Generations Spring 2019

Generations

TABLE

3

CONTENTS:

4 Veteran Volunteers

7 Memorial Day

8

ON THE COVER:

10 Service Directory

11 Puzzles

12 Recipes

Clint Mattson, a U.S. Army veteran, has been a volunteer at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior since 2014. Ayla Androsky/For the Duluth News Tribune

Prepare for visiting elder guests

Homeowners should take certain precautions to ensure that elderly guests are safe and comfortable. Mobility and comfort needs for seniors may differ those necessary to accommodate other guests. Meeting the needs of senior guests may involve any of the following.

• Make sure pathways leading to and from the home are level, cleared and easy to see.

• If possible, add a ramp over stairs that lead to the front door. Ensure handrails are sturdy.

• Remove clutter and excess furniture if a guest visiting will be using a walker or a manual/motorized wheelchair.

• Remove accent rugs from a home, and be sure that any mats are secured with nonslip material.

• Increase lighting in entryways, staircases and hallways, especially areas leading to kitchens or bathrooms.

• If guests will be staying overnight, arrange sleeping accommodations on the first floor and/or in a room closest to the bathroom.

• Well-placed grab bars in the bathroom can be an asset. See if you can borrow a portable shower seat to make bathing or showering easier for overnight senior guests.

• For long-term guests, consider replacing round doorknobs and other pulls with lever-action ones that are easy to grab.

• Concessions may need to be made concerning interior temperature, noise levels and television viewing.

Real estate tips for seniors

Whether downsizing, considering a condo, or aging in place, experienced realtors provide insight

By Andrea Busche

When it comes to housing, different life stages present different considerations. An active, young family may need a big yard and extra bedrooms. Those in middle age might want the ability to walk to work. Senior citizens, however, have other factors entirely, ranging from safety and socialization to convenience and upkeep.

JS Realty, LLC, a family-owned and operated real estate company doing business in Duluth and the surrounding area since 1989, are experts in matching residents to homes. The team is multigenerational, consisting of family matriarch Jackie Sathers; her daughter, Jamie Sathers-Day; daughter-in-law Julie Sathers; and grandson, Braxton Sathers.

Using their knowledge of real estate tailored to each generation, the JS team provides some expert tips for seniors to consider when planning their next move.

Safety

As we age, stairs can become more difficult to navigate. Thus, a single-story home may be a good choice. Other safety “tools” include wider doorways, an attached garage, grab bars, and a flat yard. These accommodations can be incorporated in a few ways: by downsizing to a smaller home, considering apartment or condominium-style living, or retrofitting an existing home, and aging in place.

“Certain homes are easier to adapt for seniors,” Julie Sathers said. “You can easily adapt a ranch-style home, but a two-story home or an older home may be more difficult to retrofit.”

Selling and relocating to an apartment or condo can be a good alternative.

“There are lots of new rental complexes in town that are very senior-friendly,” she added.

Another perk to downsizing is that it usually equates to more money in your pocket, due to accessing the equity in your home, along with lower utility bills and property taxes.

Maintenance

Maintaining a large house and yard can be challenging for senior citizens. A smaller, low-maintenance home may be preferred. If a move to an apartment or condo isn’t feasible, however, hiring help, even temporarily, can lift the burden.

“Many times, we’ll visit with a potential seller, but they aren’t ready to move quite yet,” Jackie Sathers said. “Sometimes we recommend they hire someone to handle their lawn care or snow removal until they are ready to move to a place where this is done for them.”

Socialization

Another “pro” in the column of apartment or condominium-style living is the extra socialization.

Julie Sathers (from left), Braxton Sathers, Jackie Sathers and Jamie Sathers-Day of JS Realty offer a unique multigenerational perspective on buying and selling homes. Photo courtesy of JS Realty

“People who live in condos or townhomes have more contact with people,” Jamie Sathers-Day said. “They might have card night, happy

hour, or other activities helping them interact more regularly.”

“A lot of seniors become depressed,” Jackie Sathers added. “When they live in community, they can all care for and look out for each other.”

