Zest 50+ Living

Zest For 50+ living

SEPTEMBER 2016

FREE

McLeod County Senior Expo workshops focus on safety

Meeker Council on Aging honors Jack Ulrich Area orchards announce start of apple season

Advocates for greater awareness Sandy Oltz of Sartell and Marcia Heidgerken of Litchfield work toward dementia-friendly communities and an end to Alzheimer’s disease

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS SEPTEMBER

Salute to the Navy The Meeker County Historical Society and the Greater Litchfield Opera House Association will present “A Salute to the Navy” from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at Litchfield Opera House, 136 Marshall Ave. N. The event will honor all naval veterans in Meeker County. Special honors for Naval Veterans of Underage Service, Stan Mortenson, and the ship he served on during World War II, the USS Corbessier DE-438. There will be Navy signal flags from WWII, an exact model of the USS Corbessier, digital history of the ship including all the log books, accounts of being attacked by kamikaze pilots, tea service from the USS Meeker County, uniforms and other historical items.

Dessert and beverage will be served. Admission is $2. For more information, contact Connie Lies, 320-693-3716.

Minnesota State Band The 50-piece Minnesota State Band will perform at 3 p.m. Sept. 24 at Litchfield Opera House, 136 N. Marshall Ave. Tickets are $5. The Minnesota State Band is the official band of the state and has been in existence for 118 years. The band is the only remaining state band in the United States. The band operates as a non-profit organization with an all-volunteer membership. While the band sees its primary mission as providing quality music to Minnesota residents, the band travels internationally and

has represented Minnesota on six International Goodwill Tours since 1986.

Local celebration

◆ Dassel Red Rooster Days, Sept. 2-5.

NOVEMBER Holiday Tour of Homes Today’s Women of Hutchinson will host a Holiday Tour of Homes at 1 p.m. Nov. 19. The event will include a tour of three Hutchinson homes that have been decorated for Christmas. Tickets are $30 each, and only 150 tickets will be sold. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce & Tourism office, 2 Main St. S. When people buy a ticket, they will be told the location to meet to start the tour. All participants will meet at one location and then ride a bus together to each home. Following the tour, dessert will be served, and door prizes will be given away. Proceeds will be donated to local charities.

To submit an event to be included in this free listing, send information, including time, date, place, and cost, as well as a contact person’s name and phone number. Email information to Juliana Thill at thill@independentreview.net or call 320-593-4808.

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Zest For 50+ living

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CONTENTS spotlight: 5 Senior Jack Ulrich receives countywide honor ▲

SEPTEMBER 2016 Vol. 7 No. 7 PUBLISHED BY Litchfield Independent Review P.O. Box 307, Litchfield, MN 55355 320-693-3266 Hutchinson Leader 170 Shady Ridge Road NW, Suite 100 Hutchinson, MN 55350 320-587-5000

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In the news: As summer comes to a close, area orchards open for the start of apple season

PUBLISHER Brent Schacherer schacherer@hutchinsonleader.com 320-234-4143 NEWS Juliana Thill, editor thill@independentreview.net 320-593-4808 Litchfield office 320-234-4172 Hutchinson office ADVERTISING Kevin True, advertising director true@hutchinsonleader.com 320-234-4141 Sales representatives Paul Becker • 320-234-4147 becker@hutchinsonleader.com Colleen Piechowski • 320-234-4146 piechowski@hutchinsonleader.com Joy Schmitz • 320-234-4140 schmitz@hutchinsonleader.com Greg McManus • 320-593-4802 mcmanus@independentreview.net

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Sandy is living with and that took the life of Marcia’s husband

SUBSCRIPTION OR ADDRESS CHANGE Michelle Magnuson • 320-234-4142 magnuson@hutchinsonleader.com PRINTED BY Crow River Press 170 Shady Ridge Road NW Hutchinson, MN 55350 Zest is published monthly by the Litchfield Independent Review and Hutchinson Leader newspapers. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior consent of the publisher.

story: Sandy Oltz and Marcia Heidgerken are active 8 Cover with the Alzheimer’s Association to help end the disease that

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In the news: McLeod County Senior Expo addresses safety

12 Money matters: Make the most of gifts to grandchildren 13 Medicare: Diabetes supplies are covered differently 14 Recipes: Enjoy the scents and tastes of autumn with Two-Minute Apple Tart, Cheddar Wurst and Apple Kabobs, and Apple Walnut Sticky Buns SEPTEMBER 2016 | ZEST

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A WARM WELCOME

W

e all temporarily forget things now and then.

