Memorable Christmas gifts, received and given
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By Barbara Bringle Hudson, Wichita My favorite Christmas present was one made by my grandfather, Robert Bringle of Hutchinson. When I was riding with my grandpa and we were stopped by a train, I got pretty excited. I loved to watch the cars go by and look for my favorite car, the caboose. I would tell my grandpa that when I grew up I wanted to have a house made from a caboose. He would always say, “I will see what I can do.” Now I loved my grandpa very much, and I knew he loved me and that he never let me down before when he said he would see what he could do. On Christmas day, 1982, I opened a gift that had a gift tag and on it said: “From Grandpa.” When I opened it up, I found a caboose that he had carved. He painted it red and added all of the details. On the side, he put B J Line. My grandpa has been gone
Courtesy photo
a long time, but it is my most treasured gift because he made it for me and now I have a caboose of my own. Him saying “I will see what I can do” changed to See how much I love you. My name is Barbara Joan - therefore it was the BJ Line. Line is a term that was used in the past by railroad companies. By Philip Coleman, Wichita My father was the most generous of men. But the traditions of Christmas -- decorated trees, lights, cookies, giving and receiving gifts -- were not important to him. I don't recall
him choosing a Christmas gift for anyone -except one time. On Christmas morning, 1969, I was surprised to find under the Christmas tree an unwrapped Courtesy photo gift from him to me, a beautiful Waltham wristwatch. The store tag was still attached, showing he'd bought it at David's for $42.95 (a significant sum for a working man like my father). As I slipped the watch onto my wrist, he smiled gently and said: "Every man needs a good watch," perhaps his acknowledgment that I would be 21 in a few months. I've worn the watch ever since. I was born in Wichita in 1949 and have lived here all my life. My father's name was John Coleman; he and my mother (Bunice Coleman) moved to Wichita from Arkansas during World
War II to work at Boeing and stayed for the rest of their lives.
By Robert J. Bos Jr., Wichita My gift was not a B-B gun, bike or anything tangible as such. This is the story of my greatest and most memorable Christmas Gift. After serving 18 months with the infantry in Vietnam, I was scheduled to return to the states on Dec. 23, 1968 (47 years ago). Due to a mortar attack at our Air Base, we were delayed one day, that making our departure from Vietnam the 24th of December. Due to the International Dateline, I arrived at Travis Air Force Base, time wise, earlier than I had departed Vietnam. This made it early in the morning of Dec. 24. No one in my family knew I was returning and didn’t expect me until February or March. After processing out of Travis AFB, I immediately tried to obtain a flight from San Francisco to Chicago See Gifts, page 21
No box, no ribbons, just presence By Michelle Sell Every day for two years my daughter Angelica and I drove 80 miles round-trip to a barn where she kept her horse Cheyenne, her 10th birthday gift. Cheyenne was stabled there while we built her home at LipStick Ranch. This was a trip both Angelica and I looked forward to, escaping in a barn filled with hay and twinges of manure fragrance, and the softness of strength to endure human ignorance. We’d stick to our routine: brush, clean, ride; brush, clean, put away. Time passed; routines continued until one mystical day in May 2008. That day my heart was opened to a 12-year-old’s wisdom in demanding my presence.
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Michelle Sell and Baby commune at LipStick Ranch. of cats. As I reached the barn’s exit, Cheyenne was tucked away for I caught a glimpse of her little body the night in her stall. Angelica disapflying over a four-rail iron fence. peared. I strolled the barn aisles exIn the distance I noticed the silpecting to find her hiding under a pile See Baby, page 6
Central Plains Area Agency on Aging or call your county Department on Aging: 1-855-200-2372
Butler County: (316) 775-0500 or 1-800- 279-3655 Harvey County: (316) 284-6880 or 1-800-279-3655
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December 2015
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St. Nicholas role model for Christmas generosity By Debbi Elmore Mike Furches found the perfect melding of his Christian faith with the generosity of Santa through the role of St. Nicholas. “I have loved Santa for years, especially the historical character St. Nicholas,” he explains. He has donned his St. Nicholas attire each Christmas season for three decades. “I think the concept of giving and helping has always been a part of me as I have always loved to give. I guess part of that comes from not having anything as a kid.” A number of years ago Furches wrote a one-man play, The Real St. Nick and Jesus. He says St. Nicholas was born during the third century. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be
a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his inheritance to assist the needy, the sick and the suffering. Like St. Nicholas, Furches has dedicated his life and income to serving others. As the pastor of Wichita’s Mosaic Church, he ministers to the homeless 365 days a year and donates his salary back to the church. He and his wife, Mary Jane, live on her teacher’s pension. Furches knows first-hand the travails of being homeless. He spent 2½ years living in the YMCA homeless transit center in his native Tennessee. Despite the hardships, he finished high
Library Association honors volunteer “The status quo is for sissies,” said Gail Fisher as she received the 2015 Friend of Kansas Libraries Award. “Never underestimate the Gail Fisher power of a highly committed group of volunteers.” A longtime community activist and outspoken champion of library volunteers, Fisher was honored for her own decade-long service to public libraries. As president of Friends of the Wichita Public Library, she en-
couraged focusing on two key goals: advocacy for a new library and education about the importance of public libraries. During her presidency, the group presented a gift of $250,000 to the library’s foundation. It was seed money to begin the capital campaign for a new Wichita Public Library. She also led the Geek the Library community outreach campaign. Fisher owns Gail Fisher & Associates, a federal contractor that provides space planning and facilities consulting for the government.
Courtesy photo
St. Nicholas is dedicated to helping the homeless.
school and won a scholarship to play sports at Tabor College. He received his degree in contemporary church ministry with a concentration on human services, and minors in philosophy and psychology. His first job was in marketing and management in the Christian music industry in South Carolina. He toured with bands for six years, loving the music but not making much money. He gave it up to work at Gateway House, a training center for those with mental illnesses. Eight years later, he felt called to go into ministry. After pastoring several large churches, he switched to the newly
founded Mosaic Church, which ministers to the homeless and downtrodden. He and his wife, Mary Jane, eventually moved to Wichita and purchased a house on St. Francis Street, where they live and have room for six others. They hold worship services and holiday celebrations there and all are welcome to join. He still loves music and indulges that passion with his weekly show on Wichita’s Bacon Rock Internet radio station. He plays a variety of music and uses the station to bring his message of Christ’s love. He also plays guitar in the Big Mac Combo band. For the last 12 years, Furches has taken his love for Santa a step further by visiting and giving gifts to the homeless. He and Mary Jane also sponsor an Angel Tree for the homeless. "The gifts let them know people care about them as people," Furches says. "Sometimes the thing people need most and foremost is to be respected as a human being. We have tried to do that since day one, and I learned that lesson over the course of my own life." Contact Debbi Elmore at debbi_elmore@cox.net
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December 2015
Board member leaving; columnist staying By Ted Blankenship I have taken the advice of Ginny Rometty, the first woman to head IBM, who said, “ Never love something so much that you can’t let go of it.” I have resigned my position on the executive board of this publication. It wasn’t easy because I have been a part of it since 1989. My interest in the publication began even earlier when Dorothy Belden was a colleague on the editorial page staff of The Wichita Eagle-Beacon. She was a long-time editor of Active Aging, now renamed the active age. She was editor when it was a part of the Gerontology program at Wichita State University, and later when it moved to Friends University. Dorothy was a member of the group who interviewed me for the job of publications director and adjunct professor of journalism at Friends in 1989. When I joined Friends, the university allowed me to finish three journalism classes I was teaching at WSU. It was the end of 13 years of teaching there. At Friends I was faculty advisor to the student newspaper and yearbook, taught classes and edited the univer-
sity’s publications, which included critiquing Active Aging. I left Friends when it discontinued its journalism sequence and became editor of Active Aging’s biggest competitor, The Kansas Times. I edited it for four years. By this time Friends had sold Active Aging to a group that didn’t want to see it die. It became a nonprofit publication, and its “owners” included the late Charles Pearson, former Eagle-Beacon editorial page editor. Pearson — Charlie to me — and I were friends from my days at the University of Kansas and my position as farm editor of the Topeka Daily Capital in the mid 1950s. He was the Capital’s city editor when I was a KU intern there and convinced the managing editor to hire me when I was finished at KU. That friendship spanned some 60 years until Charlie’s death. I was editor of the Coffeyville Journal in 1965 when he convinced the Eagle-Beacon’s editor that I should become the paper’s Topeka Bureau manager. After two years, he brought me to Wichita to join his editorial page staff. When he became part of the new Active Aging organization, he asked me
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to join the board. I have been a board member since that time, including board president and a member of the executive committee. I wrote the Digital Answers photography column for several years, and now It’s Not Serious, a “humor” column, which I’ll continue writing. The active age has been an important part of my life, and it is difficult
to leave it. But all things end, and it’s better if you can do it yourself rather than have it done to you. The newspaper business has changed and will continue to change. I am not against that. In fact, I favor it. It’s just that some of these differences are difficult for me and, at age 87, I simply elect to let someone else endure them.
A Dicken’s of a Cowtown Christmas For Cowtown’s 40th anniversary, it will present a new Christmas program – A Dickens of a Christmas – and it will be extended to three weekends instead of two. Charles Dickens' beloved story, A Christmas Carol, comes to life as scenes from the holiday classic are re-created throughout the grounds. Visitors will meet the Ghost of Christmas Past. Adding to the Dickens-inspired entertainment Christmas activities and traditions: Santa Claus in his Workshop (Heller Cabin), strolling carolers, crafts and activities for kids and unique Christmas gifts for sale. Admission is adults, $7.75; seniors, $6.50; 12-17, $6; and 5-11, $5.50
A limited number of Christmas Dinner tickets are available by reservation on Dec. 5, 12 and 19. Cost is adults, $26.95, and 4-15, $14.85 at WichitaTix.com or call 350-3323.
Correction
A question in the Vietnam veteran’s story in November’s paper asked if there would ever be Honor Flights for Vietnam veterans. An alert reader said two Vietnam veterans were part of an Honor Flight from Wichita Oct. 21. For more information about the flights and application forms go to www.Kansashonorflight.org.