Much to consider

In our senior years, there are several important factors to consider in regards to housing. Safety, finances, convenience, and socialization all play a role. But, between downsizing, apartment or condo-style living, or even retrofitting your existing home, today’s seniors have more choices than ever.

Three Generations Serving YOU

The J.S. Realty team understands your special real estate needs and knows exactly what it takes to get the job done quickly and easily.

Let us handle the sale or purchase of your property.

Take advantage of the 87 years of combined local experience we can offer.

Mattson, U.S. veterans still serving throughvolunteerism

By Andrea Busche

On this Memorial Day, it’s important to honor the men and women who have died while serving our country. But it’s also a good idea to show respect to the veterans who are still with us – many of whom are still giving back in their senior years through volunteering and other acts of service.

Clint Mattson of Maple, Wis., is a fine example of a veteran who continues to live a life focused on others. Mattson served in the United States Army, and had a long career as a registered nurse. He is married, with children and grandchildren, and gives back through various volunteer and civic duties which have continued into his muchdeserved retirement. At 71 years old, Mattson shows no signs of slowing down.

Army Years

Mattson was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968. After receiving his basic and advanced training, he was immediately sent to serve his country in the Vietnam War.

“I was in infantry – the 101st airborne division,” Mattson said. “I cross-trained in infantry and mortars, and I spent time on the front lines. Our mission was to search and destroy. We spent plenty of nights in ambush formation. It was frightening, exciting, but it also felt like being a part of history.”

After a total of 19 months in the military (14 of which were spent in Vietnam), Mattson was discharged from the Army. He was awarded both a Bronze Star and Combat Infantryman Badge for his bravery and service.

Return to the U.S.

Mattson returned to the United States when he was 21. He married his high school sweetheart, Roxy, and the two settled down in Maple. Mattson

became a registered nurse, specializing in critical care and emergency room settings.

...We spent plenty of nights in ambush formation. It was frightening, exciting, but it also felt like being a part of history.

CLINT MATTSON, United States Army Veteran

“My mission changed from taking lives to saving lives,” he said.

Over the years, Mattson volunteered in a variety of settings. Two of his three children were active in the Boy Scouts, and Mattson gave much of his time to scouting. He even served as the Scoutmaster at the 1993 National Scout Jamboree.

Mattson volunteered for 30 years in the medical tents for Grandma’s Marathon, where his career training was put to good use. He also served for a

time on the Maple Volunteer Fire Department, and is currently an active volunteer and board member of the Douglas County Historical Society.

Active Retirement

Although he officially retired in 2017, Mattson remains as busy as ever. Since 2014, he has been a

VETERANS: Page 6

Clint Mattson of Maple, Wis., served in the U.S. Army with the 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War. He earned a Bronze Star 50 years ago, in May 1969, for ground operations he was involved with in 1968. He also earned the Combat Infantryman’s Badge. Mattson volunteers at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior.

Top: Clint Mattson holds a letter he wrote to his future wife, Roxy, when he was in the Army.

Above: Clint Mattson has volunteered at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior since 2014.

Right: Clint Mattson, a U.S. Army veteran, works as a volunteer at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior. He’s also volunteered with the Boy Scouts, the Maple Volunteer Fire Department, and in the medical tents for Grandma’s Marathon.

Photos by Ayla Androsky/For the Duluth News Tribune

VETERANS

From Page 4

a volunteer at Superior’s Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center. Here, he serves as a greeter, helps coordinate tours and visits for school groups, and visits one-on-one with other veterans, collecting oral histories about their time in service.

“It’s a wonderful social network,” Mattson said of his work at the Bong Center. “A lot of veterans volunteer here, and many find it easier to converse about their memories with other veterans.”

Mattson has also served on the board of the Douglas County Historical Society for the past two years. Additionally, he volunteers at the Historical Society as a greeter, and helps them coordinate activities and other special events.

“You learn something old every day,” he said with a chuckle.

