Generations _ December 2018

December 2018

The Itascatur Outdoor Activity Club encourages people of all ages to explore fun, familyfriendly sports like crosscountry skiing and snowshoeing.

(Submitted photos)

"The Bluebird of Happiness" is noted for its bright plumage and cheerful song. Bluebird houses that are properly placed are one key to helping their population grow and flourish.

Itascatur Outdoor Activity Club boosts family-friendly fun Club maintains Soaring Eagles Cross-Country Ski Trails

By Shannon Geisen sgeisen@parkrapidsenterprise.com

Open houses take place every Sunday through January and February, weather and snow conditions permitting. Cancellations due to inclement weather are posted on Itascatur’s Facebook page.

Founding member and club treasurer Maurice Spangler said the Itascatur Outdoor Activity Club formally incorporated in 1979 as a nonprofit, with the goal of promoting the sport of cross-country skiing in the Park Rapids area.

“We incorporated in ’79, but the club was developing trails probably a few years before that,” he said.

From about 1979 to 1981, the club maintained 13 kilometers of groomed ski trails called the Long Pine Trail, located on County 6 on Potlatch land. The club ran cross-country ski races several years as well, Spangler recalled.

“Those were the years it was really cold. We were skiing in 30

Itascatur Outdoor Activity Club welcomes beginning or experienced cross-country skiers to their 10 kilometers of marked and groomed trails through snow-laden balsam, pines and spruce.

During its open houses in January and Soaring Eagle Cross-Country Ski February, the club's ski equipment may be Trails are located at 2467 U.S. Hwy. checked out free of charge. There are skis, 71, eight miles north of Park Rapids boots and poles for adults or children. fun, and across from the Eagle View Golf family-friendly sports like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Course.

Visitor may bring their own skis or check out Itascatur’s ski equipment at no cost. below,” he said.

When Potlatch decided to log the parcel, the club They have both adult- and children-sized skis, boots and poles. The club purchased equipment and some moved its trails to Kare Lid’s property, about 14 miles north of Park Rapids property. Lid was an Itascatur was donated by 3M Wonewok.

They also have experienced skiers to help begin- member at the time. Due to a ravine, these trails were ners get started in the sport – and serve a cup of hot ITASCATUR: Page 3 cocoa to warm up.

Art Beat Quarterly Regional Guide

Inside this issue...

2 Benefits of Health Savings Accounts and Medicare's dental plan 4 Don't let holidays make life changes more difficult 5 Art Beat 8 S teps to take when concerned about elderly driver

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Benefits of Health Savings Accounts and Medicare’s dental plan if you need dental care in order for another health service that Medicare covers to be successful. For example, if you have cancer and need dental services that are necessary for radiation treatment, or if you need surgery to treat fractures of the jaw or face, Medicare will pay for these dental services.

Although Medicare’s coverage of dental services is limited, there are other ways you can get coverage and care affordably. Here are several to check into: Consider a Medicare Advantage plan. While dental services are mostly excluded under original Medicare, some Medicare Advantage plans do provide coverage for routine dental care. If you are considering joining a Medicare Advantage plan, find out what dental services, if any, it covers. Also, remember to make sure any Medicare Advantage plan you’re considering covers the doctors and hospitals you prefer to use and the medications you take at a cost you can afford. See Medicare.gov/find-a-plan or call 800-633-4227 to research plans in your area.

Purchase dental insurance. If you have frequent gum problems and need extensive dental care, a dental insurance plan may be worth the costs versus paying for care yourself. Expect to pay monthly premiums of $15 to $40 or more for insurance. To find dental plans in your state, go to NADP.org and use the “find a dental plan” tool. Then review a specific plan’s website.

Consider dental savings plans. While savings plans aren’t as comprehensive as insurance, they’re a good option for those who can’t get covered. How this works is you pay an annual membership fee – around $80 to $200 a year – in exchange for 10 to 60 percent discounts on service and treatments from participating dentists. To find a savings plan, go to DentalPlans.com (or 888-632-5353) where you can search for plans and participating dentists, as well as get a breakdown of the discounts offered.

Check veterans’ benefits. If you’re a veteran enrolled in the VA health care program or are a beneficiary of the Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPVA), the VA offers a dental insurance program that gives you the option to buy dental insurance through Delta Dental and MetLife at a reduced cost. The VA also provides free dental care to vets who have dental problems resulting from service. To learn more about these options, visit VA.gov/dental or call 877-222-8387.

Shop around. FairHealthConsumer.org and HealthcareBlueBook.com lets you look up the cost of different dental procedures in your area, so you can comparison shop – or ask your regular dentist for a discount.

Try community health centers or dental schools.

There are many health centers and clinics that provide low-cost dental care to those in need. And all university dental schools and college dental hygiene programs offer dental care and cleanings for less than half of what you would pay at a dentist’s office.

Students who are supervised by their professors provide the care. See ToothWisdom.org to search for a center, clinic or school near you.

The Savvy Senior

BY JIM MILLER Columnist Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about health savings accounts?

I’ve been reading that they are a great investment that can help with growing health care costs when I retire. ~ Planning Ahead Dear Planning, It’s true! A health savings account is a fantastic financial tool that can help you build up a tax-free stash of money for medical expenses now and after you retire – but there’s a catch. To get one, you must have a high-deductible health insurance policy.

time limit for withdrawing the money tax-free for eligible medical expenses you incurred anytime after you opened the account.

But be aware that if you do use your HSA funds for non-medical expenses, you’ll be required to pay taxes on the withdrawal, plus a 20 percent penalty.

How they work The penalty, however, is waived for those 65 and Health savings accounts (HSAs) have become older, but you’ll still pay ordinary income tax on increasingly popular over the past few years as health withdraws not used for eligible expenses. care costs continue to skyrocket, and because more and more Americans have gotten high-deductible How to open a HSA You should first check with your employer to see health plans.

The benefit of a HSA is the triple tax advantage that if they offer a HSA, and if they will contribute to it. it offers: Your HSA contributions can be deducted If not, you can open an HSA through many banks, pre-tax from your paycheck, lowering your taxable brokerage firms and other financial institutions, as income; the money in the account grows tax-free; long as you have a qualified high-deductible health and if you use the money for eligible medical expens- insurance policy.

