grand Canyon with his longtime buddy, WCCO TV anchor Don Shelby. At 75 and 68, respectively, the two found the experience — hiking down from the rim to the very bottom of the canyon and back up again — beyond strenuous. But they also found it deeply rewarding. “I went to the Grand Canyon with Shelby because I thought it was a spiritual place, like Lake Superior. It was: The colors were brilliant. The silence was overwhelming,” Dave wrote. But, most of all, Dave discovered he didn’t want to give up the good fight. “I went because I’m alive, not ready to pack it in, tuck it up or turn it over.” Cheers to Dave and the pickleballers and to all of us on a quest to find the holy grail of physical fitness!
Sarah Dorison, Editor 8 / October 2015 / Minnesota Good Age
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Good Start / My Turn / Dave Nimmer meant staying a couple extra days at the ranch in a crowded bunkhouse, waiting for a mule and spending $900 (each) for the one-way trip. We decided to cool down, get some rest and delay any decision. We crawled into the top bunks in mid-afternoon — Phantom Ranch wasn’t fancy, but it was air conditioned — and let the cool air blow over our worn bodies. As our muscles relaxed, our moods
Not a walk in the park →→We found adventure (and insight) climbing down and out of the Grand Canyon
My hiking partner, Don Shelby, had warned me about a moment like
brightened. Then I read a letter from my pack that Jim Shoop, my lifelong friend, had written — to be opened ONLY when we got to Phantom Ranch. “Congratulations, guys,” he wrote. “You made it down as I knew you would. I wish I could have made it with you, but that ship has sailed for these old bones. (Jim is 83.) Just in case you
this. We were climbing down into the Grand Canyon along the Kaibab Trail, seven
might need a little extra inspiration for
miles from the south rim to the bottom, where we'd make Phantom Ranch our bunk-
the trek back up, I thought you might
house for the night.
enjoy these words from the guy who
I’d just fallen, for the second time, on my tailbone and struggled to get to my feet with my pack and a gallon of water.
first saw what you just did. “‘You cannot see the Grand Canyon
I knew this wasn’t going to be a walk in the park, not at our age. (Shelby’s 68 and
in one view, as if it were a changeless
I’m 75.) But, Lord, we weren’t even down to the river and I was having trouble. And I
spectacle from which a curtain might
was feeling beaten, bothered, bruised and beleaguered.
be lifted; but to see it you have to toil …
The trail was rocky, steep and treacherous because of the monsoon rains the day
through its labyrinths. It is a region more
before. You had to step down a foot or 18 inches in some spots, from a log, into a puddle
difficult to traverse than the Alps or the
and onto a rock. After that second fall, I seemed to lose strength in the quadriceps
Himalayas, but if strength and courage
muscle of my left leg. Shelby gave me a hand up and carried my pack for the next
are sufficient for the task … a concept of
quarter mile.
sublimity can be obtained never again to
By the time we crossed the Colorado River (on a suspension bridge 75 feet above the river), I was back with my pack and hobbling along Bright Angel Creek to Phantom Ranch. Before we’d made it all the way down, Don and I had a heart-to-heart, senior-tosenior chat. Shelby did most of the talking. “Nim, if that left leg doesn’t get any better, you can’t walk almost 10 miles up and out of here. And you can’t let false pride get in your way.” But the stakes were fairly high. We learned that not walking out of the canyon 10 / October 2015 / Minnesota Good Age
be equaled on the hither side of Paradise.’ (From John Wesley Powell).” I read the letter aloud to Shelby, who still had a St. Christopher’s Medal from the Visitation nuns of north Minneapolis tied to his pack. Yep, we would walk up and out of the canyon. We got a breakfast of scrambled eggs and pancakes and started our
trek along Bright Angel Creek at 6 a.m. The path ahead would take us up 4,400 feet in 9.3 miles. It took us 14 hours. We spent an hour at the half-way point, Indian Garden, where we soaked our shirts in the creek, filled our water bottles and rested our feet. Our second big break came during a sudden monsoon rain, which we spent with a dozen other hikers, huddled in
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the Three-Mile Resthouse. The wind howled, the thunder clapped and the temperature dropped 15 degrees. In a half hour, it was over and we tackled the last three miles — one step at a time, then three switchbacks at a time and, finally, 20 minutes at a time. Hiking the last 50 yards to the trailhead on the rim, we were fairly sliding and gliding — looking good for no one but ourselves. As I think about it now, what I’ll take away from this trip, besides a sore foot and bruised tailbone, is a better understanding of me — and the life I’m trying to live. I went to the Grand Canyon with Shelby because I thought it was a spiritual place, like Lake Superior. It was: The colors were brilliant. The silence was overwhelming. I went because I’m alive, not ready to pack it in, tuck it up or turn it over. And I went because two old friends could once again share a trail — and a tale. It’s as simple as that. Dave Nimmer lives in Woodbury. Send comments to dnimmer@ mngoodage.com.
Minnesota Good Age / October 2015 / 11
Good Start / Memories / By Carol Hall But it’s not just the window coverings I find so engaging: Home décor of all kinds from this era enhance my enjoyment of these movies. The breakfast nook here, the window seat there, the occasional Dutch door, the graceful archways between rooms. Each item contributes to the overall effect of hominess, coziness.
Ruffles, cushions My appreciation stems from when I was a young girl, watching these movies for the first time. I longed for all these things. But what I most coveted was a boudoir vanity table. Not just any vanity, but the kind featured in teen movies starring Shirley Temple or Elizabeth Taylor, with a pink ruffled skirt, a tri-fold mirror and a cushioned bench seat. What glamour. What sophistication to have this in my bedroom, and all that went with it. There’d be a pair of matching lamps with frilly shades on either side of the vanity table. The bed
Dreaming of vanities →→Living modestly in Minnesota, I could only imagine the home decor featured in Hollywood films
As a devotee of Turner Classic Movies, I’ve been noticing window curtains! Seriously! I mean the frilly, crisscross, tieback type called Priscilla curtains that were
would be covered with a lustrous satin comforter, upon which would sit an Effanbee doll with long curls alongside a couple of fancy, lacy pillows. I’d open my closet door with a sparkly pink glass doorknob and — dream on — there’d be a special stand built into the wall to hold my very own telephone!
Viewing the real thing The only real-life home I actually saw
enormously popular in the 1940s and ’50s — hence their frequent appearance in the
that had the same feel and look as those in
black-and-white films of that era.
the movies had, appropriately, been lived
Venetian blinds also were in vogue then, as were plaid decorative drapes.
in by Jacqueline Kennedy. A number
Sometimes blinds, drapes and a pair of Priscillas — all three — were used to cover
of years ago, I took a bus tour of the
a single window.