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Wildlife irritants: woodpecker, opossum, turkeys By Ted Blankenship I take some pride in calling myself an animal lover despite occasional annoyances. I can even understand Ben Franklin’s choice of the turkey for our national emblem. But I can tell you for sure he wasn’t referring to the wild turkeys that peck on windows. Our house is partially underground on the south and north sides, so the windows are at a handy beak height. And in spite of what you have heard about the size of a turkey’s brain (about 2 percent of its body weight) they are among the most curious of birds. So maybe they’re just trying to see what’s going on inside. They peck on the sliding doors on the north, then run to the west side and peck some more on the windows. This goes on until I give up, and then they chase grasshoppers. Sadly, a pesky redheaded woodpecker has picked up some pointers from the turkeys. He’s an obstinate bird who delights in landing on our windmill and pecking on the gear cover. The cover is mostly hollow and makes an excellent birdy bass drum. It’s a dreadful noise
that probably serves some woodpeckerly purpose but it does nothing for me. It’s loud, and after 15 or 20 minutes of bang, bang, bang-bang, bangity bang, it gets mighty tiresome. I run toward the windmill flapping my arms and yelling, “go away,” but the woodpecker just looks at me with those beady woodpecker eyes and resumes pecking. Meanwhile, I’m thinking, no twoounce bird is going to get the best of me. So I get the .22 rifle and wave it menacingly. The bird apparently senses that I haven’t bought any ammunition since about 1950. He seems to know, too, that shooting woodpeckers is against federal law. I’ll bet the guy who wrote that law didn’t have a windmill. The woodpecker just stares at me with contempt and goes on pecking. I run at him again, and he flies to a nearby elm tree and waits until I go back in the house. Then it’s bang, bang,
bang all over again. That bird may think he has won, but this isn’t my first rodeo. I have had other run-ins with animals. I wrote earlier about my bouts with squirrels. I have finally found a way to foil them. I don’t plant fruit trees any more. I don’t get any fruit, but neither do the squirrels. I’ve also had a run-in or two with opossums. First, I’m not a fan of any animal that spells his or her name with an “O” in front of it. It turns out though that possums and opossums aren’t the same animal. Possums are part of some 80 species of marsupials that live mostly in Australia. Opossums represent about 100 species of marsupials that live in the Western hemisphere. Marsupials are the mammals that include kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, wombats, Tasmanian devils, possums and opossums. I’m wondering why anyone would call an animal a marsupial. As you probably know, a marsupial is an animal with a pouch to house the little marsupials. But as I mentioned above, I had a run-in with an opossum. He (as far as I know, it was a male) took up residence
in one of Dorothy’s big flowerpots that had been dragged into the garage for the winter. When I tell you this animal was big I mean it was HUGE, about the size of an anemic bobcat. I have to admit that I have not actually measured a bobcat. But neither have I measured any opossums. Anyway, the big opossum would not move from the flowerpot. He adopted it as his home pot. I tried the woodpecker ruse. I jumped up and down flapping my arms, shouting, “MOVE.” Obviously, this was hopeless because I don’t speak opossum, and the opossum couldn’t or chose not to speak English. I tried poking him with a yardstick. The opossum’s response was to show an array of very sharp teeth and to hiss at me. I have never heard of an attack opossum but I’m sure I had one. I was also pretty sure he wasn’t going to leave any time soon. I finally called the Rose Hill Police and two officers came with a noose on a stick (a long stick) and arrested him. I hope they took him to a flowerpot far away. Contact Ted Blankenship at tblankenship@cox.net
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Page 6
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Baby From page 1
houette of another tiny frame; this one had four legs. Angelica yelled for me to join her. When I made my way to my daughter’s side, her arms were wrapped around the neck of a beautiful Palomino foal, barely 4-feet tall, all wobbly legs, fuzzy mane and tail. Peeking through the clouds, the sun’s rays ascended upon these two, wrapping them in its aura. My heart quieted, and I stood breathless. I left Angelica to fill her heart with baby horse smells and embrace this magical moment. I began walking to the car. As I approached the gate her voice softly commanded my attention. “Mommy, she doesn’t have any eyes.” “Oh honey, she’s just a baby. I’m sure she just has them closed enjoying your touch.” “No, she doesn’t have any eyes,” her voice whispered from behind. My heart cracked. “She will be put down unless we find a home,” whispered a voice from behind. Those words shot through me like lightening on a stormy night. Dismissal of life is not as simple as the words “put down.” And I knew those words were not simple for that voice to whisper. I trusted I knew his heart. I sought acceptance from the foal’s mother, as she stood close. Did she know her newborn was different? What choice would she make for her if the humans didn’t make it for her? I drove away with a heavy heart. Angelica, in the backseat, asserted her voice of strong will.
December 2015
Embrace intuition
In a traditional world it is believed our eyes are the pathway to our heart through our soul. As we wander purposefully on the road of existence, life’s every challenge beckons us to embrace intuition with presence. Where does intuition begin its journey? Parking in the fibers of our soul, our heart trusts the world we see to guide us through our destiny – do our eyes act as filters or is our heart the filter that gives our eyes hope in times of presence? “We can make a difference mommy. Just bring her home.” The sun rested; I could not. I researched till morning, sought guidance from my equestrian circles and searched my soul for answers. I explored every possibility with my husband, Larry, who supports me with the crazy ideas I bring home. “There are no certainties in this world dear. You’ll make the right decision. Trust what you know,” he said. Others cautioned me about this horse’s fate. She would need to be able to work. Without sight, her possibilities were limited. Dear God, you didn’t put me in that moment just because you were having a bad day. Why was I there, at that time, in that present moment? You placed me there with my child, of whom my world belongs, and a creature of yours with a spirit unmatched. I had arrived at peace that day. I left torn, fighting my intuition. At 2-weeks old, Baby Girl (Baby) and her mother were welcomed with open arms to LipStick Ranch. Cheyenne had barely enjoyed her new
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pasture before giving up space to her new pasture mates. We made a special corral for Cheyenne’s new friends. Months passed, and then an incredible lesson from nature unfolded. A ruckus from the pasture summoned me the living room window. Cheyenne had decided Baby belonged to her and had cornered Baby away from her mother. Mom was physically distraught, but oddly not fearful. It was time for mom to let her special bundle go. Baby was weaned and began her journey of independence with Cheyenne. Born May 19, 2008, a foal named Baby Girl was placed in this world to teach. Her destiny has been challenged without the gift of light. Her presence reminds us to be present always. Her instincts keep her safe. Baby has uncovered kindness in a veteran’s broken soul, evoked voice with infliction from a young man with autism, offered comfort to struggling teens, encouraged leadership in a child with Down syndrome, embraced friends with broken hearts, and filled buckets of laughter and joy in our world daily. Baby is our inspiration. She’s a reminder of perseverance, a gift of
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Symphony concert
The Wichita Symphony’s annual Spirit of the Season free family concert for those 3 and up will be performed Tuesday, Dec. 8. Guests will enjoy the sounds of the season with Christmas carols and holiday hits. Although tickets are free, seating is limited. There is a limit of six tickets per order, and a suggested donation of $10 per order will benefit the symphony’s youth programs. Doors open at 6:30 for ticket holders. People without tickets are admitted at 7:20 to fill unclaimed seats. The concert is in the Century II Convention Hall, 225 W. Douglas. For more information and to request tickets online, see the WSO Christmas Concert web page. The Kansas Food Bank will have collection bins onsite the night of the concert to collect non-perishable food items.
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serenity with gratitude, and a master at living with presence wholeheartedly. Angelica is now 19, loving life with strength and believing in the gift of intuition, trust and unconditional love. Me? Being present continues as a journey of joy, reflection, pain and healing. I believe, now in my 50s, that I am just beginning to understand what presence gifts. Open your heart this holiday season and share your gift of presence, unconditionally.
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Baby teaches love, patience, problem-solving By Angelica Sell As most everyone knows, the relationship between a mother and a daughter is something that can never be replaced and is completely unique. My mother is my best friend, an incredible woman whom I am lucky to have in my life. Although with every relationship, family or otherwise, there are hard and stressful times when it's easy to lose sight of what you have. I was 10 years old when I realized how alike my mother and I really are. It was the year I got my first horse, Cheyenne, and I was loving every minute of it. At the same barn a baby was born, and she was named Baby Girl. We later learned this beautiful baby would most likely not get the chance at a normal life, or a life at all. She was
born without eyes. Both my mother’s and my heart broke simultaneously as we tried to process the situation. We soon came to a conclusion; leaving her there wasn’t an option. My mom is an extremely compassionate person, She decided we weren't going to stand by and let her life go to waste. We pulled on my dad's heart strings a little bit and brought Baby home as soon as we could get her on a trailer. My mother and I began working together to train Baby. We had to rethink everything we thought we knew about training a horse from scratch. Without realizing it. Baby's magic had already started working. Just by coming home with us, she started bringing my mom and me closer every day.
A Christmas drive-through event
A Drive-Through Christmas at Countryside Christian Church will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 11-12 and 18-19. The church is located at 1919 S. Rock Rd. From the comfort of your car, you experience the Christmas story as you drive through light displays and nar-
rated scenes from the events surrounding Jesus’ birth. It is requested that you bring a canned food item or a monetary gift. Proceeds will benefit Youth Horizon and the 184th Family Support Organization.
Photo by Amy Shepherd Photography
Angelica Sell and her parents rescued Baby as a colt. Baby continued to teach us patience and amazing problem-solving skills. She showed both of us how important determination is. It is so easy in life to throw in the towel because you don’t think you can do something, when in reality the only reason you're not able to reach your goal is because you keep telling yourself you can't. My mom and I were lucky enough to be blessed with a horse who reminds us to stay grounded. Having Baby Girl in our lives has affected us in only positive ways, especially when it comes
to our one-on-one relationship. When dealing with stressful times or situations, we go to Baby in the pasture. She reminds us to simply be there and listen to one another. Baby is very tuned in to whoever enters the pasture. She immediately comes up, puts her head down and into our chests to say "I'm here for you." She is the first one to remind both of us that family is forever. They are the ones who will always be there in your best and worst of times, so slow down, love and listen to one another, and don’t forget to have fun along the way.
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the active age
Dazzling dinner party tips By Joe Stumpe Candles flicker, glasses clink, guests laugh and murmur appreciation between bites of your delicious dinner, spread out on a gorgeous table. "It was nothing," you lie. Hosting a dinner party is one of life's grown-up pleasures, but anybody who tells you it's easy has probably never done it. It takes time, money and a little know-how. In our house, it takes two people: Sue Chef (as I dubbed my kitchen cohort years ago) and The Food God (as she dubbed me, sarcastically, in retaliation). I'm usually in charge of the food, while Sue takes care of everything else — flowers, table settings, music, greeting guests, getting beverages, making small talk, heading off awkward talk, refilling beverages. Obviously, I've got the better end of the bargain. For most people who entertain regularly, it’s easiest if you divide up
the duties because there's a lot to do. If a spouse or significant other isn't available, I'd suggest recruiting your best friend or hiring a helper. It can make the difference between enjoying, or merely surviving, your party. What have Sue and I learned over the years? • Start early. Get all the shopping and cooking done that you can the day before the party. You'll be on your feet enough on the big day itself. The recipes for Beef Bourguignon, Salted Pecan Brownies and Crispy Cold Asparagus Spears can all be made in advance. They're designed to feed eight or more. • Be ready, but don't be in a hurry. Have a drink and appetizer available when guests arrive. The appetizer can be simple and even store-bought. The main event -- your food -- is still to
come. Don't be in too big a rush to get dinner on the table. Let 'em sample it with their noses first. It'll build anticipation. • Be adaptable. Notice I never said we throw perfect dinner parties. Something might go wrong or not come out just the way you hoped. I usually make one more dish than necessary to be prepared for that eventuality. I've also been known to re-name dishes on the spot. Brussel sprouts burnt? That's charred Brussel sprouts to you, mister! Contact Joe Stumpe at jstumpe@cox.net.
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December 2015
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Serve yourself drinks and appetizers table. Recipes, next page
December 2015
the active age
Recipes
Crispy Cold Asparagus Spears
Beef Bourguigon
1 chuck roast, 4 to 5 lbs. Kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper Flour 2 Tbsp olive oil 1 yellow onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced
2 C baby carrots Fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme and parsley 2 C dry red wine, such as cabernet or pinot noir
Cut roast into 1- to 2-inch chunks, discarding excess fat. Season with salt and pepper; dust with flour. Heat olive oil in large Dutch oven or pot with tight-fitting lid. Brown chunks of beef on all sides. Work in batches, don’t crowd. When done, set beef aside and add onion, garlic, carrots to pot, stirring and cooking until onion is soft. Place beef in pot on top of vegetables. Pour in enough red wine to come about 1/3 to 1/2 way up beef. Add twigs of herbs, if using. Bring liquid to a boil, cover and reduce to a simmer. (You can also place pot in a 275-degree oven.) Continue cooking 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is fork tender. Cool slightly, then remove beef from pot. Using a regular or immersion blender, puree the vegetables with the cooking liquid. Return beef to pot with sauce. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Reheat before serving. The classic preparation of beef braised in red wine is a great make-ahead dish; the flavors improve when it's refrigerated overnight.
Parmesan Risotto
2 Tbsp olive oil 1 small yellow onion, chopped 2 1/2 C Arborio rice
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5 to 7 C hot chicken broth 1/2 C grated Parmesan cheese
Heat oil in medium saucepan. Add onion and saute about 3 minutes or until soft. Add rice, stirring until kernels are coated with oil. Add 1cup chicken broth and cook, occasionally stirring, until broth is absorbed. Continue adding broth in ½-cup increments until rice is tender (but not mushy). Remove from heat; stir in cheese before serving. This recipe can be prepared in advance up to the point of adding the broth.
2 bunches asparagus spears, trimmed 1 C mayonnaise
2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced Juice of 1 lemon Salt and pepper
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Fill separate bowl with ice and water. Working in two batches, add asparagus to pot, cooking from 30 seconds to 1 1/2 minutes, depending on the size and age of spears, then remove and place directly in ice bath. Spears should be crisp tender, not mushy; test one to gauge correct cooking time. Drain cooled asparagus on paper towels. Make sauce by mixing together mayonnaise, garlic and lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Plate asparagus spears and drizzle with sauce before serving.