If you plan to keep the money growing for the es, withdrawals are tax-free. future, look for an HSA administrator that offers a And if you change jobs, the HSA moves with you.

To qualify, you must have a health insurance policy portfolio of mutual funds for long-term investing with a deductible of at least $1,350 for an individual and has low fees. HealthEquity, OptumBank, and the HSA Authority and Bank of America are the or $2,700 for a family.

This year (2018), you can contribute up to $3,450 top ranked HSA providers for long-term investing, if you have single health insurance coverage, or up according to the investment research firm Morningto $6,900 for family coverage. Next year (2019), you star. To search for providers, visit HSAsearch.com.

After setting up your HSA plan, adding money is can contribute slightly more – up to $3,500 for single coverage or up to $7,000 for family coverage. And pretty straightforward. Most plans let you do online people age 55 and older can put away an extra $1,000 transfers from your bank, send checks directly, or set each year. But you cannot make contributions after up a payroll deduction if offered by your employer.

And to access your HSA funds many plans provide a you sign up for Medicare.

The money can be used for out-of-pocket medi- debit card, some offer a checkbook and most allow for cal expenses, including deductibles, co-payments, reimbursement.

Medicare premiums, prescription drugs, vision and Dear Savvy Senior, dental care and other expenses (see IRS.gov/pub/irsI will turn 65 in a few months and will be enrolling in pdf/p502.pdf, page 5, for a complete list) either now or when you retire for yourself and your spouse as Medicare, but I am concerned about Medicare’s coverage of dental care. Does Medicare cover dental procedures? well as your tax dependents.

And unlike a flexible spending account, an HSA And if not, where can I get dental coverage? ~ Almost 65 doesn’t require you to use the money by the end of the year. Rather, HSA funds roll over year to year and Dear Almost, continue to grow tax-free in your HSA account for Medicare’s coverage of dental care is extremely later use. In fact, you’ll get a bigger tax benefit if you use other cash for current medical expenses and keep limited. It will not cover routine dental care including the HSA money growing for the long term. Be sure to checkups, cleanings, or fillings, and it won’t pay for Send your senior questions to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, hold on to your receipts for medical expenses after dentures either.

Medicare will, however, cover some dental services Okla. 73070 or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to you open your HSA, even if you pay those bills with the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. cash, so you can claim the expenses later. There’s no if they are required to protect your general health, or

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December 2018 ITASCATUR From Page 3

too challenging for beginners, Spangler said.

“Around 1991, the DNR Forestry approached us about school forest land north of town and to consider putting a trail on that,” Spangler said. “We saw this land, scouted it out. Soaring Eagle was just perfect.”

Itascatur built the ski trails, plus a warming house, parking lot, outdoor toilet facility and storage shed.

Using a snowmobile and state-of-the-art grooming equipment, they maintain and improve the ski trails for public enjoyment. All trails are groomed for classical and skate skiing. Soaring Eagle is a Minnesota grant-in-aid trail system. The club receives about $3,300 annually in state funds.

The open houses have been enormously successful, said member Renee Brauer.

The club’s ski equipment is checked out free of charge by youth or adult groups interested in a fun, outdoor winter activity. Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Kinship, DAC clients, church youth groups and other organizations have attended.

“It’s so fun to see those kids out there,” she said.

“One Sunday, a couple years ago, we had a couple Sundays we couldn’t have it. The next Sunday was nice: 70 people! I had to give my skis away because we ran out of skis. That was so fun.”

A Minnesota Ski Pass is required for those 16 years old and over. Available from the Minnesota DNR, the rates are $6 daily, $20 for a one-year pass or $55 for a three years.

Over the years, Soaring Eagle Trails has attracted local skiers as well as those from the Twin Cities, Fargo-Moorhead and Bemidji.

“Our Soaring Eagle groomers are immaculate. Perfect grooming,” Spangler said.

Brauer has been told it’s the best skiing in the state. “We have people from all over that tell us that. They come distances for that, and our warming house is a real asset,” she said.

Last year, Itascatur added a snowshoeing trail.

“Sometimes, I think, as people age and get a little fearful of the hills, they could go to snowshoes because they are stable,” said Barb Jauquet-Kalinoski, the club’s secretary.

“And if it’s not great snow conditions for skiing, you can still snowshoe,” Brauer agreed.

A love of skiing

Spangler grew up in Nebraska, so he said he didn’t learn how to ski until his medical internship in Duluth. Fellow interns introduced Spangler and his wife, Carolyn, to the sport.

“I fell in love with skiing in Duluth,” Spangler said.

When they moved to Park Rapids, there were no ski trails.

“We skied on Fish Hook Lake, upon whose shore we lived, on the Headwaters Golf Course and in Itasca State Park, where there were groomed trails,” he said.

Brauer was a downhill skier in high school. While living in Apple Valley, she and husband Kevin pulled their kids in sleds while cross-country skiing on local trails. Moves to Atlanta and Kansas City curtailed the Brauers’ skiing opportunities.

“As far as groomed trails and tracking, it didn’t

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trails.

The club used to organize a 13-mile race, the Fish Hook Half-Marathon, each summer. There is a need for a new event coordinator, Spangler said.

In 2002, Itascatur took over management of the annual Headwaters 100 Bike Ride, held each September.

“The money we make off the Headwaters 100 maintains our trails, keeps our snowmobiles running, pays the heat for the warming house. We purchase skis with that money,” Brauer said.

“The bike ride is our main fundraiser,” agreed Spangler.

The club has used proceeds from the Headwaters 100 to purchase youth bike helmets to distribute at the Minnesota Bike Opener, held annually in Park Rapids; purchase 30 cross-country skis for the Century School’s physical education classes, community education and after-school programs; purchase bike racks around the community; and donate to the Nevis track team for their work at the food stop.

Those interested in joining should visit itascatur. org. An annual meeting is held in January. Donations are also welcome.

The Silent Thief of Sight

Glaucoma offers no warning, symptoms or cure It can come with no warning and no noticeable symptoms.

It is the second most common cause of blindness in the United States. “It” is glaucoma, the silent thief of sight.

