Zest October 2021

October 2021

nI side:

 Pioneerland Library System offers WiFi hotspots for on-the-go internet connections

Soaring into the wild blue yonder

The Kevin Miller

Thanks to Operation September Freedom, World War WII veteran Otto ‘Woody’ Anderberg took a spin in Dream Flights’ 1943 Spirit of Wisconsin

owner of Tidy Tightwads, shares cleaning, organizing tips and practical advice in her new book

family of Brownton is honored as the 2021 McLeod County Farm Family of the Year

 Cindy Haugland,

AT THE LIBRARY

Pioneerland offers new way for patrons to access internet while on the go or at home

I

n today’s world, it’s very difficult to do without internet access. In addition to offering one-hour computer appointments in the libraries, as well as Wi-Fi outside the buildings, Pioneerland has just added a new way for people to get internet access, at least for a little while.

Pioneerland libraries now have mobile hotspots available to check out.

These devices provide Wi-Fi you can use at home or on the go through T-Mobile.

You would connect to the device’s Wi-Fi network using your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Beth

CRONK LITCHFIELD HEAD LIBRARIAN

You use your library card to check them out, just like a book. And like a book, they have a loan period of four weeks. They can’t be renewed.

To request one, you’ll need to call the library, rather than placing a hold through

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the online catalog. If one is available, we can get it to you through curbside delivery right away. If they’re all checked out, we’ll put you on the waiting list and let you know when one is ready for you to pick up. These have been very popular in other library systems, so we anticipate demand.

If you keep the hotspot past the due date, it will turn off and become unusable.

There will be a late fee of $1 per day for late returns. If the hotspot is not returned or if it comes back damaged, there is an $85 fee for replacement, and if any of the accessories are missing, there will be a charge for the amount the library spends buying a replacement for that piece. The cases for the hotspots are very sturdy and well-padded, so you can safely return them in the book drop. Staff will wipe down the equipment and cases between patrons.

Internet service relies on cell tower technology and coverage, so the signal will be stronger or weaker depending on where you live, and in some locations they won’t pick up a signal.

Because of this, the Cosmos Public Library does not have any hotspots available to check out; they are unlikely to work in that area. The Litchfield Public Library and the Hutchinson Public Library have five each, the Dassel Library has three, the Grove City Library (where the signal is spotty) has two. The devices don’t go out through interlibrary loan; they can only be checked out at the library

they belong to.

The hotspots have filtering software installed on them in accordance with Pioneerland’s Internet Use Policy, but the library is not responsible for individual activity on the internet.

We encourage you to always follow safe internet practices. Pioneerland does not track your internet usage, data, or information while you’re using the hotspot and, in accordance with library privacy requirements, does not provide your information to the service provider.

If you need to print, the libraries do have e-printers that can accept emailed print jobs that meet certain parameters (Word document, photo, or PDF, but not a webpage, for example).

The HP e-printing service sometimes doesn’t work well, so talk to library staff over the phone if you need to try using it, and allow plenty of time for the print job to come through. We can deliver printouts curbside.

If you check out a hotspot for a project and you complete it before the due date, please return the device so that someone else can have access to it sooner.

We hope that these mobile hotspots will give you a way to get essential things done online at home.

For more information, call the Litchfield library at 320-693-2483 or Hutchinson library at 320-587-2368.

— Beth Cronk is head librarian at Litchfield Cosmos, Dassel and Grove City public libraries.

CONTENTS

4 Cover Story:

Otto “Woody” Anderberg, 100, is one of about 1,000 WWII vets participating in Dream Flights’ Operation September Freedom

7 In the news:

The Kevin Miller family of Brownton was honored as McLeod County’s 2021 U of M Farm Family of the Year

October 2021 Vol. 13 No. 8 PUBLISHED BY Hutchinson Leader 170 Shady Ridge Road N.W., Suite 100 Hutchinson, MN 55350 320-753-3635 Litchfield Independent Review P.O. Box 307, Litchfield, MN 55355 320-693-3266 GENERAL MANAGER Brent Schacherer: 320-753-3637 schacherer@hutchinsonleader.com NEWS Kay Johnson, features editor 320-753-3641 johnson@hutchinsonleader.com ADVERTISING Kevin True, advertising director 320-753-3648 true@hutchinsonleader.com Sales representatives  Ronda Kurtzweg: 320-753-3652,

kurtzweg@hutchinsonleader.com  Colleen Piechowski: 320-753-3652, piechowski@hutchinsonleader.com  Sarah Evenson: 320-593-4804, evenson@independentreview.net

8 Life Enrichment:

Looking for tips to organize your home, office?

