Zest

Zest For 50+ living

Active involved

&

90-year-old Ken Jensen of Hutchinson volunteers at senior facilities and his church, participates in Bible studies, and is a loyal community booster

Warm-up before swinging a club at the golf course

Hutchinson and Litchfield celebrate summer with free

music in the park Money-saving tips for seniors

JUNE 2014

FREE!

Calendar of events Manannah Daze

Litchfield Watercade

The small village of Manannah celebrates Manannah Daze on June 6.

Litchfield celebrates Watercade with a weekend of activities July 10-13.

Hutchinson Water Carnival

RiverSong Musical Festival

Hutchinson Water Carnival, the city’s annual summer celebration, will take place June 9-15.

Enjoy two days of American music July 18-19 along the Crow River in scenic Masonic West River Park.

Space Festival

‘Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming’ Hutchinson Theatre Co. will present “Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming,” a musical comedy. Shows are at 7 p.m. June 16-21 and at 2 p.m. June 22 at the historic Episcopal Church.

Tickets are $20.

Valley Daze Eden Valley celebrates Valley Daze June 19-22.

Glencoe Days Glencoe residents will celebrate Glencoe Days June 20-21.

DO YOU WORRY ABOUT YOUR

Cosmos’ annual Space Festival is July 18-20.

Prairie Days Lester Prairie gears up for a funfilled weekend July 18-19.

‘Brigadoon’ Litchfield Community Theatre will present “Brigadoon” at Bernie Aaker Auditorium. Performances will be at 7 p.m. July 24-26 and at 2 p.m. July 2627 at Bernie Aaker Auditorium in the Meeker County Family Service Center, Litchfield.

‘Blithe Sprit’ Hutchinson Theatre Co. will present “Blithe Spirit” Aug. 6-9. Location to be determined. Tickets are $18 per person.

‘Les Misérables’ Dassel-Cokato Community Theatre and Community Education will present six performances of their summer musical, “Les Misérables.” The musical will be performed at 7 p.m. July 19 and July 24-26, and at 2 p.m. July 20 and 27 at Dassel-Cokato Performing

The First Alert emergency pendant from McLeod Co-op Power may be just the thing they need to help you worry less while they live on their own.

One press of the button will call the 24-hour medical dispatch center, which will send a family member, neighbor or police over to help.

The pendant allows them to work outside in the garden or go to the mailbox, and still summon help if they need it.

parents getting older?

Arts Center. For information, call D-C Community Education, 320-286-4120.

Emergency pendants are leased for $30 a month (plus a $49 installation charge).

DO YOU WORRY ABOUT

mom or dad living alone?

Have a calendar item to submit? To be included in this free listing, send information about the event, including the time, date, place, cost, a contact person’s name and phone number. Email information to Juliana Thill at thill@independentreview.net or call 320-593-4808 or 320-234-4172.

We serve people wherever they choose to live Ecumen of Litchfield provides a full array of services:

Senior Housing

Community Services

Independent Living & Housing with Services • Gloria Dei & Emmaus Place • Bethany Assisted Living • Memory Care

• Adult Day Services • Home Care & Hospice Care • Hospice Care • Foot Care Clinics • Lifeline® • Meals on Wheels • Support Groups

Care Center Long Term Care & Rehabilitation Services • Emmanuel

Transportation • Meeker Public Transit • Meeker Council on Aging Volunteer Drivers 1-800-494-6272

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For more information: Call 320-693-2472 ————————— Visit our website: www.ecumenoflitchfield.org

Zest

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CONTENTS Money matters:

For 50+ living

Who doesn’t like saving money? Learn ways to save money at home and while traveling L

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JUNE 2014 Vol. 5 No. 4

PUBLISHED BY Litchfield Independent Review P.O. Box 921, Litchfield, MN 55355 320-693-3266 Hutchinson Leader 170 Shady Ridge Road NW, Suite 100 Hutchinson, MN 55350 320-587-5000 PUBLISHER Brent Schacherer schacherer@hutchinsonleader.com 320-234-4143

L

story: Hutchinson’s 10 Cover Ken Jensen, who just turned 90, keeps busy by volunteering at several locations in the area L

EDITOR Juliana Thill thill@independentreview.net 320-593-4808 Litchfield office 320-234-4172 Hutchinson office

In the news:

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Kevin True true@hutchinsonleader.com 320-234-4141

Hutchinson and Litchfield will roll out their summer music-in-the-park concert series, so you can have a barrel of fun tapping your toes or dancing with a partner

SUBSCRIPTION OR ADDRESS CHANGE Penny Stuber 320-234-4142 stuber@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.