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January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month and we encourage all people, especially those at higher risk for this disease, to familiarize themselves with the potential symptoms and need for regular eye examinations. A regular eye examination is especially critical since a person with early-stage glaucoma may not notice any symptoms at all.

While the early-stage symptoms may not be noticeable, a person with more advanced glaucoma may notice blurred vision, the presence of halos around lights, loss of peripheral vision and difficulty focusing on objects.

Glaucoma affects an estimated four million Americans.

Some people are more at risk than others.

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happen until we retired back here,” she said.

Jauquet-Kalinoski grew up in Upper Michigan.

When her brother returned from the Vietnam War, he purchased land and a cabin in the woods. “So I would just go out there and cross-country ski, in my 20s, every single weekend because I loved to break trails.

I could – you know, young and strong. And I loved being able to see what you could see on cross-country skis,” she said.

Jauquet-Kalinoski finds charm in nature, bird song.

“Just the squeak of the skiis,” Brauer added.

As membership and interests grew, the club changed its name from Itasca Run Bike Ski Club to its present-day moniker. “Tur” is Nordic for “races,” Spangler explained. Club goals expanded to “promoting physically healthy, non-motorized outdoor recreational activity in the Hubbard County area.”

Itascatur currently boasts about 75 members, all agreeing to volunteer five hours per year on club projects.

Soaring Eagle Trails are mowed in the midsummer.

In the fall, members clear fallen trees and limbs and cut back the raspberry bushes that encroach on the

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Itascatur Outdoor Activity Club members constructed the warming house in 1998, according to Renee Brauer. (Submitted photos)

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Don’t let holidays make life changes more difficult Minding Our Elders CAROL BRADLEY BURSACK Columnist Dear Carol: Nine months ago, my 63-year-old husband was happy and active and we were both looking forward to his retirement. Then he had a massive stroke, and our lives were permanently changed. I’m very grateful to have him at all, so I don’t want to be misunderstood. It’s just that I’m struggling. We’ve had to hire help for his care because therapy hasn’t been that effective and this expense is draining our savings. Our children want to help, but they don’t live that close to us so their ongoing help is impractical. Our faith tells us to be grateful for life, which, of course, I am. I’m also grateful and somewhat humiliated to find that my husband is doing better emotionally than I am, but the holidays are approaching and I’m still angry. We aren’t and won’t be homeless, we have plenty

to eat and we don’t owe money, so I feel guilty that I can’t find more gratitude. How do I get beyond this anger and bitterness and find gratitude?

— NM Dear NM: I’m so very sorry about what’s happened to your husband, and to you by extension. You are grieving not only what happened to your husband’s health, but also your retirement dreams. Guilt is an unnecessary burden since you wouldn’t be human if you weren’t going through these normal feelings.

Nine months may seem long, but it’s a relatively short time to adjust to your daily losses as well as your changed future.

Your writing, however, indicates to me a willingness to find acceptance and to work through your emotions so that you can find that peace we all crave.

I’m glad of that because acceptance of life as it is seems to be the only way to get there.

As you know, acceptance doesn’t mean that you like the turn your lives have taken. It simply means that you recognize that this is your life now and accept that as fact. This acceptance may enable you to become more willing to work through your current feelings so that you can make emotional progress.

Definitely use your church family for support, but consider seeing a qualified counselor as well. You haven’t mentioned how your husband is doing emotionally, but he must also be struggling. He could even be covering up times of despair, so you may want to suggest counseling for him, as well.

As for the holidays, remember that unrealistic expectations can often make our situations worse, so try not to fall victim to a subconscious expectation that this year’s holiday season should sparkle. You’ll do well if you can just move through it, doing what you feel like doing and letting the rest go.

You and your husband don’t owe anyone what you can’t emotionally give. Gratitude for the good things that you have will likely come as your work toward adjusting to your new normal, but that will be a gradual process. Best wishes to you both for some future joy.

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 at carolbradleybursack@mindingourelders.com.

Happy Holidays?

How to get through grief during a happy time of year

By Emma Vatnsdal Forum News Service

“I thought I was going crazy with things that would happen,” Toot recalls. “I thought I was going nuts! But other people would have the same things happen, too.”

The holidays are a time of joy and laughter, sparkle and glitter, giving thanks, sharing and gift-giving.

However, for people who are grieving the loss of a loved one, the first Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan or Kwanzaa can be the hardest.

Watching others feel thankful and celebrate can bring about memories from past holidays and, with good memories, an intense feeling of loss.

Holidays can force people to realize how much their lives have been changed by a loved one no longer being around — especially in the first year, when many traditions are uprooted and have to change.

How can someone make it through what is usually one of the happiest times of the year, when it feels like their world is upside-down?

Sometimes, the answer to that question is more about learning you’re not alone than fixing it.

Toot

Holiday grief

Gerald "Toot" Gregor stands with his late wife, Dee, who was cared

When his wife, Dee, was diagnosed with stage 4 for by Hospice of the Red River Valley. Toot later attended grief supcancer in July 2012, Gerald “Toot” Gregor turned to port groups and classes to understand and find support after his wife Hospice of the Red River Valley to help with her care. died. (Photo courtesy of Gerald "Toot" Gregor) With four hospice workers on her care team, the “I think I’ve gone to just about everything they retired librarian was able to stay home for the last few months of her life — even making it to Mass have,” he says.

Helpful hints – like reworking a will – were shared, each week until the Sunday before she died.

Not only did Hospice of the Red River Valley care as well as the knowledge that he was not alone in his for Dee during the last few months of life, the orga- experiences and feelings. nization also provided support and care for Toot.

After Dee’s passing, Toot began attending grief support groups offered by the organization.

Suffering the loss of a loved one is difficult any time of the year, but the holiday season can intensify feelings of loss. Grief is about loss and healing.

To help cope with these feelings, Hospice of the Red River Valley offers guidelines to help break down the holidays to make them more manageable.

Considering what may be expected – both socially and mentally – can help bereaved individuals plan ahead for any challenges they may face during the holidays. Lowering expectations to accommodate current needs can help take some of the urgency out of additional demands on time and energy. Making changes and altering holiday plans can help as well, even if changing means altering locations at Thanksgiving or foregoing presents around Christmas.