Mattson also serves on the board for the Maple Memorial Cemetery Association.

Family life is another big focus. Clint and Roxy Mattson have been married for 49 years. In addition to their three adult children, they also have four grandchildren, whom they see often.

Giving back is a regular part of life for Clint, so it was only natural that he continue working as a volunteer into retirement.

“Being active, being social – it keeps my mind and my body active,” he said. “Roxy and I don’t sit around a lot.”

Other Volunteers

In addition to Clint Mattson, the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center is grateful for their many

other volunteers, the majority of whom are veterans. For instance:

Tom Cannon served in the U.S. Army in Germany during the Cold War era from 1956-1958. He has volunteered as a greeter at the Center since the day it opened. Of his volunteer work, he said, “Volunteering makes me feel good. And, it’s something to do during retirement.”

Ray Beauto served in the U.S. Navy from 1954-1958 at the U.S. Naval Medical Center in Virginia and at Camp Pendleton during the Cold War era. He’s volunteered as a Bong Center greeter since 2011. Beauto said, “I like to meet people from around the world, and it’s somewhere to go now that I’m retired.”

Pete Fiske served in the Coast Guard from 1982- 2011 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He’s been a Bong Center volunteer greeter for

two months, and shared, “I enjoy history, and I enjoy working here.”

Appreciation from their Leader

Hayes Scriven is the executive director for the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center. He is honored to be surrounded by the veterans who volunteer on a daily basis, and remains deeply grateful for their service – both militarily, and for their volunteer efforts.

“I have been working in the museum field for almost 15 years, and the group of volunteers at the Bong are the most dedicated I have ever been around,” Scriven said. “We wouldn’t be able to function without them. We are so grateful to have veteran volunteers like Clint, Tom, Ray, Pete and many others working at the Center.”

Ray Beauto

Tom Cannon

Pete Fiske Hayes Scriven

May 27, 2019 Memorial Day

Honoring Our Heroes

Memorial Day is celebrated each May to commemorate the people who died in service of the United States of America.

Even though barbecues and visions of the upcoming summer weather may command much of the attention come Memorial Day weekend, the holiday really serves as a remembrance for those military members who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country, as well as the personnel who continue to protect and serve today.

Memorial Day origins

Memorial Day was first known as Decoration Day and was borne out of the Civil War. on May 30, 1868, General John Logan, a national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, decreed General Order No. 11, which designated the day for the “purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land.” May 30 was chosen because it wasn’t the anniversary of any particular battle. It took several years for the first state to recognize the holiday, which New York adopted in 1873. By 1890, all northern states recognized Decoration Day. When the holiday changed from commemorating those who died fighting the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war after World War I, the South began to recognize it as well.

Two Harbors M-F 9am-6pm

By Connie Wirta Essentia Health

Susan Kelley delights in joining her husband for a hike in the woods. She remembers when she could barely make it to the mailbox at the end of their driveway.

Kelley has undergone a metamorphosis in less than two years. She lost nearly 100 pounds and no longer needs any of her prescription medicines. She’s free from the chronic diarrhea and pain that limited her activities.

Kelley said she was at her wit’s end when she decided to try a new approach to her health and made an appointment with Dr. Nancy Sudak, a physician in the new Integrative He alth Department at the Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic. The 69-year-old Duluth woman was ready to make changes in her lifestyle if they’d help her feel better.

“I’d tried so many times with every diet that came out for 50 years,” Kelley recalled. “I would stick to them, but nothing happened.”

Kelley had worked with other doctors and dietitians, yet her weight had reached 278 pounds. She was considering weight-loss surgery “but just couldn’t say yes.” Instead, she turned to Dr. Sudak.

NEW APPROACH: Page 9

NEW APPROACH

From Page 8

Sudak takes a holistic approach that embraces the whole person –mind, body and spirit – to reach the goal of optimal wellness. Integrative health uses an array of approaches, including conventional medicine and other healing therapies. It emphasizes the relationship between patient and practitioner.