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Good Start / This Month in Minnesota History / By Jessica Kohen ⊳⊳ Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Bach, Mrs. Minnesota 1958, shows off her modern Columbia Heights kitchen. Photos courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society
communism in a model kitchen set up for the fair. Nixon insisted that American superiority in the Cold War was rooted not in weapons, but in the safe, abundant family life of suburban homes. Gesturing to the replica kitchen, he said, “In America, we like to make life easier for women.” The American housewife had become a symbol of her country’s prosperity and consumerism.
Suburban chic →→Invented in Stillwater, the first pop-up toaster became part of a shift toward modern lifestyles
On Oct. 18, 1921, Charles Strite, a Stillwater mechanic, received a
The Mrs. Minnesota 1958 contest was held in the Cavalcade of Gas Kitchens area at the Northwest Builders Show in Minneapolis. Betty Bach (Mrs. Alvin J. Bach) of Columbia Heights, took home the crown. A May pictorial in the St. Paul Pioneer Press showed the “career housewife and mother” inside her
patent for the first pop-up toaster. By the 1940s, the device had become a must-
“attractive, spic-and-span modern
have in every household and the greatest thing invented since sliced bread. (The
house.” Betty went on to earn third
first machine-sliced bread wasn’t sold until 1928.)
place at the Mrs. America contest.
After World War II, U.S. manufacturers shifted from producing tanks and
The past collided with the future
machine guns back to automobiles and appliances. The new suburbanites were
in postwar kitchens, where space-
the ultimate consumers. They were receptive to new technologies, and they
age toasters, inspired by the launch
believed in a limitless future. They watched a lot of television and read many
of Sputnik I in 1957, nestled with
magazines. They were ideal targets for advertisers, whose messages were often
cross-stitched tea towels and Bakelite-
woven seamlessly into popular TV programs.
handled cake servers.
When Americans were polled in 1944 about their purchases, their collective wish list featured electric-powered conveniences — the items General Electric touted in its Live Better Electrically ad campaign. Washing machines came first, followed by electric irons, refrigerators, stoves, toasters, radios, vacuum cleaners, electric fans and water heaters. In 1959, at the American National Exhibition in Moscow, Vice President Richard Nixon and Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev debated capitalism versus 14 / October 2015 / Minnesota Good Age
→→Learn more Discover more about life in Minnesota’s suburbs in the new exhibit, Suburbia, opening Oct. 10 at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul.
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▲▲The pop-up toaster — invented in Minnesota in 1921 — was a musthave in postwar kitchens. It really hit its stride in 1964 when Kelloggs introduced Pop-Tarts, the first in a long line of convenience breakfast foods made for toasters.
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mothers had done during the Great Depression. Since the postwar years, American families have grown smaller, more women have entered the workforce and the suburbs have seen an increase in ethnic and racial diversity. So what’s in store for the future? While the hopes and dreams of the postwar era shaped today’s suburban landscape, nothing stands still. Boomers are retiring, Gen Xers are growing into middle age and millennials are starting families. The question remains: Is a singlefamily home in the suburbs still part of the American dream? Jessica Kohen is the media relations manager for the Minnesota Historical Society. Minnesota Good Age / October 2015 / 15
Good Health / House Call / By Michael Spilane
Leg trouble →→Cramping or restless legs can cause mysterious nighttime distress
The legs are meant to move us about, and otherwise to be out of mind. For those with restless leg syndrome or leg cramps, the legs are very much in mind. Restless leg syndrome is a disorder of the nervous system in 5 to 10 percent of the older population. The main symptom is a distressing and almost irresistible need to move the legs, with a coexisting uncomfortable (though not usually painful) sensation deep within the legs. The sensation may be described as an ache, a tension, a pulling, a drawing or a crawling. Some say it feels like ants moving deep in the legs or bubbles popping. The distress is usually perceived to be within the leg rather than on or just beneath the skin. The trouble may extend beyond the legs to involve the arms and trunk. Symptoms characteristically are brought on with rest. In fact, the more comfortable the person becomes, the more likely it is that the problem will develop. Movement of the legs brings relief, while avoidance of movement may promote involuntary jerks of the legs. Most often the trouble comes at night when a person is in bed. But symp-
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toms may occur when a person is resting during the day, too. The sleeplessness caused by the restless legs compounds the trouble.
Treatment options Most experts believe the problem is a disorder of the nervous system’s control of the muscles rather than a problem with the muscles themselves. Treatment is directed at calming the overactive nervous system. Medications such as levodopa, pramipexole, ropinirole, clonazepam, gabapentin and
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oxycodone are often effective, but potential drug side effects demand careful monitoring by the prescribing physician. Massage, warm baths, exercise and learned relaxation techniques also help. Iron deficiency is common among those with restless leg syndrome, and treatment of such a deficiency may improve or resolve symptoms in some people.
Cramps Leg cramps, another common cause of nocturnal distress, are easily distinguished from restless legs. A cramp is a sustained pain caused by
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Retire from your job, not your dental benefits Americans spend a lot of time planning for retirement so they can enjoy their “Golden Years.” However, often left out of many retirees’ futures is employer-funded health and dental benefits. According to the U.S. Census, over 6,000 Americans turn 65 each day, but only about 32% of retirees receive continued health benefits from their employer. Retirees are often left to make benefit decisions on their own in an unfamiliar, ever-changing healthcare environment leading some to forgo dental coverage. One thing you shouldn’t retire is good oral health. Neglecting to have dental coverage and regular dental visits after retirement can lead to further complications, which means even more dental visits, extensive procedures and expenses that far outweigh the “Chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and investment in preventive care.