Cindy Haugland, owner of Tidy Tightwads, can help.

12 Money Matters: 13 Medicare:

PRINTED BY Crow River Press 170 Shady Ridge Road N.W. Hutchinson, MN 55350

Know risk tolerance at different stages of life

How should I use my Medicare & You handbook?

14 Food & Fun:

SUBSCRIPTION OR ADDRESS CHANGE Toni Adams: 320-753-3657 circulation@crowrivermedia.com

Pumpkins, the sweet fruit of fall

Zest is a MediaNews Group publication.

It is published monthly by the Hutchinson Leader and the Litchfield Independent Review 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 prior consent of the publisher.

OCTOBER 2021 | ZEST 3

COVER STORY

PHOTO COURTESY OF PRESBYTERIAN HOMES & SERVICES

Otto “Woody” Anderberg gives a thumbs-up sign indicating he was ready to go for his Dream Flight at Butler Field in Hutchinson. Anderberg, a 100-year-old resident at Harmony River in Hutchinson, is a World War II veteran.

Soaring into the wild blue yonder Thanks to Dream Flights, WWII vet Otto ‘Woody’ Anderberg took a spin in the 1943 Spirit of Wisconsin

BY KAY JOHNSON johnson@hutchinsonleader.com

O

tto “Woody” Anderberg will long remember Aug. 31.

It’s not every day you’re treated to a lightsflashing-and-horns-blasting escort by the Hutchinson police and fire departments.

The 100-year-old World War II veteran who rode in a DAVsupplied van was on his way to Butler Field for the flight

4 ZEST | OCTOBER 2021

of a lifetime.

Anderberg, who lives at Harmony River, a Presbyterian Homes and Services senior living community in Hutchinson, was a participant in Operation September Freedom.

S p on s or e d by D r e a m Flights, the nonprofit organization launched Operation September Freedom Dec. 7, 2020, with a mission to locate and honor as many World War II veterans as pos-

sible with free Dream Flights.

The coast-to-coast national tour began Aug. 1 and runs through September. Volunteer pilots are flying six restored Boeing Stearman biplanes and stopping in towns wherever WWII veterans live to fly them 1,000 feet into the air for a 15-20 minute ride. Since 2011, Dream Flights has honored more than 4,200 seniors and veterans with biplane rides. Operation September Freedom is Dream Flights’

first tour with a mission of honoring veterans who served in a particular war.

After several speeches, the singing of “The StarSpangled Banner” and thunderous applause by friends and family, Anderberg was assisted into the cockpit of The Spirit of Wisconsin, a restored bright yellow 1943 Boeing Stearman biplane, which used the same engine found in Gen. George S. Patton’s tanks.

COVER STORY “It was pretty smooth,” he said of the experience “They hoisted me in.”

When he was asked if he talked with the pilot via the headset he wore, Anderberg answered with a quick, “No.” “I was too busy looking around,” he said. “I was su r pr i s e d by how much water there is in McLeod County, how many lakes and streams.”

Darryl Fisher, founder and president of Dream Flights, was Anderberg’s pilot during Tuesday’s flight.

“Operation September Freedom is our last chance to honor our nation’s WWII heroes for their service and sacrifice,” he said in a press release. “Wherever WWII veterans are located, we’ll find our way to their nearest airport and create a moment

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COVER STORY

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of magic they can relive until their last days.”

Accordi ng to Ma ri ly n Chaffee, vice president of operations and pilot for Dream Flights, the group felt a sense of urgency. WWII effectively ended on Victory over Japan Day, or V-J Day, Sept. 2, 1945.

Now 66 years later, of the 16 million Americans who answered the call to serve, only about 100,000 are alive today. As a result, they chose to focus on providing flights exclusively for World War II vets through Sept. 30.

“We’re shooting for 1,000 vets in 49 states during August and September,” Chaffee said. “We’re all over the U.S. and will touch down in more than 300 cities.”

Looking back on Tuesday’s event, daughter Debra Field of Litchfield thought it was “fabulous.”

“Our whole family was thrilled for him,” she said.

“I think it’s a wonderful program.”