Grilled Lemony Romaine Salad
2 heads romaine lettuce 4 Tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper 4 lemons, halved
Optional garnishes: croutons, red onion slices, hard-cooked eggs, shredded cheese
Cut romaine heads in half lengthwise. Drizzle all over with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat a grill and place halved romaine heads and lemons on the grill, cooking until slightly charred, then turning. Serve romaine on platter with garnishes if desired, letting guests add juice from grilled lemons to taste.
Salted Pecan Brownies 1 box Ghirardelli double-chocolate brownies (or other favorite mix), prepared according to directions,
plus 1 Tbsp vegetable oil 12 salted pecans
Prepare brownie mix as directed, adding one extra tablespoon of oil. Halfway through cooking, carefully remove pan from oven, arrange salted pecans in rows on top, then return to the oven to finish cooking. Serve with ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Boxed mixes have come a long way. Add extra oil to make them even more moist (a tip from "Cake Mix Doctor" Anne Byrn), plus a salted pecan on each individual brownie to provide a crunchy flavor counterpart to all that chocolate.
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Page 10
the active age
December 2015
Law enforcement NEVER calls to demand money By Marc Bennett Just last month, I warned readers that scammers are running the same old scams they have been running for years, including calling victims and claiming to be from the sheriff ’s office. The caller says that a warrant has been issued for failure to report for jury duty; unless your payment is made over the phone, deputies will come and arrest you.
In late November the sheriff ’s office had to again issue a statement reminding people that this is a scam. If you don’t appear for jury duty, you can expect another jury summons in the mail, not a call from the jury clerk or a collection agent.
Who should send e-file tax return? Many low-income seniors who live only on Social Security file a tax return to claim the Kansas property tax Homestead Refund. But if a senior stops filing tax returns, his or her Social Security number could be used by criminals to file fraudulent tax returns. This is happening more and more. In response to this problem the Kansas AARP Tax-Aide program is working on ways to minimize it. Now, low-income seniors can make an appointment during tax season at an AARP Tax-Aide site, often at their nearest Senior Center, and e-file their Federal and State tax returns.
When a tax return is e-filed, the Social Security numbers of the taxpayer and everyone on the return – the spouse and dependents included – are locked so that they cannot be used again during that year. If someone tried to use those numbers again, they would get rejected because the numbers would have been already used. Contact your Senior Services or Senior Center in January for more information about making an appointment for free tax help. A complete list of the sites can be found at www.kstaxaide.com.
So, at the risk of repeating the same information each month, the sheriff ’s office, the police department or any other “official” sounding law enforcement organization will NEVER call you and threaten arrest unless you provide payment over the phone. Please, do not be taken in by these scams. On another note, during this holiday shopping season please take precautions. If you are at the mall or a store and need to put purchased items in the car while you continue to shop, put them in the trunk. If you don’t have a trunk, place them on the floorboard and cover them with a blanket. Packages in a back seat are enticing to a criminal, and a window is easily broken. If you shop using a credit card, keep track of your purchases, keep your receipts and check your balance with some frequency. If you are shopping online at a website you haven’t used before, check out the website. Read reviews from other customers and check with the Better Business Bureau to see if it is a legitimate business or some fly-bynight scam.
Does it have a brick and mortar building somewhere? Does anyone answer the phone if you call? A few questions now may save you heartache later. Do the same if you receive a phone call from a group claiming to do philanthropic work over the holiday. Last year I received a call last year from an unknown number. I typed the number into Google and watched as a laundry list of complaints jumped onto the screen warning of the scams the caller(s) had committed. Don’t let your holiday be ruined by scam artists preying on your good heart. Remember, the best way to get restitution is to not get scammed in the first place. Marc Bennett, marc.bennett@ sedgwick.gov, is the Sedgwick County District Attorney. If you have been the victim of a consumer fraud violation or know about a possible fraudulent scheme, call the Consumer Protection Division, 660-3600, or email consumer@sedgwick.gov. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a crime, call 911 immediately.
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December 2015
the active age
Page 11
Kissing under mistletoe only part of its legend By Elma Broadfoot How did a parasite that comes from birds pooping berries on tree branches become a Christmas romantic lore and tradition? There are many stories of the mistletoe involving gods, demons, luck and a little lust and, oddly enough, birds. Many ancient cultures including the Greeks, Norse and Celtic Druids prized mistletoe for its healing properties. The Greeks were known to use it as a cure for everything from menstrual cramps to spleen disorders. The Celts used it as an animal aphrodisiac to increase the fertility of sheep. The Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder noted it could be used as a balm against epilepsy, ulcers and poisons, according to the online source history.com. It was the 18th-century English who credited mistletoe, not with miraculous healing powers, but with a certain magical appeal called a kissing ball. At Christmas time a young lady standing under a ball of mistletoe, could not refuse to be kissed. The kiss could mean deep romance or lasting
Courtesy photo
friendship. If a girl was not kissed she could not expect to marry the next year. The mistletoe’s power runs out because each time a man steals a kiss under it, he is to pluck one of the berries. Once the berries are gone there is to be no more kissing, at least according to history.com. As mistletoes evolved they began growing on tree branches rather than their roots. As the trees clambered for the sun, the mistletoe simply rode up on their branches, living off both the trees’ nutrients and the energy mistletoe could gather itself from the sun, according to an article by Robb Dunn in Smithsonian magazine. Mistletoe evolved five times from the ancestral stock, diversified and spread around the world. The seeds of mistletoe would fall to the ground, unable to get to branches. “Chance
and wind were not enough for the offspring of mistletoe to find new trees, but the mistletoe had more than chance, it had natural selection,” notes Dunn. “The mistletoe evolved seeds surrounded by berries. The berries attracted birds. The birds ate the berries, and then flew to find more food. As they flew, or better yet, when they landed, they pooped. If everything went perfectly for the mistletoe, the poop landed on a branch where the seed
might germinate,” Dunn adds. This Christmas time, if a young man or woman is inclined to kiss another under the mistletoe, remember to remove a berry so the promise of romance will live. However, don’t eat the berry it’s poisonous.
By Mary Legge When beautiful fall colors drift into the bright whites of winter I get excited thinking about completing my annual income tax return. “Excited” probably isn’t the word most people would use. Today there are so many deductions, credits and forms that the average person has no idea if he or she is doing it correctly. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is a great free service to those who qualify. Many of the volunteer tax preparers have never completed their own tax
returns until they joined the VITA team. If you like to help people, have a patient personality and are a reasonable problem solver, this is right for you. Volunteers prepare in January, learning the software and the changes in the tax law. They are ready and excited when clients start making their appointments in mid-January. To join our VITA team, call Colleen at The United Way of the Plains, 316 267-5111, ext. 4215. And get excited!
Contact Elma Broadfoot at ebroadfoot@aol.com For seven surprising facts about mistletoe, visit our website: theactiveage.com/stories.
Tax season excites VITA volunteer
Contact Mary Legge at mlegge@dearneighbor.org
Our Breakthrough Household Model, 120 Years In The Making. Our distinctive Household Model is as close as one can get to living at home because it works like a true home. Residents appreciate the design, décor, furnishings, and the large living spaces. For nearly 120 years now, KMH has been happy to call the corner of S. Martinson and Maple Streets our neighborhood. It’s where you’ll experience a legacy of care founded on a history of guiding principles. And that includes the newly designed Household Model. For more information, or for your personal tour, please call 316.269.7721.
Assisted Living | Memory Care | Long-Term Care | Skilled Nursing | Rehabilitation 402 S. Martinson St., Wichita, Kansas 67213 • 316.269.7500 • kmh.org Formerly known as Kansas Masonic Home
www.theactiveage.com
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the active age
December 2015
Holidays not so merry for those with depression By Leslie Chaffin Most of us are familiar with “the blues,” getting into a “funk” or feeling down for a few days. During the holidays, for those who have experienced losses during the year, it can make the strongest of us feel down. For the person who struggles with depression, the holidays amplify the feelings they deal with day in and day out, regardless of the season. Depression is not a normal part of the aging process. Ironically, suicide rates drop during the holidays, but take a sharp rise in the weeks just afterwards. “One in five adults will experience a mental disorder,” said Jason Scheck, director of outpatient services at COMCARE of Sedgwick County. The median time it takes for someone to get help is 10 years and less than 40 percent of older adults get the help they need, he stated. Depression tends to have a later onset as we age and experience losses that can add up. It’s natural to experience depression or anxiety when these things happen, but if it hangs on for more than a couple of weeks, it’s cause for concern. For Bellama, 84, depression has been a lifelong struggle. Born in Mexico, depression became part of her life when she was 5- or 6-years-old after a frightening incident with her mother, who also suffered from depression. Her family moved to the United States when she was young, and she has always had a therapist. She was married twice, and has three adult children. Her daughter Vicki said that, as children, there were several times
Photo by Leslie Chaffin
Depression affects Bellama. where they called 911. When they could drive, they took their mother to get help. After an incident four years ago, Bellama moved in with Vicki and no longer drives. “Being alone during the day is the hardest,” she said, “especially during the middle of the day from 11 to 1.” She has developed ways to manage. She tries to keep busy around the house. Sometimes, on a sunny day, she will sit under a tree in the backyard with their dog. When it is really difficult to fight her depression, “I talk to God,” Bellama said. “I have a conversation with
Him, and ask for help to get through this day.” Sometimes that also means calling one of the crisis lines. She uses three crisis line phone numbers, and can also call a good friend or her daughter. Vicki often calls on her lunch break. There are times when Bellama has called and, when her employer allows, Vicki comes home to be with her. “But my employer isn’t particularly understanding, and it’s difficult for me to leave work,” she said. Bellama and Vicki also have hired home companions. “We have a person now who comes three times a week, and we’ll see how this works out,” Vicki said. Depression can be caused by physical problems. Check first with your primary care physician, Scheck said. “This will rule out physical problems such as thyroid, medication reaction or a urinary tract infection.” Misty Elder, director of advancement with Prairie View Regional Mental Health Center, added that older adults with high blood pressure and diabetes could be prone to depression. Outward signs include trouble with
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memory or making decisions, loss of appetite or overeating, becoming more isolated, extreme mood swings, lack of sleep or sleeping more, lack of personal hygiene and, ultimately, wondering why they’re still alive. “Anytime someone talks about suicide, it should be taken very seriously,” Scheck said. “Call for help.” Elder said that people around a person with depression need to rally around them just as you would with someone who is diagnosed with cancer. If someone you know hasn’t been able to shake being down for more than a couple of weeks, reach out to them. Ask them how they are feeling and really listen, and offer to help set up an appointment. “We’re never too old to recover from a mental health condition,” said Scheck. “The first and, often the hardest step, is asking for help.” The subjects’ names were changed to protect the privacy of those who graciously agreed to let us interview them for this article. Contact Leslie Chaffin at ideahatchingmarketing@gmail.com
See related story, next page
December 2015
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Page 13
Tips for dealing with holiday depression The holidays can be especially challenging when it is the first holiday we will experience without a close friend or relative who has passed. Grief does not have a schedule, and whether it is the first holiday or the 10th, we should not put a timeline on feeling the loss. Tips for dealing with holiday depression from grief support sources
include: • Find a comfortable routine to keep you grounded. • Begin a new tradition — plan a family outing or engage in a charitable activity in the person’s memory. • Listen to your heart. If you’re uncomfortable at a gathering, don’t be afraid to say “I’m not up to this right now” and leave early.
