SPRING ISSUE 2016
A Special Supplement to
JACKPOT!
Literature for the ladies
Bingo night at Eagles Lodge in Creston incites large crowds and requests for more bingo in southwest Iowa. ■
CNA photo by KELSEY HAUGEN
Betty Donaldson, 84, left, and Darlene Freeman, 85, both of Lenox look up from their cards for a photo during bingo night April 15 at the Eagles Lodge in Creston.
By KELSEY HAUGEN and those with that let- and horizontal bingo. CNA staff reporter khaugen@crestonnews.com
I
t’s Friday night, and the Eagles Lodge in Creston is packed with 10-year-olds, 90-year-olds and everything in between. The room is silent as the crowd of people, eyes fixated on their cards, wait for caller Shelley Zimmerman to announce the next number during the “letter X” round. She calls “B72,”
ter-number combination make a mark on their card. “I think we have a bingo,” Zimmerman announces. “Yes, downstairs.” The winner of a letter X bingo comes forward to receive her prize: $25.
April bingo Bingo is held monthly on Fridays at the Eagles Lodge. Those who attend play several rounds throughout the nearly three-hour evening, including double bingo, blackout
living
The recent bingo night, held April 15, brought in about 100 players, and one person won the jackpot: $500. Some players sat with friends and were simply there for the social aspect. Others were playing to win and kept to themselves. “Some people take this seriously, but we have fun,” said Christi Hudson, Please see BINGO, Page 6C
Members of the 125-year-old Ladies Literary Circle enjoy time with each other, literature throughout history ■
CNA photo by BAILEY POOLMAN
Judy Gile gives an animated presentation of Edgar Lee Masters’ book “Spoon River Anthology” during a Ladies Literary Circle meeting April 15 at the home of Connie Purdum. Gile is one of about 20 book club members, who meet every two weeks.
By BAILEY POOLMAN
CNA staff reporter bpoolman@crestonnews.com
In a room glowing with sunshine, Judy Gile’s voice changes pitch as she read from pages rustling between her fingers. Her pitch heightens with a female voice, then lowers with a male. Giggles ring from onlookers when she adds an accent flair or reads a humorous quote. During the Ladies Literary Circle April 15 presentation at the home of Connie Purdum, Gile read exerpts from Edgar Lee Masters’ book “Spoon River Anthology,” a collection of poetry about living in
Spoon River Valley in Illinois. Humor and depth lent a hand to Masters’ poetry, and the ladies surrounding Gile drank it in. “I like reading because I just get in the book,” Gile said. “I become a part of the book. If I’m doing something else, I’m thinking, ‘I want to go find out what happens.’” Gile, who joined the book club in 1978, is one of 22 members who range in age up to 90. She, like several others in the club, enjoys reading historical and nonfiction books. Others prefer novels of romance or political intrigue. Please see LADIES, Page 8C
Page 2c— Creston News Advertiser — Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Discover the power of smartphones with these 5 tips (BPT) – As with all technology, mobile phones have come a long way in a short amount of time. Gone are the days of big, bulky phones. Today, phones are sleek and slender and, in most cases, smart, allowing users to surf the Internet, watch movies and keep in touch with friends and family. The potential downside of smartphones is the assumption that they are difficult to use. However, with a few simple tips, smartphones can be easier to operate than older cell phone models. Once the basics are mastered, users can easily take advantage of all the features, giving them a new way to communicate with friends and family particularly younger family members. With more than 2 million users and the highest overall customer satisfaction of any mobile carrier, according to Nielson Mobile Insights, Consumer Cellular caters exclusively to the boomer and senior demographic. If you’re uncomfortable with contracts, don’t worry. The company offers popular smartphones, like the iPhone, without forcing you to sign a contract. This offers you the flexibility to pay month by month with the option to cancel at any time. It’s a perfect option for anyone who wants to try something new. Consumer Cellular recently teamed up with AARP to offer smartphone classes for seniors. The