REMEMBERING THE ARMY AIR CORPS

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The Grove City farm boy enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942 during World War II. He wanted to be a pilot, but due to illness was eliminated from the program.

“I wasn’t flying by the seat of my pants,” he said. “I was told, ‘You don’t have a feel for it.’”

Anderberg didn’t go far for his next assignment as an aerial gunner instructor in Loretto, Texas; Phoenix, Arizona; and Rapid City, South Dakota. He taught soldiers how to assemble, use and repair the five .30 caliber (7.62 mm) machine guns used on the Boeing B-17 Flying

“I was surprised by how much water there is in McLeod County, how many lakes and streams.”

Otto “Woody” Anderberg, WWII veteran Fortress four-engined heavy bomber.

“They had to know how to assemble it blindfolded,” he recalled.

In an interesting twist, Anderberg recently learned that one of his students back then was the father of a fellow Harmony River resident.

During the 1940s, he said Phoenix was known as the “Hollywood of the Army Air Corps.” The moniker was earned because the movie “Thunderbirds” used the air field as a backdrop. The film was directed by William A. Wellman and starred Gene Tierney, Preston Foster and John Sutton.

“I had 100 hours piloting in the Stearman,” he said.

“The last time I f lew in a biplane was 1945. Piloting is more fun. We were practicing maneuvers all the time in the Air Corps. We just flew on Tuesday, no maneuvers.”

A fter his discharge in 1946, Anderberg was appointed postmaster of Grove City

by President Harry Truman.

Looking for a change in his career, he later became a rural carrier.

Ref lecting on his long life, he’s proud of his two children — Brian, who lives in Bloomington, and Field, three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

The centenarian moved to Harmony River in December.

“I never gave living to 100 much thought and I still don’t,” he said.

IN THE NEWS

STAFF PHOTO BY KAY JOHNSON

Randy Jurgenson, chairman of the McLeod County Extension Committee, introduces the Kevin Miller family of Brownton. They were honored as the 2021 McLeod County Farm Family of the Year at the McLeod County Fair. Pictured are, from left, Logan, Lindsay, Lane and Kevin Miller. Looking on is Lori Vicich, regional director of the University of Minnesota Extension, west central regional office in St. Cloud.

Honoring four generations of Miller farmers The Kevin Miller family of Brownton is the 2021 McLeod County Farm Family of the Year

BY KAY JOHNSON johnson@hutchinsonleader.com

H

erman Miller Sr. would be proud.

Fou r generations of the Miller family were honored collectively during the awards ceremony at the McLeod County Fair. His grandson Kevin Miller and his great-

grandchildren Logan, Lane and Lindsay were greeted with applause as the 2021 McLeod County Family of the Year.

T he M i l ler f a m i ly o f Brow nton was one of 81 families from throughout Minnesota honored in person by the University of Minnesota at the annual Minnesota Farmfest earlier this month.

For more than 30 years, the Farm Family Recognition Program has honored farm families throughout Minnesota for their contributions to agriculture and communities. The selected families — one per county — were chosen by local University of Minnesota Extension committees.

“It was a surprise to me,” said Kevin Miller following Saturday’s ceremony. “We heard about the nomination in April. We’re a fourthgeneration family deal.”

Miller can trace his farm lineage to 1948 when his grandfather Herman Miller Sr. purchased the home farm in Penn Township. He farmed and raised pigs until 1955. His death left 15-yearold son Herman Jr. to carry on the family legacy. While he finished high school, his sister and brother-in-law ran the farm.

Her ma n Jr. took over after he graduated, continuing in the footsteps of his father. His oldest son, Kevin, continued the tradition, joining his dad in the fam-

ily farming operation in the late 1970s. The two farmed together until 2006, when Herman semi-retired and Kevin took over. The next generation — Logan and Lane — have stepped up to help their dad continue the family tradition.

Kevin and his sons currently raise pigs in a farrowto-finish operation, as well as producing corn for Heartland Corn Products, sweet corn for Seneca Foods, and soybeans for seed production. In addition to farming with their dad, Lane and Logan rent some of their own land and are raising a small cow/calf beef herd with plans to expand.

Miller to 11

OCTOBER 2021 | ZEST 7

LIFE ENRICHMENT

Tips from a pro

Tidy Tightwad Cindy Haugland shares cleaning and organizing tips in new book

Kay

JOHNSON ARTS AND SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR

I

don’t know about you, but I’m always looking for that next-best tip that’s going to help me be a little better organized, or that best-kept cleaning secret that’s going to make my kitchen shine.