“Holidays are supposed to be a time of happiness — or so the world thinks,” says Kriston Wenzel, a bereavement specialist with Hospice of the Red River Valley. “The reality is there is a lot of sadness in the world. If we can acknowledge that and let people know that it’s OK to not feel 100 percent happy about the holidays, or we can give them options about ways to change up holidays so it’s not overwhelming, that’s what we are here for.”

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Art Beat Quarterly Regional Guide

This year’s show, featuring five popular performers with many years of experience at Medora’s Burning Hills Amphitheater, will include 31 performances at 24 communities in North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana and Minnesota.

Magical Medora Christmas show returns to Park Rapids “It’s a Gift” is the theme as the magic of Medora takes to the road for a fourth holiday travelling show with six new stops in its four-state itinerary.

The show comes to Park Rapids at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13 at the Park Rapids Area High School auditorium.

“The popularity of this show demonstrates people in the upper Midwest still thirst for good, old-fashioned, family-style entertainment,” said Bill Sorensen, host of the Medora Musical, who five years ago hatched the idea of taking Medora-style performances on the road during the holiday season.

In addition to Sorensen, “It’s a Gift” will feature former Medora Musical hosts Emily Walter and Job Christenson, yodeler extraordinaire Jared Mason, and Chad Willow, longtime band leader at the Medora Musical.

“The Magical Medora Christmas show is an extension of Medora’s allure,” said Randy Hatzenbuhler, president of the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation. “We thought it would be a one-year thing, but people so enjoyed it that there are more communities asking for the show than we can get to.”

The show will feature the musical talents of Mason, Walter, Christenson and Willow, and the comedy and magic talents of Sorensen. All five have appeared as featured performers of the acclaimed Medora Musical, and they all have long resumes of entertainment experience. Among other things, Christianson and Mason have both appeared in shows on Broadway.

Walter, known as “The Queen of the West,” was host of the Medora Musical from 2010 to 2015 and for three 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, and will soon be featured in “Always Patsy Cline” at the New River Valley Regional Theater in Pulaski, Va. Walter was the lead vocalist in the U.S. Air Force Strategic Air Command Band and served in the “Desert Band” during Desert Shield/Storm. She has worked with such

Performers in the show include, from left, Chad Willow, Emily Walter and Jared Mason.

stars as Bob Hope, Lee Greenwood and John Denver. She counts it as “a great thrill” to perform at Norsk Hostfest with the Medora Gospel Experience, and in February she’ll resume the tribute show “We’ve Only Just Begun – Songs of the Carpenters,” in Mesa, Ariz. Walter also spent several years as a featured vocalist performing on cruise ships all over the world, and doing jingle/commercial work.

Mason says he is grateful for nine “glorious” seasons as a performer in Medora. Had it not been for his experiences in North Dakota, he would not have landed a part in the international percussion sensation STOMP. He also credits his Medora experience for leading to the roles of Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins on Broadway in the Tony Award-winning “Million Dollar Quartet". In addition, his Album of the Year winner at the Los Angeles Music Awards features songs that were composed in the North Dakota Badlands.

Mason lives with his wife and three sons in Nashville, where he has several musical projects in the works.

Actor, singer, dancer and playwright Christenson, a native of Grand Forks, N.D., has hosted the Medora Musical and starred on Broadway.

“Job is one of the finest singers North Dakota has ever produced,” said Curt Wollan, longtime producer of the Medora Musical. “He has an incredible soaring tenor voice.”

Christenson performed as an actor in Cats, Ragtime, JCS, Joseph and Billy Elliot, among others. He did numerous benefits and voice overs in New York, then worked in Chicago doing productions at Marriott Lincolnshire and Chicago Shakespeare. For six years, he was artistic director of the North Dakota Ballet Company and Apprentice School and Crimson Creek Players. He lives in New York and is studying for a master’s degree in playwriting. He 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 has served as co-host of the Medora Musical for five years, and for three years, he has been the featured speaker in the Medora Gospel Brunch. Sorensen produced and appeared in the 4M Review variety show in Medora for 30 years. This is his fourth year producing and starring in the Magical Medora Christmas shows. As a magician, juggler and public speaker he has performed over 5,000 shows nationwide. Sorensen served in the ND House of Representatives and as mayor of Bismarck.

A Minnesotan, 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 entitled Scarecrow, with musicians from the Medora Musical bandstand stage.

This year, the Magical Medora Christmas tour stops in 15 communities in North Dakota, one in Montana, six in Minnesota and two in South Dakota. Tickets for all shows are $30 and are available now at www.medora.com and at the Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber.

Forum Communications and the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation are sponsoring the tour.

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Art Beat Quarterly Regional Guide

Classic Chorale Christmas Concert will be performed Nov. 30 and Dec. 2 The Park Rapids Classic Chorale will present its annual Christmas Concert, “The Nativity,” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2 at St. Johns Lutheran Church.

Performing with the chorale this year is the St. Johns Children’s Choir, under the direction of Sarah Kaufenberg. The chorale is directed by Dr. Melanie Hanson, with Cheryl Steinborn accompanying both choirs.

The program will feature familiar Christmas carols, including “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “Silent Night, Holy Night,” with audience participation and special narration as the Christmas story unfolds and the children’s choir forms a living nativity. The chorale will perform a special rendition of “O, Come All Ye Faithful” as well as “Wexford Carol,” “Carol of the Magi” and “African Noel.”

Soloists will include flutists Jennie Anderson and Donna Neumann, cellist Duane Gebhard, and vocalists Matthew Hanson and Aaron Kjenaas. Pastor Krehl Stringer, an ordained Lutheran minister, wrote and will read the narration.

The concert is free to all, but a freewill offering will be taken during intermission. Everyone is invited to join chorale members for refreshments following the concert.

This year’s Park Rapids Classic Chorale Christmas Concert theme is "The Nativity." The Chorale’s Christmas and spring concerts are performed at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Park Rapids. (Enterprise file photo)

Three concerts remain in Heartland Concert series

The Heartland Concert Association season is in full swing and has enjoyed music by the “Jersey Tenors” and the entertaining show of magic, ventriloquism and a talking dog with Todd Oliver and friends.