classes don’t just cover the basics of how to operate a phone, but also delve into how smartphones can enhance your lifestyle. So if you’re ready to upgrade to a smartphone, or already have one but just want to better understand it, here are five tips that can help: 1. Communicate easier with family members - Text messaging has become one of the most widely used forms of communication. Many seniors report once they start texting, they are able to communicate with grandchildren more frequently. A unique “text” language has also developed, and many find it enjoyable to send emojis (small cartoonish pictures) or abbreviated phrases such as “idk” (I don’t know) or “omg” (oh my gosh!). 2. Learn to type faster - On first use, typing on the small touch screen can seem clumsy. The best way to become accustomed to typing on a smartphone is to hold the phone horizontally in landscape mode. Next, learn to love predictive text. While you’re typing out a word, the phone will offer several options, or predictions, of what word you want. If the word you’re typing appears, simply tap on it and move on. Once you get used to this you’ll be amazed how fast you can type. 3. Access the Internet on the go - Being able to access the Internet from almost anywhere is one of the most useful smartphone features. Access to the Internet al“Friends You Can Depend On”
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lows you to check and send email, view local news, shop online or visit your favorite website. Connecting to Wi-Fi, which is available at many establishments, allows you to surf the Internet without using your cellular data plan. 4. Share your experience with pictures - Smartphones come with a powerful camera that takes high quality pictures that can rival most digital cameras. With the capabilities of sending photos as texts, you can instantly share your photos and experiences with loved ones. 5. Find your way and discover more with maps - Stopping to ask for directions is a thing of the past. You can easily find your way with the highly accurate maps smartphones can connect to, as well as discover new places to visit. For example, if you’re in an unfamiliar area and in need of a cup of coffee, all you need to do is type “coffee” in your map’s search bar, and you’ll see the locations to all the nearby coffee shops. You’ll even get directions on how to get there! Smartphones are de-
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Creston News Advertiser — Wednesday, April 27, 2016 — Page 3c
5 common heart health myths debunked (BPT) - As the number one cause of death in both men and women, knowledge is power when it comes to preventing heart conditions. Whether it runs in your family or not, this is one health issue you shouldn’t ignore. “Unfortunately, everyone has an old wives’ tale associated with heart disease and cardiovascular health, says Dr. Andy Manganaro, chief medical officer at Life Line Screening. “For example, many women don’t know they are more likely to die of heart disease than breast cancer.” Dr. Manganaro helps separate some myths from reality to keep you in the know:
1. Heart disease is the same in men and women.
en share many of the same risk factors for heart disease, there are differences in the way the disease treats each gender’s body, according to Harvard Health Publications. Women tend to develop heart disease an average of 10 years later than men, and have a greater chance of dying from the disease. Women have smaller hearts and coronary vessels, which often makes heart surgery difficult. In fact, heart disease is the number one killer of women, so women especially should talk with their doctors about developing a heart health plan.
diseases are still 80 percent preventable. Healthy behavior changes like losing weight, increasing exercise, eating a healthier diet and keeping your cholesterol in check will help you make tremendous strides towards heart health. The power of prevention is undeniable, especially with preventative screenings that identify risk factors for heart disease and stroke early on. Life Line Screening offers affordable, preventative cardiovascular screenings conveniently in your community.
3. Heart disease doesn’t affect fit and active people.
2. If it runs in your family, there’s No matter how many marnothing you can do athons you run or yoga classabout it. es you take, you may still be
Even if heart conditions at risk for a heart condition. Although men and wom- run in your family, these There are plenty of other fac-
tors that can put you at risk, like high cholesterol, poor eating habits, elevated blood pressure, and smoking.
4. Heart disease always exhibits the same symptoms. While you might be under the impression that a heart attack always involves extreme chest pain, 64 percent of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms, according to the American Heart Association (AMA). Women are more likely to experience back or jaw pain, dizziness and lightheaded- prevent heart disease. Your ness, shortness of breath or lifestyle plays a crucial role in both controlling risk factors nausea and vomiting. and caring for heart disease. 5. Once you have Simple behavior changes like heart disease, it’s those mentioned above plus too late. consultation with you doctor It’s never too late to treat or can help keep your heart,
and entire circulatory system, humming along. Don’t let these common myths cost you your life. Manage your heart health and learn how to take preventative measures at lifelinescreening.com.