That said, it’s not surprising that I wanted to talk to Cindy Haugland, owner of Tidy Tightwads.

She started her Hutchinsonbased cleaning and organizing company with a mop and a broom. With 16 years of professional services under her belt, it’s not surprising Haugland has a lot of stories to tell.

So many, in fact, that friends, family and her editor at River Valley Woman magazine, where she writes a monthly column, encouraged her to write a book. Thanks to the down time caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Haugland was able to make it happen. Her first book, “The Thrifty Cleaning and Organizing Adventures of The Tidy Tightwad,” was released in July.

The 80-page softcover book is packed with tips, tricks and advice she’s been accumulating since she started her business.

It’s the kind of book you

8 ZEST | OCTOBER 2021

STAFF PHOTO BY KAY JOHNSON

Cindy Haugland shares tips from her new book “The Thrifty, Cleaning & Organizing Adventures of the Tidy Tighwad.” can pick up and put down.

You don’t need to read it all in one sitting. It’s also an excellent source of immediate information such as is it useful or clutter, see page 34. With the new school year right around the corner, you might want to check out how to make school mornings less stressful on page 14, and best school tips on page 16. Need some help with getting ready for fall?

See page 71.

“I’ve worked with every

scenario, from highly organized and tidy people to county-contracted hoarder situations,” she wrote in her blog. “I’ve helped time-strapped parents streamline their days, as well as chaotic households with stay-at-home moms or dads figure out what to do with all their stuff. I’ve advised business people with jam-packed calendars and piled-high desks how to better organize their offices and time so they can find some peace and order

to their days. You name it, and I’ve been called to help bring some order and cleanliness to the chaos.”

Haugland, who moved to Hutchinson about 30 years ago, was born in Buffalo Lake but grew up in Springfield. After 20 years of working as a dental assistant, she was burnt out. She quit her job without another one in sight. When a busy-mom friend asked if she would clean her house, Haugland stepped up. Before she knew

LIFE ENRICHMENT it, a business was born.

“It was a leap of faith,” she said.

TOO MUCH STUFF While cleaning launched Tidy Tightwads, organizing has become one of its pillars.

“Everybody has problems with clutter, but it’s getting better,” she said.

“We provide clutter boxes to our clients and then pick them up each visit and donate the items. Clients love it.”

When it comes to clutter, paper is No. 1. People want to know how long to keep it and how to file it. Another biggie is clothes.

“People have lots of clothes, lots of shoes, lots of books, good dishes,” she said. “Some people have three or four sets of china sitting in a closet that

never gets used. Kids get overwhelmed (with a lot of clothes). They always want the same T-shirt. Does your child need 18 pairs of jeans?

If you keep bringing things in and take nothing out, you’ll get into trouble.”

It’s not surprising Haugland loves to organize.

She describes it as “so satisfying.”

“I worked with this gal, you couldn’t see the bed in the spare room,” she recalled. “I didn’t know there was a bed in there. We spent two hours. When we were done, you could walk into the room and walk around the bed.”

Haugland doesn’t leave her clients. She likes to follow up to find out if they’re keeping things together or if they need another session.

“People get frustrated

and close the door,” she said.

Another growing area is senior right-sizing. She’s often brought in when mom and dad are ready to sell their longtime family home. Haugland has family members telling her that their parents won’t get rid of anything. Without emotional attachment, Haugland can ask the tough questions such as, “Can we get rid of grandpa’s golf clubs? He’s been dead for 20 years.”

DO YOU NEED 12 SCRAPERS? While commercial and residential cleaning is steady, there’s been an uptick in organizing and senior services in her market area that is Tips to 10

“It’s easy to maintain and clean if there’s less stuff. If you’re using it every day, keep it, but if you have 12 rubber scrapers and you use the same one.

Keep 6 and get rid of 6. They all do the same thing. People are surprised when they discover they have 12 scrapers.

I line them up. It’s visual so people can see how many they have.”

Cindy Haugland, Hutchinson author

115 Jefferson St. SE • Hutchinson

OCTOBER 2021 | ZEST 9

LIFE ENRICHMENT

TIPS continued from 9

roughly a 30-mile radius of Hutchinson and includes Litchfield, Dassel, Cokato, Glencoe, Buffalo Lake and Hector.