We forget where we parked the car, where we put our keys, the name of the person we always see at church. Our memory often changes as we age. However, memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging. It could be a symptom of dementia — a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills.

The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, a fatal disorder that results in the loss of brain cells and function. It’s what took the life of Marcia Heidgerken’s husband, John. He was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s in 2011 and died earlier this year. As a result, Heidgerken has become an advocate for awareness — awareness of Alzheimer’s, awareness of early detection, awareness of how to understand and assist someone living with the disease. She is helping Meeker Memorial Hospital as it uses a grant to help develop a dementiafriendly community.

Heidgerken invited Sandy Oltz to speak in Litchfield at a dementia-friendly event. Oltz of Sartell has early onset Alzheimer’s like John Heidgerken did. She also was an adviser to Julianne Moore, the actress who starred in the movie, “Still Alice.” Oltz and Marcia Heidgerken met at an Alzheimer’s Association support group meeting and have helped one another find their way on their journey in dealing with the disease. Read more about the two of them in this month’s magazine. And if you’re questioning whether

your forgetfulness, or that of a loved one, is age-related or possibly dementia-related, see the Alzheimer’s Association list of 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s on Page 10.

Also in the magazine, we turn the spotlight on Jack Ulrich, who was honored for being Meeker County’s senior volunteer. His record for volunteerism is exceptional, having given up thousands of hours of his Juliana Thill life to help others.

Editor We also have information about the McLeod County Senior Expo in September, and the Meeker County Senior Expo in October. These expos are always so much fun. In addition, they’re informative, a great way to connect with others, and an opportunity to learn a little and laugh a little.

Both expos are only selling tickets in advance. So, be sure to buy your ticket early. We’ve listed places that are kind enough to sell the tickets.

While I hate to say goodbye to summer, my favorite season is fall. I always look forward to this time of year, when leaves turn color, the air turns crisp, and apple season arrives. We’ve included information about some local apple orchards that sell this fall fruit, as well as recipes that include apples.

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Meeker Council on Aging honors Ulrich as senior volunteer of the year

McLeod County Senior Expo to offer workshops on safety

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PHOTO BY MARTHA LUEDERS

Donna Whitcomb, coordinator for Meeker Council on Aging, presents the Meeker County Senior Volunteer Award to Jack Ulrich in August during the Meeker County Fair. Ulrich volunteers throughout the community. He cuts lawns for people in need, grills burgers and cooks turkeys and hams for local community events. He has recorded 880 hours as a volunteer driver for the Meeker Council on Aging, and 3,750 hours as a driver of the Meeker County veterans van.

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SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

cLeod County Senior Expo will offer workshops that revolve around this year’s theme, “SOS: Safety of Seniors, Living

Well.”

The Senior Expo will take place from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at Hutchinson Event Center. However, tickets will only be sold in advance.

The expo includes coffee, workshops, vendor booths, speakers and lunch. Keynote speaker Lori Pickell-Stangel will give a “Pioneer Woman” presentation.

Workshop topics include driving improvement, frauds and scams, safety in the home and hoarding, healthy cooking with herbs and spices, and Facebook.

Admission is $10 and tickets are only sold in advance until Sept. 21. Tickets can be purchased at senior nutrition sites in McLeod County, Hutchinson Event Center, Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, Glencoe Regional Health Services, and First Lutheran Church in Glencoe. For more information, call 320-864-7798.

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IN THE NEWS

Apple season begins for local orchard owners As summer winds down, apple harvesting begins. Here’s a quick look at some apple orchards in the area:

Julie and Karl Townsend own Dassel Hillside Farm, 24492 Minnesota Highway 15, Dassel.

Open: Monday through Saturday Call: 320-275-2622 Online: www.dasselhillsidefarm.com

Other area orchards:

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Joe and Colleen Carlson own Carlson’s Orchard & Bakery, 11893 Montgomery Ave. SW, Winsted.

Open:Tuesday through Sunday Call: 320-485-3704 Online: www.carlsonsorchardbakery.com

Cedar Hill Orchard 23293 Major Ave., Hutchinson Call: 320-234-7820

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Kevin and Betty Issendorf own K&B Kreekside Orchard, 23578 Highway 22, Litchfield.