“Integrative health is effective because it delves into underlying factors,” explained Sudak. Patient and clinician work together to create an individualized plan drawn from diverse healing practices. The plan can draw on the expertise of other practitioners, such as dietitians/ nutritionists, acupuncturists and mental health therapists. Many options are available, such as diet modifications, exercise, nutritional supplements, acupuncture, aromatherapy, biofeedback, yoga and meditation.

“When I met Dr. Sudak, I just loved her,” Kelley said of her first appointment in August 2017. “She took in all this information about me and was so interested. I felt her encouragement and knew I could immediately trust her guidance.”

Kelley identified four goals: lose weight; deal with pain from fibromyalgia and sciatica; improve her shortness of breath; and resolve the chronic diarrhea.

“Our patients can radically change their lives,” Sudak Said. “We help them feel deeply cared for and empowered. We rapidly establish a deep rapport and create a positive healing environment. At the end of their first visit, patients often tell us

they have felt heard.”convenience, and socialization all play a role. But, between downsizing, apartment or condo-style living, or even retrofitting your existing home, today’s seniors have more choices than ever.

In trying to find the root cause of many of Kelley’s problems, Sudak first looked to the gastrointestinal tract because Kelley had struggled with heartburn and diarrhea. A timed lab test analyzed gas levels in Kelley’s breath and helped diagnose a bacterial overgrowth in her small intestine. Acid-blocking medications for heartburn had suppressed good bacteria and allowed other bacteria from Kelley’s large intestine to travel to her small intestine, Sudak explained. The condition caused bloating, discomfort and diarrhea. It also made it difficult for Kelley to lose weight.

“All those of years of problems and all I had to do was blow into a straw at the lab,” she said with a smile.

Susan worked with Dietitian Jean Larson on an individualized nutrition plan to lose weight and restore a healthy gut. The plan has no gluten, dairy products, sugar, legumes or grains.

“I’ll stick to it if it works, and it has worked,” Kelley said. “Now I’m not worried that I’ll gain the weight back. Jean is very encouraging and so knowledgeable on how foods can hurt or heal your body.”

Sudak recommended Kelley begin exercising and referred her to SpineX, an eight-week exercise program for back pain that strengthens core muscles and safely boosts activity.

“SpineX taught me how to think about exercise,” Kelley said. “You have to stretch and move. If you hurt and you don’t move, you don’t get better.”

Acupuncturist Jake Swette has helped Kelley with sciatica pain and vertigo.

“Jake really listens to you and customizes each treatment to what’s bothering you,” explained Kelley. She added that the team treats her as a whole person, not just a collection of symptoms.

“I’m so much more active and I have a better outlook,” she said. “I’m excited about getting up every day and doing things instead of saying that it just hurts too much.”

“Susan is an extraordinary determined person,” Sudak said. “She puts her mind to it and she’ll do it 100 percent. Her spirit drives her. It’s so joyful to work with such a committed patient and participate in such a beautiful metamorphosis.”

I’m so much more active and I have a better outlook. I’m excited about getting up every day and doing things instead of saying that it just hurts too much..

SUSAN KELLEY

Service Directory

GARAGE DOORS & MAINTENANCE

Overhead Door Company of Duluth

Overhead Door Company of Duluth™ is the only authorized distributor of Overhead Door™ products in the area of Duluth, Minnesota.

Residential Garage Doors * Garage Door Openers

Commercial Door Systems * Maintenance * Repair * Replacement

4214 Airpark Blvd., Duluth * 218-722-2884

Website: www.overheaddoor.com

LAW SERVICE

Law Office of Yvonne Michaud Novak

Licensed in both Minnesota and Wisconsin, Yvonne understands the significance of your particular legal problem and takes pride in providing practical solutions tailored to your needs.

Asset Protection & Business Planning * Bankruptcy * Estate Planning * Family Owned Businesses * Incapacity Planning * LGBT Estate Planning * Pet Planning * Trust Administration & Probate

202 W. Superior St., Ste 303, Duluth * 218-720-2888

Website: www.ymnlaw.com

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

Essentia Health Medical

Equipment & Supplies

Proudly serving northern Minnesota and Wisconsin with quality, durable medical equipment, medical supplies, orthotics and prosthetics for over 25 years.

