September/October 2020 by Minnesota Good Age

Contents

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

ON THE COVER Kent Hrbek retired from playing baseball 26 years ago, but he’s still very much in the game and loving every minute of it. Photos by Tracy Walsh

FROM THE EDITOR

IN THE KITCHEN

HOUSING FEATURE

8 Meet the new editor of Minnesota Good Age.

14 Chicken and potatoes take a sweet-and-spicy turn with this easy dish.

20 Congregate homes move quickly to adopt technology that helps residents stay connected.

MY TURN 10 Writing down recipes became a lifeline for a St. Louis Park woman.

FINANCE 12 There’s still time to take one of these CARES Act tax breaks.

WELLNESS 16 Discover how learning can improve your brain and lengthen your life.

TRAVEL 18 Ready for a day trip? Head to one of these classic river towns.

6 | September/October 2020 | Minnesota Good Age

ALSO INSIDE:

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Minnesota Good Age | September/October 2020 | 7

FROM THE EDITOR Volume 39 / Issue 7

Happy to be here BY KATHY CHILDERS

W PUBLISHER Janis Hall / jhall@mngoodage.com

CO-PUBLISHER AND SALES MANAGER Terry Gahan / tgahan@mngoodage.com

EDITOR Kathy Childers mngoodageeditor@mngoodage.com

CONTRIBUTORS Carla Waldemar, Christina Sandok, Cyn Meyer, Dave Nimmer, Ed Dykhuizen, Mike Kojonen, Sheryl Stillman, Tom Swift, Tracy Walsh

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Valerie Moe

ART DIRECTOR Dani Cunningham

CIRCULATION Marlo Johnson / distribution@mngoodage.com

37,000 copies of Minnesota Good Age are distributed to homes and businesses metro-wide. Minnesota Good Age (ISSN 2333-3197) is published monthly by Minnesota Premier Publications. Minnesota Good Age, 1115 Hennepin Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55403 © 2020 Minnesota Premier Publications, Inc. To receive Good Age by mail, send a check for $18 with “Good Age subscription” in the memo.

hen I was a kid, my family moved around a lot. At the time, I wasn’t always keen on saying goodbye to my old friends and having to meet new ones. And I really hated those awful first few days in a new school, where the butterflies in my stomach only dissipated when school let out and I could finally go home. Then there was the awkwardness of meeting the neighborhood cliques of kids, whose pecking orders had been disturbed by my arrival. It always left me feeling very much not a part of the group. When my family finally settled in the Twin Cities — where I’ve now lived for more than 50 years! — I had just turned 13 years old. Being a new kid on the block just when the years of teenage self-consciousness were beginning definitely challenged me (and my poor parents). But in retrospect, all of those difficult experiences were a blessing. Each move expanded my worldview. The discomfort was always replaced by a sense of belonging. When I made new friends, I discovered I could keep my old ones. Accepting change became one of the key lessons of my childhood. I’m certain it’s helped me as I’ve navigated a career as a magazine journalist working with a variety of publications and subject matters. But even more than that, I think it’s helped me age — or at least, accept aging — with a touch of grace. I admit that for many years that wasn’t the case. I fought getting older. That’s a mental game, of course, that you can really never win. But once I hit 60, something changed. Almost overnight, I realized how ridiculous it was to think that I could somehow stop the aging process (duh!). That’s when I began to see aging differently. And that’s what Minnesota Good Age is really about — seeing aging as a gift instead of a curse. This is the time of our lives when we get to both appreciate the past and live fully in the present, embracing all of the changes we’ve experienced because they’ve made us who we are today. I’m the new kid on the block again at Minnesota Good Age. But there are no butterflies in my stomach and no awkwardness trying to fit in. I’m excited to be in this new role and humbled and honored to be taking over from the magazine’s former editor, Sarah Jackson. I’ve been warmly welcomed by the magazine team. And I very much look forward to serving you, the reader, as we discover together how truly great aging in Minnesota can be!

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MY TURN

Recipes tell a story of courage and conviction BY DAVE NIMMER

grew up in the post-World-War II era in a Wisconsin town where my paternal grandparents attended Lutheran church services in German. They did not speak German around me, and I had no interest in learning about my heritage. I did learn all I could, however, about the Nazis and their ritual extermination of Jews. So I was surprised at how much Eva Moreimi’s account of her mother’s imprisonment at Auschwitz seared my serenity — especially now when rancor and rage flood the political landscape. Hidden Recipes: A Holocaust Memoir (SecondGen Press, 2019) tells about her mother and other women prisoners quietly sharing recipes at night in the barracks, after a long, agonizing day of work. Moreimi’s mother, Elena “Ica” Kalina, wrote them down with a stolen pencil on the back of ammunition-inventory forms she found in the trash. “The recipes Ica wrote and collected had to be hidden from the SS guards and from the kapo,” Moreimi writes, “or she would be shot by the SS. She made a pouch from a piece of fabric…and she hid the recipes in this pouch, which she tied to the inside of her coat.” Ica Kalina had already narrowly escaped death at AuschwitzBirkenau, where her parents were killed. I was struck by the almost matter-of-fact way it’s described in the book:

“Ica and Babi (her sister), with the rest of the women selected to die that day, stood in front of the gas chambers the remainder of the day and throughout the night. On that day, the Nazis ran out of Zyklon B, the highly poisonous pesticide used for the mass killings. So they were temporarily saved from being gassed.” Ica was eventually liberated, along with 10 other women, as their SS guard departed after hearing news of the advancing Americans. They walked for

