Generations - Dec. 2019

December 2019

Shawls share

power of prayer outside of the group.

Pat Pedersen and Marilyn Billings had the idea to bring a prayer shawl andmade prayer shawls mission to Riverside. draped on a rack inside “Pat had been in the hospital and the front doors are part of her daughter brought her a prayer the ministry of Riverside United shawl,” Drury said. “Three or four Methodist Church in Park Rapids. of us started making the shawls Pastor Lori Neilsen said she is and there wasn’t a rack yet, so often asked the cost of the shawls, they were kept in a cupboard in the and most people are surprised to office.” learn they are free.

Nielsen said the power of prayer Cards made by Diane Wallace has been scientifically documented. placed near the rack tell how each “People in the hospital who soft wool prayer shawl symbolizes are being prayed for have better the loving embrace of God and has outcomes,” she said. “The stitchers been prayed over to bring comfort pray as they are knitting or to anyone in need. crocheting the shawls. They can Members and friends of the also be worn by people as they are church keep the rack and nearby praying. It’s a tangible expression cupboard stocked with the soft, Cards located near the rack of prayer of God’s presence and care for that washable shawls. The group’s shawls include information about this person.” members estimate they have given unique ministry along with a blessing for She said the prayer shawl away 400 to 500 prayer shawls the person who receives it. ministry reaches way beyond since they started making them in church members. “Sometimes they’re mailed to 2012. their destination,” she said. “They have gone to New Prayer shawls have traveled to hospitals, nursing Mexico, Arizona and many other places.” homes, hospice patients and the memory care unit The warmth of the shawls can be a comfort in itself. at Crystal Brook Senior Living in Park Rapids. Church “When I brought a shawl to a lady in the nursing member Sandy Drury has been contributing prayer home she just lit up,” Nielsen said. shawls to the church since the project began, but has also made prayer shawls her personal mission POWER OF PRAYER: Page 3

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Art Beat Quarterly Regional Guide

Inside this issue...

2 Are millennials the future of gardening, or are they throwing in the trowel?

4 Embrace the time of year with Pumpkin Spice Brittle 5-8 Art Beat 9

How to create an ethical will

10 T reatment for older adults must consider the whole person 12 M ake the most of the holidays with memory care

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By Lorie Skarpness lskarpness@parkrapidsenterprise.com

Pastor Lori Nielsen and prayer shawl ministry members Sue Meartz, Joyce Weiss and Sandy Drury of Riverside United Methodist Church on Hwy. 71 in Park Rapids invite anyone who would like a free prayer shawl to stop by the church.

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Adobe Stock

Are millennials the future of gardening, or are they throwing in the trowel?

Growing Together

BY DON KINZLER Columnist Millennials are our next generation of gardeners.

Or are they? Times have changed, and will a group connected to an electronic device during much of their day be interested in the hand labor of planting, pruning, weeding and mowing?

The millennial generation is loosely defined as those born in the early 1980s until about 2000. The Pew Research Institute uses the 15-year period from 1981 to 1996 in a more technical definition that includes people currently aged 23 to 38, which is now the nation’s largest adult demographic.

The past year’s gardening data showed that 77 percent of American households partake in some form of gardening, and of that group, 29 percent are millennials, replacing other age groups as our nation’s largest group of gardeners. Millennials are indeed the new gardening generation, and they’re embracing it with passion.

There’s a change, though. To past generations, home gardening meant growing a sizable vegetable garden, tending a neat lawn, planting flower beds and maintaining the home’s landscape. Millennials might not see it that way.

Here’s how millennial gardening is different than past generations.

Fewer millennials are buying homes. Instead, twothirds are renting by necessity or choice. Typical

homeowner-type gardening, lawn care and yardwork is less common among the demographic.

As they were growing up, many millennials observed their parents spending hours mowing, weeding and planting, and they aren’t sure they want to spend their free time laboring the same way. Yet they see the joy that gardening brought to parents and grandparents.

Houseplants are a hot trend among millennials, who call themselves “plant parents,” and houseplant sales have doubled over the past three years driven by their purchases, according to figures by the National Gardening Association.

Millennials have developed a passion for plants and gardening “as an antidote to this insane connectivity” to electronic devices, according to NBC News.

They’ve been dubbed the “wellness generation”

by Sanford Health, spending resources on gym memberships, spa treatments and organic foods.

Millennials appreciate that plants improve air quality, lighten our mood and help us think more creatively.

Millennials see gardening as a way to cooperate with Mother Nature through composting, planting pollinator gardens, using native and heirloom plants, gardening sustainably, installing edible landscapes and using technology to improve success, such as gardening apps.

Knowing where your food comes from is important to millennials, which is why raising vegetables is appealing. Because many rent their dwellings, olderstyle vegetable gardens are less available. Instead, raised gardens, patio containers, window planters and balcony gardening are increasingly popular.

With less space and less time to garden in a home landscape setting, millennials choose indoor gardening, container growing and small-space vegetable production.

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With full schedules and constant connectivity, turning to plant care is seen by millennials as a healthier stress reducer than heavy drinking or binging on junk food.

Most millennials prefer to get their gardening information through physical activities like workshops and hands-on participation, instead of lectures or listening to online training, according to research by Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension.

Millennials enjoy gardening for much the same reason as older adults – they enjoy the contentment, peace and satisfaction that comes from tending plants. That much hasn’t changed across generations.

Don Kinzler, a lifelong gardener, is the horticulturist with North Dakota State University Extension for Cass County. Readers can reach him at kinzlerd@casscountynd.gov or call 701-241-5707.

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December 2019 POWER OF PRAYER From Page 1

“She snuggled into it right away and said, ‘Oh, thank you. I’m always chilly and this will be wonderful.’ We had a really good visit that obviously meant a great deal to her.”

Anyone who would like a shawl for themselves or a loved one can stop in at the church and pick one up.

“Just take one off the rack or ask to see the supply in the cupboard if you are looking for a favorite color,” Drury said. “We can make them in the person’s favorite colors if you have a special request.

We made one in the colors of water, sky, trees and grass and sand for an outdoorsman.”