Open: Daily Call: 320-593-8189 On Facebook: @kbkreeksideorchard

Countryside Apple Farms 13506 U.S. Highway 12 SW, Cokato Call: 612-310-8647

Shimanski Orchard 11155 200th St., Silver Lake Call: 320-327-0112

Nation honors grandparents Sept. 11

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n 1970, Marian McQuade initiated a campaign to establish a day to honor grandparents. In 1978, President Carter signed a federal proclamation, declaring the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day. This year, Grandparents Day is Sept. 11.

Grandparents play a unique role in the lives of their grandchildren. However, some grandparents are more involved than others to the point of caring for them on a daily basis.

The U.S. Census Bureau presented statistics about their role, showing 7.2 million grandparents had grandchildren under age 18 living with them in 2014.

There were 5.8 million children under age 18 living with a grandparent householder in 2014. Nearly half or 2.7 million of those were children younger than 6 In 2015, there were 3.1 million children living with both of their grandparents, regardless of whether they were also living with their parents.

The median income for families with grandparent householders responsible for grandchildren under age 18 was $49,700.

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IN THE NEWS

Meeker County Senior Expo to feature German theme

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eeker County Senior Expo will have an “Oktoberfest” theme this year, from the food to the entertainment.

The Senior Expo will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 11 at Church of St. Philip in Litchfield. However, tickets are only sold in advance. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and vendors will be available for people to visit, coffee at 9:30 a.m., The Narren at 10 a.m., Mike James at 11:30 a.m., lunch at noon, and door prizes at 12:45 p.m.

The Narren of New Ulm are German woodenmasked characters with colorful costumes. In addition, James will provide musical entertainment.

Lunch will include bratwurst, German potato salad, sauerkraut, baked beans, pumpernickel bread and German chocolate cake.

Admission is $9 and tickets are sold in advance until Oct. 6. Tickets are available at Home State Bank in Cosmos, St. Anthony Manor in Watkins, Grove City Area C.A.R.E., and in Litchfield at Mary’s Jewelry, Papa D’s, Emmaus Gift Shop, Litchfield Community Education office, and Meeker Council on Aging office.

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Alzheimer’s reach ◆ 91,000 Minnesotans age 65 and older live with Alzheimer’s disease. ◆ Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in Minnesota with 1,427 people dying from the disease in 2013. ◆ In Litchfield, an estimated 137 people 65 and older will develop a form of dementia. ◆ In the Litchfield area, including Cosmos, Darwin, Dassel, Grove City and Watkins, an estimated 241 people 65 and older will develop a form of dementia.

Source:Alzheimer’s Association

Marcia Heidgerken of Litchfield and her family will be the honorary family in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s disease Sept. 24 in St. Cloud. Heidgerken’s husband, John, shown in photos she is holding, was diagnosed in August 2011 with early onset Alzheimer’s and died this spring.The Heidgerkens’ son, Will, is scheduled to speak at the St. Cloud event.

Advocating for those with

Alzheimer’s After her husband, John, was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease, Marcia Heidgerken of Litchfield became active in helping to create a dementia-friendly culture 8

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arcia Heidgerken didn’t see the signs at first. When her husband, John, would forget a word and use a different word in its place, she thought it was odd. When he refused to help with some preparations for their son’s high school graduation party in 2010 and said he didn’t know how to do a job that he done before, she thought he was being obstinate.

He became withdrawn, when he used

By Juliana Thill to be the life of the EDITOR party. His behavior was changing, and he was not talking to Marcia about any of it.

Marcia was so upset that she was considering divorce. And that wasn’t an easy choice after spending 40 years together. They started dating when she was 16, and married when she was 18, in 1978, she said.

“I thought John was going through a mid-life crisis with Will getting ready to graduate and me being away from him so much (working two jobs).

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COVER STORY A dementia-friendly community

PHOTOS BY JULIANA THILL

Sandy Oltz of Sartell and Marcia Heidgerken of Litchfield met at a St. Cloud Alzheimer’s Association Memory Club meeting and became friends.

Heidgerken invited Oltz, who has early onset Alzheimer’s, to speak at a dementia-friendly community event in Litchfield. Oltz was an adviser to actress Julianne Moore in the movie,“Still Alice.”