▲ “Hidden Recipes” tells the story of how food memories helped the author’s mother and others survive the Holocaust. Photo courtesy of SecondGen Press

weeks to the Czechoslovakia border and then Ica and her sister took a short train ride to their hometown. Ica started a small textile business and soon met her husband, Erno Kalina, who was also

▲ Author Eva Moreimi (left) with her mother, Ica Kalina, in 1992. Photo courtesy of The Moreimi Family Archives

10 | September/October 2020 | Minnesota Good Age

selling textiles in a nearby town. After marrying, Ica and Erno lived in Czechoslovakia until 1971, when they • 50+ Community left to join their daughter Eva in the U.S. • Income Based Rent The Soviets had invaded the country • All Utilities Paid and they were not about to lose freedom • Newly Remodeled again. Neither spoke English when they • Elevators followed Eva to Minnesota but they • Controlled Entries learned — at the ages of 59 and 62. The • On Site Caretaker entire family flourished in St. Louis Park Call for an appointment 651-288-8159 for 40 years, where Eva still lives with her husband, Jack. They have three children and six grandchildren. South St Paul HRA GA 0519 12.indd 3 4/11/19 2:54 PM Moreimi wanted those grandchildren, and all who read the book, to understand the horror of the Holocaust and the hatred that led to the extermination of 6 million Jews. She also hoped they would celebrate the courage and conviction of her mother. “Both my parents would tell me it’s important to remain positive and know that whatever it is will pass,” she said. “They wanted us to be there for one another, to stay strong and to live a family life — as they did — full of love and laughter.” “My 11-year-old granddaughter, Isabelle, asked me, ‘Grandma, can I have my own copy of the book?’” Moreimi recalls. “She got her own copy and then asked me to talk to her class. They asked great questions and they all sent me thankyou notes. Isabelle and my grandson, Welcome to Our Community Jacob, 10, have helped bake a few of the of Neighbors recipes.” Her favorite is the sour-cherry Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring, cake and his are the Linzer cookies. living at Gramercy is a wonderful thing! I find it comforting to think that Eva • Great location in the heart of Richfield within walking distance to everything you need. Moreimi’s grandchildren, her mother’s • Conveniently located across the street from great-grandchildren, will be passing on beautiful Wood Lake Nature Center. their heritage of survival and service — • 1, 2 & 3 bedroom spacious homes with washer/dryer. Pet friendly. one cake and cookie at a time.

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FINANCE

CARES Act and your taxes BY MIKE KOJONEN

ax planning is an important part of a comprehensive retirement planning process. The goal is to be tax-efficient to minimize your tax liability now and in the future. Thanks to the CARES Act passed in March, retirees have a few unique tax opportunities in 2020. Below are some of the moves to consider making before the end of the year. Max out your retirement contributions. This gives you an immediate tax benefit and also plays an important role in increasing your retirement security. Thanks to catch-up contributions, people 50 years old and older can contribute up to $26,000 to their 401(k) and up to $7,000 to an IRA in 2020, while those under 50 can contribute up to $19,500 to a 401(k) and $6,000 to an IRA. Putting your money in a traditional 401(k) or IRA will help reduce your taxable income for the year. Additionally, the money you put into these accounts will grow tax-deferred until you withdraw it in retirement. The SECURE Act, which took effect on Jan. 1, 2020, allows you to continue putting money into your IRA at any age as long as you are still working. (Before this law passed, you could not contribute to an IRA after age 70½.) Contributing to an IRA provides a valuable tax deduction while also helping you save more for retirement. It also gives you more time to convert your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA while you’re still working. Convert your tax-deferred accounts to tax-free accounts. Now might be a good time to convert money from your

tax-deferred accounts. You’ll pay taxes when you move money from a traditional IRA or 401(k) to a Roth IRA, but you can withdraw that money tax-free in retirement. Your balance might be down due to the market volatility we’ve experienced this year, so you may end up paying less in taxes because you’re moving a smaller amount of money. But we’re also in a historically low tax environment, meaning the taxes you’ll pay on a conversion now could be lower than in the future. A tip if you’re already in retirement: The SECURE Act changed the age at which you’re required to withdraw money from your tax-deferred accounts, from 70½ to 72. If you’re not yet 72, this gives you more time to convert money from your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.

12 | September/October 2020 | Minnesota Good Age

Roth IRAs play an important role when it comes to tax planning. When you’re in retirement, ideally, you will have a mix of tax-deferred, tax-free and taxable accounts. This diversification helps you better control your tax liability. You’re able to gain more flexibility over how much money you withdraw from specific accounts and when those withdrawals need to take place. If you’re curious about whether or not a Roth conversion could benefit you, talk with your tax professional and financial advisor about your options. Think about charitable donations. The CARES Act encourages more people to donate to charity by allowing an abovethe-line deduction of $300 for charitable donations made this year, giving those who can’t itemize a small deduction

For 40 years Haven Housing has helped break the cycle of homelessness and despair for women and children. You can join us in our life changing work. opportunity. Additionally, the new law still allows those who are 70½ and older to take a qualified charitable distribution (or QCD) of up to $100,000 from an IRA. Giving directly to charity through a QCD will reduce the taxable balance of your IRA. One more change worth noting: The CARES Act allows you to make cash donations up to 100% of your adjusted gross income to most public charities. In the past, such donations were limited to 60% of your adjusted gross income. Required minimum distributions (RMDs) have been suspended for 2020. Thanks to the CARES Act, retirees who own a qualified account, like an IRA or 401(k), are not required to withdraw money this year. This is important as you don’t have to take distributions that would then count as taxable income in 2020. Your RMD is calculated based on your account balance at the end of 2019, and because of the stock market volatility in the first quarter of the year, the amount you were required to withdraw could have been much higher than your balance reflected. It’s rarely a smart idea to withdraw money from an account that’s suffered losses, and this new rule allows you to leave that money in your account to grow. If you have questions or are looking for guidance about how to plan for taxes now and in the future, reach out to your tax professional and your financial advisor. Mike Kojonen specializes in helping pre-retirees and retirees with retirement planning. He’s the founder/ owner of Principal Preservation Services, a Minnesota and Wisconsin insurance agency. Learn more at principalpreservationservices.com.