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4

In the news: Litchfield Hospice marks 25th anniversary

6

Health: Mayo Clinic offers tips to prevent injury before golfing

7

Medicare: Caps are placed on medically necessary therapy

9

Social Security: Learn whether military retirement can affect your Social Security payments

14 Recipes: Celebrate Flag Day and Father’s Day with Steak and Vegetable Skewers, Kick’n Corn, and Independence Cake

JUNE 2014 | ZEST

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hope all of you mothers had a wonderful Mother’s Day in May. Now, we celebrate Father’s Day in June I thought about my late father a little more than usual this spring. In early May, as I was running up our concrete driveway one morning, I tripped and fell head first, hitting my eye and head on the driveway. I developed quite a shiner on my right eye, which brought back memories of Juliana Thill Editor the last time I had a black eye — when I was about 5 years old. A neighbor boy wanted to show me how he could toss a ball in the air and hit it with his wooden bat. He missed the ball and hit my forehead instead. My screams brought my dad racing out of our house. Upon seeing me crying and the frightened boy ready to run, my dad didn’t know whether to help me or chase after the boy who took off down the alley. My dad came to my rescue and drove me to the hospital, as I laid across our car’s front seat (before seatbelts were required), with my head in my mom’s lap and my feet on my dad’s lap. After I received several stitches, we returned home, where my mom took a picture of me sitting on my dad’s lap with a solemn face and my first black eye. Accidents happen, and my mom and dad were there to care for me, just as my husband and children quickly came to my aid when I got my second black eye. To all dads, stepfathers, grandfathers and father figures, thank you for all you do to support your families.

This month’s cover story is about a Hutchinson man who not only has supported his family but also is a champion of his community in numerous ways. Read about Kenny Jensen and his dedication to the town where he was born, grew up, raised a family, worked and retired. At 90 years old, he keeps busy volunteering at several locations.

Also in this month’s magazine, reconnect with friends and neighbors — or make new friends — at any of Hutchinson and Litchfield’s free concerts in their downtown parks. We’ve included a listing for you. And finally, before hitting the golf course, Mayo Clinic offers some tips for warming up those muscles so you don’t injure yourself.

IN THE NEWS

Litchfield Hospice marks 25 years Ecumen of Litchfield Hospice observes its 25th anniversary this year. To celebrate the milestone, Litchfield Hospice has several events planned, including: N June 11 — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Complimentary hotdog lunch on the lawn of Meeker County Family Service Center.

N June 17 — 5 p.m. Memorial picnic with JohnsonHagglund Funeral Home at West Ripley Park.

N Aug. 14 — 6:30 p.m. Appreciation evening with pie in the park at Central Park.

For more information about Hospice, call 320-693-7367.

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IN THE NEWS

Cities offer free concerts in the park all summer

By Juliana Thill EDITOR

A

s the weather warms up, people want to spend more time outside. So, again this summer, Hutchinson and Litchfield will offer free concerts. Bring a chair to sit on and tap your feet to some upbeat music, or clear your dance card and grab a partner.

Hutchinson Hutchinson’s concerts will take place each Monday from June 16 to Aug. 4 in Library Square Park along Main Street. Social hosts will have refreshments available for purchase.

All concerts begin at

6:30 p.m., unless noted. In case of inclement weather, concerts will be indoors, with locations announced by 4 p.m. Mondays on KDUZ 1260 AM and KARP 106.9 FM. People also can call the Hutchinson Chamber & Tourism Office, 320-587-5252.

N June 9 — 6 p.m. (approximately) Flag Day ceremony, Water Carnival kickoff, Northstar Brass Quintet N June 16 — Midway Frogtown Arborators Band (ethnic brass band) N June 23 — Gary Mons/John Beck Duo (classic country, oldies) N June 30 — Prairie Rose Band (classic country and oldies) N July 7 — Wally Pikal (old time) N July 14 — New Riverside Rambler (Cajun) N July 21 — Alpensterne (German, Swiss, Polka, ’50s) N July 28 — Rootbeer & Hymns (gospel hymns and bluegrass) N Aug. 4 — Les Schuft and the

Country Dutchmen (polka, big band)

Litchfield Litchfield’s concerts will take place on most Thursdays from June 5 to Aug. 14 in Central Park along Sibley Avenue North. Local organizations often have pie, ice cream or food available for purchase. All concerts will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., unless noted.