• Find an organization that needs you or get more involved with one you’re already a part of. • Nature can be a place of renewal — go for a walk, whether down the street or in a park, or even visiting a local attraction such as a botanical garden or zoo. If you just can’t shake feeling down, find yourself becoming more reclusive
Area mental health resources National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7: 800-273-8255 Aging & Diabetes Resource Center 855-200-2372 (ARDC) National Alliance on Mental Health Issues, 316-686-1371, info@namiwichita.org, http://www.namiwichita. org/ Mental Health First Aid classes also are available through COMCARE or Prairie View. The classes teach the general public how to recognize the symptoms that someone is struggling with a mental health problem. For more information call 316-
284-6400. These are not for those with a mental illness. Kansas is one of the first states in the nation implementing this program. Sedgwick County • Kansas Suicide Prevention Crisis Line 24/7: 316-660-7500 • COMCARE of Sedgwick County, 635 N. Main; first appointment, 316660-7540 • Free Community Assessment Program for Seniors, 316-660-7500 • Beating the Blues, anonymous, free 8-week online program, beatingtheblues@sedgwick.gov To set up orien-
tation, http://www.beatingthebluesus. com/ • Department of Aging, 316-660-5120 Butler County • South Central Mental Health, 129 S. Gordy, Suite 3, El Dorado Counseling Centers: • 2365 W. Central, El Dorado 3216036 • 217 Ira Court, Andover 733-5047 • 2821 Brookside Dr., Augusta 4250073 Harvey County • Prairie View Regional Mental Health Center 316-284-6400
or questioning your life, reach out whether through a crisis hotline, 800273-8255, or to someone you trust. If you’re concerned about someone, talk to them and find out why they are hurting, and share information with them. Offer to drive them to a function and if they decline, tell them “here’s my number if you change your mind.” — Leslie Chaffin
Largest light show
Illuminations at Botanica showcases its 17 acres of themed displays with hundreds of thousands of lights, plus 8,000 luminaries. It is called Kansas’ largest holiday light display. There are trains around the Sensory Garden, lights dancing to music in the Meadow, Candy Cane Lane and much more. Hours are 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. daily through Dec. 31, except Dec. 24-25. Admission is $8. Supper with Santa is at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 14-16. Santa and his elves host the event. Children can decorate a cookie, create an art item, sing holiday songs and hear stories. Tickets are $14 for adults and $10 for children 3-12. For reservations call Mitzie Hall at 264-0448, ext. 117. Seating is limited.
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the active age
December 2015
Holiday Gift Ideas Oakschmied Honey Oh taste and see that the LORD is good. Psalm 34:8
Offering Kansas honey and related products. Creamed Honey
Lip Balms
Honey Stix
Lotion Bars
Infused Honey
Soaps
Honey Mustard
Beeswax
Great gifts for “hard to buy for” people.
Schmied Family 5327 E Elm Wichita, KS 316-684-0990 Honey@OakschmiedHoney.buzz www.OakschmiedHoney.buzz
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Fingerprint Jewelry Monuments - Urns - Vaults - Statues Granite Benches - Pet Markers Yard Signs - Glass and Wood Etching
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Holiday Gift Ideas
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d Mid-Kansas Senior Outreach A Gatekeeper Program Helping Seniors maintain their independence
This holiday season, make it a point to be your neighbor’s keeper. The holidays are normally a time for family, food, joy and happiness. But, for some seniors it is a time of sadness, isolation, abuse, and despair. This holiday season please keep your elderly neighbors in mind. If you see a senior struggling, please call Mid-Kansas Senior Outreach. We provide: In-Home Counseling Care Coordination Medical Referrals Abuse Intervention
Depression Screening Substance Abuse Screening
Give the gift of peace of mind Mom doesn’t have to dust it, and Dad doesn’t have to assemble it. For the holidays, give them the gift that will help them stay secure and independent. Our emergency response system gives peace of mind at the press of a button. This innnovative technology brings the freedom of independent living with the security of knowing that help is only a button push away.
Call us at 316-265-1700! Happy Holidays from All of Us to All of You!
Call 685-1821
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149 S. Ridge Rd., Wichita 67209
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Happy Holidays! the
active age
Page 16
the active age
December 2015
Calendar of Events
Sedgwick County Senior Centers
BEL AIRE 7651 E Central Park Ave 744-2451, ext 121 www.belaireks.org
Mon: 10 am Men’s fellowship, coffee. Mon & Wed: 6 pm Yoga, Rec Center. Tue: 1 pm Bridge. Wed: 9 am Low-impact aerobics, Rec Center. Fri: 9 am Breakfast at Braum’s. Mon-Fri: 8-9 am Bel Aire Walkers, Rec Center. 1st Mon: 6:30 pm Potluck & program. 2nd Mon: 11:30 am Lunch out, call for details. 3rd Wed: 1:30 pm, Book Club. 4th Mon: 6 pm Covered dish lunch, Rec Center. 4th Wed: 7 pm Bunko. 4th Thu: 2 pm Geneaology group.
BENTLEY/EAGLE 504 W Sterling, 796-0027
Open Mon-Fri: Coffee, cookies, exercise. Mon: 2 pm Line dancing, chair exercise. Wed: 1:30 pm Canasta. Sat: 8-9:30 am Breakfast, donation. 2nd Fri: 11 am Senior Lunch Out. 3rd Tue: 7 pm Game night, bring snack. 3rd Fri: noon XYZ potluck, program. 4th Sat: 7 pm Movie Night.
CHENEY 516 Main, 542-3721
Mon-Fri: 10:30 am Hot meal, reservations required; 12:15 pm Cards, games. Mon, Wed, Fri: 10-11 am Exercise program. 1st Tue: 6 pm Potluck dinner. 2nd, 3rd, 4th Tue: 7 pm Cards, games.
CLEARWATER 921 E Janet, 584-2332
Mon: 10 am-noon Blood pressure check; 1-3 pm Painting, beginning to advanced. Wed: 9 am Morning coffee. Tue, Fri: 8:45 am Tai Chi; 10 am Exercise class. 2nd Tue: noon Carry-in lunch & program. Thur: 10 am Bible study. 1st, 3rd & 4th Thu: 9 am Help with technologybring your own device.
DERBY 611 N Mulberry Rd, 788-0223
www.derbyweb.com Regular activities: Exercise programs at low or no cost, foot care, book club. Dec 3: 12 pm Christmas Appreciation Party. Volunteers and patrons must sign up to attend. Dec 4: 10 am Derby's crime trends by Chief of Police, Tim Brant. Dec 7: 4:30 pm Cessna Jazz Band, $2. Dec 17: 8 am Lights of Kindness Christmas light show. $8. Dec 21: 8 am Bingham-Waggoner estate tour and lunch. $20. 1st Tue: 11:30 am Friendship Club lunch out. 3rd Tue: Noon Friendship Club; 1 pm Book Club. Reading list at front desk. 1st Thu: 9 am New-member orientation.
DOWNTOWN 200 S. Walnut, 267-0197
www.seniorservicesofwichita.org Regular activities: Exercise classes, Pickleball, computer classes, foot care by appt. Dec 17: 2 pm Financial Advisor Stan Webb will give a presentation regarding important financial issues of the day. Mon: 11 am Lewis Street Singers; 1 pm Bridge; Beading Buddies. Tues: 10:30 am Single Seniors (except for 2nd Tue). Wed: 9 am Spanish class (adv); 11 am Latin Dance 1 pm Spanish (beg), Massage by Ruth Lundstedt. Thu: 9:30-11 am Drawing class. Mon & Wed 11 am Well Rep Excercises. 1st Mon: 10 am Book Club. 2nd Thurs: 9 am Wichita Coin Club. 2nd, 3rd, 4th Thu: 9:30 am Drawing Class.
EDGEMOOR 5815 E 9th, 688-9392
Mon-Fri: 11:30 am Hot lunch, reservation required; 10-11 am Pool, cards, bingo, dominoes, puzzles.
GARDEN PLAIN 1006 N Main, 535-1155
Tue, Thu: 9:30 am Exercise. Fri: 1 pm Cards. 1st Fri: noon Potluck, cards. 3rd Fri: noon Birthday/anniversary celebration.
GODDARD 120 N Main, 794-2441
Mon, Wed, Fri: 9-9:30 am Exercise. 1st & 4th Tue: 9:30 am-noon Cards. 2nd & 4th Thu: 10 am-4 pm Covered dish, cards, dominoes.
HAYSVILLE 160 E Karla, 529-5903
Regular activities: Cards, crafts, hot lunch. Mon, Wed, Fri: 10 am Silver Foxes exercise. Tue, Thu: 10 am STEP exercise. 1st & 3rd Wed: 11 am Blood pressure checks. 12:30 pm Bingo. 2nd Fri: 5:30 pm Birthday dinner, covered dish.
KECHI Kechi City Building, 744-017, 744-1271
3rd Thu: 6:30-7:30 pm Meeting.
LA FAMILIA 841 W 21st, 267-1700
Mon-Fri: Dance, exercise, pool, dominoes. 11:30 am-12:15 pm Hot lunch. Mon, Wed, Fri: 10 am Exercise/Ejercicio. Mon, Fri: 9:30 am-3 pm Tax-Aide, by appt. Tue, Thu: 1 pm Exercise/Ejercicio. Mon: 10 am English Class/Clase de Ingles; 1 pm Line dancing Tue: 10 am Nutrition class/Clase de nutricion. Thu: 10 am Bingo/loteria. Last Fri: 10 am Music/musica; monthly birthdays.
www.seniorservicesofwichita.org Regular activities: Computer classes, cards, Pickleball, exercise programs, hot lunch. Dec 4: 10:15 am How We Hear - Let's HEAR Better by Michelle Fedd. Dec 7: 10:15 am 3 Common Eye Diseases for Vision Loss by Deb Wetta. Dec 14 1:30-2:30 pm Fraud by Christy Campbell. Call 263-3703 for an appointment for consultation after her program. Dec 18: 10:15 am The importance of Hydration - H20 with Brooklyne Johnson. 3rd Wed: 10:30 am Birthday party. Mon & Fri: 9 am Dynabands; 9:30 am Stretching. Tue: 9 am Brain games; 9:30 am Fit & balance. 10:30 am Bingo. Tue & Thu: 9 am Pickleball.
MCADAMS GOLDEN AGE 1329 E 16th, 337-9222
Regular activities: Open gym, walking, hot lunches, dominoes, cards, pool. Sun: 1-3 pm Quilting. Fri: noon-1:30 pm Sewing. Sat: noon-4:30 pm Classes: sewing, jewelry making. 2nd & 4th Tue: 10 am-noon Blood pressure checks.
MT HOPE 105 S Ohio, 667-8956
Mon: 7-10 am Coffee, donuts; 11:30 am-12:30 pm Lunch; 1-4 pm Cards. Tue, Wed, Fri: 9 am Exercise class. Tue, Wed: 10 am-3 pm Crafts, quilting. Thu: 9:30-10:30 am Line Dancing. 1st Fri: Noon Sr Citizens’ lunch.
MULVANE 632 E Mulvane, 777-4813
Daily: Walk in the gym, coffee; hot lunch; computers, dominoes, puzzles, pool, book loan. Mon, Wed, Fri: 9:30 am Yoga. Mon, Wed, Fri: 9 am Zumba. 2nd Tue: 7:30-9:30 am Breakfast, $3. 2nd Wed: 11:30 am Blood pressure checks. 3rd Wed: Noon-1 pm Blood pressure checks.
NORTHEAST 2121 E 21st, 269-4444
Henry & Mathewson, P.A. 310 W 205 ••Wichita Wichita 449 N. Central McLeanSte Blvd. Practice focusing on Wills, Trusts, Guardianships, Conservatorships, Estate Planning and Family Law. More than 30 years of practice.
ORCHARD PARK 4808 W 9th, 942-2293
seniorservicesofwichita.org Regular activities: Exercise programs, cards, pool, hot lunch, Wii bowling, dominoes, crafts. Dec 4: 11 am Holiday meal provided by Grassland Estates. Sign up and indicate the side dish you will bring. There will music and games. Dec 14: 11:30 am Advisory council meeting. Dec 21: 11:15 am Monthly birhday celebration. No breakfast or lunch out due to the holidays. Tues: 12:30-4:30 pm Duplicate bridge. Wed: 10:30 am-noon Computer Lab.
PARK CITY 6100 N Hydraulic, 744-1199
Regular activities: Cards, exercise, pool, hot lunch. Call for details. Dec 8: 10:45 am Holiday ID Theft Educational Workshop by Maggie Newton. Dec 9: 4-5:30 pm Holiday ornament crafting with Debbie Stites. $10. Dec 10: 11 am Christmas Lights Tour on a party bus. $10, must RSVP. Dec 16: 10:30 am Getting Help for Depression & Anxiety by Angels Care Home Health. Dec 19: 10:30am-noon Christmas cookie exchange party. Bring 3 dozen cookies to share. Wed: 1 pm Walking; 2:30 pm Line Dance; 7 pm Round Dance. Fri: 10:30 am Dance Aerobics; 1 pm Pinochle. Sat: 1 pm Pinochle. Tue & Thu: 8:30 am Wii Bowling; 10 am WellRep exercise. 1st Wed: 10:30 am Chisholm Trail Seniors catered lunch, meeting, program. 3rd Fri: 6 pm Fun, food, games.