Joyce Weiss is one of the original prayer shawl ministry members and said she likes crocheting for a cause. “You kind of run out of ideas after awhile,” she said. “When Pat came up and asked me to help I said I’d love to. It’s the best thing to be praying for someone while you are making the prayers shawls and know they are going to enjoy it and it will help them get better and get through the situation.”

“I brought one of Joyce’s shawls to someone and they were so tickled that I had to call and tell her she made someone’s day,” Nielsen said.

Drury sends many shawls out by mail. “I put my

Prayer Shawl Blessing May you feel God’s warm embrace as you wrap this prayer shawl around you. May you experience the comfort, strength and love of God, encircling you in good times as well as difficult times. May you be lifted up in hope, surrounded by joy, graced with peace and wrapped in love. Please know that you are remembered in prayer and love. name and address label on the package in case it gets lost and have a high stack of thank you cards,” she said.

People attending funerals at the church are also encouraged to take a prayer shawl. “We don’t know where they’re from, but they know the church is praying,” Drury said.

Drury said the number of shawls made isn’t important because whether one shawl or hundreds are made, each stitcher contributes to the ministry.

More people are needed to make prayer shawls, and they don’t have to live in this area.

“That’s the nice part about this ministry,” Nielsen said. “We have a stitcher in Moorhead. She can’t be here to be a part of our daily ministries, but her sister who lives in Park Rapids brings the prayers shawls she makes.”

Drury said knitting or crocheting supplies can

be carried around in a bag and worked on as time permits.

One of the groups favorite stories is about Gretta (Hjelseth) Van Horn, formerly of Nevis, who has been prayed for since 2015.

“She had a brain tumor,” Drury said. “We found her favorite color and knit her a shawl. Now she has no more cancer.”

Anyone who knows an individual or group wanting to distribute the shawls is encouraged to contact the church.

When the supply of shawls in the cupboard gets low, an announcement is made at church that more are needed.

“Pretty soon we have a good supply again,” Drury said.

“And we’ve never not had one when we needed one,” pastor Nielsen added.

Anyone who is interested in making shawls but doesn’t know how to knit or crochet can watch youtube videos or contact the church for a short “how to” lesson from a prayer shawl member.

Prayer shawl patterns are also available.

“People also support this ministry with their offerings which we use to buy yarn,” pastor Nielsen said. “Knitters can pick out what they like and away they go or they can supply their own. We don’t have group meetings, it’s just up to each person to do this when they have time and want to.”

Amaryllis don’t need a dormant period Q: My amaryllis never died back and went dormant this year. It still has a couple of leaves. What can I do to get it to bloom? Does it need to be chilled? Should I cut back the leaves?

A: The best way to figure out how to grow a plant is to see how it grows naturally and try to replicate those conditions as much as possible. Amaryllis are from warm areas of South Africa and Peru. This means they do not need cool temperatures the way tulips and daffodils do. They can be treated like a houseplant and grown year-round without a dormant period or any chilling. Unless they get enough light, they may not bloom every year. If you can put them outdoors during the summer, you increase the odds of flowers.

Keep the leaves on the plant. That’s how the bulb collects energy. Put it in your sunniest spot. A south window is perfect in Minnesota winters. Keep it watered and feed at half of the dosage shown on the fertilizer label once or twice a month.

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A cataract forms when the clear crystalline lens of the eye becomes cloudy. The lens sits right behind the iris (the colored part of the eye) and helps us to focus.

When the lens gets cloudy, vision gets hazy and blurry. Cataracts are a natural part of the aging process, so everyone will eventually develop cataracts if they live long enough. They usually start to show up around age 50, and surgery is most common between 65 and 75 years old. Factors that increase a person’s risk for early cataract development include sunlight (UV) exposure, smoking, diabetes, steroid use, and trauma.

Cataracts usually develop gradually over many years, so patients are not always aware that their vision is getting worse. Cataracts usually cause a person’s vision to become cloudy, blurry or filmy. They can cause a dimming of your vision, so that colors appear faded and you may need more light to read. They also can cause increased glare and halos at night, making night driving more difficult.

A cataract does not need to be “ripe” to be ready for surgery. Cataract surgery is generally a routine procedure that can be done as soon as your vision interferes with your daily activities. During cataract surgery, the cataract is broken up and removed from the eye, and a clear lens implant is put in its place. It is a painless process with minimal recovery time, and patients typically describe it as a “pleasant experience”. Patients often tell me “I don’t know why I waited so long to have it done, I wish I would have done it sooner!”

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In the past, the lens implant that is inserted into the eye in cataract surgery has been able to correct the majority of your nearsightedness or farsightedness, so patients are much less dependent on glasses following surgery. However, the traditional lens implants have not dealt with astigmatism or near vision, so many patients are still slightly blurry without glasses, and almost all need glasses for reading. This is no longer the case, with the advent of toric intraocular lenses (IOLs) and multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs). With this new technology, patients have the chance to be even less dependent on glasses for distance and near following cataract surgery. These new implants have been around for a number of years, but the technology has improved to the point where we are now comfortable recommending them for certain patients. We work with several surgeons who are using this technology to give our patients the best possible outcomes following cataract surgery.

It all starts with an eye exam to evaluate your cataracts and determine if surgery is an option for you – give us a call today!

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Embrace the time of year with Pumpkin Spice Brittle Home with the Lost Italian

BY SARAH & TONY NASELLO

Columnist

’Tis the season for pumpkin pie and crunchy treats around the Christmas tree. I’ve added a trendy twist to an old-fashioned favorite with my Pumpkin Spice Brittle.

To give this brittle a seasonal flair, I use pumpkin seeds instead of peanuts, and a blend of fragrant fall spices including cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg.

Shelled pumpkin seeds, also called pepitas, are best for this recipe. I buy my pepitas at the grocery store as I find shelling seeds freshly harvested from a pumpkin a nearly impossible task. Pepitas are mostly green in color, which adds a lovely, autumnal complement to the golden-brown brittle, and you can use either raw or roasted and salted pepitas for this recipe.

Aside from the pumpkin seeds, this recipe uses staple ingredients that you likely have in your pantry: sugar, corn syrup, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking soda, butter and vanilla extract.