N June 5 — 5:30 p.m. Jerry’s Dance Band N June 12 — Wally Pikal Band N June 19 — Litchfield High School marching band N June 26 — Redbird Polka Band N July 10 — Just in Time N July 12 — 11 a.m. Saturday jazz band for Litchfield Watercade N July 17 — Marie Omann N July 24 — The Little City All Stars Band N Aug. 7 — Marv Nissel Band N Aug. 14 — Mary Guentzel Quintet

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HEALTH

Think injury prevention when golfing There’s more to golf than your golf swing. Mayo Clinic offers come common-sense tips to lower your risk of injury: N Warm up. Before you golf, walk or jog for a few minutes. Then try a few gentle stretches.

N Start slowly. Work up to your desired level of activity.

N Think overall fitness. Include aerobic activity, stretching and strength training in your fitness routine.

N Lift your clubs carefully. Keep your back straight and use the strength of your legs to lift your clubs and other heavy objects.

To protect your elbows and keep your game on course, think prevention: N Strengthen your forearm muscles. Use light weights or squeeze a tennis ball.

N Do some dynamic stretching (half swings) before you golf.

N Fix your form. Ask an instructor to check your grip and swing technique.

N Know when to rest. At the first sign of elbow pain, take a break.

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innovate empower honor ™ For information or to arrange a tour, call Kristal Ehrke at 320-234-0873 Ecumen Oaks • 945 Century Avenue SW, Hutchinson Ecumen Pines • 1015 Century Avenue SW, Hutchinson www.ecumenoaksandpines.org

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MEDICARE

Medicare caps amount of medically necessary therapy it covers annually Dear Marci, My doctor recently suggested that I seek out services like group therapy to help with my depression. Does Medicare cover mental health care like group therapy?

— Guy Dear Guy, Yes. Typically, you can get the following mental health services in an outpatient hospital program, a doctor’s office, therapist’s office, or a clinic: N Individual and group therapy.

N Family counseling to help “Dear Marci” with your treatment. is a service of the N Tests to make sure you are Medicare Rights getting the right care.

Center, the largest N Activity therapies, such as independent art, dance or music therapy. source of Medicare N Occupational therapy. information and N Training and education, such assistance in the as training on how to inject a United States. For needed medication or education more information, about your condition. go online to www.

N Substance abuse treatment. medicarerights.org.

N Laboratory tests.

N Prescription drugs that you cannot administer yourself, such as injections that a doctor must give you.

In addition, Medicare will help pay for outpatient mental health services you receive from most health care professionals. Medicare covers outpatient mental health services differently than inpatient mental health services you receive while you’re an inpatient at a hospital.

Recent data has shown that less than 1 percent of doctors have formally opted out of Medicare, and that psychiatrists account for a significant share of these opt-out doctors. Opt-out doctors that have formally opted out of the Medicare program can charge their Medicare patients whatever they want. In addition, Medicare will not pay for care you receive from an opt-out doctor. Doctors that have opted out of Medicare must have you sign a private contract, indicating that he/she does not take Medicare and that you are responsible for paying the full cost of services you receive. If your doctor has opted out of Medicare and your doctor has not given you this contract, then you are not responsible for the care you receive. In any case, know that it’s helpful to ask your doctor or health care provider whether he/she accepts Medicare, before you receive care.

If you get your Medicare benefits through a Medicare Advantage plan, you most likely will need to get health care services from health care providers in your plan’s network. Contact your plan directly to learn about your plan’s costs, rules and coverage of mental health services.

— Marci

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MONEY MATTERS

Money-saving tips for seniors People as young as 50 can enjoy senior discounts on a number of goods and services

W

e all love a good bargain, no matter what our age.

But if you’re a senior citizen on a fixed income, finding discounted goods and services can mean the difference between making ends meet and going without.

The good news is that tons of senior discounts are available — often for people as young as 50.

One caveat right up front: Although many senior discounts are substantial, you sometimes can find better bargains – especially on travel-related expenses like airfare, hotels and rental cars. So always do your research first before requesting the senior rate.

Here’s a roundup of some of the best senior discounts I’ve found: N An AARP membership costs only $16 a year for anyone over age 50, including free membership for spouses or partners (www.aarp.org).

AARP’s discounts website features discounts on dozens of products and services including rental cars, hotels, restaurants, clothing and department store chains. AARP also offers an inexpensive driver safety course for drivers over 50 (members and nonmembers alike) that can lower auto insurance premiums by up to 10 percent or more.

Popular AARP discounts include: • 10 to 20 percent off at many restaurant chains.

• Up to 25 percent off car rentals from Avis and Budget.

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Jason Alderman Senior director of financial education programs at Visa Inc.