VALLEY CENTER 316 E. Clay, 755-7335
Regular activities: Home-cooked meals; monthly outings, including casino trip; exercise programs. Mon: Donuts, coffee, cards. Tue: 10 am Brunch, $4, movie & cards; 6:30 pm Pitch, bring snack to share. Wed: 9 am Meet at Methodist Church. Thu: noon Lunch, $5. Games. Fri: noon Lunch, $4. 3rd Thu: Birthday celebration.
www.seniorservicesofwichita.org Daily: Dominoes, cards, Wii, pool, hot lunch. library, exercise room, computer lab. Dec 14: 10:30 am Advisory council. Dec 18: 12-1 pm Christmas snack and fellowship. Dec 18: 5-9 pm Senior dance at St. Peters Claver Center. $10. Call 269-4444 for more info. Dec 21: 10 am Special events committee meeting. Mon, Wed, Fri: 9:30 am WSU exercise. Mon: 12:30 pm TOPS; 1:30 pm Sing-a-Long. Wed: 2 pm Drawing 101. Thu: 10:30 am Jewelry class, crochet class. Tue, Thu: 1 pm Spanish class. Fri: 10 am Crochet class; 1 pm Bridge. 1st Wed: Footcare by appointment.
OAKLAWN 2937 Oaklawn Dr, 524-7545
Elizabeth (Betsy) Lea Henry 316-201-6868 316-263-7770
LINWOOD 1901 S. Kansas, 263-3703
Daily: 11:30 Red Cross meals. 1st Thur: 12:30 pm, Golden Agers meeting. 1st Thur & Fri: 8:30 am-5 pm, Commodities. 2nd Thu: 12:30-2:30 pm, Golden Agers bingo. $1. 4th Thu: 12:30-2:30, Community bingo. $2. Every Fri: 12:30 pm Afternoon cards. Every Wed: 8:30 am Sweets & coffee, Panera Bread.
“If getting to us is too difficult, I will come to you.” www.theactiveage.com
Senior Wednesdays www.seniorwednesday.org.
Dec 2: 10 am Wichita Art Museum, Holiday Party. Enjoy coffee, treats and holiday music in the S. Jim and Darla Farha Great Hall and hear about upcoming spring programs. There will be a raffle in a social atmosphere with holiday entertainment as well. Free.
December 2015
the active age
Page 17
Butler County Senior Centers
ANDOVER 410 Lioba Dr, 733-4441
www.andoverks.com Regular activities: Exercise, bingo, bridge, quilt club, dominoes, cards, pool. Daily:11:30 am-12:30 pm Lunch (reservation required), $3. Mon, Wed, Fri: 10 am Exercise, pinochle. Tues & Thu: Special music at lunch. Mon: 1 pm Lunch and Cards. Tue: 10 am Blood pressure check; 10:30 am-2 pm Memory Café; 1 pm Pool & cards. Wed: 1 pm Quilt club; 1 pm Bridge. Thu: 1 pm Pool, cards & Scrabble; 3 pm Dominoes; 7-9 pm Pitch. Fri: 11:30 am Covered dish, meeting & program; 12:45 pm Prize bingo; 1:45 pm Cards. 4th Sat: 7 - 10am Monthly breakfast. provided by American Legion Post 406. Sausage gravy, biscuits, scrambled eggs & pancakes. $5.
AUGUSTA 640 Osage, 775-1189
Regular activities: Exercise, cards, dominoes, pool, line dancing, lunch daily at 11:30 am. Friday: 9:30 am Prize bingo. Every other Tues: 7-9 pm Live music/dancing. Call for dates. Snacks/desserts welcome. 2nd Sat: 7-10 am Biscuit/Gravy breakfast. $4 suggested donation. 3rd Mon: 8 am Casino trip. Call for reservation. $5 suggested donation. 4th Mon: 5 pm Evening meal. $5 suggested donation.
BENTON Lion’s Community Bldg, S Main St
2nd & 4th Tue: 9 am-4 pm, Cards, games, occasional program. Covered dish.
CASSODAY Cassoday Senior Center 133 S. Washington, 620-735-4538
Tue: 10:30 am Round Table. Tue, Thu: 9:30 am Exercise with WSU. 1st Mon: 7 pm Game night. 3rd Mon: 12:30 pm Carry-in luncheon, blood pressure checks. Last Fri: 7 pm Movie Night.
DOUGLASS 124 W 4th, 746-3227
Regular activities: Exercise, quilting, cards, home-cooked lunch, $4 (reservation required). 1st Mon: 6 pm Finger foods & cards. 3rdMon: 6 pm Birthday/anniversary covered-dish supper, bring own service. Cards. 3rd Sat: 7:30-9:30 am Biscuits/gravy, scrambled eggs, $3.
EL DORADO 210 E 2nd, 321-0142
Regular activities: Exercise, cards, hot lunch, $2. RSVP. Mon, Fri: 10 am Aerobics. Tue: 12:30 pm Bingo; 1:30 pm Line Dance; 6:30 pm Prairie Port Singles. Tue, Thu: 9 am Coffee. Wed: 10 am Back in Balance; 1 pm Pinochle. Sat: 6:30 pm Senior activities. 2nd Thu: 11 am Blood pressure check.
Harvey County Centers BURRTON 124 N Burrton, 620-463-3225
Tue, Fri: 9:30 am Exercises. Fri: 1 pm Table games. 1st Mon: 6 pm Bunko. 2nd Thu: Noon Meal, table games. 4th Thu: 6 pm Dinner, program.
HALSTEAD 523 Poplar, 835-2283
Mon & Wed: Games after lunch. Tue & Fri: 9 am Exercise. 2nd Thu: 7 pm Dine out/activity. 3rd Thu: 6 pm Potluck, meeting. 3rd Fri: 12:30 pm Movie in. 3rd Sun: 1:30 pm Movie out. 4th Thu: 7 pm Penny Bingo.
HESSTON Randall & Main, 620-327-5099
www.hesstonseniorcenter.com Mon, Wed, Fri: 8 am Stretch bands. Mon & Tue: 1:30 pm Pitch. Tue: 8:30 am Coffee Hour; 9 am Film; 1:30 pm Pinochle. Wed: 6:30 am Men’s Bible Study; 1 pm Bridge. 1st & 3rd Tue: 6 pm Singin’ Seniors. 3rd Wed: 11:30 am Health luncheon; noon, program. Reservations by previous Fri. 1st Thu: 7 pm Bridge. 2nd Thu: 7 pm Movie Night. 1st & 3rd Fri: 1 pm Mexican Train dominoes. 1st Sat: 7:30-9:30 am Community Breakfast. 4th Mon: 5:30 pm gathering; 6 pm Potluck dinner, program follows.
Support Groups The Center for Community Support and Research has an extensive and up-to-date listing of area support groups. Visit www.SupportGroupinKansas.org. To add or correct a listing call Angela Gaughan at 978-3843 or 1-800-445-0116 or email angela.gaughan@wichita.edu.
GRAND CENTRAL 122 E 6th, Newton, 283-2222 www.newtonseniorcenter.org
Dec 3: 8:30 am Community Chat. Speaker TBA. Dec 8: 6 pm Shared supper meal provided by The Board. Bring salad, vegetable or dessert to share with 6. Dec 15: 10:30 am The Colors of Christmas with Donna Becker. Dec 17: no time given Letters FROM Santa with Jean Mitchell. Mon: 9:00 am Thai Chi, Get Lighter, Feel Better; 10-11 am Blood pressure check; 1:30 pm Golden Notes choir practice; Tue: 10:30am Computer class; 1 pm Crafts; 7 pm Line Dance. Wed: 1 pm Pinochle/cards. Thu: 1 pm Wii bowling. Mon, Wed, Fri: 9:30 am Arthritis exercise. 2nd & 4th Thu: 10:30 am Bingo.
SEDGWICK 107 W. Fifth, 772-0393
Mon: 1 pm Games. Tue: 7-8:30 am Breakfast. Wed: 9-11 am Quilting. Mon, Wed, Fri: 9 am Exercise. 1st Fri: 7 pm Birthday party. 2nd Thu: noon Carry-in dinner, mtg. 3rd Thu: 5 pm Dinner Night Out. 2nd Fri: 7 pm Pitch party. Last Thu: 7 pm Movie.
Organizations, Dances
Clubs and Organizations and Dances are listed online at www. theactiveage.com. To ensure that the listings are up-to-date, email kaydee@theactiveage.com, call 9425385 or mail to the active age, 125 S. West St., Ste. 105, Wichita, KS 67213
LEON 112 S Main, 745-9200 or 742-9905
Regular activities: Exercise, cards, home-cooked lunch (reservation required). Mon, Fri: 10 am Aerobics. Tues: 12:30 pm Bingo; 1:30 pm Line Dance; 6:30 pm Prairie Port Singles. Tue & Thu: 1 pm Bridge. Wed: 10 am Back in Balance; 1 pm Pinochle. 3rd Sun: 11am-1:30 pm, Home-cooked lunch, $7 adults, $3.50 children. 745-9200.
ROSE HILL 207 E Silknitter, 776-0170
Regular activities: Wii, pool table, shuffleboard, home-cooked lunch (reservation required). Mon & Wed: 9 am Strong Women Stay Young Exercise. Mon: 7 pm Pitch, games. Wed: 1 pm Bridge. Fri: 7 pm Card game. 1st Fri: 11 am Meeting, covered dish. 3rd Fri: Noon Covered dish. 1st Sat: 7-10 am Scrambled eggs, biscuits/gravy.
TOWANDA 317 Main, 536-8999
Open 10:30 am-5 pm Mon, Wed & Fri Thu: 7 am Breakfast/coffee at Stearman Bar & Grill, Benton.
WHITEWATER Legion Hall,Whitewater
2nd & 4th Tue: noon Potluck, program.
Transportation Sedgwick County
American Red Cross, 219-4040. Free rides for 60+ for medical and dialysis appointments. 24-hour notice. Ambulatory. Donations accepted. Sedgwick Co Transportation, 660-5150 or 1-800-367-7298, transportation or services info. 8 am-5 pm, Mon-Fri; closed most holidays. www.sedgwickcounty.org/aging.
Butler County Transit Weekday transportation in El Dorado, Augusta and Andover. Rides to Wichita on Wed, Thu. Call for information; 48-hr notice required: Augusta, 775-0500; El Dorado, 322-4321; toll free, 1-800-279-3655. $10 pass for 25 rides available. Wheelchair accessible; escorts ride free.
Harvey County Transportation for medical appointments, shopping and recreational activities. Reservations or information: 316-284-6802 or 1-866-680-6802. Applications for reduced fares for those 60+ or disabled who meet income guidelines. Personal appointments Mon-Fri, 8 am-5 pm. Reservations, first call-first served, must be made 24 hours in advance. Vans are wheelchair accessible. Round-trip fares: $8 in Newton (wheelchair only), $12 in Harvey County, $20 outside Harvey County. Wheelchair escorts ride free. AVI Route: Tue, 8 am-4:30 pm. Transportation to Newton for Burrton, Sedgwick, Halstead, Hesston, Walton residents. $6. Halstead: In-town transportation Mon-Fri, 9 am-3:30 pm. $1.
www.theactiveage.com
AARP Driver Safety Classes Eight hours of instruction. Certificate on completion for insurance discount. Class size limited; call for reservations. $15 for AARP members; $20 for non-members. Downtown Senior Center, 200 S. Walnut, 12:30-4:30 pm Dec 14 & 15, 267-0197. El Dorado Senior Center, 210 E 2nd Ave, 9 am Dec 19 & 26, 316321-0142. Via Christi Rehab Hospital, 1151 N Rock Rd. 9 am Dec 9. 689-5700.
Friendship Meals Aging Projects, Inc. serves a hot, nutritious meal weekdays for persons 60 and older at locations in Sedgwick, Harvey and Butler county communities. Reservations are necessary. For the closest location and reservations, call 620-669-8201.