If you haven’t secured your membership, it’s not too late. There are three shows remaining for the 2018-19 concert series. You will not want to miss “Tapestry: The Carol King Songbook” on Saturday, Feb. 23; The Lysander Piano Trio on Tuesday, March 12; and “Brassfire” with Jens Lindemann on Sunday, April 14. All performances are held at the Park Rapids High School auditorium at 7 p.m.

The Heartland Concert Association provides quality musical entertainment to the Park Rapids area and surrounding communities. This association also brings outreach programs to youth in our schools by the artists who come to our stage.

Students at Century Elementary School enjoyed Todd Oliver and his friends Nov. 2. The students laughed at the

NOVEMBER Nov. 18 Park Rapids Area Community Band Fall Concert Nov. 30 Park Rapids Classic Chorale Concert DECEMBER Dec. 2 Park Rapids Classic Chorale Concert Dec. 7&8 Park Rapids Area High School Winter Play: Treasure Island Dec. 9 Terrapin Sundays: Original art and music series Dec. 13 A Magical Medora Christmas

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JANUARY Jan. 13 Terrapin Sundays: Original art and music series

“suitcase family” and Irving the talking dog while they learned that a hobby can become a profession. The teachers were impressed with how Mr. Oliver could get 600 first through fifth grade students to leave the auditorium in complete silence.

The Lysander Trio will give the next outreach program to either the middle- or senior high-aged students.

For more information about the upcoming concerts, including artist information and concert series membership, visit the Heartland Concert Association website at www.heartlandconcertassociation.org.

Suzanne Davis recreates the sound and vibe of a 1970s Carole King concert experience following the music of her classic album "Tapestry." Audience members will be transported back to the iconic image of her record breaking, multi-million selling album of 1971, recreating an accurate musical presentation of Carole’s piano and vocals, just as they were.

ARTS CALENDAR Jan. 21

Century Middle School Band Concert

FEBRUARY Feb. 4 Park Rapids Area High School Band Concert Feb. 10 Terrapin Sundays: Original art and music series Feb. 23 Heartland Concert Association: Tapestry - The Carole King Songbook

March 12 Heartland Concert Association: Lysander Piano Trio March 22 Minnesota State Band Concert March 29 Red Bridge Park Sculpture Trail submission deadline APRIL April 14 Terrapin Sunday: Original art and music series April 14 Heartland Concert Association: Brassfire

MARCH March 1 Deadline for submissions for Talking Stick #28 March 10 Terrapin Sundays: Original art and music series

MAY May 3 Park Rapids Classic Chorale Concert 7:30 p.m. at St. Johns Lutheran Church May 5 Park Rapids Classic Chorale Concert 3 p.m. at St. Johns Lutheran Church

Art Beat Quarterly Regional Guide

Terrapin hosts monthly art and music series Terrapin Station is hosting a second 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, Dec. 9: Music by “The Brothers Burn Mountain,” The Brothers Burn Mountain will play at Terrapin Station Sunday, Dec. 9. art by Jenny Meyer and Debbie Center  Sunday, Jan. 13: Music by “Calamity and the Owl” and art by Jane Swenson and Pat Abraham  Sunday, Feb. 10: Music by “The Wicked Bees” and art

by Paul Albright  Sunday, March 10: Music by “Jacob Mahon and the Salty Dogs” and art by Dawn Rossbach  Sunday, April 14: Music by Michael Rendahl and Tate McLane and art by Nate Luetgers.

Terrapin Station, a music, art and wellness centre, and the Blue Door Gallery are located at 115 Main Street, Nevis. For more information, call 218-652-4091.

Leveraging creativity and creative capital in Hubbard County Laura Grisamore ArtsLab Participant

Hubbard County was deemed “Small But Mighty,” in the 2017 Hubbard County Creative Minnesota (MN) report released last January by Minnesota Citizens for the Arts. The report boasted a $1.6 million annual economic impact from artists, audiences, arts and culture organizations in the county.

At the time of the Creative MN economic report release, a group of six community members representing Park Rapids had participated in the 2017-18 Arts Lab Minnesota Cohorts, a core Arts Midwest program in partnership with Minnesota Citizens for the Arts. The Park Rapids group was one of 13 Minnesota communities participating in the program, “Leveraging Creativity in Community,” presented in a series of four, intensive weekend retreats. Participating groups were the impetus of their counties’ Creative MN report and release.

A common thread throughout the Arts Lab program was “creative placemaking.” The groups explored key questions relating to the relevancy and importance in the presence, access and engagement of creative expression and culture, how it tells their area stories, brings people together, and helps build vibrant communities. Groups also explored the importance of bridging communications among the arts and cultural sectors,

local government and other community organizations.

The Park Rapids Arts Lab group reports it has started conversations with other groups in the community, and this winter, will be taking inventory of arts and culture organizations in the Heartland Lakes area to help create resources and better accessibility to the arts for the community and its visitors.

The group also will focus on promoting creative partnerships and community engagement to help sustain the existing creative capital and ensure the continued economic growth and impact of the arts in Hubbard County.

The Park Rapids Arts Lab group invites individuals and organizations to further explore, discuss and exchange ideas on the topics discussed above. Keep an eye out for meeting dates, and if you have questions, contact Paul Dove at pd5@evansville.edu or Pat Dove at patriciaadove@gmail.com.

If you are interested in participating, or would like to be listed in the inventory of artists, and arts and culture organizations, please contact the Park Rapids Lakes Area Arts Council through their website at http://www.prlaac.org/pages/contact.php.

The Hubbard County Creative MN Report can be accessed on at https://www.creativemn.org.

For more information about Art Labs go to https://www.artsmidwest.org/programs/artslab.

A little more than 120 years after the Minnesota State Band was started, they will play a concert in Park Rapids in March. State employees, who wanted to do something for fun, started the band in 1898.

At the time, plenty of other states had official bands; in fact, they were often an important part of official ceremonies and dedications. On June 26, 1898, the Minnesota State Band played its first two concerts at Como Park in Minneapolis. More than 5,000 people showed up for the shows, which had marches, trumpet solos and dance music.

Minnesota State Band will give concert here

The Minnesota State Band will perform a concert at 7 p.m. Friday, March 22 at the Park Rapids Area High School auditorium.