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IN THE KITCHEN

ONE-PAN WONDER

BY CHRISTINA SANDOK

What’s for dinner? How about a trio of satisfying and nutritious ingredients that share a pan and a sweet-spicy sauce! Serve Honey Dijon Sheet Pan Chicken with a salad, and you’ve got a no-hassle, healthy meal any day of the week.

14 | September/October 2020 | Minnesota Good Age

HONEY DIJON SHEET PAN CHICKEN Servings: 4 to 5 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 40 to 50 minutes

INGREDIENTS

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup honey ¼ cup balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary 1 tablespoon coarse ground Dijon mustard 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 pound baby potatoes, sliced in half 1 medium onion, chopped into large pieces 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs Big pinches of salt and black pepper

DIRECTIONS

⊲ Heat oven to 400° F. ⊲ Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. ⊲ Whisk together in a small bowl the olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, mustard and garlic. ⊲ Toss the potatoes and onions in a large bowl, with half of the honey-mustard sauce, and place on the baking sheet. ⊲ Arrange the chicken amongst the potatoes and onions. ⊲ Sprinkle each thigh with salt and pepper. ⊲ Drizzle and rub the remaining sauce over each thigh. ⊲ Roast for 40 to 50 minutes or until the potatoes soften and the internal temperature of the chicken registers 165° F.

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8/20/20 4:49 |PM Minnesota Good Age | September/October 2020 15

WELLNESS

Unlock the power of lifelong learning BY CYN MEYER

enry Ford said, “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps

learning stays young.” And, as Albert Einstein put it, “Once you stop learning, you start dying.” Lifelong learning is your path to not only aging successfully, but also achieving a robust, fulfilling lifestyle, well into your so-called retirement years.

Basically, learning something new —

More specifically, they discovered that

whether a new skill, hobby or activity

the more educated you are, the lower

— enhances your memory and increases

your rates of common chronic illnesses —

the efficiency of your brain.

like heart disease, stroke, hypertension,

Plus, you can do this at any age. You can rewire your brain and create new neural pathways for the rest of your life.

high cholesterol, emphysema, diabetes, asthma and ulcers. Cutler and Lleras-Muney’s research

In other words, your brain is designed to

also support the idea that being an eternal

grow and learn new things over the long

student improves your mental health. The

haul, even as you age.

more educated you are, the lower your

The catch is that your brain follows the use-it-or-lose-it principle, which means

levels of anxiety and depression. On top of that, when you join a class

you need to maintain your brain just as

or communal learning environment,

Boost your brain health

you would any other muscle in your body.

chances are you’ll run into like-minded

While it can’t cure dementia, lifelong

Aging Research and Education Center in

learning certainly helps boost your brain plasticity and can even delay symptoms of Alzheimer’s. In fact, a study out of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School found that seniors involved in higher levels of intellectual stimulation throughout their lifetimes have significant

Paul Nussbaum, PhD, director of the

people who share your interests. And that means more doors open to new

Pittsburgh, said, “Every time your heart

friendships and relationships, and increased

beats, 25% of that blood goes right to the

social interaction, which is so beneficial to

brain. But while exercise is critical, it may

your health, especially for seniors.

be education that is more important. In

Jacquelyn James, director of research at

the 21st century, education and infor-

the Sloan Center on Aging & Work, said,

mation may become for the brain what

“As we get older, it is more important to

exercise is for the heart.”

find things to do that light up our lives …

marked delays in the onset of memory

Lengthen your life span

issues and Alzheimer’s symptoms.

Researchers David Cutler and Adriana

successful aging and longevity are built upon patterns of lifelong learning.”

Lleras-Muney report there’s a large and

Learning in a COVID-19 world

Western Reserve University found that

persistent relationship between educa-

In a world dealing with a pandemic, it

seniors who engage in mentally chal-

tion and health. They found that a year of

might seem like your options for lifelong

lenging activities are 2.5 times less likely

formal education can add more than six

learning are limited. While this may be

to have Alzheimer’s.

months to your life span.

true in the traditional sense, there are

What’s more, another study from Case

16 | September/October 2020 | Minnesota Good Age

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specifically for adults over the age of 50 who want to engage in stimulating college-level learning without the pressures of tests, grades or degrees. For more information on the Senior College program, go to alextech.edu and search for Senior College. Of course, your learning options are limitless with the internet at your fingertips. These days, you can learn nearly anything under the sun online. Check out some of these online resources: • Coursera.org: Courses offered in collaboration with 200-plus universities and companies. • Creativelive.com: Creative classes

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including animation, design, illustration and writing. • Udemy.com: Over 100,000 courses covering a wide range of topics. Here’s to expanding your mind and building robust growth experiences! Cyn Meyer lives with her husband and children in Laguna Hills, California. She teaches and coaches pre-retirees and retirees how to age successfully. Learn more at SecondWindMovement.com.