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Page 4c— Creston News Advertiser — Wednesday, April 27, 2016
(BPT) – “All gave some. Some gave all.” You likely hear that phrase around Memorial Day every year, but do you know its origin? Or what Memorial Day is supposed to mean to the veterans who gave some, the survivors of those who gave all, and the Americans who enjoy continued freedom because of those sacrifices? Americans, it seems, do understand the importance of Memorial Day. A 2015 poll by Rasmussen Reports found 52 percent of those polled viewed Memorial Day as one of the nation’s most important holidays, while 42 percent saw it as at least somewhat important. When Americans first began observing the day in the late 1860s, they were pausing to remember the more than half a million Americans who had died in the then-recently ended Civil War. Today, Memorial Day observances not only remember the sacrifice of the deceased who gave all, but also the thousands of living veterans, many of whom are wounded in body, mind or both. “Amid the celebrations marking the unofficial start of the summer season, it can be difficult to find meaningful ways to observe Memorial Day,” says Jeff Roy, chairman of the board of the Purple Heart Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides counseling, support and advocacy for Purple Heart recipients, and raises funds for programs that support veterans and their families. “But Americans truly do want to express their gratitude to veterans for their many sacrifices. Fortunately, there are many ways they can help make a difference
Moving ways to support veterans this Memorial Day
for veterans.” Here are some meaningful ways you can show your support for veterans this Memorial Day: * Help provide a service dog to a veteran with physical disabilities or PTSD. The National Education for Assistance Dog Services (NEADS) provides service dogs for free to qualifying veterans. You can help by making an online donation, sponsor a “doggie dorm” for service dogs in training, raise a puppy who will become a service dog, or become a volunteer. Visit the organization’s website at www.neads. org to learn more. * Donate to the Purple Heart Foundation’s scholarship program, which provides financial support to Purple Heart recipients and their families for college-related expenses like tuition, books, and room and board. * Instead of spending the day indulging in your own cookout, contact the local veterans’ home or veterans’ hospital and volunteer there for the day. Or, you can simply take an hour or two to visit with the residents there and thank them for their service. * Visit the local cemetery and place flags or flowers on the graves of veterans. Contact the cemetery first for their visiting guidelines and to learn where the veterans section is located - many cemeteries have special sections set aside for veterans. * Help ensure veterans make the most of the services available to them. Donate to the Purple Heart Foundation’s National Service Officers Program, which helps pay to place service officers in Veterans Administration facilities across the country.
These officers are specially trained to help veterans access the many benefits, programs and services available to them. * If your community sponsors a Memorial Day parade, attending is a great way to show your appreciation and support for veterans - but you can do even more. Prior to the event, contact the parade organizers and find out what veterans groups will be marching in the parade. Offer to donate water, snacks or anything else the veterans may need to make their walk easier and more enjoyable. * Pick up the phone and call the veterans in your life - almost everyone knows at least one person who has served in the military. Perhaps your grandfather served in World War II, the Korean War or Vietnam. You may know someone who has recently returned from serving in the Global War on Terror. Take some time to let those people know you’re thinking of them, and appreciate their service. * Observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30. Established by Congress, the one-minute observance is an chance for all Americans to pause in the middle of their summer celebrations to remember the sacrifices of the nation’s veterans. From simple and small to noble and industrious, it’s possible to find many meaningful ways to honor all who gave some and the some who gave all. And as for that now-famous phrase - it was first uttered by Howard William Osterkamp of Dent, Ohio, a Korean War veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart.
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Creston News Advertiser — Wednesday, April 27, 2016 — Page 5c
Nursing shortage creates careers in assisted living communities (BPT) – With nearly 8 million Americans still unemployed, it may be difficult to imagine a labor shortage is on the horizon. Yet many labor experts predict the health care industry is headed in that direction - and older adults may be one of the groups that will suffer the most if a shortage does occur as forecasted. “The potential lack of nurses in assisted living communities is particularly concerning,” says Kim Estes, senior vice president of clinical services for Brookdale Senior Living. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that by 2022, American health care facilities will need 1 million more nurses than there will be nurses practicing. At the same time, people 65 and older will account
for 16 percent of the population, according to the U.S. Census Bureaus. With 85 percent of seniors having at least one chronic medical condition, and more than two-thirds having at least two, seniors are the age group most in need of care. Any labor shortage, however, can have a silver lining for those who are willing to train for the understaffed market and pursue available jobs where the need is greatest. “The nursing shortage, aging population and rising incidence of chronic conditions are creating a perfect storm of opportunity for nurses who want to go into caring for those in assisted living,” Estes says. “Many nurses don’t think about going into senior living as a career path because it’s not a typical hos-
pital or doctor’s office position, but it can be very rewarding. Rather than treating a patient and moving onto another patient, assisted living gives nurses the opportunity to build long-lasting relationships and enrich the lives of residents and their families.” Brookdale’s assisted living communities hire nurses as health and wellness directors. They oversee all clinical services within a community including managing care associates, setting standards, and leading health and wellness programming. Rather than providing daily hands-on care, these nurses shape the overall quality and content of care their community’s seniors receive on a daily basis. The work offers opportunity to
advance to higher-level leadership positions at the district, regional and corporate level which pay significantly more than a typical hospital or physician’s office job.