I felt like he didn’t care about our relationship. He wouldn’t tell me the kinds of things he was experiencing,” she said.

When she asked him what was going on, he would say, “I don’t know.”

She didn’t see his behavior and actions as signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

And, to begin with, neither did medical personnel.

After multiple tests in Litchfield, Willmar and Hutchinson, doctors diagnosed John with depression and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Doctors told the Heidgerkens that “something was going on” with John. He was put on medication and told if things didn’t improve in six months, to come back.

At the encouragement of family who suspected there was something more going on with John, Marcia pushed for more answers. She saw another doctor who did a second MRI, and the neurologist suspected John had Alzheimer’s.

He referred them to Mayo Clinic.

In August 2011, doctors at Mayo Clinic did a PET scan, which showed he had early onset Alzheimer’s.

He was 56.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, causing problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Alzheimer’s is considered to

be early onset if it affects a person younger than 65.

Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and the only leading cause of death in the country without a way to prevent, cure or slow its progression, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

After John was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Marcia said she felt “horrible” for having considered divorcing him. “I probably never would have done it, but I was that angry and that discouraged.”

Meanwhile, John might not have even realized how he was behaving.

“He couldn’t tell me what was going on,” she said.

With little help or advice from doctors on how to cope with the disease, Marcia contacted the Alzheimer’s Association in St. Cloud in February 2012, and she and John started attending Memory Club meetings. She decided they needed information, answers and support, while at the same time Marcia was spurred to action.

“We got involved with the Alzheimer’s Association and the (fundraising) walks. The disease robbed him, me, our son, and my daughter-in-law. She didn’t get to know the John we knew,” Marcia said.

Plans that Marcia had of the two of

ACT on Alzheimer’s Litchfield was formed in 2016. Litchfield is one of up to 43 action communities throughout the state taking steps to create a dementiafriendly culture.

The Litchfield action team has partners from the Area Agency on Aging, Ecumen, county public transit, Meeker County Sheriff’s Department, Lutheran Social Services senior dining and caregiver support, Healthy Communities Meeker Initiative, and McLeod County and Sibley County public health. The team hopes to engage other community members in the process.

Steps toward becoming a dementia-friendly community include: ◆ Businesses that train employees on interacting with customers who have dementia. ◆ Clinics that promote early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and provide care and support options. ◆ Faith communities that welcome and engage people living with dementia and their families. ◆ Residential settings that offer service and activities adapted for memory loss issues.

For more information, contact Lori Rice at Meeker Memorial Hospital, 320-693-4573 or go online to www.ACTonALZ.org.

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COVER STORY

them spending time together in retirement are gone.

“All of those dreams have been taken,” she said.

Marcia gained insight into Alzheimer’s while attending Memory Club meetings. It was there that the Heidgerkens met Sandy Oltz of Sartell.

“We just hit it off,” Marcia said.

Oltz was 47 and working as a surgical nurse in St. Cloud when she was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. However, her disease hasn’t progressed as quickly as John’s.

“John progressed so much faster than anyone else (in the Memory Club). They’re walking, talking and some are still driving,” Marcia said.

Because the disease is progressing more slowly in Oltz, she could put words to what John was experiencing but couldn’t explain, Marcia said. “As someone with Alzheimer’s, she gave the perspective of what John was going through. She helped me understand. I would not have been able to survive without her. She’s helped so much.”

He didn’t forget her Through his last five years, John just dealt with each day as it came, Marcia said.

“John was the most easy-going person ever. He never got depressed over any of this. He never got angry with it.

He just accepted it. He was an amazing guy. He handled it a lot better than I did,” Marcia said.

“To lose somebody with Alzheimer’s is a grieving process every day. Every day, you could see something different was taken away from him,” Marcia said. “Alzheimer’s is nicknamed, The Long Goodbye. You lose them twice.

You lose them as they’re progressing through the disease, and then you lose them when they actually die.”

While John’s memory faded, Marcia said, he never forgot her.

“He never forgot any of us, I don’t think,” she said. “One of the things we always said was, ‘When you’re in a nursing home and you can’t say anything, you wink at me, OK? Because then I’ll know you still know who I am,’” she said, recalling conversations she and John had.

In the last few days of his life, Marcia was at his bedside, along with Oltz. “She and I were standing next to

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10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease 1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life.