The music for this concert will include pieces by Minnesota composers, repertoire featuring band members as soloists and classic band literature. The band’s concerts are always free, but anyone can join the ranks of their esteemed Associate Band Members by donating any amount. A very reasonable amount will procure one of their eminently-collectable stuffed animals.

The Park Rapids Lakes Area Arts Council is sponsoring

the event which will include a program for band students.

The Minnesota State Band is the official band of the State of Minnesota. Founded in 1898, the 60-piece concert band is the only remaining state band in the nation.

The band’s goal is to contribute positively to the development of music in Minnesota and to affirm and continue the strong Minnesota band heritage in quality music.

The band performs a diverse repertoire – from famous marches and classical selections to music for special occasions and wind ensemble compositions written

for today’s concert band.

This concert will be funded by a grant from the Legacy funds, which are controlled by the state legislature. The band was awarded $25,000 per year for the purposes of promoting and increasing public performances across Minnesota.

For more information about the band, including history, news and upcoming events, please visit www.minnesotastateband.org.

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.

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Park Rapids Lakes Area Arts Council Serving the arts community since 2005

Art Beat Quarterly Regional Guide

Sculpture Trail entries will be invited in 2019

The City of Park Rapids and Park Rapids Arts and Culture Commission will be accepting entries for the Red Bridge Park Sculpture Trail again next spring.

Entry forms will be posted March 1 with an entry deadline March 31. Sculptures now in place will be removed by May 31 and a dedication and guided walk of the new installations is planned June 15. Artists receive a $350 honorarium during installation and $150 during sculpture removal.

Sponsors for each of six new sculptures also will be sought and are recognized with signage and in a brochure.

The Sculpture Trail project was initiated last spring and regarded as a successful public art display in a beautiful setting on the Fish Hook River. The Arts and Culture Commission’s intent is to change the sculptures annually to expose park visitors to new works.

Thousands of park and trail users visit Red Bridge Park every year to use the paved, pedestrian-friendly trail or to relax on lunch break or at other times of the day. The park is the trailhead for the Heartland State Trail which is used year round for walking, running, biking, rollerblading, snowmobiling and other recreational activities. Red Bridge Park is located near Downtown Park Rapids and visitors can access the park from Fish Hook River and nearby Heartland Park.

The 2019 entry form with more details will be available to be downloaded at http://www.prlaac.org/pages/sculpture-trail/sculpture-trail.php.

The project meets three goals and objectives of the city’s Arts and Culture Plan:  promoting the creation and inclusion of art in public spaces, making it accessible to all;  making the city a regional destination for unique arts and cultural experiences. It can be expected that art in an unexpected location will convey to park visitors and trail users that Park Rapids has much to offer as an arts community;  adding an element of creative placemaking as an approach to improving quality of life and economic opportunity.

In 2018, the project was 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.

Funding also was received from the Park Rapids Community Fund.

The Red Bridge Park Sculpture Trail will be refreshed in 2019 with entries and sponsors invited for all six locations.

PRLAAC invites response to community survey

Jackpine Writers’ Bloc will issue call for ’Talking Stick’

The Park Rapids Lakes Area Arts Council invites your participation in a community survey to help us better inform you about arts events in Park Rapids and neighboring communities and assess arts events and activities currently available.

The survey can be accessed on our website – www.prlaac.org – or on Facebook at Park Rapids Arts. Paper copies also are available at Beagle and Wolf Books & Bindery, the Park Rapids Area should take less than five minutes to fill Library, Park Rapids Community Educa- out. Surveys need to be completed by tion office and Chamber Visitor Center.

Friday, Dec. 14.

The survey has seven questions and

The Jackpine Writers’ Bloc (JWB) call for submissions for the next “Talking Stick” will be out in December. This will be the group’s 28th volume.

Writers can check the website – www.jackpinewriters.com – in December for submission guidelines. The deadline for submissions will be March 1, 2019.

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. And JWB has also published books authored by several members.

Most volumes are available for purchase on their website.

What’s that logo mean?

When you see the Clean Water Land & Legacy logo on posters and other arts-related printed materials, it’s a reminder and acknowledgement that the event or activity would very likely not be available without passage of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment passed by Minnesota voters on Nov. 4, 2008.

This is the 10th year that arts and cultural organizations and their audiences have benefited from the amendment and it is a milestone to celebrate.

In this region, the Region 2 Arts Council receives and redistributes Arts and Cultural Heritage Funds through competitive grants. These

grants do require a 20 percent cash match which is the reason arts organizations also seek other funding for projects.

Arts and Cultural Heritage grant funds are spent locally and have a significant local economic impact. This was verified in a report released in January showing the economic impact of Art and Culture organizations, audiences and artists in Hubbard County was $1.6 million in 2016.

Some other statistics in the county report showed:  Nonprofit Arts and Culture Arts organizations spent more than $270,000.

 The events these organizations sponsored drew nearly 24,000 audience members and another 4,000 youth.  Hubbard County has at least 32 full-time artists and creative workers.  Hubbard County has at least 138 part-time artists and creative workers.  State and local government revenue from the arts sector totaled nearly $198,000.

In other words, state and local taxpayers have received a good return on their investment.

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December 2018

Are trees communicating? Research says yes alter their behavior, adjusting their defenses to prepare for the upcoming battle.

University of British Columbia scientists have recorded electrical signals being transmitted from trees that are being cut down. Some trees communicate by sending scent signals or pheromones.

Africa’s acacia trees emit ethylene gas when giraffes nibble their leaves. The ethylene gas is detected by neighboring trees, which in response begin pumping tannins into their leaves to make them unpalatable, should the giraffe head their way.

Elms and pines, when attacked by leaf-eating caterpillars, release pheromones, which attract parasitic wasps, which in turn attack the caterpillars.

