zest July 2011 by Big Fish Works

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July 2011

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Crazyfor Corvettes Auto-lovers rev their engines for good causes and good times

Securing a sustainable retirement Retirees share stories of financial freedom

Travel: New England in the fall

Every Wednesday is Senior Citizen’s Day:

10% Off Parts

Labor

and

in our Service Department.

We’ll take the time to explain all services done on your vehicle — we’re happy to answer any questions.

Enjoy fre coffee e and cookie s!

Certified Service We Service ALL Makes and Models! A car dealer for the times in Hutchinson

• Sales • Service • Body Shop • Parts

525 Hwy. 7 East Hutchinson 320-587-2240 www.valleyhutchinson.com N02160 Z

Regional Eye Center A WHOLE NEW LEVEL OF CARE IN HUTCHINSON

Ultraviolet Rays & Your Eyes There are two types of UV rays: UV-A and UV-B. Over time, the effects of these UV rays can lead to many eye problems... Cataracts - A clouding of the eye’s lens which alters how light focuses in the eye. Macular Degeneration - Leading cause of blindness in older Americans that causes the central part of your vision to become blurry or wavy and could cause a blind spot in the center of your vision. Pterygium - A growth that starts on the white part of the eye that can spread and involve the cornea and cause vision loss. Corneal Sunburn - Very painful and may cause a temporary loss of vision. Skin Cancer - May develop on or around the eyelids. Protect your eyes this summer from the sun by wearing proper eye protection and hats to block UV lights. Make sure your sunglasses filter out 100% of the UV rays, reduce glare, and do not distort color. At Regional Eye Center, we provide high quality eye exams to check for all of these eye health issues. Our optical center has a wide selection of prescription and non-prescription sunglasses.

1455 Montreal St. SE (Next to Menards) 320-587-6308 • 800-955-6336 Open Monday through Thursday 8 a.m.–7:30 p.m., Friday 8 a.m.–4 p.m. 1st and 3rd Saturdays Labor Day through Memorial Day: 8:30 a.m.–12 Noon

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Contents

ZesT

July 2011 Vol. 2 No.5 zestforlife.mn

Opinion: Boomers unsure of ability to afford retirement

Travel: New England in the fall

Money: Be wise with financial windfalls

Feature Story: Securing a sustainable retirement

Medicare Answers: A guide to preventive services

Cover Story: Crazy for Corvettes

Wellness: Cataracts are treatable

Wellness: Know your glaucoma risk

Comfort Foods: Plan a perfect pizza party

Puzzles

Last Word: The great fair of 1911

Welcome Fun facts for the Fourth On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. As always, this most American of holidays will be marked by parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues across the country. Here are a few fun facts to celebrate America’s birthday. • 2.5 million: In July 1776, the estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation. • 311.7 million: The nation’s estimated population on this July 4th. • $98.3 billion: Dollar value of trade last year between the United

States and the United Kingdom, making the British, our adversary in 1776, our sixth-leading trading partner today. • 81 million: Number of Americans who said they have taken part in a barbecue during the previous year. • $231.8 million: The value of U.S. manufacturers’ shipments of fireworks and pyrotechnics in 2007. The Chevy Corvette is another piece of Americana celebrated during the summer months. In this July issue of Zest, discover why members of the Crow River Corvette Club love their sports cars so much. Also inside read a pair of retirement saving success stories. Saving for a retirement is a much talked

about topic in the wake of the Great Recession. Many people are still recovering from its effects. Jerry and Karen Zajicek, and Dennis and Elaine Ashburn share how they weathered the economic storm well. I welcome your feedback and ideas. You can e-mail at winter@hutchinsonleader.com or by sending a letter to Hutchinson Leader, 36 Washington Ave. W., Hutchinson, MN 55350 or Litchfield Independent Review 217 N. Sibley, Litchfield, MN 55355. All the best! Katie Winter

ZEST / July 2011 3

Opinion

Boomers unsure of ability to afford retirement More and more of us are concerned about how we’re going to pay for retirement, or whether we can retire at all, especially as the economy has soured. The Society of Actuaries recently issued a report entitled “The Impact of the Economy on Retirement Risks” about how we’re handling our fears. Here are some facts its survey uncovered: • Nearly half of those polled who have not yet retired are very concerned about retirement finances, much more so than ever before. • Two-thirds of retirees surveyed say their finances are worse than before the economy took a downturn, with a quarter saying “much worse.” For those not yet retired, the figures are even higher. Those who banked on having return from investments have suffered from low interest rates, and those who considered their home “nest egg” for retirement money are hard hit. • A quarter of retirees fear they might need to return to

ZesT P U B L I S H E D BY Litchfield Independent Review PO Box 921 Litchfield, MN 55355 (320) 693-3266

Hutchinson Leader 36 Washington Ave. W. Hutchinson, MN 55350 (320) 587-5000

NEWS Katie Winter, reporter winter@independentreview.net or winter@hutchinsonleader.com (320) 693-3266 or (320) 234-4172

A D V E RT I S I N G Shari Forsman, advertising representative sales@crowriverpress.com (320) 234-4171

Crow River Press 170 Shady Ridge Road NW Hutchinson, MN 55350 (320) 587-2062

4 ZEST / July 2011

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P R I N T E D BY

work, while two-thirds who haven’t retired think they'll need to work longer. • People who haven’t yet retired have more concerns than those who have already retired. The major concerns are paying for long-term health care, the falling value of investments, running out of money, inability to maintain a standard of living, and not having anything to leave to heirs. • Seniors have more debt than they expected to have at retirement. But if there’s a retirement strategy the majority agreed on, it’s this: Get rid of consumer and mortgage debt before retirement by paying off credit cards and cutting back on spending for gifts, vacations and restaurants. If you want to see how you compare to others in this survey, go to www.soa.org and put the name of the report in the quick search box. – 2011 King Features Syndicate Inc.

Local Finds

Want to feature an item from your business? Call Shari at 320-234-5702.