2. Challenges in planning or solving problems.

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks.

4. Confusion with time or place.

5.Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships.

6. New problems with words in speaking or writing.

7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps.

8. Decreased or poor judgment.

9.Withdrawal from work or social activities.

10. Changes in mood and personality.

Source:Alzheimer’s Association him and he winked. And I’m like, ‘Did he wink at me?!’ she recalled, laughing.

“Sandy said, ‘Yes, he winked at you.’

He was still there,” Marcia said, as tears welled up in her eyes.

After John died March 13, Marcia donated his brain to Mayo Clinic because he was part of a study. An accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can’t be made unless an autopsy is done to confirm the diagnosis.

“What we found out from his autopsy was that he had Lewy body dementia and Alzheimer’s,” she said.

Lewy body dementia is the second most common type of progressive dementia after Alzheimer’s, according to Mayo Clinic. It can affect thinking, memory and movement, similar to Parkinson’s disease, Marcia said.

Dementia-friendly community Having been touched by Alzheimer’s, Marcia started volunteering with a local initiative that Meeker Memorial Hospital in Litchfield is leading to become a dementia-friendly community.

The hospital recently received a grant from Dementia Friendly Communities, through ACT on Alzheimer’s, said Lori Rice, hospital communications manager.

A dementia-friendly community is one that is dementia-informed, safe and respectful across all community sectors and prepared to support people living with Alzheimer’s and those touched by the disease.

The work involved in becoming a dementia-friendly community includes four phases, Rice said.

“To start out the grant, we have Phase 1 to introduce it to the community, build some community awareness around dementia-friendly environments,” she said.

As part of Phase 1, the Litchfield ACT on Alzheimer’s ACTion Team and Meeker Memorial Hospital sponsored a Dementia, Caregiver & Community Education event in late July featuring Oltz as speaker, followed by the showing of the movie, “Still Alice.”

In the movie, Julianne Moore plays Alice Howland, a university linguistics professor. She and her family find their bonds tested when she is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s.

Marcia invited Oltz to speak at the community event in Litchfield because Oltz worked with Moore during the filming of “Still Alice.”

In 2013, Oltz was an early stage adviser for the National Alzheimer’s Association, working to raise awareness of early-stage issues and advocate for increase funding for research and support programs.

“During my term, I participated in speaking engagements across the country, to help change the face of this disease and support the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association,” Oltz said.

As a national adviser, she was asked to consult with the screenwriters and directors of the movie, “Still Alice.”

“I worked directly with Julianne Moore to help her develop her character,” Oltz said. “Through Skype, email, phone and text conversations, I shared my insights about the experience of living with this disease, to the steps to obtain the diagnosis, to the stigma I’ve experienced, to how I’m living with

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COVER STORY this disease day today.”

Oltz said she was pleased with the movie because it helped raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and started a national conversation about the disease. “This (movie) gives me hope that change is possible,” she said.

Next phases The Litchfield ACT on Alzheimer’s ACTion Team and Meeker Memorial Hospital’s Phase 2 of creating a dementia-friendly community will involve doing a community assessment, Rice said.

“We’re hoping to get many community members involved to really listen to our audience and see what it is that would help our community be dementia-friendly. We’re visiting all different sectors. We have many team members that will help us go to the business community, to our government areas, and many parts of our community,” she said. “Phase 3, we will look at all our data, and then Phase 4, going into next year, we will look at projects that

are meaningful projects.”

While the past five years were difficult, Marcia still remembers the good times with John, and what made her fall in love and stay in love with him for 40 years.

John enjoyed music, drag racing, scuba diving, waterskiing, boating and photography. “He was really an amazing person. He was 20 years in the Navy. He was a volunteer firefighter.

He helped coach Will in football, basketball and baseball. They did karate together. He was a really hands-on dad,” she said.

In John’s memory, Marcia will participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Sept. 24 in St. Cloud.

In addition, she and her family are the Walk’s honorary family, and their son, Will, will be a speaker at the event.