Candymaking is a process of wait and watch, followed by quick action, and I highly recommend having all your equipment out and ingredients measured before you begin. Making brittle is easy, and your experience will be greatly enhanced with the use of a candy or deep-fry thermometer.

Unless you are skilled in the various temperature stages of candymaking, soft crack versus hard crack, using a thermometer removes any guesswork from the process and helps ensure a good result.

For this recipe, boil the sugar, corn syrup and water over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Next, place the thermometer into the liquid and continue cooking, without stirring, until it reaches a temperature of 280 degrees, the soft crack stage.

Without a thermometer, my mother and grandmother could identify this stage by dropping a small amount of the mixture into very cold water and watching to see if it separated into threads that are hard, but not brittle. I have never mastered this technique, and thanks to my trusty old thermometer, I never need to.

Once the soft crack stage has been achieved, the pepitas are added to the hot liquid, which then continues to cook until it reaches 300 degrees, or hard crack stage. For a visual at this stage, a small amount of mixture dropped into cold water will separate into threads that are hard and brittle. Again, unless you’re more intrepid than I, investing in a candy thermometer will spare you from ruining a good batch of brittle.

Once the mixture has reached 300 degrees, the wait-and-watch stage is over and it’s time for the quick action to ensue. The pan is removed from the burner and the remaining ingredients are quickly stirred in until fully incorporated, then the hot mixture is poured onto a greased baking sheet. To help the brittle spread evenly into the pan, gently lift and tilt the pan rather than spreading it with a tool, which can roughen the surface.

Place the baking sheet on a wire rack and let the brittle cool completely and then use your hands to break it into pieces. With its sweet and spicy fall flavors and wonderfully crunchy texture, this Pumpkin Spice Brittle is the perfect fall candy. And maybe, just maybe, tempting enough to finally lure the Great Pumpkin into the patch this year.

Adobe Stock Homemade holiday peanut brittle can also be made with pepitas (pumpkin seeds) and pumpkin pie spices.

Pumpkin Spice Brittle Makes: 2+ pounds

3 cups sugar 1 cup light corn syrup 1/2 cup water 2-1/2 cups shelled pumpkin seeds (pepitas), raw or roasted and salted 2 teaspoons baking soda 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/8 teaspoon salt (omit is using salted pumpkin seeds) 1 tablespoon butter 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Grease a baking sheet (I use a half-sheet pan) with cooking spray, oil or butter; set aside.

In a heavy saucepan, stir together the sugar, corn syrup and water until combined. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves and mixture comes to a boil. Continue cooking without stirring until the temperature reaches 280 degrees on a candy thermometer (soft crack stage).

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg; set aside.

Measure out the butter and vanilla so that they are ready to use when needed.

When the sugar mixture has reached 280 degrees, gradually stir in the pumpkin seeds so that the mixture continues to boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, and watching closely until the temperature reaches 300 degrees (hard crack stage).

Remove the pan from the burner and immediately add the baking soda mixture, butter and vanilla and stir in quickly until incorporated. Pour onto the prepared baking sheet. Carefully lift and tilt the pan to spread the brittle into the corners as much as possible.

Place pan on a wire rack to cool. When completely cool to the touch, break the brittle into pieces and store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

“Home with the Lost Italian” is a weekly column written by Sarah Nasello featuring recipes by her husband, Tony Nasello.

The couple owned Sarello’s in Moorhead and lives in Fargo with their son, Giovanni. Readers can reach them at sarahnasello@ gmail.com.

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Art Beat Quarterly Regional Guide

WINTER 2019-20 ARTS CALENDAR Jan. 25

DECEMBER

Dec. 6, 8 Park Rapids Classic Chorale Concerts Dec. 6 Park Rapids Area High School Winter Play: “A Play About a Dragon” 7 p.m.

Dec. 7 Park Rapids Area High School Winter Play: “A Play About a Dragon” 3 and 7 p.m.

Dec. 9 Middle School Choir Concert Dec. 13, 14, 19, 20 5th-H Performing Arts Club: “A Dickens Christmas Carol –

A Traveling Travesty in Two Tumultuous Acts” 7 p.m.

Dec. 15, 21 5th-H Performing Arts Club: “A Dickens Christmas Carol –

A Traveling Travesty in Two Tumultuous Acts” 2 p.m.

Dec. 16 Park Rapids Area High School Choir Concert Dec. 19 A Magical Medora Christmas 2019 Dec. 21, 22 A Christmas Carol at Long Lake Theater

JANUARY

Jan. 16 Leaders are Readers Gala at the Park Rapids Area Library Jan. 18, 19 Night In/Morning In at Beagle and Wolf Books & Bindery Jan. 20 Grades 6-12 Combined Band Concert at Century School

Sub-Section One Act Play Competition at Park Rapids Area High School

FEBRUARY Feb. 1 Feb. 20 Feb. 23

MARCH March 1 March 1 March 5 March 29

APRIL April 27 April 28

Heartland Concert Association: Harps & Chords Historic Notes program at the Park Rapids Area Library Terrapin Sundays: Original art and music series Red Bridge Park Sculpture Trail entry submission & sponsor deadline Deadline for submissions for Talking Stick #29 Heartland Concert Association: The Hall Sisters Terrapin Sundays: Original art and music series Park Rapids Area High School Band Concert Heartland Concert Association: Ball in the House

Library plans two winter programs The Park Rapids Area Library launched a Leaders are Readers activity Oct. 20 that will culminate with a celebration of literature on Jan. 16.

Community leaders are being challenged to choose two or more books to read from a list of titles and include at least one picture book. After reading their chosen books, participants will pick a favorite, post about it on their own social media platforms and share their posts with the library Facebook page. Some of the responses will be printed and posted on a bulletin board at the library.

A book display of the options shows titles by well and lesser known authors and includes some award winners and picture books. All children and adults are being invited to read at least two of the same books, ask for a sticker or two at the library desk and put a dot by their favorite or favorites on a poster in the library entry.

The public will be invited to attend a Leaders are Readers Gala, a celebration of reading, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16. The event will offer snacks and hot drinks and time to mingle with community leaders and talk about the books everyone loves.