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Minnesota Good Age | September/October 2020 | 17

TRAVEL

Autumn on a Gas Tank BY CARLA WALDEMAR 18 | September/October 2020 | Minnesota Good Age

ven though COVID-19 has put long-distance travels largely on hold these days, you can satisfy that

travelin’ itch with a day trip. Take in the changing leaves on a leisurely drive along a scenic road, and head to one of these historical river towns. Enjoy their charm from the comfort of your car or walk the streets and discover their intriguing shops and museums, following pandemic protocols for each destination.

Eau Claire, Wisconsin City entrepreneurs reversed the downward spiral of this river town by injecting new life into the community, starting with Artisan Forge. The artists in this collective work in metal, fabric, paint,

Red Wing, Minnesota

barons lived the good life to the hilt.

One of Minnesota’s prettiest historical river towns is a popular stop on the

Nestled in the wooded bluffs rising from the scenic St. Croix River, it’s a movie-set town where time stopped at the height of

Mississippi River. The levee’s riverside hiking/biking trail curves under bluffs where eagles perch, with views of Wisconsin across the water. In 1875, the historic St. James Hotel debuted to serve river travelers. Fastforward to 1905, when the charming railroad station opened and still serves visitors from the Twin Cities. Visit the station’s tourist information office to pick up maps for self-guided walking tours and

that prosperous era. Today it’s still populated with those gorgeous, eclectic and eccentric mansions. A self-guided walking tour (a map for the tour is tucked inside the Discover Stillwater visitor’s guide found at local businesses) or a narrated trolley ride explains all those turrets and curlicues as well as the foibles of the folks who lived behind them. Main Street’s brick and limestone store-

enjoy the station’s Red Wing Arts gallery,

fronts of yesteryear have been reclaimed

which presents regional artworks.

by modern merchants as antiques shops,

From downtown’s Central Park, count

several pleasant bookstores and arts-and-

the spires of half a dozen graceful, vintage

crafts galleries that celebrate regional

churches. Wander Main Street and, just

talent. There are many specialty shops,

beyond it, Third Street, where old-time

store fittingly named The Local Store, the

including Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas

friendliness still abides in its shops. The

source of all things witty and Wisconsin.

Store, cookware purveyor Cooks of Crocus

Uffda Shop is the source for all things

Hill, Pinch N’ Rub Spice & Tea Hub,

glass and more, and they welcome visitors to their studios. The vibe’s also alive in a

Check out SHIFT Cyclery & Coffee

Scandinavian. Thunder Clan Trading Post

Bar for bike gear and a pick-me-up.

bakery Mon Petit Cheri and Forge

is crammed with drums, beadwork and

Nearby, Revival Records stocks 25,000 LP

& Foundry Distillery, which features

jewelry of nearby Native American tribes.

albums from ABBA to Zappa. Approach

Fair Trade Books, with its wood-plank

vodka, gin and rum made on the premises.

neighboring Antiques Emporium with a

floor and tin ceiling, carries a wide selec-

U-Haul, for if you collect it, they’ve got it

tion of fiction and nonfiction. Red Wing

(stuffed animals included). Downtown’s

Shoes carries 180 styles sizes 4B to 20D

self-guided sculpture walk features more

and houses a free museum detailing the

than 50 sidewalk creations to admire.

famous bootmaker’s history and process.

Where the Chippewa and Eau Claire

Old West Main Street is the kick-off

Rivers ramble, so do more than 76 miles

point for the popular Cannon Valley Bike

of connected state bike trails that pass a

Trail. On the outskirts of town, you’ll find

lively farmers market and craft breweries,

Falconer Vineyards Winery & Cidery,

like The Brewing Projekt and Lazy Monk

with a deck that overlooks a scenic valley

Brewery. Just east of Eau Claire, you’ll

and on which you can enjoy a glass of

find Autumn Harvest Winery & Orchard,

wine or hard cider.

where apples share the glory with grapes.

redwing.org

Pick your own Honeycrisps, sample wine and a variety of Wisconsin cheeses, and

Stillwater, Minnesota

on Saturdays enjoy live music.

The oldest city in Minnesota flourished as

visiteauclaire.com

a boom town of the logging era. Its lumber

The wild St. Croix, registered as a scenic preservation river (no billboards, no manicured lawns, no marinas to spoil the spirit of nature) offers kayakers and bikers a workout. Stillwater has two bike trails: Brown’s Creek and the new St. Croix River Loop Trail, which takes you to Wisconsin and back. William O’Brien State Park, just north of town, offers fishing and hiking trails galore. discoverstillwater.com Carla Waldemar is an award-winning food/travel/arts writer. She writes the “Flavor” column for the Southwest Journal and writes food and travel articles for publications around the world. She lives in downtown Minneapolis.

Minnesota Good Age | September/October 2020 | 19

Senior living communities get a boost from technology Innovative solutions support residents and help them stay connected with loved ones during the pandemic BY SHERYL STILLMAN

n March of 2020, when the world was in the thick of understanding the effects of the coronavirus, everyday life for thousands of Minnesota senior housing residents immediately needed to change. With guidelines put into place requiring masks and social distancing, and stay-at-home orders that kept family and friends from visiting loved ones, senior living administrators were challenged to shift from providing the high-touch care that their communities came to rely on to virtually no contact. Armed with technology, creative problem-solving and their dedicated staff, senior living operators throughout the Twin Cities have swiftly taken a dismal situation and turned it into something fulfilling for everyone involved.