WEEK OF DECEMBER 1 Tue: Brunswick stew, mixed greens salad w/ dressing, Mandarin oranges, biscuit. Wed: Ham & beans, parslied carrots, strawberries, cornbread, sugar cookie. Thu: Baked chicken, California mash, broccoli, plums, wheat roll. Fri: Tuna & pasta salad, vegetable soup, crackers, pineapple, cinnamon roll. WEEK OF DECEMBER 7 Mon: Creamed chicken over biscuit, green pepper slaw, blueberries, no bake cookie. Tue: Lasagna, mixed greens salad w/dressing, Mandarin oranges, garlic bread. Wed: New England Stew, pickled beets, banana, cornbread. Thu: Turkey, mashed potatoes & gravy, herbed green beans, apricots, wacky cake, wheat roll. Fri: Taco salad, salsa, chips, carrots, pineapple, bread pudding. WEEK OF DECEMBER 14 Mon: Sloppy Joe on bun, French fries, broccoli/carrot salad, pears, peach cobbler. Tue: Oven fried chicken, mashed potatoes w/gravy, beets, pears, wheat bread. Wed: Crispy fish w/tartar, macaroni & cheese, spinach, strawberries, roll. Thu: Ham, sweet potatoes, cauliflower in cheese, applesauce gelatin salad, cranberry swirl cake. Fri: Chicken pot pie, cole slaw, apricots, gelatin, biscuit. WEEK OF DECEMBER 21 Mon: Chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes w/gravy, combo salad w/ dressing, pears, gingerbread. Tue: Ham chowder, bean salad, pineapple, applesauce cake. Wed: Turkey salad on bun, lentil & black bean soup, cracker, corn relish, strawberries. Thu: Closed for Christmas Eve. Fri: Closed for Christmas. WEEK OF DECEMBER 28 Mon: Mexican pork stew, lima beans, pickled beets, peaches, cornbread. Tues: Chicken & rice casserole, broccoli, plums, oatmeal cake, biscuit. Wed: Liver & onions OR salisbury steak, mashed potato, mixed vegetables, glazed blueberries, roll. Thu: Spaghetti w/meat, combo salad, apricots, fruited gelatin, garlic bread.
Page 18
the active age
December 2015
Classified Advertising
Place an ad: 942-5385
CEMETERY PROPERTY PROPERTROP SALE FF FFCEMETERY FOR SALE
F FOR SALE F
F HOME CARE CONT F
F HOME IMPROVEMENTS CONTF
Resthaven, Christus, space number 9, D4. Value $9,000, asking $2,500. Good Shepherd, 6B 3, 4. Value $7,200, asking $2,500. 316-721-6462, 316-253-3980
Christmas special: glass top tables & 4 chairs, $30; 42" Vizio flat screen TV, $200; 72" TV, $200; heater, $200. Call 706-9763.
FOOT CARE IN YOUR HOME
Lift chair: brand new medium brown fabric with heat and massage. Bought for $800 will sacrifice for $450. Call 316-210-5723.
$40: In-home, Sedgwick & surrounding counties Diabetic, thick toe nails, fungus & callous care
Total yard clean-up, flower beds and bushes, tree trimming and stump grinding, attics, garages and basements. LEAF cleanup and HAULING.
Tub-shower transfer bench bought new, used 6 weeks, $100. Also hand spray attachment for shower and removable shower curtain. All three for $125. Call 838-1842.
F HOUSKEEPING SERVICES F
Old Mission Mausoleum - crypt no. 166C - for sale at $1,500 or best offer. Others available. Call 540-510-5439 or 540-404-1570. Resthaven, Freedom, 159B-1, spaces for two with vaults, markers. Value $10,000, sell for $2,995. 316-721-6462, 316-253-3980.
Resthaven Garden of Freedom Stacked plot for two. Valued at $8,999 plus marker. Asking $6,000 Call 316-722-0889
Holiday special: small dog house, $10; large dog house, $20; 51" TV, $150; 47" Vizio, $200. 440-8959 or 706-9763.
F HELP WANTED F
F ESTATE SALES F
316-312-2177 Marv’s Home Improvements & Repair
Doors, trim, decks, ramps, patio covers, fences, siding, flooring. Basements, kitchens and baths. Painting. Also honey dos. Honest and dependable. Senior discounts. Free estimates. 35 years. License #8691. Insured. 316-737-4646.
316-806-7360 Julie
Wright One Home Improvements Kitchen & Bath remodeling. Painting. Windows. Doors. Siding. All types of flooring and home repairs. Free estimates. 316-409-2160.
Affiliated Estate Sales
We have the solution for every situation. Complete estate sales service. Free consultation. Over 25 years experience.
Paul 316-807-1209
Leaky Basement Repair
Sale by Gayle
F HAIR CARE F Shirkmere stylist is back for in-salon and in-home styling. Call for pricing or to schedule day or evening appointment. Ask for Mike 316-263-8794. Hair On Wheels Experienced, licensed, caring beautician in your home for shampoo, cuts and styling. Call Carol 316-992-1744. Retired Kansas licensed barber, 50 years experience. Regular men's haircuts for homebound customers. Wichita area, $15. Bob, 871-9022.
F HOME CARE F Foot Care in home. Home visit $40. Call Francine at 316-943-4360. Leave a message. In-Home Services: Personal care assistance, meal preparation, housekeeping, handymen and more! Phone Chester at the Senior Employment Program, 316-267-1771 or 316-267-0302. Prescreened, reliable help available.
Cash for your Estate Items
Complete Estate Sale Services Including Buy-outs
FREE Consultation • 50+ Years Experience Stress-free • Insured • Professional Retired Law Enforcement & Licensed Real Estate Agent on Staff
Call/Text 316-530-3275 www.KSESTATES.com
E-mail: support@ksestates.com (Se Habla Español)
Sunshine Cleaning
Residential or commercial deep cleaning. Reliable, friendly and professional. Free estimates for Wichita and the surrounding areas. 316-409-0298.
Dave’s Improvements
GREATER PROFITS WITH LESS STRESS Insured with 16 years experience Free Consultation
Room for rent, includes utilities, cable TV and internet. Private bath, access to kitchen, washer, dryer and yard. Bel Aire area, $500/month. 316-305-6067.
Loving Touch Cleaning & Home Repair. Residential cleaning and home repair. Customer satisfaction. Insured. Affordable. Discounts. 20+ years experience. Call Mary or Mike for free estimates. 316-650-9206.
Painting—interior/exterior. Doors and windows replaced, grab bars, wheelchair ramps. All general repairs. Guaranteed lowest rates. Senior citizen discount. Lic #7904.
CUSTOMIZED ESTATE SALES & MOVING SERVICES
F FOR RENT F
• 316-312-2025 •
F HOME IMPROVEMENTS F
KC ESTATE SALES
Complete estate & moving sale services. We can do the sale at your residence or place your items with another sale. Expert pricing, selling & clean-up. Packing & moving services available. Excellent results. Free consultation. Call Carolyn Moshier. 316-634-0040
Moving, partial or entire estate sales. Experienced and insured. Free consultation. Competitive rates. www.salebygayle.com, 316-838-3521 or 316-206-3676
Cheryl Rosine ~ The Foot Lady
Private duty nursing, am/pm care, medication assistance, light housekeeping, meal preparation, doctor visits, grocery shopping and other traveling. Serving Wichita since 1999. Call Sarah 316-390-6041. Gracious living for seniors in a safe home setting by loving certified staff 24/7. Private/ semi-private. Daycare. Memory Care. Affordable. Medicaid certified. Evelyn Hunt RN, 316-214-3359; reflections1201@att.net.
Reflections Residential Care
Dirt Installation and Siding Repair Courteous, professional repairs. Free estimates. Concrete work. 20+ years experience. Ernie Sponsel, 316-393-5461. STILES MAINTENANCE Heating & Air • Plumbing • Light Electrical Drywall • Painting • Tile Basic Home Repairs Licensed & Insured 25% Senior Discount 316-200-6601 Odd Job Handyman Painting, mowing, yard cleanup, minor household repairs. Snow removal. Free estimates. Call Joel 316-772-8629. Handyman. Plumbing, electrical, heating, floors, doors, windows, screens, walls and more. HVAC certified. Licensed & insured. Senior discounts. Call John 316-650-3013.
Cowboy Construction
Bathroom and kitchen remodels. Room additions. Garages and sheds. Licensed and insured.
Todd Wenzel 316-393-4488 Drywall Repair
Fix all cracks, walls, ceilings and all textures. 32 years experience. Free estimates. Senior discount. Duane Ball 316-648-5221.
GRANDPA’S PLUMBING
Repairs. Free estimates. 316-312-4391. Classifieds in the active age work! Call Kaydee to tap into the senior market. 942-5385
www.theactiveage.com
Including all yard debris. 316-516-4630 or 316-838-5710 Harley Painting & Remodeling Interior/Exterior & Odd jobs Husband & Wife Team 316-648-4478
Cowboy Construction
Remodeling, siding, decks, fences, windows, doors and more. 20 years locally owned. Free estimates. Senior discounts.
Todd Wenzel 316-393-4488
Semi-retired maintenance man. Experienced in most phases of maintenance & roofing. Light hauling. Sedgwick County only. Call Paul 316-312-9970
YEAR AROUND HAULING HANDYMAN
Winter cleanup or removal, odd jobs, fence work and repairs. Inside paint, sheet rock or help. 316-807-4989.
Nelsen Construction
Remodeling, Restoration, Fire/Water Damage, Residential/Commercial Painting, All Household Repairs. Lic. #503-45-7453. Insured. Call for specials! 316-665-1644.
Andy's Painting & Home Imp. 316-390-2006 25+ year's experience. Popcorn removal and retexturing. Dust free environment. Fully insured. Senior discount.
PLUMBCO
Compare Our Prices Weekly Plumbing Specials
Ins/Lic #5803
316-942-1967
BRICK & STONE WORK OF ANY KIND Tuck-pointing, foundation & chimney repair. Insured. Free Estimates.
CALL DAN 316-516-3949
S & V Concrete
Steps, porches, patios, sidewalks, retaining walls, driveways & garage floors. Also 4-inch steps with 18-inch landings for seniors. Licensed, bonded, insured. Free estimates
Steve 992-6884
Dave’s Improvements Painting—Interior & Exterior Doors & Windows Replaced • Siding Kitchen & Bath Remodeling Decks • Ramps • Grab Bars Minor Electrical & Plumbing Repairs General Home Repairs Senior Citizen Discounts!
316-312-2177
December 2015
the active age
Place an ad: 942-5385 F HOME IMPROVEMENTS CONT F
Page 19
Classified Advertising
F HOME IMPROVEMENTS CONT F
Brick Block & Stone
F LAWN AND GARDEN CONT F
F SERVICES CONT F
Mike E. 316-708-1472
Furniture Repair & Refinish Antique, Modern, or Cane. Reasonable pick-up & delivery. Clark 250-9533 or 788-5805.
Specializing in restoration, repair, design build, tuck-pointing, custom mail boxes and columns. Troy 316-208-1105 or 316-529-4453.
Mowing, leaf and gutter cleanup, tree trimming, hauling, roto-tilling. Chimney repairs. Brick, block and stone repair.
Handyman RX - We have a remedy for all your ”fix-it” jobs. Snow removal, winter home maintenance, gutters, garage cleanup, deck repair, hauling, etc. You don’t want to do it? We will. Call for HELP! 316-217-0882. Free estimates and senior discounts.
JD's All Trades Fall Service
Molina Electric - Wichita Lic #1364 Comm. or Residential wiring. Service calls. New electric service. Troubleshooting. Business 524-0434, Cell 461-2199.
Derby, Haysville, Mulvane, Rose Hill, South Wichita.
Painting, repair, replacement of chimney, siding, decks, fence and hauling. See us on angieslist. com. Be Blessed. Thank you. KC Kimball 316-789-9639, 316-250-2265.
Carpenter–30 Yrs Experience
Repairs & Remodeling • Trim Work Doors • Cabinets • Sheetrock • Tile Interior/Exterior Painting • Flooring
316-806-6812
Don’t Fix it Alone!
Our background-checked, bonded, insured, employee Handymen will fix it for you. Our work is GUARANTEED. We’re looking forward to your call… 316-773-0303
Helping Hands Framing, carpentry, decorative concrete, remodeling & repairs, roofing, painting, tree services, exp. working with seniors. We do it all, give us a call! FREE ESTIMATES Matthew, 316-208-3784 Tyler, 316-518-4722
wichitaksgeneralcontractor.com
Interior Paint • Exterior Paint Bathroom Remodels • Custom Tile • Replacement Windows • Replacement Doors Fully Insured • Senior Discount
Advantage Home Services One call does it all!