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Corinthian Bells are the first in the next generation of wind chimes that combine the superior tones of its centrally suspended tubes with a visually exceptional design. Made with powder coated aluminum, Corinthian Bells® will provide years of musical enjoyment. Corinthian Bells® wind chimes come with a 5 year warranty against defects in craftsmanship. Comes in four sizes and two finishes. $38 to $140 Gift shop proceeds help pay for facility and resident improvement projects. Available at the Emmaus Place Gift Shop 218 N. Holcombe Ave., Litchfield 320-373-6625

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Grandco Sandals Available in white, brown & black. Flip-flop or slip-on style. $15.99-$17.99/pair Available at the Hutchinson Hospital Gift Shop 1095 Hwy. 15 South, 320-234-5000 Monday-Friday 8 am-8 pm; Sat. Noon-8 pm; Sunday Noon-4 pm

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Bring in this ad and receive an additional $50 Off any in stock patio table with 4 chairs. Expires 8-1-11. Available at Factory Direct Furniture Hutchinson Location 16919 Hwy. 7 East, Hutchinson 320-587-SAVE (7283) 320-587-5590 (fax)

Waconia Location (Open Thursday-Sunday only) 524 Elm Street S., Waconia 952-442-1302 (phone) 952-442-1340 (fax)

ZEST / July 2011 5

Travel

New England in the fall Two trips on offer promise the best of New England and New York for you to enjoy as a tour guide recreates the world of America’s founding fathers. Included in this tour of historic Boston is the U.S.S. Constitution, Beacon Hill and the Mayflower of Plymouth. On day nine of the tour, you will experience the energy of New York City. The stop in the Big Apple includes a Broadway play, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty and Times Square. The weekend brings a return to the countryside and the lifestyle of Lancaster Amish community, complete with an Amish-style dinner and tour.

• New York City Excursion

Let the power and majesty of Niagara Falls sweep you away this fall.

• New England states featuring New York City Combine the charm of a New England fall with the majesty of Niagara Falls and the bright lights of New York City and what do you get? How about a a 14-day trip this autumn, courtesy of Riley’s Travel Easy Tours. The excursion begins Sept. 28 with a return date of Oct. 11. The tour will depart from Waconia, Murdock, Alexandria and Ortonville. The trip ranges in price from $1,950 to $2,785.

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Final payment is due Aug. 14. About the tour: The trip is a tour that combines the Pennsylvania Amish, New York City, Boston, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Canada, Michigan and much more. You will experience a brilliant combination of colors as in New England during the fall foliage time. You also will witness the power and beauty of Niagara Falls as seen from the top of Skylon Tower. After witnessing such natural grandeur that also includes the Adirondack wilderness and Lake Champlain, you will step back in time

Do you fancy taking a bite out of the Big Apple? Then look no further than this “New York City Excursion” hosted by Rustad Tours. The tour company is offering 10 days in the city with stops at Rockefeller Center, Central Park and four nights in Manhattan. The trip departs on Sept. 6 and returns on Sept. 15. The trip ranges in price from $2,049 to $2,949. The trip departs from Kerkhoven. About the tour: Autumn in New York City boasts mild temperatures and a variety of activities. This excursion begins with a visit to the Henry Ford Museum in southern Michigan, sightseeing at Niagara Falls, and an evening in Syracuse, New York, before continuing on to New York City. For four nights experience the atmosphere of Manhattan’s theatre district along 48th Street. This area is ideal for evening walks. A tour guide

Travel will join the group for a full day in southern Manhattan that includes the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and Ground Zero. This visit to the site where the World Trade Towers once stood is sure to be especially poignant on the eve of Sept. 11. Next on the agenda is exploring the sites of upper and middle Manhattan, such as the Lincoln Center, Central Park and a drive by the homes of some of the rich and famous. A Broadway show with dinner afterward finishes the day. Other trip highlights include going to the Today Show, Rockefeller Center and an assortment of restaurants and museums.

The Statue of Liberty is one of the must-see attractions during a trip to New York City this fall.

R I L E Y ’S

Travel Easy Tours Canadian Rockies ...................................................July 15-23 8 Day Alaska Circle...............................................July 16-23 Oregon/California.............................................August 17-28 Shipshewana .................................................September 6-10 Nova Scotia .................................................September 13-26 Mackinac Island........................................September 15-18 Apostle Islands .........................................September 19-22 Cranberry Festival ..................................September 23-24 Norsk Hostfest ..........................................September 27-29 New England States.............September 28-October 11 Smoky Mountains Colors ..........................October 18-26 Washington DC ................................................October 19-27 Branson Christmas ....................October 31-November 4 Branson Holiday............................................November 6-10 Branson Lights ............................................November 19-23 Nashville Christmas ....................................December 8-13

1-800-288-8246 www.rileytours.com

Canadian Rockies .......................................July 7 – 15 Alaska Fly-back .........................................July 14 – 30 Nova Scotia......................................July 21 – August 6 Alaska Direct ............................................August 1 - 8 Folklorama ...............................................August 6 – 9 Mississippi River Cruise .........................August 15 - 18 Mackinac Island ...................................August 21 - 25 Yellowstone National Park Tour ............August 24 – 29 Pacific Northwest ..............................September 3 – 19 New York City ..................................September 6 – 15 Door County .....................................September 22-25 New England States ..............September 25-October 8 Minot Hostfest I ...............................September 27-30 Minot Hostfest II ...................September 29-October 2

2011 MN Twins Games July 20 .................Cleveland August 10 .................Boston August 21 New York Yankees September 17 ......Cleveland

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208 N 12th St. Box 346 Kerkhoven MN 56252 320-264-2987 1-800-525-0730

September 22 ...........Seattle www.rustadtours.com info@rustadtours.com

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Call for pick ups in your area

Rustad Tours 2011 Tour Schedule

ZEST / July 2011 7

Money

Be wise when financial windfalls come along

Consider saving for retirement, education or emergencies if a large sum of money comes your way. By Jason Alderman

f you’re lucky enough to win a multimillion-dollar lottery, you don’t need this column; you need a team of legal and financial experts to make sure you don’t blow your chance for lifetime financial security. But if you receive a considerably smaller monetary windfall, whether a tax refund, divorce settlement, inheritance or work bonus, there are actions you can take to improve your current financial situation. First, take a breath. Before going on a spending spree, stash the money in a savings account until you’ve examined your total financial picture. Weigh existing debts, upcoming expenses and future needs to make sure you apply the money where it’s needed most. Wake up and smell the tax windfall. Working Americans have larger paychecks this year due to a tax break that cuts their share of Social Security payroll taxes by close to one-third. However, a recent poll on the National Foundation for Credit Counseling website revealed that nearly half of the respondents were unaware of this windfall.