• 20 percent discount on installation or upgrades to ADT home security systems.

• 45 percent off membership to Angie’s List.

• 20 percent off purchases from 1-800-FLOWERS.com.

• Up to 20 percent discount at many hotel chains including Hyatt, Hilton, Wyndham, Best Western, Days Inn and Ramada, among others.

• 15 percent off many Geek Squad services from Best Buy. • A free 45-minute consultation with an Allstate Legal Services Network attorney, as well as 20 percent off member attorneys’ fees.

N A quick Google search will uncover numerous other senior discount resources. One popular site is SeniorDiscounts.com, an online directory of more than 220,000 U.S. business locations that offer discounts to people over 50. Registration is free, although they also offer a $12.95/year premium that offers members-only discounts and other perks. Other good sites include Brad’s Deals, Sciddy.com and Savvy Senior.

Other commonly available senior discounts include: N 15 percent discount on the lowest available rail fare on most Amtrak trains for travelers over age 62.

N Greyhound offers a 5 percent discount on unrestricted fares (over 62).

N Southwest Airlines offers senior fares (over 65). Although not necessarily their lowest available rates, Southwest’s senior fares are fully refundable.

N The U.S. Geologic Survey senior pass (over 62) provides free lifetime access to more than 2,000 government-man-

Resources are available to help seniors save money on purchases large and small. Do a little research and ask whether senior discounts are available. aged recreational sites (including national parks), as well as discounts on camping and other amenities.

Senior passes cost $10 in person or $20 by mail (http://store.usgs.gov/ pass/senior.html).

N Verizon Wireless offers discounted mobile phone service for subscribers over 65.

N Walgreens and Rite Aid offer monthly senior discount days for members of their rewards programs when most non-prescription items are 15 to 20 percent off. Ask your pharmacy if they offer similar programs.

N In addition, many restaurants, department stores, movie theaters, museums, theme parks, banks, credit card issuers, utilities (including gas and electric, water, garbage, telephone and cable) and other businesses offer special discounts or promotions for seniors. Always ask before your purchase is rung up.

Bottom line: Abundant resources are available to help seniors save money on purchases large and small.

You just have to do a little research — and ask whether senior discounts are available. Remember, 10 percent here and 20 percent there can really add up.

Military retirement usually will not affect Social Security benefit

Q: A:

Will my military retirement affect my Social Security benefits?

No. You can get both Social Security benefits and military retirement. Generally, there is no offset of Social Security benefits because of your military retirement. You will get full benefits based on your earnings. The only way your Social Security benefit may be reduced is if you also receive a government pension based on a job in which you did not pay Social Security taxes. You can find more information in the publication Military Service and Social Security at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs. Or call us at 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778).

Q: A:

Are Supplemental Security Income payments only paid to people with disabilities?

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SOCIAL SECURITY

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No. SSI payments also are made to people who are blind or who are age 65 or older — as long as they meet all the qualifications including having low income and limited resources. SSI benefits are available for both adults and children who are blind or disabled. You can learn more about SSI benefits and who can receive them by reading our online publications. To begin, refer to the online booklet, Supplemental Security Income, available to read or listen to in our online library at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

Q:

I’m retired and the only income I have is a monthly withdrawal from an Individual Retirement Account. Are the IRA withdrawals considered “earnings?” Could they reduce my monthly Social Security benefits?

A:

No. We count only the wages you earn from a job or your net profit if you’re self-employed.

Non-work income such as pensions, annuities, investment income, interest, capital gains and other government benefits are not counted and will not affect your Social Security benefits. For more information, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov or call us toll-free at 1800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

By Jon Noyes, district manager at the Social Security Administration office in St. Cloud, Minn. Contact him at 3800 Veterans Drive, Suite 100, St. Cloud; 877-405-1446.

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JUNE 2014 | ZEST

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Ken Jensen of Hutchinson leads a program filled with singing, story-telling and a few jokes on a recent afternoon at Ecumen Oaks. For nearly the past four years, he has presented interactive programs at four senior care facilities in Hutchinson and Glencoe. He has found the programs lift the spirits of others and help fill his days.

Staying A active involved

&

Kenny Jensen doesn’t sit idle for long.

At 90 years old, he leads monthly programs at four senior living facilities, participates in three Bible studies and volunteers in the community.

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s a retired insurance agent Story and and experienced public photos by speaker, Ken Jensen Editor knows how to work a room.

Juliana Thill “It’s good to have you here,” Jensen said in his booming voice on a recent Wednesday afternoon, welcoming Ecumen Oaks residents to one of his monthly programs in the dining room and pulling out a chair for a woman to sit down.