An Israeli scientist, in a controlled experiment, found that when pea plants were subjected to drought conditions, the leaf stomate pores close, as expected, to conserve plant moisture. But other pea plants nearby that were being watered normally also unexpectedly closed their leaf stomates soon after the Research shows trees communicate by sending underground electrical drought-stressed plants, as though warned. When impulses and above-ground hormones or chemicals. (Forum file photo) these plants were signaled by others that a drought strands between tree roots, and a teaspoon of soil was coming, they took preparations. contains miles of these filaments. The fungi consume Practical applications about 30 percent of the tree’s manufactured food, and If scientists can unlock the ways plants commuin turn the fungi scavenge soil for nutrients that are nicate with each other, foresters and agriculture made available to the tree. This is called a mycorrhiproducers can possibly trigger these responses to zal network. create plants and trees that are drought-, insect- and Trees send chemical, hormonal and slow-pulsing disease-resistant. electrical signals to each other by way of the underFor example, if scientists can isolate how trees under ground mycorrhizal network. Swiss scientists have attack signal other trees to produce insect-fighting identified voltage-based signals that appear similar compounds, they could use the information to develto the electrical impulses in an animal’s nervous op trees with built-in resistance. system.

Messages sent from tree to tree are often distress signals that warn of drought, disease and insect Don Kinzler, a lifelong gardener, worked as an NDSU Extension horticulturist and owned Kinzler’s Greenhouse in Fargo. Readers attack. Other trees, upon receiving the messages, can reach him at forumgrowingtogether@hotmail.com.

Growing Together

BY DON KINZLER Columnist Did you know scientists are discovering that trees communicate with each other? They aren’t necessarily gossiping about you behind your back, and they probably aren’t sharing a joke about two trees walking into a bar, but researchers are finding fascinating ways that trees are talking among themselves.

This might sound as ridiculous as the round Earth theory sounded to those who believed the world was flat. But it doesn’t sound ridiculous to Smithsonian magazine, which in its March 2018 issue said, “A revolution has been taking place in scientific understanding of trees. The latest studies conducted at well-respected universities in Germany and around the world confirm that trees are far more alert, social and sophisticated – and even intelligent – than we thought.”

Since Darwin’s time, trees were believed to be loners, competing against each other for sunlight, moisture and nutrients in a survival-of-the-fittest battle. New evidence shows the opposite, that trees actually help one another, communicating together in the process.

Examples of how trees communicate

Trees in a forest are connected through an underground network. Trees partner with beneficial fungi, which form an intricate network of tiny, thread-like

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You Support Local Families By shopping locally, you support families in your community. Remember, small businesses are run by — and employ — your neighbors. In fact, 67 percent of jobs in the United States come from small businesses, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Your money is actually working overtime: Your dollars are getting You Keep Your Money Local you the things you need while also working to get your neighbors This is simple math: When you spend money locally, it stays local. It the things they need. You might find that the sticker price of an item pays local workers, who send their children to local schools and pay at a local business is a little higher at times, but before you hesitate, mortgages on homes in the community. remember that your dollar is working harder, too.

Every American worker also pays taxes on money earned in the United States, which is then used to fund education, agriculture, social You Support Local Artisans programs and business.

Many locally owned businesses strive to support local artisans by This circulation of money is crucial to a community’s success. In fact, displaying and selling their wares. according to the Andersonville Study of Retail Economics, shopping When you purchase these items, you are communicating with the locally generates 70 percent more local economic activity per square business owner that you appreciate these items — ensuring a continued foot than shopping at big box stores. relationship between the business owner and local craftsman.

A community’s local businesses often help what 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.

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10

Holiday cheers!

Winter drinks make warm memories The holiday season is one of the most festive times of the year as social engagements fill up many people’s calendars. Seasoned hosts or hostesses often have a go-to list of foods and beverages available to ensure guests are treated to the best of the best.

One easy way to keep the beverages flowing is to have one or two signature drinks at the ready that can be prepared in advance and then generously doled out as needed. Here are a few suggestions:

Homemade Hot Cocoa

This made-from-scratch recipe comes from the Hershey Food Corporation.

1/2 cup sugar 1/4 cup baking soda Dash salt 1/3 cup hot water Mulled wine with fruits and spices are among the many hot winter drinks that may be served at holiday festivities.

4 cups milk 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract full of hot cider with serving cups, a bottle of spirit drink, blend with vanilla ice cream instead of ice.

3/4 fluid ounce creme de menthe Miniature marshmallows, sweetened whipped and a shot glass on the side.

3/4 fluid ounce white creme de cacao cream or cinnamon sticks (optional) (Source: The Skinny Chick’s Cookbook) 1/4 fluid ounce heavy cream Combine sugar, cocoa and salt in a saucepan. Add 1 cup ice water; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Hot Wassail Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Cover and Stir in milk; heat to serving temperature – do not Traditional English carols mention this spiced shake until chilled. Strain into a cocktail glass. boil. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Whisk until drink, perhaps best served with gingerbread.

(Source: AllRecipes.com) frothy. If desired, garnish with marshmallows, cream 2 quarts sweet apple cider or cinnamon sticks.

2 cups pineapple juice Homemade Eggnog (Source: Taste of Home) 1-1/2 cups orange juice To serve this holiday drink with love, don’t settle 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice for store-bought. Optional spirits include rum, branHot Cocoa Mix 1 cup granulated sugar dy and bourbon.

This dry mix is a great gift for the college student 2 cinnamon sticks 6 large eggs in the family and can be kept in the pantry for 6 1 teaspoon whole cloves 2 egg yolks months.

Combine ingredients and bring to a boil. Serve hot.

1/2 cup sugar 2 cups confectioners sugar (Source: Genius Kitchen) 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 4 cups whole milk 2 cups powdered milk or instant nonfat dry milk.

Mulled Wine 1 tablespoon vanilla extract Mini marshmallows (optional) This warming drink comes from Ina Garten, a.k.a.

1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg Sift the sugar, then cocoa, into a large bowl. Stir in the Barefoot Contessa.

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powdered milk and whisk together until combined.

4 cups apple cider Whipped cream Add marshmallows if desired. To make hot cocoa, put 1 bottle red wine (suggestion: Cabernet Sauvignon) Whisk eggs, egg yolks, sugar and salt together in 1/2 cup cocoa mix in a mug, add 1/2 cup hot water on 1/4 cup honey a heavy saucepan. Continue whisking while adding top, and stir.