In February, Mark Bridge will entertain in a program titled “Historical Notes.” Bridge, perhaps best known as the banjo player in the popular band Unpolished, will lead participants in singing music from the 1800s and add historic notes about each song.

The Historical Notes program Thursday, Feb. 20 will be funded by Kitchigami Regional Library System through a Legacy grant made possible by the vote of the people of Minnesota Nov. 4, 2008, which dedicated funding to preserve Minnesota’s arts and cultural heritage.

A Leaders are Readers activity is underway at the Park Rapids Area Library.

Classic Chorale winter concerts coming up

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If you’re looking to get into the Christmas spirit, the Park Rapids Classic Chorale has just the musical concert for you.

“O How Beautiful the Sky,” a concert of Christmas and nature-themed music, will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 at St. Johns Lutheran

Church in Park Rapids.

The 50-voice chorale, under the direction of Dr. Melanie Hanson, opens their 30th anniversary season leading listeners on a journey of sacred and secular music. Songs include John Rutter’s “What Sweeter Music,” Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” as heard in the

movie Shrek, the old favorite “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and many others.

The concerts are open to the public with a freewill offering taken at intermission. As always, everyone is invited to join the chorale in the social hall for refreshments following the concert.

Art Beat Quarterly Regional Guide

Magical Medora Christmas show returns

Minnesotan Chad Willow joined the Magical Medora Christmas Tour in 2017 as pianist, singer and banjo player and is part of the cast who will perform in Park Rapids Dec. 19.

Santa Claus is coming to town, and so is “The Magical Medora Christmas Show.”

A Magical Medora Christmas 2019 brings an all-new, family-friendly holiday show to the Park Rapids Area High School Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19.

For the fifth year, the magic of Medora takes to the road this November and December, as five popular performers with many years of experience at Medora’s Burning Hills Amphitheater present a family-style holiday extravaganza 30 times in 23 communities, including Park Rapids.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the support for the Magical Medora Christmas.” said Producer Bill Sorensen.

“We can’t wait to bring good, old-fashioned entertainment back across the four state area.”

It was Sorensen, recently retired as host of the Medora Musical, who in 2014 created a Christmas show for Medora’s Cowboy Christmas and in 2015 acted on a dream of taking a Medora-style show on the road during the holiday season. This year, the Communication, Speech and Theater Association of North Dakota selected the show for its “Creative Artist of the Year” award.

Two new performers are joining the cast. They are Kim Willow, who spent five years as a Burning Hills singer and performed nationally in the hit “Church Basement Ladies,” and Travis Smith of Columbus, Ohio, who has performed across the country, including at the Medora Musical and Medora Gospel Brunch.

As in the past, Sorensen will host this year’s show, called “Home for Christmas.” Returning to perform with him are former Medora Musical hosts Emily Walter and Job Christenson and Chad Willow, longtime band leader at the Medora Musical.

Randy Hatzenbuhler, president of the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation (TRMF) commented, “The TRMF is grateful to have folks like Bill Sorensen and his cast mates sharing joy during the Christmas season. The show reflects everything we love about Medora and allows us to bring the spirit of Medora to communities across the region.”

Sorensen provides comedy and magic, and the others

Emily Walter, known as “The Queen of the West,” was host of the Medora Musical from 2010-2015, and for four years has hosted the Medora Gospel Brunch. She counts it as “a great thrill” to perform at Norsk Hostfest with the Medora Gospel Experience.

will highlight their musical talents. All of them have appeared as featured performers of the acclaimed Medora Musical, and they all have long resumes of entertainment experience.

Emily Walter, known as “The Queen of the West,” hosted the Medora Musical from 2010 to 2015, and for four years has hosted the popular Medora Gospel Brunch. She is one of a select group approved by the Patsy Cline Estate to portray Patsy Cline. Walter was lead vocalist in the U.S. Air Force Strategic Air Command Band and served in the “Desert Band” during Desert Shield/Storm. She now lives in Bismarck, N.D. Actor, singer, dancer and playwright Job Christenson, a native of Grand Forks, N.D., has hosted the Medora Musical and starred on Broadway in Cats, Ragtime, JCS, Joseph and Billy Elliot, among others.

“Job is one of the finest singers North Dakota has ever produced,” said Curt Wollan, long-time producer of the Medora Musical. He lives in New York while he studies for a master’s degree in playwriting and continues as artistic and development director for Sleepy Hollow Theatre and Arts Park in Bismarck, and is working on a play trilogy

about North Dakota.

Sorensen served as co-host of the Medora Musical for seven years and has been the featured speaker in the Medora Gospel Brunch for four years. Sorensen produced and appeared in the 4M Review variety show in Medora for 30 years and plans to return next summer. This is his sixth year producing and starring in the Magical Medora Christmas traveling show. Sorensen has started 16 businesses and served as mayor of Bismarck and a state representative.

Minnesotan Chad Willow joined the Magical Medora Christmas Tour in 2017 as pianist, singer and banjo player.

“As associate musical director of the show and leader of the Coal Diggers band for 12 Medora Musical seasons, I have experienced incredible adventures from my time in this little town tucked away in the North Dakota Badlands,” he says.

He produced and recorded a vocal bluegrass record, titled Scarecrow, with musicians from the Medora Musical bandstand stage.

This year, Willow’s wife, Kimberly, a Burning Hills singer from 2012 to 2016, joins the Magical Medora Christmas cast. Recently, she has played the role of Beverly in the Church Basement Ladies series in both national tours and regional theatre. When not onstage, you can find her music directing or band leading. Kim and Chad live in Minneapolis.

Also new to this year’s show is Travis Smith, composer and arranger who runs his own music production company.

Travis writes children’s shows and created a full-scale musical, “Steeple People: A Southern Gospel Comedy.” He is a multi-instrumentalist and has musically directed more than 100 professional theatre productions.

The “Home for Christmas” tour stops in 16 communities in North Dakota, four in Minnesota, two in South Dakota and one in Montana. Tickets are $30 and are available now at www.medora.com. Tickets are also available at the Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber Visitor Center.

Forum Communications, TTT Ranch, Vic and Ethelyn Uttke and the TRMF are sponsoring the tour.