Every month for nearly four years, Jensen has presented a program at Ecumen Oaks & Pines and Harmony River Living in Hutchinson, as well as at Cedar Crest of Silver Lake, as a way to entertain, educate and interact with their residents.

Each program follows a similar format — Jensen opens with a few jokes because “laughter is good for the body and the soul,” he said.

Then, he leads those who attend in singing a few familiar hymns or secular songs, tells a story with a good moral, and sometimes even plays the harmonica, before ending with singing a patriotic song. Yet, each monthly program is different than the month before.

“I try to vary my programs to keep them interesting. I have to make it worthwhile. Otherwise they’d stay and nap in their room,” he said. “All the people who live in these

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COVER STORY

homes, they go back to their home mother when they rooms and are all alone. All started a family. have lost their spouses, Growing up on a farm except a few. Some are loneconfirmed Jensen’s belief ly. I need to give them somethat he was not meant to thing worthwhile, to give work on the family farm for them a lift.” a living.

After one of his programs “I didn’t like farming at Harmony River, a woman because there was no one to approached him and said, talk to. I was alone out “You helped me today so there. It was like a punishmuch. You helped me feel ment for me,” he said laughbetter about myself,” he ing. Even his dad recogrecalled. nized that. “My dad said, “I changed her day. If I ‘Kenny, you’ll never make a can help one person each farmer. You need to be day with something like where there are people.’” that, what a privilege I have Jensen was a self-starter, to help people have a little In one of his community booster moments, Ken Jensen he liked being his own boss better life,” he said. initiated a yard sign campaign two years ago to support and wanted control over his The appreciation resi- Hutchinson native Lindsay Whalen because he was dis- own destiny. dents show him, helps moti- appointed there weren’t any banners or signs in town So, he went to work for vate Jensen to continue.

Lutheran Brotherhood, recognizing her athletic accomplishments.

“I need to do something which is now Thrivent, and that makes me feel I’m had a successful career as doing something good for others. I’ve got to have a purpose an insurance agent for 20 years and later as a district in my life whatever I do. I’m blessed to be this old and have supervisor for 15 years, eventually overseeing 18 agents. a good body and a good mind. I enjoy my age.”

“My faith, my background and my beliefs helped to drive Jensen of Hutchinson has lived in the area all of his 90 me in the right direction. It’s my compass in life. Somebody years. He was born and grew up on a farm near Hutchinson. told me one time, ‘You can’t separate what you are, from After graduating from high school, he didn’t want to be what you do.’ I so strongly believe in that,” he said. drafted, so he enlisted in the Air Force. He served for three Through years of raising a family and Jensen’s demandand one-half years, working as an assistant flight engineer, ing work schedule, Lillian remained the love of his life. and flying on B29s for part of his time in the service.

“I often tell people, she was not just my wife, or the mothIn those years, Jensen was a member of Faith Lutheran er of my children, she was my best friend. She was my best Church in Hutchinson, where a new pastor had started friend all my life. We had such a relationship that it was working a year earlier. more than just husband and wife and a commitment — we “The church had the young people write a letter every were good friends. We cared so much for each other,” he month to the servicemen. They had a list of everybody at said. “And I lost her through dementia.” church who was in the service. So, they just rotated, The Jensens were married 65 years before Lillian died in wrote a letter to this serviceman this month, and that 2011. serviceman the next month just to help the guys, give As her dementia progressed, Jensen could no longer care them encouragement, tell them the church is thinking for her, and he moved her to a local senior care facility, about them,” he said. where she lived for three years.

One of the letter writers was the pastor’s daughter, After she had been there for more than a year, he knew Lillian, whom Jensen had come to know since her family she wouldn’t be able to come home again to live with him had moved to Hutchinson a year earlier. again.

“I got a letter from her, and I answered it. And she “And I got very lonely after lunch. I had my nap, and now answered mine, and I answered hers. It never quit,” he what do I do all afternoon and evening? Seven days a week said. “We had a courtship through mail, and within three I’d go through that. And I needed something to do,” he said. months after I got back we were married. Things went fast. “So, I said, ‘Lord, you’ve got to help me figure out what to Love does some strange things to you.” do with my time. Help me find something to do that I can Together, the Jensens had five children, and the family be with people. Help me find a busy-ness that I can occupy has grown to include 12 grandchildren and nine great- my mind, give me a purpose in life and help me be involved grandchildren. in helping people.’ And that’s what happened.”