Can you see me now? Videoconferencing has taken off in congregate living homes since the coronavirus erupted. “Zoom calls,” “FaceTiming” and “Skyping” are new terms that roll off elders’ tongues, while setting up these meetings have become a part of the staff ’s daily routine. “Without family, volunteers or vendors able to come in to help, we needed to quickly lean in to technology both for staff and our residents,” said Erin Hilligan, vice president of operations for Ebenezer, the senior housing arm of Fairview Health Services. “Technology is such a blessing during

▲ At the Pillars of Highland Park in St. Paul, a daughter visits with her mother using the iN2L platform. Photo courtesy of Ebenezer

COVID,” said Jamin Johnson, whose mom, Lorene, lives in an assisted living apartment in the Orchards of Minnetonka, a part of Ebenezer. “Every few days, my mom ‘sees’ our family in Indiana on the screen. She gets so much out of seeing my brother and his family on a regular basis. She’s celebrated birthdays, a graduation and even the 4th of July with them using live video technology. She’s safe but still an active part of the fun!” Lorene agrees. “Even the crazy dogs get in on the conversations,” she said. “This COVID’s for the birds. But ‘seeing’ my kids has made it okay.” Virtual calls aren’t just for family chats and get-togethers. Senior housing has

20 | September/October 2020 | Minnesota Good Age

leveraged this capability to continue with intergenerational programs (connecting young children with seniors) or to maintain a variety of classes once held in person but now happening remotely. After losing her husband in 2017, Grace Templin packed up her most cherished belongings, including her writings from the last 50 years, and moved into Redeemer Health and Rehabilitation Center in Minneapolis, a Cassia community. One of Templin’s favorite pastimes became weekly onsite writing sessions, which Templin’s teacher transitioned to Zoom. “Zoom has been great to use with my teacher because we can still see each other face-to-face,” said Templin. Staying

connected and writing is what Templin credits with maintaining her positive attitude — that, and talking with her siblings on the phone and having the cowboy channel on her television all day.

Beam me in Picture yourself walking and talking with your loved one while you’re in different locations. With two HDR cameras and one stellar audio system, a 52.9-inch-tall robot with a 10-inch LCD monitor allows you to do just that. Nicknamed “Beam” (because it uses Beam Telepresence Robot technology), the robot resides in a senior housing center. Outside of the center, family or caregivers can control the robot and have a virtual visit simply by logging into their computers from anywhere around the world. Thanks to a generous donation, Cassia deployed eight of these a couple of years ago, but with only lukewarm reception as feedback. “Families and employees alike were slow to adopt having a robot as a substitute for a real person,” said Kate Ingalls-Maloney, director of Technology Integration and the Learning Lab at Cassia. “But when families were no longer able to visit for fear of spreading the coronavirus, the robot became much more appealing.” Carla Smith and her parents, Jim (age 90) and Mary (age 93), residents of Haven Homes, another Cassia community, were first becoming acquainted with Beam back in March when they were featured on television locally on KARE and nationally on NBC. Using only the arrow keys to drive the robot, Smith now regularly “beams” in for visits, often chatting with employees as she looks for one parent or another on her virtual road trip around the facility. “My mother is hard of hearing,” said Smith, “so the robot works pretty well with removing a lot of the ambient sound. Mom loves it because it is almost better than

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being there in person. Without having to worry about wearing masks and staying six feet apart, she can hear me better than when we were in the room together.” Another advantage: Beam puts the caregiver in the “driver’s seat” without having to bother staff to coordinate or assist residents.

Robot pets allowed Initially designed for children, robot pets have become popular with the older generation during the pandemic. “We strongly encourage pet toys due to the therapeutic benefits they can provide,” said Pam Hayle, director of Safety and Quality Support at Cassia. Hayle has observed the calming effects of a dog’s tail wagging or the purring of a cat while resting in a resident’s lap. In fact, a 2016 study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease indicated robot pets are effective in treating stress and anxiety in patients with dementia.

It’s never too late Founded in 1999, iN2L (It’s Never 2 Late) pioneered and is the leading provider of in-person-centered content, creating meaningful experiences while connecting older adults to the world around them through the use of 10-inch tablets and 23or 70-inch touch screens. Many senior living communities across the Twin Cities offer iN2L, with which staff work directly with the resident and/or

their caregiver to build a library of content to the resident’s liking, which they can use to learn a new skill, play a game, practice yoga or simply view preloaded videos and photos that they can watch at their leisure. Administrators and families agree these devices offer many benefits, especially during COVID-19.

Virtual worship and spirituality Staff administrators have designed ways to continue providing worship and/or spirituality options for residents while they need to stay apart. Cassia uses Echo Dots for a homegrown intercom system, The Goodman Group sets up Zoom calls and spiritual discussions, and Ebenezer offers sermons on YouTube. Residents love the services and some would even like them to be longer. “I love listening to your sermons and the Ebenezer worship services on YouTube,” said Joyce Traczyk, a resident at The Orchards. “You do a wonderful job. But they are missing a couple of Lutheran elements and they are way too short! I’m just getting into them and then they cut out at 30 minutes.”