heart disease, are more prevalent with age and impact oral health”
It is known that good oral health is essential Dr. Sheila Strock, Vice-President of Dental Services for the overall health of all individuals, at Delta Dental of Minnesota especially seniors. It’s important for you to know that the health of your teeth, gums How can you avoid oral health complications and mouth is in fact connected to your that lead to other health issues? overall health. “Chronic health conditions, • Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day such as diabetes and heart disease, are • Floss your teeth at least once a day more prevalent with age and impact • Visit your dentist regularly oral health,” said Dr. Sheila Strock, Vice • Utilize preventive dental benefits President of Dental Services at Delta Dental of Minnesota. Regular visits to the dentist can also help in the early detection and management of serious physical illnesses, such as diabetes and oral cancer as the dentist can see signs of many medical conditions in the mouth. Although many older adults are keeping their teeth due to better dental care, community water fluoridation and an emphasis on prevention, they may also experience an increased risk for oral conditions such as dental decay and periodontal (gum) disease due to their health status and medications. As we get older, we enter a second round of cavity prone years. One common cause of cavities in older adults is dry mouth. Although dry mouth is not a normal part of aging, it is a side-effect in more than 500 medications. Delta Dental of Minnesota offers retirees a seamless option to continue their dental benefits by enrolling in a Delta Dental of Minnesota Individual or Family Dental Plan. You can count on Delta Dental to be your partner in maintaining your health through oral health by providing quality, affordable dental benefits so you can retire, but not retire your dental coverage. Keep your smile for a lifetime! For additional oral health resources and to learn more about Delta Dental of Minnesota’s Individual and Family Dental Plans, visit:
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DDMN.9.10.15.1
Good Health / Caregiving / By Kristy Roy Reid The main idea is to feel removed from the main focus of caregiving activities. If it’s difficult to leave your loved alone in the care of someone else, you might be able to find something both you and the care-receiver can enjoy to create a feeling of “time out.” Recently, a group of caregivers were asked what they did for themselves that promoted their own health. Though there were a few who commented, “It’s not something I have thought about or felt I have time for,” many gave examples of ways to take a mini break and create a more centered feeling of well-being. Some examples included staying involved with social groups, which may consist of book clubs, card playing or basic social activities; participating in exercise programs,
Take a (mini) break →→Don’t fall into a cycle of self-denial when caring for loved ones
such as swimming or tennis; or going on a leisurely drive or hike alone. No matter how you find the time, even 15 minutes can give you enough balance to sustain you through another caregiving day. So I ask you, “As a caregiver, what
“Take time for yourself” are words that caregivers often hear
is something you do for yourself to
from their freinds and family members, but it's something caregivers rarely feel they
stay healthy?”
have time to do. It sounds like a luxury. But there are many statistics that support the idea that taking time away — from
Check out your local park system, zoo or farmer’s market; perform
what may consume a good portion of your day — is good for both mental and
breathing or visualization exercises;
physical well-being.
join a water-exercise or yoga class; do
Even the smallest break can provide you a sense of rejuvenation and give you a better idea of what to tackle next.
a puzzle; read a book; listen to music; go for a walk or bike ride; take a drive.
For caregivers, a majority of one’s schedule is set, with segments of each day devoted to support, care and doing things for the person for whom they’re caring. This creates an ongoing cycle that could wear down even the most motivated person. Even if you can’t take any significant length of time away while caring for someone, you can still take a small amount, or a mini break, to feel a sense of renewal. 18 / October 2015 / Minnesota Good Age
Kristy Roy Reid is a social worker and a member of the Metropolitan Caregiver Service Collaborative in the Twin Cities (caregivercollaborative.org).
→→FROM HOUSE CALL / PAGE 16
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it occurs after overuse of a muscle, but the cause of recurring nocturnal leg cramps in unabused muscles is unknown. Most authorities believe they’re due to abnormal processing of essential body salts and minerals by the muscles. Occasionally, a prescribed medication is the cause.
Medication side effects Cramps tend to be resistant to treatment with medications, but vitamin B12, gabepentin and other agents can provide partial relief. Warm baths, message and stretching exercises may help prevent nocturnal cramps if performed before retiring to bed.
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Time tra Civil War reenactments bring history to life in Gettysburg, Penn.
20 / October 2015 / Minnesota Good Age
avel By Sarah Johnson
A
t a gas station on the outskirts of Gettysburg, Penn., I saw a man, fully dressed as a Confederate soldier, filling his Ford Explorer. This encounter was after seeing a woman portraying a Scarlett O’Hara lookalike whose lips were dark blue from the slushie she was eating. At the 150th anniversary of the battle of Gettysburg, these folks were simply participating in a reenactment, a form of living history that’s become a huge hobby.
Minnesota Good Age / October 2015 / 21
Nearly 11,000 reenactors and 60,000 spectators endured a sweltering July weekend in 2013 to commemorate the battle generally regarded as the turning point of the Civil War. I flew into Philadelphia, so the 2½ hour drive gave me time to reflect on the juxtaposition of how these beautiful rolling green hills once ran red with blood. It was here (about two hours northwest of Washington, D.C.) that our country stood on the brink of self-destruction more than 150 years ago. The packed anniversary schedule ran from Thursday through Sunday with two battles each day, culminating with Pickett’s Charge on Sunday afternoon. Founded in 1995, the Gettysburg Anniversary Committee organizes this yearly event — set to celebrate the 153th anniversary in July 2016. It cost me $90 for an all-inclusive ticket. (Three-day advanced-purchase passes for the 2016 event are $69.)
Big crowds, high heat The temperature all weekend was stifling — 95 degrees and sunny with high humidity. It was indicative of the actual battle when temperatures in July 1863 were in the low 90s — and uniforms at the time were made of wool. The National Park Service doesn’t permit commemorations on the actual battlefield so the reenactment was held about three miles north of town in an open field. You could either drive and park on the grass, said the woman at the visitor’s bureau, or you could park at the high school and get dropped off at the entrance by a free shuttle. “I highly recommend the shuttle,” she said. “And feel free to take an extra water before you leave.” As I was waiting for the shuttle, a middle-aged female volunteer sitting under a tent said she’d lived in Gettysburg
▲▲The next Gettysburg Battle Anniversary Reenactment will be July 1–3, 2016, to coincide with the days of the original Battle of Gettysburg on July 1–3, 1863. Photos courtesy of Destination Gettysburg
her whole life, but had never seen bigger crowds. Of course, the people in attendance that weekend didn’t come close to the tally of the actual battle — about 170,000
Meeting Robert E. Lee
Americans fought here, and more than 50,000 were killed or
When I stepped off the shuttle, the “Confederate camp” was
wounded. Nearly 570 tons of ammunition were used and the
to my left — neat, white canvas tents assembled for hardcore
fighting left 5,000 horses and mules dead.
reenactors who’ve given up modern conveniences to drink
Such overwhelming statistics are hard to comprehend and
gritty, black coffee out of tin cups and get their only light from
remind me why this little hamlet at the junction of 10 roads
hanging lanterns with candles. Nothing “farby” here — a reen-
continues to fascinate.