8 ZEST / July 2011

“Some people will see an extra $2,000 in their paychecks this year,” said Gail Cunningham, spokesperson for the NFCC, “but regardless of the amount, put this money to good use while you have it, as the tax cut was only approved for 2011.” Save for emergencies. To protect your family against the impact of a layoff or other unexpected financial crisis (such as a medical emergency, car accident or theft), set aside enough cash to cover at least six months of living expenses. Pay off debt. Before investing the money, paying off outstanding debt first might be better – things like credit cards, car and student loans, and home equity loans/lines of credit. Start with debts having the highest interest rates first, then work your way down. But remember: Interest for certain types of loans, such as federally insured student loans, mortgages and home equity loans/lines of credit may be tax-deductible. Save for retirement. Many people chronically underfund their retirement savings. One relatively painless strategy is to contribute a portion of your windfall into an IRA or 401(k) plan. It’s easy to have the money automati-

Money cally withdrawn from your paycheck or bank account and the tax advantages these plans offer will make your savings grow even faster. Finance college. If you’ve got kids, you’re probably already worrying about paying for college. Although your own retirement security should come first (you can always borrow for education, but not for retirement), if you do get a windfall, consider opening a 529 Qualified State Tuition Plan or a Coverdell Education Savings Account – two savings methods that offer terrific tax advantages. Budget. Once you’ve used your windfall to pay off debt or start a savings plan, don’t slip back into bad habits. Numerous free budgeting tools, including interactive budget calculators, are available online at sites such as the U.S. Financial Literacy and Education Commission's MyMoney.gov (www.mymoney.gov), the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (www.nfcc.org) and Practical Money Skills for Life, (www.practicalmoneyskills.com), a free personal financial management program run by Visa Inc. And finally, don’t forget to reward yourself for having the discipline to use your financial windfall wisely. I like the 90/10 rule, where 90 percent goes for debt payoff or savings and 10 percent is to splurge on something fun. Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs. Sign up for his free monthly e-Newsletter at www.practicalmoneyskills.c om/newsletter.

Financial Focus® Know Your Investment Risks — and How to Respond When you invest, you take some risks. While you can’t totally avoid these risks, you can take steps to help reduce their impact and increase your comfort level. And the more comfortable you are with your investments, the easier it will be to follow a long-term strategy that can help you meet your goals. Let’s look at the most common types of risk related to investing, along with some suggestions on helping to reduce these risks: • Losing principal — This type of risk is most closely associated with investing. For example, when you purchase a stock, you know that its value could go up or down. If it drops below your purchase price, and you then sell your shares, you will lose some of your principal. • Your response — You can’t eliminate the risk of losing principal, but by owning a mix of stocks, bonds, government securities and other types of investments, you can help reduce the impact of volatility on your portfolio. Keep in mind, though, that diversification, by itself, can’t guarantee a profit or protect against loss. • Losing value when interest rates change — This type of risk primarily affects fixed-income investments, such as bonds. If you purchase a bond that pays, say, a 4% interest rate, and the market rate goes up to 5%, then the value of your bond will drop because no one will be willing to pay you the full price for it when newer, higher-yielding bonds are available. • Your response — You can combat, or even ignore, interest rate risk by holding your bonds until they mature. By doing so, you’ll get your full principal back, provided the issuer doesn’t default, and you’ll continue to receive regular interest payments unless the bonds are “called,” or repurchased by the issuer. (You can help protect against this by purchasing bonds that have some degree of “call protection” and by owning bonds with different maturities.) • Losing purchasing power — This risk largely applies to fixed-rate investments such as certificates of deposit (CDs). To illustrate: If you purchase a CD that pays 2%, and the inflation rate is 3%, you are actually losing purchasing power. • Your response — Despite their vulnerability to inflation, CDs can offer you some valuable benefits, such as preservation of principal. Yet if you are concerned about fighting inflation, you may want to look for investments than have the potential to offer rising income, such as dividend-paying stocks. In fact, you can find stocks that have increased their dividends for many consecutive years. (Be aware, though, that companies can reduce or eliminate dividends at any time. Also, an investment in stocks fluctuates, and you could lose your principal.) Apart from these individual techniques to reduce investment-related risk, you should also save early and save often — because the more money you accumulate, the greater your ability to follow a long-term strategy that reflects your personal risk tolerance. That’s why it’s a good idea to contribute as much as possible over the years to your IRA and 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan. By understanding the different types of investment risk, and by acting to help lessen them, you can reduce much of the stress sometimes associated with investing — while you increase your prospects for achieving your objectives.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Patrick Chapman AAMS

Abby E Barberg

Financial Advisor 205 Jefferson St. SE Hutchinson, MN 55350 320-587-4900 • 800-441-4901

Financial Advisor 115 Olsen Blvd Ste 600 Cokato, MN 55321 320-286-2610 • 877-286-2610

www.edwardjones.com

MAKING SENSE OF INVESTING

Member SIPC N02361 Z

ZEST / July 2011 9

Feature Story

Securing a sustainable retirement Retirees share their stories of financial freedom 10 ZEST / July 2011

Feature Story By Katie Winter

inancial security is just as essential to a successful a retirement as planning activities and staying healthy. Most people who leave work at age 65 can reasonably expect to live 20 years in retirement. Being able to pay for those years takes planning, hard work and a bit of luck. Many news reports, studies and surveys will tell you that the retirement prospects of today’s baby boomers are bleak. Polls claim that those approaching retirement age are worried about their finances and believe that they will need to work longer than planned or will never be able to retire. Undoubtedly, during the recent turmoil of the volatile economic climate many watched their retirement nest eggs shrink and their years in the work force stretch longer. The 76 million-strong generation born between 1946 and 1964 are facing unprecedented challenges to their retirement goals. But then there are those who came out the other side of the recession only bruised by the fall of the stock market. People who are confident they’ve secured financial independence for the rest of their lives. These stories of success seem rare, but Zest found two couples who are bucking the trend and living the retirement of their dreams. Zest asked these retirees to look back over their time outside the working world and talk about their smartest financial moves, secrets to saving and best piece of financial advice.