“I think it’s good for people to be aware, understanding and compassionate about what is going on,” Marcia said. “My advocacy is because something has got to be done. It’s a horrible, horrible disease.” ■

Walk to End Alzheimer’s The Alzheimer’s Association has walks to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimers care, support and research. Local walks: ◆ St. Cloud: Sept. 24 — Registration begins at 9 a.m., opening ceremony at 10 a.m., walk at 10:30 a.m. at Lake George Municipal Park, 1101 Seventh St. S. ◆ Willmar: Oct. 1 — Registration begins at 9 a.m., opening ceremony at 10 a.m., walk at 10:30 a.m. at Robbin’s Island Park, Country Club Drive, NE. For more information, call 800272-3900 or go online to alz.org/walk.

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MONEY MATTERS

Make the most of gifts to grandchildren Grandparents should look at what they can afford to give; amount might change depending on circumstances

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ational Grandparents Day is Sept. 11. While this “day” is not as widely known as Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, it is, nonetheless, important, as it recognizes the key role that grandparents play.

If you are a grandparent yourself, you might expect some cards or phone calls or emails from your own grandchildren — but you will probably experience even greater enjoyment in the gifts you can give them.

If you’re thinking of making a financial gift, consider your options carefully.

To begin with, don’t forget about your own needs. As much as you love your grandchildren, you can’t afford to provide significant financial gifts to them at the expense of your own retirement savings or the resources you might need for health care or long-term care.

So, review your budget to determine what you can afford to give.

This amount might change year by

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year, depending on your circumstances, so you might want to review your potential gifts annually.

However, assuming you can afford to give regularly to your grandchildren, how should you go about it?

Here are a few possibilities: ◆ Establish a 529 plan. A college degree is a good investment in your grandchildren’s future — but higher education comes with high costs. If you want to help your grandkids go to college, you could establish a 529 plan. Earnings in a 529 plan can grow federal tax-free and will not be taxed when the money is taken out to pay for college. Plus, you might receive state tax incentives if you invest in your home state’s 529 plan.

(However, if withdrawals are not used for higher education expenses, the earnings portion is fully taxable and will incur a 10 percent penalty.)

Keep in mind, though, that a 529 plan could affect your grandchild’s financial aid. While a 529 plan owned by a grandparent generally won’t be reported as an asset under the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, withdrawals used for school will be treated as student income on the next year’s FAFSA, and could lower your grandchild’s financial aid package. So, you could wait for your grandchild’s final year of college, when he or she

won’t be applying for future financial aid, before you allow withdrawals from the 529 plan. (You might want to discuss a 529 plan’s potential financial aid impact with a financial aid professional.) ◆ Contribute to a custodial account. You can give money to your grandchildren through a custodial account, known as UGMA or UTMA. These are irrevocable gifts that minors gain control of at the age of majority. Be aware, then, that once they get the money, they can do with it as they choose, and their choices may be far different from what you had intended. ◆ Pay college bills directly. You can simply write a check to the college to help pay for your grandchild’s expenses.

By making any of these gifts, you can help your grandchildren move forward through life — and their journey can provide you with the gifts of pride and joy.

— By Edward Jones Tax issues for 529 plans can be complex. Please consult your tax adviser about your situation. Edward Jones, its financial advisers and employees cannot provide tax or legal advice.

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MEDICARE

Medicare covers diabetes supplies differently, depending on individual need Dear Marci, I have Original Medicare and a stand-alone Part D plan. How will my diabetes supplies and insulin be covered?

— Blake Dear Blake, This is an important question, as Medicare covers diabetes supplies in different ways depending on what you need. Original Medicare Part B (medical insurance) covers some diabetes supplies, and Medicare Part D (prescription drug benefit) covers others.

Specifically, Part B covers certain diabetes supplies as durable medical equipment. This means that you must get a prescription from your doctor and use an appropriate provider. For Original Medicare, this can be a supplier that is part of a competitive bidding program or a Medicare-certified supplier, depending on where you live.

Part B could cover the following: ◆ Blood sugar (glucose) test strips ◆ Blood sugar testing monitors ◆ Lancet devices and lancets ◆ Insulin ◆ Glucose control solutions ◆ Therapeutic shoes or inserts ◆ Insulin used with an insulin pump You pay 20 percent of the cost of the Medicare-approved amount and Medicare pays 80 percent of the cost. If you have questions about durable medical equipment and diabetes supplies, you can call 800-MEDICARE for more information, and to find a supplier in your area.

Alternatively, if you inject your insulin with a needle, then Part D covers the cost of insulin and the supplies necessary to inject the insulin. This includes syringes, needles, alcohol swabs, and gauze.