actment term for anything not typical of the period. The event is open to all ages and dress ranges from those
22 / October 2015 / Minnesota Good Age
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→→Learn more The 153rd Gettysburg Battle Anniversary Reenactment will be July 1–3, 2016, to coincide with the days of the original Battle of Gettysburg on July 1–3, 1863. See gettysburgreenactment.com for more information. Learn more about the nearby Gettysburg National Military Park and many other attractions at destinationgettysburg.com.
children’s toys. I walked past one tent teeming with authors signing copies of their books. Another area allowed visitors to sign a banner for troops overseas that said: “The Gettysburg Reenactment Staff and Visitors Thank You for Your
▲▲The 153rd Gettysburg Battle Anniversary Reenactment will be held at the Gettysburg Movie Site overlooking the Round Tops and historic Sachs Mill Covered Bridge, adjoining Gettysburg National Military Park. Photo courtesy of Destination Gettysburg
Courage and Service.” “in period” to spectators like me sporting tank tops, shorts
Soon an announcement over the loud speaker asked attendees
and tennis shoes. Some take their hot dogs and French fries over
to take their seats for the “battle” and people started streaming
to the activities tent to listen to Matthew Brady tell the story of
into the grandstand or staking out spots on the hill.
Civil War photography or to hear General Hancock discussing his plans for the next day’s battle. If you miss one of the lectures, you can catch up in the Living History Village, where I got my picture taken with Robert E. Lee. (He doesn’t look very happy in my photo, but I guess that’s to be expected; he did lose the war after all.) There are also educational booths set up focusing on certain aspects of the war — a middle-aged man dressed as a doctor passed me a card for The Field Hospital of the One Hundred and Seventeenth Regiment of New York Volunteers — "organized in Rome, N.Y., in August 1862 and Mustered Out in June 1865," it said.
Ready for battle “Sutlers,” merchants who followed the troops during the war, sell everything from hoop skirts and bonnets to hardtack and period 24 / October 2015 / Minnesota Good Age
I felt the ground shake and saw smoke rings form as the event kicked off with an artillery brigade. (I wished I’d brought earplugs.) No detail was too small: A horse-drawn ambulance in the distance assembled while a single bugler played Dixie. A cavalryman’s sword near me glistened in the sun as his horse’s tail whipped back and forth in anticipation. The voice of a man with a Confederate flag T-shirt cut through the air: “Come on boys, ol’ Virginia is over here!” Even though the outcome is known, the tactical maneuvering was nonetheless fascinating — and this kind of living history engages the senses. The crackle of gunfire and the periodic “ping” of saber upon saber erupted as the smoke entered my nostrils. The “battle” lasted about 30 minutes with men falling and writhing on the ground.
⊳⊳ All clothing worn by Gettysburg Battle Anniversary Reenactment reenactors must accurately represent the fashion and style of 1863, inlcuding natural fibers and period cuts and colors. Modern plastic glasses frames are not permitted, nor are modern shoes and sneakers.
After the gunfire stopped, limping men ambled off the battlefield while others could be spied going through the “dead” men’s pockets, scrounging for anything valuable. At the end of the weekend, I decided I’d never been sweatier in my life and my legs were caked with a mix of sunscreen and dirt. But even with periodic comments that sometimes jolted me out of this time travel — I heard one woman asking a volunteer for directions to the outlet mall — touring the actual battlefield where Pickett’s Charge took place and then seeing thousands of men marching forward in a straight line toward certain “death” is something you just can’t get from reading a book. Sarah Johnson is a Minneapolis-based freelance writer who covers history, sports, food and travel for a wide variety of publications.
▲▲Camp tents at the Gettysburg Battle Anniversary Reenactment site serve as reenactors' homes during the event as well as significant pieces of living history enjoyed by reenactors and visitors alike. Photo courtesy of Destination Gettysburg Minnesota Good Age / October 2015 / 25
Good Living / Housing / By Teresa Ambord
WHY YOU MAY NEED RENTER’S INSURANCE
→→What’s covered by your landlord? Not as much as you might think
I hear people say sometimes, “I’m glad I’m a renter because if something breaks down, my landlord fixes it.”
This type of policy also covers you if someone who doesn’t live with you is injured while visiting your home. Suppose you have friends over for a barbecue, and one of them ends up with a severe burn from the grill. Renter’s insurance usually offers medical payments to cover the cost of the doctor or an emergency-room visit. Before you complain that you have an abundance of insurance and are sick of
That may be true, assuming you have a good, honest landlord. Owners of
paying premiums, you should know,
commercial property often also have insurance policies that help out when the
renter’s insurance is very affordable,
building and grounds suffer damage, such as by fire or water.
often for as little as $150 per year.
But according to the Insurance Information Institute, that insurance doesn’t usually cover your belongings.
What’s not covered
And of course, you can always lower the premiums by having a higher deductible.
Damage to your furniture and electronics — if there’s a fire or if a pipe bursts and
Personal umbrella policies
drenches your belongings with water — isn't usually covered.
Finally, there’s also another type of
That’s where renter’s insurance comes in.
insurance you may want to consider — a
Also keep in mind that rental units can be prime targets for burglars. If your
personal umbrella policy.
TV, stereo, computer and other electronic gadgets are stolen, your landlord isn’t usually responsible. Emily Lyons, a property insurance expert, told U.S. News & World Report: “Many renters underestimate the value of their possessions and would be surprised by how much it would cost to replace the items they’ve accumulated.” Before you decide you don’t need renter’s insurance, think about what you could lose and whether you could afford to replace those items.
A PUP is also generally very affordable. A $1 million personal umbrella policy might cost you $150 to $300 per year. What does it do? A PUP extends the limits of your existing auto and renter's (or homeowner's) policies. It doesn’t cover the exact same things, however. According to the Insurance Infor-
Other benefits
mation Institute, a PUP won’t cover
Suppose your apartment suffers smoke damage when your neighbor forgets she lit
your personal belongings, since the
a candle and ends up setting her curtains on fire. Your apartment could be unlivable
main purpose of this kind of policy
for weeks, but renter’s insurance may pay for you to live elsewhere until you can
is to protect you if you accidentally
move home again.
cause damage to another person or
My niece lived in a duplex with floor furnaces. She was happy to learn she was getting a new neighbor. That is, until the new neighbor didn’t realize the
their property. So let’s say you decide to take a bath,
floor furnace was on, and piled moving boxes on top of it, and then left. The fire
turn on the bathtub faucet and then
rendered both sides of the duplex unlivable for quite awhile. Fortunately, my niece
get a phone call and forget about the
had renter’s insurance, which paid for her to live in an extended-stay motel for
water. Damages you cause to your own
several weeks.