Some healthcare providers are taking action to combat the looming nursing shortage, offering support, training and assistance to people interested in entering the profession. For
example, Brookdale is launching a student loan reimbursement program hoping to attract more nurses to work in assisted living. To learn more, visit www.brookdalecareers.com.
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Page 6c— Creston News Advertiser — Wednesday, April 27, 2016
BINGO: CONT. FROM | 1A
67, of Creston. Sitting with a group of five friends, Hudson said they attend every month. She doesn’t win often, but she did win $25 recently. Lenox residents Betty Donaldson, 84, and Darlene Freeman, 85, occasionally travel to Creston to play bingo. They also travel to Bedford most Thursdays to play. “We used to have bingo in Lenox, but the owners got old and didn’t have anyone to take it over,” Freeman said. “When you live alone, it’s just nice to get out and do something. Four of us come and we go eat something and then play bingo. We also play bridge together at home sometimes.” It’s also been a good way for the two women to cope and be social since losing their husbands. “My husband Don loved to play bingo, and we used to play together,” Donaldson said. “He passed away a year ago in September. I miss him so, but life goes on. I have a lot of friends, and we keep occupied and have a good time together.”
She added: “Bingo is more fun when you get older, though I don’t feel old.”
Bringing Bingo back About a year ago, Zimmerman helped start bingo night back up at Eagles Lodge. “It was held weekly years ago,” Zimmerman said. “We wanted to start it back up because nobody was holding bingo in this area, and we’ve kept it at once a month so far because of not having enough volunteers to run it any more than that.” Donaldson and Freeman said they wished bingo was still held in Lenox and other areas nearby. Another attendee, 81-year-old Johnnie Land of Afton, similarly said he wished bingo was still offered in several southwest Iowa locations like it used to be. “I like to play, and before the casino opened in Osceola, they had bingo here every Friday night at the Eagles, at the Catholic school and at the Elks, so you could drive within a 50 mile radius of Creston and play bingo every night of the week,” Land said. “Then, when the casino came in, everybody quit having bingo night because
“Bingo is more fun when you get older, though I don’t feel old.” — Betty Donaldson
there was no participation.” He and his wife, Marilyn, 64, attend every bingo night at Eagles Lodge. Now with fewer places in the area hosting bingo, Zimmerman said some travel as far as 40 miles to attend in Creston. In the time bingo has been back at the Eagles, she said attendance has been high – anywhere from 70 to more than 100 people. And, the age range is vast. “Some (children) are just with their parents and don’t play,” Zimmerman said. “Younger kids lose interest or they don’t come at all because we have some pretty professional bingo players, and the little kids want to talk. They don’t like that; they’re serious about this.” The next bingo night will be Friday, May 20. The evening begins with dinner at 5:30 p.m. and several rounds of bingo for $8 beginning at 7 p.m.
CNA photos by KELSEY HAUGEN
ABOVE: Johnnie and Marilyn Land of Afton play their cards on bingo night held April 15 at the Eagles Lodge in Creston. BELOW: Johnnie Land, 81, of Afton waits for the caller to announce the next number during bingo night held April 15 at the Eagles Lodge in Creston. The next bingo night at the Eagles Lodge will be Friday, May 20.