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Art Beat Quarterly Regional Guide

ART RT Explorers workshops to be offered year-round This past season, the Nemeth Art Center (NAC) introduced several community engagement activities that welcomed visitors to participate in creating art right at the Art Center. Considering the overwhelming success of these innovative explorations, the NAC is planning to expand its arts programming to include a year-round arts-learning workshop series for youth, starting in January 2020.

It all started with the new AR T Explorers Corner in the NAC Community Gallery. Art supplies donated by 3M and others offered a cozy space, tucked behind the glowing red neon ART sign in the window, where kids and adults could dabble in their creativity for hours.

The 2019 resident artists, Bruce Engebretson and Luisa Fernanda Garcia-Gomez, also elevated community engagement by setting up their working studios in the galleries and inviting visitors to sit with them to create art freely and add layers to the hand-woven community tapestries.

In addition, two free youth painting workshops, led by local artist Nate Luetgers, were offered during the season, thanks to a grant from the Region 2 Arts Council.

The combination of workshop style art classes and the availability of a free and open space all season during the NAC’s open gallery hours was such a success that the NAC’s Executive Director, Nicolle LaFleur, started talking to others about the possibility of continuing youth arts learning outreach throughout the winter.

A number of partners immediately jumped on board enthusiastically. The Armory Arts and Events Center and the Park Rapids Area Library will be working with the NAC to provide space for the classes during off-season months.

The Itasca Biological Station, run by the University of Minnesota out of Itasca State Park, will offer two workshops involving both scientists and artists as part of their Big River Continuum project.

Many artists from the area and beyond have committed to leading one or more workshops throughout the year.

Nate Luetgers led two painting workshops at the Nemeth Art Center during the 2019 season, and he has agreed to come back and lead more workshops in 2020.

Nate Luetgers is on board for a couple of painting workshops. Luisa and Bruce both hope to continue their community work by offering workshops. Jill Odegaard will return to lead a workshop on paper making, and new artists will be introduced leading workshops in all sorts of mediums.

Century Middle School art teacher and Art Club leader Chris Boedigheimer will partner with the NAC both as a featured artist leading workshops, and also to work with the NAC to reach out to more youth to get them excited about art. The intention is to open these workshops to all children in our area, especially those youth who would not normally think of themselves doing art.

Stories from the AR T Explorers Corner proved a great need for this sort of youth focused, free art activities. After working with Luisa there for an afternoon, one young girl said, “I didn’t know I could do art. All the kids at school make fun of my drawings. But now, after working with Luisa and seeing what art can be, I feel I’m really good at abstract art! I want to do more of this kind of art. It doesn’t

matter what others think!”

One girl’s confidence turned around in one session because of the non-judgmental approach to arts exploration and self-expression through art. This will be the focus of every workshop.

There were also many cases where a child sat down to play in the ART Explorers Corner, and the accompanying adults would join in. No cell phones. No judgement of right or wrong. Everyone just sat and did their art project as they envisioned. The result was astounding. Suddenly, the NAC had kids that made the AR T Explorers Corner a regular place to come, whether on rainy days, hot days, or even after school before swinging home.

One mother said to the group of cousins she brought in, “Are you guys ready to go swimming? Want to finish up now?” But she was surprised at the reaction from the boys in the group, “No! We’re not done yet. Look at this cool thing I’m making!” She was so happy the kids had found another summer activity that engaged their creativity without a flat-screen attached!

The AR T Explorers Corner will return when the Nemeth Art Center opens its doors once again from May to September. The AR T Explorers Workshops will be offered monthly year-round, hopefully starting as early as January.

By mid-December, these monthly workshops will be listed on the Nemeth Art Center’s website, where students can register for the workshop of their choice.

The Nemeth Art Center is seeking support from volunteers, members, local businesses and has submitted grant applications to help cover all expenses for these workshops, hoping to offer them free to all youth who register. Follow the NAC on social media to receive alerts about these workshops and other exciting arts events offered in the community. Contact the NAC at info@ nemethartcenter.org for more information or to find out how you can support this project.

Cattail Creek Framing adds Fine Arts Gallery downtown

After two decades of “framing special things for special people,” this year Cattail Creek Framing became Cattail Creek Framing and Fine Arts Gallery. The new downtown gallery space provides a venue for local artists to showcase their work.

Over the years, owner and artist Tami Hensel searched for the right thing to complement her custom framing business. Early on she tried selling art supplies. It seemed a natural sideline to Hensel, who has painted and created art for many decades.

“I loved coming into the shop in the morning and seeing the rainbow colors of tubes of paint and stained glass. I felt rich surrounded by blank canvas, handmade papers and silk dyes. But it soon became apparent that while brushes sold well, most artists purchase the bulk of their art supplies online.”

The combination of custom framing and selling art supplies helped Hensel become acquainted with many artists in the community.

Hensel had considered a gallery in the past, and this year seemed the right time for a change.

“The first thing I did was upgrade the lighting system,” Hensel said. Then she “reached out to artists I’d met and admired over the years. I researched artist contracts and decided to structure the gallery like an artists’ co-op, with members paying a monthly membership and a small commission to guarantee we have enough to advertise and pay the bills.

“The response exceeded my expectations – by June, 12 artists signed on. They were asked to submit a photograph and biography to help interested art lovers get to know them.”

Still, only happenstance moved the owner’s own art into the spotlight: “From age seven or eight, I've always painted for myself,” said Hensel. “It just never really occurred to me to paint to sell … actually until three days

before the gallery was supposed to open! Three artists still hadn't brought their work in, and I needed to reserve spots on the walls for their work. So I hung some of my paintings up. And they sold, so now I'm a member of the gallery.”

The original gallery members include Paul Albright, sculptor; Bickey Bender, paper sculptor and painter; Liz Shaw, photographer; Gayla McElroy Orr, painter and collage artist; Ruth Ann Brady, painter; Jill Geisen Clack, painter; John Norman, lathe-turned wood pieces; and Chris Sauser, stoneware and raku.

Some artists have gone south for the winter, so the gallery is looking for new artists. Space is available for painters, but Hensel said, “I am also eager to find more three-dimensional artists,” because she has places to showcase fiber art, handwoven baskets, sculpture and pottery. Enclosed glass display cases would be ideal for jewelry as well.