belongings aren’t covered (your renter's
26 / October 2015 / Minnesota Good Age
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Going back to the example of a visitor to your home being burned on a barbecue grill, if the cost of the resulting medical bills exceeds what your renter's or homeowner's policy will pay, that’s when your PUP kicks in to cover the rest (up to the limits of the PUP of course). Also, if you cause a traffic accident and another person is severely injured, your auto policy may cover
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It won’t pay for the results of your reckless behavior, like speeding down a residential street. However, in this society, in which everyone seems more than willing to sue for just about anything, a PUP will protect you when you unintentionally cause damage to another. Teresa Aboard is a former accountant, a longtime freelance writer and a frequent contributor to Good Age. Send comments or questions to editor@mngoodage.com. Minnesota Good Age / October 2015 / 27
Good Living / Finance / By Skip Johnson
GET IN SHAPE
Pay down debt From mortgages to student loans,
→→Though financial strength is often invisible, it’s definitely worth the workout
debt comes in many forms. One of the
Are you financially fit?
and fees. The average household owes
It’s time to pump ... you up! No, I may not be as “buff” as Hans and Franz from Saturday Night Live, but I know just how to get you in shape. And you won’t have to spend any time on the treadmill or do a single jumping jack. In fact, you won’t have to set foot in a gym to follow my fitness routine — because I’m talking about getting financially fit. As a country, we’ve been putting financial fitness on the back burner. Seventy percent of people in a recent survey said they care more about their physical health than their financial health (according to Credit Karma). I believe there are a couple reasons why: Financial fitness is unseen. It’s easy to tell how physically fit a person is by looking at him or her. Financial fitness (or lack thereof) is easy to hide. Physical fitness is taught. There’s been a big push around nutrition-and-fitness education in schools and in the media. There’s a lack of education, however, around financial fitness. Just like you won’t bench-press your weight your first time at the gym, financial fitness doesn’t happen overnight. By taking the steps below, you’ll be off to a good start.
Build a budget A budget is the base of any solid financial plan. You need to know how much is coming in and how much is going out to get a true handle on your finances. If you don’t have a budget, now’s the time to start one. If you do have a budget, make sure you’re sticking to it.
Save for emergencies In finances, just as in life, expect the unexpected. An emergency fund is your plan of attack against the unexpected, like a car breaking down or a trip to the emergency room. Many Americans are unprepared. Thirty percent say they have no emergency savings at all. Your emergency fund should have enough money to cover six months of expenses. Keep it separate from other accounts, like savings for a vacation or holiday shopping, and withdraw from it only in times of emergency.
28 / October 2015 / Minnesota Good Age
most dangerous forms is credit-card debt because of its high interest rates $7,400 to the credit card companies. Debt can weigh you down and keep you from reaching your financial goals. Paying it off is one of the key steps to achieving financial fitness.
Pay yourself first It may sound selfish, but the only way to reach your financial goals is to pay yourself first. If you’re still working, I recommend putting 10 to 15 percent of your salary into savings each month. If you’re retired, protect your savings. You may have to say no to an adult child or other family member who asks for money. If you’re not saving, you’re not financially fit.
There’s been a big push around nutritionand-fitness education in schools and in the media. There’s a lack of education, however, around financial fitness. Maximize Social Security Most Americans don’t know the basics when it comes to Social Security. The majority of people, including almost two-thirds of seniors, failed a recent quiz on the topic. Social Security is the biggest source of income for about half of married couples and three out of four singles. When and how you file can make a difference of thousands of dollars in retirement. Learn more at ssa.gov/retire. Financial fitness looks different for everybody, so don’t compare yourself to your neighbor. Just do the best you can for your own situation. And keep in mind that financial fitness requires effort and dedication. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Welcome to the starting line. Get ready, get set, go! Skip Johnson is a partner at Great Waters Financial in New Hope. Learn more at mygreatwaters.com.
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Good Living / In the Kitchen / By Christine Chitnis and Sarah Waldman
Snack time!
If you just came back from a Minnesota apple orchard with a 10-pound bag of apples (what a steal!) — and you’re not quite sure what to do with them all — try this recipe from the new cookbook: Little Bites: 100 Healthy, Kid-Friendly Snacks. Once you’ve made it, it should be easy to remember: Bake for 2 hours at 200 degrees — and it makes 2 cups that can be stored for up to 2 weeks.
BAKED APPLE CHIPS 1 tablespoon of canola oil 4 apples Juice of 1 medium lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
⊲⊲Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. ⊲⊲Brush a wire rack with canola oil and place it on a baking sheet. ⊲⊲Core the apples and cut them into ¼-inch slices. ⊲⊲Toss the apple slices in a medium bowl with the lemon juice (to prevent discoloration). ⊲⊲Arrange the slices on the wire rack and bake for 2 hours. ⊲⊲Cool the apple chips completely. ⊲⊲Store the slices — this recipe makes about 2 cups — in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Source: Little Bites: 100 Healthy, Kid-Friendly Snacks by Christine Chitnis and Sarah Waldman is a handy little book that features wholesome, seasonal, vegetarian snacks. 30 / October 2015 / Minnesota Good Age
→→Tip If you don’t have an apple corer (like the one pictured, typically sold for about $10), it’s fine to cut the apples into smaller slices.
&
Quick NIMBLE
Story By Cali Owings / Photos by Renee Kaiser-Muelken
Describing the fast-growing sport of pickleball is easy. The game is played over a net with a wiffle ball and wooden paddles. You can make comparisons to almost any racket sport — badminton, tennis or even pingpong. But many who play pickleball in the Twin Cities have a different kind of description: It’s a drug.
To them, it’s not an activity, hobby or sport. They use words like “lifestyle,” “obsession” and “addiction” to describe their affinity for pickleball.
Pickleball is especially easy to pick up. And once you start, you don’t want to quit, she said. Kroog is a member of the Southwest Metro Pickleball
“Pickleball: It’s not a sport, it’s a phenomenon,” said
Club, which has grown from six members in 2011 to about
Rachael Kroog, a 55-year-old Bloomington resident and
members 300 today, said Dennis “The Menace” Gallaher,
national pickleball champion. “You won’t find a person who
the club’s vice president.
plays this sport who isn’t addicted to it.” Pickleball, which has been called the fastest-growing sport in the country, is like “Lay’s potato chips,” Kroog said. No one can play just once.