“I think senior kids are busy,” she said. “They’re the ones calling. Mom and dad sold their house and are moving to the Village Cooperative. It’s a process. It can’t be done in a weekend. Don’t wait until you need to move. Start early to get rid of stuff.”

And in case you’re thinking your kids will want it, check with them because this isn’t always true anymore. China, crystal and sterling silver are high maintenance items and fewer people want the hassle anymore.

About the book Title: “The Thrifty Cleaning and Organizing Adventures of The Tidy Tightwad” Where to buy it? The book is available to purchase at the Natural Food Co-op, 230 N. Sibley Ave., Litchfield. It is also available directly from the author. Cindy Haugland can be reached at 320-583-0409 or email info@tidytightwads.com.

The book can also be purchased through her website at tidytightwads. com.

“They want it simple,” she said. “Don’t assume your kids will want it.

Make a list and check with them. It may hurt a little bit, but it’s good to know.”

It’s not surprising

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Cindy Haugland never knows what she’s going to run into. “This example is not common, but sometimes what I walk into. I start in one corner with a garbage bag and work my way around. Then come back and organize what’s left.”

Haugland’s motto is “less is more.”

“It’s easy to maintain and clean if there’s less

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stuff,” she said. “If you’re using it every day, keep it, but if you have 12 rubber scrapers and you use the

LIFE ENRICHMENT same one. Keep 6 and get rid of 6. They all do the same thing. People are surprised when they discover they have 12 scrapers. I line them up. It’s visual so people can see how many they have.”

To help stem the clutter wave, Haugland recommends giving a consumable gift rather than stuff. For instance, a gift card to a restaurant where you can share the experience. She gave her grandchild a gift certificate for horse-riding lessons.

Be creative and make memories by sharing the experience.

While Haugland’s book is chockfull of useful tips, one she highly recommends is a once-a-month family meeting, so everyone is on the same page.

“I think it’s important,” she said. “Time gets away.

Schedule together time and make it happen. At the end of the year, we made a goal list. It was helpful with my kids. They are doing it now with their families.”

So who should read Haugland’s book? All of us.

Who can’t use a little extra help in keeping the house clean and clutter in check?

MILLER continued from 7

Logan and Lane help with all fieldwork involved in crop production, as well as the daily chores of the farrow-tofinish business. Logan works off the farm at AgRevival in Gibbon. Daughter Lindsay is a veterinary student at the University of Minnesota with plans to be a food animal veterinarian after graduation. She pitches in when time allows and advises on

FILE PHOTO

Professional organizer Cindy Haugland tackles a pantry closet. An abundance of cleaning supplies were uncovered. Haugland used one of her company’s “Less is more” clutter boxes to collect items to be donated. “I like to keep it local for donations,” she said.

herd health and improving farrowing efficiencies. Lane recently received his farm operations and management diploma with an emphasis on livestock production from Ridgewater College.

“Things have changed over the past 10 years with GPS and auto steer,” Miller said. He called keeping up with changing technology a “good challenge.”

“It keeps it fresh and interesting,” he said.

In addition to life on the farm, the Miller family has

ties to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Brownton, where Kevin has served in many different roles. He is also on the Penn Township Board, the High Island Watershed Board, and is a member of the Brownton Lions Club.

Kevin’s late wife, Brenda, worked for Glencoe Regional Health Services for 27 years and volunteered with various groups including her church, Lake Marion 4-H, McLeod West and GFW school boards, and GFW FFA. Brenda died last year.

Looking back on a lifetime of farming, Miller said he never tires of the miracle of planting in the spring and harvesting in the fall. When he was a child attending Sunday school, he remembers his teacher telling them they were about to see their first miracle — the sprouting of wheat seeds.

“It’s a miracle,” he said.

“All the food that’s provided.”

— Information in this story was provided by University of Minnesota Extension.

OCTOBER 2021 | ZEST 11

MONEY MATTERS

Know risk tolerance at different stages of life FINANCIAL FOCUS

By Edward Jones

A

s a n i n v e s t o r, you’l l a lways need to deal with risk of some kind.

But how can you manage the risk?