Zajicek: “When you’re young you don’t think. I would’ve done a lot of things different, if I had known then what I know now. But you don’t. Nobody does.” Zest: Do you believe you’ve done enough to have a comfortable retirement? What is your retirement savings strategy? Zajicek: “I’m comfortable. If the stock market and everything hadn’t fallen apart the way it did, I would have had it made. But, I still would have been working. I got to stay busy. “I don’t think I could have done any better. When I first got married and knew I was going to have my first kid, I tried to keep a build up on the (savings) account, just in case I got fired, or sick or hurt. I always kept saying I want one month, two months and every so often I’d say six months (worth of savings). If everything had stayed the same, I could have lived on it for a couple of years. I kept that (built up) enough without tapping into my retirement.”

Jerry and Karen Zajicek Hutchinson It was fishing that Jerry Zajicek imagined when he dreamed about retirement. When the Hutchinson Telephone Co. lineman retired in March 2005, his fishing pole was there waiting. And it is still waiting six years later. As often happens in life, dreams and reality are different. Instead of spending his days on the lake, Zajicek chose to continue working 15 hours a week mowing lawn and and picking up car parts. “Hopefully I can keep working,” he said. “I enjoy getting out.” His years of financial saving and planning have turned work into hobby, rather than a necessity. Zajicek answered some questions about his secrets to a successful retirement. Zest: Describe your employer’s retirement package. Zajicek: “I worked for the telephone company for 38 years. (I was a ) cable-splicer, lineman. I had a 401(K) and profit sharing. I don’t take my retirement from the phone company. But now I have to start taking it because I’m 70.” Zest: Has your idea or image of retirement changed in any way?

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Jerry and Karen Zajicek relied on the advice of friends and financial experts when planning for retirement. ZEST / July 2011 11

Feature Story Zest: Where did you learn to save? Do you have role models? Zajicek: “My mom and dad, I think. I was born and raised on the farm and the youngest of six kids. My dad went through the Depression. My dad was a hard worker. He didn’t spend foolishly, either. They tried to instill that in all of us kids. I think that’s where I got it from.” Zest: Have you noticed people around you wishing they could retire sooner?

Zajicek: “Not really. As long as my health holds out. That’s the only thing I worry about. I’ve been pretty healthy over the years. I think I’ll be OK until the time comes. I hope, anyway. I don’t have a lot of life insurance. I got enough. I got my cemetery plot and I put my stone on. Everything is paid for, the only thing is my casket and funeral costs, but I do have it put aside.” Zest: Share your best piece of financial advice. Zajicek: “Pay yourself before anybody else. Whatever it is, set a little aside every month. I don’t care what you get paid, whether it’s $50 a week or $500 a week, take some of that and put it away. What you put it into is up to you. And if you don’t know, find somebody who does. You come first, bills come second. Don’t leave your (unpaid) bills for six months, but pay yourself first.”

Zajicek: “Most (of the people) I know wish they didn’t have to work as long. The ones that are still working are between 60 and 65. And they don’t know if they can afford to retire.” Zest: Do you have any worries about your retirement years?

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Many retirees seek the help of a financial planner to manage their investments and savings accounts.

Feature Story Dennis and Elaine Ashburn, Darwin

STAFF PHOTO BY KATIE WINTER

Dennis and Elaine Ashburn, who started saving early, are now enjoying the benefits during their retirement.

Dennis and Elaine Ashburn use words like luck and good fortune to describe their path to a comfortable retirement. The Darwin couple is grateful that career changes and family advice reaped rewards. Dennis transitioned from farming to working as a rural mail carrier for the postal service and Elaine took a position as an LPN. The moves meant more secure employer retirement packages for Dennis and Elaine, who retired in 2007 and 2011, respectively. “We know we’re fortunate,” Elaine said. “You plan for the future and

what has come along the way has been fortunate.” “I think a lot of it has to do with luck, I guess,” Dennis said. The Ashburns’ road to retirement saving began more than 30 years ago when Dennis began a Keogh account on the advice of his brother. A Keogh is a tax-deferred trust savings account that allows self-employed individuals to save for retirement. Dennis and Elaine consistently put money into the account as they raised their four children and supported the farm. Then in 1978, life in the Ashburn household changed. Dennis and Elaine described how that change was for the better.

ZEST / July 2011 13

Feature Story Zest: Describe your employer’s retirement package. Dennis: “I was civil service postal. Nowadays it isn’t. It’s a social security type thing now. But at that time and I stayed with it, was a civil service retirement. Then they had another retirement fund you could join besides that, which I did. That was called a TSP. It was like a 401k, but federally run. You had about five funds you could invest into.” Elaine: “When I worked at Willmar, I had a PERA (Public Employees Retirement Association) plan. I think I’ve always been in the PERA. They withdrew a certain amount from me and then my employer contributed.” Zest: When did you start saving for retirement? Dennis: “I did start saving at a very early age. We had a Keogh plan at that time and that’s where we put our money. It was something only self-employed people could contribute to. It helped with taxes also because it’s a plan where you don’t pay taxes on it until you draw it out. You can’t draw it out... until you’re retired. So I started that a very early age, early 30s. I had a brother that was in the insurance business at that time and he got me started.”

still had loss because of what happened in the last few years. We hope we live long enough to recuperate that.” (Laughs) Dennis: “It’s come back a long ways. Nothing is completely safe, of course, but some are more stable than others. There are certain funds that lost a lot more than others. As we got older (we) turned the ones that were more risky over to more stable funds.” Zest: Has your idea or image of retirement changed in any way? Dennis: “Since I was in the postal service, they have a definite retirement plan and retirement fund. I was planning on retiring at the time (I did). But not always, I guess. I didn’t get into the postal service until I was in my early 40s. Before that, we farmed. And I think you always hope you can retire when you’re farming. Farming is really hard to get out of. I think I got out of it at the right time, which again I say is a lot of luck.” Zest: What is your retirement savings attitude? Dennis: “I guess we’re definitely leaning toward the conservative side. So we’ve been careful.”