The sport — now in its 50th year — was invented in 1965 by Washington state congressman Joel Pritchard during a weekend with his family. Without any badminton equipment, the family
⊳⊳ Del Kauss, 58, of St. Paul won a silver medal in 5.0 men’s doubles pickleball with Rob Schmidt at Miracle-Ear’s sixth-annual Southwest Metro Pickleball Club Tournament in August in Bloomington. Minnesota Good Age / October 2015 / 33
▲▲Linda Kauss of St. Paul, age 50, plays 5.0 women’s doubles and 5.0 mixed doubles pickleball. 5.0 is the highest rating possible as defined by the International Federation of Pickleball, which rates players on a scale of 1.0 to 5.0.
▲▲Neeko McLemore won a gold medal in 3.5 mixed doubles pickleball with Kelly Sherry at Miracle-Ear’s sixth-annual Southwest Metro Pickleball Club Tournament this past August in Bloomington.
improvised by playing with pingpong paddles and a plastic ball. The badminton net was lowered to allow players to bounce the ball over the net, rather than just volleying it to each other.
A silver sport While younger generations are now learning pickleball in P.E. classes and community fitness centers, active seniors have long carried the torch for pickleball. Kroog played tennis with her father until he couldn’t play any more. She was surprised when, at 79, he told her he’d found a new sport for them to play together. After a few games, she became a fan of the sport and has now been playing for six years. “It doesn’t take long to hook people,” she said. As fans of the sport age into retirement, communities across the metro have been adding indoor and outdoor courts for pickleball play. There are more than 85 venues in Minnesota — including multiple YMCAs, senior centers and parks — that offer pickleball court time, according to the USA Pickleball Association. Courts can be constructed specifically for pickleball or they can be created by 34 / October 2015 / Minnesota Good Age
You won’t find a person who plays this sport who isn’t addicted to it. — Rachael Kroog, 55, a Bloomington resident and national pickleball champion
▲▲Sue Jantscher of Prior Lake, 52, won a bronze medal in 2.5 mixed doubles pickleball with Jim Rennich of Prior Lake at Miracle-Ear’s sixth-annual Southwest Metro Pickleball Club Tournament in August in Bloomington. Jantscher also won a gold in 2.5 women’s doubles with Dee Burros of Prior Lake.
▲▲Fifty-year-old Rob Schmidt of Lakeville won a silver medal in 5.0 mixed doubles pickleball with Rachael Kroog at the sixthannual Southwest Metro Pickleball Club Tournament.
modifying existing tennis, badminton or even basketball
‘Moving quickly’
courts.
When it comes to physical fitness, pickleball offers many
Another sign of growth? The Southwest Metro Pickleball Club’s annual Miracle-Ear tournament is held every August. Participation this year was about 22 percent higher than
benefits but without the drawbacks of other racket sports, Rood said. The court — about the size of a badminton court at 20 feet by
the year prior with more than 200 players. Top players from
44 feet — is smaller than a tennis court, so there’s less ground
10 other states also participated, said Gallaher, who lives in
to cover. And the ball is lighter and moves more slowly.
Eden Prairie, a hot spot for pickleball. Cassie Rood, vice president of healthy living at the YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities, said she noticed the sport
Those differences make it easier on the knees and joints, she said. But the quick-and-nimble sport is still a workout that
picking up in the past few years among Y members — espe-
promotes coordination and balance — both key areas for
cially those over 50.
older adults who want to stay fit.
At the YMCA, the focus is typically on recreational, drop-in matches. There are occasional events or in-house tournaments, but mostly the sport has grown organically through the interest of members. According to the USA Pickleball Association, there are more than 400,000 players actively playing pickleball in the U.S.
“You’re not moving as aggressively as tennis, but you’re moving quickly,” Rood said. With such similarities, the sport attracts many lifelong tennis and racquetball players looking for a change of pace. Like many others, Gallaher was a tennis player before picking up pickleball. Minnesota Good Age / October 2015 / 35
There’s less lateral running and more short-range, strategic lunging. But, he insists, it’s still very much a workout. While his tennis skills made the sport a natural fit, the strategy of the game is quite different, Gallaher said. On the pickleball court, there’s a no-volley zone — commonly called the kitchen — where players can’t smash the ball down for points. That rule leads to strategic shorter shots.
Playing tournaments Gallaher started playing pickleball a few months after he retired in 2013. Within a year, he was playing in tournaments and competing. At 68, he qualified and played in this year’s National Senior Games held for the first time ever in the Twin Cities in July. Though he w as playing with a back injury from a prior tournament, he managed to win a couple rounds at the national level. Gallaher’s relatively speedy, two-year ascent within the
→→Curious about pickleball? Learn to play: Check with your local gym, senior center, community center or parks and rec department for pickleball opportunities. See usapa.org/places-toplay-pickleball for a variety of local venues or see swmetropickleball.org to find clinics, tournaments and open-play times. See it in person: Check out the USA Pickleball Associationsanctioned Midwest Indoor Open Pickleball Tournament Oct. 8–11 at Life Time Fitness in Fridley. Learn more at swmetropickleball.org or usapa.org. Watch a video: Learn the basics of the game from the experts at the USAPA, with training tips and videos, at usapa.org/what-is-pickleball.
sport isn’t uncommon — many who seek to play competitively can improve quickly, he said. The Twin Cities region is home to a number of top-rated
And, as a growing number of youth are drawn to the
local players, local events and USA Pickleball Association-
sport, it’s also becoming more of a multigenerational
sanctioned tournaments.
activity for families, Rood said.
“You can always find a challenging game,” Gallaher said. Like Gallaher, Kroog was able to start playing competitively within a year of learning the sport. On average, she plays about four hours a week to stay in shape.
A new network
The pickleball phenomenon, Rood said, is part of a larger movement promoting total well-being within the senior set. Active older adults are less focused on a prescriptive 30-minute workout routine and are looking at health more broadly, she said. Besides exercise, they’re interested in mind-body practices like yoga and meditation as well as
Pickleball, whether you play social or competitively, is just
other activities — like gardening or playing with grandkids
as much about game play as it is about socializing.
— that contribute to overall health.
With doubles teams, four people are on the court and it’s easy to have a conversation over the net — which isn’t necessarily so on an expansive tennis court. Gallaher — who retired from advertising — once tried to play tennis with a client, but they had to scream across the net and couldn’t understand each other well. Once you start playing, your entire social circle expands, Kroog said. There are lunches after matches, weekend tournaments, trips to national events and even retirement communities that bill themselves as pickleball hot spots. Many of the popular national tournaments are held in common snowbird destinations such as Arizona and Florida. 36 / October 2015 / Minnesota Good Age
“They’re thinking, “How can I live to improve my wellbeing,” Rood said. Gallaher likes to joke that pickleball helps “keep nursing homes empty.” Kroog said it’s not a stretch to say that pickleball saves lives — and enriches them. She said: “This is adding years — not only quantity, but quality.” Cali Owings is a Minneapolis-based freelance writer and a regular contributor to Minnesota Good Age.