Any size project, large of small. You name it. We do it the right way. Lic. general contractor, residential/ commercial, tree & stump removal. 20 years experience.
Stan 316-518-8553
AGAPE ROOFING Three Generations of Local Roofers Quality Work – Fair Prices Residental & Commercial
316-361-2787
garywilbertroofing.com garywilbertroofing@cox.net
Ferguson
Construction Services General Contractor - Class A, licensed & insured to do it all. We provide the skills, materials, and coordinate the entire home improvement project for you. Sit back as we deliver a product that exceeds your expectations!
316-200-7098
Christian Lawn Care Mowing, verti-slicing, core-aerating, overseeding, new lawns, mulching flower beds, cleanup, shrub trimming and removal, gutter cleaning, hauling. Senior discount. Steve 316-685-2145. Dave’s Hauling Services Solid waste removal, property cleanup, tree & fence line clearing, general landscape removal, other lawn and garden services. All fence, porch and patio work. Call 316-832-2201.
MOWING Spring/Fall Cleanup Tree trim/removal Junk/Snow removal Brock Eastman • 316-765-1677
Siding - Guttering - Windows
316-807-8650 Call for Free Roof Inspection Locally Owned, Licensed & Insured
Dave’s Improvements Hail Repair Specialist Roofing • Siding • Windows Guttering • Free Estimates Senior Discounts 10% off complete job License #7904 • Insured
316-312-2177 Stover Heating & Air Conditioning
Roofing – Windows – Siding A Reliable General Contractor Senior Discount
Handyman/hauling, tree trimming/removal, snow removal and all holiday renovations. 316-347-6663.
Repair • Service All Brands Sales – Licensed Trane dealer Senior Discount SPECIAL: Furnace check-up $75*
*Some restrictions, doesn’t include filters, parts License # 7258
316-641-9146
F LAWN AND GARDEN F P&A Landscaping 316-708-7236 Holiday lighting, snow removal, Complete lawn care, leaves and storm cleanup. Any odd job. Residential and commercial. Gutters clean. Senior discount. Mowing, trimming, yard and leaf cleanup. Gutter cleaning. Exterior painting. If you need any of these services call Perry, 316-619-6126. Classifieds in the active age work! Call Kaydee to tap into the senior market. 942-5385
Need help on your electric scooter, power or lift chair, stair or platform lift or hand controls? Call Howard Distribution at 316-648-1694. Howard is a certified service center and dealer for Best Bath walk-in tubs, Bruno, EMC, Golden Tech, Pace Saver, Pride and Ricon. Working for you since 1987.
Senior Car Cleaning Service
In Wichita. $75 to clean your car three times a month. Call 305-6067.
F THRIFT SHOP F Gently Used Resale (Thrift Shop)
2523 S. Seneca (Westway Plaza) Wichita, Ks. Store & Donation Hours Mon & Thu 9 am-7 pm Tue, Wed, Fri & Sat 9 am-5 pm Purchase with a purpose. Benefits those served by the Bethesda Lutheran Communities to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through services that share the good news of Jesus Christ. Volunteers & Donations always needed. Like us on Facebook.
316-267-5800
F TREE SERVICE F Estrada’s Tree Service
F PAINTING F Tim Cleveland Painting Interior/exterior, residential and commercial. Two year warranty. 10% discount for seniors. 25 years experience. References. 316-3082345.
F PERSONALS F SWM, 70s. Non-smoker, social drinker wishes to meet SWF, non-smoker, 64-78, who can wear designer jeans to cocktail dresses and hold her own on many subjects. Photo please. Write to box #1-11, c/o the active age, 125 S. West St., Ste. 105, Wichita, KS 67213. SWF 68. Serious minded. Looking for friends, men or women. If you like PBS and the Turner Classic TV channels, football and animals, let's talk. Write to Box #1-12, c/o the active age, 125 S. West St., Ste. 105, Wichita, KS 67213. 70 year old widower of 5 years wants to meet a gentleman for companionship. Christian, non-smoking, non-drinking. Write to Box #115, c/o the active age, 125 S. West St., Ste. 105 Wichita, KS 67213. Mature and secure man, intelligent with well developed sense of humor seeking independent woman with like attributes. 55 to 65 years. Physically fit, please leave voicemail at 316-200-2724. SWF, looking for a gentleman in his 80s with a big smile. We didn't quit living but it is harder looking for friends after your 60s and 70s. Enjoys football, animals, non-smoker, dining out and doing things to stay as healthy as this age is willing to let us. Let us compare notes on things to do. I will respond to all. Write to Box #1-14, c/o the active age, 125 S. West St., Ste. 105 Wichita, KS 67213.
F SERVICES F Need a ride? Doctor appointments, ride home from hospital, court, casino, mini vacation or family reunion. You name the place, I will take you there. 316-259-6212.
www.theactiveage.com
Trimming, crown reduction, removal. Storm damage prevention. Hauling. Firewood. Free estimates. Insured. Senior discount. Felix Estrada, 316-617-4392.
Fall is Here! ALL AROUND TREE SERVICE
Stump REMOVAL & GRINDING Trimming, deadwood, tree removal. Total yard, leaf clean-up & hauling. Also rural and farm areas. Free estimates. Experienced. Good prices. Insured. Tom King, 316-516-4630, 316-838-5709. Bruce’s Tree Service Prompt, Immediate, Professional service. Crown reduction, trimming or removal. Trees, hedgerows, evergreens & shrubs. Residential line clearing and roofs. Bucket truck available. We climb also. Gutter cleaning, yard raking, firewood for sale. Handyman work. Over 25 years’experience. Sr discounts. Insured. 24 Hour emergency storm damage available. Snow removal and Christmas lights. Call 316-207-8047. Felipe Tree Service Evergreen trimming. Tree removal. Brush hauling. Splitting. Deadwooding. Insured. Free estimates. 12 years experience. 316-807-4419.
Alfred's Superior Tree Service 316-522-9458 www.alfredstree.com alfredstree@pixius.net
pruning - tree removal - stump grinding - debris/ brush haul off - chemical sprays - emergency services - firewood - consultations - demolitions
Professional & Insured • Certified Arborist Residential & Commercial
SEE MORE CLASSIFIEDS ON THE NEXT PAGE
Theme: * WORLD GEOGRAPHY
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the active age ACROSS 1. *City on Seine 6. Sun Tzu's "The ____ of War" 9. Sign of a saint 13. Rome's Colosseum, e.g. 14. African migrator 15. Analyze 16. Religious devotion 17. Pillbox or tricorne, e.g. 18. Trojan War military action 19. *It has largest number of independent nations 21. *World's largest Non-Polar desert 23. Beatle bride 24. Clinton or Gates 25. ____ along to a song 28. Movie "____ Girl" 30. Fish food unit 35. *Four Corners state 37. Captain ____ 39. Wasted on the young? 40. Former Attorney
General of the U.S. 41. Streamlined 43. Cowboy's prod 44. Circular gasket 46. "Happily ____ after" 47. Left or right 48. Ni 50. Carrie Underwood, e.g. 52. Clinton ____ Rodham 53. Cry out loud 55. As opposed to yeses 57. *Largest country 60. *Deepest lake 63. Infamous biker 64. *Dead or Black, e.g. 66. Implied by actions 68. Passion 69. Emergency Medical Services 70. Former anesthetic 71. Feline noise 72. French street 73. High-pitched
DOWN 1. OB-GYN test 2. "Summertime" or "Porgy and Bess," e.g. 3. *Australia is famous for it 4. Preface 5. "Haste makes waste," e.g. 6. Turkish honorific 7. Biochemistry abbr. 8. Hutu's opponents, 1994 9. *Largest continent 10. One who takes drugs 11. Indian music 12. Reply to #37 Across 15. Olsen twin 20. "Too many ____ in the kitchen" 22. One of The Alps 24. Harass 25. *Second-largest Great Lake 26. Embryo cradles 27. Bouncing off the walls 29. *World's longest river 31. Red ink in finance
32. Harry Potter's professor Remus ____ 33. Short composition for solo instrument 34. *Number of capitals in South Africa 36. Goose cry 38. Owner's acquisition 42. Swedish money 45. *Old Faithful, e.g. 49. Floral necklace 51. Hang around 54. Used in some surgery procedures 56. Type of edible ray 57. Of low density 58. Backward arrow on keyboard 59. Flat-bottomed boat 60. 1st, 2nd or 3rd in baseball, e.g. 61. Advil target 62. German song 63. Rapid escape 65. 2nd largest bird in the world 67. Give it a go
Answers on page 16
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Asbury Park
200 SW 14th St. | Newton, KS 316-283-4770 | www.asbury-park.org
Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
Classifieds from previous page F WANTED F ALWAYS BUYING
Older items of all kinds including: antiques collectibles - costume and turquoise jewelry Boeing and Beech - pins - pocket knives guitars and amps - postcards - watches cigarette lighters - art glass - metal signs *Contents of attics, basements or garages* FOR FAST FRIENDLY ASSISTANCE CALL DAVE AT 316-409-0992 Over 20 years of assisting folks sell items.
Want to purchase mineral and other oil/ gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201. Donate your Durable Medical Equipment. Will pick up. Tax credit. Medical Loan Closet of Wichita. 316-200-2005. Looking for free Christian books. They can be children or adult books, bibles or anything else Christian related. Please call 305-6067.
www.theactiveage.com
December 2015
December 2015
Gifts
From page 1
in hopes that I would get there for Christmas. In my endeavors of trying to procure a flight, I was sadly disappointed to find that there were no available flights for military stand-by. When talking with the agent, the only thing available was a first-class fare. Desperately wanting to get home for Christmas, I purchased that firstclass ticket. When our flight time came and we were boarding, I had a seat in the last row of first class. Being in uniform, the stewardess approached me and said, “I am sorry sir, military fly in the back.” I reached in my pocket and begged her pardon, asked if this was not a first-class ticket. She highly apologized and treated me like a king for the entire flight. When we arrived in Chicago, we were experiencing a terrific snowstorm, but we managed to land. After getting my bag, I proceeded to find ground transportation. Busses were not running due to the storm, so the only alternative was to take a taxi from the airport to my home. Driving through the storm, it was fast approaching midnight. But my
the active age driver told me he would get me there in time. He pulled up in front of my house, let me out and wouldn’t accept any pay. But the greatest gift of all was when I knocked on the door at 11:30 p.m., Dec. 24. As always, my entire family was sitting around the tree opening gifts. My little sister came to the door, screamed the words, “Bobby’s home!” My mother came to see what the commotion was, started crying and could hardly stand. She yelled for my father. He came running, stopped and went down on one knee, and thanked God I was home. That was my most memorable gift ever. Family is your greatest gift. By Janet Burger, Bel Aire When I was a child Christmas was always a joyful and magical time of the year. I looked forward to decorating the Christmas tree and enjoyed the wonderful fragrance of the pine. My parents never purchased an artificial tree until after I married and left home. My mother wanted to purchase one when I was a teen but I defiantly disapproved, threatening to buy my own real tree for my bedroom. Of course later in my adult life I did give in to the purchase of a “fake” tree for reasons of cost and cleaning up the mess of a
Courtesy Photo
real tree every year. On Christmas Eve night I could never sleep well, anticipating the next morning when I would open the presents I received. One year when I was 6 years old, I got up in the middle of the night to check out what was under the tree. In my drowsiness, I saw what appeared to be a life-size doll standing near the tree. I was so excited! On Christmas morning my brother and I were always up very early, begging my dad and mom to get up. Of course that was the one day Dad wanted to stay in bed a little later. Finally, they would get up, and we would begin opening our gifts. There was no “life size” doll, which I had imagined in the night. Instead, I found a beautiful bride doll that looked nothing like what I thought I had seen. However, it was larger than a normal
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baby doll. Dressed in a lovely bridal gown and veil, she adorned my bedroom for many years. When I married and left home my mother kept all of my dolls including the bride doll in its original box. Later, when I became a grandmother, I brought all of the dolls and other childhood toys my mother had kept to my home for my grandchildren to play with. One day my 3-year-old granddaughter, Lily, was looking at the bride doll and said, “I wish I could have a bride doll like yours, Grandma.” I decided to give her the doll on her 4th birthday. It is still in perfect condition. Better to have the beautiful doll adorn another child’s room than to sit in a dark closet in my home. The picture is of my family on Christmas of 1959 when I received Bonnie the Beautiful Bride Doll. By Judy Keller Hatteberg, Wichita He comes in with a Cheshire grin and places the box under the tree. “This is for you.” “What? It’s so big!” “It’s something…you’re going to love it. You’ll just have to wait.” So I have two more long weeks until Christmas Eve. This will be our 1st Christmas together as a married couple. I feel a little pressured. This gift is wrapped professionally by the upscale
See, page 22
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the active age
Gifts
From page 21
clothing store, Henry’s; the small oval elegant identification seal is right there on the package. It is wrapped with shimmery silver toned paper with an oversized bow. This gift stands out against all the other hand wrapped smaller gifts with their bright red and green paper and curly ribbon. His gift said…look at me. I’m expensive. About a week before Christmas, on my day off, after he goes to work; I can’t take the suspense any longer. I have to see what is inside the box; to see if I like it, and since I am pretty sure it is clothes, I want to see if it fits. I want to prepare myself. I have to practice my reaction. So I carefully slide the ribbon off, and undo the paper, lift the lid; carefully unfold the perfectly creased white tissue paper that signifies a worthy gift. A red wool coat! A beautiful, warm coat with black ribbing around the neck and sleeves. I love it! I try it on. It fits! It will be perfect for my teaching duties during recess. On Christmas Eve, I feign excitement with an excited glow. “I love it! I love it!