Zest: What challenges have you encountered? Elaine: “Even though we invested all this money, we

Elaine: “He’s the saver. I’m the spender. (laughs) You get to a point where you don’t need so many things anymore.” Zest: Where did you learn to save? Were your parents role models in any way? Elaine: “My father was a self-employed carpenter. He died very young at 47. So my mother really had to scramble to (support) us three kids until we became grown ups. We had it tough and tight.” Dennis: “My parents grew up and started their family during the Depression years. They were very careful and hardworking. We had a large family and everybody worked. ...You always have to worry about something happening. Even now we keep a certain amount of our savings liquid in case that happens.” Zest: Share your best piece of financial advice. Dennis: “Something I would recommend to anyone is start saving young because (time) goes quick. I don’t think you can ever start saving young enough.” Elaine: “There’s one phrase that really bugs me. It’s ‘I want what I want when I want it.’ I prefer to say ‘I need what I need when I need it.”

14 ZEST / July 2011

Feature Story

Selecting a financial planner Financial planning provides direction and meaning to your financial decisions. It allows you to understand how each financial decision you make affects other areas of your finances and your future financial security. Financial planning provides you with goals and a means of monitoring progress towards those goals. This gives you the ability to adjust your plan if there are changes in your life or investment performance. You also can adapt more easily to life changes and feel more secure that your goals are on track. In addition to being qualified to provide you with general financial planning services, many financial planners are registered as investment advisors or hold insurance or securities licenses that allow them to buy or sell products. Other planners might have you use more specialized financial advisors to help you implement their recommendations. The following is a list of the different types of financial advisor: Accountant – Accountants provide you with advice on tax matters and help you prepare and submit your tax returns to the Internal Revenue Service. All accountants who practice as Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) must be licensed by the state(s) in which they practice. Estate Planner – Estate planners provide you with advice on estate taxes or other estate planning issues and put together a strategy to transfer your assets to your beneficiaries. Attorneys, accountants, financial planners, insurance agents or trust bankers all can provide estateplanning services. Financial Planner – A financial planner is someone who uses the financial planning process to help you figure out how to meet your life goals. The planner can look at all of your needs, including budgeting and saving, taxes, investments, insurance and retirement planning. Insurance Agent – Insurance agents are licensed by the state(s) in which they practice to sell life, health, annuity and other insurance products. Financial planners can identify and advise you on your insurance needs, but can only sell you insurance products if they also are licensed as insurance agents. Investment Advisor – Anybody who is compensated to provide securities advice must register as an investment advisor with the Securities and Exchange Commission or relevant state securities agencies. Because financial planners often advised people on securities-based investments, many are registered as investment advisors. Source: National Retirement Planning Coalition

ZEST / July 2011 15

Medicare Answers

A guide to Medicare’s preventive services Dear Marci, Does Medicare cover bone mass measurements? – Margie Dear Margie, Bone mass measurements (sometimes called “bone density tests”) are given to evaluate your bone’s health by assessing your bone quality, calculating your bone mass and detecting any bone loss. Bone mass measurements can help determine if you need medical treatment for osteoporosis, a condition that causes “brittle bones” in many older adults. Starting Jan. 1, 2011, if you are in Original Medicare and meet certain criteria that put you at risk for osteoporosis, a bone mass measurement is covered as a preventive service. This means you will have no coinsurance or deductible if you see a doctor who takes assignment. Doctors who take assignment are doctors who cannot charge you more than the Medicare approved amount. According to Medicare.gov, you have to meet one of the following criteria that put you at risk for osteoporosis for Medicare to cover the bone mass measurement test: 1. A woman whose doctor (or other health care professional) is treating her for estrogen-deficiency and is at risk for osteoporosis based on her medical history or other findings 2. A person with vertebral (spinal) abnormalities as demonstrated by an X-ray 3. A person getting (or expected to receive) steroid treatments for more than three months 4. A person with hyperparathyroidism 5. A person taking an osteoporosis drug This test is covered as a preventive service once every 24 months if you are at risk. Medicare will also cover follow-up measurements or more frequent screening if your doctor pre-

16 ZEST / July 2011

The Affordable Care Act increased the number of preventive care services provided by Original Medicare without a copay or deductible. Included in the list of services is an annual wellness visit and flu shots. scribes them and says that they are medically necessary. In this case, Medicare will cover the screenings but you will have to pay a 20 percent coinsurance. If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan (private health plan) you should check with your plan to find out what costs and rules apply to getting this test. —Marci Dear Marci, I’ve heard that with Original Medicare, there are some preventive care services that have no copay or deductible because of health reform. Which services are available at no cost to me? – Jim

Dear Jim, You’re right. The Affordable Care Act increased the number of preventive care services provided by Original Medicare without a copay or deductible. Starting this year, if you have Original Medicare you won’t have to pay a coinsurance or deductible for certain preventive care services recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force if you see a doctor who accepts assignment. Doctors who accept assignment cannot charge you more than the Medicare-approved amount for these recommended preventive care services. It is important to note the differences between preventive care and diagnostic care. The same test may be

Medicare Answers nia vaccine • Flu shot • PSA test for prostate cancer screening • Fecal occult blood test and flexible sigmoidoscopy for colon caner screening • Pap smears and pelvic exams • Clinical breast exams and screening mammograms • Bone mass measurement • Blood tests for heart disease • Medical Nutritional Therapy • Diabetes screening It’s important to make sure you follow Medicare’s rules for receiving these preventive services to ensure that Medicare will cover them at 100 percent. Some of these services are covered only once every few years and others are only covered if you meet specific criteria. If you have these services too frequently or without

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meeting the specific criteria, Medicare will not cover them as preventive services. If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, you may have to pay deductibles and copays for these preventive services in 2011. However, Medicare Advantage cannot charge you anything for the flu or pneumonia vaccine. In addition, Medicare Advantage plans cannot require that you get a referral in order to get a screening mammogram or a flu shot. Check with your plan to see how it covers preventive services. Starting in 2012, Medicare Advantage plans will not be allowed to charge a copay or deductible for any of the services recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services task force as long as you see an in-network doctor. — Marci

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preventive or diagnostic depending on the circumstances. You pay nothing for the screenings and tests the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends only if they are considered preventive. Services are preventive when they’re given before you exhibit symptoms of a condition. If the services are diagnostic, your standard Part B deductible and coinsurance will apply. Services are diagnostic when you show distinct symptoms of a condition, or if you have a history of a condition, and the doctor is trying to give you a diagnosis. Medicare covers the full cost of the following preventive care services, and you pay nothing, even if you have not yet met your deductible: • Annual wellness visit • “Welcome to Medicare” physical exam • Hepatitis B vaccine and pneumo-