October
Can’t-Miss Calendar
Oct. 16
Ringo Starr
→→The Beatles legend joins his All-Starr Band to perform two-full sets of classic Beatles songs as well as hits from the repertoires of band members. When: 8 p.m. Oct. 16 / Where: State Theatre, Minneapolis / Cost: $83.50 to $154 / Info: hennepintheatretrust.org
Oct. 1–31
Oct. 5
Oct. 8
Scary Ink
Calligrams
→→Twin Cities-based artists inspired by classic monsters and modern frights present a selection of prints to celebrate Halloween. This year’s theme will be Dark Art, featuring screen-printed and letterpress prints.
→→Creating a graphic memoir — drawing simple pictures to illustrate daily life — is something anyone can do. In this COMPAS Artful Aging workshop presented by Pat Owen, each participant will create one page of his or her own graphic memoir.
Thursday Morning Artist Series
When: Oct. 1–31 with a closing reception from 6–10 p.m. Oct. 29 Where: Hamilton Ink Spot, a new retail store, gallery and printing studio in St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: hamiltoninkspot.org
When: 10 a.m.–noon Oct. 5 Where: Saint Anthony Park United Methodist Church, St. Paul Cost: FREE. Class size is limited. Registration is required. Call 651-642-9052 to register. Info: compas.org
→→This popular October-through-April series features local musicians performing a variety of works by classical composers. Kicking off the season is a free concert on Oct. 8 by French Canadian pianist Gabriel Quenneville-Belair. When: 9:30 a.m. reception, followed by a 10:30 a.m. concert Oct. 8 Where: MacPhail Center for Music, Minneapolis Cost: The Oct. 8 kick-off concert is free. Info: thursdaymusical.org or 612-333-0313 Minnesota Good Age / October 2015 / 37
Can’t-Miss Calendar Where: The O’Shaughnessy, St. Catherine University, St. Paul Cost: $22, $28 or $35 Info: theoshaughnessy.com
Oct. 10
Airline Collectible Sale & Get Together →→Browse all sorts of airline memorabilia for sale, including timetables, safety cards, models, T-shirts, china, wings, playing cards, postcards, photos, posters and more from a variety of airlines, presented by the volunteer-run NWA History Centre. When: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Oct. 10 Where: Best Western Plus Hotel, 1901 Killebrew Drive, Bloomington Cost: $5; free for ages 11 and younger Info: Bill Rosenbloom or Bill Marchessault, 612-386-5080 or nwahistory.org
Oct. 10–March 20
Suburbia →→Discover the sometimes quirky, always fascinating history of the seemingly commonplace suburban environments of Minnesota, including cars, cul-desacs, ranch houses, redlining, malls and millennials.
Oct. 30–Feb. 27
Sister Act
→→This Broadway show, billed as a “feel-amazing musical comedy smash,” tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a wannabe diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a crime and the cops hide her away in the last place anyone would expect — a convent! Set around the Christmas holidays, the show follows Deloris as she helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she also rediscovers her own in a sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship. When: Oct. 30–Feb. 27 Where: Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, Chanhassen Cost: $49–$85 Info: chanhassendt.com
Oct. 8–Oct. 18
The Four Loves →→Cantus Vocal Ensemble explores an emotion is so complex the Greeks broke it down into four different types — romantic, familial, friendly and unconditional. With premieres by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer David Lang, Ysaye Barnwell, Roger Treece and Joseph Gregorio as well as music by Beethoven, Poulenc and Grieg, this performance looks at the unquantifiable concept of love from all sides. When: Oct. 8, 10 and 16–18 38 / October 2015 / Minnesota Good Age
Where: Various venues in the Twin Cities Cost: $20–$40 Info: cantussings.org
Oct. 9
Feet Don’t Fail Me Now! →→Rhythmic Circus, a homegrown troupe of internationally renowned artists — and current America’s Got Talent contestants — presents a joyous parade of genrehopping music, hard-hitting percussive dance and funky costumes, plus a big brass band. When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9
When: Oct. 10–March 20 Where: Minnesota History Center, St. Paul Cost: $10–$12, free Tuesdays from 5–8 p.m. Info: minnesotahistorycenter.org
Oct. 11
Dreams of the Fallen →→Minneapolis-based VocalEssence vocal ensemble kicks off its 2015–16 season with a special tribute to U.S. military veterans. When: 4 p.m. Oct. 11 Where: The O’Shaughnessy, St. Catherine University, St. Paul Cost: $20–$40 Info: vocalessence.org
Oct. 16
Rodney Carrington →→The multi-talented American comedian, actor, writer and country singer — having recorded eight major label comedy albums and sold millions of copies — will perform two shows as part of his Here Comes the Truth tour.
Can’t-Miss Calendar When: 7 and 9:30 p.m. Oct. 16 Where: Pantages Theatre, Minneapolis Cost: $44.75 Info: hennepintheatretrust.org
When: Through Oct. 18 Where: The Jungle Theater, Minneapolis Cost: $28–$48 Info: jungletheater.com
Oct. 16–Nov. 8
Oct. 24
A Thousand Clowns
Divorcing Divas
→→In this brilliant, humorous play, Murray Burns is a cheerful eccentric raising his nephew, Nick, a precocious 12-year-old. Once a writer of cheap gags for a children’s TV show, he’s now unemployed with free time to follow his fancies. But his carefree life comes under question by the Bureau of Child Welfare, which sends two social workers to investigate his fitness to raise Nick.
→→This seventh-annual conference, Navigate Your Way Through Divorce, gives women going through divorce a day of hope, encouragement, inspiration and empowerment, including advice from financial advisors, attorneys, realtors, life coaches, psychologists and more. WCCO talk show host Jordana Green will emcee. Part of the event’s proceeds will go to Tubman, a nonprofit women’s shelter in Minneapolis that provides free financial, legal and emotional support for abused women.