The game must go on! Just saying the word “bingo” conjures up images of older adults, multiple cards and ink blotters (aka “daubers”) in hand, while enjoying the social aspects of playing this time-tested game. So, when the pandemic ⊳ Since the pandemic began, caregivers have been providing robot pets for residents to help them feel less isolated. Photo courtesy of Cassia Life

22 | September/October 2020 | Minnesota Good Age

hit, activity directors everywhere needed to adjust to playing safely at a distance. In many communities, bingo is happening in hallways. At a Goodman Group setting, dialing into a single conference line allows residents to play virtually, with cards delivered via gift baskets to their rooms.

Bringing it all together These are only a few of the many ways providers are using technology to support those in their care. Leadership and employees across senior living communities are continuing to innovate and test exciting solutions, such as virtual concierge assistants, digital onboarding for new residents and outfitting rooms with more devices. Yet no matter how great the technology, people are still needed for it to be successful. At Cassia and elsewhere, health care workers have partnered closely with administrators to find no-contact methods in aiding residents. “Those who enter this line of work are incredibly social, giving, loving people who thrive on providing hands-on care,” said Hayle, “so it has been challenging for staff during COVID-19.” It’s clear that the dedication and creativity of front-line employees are helping to cushion the impact of the coronavirus while still meeting residents’ needs. Technology solutions put in place this year are game-changing. Yet they don’t replace personal connections. “Technology is a tool that helps us to stay connected, especially during the pandemic,” says Hilligan, “but it is the blending of relationships with technology that is critical in providing the best care.”

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Sheryl Stillman is a former retail executive turned consultant and freelance writer. Residing in Minnetonka, she is the proud mom of two and a cockapoo. Learn more at SherylOnline.com. Minnesota Good Age | September/October 2020 | 23

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STILL HAVING A BALL

Kent Hrbek retired from playing baseball decades ago, but he still works for the Minnesota Twins â&#x20AC;&#x201D; when he isn't fishing, hunting or hanging out with his friends. Photos by Tracy Walsh Photography

Twenty-five-plus years into retirement, Kent Hrbek is — not surprisingly — enjoying himself. BY TOM SWIFT

roof that time flies like a grand slam in the World Series: Already it’s been 26 summers since Kent Hrbek retired as employee No. 14 from his corner office at first base with the Minnesota Twins. “My buddies joke that I should write a book about retirement,” Hrbek said during a recent interview. “I should be an expert by now.” The two-time world champion may be in his second quarter century of postprofessional life, yet in some ways he’s just getting warmed up. Earlier this year Hrbek turned 60. Meaning, he’s only now the age when many people mark the date they’ll stop working. What’s for sure is that he doesn’t feel old. “It’s just a number to me,” he said of the milestone. “I was happy to turn 60, and I will be just as happy to make it to 61.” Some athletes struggle to adjust after the games are over. Hrbek, who retired from baseball when he was only 34, doesn’t seem to be among them. “I pinch myself every day,” he said. “Every morning I say to myself, ‘Boy, you’re lucky, Kent.’”

Father and time Hrbek may be “humbled” and “blessed” — two other words he used to describe his life — but he also knows that no amount of time is a given. “My father never got to enjoy a day of retirement in his life,” Hrbek said. It’s an under-appreciated story what Hrbek endured during his first years as a Twin, being a 21-, 22-year-old

breaking into the big leagues as his father, Ed Hrbek, was suffering with and eventually succumbing to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. “I’m living his retirement,” said Hrbek.

Retirement tips Only when asked did Hrbek offer retirement advice. “You have to have hobbies,” he said. There’s nothing wrong with watching television once in awhile, he said, but you need more than that. Hrbek has always had other things in his life besides baseball. This is a guy, recall, who went duck hunting in the hours between Games 6 and 7 of the 1987 World Series. For several years he hosted an outdoors show on local television. He still hunts, fishes, golfs, goes camping with his daughter and “dinks around in the yard,” planting flowers and vegetables. Hrbek and his wife of more than 30 years divorced a few years ago. It was to him a “shocker.” He now has a girlfriend, Kristen Thoen, who had no idea he was a baseball player when they met. He said he’s had fun getting to know her, going out, dating again. He also messes around with his buddies and otherwise has a good time. He and his friends make sure to regularly mark their calendars with fishing trips and the like so they don’t “let the old man in,” he said, echoing the lyrics from the popular Toby Keith song. That’s why the fun-loving moniker “Herbie,” broken off his vowel-challenged

surname, was apt; Hrbek doesn’t seem to take anything overly seriously. “That’s always been my M.O.,” he said. “I try to enjoy life. I’m a pretty stress-less guy.” And, as he enjoys his extended retirement, he’s never alone. “I take [my father] with me,” he said, “when I’m doing these things.”

A Twin from the start There was never a time, really, when Kent Hrbek wasn’t a Minnesota Twin. His relationship with the team began not unlike that of most fans of the era: through the sound of Herb Carneal calling games on WCCO. Hrbek’s mother, Tina Hrbek, had an old green transistor radio, and she would always listen to Twins games, even while hanging clothes out on the line, as Kent played whiﬄe ball in the backyard of his boyhood home in Bloomington. “Herb Carneal was like part of the family,” Hrbek said from his adult home in Bloomington. Here’s how Hrbek knew he had made it: In 1981, the same kid who had been playing whiﬄe ball in a backyard that was a bicycle ride away from Metropolitan Stadium, the first home of the Twins, was playing in that stadium and “wouldn’t you know it?” Hrbek said, “Herb Carneal was saying my name through that green transistor radio.”