Recently, she started making colorful stained glass snowflakes again.

“In the slow months of winter, I have a little time to paint or do stained glass at the shop,” said Hensel. “In fact, I'm open to teaching private classes on Tuesdays, as that’s the day I'm pretty much available to help people with whatever [project] they want to do.”

She is quick to point out that quality picture framing will always be the cornerstone of the business. As a provider of custom work, she isn’t afraid of big-box stores or online competition.

“A lot of businesses were stressed or even eventually run out of business when Walmart came to town,” she said.

“But I don’t feel threatened, because there will always be a market for quality custom framing.”

Hensel has been working in the framing business for many years, but her education includes technical illustration with a minor in commercial design and a teaching degree with an emphasis in art.

“I love what I do. I get to work with interesting people, and offer them creative ways to complement their artwork,” she said.

Hensel says frames should complement, never distract: “If you notice the frame, it is not framed right. I want to use colors that draw the eye into the work. I particularly like shadow boxes. These deep frames generally hold a collection of items, and can be used to tell a story.

“One of my favorites involved a customer’s grandmother’s folding egg beater. She brought the beater, a picture of her grandma in her apron, an old stained recipe, and I went out and found a couple of porcelain eggs.

It was the cutest shadow box!

“We often create military shadow boxes, especially during the holidays. We just finished a very complex one that includes a flag, documents, photographs, patches and a newspaper article that will be on display at the All Veterans Memorial Museum.”

The shop is easily recognized next to Pioneer Park in Downtown Park Rapids by its wrought iron window boxes and lace curtains above window displays of stoneware, paintings, sculpture and stained glass. Hensel notes that with artists constantly bringing in fresh work, the gallery always has something new and beautiful on display.

Cattail Creek Framing and Fine Arts Gallery is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The art gallery is also open during downtown events such as 2nd Street Stage, when a different artist is featured each week. This often involves live demonstrations, and always offers refreshments and a chance to meet and discuss the artist's work.

Stop in for a warming snack during the Christmas treelighting celebration, too!

Park Rapids Lakes Area Arts Council Serving the arts community since 2005 2019 PRLAAC-sponsored events:

www.prlaac.org Facebook: Park Rapids Arts

Noon Hour Concerts Art Leap 2019 The Great American Story

Medici Fund to recognize and support talented youth

PRLAAC receives support from grants from the Region 2 Arts Council made possible by the voters of Minnesota thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Art Beat Quarterly Regional Guide

Heartland Concerts resume Feb. 1

Harpist Jacqueline Kerrod and vocalist Daisy Press will entertain at the next Heartland Concert Series concert Saturday, Feb. 1.

Heartland Concert Series presents Harps & Chords at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Park Rapids Area High School Auditorium.

Please note, this is the correct date of this concert, not Feb. 18 as previously reported.

It is rare that our area has the opportunity to hear a harpist, so this is a great chance to listen to a harpist in a variety of music genres.

Harps & Chords is an emerging new duo from New York City featuring harpist Jacqueline Kerrod and vocalist Daisy Press.

Performing contemporary and popular

music from various decades, they have created a strong following for their intimate yet energetic performances.

Both Daisy and Jacki have ranging backgrounds and performance experience, having played at such venues as Brooklyn's House of Yes, Lincoln Center, Radio City Music Hall, Joe's Pub, Birdland, Carnegie Hall and many others both in the U.S.and abroad.

Their repertoire includes classic Beatles songs such as "I Love Her" and "Maybe I'm Amazed,” Elvis songs including "Can't Help Falling in Love,” Bob Dylan classics like

"Make You Feel My Love,” George Gershwin's "Summertime" and many other well-loved standards from the past and present.

Other Heartland Concert Series concert dates to add to your calendars include the Hall Sisters March 5 and Ball in the House April 28.

Heartland Concerts are funded in part by a Region 2 Arts Council grant through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature and the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, passed by Minnesota voters on Nov. 4, 2008.

Park Rapids will host one-act sub-sections in January Each year the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) hosts a competition for oneact plays. On Saturday, Jan. 25, beginning at 10 a.m., Park Rapids Area High School will host the MSHSL Sub-Section 24A one-act play competition in the high school auditorium.

This is a full day of one-act plays from six area high schools: Frazee, Laporte, Menahga, Nevis, Park Rapids and Verndale. Admission is free to the public for a theatrical event that

showcases the best performances from each school.

Each one-act play will be critiqued by a panel of judges, who will score the troupes based on the strengths and weaknesses of the actors’ physical and vocal characterizations, technical elements, educational value and the overall effectiveness of the ensemble.

One-acts must be under 35 minutes and the stage has to be set up in 10 minutes or less.

These are just a couple of the MSHSL rules that schools must adhere to or be disqualified.

Troupes that take first or second place at the sub-section level advance on to the Section 6A contest in Hawley the following Saturday, Feb. 1. Only the first-place team from the Section 6A contest will advance on to the state competition Thursday and Friday, Feb.6 and 7 at the O’Shaughnessy Auditorium at St. Catherine University in St. Paul.

Terrapin hosts art and music series Terrapin Station is hosting a third season of Terrapin Sundays, an original art and music series.

The art reception begins at 3 p.m. Music will start about 3:45 p.m. and go until about 6 p.m. with a 30-minute break between sets. Admission is $10 per event.

The schedule is as follows: • Sunday, Nov. 17 – art by Gary Wolff and Rick

Sculpture Trail may continue to expand

Mark Hall’s sculpture “Traveling Through Life with Love” was among those added to a street corner in Downtown Park Rapids in 2019. If enough entries and sculpture sponsors are received this spring, the Park Rapids Sculpture Trail will expand again in 2020. An unveiling is scheduled for Saturday, May 20 at Red Bridge Park.

Jackpine Writers’ Bloc to issue call for Vol. 29 The Jackpine Writers’ Bloc call for submissions for the next Talking Stick will be out in December. This will be the group’s 29th book.

Writers can check the website – www.jackpinewriters. com – in December for submission guidelines. The deadline for submissions will be March 1, 2020.