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ZEST / July 2011 17

Cover Story

Crazy for Corvettes Auto-lovers rev their engines for good causes and good times

18 ZEST / July 2011

Cover Story By Katie Winter

hevy Corvettes can reach a top speed of 190 mph, but for the their owners life is about more than fast cars. Just ask, Ron and Linda Cleland. The Hutchinson couple own a 2007 C6 Corvette Convertible. With its 400-horsepower, 6.0-liter V-8 engine with paddle gearbox, the sports car is a feat of American engineering the Cleland’s admire. “It’s the only American sports car,” Ron said. “It’s made in America in Bowling Green, Ky. It’s assembled by hand, not robots. To me, I want to buy American and the Corvette is as American as you can get.” Ron and Linda love their car, but they have another passion that runs much deeper – finding a cure for cancer. Their two passions collide in Crow River Corvette Club’s fourth annual Corvettes for a Cause, an event supporting the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the American Cancer Society. The Cleland’s founded the club in 2003 and the event in 2008. Linda is a breast cancer survivor herself. After battling the disease, she and her husband wanted a way to help others do the same. The event is put on by the Crow River Corvette Club and a group of regional sponsors. The 2011 event raised $3,000. During the weekend gathering, more than 70 shiny sports cars converged on Hutchinson. The owners of the Corvettes came from across the country including South Dakota, Illinois and Montana to talk all things cars. “The show turned out to be a pretty good success,” Ron said. “Everybody had a great time. They all said they’d be back next year with more friends and hopefully bring more cars.” Many of the 50 members of the Crow River Corvette Club were out in force. Their cars, gleaming in the spring sun, were just as bright as the smiles beaming from owners’ faces. Terry Ahlbrecht was one of them. Ahlbrecht loves his 2001 red C5

Corvette convertible because, as he put it, “it’s kind of like a hotrod car, yet it’s very economical.” “A lot of people say they’re expensive, but they’re really not,” Ahlbrecht said. “What you’re buying should cost you way more. It will probably get the best mileage on the road of any car. My car will probably average 30 miles a gallon.” But had it not been for a thunderstorm, Terry and his wife, Kathy, might not have purchased their first Corvette. In August of 1996, the couple took a trip to Rapid City, S.D. Along the way, they stopped in Sioux Falls at a Chevy dealership to look at used Corvettes. A salesperson instead showed the couple a group of new Corvettes returned from the Black Hills show that were being sold on discount. Not wishing to make a hasty decision, Terry and Kathy told the salesperson they’d think about. As they started leave, a huge thunderstorm blew in and forced the couple back inside. When Terry and

Kathy left the dealership for the second time, they were the proud owners of a 1996 C4 red coupe. A few years later, the Ahlbrechts traded in the C4 for the C5 convertible. Terry said he prefers the convertible to the coupe because of the roominess of the convertible. Terry and Kathy have a farm in Hector that keeps them plenty busy, but they still find time to participate in the club’s monthly dinner cruises and trips to car shows. They joined the group when it started eight years ago. Being intermixed with other Corvettes is one of the reasons Terry and Kathy love being members of the Crow River Corvette Club. “We took a cruise up to Annandale,” Ahlbrecht said. “We had 36 cars. You drive with a deal like that and you see the people at the end of the driveways watching all the cars go by and waving. You get an enjoyment and so do they. It’s good.” That is the purpose of the club. Its website states the organization’s aim

Ron and Linda Cleland of Hutchinson own a 2007 red C6 Corvette convertible.They are the founders of the Crow River Corvette Club.

ZEST / July 2011 19

Cover Story “is to promote good fellowship among Corvette owners and enthusiasts, to preserve the Corvette as a classic car, and to share information on all phases of ownership and restoration. The club supports the maintenance of the highest standards of courtesy and safety on and off the road.” “The car is like our child,” Ron said. “We go on a ride, we wash it right away when we get home. Wax it all the time.” Some of the club’s main events are the monthly dinner cruises, which involve spending an evening driving around the area before stopping at a restaurant for dinner, and trips to some of the Midwest’s largest Corvette shows. The big one is the South Dakota Black Hills Corvette Classic in Spearfish, S.D. Another popular activity among some club members is racing their Corvettes. Street racing and autocross are favorites, especially for Paul Betker and Jan Roelike.

Terry and Kathy Ahlbrecht of Hector own a 2001 red C5 Corvette convertible.Terry said the Corvette is not only a fun car, it is also economical and dependable.

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Cover Story Betker owns a 2000 black C5 Corvette convertible, which he takes through the paces at autocross events. Autocross is a timed competition where drivers navigate a temporary course marked by traffic cones, rather than racing on a track with multiple other cars. Autocross tends to place more emphasis on car handling and driver skill. “It’s fun,” Betker said. “It’s a neat car. It’s the No. 1 American sports car. It’s the next best thing to having a Harley.” Membership in Crow River Corvettes is open to anyone who owns or is actively seeking a Corvette. An application form is available on the club’s website, www.crowrivercorvettes.com.

Paul Betker and Jan Roelike of Hutchinson own a 2000 black C5 Corvette convertible.The two are early members of the Crow River Corvette Club and enjoy meeting fellow auto enthusiasts.

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ZEST / July 2011 21

Cover Story

Corvettes on

display Mary Rabenort, Prior Lake and Sue Dvorak, Bloomington are sisters-inlaw who share a passion for Corvettes.The two women and their spouses enjoy taking their cars on trips near – the local Dairy Queen – and far – Colorado.

At least 70 Corvettes of all styles and colors were on display at the Crow River Corvettes fourth annual Corvettes for a Cause event. No doubting that Corvette owners love their cars enough to add unique and whimsical touches, such as personalized licenses plates.The two plates pictured here read HOTVEDT and FOXYGAL.