Still part of the team In truth, Hrbek still works. You’ve no doubt seen him on television promoting Carrier air conditioners for Minnesota Air. He started doing the spots during his playing days. Over time he and the company’s owner, Mike Metzger, became close, so he never stopped helping his friend. “There are some people who know me more for selling air conditioners than

Minnesota Good Age | September/October 2020 | 27

▲ Kent Hrbek and his girlfriend, Kristen Thoen, relax in the baseball-themed room Hrbek created at his Bloomington home.

from the Twins,” Hrbek said, laughing. Hrbek’s also still employed by the Twins. He meets with sponsors and other friends of the team, shaking hands and telling stories, and could there be a better person to represent the team? Hrbek was born shortly before the Twins were — he entered the world in 1960 and the team that would be called the Twins arrived from Washington, D.C. in 1961. As a kid he ran around the bleachers at the Met. He’s a key figure in the greatest moments in the history of the Metrodome. He has a restaurant with his name on it at Target Field. He was drafted by the Twins in 1978 and has worked for the organization ever since. Not since before Tina first turned on her radio has there been a time Kent wasn’t pulling for the Twins.

Retirement could’ve been different But for one decision during his career he seriously considered making, Hrbek’s life today might be very different. Before he signed his last contract in 1989, he received significant offers from Boston and Detroit. He could have gotten 28 | September/October 2020 | Minnesota Good Age

somewhat more money, he said, and remembers emotional conversations with his then-wife. Imagine how that one decision would have altered not just the rest of his playing career — no 1991 World Series, for starters — but also every year of retirement. Almost certainly there’s no statue of Hrbek outside Target Field, no restaurant inside and maybe no role with the team. Ultimately, he couldn’t see himself as anything but a Twin and, to this day, he said he has a hard time putting on “a hat with another [team’s] logo on it.” If it’s not a Twins hat, it doesn’t feel right.

Mr. Minnesota Twin He had a Hall-of-Fame swing and he was gifted with his glove. Jim Kaat, who won 16 Gold Gloves as a Major League pitcher, called Hrbek the greatest fielding first baseman he ever saw. Still, no one argues that Hrbek is the greatest player in Twins history. His career wasn’t long enough or productive enough — only once did he appear in 150 games — to be a serious candidate for the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Yet in another way Hrbek is distinguished from all other Twins in his relationship with the team. Neighbor. Fan. Draftee. All-Star. World Champion. Ambassador. Restaurant namesake. As a player, he even famously helped public address announcer Bob Casey tell fans there’s “noooooo smoking in the Metrodome.” No one is more enmeshed in the living history of a Minnesota sports organization. He’s in many ways Mr. Minnesota Twin. It’s a title he cannot retire anytime soon. For who else could assume it?

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Sweeter with time With deference to the old Minneapolis Lakers and the modern-day Minnesota Lynx, the Twins' World Series wins in ’87 and ’91 are unique in Minnesota sports history. Nothing compares to the way those title runs were celebrated. You may wonder if Hrbek gets tired of fans (or nondescript writers) asking him about events that took place half a lifetime ago. He never gives the impression it’s a burden but a gift. He talks not just of the moments we all recall but also the time he was part of what he calls “an only.” On July 17, 1990, he and teammates Gary Gaetti and Al Newman turned two triple plays in the same game against the Boston Red Sox. The Twins remain the lone team in history to perform that trick. Of course, the World Series wins were pinnacles which Hrbek seems to appreciate no less today. “Over time you find out [winning championships] isn’t an easy thing to do,” he said. “It’s more special as the years go on.” Tom Swift is the author of Chief Bender’s Burden, winner of the Seymour Medal for best baseball book of the year. He lives in Minneapolis. He can be reached via untethereddog.com.

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CAN’T-MISS CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER

American Swedish Institute

→ The Turnblad Mansion’s museum reopened to the public Sept. 11 with requirements for face coverings and advanced registration. When: Ongoing Where: American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis Cost: $12 adults, $8 ages 62+, $6 ages 6-18 and full-time students, FREE for children under age 6 Info: asimn.org

SEPT. 17

A NIGHT FOR NATURE VIRTUAL BENEFIT → This year’s event will feature the biggest announcement in Dodge Nature Center history. When: 6-7 p.m. Sept. 17 Where: Dodge Nature Center’s website Cost: Free Info: dodgenaturecenter.org/activities

SEPT. 19-20

LAKEVILLE ART FESTIVAL → Approximately 60 juried artists will sell their wares on park-like grounds. Face masks and social distancing are required. When: Sept. 19-20 Where: Lakeville Area Arts Center, Lakeville Cost: FREE Info: lakevilleartscenterfriends.org/ art-festival

SEPT. 21

JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE → Watch a nationwide screening of a documentary about late congressman John Lewis and join a panel discussion chronicling his history as a civil rights leader. When: 7 p.m. Sept. 21 Where: Online through the Ordway’s website

Cost: From $12 Info: ordway.org

OCT. 6

THE EMBATTLED VOTE IN AMERICA → Allan Lichtman of American University will explore how Americans have fought and died for the right to vote — yet the world’s oldest continuously operating democracy guarantees the franchise to no one, not even citizens. When: 6:30 p.m. Oct. 6 Where: Zoom Cost: Free, but advanced registration required. Info: mnhs.org/event/8512

Where: Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts, Fridley; a virtual exhibition, including a 3-D walkthrough, is also available. Cost: Free Info: banfill-locke.org

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MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT → During this period you can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage (or vice versa), switch Medicare Advantage plans, switch Medicare Part D plans or buy a Part D plan. When: Oct. 15-Dec. 7 Where: Online Cost: Varies Info: medicare.gov

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→ The Iraqi and American Reconciliation Project (IARP) presents an exhibition exploring homemaking and memories in the portraits of Iraqi Minnesotans by Iraqi Minnesotan photographers Ahmed Alshaikhli and Jaafar Alnabi.