“It’s a big family, and I’m proud of every one of them,” Presenting programs Jensen said.

Nearly four years ago, he came up with the idea of develA people-person oping a 30-minute interactive program that he would presWhen they were married, Lillian worked as a grade ent at Ecumen Pines. school teacher for a short time before becoming a stay-at“I had to learn to gear my programs to older people,

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COVER STORY

people who have a very short attention span. They can’t concentrate very long, maybe four or five minutes,” he said.

At his church, he used to hand out song sheets and lead the congregation in song for 10 minutes before services started, so he thought his program could include a little singing.

“I can take those song sheets and go to a home, and we can sing three, four choruses of songs. And I can tell them a story, and then after the story, let’s talk about the moral of the story. Then we’ll sing some more songs and then we’ll close with a patriotic song,” he said.

He approached Jane Messner, recreation coordinator at Ecumen Oaks & Pines, about his idea.

She told him they didn’t have programs like that, where people were involved rather than just listening to entertainers.

“I said, ‘yes, Kenny, we need you,’” Messner recalled.

“When he came, everybody fell in love with him. He was engaging with them, and they could relate to him. People look forward to him coming.”

The response to his programs “came like an avalanche,” Jensen said, as word began to spread. Three months after presenting programs at Ecumen Pines, he was doing programs at Ecumen Oaks. Harmony River Living soon heard about his programs and asked him to present there once a month. Then, Cedar Crest in Silver Lake called and asked him to come and do a program.

“Within five or six months, I was doing programs in all four homes. And that gave me something to do in my lonely time. (Now), I could have a purpose in my life. I could have good things to do with my mind. I could be busy doing things that would help other people,” he said.

He spends time reading and finding good stories to share with residents.

“I want my programs to be more than entertainment, so there’s meat to them. I work real hard to have a good program and make them interesting for the people,” he said.

In May, Jensen’s educational story was about geese. He shared facts such as Canada geese fly in a distinctive V-shaped flight formation; they mate for life; they have a wingspan that can reach more than 6 feet; and if one goose is injured, others will stay by its side, even if the rest of the flock flies to another destination.

“Geese look out for each other. That’s what we need to do.

We can help people around us who need help. We need to step in and be like the goose,” Jensen said.

Messner is impressed but not surprised with the popularity of Jensen’s programs.

“He says, ‘we have a purpose,’ and he’s fulfilling his purpose,” she said. “His age is not stopping him. He has a purpose to reach people, to reach them where they’re at and to engage with them. Because he lifts these people up, Kenny gets lifted up. He does this for them, but it comes back to him, too.”

Community involvement Jensen admitted, he enjoys presenting his programs.

“It’s been so much fun. I love every minute of it. My kids want me to cut back. I love this too much to quit. I call it my little ministry because it’s helping people in a special way,” he said.

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Ken Jensen of Hutchinson wants his programs at senior living facilities to be more than entertainment. He brings song sheets for residents so they can sing along, then he shares inspiring stories with a moral.

The four monthly programs at four locations are only a part of Jensen’s community involvement and volunteer work.

He also leads a Bible study once at month at Ecumen Pines; attends a men’s senior Bible study each Thursday morning; attends a 55-plus Bible study every Friday morning; and volunteers at Christ the King Church’s free community breakfast each month.

Even with all of his activities, he realized, “I still have idle time, and I can’t stand to sit,” he said.

So, he now spends one afternoon a week traveling to two nursing homes in Hutchinson and Glencoe where he visits with two or three friends who live there.

“I just visit, cheer them up. And they really love it. I haven’t told my kids I do that,” he said with a laugh. “I’ve got time. I can do it. Why sit at home? All the reward that drives me to doing all of this is what I see in the eyes of people I work with and how much it means to them. People I visit in the nursing homes, they’ll grab my hand, and they’ll grab it with both hands, and want to shake it and thank me for coming. If it helps them that much, why don’t I spend time doing it.”

Being active is nothing new for Jensen. Throughout his

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COVER STORY

adult life, he has served on numerous boards and committees for local businesses and organizations. While serving as president of the church council at Faith Lutheran Church, he helped to start Christ the King Lutheran Church 50 years ago in Hutchinson.

Two years ago, Jensen initiated a yard sign campaign to support Hutchinson native Lindsay Whalen because he was disappointed there weren’t banners or signs in town recognizing her athletic accomplishments.

“She grew up here, she’s in the Olympics and on a professional basketball team (Minnesota Lynx),” he said.

So, Jensen went to a local sign maker and asked how much it would cost to make lawn signs that said “We are proud of you Lindsay Whalen.”