Your stand-alone Part D plan will also cover other medications to treat your diabetes at home, as long as they are on your plan’s list of covered drugs.

Depending on the type of supplies you are using, either Medicare Part B or Part D will cover the cost of the supplies you need. You can speak with your doctor to learn more about your health care needs.

— Marci

Just One Trip!

Coordinate Your Prescriptions To Be Ready On The Same Day Each Month Step 1

Step 2

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Pick Your Date

Ready Notification

Free Consultation

Choose the date each month that is most convenient for your prescriptions to be filled and picked up.

After your prescriptions are filled, we will contact you to let you know that your prescriptions are ready.

Each month, we are available to discuss any questions or concerns you have about your health or medications.

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Prairie Senior Cottages

When a comfortable, stress-free environment is combined with trained caregivers, people with Alzheimer’s Disease or related memory disorders experience a better quality of life.

Prairie Senior Cottages features • 24-Hour On-site Caregivers • Secured Building • Nutritious Family Style Meals • Specialized Programming • RN Supervision & Case Management • Medication Supervision • Daily Personal Hygiene • Personal Laundry • Housekeeping • Personal Transportation • Professional Management

Prairie Senior Cottages, LLC

For more information, call John Peterson.

Hutchinson: 320-587-5508 Alexandria: 320-763-8244 Willmar: 320-235-6022 New Ulm: 507-359-3420

N02183

Built on Preserving Dignity

“Dear Marci” is a service of the Medicare Rights Center, the largest independent source of Medicare information and assistance in the United States. For more information, call the center’s toll-free helpline at 800-333-4114.

www.prairieseniorcottages.com

SEPTEMBER 2016 | ZEST

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FOOD & FUN

▲

September is the time to visit an orchard, bake with apples and enjoy the aromas of autumn

Two-Minute Apple Tart Prep time: 2 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes 1 refrigerated ready-to-use pie crust 1 pound apples, cored and sliced 2 tablespoons cold butter 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon Heat oven to 425. Remove pie crust from refrigerator and warm to room temperature, about 15-20 minutes.

Unroll crust and place it on large bak-

ing sheet. Arrange sliced apples on crust, leaving about two inches of space around edge. Chop cold butter into small bits and scatter over apples. Mix sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle over apples.

Fold two-inch section of open pie crust over apples – this will not cover apples, but contain them inside crust. Bake 20-25 minutes until crust is golden brown and apples are just soft.

Servings: 8.

SOURCE: WWW.CULINARY.NET/ MUSSELMANS

Crossword puzzle Across 1.Adagio and allegro 6.To lay in the sun 10. Bully 13. Concentrated, in a way 14.“The Faerie Queene” division 15. Bauxite, e.g.

16. Sends electromagnetic waves for radio 18. Propel, in a way 19.Alone 20. Multiple individuals 22. 007, for one 24. Bit 26.“___ here” 27. One of the five W’s 28. Regarding this point 30. Car accessory 32. Neigh-ers 34. Condensation of water droplets 37.Aquatic mammal 38. Flipper 39. Designating the style of an earlier time 40. Room at a spa (2 wds.)

42.To withstand 43. Congratulations, of a sort 44.Voters’ problem 46. ___ deferens 47.Adam’s apple spot 49.“Malcolm X” director 50.“Hold on a ___!”

14

Crossword puzzle answer on Page 15 51. Series of sharp taps 53.Whimper 55. Frozen water 56.Transforms energy 62.“___ Ng” (They Might Be Giants song) 63. Like “The X-Files” 64. Cliffside dwelling 65. Basic monetary unit of Romania

ZEST | SEPTEMBER 2016

66. Cattail, e.g.

67. Cover, in a way

Down 1.“For shame!”

2.“To ___ is human ...”

3.“Dilbert” cartoonist Scott Adams has one:Abbr.

4.Wuss 5.Acad.

6. Dracula, at times 7. Queen, maybe 8. Son by second marriage 9.“M*A*S*H” setting 10. Helpful; teamwork 11. Face-to-face exam 12.“As you ___” 14. Humidor item 17. Partners 21. French for shading 22. Fired into the sky 23. Large trunk or suitcase 25. Point 27. Hit hard 28. Frau’s partner 29. Elephant’s weight, maybe 31.A balloon, in a sense 33. Beethoven work in E flat 35. Deuce topper 36. Gobs 38. Coxcomb 41. Not a maple or elm 42.Watery discharge from mucous membranes of eyes 45. Crow’s home 48. Escapade 50. Break off 51. 100 dinars 52. Clearasil target 54.Amount of work 57.Anger 58. ___-Atlantic 59.Victorian, for one 60. Cheat, slangily 61.“Comprende?”