When: Weekends Oct. 16–Nov. 8 Where: Theatre in the Round, Minneapolis Cost: $18–$22 Info: theatreintheround.org
Oct. 17
Lyle Lovett / John Hiatt →→Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Lyle Lovett and Songwriter’s Hall of Fame inductee John Hiatt team up again for an intimate, side-by-side unplugged session, featuring both artists alternating songs from their respective stellar careers. When: 8 p.m. Oct. 17 Where: State Theatre, Minneapolis Cost: $48.50 to $79 Info: hennepintheatretrust.org
Oct. 18
Saint Paul Civic Symphony Concert →→Enjoy a free concert, courtesy of Sundays at Landmark, a series of cultural and art events designed to entertain, enrich and educate all ages with heritage festivals, musical performances and holiday celebrations — 19 Sunday afternoons in all September through May. When: 1 p.m. Oct. 18 Where: Landmark Center, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: landmarkcenter.org
Through Oct. 18
Annapurna →→This breathtaking comic-drama offers a surprising and funny exploration of the longevity of love.
When: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Oct. 24 Where: Minneapolis Marriot West, St. Louis Park Cost: $75 per person includes breakfast, a day of seminars (keynotes and breakout sessions), lunch, door prizes, raffle items, a cash cocktail reception and a fashion show following the event. Tickets will also be sold for $90 at the door. Info: Register at divorcingdivas.com
Matisyahu →→This Grammy-nominated rapper blends roots-reggae with Orthodox Jewish themes, marking the 10th anniversary of his landmark album Live at Stubb’s with the help of his loyal backing band. When: 8 p.m. Oct. 24 Where: Pantages Theatre, Minneapolis Cost: $32.50–$42.50 Info: hennepintheatretrust.org
Through Oct. 24
The Velocity of Autumn →→This two-person dramatic comedy takes place in a simple Brooklyn brownstone, where 79-year-old Alexandra lives a solitary existence. She’s at an impasse with her family over how she should spend her autumn years when her long-absent son becomes a most unlikely mediator, as he find himself trying to save his mother’s life as much as his own.
Oct. 25
All About Dogs Day →→Bring your favorite pooch for a fun morning at the arboretum, featuring a dog walk, vendor fair and more. When: 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Oct. 25 Where: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska Cost: Free with arboretum admission of $12 for ages 13 and older Info: arboretum.umn.edu
Oct. 26
Printmaking →→Creating a graphic memoir — using printmaking to illustrate daily life — is something anyone can do. In this COMPAS Artful Aging workshop presented by Pat Owen, each participant will create one page of his or her own graphic memoir. When: 10 a.m.–noon Oct. 26 Where: Saint Anthony Park United Methodist Church, St. Paul Cost: FREE. Class size is limited. Registration is required. Call 651-6429052 to register. Info: compas.org
Oct. 28
Comedian Bill Burr →→Don’t miss this outrageously funny stand-up comedian known for his comedy specials I’m Sorry You Feel That Way and You People Are All The Same. When: 7 p.m. Oct. 28 Where: Orpheum Theatre, Minneapolis Cost: $49 Info: hennepintheatretrust.org
Through Nov. 5
The Realish Housewives of Edina: A Parody →→Brawls! Booze! Botox! Get ready for oodles of hometown reality in this totally original and outlandish parody. When: Sept. 24–Nov. 5 Where: New Century Theatre, Minneapolis Cost: $25–$34.50 Info: hennepintheatretrust.org
When: Sept. 12–Oct. 24 Where: Old Log Theatre, Excelsior Cost: $24–$35 Info: oldlog.com Minnesota Good Age / October 2015 / 39
Brain teasers Sudoku
Word Search BE FIT Ability Active Breathe Conditioning Courage Endurance Energy
Exercise Health Performance Recovery Resistance Skill Stability
Strategy Strength Stretching Teammate Therapy Training Workout
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Word Scramble
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TRIVIA
Answers 40 / October 2015 / Minnesota Good Age
What will be your legacy?
SPONSORED BY MINNESOTA COLLEGE SAVINGS PLAN
Trivia STAY STRONG 1. What major league baseball player asked the famous question, “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were?”
2. What’s the most important thing you can do to lower your risk of developing diabetes?
3. When you come home after a stressful day, what kind of beverage might help you relax?
True enjoyment comes from activity of the mind and exercise of the body; the two are ever united. SUDOKU Bounce, Prance, Stance
WORD SCRAMBLE
You can get there. We can help. Visit www.MN529today.com or call Chris McLeod 952-830-3127
CROSSWORD
Answers
CRYTPOGRAM
Crossword
Across 1 Diagram with axes and coordinates 6 Very top 10 Shift neighbor, on PC keyboards 14 St. __ Girl beer 15 Guard site 16 Nabisco cookie 17 Like stickers that smell when rubbed 20 Buckwheat dish 21 Court order to all 22 Fruit seed 23 Drop-down __ 25 Like some microbrews 27 Little girl’s makeup, so they say 33 Crisp covering 34 Welfare 35 Firebird roof option 38 What cake candles may indicate 39 On the rocks 42 Bart Simpson’s grandpa 43 See 44-Down 45 City near Colombia’s coastline
SPONSORED BY MINNESOTA COLLEGE SAVINGS PLAN
46 Leica competitor 48 Terse 51 Sounded sheepish? 53 Pop singer Vannelli 54 “Life of Pi” director Lee 55 Flood preventer 59 Louisiana cuisine 62 Old Glory 66 Words starting many a guess 67 Kind of dancer or boots 68 Atlanta campus 69 “Auld Lang __” 70 Follow the leader 71 Metaphor for time ... and, when divided into three words, puzzle theme found in the four longest across answers
6 Remnant of an old flame 7 Blacken 8 Prefix with series 9 Remnants 10 Grifter’s specialty 11 Exaggerated response of disbelief 12 Equip anew 13 Towering 18 “How many times __ man turn his head and pretend that he just doesn’t see?”: Dylan 19 Freeway hauler 24 Boot from office 26 Work with a cast 27 Natural cut protection 28 Strong desire 29 “Still wrong, take another stab” 30 Alfalfa’s girl 31 Coming down the mountain, perhaps 32 Push-up target, briefly 36 Reed instrument 37 Cooped (up) 40 DVD predecessor 41 Catches, as in a net 44 With 43-Across, outstanding 47 Historic Japanese island battle site 49 Partner of 9-Down 50 Merriam-Webster ref. 51 Underlying principle 52 Restless 56 “Othello” villain 57 Door opener 58 Periphery 60 Well-versed in 61 Uncool type 63 AAA suggestion 64 Dim sum sauce 65 Part of PBS: Abbr.
Start with as little as $25.
Down 1 Navig. tool 2 Pool hall triangle 3 Saintly glow 4 Some flat-screen TVs 5 Until now
952-830-3127
42 / October 2015 / Minnesota Good Age MN College Savings Plan GA NR2 12.indd 1
10/20/14 4:22 PM
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