22 ZEST / July 2011

Cover Story

Corvettes have a long and storied history T

he Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car that has been manufactured by General Motors since 1953. That was when a group of General Motors designers sat down together under the direction of lead designer and legend, Harley Earl. They were tasked with creating the first ever all-American two-seater sports car to rival the British sports cars of that time. The fruit of the team’s labor was the new American-made “dream car.” A desire to draw comparisons between the vehicles to the high-performing, powerful Corvette Navy warships of that era gave the car its name. And so, the Corvette was born. The first 300 cars to roll off the assembly line in Flint, Mich., were hand-built. Over the years, six series of the car have been produced. The newest Corvettes are built in Chevrolet’s dedicated Corvette manufacturing facility in Bowling Green, Ky. In between that first fiberglass two-seater and the newest Corvette ZR1, about 1.5 million Corvettes have been made in America and sold worldwide.

The original Corvette The first Corvettes were a white roadster with red interior. The Corvette was made with fiberglass bodywork for light weight, but was produced with a comparatively weak 150 horsepower 6-cylinder engine and an automatic transmission. The result was more of a cruising car than a racing-inspired sports car. Corvette’s original logo of two crossed American flags was designed to unite and showcase patriotism in America. The logo has since been modified to two crossed checkered flags, since Corvette is known worldwide.

An early Chevrolet Corvette C1 produced in the 1950s.

The muscle car reigns

Your everyday Corvette

The Corvette really took off in the 1960s. Between 1963 and 1967, Corvette production rose from about 10,000 cars each year to about 27,000 cars per year. The variety of engine options also increased and several special performance editions were offered, such as the original racingoriented Corvette Grand Sport in 1963.

The C4 improved in quality and horsepower throughout its production run, and today these cars are gaining popularity among motorsports enthusiasts and those who want an affordable Corvette to drive every day.

The third generation The C3 Corvettes are by far the largest generation ever produced. Of the 1.5 million Corvettes built between 1953 and 2010, more than 540,000 were made in this era.

The latest and greatest The C5 and C6 era saw Chevrolet rebuilding the Corvette from scratch with the latest technology. The result was a return to glory for the brand. With this, Corvettes again claimed the lead in performance The latest ZR1 Corvettes are capable of speeds over 200 mph and cost more than $100,000.

ZEST / July 2011 23

Wellness

Cataracts are treatable Dear Mayo Clinic: Both my parents have had cataract surgery. I’m wondering if cataracts are hereditary, and if there’s anything I can do to prevent them. Answer: Most cataracts are not hereditary. They usually result from the natural aging of an eye’s lens or, in some cases, they can be a complication of an underlying health condition. You can take several steps that might help prevent the formation of cataracts. Fortunately, if you develop cataracts, the surgery to remove them is safe and highly effective. To form an image, your eye relies on the cornea and the lens to focus the light reflected from objects around you. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye. The lens is a clear structure within the eye. Both of these structures bend (refract) light entering your eye to focus the image on the retina, located on the inside back wall of your eye. A cataract is a progressive clouding of the eye lens. Most cataracts develop slowly, so you may not notice vision problems right away or the problems may be minimal. Eventually, though, cataracts will begin to obscure your eyesight, making images blurry, clouded or dim. Cataracts are quite common as people age — when the eye’s lens becomes less flexible, less transparent and thicker. These changes can cause tissue in the lens to break down and clump together, clouding the lens. If your parents were in their 60s or older when they developed cataracts, it’s likely the cataracts simply resulted from aging. Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, are associated with cataract development. Medications such as corticosteroids, particularly if used long term, may also increase the risk of developing cataracts. Rarely, cataracts may be present at birth. Although there are no definitive methods for preventing

24 ZEST / July 2011

cataracts, some research has suggested that consistently wearing sunglasses that protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays might decrease your risk of cataracts. If you smoke, quitting might also reduce your cataract risk. For people who develop cataracts, treatment should be based on the severity of symptoms. Simply having a cataract does not automatically mean you need cataract surgery. You should only pursue surgical treatment for a cataract if you feel that the cataract is limiting your vision or your ability to perform normal activities, such as reading or driving at night. For most people, there’s no rush to remove cataracts because cataracts usually don’t harm the eye, and delaying the procedure doesn’t diminish its effectiveness. Take time to consider the benefits and risks of cataract surgery with your doctor. If you require cataract surgery, the procedure is relatively quick and the discomfort is usually minimal. Cataract surgery takes about 15 to 30 minutes and doesn’t require hospitalization. The procedure involves making a small incision on the outside of the eye, removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear, plastic lens implant. This artificial lens is very durable and, in most cases, never needs to be replaced. Cataract surgery effectively clears vision in about 95 percent of cases. But, following cataract surgery, you still might need vision correction with glasses or contact lenses for close-up work, distance or both. For the best eye health, see your eye care professional regularly. Detecting cataracts and other eye problems early can often help ensure that you get the most effective treatment. Ask your doctor to help you determine an appropriate schedule for eye exams. — Amir Khan, M.D., Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

Wellness

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nyone, at any age, can develop glaucoma, the leading cause of preventable blindness in the United States. Yet, half the people who have glaucoma don’t know it. That means they haven’t had their eyes tested. Early detection and ongoing treatment is the only way to prevent vision impairment and blindness. While some people are at greater risk for glaucoma, the disease can afflict people of all ages and races. The chances of developing the disease increase as we get older, with age 40 the statistical point of increased risk, but there are other risk factors that have nothing to do with age. Glaucoma is actually a group of diseases which, in many cases, produces elevated fluid pressure inside the eye. Elevated intraocular pressure is the most important risk factor for glaucomatous damage. Risk factors include: family history of glaucoma, thin central corneas, prolonged high-dose steroid or cortisone use, a previous serious eye injury and high myopia (nearsightedness). Here’s what you need to do. Everyone younger than 40 with no risk factors should have an eye exam every three to four years. If you are under 40 with one or more risk factors, get tested every one and a half to two years. Everyone 40 or older should have an eye examination every one and a half to two years. With risk factors, those 40 or older should get tested annually. Anyone with high risk factors should be tested every year or two after age 35. “Most people who have glaucoma don’t notice symptoms until they begin to lose some vision,” says Dr. Gregory K. Harmon, chairman of The Glaucoma Foundation. “Yet vision loss from glaucoma can usually be prevented if it’s detected and treated in time.” A basic exam should include: dilation (pupil enlargement with eye drops), intraocular (fluid level) pressure measurements, examination of the optic nerve. When there is increased risk, a more extensive testing is needed, including a visual field test, measurement of central corneal thickness and possible photography and imaging of the optic nerve. The first step is to know your risk factors and make that appointment to have your eyes tested. It could save your sight.