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FOOD & FUN

Cheddar Wurst and Apple Kabobs 1 package Hillshire Farm Cheddar Wurst Sausage Links 1 large tart green apple, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks 1 small red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces 1/4 cup apple jelly 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Cut sausage into 18 pieces. Thread sausage, apple, pepper and red onion onto six SOURCE: WWW.CULINARY.NET/ HILLSHIRE FARM skewers, leaving small space between each item. Melt apple jelly in small saucepan over low heat.

Add mustard, mixing until well blended. Grill kabobs over medium heat, turning frequently for 10 minutes. Brush kabobs with apple jelly mixture and grill two minutes longer, or until apple and vegetables are crisp-tender.

Apple Walnut Sticky Buns 2 tablespoons butter, softened 1 medium apple, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 3/4 cup chopped walnuts 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1 can (12.4 ounces) Pillsbury refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing

"We take the stress out of moving"

No job too big or small Affordable and reliable Free estimates Over 15 years experience Owner: Wade Rolf (320) 296-6803

DINING & entertainment Advertise here! Call Advertising Director Kevin True at 320-234-4141.

Heat oven to 375. Generously SOURCE: WWW.CULINARY.NET/ PILLSBURY butter 8 regular muffin cups. In bowl, mix apples, walnuts and brown sugar; divide evenly among muffin cups. Separate cinnamon rolls; reserve icing. Place one cinnamon roll in each cup. Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until tops are golden brown. Cool five minutes. Place cookie sheet upside down over muffin pan; turn over. Remove pan. Remove lid from icing; microwave on medium for five to 10 seconds or until thin. Drizzle icing over warm rolls. Serve warm.

Answer to Crossword Puzzle published on Page 14

• Lunch Specials Wed - Sun • Space Available for Small Parties • Meat Raffles Every Sat (Oct-Mar) • Space Available For Small Parties • Access to NFLs & ALL BIG TEN GAMES

• Nightly Dining 7 Days A Week • Event Planning • Pull Tabs, Dart Machines • Big Screen TVs • FREE Meeting Room Available For Non-Profits

BAR OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK HAPPY HOUR: MONDAY - FRIDAY 4 PM - 6:30 PM

SEPTEMBER 2016 | ZEST

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Next-Generation Laser Cataract Surgery

RESTORE Your Vision.

RENEW Your Life!

At Regional Eye Center, leading cataract surgeons Dr. Christopher Wallyn and Dr. Michael Merck are setting new standards in cataract care. Today, they offer patients the benefits of Laser Cataract Surgery with LENSAR laser technology. Since introducing this breakthrough laser cataract technology, Dr. Wallyn & Dr. Merck are making cataract surgery, safer, more precise and more affordable.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a cataract - and have met your 2016 insurance deductible - right now is the most affordable time to have Laser Cataract Surgery.

Call Regional Eye Center today at 320-587-6308 for your cataract evaluation or for a 2nd opinion that is covered by your insurance.

Left: Christopher R. Wallyn, D.O. Right: Michael P. Merck, M.D.

www.regeyecenter.com Regional Eye Center

320-587-6308

At Woodstone, we offer a smaller, more intimate, and more personal setting for our residents to call home. Being at home is such an important part of achieving a higher level of care. When a resident moves in to our community, they become a part of our family.

Residents have the opportunity to be active through resident outings, community events and volunteering with different local organizations. By getting to know each resident and their family individually, we can better tailor the experience, and care, that our residents receive.

Featuring: Care Suites and Memory Care • Private

• Health Related Services Apartments • Social, Recreational & Wellness • 24 Hour Staffing Activities • Emergency Response System • RN on staff • Personal Related Services • Home-Cooked Meals

• Salon/Barber Shop • Chapel • Weekly Housekeeping • Weekly Laundry

The more we care, the more beautiful life becomes.

1025 Dale Street SW, Hutchinson, Minnesota • 320-234-8917

www.woodstoneseniorliving.com