2 cinnamon sticks milk in a slow, steady stream until completely incor(Source: The Pioneer Woman) 1 orange, zested and juiced porated. Set heat to low and cook slowly, stirring 4 whole cloves frequently, until mixture reaches 160 degrees F and Fireball Apple Cider 3 star anise is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Strain The party-size version of this recipe is the stuff of 4 oranges, peeled, for garnish fond family Christmas memories.

Combine the cider, wine, honey, cinnamon sticks, through a fine sieve to remove bits of cooked egg. Stir 1 cup apple cider zest, juice, cloves and star anise in a large saucepan. in vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. Chill overnight or 1/4 cup Fireball cinnamon whiskey Bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 10 min- up to 3 days in advance. Serve chilled with a dollop of Optional: 1 slice of apple, 1 cinnamon stick utes. Pour into mugs. Add an orange peel to each and whipped cream and grated nutmeg. Spike with your favorite spirit if desired. Serves 12.

Heat cider in a saucepan or microwave, then add to serve.

(Source: HGTV) mug or serving glass. Add Fireball whiskey and stir. A (Source: Food Network) shot of cinnamon liqueur such as Hot Damn! may be substituted. If desired, add cinnamon stick and gar- Grasshopper Cocktail nish with apple slice. For a party, set out a coffee urn For the frozen version of this chocolate-minty RECIPES: Page 11

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11

December 2018

HOT BTTERED RUM RECIPES From Page 10

Cranberry Hot Toddy

This drink proves that cranberries don’t need to be wobbly, can-shaped and cold.

6 oz. cranberry vodka 1 pint cranberry juice 2 oz. fresh lemon juice 3 teaspoons honey 6 dashes angostura bitters 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon In a medium saucepan, heat all ingredients except vodka to just below boiling. Let stand 1 minute. Stir in vodka. Serve in heat-resistant cocktail glass and garnish with a cinnamon stick. Serves 3-4.

(Source: HGTV)

Hot Buttered Rum

Sorry, kids. There’s no underage version of this warming treat.

1 teaspoon brown sugar 4 ounces hot milk (lighter option: substitute hot water) 2 ounces dark rum 1 tablespoon butter (not margarine) Ground nutmeg To warm up your drinking mug, pour piping hot water into it and cover with a small plate. Once warmed, empty it out and add brown sugar and hot milk, or fresh hot water if preferred. Stir until sugar dissolves, then add rum. Gently float the butter atop the drink and sprinkle some nutmeg over that.

(Source: HGTV)

HOT COCOA

“Chai” means “tea.”

2 cups milk 2 cups water 1 tablespoon black tea 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar 6 whole cloves 1/2 teaspoon cardamom 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 3 peppercorns 1 cinnamon stick 2 star anise 4 ounces bourbon (optional) Mix all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Turn off heat. Cover. Let steep for 5 minutes. Strain tea through a fine sieve. Serves 4.

(Source: HGTV)

Tom and Jerry Batter

This batter makes a good topping for alcoholic beverages as well as child-friendly drinks.

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• HEARING •

12 eggs, separated 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 pound butter, room temperature 3 pounds confectioners sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon ground allspice In a large mixing bowl, beat egg whites and salt until foamy and stiff peaks form. Beat egg yolks to soft peaks in a separate bowl. Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks and vanilla to the butter mixture. Stir in the nutmeg, cloves, allspice and egg whites. Beat until well blended. Batter can be frozen or kept in refrigerator for several weeks. To make a Tom and Jerry, fill a cup of hot water with spiced rum or brandy, warm milk, hot cocoa or eggnog and stir in 1 heaping tablespoon of batter.

(Source: AllRecipes.com)

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Steps to take when concerned about elderly driver

By Sgt. Neil Dickenson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I have noticed that my dad’s driving skills have diminished over the past few years and I am very concerned for his safety and others on the road. What steps can I take?

Answer: This is a great question, as I had investigated crashes where senior drivers had gone the wrong way on the freeway/highway or had gone through stop signs or stop lights, crashed and were seriously injured or killed.

I know having the conversation with a parent, family member or friend about going in for a road test or physical exam or just giving up the keys can be a very difficult one. Older drivers forced to stop driving may feel a lack of freedom, anger and may suffer from depression.

While elderly drivers, as a general rule, are safer drivers, declining vision and physical abilities can put aging drivers at risk.

Older drivers are more likely to get killed or injured because they are more likely to be physically fragile and less able to recover from injuries.

As a family member, try to pay close attention to older family members’ driving skills. Start the discussion of when to stop driving, and determine other transportation options. Age alone cannot be considered a good cause for re-examination.

How to monitor older drivers’ driving:  New scratches or dents on vehicles or garages.  Stopped by an officer (whether or not received a ticket).

Ride along with the older driver and check if they do the following:  Frequently check mirrors and look ahead to identify dangers.  Navigate turns (especially left-hand turns) without undo risks or waits.  Keep within their lane lines.

 Don’t get lost in familiar areas.  Drive at reasonable speeds.

Write and sign a letter to the Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) outlining specific concerns. DVS will contact the person and ask them to come in for an interview.

Based on the interview, the person can be requested to conduct a written and road test, submit a vision report, and/or submit a doctor’s statement verifying that they are physically qualified to drive within 30 days of the interview.

If no concerns arise during the interview or if the driver passes a road quiz and appears to be physically fine, they may not be required to do anything further to continue to drive.

If the person does not submit the requested statements or their vision/physical report is unsatisfactory, their driver’s license can be cancelled.

If the person is unable to pass the tests within the required time, their driver’s license is cancelled.

Talk to a family member’s physician to see if the doctor has noticed the same problems. If so, ask the

doctor to submit a request for a written/road test to DVS. If the physician sees that the person is not physically qualified to drive, the doctor can notify the department and DVS can cancel the driver’s privileges.

Law enforcement can also contact DVS to review a person’s license if the person was stopped for reasons such as being lost, involved in a crash or if law enforcement witnessed their driving and felt that they should either retest or get a doctor’s written approval to drive.

Don’t be afraid to speak up if you are concerned about someone’s driving behavior. It could end up saving their life or another life on the road.

A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Sgt. Neil Dickenson, Minnesota State Patrol at 1131 Mesaba Ave, Duluth, MN 55811. You can follow him on Twitter @ MSPPIO_NE or reach him at neil.dickenson@state.mn.us.