Courtesy Photo
It’s perfect! Oh, I hope it fits me… It does! How did you know?” I later tell him that I had a sneak preview of the coat, and he just chuckles. It’s been 50 years ago… I still have the red coat. My favorite gift was a red coat given to me by my husband, Larry, in 1965. I couldn't find an old photo with me wearing the coat, but here is a current one.
By Mary Peck, Wichita When I was in the third grade, the best Christmas gift a girl could receive was a “bride doll.” It was the BIG thing that year, and I wanted one so badly. When Christmas morning arrived, I ran to the tree to see if I was lucky enough to have received one. But
December 2015
alas, it was not there. Instead, was a “lady doll’ in a pretty long dress. I felt such disappointment but, of course, I didn’t let it show. After all, it was a pretty doll. My brother and I continued to open a few more presents, and then I saw a large flat box at the back of the tree. It had my name on it. I opened it. (I can hardly write this because of my tears.) Inside the box was an entire wardrobe for my new doll. Beautiful taffeta and lace formal wear. Included was a wedding dress, complete with veil. My mother had made all these clothes for my doll. Such an act of love will always bring tears. I still have my doll, which I named Isabella, and her entire wardrobe is stored in my cedar chest. I might add that Barbie dolls were not yet in the picture. By Patty Renner, Garden Plain My cherished memory is of the Christmas is when I was 8 years old. It was during the Depression, and times were hard we were told. We kids didn’t think they were; we were happy, and we thought all was well. Christmas was coming, and I so wanted a pair of white high-topped shoes with fur around the top like my friends had. On
Christmas morning we got up early. There was a beautiful tree, which was decorated by my folks and siblings after we young ones went to bed. There was a package with my name on it. I opened it, and there were my brown high-tops. My dad had taken them to the shoe shop and got new heels and soles. They were polished at the shoe shop. They looked just like new. The most important thing is I will never forget that smell of leather when I opened the box. To this day it was something I’ll always remember. My brown ones were great and just like new, and they smelled so good. Thank you and have a merry Christmas. By Bonnie Rupe, Wichita Santa Claus was to be at the railroad park in Saint Marys, Kan., to visit with the children and to have treats. I had the chicken pox (about 5 years old). My parents parked the car near the park. Mother wrapped me in a blanket and sat with me on the fender while the others left for their treats and a visit with Santa. When we got home, there on the table by the small Christmas tree, was a big doll for me! See, next page
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www.theactiveage.com
December 2015
Gifts
From previous page
In childhood wonderment – “How did Santa get to our house from the park so quickly?” By Kenneth Rupe, Wichita The family had made the train trip from Pueblo, Colo., to Kansas City to be with relatives for the Christmas holidays. To the boys’ amazement, Santa had been to their house in Pueblo while they were gone and left Christmas gifts for them when they returned home. (Mother had arranged with a neighbor to help out.) By Leslie Chaffin, Mulvane It was not a favorite gift I got, but a favorite gift that I gave. When the old Santa Fe offices were closing the fall of 1984, I happened to be driving by and stopped for the sale. There was a row of old leather bound books that held the minutes of meetings from decades before, so I started going through them as I knew my grandfather, Gladwin P. Chaffin, had retired as the Comptroller for Santa Fe. I found several books with his name in the minutes. The person watching the room seemed surprised when I asked "how
the active age much"? I picked out one for $2. There were several transcripts in it showing my grandfather's participation in the minutes. I placed a card in the front of the book and a red satin ribbon, marking one of the pages. While I don't remember exactly what I wrote on the card, I knew that my father, Gladwin W. Chaffin, had never really shown how the loss of his parents the year before had affected him; they died two months apart. I know that what I wrote acknowledged that I knew it must have been very difficult for him, and that they would always be remembered. He opened the package, looked at the book, and when he opened and read the card, I knew it was the perfect gift the Christmas of 1984. I had only in my lifetime (25 years at that point), ever seen my father cry. He turned to the marked page, his eyes welled up and his voice caught as he said "thank you." He even took it with him to one of the Plymouth Rocks meetings to share with them. There were many, many gifts over the years, but I don't think I ever topped that one. By L. Lock, Wichita In 1959 my dad worked for Massey Ferguson, and mom did ironing for 10
cents a piece. Christmas was getting close, and we still didn't have presents under our tree. There were five of us kids, three girls and two boys. I was the youngest. It was snowing all that day. The ground was covered with snow, and the store parking lot was white. We went to Seneca Square shopping center at 31st and Seneca, where there was a TG&Y store and more. The bank was in the parking lot, but not attached to the other stores. On top of the bank was a big Santa Claus playing Christmas music. Mom told us kids to stay in the car with the doors locked and listen to the music Santa was playing while they went into the TG&Y to shop. As we sat in our station wagon the windows fogged over. We didn't think about how cold it was; we were too excited that Christmas was coming. We all drew pictures on the windows with our fingers. If we messed up, we would breathe on the window to get it fogged over and draw again. It was like playing musical chairs in the car. Not one kid was in the seat he or she started out in. We kept moving around. That Christmas my sisters and I each got a doll. Mine was as big as I
www.theactiveage.com
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was. Each doll had a different color dress or different color hair. I kept my doll for years till one day my husband and my two daughters moved. I forgot she was in the attic never to be seen again. But my present that Christmas wasn't my doll. It was the memory I would have the rest of my life with my brothers and sisters in our redand-white station wagon with music playing and snow falling and laughter coming from us kids. It only takes a moment to make a memory, and a lifetime to enjoy it. To comment on this or other stories email fran@theactiveage.com
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the active age
Option counselors help By Annette Graham CPAAA Executive Director We probably wouldn’t compare ourselves to van Gogh, Picasso or other famous artists who created art that change people’s perspectives, or at the very least offer joy. But options counselors could. They give people the tools to paint their own future or shape the lives of others. Central Plains Area Agency on Aging (CPAAA) is one of 11 Area Agencies on Aging in Kansas. Like some works of art, the agencies often go unnoticed until people stumble upon them or someone else introduces them. AAAs have served adults 60 and older and family caregivers since the 1970s. In 2013 they were recognized as a broader community resource and became the local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for all ages. A statewide call center now connects people with resources in their community or introduces them to their local AAA. Life can create challenges for seniors, caregivers and individuals with disabilities. Some solutions may be simple; others can be quite complex. People often need advice or guidance. That’s where CPAAA comes in. Options counselors provide information and personal experience to help people make more informed decisions. They understand public and private resources. They can link people with resources that best meet their needs, and guide them through the sometimes-complicated process.
Options counselors also help people to proactively consider the future, encouraging them to anticipate and plan for their
needs. Doris, one of CPAAA’s options counselors, said that the first step to good options counseling is to listen. The better she understands where they are coming from or what their values are, the better she can direct them to services they need. For example, she said, some family caregivers want to explore all housing options, including nursing homes. Others express almost immediately that their goal is to keep loved one at home for as long as possible. The full options counseling session is a process of things they need to accomplish, and agencies they need to contact. “I often provide them with a resource sheet with steps 1-5 or more to accomplish what needs to be done.” Options counseling sessions can range from 10 to 30 minutes or more. “This is why options counseling is an art,” Doris explained. “It takes time and careful attention and in the end we help people acquire the tools they need for ‘painting’ the best possible outcome.” CPAAA is available to assist seniors, caregivers and persons with disabilities through life’s transitions with various levels of support. For more information about options counseling or other available services and resources call 1-855200-2372 or visit www.cpaaa.org.
December 2015
The Best Way to Treat Sciatica
important to identify and diagnose the cause. For a limited time, we are offering our Sciatica Evaluation for only $59.
By Dr. Kevin Geier, D.C.
In this Evaluation, you will receive:
ciatica describes the symptoms of leg pain—tingling, numbness or weakness—that originate in the lower back and travel down the large sciatic nerve in the back of the leg.
● An in-depth consultation about your Sciatica where I will listen (really listen) to your case
S
Renuva Back & Pain Centers
Symptoms of Sciatica:
● A complete nerve, muscle and spinal exam, including a full set of x-rays (if needed) to diagnose the cause of your Sciatica
● A thorough analysis of your exam Sciatica is often characterized by one and x-ray findings so I can show you or a combination of the following how to fix the problem symptoms: ● I’ll answer all your questions ● Constant pain in only one side of about our treatment programs and the buttock or leg Sciatica ● Pain that is worse when sitting ● Leg pain that is often described as burning, tingling or searing (vs. a dull ache)
For most people, the good news is that Sciatica pain will heal within a few weeks. To take me up on this special offer, you must call before December 31st.
● Weakness, numbness or difficulty moving the leg or foot
Call 316.746.6656 between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday through Friday to schedule your appointment.
● A sharp pain that may make it difficult to stand up or to walk
Our office is conveniently located on the west side of North Rock Road, across the street from Bradley Fair in the Waddell & Reed Building.
Let’s Go
Mayor's Tree Lighting, Century II. 6:30-8:30 pm Thu, Dec 3. Fireworks, reindeer. Elf interactive screening, Wichita Art Museum. 7 pm Thu, Dec 3. $20. Activity pack for ages 21 and older. Outlaw Blues Society, 3-6 pm Sat, Dec. 5, at Mead's Corner, 430 E. Douglas. The topic is bottleneck blues, and includes a demonstration. Islam as a Faith and Way of Life, Muslim Community Center, 6655 E. 34th N. 6-8:30 pm Sun, Dec 6. Panel discussion. $11,free admission. College Hill Holiday Lights Trolley Tour, 5:30-9 pm Sun, Dec 13. $7. East Heights UMC, 4407 E. Douglas. Buy tickets Dec. 7-11 at Traditions, 3220 E. Douglas.
Goldie’s Bar, fundraiser to improve lighting at Wichita Community Theatre, 258 N. Fountain, 8 pm Wed-Sat, 7 pm Sun, Dec. 16-20. Tickets are $30. The original script is by Mary Lou Phipps-Winfrey. Call 316-686-1282 for reservations. Christmas in Connecticut, Orpheum Theatre. 6 p.m. Thu, Dec 17. $5 admission, $4 seniors, students, military. 70th anniversary screening of the 1945 Christmas comedy. The Arc’s Lights, entered at Douglas and St. Paul streets, is open every evening through Dec. 28. It has 1.4-million lights and more than 200 displays. 5:30-9 pm Sun-Thu; 5:30-10 pm Fri-Sat, 5:30-11:30 pm Christmas Eve. The suggested donation is $5 per car. Funds support The Arc of Sedgwick County’s programs.
Common Causes of Sciatica Sciatica is not a medical diagnosis in and of itself, but a symptom of an underlying medical condition. In order to treat Sciatica with the appropriate treatment plan, it is
www.theactiveage.com
Our address is: 1861 N. Rock Road Suite # 205 Wichita, KS 67206 Call today...316.746.6656.