Let’s look at some different life stages and how you might deal with risk at each of them:  W hen you’ re first starting out. If you’re early in your career, you can likely afford to invest primarily for growth, which also means you’ll be taking on a higher level of risk, as risk and reward are positively correlated.  When you’re in the

middle stages. At this time of your life, you’re well along in your career, and you’re probably working on at least a couple of financial goals, such as retirement and possibly for your children’s college education. So, you still need to be investing for growth. It’s a good idea to have some balance in your portfolio, so you’ll want to consider a mix of investments that align with each of your goals.  When you’ re a few years from retirement: Now, you might have already achieved some key goals, which may mean you have more money available to put away for retirement. You might consider rebalancing

your portfolio to include some more conservative investments, whose value is less susceptible to financial market fluctuations. The reason? In just a few years, when you’re retired, you will need to start taking withdrawals from your investment portfolio. You can further reduce the future risk of being overly dependent on selling variable investments by devoting a certain percentage of your portfolio to cash and cash equivalents and using this portion for your daily expenses during the years of your retirement.  When you’re retired.

You might think you should take no risks at all. But you could spend two or three

decades in retirement, so you may need some growth potential in your portfolio to stay ahead of inflation.

Establishing a withdrawal rate that’s appropriate for your lifestyle and projected longevity can reduce the risk of outliving your money.

As you can see, your tolerance for risk, and your methods of dealing with it, can change over time. By being aware of this pro g ression, you c a n ma ke better-informed investment decisions.

— This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC.

Your money shouldn’t stop working when you do.

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MEDICARE

How should I use my Medicare & You handbook?

D

ear Marci, I receive a Medica re & You handbook each year but am never sure what to do with it. How should I be using my Medicare & You handbook?

— Esther

Dear Esther, I’m glad you asked! The Medicare & You handbook can be very helpful. The Medicare & You handbook is mailed to all Medicare households each September and contains information on Medicare benefits.

Here are some helpful uses for your handbook:  Learn what’s new with Medicare. It’s important to know any updates about your Medicare coverage. For example, the 2021 Medicare & You book had updates on lower insulin costs, new acupuncture coverage for back pain, and virtual services. Remember that Medicare Advantage Plans must cover the same benefits that Medicare does; if you see an update to Medicare in your Medicare & You book, you should expect to have those same benefits with your Medicare Advantage Plan, although with possibly different costs or restrictions.  Understand how to enroll. If you are new to Medicare, the Medicare & You handbook can be helpful in explaining how to sign up. It explains who will be automatically enrolled, and who will need to actively sign up. The handbook lists instructions for signing up and offers resources to contact for assistance.

 Compare private plans in your area. While there is a general version of the handbook available online, the version mailed to you or sent to you electronically will contain information specific to the area in which you live.

It should contain a list of Medicare Advantage Plans, Part D plans, and supplemental Medigap plans available in your area for you to compare.  See if you qualify for any cost assistance programs. There are a variety of programs that help people save money on their Medicare. The Medicare & You handbook contains the eligibility guidelines (which are usually a person’s monthly or yearly income, and sometimes their assets) for these different programs. Use your handbook to see if you may be eligible for Extra Help, the Medicare Savings Program, or a State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program.  L e a r n a b o u t yo u r rights. If you are denied coverage for a health service or item that you believe should be covered, your Medicare & You handbook contains helpful information on filing appeals. It additionally provides tips on protecting yourself from Medicare fraud and medical identity theft.  Use as a reference guide throughout the year.

It is tough (and likely impossible!) to memorize everything about how Medicare works.

Instead, keep your Medicare & You handbook to use as a reference guide as you need care throughout the year. The book

contains an index of topics, as well as a dedicated section to finding out if Medicare covers your test, item, or service.

As you can see, the Medicare & You handbook can be helpful to you throughout the year. I highly recommend keeping it handy!

If you don’t receive your Medicare & You handbook, you can call 800-MEDICARE and request that a copy with information for your area be sent to you. If you would like to receive your handbook electronically, you can log into (or create) your Medicare account to sign up for

electronic handbooks. You can also download a general version of the handbook at Medicare.gov.

— Marci — Confused about Medicare? Free and confidential assistance is available from the Senior Linkage Line at 800-333-2433.

Sponsored by the Minnesota Board on Aging and the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging, its trained specialists can help. ”Dear Marci” is a service of the Medicare Rights Center.

For more information, call 800-333-4114.