He learned if he ordered 50 signs, they would cost less than $10 a piece, which he thought the average homeowner could afford. But he didn’t think he could sell 50 signs, so he left.

“I argued with myself, ‘Kenny, you’ve been so irritated because nobody’s been doing anything. Why don’t you do something. Go back there and buy 50 signs.’ My conscience was really grinding,” he recalled, so he went back to the sign shop and ordered 50 signs, not sure if he could sell one.

“Word got out before I got them (from the sign shop), and they were sold. My telephone rang off the wall,” he said.

He ordered 50 more signs and sold them, and then ordered an additional 50 and sold those, as well.

“I was so excited about that and how much good it did the community. People loved it,” he said.

New beginnings His devotion to Hutchinson has never waned.

“I’ve had a good life here in Hutchinson,” he said. “I was surrounded by good parents, good family, good church, and good people that I worked with.”

However, there’s no way to turn back the hands of time, and two years ago, one of Jensen’s daughters asked if he had thought about moving into Ecumen Oaks & Pines since he was living alone, even though he enjoyed being with people.

Jensen didn’t want to think about moving because he felt it was too soon after Lillian had passed away, and there were too many memories of her in their home.

“There’s so much of her in that house. Everywhere I look, it’s ‘Lil did this, and Lil did that,’” he said. “I said, ‘Lil is here in everything. I can’t leave her by leaving the house.’”

Last year, though, he came down with a serious infection that landed him in intensive care and then a nursing home for a while. After he recovered and returned home, “I got to thinking, ‘this living alone isn’t where I should be,’” he said.

So, he decided to become a resident of Ecumen Pines, where he started his first program.

“I’m at the age where things are not going to get better.

They’re going to start going to go down. I may live another eight or 10 years, but I decided, ‘I want to move when I can be a part of it.’ I knew this was the time. Now it wouldn’t be an offense to Lil. I could leave her home in peace because I knew she would want me to do it. That made the move easy,” he said.

“It all turned out to be the right thing to do. It was very lonely at home. Already I feel at peace, where I have people surrounding me. I’m a people person. I feel wanted here.” I

(62+/ Disabled)

JUNE 2014 | ZEST

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FOOD & FUN

Just in time for June

Steak and Vegetable Skewers with Soy-Ginger Marinade

Celebrate Flag Day on June 14 & Father’s Day on June 15

Preparation time: 20 minutes, plus 2 hours for marinade

Raise the flag on June 14 and celebrate “Old Glory,” which serves as a symbol of freedom, bravery and justice.

Flag Day was first proclaimed by President Wilson in 1916 to honor the nation’s symbol. On June 15, celebrate your father or the father of your children, whether it’s by firing up the grill and preparing a feast for him, or honoring him in some other special way.

Independence Cake 1 cup water 1 cup instant mashed potato flakes 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 3/4 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 2 2/3 cups granulated sugar 1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened 4 large eggs 3/4 cup milk 2 cups (12-ounce package) Nestlé Toll House SemiSweet Chocolate Mini Morsels 1 container (8 ounces) frozen lite whipped topping, thawed 2 cups sliced strawberries 1/2 cup blueberries Preheat oven to 350. Grease 13x9inch baking pan; line with wax paper. Heat water to boiling in small saucepan; SOURCE: WWW.CULINARY.NET/NESTLÉ USA, INC. remove from heat.

Stir in potato flakes until moistened. Cool to room temperature. Combine flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Beat sugar and butter until crumbly. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition; beat in potatoes. Gradually beat in flour mixture alternately with milk. Stir in morsels. Spoon into prepared baking pan.

Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 15 minutes. Invert onto wire rack; remove wax paper. Cool completely.

Transfer to serving platter. Frost sides and top of cake with whipped topping. Just prior to serving, arrange strawberry slices and blueberries on top of cake to represent the American flag.

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2 onions 3 bell peppers 2 1/2 pounds steak, 1 inch thick 6 skewers (if using wood skewers, soak in water) Marinade 1 cup soy sauce 1 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup sugar 3 tablespoons ground ginger 3 tablespoons vinegar 3 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt 2 teaspoons lemon juice 3/4 teaspoon black pepper Combine marinade ingredients and mix well.

Cut onions and peppers into 1inch pieces. Cut steak into 1-inch cubes. Divide marinade in half and marinate vegetables and meat in separate SOURCE: WWW.CULINARY.NET/KINGSFORD gallon-size resealable bags for two hours. Remove vegetables and meat from marinade. Place steak, onions and peppers on skewer, alternating varieties. Build a charcoal fire for direct grilling.