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Creston News Advertiser — Wednesday, April 27, 2016 — Page 7c
3 ways your home value can help in retirement (BPT) - Your retirement. Your golden years to spend doing the things you enjoy – hobbies, travel, more time with family, and so on. But can you afford to live your post-paycheck life the way you always hoped? Research from the National Retirement Risk Index estimates that more than 50 percent of households lack enough retirement funds to maintain their pre-retirement standard of living – even if they work until age 65. It’s a scary statistic, especially if you’re approaching retirement age and don’t feel financially prepared to leave the workforce. Fortunately, even if you are facing a retirement shortfall, you do have options to help supplement your savings. For senior homeowners, those options could be in the walls around you. Financial planning experts and academics from The American College, Boston College, Columbia University, and MIT, agree that incorporating home equity into a retirement plan helps savings last longer. The question is: what’s the best way to access your
home’s equity? Here are owners age 62 or older can three popular options. use to convert part of the equity in their home into a 1. The home equiusable asset, without givty line of credit ing up title or ownership (HELOC) of the house. According A HELOC allows you to Professor Wade Pfau to establish a line of cred- of The American College, it based on a percentage of “the reverse-mortgage opthe value of your home. You tion should be viewed as can then access this cred- a method for responsible it during a predetermined retirees to create liquidity amount of time called a from an otherwise illiquid “draw period,” usually 10 asset.” years. During the draw peReverse mortgages are riod, you can borrow up attractive to seniors, in to the designated amount part, because they require while making monthly in- no monthly payment and terest payments, and, if you do not have to be paid off choose to pay back on the until the last borrower perprincipal, you can draw out manently leaves the home. again, much like a credit You have the option of card. After the draw period taking the loan proceeds as when the HELOC resets, a lump sum, a fixed monthyou are responsible for re- ly or tenured payment, paying the principal and in- or as a line of credit. Last terest either immediately or year, more than two-thirds over a set period of time deof borrowers took a combipending on the terms of the nation of regular payments loan. You should be aware and a line of credit. that if your home value deReverse mortgages also preciates, or if your finanfeature a non-recourse procial circumstances change, vision that protects you the lender has the right to from ever owing the lender freeze your credit or even more than the value of your cancel your loan. home, even if the house is 2. Reverse mortgage “underwater” when you are A reverse mortgage is ready to sell. a loan that senior homeYou are still responsible
for paying your property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and upkeep expenses or risk the loan being called due and payable.
3. Cash-out refinancing Cash-out refinancing allows you to refinance an existing home loan - hopefully at a lower interest rate - and also refinance the home for a dollar value higher than the remaining principal. This loan allows you to keep the money above the principal as liquid cash that can be used to pay down other expenses or fund your retirement. Like your original forward mortgage, if you miss a monthly payment due to unanticipated expenses from a health care emergency or other life disruption, your loan could be called due and payable, and the lender could move to foreclose on your property. Retirees may also face challenges qualifying for a cashout refinance because of underwriting standards that require a certain amount of monthly income.
Choosing the right plan for you While all three plans have
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Page 8c— Creston News Advertiser — Wednesday, April 27, 2016
LADIES: CONT. FROM | 1A
“I get to a place where I can’t do anything,” said Midge Scurlock, who has been a member since 1993. “I’ll go do some little thing, and I’ll come sit down and read a couple of chapters. I do that every time I’ve got a good book going.” Scurlock, a former physical education teacher, said she enjoys the literary programs given by other members because there’s fellowship among the ladies. “We don’t really run around with all these people, but it’s the fellowship of being here,” Scurlock said. Ladies Literary Circle has been around for 125 years, the oldest literature club in Union County. Between September and May, the ladies read books based on a theme chosen by a program committee, then host a meeting and give a program on that novel. The new year’s theme is autobiographies. The group also has an allreads book chosen by the program committee, where each member reads the book
to discuss it at a meeting. In May, the ladies get together for an annual luncheon, with a 125-year-old menu of chicken salad and fresh strawberries, and enjoy a guest speaker. “At least we don’t wear hats and gloves to the luncheon anymore,” joked Stephani Finley, the newest member. Ladies Literary Circle is a public organization, but anyone interested in becoming a member must be accompanied by a current member. The organization caps at 25 active members. Gile echoed Scurlock’s sentiments about enjoying the company the other members provide. “I see people I never see any other time. I enjoy the company, but I don’t run around with these folks except here,” Gile said. “There are all kinds. ... I might see them in the community and things like that, but they all come from different walks of life.” DeeAnn Stults is the longest-running member of Ladies Literary Circle. She joined in 1965. “When I was teaching at the college (Southwestern
CNA photo by BAILEY POOLMAN
Marcia Fulton, left, listens to Jean Ide during conversation after Judy Gile gave a book presentation and review during a Ladies Literary Circle meeting April 15 at the home of Connie Purdum. Fulton and Ide are two of about 20 ladies who meet every two weeks to listen to a book presentation and chat.
Community College as a math afternoons,” Stults said. “It’s ture, delicious food, chats and teacher), I would rearrange the one organization I’ve nev- camaraderie, the ladies keep my schedule so I could make er been willing to give up.” coming back for more. it to Ladies Literary on Friday Between a variety of litera“This is the one thing I
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