The Jackpine Writers’ Bloc has been publishing the Talking Stick since 1995. Started as a writer’s group hoping to have their work published, their Talking Stick has become a statewide literary journal.

JWB has also published books authored by several members. Most volumes are available for purchase on their website.

Lundsten and music by Paul Nye and Jeff Menten.

• Sunday, Feb. 23 – art by Chis Bodenheimer and music by the Fattenin’ Frogs.

• Sunday, March 29 – art by Ramona, Barry and Casimir and music by SOMJAM. Terrapin Station, a music, art and wellness centre, and the Blue Door Gallery are located at 115 Main St., Nevis. For more information, call 218-652-4091.

Peace by Piece Community Art Project

In October 2019, peace panels were installed to mask the electrical panel in Pioneer Park. The artwork represents hundreds of art tiles created as part of the Peace by Piece community art project. Beginning in the winter and continuing through spring, students and community members drew what peace means to them on 4x4-inch paperboard squares.

Their creations were mounted on panels displayed at an art show in June and in local businesses during the summer.

2019-2020 CONCERT SEASON DON’T WAIT TO BE ASKED. JOIN NOW! The Heartland Concert Association presents

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Saturday, February 1, 2020 Thursday, March 5, 2020 Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Harps & Chords Hall Sisters Ball In The House

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.heartlandconcertassociation.org This activity is funded in whole or in part by a Region 2 Arts Council Grant through an appropriation by the MN Legislature, and the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund passed by MN voters on Nov. 4, 2008

9

December 2019

How to create an ethical will The Savvy Senior

BY JIM MILLER Columnist Dear Savvy Senior, Can you write a column on ethical wills and how to make one?

The attorney that made up my will recently suggested I write one as a tool to explain the intentions of my will, as well as express my thoughts and feelings, but I don’t know where to start. – Interested Senior Dear Interested, An ethical will – also referred to as a legacy letter – can be a valuable complement to your legal will, as well as a wonderful gift to your family or other loved ones. Here’s what you should know along with some tips to help you make one.

Ethical wills Unlike a last will and testament, which tells your loved ones and the legal world what you want them to have, an ethical will – which is not a legal document – tells them what you want them to know.

With an ethical will, you can share with your loved ones your feelings, wishes, regrets, gratitude and advice, as well as explain the elements in your legal will, give information about the money and possessions you’re passing on, and anything else you want to communicate.

Usually no more than a few pages, the process of writing an ethical will can actually be quite satisfying. But be careful that you don’t contradict any aspects of your legal will or estate plan.

If you’re having trouble with the writing, there are resources available to help you, or you can express yourself through an audio or video recording.

Where to start To craft an ethical will, start by jotting down some notes about what’s really important to you and what you want your loved ones to know. Take your time, and remember that you’re not trying to write for the Pulitzer Prize. This letter is a gift of yourself written for those you love.

After you’ve gathered your thoughts you can start drafting your letter. You can also revise or rewrite it anytime you want. And for safekeeping, keep your ethical will with your other legal documents in a secure location but be sure your executor has access to it. A safe-deposit box or fireproof filing cabinet or safe in your home is a good choice.

Get help If you need some help, there are numerous resources available like CelebrationsofLife.net, which offers howto information and examples of ethical wills, along with a “Ethical Wills: Putting Your Values on Paper” book, and the Ethical Wills/Legacy Letters workbook that you can purchase for $16 and $10 respectively.

Another good resource is PersonalLegacyAdvisors.com,

a company that offers ethical will writing classes and workshops, along with personalized services like coaching, editing, writing and/or audio or video recording your ethical will. Prices will vary depending on the services you choose.

They also sell a do-it-yourself guidebook “The Wealth of Your Life: A Step-by-Step Guide for Creating Your Ethical Will,” by Susan Turnbull for $24.

You also need to know that many people choose to share their ethical will with their family and friends while they’re still living so they can enjoy their reactions, while others think it should be read after their death. It’s up to you.

Send your senior questions to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070 or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

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De ce mbe r 2 01 9

Treatment for older adults must consider the whole person Minding Our Elders CAROL BRADLEY BURSACK Columnist Dear Carol: My mom has been undergoing cancer treatment for months and her latest tests show stability which satisfies the oncologist. Unfortunately, this doctor only sees Mom’s cancer and has zero insight into her as a whole person.

Mom had early-stage dementia before treatment, but her thought process has gotten so much worse that we'd like to take her off her cancer medication for a while to see if her mind clears up. The family feels that even if this is a temporary option, she may improve enough to help us make decisions for her future. We’re also looking into hospice care, but she’s too confused to understand her options.

Your column has been helpful to me over the years, so I’m looking to you for help. – LW.

Dear LW: I’m sorry to hear that your mom is going through this. This is hard for you, too, I know, so I’m impressed with the way that you are handling a situation that will require medical trade-offs.

Unfortunately, your mom’s oncologist isn’t unusual for having tunnel vision when it comes to her health. To be fair, specialists have studied a long time to learn to help people in their field. However, while there’s progress in this area, there's still room for many specialists who don’t regularly work with older adults to learn to communicate better with geriatricians or other doctors who understand the concept of different treatment criteria for adults in your mom’s age group.

You’re right that many drugs have negative effects on cognition and that includes some cancer drugs, so stopping the drug could be an option. Input from a geriatrician would be ideal, but an internal medicine specialist who routinely works with older adults can be a good alternative. While seeing a memory specialist may also be helpful, your mom’s primary doctor should anchor her care provider team.

It’s common for older adults to need to make, or have made for them, hard but necessary choices about treatments and medications. Often, there are trade-offs, such as the one that you are considering. You mentioned hospice and

this, too, would depend on working with a doctor who can look at your mom as a whole person.

Perhaps, with the doctor’s help, you can have her taken off the drug and that may help your mom’s mind clear up enough for you to learn more about her wishes. If her thinking doesn't improve, you’ll need to do your best with what you’ve known about her beliefs in the past.

Your mom’s doctor would decide if your mom qualifies for hospice care at this time. Even if she doesn't, it’s still a good idea to contact your local hospice organization(s) to learn more about how they can help your mom when the time comes that she’s ready for their care.