4418 Haines Road, Duluth * 1001 N 9th Ave., Virginia 1-800-777-8390

Website: www.EssentiaMedicalSupply.org

PHARMACIES

Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy

In addition to prompt prescriptions, we offer services such as immunizations, medication therapy management, multi-dose packaging, medication synchronization, important health screenings, and expert care.

1208 Cloquet Ave., Cloquet * 218-879-4547

419 Skyline Blvd., Cloquet * 218-879-1501

Website: www.cloquet.medicineshoppe.com

REAL ESTATE SERVICES

JS Realty, LLC

Contact the J.S. Realty team -- Jackie, Jamie, Julie and Braxton -- for help buying or selling your home!

5112 Midway Road, Duluth * 218-729-9784

Website: www.js-realty.com

Email: info@js-realty.com

SENIOR LIVING

Viewcrest Health Center

At Viewcrest Health Center, you’ll find healthcare, housing and services that center on community. Our caring and comfortable living communities provide our residents with the respect and support they deserve. We are committed to express Christ’s message of love and hope by providing for health, residential, community and allied services in a holistic, competent and caring manner that recognizes the value and dignity in every human life.

3111 Church Place, Duluth * 218-727-8801

Website: www.vhc.sfhs.org

St. Ann’s Residence

St. Ann’s is a nonprofit, licensed assisted living home care provider, offering support and health-related services to residents in the comfort and privacy of their own apartments, where seniors can find calm from the storms of life, regardless of status. With over 50 years of experience, we offer 24hour front desk and care services, a new state-of-the-art security system, three home-cooked meals a day, weekly housekeeping service, a chapel, library, convenience store and many other amenities for residents.

330 East 3rd St., Duluth * 218-727-8831

Website: www.stanns.com

SENIOR SERVICES

Senior Connections

We offer specialized transportation services; maintain a Loan Closet of durable medical equipment; and provide information and assistance to seniors and caregivers to assist them in finding programs and services that may be available in Douglas County.

1805 N. 16th St., Superior * 715-394-3611

Website: www.cloquet.medidcineshoppe.com

SENIOR SERVICES

Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging

We foster independence for older persons through the development and coordination of community-based long-term care services. Call the Senior LinkAge Line (1-800-333-2433) to connect with a local aging expert. This is a free service offered by the state of Minnesota to make it easier for older adults and their families to find community services or plan for their future.

221 W. 1st St., Duluth * 218-722-5545

Website: www.arrowheadaging.org

TRANSPORTATION

Arrowhead Transit

Providing public transportation in Minnesota’s Arrowhead: Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Hermantown, Koochiching, Lake, St. Louis and Pine Counties

702 3rd Ave., Virginia * 218-735-6815

Website: www.ArrowheadTransit.com

Groome Transportation

We provide a safe, reliable, and convenient shuttle service between Duluth and Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport. With 15 daily round trips and convenient stops in Duluth, including hotels, getting to and from MSP Airport has never been easier.

4884 Miller Trunk Highway, Hermatnown * 218-724-4676

Website: groometransportation.com/duluth

VEHICLE SERVICE CENTER

Duluth Dodge - Service Center

Don’t leave your car in the hands of just any service center when you have our team of expert technicians at your disposal. Our Jeep, RAM, Dodge and Chrysler technicians have years of experience, vast automotive knowledge and extensive training to keep your car in top shape for many years of joyful driving!

4755 Miller Trunk Hwy 53, Hermantown * 888-973-7151

Website: www.DuluthDodgeMinnesota.com/service/ mopar.htm

WEIGHT LOSS

Ideally You Health & Weight Loss Center

Weight Loss Center

925 E Superior St; Suite 114; Duluth, MN 55802 * 218-221-6604

Website: ideallyyouweightloss.com