Grill kabobs over coals (approximately 450 to 500 F) for four to five minutes on each side. Remove from grill and serve. Makes six servings.

Answer to Crossword Puzzle published on Page 15

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FOOD & FUN Kick’n Corn Preparation time: 30 minutes 6 large ears of corn in the husk Hidden Valley Original Ranch Salad Dressing, for dipping Hot Sauce 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/4 cup chopped plum tomato 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 1/2 tablespoon cayenne pepper 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into chunks, reserved

Peel husk back from corn and remove silk. Do not remove husk. Set aside.

Combine sauce ingredients, except butter, in blender and puree until smooth. In medium saucepan, bring sauce to a boil.

Reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Turn off heat and whisk in butter chunks until melted. Brush corn with sauce and wrap tightly in husks. Grill for 10 to 12 minutes, turning every 2 to 3 minutes to prevent husk from burning. When cooked, peel back husk and serve with ranch dressing for dipping. Makes six servings.

SOURCE: WWW.CULINARY.NET/ KINGSFORD

Crossword puzzle Across 1.Western blue flag, e.g.

5.Abstinences from food 10. ___ gin fizz 14. Fashion 15. Bar order, with “the” 16. Part of BYO 17. Oil source 18.Asian shrub yielding flaxlike fiber 19. Caution 20. Church of England archbishops 23. Ring bearer, maybe 24. Beauty 25. Semiquaver (2 wds) 32. Electrical unit 33. Knocked off, in a way 34. Clear, as a disk 36. Boxer’s stat 39.“___ Maria” 40. Cantankerous 41.American symbol 42. Caddie’s bagful 44.Athletic supporter?

45. Dust catcher (2 wds) 49. Go after, in a way 50.“___ any drop to drink”: Coleridge 51. Inequality 58. Band member 59.A Judd 60.Amorphous mass

Crossword puzzle answer on Page 14 62.“Beowulf,” e.g.

63. British ___ 64. Breezy 65. Home, informally 66.Agreeing (with) 67.“The ___ Ranger”

Down 1. Baby-sitter’s handful 2. Be itinerant

3. Doing nothing 4. Pliable plastic explosive 5. Public uproars 6.“By yesterday!”

7. Clash of heavyweights 8. Detective, at times 9. Santa’s rig 10. Buttonwood 11.Advance 12.“One of ___” (Willa

Cather novel) 13.“... ___ he drove out of sight” 21. Backstabber 22.Article of faith 25. Bundle 26. Candidate’s concern 27. Carry away, in a way 28.“Well, I ___!”

29. Like some jackets, fabric 30. Spoonful, say 31. Banana oil, e.g.

32. Bauxite, e.g.

35.Artist’s asset 37. One who shows impressive excellence 38. In a lather (2 wds) 43. Break of dawn 46. Rupture 47. Boozehound 48. ___ customs 51. Copy 52. Bird venerated by ancient Egyptians 53. Brewer’s equipment 54. Game on horseback 55. Black cat, maybe 56.Assortment 57. Norse goddess of fate 58. Big ___ Conference 61.“Ciao!”

JUNE 2014 | ZEST

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Regional Eye Center A WHOLE NEW LEVEL OF CARE IN HUTCHINSON

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On-site cataract, glaucoma and Wavescan® LASIK surgery, performed with the latest surgical equipment.

Open Monday & Thursday 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., Tuesday & Wednesday 8 a.m.–5:30 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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• New Treatments for Macular Degeneration • Eyelid Surgery N02351 Z

Simple Solutions to worry-free prescriptions & packaging!

Make your life easier!

COORDINATED REFILL PROGRAM It’s like having a single prescription instead of 10!

No need to phone in prescription refills Fewer trips to the pharmacy No worries about running out of medication Monthly reminder call from the pharmacy to pick up refills.

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One week before your scheduled pick up or delivery, a pharmacy staff member will call you.

We will have a monthly consultation where we see how you are feeling, review your prescriptions, vitamins and supplements, as we look for ways to SAVE you money on your medications.

Make an appointment with one of our staff members to enroll in the Simplify My Meds Program

The Hutchinson Area’s Hometown and Home-owned Pharmacies Where your Good Health is our only Focus!

Bring all of your prescriptions as well as your vitamins or supplements to the appointment Together we will establish your refill date and provide you and your physician a summary of your drug list

Phone: 320-587-2509 1-800-944-1795 Downtown–1 block East of Post Office

Phone: 320-587-3638 Medical Center Building

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