ZEST / July 2011 25

Comfort Foods

Plan a perfect pizza party Ham Pita Pizza From Family Features Ingredients: • 2 cups chopped Cook’s Bone-in Ham • 4 pita bread rounds • 4 teaspoons olive oil • 12 tablespoons pizza sauce • 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt Preparation: 1. Preheat oven to 375°F. 2. Spread one side of the pita with olive oil and pizza sauce. Top with ham, pineapple, cheese and season with garlic salt. 3. Place pita pizzas on baking sheet, and cook until cheese completely melts, about 5 minutes. Makes four pizzas.

Banana Split Dessert Pizza From Family Features

Pizza is a surefire crowd-pleaser for summer gettogethers.

Smoky Salmon Pizza From Family Features Ingredients: • 1 prepared pizza crust or Italian bread shell (about 12 inches or 16 ounces) • Cooking spray • 1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened • 1 can or pouch (6 to 7.5 ounces) Alaska salmon, drained and flaked • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced or chopped green onion • 1/2 teaspoon crushed dried red pepper flakes • 1-1/2 cups shredded smoked cheese (Swiss, Cheddar or mozzarella) Preparation 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. 2. Place pizza crust on cookie sheet; coat lightly with spray. Spread cream cheese over crust. Add salmon, onion, red pepper and cheese. 3. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until cheese is melted. Makes 4 to 6 servings.

26 ZEST / July 2011

Ingredients: • 1 (14-ounce) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk • 1/2 cup sour cream • 6 tablespoons lemon juice, divided • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon butter or margarine, softened and divided • 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar • 1 cup all-purpose flour • 3/4 cup chopped nuts • 3 medium bananas, sliced and divided • 1 can sliced pineapple, drained and cut in half • 10 to 12 maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry • Additional chopped nuts for garnish • 1 (1-ounce) square semi-sweet chocolate Preparation 1. Preheat oven to 375°F. In medium bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, 4 tablespoons lemon juice and vanilla; mix well. Chill. 2. In large bowl, beat 1/2 cup butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add flour and nuts; mix well. 3. On lightly greased pizza pan or baking sheet, press dough into 12-inch circle, forming rim around edge. Prick with fork. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. 4. Arrange 2 sliced bananas on cooled crust. Spoon filling evenly over bananas. Dip remaining banana slices in remaining 2 tablespoons lemon juice; arrange on top along with pineapple, cherries and additional nuts. 5. In small saucepan, over low heat, melt chocolate with remaining 1 tablespoon butter; drizzle over pie. Chill thoroughly. Store leftovers covered in refrigerator.

Comfort Foods

Fruit and veg on the barbie Grilled Peach Melba

Grilled Asparagus

From Good Housekeeping

Try this easy dessert recipe with other grilled fruits such as nectarines or apricots, then top with frozen yogurt and strawberry or blackberry sauce. Ingredients: • 2 large ripe peaches, cut in half and pits discarded • 1/2 pint raspberries • 1 tablespoon sugar • 1 1/2 cups vanilla ice cream Preparation 1. Prepare outdoor grill for direct grilling on medium. 2. Place peach halves on hot grill grate and cook 5 to 6 minutes or until lightly charred and tender, turning over once. 3. Meanwhile, prepare sauce: In bowl, with fork, mash half the raspberries with sugar. Stir in remaining raspberries. 4. To serve, place a peach half in each of 4 dessert bowls; top with ice cream and raspberry sauce. Serves 4.

Grilling asparagus is one of the simplest and tastiest ways to enjoy this late-spring vegetable. We serve them alongside our succulent Tarragon-Rubbed Salmon with Nectarine Salsa. Ingredients: • 1 pound medium asparagus • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1/8 teaspoon salt • 1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper1 Preparation 1. Prepare outdoor grill for covered, direct grilling on medium. 2. Trim ends from asparagus. Place asparagus on jellyroll pan; brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Transfer asparagus to grill topper or vegetable basket on hot grill grate. Cover grill and cook asparagus 6 to 8 minutes or until lightly charred and tender, turning occasionally. Serve warm or at room temperature. Serves 4.

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Blueberry Zucchini Bread From Cheryl Schmidt, Glencoe Ingredients: • 3 eggs • 1 cup vegetable oil • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract • 2 1/4 cups white sugar • 2 cups shredded zucchini • 3 cups all-purpose flour • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon baking powder • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon • 1 pint fresh blueberries (2 cups) Preparation 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease 4 miniloaf pans or two large loaf pans. 2. In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, oil, vanilla and sugar. Fold in the zucchini. Beat in the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon. Gently fold in the blueberries. 3. Transfer to prepared pans. Bake 50 minutes in the preheated oven. (I baked mine for 1 hour), or until a knife inserted in the center of a loaf comes out clean. Cool 20 minutes in pans, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

ZEST / July 2011 27

Puzzles

A place to call home

Apartments for seniors 55 and older

Are you at least 55 Retired or still working, but tired of shoveling snow and doing house maintenance and repairs

Rather have time for fun stuff

Call for a tour and learn how easy life can be living in Village Cooperative of Hutchinson. There is nothing to do but move in, relax and enjoy!

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All answers on page 31

Puzzles

We want to see your photos “It’s such a wonderful life.” What does wonderful mean to you? Grandchildren? Gardening? Traveling? Send an original digital image from your camera to winter@hutchinsonleader.com and a brief photo description. Include your name, address and phone number. Or drop off a photo at the Hutchinson Leader, 36 Washington Ave. W., Hutchinson or at the Independent Review, 217 N. Sibley Ave., Litchfield. You also are welcome to send your photos through the mail. Call Katie at 320-234-4172 for more information. Photographs will be featured on our website and selected photos will be in future issues of Zest. Can’t wait to see them!

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ZEST / July 2011 29

Last Word

The great fair of 1911 Dassel hosted the Meeker County Fair in 1911 and area residents turned up to enjoy the festivities. In this postcard from 1911, we get an idea of the excitement surrounding the event as neighbor greeted neighbor and children ran about creating memories that lasted a lifetime.

“The mail’s here!”

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