The bottom line, which I believe you already understand, is to work with a doctor who considers all aspects of your mom’s health and her daily life. Together, you can determine what’s right for her.

Carol Bradley Bursack is a veteran caregiver and an established columnist. She is also a blogger, and the author of “Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories.” Bradley Bursack hosts a website supporting caregivers and elders at www. mindingourelders.com. She can be reached through the contact form on her website.

Take care of your feet Boomers on the Move

BY KARIN HAUGRUD Columnist When we’re in love, it is said that we are “swept off our feet.” When someone is nervous and doesn’t want to do something, they have “cold feet.” A sensible person is said to have “both feet on the ground.”

Although our feet can’t talk, they do communicate with us. Do you listen and take care of them? Years of wear and tear can be hard on our feet. So can disease, poor circulation, improperly trimmed toenails, and wearing shoes that don't fit properly.

Problems with our feet can be the first sign of more serious medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and nerve and circulatory disorders.

Practice good foot care. Check and examine your feet regularly or after any foot trauma, no matter how minor.

If you have trouble reaching your feet use a mirror or have a member of your family check them for you. Report any abnormalities to your physician.

To prevent dry skin from cracking, apply a water-based moisturizer after a footbath. Wear cotton or wool socks; avoid tight, elastic socks and hosiery because that may impair circulation.

Try to keep blood circulating to your feet as much as possible. Do this by elevating your feet when you are sitting or lying down, stretching if you've had to sit for a long time, walking, having a gentle foot massage or taking a warm footbath.

Don't sit for long periods of time, especially with your legs crossed. Wearing comfortable shoes that fit well can also prevent many foot ailments.

Remember to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes to protect your feet. To be sure your shoes fit properly, see a podiatrist for fitting recommendations. If you have flat feet, bunions or hammertoes, you may need special shoes or shoe inserts.

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When trimming toenails, always cut your nails with a safety clipper, never a scissors. Cut them straight across and leave plenty of room out from the nail bed or quick. If you have difficulty with your vision or using your hands, have your doctor do it for you or train a family member how to do it safely. Many senior clubs offer foot care on certain days for seniors who need help.

Contact your doctor if you ever have any significant trauma to your feet or legs. Even minor injuries can result in serious infections.

Persistent mild-to-moderate pain in your feet or legs is a sign that something is wrong.

Constant pain is never normal. Any new areas of warmth, redness, or swelling on your feet or legs are frequently early signs of infection or inflammation. Addressing them early may prevent more serious problems.

Always contact your doctor if you experience any new or constant numbness in your feet or legs. For the elderly, mobility becomes a social status of sort. Sore feet can lead to a decrease in mobility resulting in the inability to participate in regular, normal activities they enjoy. This can have negative consequences such as a loss of independency, an alteration of their life style, possibly impacting their aging process further.

This article is made possible with Older Americans Act dollars from the Land of the Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging. Call the Senior LinkAge® One Stop Shop at 800-333-2433 to speak with an information specialist, or check out our website at MinnesotaHelp. info. MinnesotaHelp.info is an online directory of services designed to help people in Minnesota find human services, information and referral, financial assistance, and other forms of help.

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December 2019

SHOP LOCAL FOR THE

HOLIDAYS A community’s local businesses often help to write the town’s history, initiate and maintain traditions and give a community its special characteristics. Keeping your holiday shopping local actually also is a big gift to your community. Here’s how.

time: Your dollars are getting you the things you need while also working to get your neighbors the things they need.

Retail Economics, shopping locally gener- You might find that the sticker price of an YOU KEEP YOUR ates 70 percent more local economic activi- item at a local business is a little higher at MONEY LOCAL ty per square foot than shopping at big box times, but before you hesitate, remember This is simple math: When you spend stores. that you dollar is working harder, too. money locally, it stays local. It pays local workers, who send their children to local YOU SUPPORT YOU SUPPORT schools and pay mortgages on homes in LOCAL FAMILIES LOCAL ARTISANS the community.

By shopping locally, you support famMany locally owned businesses strive Every American worker also pays taxes on money earned in the United ilies in your community. Remember, small to support local artisans by displaying and States, which is then used to fund edu- businesses are run by - and employ - your selling their wares. When you purchase cation, agriculture, social programs and neighbors. In fact, 67 percent of jobs in the these items, you are communicating with United States come from small businesses, the business owner that you appreciate business.

This circulation of money is crucial according to the U.S. Chamber of Com- these items - ensuring a continued relationship between the business owner and to a community’s success. In fact, ac- merce.

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De ce mbe r 2 01 9

Make the most of the holidays with memory care The Family Circle LAUREL HED Columnist This time of year is usually joyful and filled with expectations. Holidays can also be stressful for both caregivers and those living with dementia. They will often feel a sense of loss of what was and never will be again.

Since the caregivers have the “healthy brain,” it is up to them to make the adjustments and modifications according to the needs of their loved one.

Avoid blinking lights and real candles. Play their favorite music, keep celebrations quiet and relaxed, plan gatherings at the best time of day for them, stick to daily routines and keep outings brief.

If your loved one lives in a facility, consider holding a small family gathering there. Familiar surroundings are so important.

It is helpful to visit with family and friends ahead of time regarding any changes. Give them some tips on what may work well during their visit and what changes have taken place with your loved one.

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Think about making new traditions with your loved one, and encourage family to be a part as well. Whether your loved one still lives with you or is in a care setting, include them in things that they remember.

Writing Christmas cards together with senior loved ones can become a multi-generational holiday tradition. always so proud when we finish and have a nice little stack of cards ready to be mailed.

more in the end for both you and your loved one – less stress and more time to make new memories.

My mother has Alzheimer’s and is no longer able to send out greeting cards on her own, but we will spend an afternoon going through her address book. I write in the name and address and have Mom sign her name. She is

Don’t forget to take time for you as the caregiver. If your loved one lives with you, be sure to seek some respite time to be on your own spa day, shopping or take a nap. Be OK asking for help, and be OK with doing less, which will create

Laurel Hed is a licensed social worker and geriatric care manager for the elder law attorneys of Thomason Swanson and Zahn Law Firm.

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