DIGNITY • INDEPENDENCE • AFFORDABLE • COMFORT • SECURITY

Apartments Available

a c k in “Fall b th indoor i love w s!” tie activi

CALL FOR YOUR TOUR TODAY! 301 Glen St SW, Hutchinson • 320-234-7588 • poprl.org

OCTOBER 2021 | ZEST 13

FOOD & FUN

Pumpkins, the sweet fruit of fall

P

umpkins are used for fall meals, especially holidays. It’s actually an orange fruit that is harvested in October. This nutritious and versatile plant features seeds and flesh that is edible and can be baked, roasted, steamed or boiled. Pumpkins are good for you as they are low in calories, fat and sodium and high in fiber, a good source of Vitamin A, B, potassium, iron and protein.

You might want to mix up a batch of Pumpkin Pie Spice if you are going to make pumpkin recipes this fall.

Combine 1/4 cup cinnamon, 2 tablespoons ground ginger, 1 teaspoon nutmeg and 2 teaspoons cloves. Mix well and store in a jar. It makes 5 tablespoons spice mix.

FILE PHOTO

Start your day with this simple and delicious recipe for a change of pace from traditional French toast. It is perfect for a cool fall day. You can add more pumpkin puree if you want more flavor.

PUMPKIN PIE FRENCH TOAST Ingredients: 3 large eggs 1/2 cup half-and-half cream 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree 1 tsp. cinnamon

• Private Suites • All levels of Customized Personal Care, including Memory Care • RN-LPN on staff • Doctor Rounds Every Week • Socialization/Daily Activities • Home Cooked Meals

35+ years of providing the best senior living in the area.

Call, Click or Visit for more Information and aTour

cedarcrestmn.com Cedar Crest of Silver Lake 1401 Main Street W., Silver Lake • 320-327-6577 14 ZEST | OCTOBER 2021

FOOD & FUN 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts 8 slices day-old bread Directions: Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Whisk eggs, half and half, pumpkin, cinnamon, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice and walnuts together in a bowl. Soak one slice of bread at a time in the pumpkin mixture, then place in prepared skillet. Repeat with the remaining slices of bread.

Stir the pumpkin mixture between dips to keep walnuts from settling. Cook the bread until golden brown, about 3 minutes on each side. Serve with warmed maple syrup.

This frosting is delicious on spice and chocolate cake and brownies.

PUMPKIN BUTTERCREAM FROSTING Ingredients: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature 1/2 cup pumpkin puree 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 5 cups powdered sugar.

Ingredients: Slowly cream together the butter and the pumpkin using whisk attachment. Beat in vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Slowly add the powdered sugar until right consistency.

Enjoy

62+ Leisure Living Are you at least 62?

Retired or still working, but tired of lawn care, snow removal, repairs and maintenance?

Village Cooperative benefits: • Newly Remodeled Gardens, Great Room, Guest Room & Lobby • One-time Share Payment • Low Monthly Fees • Paid Heat • Coinless Laundry Rooms • Appliance Replacement as needed • Receive owner benefits through property tax & possible mortgage interest deductions

Village Cooperative 1300 Sherwood St. SE, Hutchinson • 320-234-7761 mornings www.realifeinc.com • www.ittakesavillagecoop.weebly.com

We’re here for one reason. You. GARDEN HOUSE • • • • •

Customized assisted living Private rooms Staffing on-site 24/7 Family-style, home-cooked meals Secure outdoor environment

CARE CENTER • Short-term and outpatient rehabilitation therapy • Mobility courtyard • State-of-the-art equipment • Long-term skilled nursing care

Call 320-485-2151 to learn more.

The Gardens at Winsted and Assisted Living

551 Fourth St. N., Suite 101, Winsted, MN 55395 https://monarchmn.com/ the-gardens-at-winsted

OCTOBER 2021 | ZEST 15

Where Your Stories Continue...

New Active Living Community Featuring: • 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments • Laundry in Apartment • Movie Theatre • Pub/Game Area • Outdoor Social Area • Health and Wellness Center • Outdoor Activities • Dining Room (Continental Breakfast included) • Scheduled Activities - Bus Tours, Kayaking, Biking, Golf, Crafts, Aquatic Center, Sporting Events & More!

Care Suites Memory Care Assisted Living Featuring: • Private Apartments • 24 Hour Staffing • RN on staff • Home-Cooked Meals • Health Related Services • Social, Recreational & Wellness Activities • Housekeeping and Laundry Service 1025 Dale Street SW Hutchinson 320-234-8917 woodstoneseniorliving.com 16 ZEST | OCTOBER 2021

Call today for your personal tour!

Whatever your level of care, we have services to meet your personal needs both now and in the future.