→ Shop from a collection of one-of-a-kind products made by local artists. Walker Art Museum members shop first during an exclusive 24-hour preview Oct. 16 and enjoy a 10% discount.

When: Oct. 10-Dec. 12; opening reception featuring Iraqi music and refreshments 1-4 PM Oct. 10

30 | September/October 2020 | Minnesota Good Age

When: Oct. 17-18 Where: Walker Art Museum website Cost: Free Info: walkerart.org

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Brain teasers SUDOKU

WORD SEARCH 1987 and 1991 Champions

AGUILERA BERENGUER BLYLEVEN BRUNANSKY DAVIS ERICKSON GAGNE

CRYPTOGRAM Break the code to reveal a quote from a famous person. Each letter represents another letter. Source: Tom Kelly Clue: C=O

P E W

L F K

P E W

P C

V W L U W . '

T C B V K F ' P

N W

C W N

H W

W U

O M O

WORD SCRAMBLE Complete the following words using each given letter once. V L M P

. C F W

R R

IS T

O U

BL G

E W .

A L D P .

32 | September/October 2020 | Minnesota Good Age

ANSWERS

G L V V Z L Q H

L P

P E W

3. Homer Hankies

C F W

G W

2. Atlanta Braves

O D Q M P

A C B V K

TRIVIA 1. Hubert H. Humphrey

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MACPHAIL PUCKETT REARDON SMALLEY STRAKER TAPANI VIOLA

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TRIVIA

WORD SCRAMBLE Gaetti, Morris, Double

Years of Glory

CRYTPOGRAM Puckett would be the first one at the ballpark and the last one to leave. He couldn’t wait.

1. The Metrodome was named after what Minnesota political figure? 2. Name the team the Twins beat in the 1991 World Series. 3. Starting in 1987, what objects did Twins fans swing over their heads during rallies? Sources: mnopedia.org, baseball-reference.com, baseballhall.org

CROSSWORD

ANSWERS

SUDOKU

During this unprecedented time of uncertainty and isolation... We want to let you know that we are here for you. We understand that many families still have growing needs for their aging parents, which is why we are taking admissions with screening and precautionary measures in place. Being a part of Ebenezer and Fairview Health Services allows us the very best in resources, support and clinical care. Our community offers dedicated and compassionate Assisted Living. We are taking move-ins for those needing immediate support.

Call today to set up your Virtual Tour or Video Appointment! 651.686.4366 VIRTUAL TOURS | LIVE VIDEO APPOINTMENTS | ONLINE LEASING AVAILABLE!

“Your Foundation of Health and Happiness” 1000 Station Trail, Eagan, MN 55123 StonehavenSeniorLiving.com Stonehaven Senior Living GA 0920 S3.indd 1

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9/4/20 Minnesota 3:31 PM

Good Age | September/October 2020 | 33

Crossword

65 When “the mouse ran down” 66 Fancy marble

DOWN

ACROSS

1 Grocery store sack 4 Outdoor dining spot 9 Sauce fruit 14 Secluded plight on a desert island, say 16 Stacked 17 Big Ten school with eight national football titles 18 Stretched out like a sharpshooter 19 Good thing for a film’s audio and video to be in 20 Presidential period, say 21 Dueler’s choice 22 Tolstoy’s Karenina 24 Enjoy dinner 25 Contacted on a cellphone 28 AP’s Co-driver of the Century Mario 33 Burn-soothing creams 34 Socket insert

35 Small amount 36 Fix, as a fight 37 Mickey, to Rocky 40 Pair in London? 41 Somber news item 43 Mining finds 44 Water bill basis 46 Rival of 17-Across 48 Defeated 49 Before, in poetry 50 Santa’s naughty-and-nice record, e.g. 51 Illicit romance 54 “Psych!” 55 Protein-rich egg part 59 Ransacks 60 Rival of 12-Down 62 French school 63 Far-reaching 64 Displeases James Bond, at the bar?

34 | September/October 2020 | Minnesota Good Age

1 Playbill listings 2 Like an unswept fireplace 3 Enter 4 Partners for mas 5 Show up at 6 Headpiece at the Miss America website 7 Greek “i” 8 Free throw value 9 Show up 10 Robbed at sea 11 Alka-Seltzer sound 12 Car-collecting comic Jay 13 Garden with a taboo 9-Across 15 Site 21 Lettuce serving 23 Egg-laying spot 25 Billiards bounce 26 Suspect’s story 27 Science that involves reasoning 28 Out of this world 29 “Finale Ultimo” chorus in “The Sound of Music” 30 Word that excites a dog 31 Trace of color 32 “Peer Gynt” playwright Henrik 34 Prefix with trooper or legal 38 Federer of tennis 39 Regrets 42 Broadway destination 45 Lecherous man-goats 47 Flowers in a van Gogh masterpiece 48 Like a mosquito victim 50 Powerball, e.g. 51 “__ well that ends well” 52 Rival of 28-Across 53 Central points 54 Ariana Grande album “thank u, __” 56 Fail to put in 57 Volcanic output 58 Had down pat 60 Pasture 61 Opposite of WSW